I've had a few sewing disasters lately. A couple of sewing mess ups that have had me avoiding my machine and even my sewing room all together.First there was a knit dress for me that I could hardly get over my head, let alone squeeze the rest of me into. How on earth did I measure that so wrong??
Then I measured again and sewed another dress only to discover that I looked like Kermit the Frog when I tried it on. Waaaaaay too green!!!
So after a week away from the machine, it was time to return. But how??
I decided that what I needed was some design and sewing challenges.
Challenge one: Pull five bits of vintage sheeting out of my stash without thinking or planning. Do not pause to consider how they will look together, just yank and sew.The result is The Green Sleeve Dress.
It's in my shop.
I added some lace around the hem and a napkin pocket, but other than that I played by the rules and I think it worked.
Challenge two: Make a dress from all the bits and pieces lying around on my desk. Do not pull fabric or trims from the shelves, make do with what's there.
The result is The Bits and Bobs dress. The process was scary at times but a lot of fun and not like any dress I've made in ages.It's in my shop.
Challenge three: Finish one of the dresses in my works in progress pile.The result is The Little Tree Dress. I have absolutely no idea when I started this one. Perhaps it was as a gift for a new baby. In any case I am happy to have finished it and popped it in my shop. I'm guessing its about a size 0-1 but I'd err on the smaller size to be sure.
So that's where I'm up to. Who knows where I'm going next. Do you have to trick yourself into doing things sometimes? I hope your Monday is a fun-day.
Ciao. xx
How adorable, the colours have come together very well, there will be some lucky girl walking around with these on soon...My mother was a dressmaker but I did not inherited her patience for sewing, I dabble but always end up in the kitchen instead!
ReplyDeleteYour dresses are as cute as ever. I need to get out of my comforts zone and do some mixing and matching.
ReplyDeleteLove that door too!
You know, it's such a shame you don't make boy clothes..... (hint hint)!!
ReplyDeleteYep - more like bribery for me. I say to myself "you have to start/finish/work on that and then you can leave the room and do something else (like have a bit of chocky!). I'm a tough boss!
ReplyDeleteLove all those dresses. I have to bribe myself to get things done.
ReplyDeleteI definitely work with the trick method but not so much on the creative way that you did but more just to get something done that I really didn't want to do. I love the idea of making a dress from scraps. Jobs well done! Cherrie
ReplyDeleteyeah, what Rie says ... what about some little trousers!
ReplyDeleteCute frocks... resisting...
Oh dear, i'm loving all your dresses again!
ReplyDeleteI'm very much a believer of making what you feel like making - so its difficult sometimes when you have to get something (else) done!
(psst.... i have some pieces of sheet(s) for you!)
Wow, I should take a leaf out of your book (or tree?). I sometimes agonise over what fabrics to use, sometimes I walk away because I can't choose. Yank and sew - very brave Kate! The results are surprisingly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI have had a bit of a knitting disaster recently - but I think it's like a car accident, you just have to get behind the wheel quickly! And the dresses you have made are lovely - remember, with no experimentation there is no progress1
ReplyDeletePomona x
What a great way to freshen up your creativity - sometimes a blank canvas is just too daunting - constraints make for better design! I especially fancy that little one...
ReplyDeleteKate these three dresses are all so adorable....looks like challenging yourself worked a treat!!
ReplyDeleteopps sorry Kate, that comment from Tegan was me...I didn't realise my daughter was signed in :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous little dresses. Well done.
ReplyDeleteChrisartist
I love your designs, I especially love how we creative one's create within our personalities and daydreams and life. Beautiful Kate!
ReplyDeletexo Rach
I think you aced all three of your challenges. They are all beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the sewing disasters- but you have recovered very well. Sweet, sweet dresses and it sounds like you had fun with your challenges :) I am so conservative :P
ReplyDeletelove everything in this post :)
ReplyDeleteOooo yes, I like that bits and bobs dress, that IS GORGEOUS! Something lovely about how those colours work together... you're so clever Kate :o)
ReplyDeleteI also love the little tree dress, sooooo cute! and yellow on babies is like sunshine, so warm and happy.
Not sure if I have to trick myself into doing things, but I most certainly need to give myself a good swift kick up the backside... harder to do than you might think ;o)
Thanks for sharing your lovely projects.
In love with the green one! I'm all for no planning at all!!
ReplyDeletehave a nice week
now sweet Kate MY challenge would be getting to turn the sewing machine ON!!! I love all of these, particulary challenge 2: The Bits & Bobs Dress...too cute for words. TK xx
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, your dresses are gorgeous! Those vintage sheet fabrics look perfect together :)
ReplyDeleteKatie x
Cute Dresses. Cut Kermit in half and make yourself a top and skirt.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to imagine you having a sewing disaster.
ReplyDeleteLoving all three dresses muchly ... you conquered those challenges for sure! You're ACE!