In the next few weeks, one of the big events of the year for the North West will be taking place, the Crabbie's Grand National. In my house, it is tradition to get the paper in the morning and have a small bet on which horse might win and then my friends and family get together in the afternoon to watch the big race. Although the Grand National is the main race, there are other events during Aintree week including Ladies' Day which has become more and more popular in the past few years. It is a chance for ladies to get 'dressed up to the nines' and go all out with their fashion choices. One of my favourite choices of Dressmaking Fabrics for making an outfit for the races would have to be our cotton spandex prints. These would be perfect for making a straight, fitted shift dress and with a number of floral designs available, these Dressmaking Fabrics are ideal for this spring event. Made with 3% spandex, the cotton spandex prints are a comfortable Fabric to wear which would be particularly important when the outfit is being worn all day. My favourite print is our Jardin Summer Print (4158). With a spring floral pattern and an off white background, this has a really 'fresh' look to it. If I was to go to the races myself, I think I would wear a huge hat to go with it as Ladies Day is synonymous with hat design and let's face it, when else can you get away with wearing a fancy hat apart from a wedding? Another popular Dressmaking Fabric for the races is our heavy corded lace. With a microfibre under layer or satin back crepe lining this fabric can look very classy. The lace can be used to make capped sleeves on a duchess satin dress or used as an full over layer to another fabric. As well as the heavy corded lace, the lightweight lace is also another good choice of Dressmaking Fabric for the races. Are you heading for Aintree this year or have you already been to the races this year? What are you wearing? Or, what did you wear? Why not post a picture of your outfit on our Facebook page to show our other customers. Until next time, Calico Laine