So, the dress is all finished...

Here it is..  not a terribly exciting photo I'm afraid, but at least it proves I tackled the dressmaking and survived.  Actually, it was pretty straightforward and unstressful in the end.  The pattern was a very easy one, and my sewing skills have significantly improved since I last did any proper clothes making.  I really enjoyed doing it, and am pleased with how it's turned out.  It's lovely and comfy to wear, and I think quite flattering too.  Having said all that, after nearly reducing myself to tears of frustration trying to find some fabric I liked to make the 'proper' version of the dress, I've decided to wear something else for the wedding.  And to cheer myself up I have bought a pair of these gorgeous red sandals as my starting point... Well, a girl can change her mind (and buy shoes) can't she?!  


I was tempted to just wear this dress, but there is a weird stripe on one side, because I bought it from a remnant shop. It was quite liberating working with such cheap fabric - it was great not to have to worry too much about cutting in the wrong place on some expensive stuff - I think that was partly what I was stressing about when it came to buying more fabric.  The upside of all this is that I have a lovely new casual summer dress, which I think will look great later on in the year too, with a long-sleeve top underneath, or a cardie on top. Result!


Now, I'm off back to lie on the sofa and digest my gooseberry fool.. ahh, Sunday afternoon bliss...

Dressmaking...

My little brother is getting married this summer, and rather than traipse round the shops looking for, and not finding, something good to wear I have decided to make something for myself...  I want to do something a little bit different so I had a look at all the wonderful vintage patterns that are available on Etsy.  There are tons sellers of vintage patterns available on Etsy - I used Goofing Off, and was really impressed with the quick delivery from the USA.
Here's the one I bought:

I'm making the sleeveless version, and am planning to crochet a little shrug or spencer to wear with it (maybe whilst we're on holiday next month), just in case!  Rather than rush straight in there with the final version, I am making a prototype with some cheap grey fabric.  It's going really well so far, but I wont speak too soon!  

As usual Flickr is a brilliant resource for inspirational dressmaking.  Mame*'s Clothes I Made is an incredible line-up of gorgeous clothes, many made with vintage fabrics.  This dress is my favourite, I think, but it's hard to decide!

Yesterday I listed a few new things on Etsy too - here they are in all their glory:

I had such a busy day, because I also managed to squeeze in a bit of domesticity.  I made a sourdough, some rhubarb compote and a new batch of our addictive House Granola.  It's so good, I've written up the recipe for you on our Seasonal Matters blog - give it a try!