Friday, January 30, 2015

A stitched Thank you

Do you have a special person in your life? Someone who possibly doesn't realise how dear they are to you?
I do.
My cousin Shannon has been a huge support to me. She opens up her beautiful home to my family for accommodation when we have city appointments.
She has helped us out tremendously when I had a few health issues and Hugo has stayed many times when attending science workshops in the city.
I needed a breast pump, last minute, before my surgery and was in a complete panic.
She found me one.

 I wanted to say thank you.

 Now Shannon sews herself but is a very busy mother of a beautiful baby boy as well as working full time as a pharmacist.

 So when I spotted some fabric and a dress pattern in her office I offered to make it for her.
The pattern is a retro Butterick B52 (Love shack baby) 09.
Shannon chose view B.
Due to the style of the bodice I decided to muslin fit it.
I made a bodice muslin from calico (it is just the job as you can write on it).
I had to do so many alterations I ended up making a second one which fit perfectly.
The muslin making was completely painless, so much so, I don't think I would ever sew anything vaguely fitted with out one.
The fabric is a cotton voile from Spotlight.
I had previously made a 2+2 blouse for Tildy from another colour way.
The pattern was rated at easy.
Yeah, right.
It was not a wedding dress Peoples, but easy?
Nope.
The bodice is made up of several pieces and is self lined.
I added several layers of soft fusible interfacing to the waist panel as a built in tummy tuck.
I also used an invisible zipper instead of the suggested basic one.
As my cousin wanted this for a posh frock I decided to line the skirt.
I originally purchased some navy lawn but I wasn't happy with the drape. I have rolls of Bemsilk lining from a eBay purchase and Hugo liked the contrast of the aqua (I didn't have any dark colours).
As for adding the lining, I was completely confused so I asked the question in the lovely O+S forum and received some awesome advice.
Thanks Girls! xx
Thread chains keep things as they should be.
I pondered hand sewing the hem but decided to machine sew it. Sturdier and with the dark thread, barely visible.
The voile and lining had a delicious fullness and drape.
And Shannon says it fits like a glove.
I can't wait to see a photo.
Thank you Shannon, for all your friendship and support.
You are a special  person, I love you dearly and I am so glad we are cousins.

 xx N
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30 comments:

  1. colesworthJanuary 31, 2015 at 1:08 AM

    Gorgeous, I love this pattern in this fabric. I wore my weekend getaway in this fabric every week last winter ;o)

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    1. motherof5January 31, 2015 at 2:07 AM

      Thank you Colette.
      It was lovely to sew up, I sort of wished it had fit me....
      xx N

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  2. Lightning McStitchJanuary 31, 2015 at 3:50 AM

    It's stunning Nicole. I always think the most wonderful gift you can give a mother is time. In your case, your sewing time is obviously worth a million bucks! Such a lovely thing to have done.

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    1. motherof5January 31, 2015 at 4:12 PM

      Thank you Shelley, what a lovely lovely thing to say!
      xx N
      PS Thanks for your help with the lining!

      Delete
  3. CindyJanuary 31, 2015 at 5:10 AM

    It's a gorgeous dress and the best kind of 'Thank You'!

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  4. ElizabethJanuary 31, 2015 at 9:45 AM

    The dress is beautiful and what a wonderful gift for your cousin!

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  5. KarenJanuary 31, 2015 at 11:11 AM

    What a wonderful gift for a special person! I am in awe of your sewing skills. I know that I would never attempt that dress!

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  6. runciblespoonJanuary 31, 2015 at 12:46 PM

    Stunning! Are you a little bit tempted to make one for yourself?...

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    1. motherof5February 1, 2015 at 3:31 AM

      I dearly would love to but I think I am far too podgy around the middle. Shannon is an ex-dancer and very willowy.
      Thank you!
      xx N

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  7. brittneyJanuary 31, 2015 at 5:03 PM

    Oh Nicole, this is absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful fabric and beautifully sewn, I hope she appreciates it- even if it was meant as a thank you gift, this deserves a big thank you too. Speaking of, can I be your cousin too... ? ;)

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  8. motherof5February 1, 2015 at 3:33 AM

    Thank you so very much Britters. Honestly, I feel guilty when we all arrive at her beautiful home, there is just so many of us!
    I would love you to be my cousin, I wish we were close enough to help each other with fittings....
    xx N

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  9. SharonFebruary 1, 2015 at 5:08 AM

    such a gorgeous dress!! I love the lining you went with, I bet it feels dreamy worn. I sure it is a much loves thank you gift.

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    1. motherof5February 1, 2015 at 9:56 PM

      Sharon, it makes the most delicious swishing sound when you move the hanger. I am pleased with it and would love to make a black linen version. Now I have her muslin, I can surprise her for Christmas....
      Thank you!
      xx N

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  10. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2015 at 2:06 PM

    beautiful and lots of work. I am still yet to do a calico as I don't know how to transfer my changes onto the real thing. A skill I need to learn! Love the fabric. Was it a recent purchase? Need to keep my eye out!

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    1. motherof5February 1, 2015 at 10:27 PM

      Thank you!
      It was 3 days solid sewing to make the dress but I think I am quite slow. :)
      The muslin was surprisingly easy, the main thing to remember is when cutting out to do so correctly. I wrote all over mine.
      The fabric is from Spotlight AUS. It is still in stock, I would be happy to source it for you.
      xx N

      Delete
  11. Bryanna JohnsonFebruary 1, 2015 at 9:01 PM

    The dress looks beautiful!

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    1. motherof5February 1, 2015 at 10:56 PM

      Thank you Bryanna, I am still determined to make some jeans after seeing yours!
      xx N

      Delete
  12. justmejayFebruary 2, 2015 at 4:07 AM

    Nicole, this is just gorgeous - love the pattern and the fabric. And as for your impeccable sewing....such a special gift

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  13. motherof5February 2, 2015 at 4:31 AM

    Thank you Justine, I started this dress nearly 2 years ago, it was put on hold because of two babies, Eoin and Trixie.
    It is so nice to have it finished and delivered.
    xx N

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  14. Kristin at SunnySewing.comFebruary 2, 2015 at 11:29 AM

    Oh wow!! This is most beautiful! I'm sure the "thank you" gift was well received. The fabric is perfect for this dress :D

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    1. motherof5February 7, 2015 at 4:42 PM

      Thanks Kristin.
      She has impeccable taste but I never know what to buy her. This seemed a happy compromise.
      She is an awesome person.
      xx N

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  15. ElizabethFebruary 4, 2015 at 11:21 AM

    That dress is gorgeous!! And what a kind cousin you are, Nicole!

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    1. motherof5February 7, 2015 at 4:43 PM

      Thank you Elizabeth, I think I am very lucky to have her in my life!
      xx N

      Delete
  16. AnonymousFebruary 5, 2015 at 3:02 PM

    You're truly an amazing lady!
    What a lovely way to "thank you" :)

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  17. UnknownFebruary 16, 2015 at 6:58 PM

    Thanks for the beautiful dress! It was perfect for my best friend's garden wedding on the weekend. Can't wait to see you and the family soon.
    Shan xxx

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  18. motherof5February 17, 2015 at 4:43 PM

    It was my absolute pleasure Shannon!
    We can't wait to see you on Eoin's Birthday.
    xx N

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