Flossy and Dossy

Stitch By Stitch

2012-01-03T13:17:00.000Z

A few months ago I came across this lovely Weldons sewing guide on ebay and I knew it had to be mine! I think it's from the late 30's or early 40's and is packed with useful vintage sewing tips including a nifty way of marking hems using a piece of chalk and a table.

Inside I also found an old knitting pattern for a shoulder cape printed on Army Broadcasting Service paper.

Merry Christmas from Flossy and Dossy

2011-12-23T07:56:00.000Z

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and an amazing New Year!

Festive Knitting

2011-12-18T08:52:00.001Z

As It's almost Christmas, I thought I'd share two of my festive knitting projects. The first is a sweater knit in modern 3ply (eek!). The pattern is lovely and the yarn is merino with a touch of mohair from Kingcraig fabrics . The only changes I've made, apart from sizing it up, is to omit the two lace panels at the sleeves.

The second is a fabulous mohair jacket, this pattern is taken from a vintage knitting machine pattern from 1961, but as my machine won't tolerate mohair I've decided to knit it by hand. As the mohair is quite light when its knitted up I'm also going to line it with china silk to help keep it's shape and give it a bit more structure.

Hopefully I'll have both these projects finished by the end of the Christmas holidays, or maybe thats just wishful thinking!

The Glasgow Wedding Collective - Wedding Fayre January 15th 2012

2011-12-14T17:31:00.001Z

I'm pleased to announce that Flossy and Dossy will be at the Glasgow Wedding Collective vintage style fayre in Hillhead Bookclub on the 15th January 2012.

St Clement's Gloves

2011-11-17T15:38:00.001Z

I just thought I'd share a photo of these lovely gloves I knitted last week. Lovely and bright for the dull winter weather, I think a matching hat might be in order don't you?

Made In The Shade Holiday Hullabaloo - 10th December

2011-11-08T09:00:00.001Z

If you fancy having a look at some of my lovely knitwear, frock's and accessories pop down to the Made In The Shade Holiday Hullabaloo on the 10th of December at the Lighthouse.

1940's Style Turban Headband - A Good Excuse for a Hat

2011-11-06T11:39:00.002Z

While flicking through a 1940's knitting book: Knitting Illistrated for All, I came across these fabulous turban style hats.

Like most vintage knitting patterns, the instructions call for really small gauge needles and thin 4 ply yarn. Now, while I do sometimes enjoy knitting these time-consuming patterns I was looking for a quick project to knit in front of the TV whilst the stars shined (or didn't shine) on Strictly Come Dancing. So here is my modern-day interpretation of this lovely vintage pattern, knit on 7mm needles with two strands of aran wool held together - a great way to use up that stash of odds and ends you have lying about. It's also a fairly simple pattern to knock up, ideal for intermediate knitters.

Pattern:

Using 7mm needles cast on 12 stitches and knit in moss stitch for 10 in.
Slip the first 6 stitches on to a cable needle (and hold to the back) then knit the stitches remaining on the needle first then the stitches from the cable needle to form a twist. (continue to keep the moss stitch true as you do this)
Knit in moss stitch for 10 in
Seam the back .

Enjoy!

Lace Kelly Give Away

2011-10-31T20:17:00.001Z

For your chance to win your very own Lace Kelly dress - in your size - simply pop over to fiftieswedding.com, and leave a comment!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

2011-10-25T08:10:00.000+01:00

I thought I'd share some photos of the lovely Liz in her Dorothy Costume. Liz commissioned me to make this costume for a special fancy dress party, It was a great project to work on and allowed me to immerse my self in all things Wizard of Oz.

Laura & Kieran

2011-10-12T17:42:00.001+01:00

This summer I made these beautiful navy blue bridesmaid dresses for Laura and Kieran's wedding. My favourite thing about these satin frocks is that they all had a different neckline; an expression of each bridesmaid's individual taste.

Completed 1940s Sweater

2011-09-29T08:54:00.000+01:00

A few photos of the completed 1940's sweater.

Oh Baby It's Cold Outside..............

