Grid-Print Decisions

February 28, 2015February 27, 20152 Comments

I recently bought this crepe fabric as part of my first ever online fabric order!

I got this and three other fabrics from Remnant Kings, and I’ll definitely be shopping on their website again. I’ve always been wary of buying fabrics online because you don’t get the opportunity to physically see and feel the fabric before you buy it, so you don’t know exactly what you’re getting. That wasn’t a problem at all though and I was really pleased with all the fabrics in my delivery. The materials were all true to their description online, both texture and colour-wise. It’s almost a bit dangerous though, knowing how easy it is now to buy fabric just whenever I fancy…

So this grid-print fabric is everywhere at the moment and I now have two metres of the stuff – so what to make?! These are my options:

This top from Topshop has a sheer back, which I can replicate using the boxy top pattern of Simplicity 1366.

These shorts are also part of the Topshop set. I could use Simplicity 1371 to make a similar pair with a higher waist.

Or, back to my old favourite, the shift dress!

Would it be bad if I made them all? Possibly grid-print overkill…

Simplicity Lisette 1419

February 27, 2015Leave a comment

Isn’t this such a cute dress?!

I made it using Simplicity Lisette pattern 1419 and some blue polka-dot material a very kind friend bought me for my birthday.

I love the details of this dress – the pleats, Peter Pan collar and keyhole front.

It’s not a difficult pattern though, despite all those details. There’s a facing plus interfacing to create the keyhole front, and the instructions are really clear.

I used leftover polyester panama material for the collar but it was a bit heavy really and made it harder to achieve the really rounded shape. When I make this one again I’ll use a lighter material for the collar, and probably keep it sleeveless. I prefer the in-progress photos without sleeves and kind of wish I’d not bothered with them! What do you think?

New Look Pattern 6262

February 16, 2015February 15, 2015Leave a comment

I love this pattern. With the fitted bodice and gathered skirt New Look 6262 is a beauty. It’s also very similar to the popular Christine Haynes Emery Dress at a fraction of the price… not to mention the many dresses of this shape on the high street! I do have a couple of them that fit well from Topshop and New Look, but generally they can be pretty poor. The gathered skirt usually seems to start just below the boobs – not flattering! But this pattern gets the balance just right.

I’ve made this full dress three times now, and have used it to make a separate top and skirt too. I just love it! Simple to use and fits well. A slight warning though, the waist is pretty tiny! I adjusted the pattern to increase the waist by a little as the rest of the dress in my size fitted perfectly.

Part way through making the first two of New Look 6262. The one on the left is in a soft viscose fabric and the right is a Liberty print. I had both fabrics ages before I could choose a pattern good enough to cut them up for!

I tried one of the other variations for this last one, with the V-neck and no sleeves. This one is in a light Chambray with braid sewn on at the waist.

So overall, another great pattern from New Look. Don’t think I’ll be stopping at three with this one…

A Weekend in London Town

February 10, 2015February 10, 2015Leave a comment

Styling handmade in the capital…

What I wore during my weekend in London.

Tapestry skirt: Handmade; Top: H&M; Coat: Primark; Necklace: New Look

The outfit I wore to see Cats, which was brilliant! Nicole Scherzinger was AMAZING!! What a voice. And the dancing was just incredible. Definitely recommend seeing this.

Co-Ord: Handmade; Coat: boohoo.com; Necklace & Bag: Accessorize

Friday was a proper tourist day.

We wandered round by the Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, and obvs got photos outside them… It would be rude not to!

We did the Aquarium too (even though I hate fish). Loved the penguins though!

And then after being preached to about reducing the amount of fish in our diets, we went for dinner at Sushi Samba!

My first taste of sushi and it was incredible, as were the views from Heron Tower over London.

Cocktails at Mahiki… Dress: H&M

…And Saturday was a repeat outfit because I love it so much! See my earlier post for full details on this one.

Amazing weekend. London, I’ll be back soon.

New Look Pattern 6143

January 31, 2015February 8, 20151 Comment

I LOVE this pattern.

As you can see, I’ve made it a lot. Definitely got my money’s worth out of this one!

This pattern is so easy to make and such a great shape. As always with New Look patterns the instructions are clear and easy to follow. I’d highly recommend this for anyone, beginner or not, as it makes such a nice dress!

I’ve made it in polycotton (the pink flowery print), jersey (the last two photos) and polyester crepe (the first dress). Although it did work in the jersey fabric it was better in the other two non-stretch materials.

I’ve made both versions, with and without sleeves, and dresses for casual, going out and work wear. This pattern is so versatile!

It features two lots of darts at the bust which makes the bodice fitted, and box pleats in the skirt. There is a zip down the back that you choose to be invisible or just normal, so it’s a really simple but effective pattern.

I’m not quite done with it yet – I’d like to try view E, the sleeveless variation with a sheer panel too. Probably won’t bother with the tie belt though as its a bit too fussy for my taste.

A Spotty Dress and a Fedora

January 31, 2015January 31, 2015Leave a comment

Hats are my new favourite accessory.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t think they’d suit me or that I’d be able to pull them off, but hey I’ve decided I like them. I’ve even bought two now: this fedora from H&M and a little bowler hat from boohoo.com. Not only do they look good but they keep my head warm and mean I don’t have to bother doing my hair – what’s not to love?!

Dress: Made by me

Cardigan: Made by my Gran

Belt & Fedora: H&M

Necklace: Accessorize

Boots: New Look

The Clover Dress

January 30, 2015January 31, 20151 Comment

From day…

To night!

A dress that can easily go from day to night. I haven’t found that many that actually can. Either they’re too dressy for daytime wear or too casj for cocktails. This one just works though! From tights and boots for day to heels for night, it’s simple but effective. Both from New Look.

Red is the New Black

January 30, 2015January 30, 20151 Comment

The little red dress – the new LBD! A little bit too festive maybe, but red shouldn’t just be for Christmas.

I’ve styled this bold dress simply because that’s all it needs. Just black tights, black boots from New Look and a long, gold, pointed pendant from Accessorize.

I always wear some sort of jewellery – I feel a bit naked without any! I blame working in Monsoon and the focus on accessorising… It’s true that good accessories can totally bring an outfit together though. Jewellery is one of my (many) shopping weaknesses. Not too expensive and can always be justified…

The SeamSmith

Self-taught Sewing

Tag: sewing blog