So I was invited to a 1920’s murder mystery that took place last weekend.
I scoured the internet for some sort of 1920’s dress but then remembered I had a lovely lace dress that I bought from Monsoon so that was that sorted.
Then the necklace and feather boa came from WM Armstrong store which hosts a selection of great vintage wear. The pearl necklace, I found at the Grassmarket Armstrongs and the Black Boa in the Clerk Street store.
Tempted to buy a fake cigarette and holder and long black gloves but I held off. The thought of more fancy dress never to be worn or used again was too much!
For the head-dress, I decided to make it. YES, you read right!
I found this tutorial, which kept me right for the basics – Head Dress Tutorial
From Remnant Kings, I bought some stretch sequin trim. Abby, my sewing teacher kindly gave me three peacock feathers to complete the look.
It was a pretty quick process and one I’m quite happy with. I stitched the feathers in with thread and a small piece of stretch sequin to stop the bottom of the feathers from scratching my forehead. I think it took my roughly half an hour to complete it and finish it, which a huge jump from any of my current makes!
*Disclaimer:
Please don’t use any photos without consent from myself- ta!
I’ve been finding so many things recently that I thought I might as well share them with you too! So much so, I’ve decided to do a monthly thing!
Ok so first up is the tailors’ ham and sausage! I didn’t realise how useful they are until I used them myself and further more I want to make a pair. So I found a pattern from Jennifer Lauren Vintage and now planning that into my projects!
Other sewing related items to make are pattern weights and a pin cushion! Ok, I’m torn between these macaron pattern weights and my own handmade ones! I could have both? You can never have enough pattern weights, can you?
So that’s a few more things I have to get on & make and I can’t wait to show you!
I’m loving the sound of the #monetaparty by @sewpositivity on Instagram. The Moneta pattern by Colette has been in my stash for yonks and it’s been a firm favourite since seeing so many vlogs featuring it.
One Vlog in particular, caught my attention and that was Gingerthread girl‘s version of Moneta. I’m definitely raising the waistline as I prefer a higher waist line and suit it. I’ve been tagged so I think it’s only right to join in with everyone! I’ve bought three bits of jersey for Moneta in mind – yes three.
Tilly and the Buttons book, “Love At First Stitch” is getting me all excited as the pictures and details for each project are simple to follow. I asked for the book for my birthday, which my lovely Bro bought for me! However, there will be a lot of grading up as the pattern size of a 20 ain’t going to fit around my hips! It’s one that I’m going to work through from the first project to the last. It’ll do me the world of good!
That being said I’ve already graded up Cleo and sewing that up as we speak (ok it’s not in LAFS but at least it’s one of my make nine 2017). Yes, I’m a bit slow to catch the Cleo train but I can’t wait to see how it turns out! There will be a post about this separately when it’s finished!
Editing my first vlog is taking way longer than expected but I am getting there and I am learning as I go – so all in all, it’s getting there.
I’m not loving the Anabelle dress at the moment as I’ve had to rip the seams a few times. And I think it’s way too small – eek & BOOOOO! I’m going to leave the LRD for a while as there are plenty of projects that I need to get on with AND FINISH.
So with January being over, it’s time to think what I’m going to be doing in February. I must start using my stash. So this month I’m going to rein in my splurges on fabric. I know I said that in January but there were too many sales going on and it got the better of me! February can be that month where I indulge in my stash (AND TRY AND NOT BUY ANYTHING) and really start using it as it’s starting to get to extreme levels!
Hope you’ve had a more productive January than I have!
Let’s face it, we are truly lucky to have so many fabulous online fabric shops these days, offering us loads of gorgeous fabrics.
In this blog post, I’d thought I should share my top 5 with you and why they are my favourite. By the way, they are in no particular order because they are all splendid in their own way!
Fabric Godmother’s website for me is well laid out for me, making fabric easy (or too easy in my case) to find. It’s clean and crisp, just how I like websites. I’ve bought a couple of pieces of fabric and have been very happy with them. I still have them in my stash and this is a running theme – 2017 has to shake me up to make them into beautiful garments!
For me, Guthrie & Ghani has a lovely style. I spend hours browsing the fabrics on the website. Just recently I bought some lovely cotton with hot air balloons, which I’m looking into making a nice dress for summer with. Whilst writing this post up, I had a quick browse and spotted some gorgeous striped jersey (perfect for a coco) but will have wait until pay day as all my fabric allowance is used up!
