The $1 Dress

I made this dress loosely based on Simplicity 1157. I changed it quite a bit and added things like the bow and sash. The fabric I used was a sheet from the op-shop which cost $1, the zip I already had and the straps are made of bias binding that I found in my Mum's sewing stash hence the $1 dress.

The bow on the front of the bodice.

The purple roses make me think of Spring garden parties. Perfect for the lovely spring weather we've been having lately, now if only I had a garden party to attend.

Zipper Rosette

After seeing jewellery made out of zippers all over the internet I decided to try making a brooch out of some 50 cent zips I got from the fabric store. It was surprisingly easy. I just cut the zipper pull off and separated the two sides. Then I folded the end over, wrapped it around and sewed it with a needle and thread as I went. I then put a safety pin and the back so I could put it on cardigans.

Finds

I took a friend op-shopping the other day because he needed a costume for a 50's party. We didn't have much luck with the costume but I did manage to find some things for myself.


I have a weakness for vintage housecoats and robes. I like lounging around the house in them, far more stylish than trackpants.


A frame bag has been on my mental wishlist for ages. This one is prefect and is in really good condition. The key to lock it is still inside it. The best part is it was only $4. It's nice to tick something off my wishlist for once rather than just adding more things I want to it.

Stash reHash

On Sunday I went to Stash reHash, a one-off fabric and craft supplies market. I got there before it opened and there was already a huge line. It was a bit scary as there were so many people and everyone was trying to look around all the stalls in a tiny hall. I got pushed and shoved quite a few times (obviously some sewers and crafters can be quite ruthless when they spot something they want). It was well worth a bit of rough and tumble though as I managed to score some good stuff.


This is a beautiful thick cotton floral. There's over two metres and it cost me $1.

I love this old fashioned print. It's another thick cotton.


Belt buckles!


Lace to add to my fast growing collection.



Faux fur collar that someone has made. The picture's not that great, it's actually darker and looks much better than in the photo.

I also got a wool blanket and some paisley fabric for my Mum. All together I spent less than $20 and was only in there for about 15 minutes. I can't wait to get sewing again, I haven't done any for a couple of months because uni's been so busy.

Tete a tete

Finally my exams are over and the weather is warming up. This means at last I can wear the dress I bought about a month ago from the best vintage store in my city, Tete a Tete. It's made of lovely soft cotton and will be prefect for summer. The label is Horrockses. Apparently they were famous in the 50s for their floral print, cotton day dresses (I love looking up the labels of my vintage clothes to see what I can find out). It's in almost perfect condition. The darts in the bodice were coming away a bit so I resewed them and they're good as new. I'm sure this dress will get lots of wear over the next few months.