Tuesday, March 17, 2015

There's a bee in my bonnet!

A sewing bee that is!

Have you been watching the Great British Sewing Bee
I'm hooked - line and sinker. 
Thankfully YouTube have the episodes because it's not shown in Australia (unless you have pay TV which we do not) so I am officially up to date with all three series and more inspired than ever to get serious and begin making my own clothes.
I may even splash out and buy myself the book (or hint rather loudly that Mother's Day is only 7 weeks away)...


In the meantime I have made a start on my new found love.
Last week, after a visit to my local Spotlight store, I came home with these...

 It's been too many years since I've attempted sewing clothes for myself, so I think the smart thing is to re-learn the basics with simple classic styles.
 I've even purchased THIS class on Craftsy...


...because I want to learn properly, and after all, fabric and patterns are an investment so I intend to be wise with them.

I also purchased a magazine that featured a free pattern because it's exactly the kind of dress that Blossom wears and she is keen to have me make her a few, but I'll use old quilting fabrics for my mock-up/practice garment before making the real deal... 

Of course, I have work on new stitchery designs to finish first and they really are a priority over the next four weeks, but once I've cleared them from my diary the dressmaking will begin in earnest.
 However, as everyone needs a break from work, between now and then I'll sew some easy aprons, as that's something else I'm hooked on and need more of - plus, I found these gorgeous fabrics to use!


If you need fresh ideas for making your own garments visit my Making' Clothes
 Pinterest Board HERE - it's full of them!


Have a splendiferous day, ok?!
hugs


20 comments:

Sherri said...

Those fabrics are lovely. The Great British Sewing Bee sounds interesting - I will have to look it up.

Kaisievic said...

Good luck with the sewing and the apron fabric is sensational.

Lorrie said...

I love the Great British Sewing Bee and am so thankful it's shown on You Tube, since it's not aired in Canada either.
This year I made a quiet (and now I'm telling you) resolution to not purchase any clothes this year - if I want something new, I have to make it (other than undies, socks and bathing suits). So far I've successfully completed a jacket, two dresses, a skirt, a pair of pants, and three tops. But sadly, my embroidery output has been zero.

Learning to fit my changing body shape is the learning curve here.

The simple patterns and gorgeous fabric you've chosen will surely give you satisfying results.

CalamityJr said...

The apron fabrics are perfect! I own (and treasure) a couple aprons made by my great-grandmother. Ever practical, she almost always put a half kitchen towel in the right side waistband seam.

e said...

You peeked my curiosity about the Sewing Bee. I checked it out on YouTube and it's blocked in the US, but like you, I might have to invest in that book :) I used to work in a couple of different fabric stores, so lots of apparel fabrics still to be used - I might have to join you in that endeavor :) Always lots of inspiration to glean from you, Jenny :)
xx

bettsylyn (Lynda) said...

It has been shown in Australia on Foxtel. They had the final of the second series about a week ago. I didn't realise that we were behind and don't know if I can wait until the third series here so will have to check it out. I do love it and it bring back so many memories of when my mother was sewing. So many terms are familiar and I find I actually know how to do so many of the techniques.

Lisa V said...

I too have been watching it on Foxtel here in Australia. Just had the final for the 2nd season. Can't wait now to see the next season.

Leeanne said...

I haven't heard of that TV programme? Sounds interesting. I have the same A line skirt pattern, it is an easy pattern. Love your apron fabrics too. I haven't made many clothes for myself these days but as a teenager I made many of my own clothes many of my friends loved what I wore. Have fun with the dress making!

Kathleen said...

I am loving those fabrics you found! And I especially like that pattern you bought, the one in the center. That's the length dress I like to wear, and the neckline variety is nice.

Baa. xxx said...

That looks like a great magazine - and looks like Hannah and Blossom have similar tastes as she loves the pattern you showed.

Lace Faerie said...

I am so glad you shared your fascination with The Great British Sewing Bee. I found it on YouTube and have just finished the third episode. Great show!

Sue said...

I loved watching the second season on Foxtel, it only finished a couple of weeks ago. The final 4 from the first season did a Christmas special with the hosts and it was really great.
Love your fabrics and patterns in the 90's I did a "Women's clothing assembly certificate" at TAFE in NSW, while don't sew as many clothes as I did then I still love the feel of something special I've made.

Tammy said...

Oh I love those fabrics you found...Love your patterns too. When my daughter was smaller I used to make all of her clothing....She was the best dressed kid...lol. Until she got about 10 and refused to ever put on anything ever again that was either made by me or had any sort of smocking on it period...

cucki said...

good luck my dear xxx

Gmama Jane said...

Jenny,
This is the first I've heard of the Sewing Bee???? I will have to look it up. I don't sew clothes mainly because I can't make things FIT. Patterns don't fit me and always need altering. That's why I stick to quilting and embroidery!
Gmama Jane

gibbygoo56 said...

The patterns you have are so lovely. I'm going to look them up and see if I can find them.

I would love to see this show you are loving. Comcast doesn't show it so I suppose I will have to watch via You Tube like Lorrie said in another comment. I love a good show!

TerriSue said...

Hi Jenny
I've been out of the loop with a stomach bug for a few days. I have always sewn my own clothes and worked as a seamstress when we lived in St. Louis right after we got married. I don't own a pair of slacks or jeans. I have always preferred dresses or skirts. My tastes go towards the post-war styles of the '50s with the full skirts. They are flattering on just about everyone I get most of my patterns off of Etsy and some old pattern sites. I am going to be making some new dresses this year also. I lost 50 pounds last year and not much of my summer wardrobe fits. We are heading into that time though it is shaping up that March may head out like a Lion this year here in Texas. Quite unusual. Jim's mother died on Sunday. She was 97 years old. He is contemplative right now. I like your apron fabric with the line drawings of the dresses and skirts and colored aprons.

Anonymous said...

Those are great patterns, and would have been my choices anyway. When I'm not in jeans, I'm a very classic sort of person. My aunt taught me that classic never goes out of style and can always be accessorized. I see a lot of fun on your horizon!

Createology said...

I love those apron themed fabrics especially the black outlined one. I used to sew all my clothes and my daughter's but then it became too expensive. I am happy to see the trend to sew clothes coming back around. I find sewing to be my favorite forever craft. Creative Sewing Bliss...

Winifred said...

The Great British Sewing Bee is a really good programme. I'm amazed at how quickly they make the clothes & their ideas. I just hope it leads to a resurgence of sewing so we can have more fabric shops here. I can never find what I want there are so few shops now & I just can't buy fabric over the Tinterweb. Got to feel it first!
It used to take me ages to make things. Many moons ago I did a City & Guilds Fashion & Design course to upskill my sewing. It certainly did but the awful thing is I still can't buy anything without doing a full inspection of the zips, seams, facings etc! My daughter despairs of me!!!
Blossom is lucky you are so keen. Those patterns look really good styles. I used to love Vogue patterns, they were such a brilliant fit.