Alexandra Mason ~ Crafts and Stuff

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T15:34:00.000Z

Hello, I Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. We had a very quiet Christmas but it was great to relax. I managed to finish my mom's orchids & fairylights hat. I think i might knit myself one in this colour too.

I had some lovely sewing and knitting gifts which i need to photograph. Russ treated me to an Ipod touch which i love but i can't stop downloading the free apps and J got me the last Harry Potter DVD which we are going to watch tonight.

Take Care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T23:55:00.002Z

Have a Wonderful Christmas xxxxx

A Hat & A Scarf

2011-12-19T19:00:00.000Z

Hello, How are you? I hope you had a lovely weekend. I am still working on Christmas presents, 3 more to go...i seem to be spending more time worrying about not being able to get them finished on time than i do actually working on them :/

I finished my Mom's Habitat hat, its not for Christmas though.

I am really happy with how it has turned out.

The scarf i made for her is the Chinook Scarf by Ali Green. Using Rico 100% cotton.

This was so nice to knit and quick, but with the lace edge not boring.

I will definitely be making some more of these after Christmas.

I have started sewing New Look 6000 joining in with Scruffy Badgers NL6000 fest.

I am making view E (the yellow one)

Have a great week! xxxxxxxx

Christmas Market

2011-12-14T14:29:00.000Z

Last weekend we left my Dad with J and Fee while Russ took me my Mom to Birmingham to have a look at the Christmas market. My Mom had never been so she was very excited, and i was very excited about getting some material from the rag market :)

It was very very busy and we tried 3 car parks before getting a space. Our first stop was The Custard Factory which is an arts and media quarter. I got very excited when i found Stitch Perfect a lovely little yarn shop. I found some gorgeous sea silk lace weight yarn in a golden pink shade and dropped lots of hints about what i would like for Christmas :)

After the Custard Factory we had a look around the shops and then went to the rag market. I was very good and only got some stretch black lace fabric and lining.

It was starting to get dark so we walked back to all the stalls and to look at the Christmas lights.

I think this was the que for the German beer stall......

I tried to take some photos of the lights in the water.....

Have a lovely day xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Birthday Gifts

2011-12-07T11:30:00.001Z

Hello, hope you are having a lovely week! Mine has been quite busy which has been good. It was my Birthday last week and i spent the day helping Russ on a building job...not quite what i had in mind, but i got paid so i can't moan too much. This is how i looked half way through the day....

I had some lovely knitting gifts :)

A dye your own sock yarn kit.

Gorgeously squishy aran yarn.

Some self striping sock yarn from Twisted Limone in the Pippin colourway, which i am saving until i have gotten better at knitting socks.

I also got some new wellingtons. I was so excited about these, so was Fee...she associates wellingtons with walks :) They look a funny colour in the photo??

My Christmas gift knitting is not going very well..the list keeps growing as Russ keeps adding things to it. Now i have 2 hats and 3 scarves to finish. Two of them are in chunky wool so those will be quite quick, and i have finished my Mom's scarf so that's one present complete, i just need to get it blocked.

Take Care and have a great day xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

More Hats

2011-11-29T11:21:00.001Z

Hello, How is your week going? I have been working on Christmas gifts. My Mom's cross stitch will definitely not be finished in time, i can only work on it for a short time as it makes my eyes blurry. Her Birthday is in February so i am hoping to get it done by then. She really like my orchids and fairylights hat so I'm going to make her one of those and i have started a scarf for her out of this cotton yarn.....

Which changes from light to dark, than back to light again.

And also a different cabled hat for her, Habitat by Jared Flood, which isn't for Christmas and is going very very slowly! Here is what it should look like....

The hat should be made from 100% wool but my Mom can't wear it so I'm using an acrylic blend and the cables look a lot softer and messier than there's :( oh well i will keep going.

I finished another pink hat, well 2 hats. The first one i made didn't cover my ears so i made the rim on the second one 2 inches longer. It is the Most Bespeckled Hat pattern on Ravelry.

It was lovely to knit, once i got the hang of the 2 strands of yarn, after watching lots of You Tube videos.

My knitting project bags are now finished. I made a large one from my Mom's left over fabric.

This is the first one i made and the handle is inside out and not in the centre :( Even though i spent ages working out which way round to put it.

I like this style of bag as it stands up better than my drawstring one. I made a mini one for my socks...well for my half a sock.

This afternoon I'm going to work on my 2009 cardigan, i have decided to finish it and hope it will stretch a bit and fit :)

Have a lovely day xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Orchids & Fairy Lights Hat

2011-11-17T16:54:00.001Z

IHello, Hope you are having a great week!

I have finished knitting a hat :) Its the Orchid & Fairy Lights From Tiny Owl Knits. My first cables and bobbles :) I love this hat!

I am really pleased with how it turned out. There was a lot of sighing going on while i was knitting it though, when i kept getting the cables back to front!

I think i might knit it again in a pale grey colour...not for a while though.

I had an early Birthday present (for me, from me) a beginners drop spindle spinning set.

I had a go with it last night....the tiny bit i managed to spin looked like thick rope :( i think i am going to need a lot of practise. Fee is enjoying it though, she has a new game of trying to catch the spinning thing.

Have a lovely evening xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Slow Going

2011-11-10T13:56:00.004Z

Hi, how are you? Hope your week is going well!

I have been working on my projects, but they are going very slowly....probably because i have started a new one that's taking most of my time.

I am still working on my navy skirt, i have to finish the waistband, put the zip in (which i need to go and buy) and do the hem. My 2 smaller project box bags that i started last week just need the corners finishing and i have lots of knitting projects at various stages of un-finishedness :/
2 hats, a scarf, another scarf, half a sock, a cardigan, which i need to start again as it is tiny.

The tank top has been like this for days.

My (well Fee's) granny square blanket has come to a standstill

I do like arranging all the squares, which don't look very square at the moment.

Fee on quality control :)

This is the reason i haven't spent much time on anything else...my Mom's Christmas present.

She has been asking me to do this cross-stitch picture for her, for years i bought this chart in 1995 i used to do a lot of cross stitch when J was little and they took me months and months. I am not sure i will be able to get it finished in time, but i will give it ago.

Have a lovely evening xxxxxxxxxx

Gloves and Bags

2011-11-02T19:53:00.003Z

Hello, hope you are having a lovely day! I managed to photograph my finished gloves.

The wool has little flecks of black in it so i decided to add the knitted bows. It took nearly as long to knit the bows as it took to crochet the gloves.

I didn't get round to sewing my skirt on Friday but i did finish 2 large project bags.

This one is for my Mom and is about 20" x 16" I still have a 1/4 meter of this fabric left which i am going to use for a little sock project pouch.

And this one is mine in a blue corduroy and packed full of a cardigan than i started knitting in 2009 :/

Take Care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Some Finished Projects & Lots Of Knitting

2011-10-28T09:18:00.005+01:00

Hi, thank you so much for your kind comments on my last post, they mean a lot to me.
I hope you are having a great week, it is so cold here, me and Fee are wrapped in blankets :) It was very misty on our walk and very quiet, i didn't see another person (or dog)

I have finished off some projects this week. My fingerless gloves are done, i just need to get Russ to photograph them for me. I finished off another 2 pairs as well that i started last year.

I hemmed the edges of the cat and fish scarf and i sewed the hearts on for my banner and fixed it to the blind. (sorry about the rubbish photo)

After it had fallen in the sink 3 times Russ attached it to the blind. I am really pleased with how it turned out, it makes me smile. I am going to try and make some little stars to hang off our shelf in the bedroom.

I have been knitting on my tank top quite a bit. I keep thinking if i get this done i can start on my jumper. This is the back and i have just reached the armhole shaping.

New projects started - A box pouch knitting bag for me. A large drawstring bag for my mom and another one for me and a knitting needle roll thing, which is still at the 'thinking about it' stage.

After spending ages looking at gorgeous projects on Ravelry i decided i wanted to try and knit some socks. I would love some knee length one with cables and bobbles...after hours of trying to get the hang of the double pointed needles i am settling for a pair of plain stockinette ankle socks. I find them so awkward and Russ says i look like Edward Scissorhands. This is how far i got before putting these on hold.

The wool is 4ply and the needles size 2.25. There are so many mistakes, in the cuff bit :( After doing some more research on knitting socks for beginners, i read that its a good idea to start with a thicker yarn, like an aran and larger needles, i don't know why i didn't think about this???

So i have started another one......

This is going so much quicker. The wool is an aran weight and the needles are 3.5

I have also started a beanie style hat in this rose pink.

Using circular needles. Its my first time using these too. I got some plastic ones from our local craft shop and just couldn't get on with them, i couldn't get the stitches to go over the needle tips. So i did some more research and ordered myself some of these...Addi Premium. (i think i have this research thing back to front, i need to do it before i start on these projects!)

I love these needles.

I have finished the cuff bit of the hat and am about to start on the 'very easy' colour work :/ I have lots of You Tube videos to watch.

I think that's about it for this week. J is at my Moms today so I'm going to get my sewing machine out and get working on my navy skirt.

Have a lovely weekend xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A Long Break

2011-10-20T12:30:00.008+01:00

Hi, well i was gone a lot longer than i thought i would be! I don't often talk about J and his Autism but it has been such a tough few months here. There are always problems for J to overcome everyday and mostly we are able to deal with them, but every so often he goes through a really difficult time and now that he is so much older and stronger its a lot more stressful to deal with. Hopefully things will calm down and we will all get back into a routine. (and i will be able to get back to blogging and blog reading again, i have missed catching up with everyone)

I have been doing some sewing whenever i can but mainly for my Etsy shop. I have started doing some crochet and knitting again too, which has been great as i can just leave it when i need to and then carry on whenever i get chance.

I have lots of 'works in progress' to show you, but not too many finished things.

My navy skirt that i cut out months ago, i finally found it in a box in my wardrobe and it is now on my sewing table, so i can't forget about it. I have sewed the first part of the pockets.

A scarf from this chiffon type fabric that i got from Birmingham Market about a year ago.With cute little cats and fish on it :)

I only need to cut it and overlock the edges. (i think i will put that on the sewing table too)

Whilst sorting out books at my Moms i found this knitting pattern book, i think i bought this in 2009.

I love the v neck jumper on the cover, i want one for me in Navy. I have decided to start with the tank top though and see how i get on with all that stocking stitch. I cast it on at the weekend and have done about 2 inches :/

I wanted to make this one for Russ in the navy but by the look on his face i don't think he liked it.

and if i ever finish my tank top i might try this long cardigan....

My crochet wips.......

A heart bunting 'thing' to hang above my kitchen window, i just need to sew the hearts onto the string.

Some wrist warmers, i only need to sew the sides up on those too, i am not very good at finishing things at the moment.

And i have at last got the hang of granny squares :) i am so happy! i have done 6 full squares so far. It will eventually be a blanket for the sofa and will be in Fee colours which won't be very exciting but will be practical. Russ talked me out of pastels with a white background.

There is no plan to the colour combinations, just whatever i pull out of my leftovers bag. Hopefully it might be finished for next winter.

Some finished things :)

Dishcloths :)

A knitting project bag.

And my favourite.....a finger moustache for Russ as he has decided to grow a handlebar moustache!?!?

This is my first attempt at intarsia and i have no idea what i was doing and the one side is different to the other. It is a free pattern that you can get on Ravelry.

Take Care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Loving.....Lace

2011-08-03T22:33:00.004+01:00

Pictures - We Heart It - Lace

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Lingerie & Boxers

2011-08-02T20:09:00.003+01:00

Hello, Hope you have had a great day. Its so hot here, its 8pm and still too hot to walk Fee, she's not very impressed.

I finally got some sewing done today, not for me though, i made some more shorts for my friends daughter and some more for my shop. I have still got to hem them, put the elastic in and add some lace. Hopefully i will get them finished tomorrow.

