G’Day Bonnie Crafters of Scotland!
When people ask me what I miss about my time living in Scotland I always respond with the obvious, ‘the amazing people!’, ‘the scenery!’ and ‘the pubs!’ But there is another thing I really miss too…Mandors!
I spent two years living in Scotland and one of the hard things about leaving my little corner of the world in Oz was farewelling my sewing machine for two years. My dear dear sewing machine that had served me well for as long as I can remember. Without my sewing machine in Scotland I sought solace amongst the bolts of fabrics at Mandors. I visited often and always left with fabric that would some how have to make it back to Oz eventually, no matter what!
On one of my trips to Mandors I was instantly struck by a gorgeous floral cotton that I had to have. What I would make of said fabric hadn’t even entered my thought process yet (Yes, I admit, I am a fabricholic). After making a swift purchase I was on the computer and on the search for inspiration on what to sew with it.
My best friend was getting married shortly and I knew a dress for the wedding would be the perfect choice, and I am always a complete sucker for a vintage 1950’s dress. So now I had the plan!
A search through the New Look catalogue led me to purchase pattern 6048. I loved the sweetheart neckline, the full skirt and the fitted bodice. It ticked all the boxes of a vintage inspired pattern. I have always enjoyed sewing New Look patterns as I seem to need to make very little alterations to their size 10 and I find the instructions always straight forward.
I managed to complete the dress over a wet weekend and in time for the wedding. The pattern was very easy to follow and the only alteration I made was adding two inches to the hem to allow for the tulle underneath and I always prefer dresses to fall just underneath the knee.
I bought a crisp white cotton to use as a contrasting fabric along the top of the bodice which proved easier to sew than I had initially thought. I opted to use an invisible zipper at the back because…well…quite frankly once you start sewing invisible zippers, you never go back!
I decided to add layers of tulle under the skirt to give it more fullness. I did this by lining the skirt with cotton voile which I cut at half the length of the skirt. On the lining hem I added two rows of tulle in an apricot colour that matched the flowers of the fabric.
Overall I was super happy with how the dress turned out and would thoroughly recommend giving this pattern a go. It is great for the advanced beginner and is a flattering style for many figures.
I had back to Scotland for a visit in June and what am I excited to visit…Mandors!
Bec xx
PS – Pictures below
The finished result 
My Mandors fabric stash – slowly making my way through it!
Guest blog by Bec
Love the fabric – when I’m next up north I shall
most certainly pay Mandors a visit!! Have
heard all about it from a lady I met on a recent
cruise.
By Audrey at 10:09 pm on Apr 21, 2012