A week off so time to sew

This is my first week off where work hasn’t been the major focus, so dust covers off and ready to stitch.  Before I show what I have made this week a few missing photo’s of well-worn garments. 

Renfew came to the rescue on this previous disastrous knit make – all went well although neckline was rather baggy.  No way was I unpicking this - so threaded some 6 mm elastic through the neckline casing which neatly gathers it in.  

My denim skirt which initially I wasn’t too sure of, has now become a wardrobe staple – I forgot how denim seems to go with everything and it has given me an opportunity to wear lots of forgotten tops.  Denim has a slight stretch so comfortable to wear and teamed with navy tights I have got used to the shorter length. For the pocket linings and facings I used this swallows (himself has just told me they are Turns not Swallows) printed remnant I had in my stash - I’m not one for pastels but love the print and this week have gone ahead and used the rest for a top.

Kwik Sew 3620 – never used this make of pattern before but visited a discount fabric shop out of town which has a £2 a metre fabric room at the back.  Didn’t really find any fabric but browsed the pattern books whilst I was there.  Pattern has a bit of a retro look and I had a go at view B to using the rest of the swallow turn print. I tend to quickly scan or not to read pattern instructions but luckily I did notice that the seam allowance is only 6 mm instead of the usual 1.5/5/8”. Only pattern adjustment I made was to shortened the body length (very short waisted). Very easy to construct and put together and at last I’ve mastered the buttonhole attachment on my machine - only took me a year (been avoiding buttonholes as my machine manual instructions were very poor – discovered there is a plate that you attach to the buttonhole foot and you sandwich your fabric between which cuts off the feed dog).) Added vintage flower buttons to finish and top has ties at the back so you can pull it at the waist if so desired.

Feeling more confident I had a floral cotton lawn print and a small off-cut of a matching plain for a collar so made another Alma but this time View B (have already made a View A so knew the fit and by how much I needed to shorten in body length.  I decided not to put in a concealed zip as I never use it on my previous make as I seem to be able to get it over my head OK.










Another pattern I wanted to try was the SewaIolic Crescent skirt so have made up a wearable muslin.  I lengthened the skirt but would still would like it a bit longer but the fit around waist and hips is fine.  Used a vintage flower print (usually more of a geometric fan so don’t know why I’m on a flower kick) very narrow in width so had to cut the front in two pieces and not enough fabric to fully pattern match – pockets too had to be cut from some left over denim.  I shall probably wear at home in the garden so I merge in - however just looked out at the garden where most of the plants are architectural. Would like to make-up again perhaps in a plain chambray.

My final photo is the wonderful applique piece from my nautical swap.  The stitching skills are so precise from this skillful lady - I don’t think my swapper has a blog so I can’t do a link.  It now hangs in my workroom and reminds me of Southwold in Sussex where we have had many happy holidays.

What’s next?  Well already cut out another top in a Liberty lawn print, planned another top in crepe with a lace collar and Kwik Sew pattern in a knit.  I’ve sorted out my swaps for Birmingham - lots of retro patterns and some vintage fabrics and notions.  Plus I have now used up all my woven stash!!!  Does this mean I can buy some more?

Can I still call myself a Blogger?

Just looked at the calendar and realised that I have signed up for the Birmingham Blogger Meet-up in June, which I'm really looking forward to.  However feeling rather guilty since my posts this year have been very scant so trying to make amends, so I still qualify as being one.

Another confession I've not been very productive either in the sewing stakes but have run up a few things. Please Karen (Did you make that) don't pull my name out for my sewing pledges because I have failed even to open the pages of the pattern books I promised to produce an item from. I'm not trying to make excuses but I have had a difficult year and currently this is my busiest time at work.  It always amazes me how productive everyone else is as well as holding down full-time jobs.

Anyhow I am currently sitting rather comfortably in the summer house at the bottom of the garden (sounds impressive its really just a shed) trying to make the most of today's rays and frankly I can't be arsed to find the camera and take some photo's, so will have to show the results in another post.

Currently this year I managed to rescue my disaster of the my John Kaldor fabric and managed to squeeze out a short sleeved Renfew - I've worn it lot and it washes so well and it is so soft comfortable.

