We have been in Brisbane visiting my family and arrived back on the 30th of December. It was a whirlwind week, filled with eating, playing, drinking, nursing my new little niece and swimming.
And getting dressed up in new Liberty frocks! Well, for me and Little M anyway. I sewed us both a party frock made from Liberty Tana Lawn. Such lovely fabric. First, my frock:
I made the Sewaholic Lonsdale dress in blue 'Mitsi' Liberty Lawn. I made a muslin of the bodice only - and I'm glad I did as I had to make the following alterations:
- I started with a size 8 for the bodice but ended up using a size 6, grading to an 8 for the waistband (damn you stomach after childbirth!).
- I pinched out about 2.5cm of fabric vertically from the front bodice. To do this I created a vertical dart, starting with the 2.5cm at the side, tapering to nothing at the CF.
- I used a size 8 skirt - and didn't have to lengthen it!
- I also used the largest size for the tie lengths. I'm tall and wanted plenty of tie to get a bow out of.
I have to wear a strapless bra with this dress, which I'm not crazy about, but apart from that, I am in love with my Lonsdale. It is so comfy to wear and I feel very feminine in it. And it goes perfectly with my new green Funkis clogs:
Now for Little M's frock. I used the 'Poppy' Liberty lawn. Isn't it gorgeous? I sewed a size 2 of Simplicity 1890, a Project Runway pattern. I decided to go with sleeves as we were in sunny hot Queensland and I didn't want those beautiful arms to get burnt. The size 2 is a smidgeon big, but at least that means she'll get more wear out of it! This dress was simple to make - princess seams and very easy to set-in sleeves. Also quick as the pieces are so tiny! I'd recommend.
She's wearing little Saltwater sandals with it - isn't she gorgeous?
She has recently taken to wearing a bangle (bracelet) or two everywhere she goes .... so stylish!!
I had a good break from sewing, but am now champing to get started again on a few things, especially as Leith and I have now booked our flights for our Sydney sewing trip! We'll be there on the weekend of February 8th. Who will be around to join us for a spot of shopping and champers?
