………I’m dangling a watch on a chain in front of you. Pack up the fabric……pack it up and send it to little me………..are you watching the watch? Keep focusing on my words!
Absolutely lovely. I also collect inspiration on Pinterest but have yet to put it into action. Well done on realizing your inspiration. Its really lovely π
Thanks! No darts. I just limited the ease in the top so it wouldn’t be too blouson-y and used strong elastic to cinch in the waist. Now I just need a bike to pose with π
I am so jealous of your car boot h
aul! lovely dress π it’s great to read a Leeds Leeds Leeds sewing blog as I’m Leeds too! I too am utterly obsessed with sewing. see you down the pound a metre stall in the market some day!
I think i have the same closet- I keep thinking- ‘make tops, no more dresses’ but when I dig for the perfect summer dress to prance in- it’s still in pattern form?!
I really admire people who can sew with a plan , I sew to relax and have creative fun, so it’s annoying that it helps to be organised and, like, plan stuff π like Cigal I love that green dress go for it! may be you should not let yourself buy new fabric until you’ve finished yr ufos ? crazy talk!
Good points ladies. I wish I could stop buying fabric but there’s always lining to buy and then while you’re there looking at lining you get distracted by new fabric!
*Someone’s* blog mentioned on Tuesday’s she always returns to work on any UFOs in her stash. Only Tuesdays, to allow the UFOs to sneak a little bit of progress along but leaving the rest of the time for the exciting new projects she loves.
Seems like a good idea! Just wish I could remember which of the blogs I read it was!
This all very good. I saw this because if I told you it was odd, it would make me odd too. Then maybe my Singer 160, Clementine would be embarrassed by me and not want me to sing to the dressform, twiggy in front other anymore. Love the dress, very Sandra Dee!
ha ha! Sergei the serger. so much win in this post! I have no time to see this month- none! and that will drive me much crazier than sewing! enjoy turning all the yummy fabric into pretty dresses! love the fake lace fabric π
hehe Love the replacing-lyrics-to-be-about sewing thing π Good work on Vouge 8723 dress! The finished product is super cute. I have been waiting to get my hands on that pattern. I will remember to also alter the uncomfortably high neckline if I ever make it!
it looks gorgeous! there’s no such thing as overdressed at the supermarket in my humble opinion. also I think you could and totally should do that vogue. how else to learn, except by doing? PS am TOTES jealous re boning! good luck with the little green UFO
just found your blog and love it!
I am from Leeds too and love Jacks but I have not found the clearance section…might have to wander down on my lunch hour!!
I am more into crafty sewing but I do want to venture into clothes making at some point,…looks so time consuming for me though!…
you have a new follower now :o)
and also just wondering where you got the tiny serger from? I have never seen one until I saw your blog and had a search and can only see them in the US…I am just being nosey as I really want a serger but struggling to find a spare Β£200!
thanks!
Little Sergei came from ebay. I lucked out as a woman was selling off her mother’s sewing equipment and found the serger, barely used in the cupboard (still had the original spools on it threaded up).
It was Β£35 incl. postage and I thought oh god, either it’s awful or she doesn’t realise what she’s selling.
Now, granted it only has three threads so it’s as robust an overlock stitch as you can get, and you can’t do fancy things like rolled hems with it but I think it rocks!! Check out ebay and gumtree for deals!
Bet you, me and missie p have all passed each other in the market without realising.
Ooooh, I’m gonna make me some zip pouches too! Make-up, pens, cake decorating bits and bobs… I foresee many uses! Loving the polka dots btw. And the dress of course, but I already told you that with my mouth.
I love your name “almond rock” I love almonds and I think they rock!!!!!! The V1174 is gorgeous and yes totally remnds me of Dita as well. I think you will be able to tackle that pattern, boning is surprisingly easy!!
Ooooh nice! I wish my little toyota had more fancy stitches sometimes.
Also good work by your boyfriend! You’re a lucky lady.
Jim just asks if I’m going to use the noisy machine (my serger) and when am I going to make the pjs I promised him. Haha
Ooooh premier party!! I was there in spirit.
I wish the lovely Tim Gunn was my uncle/sewing mentor. And since its my daydream he’s married to Stephen Fry so I have two lovely uncles, who’d come round for awesome dinner parties!
A girl can dream π
Well aren’t you a crafty one?! Loving the ipad case. And that cheesecake does look yummy…. when I lived away from home at uni, my housemates and I would save all the GΓΌ pots for making individual jellies – we never thought of cheesecakes!
Thanks about the ipad case. If my brother doesn’t like it I’ll have to find another use for it.
Little jellies is a good idea too! God I love GΓΌ puddings mmmmm.
I love that red cape pattern. It looks a lot like a vogue pattern I’m using right now. Also I know what you mean about being scared of burda patterns. I hear so many bad things about them! I’m yet to use one …
Oh, bureau, you are so tempting! Pleats are slowly getting better for me, sunni’s tutorial on a fashionable stitch really helped me. What pattern is first in your plan?
i must find those patterns! i haven’t sewed burda for years because adding the seam allowance seems like such a nuisance, but they do lure me with those great designs. sheesh!
I do that all the time, I get myself so pumped up about a pattern and i envision a glorious finished product (especially a new one I haven’t tried) and then the kinks and issues arise and my excitement gets deflated. Just keep sewing on, odds are that this awesome fabric will be the highlight of the dress regardless of your pattern reservations
Sometimes I hate the process and we have to spend some time apart, thinking about our relationship before I can happily love a creation. Don’t forsake the fishies!
Absolutely! I often put things aside and when you come back you have a fresh pair of eyes and re-evaluate where you are going with it. Often it’s not as dire as it seems.
love that fabric!
i’m constantly amazed at how my perception of projects/fabric combinations can change – one day i have everything picked out and matched up, the next i look at it and wonder what i was thinking. walking away for a bit definitely helps me π
A while out-of-sight does wonders for (re)gaining enthusiasm….I have a hook on the back of the door to my sewing room to stash ‘disappointments’. It surprises me how often things seem to look better after they’ve had some time-out on that hook!
Thanks! I’ve re-read and I sound like I’m boasting a bit oops! π I’m really chuffed with all my sewing gear though.
Hope you’ve been enjoying the summer and doing some sewing? You mentioned you were about to finish your phd right?
Does no way sound like boasting! We would all love to be birthday princesses! Yep PhD all finished thank heavens , so just spent a blissful weekend sewing , resulting in one wadder & one piece of polka dot goodness! Woo!
I’m glad happy to hear you had a good birthday! What could be better than sewing-related presents AND cake?! I agree, I think the heart pink would look really cute as a dress! Dresses are also 100 times more fun to make and wear.
The first dress is lovely. As you know Amy I don’t sew, tried but failed, I can’t even seem to mend a hem on my trousers properly. But my mum is good and she is making me a cape for this winter π can’t wait. It has pink lining!
Oh my…what an epic…but such a happy ending! Gorgeous skirt! I was initially enamoured of download patterns but, like you, found the waste and hassle annoying….tracing isn’t quite so bad π
Despite all the trauma it looks gorgeous, all 50+ pages π
Personally I would use the hem tape or the lace tape. I’ve never used lace tape, I just hand stitch. After a bit of practice your stitch length etc becomes pretty consistent.
It’s quite a feminine girly skirt, it doesn’t scream Sporty Spice to me.
Gorgeous skirt – at first glance I thought I would download it too, but 50 pages, I just don’t have that kind of patience or that much sticky tape π
HI,
Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog! I am a very rubbish blogger and an even more rubbish sewer of late. I recently moved to sheffield as I have started a masters and I do not think I realised just how much work a masters is – and I am only half way through my second week! So my sewing things are all still packed away and I am not going to be able to unpack them until this time next year I think! π booooooooo! trying not to think about it as I will get upset! unless I could substitute sleeping for sewing….
I am getting my fix through blogs only so keep me the posts coming and I can look on green with envy!
What a brilliant save! Awesome job.
I can’t bear to touch my high school formal dress. Despite the fact it’s a shot green/blue raw silk wired hem (mullet hem no less – not too severe but it’s there) with a strapless heavy black silk top – it’s such a fashion icon of its era I’m keeping it forever as is! Yes I’m a frock tragic!!
I wore it to work a few years ago – I sort of headed up a month-long fundraising activity for ovarian cancer and blogged about it – a different dress a day for a month – and I somehow got everyone involved as we raised $5000. One Friday we had Formal Friday – so I hauled out The Dress http://1girl30dresses.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/day-23-a-year-12-moment.jpg
Cheers! I love how you’re posting in gorgeous sun and I’m too scared to take my cardigan off to show the new shoulders because it’s sooooo cold here π
I love my photographer but looking at these pics again I cringe!! I must post less blurry photos once I’ve altered the hem using my self timer. Sorry Mr Almond Rock!
I have this box in the closet that i am terrified of- it has small leftovers from all of this years work. Enough to replace a covered button or a collar but not enough to really sew, but im afraid to toss it, so it grows and grows, eek!
do you have any extra space to hang things like pattern pieces that are cut and waiting to be sewn? i’ll clip things together with a big bulldog clip and hang them from a pin on my bulletin board (great for patterns that i’m going to use again soon but don’t want to re-fold and stuff back into the envelope). or, if you have closet space, those trouser-hangers with clips on them work well for long/wide things. good luck!
I just attacked my fabric closet yesterday. I didn’t have that much, but in the back I still found the pieces for a pair of trousers I cut 10 years ago. I don’t know why I didn’t finish them back then, but now they were at least 2 sizes too small, so I tossed them. Afterwards I kind of felt like I should have hung on to them – what if I could use the fabric for something else. But really. If they have been in a box for ten years, it’s time to go!
Wowzers 10 years!!! Probably best to “retire” them. After 10 more years sewing experience, making them from scratch will probably make them turn out even better!
I hope our wonderful swap today is not going to mess up your neat system! It was really lovely meeting you today and i am so happy to have found your blog! X
I seem to remember you saying you were going to try to stay away from polka dots….. I guess that went out of the window hee hee! Oh well, I actually bought the red/white one too!
Great to meet you and what a very well formed haul you ended up with!! Will be interested particularly in what you make from the red wannabe crepe de chine polka dots, being a shopping sister!
Brilliant to finally meet you, Amy! I had so much fun nattering with you at lunchtime – looking forward to seeing what you make with all your polka dots! x
I love the glimpse of pink in the sleeves. This is why we sew – because our bodies don’t fit a ‘norm’, and because we’re clever enough to realise there is no norm. Hurrah for you!
That is such a cute top and well done for sticking with the resizing. Seems such a chore at the time but hey you now have a perfectly fitted pattern to create those lovely designs π
This is super cute Amy and you certainly nailed the fit, well done! All that hard work paid off and now you can make it as many times as you like! I love this pattern and recently bought it too, can’t wait to use it and I hope my result’s half as good as yours ;o)
Very pretty. I often have similar issues with Simplicity/New Look patterns, I find I have to go down a couple of sizes on the shoulders and neckline. But it looks like all your work paid off π
I liked Sew Iconic – but I’ll admit I’ve not made any of the projects yet. So many patterns and so little time! The Edith Head book sounds great, I think I’ll put that on my wishlist!
i have the fiskars rotary cutter and love it, i bought it as was only one that was advertised as being able to move the blade for the lefties! I shopped around, samuel taylors in town was about Β£18(i think) and the mats ridiculous, think I paid Β£12 for the cutter and about Β£2 for the mat off of amazon, was by far the cheapest! I got A3 mat, but I have only used it for quilting not clothes making.
I have asked for lots of sewing related items too…just to look at and admire until I am finished on my masters – then I hope to really get stuck in! Ordered 3 patterns from vogue while they have had their out of print sale on – such a shame the delivery is so much but still very cheap for vogue patterns π
i am so jealous of all this sewing π
Love it, crapzola is being added to my vocabulary! I love the dancing and strangulation descriptions; maybe you just got the fatal blow in first… It had made several attempts, so really it was Freudian self defence?! Ah, I’m pushing it a bit there, me thinks. Polkadot party dress of the Truffle persuasion sounds amazing!
What a lovely top! I admire your stickability re the fitting problems, but I can relate because I have a lot of them too! I recently fitted the Sewaholic Alma blouse, and there were a few muslins! But I got there in the end, and, like you, fully intend to make about a billion variations of it. π
I have Gertie’s book, and it’s fantastic (but you probably know that from all the reviews!). I think I will grow into this book, and there is just so much good advice and tips in it, I’ve already used it to draft a Peter Pan collar. Oh, and the patterns are gorgeous.
Re a cutting mat, I would go with the biggest you (or Santa!) can afford, mine is 18×24 inches, and I’m sorry I didn’t get the one that’s bigger. As for rotary cutters, I’m not the person to give advice – I’m hopeless with mine!
Argh! I guess we’ve all done it at some point though. I chopped a hole in the lining of a sheath dress that had taken forever to make. Onwards and upwards!
Oh the bodice looks great! I keep looking at the Truffle and then shying away because I know it’s going to need a shitload of work to get it to fit me. But Sarah made me a Truffle with a gathered skirt and it’s just lovely, so you could try that, and lowering the back neckline sounds like a good way to give it a bit of fancyness π
I do like the gathered skirt on yours. I love gathered skirts in general! I’ll need to cook up a new name for this dress. Wish I was a pun writer for modcloth…
i like the idea of lowering the neckline or you could add a collar or bow detail. maybe some embroidery with some sparkly beads? A nice full skirt could then me awesome for twirling!
aww thanks! yeah havent gotten round to it, but I may remake it with a proper flounce again soon. the colette patterns have really helped me get more confident with sewing. π
That bodice is looking delicious…hope you sort out a bottom half soon! I think whatever you decide on will look stunning, you can’t go wrong with fabric and lining like that ;o) Thanks so much for introducing me to the tutorial by the Selfish Seamstress by the way…swoon!!!
Oh Dear. I think at some point we’ve all done this followed by a round of expletives. Have you considered an invisible mend it’s.such a shame to waste all your effort.(www.videojug.com/film/how-to-mend-holes-in-clothes) shows how to mend holes but I used Bondaweb and bit of matching fabric with some success!
Oh mellie maybe I should give it a second chance with this kind of fix. Its worked on other clothes. I just worry with it being right by the armhole it’s gonna rip every time I put it on. Worth a try I guess
Wow! Looks like the show was great fun! I used to live in Birmingham and went to the same/similar show at the NEC. I don’t envy the crowds, but there certainly looks to have been lts of goodies there!
kasama ba ako sa blogroll mo malen? hehehe…. parang di kaya ng powers ko gawin itetch! i hope maging ma-swerte pa din ang taong 2008 sa akin…nginig!!!Merry lovely Christmas to you dear! :em55:
I find your series work intriguing. The images become symbols when presented in a landscape layout. We want to decipher them as language…thoughts…time…such energy and gesture. It is as if you have absorbed the life force of the painting’s subject and translated it to the page or canvass.
I’ve tried it for a while now. I still think it’s awful to have the titles to the right of the images. Do whatever else you want, but move the titles so that they’re above, please.
“So you wish to be my hireling? Oh, do sit! Sit! What kind of a host am I? Would you like a drink? Perhaps tranya or a fine 1420 Malt?”It suddenly occurs to me that I might want to create some details for luxury food and drink. What is more impressive, a bottle of wine or a decanter of 1645 Khefret Siaz; fruit, or fine dates from the southern hills of Al Misra?
Hi Amy
I just got back from a weekend in Harrogate and visited the show too. Stocked up on some cosy wool’s – far better for the knitter than sewer (unless patchwork is your thing) but did get some vintage French lace trims which are beautiful. Absolutely exhausted and overspent – crowds not too bad – when on a Saturday last year and couldn’t move.
so nice! love both garments a lot!!! so cute! the polka dots are really nice and the fabric looks nice and dressy! teaming it with gold shoes sounds perfect for xmas!
Every lady needs a closet full of polka dots! Am loving both the dress and the top π Perhaps some twill tape to stabilise the neckline could be the ticket with the dress bodice for next time? I have this happen a couple of times and it sucks! I can’t wait to see some more dotty awesomeness π
I love both of these, and polka dots rock!! I must make me something with polka dots. It’s interesting to read about how you sewed the sleeves on your top. I sewed the sleeves on my Sewaholic Alma’s like that because it seemed easier that way, but didn’t even think that it might be “wrong”. But one thing I have learnt about sewing is that there aren’t too many wrong ways to do something – just the best way that works for that person. And I’m all for making life easy for myself! π
Both so cute! The polka dots really suit you. I bet you wear the top lots and lots because it will go with so many things, and the dress is a knockout.
ah doll you look cracking! Lovely use of the dots. That dress is making me think of all the fabulous prom films of the 80s well the heroine sees off the meanies to rein supreme π woot!
