tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727426337711857782024-03-13T00:51:50.595+00:00Here is what I did today!Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-51324449842695373082013-06-23T21:16:00.001+01:002013-06-23T21:16:50.618+01:00Denim Cambie Skirt<p>Its funny how inspiration hits you sometimes, I’m not 100% sure where this came from, it could be that I had such a great time making my <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/pinkish-linenish-cambie.html">recent Cambie dress</a> and think it was a great success, it was probably seeing the <a href="http://yesilikethat.wordpress.com/2013/05/05/me-made-may-2013-first-week-maudella-denim-skirt/">great denim skirt that  Kathryn @ YesILikeThat</a>  made and also wanting to try something new that made me produce this!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PbpRXOQHjAM/UcdXOAugemI/AAAAAAAAB7s/la1aAvvDAl8/s1600-h/WP_20130623_047%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_047" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_047" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GaX2IaMa3Bc/UcdXPD7JP8I/AAAAAAAAB70/YaA5PvIB7ls/WP_20130623_047_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="731" /></a></p> <p>I decided I <strike>had to have</strike> would be quite partial to a great denim skirt, something that I could wear to death, boots and tights in winter, sneakers and ballet flats in summer.  So I ordered some <a href="http://www.minervacrafts.com/denim-cotton-denim-dress-fabric-huge-choice-of-colours-styles-and-weights.html">8oz Washed Denim Dark Blue</a> and gold denim topstitching thread from Minerva Crafts (which btw, I love, they are my go-to fabric shop atm) and then started thinking.  You might have realised this by now dear reader I’m very much a procrastinator and like to ponder and think about things before I try them out (we were learning about different Learning Styles in college and discussing <a href="http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/styles/learning_styles.jpg">Kolbs Learning Model</a> and I’m most defiantly a Reflective learner rather than a Active learner, the very thought of jumping in and trying something brand new without thinking and researching makes me break out into a cold sweat!).  So I looked in books, I emailed Kathryn, I drew pictures and made notes and thought about it for a while.  My original plan was to use the <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Cal%20Patch">skirt block</a> I made a couple of years ago from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Design-It-Yourself-Clothes-Patternmaking-Cal-Patch/dp/0307451399">Cal Patch’s Design-It-Yourself Clothes book</a> so I got that out and looked at the styles she described as I remembered she had a felled seamed skirt in there and realised I could use the skirt section from the <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1202-cambie-dress">Cambie Pattern</a> as it had the basic shape I was looking for, it had pockets, even if they are straight slash pockets rather than the scoop-style pocket I was envisioning, I thought it would save a LOT of time.   </p> <p>One change I did make was to use lining fabric for the pocket bag, this meant cutting the pocket piece to have a 2” facing which then attached to the lining and was invisible from the outside. I also made the pocket 2.5” larger by cutting through the fold line and extending by measuring my hand on paper.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SmaZ5Kdc4DY/UcdXQPhYtPI/AAAAAAAAB78/lI4o-pwvAPc/s1600-h/WP_20130623_035%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_035" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_035" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X1JDrypav5w/UcdXRJ2zZkI/AAAAAAAAB8A/zkcdCryfjU0/WP_20130623_035_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="232" /></a></p> <p>I used the pattern waistband except I cut it so that it was in three pieces and I could adjust the fit at the side seams (in the end I don’t think I did adjust it much).  I used some fabric that’s been in my stash for a long time left over from <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/summer-dress-from-pattern.html">another project</a> for the waistband lining and interfaced it.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F0oFmLXcP9k/UcdXSDYtlRI/AAAAAAAAB8M/O-L0qPI1v1U/s1600-h/WP_20130623_032%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_032" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_032" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RCgvQfpfL6s/UcdXSh93IzI/AAAAAAAAB8U/XwBgE8s61e4/WP_20130623_032_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="232" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>I sewed 2 lines of topstitching on the pocket edge to finish them off as well as giving them strength.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I3CyRWI5WG4/UcdXTCNZHpI/AAAAAAAAB8c/Cu55txV5eZc/s1600-h/WP_20130623_018%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_018" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_018" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oKEE-Sl1Sus/UcdXUE33P_I/AAAAAAAAB8k/DE_DqicxwXs/WP_20130623_018_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="743" /></a></p> <p>Instead of cutting the front of the skirt on the fold I cut two pieces so I could do a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felled_seam">flat-felled seam</a> using the gold topstitching thread and denim needle.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B6rDaA1QWuU/UcdXU2bR9VI/AAAAAAAAB8s/zUw7q3Vx5RA/s1600-h/WP_20130623_017%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_017" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_017" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lUZpvmLt-5s/UcdXV8JAoWI/AAAAAAAAB80/TZVWiSJHUj0/WP_20130623_017_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="737" /></a></p> <p>I sewed the side seams and the pockets together using regular thread and then serged the edges to stop fraying.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Tq7HUdrI_zA/UcdXWqgcrHI/AAAAAAAAB88/3yId8MtxaTI/s1600-h/WP_20130623_033%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_033" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_033" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XDdq5viKosg/UcdXXYyyzmI/AAAAAAAAB9E/oCX1Ku4HlKI/WP_20130623_033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="232" /></a></p> <p>I attached the waistband and then thought some more about the centre back seam.  I wanted a flat felled seam look with a zip inserted into the seam, originally I wanted a lapped zip but despite searching the WHOLE internet I couldn’t find any examples.  <a href="http://yesilikethat.wordpress.com/">Kathryn</a> was kind enough to send me a photo of the back of her skirt which was really helpful.  I then experimented with some scraps of denim and the zip to see how I could put the zip in, top stitch it and make it look like a felled seam.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bBC6VWUMz4k/UcdXYGxm_XI/AAAAAAAAB9M/YuLTC1C3k5M/s1600-h/WP_002349%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_002349" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_002349" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_AieLbjxqgY/UcdXZDLGMvI/AAAAAAAAB9U/llbBaQ-HUJ8/WP_002349_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="181" height="248" /></a>   <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kYr7KMr-JjU/UcdXaJrZ4AI/AAAAAAAAB9c/Q83_C_cYOCM/s1600-h/WP_002356%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_002356" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_002356" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b58Azc3_Kbc/UcdXa_IMIWI/AAAAAAAAB9k/OwQ3BSCtnJU/WP_002356_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="181" height="250" /></a></p> <p>In the end I sewed the seam with a regular seam using regular thread, basting the top zip section.  I then pressed the seam open, trimmed the seam allowance down and folded over to make a faux-felled seam this meant cutting into the seam allowance just below the zip.   I unpicked the basted section and adjusted the seam allowance to make a small lapped section.  I topstitched the right line of thread first running all the way from the waist down to the hem on the left hand skirt piece, then I attached the zip to the right hand side.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wWdQbdnKbBM/UcdXbgXLbBI/AAAAAAAAB9s/T_7i-5qbxYg/s1600-h/WP_002366%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_002366" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_002366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YeMbLCPdKf0/UcdXcYnb-QI/AAAAAAAAB90/1RVzQiDu8W8/WP_002366_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="508" /></a></p> <p align="left">Here you can see the zip pinned in place and the first line of the faux felled seam sewn.  The zip was sewn in place on the right using regular thread and then the second line of topstitching was sewn to sew the zip in place and complete the faux felled seam.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nkeqPs-Jb-g/UcdXdfnowYI/AAAAAAAAB98/xDED9kezN9g/s1600-h/WP_20130623_019%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_019" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_019" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B9TkWgkrEzw/UcdXd1GAzxI/AAAAAAAAB-E/kUutKTrr0k8/WP_20130623_019_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="672" /></a></p> <p>I’m really quite pleased with the way it came out, I wouldn’t mind if the zip was lapped a little more but on the machine I was using that wasn’t  much leeway as I would have liked with the zipper foot I had.  My other machine has a better zipper foot so that might work better in future.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SrPCuDD5AyY/UcdXfJzXvoI/AAAAAAAAB-M/yw_WdurHfdo/s1600-h/WP_20130623_040%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_040" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_040" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E_i2ecex4NA/UcdXfv8VTiI/AAAAAAAAB-U/fxqd3L9lU7A/WP_20130623_040_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="232" /></a></p> <p>Inside view of the zip where you can see how I trimmed the seam allowance to allow a faux felled seam and zip insertion! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0jhETYhiZeQ/UcdXgbtEzWI/AAAAAAAAB-c/1sP4vhfB2Jk/s1600-h/WP_20130623_025%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_025" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_025" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0CwbZavwgsw/UcdXhLxZG2I/AAAAAAAAB-k/FPcjkw6HAEQ/WP_20130623_025_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="733" /></a></p> <p>Here the completed zip + faux-felled centre back seam. </p> <p>Once the zip was done the rest was easy! I used my chalk hem marker to mark the hem, basted that line, pressed it up to double check and then did a simple hem topstitched about 3/8” from the hem edge.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c5VIAT6sBkM/UcdXiDHqwPI/AAAAAAAAB-s/RRxopgnNlZ0/s1600-h/WP_20130623_013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_013" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_013" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ircCe6MlPvA/UcdXiwbY39I/AAAAAAAAB-0/VuXElhg2778/WP_20130623_013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="232" /></a></p> <p>I stumbled upon this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbYenXIDaDk">You tube video</a> in my many hours of research on sewing hems and liked the tip mentioned at 4:08 about hemming over the felled seam and how to use something to support the foot over the contours.  I didn’t have a nice tool so I improvised and used my point turner to prop the foot up and as you can see above it worked pretty nicely.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NKMXUA1k8iU/UcdXjiFau2I/AAAAAAAAB-8/xq7Llqsp2xw/s1600-h/WP_20130623_004%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_004" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0KtSC_CRraY/UcdXkf5pjmI/AAAAAAAAB_E/87F8MLUjg0o/WP_20130623_004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="232" /></a></p> <p>I hand-sewed the waistband down using a cross between blind hem stitch (I only took a couple of threads of the denim) and a ladder stitch (I sewed along the fold of the red lining fabric to pop out further along), I’m not sure what the technical name of the stitch is but it works and is invisible both sides!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xY7JELjs8AU/UcdXlRfhISI/AAAAAAAAB_M/2fgfp9Wgh2A/s1600-h/WP_20130623_031%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_031" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_031" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-76G4DgPsKGI/UcdXmPSIXII/AAAAAAAAB_U/qfKPwi7AHsY/WP_20130623_031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="232" /></a></p> <p>I overlapped the waistband and sewed on a hook and catch thingy, I actually sewed this on 3 times as the first time it was the wrong way round and the second time there wasn’t enough tension between the two parts and it kept falling open!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zSOygFGFDf0/UcdXnN15BWI/AAAAAAAAB_c/3oekZAFzySA/s1600-h/WP_20130623_045%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_045" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_045" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tzIad-4YrsU/UcdXnxkCMsI/AAAAAAAAB_k/dWxNL_miKkM/WP_20130623_045_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="733" /></a></p> <p align="center">Bad hand stitching but at least I matched the thread!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RnkWTwhoF_U/UcdXowh3bkI/AAAAAAAAB_s/eG72u79VvaU/s1600-h/WP_20130623_038%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_038" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_038" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tPwWKtmfFn0/UcdXpk0hxSI/AAAAAAAAB_0/Oxzxm076CdQ/WP_20130623_038_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="232" /></a></p> <p align="center">Inside views</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oOtNua5jdWo/UcdXqffZMQI/AAAAAAAAB_8/1SNfab0J87w/s1600-h/WP_20130623_026%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_026" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_026" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dqiyRLJRBCA/UcdXrJUXWuI/AAAAAAAACAE/LUG2K4HFOA0/WP_20130623_026_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="232" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ssvKE3OahPw/UcdXrqai1CI/AAAAAAAACAM/lw6zFCNIjtc/s1600-h/WP_20130623_053%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130623_053" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130623_053" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JDBRxdxuv6E/UcdXsKsBztI/AAAAAAAACAU/EkgupLNj8-s/WP_20130623_053_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="733" /></a></p> <p align="center">bum shot!</p> <p align="left">I really enjoyed making this skirt, it was a real challenge and a personal design, I decided what I wanted and did it without worrying about going off-piste with the pattern, directions etc.  At the end of the day its just a denim skirt but I feel its a well-executed denim skirt, which went together really well, I only unpicked 1 line of top-stitching and that was because it was too narrow rather than wonky! Just as well really as there's not a lot left, tip #562 buy 2 reels of topstitching thread if you feel it might not go well, there's not a lot of thread on them!  The only other complication I had was that I kept changing thread and the stitch settings from regular to topstitch all the time depending on which seam I was sewing.  As I mentioned I have 2 machines so in future I would thread them both one with regular and one with top stitch and switch back and forth.  