Back from Sewjourn
Three trips to Sewjourn in one year – I do feel rather blessed.
And this time, I managed to pace myself a little better than usual! There were still plenty of finished projects, but I was in bed before midnight both nights.
I sewed some repeat patterns and experimented with others. We enjoyed champagne and prosecco, and dinner at the pub.
Although I mainly sewed for myself, there were some items sewn for the girls. Sadly Stella’s dress is way too big and will need some serious alteration. Not looking forward to all that unpicking – it’s a fully lined dress!
There was a small sewing injury when I snagged my foot around a machine cord and somehow managed to create a very sore bruise – and it was my pedal foot! I bravely soldiered on.
So over the course of the weekend I sewed ten items. And feel rather positive about most of them! There were some wonderful garments produced by the group, many of which I rather wanted to steal. It’s lovely to share ideas.
Proper blog posts on all the items that I made, with details of the patterns and fabrics used (and hopefully decent photos) should appear over the next few weeks. Thanks again to my wonderful sewing companions. I had a blast!
EDITED TO ADD: A few people have asked about how you go about having a “Sewjourn” type of weekend. It’s easy really – grab a few like-minded friends, find a place that you can rent for the weekend – preferably one that is set up for craft retreats (such as Sewjourn or The Retreat or Millhouse Retreat, all of which are near Melbourne but if you do some googling and research I bet there would be plenty of other appropriate places), load up the car with your sewing projects and equipment – and some chocolate and champagne – and off you go! It’s about diarising the weekends, choosing somewhere not too far from home in order to maximise sewing time instead of travelling time, and the rest is up to you.
Some really great looking items there. Looks like a lot of fun was had as well!
I have followed your blog for ages but have never commented before. Firstly I am dead jealous of your trips to Sewjourn that place looks like my idea of heaven on earth. I find your style and sewing choices similar to my own. While I am taller my body shape is similar to yours (as are our ages). I too am in Melbourne so seasonly your choices are relevent. I also crochet – although not as much as you. Sewing being my first passion. I am prompted to write today because I too have made a couple of the Ruby Tessuti tops (and there will be more – they are kind to my mid section). I read your previous blog post and found myself agreeing with all of your comments – especially the bit about the sticthing in the ditch – fortunately I didn’t read the instructions for that bit and did it my own way. I have boys – so no hair ties in our house – but I thought that was clever!
My question today is – what is your tip for getting the bottom of the keyhole opening to sit nicely? On both tops I had to adjust the stitching several times to get it to neatly sit flat. Pressing obviously helped but is there anything further you do other than simply sticth down to a point and then back up the other side? So one neat meeting point at the bottom? How much further down from the fabric slit do you stitch?
PS. I wouldn’t have considered the pattern for a dress until I saw yours this morning – It looks great.
Thanks for commenting Rachael! The trick with the slit is to sew two or three stitches along the bottom of the slit rather than stitching to a point then simply pivoting to turn back up the other way. I will try to remember to take photos for the next one. A whole lot of steam from the iron also helps, and top stitching around the opening can be useful too.
Another super jealous blogger! 🙂
Your makes are perfect, your daughters are gorgeous and Moet is my absolute favorite champagne!
Loving the first and the last one in particular. i spot a few new patterns in the mix! Susan
You are such a sewing powerhouse and the photos do look like you’re all enjoying the weekend too. What a blast.
Awesome weekend roomy. Even after a big sleep last night I’m still weary! Weary but oh so happy.
Wow! Impressive! You have a fabulous wardrobe! I don’t think we have anything like that in the UK. Do you go with your friends or is it an organised event? Looks like a great time was had!
I can’t imagine anything more fun! You are so productive it just amazes me. Does the smoke alarm go off as you sew?!
So much fun – I recognise Claire’s rayon! 😉