More about knickers

Handmade underwear update

It has been about a year since I published this video about how to make your own hand stitched knickers. 
  
In making this video I could expand my knickers collection and now after a year I thought it was time to produce some more. Why? Because the few knickers from the high street, that I did not throw away in case I could not keep up with laundry tasks, are just too uncomfortable in comparison. And I also have a bit of Organic Cotton/Bamboo Jersey left over.

As I am currently experimenting whether working with the machine can come close to the hand-stitched-experience but also to see if I can produce slightly more economic garments with similar effect, I thought I give this project a try on the machine. 
I am writing this post also because some DIY friends possibly did not dare to try to make their own underwear because of the hand stitched madness or not enough time. So now there are no more excuses not to wear the most comfortable underwear ever!

If you watched the video you know how to make a pattern for this project. First you pin the side seams, as in the film, but try to use fewer pins, 3 would do and make sure you pin perpendicular to the sewing direction, you don't want to break the needle. I use a Gutterman sew all thread for the top feed, that is 100% polyester, for the bobbin I use Seraflock, that is a very stretchy thread normally used for swimwear. My machine is a very very old Singer with only the basic stitches. Set the machine to a wide zigzag stitch and put in a needle for stretch material. Let the foot come down so all material is under it, because that avoids problems with the material and thread forming a big knot. Also keep hold of the threads before you start as this helps to prevent these issues as well.
And after a couple of stitches reverse and sew backwards almost to the very edge. Almost because again you don't want to start the argument. Repeat once you arrived at the end of the seam. 

For the leg opening it is a bit different. Use only a few pins like before, and the same setting, but this time don't reverse. The reason for this is that you want no tension between material and thread. (Across the grain you have more stretch.) You know when you put on a garment and it goes ratsch and the thread snapped? So leave about 2 inches of thread in the beginning and then when you went all the way around instead of reversing, overlap the beginning and ending for about 2 inches, before you trim leave some thread. Now bring the hem between your index finger and thumb and stroke around the hem, at least once, you will feel movement between thread and material. Do this until the leg opening feels comfortable when you stretch it, so the thread won't snap when you pull it. Now you can trim.

The elastic band works the same way, only a few pins, 8 should do. Do not reverse but overlap and stroke the finished seam until you cannot feel any tension, trim.

Although it doesn't look nowhere near as good as made by hand - I just love the herringbone stitch, the result is very comfortable and you are prepared and ready to go on holiday in no time ......

Mindful and Tees

Yeah NOW the new series has launched!

I have been very busy and kept quiet for a while. And a lot has happened. But what is nicer to write another post and talk about a new project!

Practicing Kundalini Yoga and teaching it made me very aware of the power of words. One word can change my whole frequency in an instant!

The other thing I really love is comfortable clothes. Clothes that I do not feel, that look nice and are of good quality. That is i can cu.

So I combined the two and my new series of Mindful Tees was created. I know for myself how good it is to be reminded of mindfulness and being mindful. And to have a mindful word on a comfortable Tee is just the perfect thing to me.

PEACE was the first word chosen. And funny enough the carving for the print was created under the most un-peaceful circumstances you can imagine, having a bunch of kids run around being excited about Easter. 

LOVE had a similar challenge and having finished those two prints made me really happy. 

In this series I combined sewing by hand and sewing with the machine. Having spent hours with thread and needle and a garment on my lap I have a learnt a lot and trained my feeling for the right tension or better lack of it, construction and most comfortable design to be able to offer a more economic version. Only constructed by machine I added a reinforcing decorative stitch by hand (as usual). Living on a Hand sewn wardrobe for years I will tell you that the quality is so very high and my organic material choices made each piece last a very long time. This might be against the times but I love to have fewer pieces I love and wear them until they dissolve one day.......

So with this fusion I can be sure the comfort is excellent and the the embroidery gives the additional unique look.

Ok, there is so much more to do.

Peace. Love.

For him

Hallo Valentine!

