Silk-shading at the RSN and Hampton Court Palace...

Last Sunday I returned to Hampton Court Palace and the Royal School of Needlework for an introductory class in silk-shading. This was the the third of the day classes that I had booked after my first lovely two days at the RSN back in August. I was keen to try silk-shading as it is one of the core modules on the certificate course that I think I'd like to try at some point in the future.

I was in a different teaching room from those I've been in previously. It was on the other side of the palace courtyard with these lovely round windows looking out at the palace gardens. All around the room are examples of beautiful embroidery...

During a stroll in the gardens at lunch time, the spring bulbs are looking lovely...

And finally, here is what I'd managed to complete by the end of the day...

...as you can see from the faint blue outline of the pansy, I have a lot of homework to do to finish this project! And whilst this was meant to be the last of the courses I was undertaking at the RSN, I've since booked three more for during the summer and later in the autumn...

Windsor castle...

Two weekends ago, L and I took a little jaunt out to Windsor for lunch. After a lovely Sunday roast at The Two Brewers, we spent the afternoon at Windsor Castle. L and never been, and this is my favourite of all of the Royal Palaces, so it was no hardship to return.

As it was the first spring-like weekend we have had, the bulbs are out and the gardens are starting to come to life...

A lovely was to spend a Sunday afternoon...

Adding to the capsule wardrobe...

I've been on a bit of a sewing spree lately. Late last year, I spent a couple of weekends at Sew Over It in Clapham making a 1940's wrap dress. It was such a lovely experience. So when I saw that they were advertising a new class for a lace dress, I thought it was finally a brilliant opportunity to make up the fabric I bought in Sydney (ahem...over two years ago). 

I've subsequently spent the last four Wednesday evenings being taught how to make this dress by the lovely Julie. I decided to make it with a soft beige colour lining to make more of the embellishment on the lace. The yoke and sleeves are unlined...

So, I now have a lovely new cocktail frock to add to my wardrobe.

In terms of a capsule wardrobe, the majority of my dresses are either shift dresses or wrap dresses. I do love both styles. I previously had a black and white patterned wrap dress from Banana Republic that I finally had to retire last year as after so much wear as it wasn't particularly looking black or white any longer. Sew Over It offer a class in making their Ultimate Wrap Dress, but unfortunately, I couldn't make the dates for the upcoming class. So, instead I bought a copy of their pattern, and now have this hanging in my wardrobe...

This was a great dress to make - it was reasonably quick to sew up and the instructions were very clear to follow. I think there will be some more of these made in the coming months...