Nearly done

So my dress is finally taking shape! I admit I've had a couple a lot of problems, part of this is down to the pattern, as mentioned in this post one of the pattern pieces had the wrong name on it, I also find some of the instructions and diagrams too vague, maybe it's because I'm not experienced with patterns. The other thing that's caused me problems is, I fear, my lack of experience and sewing skills. It may have been too soon for me to attempt a dress, even though it states it's an easy pattern. It's the band around the bodice that I've struggled with so once I'm finished I'm going to try something a bit simpler. I have a pattern for a summery top with no band so that will be my next project. Below is a pic of my dress at the moment, I need to finish attaching the zip, fold over and sew the band around the top and sew the hem. I'm going to try to get it done tomorrow.

I pledged for Me-Made-March in my last post but there's only 8 days left until it begins and I still only have a couple of items that I can wear! I'm not giving up yet though, my problems with the dress has set me back but I've nearly finished it and once it's done I have a couple of quick refashions to do then I can start on the summery top I have planned. So as they say in those overly dramatic TV programs: I'm down but not out yet!

Me-made-March: My pledge

I am really excited right now because I've just signed up on Zoe's blog for Me-made-March! So without any further ado heres my pledge:
'I, Hayley from http://gohandmade.blogspot.com/ sign up as a participant of Me-Made-March '11. I endeavour to wear one handmade piece of clothing or accessory each day for the duration of March 2011'

Woohoo! This is the motivation I need to get some serious sewing done by March as at the moment I only have one belt and one skirt that I have made myself and I need to make a slip for the skirt before I dare wear it in public as I realised too late that the material is kinda, well, thin. Oh well, live and learn. So right now the plan is to finish New Look 6789, which unfortunately I'm still having trouble with the instructions but I'm slowly getting with help from the mother. Then I'm going to make some more skirts using New Look 6004 and have a go at making some long T-shirt dresses that I can wear with leggings. I'll have to make another one of Tilly's belts too, as I love the black one I made. Maybe I'll make it in navy blue or postbox red, ooo the possibilities!

A slight obsession

When Downton Abbey was first released I thought it would another boring period drama, not my thing. But I admit I was completely wrong! I groaned when my mam "booked" the TV (does anyone do this or is it just my family?) and put it on but within 20 minutes I was hooked and religiously watched the rest of the series week by week. I won't go on too much about the great characters and addictive storyline but what I really want to talk about is the amazing costumes. I'm slightly in love with the summery dresses that the three daughters wore on the last episode to a garden party but there were some some great styles and prints throughout the series.


I love the floaty style of these dresses



Gorgeous gloves and love that dress!

I've never really been into vintage styles but the material and shapes of the dresses has won me over. I even like the scullery maid (Daisy's) outfit, even if it is her uniform and she wears it to peel potatoes.




Daisy's uniform, I especially like the pale pink blouse

My favourite costume of the series has to be Sybil's amazing floaty trousers. On the photo they look like a skirt but are actually really wide legged trousers cuffed at the ankle like haram pants that Sybil wears when she wants to prove that women should be able to wear trousers too. Good for her!



Absolutely adore that colour and the fabric

 I can't wait for Downton Abbey to return in Autumn but I won't give any spoilers for series 1 as I believe it has only just started being aired in America and I don't want to ruin the storyline for any yanks reading this! All I will say is if you haven't seen it, it is well worth a watch.