sleeveless jacket

What are your thoughts on the sleeveless jacket trend? Sure it looks stylish, but if it’s freezing outside, wouldn’t your arms get cold? I’m not convinced that it’s a sensible option for the middle of winter, but I’m all for the sleeveless jacket in-between seasons!

My friend Nicole came over for dinner a few months ago, wearing her new sleeveless jacket. I (rather unceremoniously) stripped it off her, and got to copying the pattern. The original was made from 100% wool, but I wanted to try it out on something a little lighter.

I bought some really beautiful Ponti from Knitwit Australia and got to making. This Ponti is an absolute dream to work with! Cuts beautifully and sews up really well. I used a stretch needle and didn’t get any of those annoying skipped stitches.

I made my jacket using 2 colours, light grey on the front (which is no longer being stocked), and charcoal for the back.

This was actually in my line up of items to make during MMMay2016, but I’m pretty sure I finished it in June.

I really love my new sleeveless jacket! It’s perfect to throw on if it’s a little chilly outside. I also love the fact that I didn’t have to do any hemming, as the cut edge won’t fray!

And.. is it a jacket, or a vest? My husband calls it a Mu-Mu, which it 100% is not!

Mitty x

cult hit: white russian

Whoa. Where did the time go? Is it really June already? It’s safe to say that I failed MeMadeMay2016 in regards to blogging about it, and sewing a new item each week (what was I thinking?!), however, I did manage to wear 2 me-made items for the weeks of May. Let’s chalk MMMay2016 up as 45/100, so much room for improvement!

I did actually get one “make” finished during May, and have finally taken a few photos of it. I made the Capital Chic White Russian! The weather in May was actually too warm to wear it (Global warming, I’m telling you!), but now that it’s finally started to cool down, I’ve been able to throw it on a few times.

First, the fabric. I went to The Remnant Warehouse in Alexandria searching for a lovely fleece-backed fabric. They have a few styles of fleece, but I was really drawn to this beautiful navy. Another plus, is that it is 100% organic cotton! YES! I love fabric that can breath during the winter, but also keep you toasty warm! Be on notice, however, like all other fleece fabrics, navy blue fuzz was everywhere after cutting. I used a sticky roller to pick most of it up, but I’m still finding small pockets of fuzz in my sewing room…

The pattern is simple and easy to follow, however I did grade the seam allowances from 1.5cm down to 1cm. Everything else was put together as instructed. I spent a few hours sewing a subtle diamond pattern onto the front and back pieces. It doesn’t stand out as much as I thought it would, but I like the slight change in texture.

I’m very happy with my new jumper, it will certainly get a lot of wear over winter. The fabric washes really well (no extra shedding after it’s initial wash), but it does need a quick press with a warm iron before wearing.

Have you made the White Russian, or any other Capital Chic patterns? I’d love to hear your success stories!

Mitty x

mmmay 16 week two

Week two of Me Made May has come and gone, that means we’re at the half way point! So far, I’m keeping up with the wearing side of my pledge, but not so much on the making side.

On Monday, I wore my mobius-style cowl that I made in 2014. It’s so soft and lovely, just perfect to keep my neck warm on a day that was a little cooler than normal.

Sticking with the handmade pink item, on Thursday I wore my first ever me-made bra!

I’ve finished my sewing item for week one, I just need to get some good pictures of it before I can write about it. I had plans for my week two sew, but I’ve been very distracted this weekend, and you’ll see why on Wednesday! Stay tuned!

Mitty x

mmmay16 week one

Whoops.. I was supposed to post this last night.. Blame it on sewing all day, then celebrating Mothers Day!

My pledge for MMMay16 is pretty tame, it’s my first time participating and I just wanted to take it easy.

I, Samantha of Made By Mitty, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May ’16. I endeavour to wear at least two Me Made items each week for the duration of May 2016

On Tuesday, I wore my retro print shift dress, with tights. Adding layers is a great way to get more wear out of you summer closet.

 A few years ago, I got into silk painting, and I made a few silk scarves. I really love this green one, and I wore it to a friends place for dinner on Saturday night.

In addition to wearing two Me Made items, I really want to sew something new each week. I didn’t quite meet Sundays deadline this week, as the fabric I bought took a little longer to dry after washing than I thought it would. However, I don’t have far to go, so I’ll be sharing that new make very soon.

Mitty x