It’s name speaks volumes. Boy, does this website have loads to choose from! On more than one occasion I’ve bought something special. Yes, yet again it’s still in the fabric stash but I have an idea for each piece bought! I bought my Houndstooth jersey from here and it’s going to be perfect for a dress!
An emporium not by half. Still good quality fabric at a good price too. I’ve managed to get a couple of bargains in the sale too, which I’m pretty chuffed about. But their site sometimes goes all weird on me and doesn’t load which is annoying! Still,l the fabric is pretty good for what you pay for 😀
Oooooh! I love scrolling over and seeing what Lisa and her team have chosen in the New section fabric wise. There’s just so much gorgeous lovely fabric to choose from! I’ve recently joined the PDF club too. It’s only a £5 for the whole year, with that you get to choose a free PDF and first to know of any new PDFs released! I adore her patterns too – yes I still have to make the ones I have – now that’s a surprise (NOT!).
Okay I know I’ve gone over my top 5 but this lovely shop can give the others a run for their money. Sewn, which is based in Bristol has a beautiful website of a wonderful collection of fabric. I just hope I get the chance to go and visit someday! Bought some fabric too, which was in the sale (OOOOOPS)!
I found out about the textile centre via Lizzie B on her YT channel. I have to go and check it out since she showed off her jersey for her TATB Coco Dress (YES, I bought yet more fabric) Also since this is new to me I thought I would share this one with you too. Really good quality fabrics and the price isn’t bad either!
So there you go, my top 5 (and more) online shops for fabric. I’m going to be sharing my fabrics that I’ve recently bought in a vlog (yes I said vlog). It will probably be the second vlog as I’m editing my first vlog which is to released very soon! My vlog channel is SEW DO IT EMMA’s VLOG – be sure to subscribe if you don’t want to miss any vlogs!
Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and this post is not at all sponsored!
Ever since I received Simple Sew’s Lena Wrap Dress pattern with this month’s issue of Love Sewing Magazine I’ve been drooling all over wrap dresses … it’s only been a few days since the start of the affair!
I’ve been on loads of websites like TopShop, Simply Be and White Stuff as well as good old Pinterest to get inspiration and see what fabrics have been used.
I have a warning though ⚠️ – there are a lot of pictures here and I have tried to give credit where I got the image!
Ok, now the fun bit! Me talking what inspires me about each picture!
I love this velvet dress for all the reasons that it is a velvet wrap dress – I love the colour, it’s a gorgeous pastel pink and with it being velvet, it’s going to be warm! That a big tick in my book!
I stumbled on this pattern and I have to honestly say it’s going straight onto my patterns to get list! It just speaks to me for a summer holiday! Cue Cliff Richard … 🌞🏄🏻♀️
I’m not sure that this is still available to date but it’s a great variation on the wrap dress!
Burda has a great offering, particularly those who want that velvet wrap dress … eeeek another one on that list! I’m really needing to do a #maketwenty2017 list rather than a #makenine2017 list at this rate! But hang I think this may be a too clingy fit for me so I’ll hold ma horses!
This wrap dress has a gorgeous dress, I’ve still to see if it’s still available or if there is an alternative … stunner of an occasion dress (maybe Christmas 🎄)
Sew Over It’s Lisa Comfort looks so glam in her version of the wrap dress. I could and probably will add her Ultimate Wrap Dress to my collection soon – no surprises there then!
This dress was pull from my Pinterest feed and I adore the colour and the drape – but wondering what fabric it is! Any ideas?
Now when I first saw this image on Pinterest I thought it was “Carrie” from “Sex and the City” but on closer inspection, I don’t think it is. But wow the wool looks good on a wrap dress, such a different structure and so elegant!
This Pleated version from Topshop is gorgeous! Can you tell I’m immediately drawn to berries and wine colours? I had to look really closely as I couldn’t believe it was velvet – until now I didn’t think it was a thing. WOW!
A really nice floral wrap dress and it’s from Simply Be. I don’t normally shop in Simply be as I’m not a fan of most of the materials that they use in the clothes. But I like the shape and colour of this dress. Probably I’ll like it until I feel it!
I really like the cut on this one. I think this be viscose as it looks quite drapey, although I could be wrong!
