a pip and a peach: dress

Thursday, 28 June 2012

Two dresses

I made these two dresses this summer and I'm really pleased with them, although not that happy with the summer itself but let's not go there! They are lined at the top with hidden zips. The top has darts and the skirt is gathered. The pictures are a bit rubbish and slightly embarrassing but my friends in NZ and Aus will want to see them so it had to be done.

I made the pattern and the first dress at my good friend Wendy's sewing school in Winchester, Bobbin. I took the Day Dress class and it was such a fantastic two days. The teacher helped me copy an existing style of dress that I already owned and then improved the fit for me. Amazing tuition and such a lovely relaxed, friendly environment. I was taught about how to take my own measurements, I cut out the pattern and put the whole dress together. I even managed to cut out the second stripy, sleeveless version of the dress. This I sewed together at my monthly sewing group with some instruction from the talented May Martin. This time I took it a bit slower and took lots of notes with each step so that (hopefully) now, I can knock up my winter versions in needlecord by myself. All in all, each dress took about 12 hours and 2.5m of outer fabric 1m lining fabric, so still quite an investment but great if you have found a style of dress that you like to wear.

Bobbin and the artists who have space in the Brassey Road studios are having two open days this weekend if you fancy popping in and having a chat about the courses. There is something for everyone. Guaranteed!

I'll be there Friday, maybe see you there! Nix

Thursday, 16 June 2011

My first attempt at dressmaking - Schoolhouse Tunic by Sew Liberated

At last, I have braved and successfully made an item of clothing! It is my very first time and I am very pleased with the results!

I started it last week and I did get some help at the beginning from my sewing teacher, May. I go to a sewing class once a month, you can take whatever you are working on – anything from quilts, dress-making, bunting, soft furnishings – and May helps you along the way with advice, tips, sewing machine know-how, understanding your pattern or project. Basically what May doesn’t know about sewing isn’t worth knowing!

So I finished the tunic today just by following the instructions and working it out for myself. It was very clear and easy to understand. I think in total it took me about 6 hours from start to finish including cutting the pattern out, then the fabric, sewing it all together and finishing it all nicely. I think it must be a pretty straight forward kind of pattern or perhaps just well written as it all went smoothly. Hardly any swearing at all!

I cut out and made the 10/12. I think it’s quite accurate size-wise...On me I would say it’s slightly too big around my waist but the smaller size would have been too small on the sleeves and top. Anyway, I love the style so I am going to leave this one as it is, comfy and airy for summer and make another one, probably in a dark colour for winter in heavier fabric...maybe needlecord...I am thinking a dark green or French navy. Anyway, next time I am going to adjust the pattern slightly to taper in more at the waist and be slightly narrower in the skirt. Also, I made the dress slightly shorter than on the instructions and I would like to thank Jenny and May for telling me it was short enough! There was no mirror and it really is short enough!