New Blog

My new blog about my new fabrics and clothes, the aim of the blog is to promote these things using pictures and minimal write ups. The fabric in this picture is my 'London Calling' design and am using it to make a very cool skirt. Again I had the fabric made with Spoonflower - my new best friend.

The Easiest Dress - Ever!

I am really a dressmaking novice so I wanted to make the simplest dress that would require no zips (my achilles heel) and no darts (haven't learned how to do them yet). I am also lax at measuring so this is a one size fits all. I gave it shape with a belt made from the same fabric. Without the belt it kind of looks like a night dress and I could easily make one with appropriate fabric. I didn't really have a pattern I just made a basic dress outline that I used for the front and back. My sister-in-law and mother-in-law both asked me where I bought it, which is a very good litmus test of how successful it is. The worst thing is if a dress looks 'homemade', this is where your careful seaming and trimming of threads becomes crucial.

Minnie Mouse Skirt

I am practicing some clothes designs for my new fabrics. However the fabric is quite expensive so don't want to do trials using them in case I make mistakes. This piece of fabric I bought as a stash and loved the pattern. I also notice it was already cut and hemmed into a semi-circle so used it to practice making a elasticated waistband for a skirt. The result is fun, with a great asymmetric ruffle. I added a bow to the top to cover the join of the elastic. I remember Minnie mouse had a bow in her hair and wore polka dots, so here you are!

A 'room' of one's own

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I have become quite the little space Genie! Remember all those weeks ago when I complained that sewing was a pain because I had to pull out and put away my stuff? Well I would like to present you with my solution. This closet was designed for a washer and dryer, but we don't have one so it has been a linen stroke, junk storage closet since we moved in. I had been putting off tackling it for a while but after constantly lugging my heavy sewing machine around, plus its voltage converter (my sewing machine is from the UK), vacuuming because threads are getting everywhere, I decided enough is enough.

As you can see I have started to use the walls for more storage but can't add extra shelves because this is a rental space. Instead I have used hooks to hang up things like scissors and rulers, the things that I need to hand the most. Supposedly the hooks can be removed when you are done, without leaving marks. The plastic drawers are actually full of food (the closet is also our pantry!) but I am going to add more open free standing shelves eventually to the left of the table once I have sorted out the box. The sewing machine is on a table I got from a rather famous American cheap store, and the light has a 'daylight' bulb, essential for looking at colours.

One day I will have a wonderful studio, but until then, this will do nicely!