Count me in for this. New Year resolution is to do more sewing. I keep buying the fabric, just never actually making anything. THis might give me the kick up the butt I need!
I love the idea of this pattern pyramid. Love the patterns that you are adding as well. Never heard of Prima patterns, but already have my eye on making one of the dresses if I am lucky in this round!!! So count me in please!
I am so with you on the last point – stop rushing!! I am always so impatient to get things done within stupidly short self-imposed deadlines that my makes suffer. I need to chill out and enjoy the process!
Great resolutions! I’m a new sewer, so I look forward to your posts/projects throughout the coming year. But I’ll second (or I guess third since the above comment also mentions it!) no rushing! I’m a stickler for details, so I think it will be very necessary for me to take my time!
Se convoca una manifestaciΓΒ³n anticatΓΒ³lica el Jueves Santo por la noche a pocos metros del paso de procesiones. El objeto de la manifestaciΓΒ³n, reconocido por los convocantes, es la mofa y burla de creencias religiosas, con pasos como el de "la virgen del santΓΒsimo coΓΒ±o". Los carteles y manifestaciones de los convocantes humillan una y otra vez esas creencias religiosas QUE AMPARA NUESTRA CONSTITUCIΓβN.Y a vosotros os parece una falta de libertad no permitir semejante prvo.caciΓΒ³n..o. Buf. No digo nada mΓΒ‘s porque el dueΓΒ±o del blog me borra el comentario. Pero… buf.
Thank you, herhimnbryn, although I wish you could see how Kingsley weaves his words. Elizabeth, I’m glad that this story came to you at the right time, and Jennifer, you are right – he is so deeply generous.In his most recent letter, Kingsley ended with this: “I’m getting on. More and more people offer me their seats on the subway.”Hard to believe that we’ve been friends now for probably 17 years.
There a horse running around awhile ago called, ”See You Next Tuesday” – if you read it as C U Next Tuesday, the first initials make an interesting name.
I love your green dress, and I’d try lopping some length off the fishes dress to help love it again? Hope you have a fabulous 2013, can’t wait to see what you come up with!
You have some great targets there. I would like to build up my TNT’s instead of reaching for wacky patterns that invariably do not turn out well, and I’d also like to master men’s shirts! Now I have a really good reason for that – if I have to buy fabric for hubby’s shirts, I can slip in some lengths of fabric for me too!!
I look forward to seeing your progression next year!
OLA AMIGOS EU BAIXEI OUTROS FILMES E FUNCIONOU LEGAL, MAS O FILME DO COBRA, MAS ELE VEM SEM EXTENSΓΖO !!!NA HORA DE CONVERTER COM O PROGRAMA "WINAVI", ELE DA ERRO !!!VCS PODEM POSTAR NOVAMENTEAGRADEΓβ‘O E MAIS UMA VEZ PARABENS PELO BLOG…SΓβ TEM FILME QUE OS MAIS VELHINHOS GOM3SSRT0;RSSSAUM ABRAΓβ‘O
So pleased to find your blog via Twitter! Love what you make, especially the stripy top with the exposed zipper! I laughed at your thought bubble, I think us sewers so think like that a lot of the time. Now a happy ‘follower’, Sam xox
I have been using these for over a year now and I still love love love them. So usefull! In my sewing class I learned to transfer the seamallowance bij thread-tracing around the pattern. I’m glad I can skip that step by using the seam allowance guide, it saves massive amounts of time!
Scrappy-doo was the Cousin Oliver of the cartoon world. I must admit and acknowledge that I am an eye-candy pinner. MY brotherinlaw shows up at events with recipes he’s made off of pins and I have nothing but 65 boards of glittery stuff! I considered starting a ‘I’ll nevr actually do this’ board, but it got too exhausting transfering everything to it! I want pinata cookies.
*fist shake* scrappy doo! Total cartoon nemesis. I haven’t had a look at my Pinterest board in ages… Might go have a look and see what is doable (too many home renos on my boards!) teehee
Ah, Pinterest. I’m not quite sure it’s a good idea (I have boards, but I’m not so great at using them for inspiration). I sort of use it to bookmark things, but I think it’s bad at that; it’s great for pictures. I collect pics of lovely birds!
For sewing, I’ve started “web-clipping” using Evernote, and then I can access it on my phone or any or my ‘devices’. Eek, now I sound like I’m promoting Evernote – I’m not, honest. Anyway, I like this because I have the tutorial on my phone and at my sewing machine when I, er, get around to making all the things I clipped. It’s the same problem really.
Pinata cookie is fantastic! (And I’ve gone and clipped the recipe for Fish Karahi. I’m very suggestible…)
Good luck; look forward to reading all about everything you make!
I’m very inspired by this post, I’m a serial pinner as well and man do I need to try some of the shit that I pin. I totally just pinned the horse print dress to my sewing board as well, I guess I have to make one now! look what you’ve started- actual commitment. Thanks for the creative motivation! Looking forward to your creations π
That is such a great idea!!!! What you have made from your pins thus far are all amazing, I can’t wait to see what you make this year. It is such a timely reminder to use all that we can actually create what we pin. Thanks for inspiring, Sam xox
Awww girl, so glad you’re excited! Can’t wait to see your jacket! I promise it’s not all that hard… just time-consuming! How do you feel about Daniel Craig’s Bond? My vote is that he’s the all-time greatest shirtless Bond. π
You are so sweet! You know what the ‘downside’ is of doing everything sewing related in English? I can’t explain to my mom what I’m doing since I don’t know how that stuff is called in Dutch π When sewing, I talk to myself in English π Which in my mind is pretty neat, since English is my heart’s tongue, instead of my mother tongue (does this make sense at all?)
And:
– I love James Bond, just not a fan of Daniel Craig (Bond is not blond in my mind)
– If Tim Gunn and Stephen Fry do get married and adopt you, could you tell them to adopt me too? Pretty please!
– I should be on financial lockdown as well, as we’re planning to build a house (already dreaming about the perfect sewing room) but so far, it’s not going so well. I blame my mother who keeps dragging me to fabric stores (like that is so bad)
– I do not know what shrove Tuesday is but those pancakes sound delicious! I’m going to make me some for lunch now!
Congratulations on your award and for winning Sonja’s giveaway! Lucky You! I have just discovered your blog now, so am going to follow it, very excited! Looking forward to seeing more of what you make. π
How cute is that owl? I can’t wait to see your anise either…I’m well scared of trying jackets of trousers at the moment until I’m better at the slightly easier stuff! Looking forward to see how you get on with yours, bet it’ll be great!
Well, I was just going to read this and then retweet, thinking I shouldn’t event try to win anything from you again but, oh, those buttons! That owl! The Simplicity and Vogue dresses! So, um, yeah, me please?
Oooh, love your giveaway, thanks! Yes, please enter me. All those items look fabulous, but I am making a white dress as part of my Pattern Pyramid pick and those buttons will look divine on it!
Thank you for being so generous and allowing us a chance to win this wonderful giveaway – I am loving that little cute owl, the buttons are pretty and in love with those patterns.
Oooh, that lingonberry fabric’s gorgeous – can’t wait to see what you use that for. Thanks for sharing the luck around! I’d love to win – think those mother of pearl buttons would look fab on a Mathilde blouse.
Oh you lucky and generous thing – that giveaway isn’t modest at all. I especially love the owl tape measure. Fingers crossed I can give it and your other goodies a home!
It’s really pretty, and I LOVE the fabric. I’ve just bought NL6808 too as I needed a good top pattern and everyone seems to be raving about it on pattern review. Going to start on it this weekend – hope it turns out as nice as yours!
Awesome! It is a great staple. Make sure you do a muslin first though. Read my pattern review… it took me three times to crack it. Phew. Thanks for the compliment. Have fun!
Love the top, also love that Newlook patterns are on sale at the moment Β£2.95 each. I once used a black permanent marker to colour my white self cover buttons before covering with a thin fabric. It stopped the white showing through for me but may depend on the material I guess. Only found your blog a few weeks ago but have really enjoyed reading it.
Can’t wait to hear how you get on, deadly jealous!!! Can I ask you where the Yorkshire sewing school is based, would love a trip myself as I don’t live far from Yorkshire. Enjoy yourself on the weekend x
Oh! Well she runs workshops out of roundhay or harrogate. I’ll send you her brochure! Classes are very small so you’re really paying for the close tutoring.
Love the Jaeger jacket! And don’t be too scared – you have a tutor to help you, and while jackets can be a lot more involved that doesn’t mean they’re impossibly hard – just more steps π
Can’t wait to see what you’re going to make!
Interesting post! Can’t wait to see the finished version. A Chanel inspired lbj was on my sewing list of plans this autumn but I never got to it… I think you will re inspire me!
Oh! I so can’t wait to see more posts on this! Great tip about the not serging the edges. I start freaking if they fray and overlock them into safeness. Then there is always seam bulk. Grrr. Pinking all the way!
Glad to see you back, hope things are a bit better for you. Your Mathilde blouse looks lovely. I would call it a “wearable full stop” as it’s too good to be a muslin!
Cheers Sabs! It’s a little snug across the chest but I’m still planning on wearing it until it pops π I’ll work out the fitting kinks on teh next one.
Sorry you’ve been having a difficult time lately, but it’s great to see you back! Your Mathilde looks lovely, way more than just a wearable muslin I’d say ;o)
Thanks Marie. I’m happy I’m getting back into the swing of things; Including coming to your next Birmingham meet up! I let Kat know this morning. Will be lovely to see you all again. Not sure if you’re coming to London next week?
Zach / I am inteserted in joining the United States Marine Corps. I would like to become an field artillery cannoneer and I know what score I need to obtain on the asvab. Other than getting a good score, can you give me any advice to obtain my goal of becoming a field artillery cannoneer? Thanks.
Thanks muchly (it’s a teeny bit too small on the chest so will be ironing out the kinks in the next version. Yours is lovely, I can see why you picked it as one of your proudest makes. I want to make a lighter coloured one like yours.
Thanks lovely lady! I’m getting back to my normal self which is good. My proper Mathilde is going to be in something bright and spring coloured. So in awe of your denim skills. And I bought some courduroy inspired by your kelly! xx
Oh wow, your fabric choices look amazing, especially that lace! I only live a few miles away but don’t think I make use of the market as well as I could (maybe that’s a good thing tho, I don’t have that much room in my house for more fabric)… I will see you in June, you will have to help/advise me with purchases if you’re not buying (but I bet you give in!) Can’t wait!
I love those fabrics, and I also love the stall you mean – it’s where I got my matryoshka print cotton the last time, and those women are really funny. I love Pete’s Sew Good for haberdashery as well – 5 zips for Β£2 on his stall!
Being from ‘The People’s Republic of the Black Country’ the Rag Market is a hop, skip and jump away. I LOVE IT THERE. Bargains galore. I want to go now.
Sounds like a lovely day out. I love houndstooth, too, always have. And that’s one thing we might be able to make for ourselves – I want to learn how to weave it. I’ve seen patterns in weaving books, so theoretically it should be possible.
It was so lovely to see you again, Amy! I’m really looking forward to hanging out with you again in Birmingham, too. I love that bird on wire print fabric too! x
What a lovely roundup – it was so good to see you again and I’m so pleased you felt more confident. You’re a meet-up pro now ;o) I’d never been to the V&A before either and have vowed to go back and spend a day there…utterly stunning! Also, I’m so glad I didn’t spot Lizzy’s bird print rayon at the swap, as much as I like you, I don’t think that would have stopped me from wrestling you to the ground over it. In fact, if I knew where you lived I would come up and steal it. Ahem, anyway… ;o)
It was so lovely to meet you IRL! So glad you love the birdie fabric π I’ve got a tiny bit left at home from my Alma and I think it’s going to be the lower half of a Deer & Doe Datura blouse…
Oh my goodness that squirrel fabric is TO DIE FOR! It’s the cutest thing! Can’t wait to see what you make with it. Every round up of the day I read I get more and more sad that I wasn’t there but bring in Birmingham can’t wait to see you all again π
You were the first person I spoke to at the V&A and you were so lovely and helpful it definately helped me get over my nerves at my first meet up, so thank you! It was lovely meeting you, and I’m looking forward to seeing what you make from these lovely fabrics x
oh you are so sweet! I remember talking to you and I didn’t think you were nervous. You came across very well. It’s so much fun meeting other sewists! Hope to see you again soon x
So good to meet you on Saturday! And I have great plans for your royal blue from the swap. Love the horses, wish I’d had time to go back and get some myself. Oh well, there’s always next time… And the squirrels and bunnies – love it!
Hi, happy 1st anniversary! I’m a keen follower and confess to following (not stalking) you on both WordPress and Bloglivin’
Please accept this as my entry to your fab giveaway!
Happy 1st blogiversary! (I completely missed my first one (duh!) so will have to mark my second later on in the year…) I follow you via Blogger and Bloglovin. Looking forward to seeing your MMM13 wardrobe!
Aw Amy! This is a lovely way to celebrate π I follow your blog on google reader (while it lasts) and also Bloglovin because what can I say? I must be a stalker.
Hi I found you via twitter & will be following via Facebook. I’ve been drooling over Backstitche’s new Victory patterns, I know exactly which pattern I’d buy π
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary! I follow you on Bloglovin, and I think Twitter – I’m just going to check and follow you there if I don’t already (I’m still getting the hang of Twitter)
Congratulations on your one-year anniversary! I’ve been checking out your blog for a while now and have just started following on Blogger.
Are you taking part in MMM this year? I’m hoping it will kickstart me into sewing more of my every-day wardrobe!
Thanks for the give-away and for letting me know about Backstitch as I hadn’t seen that website before.
Your dress is beautiful, hope I told you that at the meet-up…if I didn’t, I totally meant to! Was the fabric really Β£1 a metre?!? Wow! Really sorry the tulip sleeves didn’t work for you! What tutorial did you use? Maybe I should try and make the pattern piece I use downloadable for people, with a tutorial? I’ll look into that…
weren’t we so lucky with the weather for this bank holiday, sounds like you really made the most of it! I lveo your Day 2 dress and those chevron fabrics are fantastic!
Happy blog-iversary! I’m a new blogger too (well, much newer than you!), it must feel like a great achievement to get to this milestone. Following on Bloglovin π
I love the sweetheart dress! In fact all your outfits are gorgeous. The chevron fabric has given me want-it-itis! Looking forward to seeing what you do with it…
Happy Blog-versary! I’ve only just recently discovered Me-Made-May. So cross I’ve been missing out! Just started to follow you on Bloglovin and Twitter
Those little hearts are super cute. I want a dress made of this print. Also, very nice touch binding the zipper tape. The neck you could tack down on two opposing sides of the neckline to adjust it. nobody would notice. π You look great!
Cute pattern! I hate the cotton-dress-stuck-to-tights thing! I recently made a cotton dress and really don’t want to go back and line it, but might just have to!
Cute fabric, and it turned out great! I really like the width of the shoulder strap area (I feel like there’s a better word for that, but my caffeine hasn’t quite kicked in this morning)! That part is usually wider in sleeveless dresses, but the tapering is very nice and feminine.
I love your dress! I think it looks super cute on you and really suits you π
I have the same fabric in a different colourway (cream and navy ish) but I still haven’t decided what to make with it – not enough for a dress though π
I’ve seen similar fit issues to yours and out of interest looked it up (I’m a bit geeky like that!!). I have the Vogue Sewing book and it has a large section on garment fit issues and what to do with them. It has information on what might be causing a gaping neckline – from cup size to hollow or pigeon chests – always such flattering terms – and what to do about them.
Thanks for the comments π
Great minds think alike. I checked that section of the book too! Gave me the idea to add two neckline darts then rotate them to the bust to see if that helps.
I say make a skirt from your fabric. Its a bit stiff for a top in my opinion (I tried with the green/cream colourway amd it turned out a flop!) but if you make a top please share you’ll probably master it better thank me!
I love the dress!! It was a good choice to keep the flower!
I must say university wasn’t what I expected either, I had friends but when I had to take a year out after my first year due to sickness going back was really hard.
My friends were all in their final year and the people in my (now 2nd) year already had groups of friends and I never really felt like a fitted in.
One thing it did teach me was to not rely on others to introduce themselves, now I am the semi confident one who introduces themselves even though I am feeling really shy.
Also makes meet ups a lot easier π
Katrina x
Oh my god I just had the shock of my life when I saw my name! Thank you so much! The weirdest thing was that I’ve been thinking about you a lot this weekend (that sounds racy, it’s not, i promise!) as I’ve been making my very own button back new look 6808 blouse and was reading about yours for inspiration and technical skills…
thanks for the heads up about this, however I am disappointed as it seems it is not available to people who have done a free class already, it wouldn’t let me sign up for anything π
Nice polka dot umbella there, miss! And YES to the expressions – you have such a cute wee face, especially in the photo of you in the green dress! Hope you have a happy holiday xxx
You choose the most gorgeous prints! Love the birdcages. I struggled in lead up to hols trying to have me mades clean and ready to pack and still have things to wear before! Have a fab time!
Some very nice stuff in there! I have heard from a few folks that they were stressing out about Me Made. I did not join up as I realized that I simply did not have enough clothes sewn by me yet.
I would *love* to go to Liberty. My mum and Grandma were big fans – we had Liberty curtains on our lounge when I was growing up!
Have you seen some of Florence’s makes over at Flossie Teacakes? She’s made some really lovely things. Can’t wait to see what you make!
Louise x
thanks for the interesting history – I visited Liberty when I was in the UK in January, the building is amazing, fascinating that it was built from old ships!
Hi Amy, I decided to use the voucher on the Sewaholic Thurlows pattern – I’ve been WAY too scared to even think about making trousers so reckon this will give me just the push I need! Thanks again!
I’ve been to Liberty twice, but didn’t buy any fabric; also I didn’t know the facade was made from two ships! The fabric you bought is lovely, good luck with your dress.
This is a dream for me to visit the store, Must get there one day!!! Thank your for all the photos. Might have to go and buy some Liberty today – just because.
Oh my gosh I just bought the exact same fabric after spending the better part of my birthday in Liberty (and the tea room π This week-end the fabric turned into a blouse, it was a dream to sew with and is totally smile inducing! Cannot wait to see your dress!
You’re welcome Amy – looking forward to catching up with you again on my ‘sewing essentials’, ‘Fit to flatter trouser- pattern drafting’ and ‘skirt pattern drafting’ classes. Gaining knowledge from all these classes will put you well on the way to producing just what ever you want and to have a real professional and polished finish.
Understanding and having knowledge about pattern drafting allows you to be able to have patterns that fit you perfectly!!! Talk soon Gill
Amy, don’t be such a meanie…you did great!!! I love that turquoise dress you re-discovered, it’s so pretty and flattering! I must say that I felt great not participating this year…all the fun of seeing people’s outfits, without the stress of taking part. Hopefully I’ll join in again next year as I’m more confident with the clothes I’ve been making recently!
That’s some local library – what a beautiful place, and what a selection of books! I usually join my local library whenever we move house but I never got round to it with this move. You’ve given me a reminder to make sure I join when we move again next month.
Oh my stars! What a beautiful building- how inspiring and uplifting it must be!
You’re reminding me I should visit my own library, and check out what sewing books I can find there. It’s a ghastly 70s block, nowhere near as beautiful as yours!
A brilliant post! I’m a librarian and a sewer and am so glad you discovered one of the best free resources we have, hopefully your post will encourage others!!
Wow, what a beautiful place, I didn’t know this library existed! I used to love studying in the British Library…. so inspiring. I don’t think they have a fashion section though π Enjoy!
Ooo… you have planted a fantastic seed. I’m going to check out my new local library this weekend. Something I’ve been meaning to do for far too long! x
This is brilliant! I wanted to adapt this very pattern to be button back so was delighted to find you’d done the same and it looks awesome! Did you interface your button band at all, or was the fold of fabric sufficient to hold the buttonholes?
Yay. I recommend adapting it this way! As this was rather drapey rayon I decided to use a strip of iron on hemming web to stabilise the button holes and craftily stick the front and back of the fold together which massively helped sew the buttonholes but I wish I had used interfacing on one side of the fold to stop the weight of my buttons making the fabric sag which happens a little.
That make sense? I can explain further if it helps
LOVE!!!!!!!! I so loved this fabric when you posted it and think you did it total justice with this dress! Good to know about the bust adjustment. Do you have a tutorial you followed or info in a book for how to do that adjustment, I guess it’s a reverse FBA? I would definitely need to do the same adjustment (and for other patterns too) and would love to know what you did. Thanks Amy!
(And, really, you don’t know if dogs have made this or not….there are some pretty talented canines in our midst. π )
Haha perhaps the dogs are smarter than I think. I’ll email you over something for adjusting the bust on this dress and the link to Moonbeam’s sba explanation which is good for patterns with regular darts!
Colleagues sometimes just don’t ‘get it’ when it comes to awesome garments, I’m afraid! This is gorgeous, lovethe colour and the print is so whimsical!
That plane fabric is so cool, I can’t imagine how anyone could not comment on it! I love your Liberty fabric choice too. I had forgotten there was an August meet-up in London, hopefully I’ll be able to make it, thanks for the reminder!
It’s cute. I think it’s always a good sign when non-sewers don’t comment – it means you’re not wearing something that looks like it was made in a home economics class or that is a bit of a fashion faux pas!
I’m making pyjamas using a lawn from Textile Express so I know how soft and lovely their lawns are.
Oooh pajamas. They’ll be soooo cosy and soft. You won’t want to get out of them! Can’t wait to see the finished product! I’m a total convert to cotton lawn. I bet you could make anything out of it and still love it.
what a lovely dress, and the fabric is fabulous! I am always equal parts relieved and disappointed when friends and colleagues don’t comment on me-mades: they must not look too patched together, but I would like my work to be acknowledged!
You’re so right! A very fine line of “Does their silence mean I am being complimented or insulted?” I think this time it meant “Stop going on about all your bloody sewing Amy!”
Thank you! Yeeeah get cracking with yours lady. Try out my theory about not needing a fba. Perhaps my colleagues aren’t impressed with aeroplanes and I have to go BIGGER to impress them?
This is SUCH a cute dress – I honestly can’t believe that work people didn’t comment on it! What’s wrong with people!?! It was lovely seeing you by the way, hopefully see you in August ;o)
Thank you! Sorry you didn’t get your hands on the offcuts. I think after this post calling them out on it, my work mates might never comment on my outfits again, OOPS! Lovely seeing you as always m’dear x
You know I love it, I couldn’t stop thinking about how soft it was after the swapsie on Saturday! Hope you don’t think I’m a crazy stalker for copying and getting the orange version…I promise I won’t make the exact same dress!! What did you use for the lining btw? – it looks equally as soft as the planes…
God I know. I have to stop myself stroking the fabric while I’m wearing the dress or I’ll look like a lunatic! You’ll soon learn the temptation. For my lining I used a nude coloured poly crepe. I’m didn’t want the dress to stick to my tights you see. I so nearly bought the orange instead of the green, know whatever you make will turn out lovely!
Love that fabric – always on the hunt for small prints that don’t require fabric wasting print matching! I’m going to try and make it to the meet up on the 3rd and it’d be great to see you again π
Aw I’m sorry I didn’t get the chance to see this in real life, it’s so cute! My colleagues have mostly stopped commenting on my clothes too, but I think they’re just too used to me by now!
Bah they’ve just run out of superlatives for your makes. Don’t worry too much about missing out on the meet up. There’s always others and you wouldn’t have appreciated the thundering rain we got in the middle of our walk! Sure I’ll see you soon π
Love love love love love! Just fabulous! I’ve loved that fabric since you bought it and it looks divine in dress form! Feel,very proud of yourself as you look amazing in it!
Hi Amy, we got the last scrap of your green fabric on Saturday!! Phoebe made it into a bookmark for Father’s day when we got home (with a plane button she bought in the Rag Market). I couldn’t for the life of me remember where you said you bought the fabric, so am very pleased to see this post – 2m of the orange will be winging their way to me shortly!
Oh what a good idea. I’m sure that went down well. I’m glad you bought some of the orange colourway. I was really torn between the orange and green so I’ll get to live vicariously through you. Happy sewing!
Hi, it was great meeting you on Saturday and I still can’t stop thinking about and drooling over your dress and that fabirc (thanks for the link :D) Birmingham was such good fun and I hope to see you at another meet up. until then I am looking forward to following your blog. speak soon xxx
I’ve just given you a super sweet blogger award. Obviously don’t feel obliged to do anything with it, but I just wanted to carry on spreading the love! x
Great video! Even when I cant understand everything what you say. Anyway, its nice to hear there is other aspergers who can enjoy their lives middle of neurotypical people and who also like to be different.
Beautiful dress, even more so in real life! Was fab to meet you on Sat. If you want help organising an ‘Up North’ meet up like we briefly discussed on Sat, let me know! π
Your dress is gorgeous!! Your work mates clearly wouldn’t know a nice dress if it leapt up and bit them! I’m offended for you! π Also, I love your new fabric. Any plans for it yet?
Hey Amy!
So nice to meet you on saturday! it was such a lovely day and so nice to meet so many fellow sewers!!
your dress has inspired me too..! Luckily, I have local textile express (lucky, I know) so i’ll be going in there on my next trip to town!
Looks like we both picked up the lovely golfer’s lawn fabric too. i bought just enough to make my man a tie..just a bit of fun:)
I am contemplating the London meet up too..so i might see you then:)
Ex
Was lovely meeting you too! You’re very lucky to be so close to textile express, though it’s probably quite a temptation.
We clearly both have excellent fabric taste. A tie sounds fab! I’m going all out crazy with a blouse.
Fingers crossed we can chat some more in London π x
Well done! I hadn’t looked up what Ami had used for her shirt dress (it’s been a mad week) – the pattern is great isn’t it? And just goes to prove our point that the Big Four really don’t know how to style and sell their designs on their packaging!
You see – I am soooo out of touch!! Thank you for enlightening me π Looks much better on Kate than their offering. But there choice of fabric isn’t great, is it?
You’re hilarious – First Knight! My top 5 favourite films are Short Circuit 2, Clueless, Jaws, The Silence of the Lambs and 10 Rillington Place. So I think that means I like well-dressed, robotic serial-killing sharks?
Hahah love it. You need to watch First Knight many times and add “medieval” to that list! Hope you’ve been watching Hannibal. It’s been very good if you ask me.
What great fabric! I love the airplanes and love what you turned that piece of fabric in to. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the golf print! ~Laurie
Snygg bild pΓΒ₯ chtrkfluiierna!! Jag gick i samma spΓΒ₯r…..HΓΒ€r stΓΒ₯r det som spΓΒΆ i backen sΓΒ₯ lite vΓΒ€rme och hetta skulle inte skada =)Ha en bra dag.
I absolutely love your dress! Doesn’t the print make you want to throw your arms out to the sides and zoom around like an airplane? I made a top from the same fabric, and that is definitely my instinct. (incidentally, I’m posting said top on my blog later today, so pop over to see it if you’re interested).
So good to see Simplicity 2444 and with planes! I have just started my adventure with it, and have to say love it too! Yours looks fab but also in some ways good that it can pass under the radar (haha) so to speak as you’ll get a lot of wear out of it in everyday situations. And of course sewists would comment! That is obvious π
Yay for more making :). By now I learned pinterest isn’t only for pinning, and staring at lovely pictures. I’m using it more and more as the tool should be,yay!
Wow what a treat of a giveaway! I’d have to pick Simplicity 2451 as my favourite. I finished the toile and immediately knew I’d be making a few versions of this pattern. Version 1 just needs a zip and version 2 is cut out already!
Good luck everyone.
Whoooooot! I am so in love with that Simplicity Leanne Marshal pattern you bought, I think it will look fantastic on you! And, can’t wait to see your Sassy Librarian blouse. I have not started mine yet. (shame on me). π
I have a few Simplicity and New Look patterns. I’m not sure which are my ‘favourites’ yet, as I have not made many of them up. HOWEVER, I can tell you which is the latest one I have got, just yesterday, as a matter of fact, and I love it. It is New Look 6325. The blouse and skirt the model is wearing are both so cute and have little touches, like an asymmetrical scallop type hem on the skirt and the front V neck straps on the top. So cute! Can’t wait to sew this one, up, will ping you when they are completed!
I really like both of the Simplicity patterns you are giving away and the badges are so cute, as well. Fingers crossed and, thanks Amy for the giveaway!
Hi Amy, great giveaway! My favourite Simplicity pattern is Amazing Fit 1882 – it’s at the top of my list to buy once I’ve made a dent in my current stash. Your blouse looks beautiful – love the fabric, tucks and the buttons!
I haven’t made clothes from any patterns before, so I don’t have a favourite yet, but I love the look of 1652. It looks very flattering and comfortable to wear, I love the variations of them both too π Making myself clothes is one of my next challenges!
I’ve very nearly bought both 1652 and the Leanne Marshall one before. I love Simplicity 1803, I’ve just made it as my first dress and it worked beautifully and the fit was great! I already have another version of it lined up.
I only started seeing again recently and already I made two versions of New Look 6843 – it goes together so easily and makes a great basic work skirt – I am thinking if making another!
I love the patterns you are giving away – particularly 1800 and would be really really excited to win!
Simplicity 2603 is my go to for wraps. I’ve made this 4 times – that I can remember. I still have plenty more knits to make up in this pattern. It’s the pattern that keeps on giving.
I also like Simplicity and New Look patterns and don’t really have a favorite so I say it is 2812, Project Runway coats because a new wool winter coat is on my list this year.
What a great giveaway … I have a lot of favorite Simplicity patterns but the one I have made multiple times is Simplicity 2258. I’ve made I think at least 4 of the mini skirts and 2 shorts (and going to do more as soon as I have the time) …
Thank you for the chance …
Love that golfer print! My favourite pattern (to date) is Simplicity 2848 (project runway). I love versatility in a pattern fabrics, seasons, layering options, embellishments, casual to classy and this one ticks all of those boxes! I’ve made it 3 times so far..
Oooh! You picked some cute patterns. And, I’d love to throw my name in the hat for the giveaway. My favorite Simplicity pattern(s!) right now (aside from my two lovely choices here!) would have to be 2217 and 2648 from the Amazing Fit collection, and while the Cynthia Rowley pattern 2406 is a deviation from my typical, I think it’s pretty cool as well!
What a great giveaway!! Love the badge.
The last Simplicity pattern I used was 3584 for my little boy (pyjama bottoms) – I have lisette K2209 from Simplicity and am trying to find the time/right fabric to make up the jacket. I think that could become a favourite if I get it right!!
I also keep looking at the sassy librarian blouse but have yet to part with any money, as I’m worried that it won’t suit me as I’m a bit ‘booby’.
Wow how exciting! I think my favourite Simplicity pattern has to be 2116 – the PJs – as I have made it 3 times so far! However I am prepared for this to be replaced by 2444 once I finally get brave enough to get going with this dress. Thanks for the awesome giveaway π
what a great giveaway. My favorite is Simplicitiy 1803 as I have made it for my niece’s christening and hopefully am about to do it again for a wedding π
1755 above looks great, looking forward to seeing the resulting dress! I love some of the vintage Simplicity patterns – if only to admire the covers – I think I’ll go for the very versatile and summary 4976. Your blouse is also looking great – I’m enrolled on that course but am yet to start.
What a great giveaway Amy, you’re spoiling us Embassador! Um, I have no idea what my fave Simp/NL pattern is but the one I’ve made most (in my limited time as a sewist so far) is the NL6483 skirt. It’s a great work skirt but I’d love to make more stuff… Loving what you’ve done so far with the polka dots!
2588 is my current Simplicity favourite but I have to say I’m looking forward to having a fling with the Leanne Marshall pattern you’ve picked out – I can’t wait to see your version!
Hehe…love your veggie option of a tailor’s ham! Also sounds like your class was amazing, you don’t often just get to practise and perfect techniques! I too started with a 10 week evening course at a local college and I’ve done a few pattern drafting courses since then. I’d love to do a similar class to yours though!
Thanks Marie. It really helped me target my weak points which was good. I’m off on a skirt drafting course just like you did! I can never find skirts that fit well so really looking forward to it
I’ve yet to make up 2444 but seeing the versions of this online and how well crazy print fabrics work with this makes it my favourite at the moment. I’ve actually had my eye on 1800 for a whole but have forbidden myself to buy any new patterns until I have worked through some of the owns I already own. If I’m not lucky enough to win this though, I’ll be adding it to my birthday wish list in September! Loving the spotty bodice so far by the way!
My last class was the Mathilde Blouse with Tilly at Ray Stitch. I picked it because it would cover tucks, gathering, sleeve insertion and button packets. I’m on a zips course this weekend and looking forward to it.
