Hannah and Bella

Hannah and Bella Vintage Sewing Zine no.1 printed...

I have been making my first ever zine this week and it was an exciting day on Monday when it went to press.

I bought myself a book on making books for my birthday and inspired by my lovely friend Pippa who also makes zines i decided to have a go.

If you open it out there are instructions to make fabric pompom's, an addiction i feel everyone should have a go at for a while.

They are available around the Textile Workshop in Sherwood, Nottingham but am aiming to put a printable on-line version at the weekend.

What i have been doing this week at university....

I thought it would be good to start posting about all the wonderful things i have been up to on my Postgraduate Creative Pattern Cutting course at Nottingham Trent University.

My latest project was to make a pattern for this beautiful Dior blouse:

We never make to final fabrics but am really itching to make this one up and the pattern is one of those that looks really simple but is complex to get it made without seaming the front.

 

 

 

I am doing Jackets next.....

The most gorgeous jacket i have nearly made....

I have been doing a speed tailoring three day class over the last couple of weeks and i used this chance to make up this 1942 McCall's suit pattern which had been in my special pattern box all year.

Not quite yet finished but i used camel wool with vintage lace overlay and it has worked brilliantly..

i really love nipped in waists and the back belt has a little bow just above the peplum which kicks out wonderfully.

I used the scalloped edges to match the centre front, i would however if i did it again make it edge to edge to really show off the lace edging.

 

I just need to add the bow, put the lining in and make the button holes.

It's been great learning new techniques and the fear has defiantly been taken out of making coats and jackets. It was a lovely few days aside front life sewing with a really great class of ladies. Sewing really is a social activity.

My Halloween

A night in pumpkin carving and flicking through books about 1940's fashion....lovely x

Gres and her beautiful Dresses

Madame Alix Gres Pink Silk Jersey Dress 1955 

I have been doing some research as part of my course and have been really blown away by the exquisitely beautiful fluid dresses made by Madame Gres. I have never really worked in jersey but the way if falls makes her designs timeless.

I am really excited that i will be going to Paris in December to see the current Vionnet Exhibition currently showing at  Les Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Travel in the name of fashion is always good!

Craft Stall at Nottingham Castle

I will having a craft stall be at Nottingham's 'Big Wheel Big Day Out' this Saturday at Nottingham Castle. I will be sharing it with my lovely freind Claire who runs Pinky and Boo. It should be a great day out with lots to see so hope to see you there.

First Day at School

I had my first day at school today and i am so excited about the next few months. I am studying on the Postgraduate Certificate in Creative Pattern Drafting at Nottingham Trent University. So watch this space.....

Evening post article

Here is the web link to the article about the evening post. Its really exciting!

Just a quick reminder that i have two evening classes running:

Tuesday 8th September 6pm-9.30pm Remake and Remodel Your Wardrobe: Bring your own project to remake, alter or mend. Materials cost £5.00
Evening class: £25/£23 concessions

Tuesday 15th September 6.30-9.30pm  Leather Flower Corsages: Make a vintage inspired corsage out of leather and suede. Materials cost £5.00
Evening class: £25/£23 concessions

There are still a couple of places left, drop me an email if you are interested x

p.s. my etsy shop is now up and running, am a little delayed with putting more things up for sale as i dropped my beautiful camera. As you can imagine it was a sad moment earlier in the week. Click here to have a little look.

My first ever Newsletter is out

Here is my first ever Newsletter. I will be sending another one out in November so if you would like to be sent a copy then please add yourself to my 'sign yourself up to my newsletter' box in the side bar.

I also am in the Nottingham evening Post today. Will post the link later.

Studio is open!

Welcome to my blog! The studio has been open for a month now and its been a whirlwind of acivity and thanks to my new found friends at stitched up i am now venturing into the online crafting community. Todays success is uploading my photos onto flicker.  Thank you Claire!

Here are some cushions i made for the studio from my vintage fabric stash. Is was surprisingly difficult to decide which to use, i never seem to want to commit fabric to a use.....