Liberty is by far my favourite fabric and I jump at the chance to buy some when it’s on offer or I find a new colourway on Ebay. So, imagine my happiness when I saw that White Tree Fabrics had an offer on before Christmas (their offers are usually sent out via newsletter so I suggest signing up if you want the chance to snap up some Liberty at a discounted price in the future).
So, I’ve decided to make yet another dress and, in true blogging fashion, I thought I’d share this process with you.
I’m following a proper pattern this time (Simplicity K2444, a freebie from Sew magazine) which, if you’ll remember, is not something I’m used to doing. It’s not so bad though and I’m pretty sure the properly finished dress will be worth it.
Buying a duvet set is often a cheap alternative to buying from a fabric shop
Although making a dress can seem daunting, if you know your way around a sewing machine and the basics of sewing, it’s really not that hard. I think the key is to choose the right pattern (or make your own) and take your time. Taking regular breaks is also good, as it helps keep you calm and focussed.
A close up of the floral fabric I’m using to make my dress
I picked up an amazing duvet set from a charity shop which I’m using as the fabric for my dress. The set has never been used and even had the sticker still on, so I’ve avoided this disaster. It’s a floral, vintage style, but I doubt it’s actual vintage. There is, however, a lot of it and it doesn’t matter if I mess up, because if I need to redo a part of it, then I’ll have plenty more fabric to choose from.
I started as I always do, by cutting and ripping the seams so I was left with two pieces of fabric. Then I attached, pinned and cut my fabric pieces. I find this easier to do on the floor, with a pair of fabric scissors, because I don’t own a cutting mat or a cutter.
Once I finished the cutting, I used tailor chalk to add any pleat and dart marks and now the next step is to sew it.
When I turned my back, this happened
Finally, I wanted to let you know that my friend Charlotte from Sustainable Fashion Cardiff has blogged about me here. If you want to know more about how and why I got into crafting, then take a look.
An elastic skirt can be fun and easy to make. We show you how to transform that old pillowcase into a new skirt to wear to brighten up those cold, autumnal days
What you’ll need:
You will need a pillowcase, a length of elastic, a safety pin, a sewing machine and a pair of scissors
-A pillowcase
-A length of elastic the size of your waist
-A safety pin
-A pair of scissors
-A sewing machine
How to make:
1. Turn pillowcase inside out and cut at the seams
2. You should now have two pieces of fabric. Put these aside for a minute
3. Measure your waist with the elastic. Subtract two inches from this length and cut
4. Return to your fabric. Fold the longest side (width) of one piece over by 1 1/2 inches to make a casing for the elastic. Pin and sew, but leave the edges free as your elastic will go through this. Repeat with the second piece
Pin about an inch away from the edge to create a casing for the elastic
Sewing the casing for my elastic
Sew a casing for your elastic about an inch into your fabric
5. Attach the safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread through the casing of the first piece, bunching the fabric as you go. Repeat this for the second piece and then pin the two together, so that the skirt is inside out
Once you’re done sewing your casing, thread the safety pin through and bunch up the fabric as you go along. This creates the waistband of the skirt
6. Sew the front and back of the skirt together. Take the safety pin out and sew in the edges of the elastic
7. Hem the skirt and you’re done