It's not because I've not been doing anything, I have, I've been very 'domestic' these last few months. Although, I have to confess that my parents donating me two VERY comfortable reclining garden chairs just as the weather picked up in late May - early June, did kinda stall things for a few weekends!!!
I was further waylaid as my lovely builder man came and knocked down the collapsing front garden wall, which he then rebuilt, replacing the old moss encrusted coping stones and then fixed my bespoke iron railings and gate (the original ones I suspect were ripped out during WW2, like most in my street). So some time was spent cake baking for him (gotta keep a good builder sweet!!!). It's taken me a whole year to get to the top of his waiting list (I'm nothing if not patient!) and I'm so glad I did, it looks fabulous! Lots of neighbours asked for his card while he was completing it, and even more have commented as they've passed.
A few weeks later, the lovely builder man was able to return with the delivered bespoke railings and gate (no modern railing maker seems to cater for old Victorian houses!!!). I popped couple of plants in pots (hydrangea) and a lovely hanging basket out and job done!! One new front garden with lots of kerb appeal :-)
The front garden now puts the back garden to shame - so I've started on that over the last few weeks (this was also totally decked by the ex.... I've nearly broken my neck slipping over on it a couple of times in the last few years - grrrrr!!!!), so long story short, this is why not much sewing has occurred.
However, I have been on my Summer Annual Leave from work, and as I was having a 'Staycation' (again), as as the weather was less than pleasant for most of it, I had a chance to catch up of a dress I'd planned in my head months ago.
With fabric I'd bought from Minerva Crafts months ago (where else?! its so easy to buy oodles of lovely 'stuff' and get delivered straight to my door! - there is a fabric shop in my town, but they only stock cotton and mostly cater for 'quilters' ... it's nice and all but not what I'm looking for.) I set about pinning n cutting very late Friday afternoon. Now, I'm not the quickest when it comes to sewing...so it took me all day - literally, I spent HOURS... - Saturday to start putting the lined bodice together. Its the New Look K6447 pattern that I've used a few times already - two with the fuller skirt, and this was my 2nd using the fitted skirt option.
I had made the fitted skirt version for my 'Easter' dress - which I think I blogged about at the time...made with 100% cotton fabric that I'd bought from C&H Fabrics in Canterbury a couple of years ago but never gotten around to using. Looks lovely, but doesn't quite fit (a little on the tight side!!) - I've been dieting over the last few months, and did actually wear the dress out for my Nieces birthday meal earlier this week - it looked ok, having lost approximately 1/2 stone, but was still a little 'snug', especially when sitting...so I only managed 2 courses at the meal, and no birthday cake!!!
With this fit issue in mind, I adjusted and redrafted the front skirt piece (and gave myself 1/2 inch on each side seam from hip to waist, and 1/2 inch on the front midriff piece side seam). I've already done the narrow back adjustment on the back pieces so felt good to go.
I can't begin to tell you how pleased I am with this dress! Looks as good made up and I thought it would in my head - that Blue circle satin poly is a dream to sew with and to wear - I love it !!! and luckily I have loads left...will make either another top/blouse or could possibly get a loose summer dress out of it...possibly!
I love this dress so much that I'm almost glad I'm going back to work tomorrow! .... almost!!! its a bit of hell hole there from now until end of September, and its 'casual wear' there for the next few weeks...and if there is one thing this dress isn't, its 'casual' !!!
