Frocks and Cocktails

It may not be true for everyone, but I am going to generalise and say that the art of dressing for an occasion is dying. But last night, it returned in all it's glory when I went to dinner and drinks with a group of about 20 fellow Melbournian sewing enthusiasts.

Most of the group were women who sew for themselves, and almost everyone was wearing a dress that they had made. It was brilliant. All the dresses were classic designs, often with a nod to vintage style.

I'm sitting 2nd from left between Abby & Liz

A favourite moment was when a few of us were at the bar and a guy tapped Abby on the shoulder and asked "Are you girls having a Mad Men themed party?"


Let's talk dresses. I wore the Skull & Crossbones Washi dress that I made for the nautical themed party at the blogging conference I went to a couple of weeks ago. It was great to have another reason to wear it. It's not a classic fabric - it was a children's print poly cotton I picked up on the Spotlight bargain table for $4 per metre. It fit the bill for the nautical party and it's kind of fun. It's only the second dress I've ever made for myself so that's what I went with.

Here is a crappy phone pic I snapped before I hemmed and finished the sleeves. And yeah that is my daughter's room on the day that I washed all her bed linen. Mess.

That's a serious face.

How's that placement of the skull on the bodice? I lined that up nicely! *high five*

This dress pales in comparison to some of the spectacular frocks worn last night. You need to see them.

Here is Liz's stunning Emery- Elisalex hybrid in a pink rose print.

Here is Nee's By Hand London Flora dress - I would never have guessed at what a nightmare she went through to make it because it was divine.

This is Renee's Staple Dress in Amy Butler voile. A really versatile dress that looks perfect on her.

Abby made herself a beautiful version of Simplicity 2444 using this vintage style floral cotton.  I can't wait until she shares the whole dress because it is seriously gorgeous.

I also met Lara who wore and incredible green sparkly number, Oanh who wore a striking red dress and Helen who wore a stunning pink shift. There were so many more and I wish I had paid more attention to names and patterns and blogs but alas! So many drinks, so little time.

Now I have a problem. I want to MAKE ALL THE DRESSES. These ladies are incredibly talented and I'd definitely like to expand my skills with some proper dressmaking techniques. Simplicity 2444 you are first on my list.

If you haven't in while, I'd highly recommend going out with some girlfriends, wearing your favourite frock with some heels and having a cocktail or two. You'll feel like a million bucks.