Guest Post: Diary of a DIY Dressmaker - Nov '18
We are super excited to announce the start of a new monthly guest blogger to inspire you with her sewing journey! The lovely Carrie (find her on Instagram) has let us join her on her quest to make a handmade wardrobe, and over the months she'll be showing you what she's been making, how she's found it and what she's looking forward to next. Take it away, Carrie!
Guest Post: Diary of a DIY Dressmaker - Nov '18
The nights are drawing in and there is a chill in the air. Nature is at its best in all its autumnal glory.
The change in season means a change in my wardrobe. My bright summery florals and pastel shades are now packed away until next year. Its now time to layer up and be cosier.
When I saw the latest pattern Nora from Tilly and the Buttons I knew this would be an ideal top to transition from summer to Autumn. What attracted me was the various options of a short, mid and long length sleeve and two neck band options.
An exciting opportunity arose with My Sewing Box, where I get to diary my dressmaking journey throughout the year. Angela and Amy created a wonderful kit based on my desire to make the Nora top from their stunning Art Gallery Fabrics in the Wild gatherings print.
Upon arrival the kit was beautifully presented and I had everything I needed to get started. The convenience of a kit is priceless. The fabric print was so pretty and delicate in design which reflected the colours of Autumn.
As a fairly new dressmaker of 11 Months I have become a fan of Tilly and the Buttons patterns so as always, the instructions and pictures are crystal clear and informative in a language that makes sense. The packaging is desirable and looks pretty in my sewing room.
The fabric feels so luxurious and the print is just so pretty. The colours are bang in trend and I knew this was going to create a garment I would wear many times.
My sewing method was
- Pre-wash fabric at on a 30 wash
- Dry it naturally
- Pressed on a cotton setting with steam
- I cut out the Tilly size 5 (uk14)
- Cut the fabric using a rotary blade and mat whilst using pattern weights
- I used my over locker to create 90% of the garment
- Finished the hems on my sewing machine using a 2mm zig zag stitch
- Throughout I used wonder clips to hold the pieces together whilst sewing
I added 1.5 inches to the front and back as I am an F cup and didn’t want it very short for obvious reasons. When hemming I used 4cm rather than the recommended 7cm and sewed down a further inch where the slit marking was, again this was because I didn’t want it short.
I’m thrilled with the finished top it took around 2.5 hours to put together including cutting out. This is going to be such a wardrobe staple. It feels great with my skinny jeans but I know this will look great layered under a dungaree dress with tights and boots.
I can’t recommend this kit enough the fabric screams quality and the pattern looks like its hot off the high street.
I have a very sociable November and I’m sure I will be wearing my Nora lots. I’m already planning my next!
Until next month...
Happy sewing
Love Carrie @carrie_can_make_it
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