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Very cute! I need to try more hair accessories
That is darned cute.
Thanks! It’s made from Butterick 5644 which is super easy to make and super easy to alter a little to have a square neck.
………I’m dangling a watch on a chain in front of you. Pack up the fabric……pack it up and send it to little me………..are you watching the watch? Keep focusing on my words!
Ooo looks like a tasty cake. Looking forward to polka dots. Have fun in Cambridge xx
Absolutely lovely. I also collect inspiration on Pinterest but have yet to put it into action. Well done on realizing your inspiration. Its really lovely π
I like it! I’d love to say I did something productive with the time I spend on pinterest- maybe I’ll just repin this and admire it instead!
I saw that picture on A Beautiful Mess today! Yours is a darling dress. Did you use any darts, or how did you fit the top?
Thanks! No darts. I just limited the ease in the top so it wouldn’t be too blouson-y and used strong elastic to cinch in the waist. Now I just need a bike to pose with π
I hate taking pictures- it’s torture- love your dress!
I am so jealous of your car boot h
aul! lovely dress π it’s great to read a Leeds Leeds Leeds sewing blog as I’m Leeds too! I too am utterly obsessed with sewing. see you down the pound a metre stall in the market some day!
Aww thanks! Nice to meet another Leeds-based sewing enthusiastic. Feel free to share any new good fabric shops you find and I’ll do like-wise.
I think i have the same closet- I keep thinking- ‘make tops, no more dresses’ but when I dig for the perfect summer dress to prance in- it’s still in pattern form?!
I have the opposite – too many dresses, not enough tops! But I have a very similar UFO problem π Hope you find the organisation you’re looking for.
I love that green striped dress! Finish it! It’s too cute to live its days in a closet
I really admire people who can sew with a plan , I sew to relax and have creative fun, so it’s annoying that it helps to be organised and, like, plan stuff π like Cigal I love that green dress go for it! may be you should not let yourself buy new fabric until you’ve finished yr ufos ? crazy talk!
Good points ladies. I wish I could stop buying fabric but there’s always lining to buy and then while you’re there looking at lining you get distracted by new fabric!
*Someone’s* blog mentioned on Tuesday’s she always returns to work on any UFOs in her stash. Only Tuesdays, to allow the UFOs to sneak a little bit of progress along but leaving the rest of the time for the exciting new projects she loves.
Seems like a good idea! Just wish I could remember which of the blogs I read it was!
This all very good. I saw this because if I told you it was odd, it would make me odd too. Then maybe my Singer 160, Clementine would be embarrassed by me and not want me to sing to the dressform, twiggy in front other anymore. Love the dress, very Sandra Dee!
ha ha! Sergei the serger. so much win in this post! I have no time to see this month- none! and that will drive me much crazier than sewing! enjoy turning all the yummy fabric into pretty dresses! love the fake lace fabric π
hehe Love the replacing-lyrics-to-be-about sewing thing π Good work on Vouge 8723 dress! The finished product is super cute. I have been waiting to get my hands on that pattern. I will remember to also alter the uncomfortably high neckline if I ever make it!
it looks gorgeous! there’s no such thing as overdressed at the supermarket in my humble opinion. also I think you could and totally should do that vogue. how else to learn, except by doing? PS am TOTES jealous re boning! good luck with the little green UFO
Cheers Chuck! Never fancied blogging about your sewing adventures?
been busy finishing my PhD but now that’s done I’m thinking about it! you make it look like fun! π
I LOVE Anna Maria Horner voile, soooo pleasant to the touch. I have a small amount of forest hills but don’t know what to do with it…
P.S. this is the first time I have commented on a blog post… EVER!
Yay Lou!
See how easy it is.
Get your blog up and running and I’ll comment on yours too.
just found your blog and love it!
I am from Leeds too and love Jacks but I have not found the clearance section…might have to wander down on my lunch hour!!
I am more into crafty sewing but I do want to venture into clothes making at some point,…looks so time consuming for me though!…
you have a new follower now :o)
and also just wondering where you got the tiny serger from? I have never seen one until I saw your blog and had a search and can only see them in the US…I am just being nosey as I really want a serger but struggling to find a spare Β£200!
thanks!
Oh! Thanks so much Kristy! π
Little Sergei came from ebay. I lucked out as a woman was selling off her mother’s sewing equipment and found the serger, barely used in the cupboard (still had the original spools on it threaded up).
It was Β£35 incl. postage and I thought oh god, either it’s awful or she doesn’t realise what she’s selling.
Now, granted it only has three threads so it’s as robust an overlock stitch as you can get, and you can’t do fancy things like rolled hems with it but I think it rocks!! Check out ebay and gumtree for deals!
Bet you, me and missie p have all passed each other in the market without realising.
frigging adorable
Aww thanks! π
Bitchin’ sums it right up! Love it. Back flash not as bad, if I don’t see it, I can remain in denial.
Exactly. Like it didn’t even happen. (wink)
Ooooh, I’m gonna make me some zip pouches too! Make-up, pens, cake decorating bits and bobs… I foresee many uses! Loving the polka dots btw. And the dress of course, but I already told you that with my mouth.
I love your name “almond rock” I love almonds and I think they rock!!!!!! The V1174 is gorgeous and yes totally remnds me of Dita as well. I think you will be able to tackle that pattern, boning is surprisingly easy!!
Thanks! Almond Rock is cockney rhyming slang for “frock”. And I do love frocks.
I have just linked you into my blog after inspiring me to have a go at some clothes making…hope you on’t mind!
Great dress and make-up bag crafting! Love the print of both, look forward to seeing what else you make π
Thanks! (I don’t only sew green things by the way, plenty of colour round these parts)
π
love the sewing machine! my yummy boyfriend bought me a sewing magazine (can’t remember the name) at the weekend (without any prompting or hinting!) and it had this advertised…I WANT ONE!
http://www.amazon.com/SINGER-160-Anniversary-Limited-Computerized/dp/B007CPG43I
total machine envy like i have with your post!
Ooooh nice! I wish my little toyota had more fancy stitches sometimes.
Also good work by your boyfriend! You’re a lucky lady.
Jim just asks if I’m going to use the noisy machine (my serger) and when am I going to make the pjs I promised him. Haha
oh, that machine is glorious! and i adore the monkey π
Thanks! Check out the other monkeys she’s done. Oh gosh, and the fish and the polar bear! Spigging awesome!!
What a nice post. Glad I happened upon it. You definitely made me smile.
The lion is awesome!!! And three cheers for project runway, I’m having a ladies premier party at my house tonight. Wine will be drank!
Ooooh premier party!! I was there in spirit.
I wish the lovely Tim Gunn was my uncle/sewing mentor. And since its my daydream he’s married to Stephen Fry so I have two lovely uncles, who’d come round for awesome dinner parties!
A girl can dream π
Don’t underestimate terrorpation- its a killer. This is so cute I will be tracking this pattern down!
Haha terrorpation. Good word, but it makes me think we’re under attack from terrapins?!
Cute!!! Love that color!
Thanks!
Isn’t it yummy!? Just need an excuse to wear it (outside the house) now.
Such a pretty colour! Nice job
Well aren’t you a crafty one?! Loving the ipad case. And that cheesecake does look yummy…. when I lived away from home at uni, my housemates and I would save all the GΓΌ pots for making individual jellies – we never thought of cheesecakes!
Thanks about the ipad case. If my brother doesn’t like it I’ll have to find another use for it.
Little jellies is a good idea too! God I love GΓΌ puddings mmmmm.
Epic π
I love that red cape pattern. It looks a lot like a vogue pattern I’m using right now. Also I know what you mean about being scared of burda patterns. I hear so many bad things about them! I’m yet to use one …
I hope your cape is going well. Is it red too?
Oh, bureau, you are so tempting! Pleats are slowly getting better for me, sunni’s tutorial on a fashionable stitch really helped me. What pattern is first in your plan?
I think a dress first then the cape in red just like Burda’s!
They have such great dress patterns!
i must find those patterns! i haven’t sewed burda for years because adding the seam allowance seems like such a nuisance, but they do lure me with those great designs. sheesh!
Definitely sleep on it – the fabric looks lovely!
I do that all the time, I get myself so pumped up about a pattern and i envision a glorious finished product (especially a new one I haven’t tried) and then the kinks and issues arise and my excitement gets deflated. Just keep sewing on, odds are that this awesome fabric will be the highlight of the dress regardless of your pattern reservations
Sometimes I hate the process and we have to spend some time apart, thinking about our relationship before I can happily love a creation. Don’t forsake the fishies!
Absolutely! I often put things aside and when you come back you have a fresh pair of eyes and re-evaluate where you are going with it. Often it’s not as dire as it seems.
love that fabric!
i’m constantly amazed at how my perception of projects/fabric combinations can change – one day i have everything picked out and matched up, the next i look at it and wonder what i was thinking. walking away for a bit definitely helps me π
A while out-of-sight does wonders for (re)gaining enthusiasm….I have a hook on the back of the door to my sewing room to stash ‘disappointments’. It surprises me how often things seem to look better after they’ve had some time-out on that hook!
Wow awesome! Well done you on having such a fabby birthday! Great cake!
Thanks! I’ve re-read and I sound like I’m boasting a bit oops! π I’m really chuffed with all my sewing gear though.
Hope you’ve been enjoying the summer and doing some sewing? You mentioned you were about to finish your phd right?
Does no way sound like boasting! We would all love to be birthday princesses! Yep PhD all finished thank heavens , so just spent a blissful weekend sewing , resulting in one wadder & one piece of polka dot goodness! Woo!
I’m glad happy to hear you had a good birthday! What could be better than sewing-related presents AND cake?! I agree, I think the heart pink would look really cute as a dress! Dresses are also 100 times more fun to make and wear.
Looking great!
That’s so cute. I made a dwarf rabbit called Oscar as a kid. He lived ‘forever’ even the vet was surprised at his longevity!
aww bunnies… I used to have the cleverest ( don’t everyone?)called xuxu. Its the name of a veg but also a nickname for darling. Go wonder why!
Super cute! My doggie is called honey! Can’t wait to see the bunny sewing. You rock! Xxx
love the gingham dress too! and you can never have enough scarfs!
Your bombshell dress looks amazing but not the warmest. Maybe you need a bombshell scarf to wear with it to keep your… errr “assets”, toasty too!
hahahahaha! love it! Actually If i got my hands on some fleece lining, the scrap fabric could make a nice scarf! Cheers! π
Great plans. I’m also jumped to winter sewing
You’re sewing up a storm at the minute! Awesome productivity.
The first dress is lovely. As you know Amy I don’t sew, tried but failed, I can’t even seem to mend a hem on my trousers properly. But my mum is good and she is making me a cape for this winter π can’t wait. It has pink lining!
Oooh cape! I keep wondering if I’m a cape kind of gal. You definitely are. Can’t wait to see a pic on your blog!
PS. your book binding was super cute!
Great plan, I love red wool too!
Thanks! There’s something so snuggly AND foxy about red wool
Oh my…what an epic…but such a happy ending! Gorgeous skirt! I was initially enamoured of download patterns but, like you, found the waste and hassle annoying….tracing isn’t quite so bad π
Hehe I started rambling sorry. It really is a lovely skirt, in very happy overall
What a crazy project! I can’t believe a skirt is 50 pages!!! Craziness. I’m loving the way it is looking- you can do it!!!
Oh dear – it’s a good job you’ve got some good sewing nowse… on the plus size – it looks really good!
Thank you! Going to power through tonight while I have the flat to myself.
Despite all the trauma it looks gorgeous, all 50+ pages π
Personally I would use the hem tape or the lace tape. I’ve never used lace tape, I just hand stitch. After a bit of practice your stitch length etc becomes pretty consistent.
It’s quite a feminine girly skirt, it doesn’t scream Sporty Spice to me.
50 pages?!!!!! wow. you are obvs much more patient than moi! but it is looking really good, well done you!
This actually looks pretty fantastic!
Thanks very much! You’re sweet π
So lets just eat cupcakes and skip the Henry Thomas film fest! Which would be a very short evening, me thinks!
I think it’d be an all night party with the e numbers surging through us!
Those look soooo yummy! Thanks for including me in your post! π
You’re welcome! Gotta spread the word about good baking going on in the blogosphere! π
Team Cupcake all the way! They look super delish and I could totes do with one now *snaffle* π
Gorgeous skirt – at first glance I thought I would download it too, but 50 pages, I just don’t have that kind of patience or that much sticky tape π
HI,
Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog! I am a very rubbish blogger and an even more rubbish sewer of late. I recently moved to sheffield as I have started a masters and I do not think I realised just how much work a masters is – and I am only half way through my second week! So my sewing things are all still packed away and I am not going to be able to unpack them until this time next year I think! π booooooooo! trying not to think about it as I will get upset! unless I could substitute sleeping for sewing….
I am getting my fix through blogs only so keep me the posts coming and I can look on green with envy!
p.s. the cakes look yum!
Great job – it looks lovely π
Thanks! I’m lusting after your claret coat. ooooh vintagey goodness
Now that is a save! This looks fantastic all finished up π
What a brilliant save! Awesome job.
I can’t bear to touch my high school formal dress. Despite the fact it’s a shot green/blue raw silk wired hem (mullet hem no less – not too severe but it’s there) with a strapless heavy black silk top – it’s such a fashion icon of its era I’m keeping it forever as is! Yes I’m a frock tragic!!
WOW. This dress sounds amazing. And I must say a little scary. But sure it’s awesome!
I wore it to work a few years ago – I sort of headed up a month-long fundraising activity for ovarian cancer and blogged about it – a different dress a day for a month – and I somehow got everyone involved as we raised $5000. One Friday we had Formal Friday – so I hauled out The Dress
http://1girl30dresses.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/day-23-a-year-12-moment.jpg
Oh wow. Does that mean there’s a photo? Amazing fund raising though.
Just follow the jpg link – that’s to a photo of me sitting on an office cupboard in the dress.
you look smashing!!!
better late than never indeed, and what a great way to save the good memories. it looks like it was made for you! how do you still fit it?!
(i LOVE that you went for maxi length bond girl, by the way.)
Thanks Ms Balloona! I’d love to be a Bond girl. But one of the ones who looks sexy as hell but can also KICK ASS!
What a lovely refashion, much more wearable and you look super happy in it!
Cheers! I love how you’re posting in gorgeous sun and I’m too scared to take my cardigan off to show the new shoulders because it’s sooooo cold here π
I love my photographer but looking at these pics again I cringe!! I must post less blurry photos once I’ve altered the hem using my self timer. Sorry Mr Almond Rock!
I have this box in the closet that i am terrified of- it has small leftovers from all of this years work. Enough to replace a covered button or a collar but not enough to really sew, but im afraid to toss it, so it grows and grows, eek!
Ohh I like your pattern organisation! Well done on the space organisation- love it π
do you have any extra space to hang things like pattern pieces that are cut and waiting to be sewn? i’ll clip things together with a big bulldog clip and hang them from a pin on my bulletin board (great for patterns that i’m going to use again soon but don’t want to re-fold and stuff back into the envelope). or, if you have closet space, those trouser-hangers with clips on them work well for long/wide things. good luck!
Oooh that’s clever. Maybe I can introduce a bulletin board!
I just attacked my fabric closet yesterday. I didn’t have that much, but in the back I still found the pieces for a pair of trousers I cut 10 years ago. I don’t know why I didn’t finish them back then, but now they were at least 2 sizes too small, so I tossed them. Afterwards I kind of felt like I should have hung on to them – what if I could use the fabric for something else. But really. If they have been in a box for ten years, it’s time to go!
Wowzers 10 years!!! Probably best to “retire” them. After 10 more years sewing experience, making them from scratch will probably make them turn out even better!
Amazing!! Looks phenomenal impressive job!
Thanks but yours is EPIC!!!! Blown away by that yoda head!
Absolutely amazing!!!!! You are so clever, I’m in awe!
Awww thanks! I’m not sure it’s that good but I was proud of it
That’s extremely cool! Good job!
Cheers! Maybe trousers aren’t beyond me!
That is so unbelievably COOL.
Thank you!!! π
I hope our wonderful swap today is not going to mess up your neat system! It was really lovely meeting you today and i am so happy to have found your blog! X
You all look you had a brilliant day! I love the confetti georgette (I have a soft spot for random dots!).
I seem to remember you saying you were going to try to stay away from polka dots….. I guess that went out of the window hee hee! Oh well, I actually bought the red/white one too!
It was lovely to meet you on Saturday.
Great to meet you and what a very well formed haul you ended up with!! Will be interested particularly in what you make from the red wannabe crepe de chine polka dots, being a shopping sister!
What a lot of dots!!! π Glad you enjoyed the day, it was lovely to meet you!
Yay, glad you had a good time! It was so lovely to meet you!
It was great to meet you on Saturday. I’m just catching up on your blog!
Brilliant to finally meet you, Amy! I had so much fun nattering with you at lunchtime – looking forward to seeing what you make with all your polka dots! x
It is so fun to read everyone’s round-up post π It was so great to meet you – and thank you for making me feel less geeky :p X
Awww thanks Amy for the Leibster Award π xx
This is really impressive – what a great costume.
I love the glimpse of pink in the sleeves. This is why we sew – because our bodies don’t fit a ‘norm’, and because we’re clever enough to realise there is no norm. Hurrah for you!
That is such a cute top and well done for sticking with the resizing. Seems such a chore at the time but hey you now have a perfectly fitted pattern to create those lovely designs π
Really nice and well done for persevering to crack the fit – it was worth it.
Oh I love this Amy, and the fit journey gave you a lot of learning.. It can really became a TNT for u…
Ooh so pretty Amy! I love the contrast collar…it was worth playing with the fit as it looks fab π
Such a fun little pattern- I love your contrast collar- too cute!
This is super cute Amy and you certainly nailed the fit, well done! All that hard work paid off and now you can make it as many times as you like! I love this pattern and recently bought it too, can’t wait to use it and I hope my result’s half as good as yours ;o)
Definitely still gorgeous. Worth persevering for!
Wow sounds like it was a lot if hard work but it fits beautifully. You are so clever to draft the collar.
Very cute! And now you’ve got a TNT pattern it’ll have been worth all the fitting aggro.
Super cute, the color really compliments you!
Great top. It was definitely worth the four muslins – the fit looks great!
Thanks lovely ladies. I’ve already started on version 2. Yippeeee!
Very pretty. I often have similar issues with Simplicity/New Look patterns, I find I have to go down a couple of sizes on the shoulders and neckline. But it looks like all your work paid off π
This is too cute for words- I may be forced to steal it! Nicely done on working out the fitting issues- it looks rad!
Aw this is so cute! It fits you perfectly – your effort has really paid off! X
I liked Sew Iconic – but I’ll admit I’ve not made any of the projects yet. So many patterns and so little time! The Edith Head book sounds great, I think I’ll put that on my wishlist!
i have the fiskars rotary cutter and love it, i bought it as was only one that was advertised as being able to move the blade for the lefties! I shopped around, samuel taylors in town was about Β£18(i think) and the mats ridiculous, think I paid Β£12 for the cutter and about Β£2 for the mat off of amazon, was by far the cheapest! I got A3 mat, but I have only used it for quilting not clothes making.
I have asked for lots of sewing related items too…just to look at and admire until I am finished on my masters – then I hope to really get stuck in! Ordered 3 patterns from vogue while they have had their out of print sale on – such a shame the delivery is so much but still very cheap for vogue patterns π
i am so jealous of all this sewing π
Love it, crapzola is being added to my vocabulary! I love the dancing and strangulation descriptions; maybe you just got the fatal blow in first… It had made several attempts, so really it was Freudian self defence?! Ah, I’m pushing it a bit there, me thinks. Polkadot party dress of the Truffle persuasion sounds amazing!
What a lovely top! I admire your stickability re the fitting problems, but I can relate because I have a lot of them too! I recently fitted the Sewaholic Alma blouse, and there were a few muslins! But I got there in the end, and, like you, fully intend to make about a billion variations of it. π
NOOOOO! That is such a sassy top!!! I’m focusing on your rad plaid matching skills- they are epic!
I have Gertie’s book, and it’s fantastic (but you probably know that from all the reviews!). I think I will grow into this book, and there is just so much good advice and tips in it, I’ve already used it to draft a Peter Pan collar. Oh, and the patterns are gorgeous.
Re a cutting mat, I would go with the biggest you (or Santa!) can afford, mine is 18×24 inches, and I’m sorry I didn’t get the one that’s bigger. As for rotary cutters, I’m not the person to give advice – I’m hopeless with mine!
Argh! I guess we’ve all done it at some point though. I chopped a hole in the lining of a sheath dress that had taken forever to make. Onwards and upwards!
exactly. onwards and upwards!! π
Oh the bodice looks great! I keep looking at the Truffle and then shying away because I know it’s going to need a shitload of work to get it to fit me. But Sarah made me a Truffle with a gathered skirt and it’s just lovely, so you could try that, and lowering the back neckline sounds like a good way to give it a bit of fancyness π
I do like the gathered skirt on yours. I love gathered skirts in general! I’ll need to cook up a new name for this dress. Wish I was a pun writer for modcloth…
i like the idea of lowering the neckline or you could add a collar or bow detail. maybe some embroidery with some sparkly beads? A nice full skirt could then me awesome for twirling!
Good ideas. I saw you added changing the neckline on your plans for what you might do next. You used such lovely fabric!
aww thanks! yeah havent gotten round to it, but I may remake it with a proper flounce again soon. the colette patterns have really helped me get more confident with sewing. π
Nice bodice! Maybe a contrast piping along the neckline or a detachable peplum to jazz up the dress? Just an idea π
I like the piping idea! Still unsure about peplums. Cautiously sniffing around them trying to make my mind up π
That bodice is looking delicious…hope you sort out a bottom half soon! I think whatever you decide on will look stunning, you can’t go wrong with fabric and lining like that ;o) Thanks so much for introducing me to the tutorial by the Selfish Seamstress by the way…swoon!!!
You’re so sweet. Not sure where the SS has gone lately. Not many posts
Oh Dear. I think at some point we’ve all done this followed by a round of expletives. Have you considered an invisible mend it’s.such a shame to waste all your effort.(www.videojug.com/film/how-to-mend-holes-in-clothes) shows how to mend holes but I used Bondaweb and bit of matching fabric with some success!
Oh mellie maybe I should give it a second chance with this kind of fix. Its worked on other clothes. I just worry with it being right by the armhole it’s gonna rip every time I put it on. Worth a try I guess
The bodice looks great, and the fabric is gorgeous! I agree with the gathered skirt, it would be good and flouncey.
Thank you! Twirling is an essential part of my dancing style so am leaning this way
Could you go a gathered skirt but still keep that sassy folded effect going with some ric rac or ribbon?
Interesting. Time to break out the ribbon box!!
OMG I wonder if we had that costume pattern when I was little…. I distinctly recall running about in those costumes as a kid!!!
Wow! Looks like the show was great fun! I used to live in Birmingham and went to the same/similar show at the NEC. I don’t envy the crowds, but there certainly looks to have been lts of goodies there!
I’m not wohtry to be in the same forum. ROTFL
kasama ba ako sa blogroll mo malen? hehehe…. parang di kaya ng powers ko gawin itetch! i hope maging ma-swerte pa din ang taong 2008 sa akin…nginig!!!Merry lovely Christmas to you dear! :em55:
I find your series work intriguing. The images become symbols when presented in a landscape layout. We want to decipher them as language…thoughts…time…such energy and gesture. It is as if you have absorbed the life force of the painting’s subject and translated it to the page or canvass.
I’ve tried it for a while now. I still think it’s awful to have the titles to the right of the images. Do whatever else you want, but move the titles so that they’re above, please.
“So you wish to be my hireling? Oh, do sit! Sit! What kind of a host am I? Would you like a drink? Perhaps tranya or a fine 1420 Malt?”It suddenly occurs to me that I might want to create some details for luxury food and drink. What is more impressive, a bottle of wine or a decanter of 1645 Khefret Siaz; fruit, or fine dates from the southern hills of Al Misra?
I’m going tomorrow early doors – CANNOT WAIT!
http://www.mancunianvintage.com
Hi Amy
I just got back from a weekend in Harrogate and visited the show too. Stocked up on some cosy wool’s – far better for the knitter than sewer (unless patchwork is your thing) but did get some vintage French lace trims which are beautiful. Absolutely exhausted and overspent – crowds not too bad – when on a Saturday last year and couldn’t move.
Wow, that birdcage print is GORGEOUS! I think you still scored, despite leaving the kid’s costume pattern behind.
Nice spots! I like the top particularly, I bet you’ll get loads of wear out of that.
Thanks! I wore it last night and I’m trying to rustle up some more xmas drinks to wear it again!
I love it! Love the dots, love the dress, love it all π
Aww thank you!! Spots rule π
Both outfits are so cute on you..
Lovely. On both. I’m not a fan of dots for myself but I LOVE them on other people. Maybe some day I’ll try them on myself. π
Oh I’d definitely encourage it!
I love polka dots too! Cute dress.
Thanks for commenting. Took a look over at your blog and like the ombre denim quilt you were playing around with!
so nice! love both garments a lot!!! so cute! the polka dots are really nice and the fabric looks nice and dressy! teaming it with gold shoes sounds perfect for xmas!
Thank you! I did feel glam in the satin. Great for partying
Every lady needs a closet full of polka dots! Am loving both the dress and the top π Perhaps some twill tape to stabilise the neckline could be the ticket with the dress bodice for next time? I have this happen a couple of times and it sucks! I can’t wait to see some more dotty awesomeness π
Cheers m’dear. Yeah you’re right. I think a bit more stability is required next time
Yay for polka dot love! Your dress is so pretty and girlie (and super flattering too) and your top is perfect! Good work all around!!!
Thank you Marie! Nice to use some meet up fabric too
Absolutely gorgeous!
I love both of these, and polka dots rock!! I must make me something with polka dots. It’s interesting to read about how you sewed the sleeves on your top. I sewed the sleeves on my Sewaholic Alma’s like that because it seemed easier that way, but didn’t even think that it might be “wrong”. But one thing I have learnt about sewing is that there aren’t too many wrong ways to do something – just the best way that works for that person. And I’m all for making life easy for myself! π
Both so cute! The polka dots really suit you. I bet you wear the top lots and lots because it will go with so many things, and the dress is a knockout.
ah doll you look cracking! Lovely use of the dots. That dress is making me think of all the fabulous prom films of the 80s well the heroine sees off the meanies to rein supreme π woot!
I love how this has evolved! Great additions- please count me in!
Congrats! Please enter me into the pyramid. That draped jersey dress looks lovely. π ur so generous!
Oooh! I miss the Prima patterns. I moved to Canada 8yrs ago and Prima is hard (and expensive) to get here. Count me in!
I love the blouse pattern! Count me in π
Wonderful additions to the Pyramid. It’s great to see it still going!
I love that this is still going…I keep entering in the hopes that I’ll win one!
Ooooh, nice additions! I especially love the draped jersey dress. I’d love to be in the draw for this pyramid, please! π
Oh! Please count me in. I keep hoping one of the Pyramids will make it to North America!
It is sooo great the Pyramid is still going, who would have thought. I love the patterns you have added – count me in please!
Count me in for this. New Year resolution is to do more sewing. I keep buying the fabric, just never actually making anything. THis might give me the kick up the butt I need!
Ooh yes please, count me in! I am tempted by the blouse….or the prima patterns!
I’d love to be entered! Your additions are so generous and so lovely π
Have a great christmas xxx
Count me in too! π
I love the idea of this pattern pyramid. Love the patterns that you are adding as well. Never heard of Prima patterns, but already have my eye on making one of the dresses if I am lucky in this round!!! So count me in please!
I actually quite like your Prima pattern contributions – so please count me in!
So cute dress! 4 toiles – not bad π
Ah these look great! I had a huge mission fitting the Truffle too – well done for persevering, it definitely looks worth all those toiles!
Oh, I’d like to play, too, please! I have recently discovered I love cowl necks, and would love to try another pattern.
Goodness, that’s me! I rarely win anything, so, how exciting! Thank you!
I’ve sent you an email…
I am so with you on the last point – stop rushing!! I am always so impatient to get things done within stupidly short self-imposed deadlines that my makes suffer. I need to chill out and enjoy the process!
Great resolutions! I’m a new sewer, so I look forward to your posts/projects throughout the coming year. But I’ll second (or I guess third since the above comment also mentions it!) no rushing! I’m a stickler for details, so I think it will be very necessary for me to take my time!
You’ve had a great and entertaining year! I will join you on the ‘stop rushing’ train- it would help me too!
Se convoca una manifestaciΓΒ³n anticatΓΒ³lica el Jueves Santo por la noche a pocos metros del paso de procesiones. El objeto de la manifestaciΓΒ³n, reconocido por los convocantes, es la mofa y burla de creencias religiosas, con pasos como el de "la virgen del santΓΒsimo coΓΒ±o". Los carteles y manifestaciones de los convocantes humillan una y otra vez esas creencias religiosas QUE AMPARA NUESTRA CONSTITUCIΓβN.Y a vosotros os parece una falta de libertad no permitir semejante prvo.caciΓΒ³n..o. Buf. No digo nada mΓΒ‘s porque el dueΓΒ±o del blog me borra el comentario. Pero… buf.
Thank you, herhimnbryn, although I wish you could see how Kingsley weaves his words. Elizabeth, I’m glad that this story came to you at the right time, and Jennifer, you are right – he is so deeply generous.In his most recent letter, Kingsley ended with this: “I’m getting on. More and more people offer me their seats on the subway.”Hard to believe that we’ve been friends now for probably 17 years.
There a horse running around awhile ago called, ”See You Next Tuesday” – if you read it as C U Next Tuesday, the first initials make an interesting name.
I love your green dress, and I’d try lopping some length off the fishes dress to help love it again? Hope you have a fabulous 2013, can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Another passenger for the no Stoopid self imposed deadlines here too!
Hear hear on the no rushing! Self imposed deadlines make for less enjoyable sewing! Can’t wait to see your 2013 makes, especially the jacket!
You have some great targets there. I would like to build up my TNT’s instead of reaching for wacky patterns that invariably do not turn out well, and I’d also like to master men’s shirts! Now I have a really good reason for that – if I have to buy fabric for hubby’s shirts, I can slip in some lengths of fabric for me too!!
I look forward to seeing your progression next year!
OLA AMIGOS EU BAIXEI OUTROS FILMES E FUNCIONOU LEGAL, MAS O FILME DO COBRA, MAS ELE VEM SEM EXTENSΓΖO !!!NA HORA DE CONVERTER COM O PROGRAMA "WINAVI", ELE DA ERRO !!!VCS PODEM POSTAR NOVAMENTEAGRADEΓβ‘O E MAIS UMA VEZ PARABENS PELO BLOG…SΓβ TEM FILME QUE OS MAIS VELHINHOS GOM3SSRT0;RSSSAUM ABRAΓβ‘O
Stop rushing is definitely one I can relate to! Just had a quick look through some of your other posts and your tops and dresses are lovely.
Check you and your mad skills out! That striped number gets better with every step. Loooove the matched sleeves!
Thank you! I’m hoping that trying it again post cold will make me love it more
I love both these makes – gorgeous colors!
I think I ping pong from monochomatic to super colourful makes π
Love the NL top – that fabric is gorgeous!
Cheers Helen! Bit of brightness for these winter days
That is an absolutely amazing little thingumy!!!
Ordered one as well. I hated drawing seam allowance, was always tempted to ‘guess’ it!
This is super cool! Come pay day I’m going to be ordering one!
So pleased to find your blog via Twitter! Love what you make, especially the stripy top with the exposed zipper! I laughed at your thought bubble, I think us sewers so think like that a lot of the time. Now a happy ‘follower’, Sam xox
Yay thanks Sam. Great learning about your blog too! π x
Just wanted to let you know that I have nominated your blog for some awards. I was given some awards and wanted to share the love. You can find it at http://loveteachsew.wordpress.com/2013/01/13/its-only-been-a-week-and-someone-nominated-me-for-an-award/
I have been using these for over a year now and I still love love love them. So usefull! In my sewing class I learned to transfer the seamallowance bij thread-tracing around the pattern. I’m glad I can skip that step by using the seam allowance guide, it saves massive amounts of time!
Scrappy-doo was the Cousin Oliver of the cartoon world. I must admit and acknowledge that I am an eye-candy pinner. MY brotherinlaw shows up at events with recipes he’s made off of pins and I have nothing but 65 boards of glittery stuff! I considered starting a ‘I’ll nevr actually do this’ board, but it got too exhausting transfering everything to it! I want pinata cookies.
Ooooo I might have to have a go at this. I’ve pinned loads of things I want to try but never have.
I was going to order the fish Karachi from akbars the other day but didn’t. Looks great to make.
xx
*fist shake* scrappy doo! Total cartoon nemesis. I haven’t had a look at my Pinterest board in ages… Might go have a look and see what is doable (too many home renos on my boards!) teehee
Oooh, I like the Charlotte Azou blouse – and the horse print is great fun!
Happy sewing, I look forward to seeing what you make!
Ah, Pinterest. I’m not quite sure it’s a good idea (I have boards, but I’m not so great at using them for inspiration). I sort of use it to bookmark things, but I think it’s bad at that; it’s great for pictures. I collect pics of lovely birds!
For sewing, I’ve started “web-clipping” using Evernote, and then I can access it on my phone or any or my ‘devices’. Eek, now I sound like I’m promoting Evernote – I’m not, honest. Anyway, I like this because I have the tutorial on my phone and at my sewing machine when I, er, get around to making all the things I clipped. It’s the same problem really.
Pinata cookie is fantastic! (And I’ve gone and clipped the recipe for Fish Karahi. I’m very suggestible…)
Good luck; look forward to reading all about everything you make!
I’m very inspired by this post, I’m a serial pinner as well and man do I need to try some of the shit that I pin. I totally just pinned the horse print dress to my sewing board as well, I guess I have to make one now! look what you’ve started- actual commitment. Thanks for the creative motivation! Looking forward to your creations π
That is such a great idea!!!! What you have made from your pins thus far are all amazing, I can’t wait to see what you make this year. It is such a timely reminder to use all that we can actually create what we pin. Thanks for inspiring, Sam xox
What a great idea! I might adopt that.
One of my favorite places is an acquarium. Lovely shot and the cake looks awesome.
Yay shark cake!!!! That tank of jellies is simply spectacular….
Awww girl, so glad you’re excited! Can’t wait to see your jacket! I promise it’s not all that hard… just time-consuming! How do you feel about Daniel Craig’s Bond? My vote is that he’s the all-time greatest shirtless Bond. π
I do like Craig, but didn’t like Quantum of Solace. I still think Connery’s chest rug is my fave though hehe
Fair enough! I didn’t really like Quantum of Solace, either, but I loved Skyfall.
Ooooo thanks Amy. Now to think off facts hmmmm….
You are so sweet! You know what the ‘downside’ is of doing everything sewing related in English? I can’t explain to my mom what I’m doing since I don’t know how that stuff is called in Dutch π When sewing, I talk to myself in English π Which in my mind is pretty neat, since English is my heart’s tongue, instead of my mother tongue (does this make sense at all?)
And:
– I love James Bond, just not a fan of Daniel Craig (Bond is not blond in my mind)
– If Tim Gunn and Stephen Fry do get married and adopt you, could you tell them to adopt me too? Pretty please!
– I should be on financial lockdown as well, as we’re planning to build a house (already dreaming about the perfect sewing room) but so far, it’s not going so well. I blame my mother who keeps dragging me to fabric stores (like that is so bad)
– I do not know what shrove Tuesday is but those pancakes sound delicious! I’m going to make me some for lunch now!
Congratulations on your award and for winning Sonja’s giveaway! Lucky You! I have just discovered your blog now, so am going to follow it, very excited! Looking forward to seeing more of what you make. π
Well jel of your win! Thanks for the nomination lady, loves ya xx
Congratulations on all your winnings! Lucky girl! I would love a chance to win your giveaway! thanks for the opportunity!
Well then you’re definitely in! Thanks!
I can’t wait to see your Anise!
eek! I can’t wait to make it
Can I enter? Want that simplicity pattern, looks cute! Happy giver-waying!! Xx
Thanks m’dear. Of course you’re in!
How cute is that owl? I can’t wait to see your anise either…I’m well scared of trying jackets of trousers at the moment until I’m better at the slightly easier stuff! Looking forward to see how you get on with yours, bet it’ll be great!
The owl is a cutie. Fingers crossed for you!
Well, I was just going to read this and then retweet, thinking I shouldn’t event try to win anything from you again but, oh, those buttons! That owl! The Simplicity and Vogue dresses! So, um, yeah, me please?
This is a brand new giveaway so of course you’re allowed! Good luck
Just started buying patterns, vintage patterns…would be fab to win this prize….love the jacket x
Thanks for entering!
I’d love to win π i”m vintage obsessed! π
A lady after my own heart!
Oooh, love your giveaway, thanks! Yes, please enter me. All those items look fabulous, but I am making a white dress as part of my Pattern Pyramid pick and those buttons will look divine on it!
Oooh yes your fab pattern pyramid with feline assistance! I was very impressed
π Feline assistant thanks you!
Brilliant I love vintage anything LOve it xxx
Glad to hear it. Fingers crossed for you!
Thank you for being so generous and allowing us a chance to win this wonderful giveaway – I am loving that little cute owl, the buttons are pretty and in love with those patterns.
Got to return all the good karma I’ve been getting lately. The owl needs a good home to go to!
helo, i would love to win a giveaway.I love the vintage patterns so much,real nice
Thanks for entering. Good luck!
Can I enter just for the owl tape measurer. I love loe love love owls and everything owl related!
I’m hosting a giveaway myself, so you might want to check it out π
oooh yes I saw. I talked myself out of entering because if I win I’m going to have to host another giveaway to offset my winner’s guilt!
Those black and white buttons are rather stylish, but the owl tape measure is my favourite item in the giveaway.
He is a little cutie. Or maybe it’s a her! If you win you can decide π
Wishing everyone luck who has entered so far!!
I saw this thingumy; ordered it; recieved it in 2 days; have used it ever since. I love it!!!!
You had excellent luck! I would live to enter thank you
Would love to be in with a chance to win your giveaway!!! And if I do will send you pics of finished product when I make the dresses of course!!! X
Oooh, that lingonberry fabric’s gorgeous – can’t wait to see what you use that for. Thanks for sharing the luck around! I’d love to win – think those mother of pearl buttons would look fab on a Mathilde blouse.
Somehow I missed this post! Yay! I’m so glad you like the gadget. I’ve gotten so much use out of it, too.
Oh you lucky and generous thing – that giveaway isn’t modest at all. I especially love the owl tape measure. Fingers crossed I can give it and your other goodies a home!
Oh exciting, count me in! Congratulations on all your winning luck!
Wow! What a lovely idea π Gorgeous jacket, enjoy making it.
Such a lovely giveaway, thanks for sharing! x
It’s really pretty, and I LOVE the fabric. I’ve just bought NL6808 too as I needed a good top pattern and everyone seems to be raving about it on pattern review. Going to start on it this weekend – hope it turns out as nice as yours!
Awesome! It is a great staple. Make sure you do a muslin first though. Read my pattern review… it took me three times to crack it. Phew. Thanks for the compliment. Have fun!
Love the top, also love that Newlook patterns are on sale at the moment Β£2.95 each. I once used a black permanent marker to colour my white self cover buttons before covering with a thin fabric. It stopped the white showing through for me but may depend on the material I guess. Only found your blog a few weeks ago but have really enjoyed reading it.
Ooooh that’s a good idea!!! Thanks for reading. Much appreciated π
Oh, your blouse is gorgeous! Designer quality. Congrats to the winner.
Wowzers! Your top is fab! You did a great job on drafting the button placket.
Rats! Xx
Gorgeous! More birdies coming your way in April!
I love your blouse! And yay for figuring out how to add the button band. That is very cool.
Gah! This is too cute! I love the button modification- it’s subtle but stunning! Rad work π
Thanks for the award!! it’s so nice of you!!!
Wish I was there with you sewing badly and bugging the tutor every five minutes! Have a fab time! X
Can’t wait to hear how you get on, deadly jealous!!! Can I ask you where the Yorkshire sewing school is based, would love a trip myself as I don’t live far from Yorkshire. Enjoy yourself on the weekend x
Oh! Well she runs workshops out of roundhay or harrogate. I’ll send you her brochure! Classes are very small so you’re really paying for the close tutoring.
Love the Jaeger jacket! And don’t be too scared – you have a tutor to help you, and while jackets can be a lot more involved that doesn’t mean they’re impossibly hard – just more steps π
Can’t wait to see what you’re going to make!
Sounds like you’re learning lots! Can’t wait to see it x
Interesting post! Can’t wait to see the finished version. A Chanel inspired lbj was on my sewing list of plans this autumn but I never got to it… I think you will re inspire me!
Thanks Elise! That’s so sweet. Sure you’d make a beautiful version
I was going to suggest black marker pen or black nail varnish but I was beaten to it. I really like your fabric choice (see through or not!).
Thanks very much π Nail varnish might be a winner!
Oh! I so can’t wait to see more posts on this! Great tip about the not serging the edges. I start freaking if they fray and overlock them into safeness. Then there is always seam bulk. Grrr. Pinking all the way!
True dat! My flat is covered in black fluffy threads though.
Glad to see you back, hope things are a bit better for you. Your Mathilde blouse looks lovely. I would call it a “wearable full stop” as it’s too good to be a muslin!
Cheers Sabs! It’s a little snug across the chest but I’m still planning on wearing it until it pops π I’ll work out the fitting kinks on teh next one.
This inooimatrfn is off the hizool!
How fabulous! I love your version.
Thanks Vicki π I think I might have a dangerous polka dot addiction!
Sorry you’ve been having a difficult time lately, but it’s great to see you back! Your Mathilde looks lovely, way more than just a wearable muslin I’d say ;o)
Thanks Marie. I’m happy I’m getting back into the swing of things; Including coming to your next Birmingham meet up! I let Kat know this morning. Will be lovely to see you all again. Not sure if you’re coming to London next week?
Sounds like life is testing you at the moment… keep your chin up.
Thanks! Doing my best. My little brother is a big fan of saying “chin up”. It’s a good mentality to keep to.
Great version of the Mathilde! Sorry to hear of your troubles. I hope you get things sorted soon and I send you a big hug. π
You are so sweet! Things are returning to normal again so the future looks bright for blogging, sewing, meet ups and much more.
Zach / I am inteserted in joining the United States Marine Corps. I would like to become an field artillery cannoneer and I know what score I need to obtain on the asvab. Other than getting a good score, can you give me any advice to obtain my goal of becoming a field artillery cannoneer? Thanks.
Good to see you back, your Mathilde is lovely, and I will look forward to seeing your jacket.
Thanks Lynne, I think I mentioned on twitter it’s like the reverse of your first version! The jacket is going to get some tlc soon I hope.
Your blouse is so lovely!
Cheers M’dear! Can’t beat polka dots
Love your Mathilde. Definitely too good for a wearable muslin.
Thanks muchly (it’s a teeny bit too small on the chest so will be ironing out the kinks in the next version. Yours is lovely, I can see why you picked it as one of your proudest makes. I want to make a lighter coloured one like yours.
Lovely lovely blouse. I’ve been mia from my blog as well, but very sorry to hear about your difficult time.
Thanks so much Elise! It’s good to be getting back to normal. Your Elisalex was very sexy in chartreuse I have to say π
Hey lady this is a fab most definitely wearable muslin! Hope you’re OK? Xx
Thanks lovely lady! I’m getting back to my normal self which is good. My proper Mathilde is going to be in something bright and spring coloured. So in awe of your denim skills. And I bought some courduroy inspired by your kelly! xx
Your Mathilde is looking great! I vote that the next version is made with horse print.
(Great meeting you yesterday!)
So great to meet you on Saturday! I’m contemplating the Birmingham meet up, even though I have enough fabric to last me for a LONG time
oh god me too! I think I’ll just be going for the friendly faces rather than shopping!
Oh wow, your fabric choices look amazing, especially that lace! I only live a few miles away but don’t think I make use of the market as well as I could (maybe that’s a good thing tho, I don’t have that much room in my house for more fabric)… I will see you in June, you will have to help/advise me with purchases if you’re not buying (but I bet you give in!) Can’t wait!
yippee will be great if we’re both in Birmingham at the same time! π
I love those fabrics, and I also love the stall you mean – it’s where I got my matryoshka print cotton the last time, and those women are really funny. I love Pete’s Sew Good for haberdashery as well – 5 zips for Β£2 on his stall!
It’s sooo good there. I’m pretty sure I could give up shopping in Leeds for fabric if I regularly planned Birmingham trips
love the morse code fabric! can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Thanks you! I have a plan. Fingers crossed for me!
Cor what a great array of frabrics – what to work with first!!
http://www.mancunianvintage.com
Cheers m’dear. The polka dot drew me in first π
Being from ‘The People’s Republic of the Black Country’ the Rag Market is a hop, skip and jump away. I LOVE IT THERE. Bargains galore. I want to go now.
haha yesss give in to the pull…..
I love the houndstooth and morse code fabrics. I would want to decode the morse, but I’m pretty sad that way!
haha what a clever idea!
Ohhh! Those fabrics are delicious! I love the viscose- it looks like tiny lens flares on 70s pictures. Awesome!
ohhh yeah clever. That was my fave purchase.
Sounds like a lovely day out. I love houndstooth, too, always have. And that’s one thing we might be able to make for ourselves – I want to learn how to weave it. I’ve seen patterns in weaving books, so theoretically it should be possible.
Oh wow you clearly have great ideas. Weaving sounds amazing!
Wow! Another spot to add to my sewing tour wish list!
ooh yeah get yourself there asap!!
It was so lovely to see you again, Amy! I’m really looking forward to hanging out with you again in Birmingham, too. I love that bird on wire print fabric too! x
ooooh it’s on. Like donkey kong!!x
Like a prawn that yawns at dawn.
Looks like it was lots of fun… Someday I hope to meet fellow sewing bloggers and SHOP and SWAP! ~Laurie
It truly is exciting and fun! You should do it!
What a lovely roundup – it was so good to see you again and I’m so pleased you felt more confident. You’re a meet-up pro now ;o) I’d never been to the V&A before either and have vowed to go back and spend a day there…utterly stunning! Also, I’m so glad I didn’t spot Lizzy’s bird print rayon at the swap, as much as I like you, I don’t think that would have stopped me from wrestling you to the ground over it. In fact, if I knew where you lived I would come up and steal it. Ahem, anyway… ;o)
ohh throw down!! You ain’t getting that birdie fabric off me π See you in Birmingham. Sure it’ll be fab and hilarious!
Was so lovely having you there …
you are amazing Rach!
It was lovely to meet you again and thanks for the jersey. I have definite plans for that! Hope you’re coming to Birmingham in June.
Birmingham will be a definite as soon as I book my ticket!
It was so lovely to meet you IRL! So glad you love the birdie fabric π I’ve got a tiny bit left at home from my Alma and I think it’s going to be the lower half of a Deer & Doe Datura blouse…
oooh that’s such a good idea for it. I LOVED finally meeting you. Seriously hoping we meet again soon x
Get on Twitter. Clare of Sew Dixie Lou is organising dinner next week before I leave π
Oh my goodness that squirrel fabric is TO DIE FOR! It’s the cutest thing! Can’t wait to see what you make with it. Every round up of the day I read I get more and more sad that I wasn’t there but bring in Birmingham can’t wait to see you all again π
Birmingham is going to be sooo fun! Don’t worry about london. Can’t wait to catch up with you!!
Oh, so much fun!! Good for you, so glad everything worked out so well. And, fabric with squirrels and bunnies and acorns on it????? Yes, please. π
heehee it was an amazing find! makes me feel so spring like!
You were the first person I spoke to at the V&A and you were so lovely and helpful it definately helped me get over my nerves at my first meet up, so thank you! It was lovely meeting you, and I’m looking forward to seeing what you make from these lovely fabrics x
oh you are so sweet! I remember talking to you and I didn’t think you were nervous. You came across very well. It’s so much fun meeting other sewists! Hope to see you again soon x
So good to meet you on Saturday! And I have great plans for your royal blue from the swap. Love the horses, wish I’d had time to go back and get some myself. Oh well, there’s always next time… And the squirrels and bunnies – love it!
Congratulations on your blogiversary!
Apart from following you in WordPress, I also stalk you in Twitter…
Hi, happy 1st anniversary! I’m a keen follower and confess to following (not stalking) you on both WordPress and Bloglivin’
Please accept this as my entry to your fab giveaway!
Happy 1st blogiversary! (I completely missed my first one (duh!) so will have to mark my second later on in the year…) I follow you via Blogger and Bloglovin. Looking forward to seeing your MMM13 wardrobe!
A year? Already?! Wow and congrats!
I’m a complete geek and follow via WordPress, Google and Bloglovin!
Happy anniversary
I follow through google reader
Happy Blogiversary! Thanks for hosting a giveaway to celebrate. I follow on blogger and Bloglovin’.
Happy Blogiversary! I have been following u for a while on wordpress and yup, there we are chattin’ away on Twitter. Love it!
