Sewing my way through 'Love at First Stitch' - The Lilou Dress

Welcome to my version of the Lilou Dress. I have so far made 2 - one in green and one in pink. These are very quick to sew and reasonable comfortable. The bodice pattern has a total of 6 darts. 

I made an alternate skirt - I just gathered up whatever fabric I had so that I could use the existing selvage on the fabric. 

I had to tweak this pattern quite a bit and still have more that needs doing. I took a lot out of the back bodice at a dramatic angle. The back darts don't sit as nicely as I would like and the front darts make me look a little like Madonna - but all in all with some alterations it is a fine dress for day wear and for work. I even can get away with wearing it bra-less as it is fully lined.

Sewing my way through 'Love at First Stitch' - The Clemence Skirt

For my Birthday this year I got a copy of Tilly and Buttons 'Love at First Stitch' (Available here). I have since decided to sew up a whole lot of work clothes for Summer from its provided patterns. I started with the Clemence Skirt, basically the book just tells you how to make the pattern. Very simple stuff and is identical to a skirt I made myself when I first started machine sewing nearly 2 years ago. 

You have your simple waistband (waist measurement + seam allowance), skirt length + desired width.... For me that is usually however much fabric I happen to have left. Sew it all together and add in a zipper and done. 

 For my second version I tested out the provided pocket pattern and love it. I made awesome in seam pockets. It really takes it from a 20 minute project to a 40 minute project BUT sometimes you just gotta put a bit of extra work into a garment you are going to wear a lot. My goal is to be a less lazy sewist.

 And... I need pockets!

Check back later on for my versions of other Love at First Stitch patterns.

Waterslides, bungee runs and dress ups = the coolest wedding ever.

 This wedding was honestly the coolest, most unique wedding I have ever been too. 

There was so amazing live music including Mark Lowndes and the Fergies.

Hula Hooping for everyone - this one was massive and I may have been playing with it for too long because today my ribs are bruised!!

This craft tent was fantastic, jewellery ready made you could choose from OR hang in the shade and make something of your own. 

 The kids got to enjoy a full day of jumping caste while the adults battled on the 'Bungee Run.'

Did I mention this was a dress up wedding? 

Moneth and I dressed up as Robin Hood and 'Merry Man' or variations of Peter Pan  and lost boys... You decide. I made the costume as a simple A-Line construction, basic placket with a half dozen buttons and a variation collar/collar stand from the Archer. 

There was so many cute spots to sit and eat. 

I seem to have lost the photos of the other cool things... I will have to add them later! But there were also gorgeous woven baskets hanging from trees with snacks in them, a very long and very cool water slide set up down a hill and giant mushrooms. 


On the blog later this week: My Clemence Skirt (I am working my way through my Birthday gift of the book 'Love at First Stitch')

Bye for now!

Project Run & Play

Hello, I am posting early for Project Run and Play's 2nd week challenge: Spring Break.

My look is inspired by the holiday destination I am most excited for this year: Italy!
Mind you I will be there in January so it might be a bit colder then the beautiful imagery that inspires my outfit.

My inspiration:

What I came up with:

Patterns: 

Dress: Own pattern

Leggings: Leggings from Shwin Designs's Baby Basics set

The pattern size is 12-18M which actually ended up being massive on this string bean little nearly 2yo.

Pinafore binge

This past week I have been getting into the Roly Poly Pinafore . I have not finished my binge and imagine this will be a great way to work through my stash. 

Complete with a sweet little set with some bloomers from Shwin Designs baby basics bloomers. I am sneaking this in as my signature style as it features my favourite elements of the now; organic fabric, wooden buttons, metallic gold polka dots and the right amount of whimsy.