I have been feeling a little down. I proudly boasted in my last post how I was going to make a Dahlia whilst on half term and had visions of elegant poses of me in the Peaks looking suitably smug showing off my autumnal sewing success. I did not finish the dress in the week; I have not finished it since; it is currently looking at me from where I have tossed it on the sofa – this particular Dahlia is in deep disgrace. Its misfortune would have remained private but I have been encouraged to move on and blog, regardless of having anything to share/show, by Sew South London who has blogged today of her own frustrations and an unfinished Dahlia.
Just look at that renegade seam – it is supposed to be on the inside. How did that happen?
So, once my patience has been replenished (the store is currently closed) I will complete the last bit of hand sewing and post photos of my finished dress. The sewalong started today so I might well have another attempt – I did have some nice navy and red plaid lined up but my confidence is currently depleted.
However, what I did want to share was some of the fun things that are going on at the moment linked to various sewing communities.
1. Tomorrow I am starting a course at Sew Over It for four consecutive Wednesdays to make a lace dress – hopefully it will look like this:
photo courtesy of Sew Over It
The tutor is the brilliant Julie who guided me through my first (only) pair of trousers. It will be tiring going to a workshop after work but I am excited about having expert help with my sewing and learning some new techniques. I am also looking forward to meeting some fellow sewistas.
2. By complete chance I read about Bimble and Pimble’s Sewvember on the day it started
I have been diligently uploading my photos to Instagram (quite a new experience for me) but the really fun thing is all the sticky beaking you can do. I have been truly over-awed with the sheer size of some people’s stash and the sewing space pictures on Day One are really making me think about how I can pretty up my own space. I guess that’s what Instagram is about for us – caring, sharing, inspiring and I have been inspired!
Finally, 3. the wonderful Katya Essery of Sew Pretty is starting a Sewing Club at her gorgeous studio in Wimbledon on a twice monthly basis where you can drop in and get help with your projects – no doubt I will be turning up with my Dahlia!
Photo courtesy of Sew Pretty
Katya has also introduced some new workshops including a winter coat, a tie and Christmas stockings. If you can get to Wimbledon, do consider taking a class at Sew Pretty – I have done a couple now and love Katya’s relaxed approach which combines really skilful instruction with wine and friendly banter.
Hopefully, I will be able to share a garment, of some description, soon – you can guarantee I will not be saying “this came together really easily”.
Toodle pip,
Clarinda
clarinda kaleidoscope 
Oh dear! My commiserations to you. I did say I’d see you on the other side with our Dahlias, but I didn’t expect it would be like this! As many wise sewists said to me, put Dahlia and your disappointments to one side for now. Throw yourself into the fabulous lace dress and regain your confidence. You will be in good hands. Dahlia may look a little different with some distance.
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I love the fabric you have chosen for your Dahlia, and that lace dress looks wonderful! I started an evening sewing class recently and wondered if I would be too tired at the end of the day, but I now look forward to it every week and feel sad once 9pm comes round!!
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I’m going to have a go at the Dahlia sewalong too – I’ll show you mine if you show me yours?! Love Julie at Sew Over It – she’s such a lovely lady and has great stories!
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