British Garden Party + A Free Pattern to Download

I have always felt I am more suited to a life of afternoon tea & scones, leafy green gardens and 18th century grandeur. I am speaking of course of the old english style of living; Laid back, delightfully humorous and thoroughly proper.

Of course I do not have the budget for such things but I do find them ever so inspiring.

Indian :)

And below are some fabrics from the fabulous Fat Quarter Shop that I think would compliment the Elegance of The Classic English Garden Party. Oh and here's something juicy! A Free Couture Dress pattern from V&A's Golden Age of Couture. I haven't had the pleasure of trying it out but a free pattern is always welcome in my collection and I know I'm not alone in this

On a personal note: I got a job! Starting Monday the 27th I am the proud employee of a fabric store! Of course, this is somewhat unlikely to be profitable since I will be tempted to spend every penny on fabric/notions/patterns/tools but I will try and be discerning with my employee-discounted purchases.

Today I...

...Made my own bias tape without the aid of the DIY bias tape maker (which turned out to be useless when making 1/2" bias tape with upholstery fabric). It was my second attempt and though it took forever it went pretty well (I had to take numerous smoke breaks). I attached the small amount I was able to make to the left armhole of my blouse and was pretty impressed with the polished result. I think if I were to do it over, I would have 1) used different fabric or 2) made my bias tape a little wider despite the pattern suggestion of 1/2". There were a few wavy places (though surprisingly less than I imagined) and several places where the thread failed to catch the fabric underneath, but overall I am pleased. Making bias tape is not so hard and the result is very panache.
I found fabric, thrifted awhile ago, tucked away and have decided to make round II top with a scalloped hem. As for round I top, I have decided to rip out the bias tape I made today (even though it looks good it doesn't look that good good enough) and add sleeves or possibly make facings (Whatever those are..). With that fabric weight, sleeves will make sense. A collar might also make sense, but we'll see.

...Discovered Fabric.com's free downloadable patterns. I downloaded about 5 of them. Who says sewing has to be expensive? So far I've managed to do quite a bit without spending money.

...Found fabric that is completely not my first, second or even third choice in pattern or color but is available, and cotton, and easy to work with. These will be, of course, for the purpose of learning, and if I am able to wear something it's a bonus.

As you can see, pre-topstitch, pre-iron, bias tape attached with pins.
Not horrible...

On an unrelated, but somewhat related note, I've been feeling a british - or rather English Countryside - influence coming on strong again.