Amanda's Nina Lee Camden Pinafore

Hi Everyone,

My name is Amanda (aka I Sew A Lot) and was super excited when the lovely Katie got in touch to ask if I would be interested in writing a guest blog post.  I have followed @sewsewsewuk for some time on Instagram and purchased fabrics in the past which have always been beautiful.

Amanda's Nina Lee Camden Pinafore in Navy Corduroy

The first task was to choose from the amazing fabrics on the site which I have to admit was a bit of a struggle as there was so much loveliness.  Katie had also been in touch to let me know that she was expecting some Dashwood Studio fabrics and sent me images of the samples which were all gorgeous.

Living in the UK has meant my mind has certainly turned towards my autumn wardrobe and further pieces that I would like to add.  Whilst I love summer and am a self confessed sun worshipper (always with SPF of course) I do love it when the seasons change. I get excited about all the cosy things to sew and wearing those items which I sewed last year that haven’t reached their full potential yet and become firm staples in my wardrobe.

Navy Needlecord by Dashwood Studio

When Katie told me she had some Dashwood Studio needlecords coming in that pretty much made my mind up.  I love sewing with needlecord and have used a Dashwood babycord in the past which was an absolute dream to sew with. The new collection of needlecords are 98% cotton and 2% spandex which is great for comfort.  I chose the navy colourway which has a bit of a petrol tone to it but it also comes in mustard and aubergine. AMAZING!!!

I was undecided at first on a pattern but had been hankering after a Nina Lee Camden Pinafore dress for some time as I made the skirt version last year and love the shape.

When I made the skirt I used a fabric that had no stretch and it was a little snug over the hips and also at the waist but as this fabric had stretch I decided to make the same size as I could always reduce the seam allowance if I needed.  

Camden Pinafore

The Camden Pinafore/Skirt is fully lined and I used some viscose that I had in my stash which worked perfectly.  I love the fact the dress is lined as it means it won’t stick to tights if you use a viscose or a standard acetate lining.  I opted for viscose as it is so much more breathable.

The construction of the pinafore is well thought out as you make the bodice first and then the skirt with the lining attached all in one piece at the end.  This therefore enables you to ensure it fits before you attach the lining.

camden pinafore nina lee

I made the size 8 and my measurements are B33”, W25” and H36.5” and the fit is really great.  I am glad I didn’t size up as it is such a comfortable dress to wear. The only thing I would mention is that I am 5’ 8” and whilst I appreciate I do have long legs the dress is quite short.  I made the longer version rather than the mini as I made the mistake of making the mini version of the skirt and it was so short I had to use bias binding on the hem rather than turn it up.  

The instructions for the pattern are really clear as is always the case with Nina’s patterns and I didn’t encounter any difficulties.  The trickiest parts were easing in the seam allowances over the bust and I do have slight wrinkles in that area. The other part that took me a while to get right was lining up the waistband over the zip as this is always slightly tricker with heavier weight fabrics and I should have really hand tacked it in place which would have helped.

Amanda I Sew a Lot

Anyway, the fabric is absolutely gorgeous and I have already ordered some more in the aubergine colourway to make another.  I am totally in love with this dress and currently have it on my tailor’s dummy so I can keep looking at it. I have worn it a couple of times already and have had some lovely comments.

Well that’s all for now.  Until next time.

Happy sewing!!!

Amanda xxx

 

**Use the code AMANDA10 at checkout for 10% off fabric! Valid until midnight on Sunday 6th October**

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2 comments

It’s lovely Amanda and a very good review. Stretch needlecord is super ,so interested to see its in stock although fancy a winter white. You are so productive. I’m itching to sew again having been ill for 2 months! Hope you are okay since you lost your mother😘

Ruth Lanwarne

This is a lovely make. I struggle with lengths too as im also 5’8". Thanks for the tip!
@chatterstitch

Carol Bentley

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