tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85679934751280050272024-03-05T17:51:48.797-08:00Lady SewalotLauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-10424495114112857852018-02-11T04:29:00.001-08:002018-02-11T04:29:13.471-08:00I've Moved!Hello all!<br />
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I've had a bit of a rebrand and now you can follow all of my sewing adventures over at https://originaldigby.com/blog/.<br />
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Hope to see you over there!<br />
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Lauren xxLauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-45072522789521453922018-01-28T06:17:00.000-08:002018-01-28T06:17:03.087-08:00Checked Trousers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! Today I have some new trousers to show you. I bought this fabric at the same time as I bought my Padme fabric. It's a double sided wool coating that I found a remnant of sitting on the side of the longest (and narrowest) fabric shop ever. It's quite thick, but I couldn't get it out of my head that it would make great trousers, especially for my fast approaching trip to chilly Vienna. The fabric is also incredibly soft and cosy, not at all itchy or scratchy like you would expect wool to be. It was £30 in all, which is a lot for me to spend on fabric, but the quality was there and I know that I'd be paying much more than that for some wool trousers on the high street. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNvX7VkQEjoCR8RdEEFHwTmpaDXb4JsqMr_9LkXUm3ZHdJaobWkeP3RomOi4ix-VnTjrqxMUJOfVpx9itTVm7mAJnOPd-obf2WTwDSxjm_SL324fIZYd-26mgOo7rOdtwR69SPxJQ1AM/s1600/checkedtrousers6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNvX7VkQEjoCR8RdEEFHwTmpaDXb4JsqMr_9LkXUm3ZHdJaobWkeP3RomOi4ix-VnTjrqxMUJOfVpx9itTVm7mAJnOPd-obf2WTwDSxjm_SL324fIZYd-26mgOo7rOdtwR69SPxJQ1AM/s1600/checkedtrousers6.jpg" /></a></div>
I used the high waisted trouser pattern that I had drafted for my dissertation as a bit of a test run. I ended up taking out a bit of width from the legs to make them more slim fitted. I'll be honest, the fit of the trousers in these photos is how they look on the 3rd wear, so they've bagged out a bit at this point. Straight out of the wash they are more fitted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FUmAy1CaRGXJhqNxG0VejE8VzbbF1qkC9ABzR89ElcYLWlj6AsuH9UM13g1zGhmylxSPktzM_N8jsL2AQjWBU0y0KVEofYDBnxMB1-dysSm1HIRpraihfWH6jOe3hahLoAelu4Lak1c/s1600/checked+trousers+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FUmAy1CaRGXJhqNxG0VejE8VzbbF1qkC9ABzR89ElcYLWlj6AsuH9UM13g1zGhmylxSPktzM_N8jsL2AQjWBU0y0KVEofYDBnxMB1-dysSm1HIRpraihfWH6jOe3hahLoAelu4Lak1c/s1600/checked+trousers+sm.jpg" /></a></div>
Obviously the big challenge about this fabric is the check matching, which I'm actually pretty proud of. The only thing that isn't completely matched is the waistband, which can't be done because of the darts in the front and back of the trousers.<br />
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There's a metal zip handpicked into the side seam and a giant popper keeping the waist band together. I tacked the side seam shut, sewed in the zip and unpicked the side seam afterwards, and yet the zip is still perfectly visible. I wonder if I should overlap next time, in expectation that the fabric will pull away from the zip a bit. The waistband is far too thick for a buttonhole which is why I went for a popper, which I haven't had any issues with while wearing it. It might be better to replace it with a hook and bar though.<br />
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I cut each piece separately so I could make each front and back completely identical and to make pattern-matching as easy as possible..<br />
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I haven't quite decided what to do about the length. Currently they work with shoes and boots, but I think they would work better with boots if they were cropped slightly. I've considered cuffs, but the fabric would be really too bulky. Pockets would be fab, but I think the steamlined look just suits this fabric better. I think I'll add pockets to my next pair though.<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
Lauren xxLauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-29898547674409376732018-01-25T01:02:00.002-08:002018-01-25T01:02:11.294-08:00A British Outfit: Cabbage Dyeing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! I'm back to talking about my dissertation today. After I made my bra, it turned out that I didn't have enough of the dyed fabric for knickers as well. I wasn't overly keen on white knickers so I got the dye pot out again. If I'd anticipated this I would have chucked the fabric in with the wool that I dyed with elderberries over the summer to get a beautiful purple. However, this was not anticipated so I decided to experiment with red cabbage for the foremost reason that it was readily available to me in Morrisons supermarket and also very cheap at 80p per cabbage. I thought that I'd have a hard time finding red cabbage that was specifically labelled as grown in the UK so first looked around all the grocers, market stalls and home food shops. They had no idea where their cabbage was from, and when I got to Morrisons I was pleasantly surprised so find their cabbage labelled 'Lincolnshire red cabbage, grown by George Read'. I've popped a picture below of the final product, and then I'll take you through the process. </div>
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I used the basic recipe for <a href="https://www.seamwork.com/issues/2015/05/an-introduction-to-natural-dyeing">natural dyeing from Seamwork magazine</a> which consisted of simmering the plant matter in a pot to extract the dye for 1 hour. Remove the plant matter, add the fabric which has been pre-soaked in water for 1 hour and simmer for another hour. I ended up simmering the fabric in the dye for 3 hours and left it in the pot overnight so that it would absorb as much dye as possible. I found that it was best to put just enough water in the pot to cover the veg, because the less water there is in there, the stronger the dye will be. </div>
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This was the cabbage after it had simmered in the pot for an hour and the dye had been extracted from it. I didn't use a mordant for this process, because I'm intrigued as to how well the colour is going to hold up after repeated washing in comparison to the other fabrics that I have dyed with a mordant.<br />
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You can see how the colour of the fabric changes throughout the dyeing process. The first picture is straight after being dunked in the dye, the second after 3 hours of simmering and the 3rd after being left overnight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2T2ypOR4tnhyphenhyphenLHJMDwKNQE0MSBZFdL2IAZ0PSSyGIPrOQz6TFaA8glG600e2_z-yrxrSlvibe1txe1ATRuRkJdc1VYPx11-NRvtjyECoH7QpEj7BFWbPGzP5NBrmH6WNk5rZRmwn3Oo/s1600/cabbage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2T2ypOR4tnhyphenhyphenLHJMDwKNQE0MSBZFdL2IAZ0PSSyGIPrOQz6TFaA8glG600e2_z-yrxrSlvibe1txe1ATRuRkJdc1VYPx11-NRvtjyECoH7QpEj7BFWbPGzP5NBrmH6WNk5rZRmwn3Oo/s1600/cabbage3.jpg" /></a></div>
Below I've included a picture of how the sample (right) and final fabric (left) compare. I used a ratio of 1 cabbage to 15cm square of fabric for the sample and a ratio of 4 cabbages to 40x140cm piece of fabric. It's funny that the final fabric is darker, because there's less cabbage to go around the larger piece of fabric. The sample is also more pink toned.<br />
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Thanks for reading! Next time I'll be writing about the making of the knickers.<br />
Lauren xxLauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-34275201352248503212018-01-19T00:31:00.001-08:002018-01-19T00:31:32.127-08:00Brocade Birthday Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! This month's <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/metallic-brocade-21st-birthday-dress">Minerva make</a> is a bit fancy. It was my 21st birthday last week and I wanted to make something special to wear. I love black and gold as a colour combo so I chose this metallic brocade to make my dress with. When it arrived however, I was a bit stumped as to what to do with it, as the scale of the print was much larger than I expected. From then on the design consisted of breaking up the print as little as possible. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">You can read all about the making process on the Minerva Crafts Blog </span><a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/metallic-brocade-21st-birthday-dress" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">here</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">.</span><span id="goog_405718573" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a></div>
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Thanks for reading, to Bethan for the photos and to <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/metallic-brocade-21st-birthday-dress">Minerva Crafts</a> for providing the supplies for this project!<br />
Lauren xxLauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-83944492711387125842018-01-12T06:33:00.000-08:002018-01-12T06:33:19.634-08:00I made a hat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">Hello
all! I have another, slightly off-piste thing that I made to share with you.
After watching the recent BBC adaptation of Howards End I found myself incomplete without a
beret of some description. You can see a picture of the main motivator <a href="http://media.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/3/2017/11/14295698-high_res-howards-end-966f3fb.jpg?quality=45&crop=439px,0px,2779px,1851px&resize=620,413">here</a>.
One day I’d like to knit a beret much like the original specimen but when I was
sorting through my sewing patterns and unearthed a hat pattern who was I to
stand in the way of fate?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">It took no time at all to cut out, being made up
of a circle for the top and a doughnut shape for the underneath. One of each
was cut out of the main fabric, lining and interfacing. I used some black wool
from the stash for the outer and a wine coloured lining for the inside.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMywIZbsVd6TWI8PvxwoKmiuRnPxU_YXzw1iOnHmFBrAn50i1dOgAdXkEuHeSpJpfP1BxBmb24k3kV1OLaaRmUr41FzWKvlkBdt1g6fYujuQDLTojQIItPHt7xC5ZXYvGjXzz1x2evXo/s1600/26829446_1575211262557848_1830844631_osm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMywIZbsVd6TWI8PvxwoKmiuRnPxU_YXzw1iOnHmFBrAn50i1dOgAdXkEuHeSpJpfP1BxBmb24k3kV1OLaaRmUr41FzWKvlkBdt1g6fYujuQDLTojQIItPHt7xC5ZXYvGjXzz1x2evXo/s1600/26829446_1575211262557848_1830844631_osm.jpg" /></a></div>
For the
hat band I used an inch wide cotton tape that was folded in half and
topstitched onto the inside circle of the aforementioned doughnut. The pattern
said nothing about elastic but I want this hat to stay on my head so I added that
into the band just in case. (After being worn around a windy Vienna I was very
glad of this forethought). <span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; margin: 0px;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWxX_sSZ6Afrk_-mKKn67V7DcJgJmf-ZI__dE_Bdpj7K4Aw4gmEQ70Vx_Lwb7x0w2dFyaI_cox67xhqqRq2xaq5ETXFKcYUfzbiedCFgy_KKOsZuTUomkEcNY73jT3_vobq5r5UFcgoU/s1600/IMG_2383+%25282%2529esm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWxX_sSZ6Afrk_-mKKn67V7DcJgJmf-ZI__dE_Bdpj7K4Aw4gmEQ70Vx_Lwb7x0w2dFyaI_cox67xhqqRq2xaq5ETXFKcYUfzbiedCFgy_KKOsZuTUomkEcNY73jT3_vobq5r5UFcgoU/s1600/IMG_2383+%25282%2529esm.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">After a quick trying on before adding the band I
wasn't a fan of how the hat was sitting. I should note that I wasn't entirely
sure how it should sit, being fairly new to the world of hats, but I knew that
something had to be done if it was ever to be worn. I decided to rip out the
interfacing which just made the whole thing far too stiff, and plump instead
for a more floppy effect. I also made the head hole a bit bigger so it would
fit on my head a bit more.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE1aTPM5VA46dBHjxsV-XF9Gz_2oTheIxjUL_d12ICsjXR1Ml72AFxjoKfSrxcyY7wlUTKeVDLgwYO87tu9bAle6u0BW_2_2amz6q5e88pwwWDntcqQYfrx8sEJWC9Q_P3Qi9GeC15tU/s1600/IMG_2389+%25282%2529esm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE1aTPM5VA46dBHjxsV-XF9Gz_2oTheIxjUL_d12ICsjXR1Ml72AFxjoKfSrxcyY7wlUTKeVDLgwYO87tu9bAle6u0BW_2_2amz6q5e88pwwWDntcqQYfrx8sEJWC9Q_P3Qi9GeC15tU/s1600/IMG_2389+%25282%2529esm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE1aTPM5VA46dBHjxsV-XF9Gz_2oTheIxjUL_d12ICsjXR1Ml72AFxjoKfSrxcyY7wlUTKeVDLgwYO87tu9bAle6u0BW_2_2amz6q5e88pwwWDntcqQYfrx8sEJWC9Q_P3Qi9GeC15tU/s1600/IMG_2389+%25282%2529esm.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">After the hat was done I decided that it was
lacking a pompom, so I hunted out some black wool from the back of the wardrobe
and made a pompom with the side of 2 cardboard doughnuts. This was then sewn
onto the middle of the hat. When I look at the pompom now could have been a bit
mightier, but I love it just the same. All in all, the process took me an
evening and was a perfect palette cleanser before tackling some more involved
makes. I still haven't decided whether I like how it looks on my head, but I do
know that it keeps me warmer than I would be if I were not wearing it, so
surely that makes it a winner.</span></div>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGGb6UJr67poAySkqH-jESXoqnJ3L8AeoqzPFHgM5y97uBswlc3DA1fIAvoUi4Tizy3orUO488vMC6glfPktdLOnnTnXsxU88dxeXybITd8GNT6bDnELMUoDsDegMYi9AO_3j2h6iwbM/s1600/IMG_2386+%25282%2529esm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGGb6UJr67poAySkqH-jESXoqnJ3L8AeoqzPFHgM5y97uBswlc3DA1fIAvoUi4Tizy3orUO488vMC6glfPktdLOnnTnXsxU88dxeXybITd8GNT6bDnELMUoDsDegMYi9AO_3j2h6iwbM/s1600/IMG_2386+%25282%2529esm.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="line-height: 16.55pt; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">Thanks for reading!</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 16.55pt; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">Lauren xx</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<br />Lauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-19497341008711719782018-01-07T11:43:00.002-08:002018-01-07T11:45:39.652-08:00Padme Battle Costume<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! Today I have a project that's a bit different (and a bit tighter than usual) to share with you. My friends have a costume party for their birthday every year and we all have to show up dressed as something beginning with the letters M, K, P, R or J. (The first letters of all the names of the birthday folk). Last year I made a leotard and tutu with a tenuous 'Prima Ballerina' link. This year I went more feisty. I went for Padme, after recently re-watching the Star Wars prequels and admiring her character. As per usual, I had a limited time and budget, which narrowed my costume choice down quite considerably. I went for<a href="http://www.padawansguide.com/white_gallery.shtml"> Padme's battle outfit in Attack of the Clones</a> which had some interesting details, but was still pretty achievable fabric-wise, drafting-wise and construction-wise. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhElOXdJCXYhn3-76Ko6YQil1llCOuiSMxkCVNYJ3quiawJ-9P21UiUjcUH1R5AIeibX7A5Mu_HDiXVE-SbC81EEHf6SKFTHzEa3Oy_zIjxiv4YvFnrIOZVQDhzlWUHPoZlpUzzSB37Y/s1600/padme3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhElOXdJCXYhn3-76Ko6YQil1llCOuiSMxkCVNYJ3quiawJ-9P21UiUjcUH1R5AIeibX7A5Mu_HDiXVE-SbC81EEHf6SKFTHzEa3Oy_zIjxiv4YvFnrIOZVQDhzlWUHPoZlpUzzSB37Y/s1600/padme3.jpg" /></a></div>
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When I met up with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/clairesews/">Claire</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anothersewingscientist/">Vicki</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/missbeacurtis/">Bea</a> for fabric shopping in London I found this off-white lycra fabric that seemed perfect for the job. I think I bought 1.5m for £10. I also bought white strapping and a buckle for the belt, which I tea dyed later along with fabric scraps for the pouches so they'd match the more beige colour in the reference photos. The only other material I bought was duct tape for the armbands. The whole outfit cost less than £15 to make. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmalVziFZqOfeQG51PRk5fM42bFhn-IJzqga3S7PP-5Cpx7CoqCLGBybmuvw_43zCkdtSGEHmk0Jdq_TfsrpoynebkM55Qrc9_W-JOoV_gNEz7JTYEi9Qa3gMQXuZCL9y-mR-yGEluMY/s1600/padme4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmalVziFZqOfeQG51PRk5fM42bFhn-IJzqga3S7PP-5Cpx7CoqCLGBybmuvw_43zCkdtSGEHmk0Jdq_TfsrpoynebkM55Qrc9_W-JOoV_gNEz7JTYEi9Qa3gMQXuZCL9y-mR-yGEluMY/s1600/padme4.jpg" /></a></div>
I found the <a href="http://www.padawansguide.com/white_gallery.shtml">Padawan's Guide</a> an invaluable reference to see the costume close up and work out all the design features. I used my leotard block as a base and drew on the design lines. I then cut along all of those lines and the resulting pieces became my pattern pieces. The construction of the top was actually really straight forward. I expected to have trouble with all of the corners (all 6 of them) but they all went absolutely fine. The seam allowances were topstitched down with 2 rows of topstitching. The whole thing was a tad tight so I re-sewed all of the seam allowances as tiny as I could and then it fit fine. I do wish that I had done tiny French seams on the outside of all of the top panel seamlines just to make them a tad more pronounced. My only issue with this top is that the lycra is slightly too see through to wear without a bra, but there isn't enough of the back of the top to cover a bra with all of the rips. I tried lining the top with a beige double knit but that didn't do much. In the end I resorted to just sticking foam cups up there, but I'd quite like a less obvious solution. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzdpZbFWlNUBuCtQ-birKt_yekO6Fh60ZO0mDn-BTDLV_5vULuD5Bb_y02QQ-SmXIomraNNx7S9NKfp2aj8qUEdR5T5DP_jk2b5pvOEcrOpBZEt3u5id7_oc32NaHompi4GL5xpu58Mw/s1600/padme1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzdpZbFWlNUBuCtQ-birKt_yekO6Fh60ZO0mDn-BTDLV_5vULuD5Bb_y02QQ-SmXIomraNNx7S9NKfp2aj8qUEdR5T5DP_jk2b5pvOEcrOpBZEt3u5id7_oc32NaHompi4GL5xpu58Mw/s1600/padme1.jpg" /></a></div>
For the back of the bodice I cut the rips whilst looking at the production photos. I wish I'd cut the lower rip a little wider so you could see more of the claw mark. I made myself a little lycra armband for the arm with no sleeve just less the width of the duct tape and I put the duct tape over the top so ripping it off after the party wouldn't be agony. (Shout-out to Paul for doing my armbands on the party night and to MK for felt-tipping in my wounds)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpeh0hjDCkFw0MTfsgnLmpHKE6uQHT8ii_4KKqYBzA3hZm0meF-NAFnJploBQq_e24LWWEXTkD56nBJ35_qEjmc_qeg7zIqyHgaj50iGckcMPlZ41BgI-U7fpuKEEEDQaE2dvAr0qOnI/s1600/padme5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpeh0hjDCkFw0MTfsgnLmpHKE6uQHT8ii_4KKqYBzA3hZm0meF-NAFnJploBQq_e24LWWEXTkD56nBJ35_qEjmc_qeg7zIqyHgaj50iGckcMPlZ41BgI-U7fpuKEEEDQaE2dvAr0qOnI/s1600/padme5.jpg" /></a></div>
It turned out that the leggings were actually the tricky part. I made the mistake of cutting them with the stretch going upwards, instead of around the legs, which meant that I couldn't even get them over my calves, even with all the SA at a minimum 1/8". <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I didn't have enough fabric to recut, so another solution had to be found. As there's 4 panels in each leg (I added in a centre front and back seam to each leg in accordance to the production photos) I took out one of the panels in each leg, cut a wider one and added that in the smaller panels place. The fit above the knee is now pretty good, but the adding in of a wider panel has completely distorted the legs so the seams twist around the leg instead of standing straight. I'd quite like to re-do the leggings with the stretch going in the right direction if I can get hold of some more fabric. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApLCH-boc0NNETDjtDdKsrFpJJhfpGNyxqrueBgqUHkUhVl0WZQsZMp-Z4djI7bTMgETnUhF6EK1yp3Cd7rmJMYmTFqN2BvCTu3Oh1yFcZPuV3qsk-il_RzNbDspmR_qT1eV59JHNRVA/s1600/padme6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApLCH-boc0NNETDjtDdKsrFpJJhfpGNyxqrueBgqUHkUhVl0WZQsZMp-Z4djI7bTMgETnUhF6EK1yp3Cd7rmJMYmTFqN2BvCTu3Oh1yFcZPuV3qsk-il_RzNbDspmR_qT1eV59JHNRVA/s1600/padme6.jpg" /></a></div>
After various discussions about what I could add to my belt I kept it simple with a phone case on one side and a place to hold my gun in the other. Surprisingly at uni my stock of toy guns was non-existent so my brother kindly posted one of his nerf gun collection from home. Ideally I would have sprayed it silver, or found a slightly more streamlined model, but beggars can't be choosers. A drinks cup holder would have been great, but I feel would have caused more issues than solutions. The shoes are actually a new addition to the outfit. On the night I wore cream slipper socks because it was a house party and I didn't have anything else suitable. Obviously these shoes aren't perfect, but at least you can say that they co-ordinate, and they can be worn outside of the house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3w57pUIshppUhcGWm-Cii1VBhORhn0rKLYW_h2grT-X-HlYeLTWhGwfy1T6kzvfgbjj7GUsbUoHPQ0Y7E_TCpT1sHy00R5cXrvOR3kR1JfLw-FozTPKIywb7pC6m9rml8dQkcG1kqi2g/s1600/padme2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3w57pUIshppUhcGWm-Cii1VBhORhn0rKLYW_h2grT-X-HlYeLTWhGwfy1T6kzvfgbjj7GUsbUoHPQ0Y7E_TCpT1sHy00R5cXrvOR3kR1JfLw-FozTPKIywb7pC6m9rml8dQkcG1kqi2g/s1600/padme2.jpg" /></a></div>
So, that's my Padme costume. I actually love it to pieces. I think it looks really fierce, and it was a really fun challenge to construct.<br />
Thanks so much for reading!<br />
Lauren xx<br />
<span id="goog_957116629"></span><span id="goog_957116630"></span>Lauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-46266459606364103482017-12-24T08:40:00.006-08:002017-12-24T08:40:55.187-08:00A British Outfit: Making the bra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! Today I'm going to talk through the process of making my British bra. Many many hours of hand sewing went into this bra in an attempt to make the insides look as good as possible. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1TM03RMio6PIATLIyy_GpP0T0Bt0D2KbXWMcmmLLPT_sze3UbHyaXDwmF25KAWDIl4KuiqkERlHbxbcoAe9GTQ3sgIv4DnGijywE-fZa2ck2ojzAeahGx1y_J1Qkov04adruSTmDPZk/s1600/IMG_20171127_173059954sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1TM03RMio6PIATLIyy_GpP0T0Bt0D2KbXWMcmmLLPT_sze3UbHyaXDwmF25KAWDIl4KuiqkERlHbxbcoAe9GTQ3sgIv4DnGijywE-fZa2ck2ojzAeahGx1y_J1Qkov04adruSTmDPZk/s1600/IMG_20171127_173059954sm.jpg" /></a></div>
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Firstly, the thread I used for this project was an old Dewhurst Sylko wooden reel found in the back of a cupboard. It's labelled as a silk substitute made in Great Britain with fast dye. The shade is D.25 Violet, which luckily contrasts beautifully with my bra fabric. The silk substitute is likely to be rayon or polyester and the dye used was definitely a chemical one. Unfortunately the thread is the only product that I have had to compromise on so far as none appears to be manufactured from start to finish in the UK and be able to be used on a sewing machine. Of course I could have used the fibres from my fabric and sewed it all by hand, but I don't have the time to for that to be an option, so a thread that was at least partially manufactured in Great Britain was as close as I could get for this item of clothing. I will be exploring different thread options with the other garments still to be made as part of this project. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrtgh9vsHoOMjTNxPB675i5UIYLx97db3SoHDsQH7nUNDKxoJUL5Fndnlv-WWh2G5R2mJ6hF7eOjJ5F8lSCtgPuS0VL3JSYsIWWlHDNCvBD7q6vFAC8noUz7CTEqiivn6qverd00HClg/s1600/IMG_20171117_170416989sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrtgh9vsHoOMjTNxPB675i5UIYLx97db3SoHDsQH7nUNDKxoJUL5Fndnlv-WWh2G5R2mJ6hF7eOjJ5F8lSCtgPuS0VL3JSYsIWWlHDNCvBD7q6vFAC8noUz7CTEqiivn6qverd00HClg/s1600/IMG_20171117_170416989sm.jpg" /></a></div>
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When it came to cutting out in the final fabric I was very conscious of where I placed my pattern pieces and tried to keep the splotches of colour as evenly spaced as possible. The sewing lines were tacked in place using the aforementioned thread. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5JpbfZ_FVCOaLkIZxyWS37wCy2KBR5hE2EsMi29SWED-zktOJ1Gyv22l87XtlJewAj24Xejr16HYO6XhcQPPVimclo7804R0B9XXXowlzOG_rAINExt0IkNvDwjlB5praA6j_-cCIfM/s1600/IMG_20171117_170024028sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5JpbfZ_FVCOaLkIZxyWS37wCy2KBR5hE2EsMi29SWED-zktOJ1Gyv22l87XtlJewAj24Xejr16HYO6XhcQPPVimclo7804R0B9XXXowlzOG_rAINExt0IkNvDwjlB5praA6j_-cCIfM/s1600/IMG_20171117_170024028sm.jpg" /></a></div>
I tacked the whole thing together for the final fabric fitting and the only changes I made were to take in some excess at the side seam of the cups and add some length to the straps because the back was riding up slightly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpNpabPoHZQ4AWPcHAWoiaYGrfFGeoILVB1X4iVx82oivqTfhnr7Q_xRRvKaqMFMMhB8i6Sj4hY6TyjGmuLnoeeE4Yv74UJ5ua_nPdjRDP4RqYdMkPpfQM4kyXyV-_B6f80061IZaB-U/s1600/final+fabric+fittingsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpNpabPoHZQ4AWPcHAWoiaYGrfFGeoILVB1X4iVx82oivqTfhnr7Q_xRRvKaqMFMMhB8i6Sj4hY6TyjGmuLnoeeE4Yv74UJ5ua_nPdjRDP4RqYdMkPpfQM4kyXyV-_B6f80061IZaB-U/s1600/final+fabric+fittingsm.jpg" /></a></div>
