tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56329687053536600862024-03-06T05:32:21.167+00:00Dibs and The MachineDibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-31746309021064190292016-08-15T13:51:00.001+01:002016-08-15T15:13:33.646+01:00Something Blue : Mccalls 6282<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>So it’s been eons since this little blog has had some
love. I have been going through a sewing and consequently blogging funk. I
blame the second baby. That little terror is responsible for everything that
has happened to this blog. That my friends is the absolute truth....hand on
heart.<br />
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But not to worry. Things are hopefully going to be changing around here. I
am slowly getting back to my pre-children sewing state. So while I transition
back into crazy sewing, I will be posting about the FEW things I have since
made, starting with <a href="http://www.sewdirect.com/acatalog/McCalls---6282-M6282.html"><span style="color: blue;">McCalls 6282</span></a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHosixpG2OYZrEvn_yC-EQjD1R1dAg4aOifXIUybW_DhYeh-x2HfAlMgv7vBijZmXsXpDTtlARaKBjJTLvUJSwA1G1WvkI8R9yqWGeSgBQSCarrlMzHqBw4iE-oJ8mHTBP853HujKMUjjJ/s1600/20151108_135538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHosixpG2OYZrEvn_yC-EQjD1R1dAg4aOifXIUybW_DhYeh-x2HfAlMgv7vBijZmXsXpDTtlARaKBjJTLvUJSwA1G1WvkI8R9yqWGeSgBQSCarrlMzHqBw4iE-oJ8mHTBP853HujKMUjjJ/s1600/20151108_135538.jpg" /></a></div>
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I made this dress in November 2015, when I joined a sewing club here in
Northampton. Sadly I have not been to the sewing club since December 2015.
Shameful I know, but sometimes life just happens and you have to prioritize. I
will like to go back to the group, but I think I have to work up enough courage
to show my face there again. <br />
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The dress was really easy to make, so I can't really say much about the
pattern, as it was an uneventful make. It sews up really quickly and is
something you can make in 1 evening. I made this over 2 weeks, just because I
only took it out of my sewing bag when I got to the sewing club. There are
only 3 pattern pieces, the front, back, and the sleeve. I sewed the
sleeves using the flat method and that went so much faster for me.<br />
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The fabric is a really cheap remnant I bought from Milton Keynes market for
about £2/metre. It is like a double knit, but a bit thicker, and it feels so
soft and luxurious. I used less than 2 metres I think. Forgive my hazy memory, it’s
been a while. Plus though like fine wine I get better with age, I'm afraid my
memory seems to be going pear shaped.<br />
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I really love this dress, and I even took it with me to Barcelona in March
this year when I went for a weekend with some of the girls from my secondary and
high school. See me in action in Barcelona? That trip was so lovely, I even got
to meet <a href="http://uniquedesignerpatterns.blogspot.de/"><span style="color: blue;">Paco</span></a>, who is
one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. More on that in another post.<br />
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The lovely thing about this dress is the fact that it has some ruching in
the stomach area, perfect for hiding my ever expanding pot belly. That belly is
currently the bane of my life. Since taking these pictures, I have put on more
weight, but the dress still fits, so yay for stretchy fabric. I have plans to
make more versions of this dress as it is such a flattering shame for me.<br />
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If you like this kind of style, and you do not have this pattern, I strongly
recommend you buy it. You won't regret it.<br />
<br />Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-88160808417877110682015-06-23T19:54:00.000+01:002015-06-23T19:54:29.276+01:00Bemberg Lining: The Italian connectionIt is an acknowledged fact that sewing is enjoying a revival in the UK, largely thanks to the Great British Sewing Bee. This has in turn led to the revival in fortunes of various sewing machine vendors, and the proliferation of many sewing related businesses. I feel everyday on the blogosphere there is a post about a new online fabric shop, or independent pattern company. Thats all well and good. The more new companies that come up, the more choice we as consumers enjoy. There is a limit to this resurgence though. Have you ever tried to find good quality lining in the UK? Don't get me wrong, we do have good quality lining, but just not at a budget friendly price. Not at the prices enjoyed by those Americans. They who seem to have everything.<br />
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Most of what is readily available here in the UK is regular anti static lining fabric, which does not inspire. Our cousins over in the US wax lyrical all the time about Bemberg rayon lining. A snoop around the <a href="http://www.moodfabrics.com/fashion-fabrics/other-fabrics/linings.html?content=16036">Mood website</a> revealed it was being sold at $6.99/yard. Back home, you can find the<a href="http://www.joelandsonfabrics.com/uk/fabric/lining"> same thing</a> here for £12.90/m, or <a href="http://www.theliningcompany.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=32_77&products_id=710">here</a> for £11.94/m . MacCulloch and Wallis also sell a version of this called <a href="http://www.macculloch-wallis.co.uk/Product.aspx/!2130">Bremsilk</a> at £11/m. I have for a long time now been on the lookout for this lining at a more affordable price but my forays into the Goldhawk road shops were largely unsuccessful. No one knew what I was talking about.<br />
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Fortunately, I recently fell across a post by Sylvia from the Sewing Princess blog, on Italian <a href="http://sewingprincess.com/sewingprincess/fabric-stores-in-italy/">fabric shops</a>. A couple of them had user friendly websites in English and I spent some time going through each of them. And what do you know, I came across the<a href="http://eshop.pinottimercerieingrosso.it/LINING-CUPRO-PONGINETTE"> Pinotti website</a>, and its massive collection of cupro bemberg linings, and other type of linings.<br />
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So I got out my calculator, did some maths and ordered 25 metres of white lining, because I could always dye it to any colour. They have a fixed postage rate to the UK and other parts of Europe of €21,90. So with delivery and tax, it came down to €5.82/m (£4.13/m). Tidy!!<br />
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The delivery was by DHL and took a couple of days mainly because they sent me an email about wanting my phone number for communication purposes, and I did not see the message on time. As soon as I sent my number, my parcel was dispatched the same day. Plus they wrote to me in English. All in all, the service was really good.<br />
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Have you been using this lining here in the UK? If yes, where do you normally buy it from?<br />
Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-52066710710568818452015-05-25T23:41:00.001+01:002015-05-25T23:42:30.652+01:00Work in Progress: Sewing Room Ever since we moved from London to Northampton last year, I have been looking forward to the day when I would finally sew something in my sewing room. I can't remember if I mentioned this before, but the house we bought had a double length garage, and the old owners converted part of it into a bar, with a proper pub setting. My husband fell in love with the house, I suspect, because he had visions of doing the same thing when we moved in. Unfortunately for him, and since I am awesome, I managed to convince him the room would be better used as my woman cave.<br />
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It has taken 9 months, but the sewing room is finally in a state to be used. It is by no means finished, but the foundation has been laid. So here are a few pics of said sewing room.<br />
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Machines all laid out on sewing table, next to one of the two bookcases housing my sewing books and magazines. <br />
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The husband made a cutting table by doing an Ikea hack using 12 Lack side tables. I totally decided to do this after <a href="https://pincushiontreats.wordpress.com/">Mela</a> posted a picture on instagram of her husband and father in law building one for her. <br />
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All the fabric I own found a home in an old Ikea wardrobe we had in our old room in London. </div>
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And here is the man of the hour with his tools. </div>
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My Babylock Enlighten overlocker is giving me life at the moment.</div>
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Same goes for this bad boy I won on ebay. The auction was for 213 spools of sew-all thread along with the display case. The person selling them was closing down her business I think. I feel like a proper dressmaker looking at this baby.<br />
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There is still some work left especially with my pattern storage. I plan on buying a filling cabinet from an office supply shop to store my patterns, and I also need to find solutions for all my other notions. The space behind my sewing machines is crying out for something. I originally intended to use pegboards there but those things are so scarce here in the UK. I saw a few places selling them for more than I am willing to pay, so I have to rethink that.<br />
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I also need to buy a new iron, and think of a way to have a pressing station . For now, all my pressing tools and rulers have been placed under my cutting table. I also need a few wall shelves and wall art. Slowly but surely, I will get there.<br />
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How do you organise your sewing notions? <br />
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In other news, I spent last saturday at the Millenium Hotel in Mayfair, London, having afternoon tea with a couple of my friends, for my baby shower. My friend and I decided to do a joint baby shower as we are due a week apart. I am currently 34 weeks preggers, and I feel it.<br />
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I totally deserved that glass of champers. Its been a long 34 weeks.<br />
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What have you all been up to? Anyone working on a sewing room makeover?<br />
<br />Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-69261830772831598092014-10-14T13:14:00.000+01:002014-10-14T13:24:59.093+01:00Inspired By: Azzedine Alaia PlanningI need a little favour ladies ( and guys). I am on the hunt for some leopard sweater knit fabric to sew a dress for an upcoming meeting. Those of you who follow me on instagram will know I made a denim dress last month for my high school alumni meeting. I recently joined the Midlands regional branch because we moved to Northampton and they meet every other month. Each meeting has a theme, last meeting was "Denim Dress", and the next meeting in November is "Fur". A couple of months ago it was "Animal print" I think, and they even had "Onesie" a few months back. Needless to say, that meeting was hilarious.<br />
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I found this Azzedine Alaia dress on Pinterest, worn by Giovanna Battaglia.<br />
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I have looked for a sweater knit on Ebay and my usual shopping joints, but nothing has caught my eyes yet. So, can you help? Have you seen a similar fabric anywhere? It does not have to be in the UK only. I won't mind shopping from foreign stores. The meeting is at the end of November so I won't mind waiting for the fabric to get to me from distant shores.</div>
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I really like this dress, and I am planning on using faux fur for the lovely collar. I have already seen some faux fur on Ebay that is the exact colour of the collar on the actual dress. All that is left now, is the leopard print fabric. <br />
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What are you all working on now?<br />
<br />Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-71231101671035918432014-10-11T09:21:00.000+01:002014-10-11T09:21:26.557+01:00Industrial sewing machine Advice<br />
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Does anyone have any experience with industrial machine sewing? I decided my life would be made so much better if I had an industrial sewing machine and I have been looking at the various options out there. My budget is tight, simply because I won't be able to justify another sewing machine purchase to Mr. Dibs not long after I bought my Pfaff Ambition 1. I currently have two Pfaff machines, the Select 4 and the Ambition, and I love them to bits. However, I want another machine. My blog name is Dibs and the Machine after all. I can't help it, I love machines. You know how the uber geeky people go gaga over gadgets? That is how I feel about sewing machines. The only reason my house is not overflowing with machines is because 1) I cannot afford them and 2) Mr. Dibs has threatened divorce and 3) Mr. Dibs is not impressed by my dismal sewing output.<div>
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I am a Pfaff girl through and through, but unfortunately, I can't seem to find affordable Pfaff industrial machines, and, if the internet is to be believed, Adler and Juki are the business in the industrial sewing world. Do correct me if I am wrong please.</div>
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I cannot afford an Adler, so Juki it is. I know Brothers also make good machines, but I have not really looked at them. I suppose I should since my budget is quite small for this type of machines.</div>
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So back to my question. Any word of advice on industrial machines? Do you have one that you love or know about that you think I should take a look at? I am leaning towards the Juki DDL 8700 but I would be grateful for any other suggestions.<br /><br /></div>
Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-35363541061505834972014-10-03T22:55:00.000+01:002014-10-03T22:55:13.597+01:00Blog Hop!<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ah, and so it came to pass that Dibs resurfaced after a long spell away from her blog. My friend Mela over at <a href="http://pincushiontreats.wordpress.com/2014/09/22/blog-hop/">Pincushion Treats</a> nominated me for a blog hop. Those of you who have been reading my blog for sometime will have seen mention of her round these parts. If I ever visit the US, Mela would be one of the reasons why......oh and the various garment districts. Come to think of it, there are many US bloggers I would love to meet. I am looking at you <a href="http://gingermakes.com/">Ginger</a>, and you <a href="http://sownbrooklyn.com/">Nettie</a> (peeps how cool is this woman?), and not forgetting <a href="http://sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.co.uk/">Carolyn</a>, and oh, I want to be best friends with <a href="http://missceliespants.com/">Renee</a> (even though she already has a sewing bff, but who cares, emperors have been dethroned before)....but I digress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I am not exactly sure how to answer some of the questions as I think they would require me to actually think about stuff, and most often I don't know why I do somethings. Anyways her goes....</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Why do I sew?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't know. I suppose I sew because I like sewing. I like learning new things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My mom started sewing bed linen and curtains as a hobby, then later started selling them, while maintaining her day job as an accountant. I hated sewing at that time because it involved my aunt and I unpicking thousands of stitches with dressmakers pins. Either my mom did not know that seam rippers existed, or she just plain hated us. I hated it. Then she decided she wanted to sew clothes, enter Burda. That again, was totally unwelcome as I was responsible for tracing off the patterns she wanted. I had a HARD childhood people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I suppose what really got me into sewing was wanting my university room to look like those in the glossy home magazines. I told my mom I wanted my curtains to match my bedspread, and I also wanted a strip of fabric round my room as my wallpaper. My mom told me to make it myself. I did, but my room looked so cheesy. I did not care. I loved it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When I came to the UK, sewing was not at the top of my list, but a couple of years later, I discovered Burdastyle. I started reading some of the blogs attached to the Burdastyle profiles and when I moved back to London after my Masters, my husband bought me a sewing machine. Searching for fabric shops in London led me to Karen's blog, and my first sewing meetup. The rest peeps, is history.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What am I working on?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For now, nothing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The last thing I made was a denim dress which I did for my high school alumni meeting in Coventry. Unfortunately, when I was finishing off the neck, my needle broke, and when I tried to take the needle out, it fell into the machine. I need to take it to sewing machine repair shop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We recently moved from London to Northampton, and I now work in Birmingham. Which is not good for me as I work in the city center, fabric shops. Not good. I have a sewing room to myself now but I still need to kit it out. I have high plans of enticing <a href="http://sew-incidentally.blogspot.co.uk/">Claire</a> out to Northampton to plan it out for me.</span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">How Does My Sewing Process Work?</span></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></strong>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">I just sew as the sewing spirit moves me. I don't like to plan projects. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">When I feel like sewing, I just pick out a pattern, and then match it to a fabric. I get pattern inspiration from other bloggers. I would see a project on someone's blog and decide I want to make the same thing. Buy the pattern, then never make it. I want to change that though, as I now have many patterns that I know I will never, ever sew. I like sewing mostly from the Big 4, but I recently bought 2 By Hand London patterns ( <a href="http://byhandlondon.com/products/charlotte-skirt">Charlotte skirt</a> and <a href="http://byhandlondon.com/products/holly-jumpsuit">Holly jumpsuit</a>), to make work related outfits. So watch this space.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">I will only plan a project if it is for a specific event, like a wedding or a black tie event. Even then I change my mind countless times.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">When I start sewing an item, if I don't finish it, within 3 days, I run the risk of NEVER finishing it. I have a toile du jour dress I started last year. It is almost finished, but I somehow can't cross the finishing line.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><b>What keeps me motivated to blog?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I blog because I want to. I don't blog often, and I don't know if I will get back to my pre-baby blogging levels, but I will see. If I feel I have something to say, then I will say it. I mostly blog if I have a sewing project to show. My blogging suffers when I don't sew. No sewing, no blogging. I am hopping to change that though. I have decided I want to bore you all to death with my life. So be prepared for many non-sewing related posts.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So apparently I have to nominate someone. I won't stop at just 1 person. There so many people whose viewpoints I want to get but for today I will settle on three people I admire. <a href="http://uponathread.blogspot.co.uk/">Sandra</a> ( she makes sewing wrap dresses seem so easy.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">)</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><a href="http://vickikatemakes.wordpress.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Vicki Kate</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">( </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> I still have your umbrella dude) and <a href="http://stepalica.blogspot.co.uk/">Ana</a>, who is supa dupa talented and who I used to hero worship on Burdastyle back in the days.</span><br />
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<br />Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-33312842881951594212014-07-18T03:32:00.000+01:002014-07-18T09:29:19.727+01:00Wedding guest outfitMy friend is getting married next week, and true to form, I have left sewing my outfit to the last minute. How else does one manifest self love than by piling pressure on ones self?<br />
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The bride is a Nigerian and, in keeping with wedding trends within the Nigerian community, her family and close friends have to wear the Aso ebi. I found this definition from the <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=aso%20ebi">Urban Dictionary</a>, and thought I should share it as I could not have explained the concept of Aso ebi better.<br />
<i> <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=aso%20ebi&defid=3032458" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #40627a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">aso ebi</span></a></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pronounced ASHO EYBEE) <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Nigerian outfits made from matching fabric to be worn by a group of people to a party, wedding, or funeral as a uniform. Wearing a certain aso ebi identifies the group of wearers. For instance, at a wedding, all the bride's friends might wear blue and gold, the bride's family might wear white and gold, and the groom's friends might wear black and pink, and so on. Usually at weddings, the various fabrics for the aso ebi are decided by the bride, and are then announced to all the guests months in advance so they can prepare their outfits. Guests are usually expected to buy the aso ebi from the bride, but close friends and family members and certain prominent individuals may be presented with the aso ebi as a gift. Aso ebi for parties and funerals are generally simple, but aso ebi for weddings may involve many complex changes with entirely different aso ebi for different days of the wedding, and for the reception.</span></i></div>
The Aso ebi colours assigned to friends in this case, are yellow and red. Yellow guipure lace, yellow silk fabric and a red gele (head tie).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T1cvHSEDwqtO1F9G4JGTAhYxUrksRu2nde-1LapzmupYEVU3d-eSJrUF_MuMPDF7wPxVeyeM1-y-lbL7vH9QVWwpjmWEGXo8B_1SSGJzd7IwsR0vxi10aji_DXVYUAqWIECgZqvorBc6/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T1cvHSEDwqtO1F9G4JGTAhYxUrksRu2nde-1LapzmupYEVU3d-eSJrUF_MuMPDF7wPxVeyeM1-y-lbL7vH9QVWwpjmWEGXo8B_1SSGJzd7IwsR0vxi10aji_DXVYUAqWIECgZqvorBc6/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have you ever been to a Nigerian wedding? If yes, it's possible you might have already seen the Aso ebi in action. Though people start with the same piece of fabric, the finished items are anything but identical. No one wants to be outdone, so women come prepared. Dressed to the nines, fish tail skirts and all. A simple <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=asoebi&es_sm=93&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=cH_IU_e3Nciw0AX98oCgBQ&ved=0CCEQsAQ&biw=1093&bih=534">google search</a> should be enough to show you how serious women take the Aso ebi.</div>
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Now to the matter of what I will make out of my lace. I spent the last 2 weeks trying to find inspiration, and thankfully, <a href="http://sewbusylizzy.com/">Lizzy</a> pointed me to a lovely dress, aptly called the <a href="http://www.review-australia.com/majestic-dress-petrol.html">Majestic Dress</a>, which I absolutely fell in love with. She posted a picture on instagram of her modelling the dress, and I was sold. Hopefully I will look half as stunning as she looked when I am done with mine.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.review-australia.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/400x530/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/r/e/re14dr145_reblu064_2_38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.review-australia.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/400x530/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/r/e/re14dr145_reblu064_2_38.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back</td></tr>
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I have never sewn with guipure lace before, so any piece of advice would be much appreciated. I scoured the internet for tips, and came across <a href="http://sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/msn-lace-challenge-part-one.html">Carolyn's posts </a>about sewing with guipure lace. I also read a 2006 Threads article by Susan Khalje on sewing different types of lace, which is all well and good, but I still am not sure how to proceed, and I still do not understand the descriptions on how to do the zip area. Dense much?</div>
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Copying Carolyn, I intend to work with four layers of fabric. The lace, silk organza, stretch crepe, and silk habotai as lining. </div>
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I did not have the lace with me when I bought the silk organza so I was not certain of the colour to go for. There was a deeper shade of yellow that matched the lace, but I thought a paler yellow would be better. How wrong I was. It kind of ruins the look for me, so I either have to go back to Goldhawk road for the correct shade of yellow, or, sew the lace directly to the main backing fabric, or, horror of horrors, applique the lace to the finished dress, one rose at a time. What do you think?</div>
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For the pattern, I am still trying to decide between Vogue 82880, view A, with cap sleeves......</div>
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......and New Look 6123, view C but with the sleeves of view A. This pattern actually represents my best chance to recreate the Majestic dress, but I really love the sexy neckline of the Vogue 8280. Which would you go for? </div>
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I have 24 hours to decide before I cut into my muslin later today, so I am going to bed now, to hopefully dream up a choice.</div>
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<br />Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-42763719631036851772014-05-25T23:44:00.000+01:002014-05-25T23:44:08.932+01:00Simplicity 2444 maxi dress featuring John KaldorDon't you just love summer? I love summer, a lot. When summer comes around, everyone seems genuinely happy. People smile at you on the road, you get to eat ice cream without worrying about getting a cold, the sun is still out at 9pm, and more specifically, I get to wear maxi dresses without heavy coats for protection.<div>
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Last week I had a situation regarding an overlocker I bought, which left me really upset, so on Friday I found myself at Goldhawk road, where I spent more money than I wanted to, and got even more upset. In the evening I decided to sew something, to take my mind off unhappy thoughts. I have been craving maxi dresses lately, especially as Summer is just round the corner, and decided to use the bodice of Simplicity 2444.</div>
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This pattern does not need any introduction I think, as there have been so <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=simplicity+2444&es_sm=93&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=nmyCU4f-OofGPbKggLAL&ved=0CGQQsAQ">many versions</a> on so many blogs. I made this <a href="http://www.missdibs.com/2012/06/simplicity-2444-at-last.html#.U4JtCfldWSo">dress</a> about 2 years ago when I just had Noah, and even though I wanted to make more versions, I never got round to it. </div>
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I used a John Kaldor fabric I bought from Abakhan in Manchester when I spent a week there in February. I bought it on sale for about £2.50 or £3. I bought 3 metres, and I always knew I wanted to make a maxi dress from it. I have been slowly collecting John Kaldor fabric, and I really love the quality of their fabrics. </div>
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Since I had sewn this pattern before, there were not any nasty surprises in store for me. It was a pretty easy make. Stress free, which was exactly what I wanted. I did not make any changes to the pattern, but for the skirt, I just used two rectangles, each 40" long, with the width the full width of the fabric. Not very original I know, but I did not want to complicate my sewing.</div>
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The weather was really nice today, and we had my younger brother and a few friends round ours and I just had to wear my new dress. </div>
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I can assure you I was not drunk in this picture. My friend, who is an expert at mixing cocktails, made some using Plymouth Gin, which I had never had, but which I now like....a lot.<br />
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Hopefully my overlocker situation resolves itself this week and I can sew more stuff. I used French seams on this dress, but that takes a lot of time and having the overlocker will speed things up for me. I have a major event to attend on Saturday 31st, and I wanted to use my overlocker to sew my dress. I now have to find a backup pattern, to use if my overlocker does not get fixed in time.</div>
