Journal of a novice cyclist

So my journal continues, somewhat slowly! What happened to my plans of cycling every week getting fitter slimmer, saving the planet from my car fumes?????

So first things first, every cyclist should stylish is my motto, and yes wearing self stitched goodies. I'm wear a handmade top, and trousers from a clothes swap. I must admit this isn't the most stylish as the weather was a bit grim.

So our ride this time takes us to North Devon to the Tarka Trail, a walking and cycling route that cover 30 miles ish, and is of course famous for the Tarka the otter tales and and Solomon the Salmon of which started there stories in Torrington which is along this trail.

Our destination was this wonderful stopping place called Orchard Yarde. They have made a rustic coffee shop, they also have the most wonderful camping area of three yurts and a camping barn. If you stay you usually get dinner by the fireside and often local musicians stop by for impromptu sessions.

I find this a wonderful place and have longed to stay over night, I'm planning a full cycle ride and stop over when the weather improves, so for today we had great coffee and hand made cakes in the homely but rustic shed.

                                                            Then the 8 mile cycle home.

I can not tell you how much I love this place, I'm sure I will bore the pants off you with more tales from Orchard Yarde.

A pair of very cool slacks, AKA very comfortable trousers!

This year I've certainly not been driving through the pattern pile or fabric stash, in fact with a little mindful sewing it will all be looking a little better but going a little slower! It makes it rather special then when do do finish a new wearable something.

So I've gone all American and have a pair of slacks, AKA very comfortable trousers. And on the whole they are pretty darn good to wear and to make. Using this pattern :

Although this was an easy pattern by it's own statement, I thought it had some lovely features, and then, yes it was very easy, in fact a joy to make up.

I did have the most lovely thick double knit jersey, which means it held together when sewing and continues to hold it's shape when wearing. My only down point was although I knew they where baggy, they where more so then I realised, but after a days wearing I do still feel OK in them. A highlight for me is completely getting pockets now and they look amazing, which always helps with sewing confidence for the next project.

I hope you all had a great Easter, I'm now thankful that these trousers are elasticated at the back having had the biggest tea party ever!! Oh and these will be the best wearable kind of clothes for MMM12 and my own sewing ambition of Sew Active.

Let's brighten things up kinda top!

It feels like an age since I have made something wearable for every day! The Pastille dress was a non starter, I have taken time with the corset sew along, which was great but I'm not wearing that everyday!! Knitting hasn't been going to plan so I am well in to March with my first spring item.

The pattern is Simplicity easy 2418. My friend gave me the pattern after making two of these tops herself.

Although easy I had a slight understanding problem with the yoke instructions so I made it up in the end.

The fabric is a really soft jersey ( a lucky ebay find).

The top only took two hours to make up so I'm considering joining in with Tilly and here one pattern one week project. Although having only made it once that could be a little ambitious!

Over all a very comfortable, and I really do feel a little spring like with my first short sleeves of the year. I hope to share this with Justine on sew and tell this Saturday coming. I also think this top with be really great for my Sew Active project, I think I will test run it wearableness on a cycle this week!

80s Jumpsuit, and loving it!

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?

the SEW ACTIVE project.

              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!