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Below shows where the excess was pinned out. The new lines were tacked in and resewn. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyG1hDxY1mGzQPPvRqVxLAe54ISHW4h9BI2p_mE1sr8yh5EMwdE9dMvgF_fIRrkkjecRREsPRAHIH9CgMFMcJayMh6v-918uq0lIT0MzqyOzGFuJGvielFaEguD57wbDmf2adSvF3JuE/s1600/IMG_20171122_151050011sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyG1hDxY1mGzQPPvRqVxLAe54ISHW4h9BI2p_mE1sr8yh5EMwdE9dMvgF_fIRrkkjecRREsPRAHIH9CgMFMcJayMh6v-918uq0lIT0MzqyOzGFuJGvielFaEguD57wbDmf2adSvF3JuE/s1600/IMG_20171122_151050011sm.jpg" /></a></div>
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To finish the inside edges I folded the SA once and then again to hide the raw edge, and this fold was slipstitched down. In retrospect they do look a bit wide and I wonder whether I could have made them any smaller and more delicate. To finish the bottom edge I used a strip of self-fabric bias binding. I understitched it by hand because I didn't want the sewing machine to warp the delicate silk. The bias binding was then folded up twice and slipstitched into place. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WvXPmSOnzcqDyc5pSXcw7FPWKlhZmcjpMuRhsc7iM2ia2vRZ150RBzAljDfeBCtbb9Bn66mBJr9fbmgS9CU_gRWhI0xGdT-Oh-1nrP2kDSEREBt-uMwjMxjIIlWnvDgbPtspnqGbtNo/s1600/BeFunky+Collagesm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WvXPmSOnzcqDyc5pSXcw7FPWKlhZmcjpMuRhsc7iM2ia2vRZ150RBzAljDfeBCtbb9Bn66mBJr9fbmgS9CU_gRWhI0xGdT-Oh-1nrP2kDSEREBt-uMwjMxjIIlWnvDgbPtspnqGbtNo/s1600/BeFunky+Collagesm.jpg" /></a></div>
For the top edge, the best way to deal with the corners was to press down the SA of the main fabric and then slipstitch the edge of the fabric to the edge of the bias binding which gave me a lot more control around the corners. Again the bias binding is a bit wide, and a thinner version would have been more delicate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOG5OzqLY4a7vLQnIJIlaiihRCK6HLFqgDdWjdzLjc8cTtGZDvrjHJnGrOV5Hyn00ChC81d740oSRjs7ftEcNgc-_zWkKE4jn3lr0UzIIgtmxSgf1AFka63S9544sYkkIoTFt_AX5Xk4/s1600/IMG_20171205_104342737sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOG5OzqLY4a7vLQnIJIlaiihRCK6HLFqgDdWjdzLjc8cTtGZDvrjHJnGrOV5Hyn00ChC81d740oSRjs7ftEcNgc-_zWkKE4jn3lr0UzIIgtmxSgf1AFka63S9544sYkkIoTFt_AX5Xk4/s1600/IMG_20171205_104342737sm.jpg" /></a></div>
I used <a href="https://www.katmakes.com/blog/2016/10/31/bra-clasp-tutorial">this tutorial from Kat Makes</a> to make the bra clasps from the<a href="http://ladysewalot.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/a-british-outfit-diy-hook-and-eyes.html"> DIY hook and eyes</a> that Zoe made as explained in the previous blog post. And just like that, my bra was finished.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEyCrr8s-xka-slbhWw91887fedyKl16e5HVVTGsQ67t2Dk5U36lQ6esyF1zRMb23FLUmZJWTkDEjnwVZO4-e57V5REO_i9IeUjmB_aYQT0ynsoxjH8WrVviU1nWuEr_fbhMT2htJMrQ/s1600/IMG_20171205_104401640sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEyCrr8s-xka-slbhWw91887fedyKl16e5HVVTGsQ67t2Dk5U36lQ6esyF1zRMb23FLUmZJWTkDEjnwVZO4-e57V5REO_i9IeUjmB_aYQT0ynsoxjH8WrVviU1nWuEr_fbhMT2htJMrQ/s1600/IMG_20171205_104401640sm.jpg" /></a></div>
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Thanks very much for reading!<br />
Lauren xxLauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-64879556398388626552017-12-16T13:36:00.003-08:002017-12-16T13:36:27.242-08:00Self drafted tee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello all! For <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/long-sleeved-jersey-t-shirt">this months Minerva Make</a> I made yet another cosy layering piece in preparation for the winter ahead. This time; a long-sleeved jersey t-shirt to wear under jumpers to keep as warm as possible. You can <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/long-sleeved-jersey-t-shirt">read all of the details here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsxMFENZ6GRa5Vx_Rh9bbWjZ4JAE2pQuOiyUjTAuv5IjRtCbdSHdt5bYV8jcGyNI1WaqeGkAbei48bi-UUOytvWG7N8aPJO72DhDf_CeRTq_W11x1SjzidBRD7DvBVDsRrzlvtbBncgY/s1600/IMG_1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsxMFENZ6GRa5Vx_Rh9bbWjZ4JAE2pQuOiyUjTAuv5IjRtCbdSHdt5bYV8jcGyNI1WaqeGkAbei48bi-UUOytvWG7N8aPJO72DhDf_CeRTq_W11x1SjzidBRD7DvBVDsRrzlvtbBncgY/s640/IMG_1686.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Thanks to <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/long-sleeved-jersey-t-shirt">Minerva Crafts</a> for providing the materials for this project and to Beth for taking the photos!</div>
Lauren xxLauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-18415850202244149092017-12-10T14:29:00.000-08:002017-12-10T14:29:25.769-08:00A British Outfit: DIY Hook and Eyes<div class="_aok">
<span class="_3oh- _58nk"><i>Hello all, for this post I'm going to hand you straight over to Zoe!</i></span></div>
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<span class="_3oh- _58nk">Hello!
My name is Zoe and I’m one of Lauren’s classmates. I’ve known Lauren for 3 years now as we started our time at Rose Bruford together. Hopefully you’ve all been keeping up with Lauren’s ‘A British Outfit’ series as this is what this post is all about!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18JjP_5brxCWAwyEsgAzhdaB8OurTr6HsZTA4FsLBSlR7jh-IZihMrD_4NRCpzBUCtJ8Q4iz2HOheax3dJvIvS0YQ4eu4MzbkoP5Ojas4TkH5zij_nZQ-bTB-577YJZ_jcgfE8FNfdR0/s1600/24993048_10215243054175355_594398953_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18JjP_5brxCWAwyEsgAzhdaB8OurTr6HsZTA4FsLBSlR7jh-IZihMrD_4NRCpzBUCtJ8Q4iz2HOheax3dJvIvS0YQ4eu4MzbkoP5Ojas4TkH5zij_nZQ-bTB-577YJZ_jcgfE8FNfdR0/s1600/24993048_10215243054175355_594398953_o.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The silver hook and eyes on top were made by Zoe and the bottom hooks and eyes were the reference point</i></td></tr>
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At the end of our course, as you may know, we are required to do a dissertation style project which can be practical. The variety of things that have been chosen to be researched this year has been fascinating but Lauren’s research area has particularly interested me. It’s a concept that’s never crossed my mind before but has been a fascinating process to watch! As a result I have naturally offered my services for anything she may possibly need.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve seen come up so far has been acquiring things that are now completely made overseas.</span></div>
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One day I walked into our workroom to find Lauren and one of our lecturers slaving away with some pliers and a great deal of frustration over the topic of making hooks and eyes for one of Lauren’s garments. After watching for a while, I and another classmate sat watching quite intently with a burning desire to give it a go.
After around half an hour of sore fingers and mild swearing, I added my attempts to the pile for elimination once everyone had produced their finest work. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kF_Id5m9SKVu8bRpbrfPFzKfdSuDI5cpK5cLbeKuekfOylBtQY_b1cNqRG9ZyJcqtrT1v4h1Y3AZ2kjBprmMSzU8cR6lN1RwjCMc22g7TutaolZ0J_gPU3R3AYgFVsopRmYv2jjzM_g/s1600/25285853_1542823205796654_382846313_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kF_Id5m9SKVu8bRpbrfPFzKfdSuDI5cpK5cLbeKuekfOylBtQY_b1cNqRG9ZyJcqtrT1v4h1Y3AZ2kjBprmMSzU8cR6lN1RwjCMc22g7TutaolZ0J_gPU3R3AYgFVsopRmYv2jjzM_g/s1600/25285853_1542823205796654_382846313_o.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My attempts at making hooks and eyes</i></td></tr>
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Unsurprisingly, from every angle the pile of our finest work looked incredibly sad. None of us were expert metal workers or mass producing machines.
After having a long hard look at all of the attempts, the final decision was made and my hooks and eyes were the most normal looking.
One of our other colleagues described mine selection as ‘the ugly ones from a regular box’ which was quite bittersweet and very funny.
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Anyway, Lauren figured you would love to know how I did it!
One thing to remember before going into this project is that your hooks and eyes won’t be perfect. You aren’t a machine. Each one will be unique but that’s part of the beauty.</span></div>
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<span class="_3oh- _58nk"><b><span style="font-size: large;">
This is what you will need!</span></b>
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Wire</b> (British/country of choice). One metre should be enough for practices and then the real deal. <a href="https://www.ormiston-wire.co.uk/">Ormiston wire</a> very kindly send me a sample to play with.</span><br />
<span class="_3oh- _58nk"><b>Tiny pliers!</b> The main pair of pliers that we used were borrowed from someone who got them from a Christmas cracker.
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<span class="_3oh- _58nk"><b>Hooks and eyes</b> for reference
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<span class="_3oh- _58nk"><b>Second pair of small pliers</b> (optional)
I’ve put a second pair of pliers as optional because at some points when I was trying to even out what I’d made, it was easiest to hold the fastening with one pair and bend with the other.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzRRGtZCw2SOGDfW5IS_j9D8AzWy6urft1byWoEJHZ5F3l8MAOxw0LLFza0yWZUHWeKw5iGdJICVUIN_oDRQgVuhgZJZxmfGEnhtNeWHtGaXU8Rja9Q2Fxt8ml1MbLNPEDevOwZxtAuU/s1600/24992874_10215243054575365_934068965_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzRRGtZCw2SOGDfW5IS_j9D8AzWy6urft1byWoEJHZ5F3l8MAOxw0LLFza0yWZUHWeKw5iGdJICVUIN_oDRQgVuhgZJZxmfGEnhtNeWHtGaXU8Rja9Q2Fxt8ml1MbLNPEDevOwZxtAuU/s1600/24992874_10215243054575365_934068965_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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To make the hooks</b></span>
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Step 1.</b> Make a guide. </span></div>
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To make the hooks and eyes around the size of a standard box, I made the guide around 2cm with a third mark at 2.5cm long. Remember this is a rough guide! The picture below doesn’t have the third guide mark, at the time I just guessed.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhER1330WiBoDHnIxDOjXsaU32at7CKTmlhx7VkzvOE0DJCgiGQ6tR17Fasrs9ib3WrdCTIhJ-cnkI4KHJqj-ICwqTXreyaEOdv6oRzGjAJe8Wu47J23UFoya5oRr1PqlwVR9Mq6EbdHV8/s1600/25035574_10215243054655367_2068396160_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhER1330WiBoDHnIxDOjXsaU32at7CKTmlhx7VkzvOE0DJCgiGQ6tR17Fasrs9ib3WrdCTIhJ-cnkI4KHJqj-ICwqTXreyaEOdv6oRzGjAJe8Wu47J23UFoya5oRr1PqlwVR9Mq6EbdHV8/s1600/25035574_10215243054655367_2068396160_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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Step 2.</b> Holding the wire
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Pick up the end of your wire with your pliers. To get the best shape here don’t let the wire pop out the other side of the pliers. If you can start the end of the wire in the middle of the pliers jaws. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7vgf6r6405g8btD1jvWLM2JpMtGPZlfae-hF6CXXiq91jm3Tc0rrIX2WpHwJWfC1DC9tWW-A7S1op-3PTqAAvzCJcnIH6REWM_B5OzvKygYoILbqrWq3STKbd1H9u3NMBNQSMo8uivI/s1600/24956660_10215243054055352_779562954_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7vgf6r6405g8btD1jvWLM2JpMtGPZlfae-hF6CXXiq91jm3Tc0rrIX2WpHwJWfC1DC9tWW-A7S1op-3PTqAAvzCJcnIH6REWM_B5OzvKygYoILbqrWq3STKbd1H9u3NMBNQSMo8uivI/s1600/24956660_10215243054055352_779562954_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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Step 3.</b> Making the loops
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What you need to do here is curl the wire as tightly as possible around the jaws of the pliers. This will give you a tight loop that you will use to see the hooks and eyes down with.
Once you’ve made the first loop, hover the wire over your guide and cut the wire at the 2.5cm mark. After this repeat step 3 to make the second loop on the other side. Your curled wire should sit roughly within the 2cm guide nicely. Unless it’s quite a lot out this isn’t a big issue if it doesn’t fit.
You may need to tighten the loops you make by using the pliers to push the loops into the long bits of wire
This is what mine looked like after tightening the loops.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dJu38XHVaQakTHhnHqkZyyzWneBtNHwG8t-eIgIVtUgars2KfjJg3TaloCo0uwHDvTc0M3A7FOGlnRudXJsYA8bLoqgoEyXBCGmSyKbH-glSvHjAQM4baJOpkrTk9d7f3gyQokiwJhA/s1600/24883185_10215243053735344_1197228023_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dJu38XHVaQakTHhnHqkZyyzWneBtNHwG8t-eIgIVtUgars2KfjJg3TaloCo0uwHDvTc0M3A7FOGlnRudXJsYA8bLoqgoEyXBCGmSyKbH-glSvHjAQM4baJOpkrTk9d7f3gyQokiwJhA/s1600/24883185_10215243053735344_1197228023_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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Step 4.</b> Creating the point
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At this point, it’s time to create the point that will make the hook.