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On the house front, we have seen a house we REALLY like, so fingers crossed they accept our offer.</div>
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What summer sewing have you been/plan on doing?I know maxis are the way forward for me this summer ( as always).</div>
Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-27658329410481296102014-05-23T01:48:00.000+01:002014-05-23T01:48:00.447+01:00Beauty: Makeup booksI bought some make-up books guys. Those of you who follow me on instagram <a href="http://instagram.com/dibsandthemachine">(@dibsandthemachine)</a>, would know how make-up obsessed I have become. I am not really a make-up girl, but I am learning, and so far I am having fun. Mr.Dibs calls it my war paint, and sometimes I agree. I rarely wear make-up to work. I would say in a month, I might wear it once to work. I am starting to make more and more of an effort with my appearance, after some of my friends staged an intervention.<br />
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I have spent countless hours on youtube, learning make-up application. What many of the self proclaimed make-up gurus on youtube don't tell you are the reasons they do what they do. So I am turning to the experts to tell me why I have to use a crease brush and a base brush. Are you a make up addict?.<br />
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Until this week, I never even knew there were so many books on make-up by make-up artists. I was looking for information on Kevin Aucoin, and realised he had written a number of books. Searching for those books online led me to other books by well known make-up artists and in true Dibs style, I ordered a couple, two of which arrived a few days ago. Just in time for the Bank holiday weekend. Make-up brushes at the ready!!<br />
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Its funny how I am only getting into make-up and the whole beauty thing in my mid thirties. I'm sure my mom will do a victory dance when she comes visiting this summer. She has been vocally disappointed in my lack of interest in all things make-up and beauty regiments. My mom is so beautiful, and I am nothing like her. I do like look abit like her, but not as much as my younger brother, who is her carbon copy, or as much as she would have wanted me to. She used to blame my dad for me not being breathtakingly beautiful. I have my dad's lips though, which I consider my best features. Take that, Mother!<br />
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Before you all rush to assure me that I am beautiful, and that my mom is mean, please know that my mom loves me very much, and I am quite confident in my skin. I might not be as beautiful as my mom, who to be honest, judging from her old pictures, was quite the stunner, but I am not ugly either. And by the way, who has the right to call someone ugly? Everyone has something special in them that makes them beautiful to a certain number of people. I am the most beautiful woman in the world to Mr.Dibs(even though I think he only says that for the sake of peace and an happy life), and that is enough for me.<br />
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If you like make-up, what make brands do you use?<br />
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Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-40737882820844121962014-05-21T01:45:00.001+01:002014-05-21T11:59:21.729+01:00Joel and Son FabricsThank you all so much for the positive words and support you sent my way after my <a href="http://www.missdibs.com/2014/05/blogging-and-life.html#.U3vkN_ldWSo">last post</a>. Since then, we have put our flat back on the market, and we have had multiple offers above our asking price, so I am quite happy about that. We are off to Northampton to view properties this weekend so I am really looking forward to the weekend. I am however cognisant of the fact that things could go wrong so I have decided not to get emotionally involved in the process this time round. Que sera sera.<br />
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Now on to the reason for today's post. <a href="http://www.joelandsonfabrics.com/uk/">Joel and Son fabrics</a>. Have you ever been there? I have never gone there. <a href="http://anotherlittlecraftycreation.wordpress.com/author/alibobs/">Alison</a> tells me it is near Edgware Road, which is technically not very far from my house. Joel and Son are suppliers to her Majesty the Queen, a fact which they are very proud of, as I am sure I would be if by some stroke of luck my macarons made their way to her Maj's dinner table.<br />
I have been to their website countless times, but because their prices are quite extraordinary, I never bought anything from them. They have the most exquisite fabrics which are, unfortunately, reflected in their not so exquisite prices.<br />
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I never thought I would ever buy anything from them, until a couple of weeks ago when I went to my usual spot on their website, the bargain section. I saw this amazing looking cotton faille fabric going for £10/metre. I kept praying the fabric would still be there when I got paid and thankfully it was. So I ordered 3 metres. Two weeks passed and I still had not received my parcel. I called them yesterday to inform them. The lady I spoke to was quite helpful, and she gave me the number of their delivery company, as well as my reference number. A quick call to the delivery company, and my parcel was delivered today. AMAZING!!<br />
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Just look at this beautiful fabric. If you are not drooling now, I think you need to see a Doctor. There either is something wrong with your eyes, or the part of your brain that curates your emotions is malfunctioning.<br />
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Now, not only was the customer service really good, the packaging had me quivering with excitement. <a href="http://anotherlittlecraftycreation.wordpress.com/author/alibobs/">Alison</a> was visiting and she could not help laughing at me. We decided to learn more about cotton faile, as neither of us had worked with it before. So out came the Claire Shaeffer's <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Claire-Shaeffers-Fabric-Sewing-Guide-ebook/dp/B005065CPM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400629463&sr=8-1&keywords=fabric+sewing+guide">Fabric Sewing Guide</a>.<br />
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Now this is not a shop I will regularly buy from. Don't get me wrong. It is not that they don't sell good fabric. They do. They sell Very good fabric. From Italy and other places. They have all sorts of designer fabrics. And therein lies the rub. Designer fabrics are not cheap. Alison and I even played a guessing game. She read out a discounted fabric description, and asked me to guess the price. I said £100. It turns out I was almost £900 short of the price. The actual price was £989/metre, down from £1,472. Yes I know, I had the same reaction as you are probably having now. If I was ever looking for a reason for Mr.Dibs to ask for a divorce, I think buying even 0.00001 metres of this fabric would be good enough. In case you were wondering if this fabric was made of gold, <a href="http://www.joelandsonfabrics.com/uk/522">here it is</a>. Feast thy eyes!<br />
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If there is anyone of you out there who buys from Joel and Son regularly, I hate you, and I never EVER want to meet you because my inability to suppress my jealousy and envy would inevitably lead to murder, and I really, really want to see Noah grow. I won't be able to turn him into the professional sportsman he is destined to be from Belmarsh prison. To those of you, like me, who can only dream of making a purchase from the bargain section, rejoice. They always have some sort of offer. The offers are still expensive for the likes of us, but for that special occasion, or reward or treat, a remnant piece of 2metres at £40-£50 is achievable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8K-CkSF-lLuuTGz-qAnShXhvCn9_BKE8Ut1zNVbwZKXRBJ8TEorlH5o0nJpFrBWJFbVr557NV34k7SroFCj_e0tCxgUTgPOc4kBJizaARcDMxSmwrCv4upx4b87HhIK1n1b2F8Dn4-Wv/s1600/DSC_0074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8K-CkSF-lLuuTGz-qAnShXhvCn9_BKE8Ut1zNVbwZKXRBJ8TEorlH5o0nJpFrBWJFbVr557NV34k7SroFCj_e0tCxgUTgPOc4kBJizaARcDMxSmwrCv4upx4b87HhIK1n1b2F8Dn4-Wv/s1600/DSC_0074.jpg" /></a></div>
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An added surprise for me, was the packaging. The fabric came wrapped in tissue paper, in a branded plastic bag, with the royal charter proudly incorporated....of course.<br />
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A postcard was included, which I thought was a nice touch, as well as a tape measure. Wasn't that sweet of them? I'm sure I shall buy from them again, if only to see what little free gift wends its way towards me.<br />
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I love my cheap fabrics. I am a Goldhawk road girl to the core, but once in a while, a very rare while, I like to indulge myself. This purchase does not really qualify as a splurge because the fabric was heavily discounted, and I have bought more expensive fabric than this, but the whole experience of buying from Joel and Son to me, was a treat. Have you ever bought from them?<br />
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<br />Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-33329931566963815582014-05-12T17:50:00.002+01:002014-05-21T11:59:46.096+01:00Blogging and LifeThe new year always starts with so much promise. This year I was quite hopeful about my blog. I was going to be sewing and posting every week, not simple sewing mind you, no, not good enough for moi. I was going to be making well crafted pieces, boning and all. Ha! Here we are, going into the middle of the year, and I have nothing to show for it. Where did all the days go? More importantly, why have I not been sewing, or blogging?<br />
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The truth of the matter is, unless blogging is your full time job, you need to dig deep down to find motivation to blog regularly. I am not saying it cannot be done, we all know there are fabulous bloggers out there who have demanding jobs, but still blog regularly like it was easier than making a cup of tea. To those bloggers, I raise my cap. I, on the other hand, really struggle. Ever since Noah came on the scene, things have gone pear shaped sewing wise (no pun intended). Again, I am not saying you can't blog successfully when/if you have kids, as there are mega bloggers out there with more kids than I can count on my two hands. How do they do it? How do you do it? Any tips for a struggling sister?<br />
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I struggle with finding time to sew, or blog. Somehow, sewing and blogging have been relegated to the bottom of my to do list. I just don't have the time, and I realise I need to make more of an effort but it is just so hard. There are a couple of things which are responsible for this inactivity, which I will briefly touch on.<br />
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Since August 2013, we have been trying to sell our matchbox flat. Our little family is growing, and we no longer have space to breathe in our flat. We had multiple offers for our flat the first day of viewings, and found a lovely new house for ourselves. Unfortunately, our buyer was a first time buyer, and unbeknownst to us, had not even secured a mortgage. A couple of months later, the chain broke, so we were back to square one. In January we put our house once more on the market, and sold for 5k above our asking price on the first day of viewings. We decided to move to Milton Keynes, and found a lovely house which I could not stop dreaming about. Turns out it was not meant to be. Our house sale fell through again because of the damp in our house. The heartbreak this time was even more painful because I had already strong armed Mr.Dibs into letting me convert one of the rooms into a sewing room. Needless to say, I did not want to see my sewing machine because it reminded me of things that were not to be. We have since fixed the damp, and thousands of pounds later, our house is going back on the market today. I am trying work some excitement into the process but to be honest, I am struggling with that as well. I don't think I will be able to handle another disappointment.<br />
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On a more positive note, one other thing that has been fighting for my time, is my obsession with macarons. I wrote a post about them earlier this year, and my love for them has only increased. So much so that I have decided to start selling them. I have been doing alot of research on how I want to proceed with my macaron business, and what brand image I want, packaging, distribution and the usual suspects. It is fun, and scary at the same time. I am going to Paris in June to study <a href="http://www.ferrandi-paris.fr/en/international-programs/training-weeks/french-macaron-advanced-course">this course</a> at Ferrandi, a French culinary school. My friend is getting married in June, and she wants me to make a macaron tower for her, so exciting times ahead. Plus, I will need your help sometime soon, I plan on hosting a macaron tasting party so we can all decide on the flavours I will be selling. If you think you could help with that please drop me a note in the comments box.<br />
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I also decided to loose some weight. I joined the gym, and so I go some days after work, which means I don't have enough time after work to sew. I currently work in Maidenhead, so by the time I get back to London, all I want to do is eat and pass out. I have good days and bad days, and I have had a cold twice in 30 days, which has broken my motivation to go to the gym. I am hoping to get back on track this month. I have lost a bit of weight though, as you can see from the picture below.<br />
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So there you have it. My gazillion reasons for not keeping in touch. I don't even know when I will get back to sewing as my weekends are already fully booked till the end of June. I am on the lookout for a Babylock overlocker though, so if/when I do buy it, the excitement of a new machine might translate into me actually sewing something.<br />
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I have been buying fabric though. That is the one constant in my life. My fabric obsession. I am so looking forward to summer because of all the maxi wearing opportunities I will have.<br />
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Oh, one more thing, how do you manage the demands on your time and life, with sewing and blogging?Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-52902010229352879052014-02-25T23:36:00.000+00:002014-05-25T23:17:50.955+01:00Zlata SkirtI finally made something people. After months of inactivity I finally made something. Since my last sewing project, so many things have happened, bad things, good things, and so so things, but more on that later.<br />
