Two ways with lace

As you probably know, I'm lucky enough to be a member of the White Tree Fabrics blog team.  A while ago Lisa from White Tree contacted me and asked me if I would like to take part in a special, top secret project for them, using a particular fabric. 

The fabric in question was lace.

Of course, I jumped at the chance, I haven't had much experience of sewing with lace and thought it would be good to try. 

The reason it was top secret (at the time) was that White Tree Fabrics had been asked to provide some lace for the current series of The Great British Sewing Bee.  This meant that I couldn't share my project until the series aired.

The "lace" episode aired yesterday (it was the semi-final) so I can now show you what I've made with the lace I was sent. 

I've actually used it in 2 projects, very different from each other.

The first is a pair of lace and satin pyjamas.  A bit glamorous for me - I'm normally in jersey pyjamas - but lovely for a treat!

I had to pin them to Rosie, as they're a little tight for her.  They fit me fine, but I didn't really want photos of me wearing them on the internet!

For the top I used Vogue V7837, view G.  This is actually a teddy, but I just chopped the crotch part off, and made it a top.  I used this view as I liked the idea of the darted cups for a bit of support. 

I teamed the lace with some black satin backed crepe I had in my stash, using the lace to cover the cups and make an edging to the bodice and the hem.

The shorts I just left plain, using a free pattern from Vera Venus (scroll about halfway down the page).

Once I'd made the pyjamas I still had quite a bit of the lace left, so I sorted through my fabric stash to see if I had something else I could pair it with.  I came up with some grey and blue striped jersey - the blue being almost exactly the same shade as the lace.

A striped Breton style top with lace yoke was born. 

I used the free Deer and Doe Plantain t-shirt.  It was the first time I'd used this pattern and it won't be the last.  I'm really happy with the fit I got.

I used the lace for a yoke, both front and back, and cut motifs from the lace to use in place of the oval elbow patches included in the pattern. 

I hope these two very different projects have encouraged you to have a go at sewing with lace.  As you can see it can be used in very different ways.  Do have a look at White Tree Fabrics selection, I'm sure you'll find something you love!