handmade Archives - And she madeAnd she made

A handmade Liberty skirt

October 11, 2017

I started this Liberty print skirt ages ago along with a tartan version. I had visions of one midi length pleated skirt and one to-the-knee version, both made from the same tutorial.

I followed Almond Rock’s guide on how to make a pleated skirt but I’m not that great at maths and it came out too large. Both of these skirts therefore ended up on my pile of unfinished things. But then, when I was home last, I decided to salvage this one. I just loved the fabric too much! The quality of the tartan was not that great so I’ve left that one on the sewing pile for now, but I’ve got plans to use it as a jazzy lining for a jacket at some point.

I pulled the waistband in by quite a bit and based the pleats around that. I added four pleats to the front skirt and four to the back. I prefer pleats over gathers in skirts as they’re more flattering, don’t you think?

At first the length was just below my knees but I took off quite a bit of length to make it in a style that best suits me (tried and tested of course) and I’m much happier with it this way than if it were longer.

I bought the fabric on Ebay and it was described as a crepe cotton rather than a tana lawn which gives it more structure but I’d definitely choose a tana lawn over this the next time I make it. There’s just something special about a tana lawn.

The fabric is Liberty’s Tatum, a firm favourite which I’ve featured before here and here (this last one is what I made from the leftover fabric I had from the skirt). I think this fabric is my all-time favourite Liberty fabric but it’s just too hard to decide between them all.

What do you think? Worn with my all-time favourite brogues and a black long-sleeved top this is my current favourite outfit!

Crafting ideas, Dressmaking & sewing

A mustard colour palette

October 9, 2017

It’s always at this time of year that I particularly start craving an autumnal colour palette. For me, there’s something a bit special about mustard or yellow when the weather is a bit colder outside. I think it started with a certain Marks and Spencer advert featuring Twiggy, Erin O’Connor and a beautiful yellow coat a few years ago. The colour just stood out for me and I’ve been associating yellow, and mustard in particular, with this season ever since.

There are a number of beautiful clothes in the shops at the moment and, as ever, I’ve been pinning my faves. Here are just a few things I’ve been inspired by lately and hopefully some of these will translate into actual made by me clothing.

Autumn sewing inspiration And She Made

See here for credits: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Clothing, Dressmaking & sewing

A perfect pink

September 27, 2017

The Cleo sewing pattern took the sewing world by storm last year and there are so many beautiful versions of it around. I wear my black version all the time and there really was no excuse to make another.

This particular Cleo dress was, I think, inspired by something I more than likely saw on Instagram. I love the Cleo pattern – it’s quick to sew and the perfect beginner pattern. It’s also a pattern that can be made up in a variety of ways (just look at this floral number for the perfect sewspiration).

I had my eye on this cotton/denim blend on Ebay for ages (the colour I bought was Old Rose) and used it for my scallop skirt too. I bought a couple of different colours (obviously one was a bright yellow, who couldn’t!) and now want to go back and buy the pale blue version as well.

As ever, I made the longer version and just hemmed up to where I wanted it to sit. This was probably not the most professional way of doing it but it worked for me. I didn’t topstitch it like the pattern suggests and only added the breast pocket – basically the same as I did with the first version I made. I’ve worn it a couple of times and it a great addition to my wardrobe but the pink colour isn’t one I want to wear all the time and this is more of a SS dress so I’ll probably retire it for the AW.

Yet, I love its bright colour and it is a beauty! Perhaps I just need a floral version now too!

Featured, Vintage hunting

Working with vintage patterns

August 27, 2017

I’ve got a couple of vintage patterns in my stash. I’ve picked a few up on my travels around craft fairs and charity shops, been given some by friends or family members and most recently sought some out on Ebay. The above two, for example, were Ebay finds.

The great thing about using vintage patterns is how cheap they are – usually around £2/3 plus postage on top. But it’s important to know what you’re looking for and check the measurements. The pattern may say a certain size but with vintage it’s best to size up at least one size as vintage sizes are significantly smaller than our modern counterparts.

The first one I picked up was a suggested buy I think (Ebay knew I was on the lookout for vintage patterns) and it was soon in my shopping basket. I have all the heart eyes for the back of the dress too. It has no zips or buttons! I’ve actually made this one up in a Liberty fabric but it needs a few adjustments before I show it off.

After missing out on another vintage pinafore pattern, the second one – this sweet 70s number – came up on my feed and I couldn’t stop thinking about its pinafore style. This one was uncut, slightly too small and a bit pricier than the first one, but I eventually caved in and bought it and I’m glad I did. I made sure to adjust the skirt slightly on this one (it’s a 70s size 12 but the measurements were more like a modern 8) and it’s one I again have yet to show off, but will soon be on the blog.

And vintage need not mean an old pattern either. Some of the big four companies have reproduced some of their vintage patterns, like the below dress which was originally a 90s pattern I think. I’ve gone on about my love for the New Look 6866 many times before and now I have four different versions including this purple beauty and one I made in fabric that looks like it belongs in the 90s.

Have you worked with any vintage patterns lately? Which are your favourites?