Plus Sized Fashion: Lindy Bop and Dorothy Perkins

Lindy bop sale is on, and as always its absolute chaos. Wrong orders, cancelled orders, late and missing orders etc etc, however I finally got two dresses.

The first is the ZsaZsa tropical wiggle which comes with a bolero. Now a wiggle is always a gamble for me. I have a supersize bottom and a big old belly. However this fabric is just the right thickness and has enough stretch and I love it. I don't quite have the chest to fill it, but that's ok. £12 well spent.

The Myrtle in red gingham on the other hand - WTF is going on with the wings? They are just too big to look anything other than absurd when down, and won't stay up of their own accord. Apparently this is a common confusion. People have suggested interfacing, velcro, stitches and so on. I think I'll just sell it on.

Dorothy Perkins are also doing the hard sell at the moment. I couldn't get the dresses I wanted (anchors and pineapples) so I thought I'd try these three because I want something comfy and soft to wear on holiday. Well none are particularly flattering, and the third isn't really comfy (and has crossover back straps and a saggy bodice) so I may just send them all back.

Plus Size Fashion: Scarlett and Jo - the photos are back

We still don't know who's won the competition, but S&J made the photographs available to all the ladies that were there on the day of the shoot. They've put the videos up too, so here I am in all my porky glory :)

And photos:

Thanks to Scarlett and Jo. I'm really pleased with my photographs. I very much want this dress (above) and I'm waiting for it to be released! Its so comfy and a great dress for work or just every day. 

Bagmaking: Swoon Lola

So this is Lola. One of the latest patterns from Swoon

I really wanted to have a go at this ages ago, but I've got soooo many things on my list as well as commissions, it just didn't happen.

This fabric is from the Cotton and Steel Lucky Strike set from the Fabric Guild. It looks so adorable and fresh with the white faux leather (http://www.u-handbag.com/)

As usual, the pattern was easy to follow. Swoon patterns have simple printables (no taping together 10 sheets or whatever) clear instructions and they walk you through from start to finish. If you have any issues, you just need to ask - Alicias always available via email or facebook to help, as are the hoards of other Swooners on the facebook pages.

As you can see I've also started putting my own zip pulls on now which are just little feathers.

Dressmaking: the dress that isn't yet (Butterick 5748) , and the skirt that is (self drafted)

So, since I discovered the Fabric Guild, I've been going a little loopy buying larger amounts of fabric. This one is Cotton & Steel Mochi Gamaguchi Navy

I really wanted to make a dress for the vintage sewalong, however the more I worked at this (its 

Butterick 5748) the worse it got. Eventually I just shoved it in a cupboard to be looked at some.other.time...

Slightly more successful was what I did with the rest of the fabric. Determined to wear a handbag themed outfit for the school stall, I made this on a wing and a prayer. I used pleats instead of gathering and it came out ok. Phew!

Bagmaking: Poppy Pouch

First attempt at the poppy pouch

Here we have small and medium

I would say these are great for an advanced beginner - harder than just a zipped pouch but if you follow the instructions, all will come good.

They require a bit of thought but nothing too exhausting, and the finished result is adorable.

I think they will be a winner for craft fairs, as an alternative to a plain rectangular boxed pouch

Eighties Night: Getting dressed up with the gals (and James!)

If you weren't there, you probably aren't interested in these! 

Me, Nic (redhead) and Anna (blonde) have known each other since we took our eldest children (all born in 2007) to baby swimming lessons.

These gals live in Norfolk now, whereas I've stayed put in Cambridgeshire, but we try and get together occasionally for some fun and games :)

This gathering was held at a mutual friends flat (James - the only bloke) and Alexa joined us there and provided some fantastic food along with James

So - in no particular order...

Plus Sized Fashion: Run and Fly Flamingoes

Sometimes, you just have to let it go.

I saw someone wearing this dress on instagram, and immediately HAD to have it. Found it on ebay in my size (18 - the largest they do) and it came pretty quickly

At first glance I LOVED it. But then I put it on. Too tight. I haven't got time for too tight. If it doesn't fit immediately, it has to go back.

Also , sleeves are a bit too long for my liking, neckline a bit too high, and skirt doesn't have enough fabric in it. 

So its gone. And I'm sad because the print is so lovely, however I'm rather proud that I didn't just bung it in the wardrobe 'to fit into'. No more of that :)