objects of desire #1

Chloe ballerina flats (at You Shoes)

See by Chloe denim ruffle dress (at Browns Fashion)

Milly polka-dot dress (at Jean Brown Robe)

Acne checked cotton shirt (at Net-A-Porter)

Acne Liberty print dress (also at Net-A-Porter)

vogue v8472

I'm going to do quite a few posts in a row because I have made quite a few pieces of late and want to showcase all of them! This Vogue pattern was the first one I picked out when I decided to properly learn how to sew. I'd previously dabbled in sewing, with my mum's assistance, but never really followed through. She helped me pick this pattern out of the "Very Easy Vogue" section, picked some suitable fabric, and off I went.


I began with the dress, which was my first proper sewing effort, back in about November now, I think. It was challenging initially, because I didn't really have too much of a clue about correct seam allowances, stay-stitching or anything! But, with mum's able assistance, I worked through the gathering (god, so much gathering!) and fitting the bodice to produce a super lovely summer dress.



It's fully lined in a light white cotton, which was necessary because the dress is a floral printed Broderie Anglaise. I wear it with gold plastic Melissa sandals that smell of bubblegum and feel all whimsical and girly.

Just recently, I decided to attempt the jacket, and in keeping with the picture on the pattern, I chose a bright red cotton sateen. What a way to brighten up an outfit! This one was a little bit tricky for my beginner abilities, what with ensuring the sleeves were stitched properly, sewing the yoke down neatly and gathering the back. Again, though, with mum's able assistance (and her doing the hand-stitching for me, I must shamefully admit), it worked out pretty well!

I'm going to call it my Little Red Riding Hood jacket.


I really like the buttons I picked for it - rather than trying to find matching red buttons, I decided to go for a black contrast. These buttons from Ewan Gardam's Fabrics have a black suede bow on them, which add a terrific detail to the front piece.


Where did I wear it, then? To work on Friday, where I received quite a few compliments, but also spent half the day bragging telling everyone that I made it myself!


I wore it with a Miss Shop top (with a cute mock satin collar detail), Lush pleated skirt, Scooter shoes and Karen Walker earrings. Oh, and a red ribbon headband to finish off. Now, where's that wolf?

simplicity 3835 - built by wendy top

I am a beginner when it comes to sewing, so simple patterns are the way to go. When I flick through the pattern books, I'm heading straight for the "Very Easy" patterns in order to hone my basic skills before advancing into more difficult projects. This Built By Wendy pattern is super simple - my first effort with it was to make the top.


I chose a cotton floral from Spotlight, which sits very nicely for the finished garment - structured, but still loose and light, plus I think the florals make it all the more summery. There's no stretch in the fabric, so it can be a little bit tight to pull over my head - it would be good to add an invisible zip in the side seam.

I wore it out today with my mum - shopping and a film. The picture didn't come out very clear for some reason, though - I need to work on this!


Worn with Gorman denim shorts, striped Campers and a wooden squirrel brooch from Spitalfields Market in London.

I definitely want to make the dress in this pattern! And since this top is sitting so well, I want to make another one out of a checked fabric - it will be scary to have to match checks for the first time, though!

introduction

Hey there, welcome to my new sister blog Alex Loves Dress-Ups, to accompany my indie pop blog Alex Loves You and Your Silly Pop Songs. I wanted to start this as a place to share my recent sewing exploits, as well as other style related matters that capture my interest. Sure, I might not be the most wild or amazing fashionista in the world, but I like to think I manage reasonably well when it comes to crafting together some cute little outfits.

I am taking a cue from some other terrific blogs, which I would encourage you to look at, because I find them quite inspiring:

Sew Very Prairie - if I could be half as good a seamstress as this girl, I'd be very happy.

What I Wore - super cute dress ups, mixing second hand with chain store to produce some really lovely outfits.

Sea of Shoes - who we all wish we were.

Burda Style - my new favourite website, for patterns, sewing tips and more!