Pink Stripes

This shocking pink silk was quite a find.  Interwoven with gold and pale gold metallic threads to form this electric pink stiff silk taffeta. I needed to tone it down a little with a layer of black tulle and satin outlines to keep it contained and the as always satin bow is the finishing touch.

We've started using metal zippers in some of our dresses of which this one. It's a little tricky to move away from the ease and invisibility of the concealed zippers but the metal zips are from the golden ages of elegance and always move nice and smoothly. No breaking, sticking or wiggling if the dress is on the tightly fitted!

Green Dress July 21st

This week is going well, three day and three newly made items . I am very very pleased with myself today for making this dress.
I found the fabric at a sale at our local village hall, who would have though I would find such gorgeous vintage American fabric in Biddisham! The print is called Ashley by Waverly part of the 'Southern Charm Collection'. Its ivy with little clover leaves and my lovely Mum kindly smocked a panel in the bodice  for me.
I'm hoping the girl who gets this dress will be a little more Sassy with her Southern Charm! 

The thing that makes me happiest and most proud of myself today is that I have finished the zip with cotton binding. A little tip I stole from Elle collections and the snapshot of the Givenchy lace blouse. It makes such a difference. I also added satin pockets.

14th May Screen Print Dress

Here we go again, this is proving to be hard work but very rewarding. I usually take weeks completing dresses especially for weddings and this has been so freeing to have to design, decide and make all in one day. A little like sketching and life drawing loosens up artists, daily designing is great. I'm beginning to think of new techniques to use and new details to add. In a years time I should have a nice big collection of skills in my belt and more confidence.

Today's dress is made from a 50's inspired heavy cotton material found in ikea a few years ago. I love the screen print and as I watched 'far from heaven' last night this seemed appropriate. I did want to make a satin shirtwaister but will need to source the correct shade, the full skirts look incredible in this film along with the poker straight pencil skirts in tweed. . If you haven't watched it, it's stunningly beautiful, very made mad with gorgeous colour tones through out. A painful story but excellent all round.

The dress has a fitted bodice, my cinched waistband and a full pleated skirt. I added a large circular cut ruffle which is detachable and a wide satin ribbon bow at the waist. Bound in a burgundy satin which really make the mustard yellow pop in the print. The fabric was a little heavy to self line the waistband so I used a piece of silk taffeta inside.

Will be listing this weeks dresses in our Etsy shop tomorrow. www.makemeadress.etsy.com

12th May Blue Dress

Not moaning about the election anymore. We must be positive and wish them all well, the best that can happen is that they will be wonderful together, for everyone. In true spirit I have made a blue dress with a little yellow and flowers.

Here is today's dress, made from a gorgeous vintage piece of cotton stored away and as usual inspired by the 1950's. I'm very pleased today, it worked out beautifully and I even had just enough time to add a net underskirt and darling pink floral buttons.

Simple Silk Dresses

Gorgeous silk dresses in striking silhouettes, available at etsy or design your own at our makemeadress.com website.