Rock and Roll saved my life

I found the best barkcloth fabric in a dodgy dusty antique shop and paid more than I thought I should have, to get home and lovingly hand wash it (although the woman swore she had washed it) for half of it to fall apart in my hands all the while filling my bucket with mud. Washed, phaw!!  I was looking forward to making a full circle skirt alah Rock and Roll style, but all I could manage was this slightly flared skirt.  Pales in comparison to the vision in my head, but I love it all the same. Made with a1972 pattern by Style, number 3788, version 2.  It was quick and easy to make, as skirts tend to be, which is why I am digging them so.  What to do with the deteriorating bits left???

I have made this top from simplicity 4056 maybe from the late 60's. The fabric is a lovely light weight linen.  I love the idea of this top more than the actual top, it's a bit boxy.  I will rock it though, it took me far too long to make to simply leave it in my wardrobe.  Simple to make my but!  You get that with dress making, sometimes it's just not as fabulous as you want it to be, other times it takes you completely by surprise.

This is how I actually wore the skirt on this day, with my fall back tank.

 I have also been making the basic tee, the pattern of which comes a PDF from Steph at 3 Hours Past the Edge of the World.  It needs a little tweaking for my narrow shoulders.

This post was sitting as a draft for a couple of weeks, I got called away as a busy mummy, but I'm back now, after a spell of being a little run down and alot tired.

 

Cars, Picnics, Apples and a very plain ensemble

I have been meaning to post this blog for a few days, but the weather has turned well and truly balmy, truly a Bris Vegas Summer and my computer is in front of a massive window.  Eeek.

I had a productive weekend, without feeling busy and have some new acquisitions, here is a rundown.

These, what I like to call my Barbie stools, I have had for a few years and always hated the cushion fabric.  Not any more.  My girlfriend sent some Echino Fabric from Japan, ( she is able to buy it much cheaper than Australia's $33 per metre), and after a mere half an hour, myself and my husband knocked these beauties up.  LOVE!

Before

After

Couldn't leave this treasure at the local op shop for a steal.  A Nally Sundowner picnic set Made in Australia, circa 1950's.  I love it and it will come in very handy for a little photo shoot one day.

Nally Sundowner circa. 1950's

I bought this Henry Alexander Apple fabric months ago and finally made it up into a cute halter neck frock.  I really love Stella's cupcake dress and wanted my very own.  Why should all the little girls get all the pretty frocks?   The bodice is from the Style 4174 pattern from 1974 and the full skirt I just fashioned myself.  I still need to bring it in a few centimetres at the zip and do research into what bra, if any I can wear, but I love her and am itching to go somewhere and show it off.  I love the red, black and white combo.

Apple Halter neck Frock

Style 4174

I've been feeling for a while that I need separates in my wardrobe, they seem a bit more casual for school drop offs and the likes.  Soooo, I made a red skirt from Style 3788, from 1972 which I like, it's ok.  And a camisole from Simplicity 9374 from 1998, which has more potential, I think if it was in a natural fibre.  I do love the stripes cut on a bias, but the fabric just does not hug my curves like it should, it kinda juts out in places.  I will attempt the camisole again, in a light breezy cotton.  The ensemble is okay, I do like the nautical theme of it, but it does not make my heart skip a beat.  I am however on the hunt for something a little OTT nautical, something with a little more Voom.  Photo by Stella.

Ooo, I look like an angry school teacher

.

Style 4174 and Style 3788

Ohhh, and here is one of the best three things I have ever made.  Ginger, strutting her stuff.  LOVE!

Ginger.