Basic Bitch // Grainline Studio Lark Tee + Seamwork Margo Circle Skirt

Happy New Year folks! How’s 2017 treating you so far? I’ve had a pretty busy one on all fronts really, including sewing! In terms of productivity, in addition to the makes I’m just about to share with you, I’ve already made a Tilly and the Buttons Bettine dress which didn’t work out (sadface), a Grainline Studio Hemlock tee which has turned out lovely (happyface) and a Colette Mabel skirt which went OK (…okayface?!).

And I’m determined to keep track of and blog more of my makes this year. We’re off to a decent start with this double whammy of a post! Vlogging is a little tricky at the moment because of the lack of light in the evenings and I often want to be sewing at the weekend rather than recording and editing. Losing subscribers by the minute I’m sure. 😦

Let’s proceed. Well, I seem to be on a bit of a ‘basic bender’ at the moment. My penchant for jazzy fabrics and night-out dresses at the beginning of my dressmaking journey gave way to funky function and has finally reached Basicville. Hence the profanity in the title, I’m sorrynotsorry. But how effing wonderful are basics guys?! Srsly. I know, I know; my face is doing an excellent job of containing my excitement over these beauts: the Grainline Studio Lark tee and the Seamwork Margo circle skirt (the variation available to subscribers). Feast your eyes. I’ll wait here.

2017 Make Nine

It’s that time again, where one looks forward to the new year ahead and begins making plans of what they’re going to fill it with.

Last year, I’d seen a challenge from Rochelle of Lucky Lucille that I thought was great: 2016MakeNine, and knew I definitely wanted to follow suit in 2017. Make Nine is Rochelle’s maker version of “Best Nine”; choosing your top or favourite nine Instagram posts that year. You can also follow this tag on Instagram: #2017MakeNine. It’s great to see how many have gotten involved so far!

The idea of Rochelle’s challenge is to select nine patterns or projects you’d like to sew during the year. These nine patterns aren’t designed to be the only things you’ll make during the year but instead, a plan to get you going and something to work towards. As she explains in her 2017 Make Nine post, her goal is to be flexible and forgiving. It’s not about failure, and it’s OK if you change your mind or alter  your plans.

So, without further ado, let’s get stuck into my nine patterns for 2017, most of which are patterns I already have in my stash. I’ve had a go at pairing them with fabric, although most of that is not in my stash (sadly) but the fabric may well change.

Reveal // #TheLittleRedDressProject

It’s time for the big REVEAL of my little red dress. Want to know more? Scroll down for the YouTube video.

Pattern Testing // Megan Nielsen Karri Dress

Some time ago, back in May to be precise, Megan Nielsen patterns put out a call for testers which I eagerly responded to, filling in the form and looking forward to the potential opportunity. To my surprise, I was chosen! And the pattern was the Karri dress: a fully-lined, multi-panelled, princess seamed dress. I finished my version of Karri back at the end of July, hence the sunny photos. Now she’s been officially released, I can finally share my version with you and I couldn’t be happier with how she turned out.

Colette // Rue Dress

It’s halfway through September and I’ve only just shown you my August makes nevermind told you about my September sewing plans but I’m here today to share with you one of my September makes (who said you had to blog stuff in order anyway?!). This is my version of the Colette Rue dress: their newly released pattern harking back to the vintage era. When Colette got in touch and kindly offered me the opportunity to sew a sample of the Rue, I was really intrigued to see how this style might work on me so I eagerly accepted. The result? A feminine frock with beautiful finishes — inside and out — and some really pretty features. Forgive how bright these photos are; the sun made an unexpected appearance this morning!

Deer and Doe // Mélilot Shirt

Well, August is going swimmingly! What, with the wonderful Sewing Weekender in Cambridge last weekend — which was absolutely brilliant, check out Gabby’s fabulous vlog about it — and this, my third make, in the form of Deer and Doe’s Mélilot Shirt. I used some wonderful Atelier Brunette Blossom Shell viscose I had leftover from a previous make. She’s a bright and breezy beaut! Let me tell you more about her.