Ooooh! Something to mix it up – a long wrap dress (which is quite similar to the simplicity pattern I showed you earlier. This could be ideal for going out or a wearing it on a cool summer night!
I was a bit mixed about using this image as it’s a bit booby! But I like the deep red fabric. If I ever get a low cut like this then a cami goes on underneath to protect my dignity! Possibly a crepe mix? Jersey?
This floral version is from White Stuff. It’s quite different from the picture above and it’s something I would consider age appropriate for myself and not booby!
This slit is a bit high in this one but I like the light-weight fabric that has been used. The longer sleeves are a plus too.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my commentary all about wrap dresses and maybe given you some inspiration. Hopefully, you’ll get an insight of what kinda style I’d go for and possibly colour. I think Lena will be making an appearance pretty soon – It’s safe to say this affair is going pretty viral!
Disclaimer: Credit has been given to images. This post is NOT sponsored. All opinions are my OWN.
With the run up to Christmas and so little time to do any sewing, I’ve not managed to even start on this dress. I’m sorry. I am quite disappointed.
I am intending to make it for my birthday night out, which is at the end of January. There should be more than enough time to do it for then. I have all the materials and decided on the pattern finally. I know, It’s like a month behind but better late than never!
All the dress reveals have been amazing. I’ve been trying to keep up with all the blogs/vlogs and Instagram reveal as they are released but I’m sure I’ve missed a few!
2017 is going to be there my sewing room will be put to use. I intend to also start a vlog and I’m looking into that as well. So you know that the reveal of #thelittlereddress will probably be aired on youtube! I’m super excited but also very nervous.
The Pattern
This is the final decision as I’ve been indecisive when it came to patterns before now. This has been a firm favourite for a few weeks so it will be getting cut tonight (so no flippin changing my mind now!).
Because it’s labelled relaxed fit and I love the shoulder details, it’s “tea dress” skirt and the waistband (there are too many reasons why I shouldn’t change my mind now!) this pattern is rocking my world. I’ve got the material and all the notions, so I’m going to get cutting it tonight. I’ll give you an update as I go!
The Material
Beautiful red satin from Edinburgh fabrics – you’ve seen this before in my last fabric haul post.
So there’s my plans for the little red dress/ birthday dress (see smart goals) … As I said, I’ll update you with proof that I’ve cut it out and pinned it!
As some you of you know, I love a good sewing book – what’s better than something to hold all these sewing books? Well, it’s of course, a sewing machine bookend!
Talking of ironing I intend to put an iron board up in my sewing room but lack space for a big one, so I’m going to get this wee one from IKEA!
JÄLL, IKEA (£4) – Photo courtesy of Ikea
Now – sit down, this may bowl some of you over! Soap dish and sewing, surely not. Get a suction one, attach it to the side of your sewing machine and you can keep tabs on the seam ripper and fabric marker!
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.
So I’m scrolling through my instagram feed and there’s this image of a lady wearing a little red dress with @runningwithstyle ‘s handle and a hashtag #thelittlereddressproject and I’m immediately intrigued. And before I question it, I’ve signed up – eeeeeeek!
Why on earth would I go for red? It’s not a colour I would normally opt to wear but it’s probably because I’ve haven’t found that perfect red shade. Well now’s the time to change that then! Positive thinking and all that jazz.
So the dear old Pinterest came out and I’ve made a board … yes another board of umpteen ideas of ooooohsss and ahhhhhhssss!
The biggest problem at the moment is choosing the pattern. I have a love affair with the Butterick 5748 as I’ve made a emerald number (which needs hemmed) a navy number (a tad more work) and a summer number (skirt bit done) – there is a pattern with the 5748 pattern and I’m determined not to not finish the red dress. It’s a great challlenge, so why would I not want to finish it?!! It’s a stunner of a dress but there a few other contenders …
Flippin’ sew the hem Emma!The good old classic option navy here!Summer colours here with a contrast purple for the top partButterick’s 5748, a firm favourite!
Next pattern – contrast to go there or not to go there? I’ve not worked with lace before, like ever. So is this the challenge to do such a thing? So I’d love to do something in lace but I might just hold my horses and do a simple number!
