A wonderful weekend.

I have just had the most wonderful weekend! It was extremely busy and I am so tired now but I had the best time. As if this was not enough in its own right I went to the knitting and stitching show at Olympia. It was a shopping fest but we also got to meet some of the best sewing stars. Tilly and the Buttons had a stall helping was Lauren Guthrie, who was just lovely, petite bubbly and so happy to chat. Next we saw Frances Tobin of The Makers Ateliers, her simple items were made in such beautiful fabric and her ultimate pencil skirt in all sequins was beautiful. But the best by far was Lisa Comfort from Sew over it, she was awesome! In fact I got rather star struck and felt to embarrassed to take a photo (gosh i am so British at times!). What can I say about this lovely lovely lady, she spent time going through her patterns, she had time to talk about the blog and even thanked us for following. We couldn't help but buy three patterns between us. I have to say seeing the patterns made up, I was really impressed, I think they are now my favorite.

Of course we used the opportunity to buy many supplies as  every stall was such good value. My favorite buy is the sew over it shirt dress and the fabric to go with it. Secondly, I am feeling knitting inspired and have pattern and yarn to get going. 

As if this was not enough we spent the evening with the best view in London, and my sister Katy joined in the fun. The Portrait gallery, sadly the Vogue exhibition was fully booked and to be honest we wanted to put our feet up. It was so amazing! The service was outstanding, as was the food. The view was great and we got to watch the sun go down.

As it was also mothers day and I was away from home spoiling my own mummy I was kindly treated by my daddy who took us to a fabulous fish restaurant from breakfast in Royal Tonbridge wells (luckily just around the corner from my parents house)

It has been great, and even though I took a day off work to recover I still feel like so tired. I think driving for four hours to get home after late nights and busy day may have something to do with it. With a few good night sleeps I will be ready to start making, and I have enough to keep going for at least a year! 

Any exciting things happening over mothers day?

Phoebe

I very loosely took part in the phoebe sew along. What I actually did, I bought the pattern when it came out got very excited about joining in with others, even cut the pattern out in time, and then, well timing went a little wayward! But the long and short is I have my first finished garment of the year.

I have really enjoyed my time making this dress, it completely reminded me why I like to make clothes.

I really made an effort with matching seams and lots of ironing (in truth I have been known to be quiet slap dash) I feel proud of my new sewing efforts. I was also rather pleased with the lining of the bodice.

Although not the best pictures I think you can see that it really has a great fit, all my worries about pot bellies and grading came to nothing, I stuck to one size and it seemed to work.

One of my happiest moments have been using my beloved vintage fabric that in the past I have been to afraid to cut into. This has been apart of my vintage pledge, next to tackle vintage patterns.

This lovely pattern has given me a dressmaking boost! I am happy with my new dress and keen to finish the version 1 that I have already have cut out!

Hows your sewing plans going? Have you taken part in the vintage pledge or any other sew along?

2016 making list for myself

I thought I would try to plan a realistic list that would be true to what I actually need. I thought the best way to learn more about myself would be to follow the Wardrobe Architect by Colette as many others had felt it to be beneficial.What I actually found was I already know myself and the enjoyment I get from sewing is the change to break the mold be more creative, so I didn't continue with the project.

My list is fairly straight forward, although I know I will spend less and less time making things in the summer months. Also very important to me is that I love my jeans and if I can get clothing to mix and match then I would be onto a winner, therefore sewing tops will be the thing for 2016.

Hot on the list for this year will be :

 This is a lovely free pattern, long been on my wish list

Having seen so many versions of this I feel it will suit my style

 This is perfect for improving the knit sewing and great vintage

I love the Japanese sewing books and having narrowed down only one top for now.

A great little top from the Guthrie selection, I'm lucky enough to have a free pattern from a sewing magazine

Again Tillys blouse has been on the waiting list for what could be years now!

Another free pattern, I actually have this from one of the Sewing Bee books. A long list there is always a endless supply of inspiration! Of course I want to make a whole pile of summer dresses, shorts and light weight trousers but I could just bore you to tears.The is always the fact that the to do list will always change, but I think these work well for me.

Vintage Darling!

Being so inspired by the amazing outfits of vintage 2015,and having not managed to live up to my own pledge I thought that this year I would pledge with items that should actually suit me and my lifestyle. So #vintagepledge2016  here I come!!

I would like to pledge two tops, the first being a beautiful blouse that my Mum has made many times herself and now I would like a simple but stylish casual ease.

The second top is a T-shirt suitable for everyday and a good pattern to practice with my over locker

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I would also like to pledge to use vintage fabrics, the being a lovely heavy cotton that I am planning for my Phoebe (obviously not vintage).

I also have this lovely pattern in my stash that I would like to tackle at some point.

I find it amazing to see how the most beautiful patterns seem so relevant and stylish today. It makes me wonder what does vintage mean to you?  