Did I say ‘In Future’?  Yes I’m already thinking I want a khaki twill safari kinda skirt next, maybe not with the Cambie pattern though, I might go back to my drafted less-A-Line-than–a-Cambie-A-Line pattern and adjust from there.  First of all I need to source some khaki twill, 10 points if anyone can suggest a good place to get some….</p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-43006183129763789982013-06-04T15:39:00.001+01:002013-06-04T15:39:50.084+01:00Pinkish linenish cambie<p>So I was invited to a wedding and originally I had <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Handmade%20Wedding">big plan</a>s to decide on my outfit.  All the best laid plans of mice and Louise go awry (paraphrasing Robert Burns!) meant that I since I started working, studying etc I haven’t had the time to go the whole hog.   As the wedding was on the weekend I had a deadline to work to and as usually it made me get my butt into gear. I really fancied making a Cambie using View A after making View B as a <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/sewaholic-cambie-dress.html">pattern tester</a> for Tasia last year.  I loved the neckline but I found the gathered skirt too bulky around my waist, I’m finding clean lines are better at my waistline.  I wanted a linen but struggled to find something I really liked and then stumbled on <a href="http://www.minervacrafts.com/">Minerva Craft</a> which is a great shop with just about everything you could possibly need in one place plus free delivery if you spend £20!  I ordered some <a href="http://www.minervacrafts.com/c5183-58-wide-linen-look-cotton-dress-fabric-huge-choice-of-colours.html">Linen look cotton</a> from them a while ago along with some lining material and then slowly set about making it.  I went back to the muslin I had made for the pattern test as well as the final dress and decided I needed to move the bust darts to a better position I also took the bust seams in a little to make the neckline a little tighter.  I knew I needed to shorten the gathered sleeves as well so I brought them in.  Then I went to the skirt, as I’d made View B previously I hadn’t done a muslin on the skirt and I didn’t have any calico or suitable fabric available to so I decided to tissue fit.  As usual I failed miserably at this stage, the same thing happens whenever I do this, the pattern seems too small for me so I spent ages adding onto the skirt to add some extra on the hips (even for Sewaholic hip friendly design I feel I need extra) which was a bit complicated because of the pocket feature.  Once I cut the skirt out and started basting together, what did I find?  Of course I’d added too much and I pretty much went back to the original sizing!  This is a common feature of my tissue fitting, so I’m stating here and now, I WILL NO LONGER RELY ON TISSUE FITTING, I WILL SEW A MUSLIN!!!!!!  Anyway after all that what did it end up like…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vDTWKr25RAM/Ua38ApP9QyI/AAAAAAAAB50/Gkdifa0sLPk/s1600-h/WP_20130601_013%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130601_013" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130601_013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-joZ-1XZiNFE/Ua38BX8eKwI/AAAAAAAAB58/dtiqFeYcQMA/WP_20130601_013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="687" /></a></p> <p align="center">… a pretty damn fine dress!</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8bBd8hj-bcU/Ua38B0mS1NI/AAAAAAAAB6E/WZtwKfFGL4k/s1600-h/WP_20130601_003%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130601_003" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130601_003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ghwd3At8frY/Ua38CpcpT8I/AAAAAAAAB6M/TaGOHt-YkGA/WP_20130601_003_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="695" /></a></p> <p align="center">heres how I wore it for the wedding</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V8MYmarydqs/Ua38DLVNuHI/AAAAAAAAB6U/rKW-R6wqUok/s1600-h/WP_20130601_005%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130601_005" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130601_005" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bvNiRhZ0MLY/Ua38DvTIrcI/AAAAAAAAB6c/cKHsmThst4I/WP_20130601_005_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="692" /></a>   </p> <blockquote> <p align="left"> </p> </blockquote> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yTynrDrV2KI/Ua38ESF7HiI/AAAAAAAAB6k/7jPTyNEbyuI/s1600-h/WP_20130601_006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130601_006" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130601_006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1nLzA3Lls_k/Ua38E22oWcI/AAAAAAAAB6s/qR-3WY32CHs/WP_20130601_006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DU8EsMYijEo/Ua38J9btHuI/AAAAAAAAB60/fFyR64xziYU/s1600-h/WP_20130601_008%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130601_008" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130601_008" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gID2bvN3FDI/Ua38Ksj4mHI/AAAAAAAAB68/miJxJ6w5J5c/WP_20130601_008_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="673" /></a></p> <p align="center">..might need a slight swayback adjustment here…</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SoHblPF8ZLk/Ua38LNkkWbI/AAAAAAAAB7E/qRvzrFS2700/s1600-h/WP_20130601_010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130601_010" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130601_010" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--ooy3DwMa-I/Ua38L_CAlNI/AAAAAAAAB7M/lAr7R9wWsvs/WP_20130601_010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="685" /></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o_J0tSC6igY/Ua38MQygrPI/AAAAAAAAB7U/rp6o40Q0-R8/s1600-h/WP_20130601_016%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="WP_20130601_016" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20130601_016" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GMJ9f6gLl4c/Ua38NKlaUXI/AAAAAAAAB7c/f_U9s14ge1U/WP_20130601_016_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="701" /></a></p> <p align="center">…how this dress makes me smile!</p> <p>I love this dress, I did a hand picked zip at the back rather than an invisible zip as I felt when I did the pattern test I couldn’t get the zip installed properly and tbh I’ve become a bit of a convert, I feel like there is more control over the zip and I don’t mind an excuse to sit and watch TV while I sew the zip in! I’ve also become a convert to lining, previously I felt lining was a pain in the whatsit but I think previously I’ve used cotton lining rather than an silky lining and it makes all the difference, the dress feels more substantial, more professional, more confortable to wear.  I’m totally lining everything from now on….  I’ve already got plans for a couple more Cambies but before that I’ve got some other plans in the pipeline.  I’ve already got some <a href="http://www.minervacrafts.com/19.e-coralinterlock-coral-pink-cotton-interlock-jersey-clearance-dress-fabric-per-metre.html">pink jersey</a> for <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/3-sewing-machines-and-no-iron.html">another Renfrewish dress</a> and I’ve ordered some denim ready to make a skirt.  My problem is finding time to cut the fabric, once its cut I can do it in bits and pieces but I find cutting the slowest, most tedious and probably most painstaking stage of sewing, if you don’t get that right it doesn’t matter how good a sewer you are! So I guess I need to set myself a deadline to get it done, only thing that works!</p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-71369695222358045522013-03-10T11:12:00.001+00:002013-03-10T11:12:02.163+00:003 sewing machines and no iron*<p>After loving Andreas Renfrew dress… </p> <p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX4opASjbCuvlReqI1Wqy6UA4b5cnAeF1ic2aNzLrA1eJK74vnpEQID85VaCkYtq__3b7iCIyZBIbv3kdnTwG63I6FpQ5UQrgYA3TWAbxjluNc_QuBlljJLnUJwn4Z5hDh5biJJ1a7Zg/s1600/Plum+Dress+027.JPG" width="378" height="566" /></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://foursquarewalls.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/black-raspberry-chocolate-chip.html">(source)</a></p> <p>…I decided I <strike>needed</strike> wanted to make one. So I bombarded Andrea with questions about how she made her and she was kind enough to give me great answers that actually made me change my mind.  Originally I was going to put a zip in the back and stabilize the waist with bias binding as I was a bit concerned about it stretching, she said she hadn’t stabilized the waist and made the point that I would need to stabilize the zip area with knit interfacing which I didn’t have.  I hadn’t thought about that so I decided to throw caution to the wind and go with the easier option and just sew it and see!  The fabric was stable thicker knit so I thought it would be ok,  it was from Ditto and on sale!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mRagX32JuBM/UTxqTS8ZujI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/0npbg2MGuKI/s1600-h/Fabric%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fabric" border="0" alt="Fabric" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xelUOlEfRIY/UTxqUNFm5gI/AAAAAAAAB3c/WPY_I9Vof_M/Fabric_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="505" /></a></p> <p>So what did I make?</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V9vn0XIQb6o/UTxqU9A1wYI/AAAAAAAAB3o/GL4neYdYM2E/s1600-h/WP_20130310_001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20130310_001" border="0" alt="WP_20130310_001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uiZljAwntvg/UTxqVyKFjSI/AAAAAAAAB3s/BX1ZGu9JAQ4/WP_20130310_001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="670" /></a></p> <p align="center">…a great dress…</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JgUU_-EHt-A/UTxqWsivZgI/AAAAAAAAB30/PivW1OyD5e8/s1600-h/WP_20130310_005%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20130310_005" border="0" alt="WP_20130310_005" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MYsVSXImY00/UTxqXREFvSI/AAAAAAAAB38/74mYv13TU-c/WP_20130310_005_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" height="666" /></a></p> <p align="center">…with a great fit…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tZkch4QqIAY/UTxqYaFn88I/AAAAAAAAB4E/qI9oc0MuglQ/s1600-h/WP_20130310_006%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20130310_006" border="0" alt="WP_20130310_006" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fVi0vSPfPu0/UTxqZOAGyEI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/dWU0t11doU4/WP_20130310_006_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="674" /></a></p> <p align="center">…front and back…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CBhzX6SS708/UTxqZ1Df9jI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/kUMsLn2hz3w/s1600-h/WP_20130310_010%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20130310_010" border="0" alt="WP_20130310_010" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AgbVQokGGKI/UTxqa7iGhTI/AAAAAAAAB4g/hS3moRaodsQ/WP_20130310_010_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="664" /></a></p> <p align="center">…with a half circle twirly skirt…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ls5i6j6YBEY/UTxqbng4p3I/AAAAAAAAB4o/mKSqm4zajtA/s1600-h/WP_20130310_007%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20130310_007" border="0" alt="WP_20130310_007" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mHjeS-00dS8/UTxqcUK2PBI/AAAAAAAAB4w/kwlBirPpwsU/WP_20130310_007_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="662" /></a></p> <p align="center">…and thread belt carriers…</p> <p align="left">What do you think? I love it! </p> <p align="left">For the record it was a Renfrew top which I took down quite a few sizes compared to the other <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Renfrew">Renfrews</a> I’ve made, this was done in a completely unscientific way of making up the usual size and then hacking inches off the side seams of the top until it fitted!  I’ve now traced that final size onto the original pattern so I shouldn’t have the same problem next time (as I’m sure there will be a next time!). I decided on a circle skirt but wanted a half-circle, I looked at a few tutorials about making circle skirt and after getting husband to talk it through with me I kinda understood it (I got my GCSES maths but that was a lifetime and 2 children ago and it doesn’t make sense anymore!) so I cut the skirt and basted it on.  This was the point at which I realised the top needed taking in, Doh! I think the weight of the skirt made extra width look worse and it resembled a sack! So I took the skirt off (good job it was only machine basted and not knit stitched!) and did the aforementioned hack job.  Finally I had a fit I liked.   I topstitched the neckline using my lovely knit twin needle with one line of stitching either side of the seam line.  </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vNJe03Eb-w0/UTxqdVQVTmI/AAAAAAAAB44/M3uvdZ1ijrs/s1600-h/WP_002128%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_002128" border="0" alt="WP_002128" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ykjVXW3iAYk/UTxqeaI2DPI/AAAAAAAAB5A/ykGZf9yw-90/WP_002128_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="546" /></a></p> <p>and I didn’t use the original Renfrew sleeve bands, I added the length to the sleeve pattern and then turned the hem up and twin topstitched again.  I did this flat, before I sewed the sleeve to the bodice. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mdOyDgbYDhA/UTxqfJMlONI/AAAAAAAAB5I/BY6GhoX6oIU/s1600-h/WP_002129%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_002129" border="0" alt="WP_002129" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mCk7Nov17HE/UTxqgPN7VuI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/LYFEvlblYyU/WP_002129_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="539" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Light is too bright, its not this blue!)</p> <p align="left">I also twin top stitched the hem after overlocking the edge and turning up just that small hem amount.  Making the thread belt carriers was a lot easier than I thought it would be.  I just ran some stitches off the overlocker and then threaded that through the side seams and back leaving enough width for the belt I was going to wear with it and tied the ends together inside.  All in all its a lovely comfortable dress and I can see myself making more if I find the right fabric.   This navy is a little plain and I wasn’t sure what accessories to wear with it as I’m usually a utilitarian-black-shoes kinds girl but I recently bought my-new-favourite-shoes <a href="http://www.clarks.co.uk/p/20351650">lovely animal print ballet shoes</a> from Clarks I thought they would add a little drama to the outfit without too much!  I don’t do too much drama!</p> <p align="left"><img src="http://assets.clarksmcr.com/products/2/0/3/20351650_A_p.jpg" /></p> <blockquote> <p>So the title? Well I have 3 sewing machines, 2 regular sewing machines and an overlocker.  I’m not brave enough to just sew and trim the seams on the overlocker in one go so I sew on the regular machine first and then use the overlocker to trim and finish.  One sewing machine has a really good knit stitch (but a complete bugger to unpick) but the position and the way you put a needle in means you can’t use a twin needle as the needles end up one in front of each other rather than next to each other.  The other machine will allow me to put the twin needle in but no knit stitch so I I ended up using 3 machines to make one dress!  But I didn’t use the iron once (not something  to be proud of really but nice to experience once in a while) as the fabric was thick and easily manageable.  Since I’ve twin top stitched the hem that could do with a quick press as its a little bumpy but it didn’t stop me wearing it to a party last night!  It will also be perfect for school and that's why I can see more coming in my future even possibly for the <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Handmade%20Wedding">Wedding</a> I have later on in the year if I find suitable fabric.  At the moment, I’m fancying a <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1202-cambie-dress">Cambie</a> in maybe a linen print (my favourite fabric) if I can find some great fabric. I’ve made the full skirted version but now I fancy the a-line version to have cleaner lines at my waist.  Will have to see what fabric I find and how long it takes me as I don’t have so much sewing time these days… </p> </blockquote> <p>* <a title="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109831/" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109831/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109831/</a></p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-70875333987360950372013-02-21T11:00:00.000+00:002013-02-21T11:00:00.336+00:00Sleepy Girl<img height="275" src="http://www.plushbeds.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/So-Tired.jpg" width="412" /><br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.plushbeds.com/blog/sleep-disorders/too-tired-to-sleep/">source</a></div>
