I have a bit of a thing for sleeves.  I don't know is it the geometry of them, or that I have narrow shoulders, but invariably, I will justify buying and making some patterns based on 'wanting to see what the sleeve was like'.  I saw the pattern on facebook Vintage Pattern Bazaar and I … Continue reading simplicity 7239 -denim curtain with fish to denim dress without

Finally the temperatures have increased.  I made this top some time ago for my friend Fiona, and have only gotten around to posting it to her this week, and posting it here now! I got this silk skirt some time back, I loved the subtlety of the colours, bu they are not colours that I wear, … Continue reading simplicity 8029 – skirt to halter for fi

 In 1900, 15% of a US household's income was spent on clothing. In 1950, it was still 12%. Even as late as the early 1990s, major purchases of clothing – a suit, a dress, a coat – marked a special occasion or a rite of passage. But by 2004, the total amount spent by households on … Continue reading some clothes go some clothes stay – and bag finish

Favourite colours have been on my mind these last few months, from a lovely comment left by Bobbi and also the great chat last month about favourite colours with my friends daughter Amina.  I listed off mine, and she listed hers.  as being 3 years old,  hers predictably were pink and purple but during our … Continue reading favourite colours and holbein

There are few things I know about Irish dancing dresses,  1 -they are an acquired taste, 2 -solo dresses are very very expensive even second-hand, and 3 - I now also know that it is worth getting the dance instructors opinion before you commit to buying a dress.  The dress was bought second hand and it pretty much fitted … Continue reading and now for something completely different – replacing an irish dancing dress skirt