Lady Grey Sew Along

It’s so timely that Gertie has decided to have a sew along for the Lady Grey coat, because I recently cracked and bought it, almost without any plan to make it. I think I just wanted to have it, and imagine the gloves I’d wear, and how glamourous I’d look going to Sainsbury’s.

But no! It will not languish all unused and forlorn until I find it in nine months and berate myself for not tackling scary coat project. I will be in the company of others, all tackling the scary coat project, but with expert, gentle guidance along the way. You know this is going to take a herculean effort on my part, to make the time to actually do the sewing, right? I’m hoping the group thing inspires me to keep going, in short. In long, I’m hoping that being part of a group that will undoubtedly make more/swifter progress than me will provide a kick up the arse.

The timing is perfect for the season, but for me personally possibly less so. There’s a family holiday coming up and I’ve decided I want to do archery on Saturday afternoons. (There’s a blog post in here somewhere about having a multi-faceted life. At least, if there isn’t there should be.) But hey, we’re in this to squeeze the juice out of life right? I’ll get on it just as soon as I locate my reamer.

Dressmaking Links of Usefulness

The Tool Kit – the things you need to begin sewing. I have them all, but I just love the seam ripper on this post. Recently I’m finding that Sarai’s blog is becoming one of the first I go to in my reader (when I have a spare five minutes to actually get to the reader). August is fabric month and I like this post (and useful comments) on weight and drape. It’s a blog chock full of useful advice for dressmakers – go! Soak it up!

How to make good buttonholes (video)

Tips on Sewing with knits by Meg, including the introduction of a new to me notion – woolly nylon thread. I must find this soon.

Sew Mama Sew Make It Wear It list of links – a handy summation of a whole month of dressmaking advice.

Alexander Henry Cotton Lawn (via Sew Liberated) Oh yes please!

I’ve had a break from the sewing room lately, partly due to family visits & general otherwise occupiedness, but also partly due to firing up the internet and making a home for a spot of writing. Since I realised this morning that Florence has outed me I can at least out myself – I’m practising writing, over here at practicewriting.co.uk. Come and have a look, but do remember it’s only practice.

Pattern Review – Colette's Sencha Blouse

The first Colette pattern I saw was the Lady Grey coat, and it fired up a ‘me want’ feeling that just got bigger when I looked at the other patterns in her range, and read that they’ve been designed with an eye on the ladies with a C+ cup. (Small busts: Check out Colette’s site for some handy tips on making a small bust adjustment, as well as some inspiring pictures in the gallery.) How fortuitous that Alice asked me if I’d be happy to review a pattern from her new shop, Backstitch – I leapt at the chance, and finally settled on the Sencha Blouse.

Sencha Blouse

Made in very short sewing bursts when I wasn’t entirely knackered or covered in fish pie (Fitz is getting more creative with his mealtimes) it was an absolute dream to sew. I’ll definitely be making this one again, in a variety of fabrics. It’s so easy to wear & in fact I’m going to wear it today, while drinking margaritas. Read the full review at Backstitch! (More pictures at flickr)

Sencha Blouse Pattern and Kaffe Fasset spots fabric from Backstitch.

A Winner!

So sorry not to get to this when I said I would – a poorly little boy prevented me, but on the plus side he now has 3 teeth to show for it (and I have about a million new grey hairs.) I really loved reading about the first things you made – I’m only sorry I didn’t have a prize for everyone. Here goes:

Which means (after removing Florence from the running) the winner is Anna, who said:
My home is overflowing with books, but as someone who has just inherited a fabulous old Bernina (and with not much of a clue as to how to use it!) I am intrigued when I read reviews of books on the subject, especially when they say that they wish they had had them when they first started out! another one to add to the wish list perhaps..are there any other books you would recommend to someone who has also just made her first (three) cushion covers?!x

Oh the luck of the girl – wins my giveaway but also inherits a Bernina! Pfff. A Bernina! Congratulations Anna :) . I’ll answer your questions about sewing books under your comment, but if anyone wants to pitch in with a suggestion, feel free.