Sew Your Style 2018 Competition.

Whilst I was searching the events listing at the NEC I found the Sew Your Style 2018 Competition ran by The Pattern Pages sewing magazine. They had 4 categories:

Vintage
Refashion
All in the detail
Accessories

I feel that my handmade wardrobe is modern with a slight vintage twist. This may come about because of my obsession with Sew Over It patterns. Lying in bed I looked through my Instagram feed the one dress that jumped out at me was my Sew Over It Penny dress. I really love this dress and I just thought you only live once so why not enter.

When Sew Over It released the Penny dress I was instantly in love. The button down front, elasticated waist and full skirt just ticks so many of my boxes. The dress has essence of the 50s and I could just imagine my Grandma wearing it day in day out.

The fabric I found on a trip to the famous Rag Market in Birmingham. I went with my 2 sister in laws and as soon as I picked it up they said it was me!! I have said many times before I can’t resist a pattern. It’s a polyester fabric with a medium weight to it which has its negatives -static is a nightmare, not breathable, but so many advantages- no ironing, no creasing during the day and it just keeps its colour. It was 50p a metre so I couldn’t refuse!! I bought 3 metres and with the full circle skirt, it used every last inch.

The Penny dress is one of the most popular patterns from Sew Over It and even though it is a fabric hungry pattern, I hope to make more. Constructing the button placket was challenging but the rest of the pattern would be suitable for an advanced beginner sewer. It does require a fabric with a good deal of drape which also helps so that the full circle skirt doesn’t feel too big!

So one night whilst sitting in bed I sent off my photo to Sew Your Style competition and thought nothing of it. It was a total surprise when I received the email to tell me that the dress had been shortlisted!! And to add to that I was even wearing that dress on that day. So I quickly washed it and sent it off with my fingers crossed.

The Creative Craft show was on at the NEC Birmingham between Friday 29th July to Sunday 1st July. Judging took place on the Friday and the judging panel was made up of Alison Smith, Caroline Smith and Jules Fallon. A panel of very experienced Seamstresses which made me even more nervous. I had plans to visit the Sunday show for the announcement of the results.

My new sewing friends Laura and Claire came along with me and it was a great day, chatting and some fabric stroking. As we walked up the final aisle, Laura noticed the Sew Your Style section and wow what a sight!! There were so many beautiful garments and accessories on display, showing off the most amazing skills. It just made me feel so proud to be a part of the sewing community when I saw it. I searched for my dress and there sitting on the hanger was a tag reading ‘3rd place Vintage’!!! I couldn’t believe it. My sewing journey has had its lows (and a few tears) but this was a great moment. My little dress that I had created from just a piece of cloth had won an award. There were a few squeals and cheers of excitement and I just stood there is amazement. Seeing the other garments in the category were just even better than seeing the photos before hand. There is some serious talent out there.

My prize for being placed 3rd is 12 New Look patterns, which after my last make from a big 4 pattern, I’m really excited. Whilst at the stand I got chatting to the ladies from ‘The Pattern Pages’ online sewing magazine. They have a incredible passion for home sewing and there magazine celebrates that. It is an online magazine, so when I got home I signed up to their VIP Dressmakers Club subscription which also included back issues of the magazine.

My dress will now be on tour at the all The Creative Craft shows around the country, so if you do go to a show, have a look at all the amazing creations that will be on display. My favourite is the denim necklace that came 2nd in the Accessories category.

Thank you to the ladies at ‘The Pattern Pages’ for organising this great competition celebrating the wonderful and talented sewing community. Thank you ICHF events for the also the organisation. Also a big thanks to all the sponsors for the prizes and I can’t wait to choose my next sewing projects and also tuck into the chocolate bar from NetPrinter.

Adelle x