This morning when I finally started working I had to discover it was already past lunch time. Great.

And although it was already sooooo late, I had another idea that I absolutely had to follow in that very moment, so I lost another hour or so on top. And yesterday I probably should not have made my mala instead of working on this order as I had planned... But those shiny beads were just calling.....

I think I mentioned it before, I love it when someone asks me "could you make ...." These are my favourite projects as I love to find a solution. Saying that, before I start I have the greatest doubts and ask myself, why why why do I say yes to the weirdest projects when my time is already so limited. And by the way, why did I ever start sewing by hand. I just love my job!

So it feels all this avoiding and distracting gathered that much energy that I could realise this project in one go.

Yesterday I did squeeze some time in to make the pattern and do some thinking and today I made the prototype.

What is the project?

Very comfy underpants for a special Valentine.......

The test showed that they are comfy and nice to wear, whether the Valentine is happy.....I do hope so!

Now or never, for MEN only

Once upon a time...

It has been a long time and I only have a minute! 

So ATTENTION this is a new Hand stitched Top available for MEN, made of Organic Bamboo/Cotton Jersey. The photo shows the vest but it would not be a problem to add sleeves. The classic version is black or white, colours can be ordered on demand.

Made to order, the pattern is ready for size S, any other size requires grading, which would only mean the production takes a little longer.

The material is very soft and due the sewing by hand only the spoiling effect is enhanced drastically. Easy to care for and breathable, which means airing is often enough.

PS You don't have to be a Yogi to wear comfortable clothes ;)

Comfortable drop crotch pants and a one piece T-shirt

I am ready for spring!

Where have I been? Weeks have past by but it is still not spring.
I could not care less as I am completely into spring and absolutely denying that I am freezing cold. I also had to fight a bad cold which made me even more ignorant to cold!

But, but, but I progressed in my comfortable Hand stitched 
T-shirt project. The last version posted was a drapey one with one seam at the side. This drape was not very comfortable and also not tummy-friendly so I worked on a legere version, which is fun to wear and comfortable, very. Might post pics of this one later.

But now I have moved away one step. This Hand stitched top is made in one piece, meaning I folded the fabric at the shoulders and cut a hole for the neckline. Consequently there are no seams on top of the arms either. This way the jersey is gently hanging on my shoulders. Again words seem not to be able to describe what I mean. Compared to a normal sleeve, the lack of seems in this area makes an enormous difference.

The side seams have only a touch of batman wings. This gives more freedom of movement to the arm but also relaxes the armpit.

I chose Organic Cotton/Bamboo jersey, which feels gorgeous.
This prototype is short but works for layering with a tank top, but I started already a longer version....

Now to the very comfortable Hand stitched Yoga Pants.
I have posted the white version earlier. 

I have made the experience that wearing white only works if I feel comfortable. So I started to design my Kundalini Yoga outfit. I started with leggings, as it was winter and the need of layering required a simple cut for the pants. But now the layers are about to be reduced or vanish, so I could experiment with the shape of the pants. Saying that this drop crotch version is so comfortable that I might stop wearing leggings!!!!! I wish you could try for yourself. The no impact comfort makes such a difference. Additionally there are 4 tucks on each side, which is a nice element and again adds to the comfort.

So I am switching between designing for Yoga and adapting for urban life or designing for everyday life and creating a white Yoga version......

As I did with the grey Valentine's cardigan ....there is now an off white Yoga Version.


Well I am ready for spring.
Actually skip spring, I am ready for summer.

Au Revoir Bra

French Movie

The days are too short! I am not talking about the season or the weather but lately I love to distract myself with movies. This winter obsession started living on a Remote Island. I am still sort of remote and feel drawn to french movies at the moment. I might have improved my french but it also makes more sense to me to watch a french movie. The last one was not really typical also because it did have a relatively good ending. It was all about Coco Chanel and although I might recognize her style I have not been familiar with how she started in fashion. One sentence in the movie was quite accurate to what I am working on at the moment, something like Don't you want to breathe? 