Anyone joining in?

Phoebe sew along

There can be a better way to start the sewing year by coming together improving ones skills and making a lovely new stylish outfit. So here I am my first sew along for at least three years. Colette patterns are so lovely, my aim is to improve my fitting and sewing skills so that I had a real desire to wear my own makes, and build that hand made wardrobe.

Once my pattern was in my hands I couldn't help myself but think fabric! I must admit I felt rather torn between version 1 and 2. I planned for version 2 as the button front is just adorable. My fabric choice made me feel that I was making a dress that is suitable for the winter and early (often rather chilly spring)

This is a mini corduroy with a great match of lining. I am genuinely excited to get started. Although looking through my stash for inspiration I did come across a lovely vintage cotton that I thought would be a great version 2 and would be a perfect later spring to summer. 

As I have been tracing the pattern and cutting it out, planning toile for a good fit I thought 'what the heck' so I'm turning a little crazy and planning both versions 1 and 2!

All I can hope for is that I don't get to bogged down, and best scenario is that I end up with two beautiful dresses. This is rather an exciting start to the year, what are your plans ?

Pure Experimental

I may not have had a blog post in a while but my thoughts have been with you and my sewing machine. In fact I have had the most wonderful birthday present (back in October) of an OVER LOCKER!!!!! Wow, I was so excited and scared all at the same time.

Using new equipment takes time to get to know it experiment a little or a lot. Well that in itself is challenging when sewing time has been limited. I thought I would very sensibly use a freebie pattern and fabric from the stash. In walks Simply sews Bela dress.

Being an experiment I didn't stick to any sewing rules, I didn't bother with a zip(it didn't need it with a knit fabric) Arm and hem lengths shortened, purely due to making so many mistakes or getting to grips with tensions and stitches.  I feel I have so much to learn, it was lovely using my sewing machine afterwards it felt so comfortable I knew it and what to do. So here is :

Having a over locker has put me so out of my comfort zone and felt rather scarred to use it. Having a stern talking to myself knows that a few smaller projects with room to learn is the only option, also to be brave, something I will have to practice! On the brighter side it has given me a pat on the back and made me acknowledged my sewing machine skills, and that even when totally to plan I love the opportunity to make, and really that is the main point!

My Makes Low Down

1. To improve on : generally using a over locker.
2. Didn't go to plan : hemming and shortening the sleeves
3. What I love about it, the shape of the top half and the fabric
4. Would I make it again ; no.

Oh So Short!

Having read the lovely article by Sarai on Coletterie on DIY anxiety and fully understood all the points, and more besides. I resolve to not be so critical about myself, I am going to only highlight one area of improvement, and one area that didn't go to plan. Other than that I am going to celebrate the fact I have got thus far and make to enjoy! 

So here we go with my new resolve! The Ruby dress:

1. To improve on : reading patterns more carefully, oh my this is short!! 

2.  Didn't go to plan : the hemming!

3. What I love about it : the bodice fit is perfectly.

4.  Would I make it again : yes.

In my mind I am a sewing bee contestant 

OK, I know I'm not really a sewing bee contestant but every time I watch it I feel like I am! So drawn into the excitement, the thrill has not diminished a fraction since the first series. In fact I think the sewing tasks each week are really challenging, and for this reason I know that sewing under pressure would never actually be my thing!

But and there is a big but, it doesn't mean I am not having the sewing bee experience in my mind every time I get out my sewing machine. To help me with the experience, yes I have bought all three books! And yes I love them, the third series book is great at 'pattern hacks' which has been inspiring as in real life I am not.

Although having three books have I ever sewn anything? Have you ever sewn anything from the sewing bee pattern range? I have just one lonely item, and she is not all that I wanted.

Enter, My one (so far ) seeing bee top.

Patrick and May would have been so proud of my slippery fabric choice and the time I took to match it all up. I was (in my head) going to be garment of the week winner with this one, beautiful french seams, perfect hemming. By far my best make yet...........................................................

Yes, something had to go wrong didn't it. Either I cut out the wrong pattern size, it comes out extremely small, I didn't measure myself  nut it was to small! Pissed off does not really cover it, so much so it has been left as a UFO for over a year.

With the excitement of the new series I dusted my efforts down, it is now a wearable number without the finesse I wanted, but hey ho it doesn't always go to plan.

Respect to all that have the courage to take part (and many tears that Ryan is not in it now)

Jersey laurel is completed

Well I have finally complete the jersey laurel, a very popular Colette pattern that has seen so many adaptations. My version has long sleeves with bias binding neck line and sleeves. I opted out of pockets and make quiet a short style tunic. I found the pattern had very generous sizing and I had to take the sides in. This would normally annoy me but I find the beauty of a Colette pattern enables you to make alterations with ease. Being jersey I didn't bother with a zip so an easy make this was. I did enjoy this make, and I am glad I have something to go towards my fall essential sew along, Make yourself cosy! How's everyone else coming along with their autumn sewing, are you like me just great full you have manages to make anything?

