On the tracks
For the second year in a row Jane & I have been promoting the hashtag #sewjapaneseinjanuary to encourage ourselves and fellow makers to sew from their Japanese pattern and/or fabric stash during the month on January. No competitions, no prizes, no giveaways, no sponsors… just a way of cheering each other on as we sew.
This is my first (I have plans for more!) make for #sewjapaneseinjanuary and I’m totally smitten with it.
The pattern is ‘Pattern D’ from the now out-of-print original Nani Iro book. I’m not sure of the books name, but Naomi Ito is the author and it was published by in 2008 by Bunka Shuppan Kyoku.
If you are super keen on this pattern, it’s also available (with different pockets) for free from the Nani Iro website (click on Woman T-shirt) but you’ll have to draft it up yourself from a diagram.
This is the third time (I’m a serious pattern repeater!) I’ve used this pattern and the third time I’ve left the pocket off. I’ve sewn a ponti version, silk version and now a linen version. I love them all!
For this version I lengthened the top by 2″ (5cm), narrowed the neck opening at the shoulders and performed a 3/8″ (1cm) forward shoulder adjustment. On my third attempt, I think I’ve got this pattern to the point where it’s perfect for me.
This linen is luscious. I picked it up as a remnant when Stitch56 were closing down last year. It’s a Merchant & Mills laundered linen twill in the scandium colourway. I’ve sewed a dress in the francium colourway last year for #sewjapaneseinjanuary! I will confess to still have more of both colourways in the stash.
These photos were taken on a disused railway line beside the Maribyrnong River in Footscray and there was hilarity.
I’m not a natural in front of the camera so sometimes I need to be very silly to relax. Sharon knelt down to take photos from a different angle (see above), and of course I bobbed down too!
Will I make this pattern again? Most definitely, and probably before this month is over!
Pattern: Pattern D from the original Nani Iro book (free version available on the Nani Iro website… click on Woman T-shirt)
Size: Small
Fabric: Merchant & Mill laundered linen twill
Alterations: Added 2″ (5cm) to the length of the top, narrowed the neck opening at the shoulders and performed a 3/8″ (1cm) forward shoulder adjustment.
Accessories: Sophie Digard scarf (a gift) and shoes from Yoox several years ago
Location: Maribyrnong River, Footscray
Like the Francium dress, this top is wonderful–love the fabric, love the pattern, love how it looks on you! Actually, I’ve got this pattern–plan to proceed once I learn how to perform a forward-shoulder adjustment (it’s on my list). Fact check: You may not feel “natural,” but you are extremely photogenic–always have been–and a great stylist. ‘Maribyrnong?’ “…is derived from either mirring-gnay-bir-nong which in Woiwurrung, the language of the local Wurundjeri people, is said to mean ‘I can hear a ringtail possum’ or ‘saltwater river.'” OK, I haven’t nailed the shoulder adjustment yet, but it’s not as if I’ve learned nothing.
I’m impressed with your knowledge of Maribyrnong… If you have learnt fabulous facts like this (I bet you are awesome at trivia) then a forward should adjustment will be a walk in the park. Thank-you for your lovely feedback on my photos and styling. The styling I love, the photos… well I’m getting used to them!
Love it – and the stripey tee from your previous post! And I’m glad the railway is disused!! I would totally have added the pockets but I love pockets on everything 🙂
Thanks Jane. I will definitely be adding pockets to my next version. And safety first when it comes to railway lines!
These are fabulous fun photos Anna and I just love this colour on you, love this pattern. I will be checking out the version you referenced. Thanks!
Thanks Debbie. I hope you love the pattern as much as I do.