Want to make the Great British Sewing Bee 50s wrap dress - hints and tips !

Firstly this was indeed a fun dress to make - and having made it yes I think I could happily run another up in a couple of hours.....and I intend to do so maybe with some design tweaks too!

As I am a fairly rubinesque size 16 and no longer in the first flush of youth , small waisted/big skirt designs are not always the MOST flattering look for me but the wrap/high waist design did seem to do me a few favours - OH seemed to approve anyway! 

I'm not going to do a step by step guide - you'll need the pattern for that - Butterick B4790 - BUT I am going to pass on what I hope will be some useful advice which might help you end up with a dress you'll be happy with .

1. This design comes up SMALL on the waist in my opinion. Measure your waist and use that to determine the size you need against the ACTUAL pattern piece - do not be surprised if you go up a couple of  sizes from your size in a modern garment. This is quite often the case in vintage patterns - even reissued ones. Unhelpfully the pattern has NO info' relating size to body measurements on the back of the packet! SO be careful f you can get into modern, often stretch'y size 16 jeans you ain't necessarily gonna get into a size 16 version of this dress !!

2. Choose a fabric with some body to it - by that I mean stiffness. A floppy fabric will not give you that nice 'sticky out ' 50s shape to the skirt or show that bodice shape as well. I used a heavier weight cotton - ( a rather nice find in a charity shop - grey plaid on on side, red on the other). I think this would be a knock out in raw/curtain weight silk / silk mix as well.

3. You might think you can put a net petticoat under that skirt - sorry nope - the under skirt/front is a closer fit than you might realise . HOWEVER I think it entirely possible to alter the pattern to have the underskirt as a fuller/lace/netted petticoat. I might have a go at this sometime!

4. Bias binding point 1 - 9 metres should be enough if you follow pattern exactly. I however wanted bias binding on overskirt hem and I didn't bother bias binding sides and hem ( where I used lace instead) of the underskirt. For this modification to the pattern I used 10.5 metres.

5. Bias binding point 2 - I would suggest using a fabric/bias binding combination where your fabric is stiffer/has more body that your bias binding. If you use a softer/thinner fabric with a coarser bias binding I think you could risk a twist in those front edges - which you want to keep nice and straight !

6. Bust darts ! I made this up , tried it on and bust darts tips were at least an inch higher that where they should be. OK - this MAY be just me LOL ! BUT remember this pattern was styled to 1950s undergarments and they tended to haul your 'ladies' up quite high and make 'em pointy . So unless you do the FULL vintage look with period appropriate bra/corsetry you may have to adjust the bust dart slightly .

I hope these tips help you out - I would certainly make this again and I look forward to wearing it when the weather gets just a bit warmer!

( BTW - The red comes over the shoulder more on my dress as I tweaked it to have some red showing on the front shoulder - If you follow the pattern exactly and use two contracting fabrics you won't get the same effect as on my dress )

EDIT:My estimated size info' on waist measurements. Max waist size, assuming front edges should meet and allowing 1 inch for narrow hem on back seam.

Size 22 - 35 inches
Size 20 - 33 inches
Size 18 - 31 inches
Size 16 - 29 inches

I have based this on actual pattern measurement from my size 16 -22  pattern . 

January SALE ! - 30% off in my Etsy and Folksy shops!

Better check it out folks!

EVERYTHING is 30% off when you use code 30OFFWITTYDAWN in either my :

ETSY WittyDawnUK shop

OR

Folksy WittyDawn shop

For example - Mice will be reduced from £9 to only £6.30








 Owls will be reduced from £19 to only £13. 30




My popular BOHO bags would drop in price to around £17.50 !

And it would be a great time to get some new cushions for your home in time for Spring!

Remember I make everything from Vintage and thus eco friendly , recycled fabric - good for the planet and great for a unique look too.

Do you like Vintage, Retro, Midcentury Homewares - check this out!

There's only SO much fabulous ceramic delights I can fit on my shelves and in my cupboards ... so time to move some on to new homes....

Check out my Etsy shop for a selection - just like these fabulous things !

OPEN AGAIN!

Hi all !

Well after being away to help out with a bit of post op. care and TLC I am open again :)

As I have had to cancel a few fairs due to this family commitmant I am a little stock 'rich' so there's a pretty good sale section in my Folksy shop - why not pop over for a look ?

A bit addicted to making things with this 60s pattern

With it being a lovely hot summer and with holidays coming up I've been making some things for myself with some vintage fabrics from my stash.

This pattern has been perfect ! suits me and pretty easy too - also great when trying to 'stretch' a small amount of fabric to get a complete garment as the panels in it make mixing fabrics very easy.

SO far I've made myself 4 dresses and 3 tops ( only one shown) with this reissued Simplicity pattern so it has proved to be great value for money :)

If you want to venture into making your own vintage style clothes I'd recommend this one. You will need to know how to insert a zip but there are lots of great online tutorials showing a variety of techniques.

I have adapted it slightly to use bias binding ( in some cases bought but often bias binding I have made) as I like the contrast.

You might be interested to know that the green/white one is made from charity shop/gifted table clothes - total cost with zip was less that ten  pounds!

Easter Bunnies everywhere!

Now I have some large rabbits in my shops but although they get shared/liked/treasured they just don't seem to sell so I though I ought to try some smaller ones...

Here was the first prototype - who very quickly found a home with a regular customer - with one of his bigger brothers ( you can see him here 'Big brother ' rabbit )

I have since tweaked the design and made a load more!
In fact I made quite a lot... my house is becoming a rabbit warren....
They are trying to make a home in my new red bowler hat !



In you'd like to help me out by rehoming some you can find them here:
WittyDawn Rabbits on Folksy
Witty Dawn Animals on Etsy

Great for Easter ( or Christmas Stocking, wedding favours, new home etc gifts)

A Vintage Hunters Guide to Cirencester

I am lucky to live in the pretty Cotswolds town of Cirencester. It's not a large town but it has an interesting mix of indepent shops and great places to eat.

For quite a small town we are pretty well able to cater for the vintage hunter if you know where to go! not to mention about 13 charity shops - well run with good quality stock too. For example we have bought many bits of funiture from the Sue Ryder shop ( near the town center Tesco )  - like this display cabinet.

SO vintage fans if you want to visit Cirencester here's a few places you might like to check out !

• Sheila at SheUnique . Although Sheila has closed her shop now she is still involved in many local vintage events and also provides vintage makeup and hairstyle makeovers - very much in demand for weddings and hen dos! her facebook page is here  https://www.facebook.com/sheuniquevintage.cirencester?fref=ts&ref=br_tf.
• For 20 century Furniture you need to head out of town to the Love Lane Business park to Mark Parrish's place. A treasure trove of great funiture ( that chair in the photo above came from there as have several other pieces of our furniture) here's a  selection of Mark Parrish's items. If you want to see what he has make sure you contact him first to arrange an appoinment !
• In the Market place there is a great antiques center with a coffee shop , The .Cirencester Antiques Centre people are very helpful and there's a great range of items. Open Mon to Sat.
• Every Friday 9 - 3 pm we have a great Antiques Market in the Corn Hall in the Market place directly opposite the Cirencester Anitiques Center
• If you have a nice bit of furniture that you'd like repainting to get that Shabby Chic look head out of town towards Stratton on the Gloucester Road / Cheltenham Road junction to the Lavender House Interiors and Coffee Shop  . The ladies there do a great job renovating old furniture AND you'll get a great coffee too AND they usually have one or two items from me!
• We also have  Lavinia's Tea Party  based in Stratton. Amongst other things they can hire out vintage tea sets for wedding and hen dos - very pretty things.  
• I noticed last week  that the little Jewellery shop Joli Beau run by Nicole near the Post Office had a cabinet FULL of the most devine vintage jewellery so I'd advise you to check that out! 
• There is often a lovely lady selling vintage clothes on a stall in the market place, and my friend Carole https://www.facebook.com/vintageupcycling often has a stall in the Corn Hall.  
• For General shopping info here's a good site Cirencester Shopping 

 and OF COURSE if you want to see a great range of vintage fabric for fabulous cushions , bags and other homewares contact me for an appointment - I'll put the kettle on !  I am based in Stratton - a mile outside of Cirencester Town Center - as well !

Events

 'Vintage and Artisan Fair'

 At the Corn Hall, GL7 2NY  Cirencester Sun 29th April 10 - 4pm . Organiser : Augusta Wreay 07970859703 - I believe some stall slots are still available. Lots of other shops. pubs and cafe's are open on a Sunday in Cirencester so you can make a day of it!

'Vintage Heaven' 
At the Organic Farm shop  Now Being planned for next Autumn, pencilled in for 15th Nov 2nd 2014 .
It was such good fun last time and Emma / Hilary did a great job organising it - lots of charity money raised too. Details to follow nearer the time !

'Cirencester Toy and Train Fair'

Organised by Ronnie Rocket , who also has toy stall each week in the Corn Hall Antiques Market each Friday. Details are here http://www.cirencestertoyfair.com/ . I think the next one is on August 2014 . The last one had about 40 stalls so it's worth a trip if you are a toy / train collector .

I do LOVE a vintage fabric washing line

It occured to me that I really don't mind washing when the result is a pretty washing line.

