An itch I need to scratch

I have an undeniable craving to do some serious DIY, it's dangerous because I'm not an excellent seamstress. Ok well I took GCSE Textiles and I'm predicted an A* but it's about 60% coursework and at the beginning of my GCSE's I was taking Food Technology but dumped that after two weeks because it was sooo borringgg and then switched to Textiles which incedntly I loved.

Anyway, yes my craving is a slight problem at the moment because I'am so skint! I'm saving up for a holiday in Menorca in 3 weeks and trying to get as many shifts and waitressing gigs as possible so I have zero money, but hopefully when I get back from Spain and Menorca and Reading (yes Darling I know I'm a little jetsetter) I should have a couple of weeks before starting my A levels in which I can take out a couple of days to sort out my wardrobe, do a wee bit of sewing and have a look in the sales.

So what I'd like to make is a black shift dress simple really, but made out of stretchy material, this would be really great for school because they have introduced a new business wear attire rule for sixth formers whilch basically means you always have to wear a blazer and a shirt if you're not wearing a dress. But to be honest I don't really intend to stick to the rules, as long as I look smart I'm sure it'll be fine!

Here's some examples of what I'd like to recreate

1. A black shift dress just for simplicity and versatility
2. Okay...Wishful thinking, I'll save, it's too cute for me to bodge up with my cack-handed sewing!

Oh and another idea/question, in the 60's a shift dress was made out of a fabric with the print of Campbell Soup on it by Andy Warhol for Edie Sedgewick maybe and now they are recreating it for Pepe Jeans which is fronted by Sienna Miller who played Edie in the film Factory Girl, and basically I want to make my own version so does anyone have any idea where I could source this fabric from? I've tried ebay with no sucess but did find some very funky fabrics!

An alternative!

Hmm..okay I should stop rambling and go and get ready for my Uncle's Wedding Reception. Basically last weekend my Uncle Daniel got married to his then fiance Dawn in a castle in Scotland, it was amazing! Completley incredible there were about 30 guests and we did archery, went for walks, ate, drank whiskey, smoked cigars, it was lovely. Also I was the bridesmaid and obviously I got to wear a beautiful dress! And tonight they are having another party for the rest of their friends and guess what... I get to wear the dress again! YAY!

I'll take some photos and post them.

Oh also last weekend my Brother and Dad wore kilts because we're partly scottish, and later on in the night, Matthew customized his with t-shirt, camera and scruffy trainers! Rock star?

Oh here's me and Mr Fit Archery Man Chris and you can see my leather jacket. He He, quote of the day was Chris: "You're holding the bow upside down Love", Me: "Oh really?" He actually had to show me and stand with me for about 20 minutes while I shot 10 arrows, 9 missed but one of them hit the board!

Here is me and my baby cousin Jay and my 94 year old Great Grandmother, we call her Nandy (long story) I love her clothes! They are so groovy, here you can sort of see my party dress, it's the Monet Print Prom Dress from Topshop and I wore it for my Prom (which I organised) too, I love it cos it's just so summery and bright!

Abigail

(Photos from ebay)