sew far sew good

A Week Long Give Away....

2012-02-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

With my 101st post I thought I would announce that next week I will be holding a week long give away. This is because it will be my blogs 1st birthday! One year ago in March I started all this, and just as a huge thanks I will be giving away, books, clothes, silk, notions and more, please join me.

This looks so great....

2012-02-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

I'm joining in with this sew along

http://afewthreadsloose.blogspot.com/2012/02/ooh-la-la-pin-up-sew-along-what-will.html

I have followed a few loose threads and her love for vintage underwear, so I'm thrilled there is a sew along. I think joining in will give me many tips and guidance along the way that even I could have perfect smalls!!

Pastille dress, muslin no.2.

2012-02-19T08:07:00.000-08:00

So taking into consideration what everyone had to say about my first Pastille muslin, I have made a few changes. The first is the length, in fact the whole of the skirt came down a size, and I shaved a little off the bodice.

Firstly the positives, it really does fit better.

A little to much fabric at the top of the bodice I think.

I have really struggled with lining up the darts. I think I have fiddles around so much I don't know if I'm coming or going.

Finally I I think I would benefit from starting from the the very beginning, keeping in mind all that I have learnt. To be honest I don't know that I will. The biggest problem with this dress for me is that between the darts is my pot belly and I feel really exposed, so I'm not sure that I like it. If the waistband moved to be a empire line maybe I would like it more. But for now I have learnt plenty, like go on a diet!!

And yes I did take the Colette book to the hairdressers with me!!

Pastille dress, muslin

2012-02-18T09:07:00.000-08:00

Item two of the Colette sew along marathon. Item one was the Meringue skirt, which in the book I didn't really like but in the interest of learning more skills I made a wearable muslin, now I love it! Item two of the marathon is the Pastille dress, which looks sleek and elegant. Although I have enjoyed making the muslin up with lots of pleats to practise I'm not sure I really like the dress.
Have a good look for yourselves, and please feel free to give some very honest feedback so I can improve.

Over all it does fit very well, having taken care and a few alterations to the pattern, i.e. my waist that is wider than my hips!

Either I need slight alteration or a little more care to aline the darts top and bottom.

Back darts line up nicely.

I think there is too much fabric at the sides of the skirt. I will not being doing the pleats and haven't decided how short to make the skirt yet. Probably knee length ( am over 35 now!!)

So now to make a little change here and there and then to raid the fabric stash. As I'm not that into the dress I will not be going out to buy new fabric, but should it suddenly improve I might have another go.

What do you think? And how are getting on with the sew along marathon?

A New Look....

2012-02-17T02:38:00.000-08:00

It's been on my mind for some time, to create a new look, not within my clothes though. I take time and care over what I wear I felt a little more notice somewhere else would be a good move! So what do you think?

I have found that the fashionable term for my new hair cut is the pixie look! I personally wish I had done it ages ago. I think this and a splash of lippy will give a nice youthful outlook.

Have a lovely weekend.

Sew Grateful Week : And The Winner Is..........

2012-02-12T12:16:00.000-08:00

My give away prize was this :

Which was apart of Debi's Sew Grateful week, which we are all sew grateful for. It has been a wonderful week with so much going on. So thank you Debi.

And the winner is..................

Seeks from http://theseekspeak.blogspot.com/ . Well done you! Please contact me with your address at charlottepowellbrooks at gmail dot com and will get those goodies out to you asap/

Sew Grateful Week.

2012-02-08T08:58:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows mow about the Sew Grateful week with the lovely Debi http://fashionsfromthepast.blogspot.com/ , and if you don't, where do you live MARS ??

My sew grateful has turned into a sew disaster so far, but I'm pulling it back and have a little offering at last!
I had been planning all along to make the retro hair band from Chic on a shoe string, all because I am so utterly grateful to MrPB for this lovely book and Kat from Modern vintage Cupcakes http://macskakat.wordpress.com/ for the cute polka dot buckle. But best made plans and all that, I could not find my bits and bobs which had been put in a safe place!!!

I love this book so much that I still wanted to use something from it. So plan B. Using no.1 of the 10 commandments in the book I thought I would rebutton a lovely cardigan. Now the cardigan itself I am grateful for, it must be 40 years old and comes from a big bag of clothes given to me by a lovely friend.

I am also so very grateful to lovely Charlotte from http://heartscottage.blogspot.com/ for the sweetest green spotty buttons and the fabric used for the patch, you could say I'm a slow burner as I've had these goodies for almost a year but wanted them to be on the right creation!

So that is my main Sew grateful offering, but I wanted to quickly add my gratefulness to mum and dad who gave me the Colette book for Christmas. My mum was so impressed with it that she bought herself a copy. When I visit next week we are planning to to start making the dress together helping with perfect fittings! But I have had a quick go at making one of the skirts.

Finally, I know it's late but I did want to thank all of you that follow my blog. I want to say how grateful I am to everyone who's blog I follow as you are inspiring and supportive. I've never been in such a fantastic crowd of people so needless to say a give away (sorry it's so late)

Above is cute pattern, size bust36. yellow buttons that could go with the cute fabric, very 70s Daisy's. There is one meter of it, but it is two meters wide. To have a chance of winning please leave a comment. You do have to be a follower of my blog and it is up to you to check if your a winner and contact me to claim your prize. Winner will be named on Sunday 12th Feb 2012.

80s Jumpsuit, and loving it!

2012-02-05T11:38:00.000-08:00

So with a whole list of things to make for autumn and winter I was really busy until Christmas. I have since slowed down on the dressmaking front although enjoyed all sorts of other crafting. On my autumn / winter list was this jumpsuit because it was perfect for the Sew Active Project http://charlottesewfarsewgood.blogspot.com/2011/11/sew-active-project.html

So it's a new pattern but all jumpsuits have a 80s feel to them. And I have been rather worried about looking like a big black blob, but actually I like it, the pattern that is not being a blck blob!! I may even have a go at the top at some point.

It is really lovely to wear the jersey is super soft and I hope it doesn't fall out of shape to quickly. I love to sew jersey but with this soft type I can understand why some find it rather challenging. It's always worth the effort I think.

My first attempt at trouser pockets! Looking good I think. and I'm rather proud of the gathering at the front of the top half too.

I wanted an item of clothing that was suitable for the Sew Active Project that I'm planning for myself. It just clothes that I can use for my everyday and active lifestyle choices such as cycling and yoga in style! The other main reason was I have a few long sleeve stripy T shirts and I wanted something to go with them instead of feeling lonely in my wardrobe!

Have you made anything that is great for your life rather than just looking pretty?

CRAFIVISTS

2012-01-31T06:16:00.000-08:00

I have been recently following Craftivist Collective http://craftivist-collective.com/ who state a spoonful of craft helps the activism go down. Well anyone who loves Mary Poppins and crafts as much as I do will have a friendship made in heaven!

There is a serious side, using craft to put across messages about human rights, environmental issues the list gos on as do the worlds in equalities. By highlighting issues hopefully we make the world think and act.

So my first attempt at craftism has take some time, I struggled with my message, I wanted it to come from the heart and also know enough about my comment that if I was challenged I wouldn't wilt away.
I though inspiration messages or quotes, then I thought something simple goes a long way. BE KIND, as simple as that. Then ofcourse the time spent sewing of which I chose to hand sew, I also spent time pondering the message for myself and how I hope it will inspire others.

So my inspiration bunting as the collective call it is placed in my village bus stop. Yes it's a little dark and dingy but the local notice board is housed here too so most of the village should get a peek and hopefully take some note.

As I was putting up my bunting an older lady asked what I was doing and said what a wonderful idea and not enough of us where very kind these days and could I make a be happy one too!

If the idea of prompting goodness has sparked an interest have a look at the website with a valentines project coming up http://craftivist-collective.com/ . There is also book for avid knitter called knitting for good by Betsy Greer.

Give it ago it's surprising how liberated you feel !

Baking (and my first tutorial)

2012-01-27T06:04:00.000-08:00

Today Arthur and I had a serious bake! I wrote about it in more details here http://myfamilymyway.blogspot.com/2012/01/home-baking.html the end result though is this :

Three seed dark flapjack.

It is such a treat that Ithought I would share it with you, the original flapjack comes from Cranks.

Ingredients :

butter 150g

raw brown sugar 75g

black molasses 75g

porridge oats 225g

pinch of salt

2 tablespoons of three seeds.

Method:

melt butter sugar and molasses together.

Add oats and seeds. I used 2 tablespoons each of pumpkin, sunflower and flax.

Squish it into a 20cm square tin and pop it in the oven 190 degrees for 25 minutes.

When it's out of the oven let it stand for 5 minutes then cut it in the tray, leave to cool if you can before you eat the whole lot!

It's then likely you will get as carried away as I did and make lots of others and wonder where the morning went!!

Happy baking.

Thankyou Jane

2012-01-25T06:27:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of the year I entered a giveaway over at Jane's blog. It's a lovely blog of Jane making really good quality and classic clothes. http://handmadejane.blogspot.com/

So lucky me won a dress, and it's is lovely as Jane and I are the same size!

Oh how I love it! One thing that has inspired me to take a little more care over my seems ect was the note that Jane wrote. She said that this was one of her first dresses and it wasn't perfect. Well Jane I think you have taken amazing care over the making of this dress, and has reminded me I should do the same.

Thankyou Handemade Jane.

Making an effort with refashioning.

2012-01-25T06:02:00.000-08:00

I love what others seem to make with refashioning one item to become another. I just don't seem to have the same vision, but I'm going to make more of an effort.
The reason for making more of an effort because I have recently acquired a bag of old, yes vintage clothes ( I will tell more about the story of clothes in another post soon!) Alot of them have marks and that kind of stuff so I am going to tackle the refashioning situation.

So lets begin not with anything vintage but a UFO. It was a sloppy looking summer dress that wasn't fitting well and I hated the length.

And made into a lovely little top!

OK this isn't the most amazing refashion but I will wear it now. I took loads off the length and back seem. Job done and confidence growing!

