Sewing with a Plan 2016 10 – Announcing my Plan
Finally (and it has been a long time coming) I have my plan. Eventually I got out all my fabrics, measured them up (I usually buy remnants or no more than 2m if it is cut from the bolt. I … Continued
Rainshore Project Update 4
I mentioned that we are planning on calling our new home Rainshore. And, the power of the internet, I got an email from Esme, who lives there now. Her parents bought the house from my brother, James, who inherited it. … Continued
Sewing with a Plan 2016 0.9 Vogue Paris Original 1897 by Yves Saint Laurent
OK! Normally I post my SWAP progress on a Saturday. Trouble was this Saturday I had made very little progress. I was still drying my tears after the wax incident which spoiled my gorgeous washed shocking pink silk following the indigo dyeing … Continued
Sewing with a Plan 2016 0.8 Vogue Paris Original 1897 by Yves Saint Laurent
I saw this pattern – a Vogue Paris Original by Yves St Laurent, in my size, on eBay, and bought it (for £15). In all its glory – a full length evening dress, in white and silver heavy silk damask, … Continued
Sewing With A Plan 2016 0.6 – decision time
The Sewing with a Plan rules were announced six weeks ago and I have been thinking, and dithering. I had three ideas – a collection of calm, classic neutrals; a collection inspired by Vivienne Westwood with a vibrant colour palette; … Continued
Birkin Flares – A new jeans pattern from Baste and Gather
The Design and Pattern Lauren of “Baste and Gather” recently posted a pair of flared jeans she had designed and made, and called for testers. As you can see these jeans are obviously flared from the knee down. They also … Continued
Developing the draped bustle skirt Part 2
I explained in Part 1 how I started to develop a bustle back skirt using some green lining fabric. This was an interesting experiment, but I wanted to make the prototype in fabric and wear it. I am still having … Continued
Developing the bustle skirt Part 1
First version – brown Victoriana My first attempt with a draped skirt, with all the interest at the “bustle” area (or butt as Mrs Mole would say – do your brides blush?), was executed with brown corduroy. Or “corde du … Continued
How to make a Westwood style skirt pattern from a skirt block
When I was draping the skirt with the side pleat I thought about doing the same pattern but using the flat pattern cutting method. It was an interesting experiment. This is a draped pencil skirt, cut on the (non-true) bias, … Continued
Time for a bit of remodelling?
I can’t say I am a great fan of remodelling existing outfits. I had a go last year as part of the SWAP contest, and was pretty underwhelmed with it. It took forever to reclaim the fabric and then I didn’t … Continued