Fashion Course

I found out through school about a two day 'fashion career course' that was going on for two days in half term. I signed up half heartedly, not at all expecting I'd be one of the first few to get a place. To my surprise I received an email telling me I'd got a place.
The course was from 10am-4.30pm in which we were in a group of about 10 students and had a tutor who wrote the book 'How to get a career in fashion'. She told us all about the different jobs you could go into, how to apply for work experience, colleges and so much more. We also were visited by 4 experts in fashion who were all inspiring and motivated me to start really getting into work placements and start blogging more! It was a really great experience and I would really recommend it.
Obviously the outfit was very important so this is what I wore on day oue...

Grey, modal trousers which have a tapered shape and hang really well but quite difficult to wear. Worn with tan brown boot heels. 

 Vintage-style shirt. Really love the colours and pattern on this top and think it works well with the trousers to cheer the outfit up a bit!

My new hand chain went well with gold components in the shirt. 

Finally finished my textiles!

After weeks and weeks of manically trying to finish my as-level outfit, it's done. Feels slightly odd not having to think about the little bits and bobs I still have to complete.

 So this is the whole thing, all separate parts - full circle skirt, apron and a simple bodice.

Here's the bodice where I used a simple pattern piece and adapted it by adding in a rever collar (very difficult to get your head around), putting in 4 panels so I could have different colours as well as acting as darts and adding in buttons and button holes (with buttons used applique and printing.) It's also trimmed with checked bias binding but the apron hides this in picture. 

Bit disappointed with the back because although it's backless (maybe slightly too sexy for a waitress uniform?!) is quite baggy on me so might need to take it in after the marking's done.

The apron is fastened by just tying the extended waistband piece together. I had to think about the suitability for a waitress so sewed in some little pocket-like things to keep tips/pen/order book. Favorite park of this is the pleated gingham trim around the edge - very 50's!

So all in all I think it went well and I learnt alot through experimentation and things going wrong. Now all to do is wait for the grade back!!

Swing top

At last I've got round to actually taking a picture of the swing top I made months ago!

This is just to show the bias binding round the neck and arms. Made my own bias binding (masking tape and iron trick) and used a Burda pattern piece - http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/loose-fit-knit-top-with-cuffed-sleeves

The shape is great because it just hangs perfectly. Also with this there are so many variations, in terms of the colour/pattern and the bias binding which has endless possibilities! 

Textiles waitress skirt!

Almost finished my textiles as level garment!
My brief was to design and make a uniform, I chose a waitress' diner uniform, basing it on the 50's.
After much deliberation I decided on a full circle skirt because of the amazing drape etc...

Here Elisalex is modelling the front although it is quite long (cutting to just below the knee today) you can see the lovely drape and godets which will be ironed so you only see them when the user walks.

I used a stencil and fabric paint to create the checked design in the godets because we had to include some sort of art movement in the garment and I though 'Op Art' would work well because the checks tie in with the diner theme.

And here is the back... I was originally going to put a straight pleat down the middle however when I saw how well the fabric hung I decided against it! It also has a red lining which will tie in with the bodice colours.

Now time to start the bodice!!

My sewing new year resolutions

By March:

• Make more swing tops (for myself and friends)
• Make a loose fitting, cuffed shirt
• A simple, slightly flared, knee length skirt
• And last but not least organise my sewing area

Glasses case

Decided to make my grandmother a glasses case, after all she did buy me a sewing machine.

It was very very simple and would recommend to anyone who wants to give a personal gift to someone!

 For the exterior I used some flowery cotton and for the interior some plain felt so the glasses don't get scratched. It has a slight show of the felt so you can see the glasses.
I used this pattern piece and followed the instructions http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ss/eyeglasscase.htm

China fashion week

Amazing MGPIN make-up styling show. Isn't the make up is just extraordinary!