<a href="http://didyoumakethat.wordpress.com/2013/02/21/true-confessions-sometimes-im-too-tired-to-sew/">Karen</a> over at DidYouMakeThat was commenting on how sometimes she’s too tired to sew. I so with her on this one, by the time the day is over, I've finished work, college homework and the kids are in bed, I'm about ready to crash and I've lost count of the number of times I've fallen asleep on the settee (does it count if I fall asleep under the <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/so-much-to-do-so-little-time.html">quilt</a> I made?!) and yet another sewing opportunity has passed me by. ATM I've got half a Renfrew dress cut out, I need to make 2 costumes for me to wear to work and 2 for Miss C to wear (we're in the same year group in school so have the same homework!) and a book week costume to come up with for Miss M as well as the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sew-Your-Own-Doll-Book-Cath-Kidston/dp/184949181X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361432729&sr=8-1">Rag Doll</a> we’ve been making Christmas! My good intentions to have a handmade wardrobe went out the window the other day when I went to M&S and spent a LOAD of money on a working wardrobe, boo hoo! I just don’t have the time and I’m won’t make myself feel guilty over it. So I have to prioritise and sometimes and even on the settee under the quilt watching the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01qyh3t/Penguins_Spy_in_the_Huddle_First_Steps/">penguins</a> is more important!Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-57288661403188899802013-02-16T08:42:00.001+00:002013-02-16T08:42:22.665+00:00Lazy lazy lazy<p>I’m a very lazy sewer and even worse blogger!  </p> <ul> <li>I make things and forget to blog them</li> <li>sometimes I just think about making things for ages before I get round to finishing them</li> <li>sometimes I pause half way through making things to think some more!  </li> </ul> <p>This post covers all these possibilities.  </p> <p>I made yet another <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Renfrew">Renfrew top</a>, this time with a  lovely knitted wool I bought from Ditto in Brighton a while ago</p> <p><img alt="Pale Camel Knit" src="http://dittofabrics.co.uk/image/cache/data/FORT1468%20(2)-400x400.jpg" /></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://dittofabrics.co.uk/plain-and-printed-jersey-fabric/wool-and-wool-mixture-material/pale-camel-wool-mix-knitted-fabric">source</a></p> <p align="left">as soon as I saw it I thought “Renfrew!!!” and it was on sale, bargainilious but as usual I sat and thought about it for a while.</p> <p align="left">So this is what I made!</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GNMk7L2Z4bc/UR9GaUN5eyI/AAAAAAAAB18/63Z0uthbFDo/s1600-h/WP_002119%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_002119" border="0" alt="WP_002119" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RM3DmDHRDoU/UR9GbM2vZ-I/AAAAAAAAB2E/LwkLZZVy_AQ/WP_002119_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="539" /></a></p> <p align="left">I’ve also been doing some functional sewing like taking up trousers for Miss C (tracksuits, Brownies Uniform, School Trousers) even the arms on her Brownies T-Shirt!  </p> <p align="left">And thinking, well I’ve been blog-stalking Andrea at Four Square Walls after I saw her <a href="http://foursquarewalls.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/black-raspberry-chocolate-chip.html">beautiful dress</a> she made from Renfrew pattern and I thought, “I want one!”  I bought some Navy heavy jersey from Ditto and I’ve cut out the bodice, and now I’m doing some more thinking.  I’m thinking I want to do short sleeves but instead of the sleeve band I’m thinking hem and sew with twin needle.  The skirt I was originally going to do a full circle skirt but I think that's going to be too full so now I’m thinking half circle but tbh the maths is putting me off! I’ve found tutorials and calculators to do the maths for me but I not motivated enough to try it!  So now I have half a dress cut out on my sewing table!  To make things worse I’ve just got a new job in school starting after half term as well as going to college, as well as having 2 kids so I’m not going to have much time for sewing.  I might have to employ <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2012/11/sewing-for-15-minutes.html">Tilly’s 15 a day</a> strategy to get anything done.  I could do with finishing this dress as it would be great for school especially with some cool coloured tights!</p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-1082898375323110092013-01-07T10:19:00.000+00:002013-01-07T10:19:00.484+00:00Wedding Bells<p>I’ve been invited to a Wedding Reception on 1st June and I had an idea.  I’d like to make my whole outfit!  I was thinking a simple classic fit n flare kinda dress something which could be worn for work etc afterwards but that I could jazz it up with accessories, making my own belt, clutch bag, fascinator and if necessary some sort of shawl/bolero jacket/cover-up thingy!  What do you think?  Ideally I would like to draft the pattern myself but at the moment I thinking of something like a <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/peony">Colette Peony</a>, <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1202-cambie-dress">Sewaholic Cambie</a> or a <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/022011-dress-with-gathered-rectangle-skirt-and-cap-sleeves">Burda 101</a>.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5s67E8giBOY/UOinAj_ziOI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/AMcwPOE0mH4/s1600-h/image%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QFwb5SRPZBk/UOinCBXLWQI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/oZymS2TZ_Dw/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="373" height="429" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">I was thinking I’d make the dress in a solid colour and then accessorize in a contrast fabric, or maybe a floral.  At the moment I’ve got lots of options going round in my head, I’ve got a few months to do it so there's plenty of time to get it right and I know I’m not the Bride and I’m not making anything amazing like the <a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/my-wedding-dress.html">Brides dress like Zoe</a> but I want this to be a good learning project especially as I want to develop my drafting skills and now I have a direction to work in.  So I’ll be dipping in and out of this from time to time over the next few months. So much so that I made myself a badge!!</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lmucOEtwdSw/UOinDCnUuiI/AAAAAAAAB0g/OrviJlocLAU/s1600-h/HandmadeWedding%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="HandmadeWedding" border="0" alt="HandmadeWedding" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ezhW7OSKldY/UOinEdNZHiI/AAAAAAAAB0o/Bv0BXIzaqc0/HandmadeWedding_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="125" height="125" /></a> </p> <p>So the plan is</p> <ul> <li>draft my personal foundation pattern like I’ve <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/advice-needed.html">been talking</a> about foreva </li> <li>Try out different options for design aspect, neckline, sleeves, skirt etc </li> <li>Make a decision </li> <li>Choose fabrics </li> <li>Make Dress </li> <li>Make Fascinator </li> <li>Make bag </li> <li>Enjoy the wedding! </li> </ul> <p>So I’ll be asking your advice at various times over the next few months with this project!</p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-10986969670780022882013-01-05T21:38:00.001+00:002013-01-05T21:38:31.349+00:00Sarah Lund Renfrew<p>Ok, ok, so I might have been <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/late-to-party.html">late to the party</a> but now I’m here I’m going for it!  Renfrew No2…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TzORGDY891s/UOidMTuc8GI/AAAAAAAABx0/UkQ60aZw9wg/s1600-h/WP_20130105_004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20130105_004" border="0" alt="WP_20130105_004" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CMXkk2H72LA/UOidNUVCS3I/AAAAAAAABx4/P5y3BWaTC7o/WP_20130105_004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="493" /></a></p> <p align="center">Look at the camera Louise!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8DK_JizAcwA/UOidOHJPWDI/AAAAAAAAByA/CgJAG86w1TY/s1600-h/WP_20130105_014%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20130105_014" border="0" alt="WP_20130105_014" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CZOJe2A4fLQ/UOidPC5S2nI/AAAAAAAAByM/o3UbvSuj3F8/WP_20130105_014_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="490" /></a></p> <p align="center">That's better!</p> <p align="left">I saw this fabric in the show about a month ago and straight away thought it looked perfect for a Renfrew.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K-6ryte0OzY/UOidQTrDJjI/AAAAAAAAByU/XaXATiAMjXk/s1600-h/closeup%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="closeup" border="0" alt="closeup" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sIzI60YMBo8/UOidRdE9HcI/AAAAAAAAByc/mhCpI7ONCmA/closeup_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" height="224" /></a></p> <p align="left">Its a knit but it looks like a Fair Isle knitted pattern.  Very Scandinavian hence the Sarah Lund reference.  As I’m rubbish at knitting its the closest I’m ever going to get to one of these beauties!<img src="http://www.globalcool.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Sarah-Lunch-Jumpers.png" width="365" height="180" /></p> <p>I used at 14 on the top half including the sleeves and graded out to a 16 about the waist.  I think it looks much better than the <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/late-to-party.html">Stripy Renfrew</a> I first made which was 16 all over.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KSEMua9c2UU/UOidSXz-8uI/AAAAAAAAByk/fpWkt5nqZqE/s1600-h/WP_20130105_007%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20130105_007" border="0" alt="WP_20130105_007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bwooP00FWH8/UOidTXx43pI/AAAAAAAAByo/Vtqm-nhnees/WP_20130105_007_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="499" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iTWg_XfFbQY/UOidUDOA7vI/AAAAAAAAByw/p0UXkzVjwbk/s1600-h/WP_20130105_009%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20130105_009" border="0" alt="WP_20130105_009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fSHslShigUQ/UOidVPIVN7I/AAAAAAAABy8/oW5fTVdksaA/WP_20130105_009_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="503" /></a></p> <p>I spent ages making sure the stripes matched up well, the side seams are great and I basted them first to check before sewing for good.  I only had to resew 1 seam which was even better.  The only thing I couldn’t work out was to match the stripe across my chest with the stripe on the sleeve.  I spent ages walking the seamlines together to try to work out where they intersected but it didn’t work out.  As least the two sleeves are the same so its not as bad as it could be but if anyone has any advice on how to get the shoulder stripes to match it will be great fully received! </p> <p>I’m really pleased with this version, its lovely and cuddly and although I’m wearing casually with jeans and boots today I think it would look great for work paired with a black linen skirt and thick black tights, or even red/burgundy tights, what do you think?  My only problem is the school where I work is really hot, I always wear lots of layers there and end up stripping off through the day!</p> <p>So that's 2 Renfrews, I’m not done yet though, I’ve got loads of the <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/late-to-party.html">stripy fabric</a> left  so I might try a round necked or v-necked version next time, maybe with short sleeves.  I know everyone has said it but it really is a great pattern, very versatile, quick, straightforward to sew and so adaptable.  I might even try a simpler version without stripes soon!   </p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-14386093914222924442013-01-02T15:01:00.001+00:002013-01-02T15:01:56.851+00:00A Plea for help!!<p>Does anyone know where/if I can buy the latest edition of Threads Magazine from in the UK?</p> <p><img src="http://teigland.smugmug.com/Other/Other/i-LKtk5Hj/0/XL/DSC_0284-XL.jpg" width="370" height="484" /></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2012/12/drafting-in-threads-magazine.html">(source)</a></p> <p align="left">I saw a recommendation for this magazine from <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/">Lorraine at IkatBag</a> that there was a straightforward article on pattern drafting. If she says it worth checking out then I’m there, but I can’t seem to find it, I’ve been to WHSmith a couple of times and scoured all over the sewing/knitting section but can’t seem to find it.  Now on the website it says on sale Jan 1 2013, so my questions are:-</p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">Can we buy it in the shops in the UK?</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">If so where?  WHSmith?  Somewhere else?</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Can it be ordered in especially if not?</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">How long does it take to hit the shops in UK?</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Is it a good magazine? Does anyone in the UK subscribe?  I’ve never managed to find a mag that I like as I can find better ideas on peoples blogs than in most magazines, but Threads seems to have good quality contributors Susan Khaljie and Kenneth King being good examples and the information on the blog/website is good. </div> </li> </ul> <p align="left"><img src="http://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/help.jpg" width="421" height="315" /></p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-81467858616688838962012-12-31T09:14:00.000+00:002012-12-31T09:14:00.287+00:002012<p>Review time!  Well I majorly failed in achieving what I set out to do at the beginning of the year!  I was going to <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/2011.html">make a dress every month of the year</a> to increase my sewing skills and to increase my wardrobe! Well that didn’t work! For the first few months it went well I made 4 dresses and a cheating dress for Miss C all of which I’ve worn regularly over the year.