{for hire} pop goes the Anda

Here's a number for the fabulous diva of vintage hair, that rocks The Leopard Lounge, Mel. A colour blocked Anda pattern variation.

Mel has many fabulous vintage '60s and '70s dresses. One problem: polyester! This cotton ensemble lets her steam up the stage (without the sweat) in her band The Lang Langs.

Being a creative type, Mel set the brief and I happily, finally delivered on it. What movie star she is!

{dress yourself} suddenly summer dress

merino jersey acid yellow

with

missoni patterned knit from tessuti

today reached 26 dgrees. hottest august day in four years

and I had a dress to match

check out the DIY giveaway, too!

{Project Runway Australia Sew-a-long} '70s dress

Week 4's challenge

100% merino wool jersey dress

ink navy blue and acid yellow

made within budget, within time frame

To brief: inspired by the 1970s

The dresses for the first two challenges were very runway - formal, glamorous affairs. Like wise the last challenge too glamorous for practical, every day wear. With this challenge, I made something to suit my corporate days. I have enjoyed the haute couture creations but this one is more ME!

Sturdily constructed with the over locker (and coverstitched cuffs) - this one is also built to last.

I switched over the lenses on my camera this week, so this time you can finally see the bottom of the dress (and my shoes!).

End with a bow!

{Project Runway Australia Sew-a-long} a dress to impress Dannii

Challenge 2

Completed within time limit (took 7.5 of the 8 hours allowed).

To brief: Clean simple lines with effortless glamour. Feminine, sexy, empowered. Quality and attention to detail.

Looking at Project D's sample dresses, there were many classically elegant looks (with seasonal interpretations). But they were missing one (this one!). I was careful not to make the design too fussy. I focused on simple lines that flattered. Another thing Dannii Minogue stresses to the contestants is that it has to be "commercial". So, my final design is one that is an 'easy fit' and can look great on lots of ladies (the sequins are on stretchable jersey around your middle). And, btw, Dannii LOVES Grecian (drape, drape)!

Details: floor sweeper dress, fitted sequined bodice with side zipper. All other fabric is silk. A gorgeous pale faille for luxurious drape on the skirt. And a lighter silk for a airier drape on the top.

I am really excited with how these challenges are expanding my skills. I made this entirely without a pattern or a toile. The first week's challenge was my own pattern which I made first in paper pattern pieces and then as a toile. This garment is again my own but is 100% free-form construction!

I even had time to make the perfect shrug - the pattern I credit to IchiGoGirl.

{Project Runway Australia Sew-a-long} Challenge 2

This week's brief:

A dress for the spring/summer collection for Project D
Clean simple lines with effortless glamour. Feminine, sexy and empowered. Quality and attention to detail.
Eight hours to create it!
Fifteen minutes in the fabric store with just $80

Sound like something you could do? Come on, grab the badge, sew-a-long, upload here by this time next week!