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I made a skirt. Do you like it? I certainly do. Sometime ago, Ana of <a href="http://stepalica.blogspot.co.uk/">Stepalica patterns</a>, was looking for testers for her new pattern, and I signed up for it. Ana's patterns are not your usual patterns. She is self taught, but you will not know by the quality patterns she puts out. Last year I wrote about her first pattern, the <a href="http://stepalica.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/nougat-dress-pattern-1301.html">Nougat dress</a>. I am still to make that, but this year shall not go by without me making it. Touchwood.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1XSNexZd1-XBHQ6FZZvUEIQ6dHZN0YOUdSo2AQuJx6M3O_i8YYePiZy3yrylsKfkl4H08myKfHu-3UdLfaDgYWMPh7OEA6xsTQz0AO4ccKXn5J3RUBWFq3wG3rTUHJtzTELMtF18pIyv/s1600/DSC_0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1XSNexZd1-XBHQ6FZZvUEIQ6dHZN0YOUdSo2AQuJx6M3O_i8YYePiZy3yrylsKfkl4H08myKfHu-3UdLfaDgYWMPh7OEA6xsTQz0AO4ccKXn5J3RUBWFq3wG3rTUHJtzTELMtF18pIyv/s1600/DSC_0395.JPG" /></a><br />
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So yeah, the Zlata skirt. It is a lined pleated skirt with a twist. I told you Ana does not do the usual. You can read all about the skirt <a href="http://stepalica.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/zlata-skirt-pattern-1401.html">here</a>, and see different versions of the Zlata skirt made by some of the testers <a href="http://stepalica.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/zlata-skirt-testing-pattern-part-1.html">here</a>. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMH4-6QPsKpspWVD3xhJFOw1FWfg_VZWTFv9B5rWhAQUDk1pP1h8wQNTzBjPqmegMUwHYatdFFYcnC_6Lb1YyemYzlR0In0JUcaoxI3ETcUow2X1gSTeAQiYcPyXMDBVUU7uDGuwIhTC9/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMH4-6QPsKpspWVD3xhJFOw1FWfg_VZWTFv9B5rWhAQUDk1pP1h8wQNTzBjPqmegMUwHYatdFFYcnC_6Lb1YyemYzlR0In0JUcaoxI3ETcUow2X1gSTeAQiYcPyXMDBVUU7uDGuwIhTC9/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" /></a><br />
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It has three variations, and I made view C. I was not sure about my size, so I cut size 42. In hindsight I should have cut the 44 because the 42 is a teeny weeny bit too tight. Which brings me to another thing, I have put on alot of weight. I recently discovered I am a comfort eater, and the past couple of months of have been really hard on. Lots of stuff, which I hope to never go through again, happened. Anyways, my issues translated into midnight trips into the kitchen for some ice cream and chocolate cake, followed by macarons and coca-cola.I now weigh 92kg, which is the heaviest I have ever been. I currently have an incovenient pain in my knee, which Mr.Dibs and a friend of mine have attributed to my weight gain. Sad stuff people, sad stuff.<br />
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Anyway, back to my skirt. I love it. It is so different to what I normally make. I rarely sew solids. I definitely should incorporate solids into my wardrobe. The fabric is a cotton/linen blend I bought from Abakhan fabrics in Manchester. It was a dream to sew and I now wish I had bought more of it.<br />
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In terms of difficulty, I would say the skirt is a medium. You have to line it, so if you have never made a lined skirt before, this is a good project to start with.<br />
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I found that my bum raised the back of the skirt, so I need to address that in my future projects.<br />
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Ana gives you a few suggestions on how to add more details to your skirt, one of which is pipping. I added some pipping to the pockets, and waistband.<br />
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I might make view B next. </div>
<img alt="Stepalica: Zlata skirt Pattern #1401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCZgV5vp1y_KssHbEaqnjypbQ37qa0l1IxS1mCU8AJXgD63gRe2jpRLn9MDCcynoDC6BwYNoqNP8unEoU1KQYK39NMrGbIQAbXZALmVJAx9LeYmSOYqG2o_hHHbTNl2h7Rvnk8p-2f7cf/s1600/StepalicaPatterns_1401_ZlataSkirt_FrontCover.jpg" /><br />
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<b>UPCOMING PROJECTS</b><br />
My next two projects are a toile du jouy dress, and a simplicity 2053 dress. I actually started these two projects last year, but with the issues I had, I could not complete them.<br />
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You might also have noticed that I have not been posting Minerva Blogger projects. I left the network. I am very happy I was asked to join. I had fun while part of the network, BUT, I was not in a good place, and I just did not have the energy to do the projects justice. I still love seeing what everyone else has been making, and I just know it will only get better.Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-30153914502292310802014-01-19T13:12:00.001+00:002014-01-19T13:13:24.045+00:00Macaron SundayHappy New Year people. Have you already broken your new year's resolutions yet? Yes? Ah, see, that is why I do not set new year's resolutions. I never keep them.<br />
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What I did decide on though, was to enter the kitchen more. Before getting married to Mr.Dibs, I lived with him for a couple of months, and I was such an exemplary house guest that he decided to put a ring on it. I suspect the marriage proposal was a result of the delicious food I cooked everyday. Unfortunately for Mr.Dibs, my forays into the kitchen was part of my plan to get a marriage proposal from him. I stopped cooking regularly as soon as we came back from the honeymoon. I am not even joking. Mr.Dibs has been trying to get me to turn back into the domestic goddess I was pre wedding ring, but I have been steadfast in refusal to revert. Every so often I would be moved by the need to do some good for the universe, and I would cook him something special.<br />
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Which led me to my new toy.<br />
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Last year, when my husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I was not sure what to ask for. I wanted two things, a Coverstitch machine, and a Kenwood chef. Both of these things are not cheap. So I could only choose one. I weighed the pros and cons. Which of them would get the least resistance from Mr.Dibs? Hmm, Mr.Dibs has never benefited from my sewing. I am that selfish. I'm sure there will come a time when I would make something for him, but that time is not now. Food on the other hand, is something the whole family could enjoy. So I chose the Kenwood. And his exact words were " About time I benefited from one of your hobbies". Now, saying cooking is one of my hobbies is a very long stretch, but what the heck, Mr.Dibs can say anything just as long as I get what I want.<br />
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So, last year, This bad boy made its way to my house.<br />
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Since having it, I have improved somewhat in the kitchen department. I am not quite up to Nigella Lawson standards yet, but I will get there eventually...I hope.<br />
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I have used it mostly for baking. I love baking. I have used it to bake cakes and cupcakes, but what I have loved making the most, are macarons.<br />
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I am quite pleased with myself. I first had macarons from Pauls. They are not cheap though, so I reserved consumption for special occasions. Then , when I was pregnant with Noah, <a href="http://pincushiontreats.wordpress.com/">Mela</a> came visiting with some chocolate macarons she had made for me. Junior Mr.Dibs still remembers that day fondly. When I think of baking, I thnk of my two gals, Mela and <a href="http://houseofpinheiro.blogspot.co.uk/">Rachel</a>. Those girls are mean in the kitchen. So when I got the Kenwood, I started looking online for receipes and inspiration. The general consensus was that they were very finicky to make, and you had to be very precise with your measuring. The macarons in this post are my fourth attempt at macarons, and they are my best so far.<br />
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Traditional french macarons are made using almond flour, icing sugar, caster sugar, and egg whites. So you make a meringue, and mix with the almond flour and icing sugar, and a colouring of your choice. You can make macarons using three different meringues. The french, swiss or italian meringue. I used the Italian method. I will go more into the details in another post.<br />
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Noah has been very excited about these macarons. He would not even let me do a successful photoshoot.</div>
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I had to enlist Mr.Dibs to restrain Noah.<br />
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I love making macarons. I find them really easy to make, if you follow the instructions that is, and carefully weigh all your ingredients, and pipe them well, and bla bla bla. What I am trying to say is, they get easy with practice, and once you get the hang of making them, they suddenly seem like the easiest things to do.<br />
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So what about you? Have you made macarons before, any interesting flavours you think I should try? I'd like to know. I would also like to make more use of my kenwood chef, so if you have one of these, or a normal food processor or a Kitchen aid, what do you use them for? Care to share any recipes?<br />
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<br />Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-65381239930417495672013-12-24T13:19:00.000+00:002014-05-21T12:00:20.323+01:00Minerva Crafts Blogger Network: Butterick 5559 sheath dressMy project for this month is not for the faint hearted. Don't get me wrong. <a href="http://www.minervacrafts.com/butterick-5559-butterick-sewing-pattern-5559-ladies-dress-choice-of-sizes.html">Butterick 5559</a> is not a difficult pattern. Far from it. What it is though, is LABOUR INTENSIVE.<br />
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I should have read the reviews from other bloggers before picking this pattern, but what can I say? I loved the pattern. I have been admiring it for a long time on other bloggers, and wanted to have a go at it, so I have no one but myself to blame.</div>
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For this project, I selected a turquoise ponte roma knit fabric. This fabric is absolutely luscious, and I love the fact that it behaves like a woven fabric, minus the fraying, and it is stretchy enough to hide my many lumps and bumps. You can find it in 21 colours <a href="http://www.minervacrafts.com/roma-59-wide-ponte-roma-heavy-jersey-dress-fabric-full-range-of-colours.html">here</a>. I am definitely going to buy more of this fabric for future projects. I call it my "no hassle fabric".</div>
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So, back to the pattern.<br />
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It is a sheath dress, which is good for me because my body proportions are all over the place. I cut a size 14 for the bodice, and then graded out to size 20 at the hips. I have a feeling after Christmas I shall be grading out to size 22.<br />
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The pattern like I said before, is easy, but quite tedious. It has 7 darts which are placed between 14 1/4 inch tucks, which when sewn, are hidden. Genius non? Tracing the fold lines for the tucks was not remotely amusing. You have to make the tucks on the right side, so what I did was machine baste the lines directly on the pattern with the pattern pined to my fabric. In hindsight, I should have used wax paper and traced the lines unto the wrong side of the fabric, then use that as my guide to machine baste the lines. My pattern is now completely destroyed, because I had to rip it off my fabric after basting. If you want to have a go at this pattern, don't make the same mistake I did.<br />
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When doing the 1/4 inch tacks, you have to be very accurate. I think I rushed things a bit, and the sides are not as aligned as I would have loved. I can live with the way they are though.<br />
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The dress runs short, so if you don't like short dresses, you will need to add some length to it.I added about 4 inches to the hem, but I think I should have added more because after hemming it, and all those tucks, it went to my knees, and I am not even tall.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2kcLDmCpISZrgNdN15Oz3rOL2LD847RAv3rjd0BA-DrL20ZNKr9utyWigWv7w1Jbh8tSA21BCLNphLkg2i-nGlv4K8YjvLD9uGBRtWbBsmltGd4uKoHjyl39sFe7U9CcPSsH3rxWAoRv/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2kcLDmCpISZrgNdN15Oz3rOL2LD847RAv3rjd0BA-DrL20ZNKr9utyWigWv7w1Jbh8tSA21BCLNphLkg2i-nGlv4K8YjvLD9uGBRtWbBsmltGd4uKoHjyl39sFe7U9CcPSsH3rxWAoRv/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" /></a></div>
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I am actually quite happy with the dress. Mr.Dibs was impressed, and in his own words, "hmm, you know what you are doing sometimes". I'll take that as a compliment, thank you</div>
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If you want to read more about this dress, and various ways to help with the construction, you can check out <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/43226">this</a> pattern review page on it.There are 37 reviews on it. If you want to brave it, you can buy the kit to make it <a href="http://www.minervacrafts.com/dibs-11.2013-minerva-crafts-blogger-network-dibs-ponte-roma-dress-kit.html">here</a>.</div>
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Merry Christmas everyone, and see you all next year.</div>
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Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-23673554956526544452013-12-06T15:40:00.000+00:002013-12-06T15:40:10.873+00:00Make your own Catherine Middleton engagement dress<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Ok, so I have not been around these parts for the longest time ever!!</i></div>
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<i>I had such grande plans at the start of November. None have been realised. The eagle eyed amongst you will have noticed I did not even post a Minerva Crafts project in November. What can I say? Life happened. So many things happened last month, more on that on another post. For today though, we have the privilege of hosting <a href="http://www.allstyleandallsubstance.com/">Adrienne of All Style and All Substance</a>. </i></div>
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<i>I first met Adrienne when she lived in the UK. She currently lives in Sweden. sigh! I have long envied Adrienne's country hoping. It feels like every time I read her blog, she has moved to another country.Adrienne is kindly showing us how to dress like the Duchess of Cambridge as part of the Wrap dress project. </i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">For those of you who don’t know me: Hello!