I then relised that I have a LOT of pictures of washing on my line! so what the heck lets share 'em

 

This is becoming something of an obsession - this morning I found myself considered the order in  which I arranged my washing on the line to get the best photo.... OPPS! 

Cuteness OVERLOAD! - baby bib and bootees sets from vintage fabrics

Oh my WORD these are so cute !

I've really enjoyed making these from some of my vintage fabric - the bootees are sized to fit 3.6 month old little uns, fully lined, NO raw seams with elasticated backs. The bibs are reversable and have a velcro fastening. They are £15 plus £3 P&P.

I have a little Bootee Giveaway running on my facebook page  - and I will select a winner when I get to 500 page likes - all you need to do is comment on FACEBOOK and share that giveaway link . Teh ones I'm giving away are the red bootees top middle :

I haven't listed any of these in my online shops yet as I am taking them to a few fairs first but if you do want a set  you can buy via contacting me here or on facebook.

Here's a close up of my favorite!  its  another set I've just finished

Want to come for coffee ! .. and cake... lots and lots of cake....

Hello my lovely likers and followers  - do you live near Cirencester ? let me know how to message you and I will send you an invite to my Macmillan coffee morning on the 27th Sept and to my Autumn Open House Event the following weekend - it would be lovely to see you! 

On the Macmillan Coffee morning -

• there will be Coffee, Tea and cake
• you can enter an Audreyscat and homemade yummies raffle
• all attendees will be entered into a FREE raffle to win some AudreyCat bunting
• all my AudreysCat stock will be displayed and I will donate 10% of all of my sales and paind for commissions to Macmillan
• I have a number of local creatives displaying some of their items and Laura will be there with some of her vintage jewellery and other pretties
• small selection of vintage cake stands and crockery will be on sale

On the Autumn Open house the following week all my stock will remain available for sale and I will be open in the afternoons for tea , cake and chatting - no need to buy just pop in to say hi ! - although it you DO buy 10% of sales and paid for commission will also be going to Macmillan. 

Hope to see you here ! 
Dawn x

AN UPDATE: the final total including, donations, raffle money and 10% from my sales and also from sales of Laura and Carol's Vintage Emphemera was .... £341.50 ... AMAZING thanks to everyone who came :) 

GIVEAWAY Summer is over! .. so have some bunting to cheer yourself up!

At the moment ( start of Sept ) the weather is still fab BUT that'll be changing now summer is gone ( sob sob ...) however to keep you going through the winter months I am giving away some bunting !

The details are on my facebook page AudreysCat  so head on over for a chance to win  a 3m 9 flag length of bunting made from these fabrics . Winner will be chosen on Sept 30th 2013.

Yes ... still wearing 'curtains' ....

  Well not STRICTLY true! ... however a few year ago I bought 19 m of this lush gold/silver/brown leaves on black silk dupion. I think I paid about £160 on ebay ? It was intended for some full length curtains for our bedroom ...

Which  , yes ,  I did indeed make.. but since then I've been making clothes with it too! you can see the curtains and the 1st dress ( vintage vogue pattern) I made with it here ....

I've recently pulled this roll of fabric out again, and I have a couple of formal dinners coming up. So I've made a full length dress , teaming this fabric with some fabric my OH bought back from India for me. This was from an adapted '60s vintage pattern. I have also made a full length - almost circlar - lined black skirt. This last item is perhaps my favorite - fabulously 'swishy' and glamourous !

I think so far I've made that £160 outlay work pretty hard !

What's next ? I think I have enough left for a 50s swing coat ... watch this space ... ( but you may have a long wait .. i've been doing A LOT of sewing recently! )

WOW! featured in House Beautiful

So those lovely people at House Beautiful contacted me regarding how I use vintage fabric in my home and they have kindly featured our house in their Sept issue ( out 1st August p64 ) . Enjoy :)

( the house stayed this tidy for a couple of days ... but then the piles of vintage fabric slowly invaded again !  )

Aren't People LOVELY ! some of my Favorite folks

I have been delighted by some recent gifts and prizes by some super people who I have met here in cyberspace and I thought I'd share their kindness with you :)

1. A talented Etsy 'Craftyfolk' team mate thought of me when she came across some fabric and kindly sent it off to me. I recieved it today and it's LOVELY ... xxx

SO MANY THANKS! to the fabulous 'FloNightingale' ! she has a great Etsy shop FloNightingale - here's my fav item in her shop - it makes me smile :)  ( click on link for the shop ) ...be expecting something in the post 'Flo' x...