Sew Colette : Meringue Muslin

2012-01-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

I thought I would use a up a sheet for my muslin and also make a real effort so it would become a wearable muslin. It's not to bad really, considering this is my worst type of thing to make due to make. I have a pot belly so my waist size is way bigger than my hips using the Colette sizing this would be waist size 14 to hips size 4, so a little adjusting was needed. I did get a bit confused over pivot points etc but went for a free hand adjustment in the end.

I didn't have a zip let alone an invisible one, but I rip one from a skirt awaiting the quilting pile!

I'm quiet happy with the fit as it's supposed to be below the natural waist, so I was planning near my belly button which seems to work. I really like the waist band version but I was time conscious and didn't want to have to go through tutorials.

The hardest part was defiantly the scalloped hem. The joining bit between each scallop could be more precise.

I worked harder on the pleats tieing the ends off. I used more pins to keep everything in line. I should have used the iron more. And finally I plan to get a better zip.

As this is a wearable muslin I am planning to do just that! So I am not making up the skirt again in a hurry although I do have fabric waiting in the wings. This is mainly because I want to see if I like to wear it and how it wears throughout the day.

So how's the Colette Sew along going for you?

Journal of a novice cyclist, Madien voyage.

2012-01-15T06:42:00.000-08:00

So one of the 2012 challenges was or is to cycle more. It has long been an ambition of mine to use the car less and become lovely and fit, cycling through Devon's hills.
So thanks to MrPB who has attached Arthur's seat I am now up and cycling, we took our maiden voyage today!

Our ride took us four miles to a neighbouring village and good pub. I must admit it was hard work, not because of the extra weight rather than I am not as fit as I once was. I have always felt being a cyclist or any kind of sporty person doesn't mean we should loose any sense of style. Although I may not look my most stylish today (it is rather cold you know) I am wearing my self stitched pin stripe trousers, and planning to make a few nice things for my new adventures.

Thoughs on clothes swapping.

2012-01-14T13:50:00.000-08:00

Tonight we (WEN the women's environmental network ) http://www.wen.org.uk/ The Crediton bit anyway held a clothes swap. I thought I would just say how great an opportunity it was to get together with other women, make an evening of drinks and nibbles, chat and laughter.
I had a number of clothes to swap, I thought it was about time to rid myself of all those items that I thought I might one day fit t into again, lets face it, it's not going to happen, so swapping seemed better than simply handing it over to a Charity shop.
I discussed with a friend how liberating it felt to give clothes away that held emotional baggage. That it was good to feel renewed giving to others.
I also felt that this was a great opportunity to add to my wardrobe some lacking items such a s trousers. Joining in the seamless challenge http://seamlessblog.wordpress.com/ so no buying new meant this was a great opportunity.

Then the darker side of swapping hit me when everyone had gone home and I was looking through my new pile of clothes, yeas quite a pile. Four pair of trousers, seven T shirts, Two cardigans, two pair of shorts and a bikini top . This is where my hoarding takes over the need for quantity rather than quality has hold!!! AAAArgh, is clothes swapping good for me ask? Well if I find I am not wearing the new items I will be handing them over to a bigger clothes event in March. But it does make me wonder a little about what is my style, what do I need, how many pair of trousers do I really want?It's not that I disagree with the cause or the objective of swapping, maybe I just can not trust myself.

Sew Grateful 6th - 12th Feb

2012-01-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

Debi from fashion from the past has started a lovely idea of using fabrics, patterns, notions that may have been given to us, or using tutorials from other blogs to make an new something. I think this such a lovely idea to have a little showcase as as athankyou for the little something you may have received. Have a look at Debi's blog http://fashionsfromthepast.blogspot.com/2012/01/sew-grateful-week-rescheduled-for.html

I now have my thinking cap on and have a little time to get working!

Come on and sew along.

2012-01-09T06:14:00.000-08:00

Just my kind of sewing fun! The lovely Sarah and Erin have been conspiring for all of us to have the best time ever this year, yes the first sew along marathon!http://rhinestonesandtelephones.blogspot.com/2012/01/introducing-sew-colette.html The plan is to use that book, yes the one that everyone has got, did I mention I got it for Christmas ( only 100 times!) Colette handbook.

I love the idea too, start at the beginning and work our way through it. If you have the book you have probably have been intending to do this anyway, but now we can do it together!

There will a flickr group to! So what you waiting for?

PS. I have written a guest post on Rachel's blog today, if you want to have a little look ? http://houseofpinheiro.blogspot.com/2012/01/guest-blogger-charlotte-from-sew-far.html

Thankyou Kat, presents from New Zeland.

2012-01-07T05:29:00.000-08:00

My lovely postman dropped off a lovely gift today, all the way from New Zeland! I follow Kat's blog Modern Vintage Cupcakes http://macskakat.wordpress.com/ and was lucky enough to win a giveaway. Just look what I won :

Such great gifts, I'm planning to make a hairband and will use the spotty belt buckle. I love the patterns, although I may wait until the weather warms up to use them. The fabric envelope is made by Kat herself, I think my dairy will fit into it.

Have a look at Kat's blog it's really interesting, she has the most wonderful dresses,. inspired by vintage. I always love here photos, New Zeland just looks like the most amazing place to be.

Thank you Kat. x x x

To do lists for 2012.

2012-01-04T06:14:00.000-08:00

Well Happy New Year to you all. I have been pondering on this post or rather my intentions for 2012 since, well it seems along time!!

There are lots of I will promise to do this and I will be the perfect seamstress is I master that, to be honest my ideas are to random and I want it all, so I'm not planning to hold myself back this year. I thought of 2011 as a rebirth to my creativity and my first year in dressmaking, so 2012, I want more.

I would like myself to be just creative in everything I do :

dressmaking, lots for me, a shirt for MrPB and maybe something for the toddler.
around the home, new curtains, place mats, quilts to be finished
I would like to try scrapbooking, inspired by this months Molly Makes
Work in groups/ communities/ charities
make more accessories, I got the chic on a shoe string for xmas and it's very inspiring
join in sew along's and such likes, I find them immensely fun
knit one garment using a pattern
refall in love with my garden
do more yoga

I am attempting two big projects in Jan.

The Sew Active project, I plan to do more yoga but more importantly to my wardrobe I am tackling a very big issue in my life. I am planning to cut back my working hours which will in turn enable me to cycle more, and use the car less! This is a very big mission as I live in Devon and there are hills everywhere and I'm not that fit yet. I also want to look good doing it and stick to the self stitched year.
I am also starting to put together a quilt. This quilt was started to get my village together, everyone got a square and could decorate it there own way, only now I have to make it up!!

So alot to do already with a for ever growing list as I am just so excited about getting the opportunity to do so many things!!

So whats your first for the year?

My First Year Dressmaking.

2011-12-31T02:04:00.000-08:00

I have for many years been a sewing crafter, presents, toys, useful things for the house, curtains ect, so I know I have a creative side but I think it had a rather long holiday. I must have needed a new challenge, in steps dressmaking! I bought myself a few patterns as a Christmas present for myself last year and my first item for a New Years party.

I still love and wear this loads! I was elated to have finished something that I really could wear, I have never been known for following instructions well or even completing things I start! So one challenge I am still able to say I have conquered.

With the dressmaking bug in full flow I knew from day one that I wanted a wardrobe made of self stitch stuff. I think I have done well with 20 items of clothing just for myself! Every new items was a challenge I truly learnt something new. I feel that my main concerns for dressmaking is making too much, once I have had a beginning of season flurry of activity I don't really need to do to much more, my aim is not to have bursting at the seems wardrobe, so I will be working harder at this next year.So here are a few of this years makes :

I have found the on line community invaluable, I started off with Sew Weekly challenges of which I think I have joined in about a dozen or so. I have loved the sew along and challenges that brings a lovely crowd together I have been involved in :

I also created my own little button and flickr group as a show case for everyone that made or refashioned their own clothes. I was really pleased with the response and felt inspired to do more in the future.

So what have I learnt? how do I feel about 2011, well, I know that being apart of a community or group really inspires me. I also feel that my ethos of having practical clothing or my own style is something I still am having to work on, including the quantity.I feel that this has been a missing link in my life and why did it take me so long to find!! I feel that my creativity has been reborn and this is just the beginning, so 2012 here we come!!

Last Offerings

2011-12-24T05:51:00.000-08:00

I have finished my last Christmas present, which means I have been a true follower of the Crafty Christmas blog, which makes me smile :-)

Last offering is a bamboo handle bag, made for my Mum to put her crochet bits and bobs into!

A quick summary : thrifted vintage fabric in and out, design from a Molly Makes Magazine, although my bag seems a little longer so you can fit more in I suppose.

Merry Christmas everyone, hope you all get your crafty offerings done in time, only one more sleep you know!! x x x

The Joy of Sewing.

2011-12-22T02:51:00.000-08:00

What ever I make, when ever I make it I really feel like I'm learning something. So today's lesson in the joy of sewing comes when you choose a pattern and fabric that you truly love it all seems to fall into place. I adore this pattern and have been waiting to make it up and having the nicest fabric, a little extra sewing was in store (even though the Christmas to do list is growing)!

When I was making this up I noticed that without a under lying agenda of time or occasion I was able to take my time and really enjoy what I was doing. Maybe all the little things just fell into place like having the right colour cotton, my making time wasn't just an allocated hour, with all this I relaxed and worked steadily.

So the photos are a bit rubbish and I'm standing in a weird way BUT, it's all about the dress, and I really like it, and of course being red it has a Christmas feel to it.

This will be the last dressmaking effort of 2011 and I'm pleased to be going out on a positive note rather than the past struggling efforts. Is anyone else still working on a Christmas or new years party number or are you feet up and enjoying a glass of mulled wine and mince pies? Either way, Happy Christmas to you all, and I'm really looking forward to the New Year. x x x

Such a cool idea.

