Sewing Bee

[Cocolapew]

New thread for this weeks 🙂

Thanks. I've had a check on I-Player before I came back on here and found your message. Well, it wasn't a big check, it was just the heavier line check at top front, but the bodice was VERY nicely fitting and checks all in the right places. I don't think she got a square exactly in the centre of the skirt front,which would have been brilliant. I am aware that they are time-limited.

Just caught up.

Not a lover of party dresses. Absolutely loved Fauve's idea so was very sad it wasn't well made.

Utterly loathed Tony's dress. Totally a "you can't play, it'll ruin your dress" dress. (It is possible I'm reliving something there, and it feels personal 🤣. Doesn't help I don't really like Tony.) Though I can totally see why he got GOTW, it was very well constructed.

It was made of neoprene so pretty indestructible. I think you are reliving something.

I don't get the love of jumpsuits. I would feel very restricted (tried them in the 70s) and very difficult to get off to go to the loo - especially for children. I was an Early Years teacher so have some experience of this too. I much prefer to wear a dress.

Out of the 372 projects half-started in this house, I wonder if I could get off line and put in 7 stitches before bed-time.

For a moment I thought you were me, then remembered that my unfinished projects are probably in the low 000's. 😉

I thought that visually and conceptually it was fabulous, but that in practical terms it would be a nightmare - I bet it's horribly hot and sticky!

It's always toilet considerations that make jumpsuits a no-no for me, too.

one thing that really stood out for me: can't any of them put in a zip neatly?

I probably couldn’t if I was rushing as much as they often are!
But I agree. I do wonder if the popular indie patterns are encouraging this as so few seem to include zips, or even buttons, which makes them appealing for beginners but you can end up sewing lots of things without ever having inserted a zip. The trend for elasticated waists may be a cause too?

I agree about zips. I had trouble finding a modern zipped pattern for practice when I was learning. Though I probably wouldn't put a zip on a neoprene dress. A keyhole and button fastening would be less chunky.

Agree I'd go for buttons with loops, probably thin ribbon loops

If I was a child about to do First Holy Communion again (brought up cat lick) I'd be begging my mum for Tony's dress. That's if they still do mini wedding dresses for First Holy Communion. Mine had a veil as well. Pretty f-ed up really.

My first holy communion dress was a fifties style dress with a circle skirt. I remember my nan being displeased because I didn't want to look like a mini bride. Though funnily enough I wore 50s style on my actual wedding day , so there is that!

I liked Lauren’s girl’s dress. Seemed to be a lot of detail in there whereas Tony’s although I liked the look of it seemed to be quite a simple sew.

I think Lauren is often overlooked, but she produces some lovely garments.

In my defence, and to my considerable surprise, now and again I actually finish one off, like the pin cushion with a hint of sashiko about it, which still hasn't sold for £1.50 after three seasons on the church stall.

My mum made my confirmation dress White broaderie Anglais with a red satin bow

My confirmation dress was white broderie anglaise - made by my Mum! She also knitted me a nice white cardi because it was a bit chilly.

I loved Tony's dress.

DIBS!!!!

When's your next church "Fayre"?

RED?!?!?!?!?! 😮

I hope that was Blood-of-Christ Red, and not Harlot Scarlet!

I liked Tony's dress, and also Fauve's, even though she left. They were alternatives to the standard obvious princess/frilly dresses which seem to be de rigeur for little girls. Lizzie's was awful, but she's an experienced and technical sewist, so that's carried her through.

On another tack: Esme's jacket was gorgeous. She always dresses in such an interesting and creative way. Patrick please take note.

I loved Tony the post’s scuba frock. It was inspired. I also liked Lauren’s. I know both had little mistakes but they were lovely wee frocks.

Lizzie was very lucky to stay. Her mtm was more of a shocker than Fauve’s. I didn’t like the roller jacket at all but her dressing gown was well made.

Did she have the two brooches on the jacket? I liked the two brooches, by which I mean the idea of putting two together, making quite a big presence.