2011-09-06T22:49:00.001+01:00

Knitwear coming to the shop soon

Work In Progress

2011-08-25T17:45:00.000+01:00

My half-knitted version of a 1940's knitting pattern. The only things I've altered so far is the ribbing at the bottom and the size (to make it bigger). I'll post updates over the next couple of weeks so you can see the progress and hopefully a wonderful finished article!

How to Look Good Clothed #3

2011-08-06T10:30:00.000+01:00

Accessories to wear with the Allo Sailor Sundress

Earrings from Retro Jewellery UK
Shoes from This Next
Jack Murphy Jacket from Rainbows End
Allo Sailor Sundress available in our Etsy Shop

Introducing the Ivory Rose Wedding Dress

2011-07-29T15:22:00.000+01:00

Gremlins

2011-07-22T18:20:00.000+01:00

Aarrgghh...the keen-eyed amongst you will have spotted that we're having a few - a-hem - technical issues over at the blog (silly Blogger mislaid all of our pretty photos). We're getting around to fixing all the various posts - no mean feat, what with having to remember every photo illustrated which article - but we're sure that we'll be all ship-shape again soon - and in the meantime, all the visuals are working over at our main site - see you there! x

How to Measure Yourself, 1955 style

2011-07-13T20:52:00.002+01:00

I came across this Personal Measurement Chart in a 50's Knitmaster instruction leaflet (Flossy being nothing if not a collector of old patterns and how-to guides from a more evocative age). The language is a little old-fashioned, but I think they'd work perfectly for the modern lady keen to get something bespoke...

1. Chest or Bust: Measure over the widest part of the back, under the arms and loosely over the widest part of the chest. For the front of the garment, count half the total measurements plus ¼ to ½ an inch. The back is also calculated as being half the total measurement plus a ¼ to ½ inch.
2. Waist: Measure around the waist
3. Width of Chest from Arm to Arm: measure approx 3 inches below the neck.
4. Width of Shoulder: measure from base of neck to beginning of arm.
5. Length of Front: measure from neck to waist
6. Length of side: Place a ruler horizontally under the arm and measure from the top edge of the ruler to the waist.
7. Width of Back: Measure from arm to arm approx 3 ½ inches below the neck
8. Length of Back: Measure from neck to waist
9. Hips: Measure loosely round the hips approx 8 inches below the waist
10. Seat Height: Measure whilst sitting, from the waist to the chair
11. Skirt Length: Measure from waist to hem
12. Sleeve Seam: Measure from armhole to beginning of hand or length desired
13. Length of Shaping for Top of Sleeve: Let arm hang straight down. Pass one end of the tape measure round the arm at the level of the armpit. Measure from top of arm to top edge of tape.

Allo Sailor Sundress

2011-07-10T17:40:00.007+01:00

Available now in our Etsy shop - the Flossy & Dossy nautical look for the summer. anchors aweigh!

Quick Knit 1940's Style Sweater

2011-06-12T11:54:00.007+01:00

Knowing how you guys adore free knitting patterns, here's the how-to for The Quick Knit 1940's Style Sweater. I wanted to design a 40's style knit but on bigger needles with thicker yarn, Something you can rustle up in no time, whilst waiting for the cup cakes to bake. The twisted rib pattern could easily be substituted for any other rib pattern and is very flatterning to all shapes and sizes.

Materials
Size 6 needles
300g Aran weight yarn (3 balls of Wendy Mode Aran was used)
Tension
Gauge 22st x 22 rows over 10 cm unstretched (please note the twisted rib pattern is very stretchy this pattern will fit size 32 -36 bust. To grade this pattern up or down add or subtract sets of pattern repeats as desired).

Twisted Rib Pattern:
Row 1:*P2, Twist 2sts to right(K2 tog, leaving sts on the needle, insert right-hand needle between sts just worked and knit first st again; slip both stitches off needle), Knit one, repeat from *

Row 2: K2, P3 to the end of the row

Row 3: *P2, K1, Twist 2 sts to the right. Repeat from *

Row 4: K2, P3 to the end of the row.