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AQkuoM1JXAw/UNbLr7IN8JI/AAAAAAAABtM/ejZmhHOvUQo/s1600-h/DSCN8890%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN8890" border="0" alt="DSCN8890" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0E0zKRzFvKY/UNbLsi6zTaI/AAAAAAAABtQ/QMirKD4YKnE/DSCN8890_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="117" height="163" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E6kAAALy8-I/UNbLtRZRKYI/AAAAAAAABtc/SozfamqfUYo/s1600-h/DSCN9148%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN9148" border="0" alt="DSCN9148" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HrjUEr3fQsE/UNbLuQrUD3I/AAAAAAAABtg/pN1lnSox4X4/DSCN9148_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="115" height="164" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HG4m5a8ml2U/UNbLvAmVhnI/AAAAAAAABts/RMEZYKhnIOM/s1600-h/WP_000373%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000373" border="0" alt="WP_000373" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5tJWxkPaK04/UNbLvzru9zI/AAAAAAAABtw/POKgocH2SDg/WP_000373_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="114" height="164" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X2zgFYMccVg/UNbLw743kSI/AAAAAAAABt8/l1fATJoDtw8/s1600-h/120530-110905%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="120530-110905" border="0" alt="120530-110905" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XTCer6nB3EY/UNbLxcZGrDI/AAAAAAAABuA/E-w2qOQM_rc/120530-110905_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="221" height="178" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-loZGsJS4vak/UNbLySrKGJI/AAAAAAAABuM/h3R_LS_Lh8w/s1600-h/6791930328_5ef8381a3b_o%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="6791930328_5ef8381a3b_o" border="0" alt="6791930328_5ef8381a3b_o" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XUl2_LLJFcI/UNbLzHTvsaI/AAAAAAAABuQ/VixWThvCJgg/6791930328_5ef8381a3b_o_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="155" height="209" /></a></p> <p>But then deadline was getting to me, I was making <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-1546-misses-dresses.aspx">Simplicity 2588</a> in a lovely navy gingham and it just turned into a disaster when I got the the collar stage.  I’d even made a muslin of this dress which looked good and I had high hopes.  I spent ages making sure that the gingham squares would line up but I think I put the collar piece on the wrong way round and by the time I realised I’d trimmed the pieces and broken my heart!  Its all in a bag, maybe I’ll revisit next year…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rbQU5SPfvI8/UNbL0DN8GiI/AAAAAAAABuY/n438LJ9gmYo/s1600-h/WP_000823%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000823" border="0" alt="WP_000823" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hY0CY7BGeH4/UNbL011mPcI/AAAAAAAABug/OIpkNMeotUY/WP_000823_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p>So I decided to stop pressuring myself and take a break.  From then on the rest of the year was great, I sewed what and when I wanted, I even got into hand sewing and hand quilted a quilt.I found it relaxing and enjoyable to sit there in the evening sewing away.  This was why I at the end of the year I finally had some success with crocheting.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-asLXdU3ZfRc/UNbL1-PnsOI/AAAAAAAABuo/1_gawysLPAU/s1600-h/WP_000328%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000328" border="0" alt="WP_000328" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gKMNS8JKn8A/UNbL2nwTHfI/AAAAAAAABu0/cA43t3BMqyk/WP_000328_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="162" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uU5bS7V0OLc/UNbL3Q_u9sI/AAAAAAAABu8/0X3E3JE44QI/s1600-h/editedname%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="editedname" border="0" alt="editedname" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U-097FzLlus/UNbL4aZaY9I/AAAAAAAABvA/X9AjnJseKLg/editedname_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="162" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QPEOSm6Whaw/UNbL5cM_NTI/AAAAAAAABvM/zKGvt3T7KNo/s1600-h/frontbrightened%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="frontbrightened" border="0" alt="frontbrightened" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NWHiaG1Lwi8/UNbL6MwYbKI/AAAAAAAABvU/3_X4zYDAk3c/frontbrightened_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="116" height="162" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5O7FTwujxLc/UNbL7um0MhI/AAAAAAAABvY/63EhWJpuDmY/s1600-h/WP_000860%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000860" border="0" alt="WP_000860" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QaIV0RNsyMI/UNbL8tknOrI/AAAAAAAABvg/k2t-cM8lnw8/WP_000860_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="181" height="138" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XKocbX0cbSQ/UNbL96CHyJI/AAAAAAAABvs/E0QCTcHH90E/s1600-h/WP_002037%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_002037" border="0" alt="WP_002037" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-97YGj8Bz2AU/UNbL-mpaEKI/AAAAAAAABvw/PaCSK-YFJcE/WP_002037_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="173" height="137" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Sfwz5k2it4Q/UNbL_iirQjI/AAAAAAAABv8/PYEMc4qaI50/s1600-h/WP_20121215_025%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20121215_025" border="0" alt="WP_20121215_025" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kqs0MRPSCsk/UNbMAWJDXII/AAAAAAAABwA/iDsZkDSTmf4/WP_20121215_025_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="279" /></a></p> <p>My best successes this year were designing and drafting a costume for Miss M and making my Stripy Renfrew top although the kids LOVE the quilt!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DTl6XP70LnI/UNbMBXFLAMI/AAAAAAAABwI/60YN4sOIpEg/s1600-h/WP_20121204_004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20121204_004" border="0" alt="WP_20121204_004" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I8sBYlCc6j0/UNbMCCPs5pI/AAAAAAAABwQ/WEnCkcRl_Hg/WP_20121204_004_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="252" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qvRtNv4f5SM/UNbMCgu2YCI/AAAAAAAABwY/pNV7hycz2CY/s1600-h/WP_20121222_014%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20121222_014" border="0" alt="WP_20121222_014" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZYl78Zzp2EI/UNbMDoP00lI/AAAAAAAABwk/w8LCWFpSxiU/WP_20121222_014_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="187" height="252" /></a></p> <p>I enjoyed the process of making a sloper/block for Miss M and the freedom to design whatever we wanted.  It made me go back to my long dreamed of ideal of having a basic block for me and adapting it.  I’m not going to set myself the challenge of doing this as from past experience I’ve found it doesn’t work, plus since last year I’ve now got 2 jobs and doing a Teaching Assistant course which tons of homework each week!  Hopefully I will be getting more work next year so I’m not going to put any more pressure on myself, but I would like to draft out a basic bodice and go from there instead of buying the same type of dress all the time and making similar adjustments all the time.  I’d also like to make more Renfrews as they are just great and perfect for work in school so I’m on the look out for lovely knits.  I’d like to try more crochet but not sure what yet, it was great to have a target and theme of Christmas for the bits I made but not sure what to do in 2013.  BTW this blog is now 3 years old!</p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-25903737659970381372012-12-22T18:38:00.001+00:002012-12-22T18:38:07.861+00:00Late to the party!<p>I bought <a href="http://sewaholic.net/">Sewaholics</a> <a href="http://sewaholic.net/tag/renfrew-top/">Renfrew</a> pattern back in the spring when it was first released, I bought some knit fabric in September but its taken me until now to actually make one!  All year I’ve been seeing great tops all over the blogssphere, my usual outfit at this time of year is knitted tops yet I still didn’t get round to making it.  I think I was a bit scared of the whole knit thing but now I’ve made it I don’t know why!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vRfSfXLS_a4/UNX990_yCkI/AAAAAAAABrY/NUlMrFhzmaI/s1600-h/WP_20121222_004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20121222_004" border="0" alt="WP_20121222_004" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WcEaiNl8qgY/UNX9-wAD-dI/AAAAAAAABrg/Iinic_mH7xI/WP_20121222_004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="529" /></a></p> <p>I made the cowl neck version with 3/4 length sleeves and I love it!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gZ0m7XfysmY/UNX-AEgCCjI/AAAAAAAABro/9PO5plYXAQs/s1600-h/WP_20121222_006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20121222_006" border="0" alt="WP_20121222_006" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0aq4h5ykH-k/UNX-A2Tte4I/AAAAAAAABrs/VYhr7EXo2HE/WP_20121222_006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="522" /></a></p> <p>I made a 16 which is perfect for the hips but I think a little wide on the top and sleeves.  I think I’ll use a 14 bust and grade out to a 16, it says something when I’m so hippy that I have to have a smaller bust to hip in Sewaholic patterns when Tasia specifically designs for us pear-shaped girls!!!!!!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U8yK4ukr_vY/UNX-CfiQHRI/AAAAAAAABr4/_Rzhi_0bVlw/s1600-h/WP_20121222_018%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20121222_018" border="0" alt="WP_20121222_018" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FN4JlHfGa6A/UNX-DZOicwI/AAAAAAAABr8/fYkfY2UZKhE/WP_20121222_018_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="522" /></a></p> <p>I’m quite pleased with my stripe matching.  I bought some fairly cheap knit from Fabricland and traced the main pieces so I could cut it from a single layer rather than folded as there is no way I would be able to get the stripes lined up on the fold.  I’m glad I did that and will continue using them once I’ve graded the top.  </p> <p>Of course I was bound to like the top everyone likes it and its a great <a href="http://sewaholic.net/too-much-frosting-not-enough-cake/">cake</a> top which with the right fabric can be quite <a href="http://sewaholic.net/too-much-frosting-not-enough-cake/">frosting-like!</a>  Now I need to find some better quality fabric, maybe a nice bamboo knit or sparkly knit!</p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-25948829731806842202012-12-15T23:00:00.000+00:002012-12-15T23:11:41.429+00:00Starry NightI <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/">said</a> I would do <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/teeny-tiny-stars.html">it</a>, and for a change I did. I’ve been making stars and turning them into a banner. These stars are really quick and fun to make, pinning and starching them took longer! <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2t1UOag_K9k/UM0CugxBxAI/AAAAAAAABpE/ifm3nAsFk2o/s1600-h/WP_20121215_021%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="WP_20121215_021" border="0" height="309" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3gsEbUB5xHM/UM0CvVYbe3I/AAAAAAAABpM/WXRgJ2MzoH0/WP_20121215_021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="WP_20121215_021" width="412" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-olyyauX7BgI/UM0Cwu2rNCI/AAAAAAAABpQ/-Xs9ZqfOZrs/s1600-h/WP_20121215_025%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="WP_20121215_025" border="0" height="309" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IHY0GbiZvjE/UM0CxeDAf4I/AAAAAAAABpY/-Ncs0KIPb2M/WP_20121215_025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="WP_20121215_025" width="412" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_hOLj_HqxaM/UM0CyoRtanI/AAAAAAAABpg/2b5xYL4VIh4/s1600-h/WP_20121215_030%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="WP_20121215_030" border="0" height="559" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uFcj_SpHQCw/UM0CzlYJZnI/AAAAAAAABps/VdSjgEFtWGA/WP_20121215_030_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="WP_20121215_030" width="414" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G24yHryNphk/UM0C083vIvI/AAAAAAAABp0/lPZY88laY6E/s1600-h/WP_20121215_032%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="WP_20121215_032" border="0" height="309" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lsgPzudGi1k/UM0C2Co-0ZI/AAAAAAAABp8/U4KUnO2BxE8/WP_20121215_032_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="WP_20121215_032" width="412" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SMBUBiYiTpg/UM0C3fxQmTI/AAAAAAAABqA/U7jfj_cCK6M/s1600-h/WP_20121215_036%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="WP_20121215_036" border="0" height="556" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ke79MQ4203o/UM0C4jOVgHI/AAAAAAAABqI/9NEM_vuYwMA/WP_20121215_036_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="WP_20121215_036" width="412" /></a><br />
So my Christmas projects this year have been crochet items, I really like it and now am looking for other projects to so as I’ve got the bug. Now its 10 days till Christmas and I really should knock it on the head but I always end up doing a last minute panic project. Maybe this year I should stop? Mind you I haven’t made my mince pies yet…Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-34023716738608588832012-12-15T11:42:00.001+00:002012-12-15T11:42:55.188+00:00Winter blizzard<p>Well I’ve never been successful with yarn and woolly things, when I was a kid my mother taught me to knit, she was a wonderful knitter, but it just never clicked for me.  My tension is very inconsistent and as a kid I didn’t have the patience to invest such as lot of time and effort into something, in fact I once started knitting my mother a tea cosy in green colours to match her kitchen, it took me 6 years to finish the bloody thing by which time the colour of her kitchen had changed! So I’ve never had a great drive to take up knitting but crochet on the other hand has always interested me.  I’ve loved looking at granny squares, flowers, scarves and blankets especially on <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/">Attic 24.</a> This year I finally got the but enough to sit down and study it, I wanted to make snowflakes to decorate my shelves and so one evening I sat there for about 6 hours trying, failing, trying again to understand what I needed to do to make something that resembled a snowflake.</p> <p><img src="http://attic24.typepad.com/.a/6a00e551101c5488340120a6e95946970b-800wi" width="393" height="393" /></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/crochet-snowflake.html">source</a></p> <p align="left">Eventually I got it, so off I went to the new <a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/">Hobbycraft</a> that opened in my town that week to get some wool, whilst I was there I bumped into a <a href="http://loulouandgill.blogspot.co.uk/">friend</a> who is a marvellous crocheter organising craft fairs to sell her beautiful work as well as teaching.  I told her what I was intending to do and she directed me to Lucy @ Attic24 as well!  Great minds think  alike.  So I’ve been crocheting away like made, even taking them to the kids Kung Fu lessons although I did not that everyone gave me a wide berth whilst I was sitting there crocheting away!  Mad woman with her wool!  And this is what I produced…</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SwEvYSPmeS4/UMxiJHdu7sI/AAAAAAAABnQ/32Lg_5YTfWc/s1600-h/WP_002026%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_002026" border="0" alt="WP_002026" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HQg7hrB4HBc/UMxiKeMwpCI/AAAAAAAABnU/3zf0Hz3IsI4/WP_002026_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="535" /></a></p> <p align="left">I strung them up on long garlands and hung them on my shelves</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Pdl2ekp5wgw/UMxiMGqFViI/AAAAAAAABng/BtOR2MNWoE4/s1600-h/WP_002024%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_002024" border="0" alt="WP_002024" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HWOb67W7KEo/UMxiM3cASVI/AAAAAAAABno/nDmuUa50KLo/WP_002024_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="298" /></a></p> <p align="left">you can just see my <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/frantic-christmas-crafting.html">felt gingerbread house</a> on the top shelf</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iouECXEef6M/UMxiOP5S66I/AAAAAAAABnw/kF5021LL4Ag/s1600-h/WP_002034%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_002034" border="0" alt="WP_002034" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BnKkpN2rRg0/UMxiPRjXq2I/AAAAAAAABn0/5oJH_5XD7Tg/WP_002034_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="299" /></a></p> <p>Now I’m working on Lucy's <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/teeny-tiny-stars.html">Teeny Tiny Stars</a> to make another garland, not sure where to put it yet though, we’re drowning in Christmas decorations as I buy/<a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Christmas">make</a> something every year but never get rid of anything!!!</p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-84923198532442693902012-12-12T12:12:00.000+00:002012-12-12T12:12:00.410+00:0012.12.12Sorry couldn’t help but today is 12.12.12 which I think is really cool! Last time this century, never to happen again.<br />
