DIY - Jubah with lace

Jubah or baju kurung with lace was really famous last year during the Aidilfitri celebration. I kind of missed that boat, but turns out the look is timeless and is still in trend.

I did try making a jubah for myself last year. The fit was okay, but the neckline was a bit uncomfortable and the length was a bit short. To sew that jubah, I had copied the measurements and shape from a readymade jubah that I had bought. To be honest, I had avoided jubah for a long time because I didn't think the style would suit me. But I was wrong! I really liked the first jubah that I bought, and decided to make my own :)

I chose a dark grey fabric, matched with soft pink lace. The lace has silver cords which makes it glittery. However, the fit at my forearm is a bit tight for my liking. For this jubah, I added a hidden zipper at the back as well as back darts.

For my next jubah, I constructed the pattern from a basic blouse pattern which I am satisfied with. The blouse pattern ends just at my hips, so to make it longer, I just tapered it out to floor length. The first try was a failure. It was a little tight at my hips and it won't be comfortable to sit in. So I adjusted the pattern, and made it wider. Now it tapers out almost like a skirt :)

This time, I chose a dark green fabric (really flowy and soft!) and a chilli red lace. 

After cutting the fabric, I serged the shoulders and sides only. I left the armhole raw, as I like to serge the armhole after attaching the sleeve. I also prefer to sew the shoulders first, then the neckline. I find it easier to navigate that way.

I used bias tape to finish the necklines, but next time I think I will use facings. The fabric is too soft and it kind of stretched a bit. Can you see how the slit is a bit wonky? Oopss!
I chose not to use back zipper this time, as I want to make the construction simpler. No back darts either :)

Next is attaching the lace to the sleeves. I decided to sew the lace first before sewing the sides. I started slow as the fabric is slippery, but the second sleeve was completed much faster. This is how it looks like after I finished attaching the lace and sewn the sides. After that, I attached the sleeves to the body, and lastly sew the hem. Finished!

In conclusion, I really like how this jubah turns out. The fabric is flowy and soft, it falls nicely. The construction is also sooo easy. It took me one whole day to complete it. The hardest part is probably during cutting the fabric and attaching the lace!

:D

DIY Handphone cover and tutorial

As promised, this is the handphone cover tutorial :)
(Sorry the pics are a bit crappy..hehe)

First of all, you have to measure your phone. My phone measures 3.5 inch x 5 inch. So the following instruction will be based on these measurement ya.

Materials:
1. Outer fabric - 3.75 inch x 15.5 inch
2. Inner or lining fabric - 3.75 inch x 10.5 inch
3. Interfacing - 3.57 inch x 10.5

Tools:
1. Sewing machine, or you can also sew by hand
2. Scissors
3. Measuring tape or ruler
4. Pins

DIY - chiffon maxi dress

Chiffon maxi dress is so in trend right now. It is such a versatile piece, can dressed up or dress down. Suitable for a day out to the movies or even to ceremonial functions like wedding. Everyone is off buying chiffon maxi dresses, including me.

But the no. 1 problem is, sizing. Yup, so hard to find my size. Most of the dresses are made for smaller size ladies. Until finally, I found one. I really like the colour and pattern, I bought it immediately. I bought this dress here.

https://www.facebook.com/qoqoelma

Well, the thing about buying online is, the size could be off. The dress arrived, and it was beautiful. The only problem is, it's a bit snug for my arm (popeye!) :(

It's not really that tight, I can still wear it. In fact, I look fabulous in it! (Like the model in the pic, fabulous!) But I don't feel comfortable enough (my arms!) to wear it for a long period of time. I still don't have any suitable occasion to wear it to.

So, I decided to sew one myself. I already have this chiffon fabric, it has a lace pattern which I really like, and it will look great as a dress.

My new phone and cover

I don't usually spend a lot for my handphone, and I don't change it frequently, either. The last time I bought a handphone was about 2 years ago, because my current phone at the time was not charging well. It was old anyway.

So, I upgraded to a smartphone. It cost me almost RM1000, which is a lot of money to me. It lasted 2 years without any incident, although it was a bit behind in technology. Until one day, it got into a water accident, which made the SD card reader failed, slowed the phone and made typing a real hassle.

Instead of going for repair, I thought I would just upgrade to a new phone. Iphone 5s & 5c was coming out, so I decided to wait for it. But alas, it was too much money to spend for just a phone. After 6 months living with a failing mobile phone, I bought a new one.

It's locally made, and cost me RM499 only. It is good value for money, although the free casing I got is all scratched and cracked already. So, I just made a new cover for my phone :)

I used linen with anchor print for the outer fabric and polkadot cotton for inner fabric. I used a heavy interfacing to make it thicker. Just for fun, I included a slot at the front, which I can put some money or card.

I love it so much, I made another one hehe. I will be posting a tutorial soon on how to make your own handphone cover.

Cheers!

Happy New Year 2014

I have neglected this blog for 2 whole years!! Well, for my defence, a lot of things had happen in these two years. Personally, it hadn't been good, but on a sewing note, it had been really good!

To look back on my resolution on 2012, I have actually crossed off a few things! Yeay!!

1) To sew more clothes for myself, using a pattern

I bought the famous Tova pattern, from Wiksten. I had sewn dozens of this fabulous top and worn them everywhere. Success!

2) Learn and make my own pattern

I tried making my own pattern, which I drafted based on Tova pattern. Success!

3) Sew an invisible zipper

I have sewn an invisible zipper for my lacey jubah. Success!

4) Stash busting (to make way for more stash!!)

Not so successful... no such thing as stash busting as I keep buying more..??

5) Get a serger (this is more like a wishlist)

I finally got one!! It's a portable type, Brother 3034D. I love it so much! It has made sewing so much easier and faster. Success!

6) Sew a pants

I sewn a pair of shorts which I'm not really happy with. More room for improvement.

7) Sew my own lingerie..haha..

Nope. Probably never.

8) Sewing with knits

Not yet. I have recently bought some lycra fabric, though. Will explore this more :D

9) Fabric organizing!!

Nope.

10) My biggest challenge --> Never buy clothes anymore. All is sewn by me :)

So far, I still buy clothes from the shops, but mostly is to study for construction.. hehe.. investment for me. So, half success!

Wow! Looks like I have crossed out 4.5 out of 10. Yeay!! I have also sewn lots of baju kurung for myself and started taking custom orders, hehe.

This year, I am focusing (more seriously) on my business. I will concentrate on selling shawls and jubah. InsyaAllah, I will do my best!

https://www.facebook.com/salju.busana.kraf

Good luck to me!!  :D