You might have spotted this little lady in my OWOP! day 3 outfit post. It is indeed a Colette Ginger, created in bits and bobs over the last week or so. I had attempted to start it whilst in the throes of my womanflu on Friday night but after three sessions of seam-ripping I realised stitching and sneezing just don’t go together and left it to the Sunday to finish off.

So let’s look at what’s right with this make. The size is almost perfect for me – I cut out a straight size 4 but then freaked out once I saw the waistband – I was positive that it would be too small for me. So I constructed it using just a 3/8 seam allowance on the side seams. Now it’s complete, I think maybe I could have got away with the normal seam allowance but now I have the added bonus of pudding space and one must always consider space for pudding, non?

I like the shorter length – I removed about three inches when hemming so next time I’ll take that out at the pattern tracing stage.

I used up some of what was left over from my Minoru – the grey corduroy. And it was here I made my first mistake. In an effort to save on fabric I thought it would be a great idea to place one skirt pattern piece from top to bottom, and the other alongside it from bottom to top. Happily on I worked, piecing together the front and back, only to realise to my horror that this really affects the colour of the corduroy! So now I have a dark front and a light back, or something like that. In some lights you can’t tell but in others it looks quite patchwork-y. But y’know – it’s kind of a wearable muslin so I’m not complaining too much about it…. yet.

Now this is what we call a demi-concealed zip. It’s all the rage you know. Especially if you ‘feature’ it by making it a completely different colour from the fabric – cripes! I hope I’ll get better at these, and I’m positive I’ll never again go so far out of the colour palette in my choice of fastening!

All in all? I’m pleased with my first attempt, despite the obvious issues. It’s terribly straightforward to make. I’d love to try out the chevron stripe matching in another version but perhaps only after I have a few more version 1s under my belt. I specifically made this one to go with my Tuck ‘n’ lace ‘n’ silk violet and it goes perfectly with it so hooray!

Question for you Ginger-afficionados out there – any great tutorials for adding a lining? I’m a newbie to lining and can’t quite work it out for myself so every little helps!

Now for the giveaway bit!

You guys – this is a milestone. This in my 100th post – hooray! To mark the occasion I’ve got a lovely retro uncut pattern, all ready to whip up for the summer!

It’s a retro 50s-style dress from Butterick patterns with bias binding straps and a full skirt. Just right for twirling the night away.

To be in with a chance of winning just leave a comment. The giveaway will be open until Saturday March 31st midnight, UK time. Good luck and thanks for sticking around!