Coffee bag Couture

by Kathleen Brewster. Posted on December 14, 2020

14 Dec

The theme for Breakfast at Tiffany’s in 2019 was based around recycling. This dress was made from the foil lined bags coffee beans come in (Thanks Oaklands for collecting them for me)

I cut the flat parts of the bags apart and then cut them into small squares. I punched holes around each piece and then added crochet stitches in silver thread. Sewing the crochet together made the dress flexible. Where I needed to shape around the body I cut a custom piece to fill the space.

To go with the dress I made a cape of fringe. This was made from Mormors coffee bags as their supplier had a nice black outside and silver inside.

Anatomy of a wing

by Kathleen Brewster. Posted on March 19, 2018

19 Mar

Finally my entry in the Foundations revealed corset competition has been posted.

while you are over there have a good look over the rest of the amazing work.

Long line underbust Corset

by Kathleen Brewster. Posted on February 27, 2017

27 Feb

After years of making boned dresses I finally had an opportunity to try my hand at the more technical world of corsetry. (Secretly I was always looking for an excuse)

This corset was made with 2 pieces of plastic boning per seam. The pattern doesn’t allow for a strong cinch at the waist so steel would have been wasted. The fabric is a print by Catherine Martin, with its reference to Lyrebird tail feathers I had to have it even though I had no idea how I was going to match the print at the seams. The binding, flossing and lacing offer a little contrast but are still tonal with the main print fabric.

An enormous thank you to Meg on who these patterns are based. For all your patience from the first draft to the final posing.

Eliza Doolittle

by Kathleen Brewster. Posted on January 4, 2017

04 Jan

Some times I get to do projects that are really fun.

For a black and white themed party dedicated to Audrey Hepburn there really was no other dress to make.

Because this is a costume I cleated a little. The lace and lining is a stretch fabric. This makes the pattern making and fitting easier. The black and white ribbon were made from strips of satin.

The hat was more troublesome and it isn’t sitting quite as angled as it should, This was a small concession to the neck of the wearer. A base was made of Buckram and then covered in black and white satin.