This piece of vintage dress fabric from the local village charity shop for £1...
(A decent piece, about 3 yards long and gorgeous quality)
...Has been turned into this...
A vintage- inspired pretty dress! It fits really well, so I'll be making it in a few different fabrics. I'd forgotten how much I loved dressmaking - I had my first sewing machine and made my own clothes from about age 14. (How I remember the black cotton floor-length trenchcoat I made myself in 6th Form!) Anyway, I'm back on track, and have finally mastered a neat, covered and shaped side zip - yay!
I used this New Look Pattern which is really really easy.
As well as selling my homewares and vintage treasures locally, I have decided to have some items available via my blog. This recently completed Rose tea cosy is for sale if you click on the 'Shop' tab in my menu bar. I'll add selected items on a regular basis, some vintage treasures and some handmade items.
I used Louisa Harding Fleuris wool for the body, with oddments of cashmerino and double knitting for the roses and petals. Hope you like it!
I swear we were separated at birth! I also got my first sewing machine when I was 14 and made my own clothes. I took dressmaking as an O'level, and still have my old files of work - both written and practical.How I wish I had some larger pieces of some of the fabrics that I used! Your dress looks really lovely, and so does your teacosy.
ReplyDeleteYes, get making more dresses, one for each day of the week - clever you! Love your tea cosy too. Kx
ReplyDeleteI love that dress Sally, I can see you in that! Unlike you and Scarlet, I'm not a great sewer, I will have a go but I doubt I would get the lovely finish you two do.My mum is a tailoress by trade too although of course she doesnt sew now so you would have thought it would rub off on me a little wouldnt you?!
ReplyDeleteI adore the dress, the fabric is just divine - looks like the sort of dress to have fun in! x
ReplyDeleteLove the dress and the fabric - great CS find. I love making my own dresses - nice to have something that fits properly :)
ReplyDeleteYour dress is lovely. I am in serious awe of anyone who can handle a sewing machine! Jx
ReplyDeleteI love that dress and the fabric is amazing. Clever girl! x
ReplyDeleteVery nice you are are very clever,I can make most things but Iv never tried clothes maybe I should give it a go.Love Jill xx
ReplyDeleteLove the dress, I do wish I could sew. I have ordered some books from the library so hopefully I can teach myself.. fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteJulie xx
Sally, I absolutely LOVE that dress, I have been pondering the sewing of a dress for myself but I'm a little nervous of such a big undertaking..........the vintage fabric find for £1.00 is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe tea cosy is gorgeous too........I have started knitting cosies for the church bazzar............knowing the pace I go at sometimes, luckily it's the christmas one in December.
Good luck with your little shop, I will go take a peep. x
What a lovely dress..I really like the fabric. Do share any other's you make, I would love to see them. My sewing skills are pretty basic..I would love to be able to whip up a dress for myself though.
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty tea cosy as well! :)
Magie x
I love the dress. I like sewing but only ever attempted dress making at school. You make it look so easy! I am really enjoying your blog and nominated you today for a Liebster award, I hope you can take part http://lovelemon1.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/liebster-award.html
ReplyDeleteHi, i have just popped over from Vintage Vicki and just wanted to say hello. Gorgeous fabric and dress im a huge lover of vintage myself. Have a great day, dee x
ReplyDeleteSally the dress looks great and I just love the tea cosy, you clever thing, the colours are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week, x
The fabric is a proper blast-from-the-past!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great find!
This is brilliant - I wish I could make dresses for myself!
ReplyDeleteThe tea cosy is adorable too.
Am off to have a look round your shop!!
Fabulous dress and what lovely material. I'm another one who used to make a lot of my own clothes but only occasionally make a dress now.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a great day at the workshop, still smiling and still in love with my pinny.
Carol xx