Friday 11 October 2013

A handmade wardrobe

I have been thinking more and more that I would like to make a handmade wardrobe for myself, to sew and knit my own clothes rather than buying them.  I had a big cull of my wardrobe at the end of last year so my clothes are limited and I tend to wear the same things over and over.  I would also like to get out of jeans which seems to have become my uniform for home wear!  I like the idea of making clothes that go together as outfits rather than odd bits and pieces.  And Charlie may get some new clothes occasionally too!
And speaking of Charlie, I finished her Brick jumper which is a free pattern by Clare Lee here.  I am so pleased I started it again in the smaller size because it now fits Charlotte perfectly.  She loves it and has worn it quite a lot already.
And the first dress for my handmade wardrobe is La Sylphide by Papercut Patterns, a New Zealand designer.  I am pretty amazed this dress turned out because the georgette was incredibly slippery to work with!  The only draw-back of the pattern was the very short skirt, not such a good look for me!  I cut a practice skirt out of an old sheet and thankfully it worked so the dress finishes just below my knees.  The swirling dots on the fabric was also incredibly difficult to photograph with the camera struggling to focus.  I ended up holding a piece of white paper in front of me then throwing it away when my husband had focused on it so we didn't get many photos!  I have worn the dress a couple of times and feel good in it, I was particularly pleased when my father complimented me in it and said I reminded him of my mother :)  Wendy xx

22 comments:

  1. Looks great Wendy, I like your dress and the jumper for Charlie looks lovely, such a nice colour!

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  2. Congratulations! Lovely dress & jumper. It's very satisfying to create your own look isn't it.

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  3. You've done such a beautiful job Wendy on all of your handmade clothing. I really love the jumper on Charlie and your dress looks lovely on you. I think a handmade wardrobe sounds lovely, wearing something you made without having to buy is such a good feeling. Have a wonderful weekend. xx

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  4. your knitting and sewing creations are lovely. Well done!
    what a beautiful compliment your dad paid you.

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  5. wow Wendy you are doing so well in the clothes making department,love your dress and also love Charlie's jumper,well done on your beautiful work.xx

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  6. Well done Wendy. Your dress looks lovely on you and Charlie looks rather happy with her jumper. How very clever of you. hugs

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  7. You are so clever Wendy - gorgeous jumper for Charlie and love your dress

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  8. Charlie looks a picture in her new jumper ,and your dress is very pretty . Lovely compliment from your dad.xx

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  9. Your dress is great! And the jumper looks fantastic too.

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  10. Love your new dress and cardigan Wendy. Charlie looks good in her sweater too. Love that you are opting for a handmade wardrobe... I'd love to do the same but if you saw my body you'd wonder how on earth to 'fit' clothes to it too! :o))))) Oh the benefits of having a lovely figure.

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  11. You look well on your way to a beautiful handmade wardrobe. I am stuck in jeans too, so I hope your sewing inspires me to get back to sewing clothes as well. I'm sure Charlie will enjoy her custom made clothes too.

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  12. You have been busy Wendy. Charlie's jumper is lovely. Well done on your dress too!

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  13. Charlie looks stunning in her jumper (but I expect she looks stunning in anything???) and I love your dress and the idea of a handmade wardrobe.... beautiful...
    Hugz

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  14. Lovely work Wendy. I can't remember the last time I made myself something to wear. I still have a shelf full of dress fabrics from way back when. They will probably be back in fashion soon. Happy dress sewing.... Hugs...

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  15. Well done Wendy - beautiful garments all round!! I haven't sewn anything for myself for a very long time but your post is inspiring!

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  16. Hi Wendy - gosh you should feel VERY proud of both your achievements. I am always not happy with clothes I make myself but I feel like giving it another attempt after seeing your lovely creations. Happy weekend to you, Hugs, Julie x0x

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  17. Oh wow Wendy!
    This is pretty amazing! The jumper you knitted for Charlie is fabulous, and your dress...you look very pretty in it. I think it is a great idea to sew and knit your own clothes, would be very original plus it will fit perfectly.

    Somehow it feels so good to sew your own clothes, something nice that you just accomplished, I love that feeling and specially when somebody else gives you compliments.

    I also love to make clothes mainly for me since my daughters left the nest. You can see here the some of the dresses I've made: http://laura-mylittlesewingroom.blogspot.ca/search/label/Vestidos-Dresses

    I hope to see more of your creations very soon. I wish you a great weekend,

    Hugs

    Laura :-)

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  18. Love both the jumper and dress you made, nothing beats homemade I find I just wish I could knit and make clothes as well as you can. I'm looking forward to what to seeing what else you've been making in future posts :) Barb.

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  19. Hello Wendy,

    One word, clever!

    Happy days.
    Bev.

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  20. Your knitting and sewing is all so gorgeous Wendy, that dress is stunning and the changing scale of the dots is lovely, and so flattering, the drape of the georgette is perfect.

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  21. You are sewing and knitting some fabulous creations at the moment Wendy........your dress looks lovely on you and Charlie looks gorgeous in her Brick sweater. xx

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  22. WOW! Great job on your dress! I would love to make my own clothes, but mine would never look like yours...I tend to have problems sewing clothes. Yours are beautiful!

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