When I went to the Great British Sewing Bee Live at the Excel (waaaay back last year) I got to meet some of the pattern creators, and discover some new ones too.
One of these was Nina Lee. It was so nice meeting the people involved in these patterns, I think no one can be as passionate about a pattern more than the person who makes it. Plus both of the ladies at the both (who were lovely btw) were wearing at least one make and that always helps.
One thing I love about these types of shows is something that crosses over with the fashion world. Little booths of clothing concessions. That little stand had a lovely boutique feel to it, and a great rack of pre-mades for me to coo over. I couldn’t justify buying the Kew Dress pattern that day (I already had invested in a lot of dress patterns) so instead I opted for the Bloomsbury, as it was a blouse, and I was not disappointed. I think I was also swayed with the sheer amount I had seen on Instagram too at the time.
So How did it Sew?
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I chose a light white cotton with holes in it. I have used this previously on an Alder shirtdress make. But when you buy 6 metres, you need to get imaginiative with the different patterns to use and what projects wont look the same.
The pattern itself is beautiful. I love the chintzy feel of the brand, expressed through its illustrations and colours.
The pattern itself is awesome, I love the lay out and the instructions were a pleasure to work with.
The actual make itself was amazing. Being plus size I was worried that it wouldn’t fit, since the fabric was woven and unforgiving. But it fits beautifully, and I would say very true to size.
If you are thinking of tackling this pattern yourself I would recommend to make a toille first as the wider collar/ruffle may not suit all fabrics. Its definitely better for softer fabrics as the stiffer ones tend to stick out, unless of course that is what you want, But be warned.
The make was simple; the ruching was probably the most time consuming element of the whole thing. But keeping that in mind, it was a surprisingly quick make.
On my version I opted for adding a ribbon to the collar, I was going for a Victorian- esque vibe and I really love that little embellishment, and it hides the button well.
I wish I had to make a Victorian costume as it would have been perfect. But don’t let me talking costumes fool you. I feel like this, at present is really on trend. Especially heading for Autumn. The frill like collar and longer chest ruching has been seen throughout my shopping endeavours of late.
I have even seen some gorgeous band tees bought to life with a chiffon ruffle across the chest , which I love as a concept, I think that this with a contrast chiffon ruffle on a bold pattern would look amazing and is definitely a note in my future makes
As for my Version I will probably wear this with some form of pinafore in the future and look to make a hacked version from lace into an oversized bat wing Dress ( For someone who moans about having too many dress patterns and not enough tops I really shouldn’t hack into a dress, but there is space in my life for a dramatic gothic lace dress and this would be perfect)
I am looking at getting both the Mayfair dress AND the Kew Dress in the future and incorporating them into my wardrobe. Check out Nina Lee Here.
