Rita Williamson Designs

New things! I've been experimenting following a design idea shared by Celia Buchan. They use up sort length of fabric and are fun to do. Impossible to show off on a hanger though so look for them bagged up when you see me at haflas :)

I said I wasn't going to make any more belts for a while - the rail is full. However, I found this bag of unused mixed trim.... You know the rest: a little time at the machine and then a couple of soppy films on the TV for hand-sewing company and Lo! New belts! Ah well, they are cute and twinkly, what's no to love?

Work in Progress: There are a lot of boxes of 'stuff' in the workshop. - good fabric, bad fabric, things half done.... I have a box marked 'for conversion' and that has stuff that I think can be used or updated when I have the time. I also have a box marked 'resurrection' which has stuff that needs a LOT of working doing to it and thus I have avoided it. This is the start of something nice emerging from the remnants in the resurrection box... I will post more when it is completed. I am enjoying it so far.....

Sometimes you have to resort to non-standard sewing methods to get the job done. No sewing today, sewing hand is a trifle incapacitated :)

Work in progress. This little two-piece (size 10-12) is to be called 'Quicksilver' because the fabric is a mesh that just shimmers and shines in the light. Early stages yet.... this is mostly pinned at the moment. Will require more hand sewing than your average frock. :) It may take a while unless there's a good film on the telly to distract me as I sew.

I have been rather slack in the workroom lately. Too restless to sit and sew - the garden is one of my distractions. Maybe I should treat it as inspiration - look at this beauty!

Working in progress: the 'rage 'n' tatters' orange lace bra and dress has been improved....

work in progress: Sometimes you have to cut your own patterns to create the garment you want. I did, I am pleased to announce I have created the ugliest pants on the planet! You're welcome. :) Let me reassure you these are destined for inside a garment, they will never be seen (thank goodness for small mercies!).

Time for another 'Frock of the Week': This is a 12/14 Simple T-dress shift in a lovely soft stretchy lycra. The print is a mix of stripes and animal print. I've paired it with a yellow mesh sash (the yellows are a bit dull in the photos). The top of dress and the sash are decorated with AB crystals. The dress has a single leg slit so less chance of flashing your knix! £55

the newest Work in Progress... If I said it has to get worse before it gets better would you believe me?

working towards finishing the beige monstrosity :)

Oh what a fabulous time was had at Shimmy up North! I just want to take a moment to thank everyone who came and bought my costumes or just came in for a natter. I especially want to thank those lovely ladies who bought stuff and took it on their own initiative to wander round the site looking for a signal good enough for paypal to work :) I do appreciate it :). For anyone who discussed future projects with me: give me a few days to sort the workshop and get my head straight (not swift these days) and we'll talk again.

Souk on the Move - I'm off to Borwick at the end of the month. Taking all the stock and stuff to sell in the souk that Kay Taylor arranges. If there are specific things you are looking for, let me now and I'll make sure I pack them. Just so you know: I love having ladies in the souk, I love them trying things on just for the hell of it. whilst I do want to make sales I still just like to see my creations on real bodies to see how they move and work. So feel free to come visit in the souk. I take cash but may (phone signal willing) be able to take credit card payments. I look forward to seeing you all there!

Work in Progress: I like this one. Super-slinky lurex knit with a wonderful soft drape and flow. Gold on navy. There are more cut and ready to sew - will I get them done before Borwick?

white/mermaid temptation..... :) It's looks are a lie - it is a swine!

it's no good, I just HAVE TO sew up the white/mermaid baladi dress to see how it turns out... watch this space!

Frock of the week - A while ago I was beefing up the decoration on this bra and dress combo and never got around to posting the finished pictures. FYI it's called "Black Panther" and is a m/l 14/16 with 44" on the hips as maximum. The dress is of a sturdy but soft textured lycra so you don't have to worry about 'sausage skin cling'. The bra is a 38D. £90. So here is the finished article.:

I said I'd post pics of the finished two-layer mesh dress. What do you think? Is it a baladi dress or is it a bit 'western'? The underdress has one slit at the side, the over dress has two. The tie-belt and bodice are decorated with appliques and rhinestones. This dress is aubergine and dusky pink, size 16/18.

Work in progress: I'm still trying out new ideas. This is (will be) a lightweight mesh, two-layer dress (modesty, you know) with an asymmetrical bodice and blinged-up appliques. This is aubergine and pink, there might be blue on black and blue on pink.... I hope they turn out as good as they are in my head. :) I'll post proper pictures when it's finished and you can let me know.

The 'ballet length' skirts seem to be hitting the right note. Good to know :) .
For Information: Here are pics showing that they are a 'circle' of mesh with no seams, they are cut asymmetrically across the front. They are about knee length at front and fall longer at the back (ankle height in some cases). They all differ, of course - it depends on the size of the cloth. But they all end up with shorter, swirly, flouncy drapes on the side which give lots of lovely movement. Waistbands tone if I can't get an exact match in lycra. The 4 completed are sized as follows:
Yellow - L/XL , 18/20 , 44/46" hips
Lilac - L, 16, 42/43" hips
Teal - S, 12+, 40" hip
Pink - l, 14/16, 42/44".

Probably priced at £30 plus p&p.

I have softer pink, blue, aubergine and black to make so keep watching!

Still trying new things…. After talking about more bum coverage in dance scarves I played around with these beauties- ‘ballet length’ over skirts cm belts in fine lightweight mesh with a sprinkle of gems down the fronts. I like them.

I changed my cover picture today and it reminded me that I really like making belts. Not only does it use up fabric ends that are too precious to chuck out, it's fun! My tie belts are also shaped and fitted for women's hips and are less likely to fall down on a shimmy's whim. They are top of the range. And every single one is unique.
I like skirt belts too because I feel I'm providing a public service by creating belts that give a little bum coverage (my bum, in leggings, needs extra coverage, I thought others would like it too). Anyway, I just wanted to share the whys and hows of things I do ..
Some pics of various belts:-