Sewing a square neck tiered midi dress in Liberty Heidi cotton poplin from 1970’s Style 1169 pattern
Fifth time I am using this pattern. Perfected the fit, and finally making with an expensive fabric, Liberty’s cotton poplin in Heidi. Absolute favourite make with this pattern so far. Lessons learnt and seam finished, with detailed dressmaking closeups.

Workings of a Garment: a Y2K Acne oversized long-line shirt, designer ready-to-wear
Study and analysis of how this Y2K oversized Acne blouse was constructed. Learnings and inspiration for improving my dressmaking up to designer ready-to-wear standards.
Sewing a pleated blouse in wool flannel from 1970’s Gunne Sax Simplicity 8907 pattern
Starting with a Gunne Sax pattern from the 1970’s, after some significant design amendments, made a cropped blouse in micro-houndstooth wool flannel. Lessons learnt.
Sewing a puff-sleeve midi dress in khaki green linen-cotton twill from 1970’s Style 1169 pattern
Fourth make with this pattern, following several refinements on fit and pattern instructions. Details on total make time, adjustments and seam finishes for square neck, puff sleeve, tiered maxi dress in a robust khaki green twill

Vogue September 1978
Striking fashion imagery from a vintage Vogue magazine, September 1978 edition.
Reflections on The Lost Art of Dress, by Linda Przybyszewski
A book about The Dress Doctors, a troop of women operating during the early-to-mid 20th century who advised American women on style and clothing throughout the Great Depression, World Wars and social upheaval. Teachers, writers, designers, and retailers, they were dismissed as backward in the late 60s but much of their theories and teachings still ring true for anyone looking to dress, budget and express themselves authentically, and with grace and personality.
Sewing an A-line skirt in bright red serge wool twill from 1990’s Style 2571 pattern
Sewing a midi skirt with waistband, in bright red serge wool twill, using a 1990’s Style pattern. Details on total make time, adjustments and seam finishes, and lessons learnt.

Sewing high-waisted trousers in smooth serge wool twill from 1970’s Vogue 1275 pattern
Working with a 1970’s Vogue Basic Design pattern, sewing a pair of single pleated trousers in serge wool twill. Details on total make time, adjustments, seam finishes, and lessons learnt.
Sewing a boat neck summer dress with tie back in a novelty print cotton from Vogue 1102
Journal of my making a boat-neck dress with a shaped underbust seam and large tie bow at the back. Details on total make time, pattern adjustments and lessons learnt.
Sewing a man’s shirt in grey wool flannel from Simplicity 8753
Sewing a man’s shirt, in wool flannel, using a modern Simplicity pattern. Details on total make time, adjustments, seam finishes, and lessons learnt.
Cuccio yellow polish, Seriously Celcius
Sewing a button-up box-pleat skirt in electric blue cotton twill from McCalls 7906
Sewing a box-pleated midi skirt, in electric blue cotton twill, using a Y2K McCall’s pattern. Details on total make time, adjustments, seam finishes, and lessons learnt.
Leighton Denny nude polish, Mirage or Not
Colour scrutiny of Leighton Denny’s 3 Times a Lady nail polish, a mid-tone neutral nude creme.
Sewing an A-line skirt in electric blue cotton twill from Vogue 7210
Sewing a midi skirt with contour waistband, in electric blue cotton twill, using a Y2K Style pattern. Details on total make time, adjustments and seam finishes, and lessons learnt.

Sewing ultra wide leg flat-front trousers in black single wool crepe from Burda 6966
The simplicity, elegance and sophistication of sewing ultra-wide leg flat-front trousers in single wool crepe. Lessons learnt and pattern additions.
Zoya green polish, Cece
Colour scrutiny of Zoya’s Cece green polish, with a prominent shimmer foil finish.
Sewing a tent dress with dagger collar in Liberty crepe-de-chine from Very Easy Vogue 8593
Working from a 1970’s Style pattern, my reflections on making a very loose fitting maxi dress in Liberty crepe-de-chine; the first time working with silk but the second time with this pattern. Main lesson: crepe-de-chine is difficult to cut out…

Sewing a scoop neck tiered sundress from a 1970’s Butterick 7012 pattern
Going off-piste, using quilting cotton for a simple summer tiered dress with topstitching.

Sewing a princess seamed dress with short puff-sleeves and collar from 1980’s Style 4603 pattern
First time sewing princess seams, first time sewing with proper shirting fabric. Starting from a 1980’s Style pattern, how long I took, adjustments made and lessons learn from my sky blue button-up midi dress with contrasting white collar and pearl buttons.
Sewing a floral needlecord dress from 1970’s Style 1169 pattern
Third make with this pattern, following several refinements on fit and pattern instructions. Details on total make time, adjustments and seam finishes for square neck, puff sleeve, tiered maxi dress in a delicate blue rose needlecord.