This cross-over bag style has been around for a while now; it’s quirky yet simple and really versatile. I decided to draft my own and it’s turned out to be so useful, so I thought why not share it*?
I’ve used these bags for all sorts, from the finishing touch for a wedding outfit through to holding the basics for everyday use. This is also a great scrap buster as it’s made up of 8 small(ish) pieces. So let’s get sewing…
I’ve made a few By Hand London Flora dresses; the pattern is a few years old but the square neckline is bang on trend, and there’s so much scope for pattern hacking to make the design your own. From denim to red gingham to a mixed-scale dotty version, my Flora dresses have been worn so many times.
Sadly, the black and white one hasn’t fared too well*. The straps are fraying where I trimmed the seam allowance too close, and the shape seems to have sagged a bit where the weight of the skirt has pulled the bodice. I still wear the dress frequently, in fact, I’m wearing it right now! However, I felt that a new improved version was on the cards. I made some tweaks to the design, and added some extra steps for durability, so read on for the details…
Continue reading “By Hand London Flora: pattern hacking and making a dress to last!”The Wilder Gown from Friday Pattern Company is iconic in sewing circles. That gathered neckline is so recognisable, and it’s a style that suits everyone. Although the pattern has been around for a few years, I only got round to making it last year for my friend’s birthday present. I loved the project and the dress turned out gorgeous (I used a black viscose from Minerva which worked a treat), but it was only this month that I made one for myself. Well, I actually made three; the Wilder really is as good as everyone says. I started with a sleeveless hack of the design, so here’s a quick how-to so you can try one too!
It’s March, which officially* means we can start planning our spring/summer makes. I’ve scoured the runway shows and paired a few key looks with sewing patterns to recreate your own versions. Let’s take a gander…
A Hot Dopa-minute
Colour blocking, or ‘dopamine dressing’ as it’s being bandied about now, is EVERYWHERE. This trend is something we can all tap into. Whatever your favourite hues, don them from head to toe and feel those happy vibes shine through.
Head to toe colour not for you? Proenza Schouler shows us how to inject some colour without going the whole hog.
This cushion is the perfect little refresh for your sofa. I love using bold prints for my homeware, but this works just as well in a plain fabric to let the shape do the talking. Also, as each scallop piece is made individually, this is a great scrap buster and you could clash a number of fabrics.
You may have seen other tutorials that show how to do a scallop edge on e.g. a skirt hem, and they will generally be a nice curve, but I wanted proper semi circles on this. Because of this, each ‘scallop’ is made individually. This may seem like a mammoth task but trust me, it’s a lovely methodical and easy project.
aliceirvine.com 