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.

Frances Lawrence 10/05/2025 Frances Lawrence 10/05/2025

Workings of a Garment: a 1950’s rose-print cotton gown

Study and analysis of how this summer gown was constructed.

Frances Lawrence 11/09/2024 Frances Lawrence 11/09/2024

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.

Frances Lawrence 07/04/2023 Frances Lawrence 07/04/2023

Zoya green polish, Cece

Colour scrutiny of Zoya’s Cece green polish, with a prominent shimmer foil finish.

Frances Lawrence 28/02/2022 Frances Lawrence 28/02/2022

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.

Frances Lawrence 19/01/2022 Frances Lawrence 19/01/2022

A spring coat in moss green cotton-linen twill from 1960’s Simplicity 5984 pattern

There’s an absense of outerwear for spring that actually offers warmth but isn’t made from wool. My journal on making my first fully lined spring coat, with cotton flannel interlining for warmth.