Welcome to the Lamazi Makers Club July Luxury Inspiration blog. This month we are very excited to bring you a brand new sewing pattern from our colleague Sharlene. This is Sharlene's third pattern released under her brand S.O. Sew.
The Ophelia Dress is perfect for all your special occasions and social events this summer, or perfect for those days you just want to feel a little bit special.
There are 2 options for the front neckline - a classic round neck plus a beautiful rounded square neck option. You can choose between a plain back bodice or go for a 'party at the back' with a striking gathered keyhole detail. All bodice options are fully lined and have an invisible zip closure. Plus you will have the option to add sweet bows to the sleeves.
The sleeves in this pattern mean business! You will have the option of a plain sleeve, a gathered puff sleeve finished with a bow or a gathered keyhole sleeve. If you want some extra puff? Use the lined puff sleeve from the Emily Dress and Top for some extra oomph!
You have the choice of 2 skirts. The pleated A-line skirt has an elegant silhouette that finishes around mid-calf, or you can lengthen it to full maxi length, with the option for a slit to one side. The second option is a tiered gathered skirt, with a shorter tier first to complement the proportions of the dress. If a top is more your style you can opt for the first tier of the gathered skirt for a cute peplum top.
Top tip: make a toil of the bodice before cutting out your pretty fabric in the kit. As Ophelia dress has a fitted bodice, it’s recommended to make a sample first to make sure that the final garment will be a perfect fit to your body shape.
The fabrics included in this month's Makers Club bags are made for sewing pretty dresses. First up is Evening Flowers Viscose Sateen, a luxurious viscose sateen with a pretty floral design in shades of purple, blue, orange and pink with subtle hints of lime green.
Sewing Tool
As we have included Sharlene's latest sewing pattern it felt fitting to include one of her favourite sewing tools in this month's kits - the Seam Fix. This is not your ordinary seam ripper. It has a substantial handle so you don't get a cramp in your hand and a handy rubber on both ends to rub away any loose threads. Sharlene currently owns 3 of these so she always has at least one close by!
You can see this tool in action here.
Sewing Tutorials
We know for many sewists an invisible zip can feel daunting so we have a tutorial with some of Sharlene's top tips and tricks available to guide you through the process. We promise once you have successfully inserted your first invisible zip you will wonder what held you back.
You can view the tutorial here.
This pattern features options that are a little tricky and will require extra attention and care like the keyhole sleeve and back. Once again, while this may be a new technique to you, the process is not difficult and the results are worth it!
You can find the tutorial for the Keyhole Sleeve here and the Keyhole Back here.
We also have a tutorial for inserting the pockets, as the method used is a little different. However it gives a beautiful finish and you will have the option of sewing your garment with French Seams for that extra special touch. (You can find our French Seam Tutorial here.)
You can find the tutorial for inserting the pockets here.
More Sewing Inspiration
Nerida Hansen Rockpool on Light Blue with LENZING ECOVERO fibres
Adventure - Mediterranean Lemons Viscose in Navy and Dark Green
We have lots of fabric suggestions for this pattern. It is ideal for light weight fabrics such as viscose, cotton lawn and poplin, lightweight linen blends, cupro, bamboo or tencel. If you prefer a plain version, check our our latest range of lush and swishy Tencel Twill fabrics in the new arrivals section.
Nerida Hansen Soiree Viscose Pink with LENZING ECOVERO fibres
Summer Party Painted Foliage Sunset Viscose
Summer Flowers Linen Viscose Crepe
Artists Canvas in Red Viscose Sateen
Nerida Hansen Colourful Garden on Dark Green Viscose
We hope you enjoy the contents of your Lamazi Makers Club bag this month. Remember to share your finished creations with us to be in with a chance of winning our Lamazi Makers Club prize and look our for the next Luxury bag announcement for another exciting project.
Happy sewing xx