2. I had a fab little gift from LauraMillen too ( click on link for her shop ) - a cute heart pendent ! I had sent her some of my tiny vintage fabric shops thinking she could do something with them.... and so she did! her resin jewellery incorprating vintage fabric is very sweet . Here's the pendent next to one of my bunting flags .... THANKS xx

3. A couple of weeks ago I won a competition on facebook run by the fabulous Holly of H.E.R. Vintage . One of the prizes were these sunglasses .. and I have worn them constantly ever since ! ta Holly - if you like vintage clothing pop over to her facebook page ( click on the H.E.R vintage link above)

4. And a final belated thankyou to Janet of VintageGirlUK ( stunning range of vintage patterns ! ) - we had a lovely chat a few weeks ago when she bought over some fabric she was clearing out and I have been busy this week making up some skirts for the summer from it ... CHEERS M'DEAR !

P.S. a while ago I bought some super fabric from a lovely lady on Ebay and used it to make curtains for our hallway . She had a little reluctrantly decided to parted with it but I thought she'd like to know it had found a good home so I sent her to the link to this blog ref: purple hallway post and she was pleased to see it being used. Anyway yesterday I recieved a surprise parcel from the kind Heather -thanks very much Honey :) LOVE it ALL !

Owl 'tastic ...!

Starting to list my owls in my Folksy shop - kinda cute and I'm slightly obsessed with making them now. A great way to feature some of my vintage fabrics I think - I hope you agree ?!?

Check out my website

Like what  I make but haven't yet seen something in your ideal vintage fabric ? 

Love to see more of my vintage fabrics ? 

Well...  head on over to my my Web Site Audrey's Cat Vintage

What's It All About?

This shop is all about custom making YOUR item from MY vintage fabric.
1.Select the item you'd like - cushion, bag, animal ...
2. Select the fabric you'd like  - prices vary according to age/condition/rarity

Here's some examples :

I'm adding fabric options most days through out Feb - there are 40 already and many more to put on!

Love to hear what you think and which fabric you like best - I even have a few for sale ... although it PAINS me to let them go I am now middle aged enough to need reading/sewing glasses and need the £££'s  ... sigh...

Out with the 'Old' in with the New 'Old' ( by which in mean new vintage fabric goodies..)

It's that time of year again! Bye Bye 2012... HELLO 2013 !

So I've new ideas to explore  - a idea about flowers, new owl ,cat , rabbit and frog designs to play with and develop, new bunting ideas, more patchwork cushions and possibly artwork - all with my vintage fabrics. I'm also going to relaunch my website to be the hub for my custom orders and a place to showcase all my vintage fabric.

This means I have to clear a little out of my existing shops - so have a look in my sale sections - at the moment there are about 50 items on sale!

Items like these cushions covers for only £10 on Etsy Etsy Sale Section

And even a few mice like this one in Folksy ( plus LOADS of other things ) Folksy Sale

There's a big variety to choose from : bags, mice, cats, birds, aprons, bunting, purses, brooches, cushions, and some Christmas items too :)

Hope to see you there !

The Car Boot Vintage 70s Wallpaper is UP!

We found this wall paper a couple of year ago for £1 and finallty got around to putting it up! we have quite a few vintage bits of furniture now about the house favouring 70s solid wood and a fair bit of G Plan. This is a feature wall in our rather large L shaped family room/dining/kitchen area, the accent colours throughout being orange, aqua and turquoise.

We recently replaced our Dining room suite with a  G plan one , reupholstered by myself in a favorite Francis Price barkcloth. The large horse textile hanging is on the opposite wall to the wallpaper one. PLEASE NOTE my house is not normally this tidy !

Thrifting Success

Went over to Siddington Village Hall for the table top sale on Sunday - just for a little trip out and expecting just a tea and cake session -  and bought some exciting bits and pieces . Met the dapper and slightly cheeky Laurence Llewelyn-bowen and bought a great tray and tea cosy from his charming wife Jackie and their daughters ( Jackie being the designer of these products). I think the tray ( the design is Verandah ) looks particularly fine with my grey and blue poole china. Since the L-B's moved to the area they have been very involved in local activities which is rather super. 

Met another lovely couple who sold us a set of 4 of these rather fabby chairs ( I know you are shocked - not - how COULD I resist them! ) and some sweet japanese style tins .... and WOW look at the 3 china cats - they will be featuring in some of my product photos I think... (the bunting is mine - plenty of that available in my Etsy and Folksy shops !)

2012 Autumn Open House Event !

Once again I'm having my Autumn Open House event - this year I'm donating 10% of offline sales to MacMillan cancer ( I did the same for my stall at a friend's coffee morning last Friday) . It's a good opportunity to get my stock out, take some more photos and drink tea with my friends :) ! ( and eat cake... obviously once I've had time to bake some that is...! )

This is just a glimpse of what is available - WOW I've got a lot of luverly stuff!