Making Life more Beautiful
I have spent a couple of weeks draping over understructures and found it hard work. I wanted something dramatic, but also wanted something wearable. First here is my minimalist understructure – I created a couple of “croissants” (left). I made … Continued
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
I just knew it! It is very, very hard in November – when the trees turn yellow and brown, and the nights are drawing in, when it is dark and cold in London (and snowing in Lancashire) – to turn … Continued
I am slightly behind in that I have not completed the asymmetric wrap round skirt with flounce. Because the term is coming to a close I have moved on to the final project – the under-structured skirt. I very often find … Continued
This marvellous 1993 Mario Testino photograph of Christy Turlington, dressed head to toe in Vivienne Westwood, is so evocative, beautiful and brilliant. The stripey feather in the soft, shapely cap; the stick she holds at another angle; the mad jazz … Continued
On a recent trip to Bilbao we saw three or four small shops where you can learn to sew. In one there was even a class going on. So the trend that is already evident in London, and elsewhere no … 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
I made a nice halter neck top, using an old 1992 magazine pattern. I thought it was a really fun look and enjoyed wearing it to the Globe, open air theatre. I had around 65cms left and wondered if I … Continued
My first lace skirt came to a very sorry end. I caught the skirt on a drawer handle. The Dinosaurs are extinct. However I got the lace bug and decided to have another go. Pattern The previous copy of a RTW … Continued
I associate halter necks with Princess Diana, who looked amazing in them. They can minimise large squarish shoulders. My shoulders are squarish but not so large. I don’t mind showing my back – it somehow seems less indecent than cleavage … Continued