Handmade Retro Style Collars

Detached Collars with ribbon for an Adjustable size. Now available @ HandmadebyIsobelle on Etsy.

​​

 

​​

​​

 

​​

 

​​

 

​​

 

Wire Stitch

Wire stitch is a stitch often used in millinery. I recently used the stitch to attach wire around the rim of the wool fedora.

Wire stitch is simply a blanket stitch used to attach a piece of wire to fabric. You will need to hold your wire in position on the end of your fabric. The next step is to push the needle through the fabric from back to front. Do the same stitch again, through the same place and going from back to front. One you pull the needle through this will leave you with a loop going over the wire and holding it in place. Push your needle through the loop you have just made. Move a short distance along and repeat the process.

Tilly and the Buttons Arielle Skirt

I've been looking for the perfect button front a-line mini skirt in shops but I just couldn't find it. I have now given up and decided to make my own. Tilly and the Buttons have a great pattern called the Arielle skirt, which interestingly buttons asymmetrical.

Fabric-I made my skirt out of blue corduroy I had lying around the house.

What Else will you need- To make the skirt you'll need interfacing for the facings and between 6-8 buttons.

Pattern- I bought the paper pattern from Tilly and the Buttons website

​​

​​

Difficulty- This was a very simple make with easily understandable instructions. 

Shape and Fit- The skirt is a very flattering shape.

​​

Overall, I think this is a great pattern and I've finally got a a-line skirt to add to my wardrobe. I paired it with the Lace Scallop Body from Topshop. 

Sew Vintage Magazine's 1950's Dress

The latest copy of The Vintage Sewing Magazine came with a 1950's dress pattern. With an interesting cross feature at the front and a skirt which can be worn both with and without a petticoat. 

Fabric- I decided to make my version with a crinkle satin polyester in a burgundy colour. Incredibly slippy but a very pretty colour.

What else will you need- The dress needs a invisible zip and a little bit on interfacing for the facings.

A Little Tip- If you need step by step instructions on how to insert underarm reinforcement squares,  I found a useful tutorial on Handmade Jane's Blog. This post explain the processes a lot better than the pattern, with lots of useful pictures.

Shape and fit- There quite a lot of fabric in the bodice and I would probably take it in a little bit more if I was to make the dress again. 

Overall, I'm pretty happy with the dress. It has a lovely drape to it and a great new addition to my wardrobe.

​​

The Dressmaker

I'm a costume making student, currently studying in Glasgow. I've always had a love of  

clothes, particularly vintage. This blog will follow my costume making work, the new items I make for my wardrobe and my projects on the side.

You can follow me on instagram @isobelle_joyce

Visit my online costume portfolio @ http://isobellej.wixsite.com/costumeportfolio

Or take a look at my Etsy shop @handmadebyisobelle