Oh I adore both makes ❤ I think the Ellie textiles jumpsuit might be high up on my need to make list now. Wonderful information and discussion about these designs and your fabric choices, your thoughts and tips are always appreciated.
Love both dresses, you look so elegant in your Peony dress, but especially the idea of that jumpsuit. ❤As always love your vlogs and all your pattern reviews!
This was very interesting. I’m at a similar stage to you. When I picked up sewing again a few years ago I find lots of me made items that I don’t feel great wearing - a lot of them are prints, gorgeous prints but difficult for me to wear. I should know better, I’m much older than you! I notice you use the word PRACTICAL quite a lot - I’ve concluded that should be a descriptor of my style, maybe yours too? I’m really looking forward to where you’re taking this. My style is very similar to yours. Really enjoyed it and looking forward to the next stages. Many thanks, Helen ❤
Thanks Helen, I think lots of us get caught up in fantastic ideas when we see patterns or fabric and we don’t stop to ask ourselves if we’d really use it ❤️❤️
Love both your two dresses, particularly your Peony dress - am planning on making one in cotton lawn for my birthday in September- such an elegant silhouette. Your viscose is so you - perfect for those special days. Xx
I love the peony dress and the fit is fabulous. The Fabric Store have two organic linens which look similar to what you are after, Leaf and Caper. Gorgeous colours.
Beautifully made, flattering, and sophisticated. My only criticism is the underside of the sleeve ruffles. If you make it again, you might consider lining them. I am always distracted from the positives of a garment when the “wrong” side of the fabric is seen. This often occurs in high low makes, sleeve ruffles, and the inside of jackets. Perhaps just my issue.😂
I totally agree, it bugs me too I just forgot to mention it 😁. I’ll likely line them next time or try to find a fabric without an obvious wrong side, I’m very pleased to know I’m not the only person who notices this sort of thing ❤️
Love both your makes, I am a fan of Elbe textiles also. The readly link is the same for Ireland, just offering the 1 month. Don't expect you to do anything about that but thought you should know.
On your daughter’s dress where you have cut the fabric on the fold rather than having a seam I would simply move the fold to the stitching line so you don’t have extra fabric to gather. I find this always works for me.
Hi Alex. Have you consideeed getting a gathering foot for your Pfaff? Casey with Pattern Scout showed how to use it on her last video. Lovely makes...as usual.
Yes I have, but I'm not sure how well they work when you have a pre determined length that you have to match the gathering to - I'll have a look at Casey's video, thank you ❤
Wow,love both the dresses. I am particularly in love with your Peony dress, I’m on a Vampires wife obsession at the moment and trying various iterations with my existing patterns but I am very tempted by the Peony pattern…..it was interesting to hear your thoughts about the puff sleeve, I have broad shoulders so in what I’ve tried so far I’ve avoided any puff but I can also see how the structural element adds to the overall beauty of the design…..definitely go for a cord version, that’s what I’m trying next (winter here in Auckland), today is my day off and in fact after this coffee I’m heading off to get some beautiful green cord for another version of. VPW inspired dress…..I do love your fabric choice for your summer version though, the pattern is so complementary of you and means you wear the dress rather than the dress wearing you.
@@AlexJudgeSews for another VPW inspired dress I've just done, I lengthened the sleeve (and didn't have any frill, just plain Long narrow sleeve) as it's just to cold here to have an elbow length sleeve, unfortunately this does mean losing the design element of the frill line and waistline matching up but warmth won out!
I love your peony. It’s made me think twice about the pattern. I ve been making much looser dresses and haven’t put a zip in for ages!! But now I’m thinking I might give it a try, though I’ll probably lower the neck a little and maybe go for a sleeve with the fullness at the cuff.
I'm back visiting family near Mancs next week (we live in France)...I'll be going from 36°C and sunny to 20°C and rain 😅😂 I'm packing sweaters and a brolly!! Love both your dresses!! ❤❤
Alex, well done on running a fantastic channel. I love the peony dress on you. You are always stylish and suggest some wonderful patterns. I learn about so many designers I have never heard of before. I’ve followed many of your suggestions. I also love the colours you choose, they suit you so well. Thank you for the work you do. Good luck on Zoe too. I’m 6 months in myself!
Two beautiful dresses. The first looks amazing on you, however I love the 2nd style for my petite pear body shape and have saved the link in my wish list. And you aren’t the only person looking for gorgeous forest green linen that is not teal! It’s like all the stores have it in their clothing stores, but where is the fabric?!!😂. The closest I’ve seen is from Tessuti Fabrics, Melbourne Australia, from new linen arrivals; which makes me consider how desperate I am for it, when considering shipping…
Love the 2 dresses Alex - you’ve inspired me to get on with my Peony. I also bought the Zara green linen shirt because of the colour 🤦🏼♀️so very interested if you find it anywhere else.
