So the kids have a week's half term holiday coming up.
We have no great plans, but oh it will be good to take it easy in the mornings and stay in our pyjamas if we feel like it.
I am emphatically NOT a morning person.
I am a dress person.
And a coat person.
See?
This dress (1970s, I think) was another 99p bargain from Ebay, and it is a slightly bizarre creation.
It has been altered - the white front panel, the eyelets and the white lace-up tie have been added at some stage of its life.
Obviously a previous fine-bosomed owner had the ingenious idea, and the skills to execute her plan, for which I am grateful - I wouldn't fit in the dress either without this adaptation!
Polka dots and a ric rac print - what's not to love?
I make no apologies for the reappearance of Lady Feminella and the sequin beret - both are favourites, and perfect for a sunny, almost-Spring day.
As promised, I am revealing my sewing projects, but don't expect miracles - I haven't made anything to wear in 30 years, so my skills are decidedly rusty...
Ta-Dah!
(If Lakota does her Ta-Dah! link up this week, I'll be there.)
The skirt is made from the fabric I bought at St Mary's vintage and craft fair last weekend, using this tutorial.
The tutorial is quite straightforward and I had no problems making the skirt.
However, it looks much straighter and less A line on me than on the model, presumably because I have bigger hips. I deliberately made it a slightly longer length, and followed the instructions about measurements, but the pleat at the front is pushed out when I wear it, again because of my hips, and the elasticated back looks slightly pouffy around the bum...
I think these are all issues of my shape vs. the shape of the skirt - I could have made the front pleat a little bigger, and in fact there is a further tutorial suggesting adaptations for a curvier shape.
Don't know what I'm looking so miserable about,* I made a bag too!
I followed these instructions to make a reversible tote bag, using fabric from a 1970s smock dress which made me look 7 months pregnant and hence was never worn, and a 1950s remnant I picked up in a charity shop.
The straps were the contrasting ties from the dress.
I'm quite pleased with myself, and I daresay the kids will have to fend for themselves over half term as I run up bags and fiddle with skirt measurements or even attempt making something from a proper paper pattern.
And don't laugh, all you real dressmakers out there, because you'll be getting a tote bag for Christmas this year, whether you want one or not!
*I'm a bit miserable because I think my camera is on the blink, it keeps turning itself off despite having new batteries... Having just bought a new tripod, I fear I may now have to repair if possible/replace if not the camera... Oh crap.
Never mind.
If my sewing skills continue to develop, I can whip up a new camera out of lurex and ric rac.
I'll be joining Patti and all her Visible friends as usual on Monday, see you there!
xxxxxx