Roughly find the middle of the wire and bend the two ends together creating, what I’ll admit looks like quite a phallic shape. The closer in length the two ends are to each other the better.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4HjYWsw102KrJZWDq09iV6dy8cHq5QRpqCUnhJ5rew7Tq_QZM_y9xwJyDxM_lMaf0WZrm9DgDqTPL0yNnAtnjsJfXvjcx0rLf1rlvXvbV9a2qgUZBJpKP0IIAAi2tOQtn8uO1cu1ZHc/s1600/24957123_10215243053695343_1644467962_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4HjYWsw102KrJZWDq09iV6dy8cHq5QRpqCUnhJ5rew7Tq_QZM_y9xwJyDxM_lMaf0WZrm9DgDqTPL0yNnAtnjsJfXvjcx0rLf1rlvXvbV9a2qgUZBJpKP0IIAAi2tOQtn8uO1cu1ZHc/s1600/24957123_10215243053695343_1644467962_o.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="_3oh- _58nk"> Use the pliers to make the point as tight as possible without creating a sharp point. The two loops may start to cross over and if this happens use your fingers to lightly pull them away from each other enough so that they sit close together but don’t overlap. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6Sbfcv8NSiI01yAr5ukJq4bWrEQQhFrJUQ7aQhVCgb0HV2h1jCGru1U7cm_RxktY04-tjXQ79L-GIZN3FGjrByLv41SgwKcRffeTNRbKraiCC7EGfw12kAuudJ_HfVSGsIGCrn5so34/s1600/24946388_10215243053855347_1038279178_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6Sbfcv8NSiI01yAr5ukJq4bWrEQQhFrJUQ7aQhVCgb0HV2h1jCGru1U7cm_RxktY04-tjXQ79L-GIZN3FGjrByLv41SgwKcRffeTNRbKraiCC7EGfw12kAuudJ_HfVSGsIGCrn5so34/s1600/24946388_10215243053855347_1038279178_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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Step 5.</b> Creating the hook
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This is the final step! Find the rough middle of the point you’ve created and bend it towards the loops creating the hook. If the hook is at an obtuse angle, use the pliers on the point end and press to close the gap enough so that it would work as a functioning fastening.
And there you have your own hand made hook! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DNvLlt13N7WRgOTZfnoXjH4q-B969lq3k8V3umICYXyz7fBELOqUwXTElBUWRIMaSuVWmQZSCJ06YD9qdO-Kk103S3GUpw9902THPzSXMIosCGZyZ9zThxBS8DNezhuVPGjN0mlzJkM/s1600/24956663_10215243054015351_948910063_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DNvLlt13N7WRgOTZfnoXjH4q-B969lq3k8V3umICYXyz7fBELOqUwXTElBUWRIMaSuVWmQZSCJ06YD9qdO-Kk103S3GUpw9902THPzSXMIosCGZyZ9zThxBS8DNezhuVPGjN0mlzJkM/s1600/24956663_10215243054015351_948910063_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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To make the eyes
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Step 1.</b> Cut the wire
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Go back to the guide we made for the hooks. Cut a piece of wire to be around 2cm long using the guide. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEG2EMg9s0oU3EnlI8M7YGOJDsADimWjio9MruOxYVxb1gHvvU_UcIz0ZVV2_ZU-L24tmJaTHksouEgaRkmKbZqthC0el5Td5VSZ9aPgIKiS5_VTdlByl5juLByVsmeGu-wDlcb0eKF4/s1600/24992971_10215243054695368_2016200362_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEG2EMg9s0oU3EnlI8M7YGOJDsADimWjio9MruOxYVxb1gHvvU_UcIz0ZVV2_ZU-L24tmJaTHksouEgaRkmKbZqthC0el5Td5VSZ9aPgIKiS5_VTdlByl5juLByVsmeGu-wDlcb0eKF4/s1600/24992971_10215243054695368_2016200362_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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Step 2.</b> Making the loops
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Just like for the hooks, hold the end of the wire in the middle of the pliers jaws. As tightly as possible bend the wire around the pliers creating a loop. Repeat this on the other side of the the wire and then nip the ends of the loops to tighten them up.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AhynWZUg2glHtTIxmkUFF_Xuj6jdW4e9dro2mh2dgzXVM1j81d68XesnOsL0rJ3_49s6yrUI807HqHDr75UlvvuciV91o1wIiSKsSXSGWgVpxrVlkHzStuaqL3p6gcw3wxAeM6XCmds/s1600/24946236_10215243054775370_2143197876_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AhynWZUg2glHtTIxmkUFF_Xuj6jdW4e9dro2mh2dgzXVM1j81d68XesnOsL0rJ3_49s6yrUI807HqHDr75UlvvuciV91o1wIiSKsSXSGWgVpxrVlkHzStuaqL3p6gcw3wxAeM6XCmds/s1600/24946236_10215243054775370_2143197876_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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Step 3.</b> Making the eye</span></div>
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This bit is the hardest bit. Start by putting the middle of the wire in the jaws of the pliers and lightly bending. Move the wire slightly to one side and lightly bend. Repeat this on both side until you have a gradual curve over the eye. </span>Once you’re able to get the loops into the jaws of the fliers both together this step is complete.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7un4ViwPkZRI8Bj1crLkyaYPzPYn7IhMCzKim6r53-ccrR2KfRYCpU_eMlcm0tfuh-yavM4hUh9ipjLrezYg6c8pLAl_g3CMrk3jbswfi6gmtd3_fXP0qHJ_S0YHuH137v7djvaAkzCw/s1600/24956690_10215243054295358_1585915165_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7un4ViwPkZRI8Bj1crLkyaYPzPYn7IhMCzKim6r53-ccrR2KfRYCpU_eMlcm0tfuh-yavM4hUh9ipjLrezYg6c8pLAl_g3CMrk3jbswfi6gmtd3_fXP0qHJ_S0YHuH137v7djvaAkzCw/s1600/24956690_10215243054295358_1585915165_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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Step 4.</b> Finishing the eye
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Once the gradual curve has been made, use the pliers to tighten the bottom by pushing the loops together. They don’t need to be tightened up a large amount, just to your personal preference using the premade eye as a reference.
And there you have your hook and eye!
Good luck with making your own hooks and eyes and hope this was helpful!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18JjP_5brxCWAwyEsgAzhdaB8OurTr6HsZTA4FsLBSlR7jh-IZihMrD_4NRCpzBUCtJ8Q4iz2HOheax3dJvIvS0YQ4eu4MzbkoP5Ojas4TkH5zij_nZQ-bTB-577YJZ_jcgfE8FNfdR0/s1600/24993048_10215243054175355_594398953_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18JjP_5brxCWAwyEsgAzhdaB8OurTr6HsZTA4FsLBSlR7jh-IZihMrD_4NRCpzBUCtJ8Q4iz2HOheax3dJvIvS0YQ4eu4MzbkoP5Ojas4TkH5zij_nZQ-bTB-577YJZ_jcgfE8FNfdR0/s1600/24993048_10215243054175355_594398953_o.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>DIY hook and eyes on top and reference hook and eyes below</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="_3oh- _58nk"><i>Thank you for reading, and huge thanks to Zoe for putting this tutorial together!</i></span></div>
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<span class="_3oh- _58nk"><i>Lauren xx</i></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Lauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-67886989967489173532017-12-02T10:18:00.004-08:002017-12-02T10:18:44.353-08:00A British Outfit: Eco-printing silk <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! Today I'm going to share what I've learnt about eco-printing. Eco-printing is the process of wrapping up assorted plant matter around fabric and steaming or simmering it to extract a print. My British-made silk was <a href="http://www.botanicalinks.com/shop/">sourced from Botanical Inks, and I chose the Habotai</a> which I thought was most appropriate for lingerie. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSp1mUcJ2TO4qHJ7jyE2QfcdakyIu6WO9s5oftPAEmYUAtRT6JV6n-y0S1Jdk6trLGdcLRZICbdzrrR-feCZem-DztmwitYeF0zVLVVE8BdbGXRYdBqyZZJ7hwpuKKG_1GvJzva3cX274/s1600/IMG_20170907_214430922sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSp1mUcJ2TO4qHJ7jyE2QfcdakyIu6WO9s5oftPAEmYUAtRT6JV6n-y0S1Jdk6trLGdcLRZICbdzrrR-feCZem-DztmwitYeF0zVLVVE8BdbGXRYdBqyZZJ7hwpuKKG_1GvJzva3cX274/s1600/IMG_20170907_214430922sm.jpg" /></a></div>
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First I mordanted my silk with alum (which I found a UK source for <a href="http://www.georgeweil.com//ProductDetail.aspx?Menu=3&Level1=64&Level2=1095&Level3=1105&PID=4512">here</a>) and I soaked another strip of silk with iron water to work as an iron blanket which should intensify and darken the colours in the print. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99nBd-YCDKWaUmuyHI8d72BWLsDB2lSSc0dbzyqpaUfEFK065VLBzgUFx6daS4VizffUTLlZ7czYD_pXPAnfH4h05uRYBLN0idT1xyx9JXPxOBqh2XYA2O7u2HqlksjnU6o0HsBPQDcs/s1600/alum+and+iron+mordantssm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99nBd-YCDKWaUmuyHI8d72BWLsDB2lSSc0dbzyqpaUfEFK065VLBzgUFx6daS4VizffUTLlZ7czYD_pXPAnfH4h05uRYBLN0idT1xyx9JXPxOBqh2XYA2O7u2HqlksjnU6o0HsBPQDcs/s1600/alum+and+iron+mordantssm.jpg" /></a></div>
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Next it was time to collect the various plant matter, and I did this by walking around the roadside with a massive metal bucket and some snippers. At the end of my expedition I had poppies, dandelions, elderberries, hollyhocks, Queen Anne's lace and hawthorn berries. I scattered these on my wet silk and placed the iron blanket on top. This was then rolled around a stick and tied tightly with string. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpyCA7V218QO4wTup1x0OJYWqo-lwZvAcE8q21opU2hMMd3cAhp5W0a5yDcV3FmqQNFgXzcagndHzYl_gMtBCOEs_n_RZDtC-S4VRJdAWpQmRFZRVBYk1LoWM_BqB9Pe2WBD_tFiosz0/s1600/wrapping+the+flowerssm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpyCA7V218QO4wTup1x0OJYWqo-lwZvAcE8q21opU2hMMd3cAhp5W0a5yDcV3FmqQNFgXzcagndHzYl_gMtBCOEs_n_RZDtC-S4VRJdAWpQmRFZRVBYk1LoWM_BqB9Pe2WBD_tFiosz0/s1600/wrapping+the+flowerssm.jpg" /></a></div>
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Then my bundle was simmered in a pot for 2 hours and let in the pot overnight. You can see how much darker it went overnight! The bottom image of the collage below is the bundle unrolled with all of the plant matter still on it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2twyKReUg-Ep-BB34Rt3EGTS0e0ogaqw5c2QQcFuLxqRHd_Ebmrd3kV7-C8MskuUDFPNSICk1XIC8SrDHHsk4CPLFxHPlKx9WY6-0fI6eAT8NlC17U-6avDC_Jai9t5xmFuZCHVFPL4/s1600/simmeringsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2twyKReUg-Ep-BB34Rt3EGTS0e0ogaqw5c2QQcFuLxqRHd_Ebmrd3kV7-C8MskuUDFPNSICk1XIC8SrDHHsk4CPLFxHPlKx9WY6-0fI6eAT8NlC17U-6avDC_Jai9t5xmFuZCHVFPL4/s1600/simmeringsm.jpg" /></a></div>
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Below are the results! The lighter strip of fabric on the top is the silk I'm going to use for my bra and the strip on the bottom is the iron blanket, and you can see how the iron in it has made the colours much darker. The prints weren't as defined as I had hoped for and the berries definitely provided most of the colour. The poppies left no trace at all. If you look closely at the left hand side of the top strip of fabric there's a beautiful amount of definition, and you can even see the imprints of the string. That was the portion of the silk that was on the outside of the bundle. I asked the Printing Botanicals facebook group what they thought of my results and the advice was to bundle tighter, to steam and not to simmer, and to look to leaves for crisper prints. It's sad that I don't have time to experiment further with eco-printing but now it's time to get on with making the bra! I'd love to come back to this technique in the future and really have fun with trying out different leaves and seeing how well they print. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqw49FAbpufGHlpTMgwtPUm-vakduJ4unKb5rlNvTJp6UoeyxEjZziul_oUWUhar6wAx22zEU_uH1-fC-FMuM9Ni8I1wFDjuG-As_8tMtdOKehqFQG3IcdzwcKV5gnj7ZJ1PL912E16U/s1600/IMG_20170907_214430922sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqw49FAbpufGHlpTMgwtPUm-vakduJ4unKb5rlNvTJp6UoeyxEjZziul_oUWUhar6wAx22zEU_uH1-fC-FMuM9Ni8I1wFDjuG-As_8tMtdOKehqFQG3IcdzwcKV5gnj7ZJ1PL912E16U/s1600/IMG_20170907_214430922sm.jpg" /></a></div>
Thanks very much for reading and to Lesley for providing me with all of her dyeing equipment and knowledge to use! <br />
Lauren xxLauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-69530705895684601202017-11-27T23:59:00.002-08:002017-11-28T00:00:25.427-08:00A British Outfit: Fitting the bra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello all! Today I'm going to share the fitting process for the bra portion of my British Outfit. <a href="http://ladysewalot.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/a-british-outfit-underwear.html">In the last post</a> I discussed the designing and drafting process, and finished with the first calico toile. I had tacked in where I wanted the design lines to be (as you can see below) but did not cut them as separate pieces, because I wanted to get the basic fit right first. In the first fitting I shortened the straps by 3", lengthened the CB by 1/2" on either side and lowered the CF by 2". The excess at each SF was pinned out in a dart. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0k_pPol9zFlGUJTT_O5Kuxh-kTkTXoUFxPvW0Wz9ZlDhh8AypGmzVPiXodsXxz8tE0VVp3wA3WqmvR1rTnt3LoY9fJThU3H10aXyi7WviY2KTVw4IUA1g2nbUmskHQ0lFsmkw0McAQ0/s1600/first+fittingsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0k_pPol9zFlGUJTT_O5Kuxh-kTkTXoUFxPvW0Wz9ZlDhh8AypGmzVPiXodsXxz8tE0VVp3wA3WqmvR1rTnt3LoY9fJThU3H10aXyi7WviY2KTVw4IUA1g2nbUmskHQ0lFsmkw0McAQ0/s1600/first+fittingsm.jpg" /></a></div>
