Jump Pant

The JUMP PANT was inspired by some shots I saw of a bunch of guys dressed in parachute gear....practical, comfortable and ready for anything!

 

It's super quick to make and features elasticized cuffs and a rolled elastic waist.  Cropped to the ankle with a 64cm inseam (adjustable) it's one of those casual or smart, go anywhere wardrobe basics; in this case a very cool surveillance outfit.

The pattern for the JUMP PANT is now available from my Etsy shop in Australian sizes 6-14.  The printed fleece used for the sample came from Tessuti in Melbourne.  

HOW TO make basic bra straps

Making bra straps is actually quite easy.  Like baking, you just need the right ingredients in the right order.  My elastic, sliders and rings were all purchased from Bra Makers.

1. Collect your ingredients, in my example I'm using... 
Bra strap elastic - 10mm (3/8") ES-31
You'll need approx. 1.2mts (47") per bra

Sliders and Rings - x 2 of each 10mm (3/8") RM-3
The girls at Bra Makers recommended nylon powder-coated metal as the best option.  After trying out a few different types I did find these to be the best.

2. Cut 2 lengths of elastic each 9cm long and thread through the rings wrong sides together.

The elastic should then be attached to the back of your bra as marked on your pattern and in the case of the LITTLE 'GIRLS' BRALETTE this is done before stitching on the under bust elastic.

On commercially made bras the back elastic is usually topstitched in place but for this style I like to use a slipstich so it's invisible on the right side.

3. Cut two lengths of elastic for the adjustable straps, the length will depend on your size and the pattern but mine are each 42cm long. Thread the elastic through the middle of the slider and with wrong sides together secure in place using straight stitch.

 4. Lay your bra right side up.  Thread the strap elastic up through the back of the ring so the wrong sides of the elastic are together.

5. Now thread the end of the strap elastic up and over the central bar of the slider; up and in one side and down and out through the other as shown.  It helps to have your bra facing right side up at all times.

6. Pin the straps to the front of the bra right sides together and stitch in place.  Take care to ensure the elastic is not twisted.

  

7. Overlock along the seam and with the seam allowance facing down toward the bra topstitch or slip stitch in place.
  

 8. All done! Importantly you need to make sure the straps are exactly the same length and positioned evenly; I've found it easier to make the straps in unison rather than complete one strap and then work on the other.

and for evening...

Here the FLASH N' DASH has been completely transformed using a medium weight printed jersey with contrast binding....heavier on the flash, lighter on the dash!

Step by step instructions showing HOW TO finish an edge with bias binding can be found right here.

The pattern for the FLASH N' DASH is available from my Etsy shop in Australian sizes 6-14.  The printed jersey came from Tessuti in Melbourne.  For international customers a size conversion chart can be found right here.

Slice N' Dice

The Slice N' Dice; a practical, multi purpose kitchen cutting tool...'cube, slice or dice' reads the online add.

The FLASH N' DASH is a similarly multi-functional asset, it can be made with front godets, plain all over, leg baring double front splits or with one single flashy thigh baring opening...4 skirt options in one!

Add the possibility of endless print combinations, colour blocking, different bindings and you have almost limitless permutations.  This version combines a light weight viscose blend jersey with contrast woven print and both were found at Tessuti in Melbourne.

 

The FLASH N' DASH pattern is available in Australian sizes 6-14 from my Etsy shop.  It features a rolled elastic waist for which a HOW TO can be found right here.  The skirt is worn with the PRETTY BLOUSE (pattern coming soon) and the leather snake embossed bangle is from Collezione Alessandro.

The shot above shows how it might look with a plain front....well, as plain as an abstract multi coloured snake print in a viscose blend jersey can look, but you get the idea.