Hi Everyone!

I'm just about to buy the girls' 1780s portrait dress pattern but I'm something of a novice…I quilt, but I've only every made very simple clothes. Thought I should join the forum before the pattern arrives in the hope that someone out there in the ether could help if (or more likely when) I get stuck. 

I'm a 40 year old wife, mum and antiques dealer from the UK.

Thanks in advance,

Hobbitmum.

Hi Katrina and thanks for the welcome

Yes, it's tons of fun – basically I shop for a living! Also, it means I can be at home with my kids which means a lot to me. I sometimes come across antique sewing accessories and some vintage patterns. I've sold one or two Victorian sewing boxes (beautiful), I often sell Victorian and Georgian Christening dresses, tons of table linen (I'm a keen needlewoman so I'm drawn to embroidered linen). However, I don't tend to go looking for sewing accessories/patterns as I specialise in homewares (china, silver (EPNS) and linen).

I'm making the 1780s dress for my youngest girl (9). She's nuts about The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings (just like her dad) and wants a dress like the ones the lady hobbits wear in the film! Lots of the vintage sewing blogs recommend Sensibility patterns for being clear and good quality so I'm looking forward to giving it a go…I may try the swing dress pattern if the hobbit dress is a success.