Ruby Slippers Vintage new website

Hi,

This is just a quick note for my followers at ruby slippers vintage, I am now blogging over at
www.thesewknitcreateshop.blogspot.com, you can also check out my online pattern store www.sewknitcreate.com.au.

There is a giveaway on for a free copy of Sewaholic Patterns Alma blouse sewing pattern you enter by becoming a follower of the blog.

Hope to see you all over there, there will be the same mix of vintage inspiration, sewing projects etc just in a different spot :-)

Cath Kidston Birdie Mobile for Baby

I recently borrowed Cath Kidstons book " Sew" from my local library after finding this really cute baby mobile pattern`

 I really have a thing for this retro style birdy motif, just so cute. I'm using up scraps from the stash so mainly neutral colours for now.

xxx Ruby Slippers

Rooibos Dress Complete

The Colette Patterns blog posted up the tutorial for finishing the dress pockets on Friday evening so I was able to finish my dress on Saturday and I am thrilled with how it's turned out and cant wait to wear it!

Pattern Description : Colette Patterns Rooibos Dress

Pattern Sizing : I made mine up in the size 2, I normally would make a 0, but due to the fact that I want some nice stuff to wear Immediately after my pregnancy ( I have been lucky not to have gained alot of weight) and after doing a muslin of the bodice which fitted well I went with the size 2.

Did the finished product resemble the envelope picture/description? :
  Yes!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow? :
  Yes! I followed the Rooibos dress sew-a-long ( you can view the post's on the Colette Patterns Blog) but really didnt need to. The Instructions are really easy to follow, with plenty of diagrams and if you get stuck with anything the girls from Colette Patterns are just an e-mail away.

Any changes made to the pattern? :
 No, If I were to make again after baby I would probably require a slight small bust adjustment ( I believe these patterns are drafted for a C-cup bust) other than that no.

Fabric Used? :
 I used a japanese cotton chambray( from Tessuti's)  which was a pretty good choice, I have found it a bit "creasy" after sewing but it was lovely to sew. The pattern calls for medium weight fabric like a cotton poplin or linen for warmer weather or a gaberdine or tropical wool for cooler months. Nothing too drapey this dress.

What did I particularly like/dislike about pattern? :
 I love the piping detail on collar, neckline and pockets. This is an optional feature but I think it's what makes the style. You can have alot of fun mixing colours and patterns without detracting from the simplicity and great cut of the style. It's the perfect shift dress, you have that A-line shape but the high-inset waistband and bust shaping are way more flattering for 99% of women (anyone who isn't twiggy basically).

Will I make again? :
Yes I will, no idea yet as to fabric choices and I have a few other Colette Patterns to work on ( just started the "Beignet" skirt and have the "Oolong" and some lovely fabric waiting to be made up. I definitely recommend, this and any of the Colette Patterns.

What level of sewing skill is required?
 The pattern is classed as " Intermediate" but I think a beginner could tackle this without too many hassles, the instructions are really straightforward and there's nothing too technically difficult.

I will get some shots of me actually wearing this dress as soon as I can actually wear it, lol.

I only have a bit over 2 weeks to go now!

xxx Ruby Slippers

Rooibos Dress - My progress so far

I have gotten off to a great start with my Rooibos and am really pleased with the way it's coming together.
There have been some really helpful tips and tricks on the Colette Patterns blog for those who are sewing along and I am enjoying the slower pace, keeping in time with the sew-a-long.
The pattern itself is well drafted and instructions on all Colette Patterns I have made thus far have been really concise and they even put a glossary in the back of the book so for beginner sewers if you dont know the meaning of some of the sewing jargon there is an explanation there for you.

Front of bodice

 front bodice facing

back bodice facing

I really loved the method this pattern used for attaching bodice facings, you can check the tutorial out here. I have never seen this method before and it really gives a professional finish.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

xxx Ruby Slippers

Skull Duggery Bag

I made this bag using the reversible bag pattern/ tutorial from over at very purple person's blog , you can also find it here on the burdastyle site.
Really easy to follow, I made mine up in less than an hour. The only change I made was to add pockets to the interior as I plan to use this as a nappy bag.

 I used a cotton canvas purchased from Tessuti's and bemberg for the lining.

A great pattern, I will definitely make again, be a great gift for someone. Really nice size, perfect for carrying all your essentials.

xxx Ruby Slippers

Cushion Covers

I have never really felt the urge to venture into the world of sewing home furnishings, My passion has always been for clothing but recently when looking to brighten up my little place and get rid of the hideous existing curtains ( which were also useless as when you turned lights on at night they were completely see through, wonder how many neighbours copped an eyeful of me getting into my pj's before I realized?), and I dont know if you have seen the price of curtains these days but  can tell you they aint cheap. So i decided to grab some curtain fabric with the eyelets so all I had to do was serge and hem the edges and bottom, easy yes but boring as hell.
I also discovered there are some great furnishing fabrics out there and on friday discovered some really cool jacquard that went with my curtains and screamed out to be bought, cut up and made into cushion covers. It reminds me of a missoni print which I have always been a fan of, makes the couch more comfy for my big pregnant bod and add's colour to the place which make's me happy!

I used 51x51 cm cushion inserts and just cut my fabric in squares of 54x54 cm to allow of seams and zippers. I used 40cm invisible zips for the closures.
All four cusion covers took me less than 2 hours to cut and sew, including zips and the total cost came to just under $50 for fabric, inserts, zips and thread. a cheap and easy way to brighten up the lounge room.

xxx Ruby Slippers

Baby Tights

This last week I have been doing a fair bit of sewing and have had my first attempt at home furnishings, making curtains for both my lounge room and master bedroom and cushions for my house.

I also whipped up these baby tights which were so quick and easy and would make an excellent gift.

I am currently putting together a tutorial so you can make them yourself, no pattern is required just fabric, thread and elastic.
You will need a stretch knit, I used a viscose spandex blend I just purchased from Tessuti's which is available online you can find it here. Any sort of soft stretchy knit will suffice, great for stash busting!!

 I think the black and white stripe is good for either boy or girl a little baby pink top or dress over would be lovely for a girl and red's and blues go great for boys.
I really got my moneys worth out of this fabric, I purchased 2 metres to make the Tessuti Fave Top pattern and I had enough left over for another tank top for myself plus 5 pairs of these leggings ( i have alot of newborns and babies being born in upcoming months and they will make great gifts).

Hope you are all having a great weekend!

xxx Ruby Slippers