Saturday 22 November 2014

Sewing Lessons 5 and 6

I have finished my second 'Kate' dress and here it is!  My fifth sewing lesson was a bit of a "dis-arrrr-ster" as things kept going wrong, such as catching the material when I was setting in the sleeves and having to undo it several times.  Then, when I was overlocking the seams, it caught again!  I decided to move on to my A line denim skirt and got that cut out, the darts sewn in, the side seams joined and my first ever zip sewn in too.  I unpicked and re-sewed the offending wrong bits of the dress over the following week and finished it.
 Here's the back view.  I love this material as it is so happy and cheerful.  I bought it back in April and posted about it here.  I think it may be called Retro Flowers (which makes sense). I haven't worn this to work yet, but perhaps will do so this week, depending how cold it is as the material is only a cotton.  I am currently working on 'Kate' number three, using the other material bought at the vintage fair.
 Here is my finally completed A line denim skirt which I bought the material for way back in April.  However, I gave myself "until Autumn" to get it done, so I am really pleased!  It is very comfortable and having my tutor, Sue, help me through it, meant I was able to get the fit right.
 My first proper zip!
Another view of the zip.  As you can tell, I am really pleased with my improving sewing skills and my next project, apart from three or four more 'Kate' dresses(!), is to make a nice padded sewing machine cover for my machine which has only got a plastic cover at the moment and deserves something better! I shall be raiding my material stash to see what I can make use of - it'll be fun!

10 comments:

  1. Congratulations. You are going sooooo well.
    I remember the pain of unpicking seams. Over thirty years ago I made my boyfriend (now my partner) a shirt. Blood, sweat and tears went into it - and he still has it.
    Though mind you, a few months after he received it he ripped it. Wearing his good shirt to work under the car did not make him popular.

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    1. Thanks, EC. I am enjoying making the clothes. Wow, a shirt? I don't think I will get to the glorious heights of serious tailoring with collars and cuffs, but have huge admiration for those who can! All that work to end up under a car - it doesn't seem right at all!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. Hello I've just found you while blog hopping :) what a lovely dress, I have a big fear of my dusty sewing machine which I hope to overcome in the New Year!! do pop over to mine to say Hello if you wish.
    Twiggy

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    1. Thanks, Twiggy and a huge welcome. I can recommend a few sewing lessons for building confidence gradually - it has certainly worked with me. I have indeed popped over to say hello.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  3. Gorgeous colours Ellie! Hope you get the chance to wear it soon x Jane

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    1. Thanks, Jane. Hopefully I will be able to wear it as long as the weather stays mild...perhaps I'll wear it even if it doesn't!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  4. Well done you for keeping going, Your results are great!!! xx

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    1. Thanks, Amy. I am really pleased with the results too and have enjoyed learning some new skills/
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  5. you are doing so well with your sewing lessons! Both of them look great, everyone should have an A line denim skirt... maybe I should make myself one!

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    1. Thanks, Wendy. I am going to make another denim skirt by myself next, as well as more 'Kate' dresses!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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