I am still holding my breath once in a while and I often find myself adjusting a breathing pattern. I am currently also trying to stop coughing as I remember having pulled a muscle which is very painful and I am about to repeat this. And then I keep finding discussions about bra yes or no online and whether the support would be actually greater without one. 

All personal stuff and I guess there are preferences. Since nursing children is part of my past I started questioning the comfort of bras and also developed a Yoga Bra which is very comfortable. But as I am spoiling myself with comfort I have to move on to higher comfort. The result of the last week's impressions is this Hand Stitched Bratank. It is made of Organic Bamboo/Cotton Jersey which contains a small percentage of elastane and is very very nice to wear. The stretch is strong enough to support but gentle enough not to feel wrapped up. The Bratank is in test phase and I will see whether this is it or I still need to watch more french movies. 

Can I ever watch too many?

Funny dance around new Patterns

Anti...climax

Good that I can still laugh about myself.

 

It has been weeks now. First I transferred the chosen garments of my first collection onto pattern paper, then I had to let go of them and they were transported to London. And after some weeks they made it to the graders and also back. And finally they came by train back to Liverpool last weekend. 

When I heard they would be back I got very excited, it felt like a victory. But somehow it started scaring me and that's where I am glad that I can laugh. Maybe because it felt like a massive project from start to end, maybe to let go of a whole year of hard work, maybe the step to the next level, whatever it was, it is gone now and I am ready to move on. And it feels really good to use them. 

This collection is available now and just waiting to be put in my shop. It is a Hand stitched long sleeve Yoga Tunic, a short long sleeve Top, a comfortable Top and Tank Top and the Yoga pants in all sizes and different colors.

Man's World

Tied up

Well I said I do not sew lots of men's clothes but as it seems I have to.

But this is more of an emergency project. I could not bare looking at a bought tie again for a whole evening, or actually invest in buying one. I don't understand the tie-concept and have not seen one I like so far.

There is a special occasion on tomorrow therefore I spent my morning entertaining a very bored toddler and creating a Hand stitched tie. 

At least I can concentrate on my red stitches tomorrow. I might make a toddler's and boy's version with elastic band around the neck as well.

bra in progress

Rusty

It has been a long time... I am back on the Island and have to find out that my favorite cardigan has blown away. I aired it before I left for the airport and forgot to take it with me, the other option is of course that it shows up again in 3 weeks time or so, a special quality of the house I am living in at the moment.

The other thing I notice being away for so long does something. It changes perspective but also, it takes a while to get back into a routine. Saying that I spent the last days in a cloud and slowly made my way out, mainly by sleeping and doing nothing. But yesterday I had to do it: I worked on a sports bra.

I love the summer even when it is boiling hot like it was on the continent but also because I can wear the thinnest materials or hardly anything. The bikini top I made was really nice to have with me wearing it non stop. 

But it is getting cooler now, the materials need to be thicker and layers drape over layers, so straps and ties are definitely in the way. Also, for my Yoga routine I cannot have anything bothering me on my back or anywhere else...........



Still some supersoft Organic Bamboo Cotton fabric left I hid in my studio for some hours and started to develop my Yoga sports bra. I am not a fan of bras and never found one that was comfortable and nice looking. And the elastic always bothers me and wires?? Anyway I made this first version especially for Yoga. It has a simple T-shirt cut with one seam at the back and a wide elastic band sewn between 2 layers of fabric. 

I will test it and adapt it for the day version. 

So far: very nice and comfy.

no impact shorts

How to survive the heat

Every move is a mission, the head is heavy and the only craving is ice-cream after ice-cream. But then I remember how unbelievably uncomfortable I feel in the winter how stressful it is to keep warm and all looks different. The green/mate tea is my new companion, fruits are not allowed to run out and the orange juice lolly ice tray must be constantly refilled and frozen.

