how to make a shirt

I last blogged on how I had completed the one week course at Fashion Antidote - titled 'make a shirt make a dress'. The course was so good I booked for the two day 'make a shirt'.
I always thought shirts looked so hard and maybe not much fun.either.

I was wrong, another two great days learning how to make cuffs and collars and all that jazz was actually very satisfying. It is great to achieve something you didn't think you could.

I started to realise that I had been missing out. Yes shirts are not the easiest things in the world to make and you have to make sure you are VERY neat and straight

It is very  satisfying and actually there are lots of things you can do creatively.

And while I was working away in the East End learning this skill Frank was having a lovely time relaxing at Ian's. He enjoyed himself far to much and I have a feeling he may have been slightly disappointed about coming back home. He certainly made the sofa his!

But the shirt was made and although I need to practise and make some more to perfect my skills, I am really proud.

it has also helped to learn and perfect skills that can be used in other sewing projects.

so time to go practise and I have ordered an over locker which I am waiting for and can't wait to use!

verity

Fashion Anicdote and improving skills.

I have had a busy week improving my sewing skills. I signed up to Fashion Anecdotes course stage 1 make a skirt make a dress. Details can be found here

After two days of being shown different techniques and practising on calico we started to make our dresses. As people may know I had made several dresses before but I never felt that they were great or made that well. I did the course as I wanted my sewing standard to be more professional.
I did go with the cloud fabric from Elizabeth Studio.

The fabric is available here

One of my favourite parts was using an overlocker and yes , I am going to HAVE to get one. It just gives such a great finish and I found it fun to use too!

I am so pleased with how well made the dress is, and that is hugely dues to the great teacher we had There was four of us in the group and we all agreed that the course was really worth doing and I would highly recommend.
finally the dresses we all produced by the end of the week.
Mine in the cloud

In a lovely piasley

lovely polkadot

and the sophisticated

I love how different they make one dress pattern look. I need to get practising now so I don't forget all the great tips on making a dress the professional way.

oh I need an overlocker... anyone have a good one they could recommend?

xx

 

I can't make decisions

I really struggle to make a decision at times ( I often heard saying @can I think about it) and the worst is when I am choosing a fabric for a project.
I am currently on an intensive sewing course with Fashion Antidote just of Brick Lane. First day today and I really enjoyed it and have already learnt loads. We are going to be making a dress and need to take in our fabric and lining. I can't decide. And no it doesn't help that I sell fabric- too much choice!.
I have a day to decide and I am thinking

 clouds by Elizabeth Studio

Poppies by Elizabeth Studio

Parklandscape by Michael Miller
And now I have made a commitment to these three I am thinking maybe I should avoid nature, why are they all nature?! ok I have to decide... maybe the pugs? I have to say though, it is quite a nice problem to have!
I will let you know. x