I can show you some i made a couple of weeks ago, and some lingerie sets, modeled on my new mannequin, an Ebay bargain....she does have a head but i keep cropping it out of the photos as it looks a bit creepy. Even more creepy is that J keeps taking her head off and leaving it places for me to find, like the cupboard, or in the garden :)

I was asked to make some boxer shorts, these are quite a bit shorter than my others.

They are all a lot smaller than me so i can't be tempted to wear them :)

I love making the lingerie sets now i have got the pattern right, there was a lot of sulking, and stroping while it kept going wrong.

Have a lovely evening/afternoon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Blog challenge & Summer Essentials Simplicity 2226

2011-08-01T12:15:00.006+01:00

Hello, how are you? Hope you had a lovely weekend! I seem to have lost all motivation to do anything :/ I have decided to challenge myself and blog every day this month (it might be very random things) and i might use some of the 30 day blog challenges that i read about on Sam's blog :) Hopefully it will encourage me to get creative again.

Last week I did finish my second Summer Essentials item - A summer skirt. I used Simplicity 2226 a Learn To Sew pattern. Which was a great and easy pattern to sew.

I used a curtain that my friend gave me :) i keep looking at everyone's curtains, thinking what i could make out of them.

I'm really happy with the finish and fit of this skirt, the only trouble is it looks awful on me, I think the length is wrong, I have already cut it out in Navy and will make it a bit longer. I hope it turns out ok, i love this style.

Hope you have a lovely afternoon, see you tomorrow xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Summer Essentials - Top

2011-07-09T09:27:00.003+01:00

Hello, I have just finished hemming my first item for the Summer Essentials Sew-Along.

Simplicity 3835 in a bright floral polyester (i think)

I enjoyed making this top again. The material was very slippery and i had to unpick the neck casing a couple of times, but other than that it went together quickly. I love the print and its lovely and cool to wear....and the best thing..it doesn't need ironing :)

I spotted Sew Magazine in the supermarket yesterday, i don't normally buy this one but it had Cynthia Rowley 2250 with it, which i have been wanting since it came out. Looking through the magazine this pattern is supposed to be free with the August issue of Sew. Which i think is on sale next Friday if you want to get a copy.

Take Care and Have a lovely weekend xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Summer Morning Walks

2011-07-03T16:49:00.008+01:00

Hello, Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Me and Fee have been having some lovely morning walks this week. I have been getting up earlier so we are normally on our way back home by 7am. It is so lovely and quiet...just me and Fee...trying to spot the bunnies who do not like having their photo taken :)

On rabbit look out....

Through the trees....

Pulling me through bushes....

Up the hill, through the clearing...

Across the sand bank and down the other side....

Wait a minute, I've spotted one....

Honestly, that little dot is a baby rabbit stood on its back legs??

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Lots Of Shorts

2011-06-29T15:13:00.003+01:00

Hello, How are you? Hope your week is going well.

I have been sewing lots of shorts for my Etsy shop, i opened a second one to keep my items separate. J named this one Lemon Pippin Love :)

Here are some i made.

I made some pairs of bloomers too, which J finds very funny.

At the weekend I finished drafting pants and bandeau patterns and grading them up to different sizes. So I'm going to add some lingerie sets soon.

We are having some very strange weather here today, it has been raining, sunny, boiling and cold, oh well at least its not boring. Fee has been in and out all day...there is a squirrel that keeps sitting on top of our fence near our neighbours tree, that she keeps crying at...I'm sure it threw a nut at her earlier!!!

Have a lovely afternoon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Carboot Finds

2011-06-22T08:31:00.004+01:00

Hello, how is your week going? We have been working on our garden, putting stones down to cover the dirt and replacing the little fence at the front. We are hopefully going to get a shed soon....i am so excited about the shed, its going to be a little hobby room, full of pretty things :) I have it all planned, I can't wait.

On Sunday me and my Mom went to the carboot and found some lovely things.

A mini flower press, 50p

Some frames, 50p

2 pictures for our bedroom, £1

4 Laura Ashley cushions, £2

Fee is very happy with this purchase :)

And my Mom treated me to this king size quilted bed cover, which i love, and have been spending a lot of time snuggled under it.

Have a lovely day, take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Solution Sewing - Dog Walking Bag

2011-06-17T11:42:00.005+01:00

Hello, Hope your week has been great!

I have finished another of my Solution Sewing projects my Fee walking bag. Made from 2 tea-towels, and some scraps of fabric for the pockets.

This was going to be a practise bag so i didn't measure very carefully, but I'm really pleased with how it turned out so i don't think i will make another for awhile.

I wanted to be able to get at things easily so i just made 2 small straps to go over the top, and i can still have my ipod headphones through the gap.

I have used it a lot already, next time i think i will add a loop for my keys and a pocket with a press stud for coins, and maybe a pocket for chocolate - (essential when you are dog walking and maybe gone for hours when your dog decides it can't hear you and would rather be exploring the woods)

Have a lovely weekend xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Summer Essentials Sew-Along Plan

2011-06-10T14:50:00.009+01:00

Hello, I am really pleased that Ali has organised another Summer Essentials Sew-Along. I took part last year and really enjoyed it.

Here are my ideas. I probably won't make an item from each category but will make more than one from others. I am going to use all fabric from my stash except for one item, and use patterns that i already have, unless Russ will treat me :)

Poolside Pretties: I don't think i am going to need a bikini or bathing costume this year :( ....but i really like the idea of making one. I will need to buy the fabric for this.
I like this red and white spotty material from FabricLand.

Sweet & Sassy Skirts: I have a pattern similar to this New Look one, which i need to get back from my Mom's.

Hopefully i will have time to make 2 of these skirts, the first from a yellow floral curtain and one in navy.

Tees, Tunics & Blouses: Simplicity 3835 in this polyester type pink floral material from the rag market.

And a boat neck top, from Burda Magazine.
I'm not sure which colour fabric to use.....i think the blue, it has a subtle silver stripe running through it.

The Sundress: I have been wanting to make a shirt dress for ages. I'm not looking forward to all those button holes though!

And another NewLook pattern that i will lengthen to just above the knee.

In a thin purple knit.

Those Summer Nights: A jersey cardigan. Pattern free from Burda, but i want to make it similar to the picture below.

Tomorrow Russ is working and J is going to my Mom's so i think i will have a sewing day :)

Have a wonderful weekend xxxxxx

Parcels & Underware

2011-06-07T19:40:00.005+01:00

Hello, How has your day been? It is lovely and sunny here this evening.

I received a lovely parcel from Suzie at Su Sews So-So, I won a giveaway she organised.

and got some gorgeous lace and fabric...

and patterns :)

Thank you Suzie!

I haven't been doing very much sewing for myself lately, i did make some more things for my Etsy shop and altered a top for my Mom.

I can show you my first pair of pants/knickers/underware that i finished a couple of weeks ago.

Made from a re-cycled t-shirt :)

I drew round a pair to make the pattern.

I can't stop making them now...i have a big box of t-shirts ready to transform.

Hope you have a great week xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Birthday Dog

2011-05-31T20:31:00.004+01:00

Hello, hope you are having a lovely day.

It is Fee's 2nd Birthday today :) I haven't put any photos of her on here for awhile, so i thought i would share a few.

'Dobby' Fee (as J calls her when her ears are like this)

Tazing around Fee.

Very fast Fee.

Naughty Fee.
Sweet sad looking Fee.

Snuggly Fee.

Model Fee (wearing my brooch and pretending to love Rosie)

Cuddling Fee.

Upside down Fee.

I don't know whats going on with her ears in this photo :)

Have a lovely evening xxxxxxxxx

Bargains & Buttons

2011-05-29T15:07:00.006+01:00

Hello, Hope you are having a lovely weekend.

Me and my Mom went to the carboot this morning, i had to drop Russ off at work for 6am so we were there early, all the stall holders were setting up. It was very quiet, i think it was because it was so windy...everyone's things kept blowing away :)

I got some clothes for re-fashioning and some material.
I think i will make something for my friend's little girl out of this pony fabric, she loves anything to do with horses and ponies.

Another pair of curtains (i love curtains) my Mom wants me to make me an apron from this.

This quilt cover is similar to the pillowcases i got a few weeks ago from the charity shop.

And i got a plastic display model...it is very tiny and doesn't have a back (its hollow) but i thought it might be useful for photographing clothes.

Yesterday Russ came home with a box of buttons that he bought for me from a neighbour of the people he has been plastering for this week.

I was so excited by this gift :)

I don't think i will be needing anymore buttons for awhile.

Have a lovely afternoon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Solution Sewing

2011-05-25T20:16:00.003+01:00

Hi Hope your week is going well!

I have been really inspired this week listening to a new podcast i found....i love listening to podcasts whilst I'm sewing, and i came across the Green Stitch Podcast Its all about taking some existing fabric and turning it into something new and useful.

As well as altering clothes in my recycle pile, I'm going to use some of them for solution sewing...making things that i need.

Here's the list so far.....

1. A curtain that i have been meaning to replace for weeks.
2. Coasters to replace the ones that Fee ate.
3. A dog walking bag. I'm not sure how I'm going to make this one, but i want something light that will just carry my mobile, ipod, a whistle (to try and persuade Fee to come back) and a plastic bag. I normally carry a big bag around and can never find anything.
4. A carrier bag holder.
5. A bag to put cleaning cloths in.
6. A bag for sewing scraps.
7. Another pincushion.
8. 2 blinds for our bathroom.
9. Some pretty bunting for our bedroom.
10. A quilt for our bed using fabric scraps.
11. A new coat for Fee (hopefully she won't need to wear one for a while)

phew...i think that lot will take awhile.

I made a good start today though. J went to my Moms for the day, and Russ was working till 7 so i sewed for most of the day :) and managed to get 3 things done.

A new curtain from a new Ikea curtain that i got last year from the carboot...unfortunately i couldn't alter the existing curtain as it had tab tops so i had to make it from scratch. Its tied back with a polka dot trainer lace at the moment :)

I have lots of tea towels that I've had in my stash for ages.

I used this one to make a bag for cloths.

and the plastic bag holder.

I love the plastic bag holder..i keep taking the bags out and putting them back in :)

Have a lovely week xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Re-Fashioning

2011-05-23T10:44:00.005+01:00

Hello how are you, hope you had a lovely weekend.

I am still hobbling about because of my back, and can only sit at the sewing machine for about 10 minutes, but it is a lot better than last week, so hopefully its on the mend!

I did manage to finish off some re-fashioning. I had a pair of jeans from the carboot, they had been taken up and were just the wrong length for me. So i took them up even more and made them into 'just below the knee' length shorts.

Before - Gap jeans £1

After - Long shorts

I added the cuffs and left the frayed edge showing rather than turn it under.

Another one i did was a green dress that i got from the same lady i bought the jeans from...i think i bought about 8 things from her.

I loved the ruffles and embroidered details on this dress, again it was not a good length on me, mid calf ish, and another problem was that it was way too tight in the chest, and looked awful.

So i cut it in half and turned the bottom part into a skirt, i just made an elasticated waist band.

and i got to keep the embroidery and ruffles :)

I haven't worn either of them yet, because its been too cold since.

I am hoping to take part in Zoe's Me Made June depending on how my back is...if i can take part i will include re-fashioned items this time too, i still have a massive pile to work through.

Have a great day, take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A Year Of Sewing

2011-05-16T16:09:00.011+01:00

Hello, how was your weekend, hope it was great. On Friday i got up an hour earlier than normal, cut out some more shorts to make for my friend's daughters, and a skirt for me, took Fee for her walk bent down to pick up her lead and my back went, i had to crawl from our gate, which if i hadn't been in so much pain may have looked quite funny. Luckily its not far from the gate to the door! So no sewing for me...I can't sit, but today i have been able to lie on my side with the laptop next to me so that's made me much happier...i will never take for granted thinks like putting socks on again. I think Fee is more miserable than me, she has to wait for Russ to get home to go for her walk.