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<div align="left">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-40IWkMsoXoc/UMfA-lPku6I/AAAAAAAABl4/2WEt66-HDQo/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VwXB4yIf4uM/UMfA_rMMibI/AAAAAAAABl8/3zbJ3oub2Ac/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="412" /></a></div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-2994024046673877332012-12-11T23:17:00.001+00:002012-12-11T23:17:55.065+00:00Tudor Lady In Waiting<p>Miss M has been studying the Tudor period in school and this week they had a dress up day where the whole year group coming in wearing Tudor costume.  This by coincidence happened to fall on Miss Cs birthday so I knew that as we were having her party on the weekend the dress I would have to make wouldn’t happen then and I needed to get a head start on it.  So back in half term I got the ball rolling.  Using the <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2010/11/drafting-epilogue.html">fabulous drafting series</a> that <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/">Lorraine</a> made a couple of years ago, I endeavoured to make Miss M a sloper/block.  It took a number of iterations before I got something I was completely happy with…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iUptZJqBtic/UMe-589X1_I/AAAAAAAABj4/_kyrpRKCPdA/s1600-h/WP_0018495.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001849" border="0" alt="WP_001849" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fbRzzH5scwY/UMe-6vuiWrI/AAAAAAAABj8/6IE2rNlVJGY/WP_001849_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="536" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8eKdDJn_Z78/UMe-7hxRxxI/AAAAAAAABkE/QInPWBiNLJ4/s1600-h/WP_0018514.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001851" border="0" alt="WP_001851" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--k-WyKF0T0o/UMe-8uC5v5I/AAAAAAAABkQ/VZ4fFEYukwo/WP_001851_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="532" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cEGpjuzQPnA/UMe-9u7i4KI/AAAAAAAABkY/OHSDE2_xQ_o/s1600-h/WP_0018523.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001852" border="0" alt="WP_001852" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0ZziQXmOugE/UMe--kInTcI/AAAAAAAABkg/XCyn7jx3QoY/WP_001852_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p align="center">(could do with a little more swayback adjustment)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4n_ymEY21zA/UMe-_pJ3HvI/AAAAAAAABko/8CfbvI3u7Eo/s1600-h/WP_0018534.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001853" border="0" alt="WP_001853" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0aZ4gUuwyDA/UMe_BKOmRKI/AAAAAAAABks/DwDaDzus748/WP_001853_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="562" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QsAGt8RtYLQ/UMe_CNOUH4I/AAAAAAAABk4/l9uo6y5l5c8/s1600-h/WP_0018553.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001855" border="0" alt="WP_001855" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dZIVcEmCooU/UMe_C2zlsJI/AAAAAAAABlA/Xtkt7ATs_c4/WP_001855_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p align="center">(finished article with lots of bit of paper stuck back on!)</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left">Making a sloper/block (I’m never sure which word is correct, does it just depend where you come from or is there an actual difference between the two?) was great fun and really answered my own <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/advice-needed.html">question</a> about what I should do about sewing although it was a lot easier fitting someone else rather than myself.  So much so I’ve asked Santa if he can arrange a sewing session(s) with someone to make my own sloper/block!  </p> <p align="left">So once we had a base we looked around at Tudor clothing and discussed what it should look like, Miss M wanted it red, she wanted a square neckline, she wanted a long skirt.  Pouring over Lorraine's <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2010/09/drafting-part-ix-bottom-half.html">resources</a> we liked the principle of her Renaissance Dresses </p> <p align="left"><img src="http://teigland.smugmug.com/Other/Craft/i-NjfmHGR/0/XL/DSC_5639-XL.jpg" width="374" height="550" /></p> <p align="center">(<a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2010/08/renaissance-festival-costumes.html">source</a>)</p> <p align="left">and also the dress on the right</p> <p align="left"><img src="http://www.sempstress.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/StephMel2-217x300.jpg" width="384" height="526" /></p> <p align="center">(<a href="http://www.sempstress.org/page/2/?s=kirtle">source</a>)</p> <p align="left">so between these two sources of inspiration we can up with a pattern made from newspaper!</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ntn69CdPfS4/UMe_D1Ji-LI/AAAAAAAABlE/gtJtj5nvtVI/s1600-h/WP_001915%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001915" border="0" alt="WP_001915" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HFaSSfGu9nE/UMe_ExnowsI/AAAAAAAABlQ/SG0Nf-cMjo8/WP_001915_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="531" /></a></p> <p align="center">which produced…</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AKW8ycK4FuY/UMe_FlnkvPI/AAAAAAAABlU/B6Ip9AgB50k/s1600-h/WP_20121204_001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20121204_001" border="0" alt="WP_20121204_001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xYG8WDclXBg/UMe_GouKVUI/AAAAAAAABlg/ZLcevgyhNls/WP_20121204_001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="529" /></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tSPWBwqGV9E/UMe_HVB56HI/AAAAAAAABlk/K38jy77VzU4/s1600-h/WP_20121204_006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_20121204_006" border="0" alt="WP_20121204_006" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-75-A5UZCerg/UMe_ITfyiNI/AAAAAAAABls/aDS2-bO2li0/WP_20121204_006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="521" /></a></p> <p>I found a curtain offcut for the cream brocade inset for £2 and amazingly I found some trim which matched that offcut perfectly!  The red crushed velvet cost a fortune for a costume but hey, you win some you lose some! </p> <p>I enjoyed the designing and drafting aspect of this project and I enjoyed sewing it until it got to putting the whole thing together and then the velvet became a bit unstable so a pain in the backside.  I did a handpicked zip and also hand sewed the trim on by hand as I knew it would never look neat if I sewed it on the machine, as it is there's a bump on the zip at the back but to be honest I’m probably the only one bothered about that, as usual all I can think about and see are the negative niggly bits of a project that didn’t work completely perfectly! But for a 1 day costume for school it works, now its been put away ready for Miss C in 3 years time when she will be studying the same subject, as I always say “If they can recycle the curriculum I can recycle the costume!”</p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-72087008115806767582012-11-22T10:38:00.001+00:002012-11-22T10:38:01.283+00:00So much to do so little time…<p>As I said <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/ditch-plan-get-new-plan.html">before</a> my life has gotten a whole lot busier lately, sewing has really taken a backseat but I did manage to finish one thing.  Way back in <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/new-fabric-shops.html">June</a> I bought my self a Jelly Roll to make myself a full sized quilt.</p> <p><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fyujhKytJ1o/T42JPU7RRjI/AAAAAAAAAx4/PivPxC2WvLQ/s1600/il_570xN.264130978.jpg" width="373" height="373" /></p> <p>Well eventually I decided to try the <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/02/stacked-coins-baby-quilt.html">Stacked Coins Quilt</a> from Moda but had to increase the size as it was for a cot quilt.  Well after lots and lots of calculations and research and head scratching I eventually worked out how much fabric I needed to complete the project so I ordered backing fabric <a href="http://www.jbquiltingfabrics.co.uk/shop/moda-bella-solid-fabric-sisters-pink-9900-145-p-4890.html">Moda Bella Solid Sisters Pink</a>, some binding from the Sophie collection <a href="http://www.jbquiltingfabrics.co.uk/shop/sophie-by-moda-fabrics-leafy-swirl-pink-sorbet-p-5561.html">Leafy Swirl Pink</a>, some white Moda Bella and full sized poly wadding. </p> <p>I’d already come to the conclusion that I wanted to hand quilt it as I’ve come to quite enjoy hand sewing (never thought I would say that!!) and we were going on holiday and I wanted a project to keep me occupied if we had rainy days (2012=bad summer!) so I set about piecing it together during the Olympics!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LM2w7sTqumQ/UK4AKc6YU7I/AAAAAAAABf4/plZR573Ixlo/s1600-h/WP_001129%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001129" border="0" alt="WP_001129" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GS84Huk37sA/UK4ALYFjRFI/AAAAAAAABf8/B5uOgny2CuE/WP_001129_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="533" /></a></p> <p>With some trepidation I unrolled the Jelly Roll</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mQI6A1PjNq0/UK4AMtHTt3I/AAAAAAAABgE/0-iIh0gzuEw/s1600-h/WP_001132%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001132" border="0" alt="WP_001132" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EK7ucXwHQTY/UK4AOBZCV6I/AAAAAAAABgM/kWXW5RQ9oQU/WP_001132_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="312" /></a></p> <p>and then started cutting and arranging into groups.  I didn’t have a set idea about how the colour/fabrics should be arranged so its purely random, I tried not to have too many of the same design/colours together within a strip.  </p> <p>Once I’d started it was clear that I wasn’t going to get it done in time for the holiday so it went away again from a while.  Once I got it back out I realised I’d miscalculated the backing fabric and had to order more.  Now I was ready, so one Saturday whilst watching Strictly I laid out the backing, wadding and quilt top and with the aid of funny safety pins I put it all together.  </p> <p><img src="http://www.ericas.com/quilting/tools/55269b.jpg" /></p> <p>Then came the fun part, I sat there night after night, sewing it together.  I wanted to hand quilt because I thought the quilt needed either free-motion quilting in the white areas or stitch-in-the-ditch quilting.  Now, there's now way I was going to be able to do free –motion quilting on this quilt (I don’t have a walking foot, the expertise or the patience to gain the expertise) and I didn’t think my seam lines were straight enough or my sewing accurate enough to stitch-in-the-ditch by machine.  So I decided to stitch-in-the-ditch by hand this way I could control where the stitches are.  So I used pink quilting thread and the worlds tiniest needles to quilt the layers together and I have to say it was lovely.  I really enjoyed the excuse to snuggle under the quilt on the evening watching TV but still creating something.  It kept my hands busy instead of looking for something to eat!  I enjoyed the rhythm of the process, rocking the needle back and for, although I’m not convinced I had the correct technique, but it took me most of October to quilt it and then the binding just took a couple of days.  And where they big reveal you might ask….</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eeHN2vz6O74/UK4AO4CyEoI/AAAAAAAABgY/xLXMXqjVH4A/s1600-h/frontbrightened%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="frontbrightened" border="0" alt="frontbrightened" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hjMashKzWRU/UK4AP6qeSdI/AAAAAAAABgc/yNQZM_0Szws/frontbrightened_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="614" /></a></p> <p>extra points if you spot Miss C sneaking into shot!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-66Mz5EkVq7k/UK4AQznnmcI/AAAAAAAABgo/FG3NslhMFc0/s1600-h/backbrightened%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="backbrightened" border="0" alt="backbrightened" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BhV-qhqCpl4/UK4AR2lheYI/AAAAAAAABgw/PQk84HWBsyo/backbrightened_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="613" /></a></p> <p>sorry the pictures are a bit dull, they were taken at night although I’ve tried brightening then in Paint.net.  Here are some daylight shots…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X379j_juzMY/UK4ASzmIS6I/AAAAAAAABg4/Gb9iyHzeQVU/s1600-h/WP_001950%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001950" border="0" alt="WP_001950" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--lMaiSGqwhI/UK4AUM6mOqI/AAAAAAAABg8/0tWOobh6gmQ/WP_001950_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="611" /></a></p> <p>backing showing the stitches coming through, don’t think I was very consistent in my stitch sized, in fact I preferred the look of larger stitches,</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HvJ4HJ7KDGY/UK4AU5WyzhI/AAAAAAAABhI/Zd6zQ_-_STI/s1600-h/WP_001951%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001951" border="0" alt="WP_001951" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UqPb10WiHXQ/UK4AWI-rTrI/AAAAAAAABhM/tNalMqqT8fs/WP_001951_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="603" /></a></p> <p>lovely colour and I love the contrast with white, I’m always drawn to the Modern Quilts which although I’m not exactly sure what the definition of Modern Quilt is they seem to have high contrast colours.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xWrBhw-h17U/UK4AXLuL4qI/AAAAAAAABhU/rn8b5hwmYsQ/s1600-h/WP_001953%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001953" border="0" alt="WP_001953" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4tpnsoECZws/UK4AYa5lCbI/AAAAAAAABhg/VfncEbNfXho/WP_001953_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="602" /></a></p> <p>binding shot I cut the binding 2.5” wide and sewed with a 1/4” seam allowance. In future I think I would cut 2 1/4” binding as I think its a little too wide, not enough to make me change it but a lesson for next time.