Current WIPs

What I'm currently working on...

The first one is this very festive red dress! I've seen little red dresses everywhere in the shops recently, especially in H&M. None of them were quite right though...They were either too short, ill-fitting or made with cheap-looking fabric (especially the lacy ones). So I made my own. I used a combination of patterns - Cynthia Rowley 2054 for the top and New Look 6262 for the skirt. I sewed the waist with elastic, which isn't something I've tried before but it worked really well. I just need to bind the neckline, hem the bottom and take in the sleeves a little and I'm done! I've been distracted though...

Distracted by my other WIP. This is a coat I'm making using fabric and faux fur bought at the Harrogate Knitting and Stitching Show. I love the combination of the two. This is the second coat I've attempted to make - the first was a complete disaster that barely got past the cutting stage. Bit of an embarrassment. So far this one's going a lot better! 

Another New Look Pattern 6143

I LOVE this pattern

So I've made another! This time out of polyester crepe, which is a perfect fabric for it. The feel, fit and drape of this material is so lovely. I made this one for work and the only problem is that the material is a tiny bit see-through. It'll be fine for the current black-tights-at-all-times weather, but I'll probably have to line it for spring time.

I've also rediscovered this version of the dress. I really need a much bigger wardrobe so I can actually see what I own! This one I just made a bit shorter for nights out. The photos below are pre Ed Sheeran gig in Newcastle, which was AMAZING!

Cynthia Rowley Pattern 2054 for Simplicity

Cynthia Rowley Pattern 2054

 So this is my newest make and my first successful jersey dress in a long time!

This pattern was amazing to use. It was so simple to follow and quick to make. The fit and the fact it's jersey fabric meant there were no darts or zips to insert, so it would be perfect for  any beginners wanting to try out sewing their own clothes. The only part that takes a little more skill is inserting the neck binding, as you have to stretch it out and distribute it equally so as not to create any accidental gathers. This is perfectly possible though - it's actually the best jersey binding I've managed!

This simple dress fits brilliantly and will become a staple basic in my wardrobe. I made version B, with 3/4 length sleeves. I'd definitely make it again, probably with the long sleeves next time as I would have done long sleeves this time if I had had enough fabric!

My cardigan is also handmade, although not by me. 
The lace-effect knitting is courtesy of my amazing Gran! 
I must learn to knit.

The Knitting & Stitching Show

The Knitting & Stitching Show 

Tickets booked!! 

Last year I went to the Knitting & Stitching Show in Harrogate for the first time and LOVED IT. 

My mum and I ended up getting free tickets from someone who had won them but couldn't go and decided to try it out. It was amazing! Huge halls filled with wool, fabric and crafty bits... I got beautiful material for dressmaking and for quilts and lace and faux fur, and I could have bought so much more! 

So obviously we're going back again this year!

Tickets and hotel booked, its in the diary - cannot wait. 

I'm starting saving for it now...

Last year's purchases

Simplicity Lisette 1419

Polka dots and a Peter Pan Collar

How cute is this pattern! I almost bought it a few weeks ago so when I saw Simplicity had a half price sale on I thought it would be rude not to.

It has a couple of features I hadn't sewn before, which were the keyhole front and peter pan collar. I love the collar! Since I was using navy and white polka dot fabric I decided to do a white collar so it would contrast. I used some leftover polyester panama fabric from my little white jacket project. This just about worked but was a little too bulky really - next time I'll use polycotton. 

The pattern was really easy to use and the instructions were clear. The only thing to note about the pattern was that although it was a little roomy on the bust, it was quite tight on the waist - although that could just be my shape in fairness! 

Getting your money's worth - New Look pattern 6095 again

Yet Another Shift Dress

So I used New Look pattern 6095 - again! Instead of polyester panama though this time I used viscose. I wasn't sure whether the soft, drapey fabric might cling and be a bit unflattering, but it turned out really well. The photos didn't do the pattern on the fabric justice so I took a close up of the kaleidoscope print. 

Handmade Holiday 7

Day Seven

Just before (and I mean literally the night before) heading off to the airport I decided to quickly make this little top! I made this using New Look pattern 6217 again. It works so well in this soft viscose material and is such a great, easy make! I'd highly recommend this pattern - so many different items all in one, and so far they've all worked out brilliantly.

Handmade Holiday 6

Day Six

For day six of my holiday I wore my little white jacket with my Boohoo playsuit. I love this jacket, although I'm still not sure if I set the sleeves in quite right. I think they're a little bit big... but still its a perfect summer jacket.

Made using Simplicity pattern 1699.

Worn with: Playsuit - Boohoo.com; Sandals - Primark

Handmade Holiday 5

Day Five

Day five was co-ord day! I had to get this aztec print two piece in to my handmade holiday.

I actually wore this twice - as the whole two piece one night and as a skirt with a plain top another. I love how versatile this outfit is. It was perfect for holiday too: two outfits = less space in the suitcase taken up!

Check out my earlier post on this co-ord for details on the patterns I used.

Handmade Holiday 4

Day Four

On the fourth day of holiday I was pretty burnt! So I covered up a bit more with this New Look 6217 kimono. I made it in a beautiful viscose fabric that feels lovely and drapes perfectly. 

Unfortunately I couldn't find any black fringing trim to really finish it off before holiday, but I still love it.