Finished Project: Black Crinkle Hood/Scarf Tutorial

As summer started to fade I decided to make this crinkly scarf to take the chill off.  I used voile but you can use any synthetic fabric to get the same or similar effect. You need to cut out a rectangle of fabric.  I did this by just estimating roughly what would fit nicely over my head and round my neck.

 1) Start off by sewing a rectangle of fabric into a tube and then hem the raw edges.

 

2) Then gather the fabric together and tie it off tightly as seen above.  It's best to use thread that shows up easily against your chosen fabric.  Keep tying until you end up with a hoop of tightly bound fabric.

3) Now you need to bring a saucepan of water to the boil and plonk your hoop of fabric straight in.  I usually give it a good soak for about a minute.  Carefully remove it from the boiling pan and quickly douse it under cold water.

4)  You will now have a soggy hoop of fabric.  I find the easiest way to deal with it is to sit with a towel on your lap and unpick/cut away all the binding threads, then I use a hairdryer to quickly blast it dry.

And voila you're done! :)

Finished Project: Green and Gold Embroidered Underbust.

This is another variation on Jill Salens Victorian Underbust constructed from recycled green curtain fabrics lining and all!

After flatlining each panel I machine embroidered up the middle of each panel being careful to avoid sewing too close to the edges - leaving space for the seam allowance and boning channels.  I then fully constructed this corset using cable ties for boning and black satin bias binding to finish the raw edges.

The very last touch to this corset was to sew on the lace applique flowers to each machine embroidered 'stalk'.

My Favourite Oscar Dresses

I was really looking forward to seeing what was worn by hollywoods finest on the red carpet but it wasn't as spectacular as I might have hoped.  I think a lot of stars played it safe this year and did what was expected rather than pushing boundaries which is a shame.  Pale and nude colours were a big favourite, to the point were it bordered on bland.  Anyone who chose to wear bright colour really stood out and looked all the better for it.  Having said that my best dressed of the night was pale toned.....

Personally I love this Givenchy dress on Cate Blanchett although it seems to have made as many worst dressed lists as best. I think it was a brave choice, something a little bit different and an interesting, original design.

My second favourite couldn't be more different.  Camilla Alves in this black Kaufman Franco gown looked stunning.  It's such a pretty and flattering design - I adore the way the skirts fall from the waistband.  I might have to have a go at making this!

Sandra Bullock in a red Vera Wang creation.  the construction and cut of this dress won me over instantly.  It's immaculate.

A pregnant Natalie Portman looking downright gorgeous.  Dressing to accommodate her bump must have been no small feat, of course, having a gown made by Rodart (the ladies who designed the costumes for Black Swan) helps.