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J8BD57r8f9A/UK4AZfOlymI/AAAAAAAABho/pWkZd43NHI8/s1600-h/WP_001955%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001955" border="0" alt="WP_001955" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Kzc55xZXSsE/UK4AaQymdhI/AAAAAAAABhw/mN7wR2BrMOo/WP_001955_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="601" /></a></p> <p>isn’t <a href="http://www.dreamweavers-quilts.com/quilt-epiphany/2009/08/05/tutorial-how-to-hand-stitch-binding-invisibly/">ladder stitch</a> great!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ShG3NuLaZzs/UK4AbcDJoHI/AAAAAAAABh4/Fr_zr9U1KP4/s1600-h/WP_001957%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001957" border="0" alt="WP_001957" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kjfPT2xPwfk/UK4AcWSP3xI/AAAAAAAABiA/qHyeJy4vzos/WP_001957_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="597" /></a></p> <p>mitred corner – back</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oxCqCnVG0Hk/UK4AdZe2XzI/AAAAAAAABiE/ucw1rmfLcSI/s1600-h/WP_001959%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001959" border="0" alt="WP_001959" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_PzHOJEDYJg/UK4AeZQIOWI/AAAAAAAABiM/LfwnKajr_f8/WP_001959_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="553" /></a></p> <p>mitred corner – front</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bHeweTpHtBU/UK4AfLBcceI/AAAAAAAABiU/48oBcuuYRmo/s1600-h/WP_001960%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001960" border="0" alt="WP_001960" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l2lIoeEXnSE/UK4AgM38vhI/AAAAAAAABic/6WwBH_OKpt4/WP_001960_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="540" /></a></p> <p>lovely colours in the sunshine!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-InYOrUer5fI/UK4AhCM5v4I/AAAAAAAABik/y9sE-doq0aI/s1600-h/WP_001932%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_001932" border="0" alt="WP_001932" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QBmF2QTDwc8/UK4Ah1K-o5I/AAAAAAAABis/9POnB161Y-0/WP_001932_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p>Action shot!  Its already been used and loved, I’ve fallen asleep on the settee under it a few times and Miss C and Miss M argue over it (luckily its big enough for all of us, that's why I made it this size) and Miss C spent all day Saturday under it as she was ill.  So an all round success!</p> <p>So there's my first proper quilt, I really enjoyed the whole process especially as it was so slow but I could leave it for days and come back to it and just pick it up straight away.  Very different to dressmaking which I find I can’t leave for days otherwise I forget where I was.   When I finished my husband immediately said ‘What's yours next project?” oh how well he knows me, the trouble is I’m just so busy at the moment with college and work and kids and birthdays and Christmas although I’m half way through making a Tudor dress for Miss M’s school topic!  Watch this space!</p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-54335814813543493362012-10-23T18:55:00.001+01:002012-10-23T18:55:44.230+01:00Advice needed<p> I've been having a bit of a bad run with dressmaking lately, allsorts of problems but mainly around fitting.  I am pear shaped with rounded shoulders and a High Rounded Back (Don’t want to use the Dowager Hump description!!) so I always seem to have to modify patterns a lot and I don’t feel I’m doing it properly and every pattern seems a uphill battle.  Of course <a href="http://sewaholic.net/">Sewaholic patterns</a> aren’t so bad as Tasia is designing for me…</p> <p><img src="http://sewaholic.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/P1050429.jpg" width="389" height="389" /></p> <p>…but the Big 4 are giving me problems and I get very disheartened.  So I came to a conclusion yesterday that I need to find the ultimate solutions to all my problems, specifically the HRB/DH.  I’ve found lots of resources with lots of possible solutions to the problem, ranging from <a href="http://inhousepatterns.com/blogs/news/5931847-fitting-and-pattern-correction-back-neckline-gaping">shoulder darts</a>, to a <a href="http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/5063/the-dowagers-hump">kinda FBA on the back</a> to moving shoulder seams to <a href="http://inhousepatterns.com/blogs/news/6229370-back-contour-shaping">easing the fullness into the seams</a>.  My first thought was that I would get a pattern that doesn’t work for me and try each method out and see what works the best.  Once I have the best solution I could apply that to any new pattern.  Then I got to thinking, how about I drafted my own <a href="http://www.madalynne.com/the-block-pattern">bodice</a> <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/techniques/constructing-the-basic-bodice-block">pattern</a>?  Surely that would immediately cater for my lumps and bumps as I would have measured around them and dealt with them.  Once I had that bodice pattern I wouldn’t need to buy Big 4 patterns as most of my patterns are the same, Fit N’ Flare dresses so in theory I could use my ultimate bodice pattern, adapt the neckline (scoop, boat-neck, jewel, sweetheart, peter pan), add sleeves (cap, short, 3/4 length, full) and a skirt, (circle, a-line, full gathered etc.).  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y0cQxny0JdI/UIbaF7jxETI/AAAAAAAABeo/N6MUuXhwPh0/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2uFkbXt9taE/UIbaHXCnfiI/AAAAAAAABes/zhl2u76djI0/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="412" height="127" /></a></p> <p>I’m fairly conventional in my likes and dislikes and I seem to keep buying similar patterns and I don’t mind wearing the same dress pattern over and over again IF it works for me so why not spend my time building and reusing a block/sloper?  Although I don’t have a huge amount of experience in drafting there are loads of resources out there I could use.  </p> <p>So what do you think, neither solution is quick n easy, they both require time, commitment and measurements but I can’t decide which to do</p> <ol> <li>Find my optimum adjustments and apply them to commercial patterns as I need to?</li> <li>Draft my ultimate bodice and use that to design  my own dresses/tops </li> </ol> <p>I think I’m veering towards option 2 as that's always been my long-term goal but I’m just not sure if its something I could accomplish?  What do you think, 1 or 2?</p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-37749864382628059732012-10-11T15:50:00.001+01:002012-10-11T15:57:03.685+01:00Flowery work topHonestly I have been making stuff! So a <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/">month ago</a> I said I got some fabric intending to make <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.simplicity.com%2Fp-1557-misses-tops.aspx&ei=cqZ2UKiDCuqM0wXUnoHgCw&usg=AFQjCNH3c9ydo1hYLjkmafRge2rgTmX_vQ&sig2=jFojbp3Z6rjt9kK77YVgHg">Simplicity 2599</a>… well I did!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VkMnlDqa9w8/UHbcs_IuLJI/AAAAAAAABd0/wlhObPJSVbw/s1600-h/121011-094531%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="121011-094531" border="0" height="309" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZlZoOQC5xJg/UHbctwTS9vI/AAAAAAAABd4/xSJdxRUsfOg/121011-094531_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="121011-094531" width="412" /></a><br />
My family say I look like a teacher in this top so I must have done it right!<br />
I made view E without the side bow. I liked this pattern its very simple and versatile. I cut out size 16 and the only adjustment I made was to take the waist in a little after construction, it needs a bit more taken in but its ok at the moment. I need definition on my waist as it so much smaller than my hips and bust that things just hang off me like a sack and I look pregnant! I omitted the fastening at the back and just sewed up the back seam, I didn't;’t even have to take the shoulders in which I usually have to do. I wouldn't make view E again, the fabric is a bit flimsy and floppy so the ruffle hangs down in a little weird way but its ok. I would probably make view D next and give the waist more shaping. <br />
I had bought 2 different knits with the intention on making a <a href="http://sewaholic.net/introducing-the-next-pattern-the-renfrew-top/">Renfrew</a> or two but then <a href="http://sewaholic.net/">Tasia</a> said she was going to do more detailed posts about the Renfrew pattern so I decided to hold fire on the white with black stripe knit. I decided to use the coloured stripe to make a dress - <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/19251#.UHbbucU8CSo">New Look 6802.</a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HjpbSYEhXdg/UHbcu07jEFI/AAAAAAAABeE/K89PC3qe_HA/s1600-h/WP_001810%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="WP_001810" border="0" height="508" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GPF196OFy1A/UHbcv5Ih-LI/AAAAAAAABeM/6E8rwh0145M/WP_001810_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="WP_001810" width="376" /></a><br />
I’m still working on this at the moment and I’ve made quite a few fitting adjustments so once its finished I can post the details of that. <br />
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p.s. I really like this Skater Skirt from Boden<br />
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<a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Skirts/Above-Knee-Skirts/WG462/Womens-Wool-Skater-Skirt.html">source</a></div>
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Does anyone know a good pattern or method for this? It a wool A-line skirt that when you look at the close-up you can see its pieced together to give the drape. I'm not experienced enough to work out whats going on... help!</div>
<br />Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-55856316367302060762012-09-10T21:25:00.001+01:002012-09-10T21:25:15.956+01:00Ditch the plan, get a new plan…<p>You might have been forgiven in thinking I’d dropped off the face of the world but I have seriously lost my sew-jo this summer.  I set myself a challenge at the beginning of the year to <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/12%20in%2012">sew a dress a month</a> (I know this is nothing compared to some other sewers but a lot for me) well that was an Epic Fail!  I’ve ground to a halt, the dresses I’ve made I like and have been wearing all summer but having a commitment made it too much of a chore.  Over the summer I started a quilt for myself and I really enjoyed the fact of having no deadline, no commitment (other than winter!) and no pressure!  I haven’t finished it yet (need to get some more fabric) but I don’t care!  I will finish it but I don’t feel obliged to finish it by any particular date.  I’ve also been on holiday and the change of routine of the school holidays has really put a dent in my enthusiasm.  </p> <p>So now we’re in September and the kids are back to school and this year things are different, I’m back to school as well!  For the last half term before Summer I was working as as dinner lady at Miss M’s Middle School and I’ve returned to that, on top of that I’ve taken a job at Miss C’s First School as a Casual Teaching Assistant.  I’ve been volunteering at her school for a number of years since my kids started going there and came to the conclusion that it was the kind of job I could enjoy doing.  I don’t have any formal qualification in this area so I’m also starting a  course next week to get a qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools!  The Teaching Assistant role is covering sickness and absence for the Teaching Assistants at the school and I’ll be part of a team so I’m not sure how much I’ll get called on,  so I’ve come to an arrangement with the Middle School that if I get called into be a TA I don’t have to be a Dinner Lady that day as well!  Does that make sense? We’ll have to see how it goes…</p> <p>So this is my first job after 5 years out of work and I suddenly realised that I don’t have any suitable clothes!  I need practical clothes that are smart but friendly given I’m dealing with children aged up to 8.  So I got some black trousers (that workplace standard) and a couple of blouses, I’ve also got some fabric to make my own!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fld2IcNySAI/UE5MlgaqwyI/AAAAAAAABc8/vgxu5tFBWIk/s1600-h/image%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JqNTxv2s-J0/UE5Mnc9NC_I/AAAAAAAABdE/u_jHLwRZaKo/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="412" height="196" /></a></p> <p align="center">Simplicity 2599</p> <p>I’ve had this pattern for well over a year after seeing so many great tops made all over the blogosphere.  As I’ve been concentrating on dresses I’ve just never got the pattern out of the packet.  It looks like it can be a good basic top with plenty of options.   The fabric is a viscose with small flowers, my husband said ‘That looks like you work in a school!’ so I guess its the right fabric!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-814AehRFPBQ/UE5Mo76LfBI/AAAAAAAABdM/1QRDnxzEE3Q/s1600-h/image%25255B8%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MAllhBHGGh8/UE5MqR6m4hI/AAAAAAAABdU/qj5xopX_Ecc/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="412" height="226" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sewaholic Renfrew</p> <p>Again I’ve had this pattern since it was released but never got it out of the packet.  I’ve never found a jersey I liked as my local fabric store doesn’t have a great range of jerseys so today I went to Fabricland in Brighton where they have loads of jerseys.  I have photos of all my patterns stored on my phone so I can check the details when I’m in a shop to find out how much I need, I did that today and looked at the back for the largest size and saw 3, so I asked for 3 metres of each jersey.  What I didn’t appreciate is the width of the fabric, so I actually have loads of jersey!  We might end up being a family with matching t-shirts soon!  </p> <p> </p> <p>So these are my plans, not too taxing, no deadline, but with a reason to make them rather than a nice to have.  How do you get your sew-jo back when its wandered off?  Change of plans, ditch the plans, or keep plugging on regardless?</p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-32531495841061214742012-07-12T10:53:00.000+01:002012-07-12T10:53:11.169+01:00Olympic Rings by Miss M Music by Muse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the last two weeks of school Miss M's school like many across the UK, is having an Olympic Theme. She was tasked with making a representation of the Olympic Rings in any medium she wanted, lots of kids made cakes & cookies, there were models and paintings but Miss M couldn't decide what she wanted to do. I remembered a great set of films that<a href="http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/02/starting-a-project-of-2000-buttons.html"> Ashley at Lil Blue Boo</a> had done recently and suggested she did something like that, she loved it and this is what she made!</div>
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The music is the official <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66molzUEkWI">Olympic theme by Muse</a> and it was filmed by propping up the laptop so the webcam was pointing down to the table. The webcam has an interval timer on it so we set that to 1 shot per second, this gave us a film of 26 minutes after all the colouring and sticking. We used<a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-live/movie-maker-get-started"> Movie Maker</a> and added in the music and played around with the playback speed until it matched the length of the song. I think its great and the kids and her teacher loved it, I especially like the way the glitter moves around and I think the song really makes it special! </div>
