Menagerie of patchwork

Wow! We had a LOT of people in today. Maybe it's the rain, maybe our posters have finally impinged on people consciousness but for the first time RK had to trot out for another pint of milk -meeow!

Last week we were joined by one patchwork quilter, this week three came along. They attend different quilting groups in Lewisham but it was an absolute pleasure to see their work.

Cube effect patchwork by Joan

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee-themed patchwork by Jean

Crazy-patchwork by Val

In addition to our three patchworkers, 'Dolly Mix Dolls' Liz and Anne came along but this time made clothes of the larger, adult, variety.

Simplicity 4095 whipped up by 'Dolly Mix Dolls' Liz in 3 hours

Vicky finished her Miz Mozelle jersey dress with the Peter pan collar and keyhole design and brought it in to show the group. And it's another beauty. Very light, feminine and easy-to-wear. Vicky said the instructions were a breeze and this pattern designer was well worth a look. As is her new find Victory patterns, a Canadian company who design one-off garments with some nice detail touches. 

Vicky's 'Miz Mozelle' jersey dress with keyhole design

'Ava' pattern by Victory Patterns, only CAD $9.95 (about £6.00)

PDF download

Vicky also brought in the most marvellous sewing book, 'Famous Frocks', which she managed to pick-up second hand and in prime condition. It contains details, and some actual patterns, of some of the most famous dresses ever worn by Audrey Hepburn, Diana Ross, Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Onassis.
A really lovely book to draw inspiration from, or if you just really like vintage. You can still buy it in hardback on Amazon and in other places for around £10 and RK says, buy it now before it goes out of print. Then you'll pay through the nose and feel very unhappy that you missed out.

RK is busily working on a McCalls number, which I'll hopefully reveal 'soon'. Either this kitty is turning into a tub-o-lard or McCalls are adding no ease to their patterns, The usual size 10 I cut is far too small - meeow, scratch, fizz!! So the skirt section which is trying to cover my butt is straining at the seams. Guess I'll be cutting that out again.....

Until next time!
RKx