Whilst I'm Away..

Hi!

For the next 4 weeks I'll be on a family holiday in Italy (yay!) so won't be blogging during that time.

I will, no doubt, be scouring the beautiful country side for Italian made fabrics (don't tell Hubs, he doesn't know yet!).  Finding locally made fabric is part of my commitment to only buying ethically made / produced fabric.  You can read more about that in my previous post "Dear Fabric, Where do you come from".

For those who don't sew and/or are wanting to make ethical purchases in ready to wear clothing I suggest you check out the lovely Beth at Tall Fashion Adventures and read about her commitment to buying ethically made clothing (link here).

During Fashion Revolution week last month I felt even more inspired to pursue my goal of only buying ethically produced fabric (and clothing, but I buy very little clothing).  To be honest, I felt a little high and mighty because I was already doing this... wasn't I special?!  Then I saw this post on IG from @fash_rev_ausnz which knocked me right off my high horse:

 

I have been guilty of buying cheap fabric of unknown origin in the past. Just as I have been guilty of buying fast fashion; cheap, nasty and not built to last. 

 

However, now I know better and will not do so moving forward.  Are you with me?

Wrap Dress.

Hello!

Oh how I do love a wrap dress. 

When I saw this dress from Long Tall Sally I was inspired.

I had some knit fabric (gifted) in my stash that would be ideal.  Now knit fabric strikes fear into my heart; I'm not good at sewing with it and it makes me nervous and sweaty.  I know where I stand with woven fabric, but knits are an entirely different beast!  I'm trying to overcome my fear and improve my technique one garment at a time.

For this dress I used Kwik Sew pattern K3489 which is a knee length dress.  I extended it to be maxi length and added length to the sleeves (standard for me!).  I also added about 3 cm (just over an inch) to the bodice, however it was too long and I had to take it up.  This fabric seemed to grow as I sewed and after first wear I had to re-hem it as I was stepping on the bottom.  Knit fabric witch craft I tell you!

I am happy with the dress as it's very comfy, however I still may take it in a little in the body.

A windy day is less than ideal for wearing a wrap dress!

Oh so glamorous!  Trying to hold my dress closed and hair blowing in my face!