Jade Skirt(s) - Paprika Patterns

For whatever reason - I look "not amused" -
although i LOVE the skirt and the pattern

I've been looking at this pattern for ages and recently I've started dancing again and had absolutely NOTHING to wear... ahem... no, seriously, as I've not been dancing for about 10 years, the stuff I was wearing back then just doesn't exist any more (apart from the shoes, they are still brilliant...). So I decided a skirt from knit fabric is just the right thing for summer. Perfect occasion to make Paprika Patterns Jade Skirt.

I think it's a brilliant pattern. I made the version without a zipper (although I even had one here...). I started with a Mini version in purple, meant as a sort of (very) wearable muslin. And then I made a Midi length in a teal colour. ... and then I remembered that lovely black satin stretch fabric in the cellar... and made another one. And then, because I just couldn't get enough, I made one from black Punto di Roma. And didn't blog about it for a year. :) 

This is me, in a skirt. Hilarious. 

Absolutely nothing happens, when I lift my arms.
So why not do it?

I made a few mistakes (which wasn't the patterns fault), the biggest one being catching a few of those folds while sewing them to the lining, but as it was just a few stitches and didn't really show, I didn't bother to unpick my lightning stitch. Next time I will definitely take more care. Everything else went really smoothly, the instructions are precise and not fussy. I planned to make the zipper version on the Midi length one, but as it was no problem getting into the Mini skirt, I didn't bother. It might be a different matter altogether, if you use a more sturdy fabric. I used a light to medium weight (more on the light side) 95% cotton 5% elasthane knit - it was the same fabric just in different colors. I imagine a more sturdy fabric might need the zipper. I don't think the skirt needs a much thicker fabric though, because of all the layering even lighter jersey knit gets a bit of "substance" - because of the pleating and the lining, there are 6 layers of fabric in a few places!! 

I've also read, that some people use interfacing on the waistband (which probably then requires the zipper version). It might look a bit more "substancial" with interfacing, as I usually wear a shirt over my dress and my fabric has a good recovery, I didn't try that. I certainly wouldn't recommend a flowy fabric like viscose or rayon or a very thin knit, it doesn't work for this pattern. It's meant to have a bit of weight. 

rock'n'roll satin - and a silly face

Making the (first) skirt took me two evenings: one evening to tape the pattern together and wash and dry the fabric (never forget prewashing!) and one evening to copy the pattern in my size and cut and sew it. Easy as pie! I especially like the fact, that the seams are wedged between lining and outer fabric, which gives the whole thing a really nice finish. You can also use the pattern pieces fo the lining as a pattern for a simple knit fabric mini or midi skirt. :)

Paprika Patterns are great, it's a bit different, totally practical and lots of tips and hints and helps and videos on the homepage. I find the instructions very clear and the graphics in the instructions well made. Great Pattern!

I love it! Totally love it!! It is soooo comfy and I think it looks great!

PS: Having the pictures taken took me more than 12 months... I have worn them a lot in all sorts of weather, definitely one of my favourite clothes!!! The black version also looks great with strangely coloured or patterned tights. I think. :) 

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Cost:

Pattern: 12 US Dollars (about 10,50 Euros), download https://www.paprikapatterns.com/shop/jade-skirt/

Fabric and notions: purple 20 euros, teal 25 Euros, black satin - from stash, black 15 Euros; yarn 7,50 Euros

(For the Mini skirt in size 2 (waist) to size 4 (hips) I need 1,2m fabric (but that's quite tight, I would buy 140cm next time. Width of the fabric was 150cm. 

Twister Dress Disco Ball

Before I tell you how easy and quickly to assemble this dress is, I have to admit a few things

1. I like making things again that went well before.
2. I have the urge to make more twister dresses.
3. I made this dress as a friend's birthday present.
4. After seeing the pictures, I am SO tempted to keep it (but I won't)
5. I might make a disco-ball twister dress for myself
6. I like assymmetrical things.

Anyhow, I used a stretchy velvety fabric that had the sequins mounted (I would love to see the machine that puts sequins on fabric...) and just followed the instructions for the ingenious Twister Dress by Apfelblüte: https://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/my-neon-twister-dress

I LOVE the pattern. It is SO extremely easy and so fast to put together. I would say, if you manage to put a pdf pattern together without too much trouble, you can make this dress in no time. It takes about 1 hour to make. With cutting and making small adjustments. I made the neck opening a little wider and the long sleeve a little tighter. I also prefer wearing the longer sleeve at 3/4 length, but I wear it pushed up, I didn't shorten the sleeve).

You can see more examples on the burda page and also a great batty version here:
http://www.oonaballoona.com/2011/05/sew-weekly-sunday-shes-gone-completely.html

Here is another view

And just in case you ask yourself, what to do with a disco ball dress like that - listen to this music!

Minimalism as a product

I really enjoyed this read:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/mar/04/minimalism-conspicuous-consumption-class

Seasonal table March 2019

I even managed to get the table done ont he 1st of March - only putting the picture online took aaages. As usual. :)

And yes, that's an incense holder you can see there. We do love our nag champa, it's Goloka and Super Hit (Satya) that we like best at the moment. Strong stuff though, we need to air the place a bit while lighting it. :)

The postcard is from Elsa Beskow, depicting "March". Nature here is a bit more advanced that in Scandinavia, so it seems a bit late. On the other hand - we still get cold nights and Father Frost is still sort of here. And up in the hills, there is still snow, too!

