Last week we found out that we were going to be PART of an OfSTED inspection and I was going to be observed observing!! I’ve done the PART in capitals in case anyone is dubious about my professionalism!! We were a pixel in a digital photo ! So I had loads of time to sew!!!
I decided I definitely needed a new dress and it spurred me on to get some sewing done once more.
I know my blog is quite boring as I keep sewing the same styles , but at my age I sort of know what suits me and now I have patterns which create a good fit, it just has to be!
Anyway, I went for a wool blend fabric from Sew Fabrics in Darlington indoor market and Simplicity 1609.
I really didn’t have time to photograph it on the day so here are some shots I took today along with the Christmas decorations!
I used a side zip and forgot (see, it is so long since I made one!!) that I usually cut the front and back pieces on the fold! So I had to sew the back seam and as it is slightly shaped the flowers don’t match up. I do think it’s a better fit than when I do it on the fold….there is a lesson there!
Fabric: 1.3m wool blend – £15 per metre
Pattern: Simplicity1609
Notions: 8inch side zip, bias binding
Wonky Factor:10/10 I really love it. It’s a great fit and the fabric feels gorgeous to wear.
Amanda 💝
Pingback: The Rockliffe- White Tree Fabrics | Sew Deputy
I think this pattern suits you so well that you should make as many possible versions as you can! I don’t find it boring at all. The print is great, looks very festive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! It’s good to find a style isn’t it! Taken me many years!! Have a lovely Christmas x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think there’s nothing wrong with making multiples of the same pattern especially if you’ve perfected the fit so you’re happy with it. Lovely fabric choice too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely fabric, your dress looks really pretty. I am aiming to get to that point when I have lots of repeat sewing patterns – I’m still learning what looks best and things but hopefully I’ll get to that point!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it’s the fitting isn’t it? That’s why I keep making them…..they get better each time!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Practice does make perfect, as they say!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Arghhh! The dreaded call! Glad you were calm enough to find your happy, sewing place 🙂 Looks great and not boring at all. Lovely print!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah don’t worry. Wasn’t our school, just something we are involved with. So was all calm!!! I got observed observing!!! All was fine! ⭐️🌟⭐️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Phew! But good excuse for a new frock anyway 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! I thought if I looked the part…………..!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Totally with you! I always have to wear heels and a jacket when I mean business…
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least you looked gorgeous when you got inspected, hope they gave you 10/10 too. Maybe you could have explained to them about your wonky factor. Anyway, glad it spurred to on to sew, you’ve been missed 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ali! I know! It’s been shocking! I obviously wasn’t stressed enough in the holidays!!! Yes, it went very well for me! 🌟⭐️🌟
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a 60s themed work Xmas party next week and have this pattern in my stash. I wasn’t sure about it but will give it a go as it looks fab! I think I’ll add a Peter Pan collar and draft some sleeves for a Mary Quant style dress 🙂 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
It will be perfect!!!! I love it that it’s more fitted than a shift dress and so more flattering to my tummy! It is the first I’ve made in this weight fabric but I really like it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Being across the pond, have no idea what this inspection is all about, so will look it up. 😍 However, I can imagine from the comments it’s not something that generally prompts thoughts of sewing! Lol!
Glad it all went well and you had a Tried&True pattern to use. When you know what works best for you, it’s best to use it. (From another that uses the same pattern frequently.) That fabric does sound lovely amidst the festive decor!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just located this (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted) and understand! We have similar here, but not from Her Majesty! Lol! So glad you had a new dress! 🌟
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehe see……..definitely needed it!! 🌟⭐️🌟
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Del! Hope you are all settled in now! We had snow yesterday!! ❄️❄️❄️☃⛄️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Snow?! Lovely I hope, and not an icy problem. Hope your shovel was handy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely dress – hope it succeeded in taking your mind off the inspection!
Louise
LikeLiked by 1 person
It did!! And here is my learning for this morning…….I sew when stressed!!! 🙄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha, sewing for an OFSTED inspection, only you!!! I love this dress and want one, brilliant fit and nice xmassy setting. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha😱😘
LikeLike
Great dress and I love the thought of the wool blend fabric! Cosy 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is hilarious! You must be the only Deputy in the country who on hearing they are about to be inspected thinks “ooh, I need to get sewing”. It looks lovely – do you want to borrow my coat so you can have a matching ensemble – also 60s style. Merry Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha, only thing is it wasnt an inspection of our school….I certainly wouldn’t have been sewing then!!! 😅😅😅 😖😖😖😖 you don’t get out of the building do you! Mind, on second thoughts……I have the school sewing machines now. Maybe I could have some Ofsted fabric in my desk ready for the phone call! Hahaha 📞📞📞📞
LikeLike
I can’t find your coat? I looked on Instagram and your blog…..is it on the way??
LikeLike
http://clarindakaleidoscope.com/2015/02/22/finally-i-am-proud-to-present-the-1960s-coat/
Hope this works – if not, scroll down the side bar on the blog to ARCHIVES (right at the bottom) and it’s in February. I couldn’t work out how to send you a direct pic on Instagram!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I remember it now! It’s gorgeous!!!!! I want a coat to match!!!!!!!!!
LikeLike
Never boring! Talent and skill such as yours, is never boring to see /read about 🙂
What a great dress. Hope the Ofsted visit was a success 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Awww! Thank you! What a lovely thing to say! I got good personal feedback so was very, very pleased! 😊
LikeLike
You found out about OFSTED and then sewed? I am surprised you had any time. We just had siam’s and my feet didn’t touch the floor! Hope all went well and you can now relax. X
LikeLike
No, it wasn’t a school one! It was something my school is involved with that got the inspection! But they came in to observe me!! Very stressful thought!! I needed to sew!!!!! 😖
LikeLike