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the refinement project.
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the refinement project.
the refinement project.
Home
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Summer
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Winter
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All Wardrobe
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All Eat
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Workings of a Garment: a 1950’s rose-print cotton gown by Selfridges, in the style of Nina Ricci
Wardrobe, Spring Frances Lawrence 10/05/2025 Wardrobe, Spring Frances Lawrence 10/05/2025

Workings of a Garment: a 1950’s rose-print cotton gown by Selfridges, in the style of Nina Ricci

Study and analysis of how this 1950’s cotton gown was constructed. One from my personal vintage collection. Learnings and inspiration for improving my dressmaking techniques and knowledge.

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Sewing a square neck tiered midi dress in Liberty Heidi cotton poplin from 1970’s Style 1169 pattern
Wardrobe, Summer, Dressmaking Frances Lawrence 23/01/2025 Wardrobe, Summer, Dressmaking Frances Lawrence 23/01/2025

Sewing a square neck tiered midi dress in Liberty Heidi cotton poplin from 1970’s Style 1169 pattern

Fifth time I am using this pattern. Perfected the fit, and finally making with an expensive fabric, Liberty’s cotton poplin in Heidi. Absolute favourite make with this pattern so far. Lessons learnt and seam finished, with detailed dressmaking closeups.

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Sewing a tent dress with dagger collar in Liberty crepe-de-chine from Very Easy Vogue 8593
Wardrobe, Summer, Dressmaking Frances Lawrence 06/09/2022 Wardrobe, Summer, Dressmaking Frances Lawrence 06/09/2022

Sewing a tent dress with dagger collar in Liberty crepe-de-chine from Very Easy Vogue 8593

Working from a 1970’s Style pattern, my reflections on making a very loose fitting maxi dress in Liberty crepe-de-chine; the first time working with silk but the second time with this pattern. Main lesson: crepe-de-chine is difficult to cut out…

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Sewing a floral needlecord dress from 1970’s Style 1169 pattern
Wardrobe, Spring, Dressmaking Frances Lawrence 21/04/2022 Wardrobe, Spring, Dressmaking Frances Lawrence 21/04/2022

Sewing a floral needlecord dress from 1970’s Style 1169 pattern

Third make with this pattern, following several refinements on fit and pattern instructions. Details on total make time, adjustments and seam finishes for square neck, puff sleeve, tiered maxi dress in a delicate blue rose needlecord.

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Sewing an A-line skirt in Designer’s Guild cotton duck from 1990’s Vogue 7018 pattern
Wardrobe, Spring, Dressmaking Frances Lawrence 09/11/2021 Wardrobe, Spring, Dressmaking Frances Lawrence 09/11/2021

Sewing an A-line skirt in Designer’s Guild cotton duck from 1990’s Vogue 7018 pattern

Experimenting with Designer’s Guild upholstery fabric………..I asked myself: ”how well can cotton duck be applied to dressmaking?”……..what I learnt

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