I have a slight obsession with underpinnings! Just take a look at my lingerie board on Pinterest! As a dressmaker, I know only too well that no matter how beautifully I sew a garment, if I wear it over unsupportive, unflattering, poorly fitting underwear it’s just not going to show that garment off at it’s best. Vintage or reproduction vintage garments especially need appropriate underpinnings! This is something I never tire of reminding my clients when I am teaching. ...
Tuesday was the day of my yearly mammogram so Woody had the day off to take me to the hospital. This year’s appointment was in the morning, so we went for lunch in Stockport’s Old Town afterwards, and did a little bit of vintage shopping at the same time. Stockport is well known for it’s Vintage Village and over the past few years a few vintage shops have also sprung up around the market place. I found this piece of vintage fabric in one of the shops for £5, probably a bit more than I’d usually pay in a charity shop, but still reasonable, and so bright and cheery I couldn’t really resist! It is a home dec fabric, the kind I think we had bathroom curtains made from when I was young. Of course it’s intended purpose never bothers me, I knew I wanted a simple A line skirt in it. The Delphine skirt by Tilly Walnes is a fab A line pattern, a nice high waist and the kind of exagerated A line I love. I do think that this is my current favourite A line pattern, taken over from my own draft! I’m calling it my Crystal Tips skirt because the bright colours remind me of a childhood cartoon Crystal Tips and Alistair. ...
Last week I was a parent helper on Sid’s year 6 school trip to the air raid shelters in Stockport. I have been wanting to help out on this school trip for several years, but always had a small child or two at home to take care of. This year I didn’t and jumped with joy at the opportunity to help out. I do love local history, but mostly I just really wanted to dress up! ...
I sew a lot, a heck of a lot and for lots of reasons; I love clothes, I don’t often like clothes available on the high street and if I do I can’t afford them or they don’t fit. I have a compulsion to create and make, sewing is my preferred method. Sewing eases my heart and my soul. I can’t explain it, but something about the process brings peace. It’s my job! I love designing patterns, and I love teaching at Ministry of Craft or one to one classes in my home. Although I sew lots, not everything works out. I rarely am 100% satisfied with anything I make, I am always striving for a better finish, but sometimes things just really don’t work, like this skirt. The beautiful fabric was picked for me by my fabric dealer friend, Mary. She knows my taste so well and often picks things she knows I’ll love. ...
There is an acre of woodland in Wigan that is dedicated to our youngest daughter Florence, we always take a walk there on her birthday, and as often as we can throughout the year. While we were there yesterday India took some photos of me in my latest creation, another self drafted summer dress. The weather was showery, though not cold. India and I found a lovely clearing in the wood to take photos, tiptoeing carefully in peep toe sandals ( I wore wellies for the rest of our walk! ) through the long wet grass I spotted the cutest little field mouse! He was just there at my feet, we both looked at each other with mild surprise, I said “Hello little mouse”, and he scurried away before I could take a photo. He really was the sweetest little creature, and it made my day to have seen him. ...