Wednesday 17 April 2013

A few things

Thank you everyone for your lovely comments on my Mad Men Elisalotte! Sometimes I really get too hung up on the negatives and forget that I MADE A DRESS! I still have to remind myself that this, in itself, is an achievement! Julia said it's "a knock out" (and coming from her that means A LOT. I mean, have you seen her?!). And the By Hand London girls have said they "absolutely adore" it, and Elisalex herself said it was "beautiful"! I am now basking in the glow of praise...

Thanks to everyone's positivity, I am considering revisiting the dress and improving the fit if I can. Shar suggested I look at Janelle's post, which pretty accurately describes some of the problems I had and having looked at other peoples versions, I think Elisalex is right - the bodice is maybe just too big all over. I think I forgot that it's designed to have no ease and is meant to be very fitted. But since revisiting it means an element (a LOT) of soul-destroying unpicking, first I need a quick fix of positivity. A nice and easy to make project that won't take up much time or thought and will make me happy! Not quite sure what that will be yet, but I did start cutting out a Mathilde last night...

Next up: do you want to see what I received through the Nautical craft swap?

As you can see, I was too excited to wait until I got home to open them, so here is a photo of the lovely packaging, taken in my car! I actually went straight to the hairdressers after this, so there was NO WAY I could wait that long to open it!

And now some better pictures, taken once I got home, of the contents.


A beautiful printed and embroidered lavender pillow. Isn't that vintage postcard print just fab?
Needle case and pin cushion - both of which I needed! Look at the embroidery on the pin cushion - it's about a million french knots!
The outside of the needle case - patchwork and lace trim on the back.
And a gift of some very cute little pins!
Louise absolutely nailed this for me! I had let her know that I love birds and an anchor motif, which she covered very well. I hadn't mentioned though that I also love seahorses, or that vintage postcard look, so she hit gold! And how funny that we both needed, and made, needle cases!

And finally...

 'I, Helen of Grosgrain Green, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '13. I endeavour to wear one self made garment each day for the duration of May 2013'

I have given some debate to this challenge as although I love the idea of it, I just am not sure I have enough garments to see me through. But having done a quick review of my wardrobe, I have counted the following:

Tops - 5 blouses, 1 t-shirt, plus 1 "going out" blouse (my graphic print kimono sleeve blouse)
Bottoms - 4 skirts
Dresses - 3, plus my Elisalotte

This should be enough. I can also whip up a couple of additional simple blouses (am thinking Mathilde and maybe a Sorbetto) and possibly another Charlotte, or a simple skirt of some description, to bulk things out. Work will be a cinch as most of my makes are the kind of smart/casual that I wear there. It's weekends that will be trickier. My weekend uniform usually comprises of a striped breton tee with skinny jeans, and it'll be hard to give this particular addiction up. But then the challenge is just that. It's not meant to be easy, so this will hopefully get me thinking more creatively about my wardrobe. I will just need to get on top of my laundry to make sure I have something clean to wear every day! :) Not sure how I'll go with the photos, but I will try to capture as many outfits as possible, and will aim to post once a week, for my sanity as much as yours.

What about you? Are you signing up for the challenge? What are you working on now?

H x
SHARE:

14 comments

  1. I really want to do Me Made May, but I'm not sure if I have enough to work with. Cataloging what I've made is such an obvious and simple solution--thanks for the inspiration :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can't take the credit - it was my husband's idea! I hope you can manage to take part!

      Delete
  2. Louise does such beautiful work - those are lovely gifts!! I received a lavender pin cushion that perfectly matches my sewing room and a key chain with a very cool sailboat print on one side and on the other side it has tiny anchor printed fabric so I made out well too! I'm debating Me Made May. I have probably only enough things to commit to one piece (maybe two) a week which seems pretty lame. I may wait until next year. I'm working on the Mathilde right now too! I just finished the front (tucks and all). We'll see how I do with those buttons!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They sound lovely! You did well! Wasn't it fun to do?

      Good luck with your Mathilde! I just rembered I'd offered you a tutorial on buttons! I can do this next week if you like?

      Delete
    2. The swap was fun. I made things I might never had made, but will definitely make again. I made my first practice button holes tonight - not perfect, but not too bad! Total confession- my buttons are going to be on the wrong side since my left back edging looks better than my right - shhh don't tell!

      Delete
    3. No one will notice and I promise not to tell! :)

      Delete
  3. You certainly hit the jackpot!! What lovely things to receive! That lavender bag is so much fun. Does Louise have a blog, so that we could see all her other crafty makes?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! You can find Louise here: http://elsiemayandbertha.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
      Forgot to include that link!

      Delete
  4. Gorgeous gifts! I'm glad you're feeling more positive about your dress, it really is lovely. I think sometimes we are our own biggest critics, something I am definitely guilty of. But as you said - you made a dress!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Tara! You're right we are all too critical of ourselves.

      Delete
  5. What a great parcel to receive. I'm glad you are feeling better about your dress. I've recently signed up for Me Made May - it will be my first!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cool! I look forward to seeing your outfits! Thanks for your comment!

      Delete
  6. Such beautiful gifts! I love the vintage pin up girl - what a great take on the theme! And that embroidery is stunning...
    So glad you're doing MMM - and your cataloguing idea is great. I hadn't thought of that! Have just done so, and am feeling a bit more prepared (which is not to say there may not be some borderline panic sewing as well...) oxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh there will ABSOLUTELY be some panic sewing here too, despite my protestations!

      Delete

I love to hear from you!

© Grosgrain Green | All rights reserved.
Blogger Template Created by pipdig