Gingham Top

I used the same pattern for this top that I have used in the previous post. 

Obviously I used the same technique by attaching the bias binding onto the top of the top then 

putting the binding around the armholes and to create the straps.

This was much nicer fabric to work with and being able to use bias binding has given 

the top a much better finish. 

This is the finished top which I am Extremely pleased with!

Strappy Top Quick Pattern

This is a top I have had for a while from new look, it is a very simple pattern, so I decided

I would trace off the pattern and create a few tops from fabric I have.

The top is the same front and back and is a simple shape, i also needed to cut two 12" strips of binding for the front and two 24" strips for the straps. 

I cut out the pattern on the fold for each. I only added a small seam allowance for the top and arm holes as binding will cover them, but a normal half inch for side seams.

Due to the small amount of fabric I had left of this pink fabric, I was unable to create bias binding, i could only create plain strips, as you can see further on using plain strips not bias binding pulls the fabric in a horrible way. 

I began by overlocking side seams and the bottom, the rest doesn't need to be overlocked as it will be covered with binding. 

I stitched the binding onto the front first then added the binding around the arm holes to create straps. 

This is the final top. I don't like how the binding sits but hopefully I can try and hide it with a nice necklace. This shows the importance of using bias binding. 

Second fitting of the burgundy dress

The first fitting I had none of the three sections to the dress were together, before my second fitting 

I gathered the top in areas and stitched ruffles together to keep 

it all in place, in a natural way. I also thinned the strap using this technique also. 

I then attached the top to the waist piece. I turned under and slip stitched the top of the waist

at the back down and tacked back at the center back also. I then stitched the skirt onto the waist piece

This fit amazingly well, A very happy housemate, now I can go on and complete the dress with

fastenings and hems. 

Gold Blue shot Ballgown

The ballgown I am currently making alongside the burgundy dress is quite a simple shape dress. I am using a vogue pattern to create it. 

I began by putting together the top half, it is all bagged out, so I stitched part of the arm holes together and the neckline of the front piece (right sides together), and the same for the back two pieces 

I then stitched my name label in, stitched the side seams together, the shoulder seams together then hand stitched the last bit of the arm hole back up! I have never used this process before to put together a fully bagged out bodice. I will definitely use it again! Very simple and easy to do. I then stitched the skirt panels together and the skirt lining panels together then slotted them together and tacked them. I then attached the full skirt to the outside bodice, leaving the bodice lining out. In the seam allowance of the skirt I stitched around again then slotted the elastic through it to pull it in at the waist. I then slip stitched the bodice lining down hiding everything in the waistband. 

This just needs to be tried on to fit properly and I can make any adjustments or alterations

Second Ball Gown

This second ball gown that I am also making at the moment is very different to the first. 

This is the fabric for the second dress I am currently making. It is a gold blue shot fabric. Really lovely colours when the fabric moves. 

I am using vogue v8241 pattern to create this dress! Can't wait to get started 

Fitting Burgundy Ballgown

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I manipulated the top to put the gathers in flattering areas and pinned the top half to the bodice! The bodice fit great and the gathered skirt highlighted her small waist! I am really pleased with how this dress has come along and can't wait to finish it off! once I have made these adjustments I will stitch the bodice to the skirt. 

Burgundy Ballgown

The project I am working on at the moment is a ballgown for my housemate 

I have used a vintage vogue pattern to begin with however, It has not yet been properly fitted to her and there might be a few alterations along the way. 

The Top half includes a fitted panel around the waist which I have backed 

and interfaced to make much stronger, to contrast this the halter neck is a loose gathered 

piece.

The Bodice and breast pieces are not stitched together at this point, the skirt is also separate.

I will have a fitting with my housemate before I go any further. 

Cushion Making !!

I have made a variety of cushions recently for me and my friends, this 

bunting cushion is a great idea for someone girly !!

Really easy to make I just cut out all the triangles and stitched them on at the top with ribbon.

This cushion was made for my Sister with the leftover fabric from her curtains.

I actually like the back of the cushion where the buttons are showing. 

I Made a cushion out of the map fabric. I have ran out of wadding at the minute but I will upload a photo of these cushions when I do......and also when I have a nice place to put them. 

Christmas Decorations

These Christmas decorations I made a lot of not only for in our house but also for my granny 

and charity sales. This is Super easy and looks really effective with very little work. 

The most amount of work was stitching on the holly and a button as a cherry. I used a satin stitch to applique the Holly on. 

great for going along the stairs. 

Check Clutch Bag, turquoise zip

I was Inspired by a large amount of cotton large clutch bags recently, they are a very simple shape, but extremely effective. 

I decided to have a go at creating a clutch bag myself, 

I used a gray check fabric with a turquoise zip. 

Curtain Making

Had my first experience of making curtains. My elder sister has recently moved into

a new house, which obviously means there's no end to the sewing jobs shes got for me.

she wanted long curtains however she bought short ones, so we went fabric shopping and bought a 

much darker colour for the top of the curtains. 

I took the previous top of the curtains off and stitched the darker gray onto. I made new tabs

to attach the curtains onto the rail, I did two lines of stitching at the top to keep the tabs on 

and for general strength. 

Map Dress

The Map dress was something i saw a while ago on Pinterest and 

desperately wanted to make, while fabric shopping with my sister for curtain fabric 

I came across this fabric. 

Obviously I had to Buy it, seen as my check dress had worked so well I decided

to use the same pattern. I box pleated the skirt and took it in as much as I could at the

waist to make it fit.  

So pleased with this dress and the outcome however, I've already heard comments such

as "bet you never get lost with her around" who cares!!!!

Navy check top

This little number was created by using the pattern of the top half of the check dress,

which I just lengthened by a couple of inches, its a navy fabric with red overcheck.

The back of the top is done up with red buttons

Gingham Topshop Inspired skirt

This little skirt was inspired by a skirt that I saw in Topshop a while ago

however the skirt was £50 and I said to myself "I could just make that". 

Which I say quite often, however I went straight to a fabric shop and bought 3 metres of 

the fabric for just over £10. I didn't use a pattern for this skirt I just went ahead 

and box pleated the skirt using the checks on the fabric as a guide and popped it on a waistband. 

An afternoon and £40 better off, as you can see I was rather pleased with the outcome

Just keep Stitching

After graduating in summer I have been lucky enough to get a brilliant job

where I not only get to create costumes in the work room but I also get to help put together 

shows and characters within the hire department within Bristol Costume services

I also haven't stopped sewing in the spare time that I do get.

This fabric was given to me by my granny and I have wanted to create something with it for a while.

I had a dress from years ago that I love the shape off, which the zip had started to go on it, so 

I decided to cut it up and use it as a pattern to create more dresses just like it.