That old dressmakers model Part 2: Armed intervention
The arm pattern I made last week for my dressmakers model has been corrected, cut out and sewn in the “good” fabric, which is calico. I went ahead and cut out a pair of arms instead of just one. Read about the beginnings of this project here. …
Read MoreThat old dressmakers model
Sometimes people ask me: Is it worthwhile to have a dressmakers model? My answer is usually no. Dressmakers models have their uses though… They lend an “authentic” air to your sewing room. Useful to store half-made jackets, tops and dresses on. Great for shaping collars. Spook family members when they walk into the room and…
Read MoreHoliday snaps from the ASG convention
Last week I went to the Australian Sewing Guild’s convention in Melbourne. Here’s what happened… Tuesday Dear Diary, Flying out tomorrow with Mum for the Australian Sewing Guild’s biennial convention in Melbourne. Leaving the children at home with husband. Children worried I would never return after watching Air Crash Investigation on TV. We’re going…
Read MoreMy publishing story
Next month it’s one year since The Dressmaker’s Companion was published and I thought I’d share with you my publishing story. It’s a bit long, so settle in… The patternmaking years You may know that I trained as a clothing patternmaker, back in 1990-91. I was fortunate to find something I loved doing early on…
Read MoreFree pattern: headscarf
Are you… doing chemo? renovating? having a bad hair day? required to cover your hair at work? a lover of 1970’s gear? Then you might enjoy this headscarf pattern which I made after seeing a 1970’s one. It’s a scarf with the addition of a circle at the back to keep your hair in. I’ve…
Read MoreA conservative skirt
This week I just finished making myself a lined wool pencil skirt, a project so conservative and ordinary I wondered if I should blog about it. It took two evenings to sew, after I’d cut it out, and I wore it yesterday for the first time. It worked out really well and was very comfortable.…
Read More5 books that influenced The Dressmaker’s Companion
Hello! This week I’m sharing five books that influenced my own, The Dressmaker’s Companion. Maybe you have read or own them too. The Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing Do you have this book on your shelf? We had a copy in our family. Mum must have bought it fairly close to when it…
Read MoreThe other trousers
Following on from last week’s post of the Me-Made-May18 trousers, I’ve finished the second pair and finally fulfilled my pledge. These are a different draft to last week’s close fitting trousers (Aldrich’s basic trouser draft, if you follow these things). These are wide legged trousers with a high waistline, patch pockets and a button…
Read MoreFinished my MMM18 trousers
As May slipped into June and now into July, my Me-Made-May 18 trousers pledge remained unforgotten yet unfinished….until now. Yes, I’m pleased to show you my new red trousers. I’m really happy with them, best thing I’ve made in ages. Haven’t worn a waist this high in a decade or two, but they’re very comfortable.…
Read MoreYar! Me book’s been pirated!
A spot of late-night Googling this week revealed that Unscrupulous Persons are offering my book (or parts of it “for review”) as an ebook or downloadable PDF. Went to bed feeling a bit sick about it. This probably happens to lots of authors, and some people are okay about it, saying It gets my book…
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