Thanks makes me feel better for buying it, it has been my most worn thing this Summer - I like the suggestion below to dye some fabric there's a Dylon pod that looks like a good match.
Gorgeous dresses. I especially love the shade of green of the Homme dress, even if it's not quite the colour you were looking for. It's stunning on you. The Zara shirt looks as though it could be like the Forest Green shade of dye from Dylon. If it was me, I'd get some nice white linen and chuck it in the washing machine with a Dylon pod. But I have a vague memory of you mentioning dyeing, or not wanting to dye, fabrics before...?
ooooh that's a very good idea - I have used the Dylon pods with no problems other than dying the rubber parts of the washing machine 😂. I'm going to see if I've got any suitable fabric. 🙏
Both dresses look lovely. Living in Manchester (me too) you might need to wear them with wellies at the moment haha, is it ever going to stop raining, it’s a wonder we haven’t been washed away.
Your dresses are beautiful- so professionally made! I am in awe of your talent. I keep going back to the Peony pattern but don’t think I would have anywhere to wear it ( I have far too many of those in my wardrobe) so seeing a more casual fabric in it is appealing. On my list! As for gathering, have you tried using a gathering foot? I have had some success with one on long skirt gathers.
I have been over and back looking at the peony and wondering do I need another dress pattern, but I think you have influenced me! 😂 Yours is stunning! On sizing, I also though about cutting the 12 on the bust and grading to a 14 at the waist. My waist is 32 inches. I would love a similar fit! Did you have any issues with the position of the bust darts? Thank you. 😊
I was the same and then grateful for the excuse to give it a go - honestly I'm not sure about the darts, it's such a busy print I didn't really notice, I'll have a look once it's come out of the laundry cycle. Regarding the waist I think I could have got away with the 10 for the waist even though mine is 5cm larger, but I'm glad I did blend as I was very very comfortable in it which is much more important to me 😀❤
Hello Alex. On my monitor it was a bit hard to see the exact colour of your RTW shirt, but have you considered the NZ online The Fabric Store for your green linen? I have no idea what their shipping costs are, but they do have a good sale on at present and a few green linen options.
Noooo, I don't need to be reminded of The Fabric Store 😂. They have such beautiful fabric and I seem to remember an offer of free international shipping with a set spend - ooh no I'm feeling more tempted the more I type 😀❤
I have done that in the past, but my main gripe is the cutting out and I'm not sure it's worth the faff of starching just for that. Maybe I just like to make life harder for myself 😂
Unfortunately the 2 month Readly offer does not work through the link. It states it is for the 2 months but when you click through to start it is for one month only….so disappointing!
Beautiful dresses!!!!!!!!! You look wonderful in them xxxxxxx
Gorgeous makes I must go have a look. Congratulations to your Daughter on her graduation 👩🎓 🙏❤️💜💙💚
Thank you! 🤗
Peony pattern is made for you, lovely fabric choice as well.
thank you ❤
Gorgeous dresses ❤
Oh I adore both makes ❤ I think the Ellie textiles jumpsuit might be high up on my need to make list now. Wonderful information and discussion about these designs and your fabric choices, your thoughts and tips are always appreciated.
Do let me know if you make it, I'm really interested in the jumpsuit ❤
Love both dresses, you look so elegant in your Peony dress, but especially the idea of that jumpsuit. ❤As always love your vlogs and all your pattern reviews!
Thank you so much!!
Great tips on the Peony Dress 👍
This was very interesting. I’m at a similar stage to you. When I picked up sewing again a few years ago I find lots of me made items that I don’t feel great wearing - a lot of them are prints, gorgeous prints but difficult for me to wear. I should know better, I’m much older than you!
I notice you use the word PRACTICAL quite a lot - I’ve concluded that should be a descriptor of my style, maybe yours too?
I’m really looking forward to where you’re taking this. My style is very similar to yours. Really enjoyed it and looking forward to the next stages. Many thanks, Helen ❤
Thanks Helen, I think lots of us get caught up in fantastic ideas when we see patterns or fabric and we don’t stop to ask ourselves if we’d really use it ❤️❤️
Love both your two dresses,
particularly your Peony dress - am planning on making one in cotton lawn for my birthday in September- such an elegant silhouette. Your viscose is so you - perfect for those special days. Xx
It'll make a perfect Birthday dress Marilyn, cotton lawn will be so much easier to sew with than slippery viscose
Thank you love your dresses and honest feedback
Thank you so much!
Thank you for the review of the Peony dress, I dithered a bit before buying it, but hearing you rave about it has made me want to start making one!