Aw Amy! This is a lovely way to celebrate π I follow your blog on google reader (while it lasts) and also Bloglovin because what can I say? I must be a stalker.
Congrats on your one year blogiversary! How lovely to have started it in Me-Made-May too. I’m following you on wordpress and on twitter.
Hello there, happy blog birthday and please count me in for the giveaway.
I follow through Google reader and twitter.
Happy Blogiversary! I’ve literally just been on Backstitch eyeing up the Sewaholic Robson pattern! I follow you on Bloglovin’
Happy blog birthday! I follow you on bloglovin. π
you have a new follower on twitter novice with sewing but cant wait to make my own clothes looking forward to reading your blog π xxx
Congratulations on your first blogiversary! I follow you via the blogger reader thingy π
Congratulations – I follow you on bloglovin’. Have a good ‘birthday’!
Happy blogiversary! I’m a new follower as I’ve just started sewing, but I’m really enjoying the read! I’m following on feedly π
Congratulations on your Blog Birthday. I follow your blog using BlogLovin and get updates from twitter.
Congratulations on your blogiversary! And thanks for the giveaway to celebrate! I follow you via Feedly
Happy anniversary lovely! I’m following via email notifications and bloglovin π
Congrats! bloglovin
congratulations! i follow you through bloglovin.
Congrats! I follow you through bloglovin’ and Blogger.
Happy blogiversary!! Follow on Twitter and Bloglovin! Thanks for the wonderful giveaway π
Helloooo there I follow via twitter via my kindle then I go the big computer and follow BIGGER and drool ( sounds vaguely illegal)
Hi I found you via twitter & will be following via Facebook. I’ve been drooling over Backstitche’s new Victory patterns, I know exactly which pattern I’d buy π
Love these comments your followers sound fun I’m going to stalk you on twitter too π
OK doin’ it. Happy bloggerversary me dear! I follow you on bloglovin and tweeterwoo x
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary! I follow you on Bloglovin, and I think Twitter – I’m just going to check and follow you there if I don’t already (I’m still getting the hang of Twitter)
Congratulations on your one-year anniversary! I’ve been checking out your blog for a while now and have just started following on Blogger.
Are you taking part in MMM this year? I’m hoping it will kickstart me into sewing more of my every-day wardrobe!
Thanks for the give-away and for letting me know about Backstitch as I hadn’t seen that website before.
Congratulations. I follow you in Google Reader (still too much in denial to make the move to Bloglovin’ yet).
Here’s to many more years blogging.
Yay for your anniversary!! I follow you via email π
Oh i want to try tulip sleeves too! Which tutorial did you use? Your dress looks lovely. Can’t wait to see the polka dot week…!
I used this tutorial http://www.sewchicpatterns.blogspot.co.uk/2011_04_01_archive.html?m=1 but hoping Marie will set us straight on the right way!
Lovely fabric! 50s housewife is always a good look π
Heehee thanks very much!
Your dress is beautiful, hope I told you that at the meet-up…if I didn’t, I totally meant to! Was the fabric really Β£1 a metre?!? Wow! Really sorry the tulip sleeves didn’t work for you! What tutorial did you use? Maybe I should try and make the pattern piece I use downloadable for people, with a tutorial? I’ll look into that…
Thanks lovely you did say before. I’m amazed it was so cheap and not static-y at all. Please do a tute! This one was ok but just didn’t work for me http://www.sewchicpatterns.blogspot.co.uk/2011_04_01_archive.html?m=1
This is such a lovely dress, I really like the classic shape and it looks lovely on you!
You are so sweet! And next up might be some birdies π (massive grin)
Can’t wait to see! I’ve got a tiny bit leftover from my Alma that I’m hoping to squeeze a Deer & Doe Datura bottom section out of….
Clever! I have to say you might be disappointed what I’m doing with mine
Never!
Very pretty dress, and you could definitely make it in so many fabrics.
Thank you! I totally think it could work in gingham. Still unsure about wool but got plenty of time to worry about that
Love your dress looks great on you also. Fantastic job
Thanks Judy!
So lovely! This is a fab shape and fit on you! And those sleeves are so neatly set in *swoon*
Thank you! Means a lot from a dress pro like you!
Gorgeous dress, and I love the idea of polka dot week!
Thanks! I hope I don’t look cuckoo!
I loved the dress at the meetup and chic is the word. Also – a full week of polka dots? BRILLIANT.
Thank you! Figured you’d be a fan of polka dot week π
it’s a gorgeous dress (as i think itold you) – your sewing is so precise! Β£1/ m? no way! love the idea of polkadot week!
I think I have ups and down with my skills. Wish I was precise every time!
Gorgeous dress – I said as much on the day. You’ve made me re-think polyester. Lovely to meet you. Hope you made it to Libery in the end.
Was lovely to meet you too! You were great dinner company π
Your dress is fab! I love how you put the sleeves and lining in. And I say “yey” to a week of polka dots!
Polkadots are wonderful. Can never have too many!
Absolutely lovely! I don’t even know what tulip sleeves are, will have to google them. Sleeves you have look just fine though.
The name doesn’t initially match up with what they are but they are cute!
Happy anniversary! I follow via Bloglovin. And, boy am I behind in my reading!
I really love this dress. The fabric looks really lovely and fun to wear and the pattern is awesome!!
Thanks Rachel!
weren’t we so lucky with the weather for this bank holiday, sounds like you really made the most of it! I lveo your Day 2 dress and those chevron fabrics are fantastic!
Thanks very much! So sad the weather has nosedived now.
Great dressing and fab chevrons – looking forward to seeing that made up!
Thank you. I can’t wait for chevron mania either!
fab me mades! i can’t wait to see what you use the chevrons for!
I have a few ideas! Great seeing all your me-mades too!
What a great start to MMM! And I love the chevron fabric a lot!!! I’m gonna go see if they have it online ;o)
If they do I might end up buying more so don’t tell me π
The chevron fabric is outstanding, I can’t wait to see what you do with it. And I love the sweetheart truffle dress!
I think a sundress for my holidays with the turquoise for sure!
Congrats on your 1st anniversary! I’ve just moved from Google Reader (boo!) to Bloglovin’, and following you there.
Happy annniversary! I follow you on pinterest – so many pretty things…
Happy blog-iversary! I’m a new blogger too (well, much newer than you!), it must feel like a great achievement to get to this milestone. Following on Bloglovin π
I love the sweetheart dress! In fact all your outfits are gorgeous. The chevron fabric has given me want-it-itis! Looking forward to seeing what you do with it…
You’re a sweetheart. I think you need some chevron fabric in your life π
Don’t encourage me!
Congratulations!I’m a new email follower!
That is one gorgeous dress and the sleeve bodice lining bit is beautiful! You look stunning in it and the fabric is beautiful as well as a bargain!
You are too kind. Hope I get to meet you one day!
Ooh, I’ve not seen this design before – really lovely and a superb fit. You have every right to be very chuffed with this!
Thanks Rosie! I’ve been reading your blog. Lovely stuff! Though you might have elisalexitus π
I wander if I’ll still be blogging in a year! I follow with blogger.
What a year for you. Wish I had made so much in that time!! I’m following you in WordPress.
Hi Amy, I’m following you on Bloglovin’! Mai x
Happy One year! I’m a new google reader follower (I’m gonna switch to bloglovin when google forces me lol)
Hi there, I’m a new follower, but love a good blog for new ideas and inspiration! Congratulations!
Happy blogiversary – new follower on Bloglovin x
Happy Blog-versary! I’ve only just recently discovered Me-Made-May. So cross I’ve been missing out! Just started to follow you on Bloglovin and Twitter
Congrats on the blogaversary! I follow via email :o)
Hi- new follower on feedler!
Congratulations π I’m following using Feedly π
I think i saw you last night walking passed the corn exchange? I felt like a celebrity spotter! haha π
oh really! Very likely as that’s my route home π Say hello next time. I’d love to meet more Leeds based sewers!
Those little hearts are super cute. I want a dress made of this print. Also, very nice touch binding the zipper tape. The neck you could tack down on two opposing sides of the neckline to adjust it. nobody would notice. π You look great!
Mmm good idea. Thanks Leila!
Cute pattern! I hate the cotton-dress-stuck-to-tights thing! I recently made a cotton dress and really don’t want to go back and line it, but might just have to!
Maybe a slip will work for you? The logic of a slip is sound I just can’t figure out why mine was riding up along with my dress!
Cute fabric, and it turned out great! I really like the width of the shoulder strap area (I feel like there’s a better word for that, but my caffeine hasn’t quite kicked in this morning)! That part is usually wider in sleeveless dresses, but the tapering is very nice and feminine.
Thanks! I think because its more boatneck then most dresses in that style it gives a nice neck shape while still covering bra straps! Very important
‘Retroactively’ – what a great word!!! It’s such a sweet dress my dear, hope you get the lining issue sorted so you can wear it all the time!
Thanks Marie! I have some thoughts about how to conquer it so fingers crossed for next time!
Lovely dress! I used that fabric to make my daughter a dress, now I’m wishing I’d saved it for myself.
Make yourself matching dresses methinks? π
I’m a new follower via blog reader!
I am a new follower and CONGRATS on your blogiversary!
I follow by email – whoops – I forgot to say!!!
Sweetheart dress is the perfect name for this frock!
Thank you! The boy did good with his fabric choices
Hi I follow through Twitter and signed up for email updates. domesticgoddess76@hotmail.com
I love your dress! I think it looks super cute on you and really suits you π
I have the same fabric in a different colourway (cream and navy ish) but I still haven’t decided what to make with it – not enough for a dress though π
I’ve seen similar fit issues to yours and out of interest looked it up (I’m a bit geeky like that!!). I have the Vogue Sewing book and it has a large section on garment fit issues and what to do with them. It has information on what might be causing a gaping neckline – from cup size to hollow or pigeon chests – always such flattering terms – and what to do about them.
Thanks for the comments π
Great minds think alike. I checked that section of the book too! Gave me the idea to add two neckline darts then rotate them to the bust to see if that helps.
I say make a skirt from your fabric. Its a bit stiff for a top in my opinion (I tried with the green/cream colourway amd it turned out a flop!) but if you make a top please share you’ll probably master it better thank me!
I have tried to follow you, I think by email as google wanted to add you to my igoogle page not reader! Hopefully I am a new reader, sigh!
I love the dress!! It was a good choice to keep the flower!
I must say university wasn’t what I expected either, I had friends but when I had to take a year out after my first year due to sickness going back was really hard.
My friends were all in their final year and the people in my (now 2nd) year already had groups of friends and I never really felt like a fitted in.
One thing it did teach me was to not rely on others to introduce themselves, now I am the semi confident one who introduces themselves even though I am feeling really shy.
Also makes meet ups a lot easier π
Katrina x
Oh, this dress is super cute! Love it. Bummer about the skirt, but I’m sure you’ll work out a fine fix!
Oh my god I just had the shock of my life when I saw my name! Thank you so much! The weirdest thing was that I’ve been thinking about you a lot this weekend (that sounds racy, it’s not, i promise!) as I’ve been making my very own button back new look 6808 blouse and was reading about yours for inspiration and technical skills…
Congratulations Sabs!
love polka dot week! that last top is so pretty – i need to add that pattern to my list!
I am loving polka dot week – almost as much as I am loving your facial expressions in all of these pictures, you’re genuinely cracking me up! x
Polkadot week is a fantastic idea! I love all of these. π
thanks for the heads up about this, however I am disappointed as it seems it is not available to people who have done a free class already, it wouldn’t let me sign up for anything π
Oh no! Really? Did you access it through the link in the blog post? Or just go to the home page?
I followed the link, but when I logged in it changed all the prices from free to $$$…
π oh noooo. Not sure how that happened. Very sorry for you
Nice polka dot umbella there, miss! And YES to the expressions – you have such a cute wee face, especially in the photo of you in the green dress! Hope you have a happy holiday xxx
I love the green bias striped dress – pretty!
You choose the most gorgeous prints! Love the birdcages. I struggled in lead up to hols trying to have me mades clean and ready to pack and still have things to wear before! Have a fab time!
Some very nice stuff in there! I have heard from a few folks that they were stressing out about Me Made. I did not join up as I realized that I simply did not have enough clothes sewn by me yet.
Thank you SO much!! I know where I will be dragging my family after the FQR weekend in July π
Prepare to spend plenty of time exploring! It’s gorgeous
I would *love* to go to Liberty. My mum and Grandma were big fans – we had Liberty curtains on our lounge when I was growing up!
Have you seen some of Florence’s makes over at Flossie Teacakes? She’s made some really lovely things. Can’t wait to see what you make!
Louise x
Oooh really? Liberty curtains!? That’s awesome. I have a dress in mind but the number escapes me at the moment π x
thanks for the interesting history – I visited Liberty when I was in the UK in January, the building is amazing, fascinating that it was built from old ships!
I know right! So much history in there.
Hi Amy, I decided to use the voucher on the Sewaholic Thurlows pattern – I’ve been WAY too scared to even think about making trousers so reckon this will give me just the push I need! Thanks again!
Yaaay how exciting. Can’t wait to see thr finished pair. Lladybird has loads of detailed sewalong posts if it helps
I’ve been to Liberty twice, but didn’t buy any fabric; also I didn’t know the facade was made from two ships! The fabric you bought is lovely, good luck with your dress.
Thanks Lynne! How did you resist buying anything? Your willpower is stronger than mine π
Ohhh! That fabric is delish! What an awesome choice!
And how amazing is the store- so luxe!
This is a dream for me to visit the store, Must get there one day!!! Thank your for all the photos. Might have to go and buy some Liberty today – just because.
Wow!! Gorgeous building. Love the windows and chandaliers! Your fabric choice is very Jackson Pollack, nice!
Oh my gosh I just bought the exact same fabric after spending the better part of my birthday in Liberty (and the tea room π This week-end the fabric turned into a blouse, it was a dream to sew with and is totally smile inducing! Cannot wait to see your dress!
nice one aimes! π
Fun vacation and fun clothes to match!!
you look great in your little sunny ‘makes’ Amy, fab when you can wear little dresses like that in the lovely warm weather. keep sewing!!!! Gill
Thanks so much Gillian!
You’re welcome Amy – looking forward to catching up with you again on my ‘sewing essentials’, ‘Fit to flatter trouser- pattern drafting’ and ‘skirt pattern drafting’ classes. Gaining knowledge from all these classes will put you well on the way to producing just what ever you want and to have a real professional and polished finish.
Understanding and having knowledge about pattern drafting allows you to be able to have patterns that fit you perfectly!!! Talk soon Gill
Amy, don’t be such a meanie…you did great!!! I love that turquoise dress you re-discovered, it’s so pretty and flattering! I must say that I felt great not participating this year…all the fun of seeing people’s outfits, without the stress of taking part. Hopefully I’ll join in again next year as I’m more confident with the clothes I’ve been making recently!
Well done on completing MMM13. I also identified that I need skirts!
That’s some local library – what a beautiful place, and what a selection of books! I usually join my local library whenever we move house but I never got round to it with this move. You’ve given me a reminder to make sure I join when we move again next month.
Ooh my, sounds like you move quite a bit! I hope you do sign up in your new place. Maybe it’ll be a treasure trove of great books!
I love Leeds library, such an awesome place. And the Tiled Hall cafe is beyond scrummy as well!
Hells yes. The food is amazing and its such a lovely sunny spot too!
Oh my stars! What a beautiful building- how inspiring and uplifting it must be!
You’re reminding me I should visit my own library, and check out what sewing books I can find there. It’s a ghastly 70s block, nowhere near as beautiful as yours!
Oh dear that doesn’t sound the prettiest but focus on all the awesome stuff inside perhaps π
A brilliant post! I’m a librarian and a sewer and am so glad you discovered one of the best free resources we have, hopefully your post will encourage others!!
Wow, what a beautiful place, I didn’t know this library existed! I used to love studying in the British Library…. so inspiring. I don’t think they have a fashion section though π Enjoy!
Ooo… you have planted a fantastic seed. I’m going to check out my new local library this weekend. Something I’ve been meaning to do for far too long! x
Congratulations! And, what a fantastic library. Wish my local library looked like this.
This is brilliant! I wanted to adapt this very pattern to be button back so was delighted to find you’d done the same and it looks awesome! Did you interface your button band at all, or was the fold of fabric sufficient to hold the buttonholes?
Yay. I recommend adapting it this way! As this was rather drapey rayon I decided to use a strip of iron on hemming web to stabilise the button holes and craftily stick the front and back of the fold together which massively helped sew the buttonholes but I wish I had used interfacing on one side of the fold to stop the weight of my buttons making the fabric sag which happens a little.
