Kalle 2 ways

Wow - I have had this post ready to go and just not got around to sticking in the photographs. it was the beginning of june when I last posted, but I've made a few things since then, including 3 Kalle garments, two pairs of shorts and a slip dress. 

I am soooooo late to the party that is the Kalle shirt dress by Closet Core patterns. I have had this on my 'to sew' list for years!!!!!

In the space of a couple of weeks I have made 2 versions and almost finished a third. In all versions the only alteration I made was to lengthen the pattern by 2 inches. I also cut a straight size 6. The ease of the pattern accomodating any difference in my measurements to the size table.

Version 1 - Shirt Dress

I made this one out of a waxed print that my friend Alli bought me for my birthday a couple of years ago. I didn't worry about pattern matching as it's quite a random print. I made a full length version with the regular button placket. I followed the instructions on the website rather than using the written instructions and it took me a little while because I was following them super carefully.

The only part I had issues with was the collar. I found the 1.5cm seam allowance too much. I also didn't really like the construction technique here - personal preference and in future I'll use the Grainline Archer technique as I find it gives me better results.

I really like the finished dress. Even with the added length I find it a bit short and will probably wear with leggings or shorts underneath just for comfort. This will be a great transitional piece as the design is perfect for layering in cooler weather. It's also loose enough to wear when I'm skating - with shorts, so I don't flash my underwear when I bail!

Version 2 - The tunic

I made this one from some Art Gallery fabric, which was sent from Minerva in an exchange for a review - you can read that here. I followed the same construction methods, with the exception of the collar - so much easier. Again I used the regular button placket. I'm a bit non plussed that the instructions have you remove some of the front in order to install the placket - it seems rather wastefull.

This is a beautiful fabric for a shirt. In my opinion I think that the tunic length is a little long. This version didn't need the extra 2 inches in length. It's versatile though and I've worn it to work as well as casually.

I have 90% made version 3, but it still needs buttons. this is the cropped version. It will be a while until it gets completed as I've broken my arm.

Conclusion

This is such a versatile pattern. I am sure it is going to become a staple of my pattern collection and I'm now wondering why it took me so long to get around to sewing it up.

I would like to know which version you prefer.

Sewing Top 5: Goals

Last up in my sewcialist inspired posts - My sewing goals for the coming year. I've already written about the hits and misses, if you want to check those out and I have a post brewing all about the two main things I've been sewing this year.

During the summer months I sewed and created quite a bit, but as the night's have drawn in. I've been less productive. I've done a couple of refashions. but the light in my sewing room is poor and it's much better to work with natural daylight. This has put a hold on bigger projects and art work as I really need good light. I need to invest in a good daylight lamp for the room.

I have a few things that I'd like to try and challenge myself to next year, but not many specific plans in regards to patterns -As it stands these are my top 5 goals for 2021.

Underwired bra

I want to nail a well fitting underwire bra. I have the Cloth habit Watson Bra pretty much sorted now and I think it's time to get an underwire bra to fit well too. I'd like to try the Black Beauty Bra by Emeral Erin as it has some great reviews and I like the style. I'm also not adverse to drafting my own and I have the Bare Essentials Bra drafting course book to have a go at too. I love the challenge of drafting!

Swimwear

I bought a swimwear pattern back in the summer, but when our holiday was cancelled I decided to leave sewing it until next year. I've never made a swimsuit and would love to have a go. I have this pattern - If you've made it do let me know how you got on?

A quilt

Despite getting rid of a binbag full of scraps i still have loads of cotton offcuts that would be perfect for a quilt. My hubby would like a king size one for our bed and I think I'll get started on it - I might not finish it though, my last two took ages!!!!

The Kalle Shirt

I must be the only person in the sewing blogosphere to have not yet made this. This will be rectified this year - not sure if I'll make the shirt or dress version yet. The Kalle pattern is from Closet Core patterns

A Velvet Dress

Many years ago I bought a cotton stretch velvet dress on ebay. It's a Monsoon dress and is fit and flare, empire line and midi length. It's well past it's best and starting to develop holes, so I am on the look out for some suitable fabric to make a replacement. I'm sure it's form the 90's. I could buy another on etsy, which is where this image is from, but I think I'd rather make one. Mine is like this:-