Showing posts with label Christine Haynes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christine Haynes. Show all posts

Sunday, 22 February 2015

My first Christine Haynes Emery dress...


Apologies for the short break from blogging. This was due to work (lots to do at the moment), the flu and a Lunar New Year holiday to Bangkok. During this time, I have been sewing, but just not getting chance to take photos. In the next couple of days I will update you on my most recent makes. 

The first one I would like to introduce you to is my Emery dress. It's probably one of the most tweeted/blogged about patterns that I had not yet tried. I got the pattern as part of my Christmas gift from my Grandma-in-law and had been waiting for the perfect fabric to make it up in. 


On a recent visit to Sham Shui Po fabric market, I managed to pick up this stunning little number. A lightweight cotton chambray with a red/pink rose print. I had to buy 6 yards as it was a cut length. But for only $120HKD, it was a complete bargain! 



The actual process of making this dress was fairly straight forward. I had to make some minor adjustments on the back shoulder darts as it was gaping at the neck. I made each one 1cm larger, which solved the problem perfectly. 

It had been a while since I added pockets to the seam of a skirt, so I had to follow the instructions quite closely. Even doing this I made a slight mistake. I actually set the pockets down about 4cm from the waist, which in the past I had done on all side seam pockets. These ones are in fact supposed to be attached to the waist seam. The finished result does not have any ill effects from this and they're actually at the perfect height for me. I think raising them would not make them as comfortable.

Overall, i'm really pleased with the outcome. This dress shape and style will be perfect for both work and play. I think that I need to make one with a contrast collar and maybe a softer fabric in the not too distant future. I'm so happy that the Emery worked out as well for me as it has done for so many people! 


What do you think of the 'oh so popular' Emery dress pattern?

Sunday, 4 January 2015

Christmas sewing gifts!


So, the big day has been and gone and i've travelled more than 20,000km over the festive period. I'm back in Hong Kong reviewing my lovely Christmas gifts and finally getting the chance to blog. After putting in a few speculative hints, I am now the proud owner of both the Christine Haynes 'Emery' pattern and the Deer and Doe 'Sureau' pattern. These are two that I wanted to get in printed format and International delivery is never favourable. I'm very excited to make both of them! I certainly think a toile will be in order for both as they feature sleeves (a problem I came across in my festive Mortmain). I'm now on the search for some suitable, lovely fabric (I have a few ideas already - to follow). 


In addition to the patterns, I also received two smashing books! The Famous Frocks - Little Black Dress book and Gertie sews vintage casual. Both were on my amazon wish list (good job I helpfully emailed it to my husband!)and will be put to use as soon as possible. I love the style of Gertie's writing and it's great how she instructs you on how to adapt and create your patterns from the basics. The Famous Frocks book is just a classic to add to my library and will give me some super inspiration for when I start being more creative with my pattern cutting. Both books come with the pattern pieces inside, so my making list is growing at an exponential rate! 



More blogs to follow soon, featuring makes from my Christmas gifts and more! 

I hope you all had a fabulous, creative Christmas!