Not a sleuthing bag.

This is my Traveller’s Bag, made from Merita’s pattern on Burdastyle.

I made it especially for uni, and it turned out to be quite fantastic! Not only does it look cute, but I can fit heaps of stuff in it for uni (plus a drink bottle, I can't believe I left it out of the picture. I love water):

I lined it with calico (I just wasn't in the mood to chase up a better fabric) and added inside pockets to fit keys, mobile, ipod, a notebook & tissues.

I also used herringbone strapping instead of fabric to make the straps. This stuff is just the greatest thing ever - it is so strong and doesn't require stitching, turning, pressing et cetera. I desperately wanted to use chunky metal zipper, but I live in a small town and the fabric store only sells metal zippers in short sizes for jeans. Instead I settled for a slightly-too-long chunky plastic zipper, and I think it looks pretty good. I just had to add a tag at the end, because it extends past the end of the bag.

I salvaged this cotton twill from Red Cross - $2 for about 3 metres. According the label, it had ‘2 small holes along its length’. This provided some amusement at home, because when unfolded there were actually about six rather large rectangles cut right out in the middle.

Weird, but funny! I think I’ll make a yoga bag out of the rest.

Nancy Drew wouldn't wear this.

Here's the lowdown: I have no nice shirts for uni, but heaps of dresses. I cannot wear dresses to pracs. Despite this, I continue sewing dresses. I'm slowing starting to crawl my way out of this predicament thank goodness! Here's my first effort. Is it a success? Maybe. Comfy? Mildly. Does it exude a strong pyjama-top vibe? Definitely.


I disciplined myself on Australia Day to sit down and make a comfy top from an old sheet I thrifted for $2 from Red Cross. I dug up McCall's 7562 "Make it Tonight, Wear it Tomorrow" Pattern and set about altering View A.



First off I copied the bodice onto greaseproof paper and extended it down past the natural waistline to about hip-level. I (stupidly) forgot to flare the bodice out around the hips, so it sits a little snug. No matter, it's a good learning process to go through.

See the flappy-thing at the front? This had to go, so I restructured the neckline to allow for the bib. I quickly drew out the shape for the bib and began to pintuck it. I actually love to pintuck! Weird, I know, but I find it really soothing. It was a bit fiddly sewing the bib and lace onto the bodice, but I managed to get it done without tears.


Everything else was pretty smooth sailing thank goodness! The instructions for the pattern didn't really produce the neatest garment, so next time I use it I'll probably make it up myself. Here's the front:



The back isn't as nice. It looks a bit saggy:


All in all, it's not too bad. I think it treads a very fine line between a casual blouse and a daggy pyjama top. But hey, I have another top to wear to uni :D

Hello... anyone there?

Ok. I've always been really critical of the 'blog phenomenon'. Why blog to strangers when you could talk to actual people? This opinion has changed a bit since finishing the first year of my biomedical science degree. I have missed writing so much; in fact, the longest thing I've written since year twelve has been a 800 word prac report on dung beetles (joy). So a blog seemed like a pretty good solution to my literary woes.

Here's a few facts about me to get the ball rolling:

1. I sew, paint (watercolours & acrylics) and draw.

2. According to the Political Compass I am a leftist Libertarian (just like Gandhi). If anyone is a political junkie like myself, or just really feels the need to procrastinate, try taking the test!



3. I'm studying biomedical science.

4. I'd rather be studying a language and political science.

5. I'm half-way through reading the Dymocks Top 100 book list.

6. I love, love, love BurdaStyle! This blog will mostly exist as an extension of my Burdastyle studio.

7. Time for me to go watch the tennis before bed.