2011-12-17T05:58:00.000-08:00

A directory for us bloggers, what a great idea. pop over and join in
http://craftyrie.blogspot.com/2011/10/universal-craft-blog-directory.html

Christmas dress update (it's looking better)!

2011-12-17T05:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the words of encouragement and I have taken some of your advice. So with minimum alterations for maxium impact I have added a cute little belt and halved the the length of the sleeves and : .................

not bad hey?

Everyone had some lovely idea and really did spur me on not to bin it. I also think Meg is so so right when she added you have to learn to love something, I'm not always totally impressed with what I make and I just couldn't waste all that time effort fabric and patterns just to bin it. So yes a smile has returned!

Thanks everyone. x x x

I hate my Christmas dress!

2011-12-16T06:35:00.000-08:00

Well you should already know where I stand with this new dress, yes I hate it! I thought after a few Burda patterns which challenge my use of patterns a nice easy floaty Christmas dress would do the trick. WRONG!! OK, I chose this pattern :

I thought the little capt sleeves would be cute, after sevral efforts and resorting to the longer sleeves, third time lucky I got a pair. I made it up in bust38, so generous are the sizing's that I had to keep hacking away at all the excess. Well here we go

The neck line is stupidly big for me along with the big sleeves just looks silly. I thought the dress would look floaty but it's a bag! I have been trying to make it work that the pattern on the fabric is making me dizzy.

What am I going to do? I really will not wear this is this state and hate it so much that I don't even want to try to do anything else with it!

Do you love everything you make, how many big disasters have you made and what happens to them?

Pin Cushion Prize

2011-12-14T08:24:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank Diane from http://margueritedesigns.blogspot.com/ . for here wonderful pin cushion that I won, along with pretty card full of sewing needles. Do have a look at her great site, Diane seems to be able to put her hand to anything! I honestly don't have a pincushion and it has been on my must do someday list but now, well.....

Thank you, I love it. Christmas has come early.

Gifts Glore!

2011-12-07T05:57:00.000-08:00

As a child I have always made Christmas presents, over the recent years though I have really started to take this task seriously. So as I have shown you already I have been making padded hangers, his and her style, I have completed four more, the stash has nearly finished.

I have also finished the scarf I have been knitting for my Dad. It's moss stitch which I think I'm in love with.

I have also finished drying the felted ball I have made for Arthur's stocking. This is so cute and they are so so easy to make. They also look good with a few beads and a thread and Bobs your Uncle you have hanging Christmas balls. A few of us made these at the mother and baby group I run.

And finally, I know you will all love this! Taken from Petra Berger's Feltcraft, making doll, gifts and toys, book I have made another stocking filler. Gnome with a bed.

This gnome fits in perfectly with the craft book challenge http://lieslmade.wordpress.com/2010/12/29/craft-book-challenge/ I have only stumbled across this recently, which is sad because it is now coming to an end, but I feel pleased to have sneaked in a couple of entrys.

But finally all of these gifts become apart of my Crafty Christmas Stash http://craftychristmasclub.blogspot.com/

So Christmas is coming along nicely thank you, how about you?

Crafting in the community.

2011-12-04T02:06:00.000-08:00

During my blogging time of just under a year I have come to really enjoy this past time. I feel that I have some real friends in a cyber world, I feel supported, inspired and encouraged along my journey of crafting, dressmaking, family and anything else that happens to come along. But what about 'real life', do any of you get involved in crafting projects within the community you live?
Recently I have started a community quilt project which is a massive task, and I'm just not ready to explain it all yet but there has also been some wonderful light relief too. The back ground to this post is that my local town holds a Christmas tree festival in the church where all sorts of groups, charities and business decorate their tree, over sixty in total.
I have been really luck to be involved in two trees. The first being Shobrooke angels (shobrooke is my little village). We had a workshop in the village hall (all 1940s fans would adore it) and we made peg angels. It was a lovely experience of young, old newcomers and old timer all getting together and having a real laugh!

Here we can see Arthur's little angel, who looks as if she has had a little accident!! He was very insistent on making it all himself, I just managed brief moments of putting it together. Some of the others really made some beautiful angels.

The second tree I helped to make decorations was WEN the women's environmental network they are a very worth while group and I urge you to take a look http://www.wen.org.uk/ . So for this group we wanted to up cycle our clothes or fabric stash to make hearts and stars. here was my offering

it was also a real enjoyment putting our decorations up and then bringing the family back to have a look at our own and every ones elses efforts.

the lace makers made about fifty of these and it took all year to do.

It has been a wonderful experience and I will now seek out opportunities to craft as a community or group again. Does other communities have projects that you get involved in?

Christmas presents that span the world of sew alongs!

2011-11-30T03:20:00.000-08:00

Yes I am now on official Christmas present making duties ( although to be honest my thoughts have already been straying to the pattern stash)! So the presents will be apart of my crafty Christmas club http://craftychristmasclub.blogspot.com/

So here is what I have been making, padded hanger a his and her selection.

The really exciting thing about these where that they have spanned so many sew along and blog sites. Firstly the red roses come from a giveaway that I won from meg at http://megthegrand.blogspot.com/

and the beautiful vintage flower fabric was given to me from a kind neighbour. So I feel these are worthy of the Sew Grateful Project with Debi at http://fashionsfromthepast.blogspot.com/2011/11/wont-you-join-me-in-being-sew-grateful.html

I will also be using the men's stripey hanger at Sew Weekly Challenge this week as they where once a bed spread! http://www.sewweekly.com/ and finally if I get the time on Saturday I will show them off at Justine's Sew and Tell http://www.sewcountrychick.com/

the SEW ACTIVE project.

2011-11-29T05:42:00.000-08:00

This is the start of a new project that can bring fitness and creativity together!!

I want to say firstly that I am an avid fan of retro and vintage, my personal favourite era is the 70s (I know I have said it many many times before). I still want to make the styling and a whole wardrobe of pretty dresses too, however I have found that these patterns do not always lend themselves to my everyday activities.

I am a parent of four boys, a childminder, a dog walker, a keen yogi I feel I need appropriate clothing that looks good to. Also with my pledge to projects such as seamless and the go slow clothes movement I feel it is very important to make my own.

So here is the birth of Sew Active, a celebration, a showcase for those of us who have made or refashioned their own clothing or accessories for a healthy life style. This may be perfect timing with the approach of the new year and all those resolutions to get fit.

This is the important but though, getting active in our self stitched clothing can be for any activity from dog walking to swimming. From gardening to dancing. From yoga to hard core marathon runners or gym bunnies. Here we would like to show that the creative types like to get out and get our hearts pumping in a stylish manor!

So please join in the fun, add the picture to your blog (not forgetting to link back here). Also for the showcase join in on flickr http://www.flickr.com/groups/1809660@N20/?added=2

Happy Sewing everyone, I am sew so excited!

The Most Intense Apple Flavour Ever !

2011-11-20T05:23:00.000-08:00

In the UK we have had a bumper crop of apples this year. All starting with dry spring so there was perfect blossom, a wet and sunny, wet and sunny summer, allowing for lots and lots of apples. Now at the end of the year we are having a rather warm November which has allowed for collecting the last few wind falls. Mr PB has managed to find an amazing cooker from the last tree standing in an old walled garden (now sadly a swimming pool ). So Saturday afternoon was for a batch of apple cooking.
First up a huge batch of stewed apples for the freezer.

Secondly was sour dough muffins with apples rains and Cinnamon.

Finally for the most intense apple flavour you will ever taste should you make it up, Apple Butter! Apple butter is like a condensed jam or preserve. It is easy to make :

3il of apples washed. Chop with skins and cores ect., put in pan cover with water and boil/ simmer until is mash able. Put all the mixture through a sieve, then weigh and for every IL you have of apples add 350g of soft brown sugar. The into a pan and simmer for along time until it becomes a thick creamy consistory. Put into jars. The scrape all the left over bits and eat with white toast!!

We often use blogs to share our enthusiasm and joys of life's adventures. Sadly it doesn't always go to plan, I blogged about my wonderful rosehip syrup that was at the time wonderful (on my other blog, please do visit) http://myfamilymyway.blogspot.com/2011/09/rosehip-syrup-and-leg-warmers.html

Unfortunately it has all gone a bit fizzy and didn't preserve properly, although we did get to use some I did have to through some away too. Better luck next year, so very disappointing.

Yoga Happy.

2011-11-20T01:26:00.000-08:00

I may or I may not have mentioned that I am a real yoga fan, I just love the way those stretches and bends can relax, invigorate, and generally give well being. I attend a class every week and recently I have wanted to up my yoga game, increase my knowledge and have that "ummmm" feeling with inner smile everyday. I am trying to practice at home at least three times more a week! So being a girl it's very important to look good and have the right clothing, so self stitched yoga top of joy!

I really need to make this top for another reason to, I have made two items form the Burda Style which I find challenging, so I wanted a really easy quick to make up number. So here we are, this top only has four parts of the pattern and took a speedy couple of hours to make.

It's rather bright and crazy for me, but I love it. Another little reason for having a quick to make number was to be able to take part in this weeks Sew Weekly challenge, of play it again, revisiting previously made items. So for the keen eyed ones out there, yes this top is the same pattern form my first autumn top.

I love this top, but..... I really wanted to make it up the flowery brushed cotton, therefore ignoring the stretched knits guide lines! This top I do wear a lot in fact it's starting to go bobbly but not being stretched it has a tendency to be rather static around the chest and not much arm allowance. So having another go I made this new top from Jersey cotton which is soft and warm and drapes and moves beautifully. I also lengthened the sleeves for my own personal preference.

I am also adding this to the Sew and Tell over at sew country chick http://www.sewcountrychick.com/

What a great idea !

2011-11-19T06:03:00.000-08:00

Justine from Sew County Chick has created a great Show and Tell Saturday. I love this idea of bringing inspiration and blog lovies together, go on have a look!!

Very Smart Mrs!

2011-11-14T12:28:00.000-08:00

Well the autumn wardrobe is coming along nicely thank you. I feel that with a pair of trousers made up I am well on my way to having a me made autumn. So the low down!