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I found that when I transferred that dart straight to the pattern piece, it warped it too much, so I divided the amount that needed to go and split it evenly on the pattern piece. I then ended up changing the design lines slightly (10 points if you can spot where!) and cut down those lines to divide the pattern into upper cup and lower cup pieces. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9S98WDjL5R-mCVmjL0iRvKpjbBS5fldbVkp0cBnOz4z2jHwQBZzoDF4LOJOUgHXMoV_b3Ma4C9cRsYsbz7-1i5KEUrNCfIlqgb9qbwzNe6tXs5PNtfTizA7Oe5UMGOqrErQ0SigZWdVk/s1600/second+fitting+collagesm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9S98WDjL5R-mCVmjL0iRvKpjbBS5fldbVkp0cBnOz4z2jHwQBZzoDF4LOJOUgHXMoV_b3Ma4C9cRsYsbz7-1i5KEUrNCfIlqgb9qbwzNe6tXs5PNtfTizA7Oe5UMGOqrErQ0SigZWdVk/s1600/second+fitting+collagesm.jpg" /></a></div>
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In the second fitting there was still some excess in the right cup, so I adjusted the pattern in the same way I did for the first fitting. After looking back at the fitting photos (above) I decided to use the pattern pieces for the right cup for both cups in the next fitting, because the shape of the left one looks a bit off. Below you can see the difference in the pattern pieces for each side. I ended up using the pattern piece on the right for both cups of the bra. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsipzgBoD55mH42alyp7KRux5LKle_CWOHGwxqlljkHfGi7W8n1UZxn_bBHY7nZkS8xx8OawBTIv4dvqZAaCCte_8jxQ9lx6rUza9NWj_-mZ5pyzSiu5RMxNCKUioXThQ1zC78Cw4yFY/s1600/IMG_20171127_174514962sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsipzgBoD55mH42alyp7KRux5LKle_CWOHGwxqlljkHfGi7W8n1UZxn_bBHY7nZkS8xx8OawBTIv4dvqZAaCCte_8jxQ9lx6rUza9NWj_-mZ5pyzSiu5RMxNCKUioXThQ1zC78Cw4yFY/s1600/IMG_20171127_174514962sm.jpg" /></a></div>
For the third fitting I decided to use a drapier fabric that was more like the silk that is my final fabric. No changes were made in this fitting as I was happy with the fit. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1ltpS22xd7jwAOwv1zgyWJqAHJtRazqJBv0yfB6Hz8ZJNtrhcIdjS7Cj5bIYTT6YTh5BssHnb6LHZE87YZ47X3DmTcpFqe3wYFJdeBXOCaYuBjQkXhkNALYTYHaKasW6u8a4hURjm0Y/s1600/third+bra+fittingsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1ltpS22xd7jwAOwv1zgyWJqAHJtRazqJBv0yfB6Hz8ZJNtrhcIdjS7Cj5bIYTT6YTh5BssHnb6LHZE87YZ47X3DmTcpFqe3wYFJdeBXOCaYuBjQkXhkNALYTYHaKasW6u8a4hURjm0Y/s1600/third+bra+fittingsm.jpg" /></a></div>
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Below are the final pattern pieces ready to cut out of the main fabric. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7hD1afkNl9BwO8Z0omDHsAFXBzZNxlm3iO9Y_D4VbwGio58KAfhyphenhyphensIQZpdTE9onvv2cVjZ0beKCUpSg1k-Q7ZFcFwzyuPi3ZBs0wYwGfCcCK-Tbp_vKigN6cTBUlHOji1Hob5URuiCk/s1600/IMG_20171127_174551680sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7hD1afkNl9BwO8Z0omDHsAFXBzZNxlm3iO9Y_D4VbwGio58KAfhyphenhyphensIQZpdTE9onvv2cVjZ0beKCUpSg1k-Q7ZFcFwzyuPi3ZBs0wYwGfCcCK-Tbp_vKigN6cTBUlHOji1Hob5URuiCk/s1600/IMG_20171127_174551680sm.jpg" /></a></div>
So that was the fitting process for my bra! In the next instalment of this series I'm going to discuss my experiments with bundle dyeing. <br />
Until then, thanks for reading!<br />
Lauren xx Lauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-54697403841170020752017-11-19T12:00:00.000-08:002017-11-19T12:02:26.345-08:00A British Outfit: Designing and drafting the bra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! I have something a bit different for you today. In the final year of uni I have to do an independent research project, and luckily for me I had the option to choose a practical topic. Very much inspired by <a href="https://thisismoonlight.com/1year1outfit/">Nicki's One Year One Outfit</a> project I aim to find out how feasible it is to create an outfit of clothing that has been made exclusively from British materials. I then want to see how well each garment bears up to every day use and to see how much it would actually cost to sell these garments to the public. Included in this outfit is a bra, pants (or knickers to those under the pond), shirt, trousers, jumper and shoes. I thought it would be fun to blog about the process as I go, so let me tell you all how I got to this bra muslin that you can see below. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiop-u1Q-gfBFJUAd16iLfeOp8z3ezbDiW91lXgc1kSs6yb7ryP3LIkvL_-061cUtIq_HWTMnMyOE9N25dQcMH9_X1o2nRX1CnZ271bqqyGoluisyx8btr1XVxVfpdrwRCIs3nkvDGztv4/s1600/IMG_20171108_160942003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiop-u1Q-gfBFJUAd16iLfeOp8z3ezbDiW91lXgc1kSs6yb7ryP3LIkvL_-061cUtIq_HWTMnMyOE9N25dQcMH9_X1o2nRX1CnZ271bqqyGoluisyx8btr1XVxVfpdrwRCIs3nkvDGztv4/s400/IMG_20171108_160942003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you take a look at modern underwear almost every component is unsuitable for this challenge. Stretch fabrics contain elastane (or lycra) which is a synthetic (or unnatural) fibre. Elastic itself is used to hold the fabric snug against the body. Metal or plastic rings hold the straps in place and metal hook and eyes fasten the bra at the back. I decided to look back in time, right up to the beginning of the evolution of the bra in the 1920s and 30s. The unfortunate thing is that by the 30s elastic had been invented and so was still instrumental in keeping the bra snug against the body, as illustrated by<a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/293578469450920479/"> this bra here</a>. However the earliest bras made in the 20s were not made to fit close to the body, but instead just to cover the chest area. <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/293578469450955156/">This one I found</a> fastens with hook and eyes at the back. I also found contemporary bras made by <a href="http://www.calyxintimates.com/#about">Cara Marie Piazza of Calyx intimates</a> which are made from naturally dyed silk. <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/293578469452524275/">This bra from her collection</a> and <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/293578469450955163/">this 1930s bra</a> were my main inspiration for the designs below, but if you want to see the myriad of vintage bras and sewing patterns I looked at they can all be seen on <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/ladysewalot/irp/">my pinterest board dedicated to the topic here</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTBRvg3llQNnXPYbW-ihS_YwchQXCJfLN7zyBc3UI5ATK3AiJeNilctgkAvNFMY-uFJQw7fdw8eY5RlH_oMz4X4cofpy9KmW8U1g4qNVkMctE2sgkVb6tIJuzTaPivRgLT-ZWd4XsJu0/s1600/23768818_1521710881241220_167300296_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTBRvg3llQNnXPYbW-ihS_YwchQXCJfLN7zyBc3UI5ATK3AiJeNilctgkAvNFMY-uFJQw7fdw8eY5RlH_oMz4X4cofpy9KmW8U1g4qNVkMctE2sgkVb6tIJuzTaPivRgLT-ZWd4XsJu0/s640/23768818_1521710881241220_167300296_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I drafted a bra using the basic bra pattern given in Michael Rohr's Pattern Drafting and Grading which was published in 1961. The lines were simple, it was drafted for non-stretch fabrics and it would be easy to adapt into the design that I wanted. First I had to draft a bodice block to fit my measurements before then using that to draft the bra pattern. I used the bodice block that came with the book, but then had to take a whopping 8 inches out of the bust so it would fit my body. I then decided that it would be a good idea to muslin the bodice up quickly, get it to fit like a glove, and then draft the bra onto it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxZZSU1mKOHXkmOgTfnAzx9vZ43YbijtitAg_iR812nMIqR_onLKoZZsCgMUrSIJIGX_VPstKRZiFUMm1su7I7x6UxvHjTfD3glktzu6cV4t82mFV6_Ljs974rcYkXw4ECl7HRL3xNk8/s1600/IMG_20171107_173554687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxZZSU1mKOHXkmOgTfnAzx9vZ43YbijtitAg_iR812nMIqR_onLKoZZsCgMUrSIJIGX_VPstKRZiFUMm1su7I7x6UxvHjTfD3glktzu6cV4t82mFV6_Ljs974rcYkXw4ECl7HRL3xNk8/s640/IMG_20171107_173554687.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Because I'd adjusted the bust to co-ordinate with my own measurements the bodice fit pretty well. The darts were perhaps a little high, but it was decided to leave them as is and see what would happen in the bra fitting. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6pbYyvTNiO-N7YRzw719TzdZtxzzwydxfJZTRrPZPa3e9XyItePGcjwgcnuvTSCou72NYy9UXDa4zHWBiiRQxF71UzudwAaeWy2BNkgeWpCoZ9kF1gNu5g-RdEuax0E5xVqOwapsOBE/s1600/IMG_20171107_173600609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6pbYyvTNiO-N7YRzw719TzdZtxzzwydxfJZTRrPZPa3e9XyItePGcjwgcnuvTSCou72NYy9UXDa4zHWBiiRQxF71UzudwAaeWy2BNkgeWpCoZ9kF1gNu5g-RdEuax0E5xVqOwapsOBE/s640/IMG_20171107_173600609.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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This meant that I was then good to go with the bra drafting. I stopped at step number three before elastic was added in at step number four. I made the cup a princess seam by cutting down the dotted line between A and C on the pattern pieces and left the back intact. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPj6PqLIJnViKHhZVIwwatUYvVlPHgXIThpseX7GXE8egk5iSY2XfR0IrQVf8qxsXVRAmLj9NFgxbWxCXnxlUstqb6Stf7cLQb-8xYFpBi3FWbj5Cnc6GTr_g76b4g9kQTGLMZt0YJ4c/s1600/Untitled-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="1600" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPj6PqLIJnViKHhZVIwwatUYvVlPHgXIThpseX7GXE8egk5iSY2XfR0IrQVf8qxsXVRAmLj9NFgxbWxCXnxlUstqb6Stf7cLQb-8xYFpBi3FWbj5Cnc6GTr_g76b4g9kQTGLMZt0YJ4c/s400/Untitled-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Rohr's Pattern Drafting and Grading, published in 1961</td></tr>
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The next step was then to trace off the pattern pieces, cut them out in calico and sew them up, ready for a fitting. You may note that the design of the bra below is completely different from my original designs, but it was nice to have a very fluid process and important not to set everything in stone. In the next instalment of this series, I'll share the fitting process. I hope you enjoyed this slightly different content from me. I'm certainly enjoying the challenge that this project brings. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiop-u1Q-gfBFJUAd16iLfeOp8z3ezbDiW91lXgc1kSs6yb7ryP3LIkvL_-061cUtIq_HWTMnMyOE9N25dQcMH9_X1o2nRX1CnZ271bqqyGoluisyx8btr1XVxVfpdrwRCIs3nkvDGztv4/s1600/IMG_20171108_160942003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiop-u1Q-gfBFJUAd16iLfeOp8z3ezbDiW91lXgc1kSs6yb7ryP3LIkvL_-061cUtIq_HWTMnMyOE9N25dQcMH9_X1o2nRX1CnZ271bqqyGoluisyx8btr1XVxVfpdrwRCIs3nkvDGztv4/s400/IMG_20171108_160942003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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Lauren xx</div>
<br />Lauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-44514608200802109352017-11-17T12:11:00.002-08:002017-11-17T12:11:35.459-08:00Cosy Jumper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! For this months Minerva Make I decided that I needed something to combat the impending cold and this Atelier Brunette French Terry fit the bill perfectly. I aimed to make the perfect layering piece. You can read all about the making process on the Minerva Crafts blog <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/the-perfect-layering-piece">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ncqJ62Q-SnbqOb-KuFw5oide-pir0X8i-PiIKyghBAZL0Ys8lHAZHdUcxlsEGNpuXHBcGbboDBai9M7_VKb3kCotHdYrnsNfokurQKwgBv12ZSbrc9wl_B_jgtLKFX5Yhrrs79XARuA/s1600/23584934_10215038805229259_1665818872_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ncqJ62Q-SnbqOb-KuFw5oide-pir0X8i-PiIKyghBAZL0Ys8lHAZHdUcxlsEGNpuXHBcGbboDBai9M7_VKb3kCotHdYrnsNfokurQKwgBv12ZSbrc9wl_B_jgtLKFX5Yhrrs79XARuA/s640/23584934_10215038805229259_1665818872_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Thanks to <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/the-perfect-layering-piece">Minerva Crafts</a> for the materials for this project and to Zoe for the pictures,<br />