These 4 rows form the pattern.

Back and Front – (knit both alike)

Cast on 62 sts. Start with P1 then work in twisted rib pattern till the last stitch, Pl. Work in pattern as set for 3 inches.
Increase one stitch each end every 6 rows until there are 72 Stitches. Work until piece measures 13.5 inches.

Shape Arm Hole: Cast off 3 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows, then decrease 1 st each end of the next 4 rows. Knit until armhole measures 6 inches then change to P2, K3 to replace the twisted rib pattern. Knit in rib for 1 inch then shape shoulders by casting off 6 stitches at the beginning of the next 4 rows.

Sleeves – Knit 2

Cast on 52 st and work in twisted rib pattern for 4 rows. Increase 1 st each end every 4 rows until there are 62 st. Work until piece measures 4.5 inches. Shape top: Cast off 3 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows, then decrease 1 st at each end of the next 4 rows. Decrease 1 st at the beginning of every row while at the same time increase 1 st at each side of the centre two rib panels every 6 rows (use picture as a guide). Work until sleeve cap measures 6 inches. Then from right side K1, *Slip 2 stitches, K1, pass the slipped stitches over, Repeat from * to the end of the row. Purl one row then cast off.

Make Up.

Carefully sew up side seams and shoulder seams for about 2 inches. Set in sleeves and weave in ends.

How to Look Good Clothed #2

2011-06-03T23:50:00.006+01:00

This week we're going to look at the fabulous Lace Kelly dress.

It would look beautiful paired with this shrug from Peacocks, these 40's heel from ButterfliesWings at Etsy and this stunning necklace from IndiMeadow at MISI.

Sensational Skirts

2011-06-01T08:59:00.006+01:00

Floral skirts have been on my mind lately, from big full circle shapes to flirty little half circles. I'm going to design a new range soon and have attached some of my inspiration below.

How To Look Good Clothed #1

2011-05-28T10:12:00.018+01:00

Today marks the beginning of a new regular feature from Flossy, giving you ideas, inspiration and style tips. Helping you wear your Flossy garments from season to season just by changing a few key accessories.To start us off we're going to look at Flossy's newest creation - the Betsy Blue Bell frock.

This dress would look amazing with a statement tooled leather belt like this one from KarenKell, these amazing sandals from Miashoes.com , this Laura Ashley wicker bag and topped off with this beautiful necklace from FreshyFig.

Admiral Fallow

2011-05-14T10:52:00.005+01:00

Here's Sarah from the wonderful Glasgow band Admiral Fallow, modelling Flossy's polka dot dress (and looking gorgeous). They're touring the UK this summer, including Glasgow on the 21st of May... and as this video suggests, you should really check them out.

Lace Kelly

2011-05-01T18:02:00.004+01:00

Our new "Lace Kelly" dress is inspired by the beautiful dress worn by Grace Kelly to receive her Philadelphia Arts Award in 1955.

Pictured above is a detailed shot of the Grace Kelly dress (from the book Grace Kelly Style by H Kristina Haugland) and below is the Lace Kelly by Flossy and Dossy available now in our etsy store

Bridesmaids Revisited

2011-04-13T08:28:00.009+01:00

These are the results of a brilliant shoot with Kristen Mitchell, Gioia Mia designs and Flossy and Dossy in The Hub in Edinburgh.

Jewellery and Accessories by Gioia Mia http://www.gioiamia.net/

Make up and Hair: Katheryn Hughes

Models: Sophie Robertson and Eshter Kungu http://www.estherkungu.com/

Photography: Kristen Mitchell http://www.kristenmitchell.co.uk/

Venue: The Hub, Edinburgh http://www.thehub-edinburgh.com/

New Shoes

2011-03-27T22:47:00.009+01:00

Take some Primark shoes, dylon fabric paint and some handmade flowers.........................

Lovely new shoes!

Wool and Flowers

2011-03-16T10:36:00.007Z

Lovely new 1950's style cardigan, available now in our etsy store.

Peter Pan for Spring

2011-03-02T15:18:00.005Z

Sunny 1940's Style Sweater

2011-02-23T16:43:00.007Z

This design was influenced by a 1940's knitting book Flossy recently picked up on ebay.

First Frock of 2011

2011-02-16T17:10:00.008Z

Flossy is hard at work sewing up some new designs for 2011, watch this space....................

Introducing...

2011-01-23T22:09:00.002Z

...Flossy and Dossy's all new and sparkly website...

It's been such a hectic few months here at F&D. Not that I'm complaining... interest in the handknitted Miss Lemon cardigan in particular means 2011 is going to be Flossy's year.

To celebrate I locked the offical Flossy and Dossy husband in a cupboard with the laptop until he gave Flossy's website an exciting new feel, featuring even more photos by some of Scotland's most exciting snappers (Liz, Levi, Kristin, Outlook - you're all fab)... hope you like it.

Romantic Loungwear Part 1

2011-01-19T11:47:00.003Z

New Years Day

2011-01-01T15:41:00.003Z

Cornwall 2011

Model: Aimee

Headband and Mittens by Flossy and Dossy

In Tweed We Trust

2010-12-11T13:34:00.004Z

Miss Lemon Inspired Accessories........

2010-11-08T19:37:00.005Z

Photography: Kristin Mitchell, Photography Assistant: Laura Hughes, Make Up: Kathryn Hughes, Clothes: Flossy and Dossy, Models: Melanie Long and Laine

2010-10-14T19:55:00.010+01:00

Autumn Spring Cleaning

2010-09-06T18:44:00.004+01:00

September, and already the trees are being relieved of their leaves in this part of the world... the season for winter woolies isn't quite with us yet, but already Flossy fans are ordering up their very own Miss Lemon cardigans...make sure you get yours ordered before it's already dark when the Archers begins on Radio 4...

But it's not all knitting round these parts... we've grabbed a few minutes to whizz some Flossy magic across our website. We've given our frocks, knitwear, wedding and prom items their own pages, as well as using plenty of new photographs we've been lucky enough to have taken, and updating the blog for a fresher, sharper look.

And last (but very much not least), Flossy and Dossy are proud to introduce two fabulous new stockists in Glasgow and Hamilton... click for more, they'd be delighted to see you

Of girls and cars and fabulous frocks (and photos)

2010-08-20T19:51:00.008+01:00

One of my favourite photographers is the talented Levi McDonald...and this is why...

A sunny day, a photoshoot, two gorgeous models, and a couple of frocks Flossy rustled up in the advert break of a Marple episode. And wow, does Levi make Flossy frocks look to die for?

I'll be using Levi's great photos on the website over the coming weeks, along with other items I've been busy whipping up...mother + baby, bridal and prom dresses...it's been a busy summer...

Glasgow, Saturday 21 August

2010-08-20T19:49:00.002+01:00

Don't forget, get ye to the Lighthouse, Mitchell Lane, Glasgow tomorrow for Made in the Shade; the most delicious craft fair you'll ever visit...see you there!

Drunk aunt at a wedding....

2010-08-12T19:21:00.004+01:00

A fun, summer recipe from Flossy:

Take two meters of unusually-patterned material - something described by the official Flossy and Dossy husband as "drunk aunt at a wedding" - sourced from a local haberdashery.

Marinate gently in a Flossy-inspired fifties design, and hey presto: a sophisticated, eye-turning frock that even the Flossy husband said "wow" to...

At the (Summertime) Hop

2010-08-05T19:05:00.012+01:00

Flossy's all busy getting ready for Made in the Shade's Summertime Hop at the Lighthouse, Mitchell Lane, Glasgow on Saturday 21st August.

And to celebrate, she's thrilled to give her friends a wee pressie - £5 off any Flossy & Dossy purchase over £30.

Simply click on the voucher below, print the page, and bring along to the Lighthouse any time on Saturday to receive your discount. Flossy will have a full range of unique, gorgeous frocks; hand-knitted cardigans inspired by the 1930's, and a range of glamourous yet fun accessories - some of which we'll be giving a sneak peak on this blog over the next week. See you there!

Mad Men 60's style...

2010-08-04T19:44:00.004+01:00

Flossy and Dossy's Miss Lemon cardigan: as featured in the Washingtonian's article on Mad Men 60's style!

Flossy at Made in the Shade

2010-08-02T18:22:00.008+01:00

Saturday 21st August - Keep your diaries free, girls (and boys!).

For Flossy can exclusively reveal that she'll be at this summer's Made in the Shade sale!!

Flossy and Dossy's range of '40/'50's-influenced, hand-made frocks, knitwear and accessories will be on sale from 10.30am at Glasgow's Lighthouse (map here).

And to celebrate, Flossy has several sumptuous slices of exciting news, which we'll be revealing in the next few days - be sure to check back shortly!

And if you can't keep your excitement in check until then, check out Made in the Shade's blog for forthcoming information on Glasgow's crafy-est corner...

Knitwear Inspiration

2010-07-21T08:49:00.004+01:00

Flossy loves looking through vintage patterns to get inspiration, and with so many available for free on the internet, here are a few favourites.

The Yoke Blouse

The Two Piece Dress

New Knitwear

2010-07-07T10:17:00.007+01:00

Introducing the Miss Lemon Cardigan, inspired by the look of Poirot's secretary from the ITV series. A lady who always mixed a severe first impression with a playful, 30's sopistication.

Frilly Fingerless Mittens

2010-06-30T12:29:00.006+01:00

Here at Flossy we've been busy designing our winter range.

We thought you might enjoy knitting these sweet little mittens. They have a slight texture due to the purl stitch pattern and a cute frilly cast off.

Happy knitting!

Gauge: 29 stitches x 36 stitches over 10cm x 10cm

Needles: 4mm

Yarn: Double Knit (I used Wendy Mode double knit in true navy)

Main pattern: row 1*knit 5, Purl 1 repeat from *, row 2 Purl all stitches

Cast on 42 stitches and work in K1 P1 rib for 2 inches

Knit 2 rows in stockingette and then change to the above pattern. knit 4 rows

Place the thumb: (for Left mitten) Knit 15 in pattern then place marker, knit 1 then place second marker continue in pattern.

keeping the pattern correct increase 1 stitch inside the markers each right side row until there are 15 stitches. On the next right side row knit till you reach these stitches and when you get to them place them on a stitch holder. Continue knitting the rest of the row.

Work in pattern for another 16 rows and then cast off using the Picot cast off.

Picot cast off: knit 1 stitch then place it back on the left needle. knit another stitch from this but instead of keeping it on the left hand needle slip it back on to the right hand needle. repeat this once more then cast off 5 stitches. Repeat this until all stitches have been cast off. (so every row your making 2 extra stitches but then casting off 5 this gives the frilly edging)

to finish the thumb place the stitches back on the needles and cast off the 15 stitches using the above cast off method but cast off 4 stitches each time instead of 5.

Seam the mittens up at the side and at the top of the thumb edging.

For the Right Mitten repeat the above process but start by knitting 25 stitches instead of 15 before placing the markers.

The little bows are made by casting on 6 stitches and working k2, p4, k2 for 8 rows and then casting off. Make these into a little bow shape and sew them on to your mittens.

Vintage Style Knits

2010-06-16T16:32:00.008+01:00

Flossy has been busy the last few weeks knitting up some new vintage style cardigans.

The first one is knitted in lovely teal green wool and sports a slim waist and wide shoulders reminiscent of the 1940's.

The second is knitted in beautiful Scottish wool available from the Lanark Mill.

Flossy and Dossy knits are available online and at the Rachael Albert Boutique in Glasgow.

Watch this space for some new designs!

