THE DRAPERY BLOG

I love learning new sewing skills. I love a challenging project that pushes me to conquer a new technique and achieve professional looking detail in a complex garment. But. There are times I also long for simplicity. That effortless chic of a design market stallholder-type (you know what I mean don't you?) with her minimalist jewellery. Pure, simple lines that are obviously handmade, but with thoughtfulness, not fuss. Garments you can pull on time and again and never tire of. Garments you can dress up, or down. Jo of Frankie and Ray has that aesthetic down to a fine art. Based in seaside Victoria, she designs, makes and sells beautifully simple garments in gorgeous fabrics (lots of Liberty and linen!). And she's begun releasing patterns so we can all join in the fun. The West Coast Skirt is just that kind of effortless style I have in mind. Pull-on, pockets, elastic and drawstring waist. Below the knee, just a little bit A-line. Extremely achievable for beginners and ...

I've had the notion of a longer A-line skirt in my mind for a while, and have been casting my eye around for patterns. I wanted something quite plain, multi-seasonal, comfy; I guess the skirt equivalent of a pair of jeans. Well pattern-wise I certainly went with 'the vision' but perhaps not so much the fabric, ha! This Art Gallery Textured Denim in 'Canyon Sunset' (currently sold out but on re-order) is no shrinking violet. But it makes me happy! I chose Marilla Walker's 'Evan' skir t (named after her young son, how cute) because it had just enough seaming/yoke/fly detail to break up the expanse of fabric, great front pockets and a nice just-A-line-enough shape. Also, because I love her style and have had great success with her Roberts Collection pattern. Pattern description: "This classic a-line skirt is a 'jeans' style with back yoke, fly front fastening and front/back pockets. The waistband is curved for a flattering fit and s...

Here's a great little wardrobe basic that we highly recommend: the Rosari Skirt by Spanish designer Pauline Alice.   As described on the pattern envelope: "Classic and inspired by the 70s, the Rosari skirt will be your best friend all year round. Mini or midi length, it is so versatile and goes with everything. With 4 pocket options: A - rounded with coin pocket, B - patch pocket, C - inverted pleat patch pocket with flap, D - zipped pocket." The myriad of pocket options was one of the things that really drew us to this pattern. I'd like to try them all!   This time I opted for the mini length with zip pockets at the front and patch pockets at the back, made up in sturdy 10oz traditional dark denim .  Let me tell you the insertion of those zip pockets was one of those incredibly satisfying sewing moments. You know, when you think 'yes, I really made that!' It's not too tricky, the instructions guide you through it very well, and the res...

I hope no-one minds that this is just a slightly edited version of the post for my personal blog... it's school holidays and two-for-one posts are about all that's manageable! Ever since I saw the sample of this woodgrain fabric by Kokka of Japan that we ordered in for The Drapery, I had been imagining this. The fabric is a mid-weight 100% cotton, very stable, and ideal for the Grainline Moss skirt . And Grainline, Moss, woodgrain - irresistible, right? Presently the pattern is only available as a pdf download but Jen at Grainline is working hard on getting all her excellent patterns into print and we're poised to order for the shop. Aish Printing on Glen Osmond Road is a good place to get pdf patterns printed out if you hate all that taping of A4 paper. This skirt is simply a fabulous basic. There's a goodly stack of excellent versions of it out there in the sewing blog-o-sphere so Google Image it up.  The fabric looked like just a straight woodgra...