Ooooh nice contrast with Butterick’s 6280Beautiful lace from Remnant KingsCotton stretch sateen from Remnant Kings
I’m still floating back to a cotton stretch sateen. Perhaps because I’ve worked with it before. I would love to add a black edging to give the dress an extra element but I’ll see how I cope!
Then it’s actually hunting down a red that I would like to work with and wear. I’m going to troll the local fabric shops in November as I’m off for a week then. I’ll also order a few samples from online fabric shops and then I’ll decide from there. I’ve not came across much online though … it’s quite meeeeh. I’m thinking of going for a wine red but if forced to do a red like in the image above, I will.
Patterns, patterns, patterns … I’ve still not homed into my final choice but here’s just a few of my options …
Butterick’s 5748Butterick’s 6280 Another easy option with red drawing me in towards the dress!Another lace option with B ? I don’t make it easy for myself, do I?I’m liking this option C – it floats but I think it’s too long for a LRD?Something cute for the back detail with option C!Grading up option A would be nice!Should I go all retro with option B?I love C – but is it because of the Red?!It would have to be C or D for this one!
That’s all for the moment but I will give you an update on my final choice!
When I decided to cut out the sequin fabric with my rotary blade I had no idea how tough it was going to be, but that didn’t stop me from doing just that! Actually was that wise?
I did it. But I’m sure my rotary blades will now a) need a sharpen with tin foil or b) need a new blade. Oh well – a lesson learnt there.
Talking of rotary blades I may be purchasing a new one for ease of use. Spotted a fiskars blade that looks a little less fiddly in Biggar Stitches!
So after cutting out the front and back of the top I then pinned it all together and tried it on. I knew that I had to put darts in because I made up a toile earlier, so I did just that and then had to get my mum to straighten then up whilst I wore it!
Now I just wished I removed the sequins along the seams to ease the job for my machine (I’m sure it felt pain when stitching the sequins – I did).
Sewing the sequins was nerve racking (my first time doing sequins). My Brother did the job, the top does need a press as the darts haven’t got the finesse finish I wanted.
I’m glad I added the lining – less jaggy!
Time is running out and rather get into a state like below, I’ve opted to wear a “bought dress” – fear not the dress will be completed for Christmas and worn then!
Trying the homemade garment on was a near death experience as the pins scratched my arm – ok, maybe not near death but still, beady sore!
The backup garment: Katya Kimono Wrap Dress
At this point, the top needs hemmed and finished off. The skirt still needs the waistband on (which itself needs interfacing applied!! (Note to self: you need to buy blinkin’ interfacing!!)), zip applied, possibly now lined and then hemmed.
The final update should contain a picture of me wearing it! Watch this space!
My sewing room needs to become functional and comfortable to use. It needs organising, so I can pull fabric and pattern out, yet put them back in their place when I’m done for the day. This “putting thing back” needs to become my ethos all over the house, but that’s another post for another time! And before Mr C quickly jumps in, I’ll change the subject!).
I’ve pulled a lot of ideas rather from Pinterest so “had to” create a mood board so I could scale down some ideas and think what I want from my SR.
Two tables would be useful, preferably the same as I join the together to cut out patterns and fabric. One would sit under the skylight as that would be ideal for using the naturally light, providing it’s not too bright to take photographs of my finish projects.
Before I get ahead of myself – the three main points that need to go into the sewing room are: atlier
I don’t want to spend a fortune so as you can see Ikea furniture it is and it’s the basic range as everything adds up very quickly!
The notice board will be handy for what project I’m currently working on and what the next few are. It should keep me focused. It will also a provide a place for all these business cards and fliers that I seem to collect!
I started this post 5 months ago but there have been some changes already and I can now share them!
The room has finally been painted and now shelving has been installed and is very quickly being filled up!
Trying to organise with billy shelvingThe desk is much bigger now and is now under the skylight for ultimate natural light!
My sewing space is still going through changes so don’t think these are final photos. I will post the final touches and a much tidier space very soon!
Do you have a sewing room? Do you have any tips on how to organise it? Have I missed anything, I’m sure I have!? Please feel free to comment below and give tips!
Fabric Godmother’s website for me is well laid out for me, making fabric easy (or too easy in my case) to find. It’s clean and crisp, just how I like websites. I’ve bought a couple of pieces of fabric and have been very happy with them. I still have them in my stash and this is a running theme – 2017 has to shake me up to make them into beautiful garments!
Sew Do It Emma 
