Laptop Bag

As I have purchased a laptop recently, (finally!) I have wanted to make a Laptop Bag. It is fully padded around the sides, front & back with thick packing foam. I have included pockets on the inside for storage and an extra foam insert. I am really happy with the end result, however will not be making anymore, as I struggled & got very frustrated trying to sew with very thick foam (I think you would need an industrial machine...)


It is made out of a black thick cotton drill and I have added a black & white satin strip as a feature.
At least I tried and have that thought out of my head now! and I have a snazy Laptop bag!
Lee-Anne

Trapeze Top

Here is the 1st top I made in my Autumn colours. The pattern I have used here is from Sally (who held the Inspiration Course mum & I attended) and we were very lucky that she gave her fav patterns to us all. I will definately be making more of these tops and I'll try to do a few variations of it.The material I purchased from Fabulous Fabrics and I love it! It is a stretch netting and easy to sew. I used a left-over Cranbery bit as a band around the neck to tie in the warm colours. I used a green ribbon as a tie at the front and left the cranbery piece dangling to keep the eye flowing downwards. I like the un-even hem line and it suits all body shapes! yipee!!!

I am getting use to my Autumn colours and starting to like them!

Lee-Anne

Silk Chiffon Layered Top

I bought this Burntout Silk Chiffon on EBay from Japan and I love it, it is so soft and light weight!!! However, I never knew what to make out of it.... While doing our "Sewing Inspiration Course" I had this idea for a top and thought it would look great in the material.

In our course we learnt how to use different textured fabrics and layering. Here I have used sequin material, chiffons, tafetta and lace to layer the bottom of the top. As I am a Pear shape I used the layering at the bottom of the top, so it did not look like I had been cut-off at the hips from the hem.
I gathered the front and have little layered sleeves that sit just off the shoulders. The sleeves also make my neck and shoulders apear wider, this balances out the pear shaped hips and takes the emphasis upwards and not to the hips.
I love having tops that are versatile, so I attached the sleeves with press-studs. I can then remove them so when I want to wear the top out at night and make it a bit funky.

I would have never worn red! but after having my colours done, Autumn's can wear tomato red... I don't really like tomato red as a colour, but if I combine it with a nice design that suits me, I really don't mind wearing it....

I was quite pleased with how this turned out. Let me know if you like the idea of having sleeves that are removable, or would you not have the time to fiddle around with them?

I appreciate any type of feedback!
Thanks, Lee-Ane

My Aunty's FAB jacket!

My Aunty Jean asked me if I would help her sew a Jacket for a wedding she is going to this weekend. I asked her to bring what she wanted to wear and we went shopping at the material store. She showed me the material she liked and then we looked for a pattern.

She chose a black velvet stretch with nice silver glitter flowers on it. We used gathered Black organza around the neck (instead of doing a collar) and sleeve edges, the jacket is fully lined. Aunty Jean sewed most of this herself and did a fab job! I hope you have the courage to tackle something yourself now.

The jacket is the attraction piece to the whole outfit and it looks great with a black skirt and blue top. It took a lot of convincing from Carolyn & myself to get Aunty Jean to wear a plain black skirt.Here you can see the organza ruffles

Aunty Jean if I see a photo from the wedding and you are wearing your silver skirt, LOOKOUT!

Lee-Anne

My Last Grey Top!

Over summer I went through buing Grey material. After having my colours done, this will be the last grey top that I make! The material is a cotton lycra and grey & silver glittered flowers on it.
I had this top idea sitting in my head for a while, a casual top with a low neckline, gathering under the bust, shaped down the side of the body and loose around the front (to cover those bloated days). The sleeves are gathered at the top with a band and button to finish them. The neckline didn't turn out exactly how i wanted it, so it will still be on my to-do list.

I have been sewing a lot lately and can't wait to post some photo's, hopefully over next weekend! Can't wait to show you all some nice Autumn coloured tops.

Please let me know what materials you like to wear? Flowy chiffon, knit/cotton lycra, cottons/natural fibres,? A big thanks to everyone who is giving me feedback, I am taking it on-board and more items are going on my to-do lists.

Lee-Anne