That make sense? I can explain further if it helps
I’m very jealous! What an awesome selection. Enjoy your pattern drafting courses.
LOVE!!!!!!!! I so loved this fabric when you posted it and think you did it total justice with this dress! Good to know about the bust adjustment. Do you have a tutorial you followed or info in a book for how to do that adjustment, I guess it’s a reverse FBA? I would definitely need to do the same adjustment (and for other patterns too) and would love to know what you did. Thanks Amy!
(And, really, you don’t know if dogs have made this or not….there are some pretty talented canines in our midst. π )
Haha perhaps the dogs are smarter than I think. I’ll email you over something for adjusting the bust on this dress and the link to Moonbeam’s sba explanation which is good for patterns with regular darts!
Fabulous, thanks so much!
Hi Amy, got your email and responded to it. Thank you so much!! You are too kind.
You are very welcome π
Colleagues sometimes just don’t ‘get it’ when it comes to awesome garments, I’m afraid! This is gorgeous, lovethe colour and the print is so whimsical!
Thanks for your lovely comments!
I love this dress so much. Amazing fit. And a brilliant fabric choice x
Thank you! It’s much appreciated!
I absolutely LOVE the plane fabric!
Meee tooooo!!
That plane fabric is so cool, I can’t imagine how anyone could not comment on it! I love your Liberty fabric choice too. I had forgotten there was an August meet-up in London, hopefully I’ll be able to make it, thanks for the reminder!
Awesome. Hopefully see you there then. Thanks for your lovely comments!
Adorable! I can’t believe your colleagues didn’t give you any dress love! Love that print and the summery style.
Thank you! They’re probably sick of me after me made may
Looks so lovely – just so right for the summer just about to finish my little floral number
talk soon gillianx
Oh thank you Gillian! I’m looking forward to meeting up
Love the airplanes! From far away you might not notice but close up they’re there! So cool!
Thank you! It’s like a magic eye, the closer you get the clearer you see them pop out!
I love those magic eye thingies. No wonder I’m loving your dress. π
It’s cute. I think it’s always a good sign when non-sewers don’t comment – it means you’re not wearing something that looks like it was made in a home economics class or that is a bit of a fashion faux pas!
I’m making pyjamas using a lawn from Textile Express so I know how soft and lovely their lawns are.
Oooh pajamas. They’ll be soooo cosy and soft. You won’t want to get out of them! Can’t wait to see the finished product! I’m a total convert to cotton lawn. I bet you could make anything out of it and still love it.
what a lovely dress, and the fabric is fabulous! I am always equal parts relieved and disappointed when friends and colleagues don’t comment on me-mades: they must not look too patched together, but I would like my work to be acknowledged!
You’re so right! A very fine line of “Does their silence mean I am being complimented or insulted?” I think this time it meant “Stop going on about all your bloody sewing Amy!”
i love it! i have to get started on this dress before “summer” goes! and are your colleagues blind not to have commented?
Thank you! Yeeeah get cracking with yours lady. Try out my theory about not needing a fba. Perhaps my colleagues aren’t impressed with aeroplanes and I have to go BIGGER to impress them?
This is SUCH a cute dress – I honestly can’t believe that work people didn’t comment on it! What’s wrong with people!?! It was lovely seeing you by the way, hopefully see you in August ;o)
Thank you! Sorry you didn’t get your hands on the offcuts. I think after this post calling them out on it, my work mates might never comment on my outfits again, OOPS! Lovely seeing you as always m’dear x
You know I love it, I couldn’t stop thinking about how soft it was after the swapsie on Saturday! Hope you don’t think I’m a crazy stalker for copying and getting the orange version…I promise I won’t make the exact same dress!! What did you use for the lining btw? – it looks equally as soft as the planes…
God I know. I have to stop myself stroking the fabric while I’m wearing the dress or I’ll look like a lunatic! You’ll soon learn the temptation. For my lining I used a nude coloured poly crepe. I’m didn’t want the dress to stick to my tights you see. I so nearly bought the orange instead of the green, know whatever you make will turn out lovely!
i LOVELOVELOVE that fabric. gorgeous dress. π
Thanks very much! I’m pretty damn happy with it
Love that fabric – always on the hunt for small prints that don’t require fabric wasting print matching! I’m going to try and make it to the meet up on the 3rd and it’d be great to see you again π
Oooh yay! Would be good to see you again. I’ll tell you again in person but congratulations on your new pattern release!
Aw I’m sorry I didn’t get the chance to see this in real life, it’s so cute! My colleagues have mostly stopped commenting on my clothes too, but I think they’re just too used to me by now!
Bah they’ve just run out of superlatives for your makes. Don’t worry too much about missing out on the meet up. There’s always others and you wouldn’t have appreciated the thundering rain we got in the middle of our walk! Sure I’ll see you soon π
Love love love love love! Just fabulous! I’ve loved that fabric since you bought it and it looks divine in dress form! Feel,very proud of yourself as you look amazing in it!
Oh you are so sweet. Thanks VK! I think my smug little face proves how much I love it teehee π
Hi Amy, we got the last scrap of your green fabric on Saturday!! Phoebe made it into a bookmark for Father’s day when we got home (with a plane button she bought in the Rag Market). I couldn’t for the life of me remember where you said you bought the fabric, so am very pleased to see this post – 2m of the orange will be winging their way to me shortly!
Oh what a good idea. I’m sure that went down well. I’m glad you bought some of the orange colourway. I was really torn between the orange and green so I’ll get to live vicariously through you. Happy sewing!
Hi, it was great meeting you on Saturday and I still can’t stop thinking about and drooling over your dress and that fabirc (thanks for the link :D) Birmingham was such good fun and I hope to see you at another meet up. until then I am looking forward to following your blog. speak soon xxx
Thanks Hannah! Great meeting you too. Sure we’ll all see each again soon, it’s too much fun to not meet up π xx
I completely agree π
The dress looks great – cute print!
And I love the golfer print!
Thank you! Can’t wait to cut into it
I’ve just given you a super sweet blogger award. Obviously don’t feel obliged to do anything with it, but I just wanted to carry on spreading the love! x
How SWEET! Thanks very much Lara π
Dude, right on there brotehr.
Great video! Even when I cant understand everything what you say. Anyway, its nice to hear there is other aspergers who can enjoy their lives middle of neurotypical people and who also like to be different.
Beautiful dress, even more so in real life! Was fab to meet you on Sat. If you want help organising an ‘Up North’ meet up like we briefly discussed on Sat, let me know! π
Ooh yes I’ll be mulling it over some more as there as got to be a way to make it successful. Lovely meeting you!
Your dress is gorgeous!! Your work mates clearly wouldn’t know a nice dress if it leapt up and bit them! I’m offended for you! π Also, I love your new fabric. Any plans for it yet?
Thank you! I also loved your new S2444. Such cute fabric! Ooh yes the golfers are going to be a Sassy Librarian Blouse!
Hey Amy!
So nice to meet you on saturday! it was such a lovely day and so nice to meet so many fellow sewers!!
your dress has inspired me too..! Luckily, I have local textile express (lucky, I know) so i’ll be going in there on my next trip to town!
Looks like we both picked up the lovely golfer’s lawn fabric too. i bought just enough to make my man a tie..just a bit of fun:)
I am contemplating the London meet up too..so i might see you then:)
Ex
Was lovely meeting you too! You’re very lucky to be so close to textile express, though it’s probably quite a temptation.
We clearly both have excellent fabric taste. A tie sounds fab! I’m going all out crazy with a blouse.
Fingers crossed we can chat some more in London π x
Well done! I hadn’t looked up what Ami had used for her shirt dress (it’s been a mad week) – the pattern is great isn’t it? And just goes to prove our point that the Big Four really don’t know how to style and sell their designs on their packaging!
Ahh well interestingly I think they had a plan for the pattern. See that yellow dress? They released this pattern not long after this pic popped into the world….
http://www.youngmarriedchic.com/2011/07/just-cant-get-enough/kate-middleton-yellow-dress-image-1-950334230/
Not sure what’s going on with the crazy coloured wrap dress though!
You see – I am soooo out of touch!! Thank you for enlightening me π Looks much better on Kate than their offering. But there choice of fabric isn’t great, is it?
PS. I emailed her before she’d even blogged it to pester her for a pattern number! She’s soooo cute!
You’re hilarious – First Knight! My top 5 favourite films are Short Circuit 2, Clueless, Jaws, The Silence of the Lambs and 10 Rillington Place. So I think that means I like well-dressed, robotic serial-killing sharks?
Hahah love it. You need to watch First Knight many times and add “medieval” to that list! Hope you’ve been watching Hannibal. It’s been very good if you ask me.
Love your zatchel, I nearly bought it! But decided to go with an old school distressed leather one instead. We might have been satchel twins as well!
Congrats! And you SHOULD blow your own horn… It is well deserved! ~Laurie
What great fabric! I love the airplanes and love what you turned that piece of fabric in to. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the golf print! ~Laurie
Snygg bild pΓΒ₯ chtrkfluiierna!! Jag gick i samma spΓΒ₯r…..HΓΒ€r stΓΒ₯r det som spΓΒΆ i backen sΓΒ₯ lite vΓΒ€rme och hetta skulle inte skada =)Ha en bra dag.
Yay nice plane print! Yes it takes a sewist to see the details π
WOW the patterns really do travel far!!! I am in Australia! That’s some more global coverage π
I absolutely love your dress! Doesn’t the print make you want to throw your arms out to the sides and zoom around like an airplane? I made a top from the same fabric, and that is definitely my instinct. (incidentally, I’m posting said top on my blog later today, so pop over to see it if you’re interested).
Hi Amy, it was lovely to meet you again in Birmingham – glad you liked the cookies!
(Let me know if you ever want the recipe.)
Claire π
So good to see Simplicity 2444 and with planes! I have just started my adventure with it, and have to say love it too! Yours looks fab but also in some ways good that it can pass under the radar (haha) so to speak as you’ll get a lot of wear out of it in everyday situations. And of course sewists would comment! That is obvious π
What beautifull dress!
Yay for more making :). By now I learned pinterest isn’t only for pinning, and staring at lovely pictures. I’m using it more and more as the tool should be,yay!
Wow what a treat of a giveaway! I’d have to pick Simplicity 2451 as my favourite. I finished the toile and immediately knew I’d be making a few versions of this pattern. Version 1 just needs a zip and version 2 is cut out already!
Good luck everyone.
Whoooooot! I am so in love with that Simplicity Leanne Marshal pattern you bought, I think it will look fantastic on you! And, can’t wait to see your Sassy Librarian blouse. I have not started mine yet. (shame on me). π
I have a few Simplicity and New Look patterns. I’m not sure which are my ‘favourites’ yet, as I have not made many of them up. HOWEVER, I can tell you which is the latest one I have got, just yesterday, as a matter of fact, and I love it. It is New Look 6325. The blouse and skirt the model is wearing are both so cute and have little touches, like an asymmetrical scallop type hem on the skirt and the front V neck straps on the top. So cute! Can’t wait to sew this one, up, will ping you when they are completed!
I really like both of the Simplicity patterns you are giving away and the badges are so cute, as well. Fingers crossed and, thanks Amy for the giveaway!
Hi Amy, great giveaway! My favourite Simplicity pattern is Amazing Fit 1882 – it’s at the top of my list to buy once I’ve made a dent in my current stash. Your blouse looks beautiful – love the fabric, tucks and the buttons!
Great patterns – especially the Simplicity 1652 – love the badge too , thanks!
I haven’t made clothes from any patterns before, so I don’t have a favourite yet, but I love the look of 1652. It looks very flattering and comfortable to wear, I love the variations of them both too π Making myself clothes is one of my next challenges!
I love the patterns you received, especially the Leanne Marshall one. One of my favourite Simplicity patterns is 4070 but I haven’t made it!
I love new look/simplicity patterns. I just made my daughters prom dress from 6773. She was the belle of the ball
I don’t think I’ve ever tried a Simplicity but loving the 1652 because it comes in my size (yey)!
Loving your new look spotty fabric!
X
I’ve very nearly bought both 1652 and the Leanne Marshall one before. I love Simplicity 1803, I’ve just made it as my first dress and it worked beautifully and the fit was great! I already have another version of it lined up.
I only started seeing again recently and already I made two versions of New Look 6843 – it goes together so easily and makes a great basic work skirt – I am thinking if making another!
I love the patterns you are giving away – particularly 1800 and would be really really excited to win!
Louise
I am about to start my third skirt from new look 6843 – it is a really great basic skirt pattern that goes together very easily
Love the giveaway patterns – particularly 1800
Louise
Simplicity 2603 is my go to for wraps. I’ve made this 4 times – that I can remember. I still have plenty more knits to make up in this pattern. It’s the pattern that keeps on giving.
I also like Simplicity and New Look patterns and don’t really have a favorite so I say it is 2812, Project Runway coats because a new wool winter coat is on my list this year.
What a great giveaway … I have a lot of favorite Simplicity patterns but the one I have made multiple times is Simplicity 2258. I’ve made I think at least 4 of the mini skirts and 2 shorts (and going to do more as soon as I have the time) …
Thank you for the chance …
Love that golfer print! My favourite pattern (to date) is Simplicity 2848 (project runway). I love versatility in a pattern fabrics, seasons, layering options, embellishments, casual to classy and this one ticks all of those boxes! I’ve made it 3 times so far..
Gorgeous patterns. my favourite would have to 2217 I love their amazing fit!
Oooh! You picked some cute patterns. And, I’d love to throw my name in the hat for the giveaway. My favorite Simplicity pattern(s!) right now (aside from my two lovely choices here!) would have to be 2217 and 2648 from the Amazing Fit collection, and while the Cynthia Rowley pattern 2406 is a deviation from my typical, I think it’s pretty cool as well!
What a great giveaway!! Love the badge.
The last Simplicity pattern I used was 3584 for my little boy (pyjama bottoms) – I have lisette K2209 from Simplicity and am trying to find the time/right fabric to make up the jacket. I think that could become a favourite if I get it right!!
I also keep looking at the sassy librarian blouse but have yet to part with any money, as I’m worried that it won’t suit me as I’m a bit ‘booby’.
Congrats on your awards! I think a shirtdress will look lovely on you!
Wow how exciting! I think my favourite Simplicity pattern has to be 2116 – the PJs – as I have made it 3 times so far! However I am prepared for this to be replaced by 2444 once I finally get brave enough to get going with this dress. Thanks for the awesome giveaway π
what a great giveaway. My favorite is Simplicitiy 1803 as I have made it for my niece’s christening and hopefully am about to do it again for a wedding π
1755 above looks great, looking forward to seeing the resulting dress! I love some of the vintage Simplicity patterns – if only to admire the covers – I think I’ll go for the very versatile and summary 4976. Your blouse is also looking great – I’m enrolled on that course but am yet to start.
What a great giveaway Amy, you’re spoiling us Embassador! Um, I have no idea what my fave Simp/NL pattern is but the one I’ve made most (in my limited time as a sewist so far) is the NL6483 skirt. It’s a great work skirt but I’d love to make more stuff… Loving what you’ve done so far with the polka dots!
What a fun giveaway…Simplicity 2443 absolutely. I can’t wait to make another. Love your librarian blouse fabric by the way!
2588 is my current Simplicity favourite but I have to say I’m looking forward to having a fling with the Leanne Marshall pattern you’ve picked out – I can’t wait to see your version!
Hehe…love your veggie option of a tailor’s ham! Also sounds like your class was amazing, you don’t often just get to practise and perfect techniques! I too started with a 10 week evening course at a local college and I’ve done a few pattern drafting courses since then. I’d love to do a similar class to yours though!
Thanks Marie. It really helped me target my weak points which was good. I’m off on a skirt drafting course just like you did! I can never find skirts that fit well so really looking forward to it
I’ve yet to make up 2444 but seeing the versions of this online and how well crazy print fabrics work with this makes it my favourite at the moment. I’ve actually had my eye on 1800 for a whole but have forbidden myself to buy any new patterns until I have worked through some of the owns I already own. If I’m not lucky enough to win this though, I’ll be adding it to my birthday wish list in September! Loving the spotty bodice so far by the way!
My last class was the Mathilde Blouse with Tilly at Ray Stitch. I picked it because it would cover tucks, gathering, sleeve insertion and button packets. I’m on a zips course this weekend and looking forward to it.
Ooh yeah that’s a good blouse to learn a lot from. And being at ray stitch must have been fun. Can’t wait to hear about your zip course!