My name is Adrienne and I blog over at <u><a href="http://www.allstyleandallsubstance.com/">All Style and All Substance</a>.</u></span><span lang="EN-US"> I’ve
been a regular reader of Dibs of the Machines and it’s an honour to write this
guest post today!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">When I saw that Dibs was doing a wrap-dress
sewalong, nothing was going to stop me. I was going to take part. Wrap dresses
are my favourites!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">But what wrap-dress sewalong would be
complete without the wrap dress of all wrap dresses, namely, Catherine Middleton’s
engagement wrap dress by Issa London?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9y40PUBNEgFq1dYiZ2JBRPQSWlAazToV2822v795-6zbaxD47eDvnhdUeNX8pkz_mR9XU57OfNdp3qJg5NekKDSzJfHyOzf380QDRKJXjezpbEv-lIOcljse8Ugni30KV41XlRWro-g_/s1600/Picture+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9y40PUBNEgFq1dYiZ2JBRPQSWlAazToV2822v795-6zbaxD47eDvnhdUeNX8pkz_mR9XU57OfNdp3qJg5NekKDSzJfHyOzf380QDRKJXjezpbEv-lIOcljse8Ugni30KV41XlRWro-g_/s1600/Picture+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rachttlg.com/tag/issa-dress/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymiqwGEv8kV2rCrtuZGPfg5QcHFNiXZ7KQOs3vxcUKKMiLptHavWR06KjI9ab7_6cHoL9RyzE28TvtF98qW84WSo_KaAfQyd5H7cMyVQk0YqUEwhM4ZEgqXmPQnlcARncGwfnre3pqUvf/s1600/Picture+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymiqwGEv8kV2rCrtuZGPfg5QcHFNiXZ7KQOs3vxcUKKMiLptHavWR06KjI9ab7_6cHoL9RyzE28TvtF98qW84WSo_KaAfQyd5H7cMyVQk0YqUEwhM4ZEgqXmPQnlcARncGwfnre3pqUvf/s1600/Picture+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Today, I’ll show you how to make your own
engagement dress with a few simple tweaks, using a basic shawl-collared wrap-dress
pattern, such as Vogue 8827.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hJwLFy1mdVZ5I9Dn6tTxA-pi4HvaUZ7CwN7mWwgAxUl-f5Hn2c9UfXbEFQnu7iP6wgKG-dW3b2c9Pd5eMKrtWtNXCnWYBbLlmszGs1tymexIqqBY6ofIHRgOiUsR2ZMqSG2_j_O4qSeG/s1600/Picture+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hJwLFy1mdVZ5I9Dn6tTxA-pi4HvaUZ7CwN7mWwgAxUl-f5Hn2c9UfXbEFQnu7iP6wgKG-dW3b2c9Pd5eMKrtWtNXCnWYBbLlmszGs1tymexIqqBY6ofIHRgOiUsR2ZMqSG2_j_O4qSeG/s1600/Picture+3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.addictionsofafashionjunkie.com/2012_11_01_archive.html">Source</a></td></tr>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">1)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">As we know, in dressmaking,
picking the right fabric is half the battle. In this case, pick a fabric having
<u>extreme</u> drape. It’s also preferable to pick a stretchy fabric.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">2)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Make your dress following the instructions
as you normally would, making sure the belt is wide enough (at least 3 inches,
I would say) and long enough (so you can wrap it around your waist 2,5 times). During
construction, omit any steps for side ribbons or snaps on the inside. Also hold
off hemming your dress. If you’re using pattern Vogue 8827 as a base like I
did, make View B with long sleeves, and cut three belt pieces instead of two, so
you’re making the belt 50% longer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">3)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Sew the panels together down
the middle. In order to determine where to sew, try on your dress and let both
panels hang down the front. Mark on your dress the point where you would like
the center front seam to begin (and the neck opening to end). With the dress on
a flat surface, draw a straight line from the marking to the bottom of the
front opening, as in the picture bellow. Stitch on that line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9soJzyDKlDgnhkRkSBHpYK-uenDyHzrA-njfxh4tyOfhe1hm8_muTrHFBJwXnV2OVBVyXS5nPrkT9bFaR-OXW3iNsxOQyUkJWNh0f_saYyr_zSN1CpYk5Nt0nOLkieMjJSAfP8MvfxC5/s1600/Picture+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9soJzyDKlDgnhkRkSBHpYK-uenDyHzrA-njfxh4tyOfhe1hm8_muTrHFBJwXnV2OVBVyXS5nPrkT9bFaR-OXW3iNsxOQyUkJWNh0f_saYyr_zSN1CpYk5Nt0nOLkieMjJSAfP8MvfxC5/s1600/Picture+4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">4)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">You’ll see that the hem will be
irregular. Before hemming or cutting anything, hang your dress overnight, to
let gravity pull your dress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Thanks for allowing me to share this
tutorial with you, and I’ll hope you’ll enjoy you Catherine Middleton knock-off
dress! Happy sewing everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">P.S.: For more construction details and
pictures of my dress, feel free to stop by <u>allstyleandallsubstance.com</u>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><i>Thanks Adrienne for such an informative post. This will hopefully spur me to make my own wrap dress this weekend. I say "Hopefully" because I have learned the hard way in the past 30 days not to plan too much.</i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><i>What about you, have you made your own dress yet?</i></span></div>
Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-22581528760650306742013-11-02T14:14:00.004+00:002014-05-21T12:01:10.848+01:00Fabric Detective<div style="text-align: justify;">
UPDATE : The fabric has unfortunately sold . out. All within 24 hours. Wow.<br />
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This is just a shout out to all the people who were itching to get their hands on this fabric</div>
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<a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Roll-106-Black-Coffee-Red-Jersey-Viscose-Fabric-1-metre-Clothing-/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/8AcAAOxyDLZSBN7i/$T2eC16JHJGYE9nooiNK2BSBN7i(GeQ~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Roll-106-Black-Coffee-Red-Jersey-Viscose-Fabric-1-metre-Clothing-/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/8AcAAOxyDLZSBN7i/$T2eC16JHJGYE9nooiNK2BSBN7i(GeQ~~60_12.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
It is back in the Debzzart<a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Roll-106-Black-Coffee-Red-Jersey-Viscose-Fabric-1-metre-Clothing-/380757984116?pt=UK_Crafts_Fabric&hash=item58a6f1c374"> ebay shop</a>.<br />
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Good luck!Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-54298185244878644752013-10-29T11:00:00.000+00:002013-10-29T11:00:02.946+00:00Minerva Crafts Blogger Network: Mccalls 6752<div class="MsoNormal">
I really enjoyed working on this month's project for the <a href="http://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network">Minerva Blogger Network</a>.The weather has well and truly turned over a new leaf so it is all wet and windy now in the UK. Waking up in the morning is becoming
more and more difficult for me, and I am already dreaming of the days when darkness
only comes calling at 10 pm. I have not really gone into cold weather sewing
mode yet, but my project this month is meant to ease me (gently) into sewing
with heavier fabric.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpD4a0j8R-kFNhK7KpKBXluvFltlHJuw4Xz7XlojgXSNFFQITueqh-vuaVLZdMwAzqOpGJLFtjmiY6YvCkMHUTJ1MfsSuc7zahwldh1FsRhtL6ryD_E4uY0Y_yHUiS_aa3woN61W1NlqFW/s1600/DSC_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpD4a0j8R-kFNhK7KpKBXluvFltlHJuw4Xz7XlojgXSNFFQITueqh-vuaVLZdMwAzqOpGJLFtjmiY6YvCkMHUTJ1MfsSuc7zahwldh1FsRhtL6ryD_E4uY0Y_yHUiS_aa3woN61W1NlqFW/s1600/DSC_0956.JPG" /></a></div>
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The fabric I used is a plum tweed jersey, which has a grainy texture
to it, and has little specks of black. It is quite warm when worn, and it was a
dream to sew. I did not really know what
to sew with it, but I knew it was going to be a dress. So I went through my pattern stash, and
pulled out <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6752-products-46532.php?page_id=96">McCalls 6752</a>. If you have this pattern in your stash, get it out NOW
and make it. It is so quick. This is probably the easiest thing I have made
with a pattern. If you are new to sewing knits, I strongly recommend this
pattern. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuECOpBb-F-GcV1B2SKvV1jsOQ6N0v6vxkLlo2BjIHgimEBKu_cS386fV-nPmu3ghTm_hhMRwr8gfkWQLgIfjGX2ThsV86hp4cyurfQEazhSKMATI_WGx11Erm3ocQeZ-fHg5ldI-XXbq/s1600/DSC_0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuECOpBb-F-GcV1B2SKvV1jsOQ6N0v6vxkLlo2BjIHgimEBKu_cS386fV-nPmu3ghTm_hhMRwr8gfkWQLgIfjGX2ThsV86hp4cyurfQEazhSKMATI_WGx11Erm3ocQeZ-fHg5ldI-XXbq/s1600/DSC_0958.JPG" /></a></div>
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I made view B, but since I wanted a maxi dress, I lengthened
the hem of the skirt. That was really easy to do as you can see from my little pictorial below. You'll have to forgive my attempts at drawing. I am no Picasso.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzIZjKIOvgxCXHdQVqxW68nE1Ihjr8UeuLysokbGJ1MlYiVxGeYIxewzky4U6x0dnl3dZIxzAqfJJpBFLoYM-PPQmJmK0cK35k70K4G_L7pBrl5FFxDcW4AhX-FxmtVX9wWCBpNpAEZcQ/s1600/20131028_203133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzIZjKIOvgxCXHdQVqxW68nE1Ihjr8UeuLysokbGJ1MlYiVxGeYIxewzky4U6x0dnl3dZIxzAqfJJpBFLoYM-PPQmJmK0cK35k70K4G_L7pBrl5FFxDcW4AhX-FxmtVX9wWCBpNpAEZcQ/s640/20131028_203133.jpg" width="479" /></a></div>
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<o:p> 1 - Decide on how long you want your skirt to be, and add the extra inches to the existing skirt length, not forgetting to add extra centimetres for your hem allowance. </o:p></div>
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<o:p>2 - Draw a straight line perpendicular to the first line</o:p></div>
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3 - From the widest point of the skirt hip, draw a line down, connecting it to line 2.</div>
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And that folks, is all. I am sure there are more professional methods of doing this, but this is what I did, and it worked for me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YPZewZH00L5bGZI-yXmg24FuGkfvXiyB9rxrspT7zdsl_DMddkryGKTla8fIqeh5j9vpstGyr8HxNOSOKAxRKpGr6fhbFdf8wA714xnYa80koryt4d8HhLRThQ5rHcGjRlfN7q4pLkqG/s1600/DSC_0959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YPZewZH00L5bGZI-yXmg24FuGkfvXiyB9rxrspT7zdsl_DMddkryGKTla8fIqeh5j9vpstGyr8HxNOSOKAxRKpGr6fhbFdf8wA714xnYa80koryt4d8HhLRThQ5rHcGjRlfN7q4pLkqG/s1600/DSC_0959.JPG" /></a></div>
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I wore the dress last weekend to go shopping with my older sister. As you can see from the picture above, I ventured out in my flip flops because though it was windy, it was not cold. A good thing I wore them though because when I got to Oxford Street, I bought a pair of brogues, and wore them immediately. My flip flops conveniently disappeared. </div>
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Now for some tomfoolery</div>
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Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-39328684394922843432013-10-23T17:26:00.001+01:002013-10-23T17:56:14.995+01:00Fabric Detective<br />
I have been at it again. You can tell it is getting close to pay day because my fingers get very itchy around this time, and spend the time scouring the internet for fabric I would love to buy. Naturally 5 days after pay day I am once again broke, having spent my money on things I have been coveting all through the month. Mr. Dibs is not amused, but what can I do? A girl has got to have to buy lists doesn't she?. It does not always happen that way, but it does more often than not.<br />
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So, here I am again, with two sightings. As you know, it is my wont to spend time on clothing sites I cannot afford, unless they are massively on sale. Sometimes even the sale prices are still too much for me.<br />
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First off, from my fave shop <a href="http://www.phase-eight.co.uk/">Phase Eight</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://media.phase-eight.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/202267486/xlarge/202267486_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media.phase-eight.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/202267486/xlarge/202267486_1.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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You can make your own version of this dress, with <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Roll-116-Black-White-Grey-Woven-Stretch-Jersey-knit-Tweed-Type-Clothing-Fabric-/290958540476?pt=UK_Crafts_Fabric&hash=item43be7afebc">this fabric</a> found in what is now becoming my <a href="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/DebzzArt-Crafts-Gifts?_trksid=p2047675.l2563">fave shop </a>on ebay<br />
