A couple of weeks ago I attended a dressmaking workshop at the lovely guthrie & ghani in Moseley, Birmingham. I had booked it as a spur-of-the-moment ‘thing’ when I was inspired by the amazing people on the Great British Sewing Bee programme. I really didn’t think about the (nearly) 2 hour journey to get there on a Saturday morning; I just knew I had to have a go and I really wanted to visit Lauren’s haberdashery shop too.
Well, I wasn’t disappointed by the shop that’s for sure. I only wish I had had more time to browse before the workshop started upstairs. So many gorgeous fabrics, trims, patterns, not to mention the stunning decor of the building (love the pink woodwork!) I really do wish we had a guthrie & ghani near me!
So, my workshop was taught by the lovely Tilly from Tilly and the Buttons. You can see some more photos from the workshop on her website (and a few shots of me looking very studious!) It was a great introduction to dressmaking, with lots of tips on things from cutting out the pattern pieces (I didn’t realise it would take sooooo long!!) to lining up the pieces against the selvage, to symbols on patterns and lots more. We had 6.5 hours to make the miette skirt designed by Tilly (a skirt for beginners with no zips or buttons).
It was a bit of a rush to the finish but lots of fun (we did have a break for a cuppa, biscuits and a very yummy lunch though, sewing is very thirsty work you know!) I only wish I had had more time to socialise as I was desperate to finish with Tilly’s expertise there, rather than finishing off on my own at home. Luckily though, I only had to finish the ties and hem so it wasn’t too bad, my studious-ness paid off!
I was thoroughly exhausted after my drive home but really felt I had achieved something. So here it is – I’m not sure about the fabric I chose but I didn’t want to have to match patterns so it was okay for a beginner I think… and I’m not sure about the fit on me but then I’m ultra-fussy with clothes, I really am. I already have a Collette pattern for a shift dress to make next, I just need to find the right fabric, a bit more colour and pattern this time I think.
It definitely made a nice change from making lampshades, thank you guthrie & ghani and Tilly for a brilliant workshop, I loved it!
