Tried & True sewing class

 Just confirmed, a TRIED & TRUE knicker making class at Tessuti in Melbourne.

Saturday November 10th is knicker making day, class runs from 11-4 but I'll be on hand from 10am to help with fabrics selections.  Class numbers are limited so be quick to book your spot.  The class will include a HOW TO attach knicker elastic demonstration and tips for achieving the perfect fit.
 

I'll have all the knicker patterns for sale on the day but be warned, knicker making is highly addictive!

 

Tweens

 Help needed!

 

I've been asked a few times if I could grade down my patterns to suit Tweens, that's girls aged somewhere between 8 and 12.  I have no idea about average body sizes for this age group so if there's anyone out there who just happens to have a standardized measurement chart which includes grading increments please send it my way....hopefully including height, chest, waist and hip.

 

 

The FREDDIE VEST will be the first pattern....look, it's a MINI FREDDIE  This one in a combination of brand new Liberty prints; Milliner Grey for the front and Axion Grey for the lining. All fabrics including the outer back (called Elephant's Back) came from Tessuti in Melbourne.

 

 

 

Handmade Revolution

A little while ago I was contacted by the lovely Zoe from Rockrose Handmade and after a bit of back and forth Rockrose Handmade officially became an exclusive license partner for The Makers' Journal.

 

 

Zoe says, "We only sell Handmade goods that come with a Conscience.

Be they organic, sustainable, fairtrade, upcycled or simply natural, our handmade goods are Good for You and Good for the World and Good for your Conscience. That’s a lot of good".....read more right here

 

 

 

There are gift ideas for the entire family including the BUNNY BAG which you can order right here....very cute and good for the soul! 

 

Rockrose Handmade

www.rockrosehandmade.com

Hoop Skirts

This description of the Hoop Skirt written by Mark Twain was originally published in the Virginia City, Territorial Enterprise in 1866 under the title 'The Fashions' 

I just love them and I made my modern version in a stiff cotton gauze with the hoops formed using satin bias binding threaded with boning.  Not sure if it will become a pattern but I'm happy to describe in detail how I did it if anyone is interested.

Winter versions

A couple of years ago I adopted a Border Collie named Harry from the Lost Dogs Home in North Melbourne.  One of his favourite things is to go for a run around the Tan.  There's a look he gives me when I tell him it's time to get back in the car....head tilted slightly to one side, eyebrows crinkled as if to say 'I don't get it, why are we leaving?'

That was sort of the same look I pulled when I overheard someone say my LICKETY-SPLIT SKIRT was too summery to make for winter....challenge accepted!

I made the skirt above in some left over fabrics; a multi coloured wool blend for the front and a double faced fabric for the back.  The fabric for the PRETTY BLOUSE came from Tessuti (pattern coming soon).

The chartreuse tights are from OK OK and I purchased them from a very cool shop in East Brunswick called Ursa Studiohouse.  64% Australian wool and nice and thick; perfect for winter!