sewingS S

Our experts advise on creating

the perfect party outfit!

45

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help

o

Q

What are this year’s FESTIVE trends,

and what patterns do you recommend?

Ann Dawson

Kate says...

A good party dress never really goes out of style, whatever the current trends may

be! There are a couple of fantastic pattern companies that spring to mind for this.

By Hand London, which specialises in party wear designs, has a fantastic range of

dresses and you are sure to find one that you like. I particularly recommend the

Elisalex or Alix patterns, which can be smart or casual depending on how you

make them up.

I’d also look at Sew Over It, as they too have some lovely patterns with a slight

vintage nod that would work well, such as the Betty dress – which really suits

a special occasion when made with a V-neckline and omitting the sleeves. The most

important consideration is your choice of fabric, as this will change your design from

day dress to P-A-R-T-Y in an instant. Velvet seems to be in again this winter and

adds a luxurious feel to any outfit. Jacquard is also fantastic for creating more

structured garments, and you can’t go wrong with sequin fabrics either!

Q

I’d like to sew a GLITZY

EVENING dress but without

going down the full sequin

route – what fabrics should

I look out for?

Elena Moss

Caroline says...

There are so many choices – a garment can look

very elegant if sequins are used for detailing on

the sleeves or a panel, rather than all over. Look

out for fabrics that only have a small coverage as

these look very classy in a simple dress or top. If

sequins are a definite no, then polyester knitted

velvet is a great option for evening wear because

it stretches for great comfort and drapes well.

Alternatively, try a good quality black cotton velvet

with a Lycra content, which provides more

structure and is perfect for jackets and

more fitted garments.

Satin comes in many forms

and provides a more subtle

touch of glitz, either alone or

when combined with sequinned or

velvet fabrics. A good quality satin-backed

crepe will give you relaxed glamour as it drapes

beautifully, while a duchess satin provides a look

that is more structured. And of course there’s

lace, which looks great layered on top of a

contrasting fabric. All of these are available at

croftmill.co.uk – happy sewing!

All fabrics available

at croftmill.co.uk

44

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Elisalex dress pattern, £9.50
(PDF) byhandlondon.com
Sparkle - All Saints,
£10.95 per metre
Aqua corded lace,
£13 per metre
Soft dusky pink
satin backed crepe,
£10.50 per metre
Sew SOS 103.indd 44 08/09/2017 14:11