It is just over a year that i sewed my first item of clothing so i thought i would do a bit of a review.

My first item the Marie skirt from Burdastyle.

I have only worn this once, because its falling apart, but i will always keep it. I was so excited after making this skirt, i couldn't wait to get onto the next thing.

Altogether i have made 35 items of clothing.

That includes 3 dresses, 2 pairs of shorts, 11 tops.....

1 pair of pyjama trousers/pants/bottoms and 18 skirts!! how can i have made 18 skirts but have no skirts to wear???

I still really need to work on the finish of my garments and get the fit of my tops better. I also need to think about what suits me, like the style of skirt so i will get more wear out of them and make things that will go with other items i already have.

My favourites....

and the items that have i have worn loads...

Have a lovely evening, Take Care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Catching Up

2011-05-12T19:21:00.000+01:00

Hello How are you? hope you are having a great day. I can't believe its Thursday already this week seems to have gone so quickly.

Russ's dad is out of hospital :) he has to go back in Tuesday for the day for the last test. They think he passed out due to high blood pressure and had severe concussion, and the scarring they found on the brain maybe from a mild stroke that he could have had over a year ago and didn't know about.

I had a wonderful parcel arrive yesterday from Amanda.

Full of patterns! Thank you so much Amanda, i can't wait to start on these.

I haven't been doing much sewing but i have taken some photos of the material i got from the carboot last week.

I paid £1 for all of it and there is about 1-2/3 meters of each. I'm not sure what each material is, I'm still not very good at working it out. The red hounds tooth has a bit of stretch to it.

upholstery fabrics, there's is only a small bit of the stripes....I'm not sure what to make from these.

Grey suiting (i think)

I haven't got a clue what the above is, but my Mom wants me to make her top from it...i wouldn't mind but she wants it identical to another top she has that looks very complicated with pin tucks, buttons half way down, a collar, cuffs etc :/

I love this floral fabric.

I have seen the magazine My Image on a few blogs and decided to order the Winter issue 2010

mainly for this skirt, M1015

there's only one problem....its for children :( I would be alright height-wise but definitely not width-wise. Oh well there are some other things i would like to make, like this knee length cardigan.....

This evening Russ is cooking our dinner and I'm going to put on a Miss Marple DVD and catch up on my blog reading...which is just the best sort of evening for me...i even have a big bar of Cadbury's dairy milk for later :)

Have a lovely evening xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi

2011-05-09T13:24:00.002+01:00

Hello, Thank you so much for your kind comments! Russ's dad is much better than he was, his speech is back to normal now and he is remembering a lot more. They are still not sure what caused it, but he has more tests to have on Thursday. He might be able to come home today and just go back for the tests which will be great. We will find out more when we go up this afternoon.

Take care, see you soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hello

2011-05-04T15:52:00.002+01:00

Hi, how are you? Our week has been awful, Russ's dad collapsed and is in hospital, so we have been visiting him and looking after his sister. He is having more tests done today so we should find out more this evening. I think its the waiting and not knowing which makes it worse.

Hopefully be back soon!
Take Care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Simplicity 3835

2011-04-26T10:37:00.003+01:00

Hello, hope you had a lovely Easter! Russ had to work every day so we didn't do anything but the weather was lovely so it was nice anyway. The local carboot started on Sunday :) i was so excited, me and my Mom were there before 7am and it was so busy. I got 3 pairs of jeans...2 pairs fit and 1 pair aren't long enough so i will make them into shorts. 4 tops, a dress, a pair of boots and a bag of material all for £8 so i was very pleased, i will take some photos once they are washed.

I made another top last week Simplicity 3835. Debbie was very kind to send me the pattern last year. (Thank you Debbie)

I used a very thin cotton material with a pale pink and white stripe...another rag market bargain, i think this one was £2.00 a meter.

This was such a lovely top to make, i cut it out awhile ago and it went together very easily and quickly.

I made the size 12, and just tightened the elastic at the neck until i was happy with it. It was too loose the first time. I also left the elastic out of the sleeves and they are just right.

I lengthened it by 2" but i might take it up as its folded under in the photos.

I love this top and will definitely be making another...I'm going to try the dress too.

Have a wonderful week, Take Care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

NewLook 6705

2011-04-19T21:05:00.006+01:00

Hello, How are you?

It was Russ's boys 18th birthday last week. On Friday we went with all Russell's family to Worcester and didn't get home until it was getting light....i was the only sober one and trying to look after them all was a nightmare, but very amusing. Saturday we went to a party at their Mom's house. I think it will take me all week to recover :)

I decided to have a break from fitting NewLook 6808 and instead i made NewLook 6705, this is one of the first sewing patterns i bought, last year.

I made the white patterned version with square neck and no sleeves.

I really like the square neckline and pleats at the front.

The fit turned out ok apart from the gaping at the neck front and back :( which i'm not sure how to get rid of.

I measure a size 12/14 on the pattern but because of the amount of ease i made an 8. If i make it again i think i will lengthen the body and narrow the flounce.

You can see the gaping better in this photo.....

Its a shame about the gaping because i love the material.

I am taking part in a Top Draftalong that Portia is hosting on her blog Miss P

I'm really looking forward to it...i can't wait to have some tops that fit properly to go with all the skirts i have made :)

(sorry about the spacing in my posts lately...i don't know why, but i can't get them right)

Hope you have a wonderful week xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Fitting

2011-04-11T21:19:00.005+01:00

Hello Hope you have had a lovely weekend!

I have finished a couple of muslin's and another skirt :)

The first was a knit boatneck top, made from left over fabrics.

I am much happier with the fit of this one, the neck is a bit wide, it falls off my shoulder when i move....but the fit in the body is much better than my last one.

My third go at NewLook 6808 (made from a men's shirt i got from the carboot)

Its still a bit tight in the hips and baggy in the upper chest.

I tried pinning it and i think it looks better...well hopefully it will when i alter the pattern for the next one.

the back :(

I will try a sway back adjustment??? I need to read my Fit For Real People Book as i haven't got a clue how to do it....and i have just noticed in the photo that the shoulders look a bit wide...oh well, onto number 4!!

A nice easy skirt that was lovely and quick to make and has no fit issues as it has an elastic waist :)

Have a lovely week xxxxxxxxxxx

More Skirts

2011-04-07T15:22:00.003+01:00

Hello How are you? Great i hope!

I think i over did it with my sorting out the other day, i have lost all motivation now :/

I can show you 2 skirts i finished la couple of weeks ago (i really do need to start making some tops soon)

Another version of NewLook 6030

I made this out of a pair of cord trousers that i got from the carboot last summer. Its not quite the same shape as the pattern as i didn't have enough material...its quite tight but stretchy, so still comfortable, and i have worn it lots already.

And another version of NewLook 3031

Its a bit short as i only had 3/4s of a meter, its a lovely jersey type material so i have just left the hem raw.

I found these pillow cases at a local charity shop. I think they might become another skirt :)

Take Care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A sort Out & Some Sewing

2011-04-03T19:00:00.003+01:00

Hello, Hope you are having a lovely weekend.

We went to Russell's brothers wedding celebration last night, it was great to see all his family and catch up but i am so tired today. I didn't make a dress in the end because of us all feeling ill and i wanted to finish my Mom's top in time for Mother's Day.

She chose NewLook 6871

I really enjoyed making this top (she asked for the sleeveless version that the model is wearing)

The material is very thin and you can see where i have attached the facing, even though i have clipped it in as much as i can. I have cut another one out for me and i think i will try underlining the yoke section next time.

This material has quite a lot of stretch to it and i couldn't get the band on the bottom level, it was stretching one way and the body of the top the other way.

It fits my Mom well in the shoulders and chest but is very loose from there downwards....I might shape mine at the sides, i will baste it first and see what it looks like.

I have had a good sort out of all my fabric and my sewing shelves. I couldn't find anything!

and i sorted through all my patterns that I'm planning to make....hopefully before the summer.

This is the ready to make pile.

All the patterns have been traced and the fabric cut out, so now i just need to get on with the sewing part (some of these have been cut out since last summer).

I made little cards with all the fitting adjustments on to go with each pattern, so i don't forget if i make them again.

Have a great evening! J got me Twilight Eclipse DVD for Mothers Day so I'm going to watch that tonight...if i can keep my eyes open :) Take Care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

NewLook Skirt 6031

2011-03-29T14:32:00.005+01:00

Hi how are you? We have all come down with stomach/flu bugs here so not much has been going on.

I finished this skirt last week, another NewLook one. I wanted an easy pull on skirt so i chose 6031

I had less than a meter of the top layer of material so its shorter than i wanted. The bottom material was a bed sheet.

Even though this is an easy pattern i struggled with the separate waist casing, i might just make the next one like the top of my pyjamas....fold over, sew and insert elastic...seems much easier.

Its a bit puffy at the waist, but i have worn it since with a belt and it does look better.

Hope you have a lovely day, I'm going back to the sofa and the cartoon channel :) xxxxxxxx

Me Made March Days 19 - 23

2011-03-27T11:40:00.004+01:00

Hello, how is your weekend going?

Here are some more Me Made March outfits.....

Day 19

Me Made Purple knit dress - Prima, and crochet green bobble scarf.

Day 20

Me Made Top.

Day 21

Me Made Grey Shorts - Mixture of Burda and NewLook patterns and Kwiksew instructions.

Day 22

Me Made pink skirt - Cal Patch self drafted pattern.

Day 23

Me Made flowery top - Prima.

I am still enjoying wearing the things i have made, even the ones that i said i would never wear because of the mistakes or the fit don't seem so bad now......but I'm not really enjoying taking the photos each day.

I have been doing lots of sewing this week, which i need to get photographed. I finished another 2 skirts. Made some short pyjamas for my Mom's friends daughters and started on a summer top for my Mom. I'm not sure whether to start on a dress for myself....Russ's younger brother got married 2 weeks ago in Cuba and they are having a wedding celebration party on Saturday, i don't really want to buy a dress but I'm not sure i can make one in time, with all the fitting i will probably have to do. I don't know what style i want either...i think i will have a look at my patterns and see if there's any easy ones suitable.

Have a great day xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

NewLook Skirt 6030

2011-03-24T12:20:00.004Z

Hello, its another lovely sunny and warm day here today, i wish we had a garden to sit in rather than a patch of dirt and 1 daffodil, oh well hopefully this year I'm going to plant some flowers and at least get some stones down...there is no point in having grass with Fee running around and digging.

With this lovely weather i am wanting to make pretty spring dresses and floral skirts, i think i might go to the Rag Market on Saturday and see what they have on the 50p a Meter stalls.

I have finished a skirt...NewLook 6030. I made it in the only cord that they had in our local sewing shop. I wanted a mustard colour or a bright blue or pink but they only had grey, so i thought it would do to practise with.

I left the pockets off and didn't make the belt so it was quick to make.

I made the mini length and it didn't use up much material, i think i had just over a meter and there was quite a bit left over.

I did the belt tags wrong, you were supposed to sew them on top after but mine are sewn into the waist band, but i think it looks ok.

The zip went in fine, but the top of the waistband isn't quite level...i seem to have a lot of trouble getting them to line up properly.

It does have quite a lot of ease so i took it in 3 inches at the sides.

I wore it for Me Made March Day 18

I will definitely try a size smaller next time, it kept moving round every time i walked and bunching up at the front, i spent most of the day tugging it down.

Have a great day, take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Me Made March Catching Up Again

2011-03-22T18:21:00.005Z

Hello, Hope you have had a lovely sunny day, me and Fee went walking without our coats on today :)

Some more Me Made March, I'm starting to struggle a bit now, not so much with wearing the clothes but taking the photos.

Day 14

Me made polka dot skirt - Newlook 6873 and crochet hair clip.

Day 15

Me made crochet scarf and brooch.

Day 16

Me made Sew U flowery skirt and crochet scarf.

Day 17

Me made dress McCalls 5622.

Have a lovely evening xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Down By The River

2011-03-20T09:51:00.004Z

Hello, Hope you are having a lovely weekend.

The sun is out today and Russ is working so me and Fee have had a walk down by the River. I forgot to take my camera but here are some photo's i took last week.

We walked by the fairground to have a look at the swans.

I think Fee wanted to play, she kept wagging her tail at them.

I haven't done much sewing the last few days....i still have my 3rd muslin for NewLook 6808 cut out and waiting on my table and also a variation of a NewLook skirt.

My Mom did choose this pattern in the NewLook sale.

She wanted a pair of navy jersey Pyjama bottoms/trousers/pants. So i did make those for her.

I should have ironed them a bit better. I wanted to put some lace and ribbon and maybe some buttons on them but she wanted them plain. The jersey was 100% cotton and alot easier to sew than the types i have tried before.

I think i will be making lots more of these for her :)

Have a great day and take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Me Made March Catch-up

2011-03-16T16:48:00.004Z

Hi, Thank you so much for the advice on my top, i really appreciate it...i have just cut out the 3rd version so i will be sewing that up later.

Here are my Me Made March outfits for the last few days.

Day 9

Me Made - Crochet flower hair clip.

Day 10

Me Made Burgundy boatneck knit top - Prima

Day 11

Me made stripey tunic - NewLook 6761

Day 12

Me made Flowery skirt.

Day 13

Me made navy skirt - Simplicity 2451

I received this pattern from Debbie's giveaway at Minnado's House, Thank you Debbie!

I'm going to make the cream version but alter the sleeves slightly.

Have a great evening xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

NewLook 6808 - Fitting

2011-03-14T20:26:00.007Z

Hi How are you? Hope you have had a good weekend!

I have been working on NewLook 6808

I'm trying to make the pale blue version to start with but am having trouble with the fitting.

Here is my first attempt....i haven't bothered with the sleeves yet.

It is way too big at the shoulders, neck, upper chest and my rib cage and then very tight across the hips.

The bust darts seem to be in the right position.

Too big in the shoulders...too wide?? its falling off the one.

A bit loose in the middle of the back and then too tight.

Second Attempt

For this one i went a size 6/8 at the shoulders and neck a size 10 at the bust, an 8 at the waist and a 12 at the hips :/ what a mixture!

erm...I'm not sure what to say about this one....i think it fits better at the neck, shoulders and upper chest.

The bust darts are too high now they are definitely not up there :)

Now its too tight at the chest but fits better at the hips.

So its on too number 3 now! If anyone has any advice it would be really appreciated...i feel like giving up on this one...maybe its not the right style for my body shape.

Have a lovely evening...My Mom has lent me her Miss Marple DVD set the ones with Margaret Rutherford in....Russ is so happy :)

Take Care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Me Made March Days 5 - 8

2011-03-11T21:23:00.003Z

Hello, Hope you have had a great day! I have been watching News 24 a lot today and my heart goes out to everyone effected by the earthquake off Japan xx

I have been trying to catch up with my Me Made March outfits here are Days 5 - 8

Day 5

Me Made Black Top - Prima Magazine.

Day 6

The weather was lovely today and Russ finished work early so we walked Fee down to the river.

Me Made Boatneck Top - Prima Magazine.

Me Made - cochet pink bobble Scarf.

Day 7

Another sunny day.

Me Made Purple Dress - Prima Magazine.

Day 8

Me Made Skirt - Simplicity 2451.

Take Care and have a lovely weekend xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Pyjamas

2011-03-09T16:42:00.004Z

Hello I just found the photos of the pyjamas i made a few weeks ago. I though i had deleted them by mistake.

I used this pattern....NewLook 6443 that i got from the carboot last summer.

I didn't make the top (i got that from the carboot too, i think it was 50p)

These are my first pyjamas and i really enjoyed making them as they were so quick...I lengthened the pattern and took them in quite a bit. Next time i will do a size smaller.

I used the overlocker for most of the sewing and used half elastic, half drawstring at the waist. Next time i think i will use just elastic as my shop bought ones are like that and are more comfortable.

I am on the look out now for more material to make more pairs :)

Hope you are having a great evening! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Me Made March Days 1 - 4

2011-03-07T20:20:00.003Z

Hi, how has your day been? Hope its been lovely.

Just wanted to show you my Me Made March outfits.....

Day 1

Me made Dress - NewLook 6826.

This dress was one of the first items i made last year. I have only worn it a couple of times as its quite tight in the chest.

Day 2

Me Made Skirt - Sew U A-line Pattern altered.

I have worn this skirt lots, its great for walking Fee....which is why i'm wearing my wellies :)

Day 3

Me Made Top - Prima Magazine Pattern

Day 4

Me Made Skirt - NewLook 6873

I am really enjoying taking part but am going to run out of things to wear so will have to double up quite alot...or get sewing.

I have been working on a second muslin for NewLook 6808 The first one was massive in the shoulders and too tight in the hips...i thought Russ was going to have to cut me out of it!

Have a great evening xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hello...

2011-03-05T16:18:00.005Z

Hi, I have my laptop back and am so happy :) I really missed it.

Well it hasn't been a great week really. My mom got made redundant which was a massive shock for her, she loved her job so much. Fee got ill again, she has the same symptoms as last time but this time she is not having steroids, shes having dog Piriton and if they don't work she has to have aspirin based injections...and today i lost my phone :(

Russ finished our room. I'm very happy. And most of it is made from recycled and second hand things so that's even better. It still needs some art for the walls but I'm going to take my time choosing that and i will keep a look out for some old frames once the car boots start.

The Wardrobe and cupboard made from re-cycled wood, which are full up already :)

Bargain Laura Ashley wall paper. The headboard is made from re-cycled wood as well...i want to get some fairy lights to go round it :) The patchwork bed cover was an 18th birthday present, so its just over 20 years old, its a bit tatty now but i love it.

I love having a place to put some of my favourite things.

The carpet was an off-cut and the sparkly rug was ex-display in the sale.

Its lovely and cozy now i don't want to get out of bed :)

I have been taking part in Me-Made-March 11. I'm really enjoying it, i just need to upload the photos.

Hope you are having a lovely weekend xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Computer Virus

2011-02-21T17:27:00.002Z

Hi, i have just borrowed Russ's laptop to post as mine has a virus :( and the place i took it to last time to be fixed can't look at it until next week. I can't load any photo's on this one as it doesn't work properly, but i can still keep up with every ones blogs :) thank goodness!!

Hopefully be back soon, Take care xxxxxxxx

Sew U T-Shirt

2011-02-16T13:59:00.003Z

Hi i just finished sewing my t-shirt. I used the crew neck pattern from Sew U Home Stretch. I didn't spend too much time on the finish as i wanted to concentrate on the fit....which is awful :(

The good things...erm...

- The length.

- The colour.

- I used the overlocker for most of it, so its good practise.

The bad...

- I measured myself, the pattern pieces, allowed for ease and stretch, double checked everything and it is way too tight in places and too big in others.

- It is too loose at the neck.

- It is pulling at the top of the shoulders, the bust, and across the tummy.

- Too loose at the back.

- Too tight under the arms (again)

- Too tight across the hips!

I can't wait to find/make a pattern that fits better. I'm not sure what to try next now?? Maybe the next size up and see how that looks.

Hope you are having a lovely day! Take Care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sewing From Last Week

2011-02-14T15:31:00.003Z

Hi How are you? Did you have a good week?

I finished my self drafted top :/ I made it with no functional ease as its a stretchy material, but it looks awful and is way too tight. I managed to get the neck band on but its a bit wider one side than the other. The fit is awful around the shoulders and under the arms. I think i need to make the shoulders narrower and the armhole larger??? This pattern drafting and fitting is harder than i thought, but i will try again.

I have started a t-shirt from Sew U home Stretch so i can compare the fit. I only had a small bit of jersey so I'm leaving off the neckband this time.

Comparing the Sew U pattern with my top......totally different.

I finished mending my jeans too...i love these River Island Jeans that i got from the carboot for 50p. I like torn, scruffy jeans but these had gone a bit too far :)

I used a tutorial from Suzannah's Blog Adventures in dressmaking. I wish i had found this tutorial before i threw away my old torn jeans.

I think it works well with this style and colour of jeans.

On Saturday me and my Mom went to Birmingham Market to get some material and could not find any that we liked :( there wasn't as many stalls as normal either, maybe there will be in the Spring.

In the end we came home and went to our local sewing shop. My Mom got some navy jersey so i can make her some pyjamas and i got some cotton and a new pattern. NewLook 6808.

I would have got more done but i started reading this.....

the second in the series, i finished about 2am this morning. I'm looking forward to reading the last one.

This is Fee's 'I'm not happy with you' face just because i moved her Miffy toy off the floor! she's hanging onto it now :)

Have a lovely day and Happy Valentines Day xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Not Quite To Plan

2011-02-08T22:02:00.005Z

Hello, How was your day? It has been lovely and sunny here today, freezing but sunny.

I have been working on a long sleeve t-shirt. I drafted the pattern from Cal Patch's Book. It took me ages as i am so hopeless at Maths and angles, i had to keep asking Russ to help and there was lots of crossing out.

I started sewing the top from some red jersey i got from the market. It was going well until i got to the neck band. This is my third attempt :(

I have had enough of it tonight so i will try again in the morning!

I was hoping to have finished my shirt muslin by now but i haven't got very far with it......

that's it so far.

I am taking part in Zoe's....

'I, Alex, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-March '11. I endeavour to wear one item of handmade clothing or accessory each day for the duration of March 2011'

I'm really looking forward to it :)

Have a lovely evening xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Another Skirt

2011-02-04T13:22:00.004Z

Hello How are you? Hope you have had a great week!

I can't stop sewing at the moment...there are so many things i want to make. I am working on a Spring and Summer sewing plan. I want to make lots of pretty lace and floral dresses but i need tops and skirts and jeans...i don't think I'm ready to sew a pair of jeans yet though :)

I finished off a A-line skirt. I spent a lot longer making this than anything else i have made. I wanted it to be neat on the inside and to fit properly. Umm after all this I'm not sure about it.

Its a denim sort of fabric. I do love the colour...it looks quite orange on my computer but is more red really.

I love the wider waist band.

And i used the overlocker for the seams. I'm still not very good at controlling it.

I had lots of trouble getting a decent photo of me wearing it...this was the best of the lot. Please excuse my hair it was annoying me so i cut the layers and cut off a bit too much in places!

It feels a bit big at the front but fits perfectly at the hips ??? It might just be the style though and I'm not used to wearing this length of skirt, which might be why I'm not sure about it.

Testing it Fee walking (with a strange looking horse in the background)

Most of my photos were like this.....with Fee getting in the way to look out of the window!

I have also mended 2 pairs of jeans, nearly finished a pair of pyjama trousers and started on my shirt muslin. I spent ages working on the pockets yesterday. They are a bit wonky but i think ok for a first try.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Monday Already

2011-01-31T11:51:00.009Z

Hello, How was your week and weekend? Hope it was fun. Last week seemed to fly by.

On Saturday i took my Mom shopping. We had a look in Laura Ashley and i found a roll of wall paper for half price. Its only for the wall behind the bed so hopefully there will be enough.

I got February's copy of Burda too.

There are quite a few items in this issue that i like.

These are my favourites....

I might try shorts again.

I love this little girls dress......

Russ has been working on our room, we now have a cupboard and half a wardrobe :)

They are going to be painted white with black/pewter coloured handles.

I just wanted to show you the gorgeous bag that Lorraine sent me to thank me for the Advent swap gifts.

I love it, thank you so much Lorraine.

Do you have any plans for this week? I'm taking part in Peter's shirt sew-along which starts tomorrow. I thought i had better practise buttonholes...

Oh dear..i think i should have started practising a bit sooner, they are supposed to be in a straight line :(

I've nearly finished another A-line skirt just the hem to do and I'm going to start working my way through this pile.......

...My mending and re-fashion box. I hate mending things but i only have 1 pair of jeans that fit so i need to patch these first.

Have a lovely week! Take Care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Monthly Make and A Bedroom Makeover

2011-01-24T17:54:00.006Z

Hello, hope you had a great weekend. I did lots of knitting and crocheting.

For my January monthly make. I made myself some bow hair clips. I have wanted some of these for ages but have never got round to making them.

The first one i did in a candy pink and green.

Which my Dad kindly photographed for me today (it was freezing!)

And the second was nautical inspired, and gave me the opportunity to use one of my anchor buttons :)

I love making them and will probably have them in 100's of different colour combinations now.

Me and Russ didn't do Christmas presents for each other this year, instead we have decided to make-over our bedroom as was is in a right state. We are going to be using either second hand things, like a blind i bought from the charity shop, or things that have been given to us. Including the double glazed window that Russ swapped for a days plastering :) we had a metal one before that kept freezing on the inside. I have managed to persuade him to build us a built in wardrobe and cupboard and i will be able to get rid of the teenagers one that we are using and be able to get the boxes of clothes from under the bed.

It is a very small room, only 11ft by 7ft so once the bed and wardrobe are in that will be about it, but I'm hoping to make a pretty patchwork quilt and get some nice art work, and make it cozy.

Here are the before and now photos.

Goodbye shiny wallpaper!

Wardrobe frame and half plastered room.

I can't wait for it to be done, I'm so excited! Hopefully it won't be too long until the 'after' photos.

Hope you have a wonderful week! Take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tags - Playing Along.

2011-01-21T16:13:00.002Z

Hi how has your week been? Great i hope. I haven't really done anything except work on things for my Etsy shop but i haven't photographed them yet.

I saw this tag list on Vanessa's blog and decided to play along :)

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7.00 Russ woke me up going to work, and then Fee decided to throw her toys around and i couldn't get back to sleep.

2. How do you like your steak? Well done with chips.

3. What was the last film you saw in the Cinema? I haven't been for years.

4. What is your favourite tv show? Pushing Daisies.

5. Where would you like to live if you could choose anywhere in the world? By the sea.

6. What did you have for breakfast? (This is bad i know) a packet of chocolate buttons.

7. What is your favourite cuisine? Italian.

8. What food do you dislike? Rice pudding....I remember crying at Primary school because the dinner ladies used to make us eat it :(

9. Place to eat? At my Mom's when she is cooking :)

10. Most annoying habit? Fidgeting, i can't keep still.

11. you are....? Easily confused.

12. Favourite clothes? My PJ's.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? There are so many places...Japan, Disney Land, Sweden, Russia, Germany.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 full most of the time, unless I'm feeling sorry for myself.

15. Where would you want to retire? Anywhere by the sea.

16. Favourite time of day? Early Morning when its just getting light.

17. Where were you born? Worcestershire in the special baby unit as i was a month early.

18. What is your favourite sport to watch? I don't really like sport.

19. Bird Watcher? erm..not really.

20. Morning person or night person? Morning.

21. Do you have any pets? Yes cats and Fee, and i want another puppy.

22. What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to be a museum curator, or an archaeologist, i love history.

23. What is your best childhood memory? Holidays in Wales in the Winter, playing all day on the beach (normally in a coat)

24. Cat or dog person? Both.

25. Married? No.

26. Always wear your seatbelt? Yes.

27. Been in a car accident? I was in a hit and run accident when i was 16, i broke my leg in 2 places and was in plaster for 11 months and 15 days, as i have very slow healing bones, apparently :(

28. Any pet peeves? Rudeness and bad manners.

29. Favourite pizza topping? Cheese.

30. Favourite flower? I love flowers.....Daisies and Daffodils.

31. Favourite ice cream? Vanilla.

32. How many times did you fail your driving test? Once, for holding it on the clutch at a junction.

33. From whom did you get your last email? That reminds me i must check my emails!

34. Do anything spontaneous lately? No :( when i had a car i would just go off places for the day and explore, but its more difficult now sharing Russell's work van.

35. Like your job? I love making things...hopefully it will develop into a full time job.

36. Which store would you use to max out your credit card? My local fabric store.

37. Broccoli? Looks like trees and is Yummy!

38. Favourite vacation? St. Ives in Cornwall.

39. Last person you went out to dinner with? I think it was Russ, but it was so long ago i can't remember.

40. What are you listening to right now? My Miss Marple DVD is on in the background.

41. Favourite colour? At the moment its navy and red, but it changes all the time.

42. How many tattoos do you have? None.

43. How many are you tagging for this quiz? Anyone who wants to play along.

44. Coffee drinker? Not very often.

45. Smoker? No.

46. Irritating habit? According to Russ its twisting my hair round and round, i do it all the time, it doesn't bother me though :)

47. Guilty pleasure? Thinking I'm in Glee every time its on....dancing round the living room.

48. Frustrated...? yes at Fee who has had 2 walks today for over an hour each time and is still whining to go out.

49. Favourite game? I love computer games! At the moment its Harry Potter Lego :)

50. Coast or inland? I want to live by the coast.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A Bit Of Sewing

2011-01-14T14:13:00.006Z

Hello, Hope you have had a lovely week!

I have finally managed to make myself another skirt. I wanted a knee length loose fitting skirt that i could wear with wellingtons when i walk Fee :)

I used NewLook 6873 again. In the grey wool type material that seems to be never ending. So far i have made 2 skirts and a pair of shorts out of it and still have some left!

It came out ok, it hangs a bit strange and is not quite knee length, but it is very comfortable.

I had to un-pick the hem. I folded it under twice at first and it stuck straight out, so its just folded under once now and will probably fray like mad.

I love sew-alongs and crafty makes and swaps and am taking part in Annie's monthly makes challenge. There are lots of things i want to make for myself that i never seem to get round to, like a new purse, a scarf and some cushion cover....so this will be a great opportunity.

And I am sort of taking part in Peter's men's shirt sew-along.

I say sort of because i am making a shirt but its going to be for me and not a man, as neither Russ or J want a shirt, and my Dad hardly wears them. Its something i want to try though. I want to make it in a flannel type material a bit like this one from New Look but without the hood.....

I found this flannel type material in the sale section of my local sewing shop yesterday (i only went in for a zip) it was only 75p a metre so i bought all they had which was just over 3 metres...i know its not the right colour but i thought it would be good to practise with and hopefully there will be enough for a pair of pyjamas bottoms :)

Have a lovely weekend! Take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Goals & Gifts

2011-01-06T16:21:00.007Z

Hello I hope you have had a lovely start to 2011.

I have decided to focus on fewer goals this year. I didn't achieve all the ones i wanted to last year...like the piano playing or baking or being more organised but i did manage to start making my own clothes and to learn to crochet.

This year my goals are....

- To make more clothes, especially basics like skirts and knit tops, and to make them look good on the inside as well. (To learn how to hem evenly so i can make knee length skirts and not have to turn them all into mini's) My Mom got me this fantastic book for Christmas, which will hopefully help me improve on fit!

- To update my Etsy shop at least 3 times a week.

- To start a journal. My Mom got me these books too, they are so inspiring. I love looking at peoples sketchbooks and journals,

An Illustrated Life by Danny Gregory

A 1000 Artist Journal Pages by Dawn Devries Sokol

We have been watching lots of DVDs this week (well i have been watching lots of DVDs and everyone else has been moaning about my DVDs)

We had some vouchers so i got these,

Pushing Daisies, to replace the ones Fee chewed when she was a puppy!

Miss Marple box sets, i was so excited to get these :)

and.....

I have been singing 'Don't stop Believing' all week :)

Hope you have a lovely evening, Take care xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T16:39:00.004Z

Hello, Hope you had a great Christmas.

Ours was quiet but lovely. My laptop had a virus, i have been using Russ's but I'm so happy to get my mine back and luckily nothing was lost.

I had some wonderful gifts from my secret Santa swap partner....

Gorgeous buttons and ribbon.

Very yummy chocolate which is nearly gone :)

And wonderful ear warmers that i have been wearing lots this week.

Thank you so much Jacey I love them all.

Have a wonderful New Year, Take Care and See you Soon!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T11:43:00.003Z

Source

Have a wonderful Christmas!!!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Frosty

2010-12-17T12:32:00.005Z

Hello Hope you have had a lovely week!

It is very cold and frosty here but so pretty.

I haven't really done much this week, except try and get everything ready for Christmas. I finished off a couple more purses and started making some embroidered pictures which are fun to do, i haven't photographed them yet, the light is so bad at the moment.

Space Hopper...this was one of my favourite toys, i used to bounce everywhere.

Little deer...

Lovely advent gifts.....

Thank you Lorraine :) xx

We weren't going to have a Christmas tree this year because Fee kept trying to eat the baubles and decorations off the one last year (including the lights). As its all open plan there is no where to put one away from her. After much sulking from me, Russ got me one and he decorated it too....

It hasn't got many needles left on it and those are normal size baubles not giant ones :) He thought he would get one that size so we could keep it on the table away from Fee....Fee just stands on her back two legs and picks them off, she loves this game. So every night i have to take the decorations off, which is why I'm not putting any more on :) I love our little lopsided tree it makes me smile.

Have a lovely day! Take care xxxxxxxxxxx

Gifts And Sewing

2010-12-12T20:15:00.006Z

Hello, Hope you have had a lovely weekend!

Me and My Mom went Christmas shopping yesterday, and got a grand total of 2 presents! We did have a gorgeous lunch in a Cellar Pub though so i was happy :)

I received a wonderful card from Lovely Amanda, and a gorgeous little bird that will stay up all year, Thank you Amanda.

and i am really enjoying opening my advent gifts each morning, Here's what i have opened the past 6 days.....

Thank you Lorraine!

I have made some more purses and phone cases this week.....

Here is Fee looking very guilty, i don't know why its her cover she's lying on :)

Hope you have a wonderful week, take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Purses And Phone Cases

2010-12-07T12:01:00.005Z

Hello, Hope you are having a lovely week and keeping warm (or cool depending where you are)

I have been making more purses and crocheted phone cases for my Etsy shop 'Lemon Pippin' J named it for me :)

Another owl purse, I wish i could find some more of this floral fabric I only have about 1/4 of a metre left :(

Bright Hello Kitty...

The phone/Ipod cases are similar to the ones i made earlier in the year but i have put a strap on them and vintage button.

Little sleepy fox case

Flower Case

This afternoon (if i can drag myself from under my quilt) I'm going to work on some new designs, i have so many ideas , I'm really excited!

I am loving opening my advent gifts each morning, here are days 4,5 and 6

Gorgeous Christmas coasters, a lovely scented heart, i love the material and a fir cone that Fee has taken a liking too! Thank you Lorraine :)

Hope you have a wonderful day xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Advent Swap

2010-12-03T19:53:00.004Z

Hello, how has your week been?

Thank you so much for your lovely comments about my purses, they mean a lot to me.

Today i had to go to the post office to pick up my advent swap parcel from Lorraine from The Balancing Kiwi

I got a gorgeous stocking full of gifts.

Its made from beautiful vintage material (you can see the colour better in the second photo)

A wonderful card...

and i got to open 3 days :)

A lovely pincushion which i have been using this afternoon.

Embroidery threads, also being used this evening.

and a lovely smiley snowman, i love him, he makes me smile every time i look at him.

Thank you so much Lorraine! :)

Today on our walk Fee wanted to take this stick with us!!!

She was dragging it behind her :)

Have a wonderful weekend xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Lots Of Purses

2010-11-28T11:18:00.009Z

Hi, how are you? hope you are having a great weekend. I am so cold i can hardly type and its very difficult to type in mittens :) I am dreaming of warm fires and central heating!

I have been finishing off lots of purses this week. I took them to show Emily and she's going to put some in her shop for the late Spring/early Summer, so I'm very happy. I have made so many I'm going to put some in my Etsy shop too.

I have tried to make them all out of recycled or vintage material.

I have also finished off and posted my swap gifts. Next week I'm going to make some Christmas decorations for my Mom from clay and hopefully make myself a top.

Have a wonderful day and take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A Gorgeous Morning

2010-11-19T10:43:00.005Z

Hello, Hope you have had a wonderful week. I have been working on my purses, the lady from the shop has asked me to take them in next week so i have been finishing them off. I have also been making lots of little Christmas gifts :)

Our morning walks this week have been freezing but gorgeous......

Hope you have a lovely weekend! See you soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A Little Red Skirt

2010-11-11T13:48:00.003Z

Hello, Hope you are having a wonderful week!

I have been sewing all week but don't have much to show for it. I have bits of purses all over the place but don't have any finished ones yet. I have also been making gifts for the Christmas swaps :)

I did finish my red skirt, and struggled loads getting the hem straight, i think its still a bit wonky but i can't take it any shorter....i need to practise my hems!

I want to make a longer version in a red wool now. I'm really happy with the fit. I used the cal patch pattern i made and just altered the shape slightly to make it more A-line.

I did 3 lines of stitching on the hem.

Me and Fee had another freezing walk yesterday, as the sun came out the common started to steam.

Have a wonderful day xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A Phone Call and A Frosty Morning

2010-11-04T11:37:00.005Z

Hello, how are you? Hope you are having a lovely week.

I had a surprising phone call on Monday from Emily, a lady who runs a gift shop in Bewdley. Last year when i was making felt and purses, scarfs and cuffs i emailed some photos of them to gift shops in the area to see if they would be interested in stocking them. Emily kept my photos on file and contacted to see if i would take some samples into show her.

These were some of the photos i sent her.

I don't have these anymore so I'm going to make some similar ones out of fabric and felt. I'm really excited, I'm going to see her on the 7th December so i have a few weeks to get everything done. I have to try and find my sewing mojo now, it seams to have wondered off somewhere :(

We have been having some lovely frosty mornings this week. Fee has been wearing her winter coat.

I love walking in the frost!

Today I'm going to finish off my red skirt, i only have the hem left to do, i don't know why i keep putting it off.

Hope you have a wonderful day xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Gathering :(

2010-10-29T20:42:00.006+01:00

Hello, I can't believe its Friday already, this week has gone so quickly and i don't seem to have got much done at all.

I started on the gathered skirt from October's issue of Burda.

Except it looks nothing like this. I cut out the 27" waist size, put in the gathers and basted the seams and it looked like this....

My gathers look nothing like theirs?? I checked the measurements 3 times.

Ooops!!!

I tried it on and there was a gap of about 6" at the back?!? I measured the waist band...23" :(

So i added some panels either side of the centre back seam (I was so proud of myself for coming up with this idea) I tried it on again and it fitted but looked so awful. Why did i think this style would be flattering on me?? It has gathers on the tummy that poof out and its quite a tulip shape and made my hips look massive. Maybe if i had done the gathers right it would be more flattering but I'm not so sure so i am re-cycling it into another Cal Patch skirt, this time with a more A-line shape.

I have lost all interest in it now though.

I also started on a muslin for the white knit top (view D)

I am so glad i didn't use my best knit material.

Their gathers are very neat in the centre, and as you can see mine are very lopsided. I don't know why i can't gather anymore!

I also need to take out 3" at the back of the neck and the alter the armholes as they are too tight.

I did manage to finish this little pin cushion for my Mom :)

Tutorial

Have a lovely weekend, Take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

CarBoot Finds

2010-10-25T12:15:00.008+01:00

Hi, Hope you had a lovely weekend! It is so cold here today, i have lots of layers on and a hat. I'm dreaming about central heating.

Yesterday me and my Mom got up when it was still dark and headed off to the carboots...I don't mind the cold so much when I'm hunting for bargains :)

The first carboot was awful there were only 3 rows of stalls and we didn't get anything, the second one was much better.

Here's what i found (some are from last week too)........

Necklaces.

Book.

I wasn't sure about buying this book but the woman selling it persuaded me by letting me have it for 20p, its a lot more gruesome than i normally read but i couldn't put it down and read it in a day.

Leather bag for 50p.

Little forest bag.

Two patterns.

I like the simple shape of this knit top.

I love this nightdress, i would probably wear the short version as a normal dress though :)

My favourite find is this sewing book from the early 70's.

I love all the illustrations and photos.

There are 2 pages on fitting skirts, which will hopefully help me with my next project.

Not sure about the way this man is looking at this woman as he's measuring her!?! :)

And Fee's favourite find :)

Have a great day, See you soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

At last, its finished

2010-10-20T15:52:00.003+01:00

Hello, how is your week going?

I decided to make a top with my slippery fraying fabric. I really liked the idea of a slip but as i hate the feel of it i thought a top would be better as i could wear it over another top.

I started off using the Raglan t-shirt pattern from Sew U and then made it up as i was going along.

The style turned out quite like i imagined. The lace tie was supposed to be at the back i cut the hole the wrong side :( I took it in 3 inches at the sides. It doesn't feel too bad once I've got it on as long as i don't touch it :)

Its the hardest material i have sewn with the sleeves were supposed to be long but they frayed that much i made them 3/4.

I sewed elastic just above the hem .

Side view....it looks like its gathered at the sides but that just happened when i overlocked it???

And with a belt...

I'm not sure about it, but i like it more than i thought i would, i think it may fall apart when its washed though.

I don't know what to sew next. I have a Burda skirt cut out and a knit top...think i might do the skirt first, then the top. I have gifts to make too for the Christmas swaps I'm taking part in.

Have a lovely afternoon, Take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Cal Patch Skirts

2010-10-16T14:22:00.005+01:00

Hi Hope you are having a great day!

I wanted to sew something easy this week so i started making a skirt from this book.

It started off ok, i made the pattern a couple of weeks ago and cut it out so i only had to sew it together. I made it simple, with no pockets or waistband so i could concentrate on the fit.

I had to take it in an inch at the hips, and out half an inch at the waist. I pinned it on myself, was very happy with the fit so i put the zip in and finished off the waist with bias tape. But the side with the zip (on the left in the photo) is sticking out, it needs to come in another inch or 2....which means taking the zip out and the bias tape off :(

It looks ok from this side....

and if i pull the jumper down over the zip.....

I really like the colour though, i wish i had some more of this material.

I decided to leave this one for a while and started another, but this time i put the zip in the back.

I'm much happier with the fit of this one, but the material feels weird and scratchy.

I'm going to try a more A-line style next time.

This afternoon I'm going to start on a top with that slippery peachy/nude fabric, that i love so much :)

Have a lovely afternoon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

J's Birthday

2010-10-15T12:25:00.003+01:00

Hello Hope you have had a lovely week. We have all been getting over colds. Thankfully J didn't get it! It is his 18th Birthday today...I can't believe he is 18, it has gone so quick.

He is having a small party later. With a massive chocolate muffin cake :) which I'm looking forward to.

Happy Birthday J with all my Love!

Have a great weekend, take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rock Night Outfit & Purple Dress

2010-10-08T12:36:00.006+01:00

Hello How is your day going?

Hopefully mine will be quiet, Me and Russ have both come down with colds and headaches....though i think his might have something to do with the larger he had last night :) I finished the skirt and dress, I'm all sewed out now (i was hemming the skirt 10 minutes before we had to leave)

I like this skirt it this material.

Russ was in charge of taking photos (bad idea, there were pictures of tables, people we didn't know, the floor, etc) so we didn't get any of me in wearing it last night, so i took this one this morning...please excuse my ill looking face.

I didn't wear it to bed :)

Red and black cuff that i made a couple of years ago.

cameo skull necklace from Mary Sew.

It was a really good night Olly was so nervous and the place was packed but he really enjoyed it and they have asked him to sing at their next gig so he is very happy.

The purple dress (another Prima magazine pattern) came out ok, its not very well finished on the inside but i think i will try and neaten it up. (It looks blue in my photos, but its quite a dark purple).

I basted the seams this time and took it in at the sides. It has 2 darts at the back of the neck and 2 contour darts. I had to add another dart at the back though and made the other darts wider.

I made the shoulders narrower as well.

The hardest thing was getting the sleeves right. They were originally loose and then gathered into a band at the wrist. It took me ages to do them but i didn't like them on me, so then i had to take them in and make them shorter.

I wasn't going to make it this short, but i just couldn't get the hem straight...i need to make everything a lot longer than i want because of the amount i have to cut off....i have real trouble with hems!

It is so comfortable to wear, i think i will probably wear it over jeans.

Have a wonderful weekend....Take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A Change Of (Sewing) Plan

2010-10-06T11:36:00.005+01:00

Hello how is your week going?

It is like Summer here again today, well its cold, but the sun is shining which is lovely.

I was going to start sewing my muslin's this week and work on a couple of tops but Russ's son Oli has started singing in a band and it is his first time singing at a 'Rock Night' tomorrow and i decided i needed something new to wear. I want to wear either the grey wool mini skirt (which i have just cut out) or a purple knit mini dress, (which isn't cut out yet) I want to try and make both so i can choose but I'm not sure i will have time...i have a couple of hours this afternoon and if i can get a lamp, a few hours this evening and most of tomorrow, which should be plenty if i sewed at a normal speed and nothing goes too wrong! I will give it ago anyway, i can also where jeans if it all goes wrong :)

I finished another knit top, made half on the overlocker...its another Prima Magazine boat-neck top. I made the neck narrower this time.

I need to turn the hem up again, it keeps hanging down

I was so happy i found that our little tiny WH Smiths is selling Burda :)

There are lots of things i want to make out of it.

I really like these shorts (and the jacket) but they don't have a waistband and I'm not sure they look finished, if that makes sense??

I think i like the top, not sure what material i would use though.

Love the green skirt!

I went to get some thread and a zip and came out with this pattern as well........

NewLook have a half price sale on...i love the top, dress and long sleeved jacket, which looks a lot like the Burda one.

Well i had better get on sewing :) Have a wonderful day xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Skirt and a top and some cutting out.

2010-10-02T18:06:00.007+01:00

Hi, Hope you are enjoying your weekend so far!

I just wanted to show you the skirt i made last week. Its Simplicity 2451 (the same as the green flowery one i made a few months ago...view D)

It started off ok, i thought i was making the same size as before, but i think i did smaller seam allowances on that one as this one is about 1" - 2" smaller :( I had already trimmed the seams so i can't take it out anymore)

I really wanted a blue skirt, hopefully i have enough of this material left to make another.

It fits ok at the front and in the waist. But is very tight at the back. It wrinkles and pulls from the bum upwards on both sides.

I do love this skirt. I'm going to make a shorter version in the same grey wool as the shorts i made.

I wanted to make a top on the overlocker so decided to make a tunic style on that would cover the back of the skirt :)

I used the tunic pattern from Prima Magazine.

I tried to do a rolled hem, but i didn't really know what i was doing!

Yesterday i traced off some patterns. Another knit top. A burda skirt and a top from Sew U home stretch that i altered.

I also made a skirt pattern from Design it yourself clothes by Cal Patch and cut the material for a muslin.

I have taken up a challenge from Shannon from MushyWear to make something from some fabric in my stash that i'm not too sure about.

Here's my fabric.....

It actually looks better in the photo. I haven't got a clue what it is (i thought it was a knit) but it has no stretch at all and is the worse colour for me, its like a peachy/nude/beige and makes me look ill. Its also shiny and very slippy and feels weird to touch and if you pull it it ladders like tights??? I don't know what I'm going to make with it yet probably a top as there's not that much.

Have a lovely evening xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A Coat For Fee

2010-09-29T19:19:00.004+01:00

Hello, How is your week going? I have been doing lots of sewing but i seem to be going backwards and really struggling with things that i could do ok before....like putting zips in and hemming things :(

I have made Fee a coat using the overlocker, it was supposed to be for her to wear at night now its getting colder but i don't think she wants to wear it. The first night we tried it...the next morning it was on the floor!! So i added some press studs to the straps and the next morning it was half on her, half off and I'm worried about her getting it stuck round her neck. Maybe i need to make it tighter or add more straps??? or try a different style i have seen some for greyhounds that there front legs go through.

I made it in a blue fleece (for the inside and a soft grey cord for the outside)

I was hoping to make it in pink or red but it was 3 times the price....maybe i could sew some bright flowers on it :)

I drew round her waterproof coat and then just overlocked the fabric together so it was a very quick project.

The overlocker was fine on the straight bits but i had so much trouble trying to get it round curves. I had to go over some of the bits more than once and ended up cutting off lots of material. Luckily its still plenty big enough.

We took it for a test drive :)

At least she can still wear it out when its not raining.

One thing i learnt is.....when photographing your dog on your own do not put the lead around your foot as when your dog decides its had enough of posing your are very likely to end up on your bum!

I finished my Mom's purse too that i promised her months ago.

This week I'm going to re-hem a knit top, sort out a zip and re-do the neck on another knit top.

Hope you have a wonderful week, See you soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A Great Bargain.

2010-09-24T19:10:00.006+01:00

Hello how are you? Hope you have had a great week.

I had an early birthday present this week. Its not until November but this was such a great deal on ebay that after much begging from me, Russ got it for me, Yipee!!!! :)

I had been watching overlockers for ages but even the cheaper models were going for silly prices so when i spotted this one i didn't think i would be able to get it, i asked if there was a buy it now price and got it for £30 it hadn't been out of the box and was only 7 miles from here. I haven't managed to thread it yet, I've still got to learn how to do that, i just tied the new threads on.

I have spent hours trying to get the tensions right.

Its still loose on the top edge, but that's the best i have got it so far. I can't wait to start playing :) and make a 'very easy' top. I think its going to take some getting used to its so quick and i can't sew very straight with it...i ended up cutting half of the material up.

I remembered to photograph what i got from the carboot 2 weeks ago.

Some very sunny wedges .

and this knitting book.

I want to knit so many things from it, but the way my cardigan is going i don't think they will be done this winter.

I love this hooded cape.

I'm going to take Fee for her walk now, (i can't stand the big sad eyes and the little whimper she keeps doing) and then snuggle on the sofa and read the Famous Five :)

Have a wonderful weekend, Take Care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Autumn

2010-09-20T11:08:00.004+01:00

Hello, How are you? Hope you had a fun weekend.

There was no carboot on this Sunday because of all the rain, Russ was working and J went to my Moms to play the Xbox with his friend, so i spent most of the day watching the 'Agatha Christie weekend' :)

I haven't done much sewing this week. I think after the shorts i needed a break. This morning I'm going to cut out another skirt and 2 knit tops, and make my Mom a purse that i have promised her. I still have a few things to sew that i cut out ages ago...the trouble is i don't think they are going to fit, i think they are all going to be too small (oops, too much chocolate) I have been knitting my cardigan, i re-did the front half and am now on the second sleeve, so just the back and neck to go!

It is looking a lot like Autumn here now on our walks.......

Fee has started lying down in holes now?!?! She didn't even dig it herself :)

Have a wonderful week xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Shorts

2010-09-13T19:06:00.009+01:00

Hello, hope you had a wonderful weekend. I went to the carboot again on Sunday it wasn't as good as last time, but i still managed to get some clothes and books so i was happy.

I finally finished my shorts. I had such a hard time making these. I wanted them to be neat on the inside too, which didn't quite go to plan. The waistband had to come off 3 times and is still not right but the fabric frays so much i can't take it off again so i will just have to leave it. I used a Burdastyle pattern but the instructions to my other shorts pattern i have which didn't really work very well.

I will just have to wear them with tops that cover the waistband.

In the end the part i was dreading (the zip) turned out fine. I used a fantastic tutorial from Sandra Betzina

I wanted the waist band to be double the width that it is. I swapped the pleats for darts as i couldn't get the 'poofyness' to go.

I sewed them with cuffs at first but they didn't look right so i just hemmed them instead.

The fit is ok...they are comfortable but gape at the waist at the back, I'm not sure how to fix this, i can't take them in anymore at the sides.

Fee didn't want to be left out of the photos :)

I don't know what to make next....hopefully something easier and quicker :)

Hope you have a lovely week, take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Fabric & Bargains

2010-09-07T21:50:00.005+01:00

Hello, how was your weekend? Hope it was fun.

On Saturday i woke up and decided that i really needed some purple material (i don't know why...i haven't felt like doing any sewing for days) but off i went to the Rag Market on my own!!! I quite enjoyed it apart from having no one to talk to on the train and having no one to help me carry all the bags of bargain material......i had to drag it all to the station.

Here's what i got....

The purple and plum coloured ones are jersey and the grey/lilac is something else but i haven't got a clue what??

Blue jersey with a thin stripe.

More jersey.

And more jersey.

And some thicker material. The pink is like Denim and the grey like suiting.

Most of these were from the 50p a Metre tables that they have. I don't think i will need any more material for awhile.

Sunday Russ was working but it was local so i dropped him off and went to the carboot. I got some lovely jeans and 2 tops that are in the wash. I also got a waterproof coat for £1 I am so happy no more getting soaked whilst walking Fee. And my favourite find.......

Which i have worn lots since Sunday as it has rained on and off since then...i love wellingtons :)

Fee got a new Shrek.

Have a wonderful week xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A bit slow going

2010-09-02T23:08:00.003+01:00

Hello, hope you are having a lovely week. I haven't really achieved very much.

I practised putting a zip in ready to make my shorts. I used the instructions from Kwik Sew shorts and am much happier with the zip this time.

This is the material i am using...

I think its a wool mix??? It is very awkward to sew with though. It has quite a bit of stretch and frays loads and moves about a lot. I'm not sure how these shorts are going to turn out. I'm using a Burdastyle pattern and instructions from Kwik Sew and New Look and am making up the waistband so if they are wearable at all i will be very happy :)

My knitting is going slowly too. I have finished the front but have made too many mistakes on the one half....i was hoping it wouldn't look to bad but I'm going to have to start again.

I don't think i will get 3 cardigans knitted by winter.

I managed to get a photo of Fee with her 'friend' on our walk tonight. She only has one friend, most dogs run away from her, she is just so lively and runs round and round them and over them and sometimes she puts her head under them and picks them up. This is Ron, he is 9 and can run faster than Fee.

I don't think she understands why he has to keep resting though :)

Have a lovely weekend xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Summer Essentials Round Up

2010-08-28T15:39:00.006+01:00

Hello, Hope you are having a lovely bank holiday weekend.

I have finished my summer essentials sewing. Thank you very much to Ali who organised the sew along i really enjoyed it.

Here are all my finished items.............

Lilac dress. I haven't worn this at all. Not sure if i will.

Flowery skirt. Worn twice so far.

Polka dot skirt. Worn once.

Denim skirt. Worn lots of times but the hem has come down....oops need to get that sorted.

Top. Worn a couple of times. I do really like this but its too tight in the arms. I'm going to try making it sleeveless and wearing it over a long sleeved t-shirt i have.

And my practise shorts....

which I have worn twice with a long top to cover the zip :)

I'm going to start on Autumn and Winter things now. I cut out a pair of shorts earlier out of a grey wool. Hopefully the zip will turn out better this time....fingers crossed.

Take Care, see you soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Work(s) In Progress

2010-08-23T21:07:00.004+01:00

Hello, How was your weekend, Hope it was good.

I have finished my 'practise' shorts. They look better in the photos than in real life, which is a shame. The material is very shiny and j said it looks like strawberry blancmange :)

The fly didn't turn out at all well, you shouldn't be able to see the zip or the stitching at the side of it and the waistband is creasing in places

My favourite bit......

I am quite happy with the fit though, i didn't make any alterations, and they are very comfortable.

I want to make a pair in wool to wear in Autumn over tights. I'm not sure whether to try this pattern again or try the Burdastyle Cuffed shorts???

I also finished 2 muslin's for the pencil skirt sew-along. The first one i couldn't even get on (oops) and the second i am having trouble fitting. I think i have a weird shaped waist!

My knitting is coming on very slowly...I'm terrible i keep forgetting what row I'm doing and whether I'm knitting or pearling.

Hope you have a wonderful week, take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hello Again

2010-08-17T14:33:00.007+01:00

Hello, hope you had a lovely weekend! Fee is much better than she was :) she isn't back to her normal self yet but the vet said it will take awhile after all she has been through. We are trying to build her up now, she lost so much weight and there wasn't any on her to start with. I think she is enjoying the fresh chicken though!

On Saturday i went to Worcester with my Mom. There was a sale on at the wool shop so i got some chunky wool to knit a cardigan.....i love wearing cardigans and the ones i liked in the shops were so expensive.

I'm very good at starting knitting projects but not so good at finishing them. I'm going to finish this one though....hopefully before the winter :)

I also got this book....can't wait to start making my own patterns. First I am going to finish everything that i have already cut out.

I did get a bit of sewing done, starting a muslin for my shorts......

I just can't get the fly right :(

I have unpicked them 3 times and they i don't know how to get them any better....they are bulky and the line up the right side doesn't seem to match up right with the underneath???? they have been thrown across the room a couple of times! I'm just glad i didn't use my best material.

I am also taking part in a pencil skirt sew-along organised by Sunni, The Cupcake Goddess. I have just downloaded the pattern and am going to start on a muslin later.

Hope you have a wonderful week xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi

2010-08-12T10:58:00.002+01:00

Hello, thank you so much for your comments about Fee, they mean such a lot to me. We had 2 really good days with her, she was keeping everything down and was a lot brighter in herself. Then this morning she has started being sick again. She has been having small bits of fresh chicken every 2 hours and the vet said to start adding her biscuits, so that might have caused it. I have spoken to the vet and he said to see how she goes for the rest of today and to ring him this evening and we will take it from there....poor Fee, she is still so loving, which makes me feel even worse for her.

Take care and see you soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

One Poorly Puppy

2010-08-09T15:57:00.002+01:00

Hello, hope you had a great weekend. Ours was pretty rubbish, poor Fee has been so ill we have had 4 trips to the vet since Friday. After her reaction to the sting or plant (still not sure what has caused it) She had another reaction to the steroids which has caused internal bleeding and now she has an infection on top of that! So as you can imagine she is not feeling too good, I'm not either i could cry evey time i look at her, i feel helpless. The vet has let us bring her home and we just have to try and get tiny bits of water and food into her, she hasn't been able to eat for 2 days as she keeps being sick, and she can't take her antibiotics until she has some food in her tummy. If she's no better tomorrow we have to take her back again for a scan and x-ray and blood tests and she will have to stay in for 3 days :( Hopefully she will be back to her bouncy happy self soon.

