A toile, also known as a muslin in the USA, is a prototype of a garment. In the design process, it sits in between drafting pattern pieces and the finished version. The toile allows the designer to check that the idea in his or her head will actually work from the pattern pieces they have made. If it doesn't, alterations can be made to the toile, then transferred back to the pattern pieces. The idea is to make a version from cheaper fabric ... Read the Post...
From Godet Skirt to Flower Petal Dress: Planning Stage
Inspiration is weird. Sometimes it comes from the weirdest of places. Other times it might come from somewhere you'd expect, like Pinterest or somebody else's blog, but once it has been processed through the weirdness in one's brain, ends up as a bonkers idea. This is what happened to me a few weeks ago. Julie from Sum of Their Stories shared a picture from Crafts A La Mode. A petal from a beautiful flower had been transformed into a little ... Read the Post...
11 Sewing Hacks to Make Sewing Easier
If you've been sewing for a while, you'll know that on the way you pick up some sewing hacks, little tricks and tips that make it easier. Sometimes it's organisational things that help you to not lose your pincushion! And sometimes, you might find that as well as the proper way of doing things, there is an alternative way which is easier and often makes little difference to the finish of the item you are making. Here are 11 of my favourite ... Read the Post...
Godet Skirt Revisited: Part 2
Last time, I reposted a tutorial I wrote back in 2015 for a skirt with godets. I have plans to develop this into something else, but first I wanted to have a go at remaking the skirt using the original instructions. The skirt I made back then is no longer wearable. The pretty blue fabric frayed horribly and it ended up being held together with safety pins! This time I've used some cotton fabric I found while I was having a sort out, and ... Read the Post...
