meadow flowers and sewing thread

I've had a busy week or two (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it). Last weekend I was in Brighton doing the Open Houses for the Festival which runs throughout May. But despite taking my camera with me, I forgot to take any photos, can you believe it? If you're in the area though, this particular Open House is where I was and is definitely worth a view as there is a fantastic selection of paintings, vintage repurposed clothing, cards and stationery, ceramics and, of course, jewellery. I blogged about it back in December when I was there for the pre-Christmas sales.

Last season I made a decision. I'm not going to buy any new dresses, skirts or blouses for my little friend from now on. Knitwear, jeans, tee shirts and underwear I'll do of course, but anything that can be home sewn I have been and will continue to do myself.

And with the prospect of the return of warmer weather, I thought I'd better get cracking. So, reaching into the trusty old stash I grabbed this lovely Japanese pastel pink fabric with delicate meadow flowers to make a comfy dress.

Using one of my very favourite Japanese sewing books for girls (the same one that I turned to for this dress), I sewed a straightforward but so sweet number with two little pockets into which I'm sure all sorts of 'stuff' will find it's way this Summer.

One thing that excites MLF so much is the prospect of having a fitting. It makes her feel special and I'm not sure I could blame her. As well as choosing the fabric, she decided on the dress length, how elasticated it should be around the neck, whether it's pockets or no pockets and what trimmings, if any, went on. This one has no trimmings, simply because she wants to be able to make use of a small, but growing, collection of brooches. Bless!

Here's hoping you have a wonderful, hopefully sunny, weekend!

Kate x