Inspiration

2010-06-06T16:45:00.009+01:00

Summer Frocks

2010-05-27T14:03:00.005+01:00

Horrockses? Yes Please

2010-05-15T17:51:00.004+01:00

Horrockses' dresses were launched in 1946 and were immediately recognisable for their bright cotton prints and full gathered skirts. Dresses from Horrockses appealed to women of different ages and different social backgrounds; women were recognised as being English if they were wearing a Horrockses dress, and they were even worn by the Royal family. The success of the company was due to the quality of the cotton fabric and the wide number of different designs, some of which were commissioned by prominent designers.

The V&A have a great section on Horrockses here, as well as a free pattern for you to create your own.

Oxfam DIY!

2010-04-25T09:43:00.004+01:00

Flossy was very excited to visit the new Oxfam DIY store on Glasgow's Byres Road yesterday. Once merely a bog-standard charity shop, and now a vintage shop/boutique filled with brilliant items, even down to ribbon and craft supplies. Flossy loves her cracking gingham dress and there were others she would have liked had they been in her size.

Flossy would recommend a visit!

Tweed Run 2010

2010-04-12T18:07:00.003+01:00

Please somebody organize one of these for Glasgow!

Feather and Fan

2010-04-07T16:04:00.015+01:00

Here at Flossy and Dossy we can't get enough of the Feather and fan stitch. It creates beautiful scalloped edges and has a lovely repetition making it easy to knit.

Here's our latest pattern FREE for all you knitters that love something vintage inspired.

The Feather and Fan Cardi

(fits a medium (about a UK size 12)

You will need about 300g of double knitting wool (any brand just be sure to check the gauge)

5.5 mm knitting needles and 4.5 mm knitting needles.

Gauge 19st and 26 rows = 10cm square in st st

Feather and Fan Pattern - Row 1: Knit, Row 2: Purl, Row 3: K1,*(K2tog)3 times, (yo,K1) 6 times, (K2tog) 3 times; repeat from * , Row 4: Knit

Pattern

Back:

With size 5.5mm needles cast on 72 stitches. Work Feather and Fan pattern for 50 rows then change to st st and work for 6 rows.

Shape Armhole:

Cast of 3 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows, Then decrease 1 stitch at both ends of the next two rows. Continue until the armhole measures 9 inches. Cast of 6 stitches at the beginning of the next 4 rows. Cast of the remaining stitches for the back neck.

Right Front:

Cast on 36 stitched and work feather and fan stitch for 50 rows. Change to st st and work for 6 rows.

Shape Armhole:

Cast of 3 stitches on the next row, then decrease 1 stitch every other row twice (to match the back).

Work until the armhole measures 4.5 inches then shape the neck by casting off 10stitches at the neck edge and then decreasing one stitch at the neck edge every other row until the armhole measures 9 inches. Cast off 6 stitches every other row at the shoulder edge and then cast off the remaining stitches.

Left Side:

Knit as for Right side but reverse the shaping.

Sleeves:

Cast on 44 stitches. Work feather and fan for 24 rows (starting with 3 knit stitches then continuing with Feather and Fan and ending with knit 4)

Shape Sleeve:

Cast off 3 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows then decrease 1 stitch each end for the next two rows.

Then decrease one stitch each end every 5 rows twice. Continue straight until the sleeve measures 9 inches. Then k1, K2 tog* repeat until end of row.

To make up:

sew side seams and shoulder seams and set in sleeves. gather the top of the sleeve with a running stitch to create a small puff.

Front Bands and Neckline:

Using 4.5mm needles pick up enough stitches to create the front band knit in moss stitch for 1 inch and cast off and repeat on the left front.

Pick up enough stitches to fit around the neckline from front band to front band and knit in moss stitch for 3/4 of an inch. cast off.

sew a small hook and eye to the front or alternatively you could create a small button hole when knitting the neck band.

Enjoy wearing!

Latest additions - in store in Glasgow

2010-04-04T17:38:00.004+01:00

Come and see the latest additions to Flossy and Dossy's collection at the wonderful Rachael Albert boutique in Glasgow's West End. Even the official Flossy and Dossy husband gets excited!

Handmade Haven

2010-03-18T07:31:00.005Z

Flossy will be appearing at Handmade Haven organised by the Glasgow Craft Mafia on the 28th of March!!!

