My Indigo Dyeing weekend
The story is quite funny really. As you know I have been testing the Birkin Jeans, which call for stretch denim. There is all manner of denim available in shops and on the internet but I could not find what … Continued
Sewing with a Plan 2016 0.5 – the Sweet Pea collection
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
The Fabric of India at the Victoria and Albert Museum
If you like fabric – woven, embroidered, block printed, dyed; silk, cotton, wool; ancient, Victorian or modern; made into clothes, shawls, wall hangings, carpets or tents; if you love colour and India – this is a marvellous exhibition which I … Continued
Guest blog: Rachel Hearn’s new colour palette, and working wardrobe
In July I went shopping with Rachel in Hackney. As you can see she was wearing a black and white ensemble. She is an architect, so something graphic is de rigeur. But while shopping I observed that she might suit … Continued
New, Improved, Crowd-sourced Vogue 7133 dress
I often make up garments twice, or more often. If a garment suits you and fits well, why not make it again? I think this is especially the case when you have done a whole set of alterations to make … Continued
Improving the Vogue 7133 Kimono sleeved dress
I presented my pink two-tone 1967 shift dress, and explained it was unwearable due to my following the instructions and underlining it with silk organza. As Lynn Malley noted, it felt like a hair shirt. Well not quite that bad, but … Continued
Draping on the Stand 0.6 – The halter neck dress
Halter necked dresses, blouses and swimwear are such summertime staples, so I draped one, avoiding a side seam. I created the bodice from just two pieces relying on a princess seam line across the bust point. The two pieces of … Continued
Vogue 7133 – making up the dress
In a previous post I used this dress pattern as an example of what it makes sense to do before you start to actually make a garment. Having written the post I thought I might as well make the dress. … Continued
Hackney fabric shopping with Rachel
Remember Rachel? She designed my Fabrickated logo. She is such a talented young woman who excels at making things. Last time I met her she was in a lovely linen blouse. She had bought the fabric from a warehouse near … Continued
Ten things you must do before you start sewing
The key to success in making your own clothes is to make the right styles, that fit you well, in the right fabric. I never, ever, just pick up a pattern, pull it out and start making it up “straight … Continued