A smart pair of trousers A first for me, pattern from the Burda Style magazine.

So I would like to say as a novice dressmaker Burda style is hard work, finding the pattern and having very little instructions means that tackling new aspects of sewing is pushing my skills to the limit. I have made life easier for myself though by not doing anything too complicated or that I could get away with, it is easier to try new skills with other patterns as the have cut peaces, written instructions and diagrams. Therefore no pockets for me, which I am pleased with because I would have ruined the outer line!

Although I did try for the first time a zipper with flap thing. As you can see it's not all perfect here.

At least I remembered the pleats at the back (I did somehow manage to forget them at the front). To finish off I am rather pleased, they are comfortable and I do love love love a woolen pair of trousers through the winter, oh and I lined them too!!

Finally I will be using these for the Sew Weekly challenge this week as I will never manage to finish or even start something from the Burda book. Who else will be taking part this week?

Burda Book Arrives!

2011-11-08T05:47:00.000-08:00

I am super excited, my new pre Christmas gift to myself has arrived this morning, The Burda Handbook. I am enjoying the ring binder presentation and after only a quick flick so far I have been inspired to try and be a little mote creative, developing my own style on the basics that Burda provide. I think this looks an exciting book that with strong foundations will enable you to tackle bigger and better projects.

I would also like to say a well done to Katjia another blogger who has one of her creations in the Burda book, how cool is that!? If you haven't seen her blog pop ove4r and give it a look a very creative and talented lady to boot! http://ofdreamsandseams.blogspot.com/

So in a couple of weeks Sew Weekly will be holding it's weekly challenge and it's theme will be a creation from this book. I really am inspired by the dress and I'm hoping some lovely red fabric I have will be enough and that I will be able to whip it up in time. If I don't manage it I am sure my Burda Style trousers should be finished by then.

I thought I would finish up with showing you my seasonal table, it has been a whole year that I have a table of this kind, as autumn is my favourite season I thought I would show it off!

Hope you are all enjoying the season, what's inspiring you at the moment?

First Burda Style for me.

2011-10-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

As I may have mentioned ( a hundred times at least) I am the proud owner of Burda Style, the edition for Oct was made for me I am sure. I loved nearly everything and made a list as long as my arm of all those lovelies I plan to make over the season. I planned to make a smart pair of trousers first but I had to put them aside so I could make up a shirt with some lovely autumn floral all in time for next weeks Sew Weekly challenge, which is orange.
So here it is, a close up of the fabric first. I love it, so cute, a new experience wearing such a busy small print.

Some really lovely details to make up the relatively easy shirt, firstly the tie is attached to the collar.

There is also a couple of pleats at the front. There were supposed to be cuffs but I'm not to keen so I didn't bother making them up.

Final picture looks a bit creased but we were on a walk which had finally stopped raining, so I whipped my waterproofs off and got Mr PB to take some snaps!! I feel like the top is a success but there is alot of space at the back and top near the arms. Maybe a few adjustments to make it perfect, although keeping it slightly larger means its comfortable with a long sleeve T. shirt underneath.

Overall I am pleased with the Burda, although it was a challenge finding all the correct pattern peaces!

MMmm CAKE

2011-10-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share with you a little story of cake, quiet possibly one of my favourite things pf all time. This is a special sour dough cake mix, passed on by Nicola a lovely potter in our village. Herman is a friendship cake that is alive and continues to grow over ten days.

This is Herman the cake mix on day one, we had to keep him on the side stirring him on each day, addeding ingrediants on day four and nine. Watch hoe he grows, it is really amazing!

On day nine we split Herman into five equal parts, in theroy you keep one and give away the other four in friendship. Because we are greedy we gave away two, leaving us with two cakes to amke up and one to start all over again.

The mix is queit dense and you can add what you like, we had one with a fruit cake mix and the other choc and choc chips! I was really suprised at the size and the flavour is great. A real interesting taste that is thick but not over sweet.Looks like everyone else like it to as there isn't much left!

Just aswell I kept a batch to do it all over again, I think it was a real secsess. I wish I could tell you how to start the sour dough but I I don't know. What I really like is the fact that it can keep growing and growing!

Autumn Top No. 2.

2011-10-13T12:26:00.000-07:00

Well I don't know where the time is going, I have been so excited about making up a whole batch of new clothes, but time doesn't seem to be on my side! Out of 4 tops I am only on my second, I feel a bit baffled really because just a few months ago I managed a garment a week maybe two weeks.

Anyhow, enough grumbling. Top no. 2.

I thought the long sleeve version, using my lovely floral vintage fair find. The fabric is a good medium weight, but sadly frays alot!

In my excitement to get on I must have forgotten my brains as I missed to very important steps. Firstly the joining together of the front and more importantly the joining of the bodice to skirt!! What was I thinking? At least my skills must be improving as I was able to ab lib and get the job done!

I'm happy with my finished top, pleased I have another me made for the season!

My next plan may take me a while so it may seem that I am missing in action for a while. I am going to make the lovely wide leg smart trousers from the Burda magazine. Yes they are lovely but it will be the first Burda mag try out and my first pair of proper trousers.

Hope your autumn goodies are coming along!

x x x

SHOWING OFF

2011-10-12T05:01:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to have a little show off, I know you wont mind. Just take a look at this...

Do you know what it is yet ?

Yes it's a lovely lovely needle case. Made from oak with a leather binding and really cute felt inside. Thanks mum and dad for such a wonderful birthday present!

I'm Published!

2011-09-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

No novel writing for me, nothing so grand! Although I am feeling rather proud of my little article that explains my pledge to dressmaking.

All of us dressmakers have different reasons for joining the cause, but now we are hooked and enjoying each others inspiration and support, and I thought that was worth writing about.

The magazine in question is called Inspired Times, I think it is just that! It is a truly cool mag that is creative, ethically aware, opens our minds to other ways of life and inspires through everyday living and our spirituality.

Go and find it, it's worth a read!

Autumn Fabric and Leg Warmers.

2011-09-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

As you may have seen I have made the first item of autumn, it was a joy to make up and so comfortable that it hasn't left me for the last three days!
So inspired by this I took a visit to my local fabric shop, wow yet more joy. Instead of the old cave of a shop it has relocated to the other side of the bridge where it now lives in a lovely spacious and bright new shop! As you can imagine I wanted to buy everything!! I ended up with lot:

Top right is lovely brown stripe wool, yes trousers! Below a floral light cotton for a shirt. The other floral is corduroy and will probably be a top, finally a green fleece which I want to make the simplicity 80s T. shirt again. I love having a list of things to get on and make, so I'm very happy.

I have also been very lucky and was given by a lovely neighbour this amazing pattern. It is untouched 1975, I am in heaven!!

Finally I am not a great knitter BUT, I have made my first pair of leg warmers. It was so much fun, this pair will be making there way to Kent for my sisters birthday, I'm now busy knitting a second pair in turquoise for myself. Hope you are all having a lovely weekend too. x x x

A First For Autumn.

2011-09-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

Well I have finished my first item for the autumn season. This was the pattern I went for :

It was a lovely gentle ease into my new dressmaking regime. I really did enjoy making it and it took no time at all! I can also say that being a 80s pattern that I am closing the gap in the Sewing Through The Decades Challenge! The fabric is a really soft , actually a flannel sheet. I am probably going to put the other half on it on my Etsy page, but if your interested send me a note.

As I have mentioned before I'm not making any hard and fast rules this autumn (well only that it's wearable) mainly because I have the Burda coming through my door each month ,this will influence me no end. So here are a few of my favourites for this month.

I must admit they all seem rather glamorous but I do really love them! Also a little picture of autumn, along with a Arthur's new toy. The vintage lovers of you will adore this! A 1970s pram, I'm glad to say Arthur loves it as much as I do!

DRESSMAKING Autumn.......

2011-09-09T05:59:00.000-07:00

There is alot of change in the air, yes it's autumn!!! Can you tell I'm excited, I feel autumn gives me a really big handful of energy, I love it.
Trying to hold back the enthusiasm I have been considering my autumn/winter wardrobe carefully. Trying to acknowledge what my wearing patterns are like through the cooler months. Also working with what I already have. Being mindful.......
So I know that I already have a pair of cords, and jeans and yoga pants that I love to wear ALOT! So I feel that my plan for the winter should be what I need as I need it (remembering my over all aim is to have a waldrobe of clothes I have made myself). Therefore I think I will need tops, I'm thinking about 4 and these are patterns I already have and like.

Ok a little confession, I really like that jumpsuit too!

AS I've mentioned before I also have the Burda magazine to inspire me as I go along, in fact the Sept issue has a lovely cape, short trousers and wonderful coat. I may not need or get round to any of these but having them in my stash makes me a happier person.

Continuing on being mindful I know that through the season I will want something nice for Christmas, and I always have has a love for suit trousers, so I have a pattern that I aspire to..

Isn't it just wonderful!

Well happy autumn and happy planning, I know my to do list change like the colour on the leaves !

VEG PATCH Aug into Sept. review

2011-09-06T06:19:00.000-07:00

Well there are still a good few thing growing in the garden. The pumpkins are looking so colourful and pretty. The borlotti beans are great this year I recommend giving them ago, they can be eaten like runner beans (which we still have hundreds of), they can be eaten for the beans, fresh or dried. I am very pleased that our little apple tree has given us so many wonderful apples. My mission this week is to cook up batches to put in the freezer and keep us happy through the winter.

I am super proud of all the lovely goodies we have had this year. I am sad it is all coming to an end, I wish we had space to produce veggies all year. I long for there to be space at our local allotments, but untill then I support our local organic veg box scheme.

Molly Makes Magazine.

