party planning

We've finished school for the Summer and the Model had a sleepover party last night. The invitations were designed by her, put into her precious gold envelopes and delivered to five young ladies with instructions to bring party dresses. I think for the first time she realised just how useful it is to have a mother who makes her clothes because she designed her dress for the occasion too.

My friend, Sue, was having a declutter the other day and offloaded a large bag of fabrics. And as the three of us sat on her floor, ooh-ing and aah-ing over what came out of the cupboard next, the Model spied a sarong. Her eyes were as big as saucers and Sue was powerless to resist.

So the Model took inspiration from Kate Middleton's wedding dress which immediately sent my heart rate plummeting. But thankfully it wasn't the intricate handcrafted lace she was after (sighs of relief) but the long slender length, no toes to be seen and, wait for it .. a train. The girl wanted a train. She'd had this dream of gliding down the staircase, glorious train sliding down behind her as she welcomed her guests. Gulp!

Throwing my hands in the air and declaring "But I can't do that" is no message to send out, is it? Remember how we like to say "How do you know you can't do something unless you try", "Keep trying and you will succeed", "Don't be so quick to give up". I got a taste of my own medicine, didn't I?

But several fittings later, I do believe we got there. I used McCalls 5569 for the bodice and basically winged it with the skirt. Although she wanted the front to be smooth with no bunching, I cut more fabric for the back and sewed large pleats till it joined the bodice and also to create a good swing under the train. The train itself was just another length of the sarong, which I tied to the straps because the Model wanted to be able to use it again. I have to say it worked pretty well and thankfully I've had one very happy customer on my hands.

And today? The bunting still remains but given the girls were still jumping on beds at 1 am, all we're fit for is a dvd afternoon and bed within the hour. For her too I expect !!

Have a wonderful weekend x