<img alt="signature" border="0" height="80" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4481950775_74536b94a6_m.jpg" width="240" />Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-4423072932982370162012-07-02T18:30:00.001+01:002012-07-02T18:30:06.377+01:00New fabric shops!<p>I had to take Miss M to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewes">Lewes</a> on Saturday as she had been invited to an Enrichment course at Lewes Castle, although we live very close to Lewes I’d never really had call to visit there before.  My only knowledge of Lewes was concerning the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewes_Bonfire">bonfires</a> which I went to years ago and had to be taken home as quivering wreck as it was all too much for me! </p> <p><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/Lewes_Bonfire%2C_LBBS%2C_Banger_blitz.jpg/220px-Lewes_Bonfire%2C_LBBS%2C_Banger_blitz.jpg" width="392" height="274" /></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewes_Bonfire">(source)</a></p> <p>It wasn’t worth leaving and coming back for her so I did what any good sewer does and Googled fabric shops!  I was very happy to find there were a few!  So once Miss M was dispatched to Lewes Castle, off I went using my phone for sat nav.  Lewes is a charming town with lots of olde worlde charm.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6UfnwVA60yM/T_HaLGw3upI/AAAAAAAABVw/4BGEOy6xfKc/s1600-h/WP_000929%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000929" border="0" alt="WP_000929" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SPbyHnoZ4C4/T_HaLuZ206I/AAAAAAAABV4/xtw1l3zUiFU/WP_000929_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="549" /></a></p> <p align="center">The Fifteenth Century Book shop!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6bILEaQiIoM/T_HaMs0F33I/AAAAAAAABWA/d7dvIk5-Mmo/s1600-h/WP_000931%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000931" border="0" alt="WP_000931" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8VPyDHENpVI/T_HaNF-QJfI/AAAAAAAABWI/E3YS8izSvYE/WP_000931_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p align="center">This is where <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Paine">Thomas Paine</a> lived before leaving for America to become a Founding Father.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iltLUM_PdmQ/T_HaNg8GX2I/AAAAAAAABWQ/qCzwJ8TPx-w/s1600-h/WP_000934%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000934" border="0" alt="WP_000934" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mD5v3YBPrP4/T_HaOeuOxmI/AAAAAAAABWY/KgPZzbwah8c/WP_000934_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="553" /></a></p> <p align="center">Would you put this as Regency or Georgian?</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bXILmkJIXQk/T_HaPDN7uhI/AAAAAAAABWg/i1QjjaagtP8/s1600-h/WP_000941%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000941" border="0" alt="WP_000941" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4bQwdgoPFBs/T_HaPtDe-kI/AAAAAAAABWo/sDy2h-GgwwA/WP_000941_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="549" /></a></p> <p align="center">A very cute door that Miss M fell in love with!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uvjHxFHmp8Y/T_HaQMMRkDI/AAAAAAAABWw/DFxV8h89jPY/s1600-h/WP_000925%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000925" border="0" alt="WP_000925" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6bikvkA27ao/T_HaQgBnyrI/AAAAAAAABW4/J_TID-bAB8g/WP_000925_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="540" /></a></p> <p align="center">Lots of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitten">Twittens</a></p> <p align="left">Anyway onto the fabric shopping, first up was <a href="http://www.patchworkdogandbasket.co.uk/">The Patchwork Dog & Basket</a> which can be found at <a href="http://www.needlemakers.co.uk/">The Needlemakers</a>, a brilliant collection of vintage shops, craft shops and cafe.  </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gz83JCivJb4/T_HaRSaCIAI/AAAAAAAABXA/bEGq3NjhjMA/s1600-h/WP_000878%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000878" border="0" alt="WP_000878" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gv7fXoJek-8/T_HaR2phLYI/AAAAAAAABXI/vbiWw4kM77U/WP_000878_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GHEhrzKGNRE/T_HaSeyB98I/AAAAAAAABXQ/B3yBU79v2rc/s1600-h/WP_000880%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000880" border="0" alt="WP_000880" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BUYF4OcggyY/T_HaTEFDxYI/AAAAAAAABXY/054izk3m9IY/WP_000880_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="560" /></a></p> <p align="center">curtain material and vintage clothing</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3hOMtDXUjFU/T_HaTx9mjLI/AAAAAAAABXg/-HKjujgZiwk/s1600-h/WP_000881%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000881" border="0" alt="WP_000881" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EwT1gvMJsZE/T_HaUZzX9YI/AAAAAAAABXo/KcpXoJB-eLg/WP_000881_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p align="center">Medical Supplies</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DinChNScO6w/T_HaVSVYR4I/AAAAAAAABXw/aOQtWwPJCp4/s1600-h/WP_000882%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000882" border="0" alt="WP_000882" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G8gM1-u4qfk/T_HaV6FvgbI/AAAAAAAABX4/r30_Ii8WfZs/WP_000882_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p align="center">Vintage patterns and fabric</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l6tGKzdmpP8/T_HaW3JLYhI/AAAAAAAABYA/zH8_VIGjWmw/s1600-h/WP_000883%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000883" border="0" alt="WP_000883" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RmlV7ljebCo/T_HaXasHj8I/AAAAAAAABYI/inewJBIZQe0/WP_000883_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p align="center">High End Retro Clothing</p> <p align="left">When I dragged myself away from all the other lovelies I found The Patchwork Dog…..</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xcmzzy7QL_4/T_HaYI580UI/AAAAAAAABYQ/nVHCn54CO9Y/s1600-h/WP_000885%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000885" border="0" alt="WP_000885" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6Dmy8FgLIdQ/T_HaY0U1LzI/AAAAAAAABYY/XIkOCK51Ar8/WP_000885_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="563" /></a></p> <p align="center">ribbons and ric rac and felt and beads…</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4Rw7PZgGMbU/T_HaZhYiOeI/AAAAAAAABYg/veL4-svCM90/s1600-h/WP_000887%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000887" border="0" alt="WP_000887" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p1gZYukUrek/T_HaaHk7MTI/AAAAAAAABYo/0l-IMs6jvJY/WP_000887_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p align="center">…fabric and fabric and more fabric…</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aCCPCIQ84K0/T_HabEtXeKI/AAAAAAAABYw/QnEQ7D2adjA/s1600-h/WP_000888%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000888" border="0" alt="WP_000888" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qaKQ0g5H8Tg/T_Habpd555I/AAAAAAAABY4/da6EQPYz0Yw/WP_000888_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p align="center">…books and patterns and thread…</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZEEyx9rbC4w/T_HacU1QzXI/AAAAAAAABZA/NPp4oLym8nU/s1600-h/WP_000890%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000890" border="0" alt="WP_000890" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jDwm6V4Fis4/T_HadHRZVbI/AAAAAAAABZI/2dfCWnrGiEA/WP_000890_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="552" /></a></p> <p align="center">…buttons and buttons and buttons…</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7q7XzDSGwxk/T_Had6Lzw9I/AAAAAAAABZQ/4nw8KL2IQMI/s1600-h/WP_000894%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000894" border="0" alt="WP_000894" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-46ij8VC_NoA/T_HaenJBU3I/AAAAAAAABZY/y0siZdfvqvM/WP_000894_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p align="center">…and more fabric if there wasn’t enough!</p> <p align="left">I spent ages browsing and chatting to the lovely assistant.  I’ve been wanting to make my first proper quilt for ages since making my <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/my-first-ever-quilt.html">Christmas Tree Quilt</a> but I’ve had real trouble making a decision.  I wanted to get a Jelly Roll and go from there as I wasn’t confident about picking fabrics that work together but then there's so much choice in Jelly Rolls!  I finally plumped for pretty and vibrant Sophie…</p> <p align="left"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fyujhKytJ1o/T42JPU7RRjI/AAAAAAAAAx4/PivPxC2WvLQ/s1600/il_570xN.264130978.jpg" width="397" height="397" /></p> <p align="left">I’m still umming and aahing about what to do with it, at the moment I’ve veering towards a <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/02/stacked-coins-baby-quilt.html">stacked coin quilt</a> but nothing definite yet.   I’m going on holiday to France for 2 weeks in August and I’m think maybe I could take it there to finish the binding as that takes ages.  But then again it might not happen for ages yet!  </p> <p align="left">I also bought some buttons for a specific project I’ll get round to making soon….</p> <p align="left">Another fabric shop in Lewes was <a href="http://www.the-stitchery.co.uk/">The Stitchery</a> which is located in the <a href="http://www.riverside-lewes.co.uk/">Riverside</a> which is a lovely little shopping arcade with a great style and mixture of shops.  </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K1cQMiryJDw/T_HafeRRHfI/AAAAAAAABZg/724edjZfVTg/s1600-h/WP_000904%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000904" border="0" alt="WP_000904" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0BzUXzwClr8/T_Hafx9RB7I/AAAAAAAABZo/CL7jxULxMRE/WP_000904_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p align="center">variety of fabrics</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mAsxVrNDMMY/T_Hagsb6QnI/AAAAAAAABZw/WmABLrX7hOc/s1600-h/WP_000906%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000906" border="0" alt="WP_000906" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-STcLwyZn9O0/T_HahLf2mUI/AAAAAAAABZ4/28D-MNgg2Y0/WP_000906_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="558" /></a></p> <p align="center">even more ribbons</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a9bfBryuSRc/T_Hah6PxrwI/AAAAAAAABaA/-rC3qlg1rUI/s1600-h/WP_000908%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000908" border="0" alt="WP_000908" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kf-2SgcRkqs/T_HaiXT8WWI/AAAAAAAABaI/9tu95sofHQk/WP_000908_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="544" /></a></p> <p align="center">drawers of trims and motifs</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Lj-OmuUdyqc/T_Hai5CuV-I/AAAAAAAABaQ/qJsIpkyYCEU/s1600-h/WP_000909%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000909" border="0" alt="WP_000909" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VY0REjDV-Jw/T_HajsyF0jI/AAAAAAAABaY/1y3BaHm38RM/WP_000909_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="540" /></a></p> <p align="center">lots of poly cotton</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4xy_6ubRQmg/T_HakQHKUFI/AAAAAAAABag/0op-EXHCAyY/s1600-h/WP_000911%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000911" border="0" alt="WP_000911" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cCKdOnPil8E/T_Hak_88qRI/AAAAAAAABao/KHN65yUTgQY/WP_000911_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="530" /></a></p> <p align="center">habby, who doesn’t need habby!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pm1Brw_KWPI/T_HalrY2GsI/AAAAAAAABaw/S-_DG3fFefE/s1600-h/WP_000915%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000915" border="0" alt="WP_000915" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GYce3GSTqf8/T_HamLArocI/AAAAAAAABa4/o6RTt0TQS78/WP_000915_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="561" /></a></p> <p align="center">right opposite the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harveys_Brewery">brewery</a>!</p> <p align="left">There was even a tiny little fabric shop selling more upholstery type fabrics</p> <p align="left"><img src="http://s3-media2.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/4UkCf4Z8ymOfZSxwt5YdDA/l.jpg" width="389" height="515" /></p> <p align="left">and a <a href="http://www.gossypium.co.uk/">workshop</a> making clothing from ethically sourced cotton</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rOaWYJ3K5to/T_Ham9aOmiI/AAAAAAAABbA/6FBwM62k5Lg/s1600-h/WP_000922%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000922" border="0" alt="WP_000922" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VU2IfiZ69Zs/T_HanShSrGI/AAAAAAAABbI/_ZhDPeQx7iU/WP_000922_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="520" /></a></p> <p>where the staff are making the clothing right in the shop!</p> <p>All in all my day out in Lewes was great, its a very arty town with lots of pretty things to see and shops to visit.  I imagine it costs a lot to live there but I’ll look forward to visiting again some day soon….</p> <p> </p> <p>P.S.</p> <p>I know I owe you a dress for June, I’m working on it but making slow progress I might even skip a dress for July, its my challenge and I can cheat if I want to!!!!</p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-45424043736685928672012-06-21T21:19:00.001+01:002012-06-21T21:19:38.706+01:00THE WEIRD THINGS YOU END UP SEWING…<p>So something I probably haven’t mentioned before is how bonkers Miss C is, she’s the crazy one in the family and nothing makes her happier than being silly and throwing herself all over the place. I’m sure she has a screw loose!  Recently she mastered the art of cartwheels (something I never managed!) and compulsively cartwheels everywhere, garden, school, living room etc etc.  Anyway, on Saturday she was cartwheeling around the living room and decided to stand on the settee and attempt to cartwheel off it. ( You know where this is going, don’t you….) Needless to say it wasn’t the best decision she’s ever made!  She landed in a heap on the carpet and started screaming.  I checked her over and tried to recall my first aid knowledge (something about checking symmetry and looking for swellings?) to check her arm which she complained about and all seemed ok.  She did cry a bit longer than normal but half an hour later was jumping around again so we thought she had gotten away with it.  Later that night she complained about it again and first thing on Sunday morning she complained about it.  I don’t know why but my instinct said it needed checking out so 8am Sunday morning we arrived at A&E to get it looked at.  One of my best friends was the Triage Nurse on duty that morning and I’m not sure if it was her doing or because she was kid but we got seen quite quickly.  One x-ray later the nurse decided it was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenstick_fracture">greenstick fracture</a>  and she needed a cast.  They put a temporary cast on her which made her very upset as she realised what she had done.  It also meant no swimming, trampolining, kung fu, school sports (including sports day!) so she was gutted.  </p> <p><img src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/c67.0.403.403/p403x403/599235_10151203988796982_356472568_n.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Yesterday I had to take her to the Fracture Clinic to get it checked out by a consultant.  4 hours later….. the consultant decided it wasn’t a fracture and so she didn’t need a cast, unfortunately Miss C had her heart set on a purple cast and had ‘pinky’ swore her friends she would get one.  To say she was inconsolable would be an understatement!  She sobbed and sobbed all the way back to school as the Dr has given her an ugly blue sling to rest her arm in for the next 2 weeks.  