Can you even believe how much I have been sewing

So, did you notice that I have been One Track Mind woman the last few weeks? I am, what I like to call "very all or nothing", and other people might like to call "freakishly obsessive". Apols if you came here for something non-sewing related.

So, Wellington Anniversary weekend this weekend past, and I made two tops, both of which rated as milestones in terms of my sewing development.

The first top is this camisole from the book One Piece of Fabric. I've had this book for a very long time but have re-discovered it (see also: Cowboy Print Culottes). It could be called the "all French seams all the time" book because of it's emphasis on those most delicious of seam finishes. My later attempts have been much better than my earlier ones because I have learnt the value of a. cutting out correctly and b. of ironing the fabric before I cut. I am not even joking.

I don't know if the camisole is particularly flattering on me, but i am awfully fond of the polka dot print, and it is also my first (and a not unsuccessful) attempt at shirring. I am extra proud of myself because I had to adjust the tension on my bobbin case, and not only did I do this effectively, but I also successfully changed the tension back. I had the worst bobbin tension fears the entire time I was shirring - as in, worrying that I would never be able to return the bobbin tension to its earlier, perfect state.

Thoughts about shirring:

• Hey, so, it's a good idea if your shirring elastic matches the colour of your fabric. I used some shirring elastic that I'd been gifted, and it's pink. I thought this wouldn't be an issue and from a distance it's not really that noticeable - however, it's a little too obvious for my liking.
• I've never really liked the look of shirring, but now that I can do it I think I want to shirr BASICALLY EVERYTHING.
• Marking out your fabric before you start is totes key.

Top numero duo is my first attempt at the Scout Woven Tee.

I was very conscientious when it came to cutting out this pattern, but I still don't think I measured my bust correctly because the top is a bit too big. In future I will make it a size down, or resize in the shoulders at the very least. In saying that, the tee is completely wearable.

Thoughts about this pattern/make:

• Could you be easier to sew, Scout Woven Tee? No you could not.
• My first attempt at setting sleeves! Room for improvement (the sleeves are slightly gathered for insertion, and I over-gathered, very slightly on one side), but I really like the way the sleeve caps sit up a tiny bit, and I am very proud of myself for the insertion full stop.
• I think I stretched out the neck a little while I was sewing on the bias binding, because it doesn't sit quite flat. Next time, I will not pull quite as much.
• Finally, either the fabric is hideous or the top very well made, because nobody commented on it when I wore it out for lunch. And in my experience, people will comment on obvious makes.
• A++ Would Make Again.

Incidentally, this brings my yearly clothing tally up to

• Made: five (I've also made over two unwearable skirts into culottes since the beginning of the year)
• Bought new: three
• Op-shopped: zilch