Where does your sewing inspiration come from? Inspiration for my sewing comes from many different sources - blogs, places, people and often just looking through fabrics.
Glamorous Garments
As you all know, I love a glamorous garment and I enjoy sewing for pleasure rather than necessity. Therefore, I tend to steer clear of every-day clothing pieces and tend to design evening and special occasion wear. My go to for instant inspiration is Pinterest and if you don’t already use it, make sure to create yourself an account and get 'pinning'. My page is Angeline Murphy and one of my boards is called ‘Dress to Impress’ where I have pinned hundreds of outfits that I’d like to create at some stage (when I get time). The garments I have pinned range from couture garments to high street styles. I love to adapt the catwalk designer style into something that the everyday girl can wear.
One of my most recent creations was a cobalt blue jumpsuit inspired by a recent outfit worn by Michelle Keegan at the Brit Awards. I’m glued to the red carpet during awards season and always check out the latest style and fashion to help spark some of my creativity. I also have my own Facebook page, Angeline Murphy Design where I follow other fashion and sewing blogs. Some of the bigger Irish fashion blogs are ‘Lisa’s Lust List’ and 'The Style Studio Blog.' I always keep a wee eye out for their latest posts and fashion updates.
Vintage Patterns
I am a massive fan of vintage patterns and was lucky enough to have come upon a stash of vintage patterns for sale on Gumtree. I picked up two boxes of patterns for £20 with some of the patterns dating back to the 40’s. I love the 50’s glamour and would often take inspiration from that genre to fit it into my own style! For example I love the full circle skirts that where big in the 50’s with small waistbands and tight fitting bodices. One of my next creations will include a halter top neckline - a style that was big in the 60’s, made a come back in the 90’s but has not really seen the light of day in the 00’s. I have a feeling this style will be big this summer. I have an awards night in June and I'm currently creating the Simplicity 8330!
Blogs
I love reading magazines to catch up on fashion trends and give me ideas for my creations. Magazines like SEW NOW are bang on trend and showcase outfits and patterns that the modern lady loves to wear. I always keep my magazines and refer back to them if I’m looking for some inspiration. Online, I follow so many blogs and love Instagram for quick, eye catching visual ideas. Some must follow pages on Instagram include: Oscar de la Renta, Shauna Fay Designer and Tilly and the Buttons.
Inspiration for my sewing projects can really come from everywhere and anywhere, and sometimes I just let the fabric do the talking. Very rarely do I purchase a pattern and then choose the fabric! I simply choose a fabric I like, then create something that compliments the fabric and my figure. Let the cloth do the talking!
Angeline xx
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