Also used the Hollyburn pattern to make a jersey skirt in which I omitted the pockets and zip and added an elastic waist which again another really comfortable well worn item.

I'm struggling with more tailored items not with construction but with my body type - I have a lot of surgery scars and fitted garments prove to be uncomfortable plus I really need to tackle my weight issue. 

I took part in Rachel's nautical challenge and made a handy basket and received a wonderful applique beach hut scene (I must photograph this) from Melanie from Derby her stitching skills are amazing.




A denim skirt (New Look 6016) is also another make - still sitting on the fence with this one as it is shorter and more fitted than I am used to.


So finally  before I sign off I did make some summer PJ's for a special little boy called Spencer - loved the Volkswagen print (I've just acquired a Beetle) so here he is modelling them.

Looking forward to the meet-up I'm sure this will inspire me to get back on the treadle.

Dusted Down and Ready to Pick up the Pins

I've been out of action for a while - several reasons which I'll not go into now, but now found my inspiration again and at last a bit of sun streaming though the window makes my sewing area a brighter place.

However unfortunately I'm starting off with a bit of a rant and I'm talking about you John Lewis. OK it's a bit pricey but it usually has a reasonable range of good quality notions and stocks a fair amount of fabric (possibly geared more towards quilters) and stocked sewing machines to meet the needs of both the novice and more experienced sewer. But on my recent visit last week I was horrified to see it has cut its sewing area in half and now all knit/sew/craft is now squashing into the sew section. Ten years ago it dedicated a nearly a whole floor to haberdashery, and shop mannequins were dotted around each section of fabric, draped and pinned to resemble actual featured patterns, which gave inspiration to what fabric to select - what a skill! It's my first choice for patterns which is now reduced to just Simplicity/New Look. What happened to Vogue/Butterick/McCalls?

I would assume that such an organisation such as JL has team which looks at current trends and with sales of sewing machines and increasing craft culture that would be increasing their stock range would be beneficial not deleting it. Which leads me to my conversation with the assistant - who was very busy and frustrated that they do not have half the items available "I've been so busy this week and I've sold every A-line skirt pattern everyone has been watching the 'Great British Sewing Bee'" So where can all these new sewists go for their supplies? I live in a City that has a long textile history - sadly no longer existence but what's left is a couple of market stalls which could certainly do with some customer service training and their stock is hardly inspiring. No independents in the City and only one I can bring one to mind around 4 miles away.

Although there are some great online fabric specialists there is nothing better than actually feeling the fabric in your fingers for drape and texture. How many of us have receive something that was not quite what we wanted and  I know that samples can be sought but it's never enough to get an impression of how it will hang. Plus how many of us are in to collect the parcel, spent time waiting for fabric to arrive plus the added postage costs which are forever on the increase....................

If your John Lewis has taken similar action and if you have a good sewing supplier near you let me know.

Giveaway Winners

Just to announce my two giveaway winners for the Silk Fabric, Lace and Lingerie pattern and the Diamond Wool fabric with zip so...

Congratulations to ..... 

Marie from Stitching Odyssey for Giveaway 1

Helen from SewStylish for Giveaway 2

If both of you lucky ladies can email me (mroome60@gmail.com) with your address I'll posted out to you asap.

Thank you to all who entered for sharing all your sewing resolutions. I shall be launching another giveaway within the next couple of weeks from my yarn stash for those knitters and crochet out there.

Update and Balls-up

Even though his face doesn't show it
he does really like it 

Have being trying to catch-up with photos, with son being the most elusive but managed to catch up with him today, in daylight and without the drizzling rain.  So here he is modelling his 3 Day Jumper (this is how long it took me to knit).  Its a current 'Hayfield' pattern and knitted in their Super Chunky with Wool - I usually like to knit in yarn that has a higher wool content but it came in at under £30 which wasn't too bad. 

