A few weeks ago I had an email inviting me to take part in a craft competition run by Hilary's Blinds. I was given a choice of four of the fab prints they have in their very extensive range, and I chose Rayna Apple. I was sent one square metre of fabric very promptly and began planning. (And double checking that I could use a co ordinating fabric alongside the Rayna Apple.)
So, with an idea of what I wanted to do I started work drafting a pattern. Initially I wanted to make a dress, using my co ordinating fabric as the bodice. So using my personal bodice block I drafted a scoop slightly gathered neck bodice with button front fastening...I was clearly feeling brave because button fronts on my boobs rarely works well!



I bound the neck line, sleeve edge and hem in self made bias binding, and included a little bow at the centre front.
Sometime during this process I decided what I actually wanted to make was a two piece dress. I had already cut out my skirt pieces, but pre washing had shrunk the fabric, so I added a deep 'hem' of the bodice fabric, and some pretty lace trim.
The skirt is fastened with a concealed side zip and the waist is cleanly finished with petersham. the pleats give fullness, and the belt loops are the finishing touch.







I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work on something I might not have otherwise, I often use furnishing fabrics to make clothing as any of my regular readers will know, but to be given a piece of fabric to work with gave me a chance to play with new designs and ideas. Some I might explore further.





As a final flourish, and because I hate waste, I used the very last scraps of the Rayna Apple fabric to make a little shabby rose brooch too.

 

Thanks Hilary's Blinds! I had fun!