Some more examples of what I've been up to....

I am very pleased to now be back to sewing after a break that seemed so much longer than it really was. I've got straight back into the sewing seat and made up some patterns I've had in my cupboard for ages waiting to be made up from fabric that I have also had for ages! Here are some photos...

This is a dress with a full skirt in a green cotton fabric with a subtle gold print. It's a simple dress but I love the shape.

This dress is made from a lilac silk dupion and is fully lined. The bodice is the same as the green dress above but has a straight skirt with a back vent.

I think the vent went well, I have only ever repaired them on skirts not sew them in their entirety. However I looked up the method and used my repair knowledge to work it out.

I also had a go at some beading on this dress to make a little bit more special. I used large clear and purple beads around the neckline.

Unfortunately I am having to take a short break from dressmaking after a hip operation. However I will still be designing and will be back to altering, mending and making as soon as possible. 

Look out for my new wedding and evening collection coming later this year...

1950s Dress

Butterick 1957 Retro Dress Pattern

 I decided to make up a pattern I had for a 1950s style dress. I've always loved these dresses and wanted to see how the petticoat was made to give the fullness in the skirt. The pictures below show the dress almost finished,with front and back views, and the coordinating jacket. The gathered skirt looks great and the bodice hangs beautifully. I am really pleased with dress, just need to hem it now!

New!

New alterations and repairs service and wedding service for bridal and bridesmaid dresses...

Army Corset

My latest corset is army themed. I really wanted to make a camoflage corset so I set out on my latest project. I used the traditional green camoflage as a base although I had looked at blue camoflage and the desert colours.
I kept this corset simple but used a black and silver trim as a belt detail inspired by the ammunition belts.

 

Neon Corset

This corset was all about fun. I wanted bright! I wanted neon! I went shopping one day and everywhere I looked were bright colours ready for summer, and in the fabric shop I found neon coloured lace. I had my next theme!
I decided to use pink and orange for a good contrast. I decided to use lace to give the corset a traditional corset look but to bring it right up to date with the colours.
I started looking around and collecting anything neon coloured, lacing, hair clips, elastic, anything. The pink trimming was my favourite find and I knew exactly how i wanted to use it.

The corset went together quickly and I was so happy with the colours as I put it together. I decided to alternate the colours in the panels instead of just using one colour throughout, this gave me the effect I was looking for.
I decided that this time I would stick with tradition and use eyelets as I had found some bright laces I just had to use! However the laces were short and would not cover the length of the corset, so I decided to lace the corset from top and bottom to see how it would work. On the stand this is easy enough, I just wonder about when it is on someone. I was pleased the effect this allowed me, I wanted to double lace this corset anyway so that I could mix the colours.

Now I can't wait to have some fun trying this one on and play around with my neon accessories!

(More photos of the Neon Corset can be seen on the corsets page of the blog.)