Gone

I am closing my Etsy Shop and  having a clearance sale everything at 70% OFF, this is less that cost price. 

These items have now gone

 

If you want to grab a bargain take a look, there may be something with your name on it

Copy this Dress

I was approached by a client wanting a copy of a dress that has become too small for her. as you can see from the pictures, there is quite a size difference in the original blue dress and the finished cream dress.  She also  wanted a higher neckline, sleeves and pockets

To make up the pattern for this dress, I laid a length of paper over the dress panels, adding extra for seam allowance. I generally add 1" this give me room for adjustment when fitting. 

Once all the pieces were cut I pinned this to my mannequin which has been adjusted to the clients size. As this is a very fine crepe, I allowed it to hang for a day and adjusted where necessary. 

I then stitched the  dress with the largest stitch on my machine and fitted on the client, large tacking stitch, making any adjustment to fit her shape, once the client and I are happy with the fit I resew the dress

The completed dress is lined with side pocket, I am not happy with the pockets, I would rather not have them, but the client wanted pockets. 

Client has now collected her dress and was very happy, I now have three dresses to make for her summer wardrobe, all with pockets.

Although there is a change in her size, I must admit she look good, goses to show size is does not make a person.  

What do you think? 

Fashion Show in aid of Children with Cancer

   On Thursday 24th I will be attending a Fashion show hosted by Crown Street Independents Shops in Brentwood Essex, to support Children with Cancer

Venue is The Rougemount Manor in Warley Brentwood Essex

Click on this link to get directions  http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?

You can purchase your ticket here www.crownstreetbrentwood.co.uk 

Doors open at 7.00pm 

There will be an auction and raffle,  music, a close up magician, beauty treatments, plus other goodies.

   You can also purchase the items from the catwalk on the night. 

I have made this little number for the show

This is the calico copy of what you will expect to see on the night it will be finished in tomato red. 

If you are in the area and fancy a night out come by and see the finished item.

Cancelled

I had planned on attending a Wedding Fair in Cambridge on the 23rd June, unfortunately this has been cancelled.  These things happen. I love taking part in fairs in Cambridge, as the customers are so appreciative of my work. 

I know that there were a few people who were interested in see what I have to offer. I will be looking out for alternative fairs and  I will also be posting the new selection on my website. Please contact me if you are interested in having something made.

 

Dressed for a Spring Wedding

This dress was made for a client attending a wedding in France. The dress is made up with stretched cotton, at £14.90 per metre not cheap as it took almost 7metres to make dress and Jacket, but the end result is fabulous.

 I lined the dress in a vibrant purple blue with contrasting cream netting to add volume and interest. The ribbon tie front on the jacket, is made up of a combination of two ribbons, one green and the other an organza blue layered over the green to give a vintage look.

The belt was made by pleating a length of fabric cut on the cross grain to allow for maximum stretch and fastened at the back with a couple of skirt hook and bars.

To make the dress and jacket I used a combination of old patterns with a little tinkering here and there to give me the final result. The full circle skirt with the benefit of the netting swirled as the client moved, it was really great to see the clients barriers come down as she enjoyed the movement in the dress, I am sure she will make a huge impact on the day.

Unfortunately I cannot show you the result with the client, but I am pleased with the result, and I know she was as I got an extra long hug. 

Created on Your 'Doorstep Fair

In March I attended the Created on Your Doorstep Fair. I travel quite extensively to fair, but the great thing about this fair, it was on my doorstep, so I did not have much traveling to do.

Pip and Sister on their Stan and Agnes Stall 

The fair was organised by three friends Philippa, Lou and Mel, and although small, this fair attracted a good footfall,  this is not surprising given the quality of goods on display. There was a constant buzz in the place created by visitors who really appreciated the goods

Like all the fairs I have attended I always receive good feedback, however sales were slow, I did receive a request for a custom order, this lovely red dress.

I will be attended the next fair in June, I will be giving more details of this latter.

The Cambridge Raincoat Company Fashion and Craft Show

Its' been a while since I last posted, things have a been pretty hectic at home and there are no signs of it slowing down.  But just to update you on what I have been up too,  over the next few post I will try to give you a flavour of what I have been up to.

In April I attended the first Cambridge Raincoat Company fashion show and craft fair
This open air fashion show and craft fair was hosted by Sally of the Cambridge Raincoat Compnay

The lovely Sally, of The Cambridge Raincoat Company

Sally and her daughter models some of my collection and some from my daughter of Csevenm, unfortunately I was busy in the background, dressing and undressing the models, so I did not get a chance to take any photos of the fashion show.

A selection from Csevenm

It was a really great day, with load of sunshine, warm friendly people, who really appreciated my collection,  this was followed by a Retro Bike ride through Cambridge, I did not take part, as I cannot ride a bike, boo hoo,  but you must admit they looked great

Retro Bike Ride

The day ended with a traditional English tea, with a great selection of sconces, clotted cream, homemade cakes and beautifully cut sandwiches and of course English tea,  makes my mouths water just thinking about it.

Collection from The Cambridge Raincoat Company

I am certainly looking forward to the next event,