Frills - Definitely a Learning Curve

This beautiful aubergine fabric had been lingering in my sewing box for quite some time before I decided what it's use would be.

Having been trawling Pinterest for inspiration I noticed a tutorial on how to hem around a curve.  Hmm, maybe I'll give that a a try I mused.

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The pattern is from Spanish pattern magazine Patrones and is a fitted dress with three frills on each side.  There are no darts as the frills are encased in sections of the dress.  The frills were the challenging part of this make and I have added a section under "Tips and Tutorials" to show how to hem a curve more easily - something that I previously struggled with.

The dress is finished off with a small gold button on the neck and accessorized with a wide gold belt.

Now - where to wear it!

Happy sewing

Linda x

Camouflage with a Twist

On my recent foraging trip to Birmingham I happened across some lovely camouflage fabric in another of my favourite old treasure troves, http://www.ragmarket.com/.  I loved the subtle pink shade in this definitely un-girly pattern and was soon filling a carrier bag with 3 metres worth.

Returning home I remembered a friend had an upcoming birthday and set about making her a present.  Not having measurements, I was lucky - the fabric was stretchy, so I was able to use my judgement and exact proportions weren't required. 

 

It made up beautifully and just to add a little touch to the pink I embellished the back with an organza bow.

 

 

Happily, the gift fitted just right. 

 

Now - think I have enough left for something for myself!

 

Happy sewing

 

Linda x



A Wonderland of Fabric

Having lived in the Midlands for many years I kind of miss the availability and choice that I'm used to have on my regular trips to Birmingham.  So a recent trip to the city had me all of a flutter at the prospect of visiting my old fabric haunts.  The one pictured below is Barry's Fabric Market.  Their website is actually Leons Fabrics as this is their warehouse in Manchester.  I've not visited the Manchester outlet but can vouch for the fact that the Birmingham store will have you squealing with delight if you're a fabric buff.  If you can't find it here it doesn't exist!

http://www.leonsfabrics.co.uk/

 

My haul on that particular day was some red boucle, enough leopard print chiffon for a blouse (to go with the red boucle), some ultra bright pink jersey and £8 worth of mauve grey satin to make curtains for my craft room (more of that later).

Why Sew?

If you sew, you'll know!

Perhaps like me, you're just have to be creative and day job doesn't fulfil those needs.  I love the feeling of immersing myself in a project and seeing one of my makes come to life, from initial thought to taking shape, thinking about the colours, structure and embellishments (that's the fun part) to finally seeing your make find life when it's finally able to be worn.  The excitement at finding an Aladdin's cave full of gorgeousness in the form of a zillion types of fabric can really set the creative juices flowing.  I hope that I can find and share some secrets here amongst other sewing bloggers.

Whatever your creative likes are - dark colours, jewel brights (a personal favourite), wools, silks or tweeds, softly flowing or with structure and body - there's always a piece of fabric that can inspire you.  Sometimes it takes a while to find, other times not, sometimes it's just sitting right there in your sewing box, waiting for your ideas to strike.

I hope I can inspire and interest you with my online journal of creativity.  I have a wishlist and hope to bring this to life, sharing ideas and tips and perhaps encouraging some of you to have a go. 

Happy sewing.
Linda x

My newly acquired mannequin (named Polythene Pam by Mr P) getting ready to display garments.