The latest obsession is to complete my summer wardrobe and for that reason I developed some shorts that are a fusion of my Yoga pants and the skirt that you might know from my movie. I might post about them later. Just to mention that they are in daily use, gorgeous on the bike and still dressed up enough to meet teachers. But they are just too hot to wear at home. So I thought that is the chance to use this nice cotton fabric I found ages ago. It is thin and a joy to look at.



The cut is loose and straight, the seams are only folded over once apart from the waistband. I used red thread and the cross stitch which would not be necessary as the fabric is not stretchy but it helps to prevent fraying and looks good.
And I just looped a bit of leftover jersey through to tie at the front. And some hours later I am running around very happy about my no impact shorts....


Ideal for summer pjs too....

i can cu = ONE . . .

i can cu is ONE on the 1st of July!!!!!

....you might be busy but don't miss this:
because of this very special occasion - it is the FIRST birthday 
- i can cu decided to spoil you with a Hand stitched favorite Tank Top 
especially made for YOU!
. . . and the only thing to take part is share this giveaway and comment on this blog
. . . go on . . . be brave and dare to treat yourself with a gorgeous super comfortable Top . . . and it will be one of a kind . . .

(more detail here)

Happy Birthday!

See you at i can cu . . .
. . . winner to be announced on the 1st of July!

Space 4 NEW ideas

A big clearance - Hand stitched Tunic Top for only £ 34.50!

Well, spring is supposedly here any minute and with it a lot of new energy and ideas. Catching this refreshing wave i can cu starts a new event from now on:
Space 4 NEW ideas - everything has to go!

How does it work?

Simply type DISCOUNT50 in the 'coupon code' box at the checkout 
and you get 50% off! The first item that is 50% off is this 
gorgeous Hand stitched tunic Minimal art in Harmony - Hand stitched grey Tunic Top, simply catchy for only £34.50!

If you would like to buy this special Hand stitched tunic - it is UNIQUE! - use DISCOUNT50 at the checkout. (Only valid for this Hand stitched tunic!)

This extra Hand stitched tunic is very comfortable and very feminine. The tunic has only one seam and at the front, which makes it even more comfortable. Wear a piece of statement jewellery with this hand stitched tunic and you are ready to go on a date. This is the ONLY ONE made and in size M. 

Please share this, so the next gorgeous item can go on offer!

See you at i can cu!!!!!

urban i can cu

i can cu - Hand stitched Yoga wear and Street fashion . . . 

I can't believe, the second photo shooting this year and it is absolutely freezing again. I did not expect the beach to be warm but it looked really nice today. . .

We ventured to the Park not far away with a handful of i can cu's clothes to show i can cu as casual wear. 

The whole point behind i can cu is a different feel on your body. Of course you really want to be comfortable doing Yoga and I guess you are more aware of your body doing so but why should you feel good only doing Yoga and not all day long, every day?

Actually all of the (especially for Yoga designed) Yoga wear looks stunning combined with your daily outfit. And you might want to take your infinity scarf or woolly jacket to Yoga to be warm while tuning in or relaxing . . . 

The dress is on the go and soon part of the collection too!

giveaway - excitement, part 1

2000 FB likes and the fun can begin!

I know I am still far away from 2000 FB likes (although I am very proud of my almost 200, thank you!)but there is no reason not to participate in a giveaway-event.

I met Jonua from Paris or she found me? and as soon as her FB page 

reaches 2000 she will start her big giveaway-event.

There will be a lot of vendors participating and all you have to do is 

like and comment and you can win!!!! 

She started promoting these vendors on her blog already, so have a look

what the prizes are that you can win!

To help reach her 2000 FB likes you could participate in another giveaway-event

hosted by Sandy and co-hosted by Jonua and you can win even more!

Find out more on Sandy's FB and Sandy's blog.

Why am I promoting this? 

Because I am one of the vendors at Jonua's giveaway-event 

and you can win these Hand stitched Yoga socks 

made of 100% Organic Cotton jersey! . . . . . to be continued . . 

time to vote?

The inkblot in a contest

My Treasury >the inkblot< is taking part in the Treasury contest!!

