Make That 3 Skirts

Two lined, one knit, and the month still isn't over.  Watch out SASSSG.  RBOEDTLOSSG (random-burst-of-energy-due-to-lack-of-sleep-sewing-goddess) is on the move!

Actually, my sleep is back to normal.  I am not waking up at midnight and tossing/turning until 3a.  

On with the review...

left:  paired with Jalie 2559

right:  front of skirt

This skirt is my second version of McCall's 6654 and was very easy to make.  There are only three pieces - two of which are cut on the fold. 

Fabric:  I made the skirt out of one of my fabric purchases during my fantabulous trip to Australia.  I picked up this piece in Cabramatta at the meet-up with Beverly, Maria, Valerie, Alison, Wendy, and Sharon.  When I saw the bolt, I made a bee-line for it because I HAD to have it.  

The fabric has a nice weight and has a mesh backing that is held in place by the print.  

Notions:  I used a stretch needle in my sewing machine to stitch the seam and regular needles/thread to serge the seams together.  I used 3/4"-wide elastic cut to a comfortable  size in the casing.

Instead of converstitching the hem, I oped for a blind hem.  I didn't want coverstitch threads interrupting the print on the outside.

Alterations:  Previously, I made a 1.25-inch full seat adjustment - an alteration I have to do on every skirt.  I ended up using larger seam allowances (1.25") so that the skirt hugged my hips a little more.  For future versions, I'll use 1" seam allowances instead. 

This is my go-to pattern for knit pencil skirts.  From cut to finish (barring no crazy sewing errors), it can probably be sewn in an hour.  I make the crazy sewing errors, so my sewing time is a bit longer. =)

You were reading my mind, Valerie!

Until next time, peace!

L

Five Days in Melbourne

My trip to Melbourne started off kinda rocky.  The flight I booked through Expedia (bad idea) apparently didn't exist.  I only found out about it when I got to the airport.  Fortunately, I was booked on a flight that left two hours later than the original one.  

Then on top of that, the mystery flight didn't include any checked bags.  So I had to pay $70 on the spot because my bag was not going to fit in the overhead compartment.  Grrrr.

Initially, I booked a reservation at another hostel.  Upon arrival at the hostel, I did not like it as much.  The people were very nice and friendly, but I just didn't bond with the environment.  The bathroom was down the hall and the rooms were very dark.  Besides, I just spent the last ten days in a hostel and could use some alone time.

Fort the first two days, I walked around the city looking for another place to stay.  I ended up staying at Batman's Hill on Collins - a really nice hotel that is centrally located and reasonably priced.   The receptionist even upgraded my room to a king suite for the price of a double.  Things were looking up!

Then I caught a cold.  The weather was much cooler and wetter and my body didn't respond like that. Despite having a cold, I still ventured out to visit some sights, but I didn't take as many pictures.  I also didn't stay out too much for fear that I'd get sicker. 

I walked mostly everywhere and took the free City Circle Tram as needed.  I meant to take pictures of the tram.

Both pictures were taken from in front of the Shrine of Remembrance at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The domed building on the left is the Flinders Street train station.  The pictures are taken from Federation Square.

I've never seen black swans before.  The birds are traversing the Yarra River.  I know I took more pictures of the river, but they no longer appear on my memory card.  =(

I went to a few museums/galleries during my visit:  Immigration Museum, National Gallery of Victoria, and the Melbourne Museum.

In front of the Royal Exhibition Building

 

 

 Gotta love the beautiful bird of paradise flower!

I also spent some time at Queen Victoria's Market.  This is an outdoor market, much like Paddy's Market in Sydney, that is host to pretty much anything you want to find.  There are food and clothing vendors, as well as electronics, souvenir, and accessory booths.  If I were visiting longer, I would have perused the shops a little more.

Despite being under the weather, I enjoyed visiting Melbourne.  I didn't get to spend as much time there and definitely have to come back.  I don't think I got to see as much as the city has to offer.  I would have liked to take a river cruise down the Yarra River and visit some of the older neighborhoods like South Yarra.

In all, I had a wonderful time visiting Australia.  I put off planning this trip for years for reasons that I won't get into.  With the encouragement and support of those closest to me, I am so glad that I did it. This has had a profound affect on me with experiences that I will never forget.

Up next:  When you can't sleep, sew!  So far this month, I finished my floral print jacket, sewed two skirts, and am about 75% done with another coat.  I also cut out a muslin for a button-front blouse and knit dress AND cut the fabric for another version of McCall's 6654 (knit skirt). 

See that roll?  I am so on it.

L

Ten Days in Sydney (*very* pic heavy)

It's funny how traveling across the international date line works.  I left Michigan on a Wednesday, flew back in time to California, and ended up in Sydney on Friday.  Thursday did not happen.

My body is slowing returning back to normal.  I was having trouble sleeping last week, but it's getting better.  I don't toss and turn for two to three hours anymore.

Here are some details about my time spent in Sydney.

