A Journal
A personal journal that invites readers to design their own journeys through the world - with travel, dress and taste.
My work is shaped by seasonal rhythms, cultural, sensory and historical awareness, and expressions of independence. Language is my first love.
Square neck tiered midi dress in Liberty Heidi cotton poplin
Perfected the fit, and finally making with an expensive fabric, Liberty’s cotton poplin. Detailed dressmaking closeups.
Pleated blouse in wool flannel from 1970’s Gunne Sax pattern
After some significant design amendments, made a cropped blouse in micro-houndstooth wool flannel. Lessons learnt.
Puff-sleeve midi dress in khaki green linen-cotton twill from 1970’s pattern
Fourth make with this pattern, following several refinements on fit and pattern instructions.
Vogue September 1978
Striking fashion imagery from a vintage Vogue magazine, September 1978 edition.
High-waisted trousers in smooth serge wool twill
Working with a 1970’s Vogue Basic Design pattern, details on total make time, adjustments, seam finishes, and lessons learnt.
A tent dress in Liberty crepe-de-chine from Very Easy Vogue 8593
Reflections on the first time working with silk. Main lesson: crepe-de-chine is difficult to cut out…
A scoop neck tiered sundress from a 1970’s Butterick 7012 pattern
Going off-piste, using quilting cotton for a simple summer tiered dress with topstitching.
A floral needlecord dress from 1970’s Style 1169 pattern
Third make with this pattern, following several refinements on fit and pattern instructions.
Cotton lawn dress from Givenchy 1970’s Vogue Paris Original 1950 pattern
Shortening a 1970’s Givenchy pattern I have worked with before, turning midi into mini, my journal on making this dress in Pima cotton lawn in a busy print.
A square neck pinafore dress in grey wool from 1970’s Style 1169 pattern
Journal on making a midi dress with a ruffle tier, suitable for an autumn pinafore. Made in light grey wool from a 1970’s pattern.
High-waisted trousers in sage green twill from a 1970’s Vogue 1275 pattern
Journal of my total make time, lessons learnt and pattern adjustments.
Square neck pinafore dress in navy blue needlecord
Made as a gift. Details on total make time, adjustments and lessons learnt.
A loose-fitting tent dress with dagger collar
Working from a 1970’s Style pattern, turning craft cotton to the job of dressmaking - here’s how I got on. Main lesson: oversized is still a fit….
High-waisted trousers in linen-rayon blend
Working with a 1970’s Vogue Basic Design pattern, sewing a pair of single pleated trousers in loosely-woven rayon.
A wool dress from Givenchy 1970’s Vogue Paris Original 1950 pattern
Main lesson: get more knowledgeable about fabric weights and gsm…..it not enough to know the fibre…