Sow's Ear..

Holiday Clothes Part 2

 I'm noticing a trend in my end of year sewing behaviour. I seem to make some really Way Out There outfits at the end of every year. Last year it was the Yeti coat and black pleather Clovers - this year is it everything that I do not do - sleeveless, black from head to toe, and glamorous!

My very dear friends and I have developed a tradition of going to one or others' houses on New Year's Eve. It started a long time ago when the children were small and going out to celebrate was difficult to arrange - baby-sitters, taxis home etc. So we partied one year in one house and have rotated ever since. I have a year off this year. Now that the 'children' are taller than us we thought of going out this year but opted instead for a glam night in. Black tie is obligatory, so evening gowns are the essential partners.




It has been years since I attended a gala dinner, a May Ball or other some such really glamorous evening out and so I HAD NOTHING TO WEAR!

As I really don't dress like this very often I was loath to spend tonnes of money on fabric and hours of effort sewing for something that would only get one airing. I was also not prepared to trawl the shops, trying on and finding faults, for a one-off outfit. I went to the the small (and dilapidated) other local fabric shop and bought 4m of this mega cheap black poly satin. While this little black outfit is not exactly a silk purse - the sow's ear of fabric turned out well enough to wear for one night.

This is a two piece outfit - blouse and skirt.

The patterns are:

Blouse - Kwik Sew KS 3782

Skirt - Vogue Chado ralph rucci V1310:

 I've made both before - skirt here and blouse(s) here and what's best is that neither require any additional fastenings or notions. The blouse pulls on over the head and the skirt is held up by knotting it - no zips, buttons, hooks and eyes - makes finishing soooo much easier and quicker.

I knotted the skirt towards one hip rather than over the tummy - just a bit too bloated after Christmas for that look! This means that the fish-tail train that graces the floor is also shifted to one side - but it didn't seem to make much difference to the overall look.

I raise a glass to you all. May you have a very Happy and Healthy 2013

Now, if only I had a little jacket to throw on.....