Mad Mexican Dress - 2 Challenges in One!

 I've managed to do two challenges in one project this month - is that cheating?

This is my Mad Mexican dress ('mad' because it's so over the top), which I made using some Alexander Henry fabric which I acquired way before Christmas, and which has been burning a hole in my stash ever since. So, that satisfies my stash busting challenge set by Miss Katie over at Little Red Squirrel. The dress isn't quite finished yet - the skirt and lining still need hemming - but there was a strict deadline to meet!

The second challenge this project meets is the Sew Hollywood challenge set by Debi at My Happy Sewing Place. The design of the dress is inspired by Linda Darnell's character Chihuahua in 'My Darling Clementine':

Linda looking sultry in front of a HUGE cactus...

... and me, posing with a less impressive specimen, from Ikea!

As you can see from the poster and the film still, the ruffly sleeves and gathered skirt are the character's signature look in the film. When the dress is complete, I'll provide you all with some more detailed pictures, and further information about the film and why I chose this outfit.

But for now, I'll leave you with details of the pattern I used for the top:

Simplicity 5962 - The version on the bottom right became the bodice of the dress

And some further views:

Back view

Close up of bodice

More details soon!

AND DON'T FORGET!  My snood and earrring giveaway closes on the 30th, so make sure you leave your comment in order to be in with a chance of winning!

Happy Friday - It's the First Needles Giveaway!

Hello all! I realised I've been blogging for well over a year now, and did nothing to celebrate. I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, and have learned so much, and now it's time to give some thing back. So, it's time for :

The Fabulous Nicole Needles Snood and Earring Giveaway!

As a thank you to the community of bloggers, I have crocheted a special blue sparkly snood, as seen below:

I know these photos make it look a bit like something a lady would wear while working at a deli counter, so here's a picture of one I made earlier in action:

But wait - there's more!

As well as the snazzy snood, there's also a pair of fab sewing machine earrings, made by my own fair hand, out of buttons:

Of course, the lucky winner will receive a fresh pair, not the pair I'm wearing - hygiene, and all that.

To enter, I'll keep it easy - you must be a follower, or become a follower of Nicole Needles, and leave a comment below. No restrictions on where you live - I'll post anywhere! Entries will close on the 30th of March, when I'll pick the lucky winner!

Good luck!