If you have a minute please vote for it!
many thanks
http://onfireforhandmade.com/etsy-treasury-contest-feb-16/

super comfy Yoga pants

Hand stitched Yoga pants in black Organic Cotton/Bamboo Jersey - and super comfy

They are here! The test phase is over and these super comfy Hand stitched Yoga pants are available it the shop now. 

And NEW! you can choose the colour of the contrasting seams to choose in the drop down menu (the crotch-seams stay dark)

These Hand stitched Yoga pants do not have an elastic band but a comfy fabric waist band. This makes them even more comfortable and un-feelable.
They sit snug but are not tight, the cut gives a nice look and feel. The fabric, Organic Cotton/Bamboo, is gorgeous to wear and soft to your skin.

Ideal for Yoga as they give a lot of freedom and are soft but I guess they will be a favorite for every day use.

Yoga pants test phase

Testing Day for my new Hand stitched Yoga pants

When I did my training as a graphic designer I remember finding myself criticizing the to my opinion wrong spacing on shampoo and soap packaging or whatever was there in the bathroom while I was washing my hair. 

For my Birthday I got a voucher for Liverpool One, which is a popular shopping corner in the center of Liverpool. And again I was looking at seams and shapes . . . .

It has been now over a year that I am 'off high-street' and wearing handmade. I am far away from having a whole wardrobe stitched by hand but I am getting there, slowly.

So the next project are these Hand stitched Yoga pants. I designed already classic leggings which are very comfortable but I wanted to top it with a band made of the same fabric as the pants instead of an elastic band. The reason for this is it is soooooooooo comfortable and gentle around the waist. I call them pants because they are not as tight as leggings but still have a snug fit. The eye-catching cross stitching transforms this rather simple design into some very nice Hand stitched Yoga pants.

Today is the test phase for the cut and so far no pulling and adjusting and only comfort . . . .

Soon to be tested in an Organic jersey made of bamboo, cotton and elasthene. Really looking forward to that!

Hand stitched Yoga Tank Top

Minimal art in harmony - favorite Hand stitched Yoga Tank Top in purple
This is the favorite Tank Top that you miss when it needs a wash, waiting impatiently by the washing line.
This time the seam is on the back and in pinkish red. 

Feminine, light, comfortable it is ideal to wear for Yoga or Dancing or just every day.

The material is a soft knit, so cosy and still so delicate.

The knit is very stretchy and you hardly feel it. Made in size M.

ps:
This photo shooting was the hardest so far and I thought I am fit ; )

favorite Yoga Tank in progress

Minimal art in Harmony - a new Hand stitched Tank Top is taking shape - Yoga, Dancing, All rounder

In the process of designing a new garment I often feel like drawing circles in one place and all of a sudden it is clear: a new garment takes shape. This one continues to be part of the Harmony collection but I think it might move to the classic edition. 

I happen to have a favorite tank top for ages basically until it falls apart. So it was really time to start creating one myself - one that is easy, soft, comfy, cool, feminine, hardly to feel, to wear as a base layer, but also as only layer. . . 

Very important for this Hand stitched Tank Top is the choice of material. It needs to have a nice stretch, should be very light but not too fragile, and the seams should still feel as if they weren't there at all. Ideal to wear for Yoga, Dancing or just casual wherever you go . . . This is enough said for now, have to go. To be continued ......

Home for your feet

Home for your feet - purple/plum organic and handstitched - cool and warm

This Organic Cotton Jersey is without any exaggeration the nicest colour and fabric I have seen so far. It is an Interlock Jersey/double knit which looks on both sides the same. It is a bit stronger than T-Shirt material but incredible soft. And now the best: the colour! Plum-purple. . . it looks in every light different, it is not really a colour it is real!!!!

Purple Yoga socks in Organic Cotton Jersey with red contrasting seams.

I made these Hand stitched Yoga socks to keep your feet warm while walking barefoot or doing Yoga. The colour is rich and energetic. They are so light and comfy that you might forget to take them off.