Custom Dress for my Mum's 60th

I wanted to get something special for my Mum's 60th, but it was almost too much pressure, and I didn't know what I should get her! So in the end I promised to make her a dress, in any fabric, any style, perfectly fitted to her.

Straight away, my Mum knew exactly what she wanted - a dress in the same shape as a Boden favourite she has, but in the fabric that I had used to make myself a dress, which I wore to my Grandma's 80th last year.

So first things first, I went back to the shop that I bought the fabric from last year, and they had sold out!! Never to re-stock again! Argh!! Luckily they realised that they had packaged up the end of the roll, so I happily bought the 3m pack, even though I only really needed 1.5m - I was just so relieved to still be able to get the fabric!

Making the pattern was fairly easy, I just laid the dress down that Mum wanted me to copy, and made a pattern using baking parchment. I then made a toile, out of rough fabric, so that I could fit it to Mum and make any adjustments before moving onto the real fabric. 

I rarely line dresses that I make for myself, as I usually buy fairly bright fabric which is not see through, and also because it's a lot quicker not too (terribly lazy - I know) but Mum would never dream of wearing a dress without lining, so I made sure I worked out how to add a lining too. 

The chosen fabric is just beautiful - it's a lightweight cotton lawn, with a delicate flower print, and is just perfect for summer. 

And here is the finished dress - worn in Portugal where my parents are currently on holiday! Doesn't she look beautiful! And the fabric looks great with a tan! I am so proud!

A New Dress

I'm at that time of year that is wedding season. And the problem is that when multiple friends from the same friendship groups get married in one year, you feel you can't wear the same outfit repeatedly, as people will notice.

I do have a few lovely dresses that I've had for years and only worn to 1 wedding previously, but I'm sure you'll empathise with the feeling of 'I have nothing to wear'.

So last Friday, less than 24 hours before one of my oldest friends weddings, I decided that I had nothing suitable to wear so decided to make myself a new dress.

I did make myself finish a dress for my Mum which I had promised to finish first, and I already had some fabric which had been reduced to £2 a metre in one of my local fabric shops.

I made a backless dress, as I don't have one, liked the look of them, and it was very hot! Sadly I didn't get any photos of the back, but here are a few of the front...

I wore it with my fabulous Marni for H&M necklace (everyone else calls it 'ridiculous') and my bright blue wedge sandals. I love this dress! This is one that will definitely be worn again!