My next project

Here are the fixings for my next project. I am planning to make Simplicity 3744, view b

but the longer length to disguise my chubby knees. The fabric is a silk cotton blend that I bought at the shop I work at. I'll be lining it in a plain polycotton.

My main concern is that the fabric is very fine and overlocked edges will probably show through to the right side when I press. I don't want to sew the lining to the dress with a jump hem (enclosing any raw edges) because it makes ironing tricky down the track, so what I think I'll do is underline the whole thing. I've pre-washed everything so there shouldn't be any shrinking - I'll just have to cut all the pieces really accurately (I'm normally fairly 'organic').

If all goes to plan I'll cut it out tomorrow or on the weekend, depending on social arrangements. I'll post again when I have some progress to report.

Awards Dress made September 2007

I was lucky enough to go to the Western Australian Fashion Awards dinner in September last year. The designer I work for had two dresses in the bridal category and I drafted the pattern and mostly made one of them - one of my proudest moments! Anyway, I had nothing to wear and no money to buy anything suitable for a 'fashion' event so making something was my only option. Given my financial status I was limited to using bits and pieces I had laying around the house. Here's what I came up with.

I used Vogue pattern 8235 view A with some modifications. I cut the skirt full length and without the frill on the bottom. The bodice was constructed from shapewell and boned (I couldn't find a strapless plunge bra to wear underneath) and the covered with the fabric and lace. The back skirt was closed with an invisible zip but I put covered buttons and loops on the bodice. Finally I lined the whole dress instead of just the bodice. I had to add the sash as an after thought as it did look a bit 'maternity'. In hindsight I think the secret with this kind of style is to get the fit very close under the bust and to pleat the skirt in rather than gathering - a sash or flat band helps too!

The fabric is a John Kaldor polyester chiffon that I've had for years - I think he has retired now, shame he was one of my favourite fabric designers. The lining is a cream polyester charmeuse and the lace overlay is a knit lace (I bought 20cm for another project and then changed my mind!).

The photo doesn't really do it justice - the dial on my dress dummy is in exactly the wrong spot! Unfortunately it was all a bit rushed on the day and I didn't get a photo of me all done up in it.

Hello and welcome

So, uh welcome to my new blog. I am an avid reader of the blogs of so many talented seamstresses out there that I thought I'd share some of my own experiences good and bad in the world of sewing. I am also hoping that this will motivate me to challenge myself a bit more and not take the lazy way out! In the next few days I'll put up pictures of some recent projects but as time goes on I'll document works in progress and the techniques I use.



First, a bit about me. I'm in my 30's and have been sewing most of my life. I recently completed a three year diploma in costume making and have worked on a few theatre shows. I currently have two part time jobs, I work in a fabric shop and teach some classes there and I'm a seamstress for a bridal designer. I love learning and sharing what I learn so I hope some of you out there will enjoy reading about my adventures and misadventures. BTW I'll probably also spend some time rambling on about other stuff that interests me such as music, books and movies...Thanks for reading