Walking around the city:  My first two days were spent walking around the city using free guided tours.  The hostel offered a tour on Friday and one of my roommates and I went on a free-ish tour on Saturday.  The hostel tour was quite extensive and included a walk to Martin Place, Darling Harbour, Paddy's Market, and ended at Central Station.  

 Sydney Opera House

 Sydney Harbour Bridge

 Martin Place

 Archibald Fountain at Hyde Park

 St. Mary's Cathedral

 Central Business District (taken from Pyrmont Bridge)

The international bird.

Marvelous meet-up:  Beverly of On the Road to Sew Wear arranged a sewing-blogger meet up in Cabramatta (also known as "little Vietnam").  She graciously offered to pick me up and drive us out to meet with the others who came from all over. 

 left to right:  Wendy, Maria, me, Beverly, Alison, Sharon, Valerie

Can you spot my fabric purchase?  Genius thinking on my part.
Everyone is wearing something they made.  Freakin' awesome!

We started with tea and coffee at a local cafe and then fabric shopping!  Beverly researched the shops in the area and mapped out everything so as to maximize our time and energy.  Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of the stores.  I was so engrossed in the moment, I forgot I had my camera!  I showed immense restraint and purchased only two pieces.  The third piece was gifted to me by Maria (Velosewer).  

We had lunch at...um...help me out ladies!  I had so much food that I had leftovers for lunch the next day.  These lovely ladies were kind to treat me to lunch.  Thank you!

Gifts from Maria:  Joey and Koala.  I *love* stuffed animals.  How did you know?!

 gorgeous ITY border print (2 meters); also a gift from Maria

 left:  reversible stretch woven (3 meters)

right:  black on white houndstooth doubleknit (1 meter)

Many thanks to Beverly, Maria (for the ride back to the hostel), and everyone for such a warm welcome.  I enjoyed our laughs and will never forget this.  We must keep in touch!

Museums and more walking:   

 Royal Botanical Gardens

 Barracks Museum (former holding places and courts for convicts)

 Chinese Gardens

 

I found Tessuti Fabrics with no problem; I didn't buy anything, though.  The fabric was divine, but really expensive.

Student fashion on display at the Powerhouse Museum

 Representin' The D!

This photo was taken atop one of the pylons at the end of the bridge.

OMGosh.  There were SO many steps to get to the top.  

There was a water fountain half-way up.  Yeah.  That many steps.

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge:  Yup, I climbed it.  I was all I-am-woman-hear-me-ROAR about it...until I got there.  Then I was like, holy shit, what the hell am I doing?!  Fortunately, the climb is very safe and well managed.  I made it up and back with no problem and no soiled undergarments.  If you're ever in Sydney, definitely do it! 

 

 

 This is a picture of a different group of climbers.  Look at how tiny they are!

Ferry to Manly:  I went to Manly Beach for a few hours, rented a bike, and rode around.  The weather was great and the view was nothing short of remarkable.

 

 

Day trip to the Blue Mountains: I definitely recommend taking a day (or two if you can) and go out to the Blue Mountains.  Majestic is one of many words to describe the view, tranquility, and smell.  Our tour guide said that the blue color we see is due to the sun reflecting off of the eucalyptus oil in the atmosphere.

 

 

 

 

These pictures were taken from the Skyway, Cableway, and Railway - all at Scenic World. 

Featherdale Wildlife Park:  As part of the day tour package, we visited Featherdale Wildlife Park.  I chose Featherdale over the Taronga Zoo because some of the animals are not caged - as you will see below!

 Roos everywhere!  You can feed them, too. 

 Pelicans

 Awww.  Koalas are so darn cute!  
We weren't allowed to hold them, but we could touch this one.

 

 Tasmanian devil

 Peacock just out for a casual stroll

 Dingos!

 I didn't get too close to the emus.  They looked aggressive - especially this one.

 This was a big kangaroo!  

It looked as if he had had enough of these two-footed uprights in his domain!

Super Saturday with Sarah Liz:  Sarah Liz of SarahLizSewStyle drove several hours with her DH to meet up on Saturday.  How sweet is that?!  We met at the Royal Botanical Gardens and visited the Art Gallery of New South Wales.  We had a lovely tour of the gallery and many wonderful conversations. We talked about Australia's art history in addition to many other things.

We spent the entire day together and easily could have talked for hours more.  I love our sewing community.  It is so nice to meet someone with whom you've connected virtually.  It was fantastic to meet her and her DH.  We will meet again, for sure!

Vivid Sydney:  Every night for about two weeks, Sydney produces a festival in celebration of light, music, and art.  There are spectacular light shows displayed on various buildings downtown (including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House) as well as concerts and street performances.  I had no idea this was to take place and was extremely fortunate to be visiting during this time.

 

 

 

 

This is only a few of the MILLION pictures (okay...hundred or so) I took of the light show.  It was spectacular!

Whew!  Up next I'll share photos of my trip to Melbourne.

L