Always the perfect hostess

Another Christmas make was a retro pinny (Simplicity 2272) for an old friend who asked for a hand-made gift - a homage to our flat sharing days when vintage was worn on a day to day basis.  You can never be too sure whether others appreciate effort but the response was truly genuine e.g. she loved it. The bag design fabric is my second make from a swap from the November Brum meet-up - thanks to Marie.

Managed to make my first frame bag (very good online tutorial by Lisa at U-Handbag - forgot to take photo of this) I didn't have the glue suggested therefore used a two part one, in which I tried to push into the frame with a matchstick - very messy but good advice to insert one side and let it set before tackling the other.

This one hangs in my kitchen apparently its better
to store fresh bread in a cotton bag.

I also gifted lots of bags including those who are learning to knit as well toiletries and cosmetic bags - excellent for using up all your left overs.  

A classic knitting bag which are large enough to hold all your yarn and work in progress but would work equally well as a beach or shopping bag. Look best when made in Vintage/Retro fabrics.

Lots of practice in inserting zips, note accuracy is very important when making small craft projects especially when working with many layers - I currently use my shears but can see the advantage of a rotary cutter.

The best value I've every had from a small bolt of grey denim fabric (5 metres) which I've combined with different linings. To date I've upholstered a foot stool, made a  patchwork seat cushion, a bag for knitting, a toiletry bag for himself, a pencil case, combined with another fabrics to make two cosmetic bags for myself and backed my Secret Santa (SS) fabric to make a crochet hook roll.  I've still at least 1.5 metres left.

These two bags are to store my daily routine cosmetics  As everyone wants the bathroom in the mornings and light is poor in the bedroom, I've taken to putting my face on and straightening my hair in my workroom where there is better task lighting.

I've finished off with the addition of the buttons from SS.

My Secret Santa crochet hooks are now safely stored along with handy scissors and darning needles - easy to roll-up and slip in my bag when travelling. Floral fabric from SS too.

Everything made from stash with no additional notions required.




... and so to my Big Balls up

I was really hoping to make myself something over the Christmas break but I've had my first real sewing disaster (this is one I can't put right). I had brought a John Caldor knit fabric in Birmingham which I loved and I had also ordered a pattern from 'Sew Onion' for a jersey dress.  Initially all was going well I tested the top (using a old t-shirt) and tried for fit, which was good. Did struggle to squeeze the pattern pieces out as I had been rather mean when purchasing the fabric and hadn't really considered pattern match.  Had to cut the back out into two pieces with a centre join. Only a tiny scrap left in which to test my machine stitch. Got carried away pushing everything through the overlocker but when it came to joining the back seam it didn't seem to fit or match as in the test piece. I then realised I'd joined the bottom bodices together for the back instead of the back seam.  No problem I thought just unpick the seam. So I selected the the right thread from my overlocking, which when pulled unravels the edge - that was fine, but as my overlocker is only a three-thread I like to use a stretch stitch to re-enforce the seams.  

This is where you fall out with jersey as it is totally unforgiving - unlike woven fabrics.  It didn't matter how careful I was, every stitch unpicked left a gapping hole. No spare fabric (need to cut out new sleeves as well as a new back piece) which is a very unusual colour (it was was also the end of the roll, from a fabric shop over in Birmingham, bought over two months ago) so project is now tossed in my scrap basket. I do not have the heart to even look at it.

Has anyone else looked forward to a project, for it all to go wrong?

Resolutions a Big Thank You and New Years Give-away

I’ve been really struggling recently to work on the laptop as silly me left said item on floor and tripped over it and cracked the screen.  Initially this wasn’t too bad but over the last few months the crack has expanded, resulting in a big black band which obliterated most of my vision.  This not being the time of year where there is additional cash to spare but with a Christmas gift contribution and a John Lewis Clearance bargain, I have managed to scrape enough together to purchased a new laptop. What a delight it is to see what I’m actually writing in full view without scrolling up and down.

Firstly I would like to thank my Secret  Santa I actually know who mine is because she sent me a lovely card. I have also actually met her  in the flesh and she is really is a very lovely lady.  We all had to write a little bit about ourselves and all my treasures were beautifully matched at you can see.  I've decided to incorporate all these items together to make a case/roll in which to store these brightly coloured crochet hooks.

