New instore

So the colder nights are definitely upon us and our projects become bigger somehow at this time of year – a nice big jumper to knit or a patchwork quilt for the bed.

Well, we want to tempt you out from the comfort of your sofa and warmth of the fire to view the new range of fabric that has landed in Elizabeth Rose NI – dress making fabric. Inspired by both a new found love of sewing and our Sew Saturday event, Charlene has ordered a small but beautiful collection of dressmaking fabrics.

They range from a classic tweed in grey, a deep purple satin for that injection of colour as a lining to a gorgeous teal crepe. Or what about a cream spotted jersey for something a bit funkier? Maybe you could choose to go very classic with a Burberry check to make a timeless ladies jacket.

As with our fabric of the month felt, certain dressmaking fabrics lend themselves very easily to certain projects. Tweed and heavy wools are ideal to make a smart man’s blazer, whereas crepe is perfect for an easy to make easy to wear shift dress. But as with felt too , dressmaking fabrics can be turned into anything you wish. Why not use a heavy grey wool for an asymmetrical work skirt? Lined in purple for a flash of colour as you walk? Or the crepe as maybe a waterfall waistcoat? Sew two different colours together and make it reversible! See endless possibilities already and that is just three of the fabrics that are instore.

We also have jersey. Jersey fabric would have tended to be classically used as maternity wear due to it’s stretchy property. But what about a dress with a bit of ruching at the side? It can be pulled on for work or and impromptu dinner date. And Jersey washes so well too, it is so versatile and yet if made from the right pattern will never go out of fashion.

Coming up to the Christmas period we may also have a few wee parties to go to and Charlene has fabric for that too – a gold and black brocade that could be transformed into a small bolero jacket to go over a simple black dress. Or you could even turn it into a full length formal dress with a high neck and beading if the occasion called for it.

Classic Grey Tweed

Reversible taupe/black heavey weight Jersey

Cream spot Jersey

Coffee Flat Brocade

There is also a coffee coloured flat brocade that would lend itself very easily to a sixties style A-line coat. Imagine that for a Mother of the Bride coat for a winter wedding. Simple but timeless.

Charlene also has a range of dressmaking patterns to compliment the current crop of fabrics. A simple a-line skirt or a top with buttons down the back are two that we have so far, but keep your eyes peeled for more on that front.

As always, all the fabrics are also available in the online shop, (we will be adding more over the next few days) but I would suggest that if you can you should come in and see them for yourselves as the photos don’t do them justice. This also means that you can feel the fabric and really get inspired as to what to make next.

So put on a warm coat, venture out and come over and see us. You won’t be disappointed.