Frocktails is an event held all around the world in various locations, hosted by lots of different people from the sewing community. It’s a wonderful opportunity to catch up with fellow sewists and of course, make a new outfit! Sydney frocktails was held recently, at the arthouse hotel in the CBD, hosted by Caz from Useful box sewing. I was lucky enough to nab a ticket and of course set to making the perfect frock
I was inspired by a recent drop of Liberty fabrics at Pitt Trading and selected a Liberty floral viscose challis to work with
The pattern was one from my stash that I had long coveted but never had the perfect occasion to make it….queue Frocktails!
I made a couple of modifications. The pattern has a lined bodice, but I opted to line the skirt as well with a heavy silk satin to create a lovely weight in the skirt. I added a ruffle to the hem at knee height, just by cutting two strips the full width of the fabric, joining them and running a gathering stitch along.
I also added 10cm to the sleeve length and added an elastic casing 10cm from the sleeve hem to create a flounce.
The construction of this dress is quite straightforward, it is a lot of sewing though, with all that skirt!
Although the fabrics I used were fine and soft, the creative 3.0 sewed them beautifully. I was sure to use a sharp, fine needle and Rasant thread is my go-to for good results.
The closure is finished with an invisible zip.
I’m really happy with how this came together, and it’s an absolute dream to wear
I hand sewed some vintage buttons, pearls and other bits and pieces onto a store-bought headband to create a headpiece to finish off the look
If you ever get the chance to attend a frocktails event in your part of the world, I highly recommend. So lovely to connect with like minded sewists
One more pic… obligatory lift selfie!
Until next time, happy sewing
Julia x
