SEWING COLOUR INTO YOUR LIFE
As a sewing tutor, it is important to me that I practice what I teach. That means creating a wardrobe of clothes that bring me CONFIDENCE. For many years I found myself drawn to black and dull colours. Various personal and family issues meant I was hiding my right to SHINE.
I had set up my own company called ‘Colour and Cloth’ yet the last thing I was wearing was colour! Something had to change.
After my mum passed away it became even more my ‘reason why’ to lighten up! She loved colour. Every time I sew something new, I really wish I could show her.
And that is why I love to teach others – I love when my students experience the JOY of sewing and making something for themselves and others. It is a beautiful thing to share.
Sharing the skill, and sewing with JOY brings me back to COLOUR! I am not dressing in black anymore and the 2 most popular colours in my living area, outdoor vista and in my wardrobe are yellow and shades of blue. Colours I wore all the time when I was a young girl.
The right colours radiate your face and illuminate you. They literally make you shine! Its so important that we get these right.
In 2024, I sold my house, left my full time studio and took my passion on the road. I love doing things differently.
Surrounded by sea and beach views whether in Ireland or Spain I’m addicted to creating.
THE SEA BREEZE COLOURED KAFTAN
Kaftans are my absolute favourite item of clothing!
If I could wear these all the time I would ** (big reveal at the end of this blog)
This one was made from SIMPLICITY S9102. I did not toile this one as I had previously made a very similar Simplicity style. I selected a size medium. The fabric is double weave silk and was beautiful to work with. French seams were used throughout and also all the threads, pins, needles that I used in my blog about the turquoise dress.
I was very kindly donated this fabric by one of my Advanced sewing students (thank you Helen).
I had previously cut the cloth before leaving my studio space and had everything fuse and ready in a plastic bag. This is how I prep all my sewing projects.
I had forgot to pack my sleeve roll and magnetic seam guide so inspired improvisation was required. A rolled up towel and sock made the sleeve roll and a magnet from our travels in the Pyrenees became my seam guide. I have since purchased an actual guide!
Pressing was done on a table top ironing board using a travel iron. When not hooked up to electric, I use the Jackery power bank.
This was a simple sew. I love featuring the selvedge, so I added it to the centre back seam. I am not adding buttons so the centre front is on show!
With the scraps, I made shoe bows which I decided to move to the ankle strap for the photographs.
LET’S ACCESSORISE!
I love a bit of bling and I have collected lots of bits and bobs on my travels. The yellow sunburst necklace is from Alicante. From Ballycastle to Bondi, I have listed on the image caption where it was bought.
A very special piece is the Citizen watch with a Mother of Pearl face. This was bought from birthday money for my 50th in April. I reminder to INVEST in yourself. VALUE yourself and SHINE!
I had forgotten this, so I understand. Now the little girl who always dressed in yellow and blue is back. That’s the JOY of creating!
Colour and Cloth teach all levels of Sewing Courses and Workshops so no matter what level you are at, there is no better time to start than now. How to sew styles like this kaftan starts with learning how to thread your machine and then you are on your new creative journey. The New dates for our September courses in Belfast are now ready to book.
** As much as I would love to be wearing a kaftan every day, its not practical! Vanlife means most days I’m dressed in #memade shorts and tees. But I’ll never stop dreaming….
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Christine Boyle
Creative Director
