Tape Measures Cambie-Hack

This is one of the projects I finished during my "blog-goes-dark" months.

As soon as I saw this fabric I just HAD to have it.

Full Price? Not a problem.
Weird Heavy Drill Fabric? Don't Care.
Probably not the best colours on me? Still don't care.
IT.
HAS.
TAPE.
MEASURES.

Seriously!!! TAPE MEASURES!!

I'm slowly learning that I in fact have a love of kitchy, novelty prints. I'm also slowly learning that I am in fact a hipster and really what is more hipster than a self-employed artisan dressmaker in a tape measure dress made from an independent pattern company design...

I should also point out that I f*cking love this dress. Literally so much love it has to come with swearing because this is awesome! Also there is a LOT of goober face in these pics as they were taken on timer after a long night out but sorrynotsorry I'm not taking more so this is the best you get.

The bodice is the Sewaholic Cambie Dress in a size 6. I add about 1.5cm to this size in the side/back seams since the Cambie is really designed for pear shapes and I'm definitely not one of those! I could probably do a Full Bust Adjustment but I'm lazy and on me this simple add makes all the difference I need so why get fancy if I don't need to?

Goober Face but Pockets = :)

I changed out the gathered Cambie skirt for the semi-circular one from Vogue 8615 including pockets! Now all my ready-to-wear dresses feel like they lack pockets cos I just love having them in everything I wear sooooo much.

The fabric is from Spotlight of all places and seems to be some kind of novelty cotton drill. It's quite heavy and has a lot of body so I thought the sleeker circle skirt would be more flattering than all those gathers in the original Cambie. Bonus side effect? The heavier fabric means the interfaced waistband holds its shape beautifully, whereas past versions in cotton lawn have tended to roll in at the waist even with interfacing. The downside is there isn't a heap of stretch in the fabric so no big meals in this dress. Plus I've already had to repair the sleeves after ripping them bowling at my work christmas do. But how could I not wear this dress bowling? Such a cute 50's vibe right?

Doing the "Dior New Look" Pose lol

The bodice is lined in pale pink cotton lawn and the skirt portion is unlined to save on weight since this fabric is quite heavy. Construction wise there isn't much more to add - I just love how fun and ridiculous this dress is! 

Bought even more fabric today - I seriously have a problem, maybe someone runs a fabric rehab somewhere I can go to? Will just have to get sewing again I guess... Good thing the sewing room has aircon in this heat!

Happy Sewing!

Stacey

OXOX

Some Very Special News

Hello hello!!

I'm back after a bit of an internet hiatus as such - our trip on the Strzelecki and Birdsville tracks was a wonderful break from reality (and technology lol)!
First things first - no I am not pregnant! I'm sure at least one or more person(s) was assuming that so I'm gonna be upfront and say no, no babies here now ;-)

However, I do have a bit of an exciting announcement - I am starting a project called StaceyMade Fashion!

I met the lovely Pemily from The Pin Up Lounge in Port Adelaide a few weeks ago and she was SO excited about my home sewn clothes and asked me if I had ever considered selling the things I make. I have been thinking along those lines lately (after years of swearing I would NEVER sew for anyone but me!) so I have actually taken her up on the offer in a small-side-project kind of way.

Halter Dress in Cotton Rayon blend, Size 10

So I have been cloistered away the past week or so, whipping up a handful of lovely frocks that I've been wanting to make for myself - the catch is I'm not keeping them. Instead these lovely items will be available for purchase through The Pin Up Lounge's lovely clothing boutique! I have started small and all these dresses are my size (Australian size 10-12 roughly) so I didn't have to think to hard about pattern changes/fit etc. If there are people looking for these styles in a different size or a custom design/fit I'll consider branching out.

Sheath Dress in Cotton Sateen, Size 12

Please note this is still only going to be a part of my life (I suspect I will still have to have a 'real job' and I'd like to still have a life too!) so I may not be able to take on complex custom designs yet - I want to see how things go and not overwork myself so I stay healthy. Just a little disclaimer so no-one expects miracles from me ;-)

Sundress in Cotton Lawn, Size 10

That disclaimer aside I'm really excited to be trying this out and to be sharing my style of hand-made fashion!
The dresses will be available in Pemily's beautiful vintage shop at 7 Holmes Street, Port Adelaide - Pem has such a gorgeous set-up and is such a beautiful person - it was really just her sheer enthusiasm that convinced me to give this a go in the first place. She is also wonderfully talented with hair, make-up and styling - the whole creative package (I wish I had her around when I got married - seriously, her bridal looks are to die for!) She also offers Pin Up Photo shoot packages which are terrific fun and lead to some amazing shots!!

The Dress that Started It All - Vintage 1950's design, not for sale (sorrynotsorry) but if you're interested in a custom version please contact me!

I have a facebook page at www.facebook.com/StaceyMadeFashion Please like and share my page if there is someone you know who appreciates handmade touches and is looking for a vintage-inspired look.
If you like what you see, head on into The Pin Up Lounge to see for yourself and maybe buy something beautiful and handmade!

Sundress in Cotton Lawn, Size 10