I have wanted to do this for a while and during the recent snowy weather, I had ample opportunity. There is nothing like being stuck "working from home" to motivate you to do those things you have been putting off.
I picked up these curtains in a charity shop for a purse emptying £2.99 back in the summer. I loved the pattern and thought that they might be long enough for my front room. Alas. They were about 2ft too short. I am rubbish at guesstimating. So I thought that I might make them into cushion covers. Apparently I am lazier than I thought. The material was relegated to the back room. Until it snowed.
I shall let the pictures speak for themselves...
I started off by working on the floor. This hurts the knees and leads to strops. Cutting on the table is much better.
Heaps of extra material in those hems. Let the unpicking commence!
Never under-estimate the usefulness of pegs
Lots of stitching later.... taaaaaaaaaaaaaa daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
A dress! Of sorts.
This is the first garment I have ever made. I used a Simplicity pattern - I forget the number, but considering I managed to avoid following any of the directions, this dress looks nothing like it was meant to. For one, it was meant to have sleeves. And a collar. And a tie back. All of these things are missing. But that aside, I am more than happy with the end result. And for a total of about £10, including pattern and thread, I can't complain.
Pip! Pip!
oh hello!! I gasped out loud when I saw how these curtains were developing! I was thinking ''oooo cushions, good thinking'' and then it leads to this dressilicious creation! The pattern is fab and I must say green is a great colour on you. Well done. I have sewing envy! x
ReplyDeletethat fabric is just up my line, 3 quid (no sterling key) well spent.
ReplyDeleteJULIE ANDREWS EAT YOUR HEART OUT! As soon as I saw that fabric I thought 'oh, cushions. Yes ncie, but it would look better in a dress'. And look! I got my wish. It looks fabulous, now you only need to go out into the mountains and SING!
ReplyDeleteWell done and gorgeous material! Great use of pegs too.
ReplyDeleteStunning! just stunning.
ReplyDeleteJust lovely...that fabric works so well.xx
ReplyDeleteSimply Beautiful! The colour and pattern suit you to a T! And no one would ever guess they had ever been curtains!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a super make- you totally cannot tell it is a first attempt! Love it! Although due to the concept of a curtain fabric dress, I now have the 'Do-ray-me' song from the Sound Of Music in my head!
ReplyDeleteGolly! That's a fab dress - channelling your inner Scarlett O'Hara deifintely works for you.
ReplyDeleteWow, I didn't see that dress coming at the start of the post! I have to say I was a bit disappointed when I thought you were going to make cushions - far too nice a material!
ReplyDeleteReally please you made a dress and I'm very impressed (and slightly envious) that you had such a successful first attempt. It looks fab on and I don't think it misses a collar and ties...
Oh, and you should go and show it off at Sew Retro - the girls will love it!
ReplyDeleteJust like Scarlett O'Hara! I do declare! Nice job :)
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing. I'm so jealous of people who can do stuff like this. I bought some fabric months ago meaning to do something similar, but it's just sat there doing nothing. If you're interested in doing a commission for me get in touch.
ReplyDeleteWOW. I love it! the fabric is gorgeous, I am often picking out fabrics that should be 'domestic' and wishing I could make a dress from it. Much sewing congratulations to you on your first dress. Great upcycling! xx
ReplyDeleteHowdy all! Thanks for all the comments. I am incredibly pleased with my first effort. If you gals saw it close up - you would realise that it is not at all perfect. But I think that with practice and a little more patience - I could be ok at dress making. It is my impatience that leads to errors. Errors that I covered with a belt and a bolero *wink*
ReplyDeleteTo Ms Wanda - welcome aboard - thanks for following! I am BEYOND flattered that you think for one moment that I am good enough to do a commision! I shall respectfully decline - mainly because I would not charge anyone for my shabby offerings. And because I would urge you to have a go. I did mine in stages - so I cut out the pattern and then left it a few days.. and then cut out the fabiric and stitched it all together on a miserable Sunday. Made it feel like a lot less effort :O)
Wow, well done my love! This dress is lovely, very jealous indeed! It really suits you....you should be very proud! Especially for a first make! I made a dress out of a (kitsch faded Bambi) bedspread a couple of years ago! £4 well spent! xx
ReplyDelete