Weavers of the Clouds at the Fashion and Textiles Museum

I recently visited the Fashion and Textiles museum for their Weavers in the Clouds: Textile Arts of Peru exhibition. In the 1990's I created a man's waistcoat for one of my art college projects based upon the absolutely gorgeous hand-embroidered and woven Peruvian textiles. In those days the only examples I could find of these delicious designs were found in books from the library and maybe the odd example in the V&A museum. This exhibition is a feast for the eyes if you love colour, pattern, design, texture, embellishment, embroidery and weaving!

I would highly recommend a visit if you get a chance. The exhibition runs until the 8th of September at the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey, London.

Have you been to see an inspirational exhibition recently?

Stripy Dixie DIY Bonnell Dress

In September 2017 I discussed a host of works in progress projects and the Dixie DIY Bonnel Dress was one of them. 10 months later and just in time for the wonderful heat of this surprisingly hot UK summer I have spent the last two weeks sewing this little beauty together in half hour and hour slots. This is my third version of the pattern; the first is here and my second here.

The soft and lightweight cotton stripy print was gifted by my friend Sophie who lives in Hong Kong. It was not quite opaque enough to go unlined so I underlined it with a soft white cotton batiste I purchased from MacCulloch and Wallis a few years ago.

I did make a few changes to the original pattern as follows:

• I omitted the cut-out sections at the sides of the bodice
• Removed the V back
• I didn't use the in-seam pockets
• French seam construction
• Added patch pockets on the front as I had just enough fabric left-over to make some generous large squared pockets that were also lined with the white cotton batiste
• I completed my first ever exposed zip, mostly because I didn't have any concealed zips in my stash but when I discovered the pretty jade green zip in my 'zip box' (everybody has a 'zip-box' right?) I hatched a plan to make it a feature
• Hand-stitched a waistband on the inside to keep the insides neat

Enjoy some close-up shots of the construction.

In other news, I enjoyed the fantastic Orla Kiely, A Life in Pattern exhibition at the Fashion and Textiles Museum in Bermondsey. It's definitely worth a visit to see the rich collection of gorgeous colours, patterns, bags and fab fashion! Here are a few photos from the exhibition which is on until 23rd September so there is plenty of time for you to go.

Have you seen any lovely exhibitions recently?