THE DRAPERY BLOG

When we Facebooked a photo a while back showing a greyhound sitting on some fabric and pattern pieces, it had possibly the most 'likes' of any Drapery post, ever. So we know there are plenty of dog-overs out there! It also started a conversation with the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter . They need YOUR HELP! Could you sew a coat to keep a large rescue dog warm this winter? They often receive small dog coats but larger sizes are desperately needed. Just make a coat (or several), using the tutorial below or your own pattern, and bring them to The Drapery as soon as you can. We'll see them safely delivered to the RSPCA. (Of course, you can post or take them to the RSPCA directly if you prefer: 25 Meyer Road, Lonsdale SA 5160.) This tutorial is for a quilted and bound coat. If you have some fabric in your stash that's warm enough as a single layer, e.g. polar fleece or felted wool, you could easily use the same shape and skip the quilting layers. If you have a large dog, you...

  The chill is in the air in this part of the world, and we are all reaching for layers of comfy things to keep us warm. Layerable dresses with sleeves? Yes please. The Colette Moneta dress for knits looked like it might tick a few of those boxes. And indeed it has.  I made this wearable muslin from this Soy/Organic Cotton/Spandex French Terry in 'Coffee Bean'. It's a sturdy, medium weight knit with lots of drape plus just the right amount of spandex necessary for the Moneta.  I chose to make the Medium based on my waist measurements. My sizing tends to be all over the place with Collette patterns so I picked somewhere in the middle, hoping it would be the easiest place to let the adjustment party begin. Happily, nay - amazingly, no adjustments were needed. Happy days!  This came together super quickly on my domestic sewing machine using its stretch stitch (a small zig zag would have done equally well) and the overcast stitch to finish the seam...

Not much left to say here except I LOVE IT! This is the kind of project that you'll be so proud to have made. Although it was time-consuming and involved many pieces and steps, there's nothing too difficult really. And the result? So worth it. Pattern: Grainline Cascade Duffle Coat , View A with hood. Fabrics: Japanese wool blend, 'Cecil' (2 metres) and Liberty Tana Lawn 'Oxford'. (1.55m... just!) Interfacing: lightweight cotton woven . Size: 12 graded to 14 at hips. Alterations: Sleeves shortened just a tad. Pockets shortened by about 4cm. When I came to attach my zip, the pull was on the opposite side to that stated in the pattern, but it all worked out fine. - Jane & Fiona xx

MAKE A LINEN SCARF OR COWL ***SOLD OUT!*** Thursday 21st May 7pm - 9pm Brick + Mortar Creative 49 George Street, Norwood (rear of Norwood Town Hall)  We are thrilled to announce our latest workshop to be held at the new Brick + Mortar Creative Hub in Norwood.  Learn to make your own simple hand-stitched linen scarf in a one-evening workshop of relaxing hand stitching. Come alone or with a friend!  Beautiful washed linen from Lithuania makes a soft and light scarf or cowl that’s cosy in winter and breathable and provides sun protection in warmer weather. This project is beginner friendly: anyone can master this extremely simple hand-stitching project with beautiful results. Finish your scarf with simple hand stitching, or embellish with felt balls or trimmings - the choice is yours. A sewing machine will also be available on the night if you wish to try a machine sewn option. All materials and tools are included, and you'll leave with y...

I've managed to find a few good chunks of time to devote to the Cascade Duffle Coat. And I have to say, it's a bit addictive watching it all come together. Between the written instructions and the photographic sewalong on the Grainline blog, there's all the information a first-time coat sewist could want. Before long you have something that's starting to look like a garment!  The toggle closures are the detail that really makes a duffle coat a duffle coat . I went for the make-your-own option; partly because I didn't like my chances of finding ready-made, and partly because it sounded like fun. New crafty accomplishment? Yes please. The toggle buttons came from The Button Bar in Adelaide Arcade, which is a wall-to-wall button treasure trove. They have quite a few kinds of toggles. I only had a 15 minute park or else I could have been there all day! These ones are made of horn ('not endangered', said the tube) (actually now I have a good loo...