Indicate Magazine # 4

2010-02-22T19:56:00.006Z

Flossy is thrilled to be included in the new issue of Indicate Magazine. Here are a few of the photos taken by the lovely Levi MacDonald (here) ... whilst the full set can be seen in their technicolour Indicate-ness here (worth a read - as always!)

What Should The Bridesmaids Wear?

2010-02-13T10:08:00.004Z

I've heard a rumour that wedding season is approaching. Thus: inspiration...

In Print

2010-02-02T08:51:00.004Z

You can imagine how pleased we were to be included in one of Scotland's newest fashion mags The Coveted Magazine.

The Photo was taken by the very talented Susan Castillo and the dress is available at Rachael Albert Boutique in Glasgow.

Time for tea

2010-01-11T18:16:00.005Z

Earl Grey Cupcakes by Ali

Cakestand by Royal Albert

Enjoyed by me...mmmm

For housewife who goes out for tea with her neighbours....

2010-01-07T20:11:00.005Z

The housewife who goes out for tea with her neighbours, or with her husband to play cards in the evenings, will like to have patterned or soft coloured materials and a rather more fussy style than her sister who works in an office and prefers plain, one-coloured clothes.

One of the many sparkly items that Santa Baby left under the tree for me was Sew And Save, a reproduction of the original 1941 guide to elegant seamstressing for the modern femme during a time when the elegant silk lingerie was all turned into parachutes or something. It really is the only guide a wartime girl needs to look good on a budget, and in the absence of a hunky GI willing to part with a pair of nylons, I get the feeling I’ll be coming back to Sew And Save a great deal over the next few months (and not just for the delicious quotations)…

The amateur dressmaker usually begins badly by not bothering about the right tools. Quite a number of women will try to cut out their lingerie with a pair of nail scissors, and then wonder why it doesn’t fit.

Every woman wants to be well dressed — at any time but especially at wartime, and now that clothes are rationed, this is a matter of planning rather than plenty. So find five minutes to sit down with a piece of paper and pencil and plan your wardrobe carefully to fit in with the money you have to spend and the type of life you lead.

Your friends may have told you, when there were so many ready-made, well-cut and prettily decorated undies on the market at a low price, that is was not worthwhile to make your own. This is a short-sighted policy, for while in many cases the material you buy may cost you nearly as much as a finished garment ready-made, and more coupons, you get better material for the price, and home-made undies last three times as long.

And you can buy Sew and Save here.

Christmas Wishes

2009-12-24T08:18:00.004Z

Flossy would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas!

We'll be back in the new year with more exciting designs for your spring wardrobe.

Lovely Louise

2009-12-20T08:52:00.004Z

The inspiration for my new haircut, the lovely Louise Brooks.

Vintage Knitting Patterns

2009-12-05T09:29:00.008Z

I've had a look through my collection of vintage knitting patterns and thought I'd share a few.

These two are from 1959 and were part of a magazine pull out.

Enjoy!

The Winner Is............

2009-12-01T19:57:00.002Z

The Winner of the Marple handbag is............Miss Crafty

Thanks to all who entered.

x

The Marple Bag - Give Away

2009-11-15T10:43:00.004Z

I recently added the Marple Bag to my range of free knitting patterns. It's knitted in Rowan Big Wool with store bought handles.

I thought with Christmas just around the corner I'd have a little competition to give the finished bag away. All you need to do is leave me a comment telling me your favourite item in my portfolio and at the end of November I'll pick the lucky winner by putting names in a hat.

Good Luck to all who enter!

Bell, Book & Candle

2009-11-11T14:25:00.005Z

After watching Bell, Book and Candle last night, I was very taken with Kim Novak's witchy wardrobe! My favourites were the leopard print cape and the lovely red slouch sweater. Luckily clever knitwear designer Claire Mongomerie has come up with the pattern. I'll definitely be knitting one for myself this winter.

Veronique

2009-11-08T10:43:00.005Z

This is Vernonique. She's French, and very, very stylish. She likes sitting in Parisienne cafés, drinking espresso and watching the world go by, and for just a head, she's a highly sophisticated femme.

