September 2017 – thedementedfairy

September 25, 2017

Licking the windows

Getting faster! I also looked at lots of images of 1890s skirts, trying to work out how to get what is basically a gored, A line shape, fuller at the back from…squares. These things are not going to make up obligingly into A shapes. Nope. Not gonna happen. Then it came to me. Maths. … Continue reading Licking the windows

September 24, 2017

A rose window by any other name…

Oh dear oh dear oh dear. It’s happened. I’ve gone over to the dark side. *whispers* I’ve been …quilting! Sort of. But not for a quilt. Remember my plans for the dress inspired by Lincoln cathedral? The fabrics have all arrived. Well, the first batch of stuff I’ve ordered has arrived, I succumbed to some … Continue reading A rose window by any other name…

September 22, 2017

Even more Mizono action…V1312 again

Yes, yet another Vogue 1312 by Lynn Mizono. SO COMFORTABLE! Don’t start with the ‘secret pyjamas’ thing, this is a go-to-work NIGHTIE. Love it love it. Here are the last two, as a reminder: Two was not enough. The black-and-blue one gets heavy rotation, the white one is very summery, and would get very grubby … Continue reading Even more Mizono action…V1312 again

September 22, 2017

King of the Rhodes!

What a day that was! We were supposed to be going to a certain much-awaited wedding on Saturday, but as we started to get ready to go out, Dawn came down with a horrible upset tum, and had to go back to bed for the day. I cursed a fair bit [not at her, just … Continue reading King of the Rhodes!

September 22, 2017

Testing, testing #3: Into the Red

Onwards, onwards. Now for the red, straight skirted version, with three quarter sleeves, and turn back cuffs. And a detachable peplum. Why not? The fabric is very odd- thick, almost felt-like, it looks very much like wool, feels like wool, but burns like a bitch polyester. Oddly, despite fighting me when pressing seams, it allowed … Continue reading Testing, testing #3: Into the Red

September 22, 2017

Testing, testing #2 Out of the Blue

First, the blue, full-skirted version. I started zooming it together. The copious instructions start with detailed info on making up the toile, and fitting it. Yeah yeah, you know me. I zoomed ahead, just checking assembly order. All seemed very nicely drafted, the collar went together easily…until I tried turning the edges under to … Continue reading Testing, testing #2 Out of the Blue

September 22, 2017

Testing, testing #1: Getting it Together

**The posts on this pattern testing were written months ago, and I’ve been waiting for the pattern release ever since. It’s finally out, so here goes! I was faffing about on Facebook a while back [as usual] when I spotted a request for pattern testers from Sense and Sensibility. This is a historical pattern site, … Continue reading Testing, testing #1: Getting it Together

September 18, 2017September 17, 2017

Wedding #5: Jackie in the box!

Warning- long post…and 5th of 5 Between fittings: oh boy, so much hand sewing! Shell top I adjusted the pattern again, and cut out the gorgeous, but very slippery charmeuse lining. Because the lame was a bit scratchy against the skin, I didn’t want any facings on the inside, but applied the lining by hand … Continue reading Wedding #5: Jackie in the box!

September 18, 2017September 17, 2017

Wedding #4: Jacketing

4 of 5, bear with me! Between fittings: I cut out the skirt, did some more maths to calculate the size of the godets, pondered on the best way to insert them, and got cracking. I’d done some eBaying, and found a gorgeous vintage petersham in turquoise, some turquoise cord [more on that later] and … Continue reading Wedding #4: Jacketing

September 18, 2017September 17, 2017

Wedding #3:

3 of 5 First fitting. After much consideration, and some careful measuring, I decided to have a go at draping the shell top directly onto Jackie. Eeek! She’d taken my advice and bought a very well-fitting bra, and also remembered to wear it to each fitting [I’d have biffed her if she hadn’t lol] She … Continue reading Wedding #3: