Last week I had a short and ineffective battle with creating a simple 1920s-ish dress for an event. The dress was an utter failure, although the fabric has now been recut into something much better, to be made in less of a rush! I wore an original1920s coat and simple skirt and blouse instead, inspired by Lady Mary’s similar outfits in the current series of Downton Abbey.
The incident reminded me that there’s quite a large crossover of Downton fans and sewing fans who might like this special issue by Stitch magazine which came out this summer.
I designed three of the projects, a lilac silk stole, a pleated silk necklace and my favourite, a paper pieced patchwork notebook cover. I used the Downton Abbey fabrics from Makower, which was the editor’s choice not mine, but I do think they look nice in tiny hexagons.
The issue also includes lots of really nice clothes, embellished garments, accessories and kids clothes. As always with Stitch magazines, they are beautifully presented and well explained.
I’ve got a copy of the magazine to give away, just leave a comment telling me who you think is the best dressed in this series. I’ll pick one commenter on 24th October and send the magazine (UK only).
Ruth Singer 
Would love to have a go at making some of these! Um… I rather like what Miss Bunting wears!
Your projects look amazing – I’ve never tried making fabric jewelry, so I think the necklace would be the first one I try if I were lucky and won the magazine. I’ve enjoyed seeing how the Downton costumes have changed as time moves on for each series. It is difficult to pick a favourite as I love the structure of the Dowager Duchess’s dresses (easier to type than to say!), but her granddaughters’ dresses are much more fluid, and the children’s costumes are very cute.