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
I am not a photographer but I do have quite a lovely camera (thanks Mum!) so when Thea asked for a bit of help photographing some of her lovely prints for her website I thought, why not give it a go...
Here is Thea's new website and all her lovely 'Busy Being...' prints...oh, and my photography!
Being a Mum of two boys I always pleased when I think of something that I can make for them. Yesterday my youngest son was wearing a Ben 10 watch that he had made from playdough. It was very sweet how much he loved this watch...but slightly annoying as it kept falling off and I know it sounds a bit OCD but wearing playdough and carpets and sofas...So no...I said I would make him one when I got home that he could wear all the time and so I did. Here it is.
I found a picture on the web (see below) and used it to design this felt version. I measured the boys wrists and went for 18cm. I cut out the shapes by hand and then sewed them together through all the layers finally adding some velcro. The boys loved them. So a happy household this morning.
Thanks, Nix x
