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Are you confident to adapt clothes to fit??

I know I’m not.. I’ve been watching the Great British Sewing Bee avidly, wishing I had the skills of the contestants. For those who do not live in the UK it a contestant show where the contestants are set sewing tasks, to find the best amateur UK sewer. The first weeks tasks were to sew an A line skirt with invisible zip in 4 hrs, adapt a neckline of a white blouse in an hr, and sew a dress adapted to fit their model in 7 hours.

I had seen the program advertising for contestants and had for a brief moment toyed with the idea.. thank goodness I never applied!

Are you watching it and feeling inspired? Apart from feeling intimidated I am also feeling determined to push myself and try new projects. A book has been published to accompany the series, and you can download patterns for free here. Rather handily it includes an apron pattern, ready for the apron swap I signed up for (that’s this weeks task:))

To start with I have decided to adapt clothes from charity shops/jumble sales.
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Last weekend I visited a jumble sale and came back with a few items including this top.. which looks dreadful on me. However my 6 year old loves it.. Here goes then for a remake:)

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I started off looking at patterns, but soon became discouraged. Instead I laid out a dress my daughter has which fits, and used it as a template. Bias binding seemed the obvious choice for the neckline, and the yellow picks out the colour in the flower.

Remodelled dress

Overall I am delighted with the result, a dress for £1:) The neckline is baggy, but as she rarely wears dresses I am not too worried about this (I like her to have some dresses in her wardrobe so she has a choice to wear a dress).

Other sewing this week has been finishing those bits and pieces that kick around.. repairs to clothes, altering a dress for a friend to become a dressing up outfit etc..

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I strongly encourage you to have a go at whatever project you have been putting off for lack of confidence/time. The dress only took and hour and a half, and was far easier than I anticipated:) I love the fact that it is a make do and mend project, perfect for todays Earth Day:)

 

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Natalie Buehler (@Marigoldsloft)

Wednesday 1st of May 2013

Super dress, and great plan! Thank you so much for sharing this on Tutorial Thursdays Linky Party. I look forward to seeing what you share with us all this week :) x Natalie Marigolds' Loft

Louise @ Elsie May and Bertha

Wednesday 24th of April 2013

I have enjoyed the programme though it might appear daunting for anyone who has not made their own clothes before. I'd recommend the book, whether you have or not. I've not made anything yet (I'm going to try the tunic first), but the diagrams and instructions are clear. The dress you've made for your daughter is lovely.

vickymyerscreations

Wednesday 24th of April 2013

Thank you:) I've been wondering about buying it.. Spotted it on offer in a supermarket!

Ginny

Monday 22nd of April 2013

I am really enjoying the programme, but find the idea of sewing to time pressure truly horrific. Love your little dress - it is so pretty.

thethingaboutjoan

Monday 22nd of April 2013

After a long time of not sewing much at all, I'm working my way back to making clothes for myself. I find I can psych myself out very quickly, but once I get going, it's not that bad. I definitely need the practice though! :)

Love the redo -- especially the yellow bias! Great compliment to a great dress.

julietwilson

Monday 22nd of April 2013

what a wonderful transformation!

Juliet http://craftygreenpoet.blogspot.com

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