I’m going to be quite truthful here, I’ve only made one of my make nine patterns but I have made two dress out of the same pattern (although one is not quite finished).
To be quite frank, I’m not that great at sticking to plans. Reason: Maybe there’s too much being released and I want to deviate (LOADS!!) away from a structured plan.
But I have progress in other patterns … Hoooraahhhh!
I’m in the midst of doing two Vogue 9075 (view a), one in crepe and the other in cotton lawn.
I’ve still got to finish a McCalls 7536 (the burgandy rose fabric) but I’ve completed a McCalls 7582 and a McCalls 7381.
After these I’m probably going to do a wrap dress in a stretch fabric which I got from Sewisfaction.
And then the Colette “Moneta”.
Mind you, I’ve had the colette “Moneta” pattern for yonks and the material, so maybe I should do that first – but before I make a plan, I’ll probably do both at the same time – well, can you blame me?
Oh yeah and then add all the wonderful fabrics I’ve got recently to the table …
Whilst in town on the Edinburgh Frocktail poster and prize mission, I picked up a few fabrics from The Dress Fabric Company, Bruntsfield. Eh, It was a sale, so how could I resist? The Edinburgh Fabrics had a lovely Tiger print on black, which I think @sew_sleep_deprived is in awe of. Also I picked some gorgeous Viscose Lawn from Dragonfly Fabrics online as well as a lovely crepe with birds on it from Fabric Focus.
Yeah, you can pretty much say I have truly fallen of the “self fabric ban” wagon and landed in the muddiest puddle known. Oooooops!
Another conclusion to this post is that you can say if I do make nine it won’t be the original nine as posted earlier in this year – that shouldn’t be a surprise!
Since the 5th May I’ve been on a fabric ban but this Friday past I broke it and I broke it hard!
You see when you see something RTW and the stock is low in your size but you have the sewing skills (this does not include boning or lace!!) you go what the heck and go all in, pretty much head first.
So this is the RTW dress I’ve fallen IN LOVE with and just wanna swosh about in.
The RTW dress is a beautiful Monsoon one but as said a second ago, the size I was looking for had gone out of stock. I would definitely pay £139 for it but that’s if they had it. But I’m not going to buy that dress, I’m going to make it eeek!
Fabric:
After ordering several different swatches and doing a ridiculous amount of searches for “mint guipure lace” online I wasn’t anywhere forward. Locally I was starting to loose my confidence in getting what I really wanted. It was on the final straw that I took the tip from a previous co-worker to visit Fabric Focus. It should’ve been first choice – doh!Above the linings, there lay the beautiful lace guipure in exactly the colours and shade I was looking for and too even make my July better the lining was there to make it pop! It’s a-lot more minty than the photo suggests. The lining is a skin tone. But I may have to double it up with a cotton because of the boning!
The Pattern:The pattern was a lot easier to find and in the end the McCalls 7720 was a very close fit.
I’ll get the boning, hook & eye, threads and zip organised at a later date. I might make a toile and see how that goes before I start back at my evening classes in August if I get other projects finished! I can’t thank Kevin at Fabric Focus and his lovely Mum (who actually served me) enough for stocking this lace. You made a very happy lady. This is just a perfect example why we should support local shops like this!
I’m very happy with the finished results and now I can show it off.
Although I did not make the processes easy for myself as I forgot to shorten the back on the pattern pieces and you can just imagine the drama when I realised that. Hence I had a break (Cleo) and eventually I came back to vintage rose 4789, which I’m glad I did.
So I wanted to unveil it to the Hubby on our Wedding Anniversary. We went away to Loch Lomond & Loch Earn for a couple of days and It’s much easier for someone else to take a full-length photo!
We are celebrating eight years this year. It’s been a tough year with losing my Mum to cancer. I’m just thankful Hubby has been a tower of strength so far to me, helping me get through my darkest moments.
I think I will be doing 4789 again because I have some brown tweed-like fabric but not as heavy as tweed and it would look nice in a shift, plus I had the idea of doing some piping around the neckline, armholes and the hem.
The 4789 pattern is really handy as it’s got a couple more garments I’d like to make and for a pattern, I’d say that you are getting your money’s worth that way.
I love this vintage rose fabric it’s a cotton lawn and I bought it from The Cloth Shop by Remnant Kings, Edinburgh (£14.99 P/M). I’ve had quite a few compliments on it already before the dress was finished!
I’ve now started on another project and it’s a vogue pattern. I have a time constraint as it’s to be finished by mid-August for a birthday theme! The Vogue pattern that I am using is V1389.
Again, I’m going to have to shorten the back (this time I’m doing it on the pattern pieces, rather than on the actual fabric!!!) and because famously vogue only goes up to a certain size I have to slightly add a couple of centimetres to the skirt pieces.
Because there is a theme for the birthday bash, this cotton here was crying out to be shown off. I think I already had bought the fabric and the pattern before the theme was public (what a surprise)! The cotton is from Fabric Focus, Edinburgh (14.99 p/m ?) and has a lovely drape to it.