Have a lovely week and take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Not quite what i expected

2010-08-06T17:08:00.004+01:00

Hello, hope you have had a great week.

I finished another knit top, it didn't turn out quite as i expected but i do like it (i think)

Its more slouchy than i thought it would be but then it is a very slinky knit material.

This is the pattern picture.....

I think theirs is more of a t-shirt type knit.

I love this style of top.

Things to change for next time....

- Make the neckline not as wide, its sort of in between...not wide enough to wear off the shoulder but too wide to sit right.

- Make it slightly longer.

- Try a larger size, its pulling slightly across the chest/under the arms.

I wore it today and it feels lovely to wear, i wish i had bought more of that material now, i would love a dress in it.

I got this the other day and have read it a couple of times :) i can't wait to start making things from it.

We had a bit of a scare with Fee this morning, she hasn't been her normal very happy self for a couple of days. We thought she was coming into season, but this morning when i got up to let her out her face had swollen up to twice its size :( we took her straight to the vets and he thinks she may have had an allergic reaction to something or maybe been stung by a wasp. She has had 2 injections and we have to take her back on Monday. Poor Fee, its horrible seeing her like this. J keeps checking on her every 10 minutes to make sure she's not getting any worse, he is being really sweet with her, i had to stop him from wrapping her in a blanket though, the poor thing would have over heated. Hopefully it will all sort its self out for her.

Hope you have a lovely weekend, I'm hopefully going to make a pair of shorts...the weather is like Winter though...oh well it will be good practise :)

Take care, See you soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A Start...My First Knit Top

2010-08-03T10:51:00.003+01:00

Hello, Hope you are having a great week.

I have finished my first knit top :)

Sorry about the quality of the photos, i took so many and these were the best. You can't really see it very well, but its the same Prima pattern as the flowery top i made last week.

The bad bits....

- It pulls a bit across the chest and under the arms.

- The gathers aren't equally spaced.

- When i sit down the neck line scrunches up.

Good bits....

- I do really like it.

- It is very comfortable.

- I'm very happy with how it sewed together on my machine.

- I am wearing it at the moment.

I have started on another boat-neck knit top its a thinner shiny type knit, well i think its a knit material. Its a lot more awkward but there are only 4 pieces so hopefully i will get that finished later today.

Have a lovely day xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Scissors and Sneezing

2010-07-28T22:08:00.004+01:00

Hi, hope you are having a great week so far. I have spent all day thinking its Tuesday for some reason ??

I have been spending lots of time with my scissors this week and the rest of the time sneezing...neither have been very fun. I also sorted out all my material and organized my sewing shelves.

All my patterns and buttons, books and threads are in one place now. This time I'm going to try and keep it tidy (probably won't last long though)

I traced a couple of my patterns

and did lots of cutting out......

I cut out a dress, a pair of shorts, 3 jersey tops, a skirt and a blouse, so that should keep me going for awhile.

I think pretty Rosie has been getting jealous of all the photo's i have been taking of Fee...so here she is trying to get the camera :)

Take care, see you soon xxxxxxx

A Top...At Last

2010-07-24T17:16:00.003+01:00

Hi, how is your weekend going? Hope its fun. I found my instructions for my top and finally got it finished. It is a pattern from Prima magazine.

I really struggled with this top and i think it should be simple to make. The pieces didn't seem to fit together properly.

Things i like about it....

- I like the style, not too baggy nor too fitted.

- The neckband with the slight gathering.

- 3/4 length sleeves.

Things i don't like.....

- How long it took me to make.

- The instructions.

- It is too tight under the arms :( I wore it today and i can just about get away with it (if i don't move my arms around too much)

I have already cut it out in the same size in a jersey material so i will still sew that one. Hopefully with it being stretchy i will be able to get away with it being tighter.

Have a lovely evening, See you soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A Flowery Skirt

2010-07-21T11:00:00.005+01:00

Hello, hope you are having a great week! We have had no Internet on and off for days. Thankfully it all seems to be fine now (fingers crossed) It was getting so bad i was thinking of walking the 3 miles to McDonald's so i could use their Wi Fi.

My top i started is still only just started and no where near finished. I lost the instructions while i was sorting my sewing stuff out. So i made another skirt instead. Simplicity 2451, I thought i would practise first on some very flowery material i got from the carboot to see how it fitted.

I made view D and cut it 2 sizes smaller than i measured as i read it comes up quite large.

I love this skirt and enjoyed making it.

The good things.....

- I love the shape.

- It has pockets.

- I actually understood most of the instructions.

- It was quick to make.

The bad....

- I couldn't get the hang of the zip being covered. Its the first time i have tried a zip like this and i sort of made it up and its not right.

- The waist band inside seems quite bulky which might be a problem if i use a thinner material.

I will make it again though in a navy material i have got. I do really need to try and make some tops though to go with all the skirts.

I just wanted to show you further evidence that Miss Fee has taken up digging again :) Her whole head was covered in dirt when she first came in???

Hope you have a lovely day xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Body Shape???

2010-07-15T12:25:00.011+01:00

Hello hope you are having a lovely week. I have spent the past 2 days clearing my sewing area (i don't know why i don't clear up as i go along) as we are having a swap around. Russ is having my area for his computer and guitar and things, and i am moving my sewing table into the living room. Which I'm very happy about, its so much lighter in there and i will be able to sew with out banging my elbows on the wall, plus i get to keep all the shelves for my material and craft things...so i think i get the better deal :)

I still haven't managed to do any sewing this week, all i have done is pinned the front neck piece to a tunic top I'm making. I am using this flowery material, that i made my A-line skirt from, as i still have lots of it left.

Since i have started sewing i have become obsessed with how clothes fit and body shape. (I'm still trying to work out what shape i am... but i think its a mixture) I have never really bothered about this before, because most of my clothes are from the carboot, if i see something i like i will buy it and hope it fits and suits me, but if I'm spending hours making something i want to really love it and wear it lots (if all that makes sense??)

I came across this website http://www.myshape.com/ you have to put in loads and loads of your measurements and it tells you what shape you are and what type of clothes will suit you. Which i thought would be helpful when I'm deciding what patterns to buy and clothes to make.

Apparently i am shape S and these are the type of styles that should suit my shape.....

I do love this white blouse.

I do like a lot of the clothes but they are not things that i would normally choice for myself so after all that research i am still confused..maybe i should just make what i like the look of and hopefully as i get better at sewing i will be able to alter things slightly so they suit my shape.

We were going camping next week but Russ's job has been extended which is good but i was looking forward to us all going (and Fee) Hopefully we will still be able to go at the end of August. I can't wait for Fee to have a run on the beach :)

Hope you have a lovely day, take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Vintage Patterns & A Carboot.

2010-07-12T11:45:00.005+01:00

Hi, thank you so much for your kind comments, my hand is much better than it was. I drove yesterday and it was fine, sewing is still a bit awkward but i'm going to try and do some later and see how i go. The nurse is pleased with it and she said she doesn't think i will have much scarring which is good :)

The carboot was very busy yesterday with lots of stalls and lots of people.

My finds this week........

I haven't read these for years.

More shoes.

A bookcase that i'm going to use to put my material on.

The dragon/donkey baby's from shrek. (these were going to be for Fee but i don't think i can let her chew them) I don't know though...they do look a bit creepy in this photo.

Another toy for Fee which is now buried in the garden.

My favourite find of the day.

I can't wait to sort them out :)

I received my patterns from ebay. I'm trying not to look on there again until i have made these.

And i just wanted to show you the embroidery i made for Kazzy for the fairytale swap. Her favourite fairytale is the Princess and the pea.

Hope you have a wonderful day, see you soon xxxxxxxxxx

Ouch!!

2010-07-08T20:55:00.002+01:00

Hello, hope you have had a good day.
Today i did something very stupid.....i picked up a pan of boiling water and burnt all my fingers :( I can't believe i did it. I wasn't concentrating and didn't even think, and now I'm so cross with myself and trying to type left handed which I'm not very good at. I don't think i will be doing any sewing for awhile :(or washing up or housework :) I can't manage one handed. But i can spend the evening blog reading and eating chocolate so its not all bad.

Take care, See you soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Monday Morning

2010-07-05T11:35:00.005+01:00

Hello How was your weekend? Hope it was lovely.

It was gorgeous and sunny here but very breezy so it wasn't too hot.

On Saturday Russ had to do a plastering quote in Birmingham so i went with him and went to the rag market. I wanted to get some cheap material to practise with. I love the rag market there are so many stalls like this one......

I got some cotton in different colours for £1 a metre

And i got these as well.

Yesterday i went to 3 carboots and spent most of the time watching people run after their clothes that were blowing away.

I got some more shoes, which I'm not sure i will be able to walk in.....but both pairs were only 50p each so i thought its worth a try.

I love this pair...

Some new slippers for £3. Fee ate the last pair and now she thinks she has a new game of trying to pull the bows off while I'm walking along.

I also got the first series of Columbo on DVD for 20p. Russ was so happy when he saw this, In fact he looked a lot like Columbo does on the cover :)

and these pictures mounted on wood.

Fee got these natural dog muffins and treats.

All the muffins were displayed on lovely cake stands and i did think they were for people until i saw the flavours and the big sign saying 'only for canine consumption' Some of the dog cupcakes had frosting on too :) She has such a sensitive tummy but these have been fine for her, and they should last her ages, well as long as i remember to put the tin on the lid properly this time!

Have a great week, Take care xxxxxxxxxxxx

Skirts and Shoes.

2010-07-01T19:25:00.006+01:00

Hi I have remembered to charge my camera so i could photograph the skirts i have made this week.

I used my brown and pink spotty material to make NewLook 6873 View C (the navy and white one) I had lots of trouble with understanding this pattern but i was determined to work it out for myself and not ask for any help. It took me about 2 days to work out why the waist band was to short. (It was upside down) I even cut a longer waistband and put the zip in before i worked out what was wrong when i tried to attach the facing. Oh well at least i will be more careful when attaching waistbands in the future.

I think it looks better on the hanger than on me. Its more of a triangle shape on me....

I love the waistband and pockets (I was so excited about my first pockets, which i did before i did the waistband wrong)

Oops i should have ironed it a bit better. Another thing i didn't think about until after i had made it is how the dots on the waistband look with the dots on the other part of the skirt.

I think i might wear it in the winter too as i like it with tights and boots.

I used the Sew U skirt pattern to make this one.......

and i had just enough material from the denim shirt....it is very short though, but i thought it would be ok round the house in this boiling weather we have been having. I do really like this one. Its simple and comfortable and i have worn it lots already :) I had more trouble doing the drawstring waist than i do putting zips in???

Next week I'm going to start on some tops. I have a flowery tunic style top cut out and the same style in Jersey. I have never sewn jersey before so I'm not sure how that will turn out.

On Sunday i went to the carboot and hardly bought anything. I did find 2 pairs of shoes though....

Clarks ones for £2

And these for £1

I also got 8 Prima magazines for £1 for the patterns.

I'm going to take Fee for a walk now by the River via the fish and chip shop :)

Have a lovely evening xxxxxxxxxxx

Fairy Tale Swap

2010-06-30T21:58:00.005+01:00

Hello, I Hope you are having a lovely week.

A gorgeous parcel arrived today from Kazzy, A Mermaids Purse, who was my swap partner for the fairy tale swap.

Filled with lots of wonderful things....

I chose Little Red Riding Hood for my fairy tale :)

This makes me smile every time i look at it.

I can't wait to use that gorgeous material. I think I'm going to make myself a purse tomorrow.

A lovely heart.....

Pretty hanging birds.

I'm hiding these.....

A Beautiful necklace, which I'm wearing at the moment.

And a stunning illustration.

The colours are so beautiful....

Thank you so much for your fantastic gifts Kazzy, i Love them!

Have a Wonderful evening xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx