31 August 2011

Back to school

I haven't been in any formal education for many a year now, but September still feels like the start of a new year. I find it much easier to set goals at this time of year than in January (when I'm usually just too cold and miserable to do much).
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But this September, I am actually going back to school! Sort of. I've signed up for a 12-week long clothes-making course at Morley College. Too exciting! Karen has already done this course and her posts on it got me thinking that perhaps I could do with a more structured approach to my learning. I have really enjoyed the self-teaching process, and have learned so much since I started in January. But lately I've felt that I could do with some expert guidance, particularly when it comes to fitting. And I love the idea of a regular three-hour period to concentrate on my project.

School starts on 13 September, but I need to decide on my project before then (or at least have a couple of ideas). I'm thinking Vogue 8028:


I just love shirtdresses, but I've never found the right fit. Last year, I fell in love with and bought the Anthropologie Refined Cord shirtdress:


I wore this dress all autumn and winter long, even though it was a bit too short in the waist (so I was constantly tugging it down to my real waist) and a bit too short in the skirt (I'm an on-the-knee-please gal). I'd love to have a go-to pattern, so that I could whip up a shirtdress for every season! I've even got a little inspiration board on Pinterest. (Pinterest is just too too time-wastingly addictive.)

In addition to the fitting, this pattern offers the following new techniques:
  • button holes
  • shirt collar and collar stand 
  • cuffs

What do you think? Those of you who've done similar courses: does this looks suitably challenging, or should I rethink my choice?

speak soon x
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6 comments:

  1. Ooh! How exciting! I would live to have three hours a week dedicated to improving my sewing and fitting. Well done you. I think you've chosen a great style to extend your experience- it's a lovely pattern too- I think you're definitely up to tackling these new challenges. :-)

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  2. That sounds like a spot on challenge to me and for that course. How exciting! I totally agree that discovering things for yourself is stimulating, but then you get to a stage where you instinctively know: I need someone to start showing me things. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

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  3. I think that sounds like a great idea! I'm thinking of doing one myself in the uni holidays for a jacket and pants. Pants... They scare me. Can't wait to hear how you go! x

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  4. It sounds exactly the right course for you Shivani, If I lived nearer to Morley college I'd be signing up too. Your choice of dress is lovely and you'll really be able to get your teeth into the fitting side of things. Good luck, looking forward to reading your college posts. x

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  5. I really like the Vogue 8028 pattern; I have been looking for a shirt dress pattern as there's an Anthropologie dress in their autumn/winter collection that is lovely. I think this would be a good alternative.

    Good luck with the course :)

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  6. Hi Shivani

    You won a prize on the Dragonfly Fabrics giveaway over at my blog. Pop over there to find out which one and let me know your address details?

    Thanks

    Julia

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Thanks so much for visiting my little blog.

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