Inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show I’ve pulled together an edit of pretty florals and pink vintage fabrics
Living vicariously through the TV, I’ve been watching the beautiful garden designs at the Chelsea Flower Show. The stories behind the gardens and all the work that goes into them fascinate me. This year I was particularly interested in Fashion Revolution’s garden which grew flowers perfect for natural dying. Not only was it practical, it had a beautiful wild and natural look that I would give my garden if I had one.
It’s an aspect that people don’t necessarily think about – the role [that plants] play in the clothes we wear
Garden Designer, Lottie Delamain (Vogue).
Natural dying is a technique I would love to try at some point. In the meantime I’ve pulled together an edit of floral vintage fabrics inspired by all the beautiful flowers shining in the rain at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. Plus some plainer fabrics that compliment the florals. Each piece is truly vintage and individual, perfect if you are making an outfit for a wedding this year (scroll down for sewing inspiration).
Dressmaking Patterns: Sewing inspiration for a wedding guest outfit
Create a 1960s vibe with the Maven Patterns Kitty dress from this pretty red carnation fabric. The French Dart, also by Maven Patterns, works perfectly in Barkcloth. There is plenty of this beautiful floral to make this classic shift dress silhouette. Barcelona is a favourite design of mine and I’ll be using this pattern to make a dress for my nephew’s wedding next year. It is designed for stripes and even includes instructions on how to create this chevron design with the stripes. This pink stripe is the perfect weight for this design.
Perhaps a more relaxed floaty look suits the garden party or wedding better. This soft blue floral tana lawn will look dreamy made into the Wendy Smock by Maven Patterns. I love the fifties vibe of the pretty pink heart cotton, very romantic made into Summer in London dress. This tulip cotton has a white jacquard stripe in the background, a soft silky cotton I think suits the Autumn in London shirt dress just perfectly. Both designs from Seasons of East.
Plan ahead and make your outfit in plenty of time. I’ve been known to sew up hems and stitch on buttons an hour before the ceremony and always carry an emergency sewing kit with me, just in case!