Lauren xx<br />
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Lauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-79237717582639442682017-10-21T11:08:00.001-07:002017-10-21T11:08:19.022-07:00A new silhouette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! The fabric for <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/a-new-silhouette">my latest Minerva make</a> has had many incarnations in my head, and you get to see the version that made it all the way to the finish line. I've been working on my princess seam bodice block and combining it with a pencil skirt to make a dress pattern. The original next step was to swing out the skirt pieces to make a full skirt for this dress, but I was curious to try out this new silhouette to me so I left the new dress blocks as they were. You can read all about the making process on the <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/a-new-silhouette">Minerva Crafts blog here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHYXhbiGKrvMmiBPRMQfP-taz_RWswTN7euuoVPNxerDhzfkqAR4aO9rbNLCfn6Msrc5uj3Vh1r5xK-iOYQym7w9YxG62e_nXWvKCQ8RaAdxW5qDHiCcTpSX40292EZrHfcSQB1nc3_s/s1600/IMG_1651smm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHYXhbiGKrvMmiBPRMQfP-taz_RWswTN7euuoVPNxerDhzfkqAR4aO9rbNLCfn6Msrc5uj3Vh1r5xK-iOYQym7w9YxG62e_nXWvKCQ8RaAdxW5qDHiCcTpSX40292EZrHfcSQB1nc3_s/s1600/IMG_1651smm.jpg" /></a></div>
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Thanks very much for reading, to <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/a-new-silhouette">Minerva Crafts</a> for providing the materials for this project and to Grace for taking the pictures!<br />
Lauren xxLauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-9033062079901500672017-10-06T05:57:00.004-07:002017-10-06T05:57:50.688-07:00Checked Shirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello all! My third and final year of uni has started in full force ( I'm 3 weeks into making for the first show of the season) but this is one of the things I made to wear on my trip to Amsterdam before summer holidays had finished. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDCtIQi-NZDl2EkgkCBJQWq1Xgrr5KoIN5Nn4IInOqwyXIOwm155zX9WoMntdXPScZnRsBsHhMHz0t8GajVaf4jCmGtL2VipvA52rSIRW90ISILwNK2FMN1ckfl77w67ymVPcCU0ILs0/s1600/IMG_1631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDCtIQi-NZDl2EkgkCBJQWq1Xgrr5KoIN5Nn4IInOqwyXIOwm155zX9WoMntdXPScZnRsBsHhMHz0t8GajVaf4jCmGtL2VipvA52rSIRW90ISILwNK2FMN1ckfl77w67ymVPcCU0ILs0/s640/IMG_1631.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
My wardrobe plan for Amsterdam was all about the layers. Jeans, plus a tank top, then a shirt, jumper and coat to be added or taken off when appropriate. This worked really well. The fabric I think is some kind of cotton blend that I bought in Birmingham with Ben last winter. The original plan was to make it into a dress but it's going to be worn a thousand times more as a shirt. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-sgizeBDKj3UI3wykANA3RimD1HS8pZiD9wqvhg-7rOFGMHU6gnEtLRg6W194cx_9fyDJbq8soHoE13OXpFu5JtCD-PjvOXpU__tGZZHs0GhOJBiTUYhbiHXGUCN4j5HwvJAKpSYvTU/s1600/IMG_1630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-sgizeBDKj3UI3wykANA3RimD1HS8pZiD9wqvhg-7rOFGMHU6gnEtLRg6W194cx_9fyDJbq8soHoE13OXpFu5JtCD-PjvOXpU__tGZZHs0GhOJBiTUYhbiHXGUCN4j5HwvJAKpSYvTU/s640/IMG_1630.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
I used the men's shirt pattern that I drafted for uni last year and that I used for the white linen shirt I made a few months ago. This time I made the yoke a little longer and added seam allowance to the collar so it's much more in proportion. The only thing I'd change now is to widen the cuffs a bit. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSiyr08Ry-YVBJXeYgflIjpzHIHvvOw4-rALlvgrNhtZfgZBA6muFv-P0xMx2rSf172u9Ebhyphenhyphen8oULiRays1jbSm7StGyHIGLbwrPOAXAY-cJJaHcBj1SGID7XMkcaPKYD9IMVXxVGsCk/s1600/IMG_1645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSiyr08Ry-YVBJXeYgflIjpzHIHvvOw4-rALlvgrNhtZfgZBA6muFv-P0xMx2rSf172u9Ebhyphenhyphen8oULiRays1jbSm7StGyHIGLbwrPOAXAY-cJJaHcBj1SGID7XMkcaPKYD9IMVXxVGsCk/s640/IMG_1645.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
I paid particular attention to the pattern matching across the centre front, side seams and sleeve seams. Miraculously the collar actually matches the yoke, with no particular planning. The only change I'd make at the cutting out stage would be to centre the check at the pleat on the back piece. It looks a little off here. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqia3j8bPR-x2JOTOf5ZaADaF7XZpGg4ycpyVgRwRGd5yHWGMCd-TIbNL_VNBhAv9NVUhrd6qyPewx9BcoUBa6AN8722xeiVRQq9ySHMyuTSwALQgyxbOrYiqzHYAGQmOiwjHYvMtYgyk/s1600/IMG_1638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqia3j8bPR-x2JOTOf5ZaADaF7XZpGg4ycpyVgRwRGd5yHWGMCd-TIbNL_VNBhAv9NVUhrd6qyPewx9BcoUBa6AN8722xeiVRQq9ySHMyuTSwALQgyxbOrYiqzHYAGQmOiwjHYvMtYgyk/s640/IMG_1638.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I did the proper plackets this time, and I'm slowly getting to grips with the technique. It really helps to have a ready to wear shirt in front of me so I can see what I'm aiming for. The placket could do with being a bit shorter, and so could the sleeve. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCXx4StMPRH8zrUrciL01-TYjFjfWa3ZDfbkKzgZTXBnMTLItwIBpp9EE_LWH9BqnkxsHdh6d63ybYQF-DOcZ-QQDYjKiA6feFqbsZRKaq4dolWrOKV_oCDUZKq6R8KH0Xb_SluUKdvM/s1600/IMG_1644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCXx4StMPRH8zrUrciL01-TYjFjfWa3ZDfbkKzgZTXBnMTLItwIBpp9EE_LWH9BqnkxsHdh6d63ybYQF-DOcZ-QQDYjKiA6feFqbsZRKaq4dolWrOKV_oCDUZKq6R8KH0Xb_SluUKdvM/s640/IMG_1644.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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My biggest mistake with this shirt was to flatfell the seams on the left hand side of the shirt on the outside and the seams on the right hand side on the inside! At this point in the game it was too late to change it, and probably only people who sew will notice, but I know that I could have had a neater finish had both the sleeve seams been flatfelled on the inside. The hem didn't particularly like being folded over twice and topstitched and I wish that I had bias bound it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkthxPKfoCZYSzcHj1EK_0zsOOQYckDHHkpI3dDUuPGzSHmuDFh35srqPqedWRovH_kEjsOzNavGXM-c6U5zuTFRmcyjwvjbRzVJMOatA6w6QYRqob9yGNuxX0lVTFmI0G0oF-WxMmryM/s1600/IMG_1636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkthxPKfoCZYSzcHj1EK_0zsOOQYckDHHkpI3dDUuPGzSHmuDFh35srqPqedWRovH_kEjsOzNavGXM-c6U5zuTFRmcyjwvjbRzVJMOatA6w6QYRqob9yGNuxX0lVTFmI0G0oF-WxMmryM/s640/IMG_1636.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Despite all of this, I love this shirt and will never take it off. </div>
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Thanks very much for reading and to Bethan for taking the photos!</div>
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Lauren xx</div>
<br />Lauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-79952743759188369322017-09-16T08:36:00.004-07:002017-09-16T08:36:55.020-07:00Ginger Jeans<div>
Hello all, I've found myself wearing jeans more and more lately and so I wanted to expand my very limited collection. I used the Closet Case Files Ginger jeans pattern as a base. I always have my eyes peeled for good denim but I find it in the weight, colour and stretch I want quite hard to find. Luckily Minerva Crafts was there to save the day. I normally prefer lighter denim and I did consider bleaching this one when it arrived, but the darker denim is growing on me. You can read all about the making process here.<a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/ginger-jeans-2">https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/ginger-jeans-2</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv7j_rHDtXK6WfCSAb8Sainhu9yV_ULyAtpXVfj6Ot2PPk0RpgCvu4yIjbwP1Radwftoq8Klr50Hp7X9xPUAClH1qNUPWoRuOP1mingbqt-E-FCpYIiKumsDwAVpMfrE46nFaDLMkxtA/s1600/IMG_1879sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv7j_rHDtXK6WfCSAb8Sainhu9yV_ULyAtpXVfj6Ot2PPk0RpgCvu4yIjbwP1Radwftoq8Klr50Hp7X9xPUAClH1qNUPWoRuOP1mingbqt-E-FCpYIiKumsDwAVpMfrE46nFaDLMkxtA/s640/IMG_1879sm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Thanks for reading and to <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/ginger-jeans-2">Minerva crafts for all of the supplies for this project</a>,</div>
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Lauren xx</div>
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Lauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-87795808830033404312017-09-08T03:26:00.000-07:002017-09-08T03:26:05.742-07:00Floral Tank Refashion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! Today's make is a refashion of a <a href="http://ladysewalot.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/floral-top.html">top I made all the way back in 2013.</a> It was supposed to be a 5 minute jobby but turned into a one day saga. The neckline on the old top was too high which meant that it didn't get much wear and I decided that it was time to give it a makeover for my upcoming solo trip to Amsterdam next week (argghh!) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztllPRoNpmOMRgtD2TjQShzQqCca9Z1LDR9VPNvjQzxQ2XRyz8HKvqu8IQINVqHhcKhiCuwleMDSaNTjydZtryP41LPA6826_xUCkmJW4qD8cR9okpH8B50FVSnRyl5J7khqeb4r912o/s1600/smIMG_1854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztllPRoNpmOMRgtD2TjQShzQqCca9Z1LDR9VPNvjQzxQ2XRyz8HKvqu8IQINVqHhcKhiCuwleMDSaNTjydZtryP41LPA6826_xUCkmJW4qD8cR9okpH8B50FVSnRyl5J7khqeb4r912o/s1600/smIMG_1854.jpg" /></a></div>
I originally put the top on my dress form, pinned where I wanted the new neckline and straps to be, but that ended up just being a bit of a disaster. So then I went to my trusty pattern stash and dug up <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/444589794440195081/">Simplicity 5461</a> (the dress pattern not the bear pattern) and used the tank pieces as a guide for a new neckline and armholes. After I cut the new neckline and armholes I realised that the neckline was far too low, revealing pretty much everything that shouldn't be revealed. I had 2 options: throwing it into the corner of the room and never speaking to it again, or just sticking back on the bit of the neckline that I had just cut off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLZHmR92JaQVKP8H6yqW4VYONGuMCtetnakI4tUOd1hEhfu34iqXbwxL-GNF7s4sp2D1ppnA3bLUksqjZ_2gN5hZtc91ElLJrmIfBOAN1U8UeSsfLMpgE55a8Nyud2c4hVbb2jPVGgYo/s1600/smIMG_1852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLZHmR92JaQVKP8H6yqW4VYONGuMCtetnakI4tUOd1hEhfu34iqXbwxL-GNF7s4sp2D1ppnA3bLUksqjZ_2gN5hZtc91ElLJrmIfBOAN1U8UeSsfLMpgE55a8Nyud2c4hVbb2jPVGgYo/s1600/smIMG_1852.jpg" /></a></div>
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I went with option 2 because without it my Amsterdam capsule wardrobe would be nothing. So, off to the ironing board I went, butted the bit of the neckline that I had just cut off to the top with some interfacing underneath and ironed it into place. Then I was just left with some raw edges to hide. After a rummage around my ribbon drawers I found this vintage lace trim which I think was handworked by one of my Mums friends Mothers. It was a perfect accent to a pretty simple top.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfwiF2F-LhNZK-gg0DvDXYlD6R5-V4iNKBA1CjeOcMqCWovgmYp1Ixnko0GF2ZSJCs_mX-4rUpxAB19qYFR4-hOsLZxrlKkse7fSxM8sUCwJ2pcpF1etTHKJF101-zvjWb9zNgIZATLQ/s1600/smIMG_1845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfwiF2F-LhNZK-gg0DvDXYlD6R5-V4iNKBA1CjeOcMqCWovgmYp1Ixnko0GF2ZSJCs_mX-4rUpxAB19qYFR4-hOsLZxrlKkse7fSxM8sUCwJ2pcpF1etTHKJF101-zvjWb9zNgIZATLQ/s1600/smIMG_1845.jpg" /></a></div>
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I could have left the trim on just the front of the top, but the shoulders were a bit wide so I used the trim across the shoulders to keep them in place, crossing them at the centre back. The back neckline I kept the same as the original low neckline so you can imagine where that would sit on my front. The side seams were already French seamed and the hem turned up twice which saved me some time. The only finishing I had to do was silk bias binding around the neckline and armholes. It ended up pretty short due to all of the chopping, but it's a perfect length with these jeans. I'm sad that summer is over so I can't wear it as much as it deserves. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLT48P13pQxEAFKGPz5QG7vmrqpQT_OeNEbuIyIIaZkwFkxeELBLPnUjkPL0F0-0qTsTQ1n81jSiBpR9BWYwPfgH6QESUROaHOfxMHJlDDJgIcxUH5VEWtd6N-pq13vtb9eG18GtkCcBw/s1600/smIMG_1864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLT48P13pQxEAFKGPz5QG7vmrqpQT_OeNEbuIyIIaZkwFkxeELBLPnUjkPL0F0-0qTsTQ1n81jSiBpR9BWYwPfgH6QESUROaHOfxMHJlDDJgIcxUH5VEWtd6N-pq13vtb9eG18GtkCcBw/s1600/smIMG_1864.jpg" /></a></div>
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Thanks very much for reading and to Ed for the photos!</div>
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Lauren xx</div>
<br />Lauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-45938474737930063712017-09-01T13:31:00.001-07:002017-09-01T13:31:37.782-07:00Summer ball dress 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello all! I've finally managed to get some pictures of my Summer Ball dress so let me tell you its story. I'll paint a picture for you: It's the end of the university year. Money has trickled out of the bank account until mere drops remain. There is no budget for fabric. There is no budget for alcohol. In these sad times one must make do and mend. I had two options. Option 1 was to make some kind of dress with the <a href="http://ladysewalot.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/floral-scuba-sophie-bikini.html">floral scuba I made my bikini from</a>. Option 2 was to whack a bodice onto my <a href="http://ladysewalot.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/metallic-circle-skirt.html">gathered silver circle skirt</a>, made a few months ago. I decided that now was the time to go big and have some fun. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO_q0D6MpDVp1CpO0HQHSAe-Rdt7ynQuhvxJmK9kqoituenTMw5zl6lWy_tTSr-RpczmnfNAb-RxUtaGqVHCad5hKc7uIyMo_G7FDRvqwjqnB9qKWublXrdR4WQCpiAgnsV0utCLU2mI/s1600/smIMG_1790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO_q0D6MpDVp1CpO0HQHSAe-Rdt7ynQuhvxJmK9kqoituenTMw5zl6lWy_tTSr-RpczmnfNAb-RxUtaGqVHCad5hKc7uIyMo_G7FDRvqwjqnB9qKWublXrdR4WQCpiAgnsV0utCLU2mI/s1600/smIMG_1790.jpg" /></a></div>
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I was told in no uncertain terms that top-to-toe silver would be too much, and turn me into the tin man from Wizard of Oz. In fact, this turned out to be quite a popular opinion. But, I had a vision and I was determined to see it through. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgal8U2tYwzsPnk66LjENAksrQKOyvoavdhlGMWxdeYru8imbC_Wqvh7g29NnoQM7FeZEz5yJyB1vqT1NfjZ8g9fEygwotjh5qiTpWt-2NeyxWnZIn4KlL8HYj1lIlGVG6KZCSGd17U_Gs/s1600/smIMG_1786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgal8U2tYwzsPnk66LjENAksrQKOyvoavdhlGMWxdeYru8imbC_Wqvh7g29NnoQM7FeZEz5yJyB1vqT1NfjZ8g9fEygwotjh5qiTpWt-2NeyxWnZIn4KlL8HYj1lIlGVG6KZCSGd17U_Gs/s1600/smIMG_1786.jpg" /></a></div>
In terms of construction for the midriff panel I used the pattern piece from <a href="http://wearinghistory.clothing/e-pattern-dahlia-1940s-gathered-blouse/">Wearing History's Dahlia top pattern</a> and I started off with 2 long triangles for the bust covering pieces. I first slipstitched the bottom of the midriff panel to the bottom of the existing skirt waistband. Then I put on the skirt, pinned the tops of the 2 triangles together to form a halterneck and tucked the ends of the 2 triangles into the skirt. My dear friend Bethan then plonked in the safety pins to determine the neckline, sidelines and attaching the bust bits to the midriff panel. Next I detached the bust bits, made the adjustments, lined them with some black chiffon I had lying around and sewed them onto the midriff panel. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXQ2IQHeTIvaDNQHlNR4QRBaoKXPJ_vGxJiJhFgmA9-cURx6AaVeIcrWTXhyuOXvIm23ycCtDOJBJ1N30YBS5VH4cWdd9WAxkmr2oft2Nuc2W5T1DnMi3rOd5wvzx-HTUiQ-rPtqAOMg/s1600/smIMG_1747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXQ2IQHeTIvaDNQHlNR4QRBaoKXPJ_vGxJiJhFgmA9-cURx6AaVeIcrWTXhyuOXvIm23ycCtDOJBJ1N30YBS5VH4cWdd9WAxkmr2oft2Nuc2W5T1DnMi3rOd5wvzx-HTUiQ-rPtqAOMg/s1600/smIMG_1747.jpg" /></a></div>
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Since the skirt was already finished, the bodice part really didn't take very long, although I would have really struggled with the fit without Bethan's help (Thank you Bethan!) It's certainly not a quiet piece of clothing, but then I'm not a very quiet person so perhaps we match each other quite well. The full skirt in particular was very good for the pimms induced dancing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRFi490BwVOuF4KBiszjbuIg6VHFJ16gfi4ObmfYlrXtaD_bY1gwQGlBmemu-HvfzmVx00suwilAHcAcPwtV_mD4NzSoS2jocCO1RJc_SsTWs0iu-R6kVTblCWfF6IfpFAzdmWraXt5o/s1600/smIMG_1778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRFi490BwVOuF4KBiszjbuIg6VHFJ16gfi4ObmfYlrXtaD_bY1gwQGlBmemu-HvfzmVx00suwilAHcAcPwtV_mD4NzSoS2jocCO1RJc_SsTWs0iu-R6kVTblCWfF6IfpFAzdmWraXt5o/s1600/smIMG_1778.jpg" /></a></div>
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Thanks for reading and to Ed for taking pictures!</div>
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Lauren xx</div>
<br />Lauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-58391999406082909622017-08-24T16:44:00.004-07:002017-08-24T16:44:48.481-07:00Floral scuba Sophie bikini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! Today I'm going to share this years <a href="https://store.closetcasepatterns.com/products/sophie-swimsuit-pattern">Sophie bikini </a>with you. <a href="http://ladysewalot.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/closet-case-files-sophie-swimsuit.html">You can see last years here</a> and this year I even managed to replace the pint sized paddling pool with the real deal! My friend thought I was braving the 7 hour Megabus to Wales for her but it was actually for those sweet sweet seaside pics.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNfVEO-nakMeBaHD8NvjCqjKbRLl8PJ1FZ7vc8ZZKvuN2g4zJKHOTIZyuqvHLglwsVp2FSwemiA1PbjfytgpfPp4xeQcCKmsmZmiTynVysrrjVlzycBD1dYVQcQdwFLv6zXtXW92rusY/s1600/IMG_1532+%25282%2529sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNfVEO-nakMeBaHD8NvjCqjKbRLl8PJ1FZ7vc8ZZKvuN2g4zJKHOTIZyuqvHLglwsVp2FSwemiA1PbjfytgpfPp4xeQcCKmsmZmiTynVysrrjVlzycBD1dYVQcQdwFLv6zXtXW92rusY/s1600/IMG_1532+%25282%2529sm.jpg" /></a></div>
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This year I actually managed to acquire some foam (for the princely sum of £12.50 for half a metre) which was very painful to hand over the money for at the till seeing as I only needed 10cm worth. Let's say it's an investment for my next 10 years of bra/swimwear making. I also bought proper rubber elastic for the first time. Of course I failed to purchase enough, so had to make do with clear elastic for the rest. I only remembered about swimsuit clasps when I got home, so I stole this one from last years bikini. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0l2Y3JOMCdeGjeXEWVaviyE4MgAmTtCjTexuSazrfAGOmpSgYibolmArk7OWJtNFN5QrAycsj3MEo_roJu2mv3Kbiy1Av_GohkrashVYwNSAJ-9x5s3XJZ2gUReQyh2U062o1rKevMrY/s1600/IMG_1556+%25283%2529sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0l2Y3JOMCdeGjeXEWVaviyE4MgAmTtCjTexuSazrfAGOmpSgYibolmArk7OWJtNFN5QrAycsj3MEo_roJu2mv3Kbiy1Av_GohkrashVYwNSAJ-9x5s3XJZ2gUReQyh2U062o1rKevMrY/s1600/IMG_1556+%25283%2529sm.jpg" /></a></div>
The pattern for the bikini bottoms was my standard pants pattern which was originally copied from one of my existing pairs of pants. Now I attempted to account for the fact that I was making these in scuba by adding 1cm to the waistline WHICH WAS NOT ENOUGH. Hence the added panel at the top. According to my Mother they look a bit tight, and as per, she is right. Probably should have sized up all over. They aren't circulation-cutting-off-tight though so perfectly wearable. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigD7S0601zEC4D89_3x55FIrIcM7Un6pa8pAU44UnHwurOU-3dNJNry3C62zkpi7sgBfL7FTX8aZAj5fHTap_QGzdAHVbeCg5aOQ4b2o2T25a6LgjC1SnVk2jm3obov5gDRDaMhN4c0tM/s1600/IMG_1560+%25283%2529sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigD7S0601zEC4D89_3x55FIrIcM7Un6pa8pAU44UnHwurOU-3dNJNry3C62zkpi7sgBfL7FTX8aZAj5fHTap_QGzdAHVbeCg5aOQ4b2o2T25a6LgjC1SnVk2jm3obov5gDRDaMhN4c0tM/s1600/IMG_1560+%25283%2529sm.jpg" /></a></div>
In terms of the bikini top I had a few issues. Mostly because I'm an idiot and used the pattern pieces I had when testing the pattern before they were altered for the final version. I made a couple of test versions of different cup sizes in the foam to double check sizes before committing to the fabric. I had SO much fun butting the edges of the foam together and zigzagging. Talking of fabric, I used scuba because it's what I had. I couldn't find any existing Sophie's made from scuba but it has been used by various people for underwear so I decided that was enough to go ahead. I ended up going up 3 cup sizes mainly because the foam lessens the stretch (I think?), pinched a bit of the gaping at the top cup out, recut and took some width out of the bridge to get what you see before you today. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39u5nrU9TPZplCBR4yyeiiPI09GWZop07h6WmP4aYtG2z1lCEOeForWZos2i6pnNg5hrlbUe676usdbX0tHVdUG5almPnsolmbypbR4UB4DCw9vIIuhS3cDxb0O14EM3Bzz3nQ-kcmWA/s1600/IMG_1569+%25283%2529sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39u5nrU9TPZplCBR4yyeiiPI09GWZop07h6WmP4aYtG2z1lCEOeForWZos2i6pnNg5hrlbUe676usdbX0tHVdUG5almPnsolmbypbR4UB4DCw9vIIuhS3cDxb0O14EM3Bzz3nQ-kcmWA/s1600/IMG_1569+%25283%2529sm.jpg" /></a></div>
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Said Welsh friend received a very up close and person video call to help me assess all aspects of fit. (Cheers MK.) Although it took a bit of trial and error to get it just right I'm pretty happy with what I've ended up with. It survived an (admittedly short) session of snorkelling, and what more can you ask of a swimsuit? The bridge doesn't lay flat but I'm not sure if that's because I didn't put wires in or if my boobs aren't big enough or if the fit is just wrong? Or maybe all 3. Anyway, it's the nicest bikini I've ever owned. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kwqtJ8zpMLGmud_w03qevTc5hWqLNWx6ZsxaSOSLa_sF6wdbHWSbHGbXp1fHGy8H1dGWniOeMaIFjwOwTv5ZGyJEgLc7QRtUklhfEb8cqOU7ClP8i3NTNQcmZ4J_Ztd6_kRsPg_u22s/s1600/IMG_1579+%25283%2529sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kwqtJ8zpMLGmud_w03qevTc5hWqLNWx6ZsxaSOSLa_sF6wdbHWSbHGbXp1fHGy8H1dGWniOeMaIFjwOwTv5ZGyJEgLc7QRtUklhfEb8cqOU7ClP8i3NTNQcmZ4J_Ztd6_kRsPg_u22s/s1600/IMG_1579+%25283%2529sm.jpg" /></a></div>
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Thanks very much for reading and to MK and Paul for the photos,</div>
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Lauren xx</div>
<br />Lauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-48187473541069266652017-08-18T05:20:00.004-07:002017-08-18T05:20:49.492-07:00Classic white shirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! For <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/white-linen-shirt">this months Minerva project</a> I wanted to make a classic. Something that would stand the test of time. Something that would go with every piece of clothing I own. Cue the white linen shirt. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7ryLs5oFMSt-3Dyhw7mlRSV9Nk6QdxHoheoiEv52GkiuiQqr4suwTi5v5H585tB_HKsOrs_3EdCdvFqAxwAt_cixhEDkCfhSHXePzKfLItuFPGbgmiXAOi4YfwkHwU5bDMd-dP-aMvM/s1600/IMG_1621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7ryLs5oFMSt-3Dyhw7mlRSV9Nk6QdxHoheoiEv52GkiuiQqr4suwTi5v5H585tB_HKsOrs_3EdCdvFqAxwAt_cixhEDkCfhSHXePzKfLItuFPGbgmiXAOi4YfwkHwU5bDMd-dP-aMvM/s640/IMG_1621.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/white-linen-shirt">You can read all of the gory details here.</a></div>
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Thanks very much to <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/white-linen-shirt">Minerva Crafts for providing the supplies</a> for this make and to Dad for being a gem and stopping off at a stately home on the way home from uni for pictures. </div>
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Lauren xx</div>
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Lauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-89029519897810811412017-08-16T12:24:00.001-07:002017-08-16T12:24:58.404-07:00Ruffle Wrap Skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! Today I have a new skirt to share with you. It's not the quietest of skirts. In fact I'd go as far as to say that it makes quite a statement. I haven't quite decided whether I like the statement it makes or not, so please leave thoughts and opinions in the comments!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2PqMxt97RdtIo0_oxlt0mjLVJT7-AXS5OmEL1CR8jyVNJo_cL2ipShjz8HFUoaKVQswthu-ChC0xuhpaWTpZBN6A6w6u1_WjBKKbqVX7xC_a_GgoEx-LAF_aKLOG02TDCZzmZuf1OWM/s1600/smIMG_1518+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2PqMxt97RdtIo0_oxlt0mjLVJT7-AXS5OmEL1CR8jyVNJo_cL2ipShjz8HFUoaKVQswthu-ChC0xuhpaWTpZBN6A6w6u1_WjBKKbqVX7xC_a_GgoEx-LAF_aKLOG02TDCZzmZuf1OWM/s1600/smIMG_1518+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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First lets talk about the fabric. This is a<a href="http://ladysewalot.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/fabric-dyeing-experiments-flour-paste.html"> cotton that I crinkle dyed with flour </a>not one but two whole summers ago. It was originally intended for a coat, but then I came to my senses and realised that there was in fact nothing less suitable to make a coat out of and so it was shelved until another million dollar idea hit. The million dollar idea didn't hit until a few months ago when I read <a href="http://the-atlantic-pacific.com/2017/04/28/tales-barcelona-ruffle-wrap-skirt/">this blog post.</a> I loved the drama of the skirt and decided that I needed my own. A quick peruse of the stash led me to this beauty and I got cutting. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlvtsjPw2QY-gi6my5PrDujtefXEkKhQ1VMBReQSN0ChGg6QSGPTV7B9_s7cGxrNZPOMYcT90qqtedY62H_jmOpH63RtwY0Rv20Yj91gjd13uYLIDAM5OVvPjOylyWEw-z364YlBYLNA/s1600/smIMG_1526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlvtsjPw2QY-gi6my5PrDujtefXEkKhQ1VMBReQSN0ChGg6QSGPTV7B9_s7cGxrNZPOMYcT90qqtedY62H_jmOpH63RtwY0Rv20Yj91gjd13uYLIDAM5OVvPjOylyWEw-z364YlBYLNA/s1600/smIMG_1526.jpg" /></a></div>
I used a vintage wrap skirt pattern that I unfortunately can't name because I left it in London (I'm finally home for the summer, yay full fridge!) I cut the skirt with a high low hem and then added a massive gathered rectangle for the ruffle. A pro tip is to hem the gigantic rectangle before you attach it to the skirt. It turns out that the hem had quite a big circumference so the gigantic rectangle wasn't quite as gathered as I would have liked, but you've got to work with what you have. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCCnrZK3RRSpQnIIlRs_9N5y9m4MH4Z-0jMMWYAaeawfwQRiv2eHc2a03fiPS1JfxkLKCRQSR5Je0NLg-M0Ldh8qecD5F-sjU6EpgVdIDBLzYMq-4BzOupN9wPNQ-GwUITpRPt3aORHE/s1600/smIMG_1521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCCnrZK3RRSpQnIIlRs_9N5y9m4MH4Z-0jMMWYAaeawfwQRiv2eHc2a03fiPS1JfxkLKCRQSR5Je0NLg-M0Ldh8qecD5F-sjU6EpgVdIDBLzYMq-4BzOupN9wPNQ-GwUITpRPt3aORHE/s1600/smIMG_1521.jpg" /></a></div>
The skirt is simply wrapped around the body and tied at the side. I learnt on the walk to uni that there is a reason why there is a button to secure the wrap on the other side, because if it is not secured it will fall down and you will almost flash the world just when walking past the local primary school. I haven't finished the ruffle seam edge yet because I can't quite decide what I think of it. Is it beach appropriate only or can I somehow incorporate it into my summer wardrobe?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CkzBZvuB1XZ3I7XhOSN5yFdBoOtHwSza_gBlBknqGVnaIU0MRtdiDkmIi-5bD07lyK8cXtVbTp6bCJoJTAh3MAJSQfiklz7XyCc6ru96-3Ur03VSeEfoleUwEWHM0LDiFm76wGVBge0/s1600/smIMG_1525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CkzBZvuB1XZ3I7XhOSN5yFdBoOtHwSza_gBlBknqGVnaIU0MRtdiDkmIi-5bD07lyK8cXtVbTp6bCJoJTAh3MAJSQfiklz7XyCc6ru96-3Ur03VSeEfoleUwEWHM0LDiFm76wGVBge0/s1600/smIMG_1525.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anyway, thanks for reading as always. I hope that you are all having lovely summers/winters wherever you are. Thanks to Paul for the photos and MK for directing. We got some cracking poses in there. </div>
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Lauren xx</div>
<br />Lauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-12894299352783796222017-07-21T13:14:00.003-07:002017-07-21T13:14:29.882-07:00Black Linen Jumpsuit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! Sorry for my absence on the blog of late. I do have things to show you, it's just a matter of getting pictures! Please bear with me.mThis months <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/linen-jumpsuit">Minerva Make</a> is a linen jumpsuit. In my last term at uni I made a costume for a show that was put on in central London. Whilst the show was on, I was one of the dressers for the production. This mainly involved helping the actors get ready and helping with any costume changes that needed to be done during the show. The dress code for dressers is full blacks, and the week of the show it was boiling hot in London so I needed something to wear that covered most of my skin whilst still keeping me as cool as possible. My answer to this was a linen jumpsuit which I could easily whack a long sleeve t-shirt over the top of if I needed to. You can read all about the making process <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/linen-jumpsuit">over at the Minerva blog here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceXX7fyfTuSJJma-WxNY8_sJOxrqCICQe_Woi0UCUahBBmG1zKoSAHVCfh_sv3eznFf3QR4Y-vEt9DUQqm1qsZd4TEN93ojNp0P0JCR2T9mebHC_9Kq8WXzh4gmkDoNWiV8kjZXY36rg/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceXX7fyfTuSJJma-WxNY8_sJOxrqCICQe_Woi0UCUahBBmG1zKoSAHVCfh_sv3eznFf3QR4Y-vEt9DUQqm1qsZd4TEN93ojNp0P0JCR2T9mebHC_9Kq8WXzh4gmkDoNWiV8kjZXY36rg/s640/IMG_1507.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Thanks very much for reading, to <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/linen-jumpsuit">Minerva Crafts</a> for all the supplies for this project and to Beth for taking the photos,<br />
Lauren xx<br />
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<br />Lauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-62903650631119062822017-06-18T04:42:00.003-07:002017-06-18T04:42:20.718-07:00Stripey jumpsuit and cropped blouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! This months Minerva Make is a double whammy. A stripy jumpsuit and a white off the shoulder cropped blouse. The original plan was trousers and a white buttondown shirt, but my brain had other plans. You can <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/stripey-jumpsuit---cropped-blouse">read the whole story over here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnLPdPsh5wSRkvsvtReM80TGLDUQLPQ7AogqxqKM_GJ1iDSotaSM_ybLudUFZv22waFSlZOsHtrtRAoMXST3Q6_oAUFZXGJWypxm2dEbhSgsxuhILbUXAth38wRArNyY9Qqn-nyV4pbU/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnLPdPsh5wSRkvsvtReM80TGLDUQLPQ7AogqxqKM_GJ1iDSotaSM_ybLudUFZv22waFSlZOsHtrtRAoMXST3Q6_oAUFZXGJWypxm2dEbhSgsxuhILbUXAth38wRArNyY9Qqn-nyV4pbU/s640/IMG_1472.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
Thanks very much for reading, to Minerva Crafts for the supplies for this project and to Abby for taking the pictures!<br />
Lauren xxLauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-60936784037906393102017-05-28T02:01:00.000-07:002017-05-28T02:01:06.325-07:00Stripey Eurovision Top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello all! This top was born purely because of Eurovision. For the party I was going to we were required to dress as a country and as I already had the<a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/red---navy-stripes"> perfect outfit for France</a> I thought that it was a no brainer. However, the <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/red---navy-stripes">stripey top I had planned to wear</a> was in the washing basket, with no hope of being washed or dried in time. Luckily I had some spare fabric left over, and just enough time to whip up a new top. This one is decidedly more summery than the last, and I'm in love. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWuKGHFmuqWp5Xp91JnEptuHdQcyN4bvb9hAkPoCEj5Dxb0XPoh4VtWraDQcp3Wo4gjXprYVCEbhANpEtAWeGxtPwCPCM6onxBMTEO7gUa2rXaRiATAa6kyOaB5DZLEjfeGNbIRTzkq8/s1600/IMG_1455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWuKGHFmuqWp5Xp91JnEptuHdQcyN4bvb9hAkPoCEj5Dxb0XPoh4VtWraDQcp3Wo4gjXprYVCEbhANpEtAWeGxtPwCPCM6onxBMTEO7gUa2rXaRiATAa6kyOaB5DZLEjfeGNbIRTzkq8/s640/IMG_1455.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
I used the Noelle bra pattern as a vague vague guide for neckline and armholes, and then I just extended the armhole to a point so I basically ended up with a trapezium. I finished the front neckline first and then bound the side edges from the bottom up so that they could extend into straps. The hem is also bound and the ends extends into straps to tie at the back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MztHQvL_Vn2Oou9TqAvUOD9DxkwpgGtnzF7YWe0Xj4ypB2NlET6hPZuZAUJYOoK2vnvyXA2var2Yw4vg4nEsLeyU117wZqIbbr5kP-Rda-mtFxo1c667vFMcVgcAn2HmtCP2tvXAY2g/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MztHQvL_Vn2Oou9TqAvUOD9DxkwpgGtnzF7YWe0Xj4ypB2NlET6hPZuZAUJYOoK2vnvyXA2var2Yw4vg4nEsLeyU117wZqIbbr5kP-Rda-mtFxo1c667vFMcVgcAn2HmtCP2tvXAY2g/s640/IMG_1457.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I ended up just making some pleats at the front just to get the fit a bit tighter at the waist. Sometimes when worn, there is a bit of gaping at the sides and I wonder how best it would be to fix it. Darts at the side of the bust would ruin the stripes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtt_Ua5ns_bqpBjxgF41sWnjHaCnR4IFaIh0UXT7G1BFSitkentTb_uIRU8noG-syWSaNPcnoqquNqiPt5fwswShqGHfcCaktdjyPJkk9z_o3o52tLsaMcQT0PHllDGIlcAGRRMWoLNtM/s1600/IMG_1459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtt_Ua5ns_bqpBjxgF41sWnjHaCnR4IFaIh0UXT7G1BFSitkentTb_uIRU8noG-syWSaNPcnoqquNqiPt5fwswShqGHfcCaktdjyPJkk9z_o3o52tLsaMcQT0PHllDGIlcAGRRMWoLNtM/s640/IMG_1459.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
It was planned as a halterneck but after a while I decided that life was too short for that amount of weight on the back of my neck so my good friend Amy tied those straps to the waist straps for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARIKO738Iv3ScIQC-j1-30mgiWKiLa3CVXbEE2VKUxWUZ1AOkU1PGembVc6Wy-UTPGzArUyDMgIx38q-KT7Om2Terb3PFAYqa8Bzokx17XOHx1WXq1CnzLd8fnf1AJcM493NWRozyeLw/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARIKO738Iv3ScIQC-j1-30mgiWKiLa3CVXbEE2VKUxWUZ1AOkU1PGembVc6Wy-UTPGzArUyDMgIx38q-KT7Om2Terb3PFAYqa8Bzokx17XOHx1WXq1CnzLd8fnf1AJcM493NWRozyeLw/s640/IMG_1469.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
It makes for the perfect summer top. Elegant, cool to wear, but covers what needs to be covered.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpudYvzExfPLT6xD8pebgnvZUBQmRBWf2CrQFI-E_APpv3FG_6Qg37g7KzJCu22pYLUheDwR4r_7ZkPEuK5dnvW0DtI2J969PLuRsAi0L3vtI7bkvqJGl5H288ohFVfRJXG_CsX7ONwaM/s1600/IMG_1465sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpudYvzExfPLT6xD8pebgnvZUBQmRBWf2CrQFI-E_APpv3FG_6Qg37g7KzJCu22pYLUheDwR4r_7ZkPEuK5dnvW0DtI2J969PLuRsAi0L3vtI7bkvqJGl5H288ohFVfRJXG_CsX7ONwaM/s1600/IMG_1465sm.jpg" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1694370135"></span><span id="goog_1694370136"></span>Thanks very much for reading and to Bethan for taking these photos!<br />
Lauren xxLauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567993475128005027.post-46064609713446041812017-05-19T00:27:00.002-07:002017-05-19T00:27:50.621-07:00Floral Trousers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello all! This months <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/blogger-network/post/floral-trousers">Minerva Make</a> is a very fun pair of trousers. Slightly clown-like perhaps, but fun nonetheless. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWs_4Fm3qpWZ7vf39yMILBknqiN_wEXjiE4nz7JSuRhkLjWjZMRNEKhuWozFgzGmhl3xaEEz7sLbh9xR9wcj7BJXbz-e8K3rxQzkwWA27kQBNBGiSmi03uEGO8P-76972cfPtdG7NdiM/s1600/ft10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWs_4Fm3qpWZ7vf39yMILBknqiN_wEXjiE4nz7JSuRhkLjWjZMRNEKhuWozFgzGmhl3xaEEz7sLbh9xR9wcj7BJXbz-e8K3rxQzkwWA27kQBNBGiSmi03uEGO8P-76972cfPtdG7NdiM/s640/ft10.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Thanks for reading, to <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/">Minerva Crafts</a> for providing the supplies for this project and to Bethan and MK for photo taking! </div>
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Lauren xx</div>
<br />Lauren Digbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779348551475151405noreply@blogger.com