Fabric Focus is where I also go for my classes and I’m so grateful to Abi (my teacher) for keeping me right! I would wholeheartedly recommend the classes. This is my third session and it won’t be my last either. I’ve still got so much to learn and I really enjoy going along and spending a couple of hours with like minded people.
So there you have it – I’ve finished “vintage rose” dress and on the mission of the vogue “woodland” dress.
Keep stitching x
Disclaimer: All photos are my own, so please ask for permission before using them. All opinions are my own also!
As you know I do like to keep topping up my fabrics for all of these projects I have in mind. But Boy, the list is now bonkers – I don’t really have a list on paper as most of the ideas are in my head!!
Most of you know I’m doing the #thelittlereddressproject by the lovely running with style’s Renata and finally I’ve got my fabric – woot-woot! To date the PDF still has to be printed, which I’m concerned about as time is tick, ticking, tocking away – should I opt for a pattern I already have? The answer to that one should be a yes, now the big question- WHICH ONE? I think it should be a nice easy number, something that’s straight forward but party bound.
Next, we have some gorgeous cotton and it’s a John Lewis own brand. I instantly fell in love with it as it has lovely wildflowers on a dark green background. It was £14.99 per metre but it’s totally gorgeous and has a lovely feel to it.
I also bought the rather Christmassy Nordic fabric at the same time as the green John Lewis fabric. It was reduced to £5 per metre, so couldn’t say no to the bargain. Plus I actually need it to back my homemade advent calendar. And on that note, I’m still looking into wadding as I don’t want polyester wadding. I got a metre of the Nordic fabric to back the advent calendar. Looking at the date, I better get this done and dusted. Might have some time this week to sew it up. Might. Otherwise, I’ll be sewing it for next year 😂😂😂
Next up, is the fabric I bought from Susie D Designs Shop in Penicuik on her most recent open day. See post for more details about her shop! I have a soft touch for geometrics and this called my same. I bought 2.5 meters of it so it will be a dress! It’s an Art Gallery Fabric, 100% cotton and a lovely feel to it.
Fabric focus has this gorgeous suede in both Khaki and tan colours. I opted to go for the Khaki. Got 2.5 metres of it. More than enough for a simple shift or CLEO!
Erm … I added something else and that was the trip that the Lovely #SewScottish Meetup and this was some more lovely suede polyester material. At £9 a metre from Edinburgh Fabrics, it has a lovely texture. I thinking another classic shift style dress , perhaps the Bennett Dress from Marilla Walker. Edinburgh Fabrics has a good range of colour with the suede – it’s worth checking out. Also, I bought matching thread but now I’m thinking contrasting thread and with that i would have to ultra careful of stitching!
BENNETT DRESS by MARILLA WALKER – Gorgeous in suede!
Not only fabric lies in this “Haul” but some niche little tools have been purchased also …
Both purchased via amazon. And a bargain as under a fiver each. I picked up from a youtube video by Last Stitch
Some tailors chalk … I seem to lose mine quite quickly and no idea how!
This handy box should keep the chalk from getting bashed!
Patterns on my radar …
Yes there are always patterns on my radar, don’t you know I have a list? Ok now you do and boy it is long. It only seems to be getting longer 😂
And to add to the list is the cute “Cleo Pinafore & Dungaree Dress” by Tilly and the Buttons – isn’t it just adorable? I ❤️ it! I’m head over heels for the dungaree dress 😍!
With Black Friday looming Cleo was quickly purchased with a nice 25% off!
And then ALIX from By Hand London was also snapped up in PDF form! SO WHEN THERES A NICE DISCOUNT – it’s just impossible for me to say no. Impossible.
ALIX from BY HAND LONDON – so in love with this dress.
And then there are all the Seam work patterns that I have in my library – eek, I just love seam work (I actually did a wee post about them a wee while ago and all about why I love them). The “Kennedy” and the “Mesa” are the top two favourites to try first from seam work. And I’ve just heard that you can now use your credits to buy Collette patterns- Eeeeek! YES, YOU READ RIGHT!!
Seamwork’s KennedySeamworks’ Mesa
Adding to my stash of patterns and these were from the swap at the #SEWSCOTTISH meetup –
With these patterns came two bits of fabric – I may have to ask who put them in to the haul and also if they remember what it is … I have a mind like a sieve!
Then there’s this month’s gorgeous pattern from simply sewing magazine – well I think the Audrey dress is stunning and at one point I will try and make it.
So not just fabric, notions, patterns and tools have been added to the haul but also books 📚! Yes, I am also a sucker for a good sewing book.
The most recent one is “The better bag maker” by Nicole Mallalieu. One of my many projects is to make a bag, a weekender bag specifically and this book shows you how with handy techniques, tips and tricks. It’s got loads of lovely bag to make as well as a weekender.
I spotted it via Instagram and I’d say it’s a good find judging by all the hashtag #thebetterbagmaker attached photos!
Beautiful makes from various instagramers.
