Sewing ...don't you just love it?!
Been taking a bit of time out to work on a couple of personal projects...with varying degrees of success! Yesterday I finished a smock dress made from new look pattern 6775. I don't always get on too well with pattern instructions, so I was pleasantly surprised how easy this was. Although I worked on it over a few days, I reckon it could probably be made in one full day,which is a bonus if you're desperate for something new to wear. I really like the style too - nice and simple. Having put on rather a lot of weight (and not wanting to go to the bother of diet & exercise) I wanted something I could just fling on over jeans, and feel comfortable in...well so far so good...
I love the fabric too. Difficult to tell from the picture - its linen, with a metallic thread running through it. I almost never buy new material any more, but I saw this and had to have it.
So where did it all go wrong?
When buying fabric :
- Do not buy fabric which matches your Scottish pale blue/pink complexion!
- Do not buy fabric with a shiny surface, which from a distance may resemble flesh tone wet look PVC, especially if you are trying to cover up a spare tyre or two around your middle!
- Do not buy fabric which has a funny whiff to it, admittedly this was n't apparent until I ironed it...but nobody wants to smell of cat pee.
- Do not choose a pattern that accentuates your faults...like short wide sleeves at the widest part of your body!
Having said that... I'm going to give it another wash and leave it outside to air (its definitely NOT cat pee BTW) I might be able to wear it with a dark brown scarf...and may be gather the sleeves...or just make another one , to save myself from looking like a giant clanger.
Thankfully the cushion I made for the bedroom was much more successful :-)
I found this (much too small for me) top in a charity shop - just £2 .
Quickly cut it too bits.
Had fun choosing coordinating fabrics and arranging buttons. Made a cushion!
...about which, I have no complaints!
15 comments:
LOL! Oops!
Now, this is why I stick to black and a simple shift dress pattern! I have to say however, I do keep being tempted, although have not given in to smocks!
Hopefully the cat pee smell comes out, then atleast you can try to salvage it, or just wear it where nobody can mistake it for flesh coloured PVC in the comfort of your own home :p
I must have this pattern.
As I write this I am wearing a very unflattering smock which is bliss. I have got to that age where comfort is king.
I bought a scarf from Accessorize that smelt of cat wee....I have washed it and it has improved somewhat.
The dress looks fab. Can you wear it with jeans or coloured tights?
That cushion is fabulous and I am so glad I'm not the only one that has put on weight and can't be bothered to loose it again!
The last pillow, I really REALLY love. Buttons!
I used to come home form work , make a dress and go out in it the same night in my youth.
(No not everynight..)
I was stick so it wasn't risky. As soon as I stopped conforming to the pattern sizes I had failures so I never sew for myself to wear now.
Your dress isn't as bad as you think. Your cushion is gorgeous. The buttons are a nice touch.
Oh my goodness, that cushion cover is stunning! x
I like the smock! Can you teach me to make one? Could you dye your one if it is linen? And wash it in a little bicarb of soda in case it is the original dye that is making it wee-like?
Gorgeous cushion and I do like the dress as well. Hope it airs well so you can wear it :o)
I think I could probably make one of those shifts....it's looks simple but very elegant.
Been enjoying my visit!
ooooh...love the pillow idea. And, I see your art work in the background--nice. Am going to take another look around. I've been her ages ago, but under www.goodmorningmarysunshine.
blogspot.com
Oh, the top is so pretty! I love the soft look and the very tiny gathers on the yoke. Oh, it is most stylish. And your pillow is so cool! The buttons and the fabic combination make it so original and pretty! I just love your style!
~Emily xx
these are great IDEAS thanks!!!:) i can not wait to make my tunic now!!
Great post Julia. Your 'where did it go wrong list' had me in stitches....pardon the pun.
The dress is fab and so well made! Last thing I made was a skirt at school and I hated it. I spent so long making it that I never made anything to wear ever again. I bought fabric and a pattern last summer and it's all still sitting there. The thought of spending ages on a garment and then it looking hideous on just panics me!
Love your cushion : )
Actually love that dress-but I totally hear what you are saying about the colour/shiny combo. Still, may have to give that pattern a spin.
Cheers!
Oh, hell! I just followed your link to 'Clanger'. Seriously funny.
Still chuckling...
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