I’ve always been in awe of dress making. It seems like the ultimate luxury to have a skirt or dress that’s been made exactly to your size and shape. So when I heard Sew Over It was offering an introduction to dress making workshop, to make a 50s summer skirt, I signed up.
Sew Over It is a sewing shop and studio in Clapham North. The first thing you see when you walk into the shop is a table overflowing with buttons; the walls are lined with rolls of fabric and tables of sewing machines. You’re greeted with a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
Sew Over It is the dream of Lisa Comfort, who led the workshop. She studied at the London College of Fashion and worked for British designer Bruce Oldfield and then bridal couture designer Phillipa Lepley. Lisa is a great teacher and passed on lots of tips, such as how to pin properly and cut neatly. The workshop walked us through the processes of cutting the pattern, sewing and finishing seams and inserting a zip.
I’m so pleased with my skirt, I can’t quite believe I made it myself. When I have a bit more time, I’m planning to make another in a different fabric. The real test will be to see if I can remember how to make it without Lisa there to help! If I do get stuck, its good to know I can pop back to the sewing cafe for a bit of guidance.
I got the fabric for my skirt from Fabric’s Galore on Lavender Hill, who helped me to pick the right weight and type of fabric. If you’re looking for a wide range of gorgeous fabrics, I recommend it highly.
