Having completed Marta’s quilt, a new quilt will be made for Sebastian who has outgrown his previous one.
Fun is to be had planning and selecting fabrics.
*Note, no sign of Sid who – for some reason – swiftly departs via the cat-flap when these two appear!
A pair of very simple-to-make culottes were much admired by a friend’s daughter, so I enjoyed making them all over again – as she was unable to come to a workshop to make them herself.
March 1st seemed like a good day to plan a project using a donation from Eastbourne of a large bag of stunning silk ties, bought at auction, to make a ‘house coat’.
Choosing which ties to use was fun – but there was competition for the prettiest ones (work on a smaller size gown has begun)!
None of the experimental configurations quite worked – but inserting some dark strips provided a good contrast and, as the ties were simply joined, only the sleeves of the garment needed lining.
Despite the large range of ties to choose from (including top designers and chain stores), many did not chime with my colour theme and charity shops in Norwich, Shelford and Cambridge enjoyed my custom – for pure silk ties, I paid from 99 p to £3.99. Sourcing suitable complementary fabrics to complete the garment was also a challenge – some were found in the family ‘stockroom’ but a trip to Goldhawke Road in Shepherd’s bush (see April post) was necessary.
So, the final garment (which weighs a ton), cost around £60 in materials – but is certainly unique!
One delightful fancy-party dress and two linen dresses to improve (alas a nightmare to photograph well):
2. adding a white border to provide knee coverage:
3. improving the modesty of the front, removing ties, unhitching sleeves and adding a little white for contrast.
On a bitterly cold February day, m-o-b began to sew fifty lavender bag favours from some beautiful old French linen.
The wedding took place on a gloriously hot day in July – everything was perfect – every inch of the linen was used to help make the occasion special.
In 2016, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings commissioned some ‘corporate’ bunting to add a party atmosphere to the site of their annual volunteer working party at Greatham Church – it made another appearance at the Lumsdale Working party in 2017 and at Eastbury Manor in 2018 – Barking & Dagenham video.
SPAB Bunting
A beautiful bride (the ideal groom), five lovely bridesmaids – a perfect creative occasion.
One steamy Sunday in June,Sew-in-company helped m-o-b, bride and a bridesmaid assemble the bridesmaids’ gowns – the pattern came from an old Anne Ladbury book (previously seen here) .
Sid performed an inspection and approved!
So did the bride’s team!
Finally, one bridesmaid (wearing Ghost with altered sash to improve fit) and her mother wearing Sew-in-company jumpsuit and bespoke hat (thank you Helen).
The old one, made c. 1982, is literally in tatters – but is still being worn despite the production of a smart new version in hand-woven Italian slub silk!
A warm day in every way – Lucy and Lucretzia created a simple, stylish top:
And Lucrezia created a unique pair of ‘trews’ for her young son from an old, previously favourite skirt!
Spent the first May holiday in the garden and making bunting for two important occasions:
– the Friends of Rock Road Library Plant Sale:
– the special birthday of my Writtle College RHS tutor – perhaps the bunting will be feature at her weekend celebration event in Beth Chatto’s garden:
