Fairies, Straight Grain, Nani Iro and a GIVEAWAY
By Victoria As-it-Seams - 01:24
Magic that happens when you combine the legendary sewing words; Straight Grain, Nani Iro and GIVE AWAY.
But firstly back to that fairy.
I don't like fairy dresses. At least not the kind that are made of nylon in a factory in China. But I do like fairies. (And I also like giveaways, see the end of this post for details!)
So I set about making my own fairy dress - only Missy had her own ideas.
I wanted to make something ethereal, and properly 'fairy like'. So this is what I came up with. A modified Hanami dress, with a circular skirt cut into eight petal shapes. This must be about the eighth Hanami dress I've sewn from Straight Grain's pattern - it's so versatile.
It is entirely lined, and completely reversible, in two different shade of green, one a mock linen cotton, the other the finest voile. I had to think quite carefully how to make this work on both sides. I might even do a tutorial.And this was my 'styling' vision. A leaf dress, over a 'fairy skirt'. Missy however had other ideas.
She wore this combination for exactly five minutes - before deciding she would rather be in the garden.
"It's my bean dress!" she declared, picking up trowel and planting beans.
That was fine by me - because I really believe that the clothes should be worn, and not tucked away in wardrobes.
The fairy/bean dress had another outing, this time a picnic in a beauty spot near us, called The Heavens (yes really). This time, it looked particularly fairy-like. When she started paddling in the stream, mud and all, I realised that this little Missy is more 'earthy fairy' than ethereal.
Um well, guess what? I already have them all. As can be seen in the little gallery below, all sewn, or flipped from Straight Grain's patterns.
So An is letting me give my prize away! And not one prize - but three Hanami dress patterns!
The Hanami is my go-to dress pattern. Simple bodice, elegant options, it's proved infinitely variable.
Oh An! I'm beside myself with excitement. And there are lots of chances to win. Simply click on the rafflecopter. Giveaway ends on October 31.
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14 comments
Wow, what a great fairy dress! I think I might have to steal your idea!
ReplyDeleteAn awesome dress!
ReplyDeleteI like your earth fairy dress and practical everyday princess dresses. :)
ReplyDeleteI have the Hanami as well, but am eyeing that fabric ;)
ReplyDeleteMissy is gorgeous :) The bean dress - haha I completely agree - clothes needs to be worn and played in!
ReplyDeleteLove the dress, what a good idea. xx
ReplyDeleteI love dresses to be worn too. Even carefully made ones should be worn and enjoyed, mud and all.
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty Victoria!! I love it:)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress, and a gardener, she has my heart. I like to garden as well.
ReplyDeletelfhpueblo (at) msn (dot) com
Lauralee Hensley
I agree - costumes / dresses are meant to be worn. I love how your daughter called it her bean dress. A lovely fairy dress, Victoria.
ReplyDeleteFeatured this week, Victoria.
DeleteGorgeous lil' models...& fairy dress is so cool! Looove these outfilt!! My Grangirlie will looove them too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, and beautiful patterns! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet, I love the dress!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for taking the time to comment. I love hearing from you, and try to reply as often as I can, either here or by email. All views, tips, gratefully received...
Victoria