Last weekend we had the first ever Perth Frocktails event. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, Frocktails was an event started on the eastern seaboard of Australia and I have watched with some envy all the preparations for the various Frocktails events. Anyway, Perth now has its own thanks to Nat from www.sewoutnumbered.com!
The only real rule for Frocktails is that the attendees wear something they’ve made themselves. I had plans. I was going to make a silk dress and a capelet, but what I finished up wearing was this lace outfit.
So what went wrong? Well everything! I started too late and didn’t have time to consider what I was doing. I toiled the capelet, but it is very strange. I battled away but could not make it sit right. It is too big in the hips, but I figured that was an easy fix, but the cape part and the collar would not behave. I have not taken any photos of the disaster, but I might take some at a future date.
I then turned to the silk dress which was duly cut out and French seams were sewn, but then the zip refused to go in. I interfaced the back seam, but I still got dreadful wrinkles. I took that zip out at least three times, and in the end I hand sewed it in. I decided that to rush the dress was a mistake, so it is now in the naughty corner, and I turned my attention to the lace outfit.
The top was made some time ago (blogged here). It was a Burda pattern that was also a disaster, but which I managed to salvage. I have never worn this top as I felt it was rather “mother of the bride”. However, its time had come! I found some silk the same colour as the blouse and made a Colette Patterns Sorbetto, which is a free pattern. I simply omitted the centre pleat and I had a tank top to wear under the blouse. I had quite a bit of the lace as I had stalked the fabric in Spotlight for many weeks. Eventually it was on sale with a further 30% if I bought the whole roll. I bought the whole roll. Luckily there were only three or four metres left on it, so it all came home with me. I decided to make a pencil skirt from some of the leftovers, using the pattern that I developed at Workspace-FADS during my pattern making class. To make it less of a match, I lined the skirt with black silk. I didn’t mind them together too much. It might be the last time I wear them together though, I think I might make each of them a partner.
I put an invisible zip in the back, but it’s not quite invisible. Oh well. Sorry about the umbrellas. I didn’t notice them until I looked at the photos – what’s with that?
The skirt was a reasonably quick make. I didn’t need to hem it as I used the lace edging at the bottom, and there is no waistband – I simply sewed the lining in to the top of the skirt and caught it along the zip. It basically took a morning to make.
The bag is a Japanese knot bag that I made as a practice for an upcoming sewalong that I am conducting. The bag is embellished with chiffon and metallic thread and ribbon and is quite nice as an evening bag.
Gorgeous fabric – love the scalloped edge – you look great! And I love your shoes too!
Interesting idea to line the pieces with different coloured lining – so subtle but has a great effect.
Thank you Sally. I think the shoes were the best part 😛
Great work despite some hard beginnings for this Frocktails project! The scalloped edges give a nice couture finish to the outfit and the result is splendid – very ladylike. I admire your tenacity AND your shoes! Beware, Sue, if we get a chance to meet in NYC in December you might have to continue your travel shoeless!
Haha Hélène. I hope you have small feet (and I hope you won’t be disappointed!)
Lovely outfit Sue. Those shoes look great with your outfit. I hope you had a great night out.
We did! I still want to join you at Frocktails at some point!
Such an elegant outfit! Your make is impeccable, the edge being such a nice detail.You are looking so cheerful and young! Surely, the shoes helped to make your outfit very special;) I love your necklace! 🙂
Thank you! The necklace is very old and very special!
Nicely done! I love the fabric and the lace. Very classy. I love that your blue shoes have red bottoms too.
Ahh, the red soles. How could I resist?
Lovely outfit, you look gorgeous. And the photos on your veranda are making me homesick!
Aww! You’re from Perth? Might have to come to the next Frocktails!
If I’m around, that’d be lovely! It looked like a fun outing
So good frocktails is in Perth. Your outfit is perfect for it, very chic.
Thank you Barbara, I feel as though the west isn’t missing out now!
I love it! I can definitely see the skirt dressed down with a slouchy sweater too! Very on trend – I want a lace skirt now!!
Great idea! I shall start plotting. Thank you
Perfect outfit and matching accessories for Frocktails – very chic. That lace hem is an elegant touch.
Thank you Roma!
Sue, gorgeous, as always. Shoes – Louboutins?
Thanks Ann, and yes, Louboutins!
Sue, I think that this skirt and blouse should be worn together. Very chic and lovely. I really love this on you. Also love the shoes.
Thanks Rachel, maybe I will…
This outfit looks fantastic on you. Very classic.
Thank you 🙂
Your outfit is very elegant Sue, and the lace is gorgeous. Those shoes were the perfect accessory! I must make an effort and attend Frocktails at some point. It looks like so much fun.
It was fun Jean, we all felt fabric and I was found looking up a dress or two – oops!
Frocktails is such a great idea! I wish we had something like that here in the great plains of America. I love your outfit. I tell myself I should wear more lace but it doesn’t seem practical for my lifestyle.
It’s not that practical for mine either, Lynn!
Gorgeous outfit. I am very jealous of the frocktails events. I hope you had a wonderful time.
It was lovely to catch up with other sewing fanatics and be able to fondle their clothes unashamedly!
Very very chic! I loved seeing it in person, all the hard work in your base patterns paid off wonderfully.
Your ensemble looked even more fabulous in person! All lace, what’s not to love about that?? and I like the soft colour on you too 🙂
Thank you Carolyn, my personal jury is still out on it.
Gorgeous lace outfit and love the scalloped edge for the skirt. A big statement necklace would change the look as well.
I am a week late, flew into Perth yesterday for 4 days, maybe next time.
What a shame! Yes, next year we need to invite you. Are you having fun?