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
Sewing with a Plan 2016 0.3 – A neutrals collection?
Although I have a reputation for being a little bit radical with my colour and clothing choices I do love neutrals and wear them frequently. They are easy to wear for work, go with everything and can be a good … 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
Goldfish outfit for a baby
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
How to sew chiffon (based on my experience)
In order to improve my sewing techniques I decided to make a silk chiffon blouse with lace inserts, using a 1959 Vogue blouse pattern. Before I started I researched the theory. Finally I have finished, and worn, the blouse. In case … Continued
Review of Offset Warehouse (Online shop review)
Have you seen the work that has been done on the one year, one outfit challenge? Bloggers in Australia such as the amazing Sue Stoney of Fadanista, have been getting hold of local wool, knitting trousers (!) . Carolyn has been making an … Continued
Lining the Burda collarless coat
The Zara coat we copied is not fully lined. It has Hong Kong (bound) seam edges, and lining across the front. The Burda pattern we used has interfacing and lining. I looked around for some inexpensive yellow silk. “Yellow. Silk!!?” (“Brown lace“??) You … Continued
Tamotsu Skirt (Vogue 2034)
Previously I have written about “Wardrobe” patterns and “Vogue Career” wear. The idea hasn’t entirely gone away, and there are contemporary wardrobe patterns available, but the decade of the Career Wardrobe was undoubtedly the 1980s. The decade of the Power Suit … Continued
How I made up the chiffon blouse
In order to prepare myself for designing and using sheer fabrics I bought a piece of silk chiffon and a blouse pattern (ostensibly) designed for sheers. Here is how I got on. Design The pattern is my size (b34) and … Continued