Jeans zipper issues!!!

picture is from google.de, but mine looked similar... teeth just came out... but it was an "opti" zipper

I've made 5 Ginger Jeans/trousers in the past 12 months (which I will try to share soon, I promise...), and you wouldn't believe it - but in 2 of those pairs, the zipper broke (like pictured above) - some teeth just came out of the zipper band. Suuuuper annoying, especially as I don't have other jeans anymore and they fit really well and so so much work went into it...

So I had to fix the jeans (with ykk zipper, I hope that will last a while...). I basically just ripped the old zipper out and squeezed the new zipper in place and attached it.

I HATE mending zippers (in sort of brand new jeans...), but it was totally worth the hassle. I still love the fit of my Ginger Jeans!

Fight Consumerism!

Have I shared this piece of wisdom with you lately? :)

Found on google.de - From "Fightclub" (Film)

Seasonal table February 2019

Seasonal table February 2019

So, I did manage to get the table set in time, despite having a nasty cold (including cough...), which was a present to me and the rest of th efamily from our little one. They grow the BEST colds in kindergarden. I'm rather done in.

Anyway, as you can see, not much changed compared to the january table, but I added a bit of green - I SO long for spring. Although we've had a lovely 2 days of winter fun (sledging, skiing) this past weekend.
I meant to search for snowdrops and put them in the little vase... I'm positive I will finish that project in February. :)

Elsa Beskow Postcard

New Year Resolutions 2018 -> 2019

Andrew Ridley from unsplash.com

We are well into 2019 already and apart from quite a lot of driving around and working, I have come to the conclusion, that I actually HAVE a few New Year resolutions. Usually my resolution is not to have any resolutions, because if you have to many plans, you just get frustrated because you didn't manage to "be good" that year.

Risking that frustration, I am going to try anyway.

Looking back at 2018 I think it's been quite good. Very busy, very ... undulating ... but good nevertheless.

I did however spend too much time online - reading, researching or just wasting time. Some of it was good, some of it was interesting, a lot of it just plain waste of time. So my resolution for htis year is, to use my computer time more wisely and thus use the time in the day more wisely. Because a lot of that internet time is literally virtually wasted.

So, I'm off!

Seasonal table January 2019 (2)

After the 6th of January, when the 3 Holy Kings have reached the nativity scene, it is time to change to winter decoration. And that's what it is. Simple winter.

2019 Sewing Plans

Of course I have plans for 2019!

Mostly "Leftover" wishes and plans from 2018, but also a few new plans. :)

- Another 2 pairs of jeans*** - this would be a priority... I'm running out of jeans... that fit... and I've still got some lovely non-stretch jeans fabric here. I might make another pair of black wide corduroy. (1x non-stretch jeans in broken twill #done,
1xblack corduroy and 1x black velvet corduroy)

- another pair of black linen trousers for summer (linen and viscose fabric ordered)

- comfy pants for the children (X-mas presents!)

- Jeans shorts for summer...?! (has become #obsolete, because I actually found 2 pairs in a shop that fit me..., ah well...)

***- I also am keen on making another Jade Skirt  by Paprika Pattern. So wonderfully asymmetrical! Not a priority, but I'd love to make a black one... and I've still got some black satin jersey... (2x#done!!)

***- Maybe (still) a Dirndl for myself, using the same traditional techniques. Although that's not really a priority. Really not. Might still take a few years. :)

***- A woolen winter coat to replace the one that is falling apart... an "everyday winter coat" (that is actually a priority...) (# obsolete, I bought two coats last winter, so this is not a priorty any more...)

***- I could do with a proper swimsuit and/or bikini that fits... I have the Closet Case Bombshell pattern here, and I only have 1 Bikini that fits... (but at least I have one...) (#obsolete , I erm... I actually bought another 2 Bikinis for myself... so not a priority any more...)

- make a pillow cover from an old (favourite) t-shirt (that shrunk (?)...) and fabric from stash (fun "leftovers project...) - I "just" have to do it...

***- I also plan on making a hoodie for the natural minimalist in this household, who could absolutely do with a new pullover (#obsolete, we decided it is MUCH easier to buy a simple one...)

*** - also I would like to make a shirt with a massive cowl collar (check out gaiaconceptions.com's super cowl shirt; I ALSO really like their "love me 2 times sari simplicity" thingy ... would be nice to make that and dye it with natural dyes... some day...) - certainly all optional, not a priority

*** - I am really eyeing up that Wrapped Cardigan by Seamly - that could be an Autumn Project. Or maybe I take the pattern from a cardigan I've got, which I really really like. (Purely optional after making the Mahina Cardigan by Scroop Patterns)

***- I still need to make some black t-shirts... long and short sleeved - mine are slowly gowing thin from washing... or maybe something like the Bethioua Shirt... maybe self drafted... I made a simple toile already... just need to make another toile with bust darts... because "fit" and "you don't see darts on black and it looks better"...?! (#obsolete--- I have to admit... I bought a few black shirts...)

***- I am thinking about making leggings, I could so with some pyjama bottoms for winter though, so maybe I can combine that...  (I made a mock-up and fitted the pattern... and decided I don't urgently need leggings...) maybe yoga pants (with "Milchmonster Frida Pants")

***- I've got the fabric and all other material for another Satsuki Tunic and a Vogue 8728 dress... in black - still...

***- and I have this idea about a 1908 day dress... yes, after 5 years of not doing anything historical, I've got the itch again. I will have to start with the foundation work though. 

- Comfy suit for Little Miss No 1 - (#done, picture to come at some point...)

***- Tango dress or Tango skirt/-Top made from black viscose jersey 

2019 Good (sewing) resolutions 

only sewing what I need
and ...still... using stash material up...

*** these are optional sewing projects with stuff I don't need but would like to make...*** obviously I don't need anything really, so all my sewing is optional...