Designer Dresses

It is virtually unheard of but this is my second blog post of the day!

Just in case I give the impression that all I do these days is sit and knit I would like to redress the balance by reporting some of my other projects - that are still Martha related but involve getting out my lovely Benina sewing machine and the good old ironing board and iron. Consequently I need a decent chunk of time to make it worth while getting set up and that is something I'm a bit short on.

A sample for a college assignment

Detail of embroidery



When I was studying for my degree in Textile and Surface Design I had to complete a fashion module. As I was a mature student (very mature!) I chose to work on children's fashion as I felt I was much more knowledgeable about this market than other areas and went on to design several dresses on the theme of "creatures that visit the garden". I loved every minute of it from dying fabrics, appliqueing motifs and embroidering details before making up the garment fronts. As a result I was awarded a Madeira Scholarship for this work!
When I was given some lovely needle cord from my neice I dragged the samples out from their folder to act as inspiration for a pinefore I planned to make for Martha using this fabric. The samples happened to be the right size for her - much to the frustration of my daughter who would have liked the whole dress and not just the front.
I set to work using an ancient pattern but adding my own twist to it.

The Construction Process

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The Fun Bit

Fabric Paints, Buttons and Embroidery

Martha wearing grandma's creation.