Thanks to Kat for organising this especially at one of the most busiest times of year.

Its Give-away Time

Secondly I’m doing a couple of give-away's. I have been planning this for a while as I really trying to downsize all my collectables and I need to say goodbye to some things which I’m sure will find a good home.  So here we go;

No 1

This is 3 yards x 36" width of Vintage silk (I've tested it so I believe it to be the real) in a print which reminds me of a Liberty print (but unable to authenticate) in a pink/green/grey abstract floral which could be used for a pretty top but I’m also including a Vogue 8219 lingerie pattern (Size 12 - uncut) which includes, slips, teddy, camisole, culotte liner and French knickers.  To trim 5 m Vintage grey French Lace, which I recently sourced from Harrogate K & S show it it’s slightly elasticated so ideal for smalls.  So anyone who wants to revitalise their undergarments please drop a line in the comments box by 11th January 2013 stating giveaway No 1.

No 2

This piece of wool fabric 1.5 metres of 145 cm width which was purchased from the Birmingham Rag meet up with the intention to be made into an A line skirt.  However I don’t seem to be able to get my proportions (too much junk in the trunk) out of this piece from the two patterns I have, so anyone with slinky hips is welcome to this.  It diagonal pattern in black and pink (I also don’t do pink).  There is a black 10" zip to go with it. Details as above but state giveaway No 2.

No 3

This is a last minute addition which I've just discovered so a call out for those Retro ladies out there (Vintage didn't sound quiet right) 2 pairs of Bri Nylon Seam Free Micromesh Stockings by Cindy - they are Suntan in colour and are size 10 1/2.  Again as above but state giveaway 3

Keep eyes peeled because I might do some more giveaways later next month – once I’ve re-assessed my stash.

Which brings me to this year’s resolutions …?

Although my home appears reasonably maintained on the surface do not open any cupboard doors unless you are prepared to spend half an hour trying to balance everything back in.  On completion my of workroom this summer I vowed that this room, was not going to suffer the same fate. However it is beginning to overflow in some areas – so I need to act upon it now.  So here is my resolution list

1. I must not purchase any more fabric until I have utilised all purchases for projects pending
2. Add patterns and notions to this list unless they are absolutely essential to the completion of the above
3. Not to add any yarn to my stash and be creative with existing haul
4. Not to purchase any vintage collectables unless I can fully justify their value or use – this is going to be a hard one
5. List at list 6 items per week for resale also partake in at least one craft/vintage or car boot fair
6. Don’t re-invest any profits made into more stock (clutter/hoard) but put any revenue in savings account

I could go on but these six will do for now.  Let me know what are yours are?

Just wishing all a Merry Christmas and realising as usual I leave everything too late 

Been so busy and have lots to share but keep missing light to take photo’s and many projects are now gifted but I’m sure I can rescue a few for photo’s later. I actually managed the jumper for son (very chunky rib knit) – bought the yarn Thursday but couldn’t start it until Friday evening as I didn’t have any 8 mm needles (found one 7.5). Knitted half a back on Friday night and got up early Saturday to finish back and knitted one sleeve. Sunday knitted front and 75% of another sleeve and then realised I’d used my last ball. What made things more difficult was yarn was sourced from an independent wool shop – which I very much doubt opens on a Sunday and secondly it wasn’t in Nottingham but Derby. So left in the early hours this morning praying that the shop was open – roads clear and hit Derby as the clocks chimed 9 am. As I walked down the street it didn’t look too promising as no lights were on, but opening hours stated that it didn’t open until 9.30. Took refuge from the rain in a lovely friendly cafe next door, nursed a hot chocolate and read the paper from cover to cover - including completing the Sudoku. When time was up I gingerly ventured out and yes the shop was aglow. Approaching with my ball band in hand to check dye lot - all was well ‘This isn’t for tomorrow is it’ said the very nice shop lady, I quietly replied ‘Maybe’. 

Tra la la! Just stitched together and ends are all darned in – regardless of fit I will get said son to model it and post it later. Next year I’m going to be so organised!  

Wishing you all a relaxing Christmas