As the days start to cool off in Brisbane it’s nice to use some warmer fabrics like this blue wool blend from Spotlight. Even though we’re still in COVID lock down this will be perfect for when we are finally back at work.
Description: Dress with low shoulder sleeves, pleated skirt and pockets.
Pattern: This dress uses a self-drafted top and the bottom is from the BurdaStyle Smocked Back skirt section.
Fabric: Blue wool blend material from Spotlight
For those of you who are looking for something else to do with your isolation time (apart from sewing) here is a great idea! Over Easter Anthony and I pulled out my painting supplies and completed one of the Cork and Chroma paintings. Definitely check out their website to see what sessions they are holding for a guided approach.
Considering Anthony hasn’t painted since primary school he was a little unsure how he would go. However, once I quickly showed him how to smudge the acrylics he was off and loving it! We had snacks and beverages and took about three hours to complete our paintings. It was such a fun afternoon and the pugs certainly enjoyed the attention.
It has been the most amazing weather in Brisbane lately which is perfect for a dress like this. I have previously made this Sia Dress in blue linen. The Rayon was also a really nice comfortable fit, being light and airy.
Description: The dress features a low V neckline, front bust pleats, back bodice darts and a shaped waist band with optional self fabric ties.
Pattern: Sia Dress – Marsha Style
Fabric: Rayon material from Spotlight
After turning my sewing room upside down I was so excited that I found a paper pattern of the BurdaStyle Smocked Dress that I made a few years ago. Unfortunately the new BurdaStyle website hasn’t got this pattern online yet but a cool tip that someone gave me was to check out the German version of the site. You will have to use Google Translator but I found that pattern here – Burda Easy Ausgabe F/S 2014 version.
Otherwise, similar patterns to this dress are Mimi G’s Jessica Dress, Lekala Dress with straps or the Closet Case – The Fiona Sundress. If you do end up trying any of those I’d love to check them out!
I was lucky enough to be part of the pattern testing group for Taree’s (Marsha Style) pattern ‘The Sia Dress’. As soon as I saw her dress on instagram I knew I wanted to be involved.
I adored Taree’s version, so I pretty much copied it down to the fabric to make my own blue linen dress.
Sitting at home on my balcony in my new Lekala dress, looking forward to when things start improving around the world and we can get back to normal in our daily lives.
I feel lucky that I have kept my job, can work from home and the worst thing I’ve had to do is cancel a few upcoming holidays. Plus, Australia seems to be doing pretty well compared to other countries. I’ve started Skyping more, especially since my older brother has recently had a baby boy and also trying to get out for a morning walk to this beautiful landscape below.
It’s crazy how much things have changed for everyone over the past few weeks with COVID-19. I’m lucky enough to still be working from home and found myself with a lot more spare time, not having to travel into the city each day. So instead of letting all of the stress and worry about what’s going on in the world get to me, I decided to come up with an assortment of sewing projects to keep me busy.
Description: Summer strapless slim-fitted dress with ruffled top.
Pattern: Top from Lekala Dress with straps and the skirt is Butterick 5949
Fabric: Lightweight Blue Linen with a lined skirt (stolen from my mum’s stash)
I was excited to test out a romper for the first time and originally really loved this pattern because of the different top styles. There were also some really lovely versions made on Pattern Review. Once I started and got onto my second muslin I realised I had turned this pattern into a bit of a hack! However, I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome!
Description: Fitted lined romper and jumpsuits with various lengths. It also has a flowing top overlay.
Pattern description: McCalls 7608
Fabric: Linen from Spotlight
I stumbled upon this dress on one of my Insta stalks. There are so many gorgeous version of this online. If you’re wanting to have a look for yourself just search the hashtag #ninaleekewdress. Ninalee is a UK based pattern company, which I had never seen or heard before so it was great to add them to my list of designers!
Description: Long flowy dress with fitted top with either sleeves or straps with off-the-shoulder sleeves.
Pattern: Ninelee Kew Dress
Material: Rayon from Spotlight
My second dress for the year is this floral coral linen shift dress which sits just past my knees, making it super comfortable to wear to work.
Description: Fitted dress which has front and back yoke, princess seams, sleeve, neckline and length variations.
Pattern: Butterick 6410
Material: Linen from Spotlight
