Dolly's Day

Shirring - not just for sheep! I joke, that would be 'shearing' but it's pronounced the same so who am I to ignore a quality pun? ... bad puns are life. Fact. What is SHIRRING? In dressmaking, it's loading your bobbin with elastic thread (specially made for the purpose) and sewing in parallel lines to achieve a gathered effect. It adds shape and gathers to a plain fabric. You can often see it used on summer tops, smocked toddler dresses and boho inspired garments. Here's a little video introduction into the simplest of shirring techniques. Pattern used: Dolly's traditional rag...

  Have you seen Dolly featured in the December issue of Mollie Makes Magazine? We are very proud to be featured as one of their top 12 crafty subscriptions! The Dolly Pattern Costume Club teaches dressmaking techniques on a smaller, cuter scale so you can get to grips with sewing your own clothing. It is suitable for beginners, those looking for more of a challenge or simply just to try something fun and unique. Each monthly box provides all the materials and patterns you'll need to make a new outfit or costume for Dolly and will include a little treat...

  This article is dedicated to the ever loving an enduring lasting memory of Alfreda 'Betty' Lawrence 4 November 1933 to April 19th 2020. My Nan. I HATE covid 19. But love always wins. You know who I love? Nana.  My Nan, Betty, was taken from us a little too early during 2020.  The official cause of death was coronavirus.  And yes, I deliberately spell it without a capital letter.  You see, it does not deserve it. And, I refuse to acknowledge it. Before covid 19, my Nan suffered with the final stages of dementia.  Whatever has happened, C19 not...

Every once in a while, as impatient and creative types, we do get into a pickle and cut and sew our gorgeous fabric in a flurry of excitement! What is a Toile? However, to avoid costly mishaps (or, creative alternatives as I call them!) it is sometimes best to practise an unfamiliar pattern using a less expensive fabric. In dressmaking terms, this is called a toile. A toile is a replica garment in a similar, cheaper material (usually calico) used to check how the item will fit and how it will look in your best fabric. Tissue Fitting Sometimes, pattern...

I'm Sheryl.  I wanted to learn how to make clothes.

What a minefield!  It seemed to me that to learn to dress make, I had to do it 'on the job'.  Because, yes, sewing is one of those things you ave to actually DO to begin getting better at it.