2011-08-24T05:56:00.000-07:00

I'm guessing that you have noticed something about me recently, yes I've got a bit addicted to magazines. I think they are great, I don't have time to read huge sections of my book until bed time, so I feel a good magazine does the trick! I can flick read something interesting and look at inspiring pictures. Well here is a new one, Molly Makes, it has only just started with issue no.4 only just out. For me I have considered this somewhat of an indulgence as it costs a whopping £5, but then I looked at a few other mags I have and it's no far off the average.
Once you get your first copy I know you will be hooked, I am. If you like vintage, making and collecting then you will find something in here for you. There are interviews with textile designers, book reviews and diary of event, and loads and loads of inspiring photos, I personally think this is what makes MM such a success.I have been into the fact it is really interactive to with it's own facebook page.
It's full of inspiration, of things I will never get round to doing but I sit and read and it fills me with "ooooooh " and "aaaaaarh"

Rag Rose

2011-08-17T05:24:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned that I felt rather inspired at the Crossiant Neuf Summer Party, the loveliest little festival in Wales. Well this is my creation, rag rose brooch, what do you think?
Maybe I should add some to my Etsy store Sew Excited or take a few along to Crediton community market that I'm thinking of going to in Sept.

Festival Fever!

2011-08-16T05:59:00.000-07:00

I have just spent an amazing long weekend in Wales. Mr PB, Arthur and I went along to the Crossiant Neuf Summer partyhttp://partyneuf.co.uk/. It is totally powered by solar power! We had great food, great music, great fun, time to chill. What I wanted to share with you was a fantastic stall I came across. The stitch doctors, an area where you can embellish your own clothes or pick up a bar gin. Two sewing machines where powered by peddling on the bike, there where lots of frills and spills to add along with buttons and ribbons. It was very inspiring, that even on a get away from it all kind of place that sewing has taken such a strong hold! Although I didn't take part I am keen to embellish more.

DRESSMAKING full circle

2011-08-10T00:39:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist whipping something up for my holiday to Wales. I wanted something super easy and material from the stash. So here we have it the first ever pattern I used New Look 6890, I was immensely proud of my first creation and still wear it alot.This time I made the version with long sleeves and I think I made a better job of the neck line, I also added a lacy trim which is most unlike me but I'm impressed how it has transformed my top and plan to use more.My new version is very 70s smock like (MrPB actually laughed aloud when I first showed him!) but when I'm wearing it I just love it, so it's fast becoming a summer favourite!

DRESSMAKING/CRAFTS Vintage textile fair

2011-08-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

I have been very lucky today! I have known about the Hyson textile fairs for a while, they have talked about in many magazines, Country Living to Molly Makes, but I have never been able to make it, which is a true shame when Honiton and Chagford are both only 45minutes drive away.

Well today I have indulged myself, seeing as it is Summer holidays. The Honiton textile fair was easy to find in a little church hall off the busstling market town. I was instantly taken by this lovely cross stitch sampler just sat in the door way.

The hall itself was small enabling a dozen stalls, but each had wonderful selections of fabrics ribbons,trim and buttons. All I can say was it was heavenly!!

I got a little carried away and bought a few trims, and fabric ready to make my autumn wardrobe. I now wish I had bought a few more too!!

The buttons are ceramic, and totally lovely! The fabric they are sat on is a nice wool and the flower fabric of which there is meters of is a heavy cotton.

All in all a fab day, and yes I will be making it again and to the Chagford market to, as I now know how great it is!

VEG PATCH July and early August.

2011-08-08T00:36:00.000-07:00

Well the end of July has been and gone in the blink of an eye! I missed out on the July review, at the time I felt there wasn't much happening in my garden. In fact around this time I start to feel a little sad as a few of the crops have already finished and I start wondering have I done enough ?

My fears are always come to nothing. All those beans like to hide and as you start picking there is an amazing abundance. Far to many in fact just to add to every meal this week, so I intend to make some chutney.

I do enjoy this time of year using everything up, the bringing in of the bountiful fruits of our gardens and and hedge rows, Lammas is a lovely time of year to celebrate the summer and what we achieve, but do any of you already feel the change, this is what partially excites me as well.

Anyway a few bits from my garden, all got in one picking!!

AN AWARD !

2011-07-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

Wow and thank you so much. Wendy from the Butterfly Balcony has names my blog as a lovely one!! Firstly I would like you to visit Wendy's blog of vintage making, it packed with loads of inspirational goodies. http://thebutterflybalcony.blogspot.com/2011/07/bloggy-awards.html#comment-form .I would like to say how grate it is in supporting each other in these awards, and also giving time to finding some other cool blogs that we may have missed otherwise.

I think at this point I am supposed to give you five facts about myself...sorry but they are not very interesting.

I long for more time, to do any of the lovely things I love, sewing, reading, walking, being with friends.
I generally go to bed at 9pm to ha ha read (I then fall asleep in my book at about 20 past!
One of my bestest films ever is Miss Potter, I love nice films
Recently I have been feeling a little old, I think it is because my teenage boys have lots of lovely young girl friends, and I have realised that that time for me feels like a long time ago.
I am now addicted to Etsy as well as blogs and flickr! No wonder I feel I am lacking time for anything else!!

This is more important though, the blogs I would like to put forward for this award :

http://teaandcrumpetsvintage.blogspot.com/

http://somethingsihavemade.blogspot.com/

Please make the time to visit these blogs, some interesting posts from some talented ladies.

DRESSMAKING. I have a theroy......

2011-07-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

Today I have either lost my mind and a lot of money or I have done something very clever!! Today I subscribed to Burda magazine, I know you are thinking this really isn't going to work well with spending less ect ect. but I have a theory......

My theory comes from the fact I am about to plan my winter wardrobe. I have gone through my already have patterns and to be honest not much is looking that cosy for the winter! I have also tr walled through a few pattern sites, I hate this, I find it so hard to commit to one pattern, scared I'm making the right choice. Therefore I think that if I have the Burda magazine for one year I will have plenty of patterns that will have clothes for every season without the above stress. Also a good pattern can cost up to £10 and I would only get seven if buying individually.

My new challenge is now not to buy any more patterns (because I wont need to) If I want anything more vintage I can dip into my own stash. Backed with my fabric thrifting I'm onto a winner!!

Getting Etsy Stock Together.

2011-07-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

As you will have seen I do have an Etsy shop, Sew Excited. I was really excited to get it up an running but I must admit there wasn't much going on! Until today that is, I have been sorting out some fabric and it is ready to sell. I love the idea of my Etsy page as passing on some great fabrics to be recycled feels really good. Here are a few bits on offer, or go and have a peek I would love some feedback.

VEG PATCH June

2011-07-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

A short and bursting post, just like my garden!! Tat to finally starting to harvest a few lovely looking veg, and tons of fruit. I have picked lots of gooseberries and blackcurrants and have made jars and jars of jam, which is great because I don't buy jam anymore and I had run out and the homemade Marmalade was starting to get a little boring. Lettuce is going good, although it doesn't look amazing there is plenty and I like the tom thumb variety. As you can see the broad beans have been a success, along with the peas. I'm enjoying the sun and rain combination, hoping the rest of the garden does too.

DRESSMAKING Me Made June Review

2011-07-01T00:50:00.000-07:00

Other than stating I was taking part in the Me Made June Challenge I have not reported on at all, although I have posted my outfits on the flickr group. I thought I would just have a general round up and say how successful I thought it was. Personally I didn't have enough outfits to be wearing a new one each day but for me having a good basic wardrobe that can be swapped around and worn over and over fits with my philosophy of dress making and clothing in general, I was never destine to be a one man sweat shop! I did manage to wear at least one item of my own clothes each day which I found very satisfying, particularly as I have only made one garment this month! The flickr group was fantastic, new and old friends inspiring everyday with lovely patterns, fabric and prints, not mention my to do list of accessories I now have!!

CRAFT just lay back and relax

2011-06-28T05:53:00.000-07:00

I have not mentioned before but I am in love with yoga! Tuesday nights is by one night a week where I know I will get some dedicated me time, I am also very lucky to have a very inspiring yoga teacher that lives in my village. I if you are familiar with yoga classes you will know that there are moments of relaxation and breathing, Vivian hands out eye cover that are scented with lavender and they work wonders! I have thought how boring they are in the navy blue so I have made a batch of my own to sell to the ladies of my class, and also put some of the money toward the natural play toddlers group they I run. They are amazingly easy to make up from scraps, I'm not going to tell you how, but I recommend giving them ago even if your not into yoga. x x

DRESSMAKING 1970s shirtdress

2011-06-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

I feel that it has been some time since I have made a proper outfit. To be honest I have loads of patterns and loads of fabric but I don't want to become a one person swet shop, I would like to have less clothes but of those I do have , I cherish. So for me I feel I have a summer waldrobe and I'm not planning to make to many more outfits. There will always be the to do list but my feelings at the moment are about celebrating what I have achieved. So now I give your the second of my shirt dresses that I had planned for this summer.

I am actually very proud of this dress, I don't know why I think maybe it's because I just love it! Although nothing really goes completley to plan, it is rather tight on the arms, I have redone the seems but still my arms are a little squeezed in, so I feel this will be a going out dress where all I hace to do is lift a wine glass!

DRESSMAKING join the go slow clothes movement

2011-06-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

I would like to invite you all to join me in the Go Slow Clothes Movement. This is simply aims to celebrate and support those that make or refashion your own clothes. By making or refashioning we are breaking the curse of fast fashion which actually comes at a price to the environment and those that work within the industry. We are also celebrating the fact that we are not all a standard shape and by making our own clothes we are able to look good in clothes that fit properly. Finally if you make you love, which means are clothes are cared for and last longer which is a positive outcome in a material/ throw away society. I have created gadget/ picture, please feel free to put it on your own blog to show your support, just remember to mention this blog. There is also a go slow clothes group on flickr.com to join and share photos (only one photo per day please).
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1721158@N23/

Thankyou for your support.

FAMILY LIFE Last child in the woods , book review.

2011-06-09T02:37:00.000-07:00

I certainly don't intend to tell you so much about this book that you feel it's just not worth getting and reading. Defiantly no, because this book is worth getting and reading, it is in my top five ever!!

