Freebie Fridays

Everyone loves getting something for free right? So I'm dedicating my Friday posts to finding the best free patterns out there, then making them. I'll be on hand to guide you through any tricky bits, and give you my advise/thoughts on how to successfully complete the project.

The first Project comes from a real favourite in the sewing community. Colette make retro patterns that are given a contemporary twist for the 21st century. The Coletterie blog is a constant source of helpful advise, tips and tricks, and great freebies such as this free Sorbetto pattern

Sarai Mitnick

This is a great top to make with a range of fabrics, but just to make life a lot harder for myself I've chosen to make my top out of chiffon.

Because I am tall, and my body is long I have extended the pattern 2cm at the bottom so it doesn't turn out as a crop top... that's not the desired look and I doubt anyone wants to see my belly! Then I pin together the front and back pattern pieces and "try it on" to make sure the darts, arm holes etc are all still in place.

The instructions that come with the pattern are comprehensive and easy to understand allowing me to methodically work through the pattern without having to think too much. Perfect for a bit of late night sewing after work!

(sorry, yes it does need a bit of an iron!!)
Making bias tape with this fabric was the most difficult (and tedious) aspect of this project. You don't want the iron too hot, but a low heat will practically do nothing to the fabric. Always test the heat of your iron on a scrap piece of fabric, even if your only turning the heat up slightly. Always better to be safe than burn a whole in something you've been working on for hours!!

I will definitely be making this again. I really want to layer underneath the top with a slightly longer section to keep that nice floaty feel to the fabric, but make it a little less see through! Has anyone else made this top yet?

Tutorial Tuesday

Here Comes the Spring

More Making.

The whole point of teahab is to be making useful, beautiful and contemporary clothes, accessories and furnishings that give you a sense of achievement and satisfaction. Although I've really enjoyed the design aspect of building up teahab online, I've been so busy with building websites and creating my blog that I have hardly had time to make anything!

At the same time I've neglected to make time to look after myself. After seeing the photos of the workshops on Sunday I could see that I'm looking a little worse for wear. So I've decided to combine the two things, and make myself a much needed wardrobe update for spring, and while I'm at it remember to spend a little time on myself.

Let me explain these a little bit:

1. I've been annoying just about everyone I know with talk about "my bike", the one I have not purchased yet, but am in love with. I've saved up and I have planned my route to work, but I haven't purchased it yet because I'm scared. I used to ride my bike everyday, but that was a long time ago, and now I'm worried about the roads and falling off! I know this is very silly so I'm going to bite the bullet and do it... in the next few days...                       Isn't she a beaut!
2. I'm in hair limbo at the moment. It doesn't look great, but I can live with it so I'm reluctant to do something new. I used to be very outgoing with my hair always knowing that it will grow out, and generally I was happy with it. It's only recently I've become a bit precious about it.. I want to go back to the experiments and to the new.
3. I want to make at least 1 thing a week, but I'll start myself off slowly. I'm not giving away too much on this resolution yet. You'll have to keep an eye on teahab for updates.

Here Comes The Spring

Last week was a difficult one. We all get them. There was a mugging (don't worry, everyone was fine), a very busy shop (which is a very good thing, but means there is lots to do!) I few too many Birthdays/Valentines (also a very good thing, but leads to a little sleep deprivation) and then I started to doubt myself.

I know it's natural, and even helpful to scrutinise yourself sometimes, but it's hard to get motivated again, and I've been struggling to do anything productive. So I started cleaning. Yes, a classic procrastination technique we all learn around revision times that I have now mastered!

This time it's coming in really handy. Here Comes The Spring is about me making new resolutions, fresh starts and completing my goals. I'm making headway on the first; my new workspace.

What do you think so far?