Fall Sew Along

It's been a while since I have joined in any bloging groups of jollyness. And as autumn is one of my favourite times of year I thought I would give it a go. Yes I'm joining in :

 

My first and essntial part of my autumn look will be the Laurel, with a lovely jersey, all on the sewing table as we speak.

The second offering is the same as last year. I still love it just as much and maybe I might even get round to making it up.
 

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I have the most basic of knitting skills but I still dream of knitting my own cardigans, so I will also attempt this

To be honest this will be more than enough for me as dare I say it Christmas present making will have to start some time!!

new things

So I have been planning to write this post about ten times all with different content But, no longer am I holding onto the summer as it is truly autumn here in Devon, no longer am I manically harvesting chutney making plum ketchup making lady, and no longer am I crazily getting everything together to start the new school year! In fact he time has passed and we are set tiling in nicely.

What I did find in the last busy weeks was I was desperate to start a new sewing project, but I had to stay focused all the other stuff. What that did though was give me plenty of time to dream and plan, and that's just what the beginning of a new season needs.

What did I come up with though well lots, big and small, gifts me and others. Here is a little sneak preview of the shopping I have been doing :

And where did I buy all of these lovely goodies, my new favourite shop Trixie Lixie this is a lovely shop in Cardiff, and brilliant online shop too! I ordered and received my lovelies in three days ! So many great offerings here with opportunities to show off your own creations too. Great service and very friendly, I will be doing lots more shopping here.

AS for what I bought, well some secrets will need to be kept, But I am planning to make myself an autumn Laurel very soon.

I know many of you are planning new seasons, and there are still a few summer offerings which I am enjoying too. I hope you have ll had a lovely weekend. x x x

My Truffle Dress.

I love my new dress, MrPB also loves my new dress (he mainly says he likes stuff just to keep me hapy) but I know he really does like this dress.

I started this as apart of the Colette sew along of all the items in the handbook, I only got as far as cutting the pattern out. The next step was to be apart of the indie pattern challenge in June. I did finish this dress by the end of July.

All I can say is it was worth the wait, I personally feel this is the nicest make I have completed. It hasn't all been plain sailing though, a few aleterations to the top and the truffle ruffle. I also decided not to line the dress ans I took time to perfect my rolled hems that are 5mm wide. I'm so proud!!!

 

 This is the first time I have made a dress with a bodice and skirt, I always felt that my pot belly wouldn't be very flattering but I'm really impressed. 

The fabric came from a boot fair a few years back, an old bed sheet in perfect condition. cotton with lovely blue flowers that aren;t too prissy.

Can you tell, I love y new make! If I only get round to making two or three items a year I would be thrilled. Anyone else loving their sommer dresses?

Fail.

Yes the dress I have been slowly working on for weeks and hoping to be that summer dress that you just want to wear everyday is a fail!

Butterick B5181 had such high hopes, but there is rather to much fabric and not that well fitting. Sadly I am not the type to just keep on trying, sometimes when you put a garment on you just know, no matter how many adjustments this dress is not destine to be worn. It is a bit of a tent and I like flowing but not maternity like.

I could have tried harder and I think I need to remeasure my bust and waist but ultimately MrPB wasn't loving it much either and he simple said "It's  a bit Margo" which lover of BBC TV series The Good Life will know what he means.

It can be really frustrating when your make is not wearable particularly when you are so time short like myself. I have to constantly remind myself that it's the enjoyment of the task too, which is true when I'm sat at my sewing table but not when my mind is busy trying to plan all those projects.

As for new projects, yes there is one but I'll let you know a little more soon.

 

Swaps, gifts, and nice things.

This is a bit of a show off post really.Goodies have been sent and received for the lovely spring sewing swap over at kestrelfindsandmakes.blogspot.com .

 

I was lucky enough to be swapping with Vicki from vickikatemakes.wordpress.com/ it has been so lovely creating a parcel for a new friend. Vicki has an amazing talent makes the most wonderful fitted dresses. Being a swap this is what I received, oh lucky me! I just love the skirt pattern and plan an autumn skirt already.

This is what I sent Vicki, a hard task but good fun making a parcel that is liked by a new blogger friend.

 

 

I have also been a winner this week, Super Debbie from  minnado.blogspot.com  

 Look at this lovely plaid (as it's called in the US) and beautiful lace. Thank you so much Debbie.

And finally, a confession, I just couldn't help myself, it was only £10 and when I looked inside I surprised at how many lovely makes there are inside. So I bought it!

Sewing update : Yes I'm still working on that maxi dress, I hope to finish it soon as I'm planning to join in with the bombshell swimming costume sew along.

Hope all is well in your world. x x x