Last child in the woods by Richard Louv is a best seller in the US, but the revised and updated revision is just as relevant to me in the UK. It is packed with children and adults interests and experiences in nature or the growing lack of them. Yes there is that label of nature deficit order, which I find hard as I'm not one for labels anyhow, but it's trying to make us understand whats been going on for the last twenty five years! Why are our children not able to go outside and discover nature for themselves, why don't they want to, what are the consequences for this? He relates to many many studies all really interesting in their own right, I particularly like the links to Howard Gardener who explained our intelligence as 'smart', until recently he had put children's intelligences into seven categories, number, music ect, but he added a eighth, nature smart which just shows the influence growing with nature can have to make our children happy and successful.

I'm sure there are plenty of you thinking this book sounds like a hard slog, well it's just as good as a resource book, in the back there are brilliant categories, links and ideas on how to move forward giving our children the freedom to explore and the confidence to their parents to let them do so. There are aspects such as 100 actions we can take as parents, carers ect. Recommended further reading, and fun stuff included like how to build a tree house. suggestions for transforming our communities,. ways in which educators can bring about outdoor reform. And of course discussion points.

If your not sure about the outlay, go to the library and give it a go, I'm sure you will find it very absorbing and inspiring to give nature the respect it deserves.

DRESSMAKING The Ginger is Completed!

2011-06-02T06:14:00.000-07:00

OK, it was some weeks ago that the fashionable stitch blog started a fab Colette pattern (The Ginger Skirt) sew a long. Well one weekend away, one wedding and five days in Kent later I have managed to catch up!!!
To start with I chose a lovey piece of vintage fabric (I am selling the other half in my Etsy shop now), it was lovely to use.

Having a little pot belly (I'm not complaining, just stating) I did have to adjust the pattern , I followed the tutorial which I felt was brilliant. All went to plan. Until I made it up, the first time I have made a muslin, so glad I did. There was some adjusting needed to the waist band. But the pattern adjustments worked perfectly.

Cracking on I thought it was a terrible shame to waste the muslin fabric so I thought I would line my skirt with it! So I managed my first lining which was actually a success, so I'm wearing my skirt inside out to show it off!

I thought all in all the Ginger was pretty cool. I am pleased with the results, as always there are parts to improve like putting in zips r sewing a straight hem line!

All in all a pretty good fit. Although having such a high waist band I feel I need a suitable top otherwise it just looks a little frumpy, I feel my next project coming on ...........

VEG PATCH May 2011

2011-05-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

Since the end of April, my garden has come to more or less a stand still, the problem, no rain. As I had shown in my previous post there was a lovely burst of growth, but since then it hasn't rained. All is not lost though, as the flowers in my garden start to bloom. I just adore poppies, they maybe short lived and blow over, or the petals fall off in a strong down pour, but for that early splash of colour, they have to be worth it.

Other flowers starting to bloom would be my beloved roses, if I could fill a garden with them I would.

A quick look at the veggies will show that all is not lost. The broad beans are looking good, and the turnips are all ready plumping up!

Fingers crossed for a little rain, and hopefully the veg patch will be bountiful.

DRESSMAKING now for something a little smaller.

2011-05-23T02:19:00.000-07:00

My own challenge to myself was a disaster, making a special dress for my sisters wedding. Although I do not bear a grudge to myself as I intend to wear my own favourite dress that I have only worn once. The tea dress 1940s style, it is adorable!
I have done slightly, and only slightly better on the second challenge, to make Arthur a shirt to wear to the wedding. The shirt itself was really easy to make up, I defiantly want to give it another go. I also love the fabric, summery and fun. The only problem was the dreaded button holes, I am terrible at them. So with the shirt nearly turning into disaster number two, I thought it best to pretend you could open the shirt up, but really you can not (this also helps the little problem of Arhtur completely undressing himself whenever my back is turned). This was going OK until I couldn't put the shirt over his head! So finally one button down, and not opening we have completed the challenge!

Arthur seems to love it too!

DRESSMAKING Sew Weekly, London Meet Up.

2011-05-17T06:41:00.000-07:00

Sew Weekly covers the whole world! But the girls in the UK have been planning to meet since early Feb, and 14th May 2011 we did it! Thankyou to Charlotte Tilly for her amazing organisation skills and keeping us girls together whilst trecking round London.
It was also agreed that we should in the spirit of SW make our outfits, so best of British we had a red, white, and blue theme. I personally thought FAB, as these are colours I would wear, so I was on the case. My patterns where a 70s number bought for me on Valentines day from my hubby and the fabric a vintage bed sheet, and the pattern to go trousers which I have posted before.

So the trousers have already been made up, and I love them! The shirt was great, I was really enjoying making it, the whole wrap idea was lovely, the way the sleeves where all floaty! Untill I put it on, oh no! It was rather to short in the body, as 70s trousers would have been much higher or you may have been ok about bearing your middle. So I wore a vest underneath.

Now for the actual day! It was amazing, there was such an air of excitement, imagine meeting a pen pal for the first time and times that by 14! You just didn't know who to turn to next and examine their out fit, they where all brilliant. It was really rather emotional. My mum came along too, so she to loads of photos at the V&A, our meeting place, and where we also saw an exhibition.

Just look at all of these women, we all made our outfits, time, effort, personal style, all coming together, no wonder everyone else couldn't take their eyes off us, what a sight !!

After the exhibition, and plenty of tea and cake it was off to Goldhawk Lane to do some serious fabric shopping. At the tube station we meet up with another sewing blogging group, I made that, so collectively there where 40 sewers in one place! All hitting the 13 fabric shops! I thought I was quite restrained and bought four fabrics.

The blue jersey, a green patterned cotton, ared flower flanelette, and my favourite green flower baby cord.

When needing a pit stop we all headed to a trendy bar, this gave a great oppertunity for yet more related sewing stuff, a pattern and fabric swap.

It took quiet a while there was just loads to go through, but I was really pleased with these two.

All in all it was just a brilliant brilliant day.

DRESSMAKING summer T.

2011-05-09T23:17:00.000-07:00

The summer outfits are coming along nicely, I think it is more due to the fact I have been working on very easy patterns, not much in the way of a challenge here. Although saying that, it feels really pleasing to be able to just 'knock something up'.
Well without further ado, here is my new summer t. shirt. In not so summery conditions!

OK yes, it's from my pattern to go, yet again! But I love this pattern I can say with heart on hand that anything I make up I just wear and wear. This is good because I'm now counting two pair if trousers, two tops and a dress, at least it makes the pattern good value for money.

I also feel that my skills are improving but doing the same pattern again and again. I pre washed the fabric and it was a tell tell sign that it wasn't going to look smooth and iron as the grey is slightly metallic and it was really hard to get those creases out, other wise very happy seeing as I nearly passed up this fabric in the shop, but I got a deal as it was the bit left!

DRESSMAKING sew along

2011-05-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

Just about everyone has raved about Colette patterns. I myself am a Colette virgin, so my very first time will be with the Ginger sew along with Sunni from A Fashionable Stitch. I bought my pattern from Ray Stitch so I didn't have to wait for the post from the US. Can not wait until 16th May to start.

And of couse it will also be perfect for a Me Made June outfit too!

http://www.afashionablestitch.com/2011/fun-stuff-for-you/the-sewalong-for-beginners/#respond

VEG PATCH April update

2011-05-06T03:58:00.000-07:00

Wow what can I say, April was an amazing month here in the UK. We had unusually good sunny weather which bought all those plants along in the greenhouse. Although sun comes at a price, a lack of rain!
I read a really interesting article about Cuba and how they have to produce all their own food, they are truly inspirational, no space is left. So I have made it my mission to create one new planting space each year.

Such an amazing space that was just free for those weeds to grow, well done Simon for all your hard work, I will make you something lovely when we harvest from our new patch.

Another love of mine is gardeners that manage to mix plant flowers, herbs and veg all bursting out together. For once I have managed a little space for herbs and French beans to grow together.

Finally a few more photos to show everything is starting to really grow, it's just amazing, each year it just takes my breath away, nature is such a wonder!

The only frustrating thing is those birds!! Yes as much as I love them I hate them to, they peck away at everything, a battle has commenced on my veg patch!

THRIFTING in the kitchen.

2011-05-04T04:16:00.000-07:00

I am in love! I have confessed all over the place that I am a lover of the 70s, this is true, as I am in love with Hornsea kitchenware straight from the 70s! I started collecting it last year but luckily in my local boot fair I have picked up two boxes full, so my collection is looking rather good and usable everyday for the whole family.

Yes it's brown and flowery, fantastic!

It's a really hard stoneware so should last forever, the most exciting is that I have reclaimed its life for another generation, now to look out for some more cups and saucers and maybe a tea pot.

DRESSMAKING new project

2011-05-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

It seems that lots of people have been taking part in the Me Made Months of something, I was really inspired by Mimi of http:// Magpiemimi.blogspot.com .
I to think that Me Made June sounds a great idea so I'm taking the pledge too.

'I, Charlotte of sew far sew good , sign up as a participant of Me-Made-June '11. I endeavour to wear an item of my handmade clothing each day for the duration of June 2011'

COOKING wild food.

2011-05-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

I am total fan of food for free, if I can manage a few ingredients from the hedgerow I am delighted. I was also delighted to pick up this book from a charity shop, it has fantastic veggie recipes, but best of all a brilliant section on foraging. It actually starts with explaining the hungry gap, this is a concept that doesn't really effect us any more with our supermarkets that keep us in constant food from all around the world, even with the invention of poly tunnels I have found that I still great variety from our Organic veg box each week. So the hungry gap is when they years supply of food is at its end and the seeds are planted for the next, but not ready to harvest, this is when foraging comes into its own, nettles, sorrel, wild garlic are all available this time of year. This book gives some lovely recipes other than just nettle soup.

I was delighted to find out that in this cookery book it makes reference to Wild Food, one of my all time favourite books. What can I say, it catalogs all food able to forage, give a lovely description, has countless recipes, and the photography is enchanting! This is a foragers bible.

