All posts filed under: Sewing

Things I sew – historical and modern

Carolyn’s dress

I get asked to do commissions all the time, and have the luxury of only agreeing to do the commissions if I love the project. When Carolyn asked me to make her wedding dress, there was no question if I would do it or not. The project would be insanely difficult and time consuming.  It would stretch my sewing capabilities, and the boundaries of design and fabric, to the very limits.  And it was gorgeous. No question, I was going to do it. This is the design sketch that Carolyn sent me (isn’t she amazing!?!): These are some other dresses she was inspired by: This is my design sketch, once I worked out what was needed for the dress to fit together and support itself: For the fabric, Carolyn and I selected a gorgeous silk, cotton blend, with a delustred satin finish.  So yummy! Over the next few weeks, as I finish off the dress, I’ll be posting all about the design and sewing process, and showing off the delicious vintage sequins and beads and …

Speaking sharply

This is my vintage needle collection. First, my favourites, the Flora MacDonalds: I’ve yet to figure out what Flora Macdonald has to do with handwork, but I’m a big Flora fan, and a big needle fan, so it works for me. Besides, how cute is she?  The back of the packets are lovely too: And the trademark is adorable: I also have some not-quite-as-exciting needles: The colours are all lovely though: orange, red, teal And another great trademark: The colours and graphic layouts of these two are very striking: Redditch must have been an important needle making centre. Not my favourite, but possibly the most fantastic, is this one: I crack up every time I see it.  Everything is so dramatic!

Rachael rocks the Vionnet

Seriously, how gorgeous is she? I can’t decide if I like her better in black and white, or colour, but I know that I want to try her in 1910s and 1940s fashions.  She’ll look amazing! I only wish she and the gorgeous Miss Claire had been able to stick around for more of the photoshoot!