For Christmas, skycarrots gave me a 1960s book on millinery. I keep leafing through it, but it’s taken me all these months to get around to actually making anything. There are several chapters on “dressmaker” hats. Rather than using felt hoods and a block to mould your hat into shape, you make a pattern and [...]
Tag Archive 'Alexander Henry'
This is my usual raglan tunic/mini dress pattern, in Alexander Henry’s “The Rose Tattoo”. It’s hand bound with black bias tape. Simple as that! Maria contacted me after I’d made Chloe’s cupcake dress, originally asking for a dress of her own in the same style. I don’t take on custom dressmaking any more (and the [...]
At long last, here is Liz’s custom made corset! I say “at long last” because it’s taken me twice as long as it should have done to make – because I had to make it twice. The first time I’d got as far as putting in the busk, when I realised that I’d made a [...]
This is what I’ve been up to today – making a skulls & roses waistcoat. The fabric is by Alexander Henry, the print is “The Rose Tattoo”. The waistcoat itself is from an old “Style” (now Simplicity/New Look) pattern, from 1995. I think it’s one of the first patterns I bought when I started sewing. [...]
Yesterday I finished off a dress that’s been almost done for far too long. It was mostly already finished. I just had to add the waistband, sew the top and bottom halves together, and add elastic and binding. Ta daa. I have a sneaky suspicion it’s going to be too long in the bodice for [...]
Kyoto Hollyhock Corset
Posted in corsets on Oct 13th, 2008
Here’s what I’ve been working on for the past few days – a corset made from a beautiful Alexander Henry quilting cotton. The design is called “Kyoto Hollyhock”, and it’s swirly red leaves on a black background. I’m really pleased with this one, although it’s not shown to its full effect in the picture. It [...]
No, not the nose-wiggling variety, nor the Ella Fitzgerald song… but the Alexander Henry fabric of the same name! I’ve made dozens of these simple elasticated skirts now, and I never cease to be pleased with how prettily they turn out. I’ve been asked to write up a tutorial for drafting the pattern in your [...]
Catching up with myself…
Posted in fabric, inspiration, sewing, skirts, tops on Sep 25th, 2008
Here’s what I’ve been up to this week – two skirts and two jackets. The two skirts are both made from Alexander Henry fabrics. The left hand one is “Carnaby Stripe”, and it’s a knee-length skirt with an elasticated waist and broderie anglais trimming around the hem. The right hand one is “The Rose Tattoo”, and [...]
That was quick!
Posted in fabric, inspiration, sewing, shopping on Aug 28th, 2008
Less than a week ago I ordered eight yards of Alexander Henry prints from Buy Fabrics Online. They turned up this morning – all the way from America in just five days, and I didn’t even have to pay any customs charges. I placed an order with eQuilter on the same day – let’s see [...]