Making Life more Beautiful
Here is a traditional, flared, four-gored skirt. the shaping is achieved in the princess seams. There is no side seam (well actually there is on this skirt, to accommodate the zip), but there doesn’t need to be. You could put … Continued
In June I started to learn a new skill – draping, or modelling, on the stand. The summer term covered dresses; this term it is skirts. In case you don’t know what I am talking about we are making patterns … Continued
You may remember my McCall 1385 blouse pattern, from 1947. I shared the embroidery techniques I have been using. Once complete, and pressed, I attached the yokes, joined the blouse at the shoulders, then basted in the lovely, puff sleeves, replete with … Continued
I showed you some inspiration pictures for a draped skirt and I enjoyed your feedback – thank you. I went to my evening class wearing the skirt I had made up from last week’s pattern. The inside picture is a … Continued
Today my first grandchild, Theodore (Ted) is four. I was with my daughter as he was born, so I feel a very special bond. I have seen him most days of his life and I love him very much. At … Continued
Here are some ideas for draping an interesting skirt on the stand, by Japanese designer Yamamoto. Although mainly black which, to some extent, makes it hard to see how the shaping is achieved, these are wonderful garments. They challenge our … Continued
I mentioned that, in preparing for the Under the Sea birthday party my daughter Esme intended to dress her baby, Kit, as a goldfish. He’s only one, still in nappies, and pretty intolerant of dressing up. At his own Mexican-themed … Continued
I mentioned I was doing a draping class this term, and asked for skirt inspiration. I gathered (ahem) some great ideas from you. Mrs Mole suggested a yoke and lots of fullness Jay thought a hobble skirt might provide good … Continued
I am making an octopus outfit for my grandson, and a couple of commentators mentioned the film Love Actually. I don’t want to make you late for the concert. No, it’s nothing, really. – Keith’ll be very disappointed. No, really, … Continued
There is still time to see a marvellous exhibition of Barbara Hepworth’s work at the Tate Britain. Arguably one of Britain’s greatest artists many of her amazing, large, modernist sculptures can be seen in London and across the UK. Winged … Continued