This sling was an adults version that they had to cut down but it was still too big.   </p> <p><img src="http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/402524301/foam_Arm_Sling.jpg" /></p> <p>Her friends in school all made a big fuss of her and she felt a bit better but I thought ‘we can fix this’.  So a quick Google search produced a <a href="• http://welcometomychaos.com/2011/01/how-to-make-a-fabulous-arm-sling/">useful post</a>, a visit to the fabric shop after school to get supplies and this is what  I produced.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XOcsFkpeR5E/T-OB1tcVBRI/AAAAAAAABVc/Vq2B4cKUy0Y/s1600-h/WP_000863%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000863" border="0" alt="WP_000863" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--nD9r5ZRq_s/T-OB2cy6lfI/AAAAAAAABVk/WKug9-RqHUc/WP_000863_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="296" /></a></p> <p>Its padded with some polyester wadding I had knocking about and I’ve also made a little protective cover to protect her neck from the strap and clip.  She wore it to school today and was very happy. </p> <p>As I was making it I reflected on the weird and wonderful things that I have ended up making as Sewing Mother, over the years these have included clothes for bears, <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_d27yihsajbY/TUhjsYOutYI/AAAAAAAAAyk/RbUPGhPZxvE/DSCN9985_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800">water bottle holders</a> and lunch bags, Lion, Pirate & Roman Costumes, crazy <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/harry-potter-party-part-two.html">Harry Potter</a> stuff and now slings! What's the weirdest thing you’ve ever ended up sewing for someone?  Does it make you feel glad you can whip something up or does it raise peoples expectations too high?!  Last time we were in the fabric shop my girls were plotting what clothes to make their bears, ‘Mummy can make jeans for the bears as well’ I heard!  Mummy can’t make jeans for herself never mind a bear!!!!!</p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-45997407278766173302012-06-17T22:28:00.001+01:002012-06-17T22:28:23.304+01:00Adventures in Cross stitching<p>As well as sewing I like to do cross stitch, especially as it’s something I can do while watching TV in the evening.  Miss C really likes Tatty Teddies which is always called Little Bear in our house.</p> <p><img src="http://www.plushpaws.co.uk/user/products/large/G01W0406w.jpg" width="403" height="381" /></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.plushpaws.co.uk/me-to-you/me-to-you-tatty-teddy-bear.html">source</a></p> <p align="left">A while ago I found a free cross stitch pattern for a Tatty Teddy image and Miss C nagged me to make it for her.  When I say a while ago it turns out it was over 2 years ago!!!!!  I finally finished it a few weeks ago and today I framed it.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t3TUsPgVOQc/T95L6e6J4vI/AAAAAAAABUk/Xa3vqT4A1cI/s1600-h/WP_000846%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000846" border="0" alt="WP_000846" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9Q-imPqahKM/T95L7HDSMLI/AAAAAAAABUs/lUVEEoituKo/WP_000846_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="510" /></a> </p> <p>She’s very chuffed with it and finally getting it finished meant I needed a new project.  I remembered a <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/857131/cross-stitch-family-portrait">project</a> I’d seen ages ago and saved the details of.  To make a cross stitch family! So I got some graph paper and coloured pencils out and the girls got to have their say in deciding what colours things should be and how their hair should be!  And this is what we came up with…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B52EpSx2BSc/T95L7-WkChI/AAAAAAAABU0/j49n3P1CR84/s1600-h/editedname%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="editedname" border="0" alt="editedname" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hqGaIh-KB1g/T95L8RhzYgI/AAAAAAAABU8/e9yFeHb-dHk/editedname_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="549" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">(Family name has been photo shopped out!)</font></p> <p align="left">You can’t see very well but hubby has <a href="http://assets.lfcimages.com/welcome-to-liverpool-fc">LFC</a> on his shirt as that's his team!  Miss C isn’t quite so short in relation to the rest of us but otherwise it works well and it was completed in less than a week rather than 2 years!</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h6_C4dohdok/T95L9K95NCI/AAAAAAAABVE/EYOwOwU0CPo/s1600-h/groupedited%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="groupedited" border="0" alt="groupedited" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T4k5t6j0gyY/T95L9gKbAeI/AAAAAAAABVM/atIvexMYtOs/groupedited_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p>I think that's because the teddy has lots of graduated colours which do my head in like the <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2010/02/cross-stitch-baby-sampler-finished-and.html">Baby Sampler</a> I did in the past. So cartoon things are much easier!  </p> <p>Next I want to make something for my sewing room, some sort of sample with a quote.  Something like…..</p> <ul> <li>Sewing mends the soul</li> <li><em>Any day spent sewing is a good day.</em></li> <li>Keep calm and sew on.</li> <li>Measure twice, cut once. </li> <li><em>May your bobbin always be full</em></li> <li>Stitch your stress away (not sure about this one as sometimes my stitching is very stressful!!!!)</li> <li>Sewing fills my days, not to mention the living room, bedroom, and closets. </li> <li>Sewing: A creative mess is better than tidy idleness.</li> <li>Sew much fabric, sew little time!</li> <li>As ye sew, so shall ye rip.</li> <li>I'm itching to be stitching!</li> <li>Memories are stitched with love.</li> <li><em>Keep Calm ~ and get the seam ripper.</em></li> <li>My soul is fed with needle and thread.</li> <li><em>I’m sew very happy</em></li> <li>I cannot count my day complete ‘till needle, thread and fabric meet.</li> <li>Stitch your stress away.</li> <li>Sewing mends the soul.</li> <li>Sewing is the New Black</li> <li>Veni, Vidi, Velcro</li> </ul> <p>Italics are my favourites at the moment, what do you think?  Which are your favourites? Do you have any others?</p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-4326314969692277792012-06-15T22:07:00.001+01:002012-06-15T22:07:12.570+01:00WIP - Simplicity 2588<p>So I'm working on this <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.com/search/label/12%20in%2012">months </a>dress which is <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-1546-misses-dresses.aspx#t-2">Simplicity 2588</a> which is  a Project Runway pattern so it has loads of options.  I'm making the fuller skirt with the thinner yoke.  The bodice has princess seams which I've never done before but really like.  I cut size 18 using <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/things-ive-learnt-from-susan-khaljie.html">Susan Khaljies</a> 1" seam allowance which allowed me to let the side seams out quite a bit but I also pulled the princess seam quite a bit in at the top.  I probably should have cut the size 20 but I was trying to go by my upper bust size.  I extended the width of the bodice where it meets the yoke to cover my bra strap and I'll have to add a bra strap holder as it has to sit slightly wider than I naturally wear the strap.  I did my usual Hunchback of Notre Dame adjustment which wasn't as much as usual on this neckline as its a little lower than most. I wasn't sure which size to cut for the skirt so I marked both the 18 and 20 on my muslin thinking I would grade it to the waistline but actually the 18 is ok.  Using <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/things-ive-learnt-from-susan-khaljie.html">Susan Khaljies</a> method of disregarding the cutting line with seam allowance and concentrating on the sewing line makes this a lot easier as you can have as many sizes markings as you want and adapt things as you go.  Of course I've made the bodice slightly bigger so the size is all academic.  The skirt has a centre pleat and then 2 small pleat on the front which looked good I felt.  The back has 2 sets of pleats which just didn't look right at all!  I changed them to gathers and it looked a lot better with less puffiness and general weirdness going on.  I ran out of normal calico for the muslin so used some cheapo Fabricland poly-cotton I picked up last year for £1.99/metre so its a bit of a unwearable muslin!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JETw3WUn_E8/T9uj9AxEvtI/AAAAAAAABTw/hgBPISwyLwU/s1600-h/120611-123408%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="120611-123408" border="0" alt="120611-123408" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YCd_t2fHfFk/T9uj9koPM4I/AAAAAAAABT4/LiejflhHkPE/120611-123408_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p align="center">No I'm not pregnant!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YHl94Ue9gZU/T9uj-HK3KlI/AAAAAAAABUA/2XqHF-faEWI/s1600-h/120611-123541%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="120611-123541" border="0" alt="120611-123541" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nmMYEc9klwQ/T9uj-r8FUHI/AAAAAAAABUI/Px5ZTVSLNDA/120611-123541_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p>Sorry for the rubbish photos, I've been using the web cam recently and I think the settings have been changed or maybe the light was rubbish on a rainy day!</p> <p>So now I’ve started on the fashion fabric, I’ve cut it out and now in the process of transferring the markings. I’m lining it with white poly-cotton.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--9IEsthviv8/T9uj_VeXSpI/AAAAAAAABUQ/fQmhaVc6Blo/s1600-h/DSCN9220%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN9220" border="0" alt="DSCN9220" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6POrjynjoSo/T9uj_yPCGZI/AAAAAAAABUY/grsV2HiLV40/DSCN9220_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a></p> <p>I’ve been debating how to line the skirt and I’ve decided to make the shell skirt and then use the finished waistline to cut the lining, so that there would be no pleats/gathers on the lining waist and the lining skirt is more of a trapezoid shape rather than a rectangle shape which has been pleated.  Does that make sense?  Is that the accepted way to do it?  I was thinking of underlining the skirt but I want the bodice lined and wasn’t sure about if I could join a lining to an underlined fabric if that makes sense.   When I made the fuller <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/sewaholic-cambie-dress.html">Cambie Dress</a> the lining is an exact copy of the shell but I find there's too much bulk at my waist especially for my pot-belly!  I have a self drafted <a href="http://hereswhatididtoday.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/a-line%20skirt">a-line pattern</a> which I’ve made 4 skirts from  which I love and wear to death and I keep intending to combine that with a bodice I like to make a more streamlined dress.  Maybe I’ll use this princess bodice on that pattern in the future.  Will have to see how this one comes out.   </p> <p>Just need to get my butt in gear!  As usual!</p> Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-20015381638357400622012-06-10T22:32:00.000+01:002012-06-10T22:32:15.046+01:00Things I've learnt from Susan Khaljie!<br />
Well I finally got round to finishing watching <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/The-Couture-Dress/53">Susan Khaljies Couture Dress course</a> on <a href="http://craftsy.com/">Craftsy.com</a>, I started it ages ago and for no real reason stalled in the middle. I had already started using some of the techniques she teaches in the muslin stage (BIG seam allowances, transferring all the markings etc) but I didn't finish the sewing stages. Today I caught up. Well what can I say other than the woman is a sewing goddess! She obviously knows her stuff and has so much experience behind her, when she tells you to do something in a particular way, well you just better well do it that way, she's telling you for a reason! I've had lots of duh moments when I've finally got something I'd previously read about (lapped zips) and lots of lightbulb moments when I realised how much better that method would be (ignore seam allowances and concentrate on the sewing line)! So this is what Susan has taught me.....<br />
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<a href="http://static-sympoz.s3.amazonaws.com/course/53/titleCard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://static-sympoz.s3.amazonaws.com/course/53/titleCard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>its much easier keeping pins in a box rather than pin cushion</li>
<li>plan, plan, plan!</li>
<li>muslins are your test garment which then become your pattern</li>
<li>mark lines with carbon paper</li>
<li>1 inch seam allowance</li>
<li>spend time working out fabric patterns, checks/plaid etc</li>
<li>Baste seams prior to sewing</li>
<li>sew intersecting seams first NOT whole seam!</li>
<li>silk organza! Where can I get some and how much does it cost?</li>
<li>beeswax to strengthen thread</li>
<li>not to be scared of hand stitching!</li>
<li>how to make a bra carrier</li>
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Now I'm not convinced that couture garments are going to feature all that heavily in my future plans (not very practical for SAHM, a bit overdressed for the school run!) but the techniques can be applied to all levels of sewing or at least that's my plan. Seriously if you haven't already followed this course, its is very much worth it. <br />
I know <a href="http://blogforbettersewing.com/">Gertie </a>also has <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/Sew-Retro-Perfect-Fit-Bombshell-Dress/29">2</a> <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/Sew-Retro-The-Starlet-Suit-Jacket/56">courses </a>on <a href="http://craftsy.com/">Craftsy.com</a> which have had a very popular following but my reluctance with those was the end garments weren't my cup of tea but if the level of knowledge is as good as Susan then I might reconsider. I have also purchased the<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/Sassy-Librarian-Blouse/74"> Sassy Librarian Blouse</a> course but I'm not sure when I'll get round to it to be honest. Might have to wait till after the summer!<br />
<img alt="signature" border="0" height="80" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4481950775_74536b94a6_m.jpg" width="240" />Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772742633771185778.post-79821721519132848552012-06-04T09:14:00.002+01:002012-06-04T09:14:20.381+01:00Makes you proud to be British!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.keepcalmandcarryon.com/product_images/w/243/KEEP-CALM-UNION-JACK-WEB-FRONT_large__79797_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.keepcalmandcarryon.com/product_images/w/243/KEEP-CALM-UNION-JACK-WEB-FRONT_large__79797_zoom.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.keepcalmandcarryon.com/keep-calm-and-carry-on/posters-artwork/keep-calm-carry-on-union-jack-poster/">(Source)</a></div>
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So did you watch the Jubilee Pageant yesterday! What an fine example of Britishness; trumpets, bunting, red velvet, Monarchy, rain rain and more rain! The stoic behaviour of the British people was never in better display than yesterday, it might be raining (a lot) but we'll still wave our banners, cheer our Queen, have a cup of tea and eat cake! <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18320076">In case you missed it all here's a precis....</a></div>
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<br />Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01678844479227148173noreply@blogger.com0