Making Life more Beautiful
I have two habits. First I invariably start a project with fabric, rather than a pattern. Second, I buy fabric in shops, markets and warehouses (rather than on the internet). These habits are because I am rather particular about fabric especially … Continued
I am making Vogue 1556 as part of my SWAP 2016. I mentioned this a few weeks ago and asked your advice on the length I should make – full or knee length. Most of you suggested knee length not … Continued
I wanted a nice fitted blouse for my SWAP to coordinate with my 1960s outfits. While the predominant silhouette of the 1960s is slightly boxy and shift-like I prefer a more fitted top. So shaped 1950s blouse is nice way … Continued
What is your project planning like? I am afraid most of my methods are rather rudimentary. I once attended a Microsoft Project Project Management course where the first exercise (to lull us in with a false sense of simplicity) was … Continued
Who was Biki anyway? Actually Elvira Leonardi Bouyeure was a grand-daughter of Puccini. Fancy that! She was born in 1906 and died aged 92 in 1999. She was famous for designing for Maria Callas and apparently numbered the items so … Continued
I have been thinking for ages about creating an 1960s evening pant suit. Ever since I saw the Italian Fashion exhibition at the V&A last summer. I want to look like Irene Galitzline. Who wouldn’t? I think this would be … Continued
I have a few vintage Vogue patterns – from the Vogue Couturier series and Vogue Paris Originals. Making up these patterns is a nice way to access really great dress, costume and coat designs from some of the most famous … Continued
I have a big confession to make. I won the SWAP contest in 2014 and 2015. I haven’t told many people, but of course the world of sewing is quite small and many of you found out. But that is … Continued
It’s New Year’s’ Eve! How will you be spending it? Dressing up I hope. We are eating out tonight, by the Red Sea (Aqaba, Jordan)! Anyway this post is about jeans – special, embellished, customised jeans. Since I made a … Continued
Have you got special plans for New Year’ Eve? Are you one of the lucky people invited to a black tie “do” where you have the chance to dress “to the nines”? If you are wearing a full length ball … Continued