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<a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Roll-116-Black-White-Grey-Woven-Stretch-Jersey-knit-Tweed-Type-Clothing-Fabric-/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/AKsAAOxyBC1SBOow/$T2eC16RHJHsFGku(cqGhBSBOovw4O!~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Roll-116-Black-White-Grey-Woven-Stretch-Jersey-knit-Tweed-Type-Clothing-Fabric-/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/AKsAAOxyBC1SBOow/$T2eC16RHJHsFGku(cqGhBSBOovw4O!~~60_12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The next little beauty is from <a href="http://www.jigsaw-online.com/">Jigsaw</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://media.jigsaw-online.com/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/1032088/GN000/large/1032088_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media.jigsaw-online.com/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/1032088/GN000/large/1032088_1.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
I hardly ever buy from Jigsaw, but once in a while I see something I like during the sales. And again, you can get this <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Roll-95-Green-Turquoise-Black-Grey-Pattern-Stretch-Jersey-Knit-Fabric-1-metre-/290937119450?pt=UK_Crafts_Fabric&hash=item43bd3422da">fabric</a> from the same ebay shop, <a href="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/debzzartcraftsgifts">Debzzart</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Roll-95-Green-Turquoise-Black-Grey-Pattern-Stretch-Jersey-Knit-Fabric-1-metre-/00/s/MTYwMFgxNDAw/z/XAEAAOxypGFSMDbG/$(KGrHqNHJBMFIpilQpD5BSMDbFh9gQ~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Roll-95-Green-Turquoise-Black-Grey-Pattern-Stretch-Jersey-Knit-Fabric-1-metre-/00/s/MTYwMFgxNDAw/z/XAEAAOxypGFSMDbG/$(KGrHqNHJBMFIpilQpD5BSMDbFh9gQ~~60_12.JPG" width="279" /></a></div>
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Now, you all know I love me some John Kaldor. Normally they are on the pricey side, especially if you buy them from John Lewis. I have alot of John Kaldor fabric, which I buy from wherever I can find them. The tocca lace I used for my <a href="http://www.missdibs.com/2013/09/by-hand-london-anna-dress-to-rescue.html">Byhandlondon blue lace dress</a> was bought from Goldhawk Road for £12/metre however, in most places, you will see it for £15/metre, and even more in good ole John Lewis.<br />
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A couple of months ago, I found an ebay shop, <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/prestige_fabrics/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686">Prestige Fabrics</a>, that sells them at the most bank account balance friendly price I have ever seen. I have bought so many John Kaldor fabrics from this little shop, and I can attest to the quality of their service. The shipping is fast too, and very reasonable. I recently bought this fabric for my friend, and it only cost me £2.50/metre. That is what most of the fabric there costs.<br />
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<a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/JOHN-KALDOR-LADIES-DRESS-FABRIC-ORANGE-PURPLE-PRINTED-POLY-CREPE-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/BI8AAMXQzH9SEfza/$(KGrHqRHJE8FIHknK8gSBSEfzZoroQ~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/JOHN-KALDOR-LADIES-DRESS-FABRIC-ORANGE-PURPLE-PRINTED-POLY-CREPE-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/BI8AAMXQzH9SEfza/$(KGrHqRHJE8FIHknK8gSBSEfzZoroQ~~60_12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Prestige Fabrics does not list many things at once, but whatever they list gets sold pretty quickly, so it is worth checking their stock every so often. I know this because I literally stalk them on Ebay. I have all John Kaldor fabric they have listed since the beginning of the year. Why am I telling you about this gem of a shop? Well, for the simple reason that my birthday is coming up, and I believe if I am good enough, I might a really good birthday present.<br />
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Now go buy some fabric*.<br />
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<u>*<span style="font-size: xx-small;">DISCLAIMER</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I will under no circumstances be held responsible for future bankruptcies due to overzealous fabric purchases.</span><br />
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<br />Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-56931328437896569882013-10-20T01:45:00.001+01:002013-10-20T01:45:47.003+01:00Trend Watch : Full skirt<br />
I normally do not follow the trends set by the fashion peeps, BUT, it so happens that the type of skirts I like to wear is apparently en vogue. Yes peeps, the powers that be in the fashion universe have decided that Full skirts are so in. Many magazines, like <a href="http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2013/08/3-fall-trends-plaids-florals-and-full-skirts#slide=1">this one</a>, have been popping up about full skirts being a fall must have. I knew I wanted to sew a skirt for fall at some point, but I kept pushing it down the project list as other more exciting things came up. That all changed however, when I saw <a href="http://www.beautejadore.com/2013/10/diy-full-skirt.html">this skirt</a>. I saw it on her instagram page, on Friday, and decided it was time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1a0RZ8t7hr5hTCbCyLnkZI8w3PSamrFcy71j9y7RMaAhRVrvSkOlrpLz3woEOST8lhW59N1I7cpUIc5qXTTtbB4uFROGD-GXhLlXAUTlXiGqz_MK9-6GyJ5MirDNRJ4hguLqRRk-v3eZ/s1600/DSC_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1a0RZ8t7hr5hTCbCyLnkZI8w3PSamrFcy71j9y7RMaAhRVrvSkOlrpLz3woEOST8lhW59N1I7cpUIc5qXTTtbB4uFROGD-GXhLlXAUTlXiGqz_MK9-6GyJ5MirDNRJ4hguLqRRk-v3eZ/s1600/DSC_0986.JPG" /></a><br />
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I was initially going to use a burnt orange fabric which I had picked up from from one of the fabric swaps, but changed my mind when pressing it became a pain. The fabric is so wrinkled that to get it properly straightened would take for ever. I wanted to wear the skirt for my Alumni meeting on saturday, and I needed a really stress free and quick project, and the fabric was misbehaving, so I put it to one side. I went through my stash, and decided on a floral silk brocade I had bought from <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281103205749?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649">this ebay shop</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VpsMUt4G0DnVQSBDlGuS36d-h5IM6C4SmF-5Jwk8I8FoVVJdKdgnRD2Jn35LEIHHPQSpzzxUF2bqVmvUQ1Ke7ZmS1TlP3PcG9h2wrVTufFAV7JRunbf8HWLwJlaGJ3Fgd1muMrx_M6me/s1600/DSC_0980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VpsMUt4G0DnVQSBDlGuS36d-h5IM6C4SmF-5Jwk8I8FoVVJdKdgnRD2Jn35LEIHHPQSpzzxUF2bqVmvUQ1Ke7ZmS1TlP3PcG9h2wrVTufFAV7JRunbf8HWLwJlaGJ3Fgd1muMrx_M6me/s1600/DSC_0980.JPG" /></a></div>
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It was an extremely easy project to do. I just cut a rectangle the length of my waist, plus seam allowance for the waist band. For the main skirt, I simply cut to rectangles of 30 inches each. I wanted a midi length, so 30 inches was just perfect for me. I did not use my hip measurement. My fabric was 54 inches wide, so I just used all of the width. That helped with the side seams. I did not have to finish them off since both sides had selvedges.<br />
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To gather the skirt, I used a wide zig zag stitch, and placed a thick thread on my seam allowance. This method makes gathering EXTREMELY easy. I used <a href="http://www.sew4home.com/tips-resources/sewing-tips-tricks/gathering-ruffles-made-easy">this tutorial.</a> For those who learn best by observing, you can watch this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA42pGfpFEc">video</a> on how to gather using a similar method.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjPYwT7pWOdwN_qbhceUmpafrDxxtYD2PWKIGI6jHmI-MqBsP_1fro8N2hMpwOu_NAxkuEXhKgsOkeVXRfqrYx0uzPn8d6uuLIVBL9GR2tEVpP0FLs0pEw5Ou0JxUCLlq6zNT0yXuhyphenhyphenav/s1600/IMG_20131019_161109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjPYwT7pWOdwN_qbhceUmpafrDxxtYD2PWKIGI6jHmI-MqBsP_1fro8N2hMpwOu_NAxkuEXhKgsOkeVXRfqrYx0uzPn8d6uuLIVBL9GR2tEVpP0FLs0pEw5Ou0JxUCLlq6zNT0yXuhyphenhyphenav/s1600/IMG_20131019_161109.jpg" /></a></div>
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I recently bought some stay tapes from <a href="http://shop.afashionablestitch.com/category/stabilizers-interfacings-stay-tapes">A Fashionable Stitch</a> and I was itching to use stay tape on a project. I used it to interface my zip area. Ah, I am definitely growing up peeps. I will have to write a separate post on my shipment from <a href="http://shop.afashionablestitch.com/">A Fashionable Stitch</a>. Lovely stuff I got, and the service was just awesome. If you look closely, you can see the zig zag stitch with the thick thread in the middle.<br />
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Hemming this skirt, was my least favourite part of this make. Can you imagine having to hem 108 inches of fabric? Even though I did not enjoy it, I have to admit it was easier than the last time I made a gathered skirt. I used horse hair braid at the hem, and this made the process ALMOST enjoyable.<br />
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I really love this skirt. Not only because of the beautiful print, but because of the little techniques I used. I had never gathered fabric using the zig zag method before, and I must say, I am now a convert. I had also never stabilised my zipper area before. I am not sure if it made any difference, but the experts seem to think it is a good thing, so I suppose it is good, and I will do this more often.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpWUWkzD4VeVgBnJcfq-8vevP4x180RCKDdT0dnEzALwJhIRE-SasV8P_xPIGCF5Lo8Riu2-AzQs4qW7THStIkH1tiNIfUlpMm043U_71lxtlOhEg-5R8wTQMhiWkEXTOBup7Wn7oDAyh/s1600/DSC_1000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpWUWkzD4VeVgBnJcfq-8vevP4x180RCKDdT0dnEzALwJhIRE-SasV8P_xPIGCF5Lo8Riu2-AzQs4qW7THStIkH1tiNIfUlpMm043U_71lxtlOhEg-5R8wTQMhiWkEXTOBup7Wn7oDAyh/s1600/DSC_1000.JPG" /></a><br />
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I wore it to my alumni meet up, and received so many compliments. They especially loved the fabric. I love the fabric too, but it frayed like crazy.I don't know if I would like to work with brocade again. It was easy to sew, but the fraying just frayed my nerves. ah..I like the sound of that.<br />
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<br />Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-8713557166929498042013-10-14T10:36:00.002+01:002013-10-14T10:36:57.826+01:00The Wrap Dress Project : Links<br />
This post is long overdue I know, but I have a good excuse. Life!. Yes, folks, life gets in the way sometimes, and we just can't keep the promises we make.<br />
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I do have some updates.<br />
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First off, the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2317925@N25/">Flickr group</a> is now set up, so why don't you head up there and start uploading your ideas, muslins, and makes? Make us jealous with your sumptuous fabric choices, share your knowledge, get inspiration, and best of all, inspire others.<br />
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Secondly, a few links to help you with your wrap dress.<br />
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A fashionable stitch did a sew along on a a shirt dress and a wrap dress. Loads of tips.<br />
<a href="http://www.afashionablestitch.com/2-in-1-shirt-wrap-dress-sewalong/">http://www.afashionablestitch.com/2-in-1-shirt-wrap-dress-sewalong/</a><br />
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This Threads article focuses on wrap dresses. IF you do not have this edition, or are not an online member, let me know. I will see what I can do.<br />
<a href="http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/31625/how-to-make-the-perfect-wrap-dress">http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/31625/how-to-make-the-perfect-wrap-dress</a><br />
