I have recently joined a Facebook group which sets itself sewing challenges, the first challenge I am joining in with is sewing a dress. It is a long time since I sewed an item of clothing for myself – in fact it was in my school days studying GCSE needlework (20 + years ago!). I gave up dressmaking as I struggle to envision the fabric into the item, and then myself wearing it.
Over the Easter weekend we had a lovely trip to Yorkshire visiting my parents, I had some time for charity shop shopping and picked up two patterns. A child’s nightdress which I will make a perfect summer dress for my daughter.
Starting with a dress for her means I have some practice at pattern cutting, reading a pattern, and choosing suitable fabric, before I start on more expensive fabric for myself.
This red and white fabric is very much my daughters bright style, although I have a sneaky feeling she will reject the finished dress as it is a crisp cotton. She loves soft draping fabrics.
The second pattern has some rather wonderful sleeve which I had decided to omit. Next decision, fabric. Yesterday I visited a new local craft and fabric shop. A rather eclectic place, with a notice on the door for a hairdressers, never before have I been to shop which sells haircuts alongside cotton fabric!
The mother and daughter were extremely helpful, along with stocking affordable soft cotton. They were genuinely interested in my old pattern, but helpfully suggested I check all the pieces were there! Sadly not… but we enjoyed comparing the quality of the pattern pieces.
So after quite a bit of deliberation, I have finally gained my pattern and fabric:) It includes an invisible zip down the center back.
Any suggestions for making the dress gratefully received (I have to admit it rather irks me that it costs more to dress make than buy off a peg, with no opportunity to try before you buy!!)
You never know this challenge, which takes me out of my comfort zone, may transform my future wardrobe into handmade items.
I hope you have had a creative week, as usual I am popping over to Handmade Harbour to see what everyone else has been up to this week,
Kate Williams
Wednesday 30th of April 2014
Very impressive, I can't seem to even cut a pattern out properly, looking forward to seeing how it goes!
Christmas Pie Crafts
Tuesday 29th of April 2014
It is strange how making something yourself works out to be more expensive than a shop bought one - a nice feeling though that it is all your work work. Looking forward to seeing the finished item. Hope you have a good week.
knitnrun4sanity
Monday 28th of April 2014
I think that you will be just fine if your bags are anything to go by. I look forward to hearing about your journey. x
Brenda
Monday 28th of April 2014
Good luck with your dressmaking. I was always taught the argument for sewing rather than buying ready-made were quality, uniqueness, and good fit. But, I always hated trying to fit myself. Sewing for others was much easier.
Lucy Blossom
Monday 28th of April 2014
It's great to find old patterns and use them to make new things, I love the fabric for your daughter's dress, can't wait to see the finished dress.