Tessuti Awards 2010

About my Linen and Lace

• Pattern Used: My own design
• Fabrics Used: Linen (3 shades), Cotton Broderie Englaise
• Time To Create: 3 days on and off
• Dress Influenced By: My design is influenced by two themes. The first theme ‘Linen and Lace’ screamed out ‘Masculine vs. Feminine’ to me, so I wanted to capture this contrast in my design with a bodice based on a tailored men’s evening shirt with pintucking, wingtip collar and yoke features, and a very feminine flirty two-layered circle skirt, puff sleeves and pearl button detailing. The second theme ‘Everything old is new again’ along with my fabric choice inspired me to create something based on 40’s fashion, where women’s dresses remained quite masculine and covered-up on top but added a flattering cinched waist and full skirt to allow the woman to finally show that she’s a woman! This silhouette and design remains on trend for a sun-kissed Spring/Summer with its soft tonal fabrics, fun and flirty nature ripe for a picnic with the man of her dreams.
• Additional Information: The bodice is French seamed to ensure a clean, tailored look. I initially started with one front placket but evolved into two for a twist on the tailored shirt, with hook and eyes as front closures. An invisible zip closure is on the side of the dress and the linen full circle skirt is roll hemmed. Much care was taken with the broderie englaise to cut out the flowers at the hem of the circle skirt, and to match the lace on the plackets. The wing-tipped collar is held down by chain stitches attached to the pearl buttons on the placket. In the styling and photoshoot I really wanted to bring across the ‘fun’ in fashion and dressing up which really came alive in the 40’s. A big thank you to Andy for the photography, and Lea for the Elizabeth Taylor inspired makeup and hair.

About Me

• Name: Lee Jackson
• State: NSW
• Sewing Since: Start of 2011
• My Experience: Prior to this year, I had been a keen Op-shopper and I watched my mother alter clothes for me to make them fit better or more fashionable, including my Year 12 formal dress which was from St Vinnies with the sleeves of her wedding dress attached! I studied commerce at university and have been working in the corporate world until last year where I decided to take a career break for 2011 due to family reasons. Then I decided to do a dress-making and patternmaking course at the Academy of Dressmakers to fill the space (and boy does it ever!). So I have been sewing non-stop in 2011, everything from a basic skirt to now making a wedding dress, and I am very proud of how quickly I’ve evolved. This Tessutis dress is the first dress I have ever made from scratch!
• My Sewing Goals: I am in the process of starting my own label ‘Eljaii’ which will focus on fun, vibrant women’s wear which will get a woman from work to play; so she doesn’t have to go home and change before going out. I am also making my own designs for 4 clients who run the ‘Forget Me Not’ charity event in September.
• Additional Information: I hope to continue learning new sewing, designing and patternmaking techniques as there is always more to learn. I’m glad I’ve done a dressmaking course as I believe knowing how to construct a garment beautifully can make or break the design. I can’t wait to start designing for my label – to see someone wearing something I have designed/made will be the most rewarding experience!