Although I do love Wild Food I think it is also really important to mention Hedgerow, another fine example but with a very good section on conservation and the law, which is really important when considering picking. This book also has a amazing recipe section too.

So finally I would like to share a hungry gap recipe, wild garlic and walnut pesto. it is in both Hedgerow and wild garlic gooseberries and me, by my effort comes from the latter.

100g of wild garlic leaves

50g shelled walnuts

200ml olive oil

40gof Parmesan cheese

salt and pepper

put leaves and nuts into a blender, make a puree, and oil and grated cheese. Put into a jar with a layer of oil as a seal, will last in the fridge for a week.

Give it ago and enjoy.

PS Hedgerow has a amazing looking elderflower (instead of Turkish) delight, this is on my list of things to make this year!

DRESSMAKING Tilly and the Buttons: Sewing Productivity Project: Reporting back

2011-04-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

I have been taking part in this :

Now I have some results of my own :

When I was charting my sewing time it was school holidays but then I realised how no week is the same and my results would always be rather random.

I have really enjoyed this, thank you to Tilly, it has been interesting looking at my own results and everyone else's

Tilly and the Buttons: Sewing Productivity Project: Reporting back

DRESSMAKING sister of the bride project is a disaster !

2011-04-30T04:53:00.000-07:00

Some of you maybe aware that I set myself a challenge of making a special dress for myself when attending my youngest sisters wedding. I started with high hopes and dreams that other guests would be commenting "wow, you made that yourself!" It all started well, a seemly easy ish pattern with some beautiful fabric.

So the project began, my husband kindly took our son out so I could have the house to myself, in my excitement I put on some rousing loud music and started cutting the pattern. Mistake no. 1. I I had to tape bits of it back together and turn the music off! From very early on though it was obvious that it was not going well. The little ruffled bit in the middle didn't really ruffle very well.

That band doesn't fit with any other piece, and the skirt just wasn't going to fit properly with that weird looking top half.

Then look at the back, even with a zip in it was never going to join together! And all that extra skirt fabric, what was I going to do with that? So yes a total disaster. Dress is scrapped!

I felt somewhat sad, until I noticed that the fabric is so lovely and I was sure I could do something to make it into a pretty skirt maybe? Being inspired by Meg the Grand and her 80s refashion I am sure I could have a go. Plus what a great opportunity to use my two new books that I have just purchased.

I still adore the fabric, I am going to put it aside for a little while and make plans for a pretty skirt instead. But what do do for an outfit for the wedding?

DRESSMAKING summer days

2011-04-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

As some of you may of seen in an earlier post, I had a plan/ list for this summer. I am feeling that I am making some head way with it now. Having completed one shirt dress, and a skirt I must say I am feeling pleased with my second pair of trousers.
Now the pattern my most used at the moment, it is all super super easy but I just love the comfortable wearable 'ness, about it!
The fabric, is lovely too, it looks like a really light weight denim, but its not, although still feels nice, it's best bit thought is the red pin stripe!

Before you ask, no I didn't make the top, I am queen of the clothes swap and this is one from my collection.

We had a lovely time taking photos I felt like a true model, we where at Arlington Court a National Trust property in Devon, it was beautiful along with our lovely sunny days!

PS. If you are a Sew Weekly fan, this is a little sneek preview to the London Meet outfit.

THRIFTING/ FAMILY LIFE big table cloth to smaller place mats

2011-04-25T01:07:00.000-07:00

Well this post is self explanatory. I found a lovely big round table cloth, but with no round tables in my house something needed to be done

In fairness it had a few small holes and a stain. And yes everyone has made these before but I really did need some new place mats. So in true stash busting style I have reused and refashioned my table cloth and used up some old ric rac too.

As I have joined Sarah from Rhinestones and telephones in her pledge of usefull meaningfull and joyfull,I hope she will be pleased with my efforts.

DRESSMAKING Gertie's gathered skirt & sew weekly gifts.

2011-04-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Some of the community of the Sew Weekly have been exchanging envelopes of goodies. Inspired by Mena and the travelling lace, where she has sent out lace to other dressmakers, and they in turn have been making something in their own style. Kat from New Zealand put together a group of us who made secret parcels and have sent them all around the world.
My envelope was from Charlotte Tilly. Everything in it was lovely, she must have known my favourite colour is green and that I'm not a very Lacy fluffy person, it was all perfect, including the chocolate!

I have in fact been a friend of Charlotte's since I first joined Sew Weekly and wanted to make something fitting ( ha ha), or something Charlotte would be proud of. My first thoughts were of the Gertie's gathered skirt ( Charlotte herself has made one), if it was made in white I could use all trimmings and buttons and flowery pockets too. As it was I really had fallen in love with the white with flowers fabric from my stash cost of £1, so I stuck to the plan but couldn't add the pockets as the fabrics just didn't match. My sewing was a bit slap dash as I wasn't using a proper pattern so also chose not to put a button on the back as it would draw attention to my bad sewing.!!

So thank you Charlotte, my skirt is not perfect but it's all a learning curve, but I do LOVE my skirt !!

FAMILY LIFE, a seasonal table

2011-04-19T05:12:00.000-07:00

You may remember having a nature table at school when you were young? I do, I also really enjoy the

celebration of all the seasons, I'm not really a religous person but I do like the joys of mother earth. Last autumn I decieded to create a table that would bring thoughtfulness of each season into my home. I am also a childminder and feel I am giving something more to the children I look after, and all the adults that visit my house also enjoy it!

So I thought I would share my easter table with you, I plan that each year I will add little flower fairys and animals The little purple crocus fairys I made along with the blossom fairy hanging, but I did buy the hanging eggs and knitted ducks.

I have enjoyed this so much that I'm really looking forward to the joys of summer time. x x x

DRESSMAKING, yet more stash!

2011-04-15T04:36:00.000-07:00

Some one please help me!! I am totally addicted to my local boot fair on a Sunday morning, I even know which sellers to hunt out to get the best old sheets and duvet covers, I am in love with them for flowery patterns ans sheer size! I must stop though.

They are a little bit lovely though aren't they? Oh how I love to have piles and piles of fabric!!

DRESSMAKING shirt dress no.1.

2011-04-12T12:48:00.000-07:00

I am so pleased to say that the first of my three shirt dresses is made.
This has been quiet a new venture for me, the first collar I've made, well aren't they clever and so am I for having managed it! I am really pleased with the end result too, I'm planning to wear it out in just two days time.
Being a little more self critical I have noticed the interfacing needs a little tacking into place, plus the right type of belt may help so I don't look like a sack of potato's, also I shortened the pattern, maybe a little to much!?!
Other things I like about it is when I have added the little belt, it looks like a pencil skirt (which is on my wish list to make one day), also the fabric reminds me of more vintage home front style. Plus I can dress it down and wear it more casually by taking off the belt and wearing it with a long sleeve t. shirt underneath and leggings. How versatile!!

STYLISH BLOGGER AWARD, wow, for me!

2011-04-12T00:22:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank Deb from the blog Finding my way for passing on this Stylish blogger award! I don't think I have ever described myself as stylish!! But how amazing, this is great news.

So that you know a little more about me I'm now going to tell you seven things about me!
1. according to my mum I used to draw pictures that look like pattern envelopes, girls with matching bags ect. so although I have come into dressmaking late, it was meant to be!
2.I love love love to rummage, one mans rubbish is another mans treasure. That is why you will always see me queuing at the jumble sale, charity shop. boot fairs and it has been known to take a thing out two from a skip.
3.Really I'm a granny, my loves are sewing, gardening and family life.
4.I'm a girl that likes a list, I have lists for everything, and can write them over and over again.
5.I have never been happier in my life as I am now, I have a fab husband and four fab boys!
6. No I'm not ever trying for a girl!
7. I used to think blogs and on line chatting was weird but now I realise that if you have an interest and a way of communicating it;s great.

so now you know a bit more about me I would like to pass this award onto someone else. I think that Katja a blog that I have only just started to follow deserves this award. Her blog is really really cool please do go and have a look she is at ofseamsanddreams.blogspot.com

BLOG AWARD, good news

2011-04-08T04:30:00.000-07:00

How amazing this morning the lovely Mimi has sent me some fantastic news. Mimi has put my blog forward as one of those that is recognised for their hard work although they are small with few followers, less than 300 (in my case very few, less than 10). Thank you Mimi I really appreciate this, I love sharing on my blog and hope others enjoy it too.
To spread the support of smaller blogs and maybe gain a few more followers I now in turn will name a few blogs that I enjoy. If you are named please post on your blog and link back to the giver (me) and name some other blogs that that will enjoy the Leibster award.

The blogs I would like to nominate for the Leibster award are :

1. My lovely sew weekly friend Debbie from her blogspot is Finding my way.....

2. A blog I am totally hooked on, lovely Stevie from Beebee's vintage dress

3. Vicki who's blog I have only just found, she has a her fab skirt featured with Burda! find her at Another sewing Scientist

4. I know she has also been named before but Charlotte a lovely lady from Sew weekly has started Hearts cottage, vintage dress.

As I know I am challenged greatly when using the computer I would also like to say that to follow the link back you will have to click on the button on the left hand side labeled award recieved. Also I am not very good at this link stuff,so the four I have nominated can be acessed from my blog list. Thankyou for being patient with me!!

Finally well done everyone with a Liebster Award !!

DRESSMAKING plans for the spring/ summer.

2011-04-06T03:49:00.000-07:00

I am a girl who likes a good plan, and a long list of things to do! So with my fabric stash building up I thought how organised I would be with a planned wardrobe for the summer. First up is my sudden love of shirt dresses, I seem to have one for every occasion here!I am hoping to take part in the Sewing Through the Decades, I feel this will be just the job!!

Secondly is my top pattern. I know as usual the cover isn't that inspiring but I have already made the trousers (super comfy look good dressed up or down with pumps), also made the dress and one of the tops. It's my pattern to go!

Well this is the basics, I know a few extras will sneak in like the the outfit I'm planning for my sisters wedding or a good summer party dress.

