Tuesday 26 June 2012

Cheap Frills

  

Only hours after telling to my mates that I was running low of decent material for my dressmaking endeavours I woke up on Saturday morning to discover a parcel of joy from the fabulous Miss Magpie, aka my fabric godmother.


Along with these two lengths of marvellous vintage material was some cute jewellery, a notelet featuring the only Walt Disney character I've ever liked,


and enough 1970s daisy print polyester to make this frilly maxi skirt:


 Using one of the vintage patterns I bought from last week's car boot sale.


 A clever seamstress, me? Getaway with you. I'm entirely self-taught and my cock ups far outweigh my sewing successes. Believe me, the seam ripper and I have formed such a close bond Jon's starting to feel threatened.


I wrote about my sewing history here.
If a walking disaster like me can handle a dressing making pattern there's hope for anyone.

Hand-made frilled maxi worn with 1970s gypsy blouse (75p, Salvation Army), 1960s suede Nordiska belt (20p, car boot sale) and my trusty £9 Office platforms
I'm linking to Lakota's Ta-Dah Tuesday, a great reason for getting your arse in gear and creating something.


Thank you so much for the brilliant response to yesterday's post. I knew I'd find some kindred spirits out there in blogland. 

69 comments:

  1. Another fabulous parcel of joy, the choice of fabric is amazing and of course your sewing skills are greatly admired Vix! I've always maintained it's not always about skill level, it's about vision and you always see the best in fabric xxx

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  2. Another triumph in your sewing! Like you, I am totally self taught and often make a cock-up (the other night I sewed up the gap where the zipper should be) but I think that's half the fun. I really fancy a maxi skirt, I must look through my pattern stash. Xx

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  3. Love your belt, and well done on another sewing achievement. Clever thing.
    x

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  4. Wow awesome pressie and patterns! I gotta try and tackle some trousers, me and my sewing machine don't have a great relationship tho... ;)

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  5. You must have almost as many self made bits of fabulousness as second hand bargains - and that's saying something. It's always a thrill to say "Yeah, it was a quid" but it must be even more fantastic to be able to do the "yeah, I made it myself" about clothes. Miss Magpie has done you proud, great fabrics. Thanks for linking up and the kind words about TT.

    x

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  6. Great patterns and fabrics Vix! I always feel proud when I wear something that I made, gives you an extra spring in your step! :) x

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  7. Your title fits my mood exactly! I'm on a work binge... So happy to have a little Vix therapy.

    LOL about your seam ripper - mine is threatening a divorce, mainly because I've been ignoring him lately. You are a vision in this ensemble. Your belt beckons me to try and pop those bubbles deliciously like bubble wrap.

    Your last post was right on as well - your views echo the thrifting scene here too. I usually only come away from thrifting unhappy if I get lazy in the hunt.

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  8. Great patterns! and that gipsy top made me smile ! so cuute! xx

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  9. Oh Miss Magpie is the fabric godmother, holy colorful yards of joy I tell you! I love all three to death! The skirt you made with the ruffles is probably my favorite of the bunch and I love it with the polka dot top. That belt is killer too! Chunky and silver like all your jewels! You look beautiful as summer sun my sweet Vix!

    Thanks again for my beautiful shorts.
    Miss you!!!
    Krista

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  10. Adore the outfit today Vix. Your hand made skirt is fab. I`ve been searching for a bit of Vix style jewellery today but couldn`t find anything I liked.
    Dx

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  11. I love the maxi you made. But I adore that gypsy top even more!!!! Gorgeous!

    XO

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  12. Hi my dear-what gorgeous fabrics Miss Magpie sent you!! your maxi look really lovely on and goes perfectly with your dotty top-a really cute outfit! xx

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  13. Velvet-y boots. Spots and frills. Dammit. Why wasn't I born with your style?

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  14. Great skirt! I have a great pair of curtains which are just asking to be made into a dress and this post has inspired me to get off my bum and actually do it!

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  15. Wow - you're a whizz with the old sewing machine. You'll be very proud of me... I bought a sequinned top in a charity shop at the weekend and I'm currently customizing the neckline. Must be your influence!

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  16. What a perfect teaming of gypsy top with the charming skirt. You sell yourself MUCH too short when it comes to sewing skills, Vix!

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  17. Sew-sew perfect once again. Part of the success of sewing is confidence that whatever you do you'll 'make it work' (with a tip of the presser foot to Tim Gunn). Great outfit.

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  18. I really should try to sew some simple skirts - you are an inspiration.

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  19. Another fabulous Vix creation. I really enjoyed reading the post about your sewing history. You've inspired me to have a go at something simple! My problem is a lack of hours in the day :(

    Btw, Cheshire Cat notepaper - I must find some!! xxx

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  20. GORGEOUS!!! I love the print on the daisy skirt--so summery!
    I am totally drooling over the green and gold metallic piece of fabric-can't wait to see what you do with it!!

    Tamera

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  21. WOW! you make me want to make something!! When the decorating's done I'm on the hunt for an easy pattern I can try x

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  22. ok this is freaky vix b/c i'm soooo not a disney fan but cheshire cat is the ONLY character thing i've ever liked. in fact i have a small figurine that i bought at our high school graduation party that was held there. i've still got it and that was in 1975.

    and i think you've hit the nail on the head re sewing. i think i can do it...it's just getting my arse in gear that is the problem. esp during these gorgeous sunny days we are having.

    your truly,

    juanita

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  23. I used to own a skirt like the one on the pattern (the one with swirt seams and different coloured stripes)!

    Have you ever made a denim skirt from a pair of jeans?

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  24. That’s right up my street in thrifty craftiness; vintage patterns and material put together - a triumph!

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  25. That blouse is a favourite of mine, I love it, and it goes so well with your new skirt. You may think you aren't that hot at sewing, but I am always seriously impressed with what you produce.
    I love all the fabrics from Miss Magpie, and can't wait to see what you have in store for theat beautiful green floral with the gold thread, it's stunning.
    I reckon that as with many things in life, making stuff is all about confidence. If you have a go, don't get too discouraged by mistakes, and use dead cheap supplies so it's not the end of the world if it goes wrong, we can probably all manage something. Even ME! You are always an inspiration, darling Vix! xxxx

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  26. yeah!, it's a pretty maxi skirt, and pretty well done too!. I'm also a self taught seamstress, and I think my only ability is my ignorance and forwardness!!!
    And I'm loving all that fabulous fabric!
    besos & sewing

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  27. I look for the "sew easy" patterns of the 70's and 80's. Even a beginner can knock those frocks out. -T

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  28. Oh you've got to know I'm digging on that skirt, it remind me of my purple floral maxi you have wanted to acquire from me if I just looked the other way.

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  29. Lush bit of frillage, Vix. I love that skirt and I am inspired to make a gypsy top....haven't made one since school sewing class! I bet I have the pattern somewhere too.
    Great fabrics.
    xxxxx

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  30. Nice blog dear!!
    xo.
    http://fromhatstoheels.blogspot.nl/

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  31. Yay that skirt looks fabulous! I just knew you would do something amazing with the fabric. :-)

    The Cheshire Cat is a hero, I have always said if I had to be a cartoon character he would be it. How I would love to be able to give an enigmatic smile and just vanish whenever I felt like it!

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  32. Hi Vix,

    I really love that skirt and the colour and pattern is really up my street! Its funny but I have some lovely material that my other half brought home from his last India trip a few years ago which I would love to make into a lovely long skirt but I dont think there is enough as I have ample measurements lets just say. I really enjoyed reading about how you got into making your clothes. Its something I would love to do but get put off with measurements and such like.
    But sometimes I feel that you just dont get what you are looking for in shops.

    I am hoping to get my act together at some point this week and post about you lovely bracelet I have worn it most of this week already, it has become a firm favourite!


    P x

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  33. Fabulous! I can't believe you'd nearly run out of fabric - you should come and visit my stash one day! I was trying to cut out a dress yesterday, but the fabric kept slipping and driving me mad so it's shelved for now!

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  34. That polka dot blouse is amazing. I love your eye make up. you must be experienced.

    www.personalautographs.blogspot.co.uk

    sorry haven't been in touch have been working all week.
    x

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  35. Ah, what a fab parcel - that green blue and gold brocade is lush, can't wait to see what it is turned into. Stitch ripping is my absolute favourite part of sewing xx

    Penny Dreadful Vintage

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  36. amazing old paterns, loev it so, and love you new skirt, I recive today my new tayloring machine, and I can´t wait to start to craft!!!!!!
    Hugs
    AnieB
    http://lahabitaciondelaspequenascosas.blogspot.com.es/

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  37. I love your blouse more than anything! If you ever tire of it send it my way. I'll pay 5x what you bought it for. You give me hope for my non existent sewing career. thank you.

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  38. The fabric is fantasical!!! And as for the skirt you whipped up you clever girl you. Poor Jon, get him his own seam ripper, that may help. I have had many a disaster that got thrown across the room in frustration. I had a mother that made me do everything properly, now I just go for it and make it work. With alot of thanks to my over locker I must say. As long as I don't need to use the iron I am fine, me and the iron just don't get on. ♥

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  39. Love that style in your flouncy blouse. Must be fulfilling to be able to sew and create this way. I'll stick to paper and pen. Much less frustration. ;)

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  40. Oh that is it Miss Vix I am going to get the sewing machine out. You have inspired me.
    The fabric is gorgeous and I love the skirt.
    Love v

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  41. As always, my mind is COMPLETELY BLOWN by your amazing talents, amor! The skirt is abso-frickin-lutely GORGEOUS - the fabric is absolute perfection and the frills make me swoon. I adore the spots and floral combo too - you are a master pattern mixer - and the belt is a slice of heaven. Love you more than frills! Sarah xxx

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  42. You are so flipping gorgeous. What a stunner of an outfit!

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  43. oh how fabulous is this spanish style carmen top! and the pants! you look flawless as always?

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  44. I love this skirt Vix! I feel like such a novice sewer too as I'm mostly self taught (with a little help from a good friend when I make a real cock up) - If I can do it, anyone can!! Also I am so jealous you received vintage fabric in the mail!!!

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  45. Frill-tastic. You clever bean you!

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  46. Whether you wing it or not, you do an awesome job of it!! You've inspired me to give sewing a go again. I love the ruffles on the skirt xx

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  47. Gorgeous skirt and clever you, my dearest Vix.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  48. The skirt looks fantastic!! love it ~hopefully not long and I will be feeling better and I can bust out my machine. I have a few vintage patterns I want to try out. I love how you paired it with a polka dot top Looks Great!~ Enjoy your new skirt ~Love Heather

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  49. You are always an inspiration. How you whipped up this beautiful maxi in a minute is beyond me. I am going to use the word 'notelet' the first chance I get!

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  50. Ooo how pretty! Now you're making me want to bust out the vintage Viking sewing machine (in pristine condition) I scored last night and sew some new togs! See, you may not think you're the best seamstress (trust me I was a designer and had my share of screw-ups) but you sure are an inspiring one! XXX Suzanne

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  51. I really must learn to sew. I'm a self taught knitted and crocheter (?). I'm arranging a skills swap with Katrina from Muffintopvintage. It should be fun!



    Caroline
    xxx

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  52. Fabulous outfit so pretty as usual x

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  53. I was overjoyed to see your lovely face with a thumbs up on my page. I love the vintage fabric! I have not been using seam ripper as much these days. Could be the repetition of the few favorites. Hugs from my mountain in the desert.

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  54. Wonderful outfit, i love your skirt! xx

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  55. Oooh, you look sensational! Love it all!!! I am in awe of your current dress-making prowess.x

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  56. What gorgeous fabrics and you look stunning as ever Vix. I really do admire your style, it's just so bohemian. xxx

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  57. Maybe i should get into sewing
    I love all those vintage patterns and Izzy could help me out
    Love what hou did, just gorgeous Vix, you are going straight to my pinerest board!

    Love

    Ariane xxx

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  58. The mix of prints here is Gorgeous! Really Loving the bracelets. Gorgeous as always!

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  59. That's one thing I so want to be able to do! When I've got my weight down then I am going to make myself some outfits! First thing, a maxi dress out of a vintage sheet! Love the gifted fabric, and well it goes without saying that yer luvverly as usual! ♥

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  60. love that fabric & I think you sew wonderfully! The blouse you bought is beautiful...would love to sew on like it!

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  61. That certainly IS one helluva parcel of joy and what a splendid job you've done on that double-frill maxi ... wearing it with a spotty frilly blouse looks A-MAAAAAAZING eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!!!!!!! Consider yourself arse-squeezed xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

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  62. woah! that skirt is wonderful! the fabric is perfect and i love which one you picked to make, its so you! Its no nice to hear that you have mis haps sewing too as your creations always look perfect. I'm just starting out and have become fond of my unpicker already (ie it saves me arse from many a disaster!) xxxx

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  63. I love this look! The skirt is fabulous, I'm very jealous of the top too! I really must get on a sort out that lovely dress I got with you, the one with the hole in it. I was thinking of applique-ing a large black cat or something interesting. I can imagine you swishing round the garden feeling all romantic, jangling your bracelets.

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  64. Wow I want to start making thing I'm trying to be more creative but not to good on ideas.Love your outfit you look great :)

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  65. Gypsy Woman! You were made to wear off-the-shoulder blouses and maxi skirts. So cool to see you make things using the vintage patterns other bloggers have sent to you.

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  66. Me and sewing patterns?! I'm flat out selling them let alone using them!! But you look to be doing well, loving that brocade fabric.xx.

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  67. I love your Gypsy Cher look amor.
    Your peasant top and skirt is just too bewitching amor.
    That lurex fabric is so pretty. We adore Vixcita that's why we worship you.
    Besones

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Lots of love, Vix