Simple Style

I think one of the most effective routes in dressmaking is to sew a simple design in a special fabric. I bought this gorgeous green cut-out cotton fabric for half price in the John Lewis sale last year, but had not got around to making something. With the prospect of going out for a special meal as an incentive, I finally wielded the scissors. I chose a very simple shift dress – McCalls 5875 (out of print but still available). This pattern has the bonus of coming in individual cup sizes, making the fitting that much easier. It was an easy make, but I’m delighted with the finished result. The uncluttered style allows the fabric to take centre stage. I will now be on the lookout for other interesting fabrics to use the pattern again. A lace or velvet version would be ideal for Christmas parties.

Knit Picking

I was on the lookout for a red cropped cardi when I spotted this little number in one of my local charity shops. The shop label had been snipped off, but a quick check of the fibre content revealed a good quality cotton cashmere mix - very soft to the touch. Unfortunately it was a shade on the large side. I debated wearing it loose, but decided I'd never feel comfortable with the fit. I'd not normally risk cutting up knitwear, but as a cheap buy, there was not a lot to lose. I used a narrow zig zag stitch on the sleeves, then overlocked the raw edges. A much better fit and a cute cover up for my summer dresses.



Turning Around A Mistake

I recently made a stripe jersey top with a handkerchief hemline – similar styles are very popular in the shops at the moment. It was a very easy pattern (Vogue 8651) but I wasn’t used to working with jersey fabrics. I hadn’t realised how much sewing can stretch them if they are not handled properly. I ended up with a badly gaping neckline. I considered using some elastic to rectify the problem, but spotted a more creative solution in the wonderful Sew Stylish magazine. The Spring 2011 edition features the how-to for creating pin tucks on a T.shirt. I used exactly the same process on my baggy neckline. And voila – it achieved the dual effect of solving my mistake, and adding a decorative detail.

Incidentally I love wearing the finished garment – jersey is so comfortable and drapes so beautifully. It’s definitely a fabric I’d like to use again so will be swotting up on how to sew it correctly in the future.

Remake: Shortening A Wool Dress

 

A couple of years ago I bought a Uniqlo merino wool sweater dress/tunic off the internet. It was one of those garments where I should have gone up a size for a looser fit, but I never did get around to exchanging it. I did wear it from time to time, but never felt entirely comfortable with the snug fit. So last week, in a sudden impetuous moment, out came the scissors, and I cut it off to hip length.

I immediately began to regret my impulse as the wool quickly began to unravel . I ran to my sewing machine andI used the overlock stitch to stop any further fraying. The garment was now a little baggy around the bottom, so I took the side seams in slightly (very narrow zig zag stitch for the seam, again overlocked to prevent fraying). Rather than machine the hem, I decided to hand sew, using herringbone stitch. I turned the overlocked edge in which created a kind of mock band on the bottom.

So, voila, I now have a flattering slim fit sweater, far more versatile than a tight tunic.

Simply Making Style

Some of the simplest projects are the most successful. I’m in the process of making a stripy top in cotton jersey and happened to have enough spare fabric for a scarf. I simply cut out a rectangle, 2 metres x 0.5 metres and overlocked the edges. I’d spotted something very similar in Zara, though I think mine is a better quality fabric. It’s a great lightweight piece for Spring, and will add a bit of style to many of my outfits.

The Future Of Charity Shops?

A friend recently told me about a new kind of charity shop in Reading. “Reworked for Oxfam” sells a mix of revamped customer donations and professionally repaired vintage garments.

The shop is situated in Harris arcade, not far from the station. Despite numerous visits to Reading, I’m ashamed to say I’d never been to the arcade before, lured straight to the delights of the modern Oracle shopping centre. Besides Oxfam, I found several independent shops, well worth a look, including a milliner’s and a tobacconist’s.

The Oxfam shop itself is small, and has a quirky boutique vibe, rather than that of a traditional charity shop. It’s a brilliant place to browse, as you never know what you are going to find. Each item is reworked by volunteers; their range of different skills ensure intriguing results. For example, two different shirts may have been merged to create a mix and match version, or a T.shirt given a ruffle trim on the neck. It sounds wacky, but for the most part the creations are in good taste. Anyone wanting truly original style should unearth many treasures as each item of clothing is totally unique.

The price points are higher than normal charity shops – a special dress will set you back about £60. But this is a high quality item and you can be confident you will not see anyone else in the same outfit.

I didn’t buy anything on my first visit but came away with loads of ideas for looking at my own wardrobe with new eyes, and how I could rework my own charity shop buys. Some of the best ideas were:

-          Denim mixes with a variety of different fabrics – I spotted a denim skirt inset with a floral panel that worked well.

-          Fur coats with their sleeves cut off to make jerkins

-          Tops and skirts sewn together to make cute dresses

-          Necklines embellished with ruffle trims

-          Piped edges to add seam definition

-          Adding beading and appliqué to create interesting textured fabrics

Charity Shop Revamp

 

 Charity shops are hit and miss affairs. For me, finding something desirable in the exact size is a rare event. I have often thought I should increase the odds by expanding my search into larger sizes with a view to altering them. So last week my rummaging unearthed a navy lace T.shirt, an attractive item but size 22, swamping my size 10-12 figure. It was time to put my revamping aspirations into practice.

For my first attempt I decided not to be too ambitious by keeping the same shape and simply cutting it down to size. But this wasn’t quite as easy as it looked as I had to reset the sleeves. It took a couple of attempts before I was happy with the result but I’m delighted with the finished top. It’s a versatile piece I can dress down with jeans or style up for smarter occasions. I am now encouraged to undertake more charity shop downsizing. Hopefully the previous owners will never recognise their donations.