The Nora dress has been in my dreams for something like 20 years, ever since my Granny told me stories of living through the second World War, shortages and rationing, and how that impacted her sewing. These were my favourite chats with her. I could have listened for hours about how she coped and made do in such trying times. Of all the stories she told me the one that rolled around in my brain constantly was about how when she could no longer buy them, she made herself bra’s from two handkerchiefs folded into triangles, with darts sewn in the middle of each, crossed over at the front and with a ribbon or rope threaded through the folds to tie at the back. The ingenuity of that solution impressed me so much that I wanted to try it myself.
The Almost Disaster Floreat Dress
My friends this Floreat dress was almost a disaster. Have you ever made something and no matter what you do it just isn’t going well? Don’t lie to me – we’ve all been there. Actually if that doesn’t happen to you once in a while then you’re either a magician, or I’m not sure you actually sew ;) Kidding. But really – having a disaster sew is a rites of passage for makers. It happens once in a while and there are a few options open to you when it does (because it will) happen. You can throw in the towel, trash it, give up and basically burn it. That’s almost what happened to me. Or you can push on through, find a solution and finish.that.make. I chose the the second option this time, but gosh it was painful! Let me tell you all about it.
Embroidered Organza Sudley dress for Frocktails 2019
Yes, you read that right, I said 2019. It has in fact taken me a year with the current Perth Frocktails a few weeks away, to post about my embroidered organza Sudley dress for Frocktails 2019. Whoops haha. But better late than never! I’m really excited to tell you all about this dress which I love so much!
Making Basket Weave Mules
I’m so excited to show you my newest pair of handmade shoes! I keep seeing so many basket weave mules and have been absolutely dying to make a pair myself. And of course I couldn’t help using this pair as an opportunity to try out some of the skills I learnt whilst taking the I Can Make Shoes online course, before I jump into my first pair of completely closed shoes. I used the techniques from the shoe course to make my pattern along with inspiration images from Pinterest. I honestly can’t even tell you how much I love these shoes!! I have been wearing them constantly and we even used them in our latest photoshoot which was fun!
I thought you might enjoy seeing the process from beginning to end, as well as some info on what I learnt along the way!
Iso Opal pants and Liberty Eucalypt
Let’s be honest. If there is something we all need right now it’s Iso pants. You know something comfy that still looks cute whilst we’re all endlessly hanging around in our homes socially distancing – and works if you need to leave the house for toilet paper ;) These my friends are my Iso Opal pants. And gosh are they comfy!