Glad it was helpful! ❤️
I love the peony dress and the fit is fabulous. The Fabric Store have two organic linens which look similar to what you are after, Leaf and Caper. Gorgeous colours.
Arghh just when the comment below tempts me to buy from The Fabric Store 😂 my resolve is seriously slipping
Gorgeous dresses and fab reviews Alex, thank you ❤
Thanks so much!
Both makes are gorgeous!
I’m so pleased I’ve seen this .. I was going to toile it (peony) today. I’m on it tomorrow. It’s beautiful
Enjoy 😁
Fabulous makes
Beautifully made, flattering, and sophisticated. My only criticism is the underside of the sleeve ruffles. If you make it again, you might consider lining them. I am always distracted from the positives of a garment when the “wrong” side of the fabric is seen. This often occurs in high low makes, sleeve ruffles, and the inside of jackets. Perhaps just my issue.😂
I totally agree, it bugs me too I just forgot to mention it 😁. I’ll likely line them next time or try to find a fabric without an obvious wrong side, I’m very pleased to know I’m not the only person who notices this sort of thing ❤️
Both dresses are lovely. I have planned to make the peony for a wedding. The pattern arrived today so will be cutting it tonight!
Wonderful, it's the perfect wedding guest dress ❤
Love both your makes, I am a fan of Elbe textiles also. The readly link is the same for Ireland, just offering the 1 month. Don't expect you to do anything about that but thought you should know.
Thanks Liz, I'll see if anything can be done ❤
The Peony dress looks fabulous! Might need that Elbe textiles jumpsuit too !!Will keep an eye out for good green linen 😊
Thanks Debs 😀
Nice video, look great, thanks for sharing
On your daughter’s dress where you have cut the fabric on the fold rather than having a seam I would simply move the fold to the stitching line so you don’t have extra fabric to gather. I find this always works for me.
Great idea!!
They both look fabulous on you Alex 👌💖🥰😘
Thanks Sally, you're always so supportive ❤❤❤
Fabulous print for the peony. Suits you perfectly ❤ x
Oh thank you!
Hi Alex. Have you consideeed getting a gathering foot for your Pfaff? Casey with Pattern Scout showed how to use it on her last video. Lovely makes...as usual.
Yes I have, but I'm not sure how well they work when you have a pre determined length that you have to match the gathering to - I'll have a look at Casey's video, thank you ❤
Wow,love both the dresses. I am particularly in love with your Peony dress, I’m on a Vampires wife obsession at the moment and trying various iterations with my existing patterns but I am very tempted by the Peony pattern…..it was interesting to hear your thoughts about the puff sleeve, I have broad shoulders so in what I’ve tried so far I’ve avoided any puff but I can also see how the structural element adds to the overall beauty of the design…..definitely go for a cord version, that’s what I’m trying next (winter here in Auckland), today is my day off and in fact after this coffee I’m heading off to get some beautiful green cord for another version of. VPW inspired dress…..I do love your fabric choice for your summer version though, the pattern is so complementary of you and means you wear the dress rather than the dress wearing you.
Sounds like we're of a similar mind - I'm thinking a sleeve hack for Winter, I'm a bit envious of you being able to make a Winter one now 😂❤
@@AlexJudgeSews for another VPW inspired dress I've just done, I lengthened the sleeve (and didn't have any frill, just plain Long narrow sleeve) as it's just to cold here to have an elbow length sleeve, unfortunately this does mean losing the design element of the frill line and waistline matching up but warmth won out!
I love your peony. It’s made me think twice about the pattern. I ve been making much looser dresses and haven’t put a zip in for ages!! But now I’m thinking I might give it a try, though I’ll probably lower the neck a little and maybe go for a sleeve with the fullness at the cuff.
I was thinking the same on the sleeves for Winter 😁❤️
Lovely dresses I’m just purchased the peony pattern just waiting for my A0 copy to arrive then try and decide on a fabric xx
I had mine printed too, enjoy fabric selecting it's part of the fun ❤
@@AlexJudgeSews 🥰
Both dresses are fabulous on you. Another 2 great makes. Dalston Mills are having a sale on Linen I believe
ooh thank you, I'll check them out ❤
I'm back visiting family near Mancs next week (we live in France)...I'll be going from 36°C and sunny to 20°C and rain 😅😂 I'm packing sweaters and a brolly!! Love both your dresses!! ❤❤
Good news, the forecast is for 23 degrees on Thursday, although it's bound to rain too so def back the brolly 😂
@@AlexJudgeSews haha - every degree helps!
Both dresses are lovely but, so very different. Great choice of fabrics Alex.
