Hannah and Bella

Old photographs needed....can you help?

 
1946 Doone Valley (thanks Tracy!)

I was wondering if anyone could help me...

I am currently researching a conference paper for my MA on the home dressmakers interpretation of summer dresses between 1935-55.

I would love to be able to include some home snapshots of women during this period, I am especially interested in people who know friends and relatives who were good with a sewing machine and did some home dressmaking.

Fingers crossed someone out there has some tucked away.

If you do or know of anyone who does please email me at hannahandbella@gmail.com

Many thanks

Hannah x

Collographs: Roses

 

I have been doing a class in collograph printing. Which has been such fun.

Using one of my 1950s printed skirts as inspiration these are my first set of prints.

 
 
 The print blocks themselves are as beautiful I think as the prints themselves. 

 

I love the excitement of learning something for the first time, and printing these was certainly one of those finger tingling moments on joy of having created something new for me.
 

 
 

Vionnet Dress remake

1932 Vionnet dress

This was my first assignment in my course. I tried it on the other day and wish i had an occasion to make it for real. They really don't make dresses like this anymore, the fishtail affect is gorgeous and a genius cut. Dinner dance anyone?

 

 

Several early mornings and late nights later...my final piece

My final piece for university which i presented on Friday was inspired by this jacket illustration in Mansfield and Hillhouses 'Dress Design, Draping and Flat Pattern Cutting' (1948).
 

Binding around curved shoulder darts and hand made shoulder pads from a 1940's pattern.

Edge to edge front fastening.

Double pleats on back peplum.

Back detail.

 

Cuff detail mirroring front detail.

Am really pleased with my finished piece, its a shame i did not get to final fabrics but i am on the look out for something now to make it as it is a really good fit on me. Now for some rest. x

Paris in December

 

 

 

 

Such a beautiful city and i do love a carousel.

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

 

 

This is a replica Victorian jacket made from Janet Arnold's costume book. I loved making it and it is all boned and lined inside with a secret little pocket too. The front piece is separate and is meant to button up each side of the jacket.

Am off to Paris in the morning for a exhibition visiting trip so will post later in the week when i return

Bon Voyage!

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.....