30.6.10

but shirr-ly, every girl needs a nani ...



Your eyes do not deceive, you may remember seeing this print already for tis the same Nani Iro I used for my shift dress, only this fabric is double gauze. Gauze is lightweight, soft with an open weave that allows air to circulate freely so is used for garments in hot and humid climates, but it's not very practical because it is so sheer. However, those clever Japanese have very kindly done us all a huge favour and perfected the fantastic double gauze fabric. Literally, it is two layers of gauze that are attached using a grid of tiny, invisible stitches. The fabric feels unbelievably soft and reminds me of a comfort blanket. If you like, you can read some more about it at Superbuzzy.

Have you picked up on my obsession with Japanese sewing books yet? This one comes from the Mother of them all, Stylish Dress Book. Pattern N.


Oh so lovely to sew, the best bit is the pretty, flouncy ruffle at the front which takes it up a notch from halter neck dress to halter neck dress with va va voom. Shame I don't have much to fill it with but I guess you can't have everything!


Anyway, Florence's shirring tutorial came at a very opportune moment since I'd already been eyeing up Karyn's post from a while back. She made a gorgeous version of pattern N and mentioned that despite the pattern requiring an elasticated back, she used shirring. Definitely worth a try, thought I. So, on Karyn's advice I kept adding lines of shirring until I had the fit I needed and after five very fun and delightful rows I reluctantly called it a day. Each line makes it tighter you see. So I started my first line of shirring 1/2 inch down from the top hem and then stitched 5/8 inch between each row. I confess I was a wee bit hesitant beforehand but once I got going, boy did I not want to stop. What FUN!


Both Florence and Karyn warned that once you start shirring there's pretty much no stopping you and after my little dalliance this time, I'm inclined to agree. So batten down the hatches and hide away your clothes boys, I'm on my way.

So now my husband has very sweetly pointed out that all my stitching so far has been for Summer wear and therefore is it possible I now have enough dearest? Ahem, of course he has a point but as MLF would say, "So-ooo?". So perhaps I should think ahead and be on the look out for some thicker fabrics now. That should be nice for July?!


So that's it for June and as we roll into July, and only eight more days of school, I need to think of other things to prepare and do - school fairs, plays, parties galore ... all I can say is bring on the holidays, it's time for some R&R.

Kate x

23 comments:

  1. How stunning!! I really need to get back into dressmaking. Yes the boys were devastated - especially the young man as he was playing in his cricket final at the same time - and lost! We had tears in the car on the way home. I called his medal a "runners up" medal, but he insists its a "losers" medal!!!.

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  2. It's gorgeous - I love the fabric, and the ruffle...and of course the shirring.

    Yes, I too am thinking that I may soon have to stop work on summer clothes and move onto things for autumn!

    Florence x

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  3. You certainly have a terrific stash of material. I think I like this one the best of all.
    You could always make the previous style up in a more wintery material and wear a turtle neck sort of thing underneath it. Could be quite pretty Ithink.
    Anyway you are doing very well and let's hope the weather keeps nice so you get lots of wear out of them all.
    Cheers
    Helen

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  4. Beautiful fabric, and lovely choice of pattern for it! It looks really good on you.

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  5. Wow, the fabric is very very beautiful ! The dress is sweet and pretty too . Well done !

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  6. That is a great summer dress, I love the style and the fabric you have used. Darn, girl, you have a great figure, I am so envious!

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  7. It is lovely - what wonderful fabrics you seem to find. Sewing for autumn seems wrong when the weather is so warm - I'm sure you could manage one more summer dress!

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  8. Truly brilliant and thank you for the link - can a girl have too many clothes?? And all the better for being handmade.

    Nina xxxxxx

    ps. I am addicted to Japanese sewing books!!!

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  9. Lovely fabric, lovely design and lovely model! Sadly my days of wearing that style are long past but a girl can dream can't she?!

    Jane

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  10. Great dress, so summery and pretty. That's it though, I'm definitely NOT showing a picture of me in a dress now!

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  11. Such a pretty summery dress!
    It really suits you!

    DEBBIE MOSS

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  12. I have just caught up on your last three projects - there is no stopping you now! These are all great, and such lovely fabrics.

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  13. Can't believe this is the first time I have read your blog! Will definitely be back for more. x

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  14. thanks for comment kate.....flag is indeed down, (as well as wall chart, blowup hammer thing and dreadful hat-all gone) in fact he had to be practically restrained from burning it in the garden, but drink had been taken and we have a lot of overhanging trees!

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  15. So pretty! I've been looking for a sundress today but no luck.
    Re your comment...well I have been a bit reluctant to leave Bella in the kitchen when I go out!
    Not long until those hols!

    Bellaboo :0)

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  16. You'll have no worries about what to wear on your days out over the holidays! I hope they are happy. x

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  17. That's beautiful. Must get myself one of those fabulous Japanese dress books! Have just found your blog via Florence's - between the two of you you're shirring up a storm!

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  18. Your dress shows off that fabric so well. You must feel very cool and summery when you wear it. Tracy x

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  19. What a beautiful dress...I adore the ruffle..good job! Enjoy your weekend. xoxo

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  20. wow, thats lovely! could be one of my next projects :)

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  21. It is so, so lovely. I just learned how to shirr, too, and it is taking all of my self-control not to shirr everything in my closet!

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  22. What a nice dress! I have the Stylish Dress Book and now I want to make a N dress too!

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