I may not have been writing much, but I have been sewing. The plan to update my wardrobe is going well, and I have chosen to work as far as possible in natural fibres. I’ve made two dresses using a pattern from Anna Allen (the Demeter Dress), the first in a cotton and linen mix and the second in a wonderful bright pink linen. Both dresses are lovely to wear, especially in hot weather, and were simple to make, with brilliant instructions to follow.
After these, I decided to use a fabric remnant that I acquired last year. I modified the pattern that I made up in May – The Avid Seamstress’ Raglan Dress – making the neckline a little lower and the skirt part a little more flared. This also gave me the opportunity to test out my new “invisible zipper” foot for my sewing machine, which turned out to be a dream to use and did indeed make the zip nearly invisible. This time I made the dress with short rather than 3/4 sleeves, because that was all the fabric I had available.
Now I’m on a roll with my dress-making, I plan to make several more, including some for winter and I have a few new patterns to try out. I have two more pieces of linen, some wool/viscose jersey and a number of pure wool fabrics (more on these in a forthcoming post), as well as some silk, so I have plenty to keep me busy for a while yet.
The Snail of Happiness 
tialys
/ August 20, 2020You’re doing better than me – I’ve not been writing or dressmaking much. I have other distractions that have kept me away from both but, hopefully, one half of the major distraction is sorted so that should get me back into the swing of things.
Love that pink linen – I’ll bet you turn some heads when you’re wearing that stunning dress.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ August 20, 2020It came from Merchant and Mills – as soon as I saw it, I knew I just had to have it!
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tialys
/ August 20, 2020I do like the look of their linen I must say.
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polesparadise
/ August 20, 2020I’m impressed! The dresses are lovely. I still have a stash of fabric to use before buying any more.
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nanacathy2
/ August 20, 2020I bet you look a bobby dazzler in them all- time for a meal at the Mucky Spaniel, or your nearest eatery!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ August 20, 2020We went to Auguste’s restaurant last night… he’s a very talented bear.
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katechiconi
/ August 20, 2020Lovely work! What a great start to the Great Wardrobe Overhaul. I do very much like that Demeter dress, I might actually have to buy the pattern…. The sleeveless version would work well in the winter too, in a light wool and worn with a long sleeved top underneath.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ August 20, 2020Yes, I’ve been thinking that – I bought some lovely wool fabric recently. It probably wouldn’t feel good next to the skin, but I think it would be good for a pinafore-type dress for winter and that might be just the pattern.
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anne54
/ August 20, 2020I love the Demeter dress too, as it looks so comfortable as well as flattering. I was also thinking of it as a pinafore style for winter. These ones you have made could be worn in Autumn, with a longer sleeve underneath.
I bought two lots of material in mid-March, when our first iso-time was on the cards. They are still sitting there! Maybe this weekend…..
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The Snail of Happiness
/ August 21, 2020I’ve really enjoyed getting back into making my own clothes again. I’ve thought very carefully about the patterns that I have chosen, and am pleased with the results.
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cedar51
/ August 20, 2020Love your overhaul – although I did once sew my own clothes (or at least some of them) I’ve not done that for decades. There are a couple of clothing items I could do with but they aren’t full on dresses …
I overhauled my bedding but that didn’t involve the sewing machine…but I love my new items in my now revamped said closet. I took everything out of said closet early this week and checked what could be placed elsewhere until I get some idea of what to do with certain items. My closet for that type of thing is not large more a broom closet sizing…
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The Snail of Happiness
/ August 21, 2020It’s a long time since I made many of my own clothes, but I’m really enjoying my return to dressmaking – especially since it’s so easy to order supplies online. Livnng in a rural area it can be quite difficult to obtain the right zip/thread/sewing machine needles, but now I can order online I know I can get what I need.
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arlingwoman
/ August 21, 2020Wow! Love these. All I’ve been making is face masks…
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The Snail of Happiness
/ August 21, 2020Well, face masks are really important.
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Nice Piece of Work
/ August 21, 2020Fabulous. You’ll be taking orders soon, when people see you out and about wearing your makes đŸ™‚
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The Snail of Happiness
/ August 21, 2020I am planning to make a few things for my etsy shop, but I don’t think I’ll be making anything very complicated!
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CarolCooks2
/ August 21, 2020What a beautiful, vibrant pink I love it! I used to sew a lot and haven’t done it for a while …I should do really…sigh…..But well done a brilliant use of the quarantine hours đŸ™‚
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The Snail of Happiness
/ August 21, 2020This is very much a return to dressmaking for me. Two things have helped: a better sewing machine (ancient 2nd hand Bernina, which is fabulous) and Mimi (my dressmakers dummy, which allows me to be sure I’m getting the fit right).
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Going Batty in Wales
/ August 21, 2020I used to have a skirt in a very similar pink and loved it! You will be very stylish when I see you next!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ August 21, 2020I’m not a big shopper for clothes, but I’m enjoying having some new things made from ethical fabrics and giving me the opportunity to be creative.
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DawnGillDesigns
/ August 22, 2020so impressive
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The Snail of Happiness
/ August 22, 2020I did choose easy patterns!
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DawnGillDesigns
/ August 22, 2020you do know that it’s all relative, don’t you!!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ August 23, 2020well, yes… but a good pattern with clear instructions does help
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lynnefisher
/ August 23, 2020I must get around to making up a dress I bought the pattern and material for a couple of years ago! My machine is temperamental though and I can’t decide on which new model to buy. Plenty of other crafts going on though. Good going with your dressmaking :>)
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The Snail of Happiness
/ August 23, 2020My old Singer sewing machine was a bit temperamental too. Buying a “new” one (actually it’s older than the old one) has made an enormous difference to my attitude towards sewing.
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Born To Organize
/ September 14, 2020A lovely start to your new wardrobe.
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