She's also a big fan of Dandy Gilver, and asked Flossy and Dossy to whip up this cloche hat , made with 100% wool. She's very happy with it (and you can buy this here).

Introducing...

2009-11-04T21:52:00.002Z

...your next knitting pattern, the Marple Chunky handbag ... let Flossy know how you get on!

What would Audrey wear?

2009-10-25T16:04:00.002Z

Swoon - how gorgeous is this?

Maisonette

2009-10-17T17:51:00.001+01:00

Scottish Fashion is NOT all Tartan

2009-10-11T17:50:00.005+01:00

Introducing Coveted Magazine – Issue 1 out now.

Celebrating the Scottish Fashion Industry, supporting and promoting existing and emerging talent. They promise to bring you cutting edge fashion talent from designers, illustrators, models, photographers, bloggers, writers and more without resorting to stale stereotypes.

Oh, and there’s a Flossy and Dossy item featured too!

You should be able to pick up your free copy of Coveted Magazine around Glasgow, but Issue 1 is available online, and their blog lives here.

Mint with roses

2009-10-03T18:01:00.005+01:00

Brrr – it’s blowing a gale out there, and if you too need something warm yet stylish for those cold autumnal evenings, Flossy is ready to come to the rescue. She’s been busy with the needles, and these cute mint-green, rose-detailed hand-knitted scarves and berets – made from 100% merino wool, - are now available in her shop (UK … and US). Who says autumn can't be fun?

Buy both a beret and scarf, and get the second item’s postage and packing totally free.

Like the design but not the colour? Don’t forget that everything from Flossy and Dossy, including our knitted accessories, are available to custom order.

Revamping...

2009-09-30T21:35:00.002+01:00

And as autumn arrives (or at least in Scotland, where you’re never more than 5 minutes from autumn), it’s been a hectic couple of months for Flossy and Dossy. New items, new knitting patterns, new friends…

And so we thought it about time to make Flossy’s website a little more interactive, with more frequent updates featuring not only our range, but news and views from behind the sewing machine as well. Here we’ll blogging regularly with fancy things we’ve seen and heard, introducing you to a few of Flossy’s fantastic friends, and incorporating a few archive sections of the website - as well as keeping you updated with all that’s new from this end of Glasgow. So, friends and newcomers alike, we hope you enjoy the site, and please don’t hesitate to drop by and say hello.

Plus don't forget to keep checking back for regular updates, (including Flossy's ever expanding range of stylish frocks and distinctive knitwear) x

From the archives

2009-09-30T21:22:00.000+01:00

+++ Impressed with any of our work with the knitting needles, and fancy having a go yourself? Well, now's your chance; introducing a series of free, unique Flossy and Dossy knitting patterns, suitable for both beginners and whizzes. From daily knitwear to chic and funky accessories, these are easy and fun to knit, and are sure to generate admiring glances from friends and foe! Number one, our simple slouchy berry, is ready and waiting, with more free patterns to be unveiled each month.

+++ Flossy is chuffed to bits to unveil her portfolio page, a range of items both sold and still available, which should hopefully keep you fashion kids abreast of how busy Flossy has been. This page will be continually updated, so don't be shy, come and say hi!

+++ Tempted to buy something from Flossy and Dossy but live in the good 'ole US of A? Well, to compliment our lovely UK Shop, we're pleased to announce the unveiling our of brand new US store. Do drop by and say hello!

+++ Our elves have been busy with the site - don't forget to drop by and tell us what you think. Flossy can be emailed at flossyanddossy@gmail.com.

+++ Flossy and Dossy love Audrey Hepburn. She's such an inspiration to all of us who run up the occasional frock.
To celebrate this shining beacon of elegance and sophistication, the 2009 Glasgow Film Festival features a retrospective of all our favourites, from Breakfast at Tiffany's to Charade (Cary Grant...swoon).
Flossy and Dossy spoke to Scottish listings magazine The List to help explain her enduring appeal, which you can read here.