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Free wrap dress pattern<br />
<a href="http://so-sew-easy.com/wrap-dress-pattern/">http://so-sew-easy.com/wrap-dress-pattern/</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">My friend Sandra, who blogs over at <a href="http://uponathread.blogspot.fr/">Threadie</a>, has a very informative post with links and videos on wrap dresses <a href="http://uponathread.blogspot.fr/2012/01/cache-coeurs-en-choeur.html">here</a>. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">S</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">he is French, so her blog is in French, but I am sure you can get Google to translate the page for you. You can still w</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">atch the Diane Von Furstenberg video for eye candy.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">Sandra also provided us with the following links.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">- how to raise the neckline on a wrap dress : <a href="http://gorgeousfabrics.com/blog/2007/03/02/raising-a-neckline/">http://gorgeousfabrics.com/blog/2007/03/02/raising-a-neckline/</a></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">-another one for a FBA on a wrap dress :<a href="http://thesewingdivas.wordpress.com/2007/03/09/adjusting-for-a-full-bust-on-a-wrap-top/">http://thesewingdivas.wordpress.com/2007/03/09/adjusting-for-a-full-bust-on-a-wrap-top/</a></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">- SBA on a wrap dress ( scroll down the article) : <a href="http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.fr/2008/10/small-bust-adjustment-sba.html">http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.fr/2008/10/small-bust-adjustment-sba.html</a></span><br />
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Thirdly, the blog button.<br />
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I finally have the button for the Wrap Dress Project. If you need to use it for your blog, grab the code from the grab box below and tell the whole world you are wrapping yourself up this autumn/fall.<br />
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<img alt="Dibs and The Machine" height="150" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb400/mudinfedi/grouplogo_zps597715d3.jpg" width="125" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.missdibs.com/2013/10/the-wrap-dress-project-schedule-and-my.html" rel="nofollow"><br />
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Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-37574995124472604152013-10-04T10:17:00.000+01:002013-10-04T10:18:53.541+01:00The Wrap Dress Project: Schedule and my pattern selection<br />
Can you believe 15 of us want to make a wrap dress? I can't wait to see what everyone does. Ohh, the fabric choices, the patterns, the frustrations I know will come with making dresses.<br />
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There's been so much stuff going on lately, and I have not had time to sit down and properly write about the Wrap dress project. So yeah, here goes.<br />
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<b>Time Frame</b><br />
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First things first, I have found that I don't do well with keeping sewing schedules and all, so I am going to leave the time frame to you all. You can set yourself personal deadlines within our time frame. This is a very relaxed sewing project, the most important thing is to sew something you love which you will wear time and time again. I find that when I have a deadline, I rush things, and I end up not taking the time to sew properly, and I find myself really stressed, and since I want to live for ever, I am not going to impose a tight deadline on myself with this project. So I say we have between <b>Saturday 5th October - Saturday 7th December</b>, to sew our wrap dress(es). Two months. Not bad right? That way, we all have the time to sew our beautiful wrap dresses, whilst also having a life. This is the run up to Christmas, and I know people will be busy making Christmas gifts, and doing all sorts, and the last thing I want is for someone to go crazy because they did not complete their dress on time.<br />
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You don't have to limit yourself to one dress only. You can sew as many as you like. It is up to you. If you want to sew nothing but wrap dresses from now till the end of the year, then by all means, go for it. I for one will be going crazy. I already have some delicious fabric I ordered from ebay, and I have my patterns ready to go, so watch this space.<br />
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<b>Patterns</b><br />
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When I first spoke about this project, a couple of you wanted to know if I had a specific pattern in mind. <b>Yes </b>and <b>No</b>.<br />
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Yes, I have 4 patterns in mind that I want to make up.<br />
No, I do not have a pattern in mind for you to make. That decision rests with you.<br />
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You will be the one making and wearing the dress after all, so the pattern choice depends on your style. It is true that most wrap dress patterns are similar, but then, your fabric choice will also influence your pattern choice. I for one will be making my dresses with knit fabric. Some of you might want to make a wrap dress from woven fabric. So, a lot depends on what you really want.<br />
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The patterns I have at home are<br />
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Kwik Sew 34489<br />
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<a href="http://kwiksew.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/K3489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://kwiksew.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/K3489.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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Vogue 8379<br />
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<a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/V8379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/V8379.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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Mccalls 5974<br />
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<a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/M5974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/M5974.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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New Look 6097<br />
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<a href="http://www.simplicity.com/images/product/medium/6097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.simplicity.com/images/product/medium/6097.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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There are so many different wrap dresses out there, and I know that everyone will at least find one that works for them. </div>
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Now I know the patterns I have selected might not be everyone's cup of tea, so the next post will be focusing on other patterns you could use, and links to resources that could help us all in our quest to conquer the wrap dress.</div>
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I will also at some point this weekend, or early next week, create a flickr group so we can upload our progress there and discuss our makes.</div>
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Does that sound like a good plan? If there is anything you feel I should cover please let me know. I have never coordinated a sewing project before, so I am not sure of what I am doing. </div>
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Have you all decided on your patterns and fabric yet? Do you have tutorials on wrap dresses that you think we will all benefit from? If yes, please do share , and I shall compile everything and add the to the next post.</div>
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As a reminder, the Wrap Dress Project shall be running for 2 months.</div>
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<b>Start Date: Saturday 5th October 2013</b></div>
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<b>End Date: Saturday 7th December 2013</b></div>
<br />Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-53942443663175830242013-09-28T19:47:00.000+01:002013-09-28T19:47:32.007+01:00Fabric DetectiveOkay, so what do you do when you are down with a cold? Why, you feel sorry for yourself and laze about the internet of course, while taking the piss and making your other half do all the housework, including nappy changing.<br />
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Noah recently started nursery at a place about 5 minutes away from my new job, and so far, it has been good. He settled in pretty well, so either he really is a good kid, and gets along famously with everyone, or he really does not love me, and cannot wait to spend time away from me. He never cried the first day I took him there, and according to the nursery, he always has an excellent day. So, on the one hand, I am happy he is an independent mister, but on the other, I feel as if I have been used. Like he only wanted me to provide him with an oven for 9 months so he could get his little organs together within me, and then set off on his own as soon as physically possible. Oh well. Such is life I suppose.<br />
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So yeah, he is in nursery, and although it gives me the opportunity to work, it also comes with its own downsides. Like turning him into a contamination channel. The young man recently came down with a cold, picked up, no doubt, from his nursery, and promptly contaminated Mr.Dibs. Mr.Dibs in turn, because he never likes me to feel left out, passed it on to me. Now, a cold is a cold is a cold, and I know it is not supposed to be a big deal, but it is to me, and it breaks me down like nothing on earth, and I am now hanging on to my dear life. The only thing making life bearable at the moment is the amount of time I have to browse the internet, courtesy of my being ill.<br />
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Now to the matter at hand.<br />
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I was indulging in two of my fave pastimes just now, which if you have been reading my blog for sometime, will know that one of them is fabric shopping, and the other is eye shopping on the <a href="http://www.phase-eight.co.uk/">Phase Eight website</a>. So yeah, I was doing both simultaneously, and I noticed a couple of fabrics that kept appearing on the two sites. Hmm, what would Sherlock do? I asked myself. Upon closer inspection, I discovered not one<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.phase-eight.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/202361559/xlarge/202361559_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media.phase-eight.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/202361559/xlarge/202361559_1.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/phase-eight//Vintage-Poppy-Print-Dress/202361559">Source</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Roll-94-Blue-Flower-White-Stretch-Jersey-Knit-Fabric-1-metre-Clothing-/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/GicAAMXQHU1RyWCj/$T2eC16N,!)8E9s4l6cB,BRyWCi706g~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Roll-94-Blue-Flower-White-Stretch-Jersey-Knit-Fabric-1-metre-Clothing-/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/GicAAMXQHU1RyWCj/$T2eC16N,!)8E9s4l6cB,BRyWCi706g~~60_12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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not two</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.phase-eight.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/301431920/xlarge/301431920_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media.phase-eight.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/301431920/xlarge/301431920_1.