FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Mrs Apple
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Other Credits
My children Alfie (13) and Annie (10) who helped with research, watched many hours of YouTube with me, helped me with measuring and fitting and photographed the finished dress. It was a educational journey we shared.
Outline the story …
"The Brambly Hedge Collection" by Jill Barkley. Brambly Hedge was an imaginary escape for me as a child. Intricately detailed drawings of the lives of the mice transported for me hours to their tranquil world. A world in harmony with the seasons and in balance with the natural world they live within. They are a co-operative community where each mouse is valued, and they each use their talents to support one another. Mrs Apple is a kind hearted mouse with gentle words, always ready to lend a hand to get things done. ‘She was a kindly mouse and a wonderful cook. The cottage always smelled of newly-made bread, fresh cakes and blackberry puddings.’ The simple life of the mice is based on traditional English country life and the clothing of the mice reflect this. Each mouse has their own style and are identifiable within the detailed drawings by their distinctive dress. I allowed the fabrics and materials I had to hand dictate the mouse I could best represent.
Outline the construction…
Based on a working woman’s day dress, and inspired by elements of the books illustrations my aim, in the spirt of the mice of Brambly Hedge and our current lockdown, was to construct the elements of this dress using materials I had at home. I started with a bustle pad made from layers of cotton and wool batting and bias-tape waist and a simple petticoat made from old bedsheets. I mended a second hand vintage petticoat and a shift/nightdress that my grandmother made in the 1950s to use as a chemise. Referencing photographs of rural women from the 1860-1890s, I used the book "Making Working Women's Costume" by Elizabeth Friendship to draft the bodice. I have never drafted patterns in this way before and self fitting (especially the back and front darts) was challenging. The front closes with tiny hooks and eyes. The construction of the bodice required many elements new to me including drafting, pad stitching, eyelet stitches and hand felled seams. The skirt is 3 panels, cartridge plated onto a tape and closed with a placket and hooks. The bodice and the skirt are attached with hooks at the waist. The fabric came from a vintage duvet cover and careful calculations and measurements were required to insure pattern matching of the stripe across the pieces. The cross back apron is constructed of vintage table linens. I used the tucker attachment to create 3 pin tucks across the bottom. The bib and pockets are napkins, the apron a table cloth.
Brambly Hedge!!! Those books were my childhood. I love that your children got to share in the project too.
Beautiful dress. I love your use of upcycling vintage fabric and that your children were also involved in this project. Well done
I love that you used materials you had at home, and you’ve totally captured the spirit of the Brambly Hedge!
You look lovely, I like your choice fabric. such a great theme too.
omg, all those little pleats! I love the result. It’s adorable.
Lovely ensemble. I can really imagine the character.
This is adorable! I can imagine you being able to wear the dress out in real life as well.
Delightful! I love your interpretation of toys my children played with many years ago. I love that you upcycled items to bring about your dream garment.
I love every aspect of this, and all the beautifully finished work. And how wonderful to make it a family research project!
This is adorable! Great fit, lovely finishing, well done!
This is an absolutely enchanting entry! I adore that you included items of your grandmother’s. Well done!
Oh, I love this! Such pretty fabric, just as I would have imagined Mrs. Apple myself! Thank you!
This is lovely. I really love the details in the apron!
This is a lovely dress!
Definitely captured the spirit of Brambly Hedge. I love how you have recycled up cycled so many items to make your outfit. Very much Mrs Apple ethos.