liberty of london

June 29, 2008February 10, 2012

Peasant Blouse

Since we are planning to put our children to work in the field and feed them only potatoes, I decided to make some peasant blouses.

Here’s the first one with a Liberty of London Tana Lawn fabric (appears that this particular pattern is no longer available there), which is a nice thin weight perfect for this project. I looked at this tutorial, but cut the pattern based on a shirt we already had. The shapes of the sleeves were a little tricky for me to envision as they become part of the elasticized neck, so are not traditional sleeve shape. But it was an incredibly simple thing to make. I think it turned out well and I already have the fabric cut for the second one. This style could also make a simple dress.

March 22, 2008February 10, 2012

Another Liberty Dress

Finally finished the other dress just in time for hunting eggs. This one reminds me of a summer picnic. I used Nancy Ann Liberty fabric, which I love. I had an idea of what I wanted to do with this dress, but was afraid to try on this fabric without a pattern. So I used Burda 9644. I’ve made this before and it’s really more full than twirly, so I think next time I will increase the width of each layer for more twirls. And I’d like to try the skirt with a more fitted bodice and open back for a sundress. We’ll see.

March 12, 2008February 10, 2012

Spring Dress

I made this dress for my three-year-old with a modified version of this simple Burda pattern. I made the front in two pieces to get the geometric effect and I made the back with six buttons instead of a zipper. I cut out the pattern pieces and then didn’t read any of the directions as the delicate Liberty of London Tana Lawn fabric had to be lined and thus the whole dress had to be put together differently. I took my time making this dress — measured correctly, fixed mistakes, pressed seams, etc. (which is unusual for me), but I think it worked out pretty well. Now on to the dress for the picky child who wants rows and rows of ruffles.

March 6, 2008February 10, 2012

The Things They Outgrew

I’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic for those baby days. As I was going through the girls’ closet today, I saw all of the things that they have outgrown. A bit sad for me knowing that we likely won’t have another baby to wear them. I know with all my rational senses that two children is enough for us (and some days it’s completely overwhelming!). Three of these dresses were mine as a child and all were completely handmade and are so sweet. Hand-sewn button holes. What dedicated person had the time for that? Hey Mom, who made these? Did you make the yellow one? Really sweet. I am going to save them for grandbabies.

November 19, 2007February 10, 2012

In the midst of an unruly number of projects, holiday shopping, birthday planning and vacation preparation (not to mention that I can’t walk across a single room in my house without stepping on a bead or tiny toy), I’m thinking about spring. Perhaps this is a form of escapism? But I’ve had these Liberty of London fabrics stuck in my head all day. They are very expensive, but I’m thinking of Easter dresses now. I’ll need to hone my sewing skills a bit because it’s a different ball game when you’re working with fabric that’s $35 a yard. But aren’t these embroidery hoops such a nice display? I keep running across this image from PurlSoho. Ahh, I love fabric!