THE DRAPERY BLOG

 Thank you to Toni of Make It Perfect patterns for inviting us to take part in her Skippy and Joey Blog Hop! I loved the look of these patterns when they were released, and with those names, well... what's that Skip? "tch tch tch... tch tch tch tch!" You're saying since Toni gave me a free copy of the Skippy , I'd better sew it up right away? "tchtch tch!"  Fair enough Skip, I'll do it!   To be honest, when I first finished this dress I was not really 'feeling it'. My fabric choices had been dictated by what I felt I could take from the shop without depleting precious knit supplies, and the grey contrast parts were due to there being not enough of the green stripe. Plus, I was feeling frumpy, the weather was cold, and I had just been told I was very low in iron and a bit anaemic. I wasn't sure about the puff sleeves on me, and the hem wasn't behaving well (although I hadn't tried pressing it). Also, I'd

  At The Drapery we're always on the lookout for patterns that are reliable basics that you will return to over and over. Also, patterns that make great beginners' projects: easy to tackle but also skill-building. The KID Shorts pattern by MADE (Dana Willard) is only available as a pdf download - you can't buy it in our shop - but it's such a good one we don't hesitate to recommend it. Make it up using some of our fabrics, of course!   This is the size 6 (on my almost 7y.o. who is on the slightly spindly side), with the options of boy length, flat front, 'racer' trim and front pockets. There are so many options with this pattern that allow for so many different looks. All these options have their own beautifully clear instructions on the MADE blog with Dana's bright and inspiring photography.  Fabrics are this adorable little tiger print on Japanese linen/cotton , by Alexia Abegg for Cotton + Steel (half a

  Leggings, leggings, leggings. If these two pairs look a  little rumpled and well-loved, it's because they have been in constant rotation all throughout the colder months. This is a fabulous pattern that we've been waiting a long time to share with you because of some shipping mishaps. Meanwhile my test pairs of leggins have been tested, and tested, and tested! (And passed with flying colours!)  Cake Patterns is the creation of Stephanie Cousins, a US expat living in Brisbane. She is very dedicated to creating wearable, comfortable clothing patterns for a wide range of women's shapes and sizes. The Espresso Leggings are custom-fit, meaning you follow the instructions to take a bunch of your own measurements, plot them on the pattern and 'connect-the-dots' to create your own personalised pattern piece. This means a great fit that should hug but not constrict in all the right places and won't have you hitching up and readjusting all day long. The i