As part of #naturallydyedwardrobe, I’ve been thinking about the plants I can gather to create natural dyes. It’s obviously important when gathering plants that you aren’t having a detrimental effect on the environment you are harvesting in. Many dyers work with a 10 – 20% rule, only taking a maximum of 10 – 20% of the […]
A Naturally Dyed Wardrobe: Gathering Dye Plants Read More »
This evening, I’m going to a Morrissey gig in Birmingham, and I made a new tee to wear. Years ago, I used to regularly customise RTW t-shirts, by appliqueing designs on the front. I made an appliqued Morrissey t-shirt using this exact design about ten years ago (also to wear to a gig). I still had
Screenprinted Morrissey Tonic Tee Read More »
I’m teaming up with UK fashion reuse charity TRAID today to promote their #SewSolidarity challenge, and I really hope you’ll get involved. On April 24th it will be two years since the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh. At least 1,133 garment workers were killed, and over 2,500 injured in the collapse. Many
Sewists, Show Your #SewSolidarity with Garment Workers Worldwide Read More »
So, after 9 (I think…) years dating, I finally sewed something for Phil;) To make up for lost time, I started with a fairly substantial make, a coat. This is Thread Theory’s Goldstream Peacoat. I know Lauren has written about this before, but coat making isn’t necessarily that hard, it’s just looooong. The construction of this Peacoat
Goldstream Peacoat Read More »
It’s been a really busy week, so this is just a quick post with another Linden Sweatshirt. This quilted Linden was started with the leftover fabric from this quilted jacket, however I didn’t have quite enough so ended up going back to Barry’s for an extra 1/2 metre! Not such successful stash busting… The ribbing WAS
Red Quilted Linden Read More »
As part of #naturallydyedwardrobe, I’ve been busy buying seeds. Marigold Seeds We’re lucky to have a small garden where I can plant dye plants, but many would be suitable to grow in a pot on a balcony, or indoors. I’ve ordered six different types of seed, I had to stop myself from buying any more at
A Naturally Dyed Wardrobe: Growing Dye Plants Read More »
These ain’t your beginners’ pjs! I’m happy to say that I finished my Carolyn Pajamas in time for Monday’s pajama party deadline. I’m in the office on Monday, but I’ll be wearing them in spirit and putting them on for some luxurious lounging in the evening. Unlike a lot of pyjama patterns, these aren’t a
Bertie Wooster PJs: Marbled Carolyn Pajamas Read More »
As part of #naturallydyedwardrobe, I’ve been making plans for the year; what I’m planning to grow, gather and buy to create natural dyes. I’m starting today with the ‘store cupboard’ items that I’m thinking about trying. Some really impressive results can be obtained from easily obtainable food stuffs. They’re also easy to use, as many
A Naturally Dyed Wardrobe: Store Cupboard Dyeing Read More »
Ok guys, I’ve been busy scheming and I’ve got some plans to share with you today that I’m really excited about. Lately, I’m really excited about natural dyes. There is some really exciting stuff happening in the knitting community with natural dyes, but I’ve seen less amongst sewists. I think probably because wool takes natural
A Naturally Dyed Wardrobe Read More »
Have you seen the Japan Sew Along (#jsa2015), taking place on Tanoshii? I learned about it on Instagram, courtesy of Sew Busy Lizzy. This is my contribution to the sew-along, based on the short variation of the Balloon Skirt from Stylish Skirts: 23 Simple Designs to Flatter Every Figure by Sato Watanabe. The premise of Stylish Skirts is that the book
Balloon Skirt from Stylish Skirts Read More »