Karen and I were both nervous about the second meeting of our new sewing group. What if the first one had been a one hit wonder and nobody turned up? We needn’t have worried. We had another great turn out and the hall was a hive of activity!
We failed to take a single photograph but thankfully the lovely @cathysewsstuff assumed the role of official photographer.






We had crochet, sewing, embroidery, cutting out (first ever dress from a pattern) and a cosy patchwork quilt from felted sweaters. I can’t wait to see this one finished. Our official photographer was also making a quilt from denim and fabric scraps from some of her previous makes. I wish I had a photograph to show you, it’s such an unusual design.
As mentioned in my last post, I cut out this pattern to take along. I’d picked it up from the swap table at the first meeting so I was pleased to be making use of it.


I did make a quick toile from an old bed sheet to check the fit. I went with the bust measurement because the rest of the dress skims the waist and hips. I have to admit that if something doesn’t really work at the toile stage I usually decide it’s not for me unless all that’s required is a minor tweak here and there. I’m in awe of people who can undertake complicated fitting manoeuvres! I didn’t have enough fabric for the collar so will try that on another version and I decided to go for the short sleeves.
I cut out the fabric in advance and despite plenty of chatting I managed to sew all the darts (front and back), shoulder seams and make up the neck facing. I did unpick one bust dart and re-sew it when I got home because I wasn’t 100% happy with it – but I was just being picky! More on this pattern when I’ve finished the dress.
There was cake … these are salted caramel and chocolate cookies! There were also chocolate brownies made by Karen.
IMPORTANT NEWS :
We’ve now booked dates for the sewing group for the rest of the year :
- 9th August
- 13th September
- 11th October
- 8th November
- 13th December
Hope you can join us for all or some of these dates at St George’s Church, Cleveland Road, Chichester from 7.00 – 9.00 pm. Watch this space for details of some upcoming special events!