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.

Handmade Holiday 3 Part 2

Still Day Three...

This post has a not-so-voluntary special guest!

This is my boyfriend Matthew in a T-Shirt I customised for him.

This plain white tee was from Burtons. I used the blue fabric (which is actually more teal up close) to customise the turn-up short sleeves and add a pocket.

This is the first item I have dared used my sewing skills on that wasn't for myself!

If I did it again I'd make that pocket a little smaller, but apart from that I was quite happy with the result. And, probably more importantly, so was Matthew.

Also, I have to mention the background of this photo! 

This was just out the front of our hotel. 

We were literally right by the sea, it was amazing.

Definitely still got the holiday blues...

Handmade Holiday 3

Day Three

On Day Three of my Handmade Holiday I wore this dress which I made using 

Simplicity pattern 1699 K5.

I used this pattern but altered it slightly. I didn't want sleeves and love the shape of the upper part of the dress as it is. However, it was a NIGHTMARE to alter! While the waist of the pattern size I cut fit perfectly, the bust was miles too big. I took it in so much so many times at all the seams before it FINALLY fit. This one took real perseverance.

I'm glad I stuck with it though because it fits so well now. I absolutely love this viscose fabric - in fact in the shop I loved it so much I asked for 1 1/2 metres without actually looking at the price first...oops! But because I'd made the dress in this beautiful fabric there was no way I was giving up on it.

I'd like to try using the pattern properly next time and make the dress with sleeves. Hopefully that might make it a bit easier! This is the same pattern I used for my little white jacket too, which again I'd like to make again in another fabric and colour.

Handmade Holiday 2

Day Two

So this dress for Day Two of my handmade holiday isn't strictly handmade.

This one is a showcase of how sewing can be used to alter shop-bought clothes.

I bought this dress for £5 in the sale at TK Maxx. It originally had these horrible puffy elasticated short sleeves that were uncomfortable and looked awful... so I chopped them off!

This dress looks so much nicer sleeveless. 

And it was such a bargain!

Worn with: Necklace and bracelet - Accessorize; Belt and Wedge Sandals - Primark

Handmade Holiday

Day 1

Welcome to a holiday edition of my blog! 

I didn't manage Me Made May but realised I have made enough to manage 7 days of handmade style. Here are my photos from day 1!

This is a dress I made at least two years ago using the Simplicity Cynthia Rowley pattern 2250. The bodice took SO long to do as there are so many different pieces to create that effect, both for the front and sides, and then again for the lining. It was worth it though and actually I want to make another now after wearing this one again! I also want to have a go at the jacket that's included in the pattern. 

Day 2 coming soon...

Worn with: Shoes - Topshop; Daisy Bracelet - Accessorize