McCall's 6569

I made a beach cover up using McCall's 6569, View H (size 20).

The fabric is white georgette. I found that this was a difficult fabric to cut and sew due to it's delicate nature. It slipped a lot so there was plenty of cursing from me. The seams are very frayed and will keep doing so until it has reached the stitching...I definitely recommend an overlocker for this type of fabric. 

The instructions were easy to follow and the finished piece did look like the picture on the envelope. I would make this again but with a different fabric.

Simplicity 1693

I made a top using View F from Simplicity 1693 (size 20).

The fabric is a turquoise cotton which was a delight to sew with. I used the same fabric to make the bias binding (I couldn't find a ready made one that was the same shade). This was my first time using bias binding as well. To keep the seams neat I decided to go for a French seam. I used a button that I received in one of my exchanges with Sarah.

The pattern instructions were easy to follow and it looked like the diagram on the envelope. I didn't make any changes to the pattern and would happily make it again.

Yves Saint Laurent - Style is Eternal

I went to see the YSL exhibition at Bowes Museum in County Durham and it was a fabulous afternoon! If you can, get yourself along as the photos do not do it justice. Ready?

Cake to start the afternoon

Before moving on to fabric YSL designed collections for a series of handmade paper dolls.

Examples of the design process

A toile of a coat including fabric buttons

'Soir Collection Board' Autumn-Winter 1978

Practice piece

Embroidered Evening Gown, Spring-Summer 2001

There were exquisite pieces of lace...

This was one of my favourite dresses.

Short Evening Gown Front, Autumn-Winter 1970

Short Evening Gown Back, Autumn-Winter 1970

Honestly, who has feet that are this thin?

I loved that we could see the inside of some of the dresses to see the stitches.

Some designs were risqué and I certainly wouldn't be brave enough to wear them. It must have been difficult to make a range with delicate fabrics like these!

Left - Evening Gown, Autumn-Winter 1968

I will leave it there so that I don't spoil it for those who will be paying a visit. Of course, there was a trip to the gift shop. I bought a beautiful catalogue which has information about YSL and some of the designs featured in the exhibition. I also bought a bookmark which has two sides to it and a fridge magnet to add to my collection.

Another company heading for retirement

Broderie.net are retiring this September. It isn't a well known site but there are some lovely designs on there. I will warn you that the website is in French. 

I'll be back with some more posts soon about my trip to the Yves Saint Laurent exhibition at Bowes Museum and two garments that I have sewn. 

A lovely summer exhange

Every year I have an exchange with Sarah, I always look forward to it and this year was no different. Sarah puts together gorgeous exchanges.

Our theme this year was our favourite season, Sarah chose winter and I chose summer. Here are photos of the parcel I received from Sarah.

Front of cross stitch cushion

Back of cross stitch cushion

Knitted bunny

Extra goodies

All the lovely items together

My parcel to Sarah hasn't arrived yet but I'll add photos once it does.

Thank you again Sarah!