The MISS AUDREY DRESS pattern is ready for Testing!

It's been a long work in progress but I'm so excited to say that my new pattern THE MISS AUDREY DRESS is ready for testing.

You can select from the pleated skirt version.....

Great dress for the Races!

or the gathered skirt version.

I had a lot of people ask me when I was going to sell the pattern to my Audrey Tea Dress and, I suppose, I gave in to popular demand.  So I created THE MISS AUDREY DRESS for you!

It's a beautiful, comfortable and very girlie dress to wear.  You can dress it up for the evening making it out of gorgeous Silk, Satin Silk, even Georgette lined with Silk or a beautiful vintage Lace.  Also, this makes a beautiful dress to wear to lunch dates and also to the office teamed with a beautiful tailored jacket.  The sky is the limit with this beautiful dress.

I created it slightly different to my Audrey Tea Dress to make it easier to fit and make.  It features:

• a panelled front bodice
• A-DD cup sizing - to give you that perfect
• lined or unlined options
• gathered or pleated skirt options
• all-in-one neck and armhole facing
• easy peasy invisible zip instructions
• in-seam pockets
• sizes 6 - 20 (UK/AUS) and 2 - 16 (US)
• intermediate sewing level

Gathered Skirt Version

Pleated Skirt Version

So I'm now wanting testers to do their stuff and make this gorgeous dress come alive!

I'm looking for intermediate sewers who can make a dress with an invisible zip and also have knowledge of lining a garment.  The instructions are very comprehensive with loads of illustrations to follow along.  What you'll get in return for your hard work is:

• a copy of the final pattern
• your photos of your finished dress on my blog to drive more traffic to your site
• to join my affiliate program (which I'm in the process of setting up) to reap the rewards for your efforts
• you'll be featured on my blog as part of the Miss Audrey Dress Blog Tour

Phew!!  So if you are interested in becoming a Tester for me please fill in the form below and I will announce the lucky ladies on Friday, 24th October.

I have 7 sizes so I'm going to pick a minimum of 7 people to test for me but I will go as high as 14 so that will be 2 per size.

Also, I will have a facebook group so we can go over the pattern step by step and help each other with process of bringing the dress to life!  And once I'm ready to launch the pattern I'll be having a Blog Tour to get the pattern out there in the sewing world!

Ok, off you go and enter your details below and I'll let all the lovely talented ladies who will be joining my testing group by email on Friday 24th October.  If you are not chosen please don't despair as I have other patterns just waiting to be tested.

Many thanks lovely ladies!

Sewing on Binding - Part 3

Now that we've sewn on 2 different bias bindings that you use for armholes, necklines and anything that has a curved edge we are now going to do a binding edge that is more just for decorative reasons.  It's a contrast binding around a hem of a dress, top, sleeve, collar etc.  If you missed out on Part 1 and 2 from the last two weeks click here:  Part 1 and Part 2.

This is how I've done the binding edges on my dress hems for  Audrey Lane dresses.  It's quick, easy and finishes the hem off just nicely.

Ok, let's get started!

Cut your binding piece the width of the fabric x 3.2cm/1 1/4" 

DON'T CUT ON THE BIAS THIS TIME.

With the right side of the binding place it onto the wrong side of your garment.  Pin and sew 6mm/1/4" in from the edge.

Turn your garment over to the right side and fold the binding in to meet the edge of the garment.  Iron the binding flat.

Fold over again and pin.  

Make sure you cover up the stitching underneath.

Stitch the binding down on the inside edge.

Here's the finished project......or you can take it one step further...

Make another row of stitching on the outside edge of the binding.  

I always do this with my sewing projects as it gives the binding a crisper finish and looks great!

And that's it EASY, PEASY...... bindings are a great way to introduce contrast and interest to your garment.

Next week we are tackling another type of binding that is great for armholes and necklines!

Ladies Blossom Party Dresses

I'm so excited to announce that my very new addition to the 1 Puddle Lane ladies range.....The Blossom Party Dress.......is now available to order!

My lovely friend, Dee, looks fabulous modelling her new Blossom Party Dress

I thought about the price extensively and didn't know which way to go so I have 3 prices for you to choose from to help you out.

1. FULL CUSTOM MADE - $150 - you will receive a Blossom Party Dress made to fit you. Along with choosing the style and fabric you'll need to fill in a measurement form. Which I will send to you after you place your order. I can also help you with choosing fabrics that will suit your colouring! In other words, I work with you all the way to make sure you get a beautiful dress that you are happy with.

2. PART CUSTOM MADE - $120 - if you don't quite fit the standard size and you just want either the waist smaller or bigger or the bust smaller or bigger the length of the skirt shorter or longer. This service will be covered in this price. I can also help you with choosing fabrics that will suit your colouring!

3. STOCK SIZES - $105 - these will be dresses made from standard sizes ranging from size 8 to size 18. Below you'll find a sizing chart to compare your measurements to. If the measurements are right for you.....fantastic. Easy peasy! You're done and good to go. All you need to do is choose your fabrics.

Now, that you've chosen which way you want to go with the price all you need to do is:

• choose the style of dress on my facebook page 
• choose your neckline 
• choose the fabric (or with options 1 and 2......I can help you with that) 
• choose your size from the chart below if you are going for Option 3 (stock sizes)
• send through your order to 1puddlelane@gmail.com with which option you would like to go with.  I'll then send out a measurement form for option 1 only.
• I'll send you an invoice which will need to be paid before I order in the fabric
• all dresses are made to order and will take between 3 and 4 weeks  to process - depending on how long it takes for the fabric to reach me from America.
• when you get your order I'll then send you a quick questionnaire that I would love you to fill out for me to see how happy you are with your order.
• Postage will cost $11.00 for either Express or Registered.  Please let me know your choice of postage.
• if you are one of my special VIP ladies on my email list you'll receive 10% off your order for 1 week only (valid Wednesday 1st February, 2012 to Wednesday 7th February, 2012)  Click here if you'd like to be a VIP and take advantage of the discount.

There is up to 5cm easing in the bust and 3 to 5cm easing in the waist for the standard sizes below.

I look forward to hearing from you soon and if you have any questions please email me.