Next we have
Couldn’t put this one down …Love the look of these garments!
I was just in Dobbies and spotted these two and somehow they managed to be brought home with me … mind you total bargains!
Talking of bargains, the buttons below were too. I bought them from a stall at the North Berwick Quilters Exhibition. I will post more on the actual exhibition very soon on the blog. The buttons were £1 plus a book, which was also £1 too. I’m hoping this holds a couple of good shortcuts for garments.
A little less of a bargain were these buttons bought from Kathy’s Knits on Broughton Street – there’s a nice selection to choose from and are vintage finds! The thicker metal ones are ideal for a jacket!
Remember I said I have a mind like a sieve. Let me reinstate that dramatically – I received this “Simple Shift Dress” Sew Over Pattern yonks ago with a magazine subscription, only now I realise it has actual fabric in the box – total revelation and I realise I’m quite ditsy at times!
So for December, I’ve decided no fabric, no books, no nothing unless it’s interfacing or lining for projects. We will see how long I last … Day 3 and still nothing bought!
That’s all for now,
Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and I was not sponsored in any way, shape or form. All copyrighted pictures are my own.
Some of you may know I have a little problem with fabric and I just love collecting it, so much so that my little Billy “fabric wardrobe” is full (I can just about squeeze in a couple more, but it will be a squeeze!).
you could say it’s full
I can’t say no to a bargain or a fabric pattern that catches my eye. Working in a fabric shop is sheer dangerous for me as I rarely walk out from week to week without purchasing something sewing related. Then again if I don’t get something as work then I usually buy fabric online or another shop.
In this post, I’d thought I’d share my recent purchases with you. Usually, I post the fabric on my Instagram feed but I thought I’d give you a little more detail on what project/pattern I’m going to pair it up with, where I purchased it and the story behind it.
It all started with a customer trying to find the ivory version and I was helping to source it. We didn’t have much luck, but I did find the navy variation on eBay. I kept this in mind and decided to splurge as I love the nature theme on it. There’s definitely enough for a simple shift …
I love the vintage print of the roses. Those of you who have read the class post will know what pattern I’m using. I’m going to pair it with a grey lining as it’s slightly thin and you can see through it. The lining will also help give it a bit more body.
Can’t wait to have tea and cakes in this dress!
Seeing Red
No. I’m not angry! But it’s getting closer to the deadline for #thelittlereddressproject as I write! It won’t be long until have to down the thread and scissors and show off my creation with the hashtag. I’m crapping myself! Have I taken on something too short of a time period?
Anyway, I saw this Ditte cotton Fabric in Ikea and thought what the heck, it’s only £3 per metre! I don’t think it will be for the #thelittlereddressproject but it’s back up. I think I have found a shade that I like and that would suit my skin tone at Fabric Focus but want to check that out when it’s daylight!
It’s not that easy get the right shade with a solid colour!
That’s the 3 most recent fabric spurlges … you will probably see another injection of colour pretty soon on the blog!
Yeap, I’ve signed up for a block of lessons: Dressmaking for beginners at Fabric Focus, Edinburgh. Ok I’m no beginner but I’m no expert. I think confidence is the key but it’s always good to pick up tips and tricks for future projects and gain that extra confidence and experience to make a garment. I’d say I was a borderline novice. I’m happy to go at the class’s speed and not show off. Plus it’s always interesting to see what other sewers are using for both fabric and pattern! I’ve already noted a McCalls pattern which I like the look off! Yes, I AM A PATTERN MAGPIE!
Lesson one:
We were all sat down and guided through our hand outs. Abi introduced us to our surroundings and what we would cover in our classes.
Lots of room in the sewing room!
There is a sheet for marking all your measurements in the handout, which will be handy for the project and for future ones too. Our task was to take our measurements and jot them down – Hips, upper hips, waist and bust are the important ones for this now as I’m making a simple shift dress, Well at least I’m hoping too!
Grading the pattern – my hips are wider than my waist, which is seriously annoying sometimes. Abi showed me how to do this for the front and then I did it for the back. We then all cut out our patterns according to our sizes.
Abi has sent us all home with strict instructions to pin the pattern pieces to the fabric for the next lesson. This includes ironing the pattern but absolutelyNO CUTTING! I’m chomping at the bit, I will NOT CUT THE FABRIC!
Next class we will cut the fabric and start sewing!
I’ve chosen this beautiful Vintage blue cotton twill digitally printed fabric (see image below) from The Cloth Shop.
I can’t wait to wear this!
It’s a simplicity number for the pattern and it’s good value being the “easy-to-sew wardrobe elements” pack as I’m eyeing up the coat to do next.
Great value with Simplicity’s 4789!
I’m going with the “simple” shift dress (option C) for classes. I just want to be able to finish and wear it!
I’ll continue to update you with my lessons as I go to each one!
It’s a-lot more minty than the photo suggests. The lining is a skin tone. But I may have to double it up with a cotton because of the boning!
Sew Do It Emma 