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/phase-eight//Poppy-Twist-Top/301431920">Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u></u></span><a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Roll-106-Black-Coffee-Red-Jersey-Viscose-Fabric-1-metre-Clothing-/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/8AcAAOxyDLZSBN7i/$T2eC16JHJGYE9nooiNK2BSBN7i(GeQ~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Roll-106-Black-Coffee-Red-Jersey-Viscose-Fabric-1-metre-Clothing-/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/8AcAAOxyDLZSBN7i/$T2eC16JHJGYE9nooiNK2BSBN7i(GeQ~~60_12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not even three</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.phase-eight.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/301419001/xlarge/301419001_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media.phase-eight.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/301419001/xlarge/301419001_1.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/phase-eight//Luna-Print-Top/301419001">Source</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Roll-85-Blue-White-Flower-Pattern-Stretch-Jersey-Fabric-1-metre-/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/tzMAAOxyY3ZRwCtC/$(KGrHqNHJDcFDZt-RBR,BRwCtCm(sg~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Roll-85-Blue-White-Flower-Pattern-Stretch-Jersey-Fabric-1-metre-/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/tzMAAOxyY3ZRwCtC/$(KGrHqNHJDcFDZt-RBR,BRwCtCm(sg~~60_12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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nor four</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.phase-eight.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/301322995/xlarge/301322995_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media.phase-eight.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/301322995/xlarge/301322995_1.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/phase-eight//Heart-Print-Top/301322995">Source</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Roll-36-White-Blue-Heart-Fabric-1-metre-Jersey-Knit-Clothing-Material-/00/s/NTMxWDUzMQ==/z/7lkAAMXQSfJRmgk9/$(KGrHqZ,!l!FGY+8PDhgBRmgk9cgSQ~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Roll-36-White-Blue-Heart-Fabric-1-metre-Jersey-Knit-Clothing-Material-/00/s/NTMxWDUzMQ==/z/7lkAAMXQSfJRmgk9/$(KGrHqZ,!l!FGY+8PDhgBRmgk9cgSQ~~60_12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /><a href="http://media.phase-eight.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/301322995/xlarge/301322995_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://media.phase-eight.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/301322995/xlarge/301322995_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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but five fabrics from the phase eight site on ebay. aha! Score.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.phase-eight.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/301435424/xlarge/301435424_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media.phase-eight.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/301435424/xlarge/301435424_1.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/phase-eight//Philly-Spot-Top/301435424">Source</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Polka-Dot-Black-Coffee-Viscose-Lycra-Stretch-Jersey-Knit-Fabric-x1m-Clothing-/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/BF0AAOxyn~pR1uYA/$T2eC16N,!ysE9sy0h(7iBR1u(+r5U!~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Polka-Dot-Black-Coffee-Viscose-Lycra-Stretch-Jersey-Knit-Fabric-x1m-Clothing-/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/BF0AAOxyn~pR1uYA/$T2eC16N,!ysE9sy0h(7iBR1u(+r5U!~~60_12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I almost feel better, ALMOST. </div>
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I am not even afraid you will all now rush to the ebay site and buy all these gorgeous fabric before I get the chance to order some because, as you well know, I do not hesitate when it comes to <a href="http://www.phase-eight.co.uk/">Phase Eight</a>. Paypal has already sent my request to this<a href="http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/debzzart/"> ebay shop</a>. Now, all I have to do is wait for my fabric.</div>
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This is just perfect timing, especially as I have wrap dresses on my mind. Which reminds me, thanks to all of you who are interested in sewing wrap dresses with me. I shall shed more light on that little project in my next post.</div>
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Have a good weekend people.</div>
Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-32465205142197716242013-09-24T13:00:00.000+01:002013-09-24T13:00:01.905+01:00Burda Canvas Skirt So its time for another<a href="http://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network.html"> Minerva Network</a> project, and what do you know? I made a denim-ish skirt. Denim-ish because although it feels like denim to me, it is actually canvas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsDDXvozBlJuoFUpjhgnts-71K9ChmuSB3z2DXI4k7CukzIUIsv3A0xBQDfDvayxhFNtrtQsk8l0yfUMVx6k5vb59jL5mp6lhf5IgNudH2_ZPqQOi-XtwRsuV9AUF1op4-2-C0BSe7COu/s1600/DSC_0896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsDDXvozBlJuoFUpjhgnts-71K9ChmuSB3z2DXI4k7CukzIUIsv3A0xBQDfDvayxhFNtrtQsk8l0yfUMVx6k5vb59jL5mp6lhf5IgNudH2_ZPqQOi-XtwRsuV9AUF1op4-2-C0BSe7COu/s1600/DSC_0896.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMta8BULSf-eC-oJCSozhEKRqaNQvNuFeS1B31mbIZ6b9nXGj4-ZrgO44U8oLvcrgdhTm2KPsVVpr_S-fMGTY50pihe6vUljAZ7mRBR0Ig5w0LRwazzVSqmED5sVpyIG_OxMq_Fzg1mQo1/s1600/DSC_0900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMta8BULSf-eC-oJCSozhEKRqaNQvNuFeS1B31mbIZ6b9nXGj4-ZrgO44U8oLvcrgdhTm2KPsVVpr_S-fMGTY50pihe6vUljAZ7mRBR0Ig5w0LRwazzVSqmED5sVpyIG_OxMq_Fzg1mQo1/s1600/DSC_0900.JPG" /></a></div>
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I made a Skirt using Burda 7283. You can get the pattern <a href="http://www.minervacrafts.com/burda-7283-burda-ladies-sewing-pattern-7283-skirt-sizes:-8-20.html?gclid=CNz706393LkCFTLMtAodqjYAAA">here</a> if you like this style of skirts. It is basically an A-line skirt. I did not follow the pattern instructions. I literally just used the pattern pieces. The skirt is really easy to sew, and is appropriate for a beginner. My fabric has quite a busy print, so I decided to just make it without the buttons or pockets as called for by the pattern.<br />
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When I first saw this fabric, for some reason, I thought it was a soft cotton sateen, and wanted to make a dress out of it. I should have read the description closely, because when I received the fabric, it was different to what I was expecting. I probably just got carried away by the beautiful print, and did not see the word "canvass" in the description. It actually worked out better that it was a heavier sort of fabric, which to me, is more autumn appropriate. I changed my mind about making the dress, as I thought it would go beautifully as a skirt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiks3JSMzI5xaWOsRfInAbcBKfO-xy89uPVkBGzVWroeRVpfUomrZb0hii-XBMgH6He6SfaDs4rKVQEiyy31l3cyxsNHw-Wy6mgRKtssMfuIfsLrJNcFBy2MMlCPQttsTK8G27Qutep0qIA/s1600/DSC_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiks3JSMzI5xaWOsRfInAbcBKfO-xy89uPVkBGzVWroeRVpfUomrZb0hii-XBMgH6He6SfaDs4rKVQEiyy31l3cyxsNHw-Wy6mgRKtssMfuIfsLrJNcFBy2MMlCPQttsTK8G27Qutep0qIA/s1600/DSC_0907.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNH2jENKISdQ2UvpwDi9HsJrjxnY1BIa4uWFIFjg1cnnz00DHlNklE15x5j36zQmYK9xPTRqHzIxspn8preYj3QDlUXpGQ4oCs4LalCsu03jyT0I5qx3LsfKAGFs972qGZMlnZIEzXCfB/s1600/DSC_0908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNH2jENKISdQ2UvpwDi9HsJrjxnY1BIa4uWFIFjg1cnnz00DHlNklE15x5j36zQmYK9xPTRqHzIxspn8preYj3QDlUXpGQ4oCs4LalCsu03jyT0I5qx3LsfKAGFs972qGZMlnZIEzXCfB/s1600/DSC_0908.JPG" /></a></div>
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What I love most about the fabric, is the print. Camouflage anyone? Content wise, it is a canvas fabric, with a good amount of stretch. It stretches so much that you can get away with not using a zip. I'm not kidding you. My skirt does not have a zip, and I managed to get it on with no problem. It is also quite comfortable to wear, which is always a good thing.<br />
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I wore it to a sewing meet-up the day after I made it. I really love this skirt, and I think I am going to make another one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz6qlQWQjoCa35u6UXWMEw3zucwkwkjKe42WW92rYzVvhpSaL9NOa4xXqJPfG1a91PJ6SIs-DwsTGRnYIep6BxzfWLZz50k3ogu0-8F8gN7hIUxIqfUVZoj60_K2Nrf5lNoHGSVwrlb-d/s1600/DSC_0913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz6qlQWQjoCa35u6UXWMEw3zucwkwkjKe42WW92rYzVvhpSaL9NOa4xXqJPfG1a91PJ6SIs-DwsTGRnYIep6BxzfWLZz50k3ogu0-8F8gN7hIUxIqfUVZoj60_K2Nrf5lNoHGSVwrlb-d/s1600/DSC_0913.JPG" /></a></div>
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I know I look silly in the next 2 photos, but I could not resist doing these silly poses.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXJMe6mSUrySVOa4IU_jT9kZWPYzvGwlUA3qblA_jffLWzYeGCDD0TIbCJ6Acc1j2QpWtKOevgIHX8KZ8bu9ieo2I-4RXVwZawFCfRzWpG5FfoLR1ypTHJdoTK_AzeY6ylBzkIa0v4nPp/s1600/DSC_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXJMe6mSUrySVOa4IU_jT9kZWPYzvGwlUA3qblA_jffLWzYeGCDD0TIbCJ6Acc1j2QpWtKOevgIHX8KZ8bu9ieo2I-4RXVwZawFCfRzWpG5FfoLR1ypTHJdoTK_AzeY6ylBzkIa0v4nPp/s1600/DSC_0935.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqlFJXsch19qNdXrzzWjHsDW3INX-tVtYPGxRnaW8xoo85NQrcJzLc9sq71oJPJYdyUJGV8LqeiWKq2LoQREBejVnkfX29S-3aO6tUOH8kaRmAMEhz_VvvilayR7WFB0syj4HRzqKOvJd/s1600/DSC_0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqlFJXsch19qNdXrzzWjHsDW3INX-tVtYPGxRnaW8xoo85NQrcJzLc9sq71oJPJYdyUJGV8LqeiWKq2LoQREBejVnkfX29S-3aO6tUOH8kaRmAMEhz_VvvilayR7WFB0syj4HRzqKOvJd/s1600/DSC_0937.JPG" /></a></div>
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If you like this fabric, you can get it <a href="http://www.minervacrafts.com/dibs-8.2013-minerva-crafts-blogger-network-dibs-canvas-dress-kit.html">here</a>. The kit contains 2 metres of fabric, and an invisible zip.<br />
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<br />Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-30686014666177649272013-09-23T10:20:00.000+01:002013-09-23T10:20:15.973+01:00The Wrap Dress Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.matchesfashion.com/products/WOZW4D830003BLM_1_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.matchesfashion.com/products/WOZW4D830003BLM_1_large.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.matchesfashion.com/product/169289?qxjkl=tsid:30065|cat:Hy3bqNL2jtQ">Source</a></td></tr>
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Don't you just love wrap dresses? I do, but surprisingly at this exact moment, I do not own a single one in my closet. Shameful I know. I have in the past, been the owner of a couple of wrap dresses, and I must say, I did feel rather sexy in them. Somehow, and I don't know how, I now find myself without one. So, seeing that it is coming up to winter, I thought it would be good if I stocked up on 1 or two, or maybe 3 wrap dresses to keep me warm during the dark and cold days.<br />
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Will you join me?<br />
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Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632968705353660086.post-59466379482945800602013-09-23T08:57:00.001+01:002014-05-21T12:02:01.512+01:00Fabric DetectiveSo, remember when I made my instant gratification <a href="http://www.missdibs.com/2013/08/instant-gratification-mccalls-6559.html">Mccalls dress</a>? Some of you were interested in the fabric, but unfortunately, I got the last few metres on the roll in Fabric House on Goldhawk road. Well I found some online.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmifOw2lGp-gcH2sLCisJTXtolTA7tgtwLGkp0DkooAIKRhDdLcdLI7OH6qHt7GeiNFs3qzn942-DkKO1O95H4yZE9s3QLVzGtAhWTu8Yi0NuaLcfRxI7jS7azqH87GCspCijmsuTi5BI2/s1600/DSC_0017-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmifOw2lGp-gcH2sLCisJTXtolTA7tgtwLGkp0DkooAIKRhDdLcdLI7OH6qHt7GeiNFs3qzn942-DkKO1O95H4yZE9s3QLVzGtAhWTu8Yi0NuaLcfRxI7jS7azqH87GCspCijmsuTi5BI2/s1600/DSC_0017-001.JPG" /></a></div>
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Oh yes! Minerva Crafts is selling it <a href="http://www.minervacrafts.com/10.c-176-blackivory-stripes-print-stretch-jersey-clearance-dress-fabric-per-metre.html">here</a>. I'm cool right? Now go get yourself some fabric for autumn.<br />
<br />Dibshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05878696633282355383noreply@blogger.com5