Friday, January 13, 2012

Christmas Frocks - Vogue 8184 & 'Lonsdale' by Sewaholic

- Me and Emily in our Christmas frocks -

I arrived home last night after a month long holiday on the Sunshine Coast. My family and I had a wonderful time house-sitting a home on a property in the Noosa Hinterland. Here is a photo of the view from the deck. Glorious!

Such a relaxing and inspiring place to sew don't you think? Well, I did take my sewing machine with me and got off to a flying start by sewing myself and my younger sister Emily, each a new Christmas frock.  Unfortunately, things went seriously downhill come Christmas day. My younger brother had bought me a mandolin (slicer) for Christmas, at my request. While preparing an Asian slaw for Christmas lunch,  things got a little out-of-control. Moments later, my husband was rushing me off to hospital with some pretty serious cuts on my hand. After spending 3 hours waiting in the emergency room, I lost patience and walked out. With the help of grafting tape, a tube of antisepetic  and a couple of gin & tonics, my sisters managed to stick me back together. Unfortunately, that pretty much marked the end of my holiday sewing time, as I could no longer cut or hold a pair of scissors. Serious bummer!

So here is 80% of my holiday sewing:

1. Vogue 8184


This is the third time I've made this dress, so it came together easily and quickly. I used a silk/cotton fabric I purchased only a few days earlier at The Fabric Store in Brisbane. I wasn't actually planning on making a Christmas frock by just HAD to after finding this fabric. After all, everyone loves a Christmas tree inspired dress right! I also made the red flower using a cotton/silk remnant picked up on the same trip just to add some serious Christmas punch!

This fabric is really quite divine and so lovely to wear. It has a sateen-type shine to it. I lined the dress in a black cotton voile. This wasn't really necessary as the fabric is not sheer. For some reason, I just like my party dresses to be lined.







2. Lonsdale by Sewaholic

I sewed this dress for my sister Emily, using a cotton lawn purchased at Spotlight. This is a simple dress to sew and the instructions are straight-forward and easy to follow.  I will shorten the bodice if I ever make it for her again as there is a little bit of pooling at the waistline.

- The lovely Emily -

And just for fun, a photo of me and my sisters Emily, Katherine and Sarah sitting with my mother - the lady that kick-started all this sewing shenanigans. 

11 comments:

  1. Gorgeous dresses! Especially good to see the Lonsdale, I have that pattern but haven't made it up yet. Love the fabric you chose.

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  2. I love these photos. They remind me of my tropical Christmases in
    Panama as a kid. It's a little chilly in Britain right now and the sun is a bit weak. Sigh.
    Both dresses are lovely. I'd really like to try the lonsdale dress. So I appreciate your positive review.
    The picture of you all together is beautiful!

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  3. Beautiful dresses, I don't think you can go wrong with either pattern. I am eager to try the Lonsdale and I never tire of seeing the many variations of the lovely Vogue 8184.

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  4. A really lovely happy picture of your family! I love the dresses you made for yourself and your sister. They are so colourful and cheerful. Best wishes for a fantastic 2012!

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  5. Hmm, I wonder where the xmas mandolin is now??? Bummer of a start to the holidays. You all look so gorgeous in the last photo - your lucky mum, 4 talented girls (as you will always be in her mind, I'm sure).

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  6. Oh, a tropical Christmas! So much fun. It's so cold here right now. Your dresses look gorgeous. I especially love the little pop of red on your dress with the flower. Such a nice touch.

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  7. Gorgeous! I love the fabric of your 8184.

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  8. Ohhh, your poor fingers - can see them bandaged up in a few shots. But the dresses are great - super holiday sewing. Noosa is just brilliant, how lucky to house sit so close. Did you have a peek in Oh-Sew-Noosa at all???

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  9. Lovely dresses - and I agree, lining makes a dress more special. What a happy group photo too; looks like lots of fun apart from the imjuries!

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  10. Oh my goodness, so sorry to hear about your accident, ouch! I do hope you are healing up okay. The dresses are lovely. I really like your choice of fabric for your dress and the red flower was a perfect final touch. The Londsdale looks great too. I may want to make that this year myself.

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  11. Those mandolin slicers are vicious! Your dresses are gorgeous, I'm so impressed that you sewed one for you and one for your sister. Love the fabric you've used on yours.

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