Happy sewing, do you have any plans?

SEW A-LONG aprons

2011-04-03T04:06:00.000-07:00

dressmakingThis week on the sew a-long challenge we will be making aprons. I got my inspiration from Betz White, I borrowed her book Sewing Green from the library at Christmas when looking for present ideas. She had made aprons from old shirts, and I thought about old pillow cases. The pillow case I have chosen has a lovely silky boarder.

As usual it didn't all go tho plan, I put the ties on upside down so the hems don't match, but you would have to look hard to notice it when I'm wearing it. And yes I have already been wearing it, my apron is very comfortable and works well. It may look a little plain to some of you but I'm not one for lots of frills and spills and I am very happy!

FAMILY LIFE/ THRIFTY LIVING real nappies.

2011-04-02T03:18:00.000-07:00

I would like to tell you of the joy I have found using washable nappies. I was fortunate enough to be given some and I felt it was a lovely idea that Artie my son would be joining in the journey of growing up with the four other children that had used those nappies. I also felt there was a new link with motherhood, I was joining the ritual that thousands of mothers had been doing for thousands of years, it feels so much better than just throwing a nappy into a land fill site. For me it embodies that notion of loving nurturing for my child.

I must admit it took some perseverance but I'm so glad I stuck with it. Real nappies do not have any potently harmful gels deodorants or chemicals, this is better for our babies skin. Disposable nappies use 90x renewable sources (wood pulp) and 8x non renewable sources (crude oil) to make nappies.

Getting started can be a bit scary. there are countless brand but many do trial offers, so give them ago, there are many forums to give advice and support. Better still try and get some secondhand, all the usual ways, free cycle, gumtree, other parents, children's centres, put a notice up on your village notice board. Something I didn't know until now was that many local Authorities are doing vouchers or cash back for using reusable nappies. Best thing to do is get in touch with them first and see what there policy is, lots have a scheme where you buy from a approved shop, you then pass your reciept to the authority and then you get some cash back! I've counted 11 councils being apart of the scheme in varying degrees but there could be more.

All nappies will have an impact on the environment but real nappies can really help combat the carbon foot print. Plus the befits of not filling up land fill sites,in the UK 8,000,000 disposables are thrown away everyday and nobody know how long they take to break down.

AS for care, that's easy. Use a paper liner so when there is a poo you can peel that off and put it down the loo, place the nappies in your bin. If the bin is a bit small place cloth with tea tree and lavender oil in at the bottom. If your nappies are very dirty give them a cold rinse, then wash a 60. Try to have full load and as much as possible put them on the line to dry, or a clothes horse, you will be surprised how quickly the dry off.

In the UK there is REAL NAPPY WEEK 16th-22nd MAY 2011, if you haven't done so give them a go!

QUICK QUICK GIVE AWAY

2011-04-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

Supporting sew weeklys, sew-along. Next weeks theme of apron making, I have an apron pattern tp give away. Just log in your name and say if you will be joining this weeks challenge. A name will picked out randomly on mon morning (uk time) and I will post the pattern a.s.a.p. maybe in time to use it for the challenge??

DRESSMAKING more stash.

2011-03-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

I got this load for £6 at the boot fair on Sunday. 4m of check, 2m of sear sucker, 1 1/2 of woolen, 1m of synthetic silky stuff! YAY

Also got so much of this lovely lace and some vintage buttons all for £5.

What a good day

x x x

DRESSMAKING green T.shirt dress

2011-03-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

To start with I made the trousers and t.shirt from the New look pattern 6948 bin47. They are so comfortable I knew I would have to make everything else from the pattern (makes a new pattern value for money).

So I picked myself up some lovely jersey only needing1.20m.True to the packet it was really easy and just looks so good on and feels so comfortable.

I also used the dress in a sew weekly challenge our items had to be inspired by our local environment, or colour. I chose this war memorial that had lovely carving, I'm sure you can see the Link between it and my fabric.

I can't praise the whole pattern enough. I already have plans to make more!

FAMILY LIFE Juno magazine, a review.

2011-03-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

Juno magazine states its aims are to enrich family life and relationships by encouraging reflection, self acceptance and peaceful parenting, building a sense of community and celebrating the roles as parenting and homemaking, with all of the associated joys and challenges.

I think it does this pretty well! I wait in desperation for my next copy to come in the post, this can feel like a long time as it is only published three times a year.
It is the best parenting magazine around by far. It supports parents/ carers who want to enrich our children's lives, with understanding there are obstacles and difficulties which they don't shy way from discussing. Juno celebrates the alternative without being judgemental, I enjoy reading different points of view without feeling that I must conform.
I feel there is a real sense of community as well, it encourages readers to become writers (if you are successful you get a years subscription). Of course there are regular feature, columns and refreshing articles that link with the well known ( steve Biddulph in spring 2011 issue)
It really is worth a look, there web site is also good has plenty of older articles to re read, and an option to purchase just the one trial copy, or get a load of back issues!!

COOKING vodka cocktails

2011-03-29T03:40:00.000-07:00

I love cooking, but the best feeling is when you cook something that you have grown yourself, it just tastes brilliant and you can't stop congratulating yourself on how clever you must be! In the cooking posts I only intend to post those that really should be shared.

First up is the Ruhbarb Vodka Mule (made this weekend using our own ruhbarb)

This is a long spring time drink, I just love it, it's a shame one is never enough. The reciepe is from Hugh Fernly-Whittingstall. I urge you all to check him out, he is a real character but I love the way he is challenging and inspiring but never boring.

make up ruhbarb syrup (500g of chopped ruhbarb simmered with jucie of an orange and a litle sugar, when mushy sieve)
in equal quantities measure syrup and vodka, then top up with ginger ale!
It really does have a kick!!

ON THE VEG PATCH march 2011

2011-03-29T03:31:00.000-07:00

I have been growing my own veg for years, some years more successful than others. With garden all set up for production I'm ready to get going for 2011 seeing as spring has finally sprung here in Devon.As you can see I have cleared the garden and dug over the beds.I have also sewn broad beans, and early peas straight into the ground.( I am a little concerned as young children may squash young seedling, I will have to stay vigilant at all time as well as looking out for hungry birds, slugs and snails, the veg patch is a mine field!)

I know it's not new but using car tyres is brilliant. They look a bit hatsh this time of year but when everything starts growing they just blend into the enviroment. I found this lot just threwn into a hedge row near my house!

It all looks a rather bare still, just waiting for a few shoots!

One area that is looking a little better is the ruhbarb. I'm so pleased it;s looking a bit bushy but I now have a dilema pick it or let it look nice. I did pick a lttle and made ruhbarb mules a vodka cocktail (see next post on cooking)

the bed next to the ruhbarb was made last yeear from the apple tree cuttings. It's not that deep but looked good last year with marigolds in. I was thinks peas shoots for salads this year ?

DRESSMAKING sunshine top 1970s style

2011-03-29T02:30:00.000-07:00

Now I have a good stash building up I was ready to try out some of those older patterns. This pattern was/ is utterly wonderfull. I love this style of tunic tops and trousers, for me this would be the perfect outfit.

I found some great bright yellow jersey and I was as keen as can be, syrely it would be easy,the pattern said it would be.I thought I was doing well as it was the first time I had used a pattern that had been used by someone else before, pinning and cutting went to plan, I was feeling confidant I would have this knocked up in no time! Ofcourse disaster struck! None of the noyches matched at all, and the pattern was not as simple as it stated. By biggest problem was making up and attching the sleeves, it just didn't make any sense, untill a day or two later I caught a glimpse of the picture on the envelope, all problems solved, the sleeves didn't come from the shoulder bur straight from the neckline.

Now I had sussed it, I just had to have the confidance to completley ignore the pattern directions and go it alone. I can not tell you how pleased I am with my final top, it nearly didn't make it but I'm so glad it did I truely love it!

So glad you made it little miss sunshine.

DRESSMAKING green fingers dress

2011-03-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

With my new stash of fabric from the boot fair, and job lot of patterns from ebay I was ready to start on a new project. Although the pattern looks some what strange with the pattern on the dress overall I thought it looked rather cute, just right for a gardening outfit, I just loved the head scarf too!

This was my first old style pattern, no markings on the paper and basic instructions. I really enjoyed making this dress. I managed my first ever zip as well (50p from a charity shop)

In the end I felt a little sad because the button holes don;t match as well as I would have liked, and the arm holes are a little tight but because I love this dress so much and can imagine wearing it all summer long I will persevere with it and get it right!

The buttons to came from a boot fair too. All in all the dress only cost £4 to make including the pattern.

DRESSMAKING Charlotte the collector.

2011-03-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

I love to rummage through boot fairs, jumble sales, and charity shops. I love recycling and hope that I can manage to reflect this in my sewing.

DRESSMAKING joining sew weekly

2011-03-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

So first dress made, loving the feeling of OMG I made this! I was ready to join http://www.sewweekly.com/ , although I have been following Mena for a year now it was time to act. I feel that by joining the weekly challenge I have had loads of inspiration from others all around the world, I have also developed a dicipline to finish items and share with friends.
So these are some items that I have made for various weekly challenges.
1. the not so good dress, even today I don't like it. I plan to change the strapes so it hangs better , or even make a skirt ?

2. Sorry the pictures are so terrible, but an outfit that I was so pleased with and wear nearly every weekend. Typical go to take the photos and my camera breaks!!

3.Then there was the obi belt which I really do like, but I feel like it just doesn't really go with my everyday wear.

DRESSMAKING the begining.

2011-03-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

This whole blog is due to my journey into dressmaking. My inspiration for dressmaking started in 2010 at my 1940s pic nic wedding party, when looking for a dress I thought of all of those war time women making their own clothes everyday, surely I could do that!
So I made a pledge to myself that 2011 I would make my own clothes. To start I would create a waldrobe of wearable items, although I love vintage style I have to be realistic that I really would wear them or it would just be a waste of time and effort.

So for a party in the first wek of Jan I wore my first ever dress, which I still love and still wear alot.