Thank you! 😊
Alex, well done on running a fantastic channel. I love the peony dress on you. You are always stylish and suggest some wonderful patterns. I learn about so many designers I have never heard of before. I’ve followed many of your suggestions. I also love the colours you choose, they suit you so well. Thank you for the work you do. Good luck on Zoe too. I’m 6 months in myself!
Thanks so much, that's so kind of you ❤. I'm having a Zoe break after eating too much fudge in Bristol earlier this week!
Two beautiful dresses. The first looks amazing on you, however I love the 2nd style for my petite pear body shape and have saved the link in my wish list.
And you aren’t the only person looking for gorgeous forest green linen that is not teal! It’s like all the stores have it in their clothing stores, but where is the fabric?!!😂. The closest I’ve seen is from Tessuti Fabrics, Melbourne Australia, from new linen arrivals; which makes me consider how desperate I am for it, when considering shipping…
Do let me know if you make the Homme dress. I had great hopes for the Fabworks linen - if I see any closer than Australia/NZ I'll let you know
Love the 2 dresses Alex - you’ve inspired me to get on with my Peony. I also bought the Zara green linen shirt because of the colour 🤦🏼♀️so very interested if you find it anywhere else.
Thanks makes me feel better for buying it, it has been my most worn thing this Summer - I like the suggestion below to dye some fabric there's a Dylon pod that looks like a good match.
Hi Alex, db designs a UA-camr in Melbourne was talking about a fabric used in bridal wear and lingerie which might suit your sleeve inserts.
I'll check it out! Thank you 🙏🏻
Gorgeous dresses. I especially love the shade of green of the Homme dress, even if it's not quite the colour you were looking for. It's stunning on you. The Zara shirt looks as though it could be like the Forest Green shade of dye from Dylon. If it was me, I'd get some nice white linen and chuck it in the washing machine with a Dylon pod. But I have a vague memory of you mentioning dyeing, or not wanting to dye, fabrics before...?
ooooh that's a very good idea - I have used the Dylon pods with no problems other than dying the rubber parts of the washing machine 😂. I'm going to see if I've got any suitable fabric. 🙏
Both dresses look lovely. Living in Manchester (me too) you might need to wear them with wellies at the moment haha, is it ever going to stop raining, it’s a wonder we haven’t been washed away.
Honestly I've had enough of it, but it's finally looking better by the end of this week - fingers crossed 😀❤
if you do a row or two of shirring elastic it works as gathering!
Your dresses are beautiful- so professionally made! I am in awe of your talent. I keep going back to the Peony pattern but don’t think I would have anywhere to wear it ( I have far too many of those in my wardrobe) so seeing a more casual fabric in it is appealing. On my list! As for gathering, have you tried using a gathering foot? I have had some success with one on long skirt gathers.
Thank you, that's so kind - I don't usually have anywhere to wear it, but I'm still going to make some more 😂
I have been over and back looking at the peony and wondering do I need another dress pattern, but I think you have influenced me! 😂 Yours is stunning! On sizing, I also though about cutting the 12 on the bust and grading to a 14 at the waist. My waist is 32 inches. I would love a similar fit! Did you have any issues with the position of the bust darts? Thank you. 😊
I was the same and then grateful for the excuse to give it a go - honestly I'm not sure about the darts, it's such a busy print I didn't really notice, I'll have a look once it's come out of the laundry cycle. Regarding the waist I think I could have got away with the 10 for the waist even though mine is 5cm larger, but I'm glad I did blend as I was very very comfortable in it which is much more important to me 😀❤
Hello Alex. On my monitor it was a bit hard to see the exact colour of your RTW shirt, but have you considered the NZ online The Fabric Store for your green linen? I have no idea what their shipping costs are, but they do have a good sale on at present and a few green linen options.
Noooo, I don't need to be reminded of The Fabric Store 😂. They have such beautiful fabric and I seem to remember an offer of free international shipping with a set spend - ooh no I'm feeling more tempted the more I type 😀❤
I’ve heard when you have a very slippery fabric to spray starch it , don’t know if it works. Your looking good .
I’ve used spray starch on slippery b***h fabrics and it saved my sanity.
This is what I do and I find it works well. I do cut the fabric into sections of pattern sized pieces beforehand so that the grain doesn’t distort.
I have done that in the past, but my main gripe is the cutting out and I'm not sure it's worth the faff of starching just for that. Maybe I just like to make life harder for myself 😂
On the Elbe textile dress, could you make the ties longer and tie at the front?
Yes! ❤️
Unfortunately the 2 month Readly offer does not work through the link. It states it is for the 2 months but when you click through to start it is for one month only….so disappointing!
Have you tried this one au.readly.com/alexjudge
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