Mini Sewing Project : Update

Hi Everyone 

I’ve been tackling a few sewing mini projects recently. One of the projects I featured ( here and here) is a pair of jeans that surfaced after a wardrobe sort. These jeans have always been a poor fit on the waist and I’ve resorted to wearing a belt to bring in, almost 10cm, of spare fabric. The large gap at the back didn’t look good and was particularly uncomfortable when sitting, consequently, I didn’t wear the trousers very much. Go back and read the links above for more information about the alteration plan.

However, all is well and the jeans are like new. The alteration is hugely successful and I’m wearing the jeans (as I write). I’m not sure why ? but I have an enormous sense of achievement having completed the job.

            

I’d decided to have a go with this pair of jeans and if the end result was poor, the jeans would just have to go to the scrap heap (probably into my fabric stash). If, however, all was good - I have several more pairs of trousers/jeans which need the same treatment. So, lots more projects added to my list ! I am beyond pleased with the results. I’m amazed at how well the repair has turned out. If you have a similar issue, don’t hesitate. Read the link posts and follow the instructions to the letter.

Next is a quick spin update for today and it’s a good one. I’m up to 50% of my 100gm (read back yesterday for more on this). That means, I’m starting a new bobbin and will ply both bobbins after I’ve done the next 50gms. Hope that makes sense. When I’ve completed the next 50gms , I’ll go into more detail and share more photos of the job.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Monday.

Crochet Project News

Hi Everyone 

Great news, the Granny Cardigan crochet project is underway. I’ve sourced the yarn and have started the bottom band. There are lots of stitches but it’s going OK so far! I’m only four rows in but all the measurements are as per the pattern - a minor miracle for me and past crochet projects. I’m using a different colour pattern combination for my version of the cardigan. I like the traditional Granny Stripe design but have decided this cardigan needs to be something different. I will use three colours but not in the style of the ‘Granny Stripes’.

           

I’m using a Blacker Yarn Gotland in the Shower shade as my starting yarn. I love this colour, it’s a dark, petrol blue colour. This is the bottom band of the cardigan. The Gotland yarn has produced quite a structured band and is perfect for the measurements given in the pattern. This gives me confidence in what I’m doing. I have a little more of the last band row to complete (dc) and then it’s the stitch pattern (3tr and skip 2 stitches repeat). Hopefully, I can cope with that ! My usual issues with crochet projects come with counting stitches (not the actual crochet stitches) and somehow adding or taking away stitches. I’m aware of these problems, so hopefully, I can concentrate and keep counting. 

My plan is to have the navy button band plus one pattern row, followed by one pattern row of my second colour, Jamieson & Smith 2 ply in shade 132 ( a bright teal blue. The remaining part of the cardigan will be another Jamieson & Smith 2 ply in a dark grey (shade 54). I’ll share progress as I go. The plan is to complete a few rows each day alongside my current sock project (read back a few days for more on the socks).

One other little piece of news to share is an update on the current spin project (read back earlier this week for more on this). In summary, I’m spinning a short session each day and the 100gm fibre is going down, gradually ! Here’s my progress chart for today :

                   

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll be back tomorrow with more.

Fibre News

Hi Everyone 

Just a quick update today on my current fibre projects.

The first news is I’ve finished one of the Honey Bee Dance socks. This is a lovely pattern and a joy to knit. The yarn is beautiful (Manos Del Uruguay, Alegria - A9375) and I’m almost there re remembering the pattern. I need a bit of a prompt but once I’ve started a row, I’m there !

          

My other news is the current spinning project. My goal is to finish my 100gm fibre batch by the end of the week. I maybe a bit optimistic. I’m two sessions in and only at 18gm. Not sure why I’m being so slow ? Probably, not spending enough time on the job ! However, it’s lovely to spin and the yarn is beautiful. My poor photo is not showing the deep Red/Orange hues. There are lots of coloured speckles throughout (this is a great boost when spinning). I’m going to note down my progress, as I go and I’ll report after each session.

Thanks for calling in today.

Spinning News

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a new spinning project today.

           

This is the first time I’ve tried spinning with Mulberry Silk and it’s lovely. I love the colours. There are lots of very subtle strands of wonderful colours. I especially like the greens, not obvious in my photo. This tiny bit of green is making me think I’d like to partner the finished yarn with a similar green in another yarn. I’m not sure of what I can find to complement my yarn or even how I will use the finished yarn - yet ? I’m wondering about a cardigan with the Mulberry Silk blend making some design statement. I have only a 100gm of fibre and I’m not sure of how much yarn I can produce ? At the moment, it’s looking like a light DK. However, I’m in the very early stages of the spin. I’ll know more in a few days.

My plan is to work on my spin over the next few days and have my finished yarn by the end of the week. Wish me luck.

Thanks for calling in today.

Another Crochet Project !

Hi Everyone 

I’ve started another Crochet project! I know, I said never again ! But .......... If you are a regular visitor to my blog, you will know I fail (spectacularly) with all Crochet projects other than dishcloths and bags. I’ve started many crochet projects and within a couple of days, I find myself regretting the plan. However, at my local knitgroup, last Friday, one of my lovely friends came along with (a second) partially finished crochet cardigan. I’d already been impressed by her first version, last year. I acquired the pattern myself (last year) and even bought yarn. Nothing happened. The pattern and the yarn have been lost in my stash.

The new crochet cardigan (from my friend) was looking lovely and I can’t resist having a go. I thought, for a few days, about colours, and have decided upon three colours. Navy, grey and a bright blue. 

             

My current plan is to adopt a navy rib like start with a bright blue single line of treble crochet stitches and the remaining body in grey. I’d like the sleeves to have a similar design. At this point, I’m not sure about the button band and neck band ? I’ll wait and see what looks best. My yarn is Jamieson and Smith 2ply jumper yarn. This is stuff from stash and I’ve got more but probably not enough so I’ll check out the colours and availability before I start.

I could be regretting this plan but I’m going for it anyway. I did say, last time, I would be sticking to dish cloths, bags and blankets for crochet. But, I have this need to make a crochet garment and perhaps, this is the one ? - why not !!

Thanks for calling in today.

Project Update

Hi Everyone 

Over the last few weeks, I’ve started quite a few new projects and thought I would share my progress in a couple of them. My first example is a Bead Weaving project. I’d started making a bracelet with some new bead looms and was waiting for a new clasp to arrive. I’d designed the bracelet to be a particular width (which translates into a number beads wide). However, when the clasp arrived, it was clear that the width was wrong ! - probably, one bead too many. The only course of action was to undo the whole thing and start again. I’ve used the same beads and pattern design and have taken the opportunity to produce a better quality (stitching) item. Here’s a quick look at the progress :

           

I need to stitch in the loose thread ends and weave the beaded ends around the clasp bars. It’s a very simple design and I really like it. I’ve identified some more beads to make another. Next time, the beads are much smaller. I’m hoping to develop a striped design. More next week on this.

My next project is the jeans alteration, I mentioned yesterday. Look back to the post for background. All has gone to plan and I’m super happy with the fit. I’ve gone for a slightly loose finish (fit) to the jeans. I’ve followed my own suggestion of a great tutorial I found - re getting rid of the gaping waist at the back of jeans. Check the tutorial here. First, I took a wedge of fabric away from the back seam. Lots of seam undoing and fitting of the jeans required. 

            

I tried on the jeans lots of times and felt a ‘tight hip cut’ would not suit the whole design cut of the jeans. All the new seams are working well and I could easily have finished. However, rookie error !! - I didn’t have the right colour thread for top stitching. I’ve ordered the thread but will have to wait until it arrives. I don’t have an overlocker machine so needed to improvise with my very basic sewing machine. I’m happy with job so far. More on the finished (I hope) project next week.

Thanks for calling in today. That’s it for this week. Have a great weekend. I’ll be back on a Monday.

Revamping things

Hi Everyone 
I’ve a little (not so little, really) sewing project to share today. Another result of my major clothing sort session, made over the last two weeks (read back yesterday for a little more on this). My second project is altering a pair of jeans. The jeans may not work out but I’m going to give them a go. I’ve tried altering jeans before and the results have been disappointing. However, I’ve done a bit of research and found some great tutorials on the subject. 

The issue is the huge gap at the back of the waist. This seems to be a problem for lots of people. I often find the back of the waist (on trousers) has a gaping amount of spare fabric. I’m a reasonably regular size for most clothes but trousers, especially jean type trousers almost always have a big waist. My research tells me, lots of people have the same problem. Why are jeans made like this ? 

            

My jeans (above) are in a light grey, distressed finish. There are quite a few seams which will need to be altered, I’ll need to take out approximately 10 cms. at the centre back ! To help keep me on track, I’m using a great tutorial I’ve found. Check it out here crafty tutorial - it’s brilliant.

I have another pair of jeans which need some altering but will test out the technique with this pair first. Wish me luck. I’ll report on the job in a few days.

Thanks for calling in today.

Remodelling

Hi Everyone 

I’m on yet another, ongoing, battle with my clothes storage ! Generally, I’ve been struggling with storage in my bedroom for years but recently the situation has got seriously out of hand. None of my regular clothing could fit into the wardrobe and I couldn’t, easily, find or get anything ‘in or out’. I had reached crisis point ! 

So, the week before last, everything changed. I tackled a single drawer or shelf each day and by the weekend, all is (almost) sorted - I still have a couple of small spaces to sort but I’m almost there. I now have seven bin bags of clothing for recycling and some for repurposing. I’m feeling quite good about my new set up. It’s been quite a cathartic experience. 

Alongside the clothing I’ve decided to donate to charity, there are a couple of  pieces which I’m going to repurpose or redesign in some way. The first item is a pair of trousers. I’ve had these trousers for many years and can’t remember when I last used them. One of the time consuming things about my sorting job was that I needed to try on most of the clothes to check if they fit or were to stay in my Collection. Having tried on these trousers, I decided, I would like to keep them. However, the trousers looked a bit dated in their original state. The possible solution was to shorten them and create a 3/4 length to make them look more contemporary. So, I’ve cut quite a chunk from the length and am in the process of hemming each leg.

     

The new cropped trousers are a good fit and I like the biscuit coloured striped cotton fabric. The legs are quite wide and the new length feels right. Hopefully, I will get the hems finished today and will be able to wear my remodelled trousers at the weekend.

Thanks for calling in today.

Knitting News

Hi Everyone 

Just a quick post today to share my latest knitting project. 

           

This is the first of a new sock project : Honey Bee Dance Socks by Helen Stewart. I’ve had a bit of a disaster with an earlier version. I somehow lost a couple of stitches and that was that ! Having started again, I’m well on the way to the Heel Flap part. The pattern is lovely and very pretty. I’m using some stash sock yarn for the cuff (not sure about the details ?) and a Manos Del Uruguay Allegria (A9375) for the rest. The colours are beautiful and inspired by Bees (in my head).

Thanks for calling in today.

Arabella’s Other Dress Update #3

Hi Everyone 

I’m almost there! Generally, Arabella’s Other Dress is a success or it will be soon. I’ve added the sleeves and stitched them in place. I’ve also added (temporarily) the skirt. Having tried on the dress (with pins on the waist) I’m not sure the pleats are in the right place. I feel they need to come further into the middle, at the front. The back pleats, I think, are Ok. My next move is to re arrange the pleats and try on again.

              

                        

I do love the feel of wearing the dress (even with the pins). It’s one of those ‘I feel dressed’ sort of dresses. My initial thought, as I tried it on was - I need several more just like this for the Winter. I’m thinking corduroy and possibly heavy cotton (lined) ? I added lots to my initial length - just for a safe range of options. However, I like the long length. I’ve not turned the hem, so I’m not sure about the final length but as long as possible, I think.

That’s it for progress. I need to start thinking about my Stitch Story elements next. Hopefully, I’ll be finished with the basic dress in a few days. I need to decide on the pleats positions and finish the sleeve and bottom skirt hems. I also need to finish of the internal seams. Where possible I’ve used French Seams but on the waist and sleeves I’ll be using an overstitch - my machine is not an overlocker but has a dedicated stitch for the job.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Tuesday with more news (we are having a long weekend away this weekend).

Arabella’s Other Dress Report #2

Hi Everyone 

I managed to complete the sleeves and skirt prep. for my dress project (look back yesterday for more on this project). I had hoped to attach the pieces to the bodice but I just ran out of time. However, they are all ready to go, so I should get them attached today. 

            

Generally, all went well. I’m not totally decided on the final sleeve length so I’ve added more to my original 3/4 length idea. Also, the skirt waist pleats are estimated, so I’ll probably need to alter them to fit my bodice. The finished fit will be quite loose and there’s a generous raised waist line. The dark blue colour is growing on me, I like the skirt/sleeve combination and feel it’s the right choice.

This dress will be the basis for my next Stitch Story and as I’m working, ideas for the embroidery part of the project are jumping into my head. For more on the last Stitch Story read back on the blog. This Story is all about Friendship. My initial ideas are phrases and names but I’m also thinking about dates and places. I’ve started a little page in my daily notebook for ideas and I'll add ideas as they appear in my head.

Hopefully, tomorrow I’ll have something which looks like a dress to share.

Thanks for calling in today.

Arabella’s Other Dress Report

Hi Everyone 

Just a quick post today. I’m updating my progress on Arabella’s Other Dress. Read back on the blog for more about this project. There have been several decisions about sleeevs and skirt fabric and I’m still a bit unsure ! The dress will definitely get 3/4 sleeves in the same fabric as the skirt. The fabric is a deep French Navy colour and I’m almost sure it’s the right choice !!

            

I’m super happy with the fit of the bodice. It’s a great size for my shoulders (always a bit of a problem for me) and the slightly raised waist is good. My only concern is the fabric for the skirt and sleeves- I’m a little undecided about the colour, however, I’m going with it. The fabric is the bottom right photo - not a good representation in the photo. 

I’m hoping to get the main work completed today. I’ll be back tomorrow with an update.

Thanks for calling in.

Bead Weaving Update

Hi Everyone 

Here’s a quick look at the progress from yesterday’s bead weaving project:

                     

I’ve chosen Orange and Navy colour beads and have made a simple striped pattern by weaving the beads onto the loom. I have five Orange rows to three Navy. The Orange beads are smaller than the Navy and not quite so even in size or shape. There’s been lots of sorting going on ! Im happy with the stripes and feel they are well balanced at this point. 

As described yesterday, I’m using a silver metal slide connector clasp to finish the bracelet. I’m still waiting for delivery, so the Project has come to a halt. I’m not totally sure about the length of beading needed until I have the clasp ? There is room for extending the length of the bracelet by using the chain (see bottom left photo) however, I’d like to replace the chain with a single larger closed jump ring and need the actual component to be sure. Hopefully, my connector will arrive today.

Thanks for calling in today.

Bead Weaving

Hi Everyone 

Today, I’m sharing a little project which will form a Making Workshop, I hope. I’ve been experimenting with weaving beads on a bead loom. These looms are a made From Scratch item but have had a recent makeover. The original track guides for threading the loom didn’t work so well, so a new component has been created. The loom in my photo story is the prototype. There will be a few more improvements but this one is working OK.

                 

I’ve chosen some beads at random from the bead boxes (bottom left) and will weave the beads onto the 7 threads as per my set up in the photos. I’ll add a sliding clasp (the clasp slides over the last row of beads) when I’ve completed the weaving part and produce a bracelet. Sounds simple, it’s really quite simple as long as the tension is good and the beads are well chosen (for shape). The seed beads I’m using are OK but there are odd examples of strange shapes and these need to be carefully sorted and binned. If the odd shaped beads are added, the bracelet takes on a rather uneven lines and doesn’t look good. I’ve made a start on the weaving but am waiting for the slide clasps to arrive before a I can finish.

I’ll share my progress tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitch Story: Friendship #3

Hi Everyone 

The latest Stitch Story dress is under construction. Read back a few days for more on this project. I’m calling the new dress Arabella’s Other Dress. This dress will be made from bits of indigo dyed fabric (dyed last year). I’ve re drafted the pattern from a quick try of the toile (made a few days ago) and have cropped the bodice. It’s not very short but slightly higher than my natural waistline. After the new pattern shape was decided, I played around with placing the indigo pieces onto the new size and finally decided on their positions. I needed to cut and stitch the bodice part. I used French Seams to give a good, neat finish to the front and the resulting fabric is good. I like the way in which the darker blue sections slightly frame the bodice.

               

All the dress pieces, other than the skirt and pockets are cut and ready for sewing (bottom left photo). I do have the skirt part fabric, currently undyed cotton. I’m going to try and dye the fabric a solid French Navy colour. I’m not sure about the pockets ? I’m thinking some of the French Navy, trimmed in some way with small sections of my indigo dyed fabric. I have some lovely bits left from the back shoulder saddle area and  I think this would work well, tying the design together.

As I’m working, I’m coming up with ideas of areas of the indigo patterns where I can add some embroidery. I’m really pleased how  my dress is developing. It’s turning out better than expected, so far ! I love the fabric (lots of story behind the fabric) and how it gives me an opportunity to stitch another story. This dress (as well as the original green version - read back for more on this) will also get the Friendship theme. I have a few friends, especially keen on all things indigo. This dress will celebrate our friendship within the indigo connection.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Monday with more Making stories.

Stitch Story : Friendship #2

Hi Everyone 

It’s all changed ! My initial plans have been completely turned around and one dress has now become two ! I’m making a second version with a different hack of my pattern.

The new idea is to use some beautiful indigo dyed fabric from way back. The indigo fabric is currently in lots of bits. I dyed this fabric over a year ago at a workshop and it’s been patiently waiting for the right application. My plan is to join all the bits together to form a big enough piece of fabric to make a bodice. The new dress will be called Arabella’s Other Dress and will follow my original design idea, a sleeveless bodice with a gathered skirt and big pockets (on the side/front of the skirt). This time the bodice will be shorter rather than the dropped version in my previous idea, mainly because I’ve too little fabric. In addition, I also have a piece of fabric (ready to dye) which will form the skirt part of the dress. I think, this will be a French Navy colour.

                 

My job today will be to lay the front and back bodice patterns onto lots of possible fabric patches to decide which configuration I will use to make up the final back and front of the bodice. I’ll then, stitch the indigo patches together and make up the bodice. Sounds simple ! - loads of work but I love the idea. I’m going to add embroidery onto the dress too, so there will be another Stitch Story here.

The original Arabella Mitchell Dress will be my green version. I’m going to extend the toile bodice into a dress length and add some pockets into the side seam. This will be a straightforward construction and will have sleeves. That’s definitely the plan. I’m hoping this will not change !!

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitch Story : Friendship News #1

Hi Everyone 

I’ve made a reasonable start a with my Arabella Mitchell dress toile. As discussed, a few blogs ago, I’d decided to use some old lining fabric for this prototype version of the bodice. I was struggling with enough fabric for cutting the back and decided to patch the piece (see top left photo). My intention with the toile is simply to check the size and fit of the pattern, so piecing the back doesn’t matter.

                

I’ve put the bodice together and am happy with my detail finishing techniques. All aspects of the fit are good. The neckline is a great success and the only thing to think about is wether I should add sleeves ? Originally, I was convinced a sleeveless dress was the way to go - now, I’m not so sure ? 

I like the ‘slip over the head’ design, it’s simple and the cut is good for my body type. The waist line is low and although I’ve not added a skirt to the toile, I think the whole thing will work.

My next move is to think about the sleeve issue and pockets - almost forgot to mention pockets. A Pocket is essential for me. I think it will be Pockets on the side seam (that may change). I’ll work on both issues, today.

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll be back tomorrow with more news on this project.

Stitch Story : Friendship

Hi Everyone 

I’ve made no progress with my dress pattern (read back yesterday for more on this). For some reason, my day didn’t work out the way I’d planned, yesterday. However, I’ve got my toile fabric ready and will cut out the bodice today. I’m also spending some time thinking about the embroidered patches which are a key element of the completed dress design. I’m wondering how I can add them to the dress ?

           

The templates are from the wonderful Jessie Chorley ( a birthday gift last year). I’m thinking, I will embroider the patches alongside the dress construction. The dress is all about displaying my Stitch Story, so these patches and the other embellishments (yet to be thought about) are very important. I know, I need to come up with some words and phrases which will also appear on the dress. At the moment, I’m not sure how the final piece will look. This project will evolve and Im sure I’ll be changing my mind often. 

I also want to hand stitch lots of the dress and the slow stitching time will help me to develop ideas for the project. Hopefully, I can make some progress today. Wish me luck ! I’ll be back tomorrow with any news.

Thanks for calling in today.

Pattern News.

Hi Everyone 

Last week, I mentioned my new Stitch Story Project called Friendship. This project will take a new dress pattern and add lots of embroidery and other embellishments based on a friendship theme. I’ve been concentrating on the dress part first and will make up my dress before turning it into a Stitch Story. So far, I’ve come up with the dress design and drafted my pattern (see below). 

              

I’ve developed a pretty envelope for the pattern and will make up a toile before using my lovely green fabric (check out the green fabric here) 

I’m happy with the design and will start thinking about making my sample toile today. I’ve got a few ideas about fabric. I have some lovely bits of indigo dyed fabric, produced from a workshop last year. None of the bits are big enough for the pattern pieces themselves but I’m thinking about piecing them together to form a bodice for my dress and I have a separate larger piece of plain fabric for the skirt. My only reservation with this idea, is that I would quite like the idea to be a lovely dress (using the indigo fabric) rather than an exercise in checking the pattern. With this in mind, I think, I’ll use some cheap lining fabric. I only need to check the bodice fit and decide on the fastening. My original idea was a zip down the back of the dress. However, my actual pattern allows for a simple over the head fit. I’ll decide if the bodice needs to be a closer fit and add a zip after my toile. More news tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday (3/8/18)

Hi Everyone 

Today, I have a complete disaster to report ! 

                    

I thought I’d finished my lovely new Cowl. However, lots of mistakes and the only thing to do was to rip it out. The Shift Cowl by Andrea Mowry is such a lovely pattern. I really enjoyed knitting this item. I also love the yarn, dyed by me for another project but it’s perfect for the Cowl. I’ve already started again, so ....... all is well. 

There were two main issues with version 1, both upper side edges need to be the same (they seam together to form the link for the completed Cowl) and the left edge was much too short. Somewhere, I’d not added the correct increases ? I still don’t know how this happened. The other issue was that the Cowl was not wide enough, almost 6 ins short. No amount of blocking could help with that ! I pondered adding a new section but in the end decided, the Cowl needed to be as per the pattern and the only option was to rip it out and start again.

I’ve ripped out the knitting and I’m into re knitting section 2 of 7, so I’m hopeful I can make the Cowl work this time. I’ve also gone up needles, a two size increase. The yarn is a merino singles and possibly too lighter a weight (as per the pattern). I did swatch for this knit but obviously something went  wrong. The original version 1 only took me a few days to knit and I’m keen to enjoy knitting the Cowl again. I will be measuring and checking stitches often !!

Thanks for calling in today.

Have a great weekend, I’ll be back on Monday with more Making stories.

Miss Mitchell’s House

Hi Everyone 

I’ve a new project idea to share today. The little house, in my photo story, is a few years old and has been sitting on a shelf for sometime just waiting for something to happen to it. The house is made from simple air dried clay and moulded into shape. I love the shape and detail of the house but have struggled to decide on how to turn the house into something which I want to develop and display.

              

I think, I have my idea. I’ve paired the house with some postcards from my stash and hope to paint the house and use a box picture frame to present the pieces and create something I can hang in my home. There was always an idea to paint the clay house but I could never make a decision about colours. When I came across these old postcards, I knew exactly what I could do with them. I’d like to make a simple collage with the images on the postcards, I’m thinking about slicing up the cards to make some kind of countryside. I’m hoping I can use elements of the postcards to make an interesting background. The colours of the background will be picked up in the house paint job. I’ll know which colours to use, when I start my experiments.

I’ll share my results in a few days.

Thanks for calling in today.

Exciting Developments

Hi Everyone 

After the excitement of yesterday’s news - the finishing of my Stitch Story Bag, I’m announcing my next Stitch Story has officially started. I did talk about this new Stitch Story idea a few weeks ago and thought I’d be making a skirt which would get lots of stitched stories/ memories embroidered  into the skirt. However, I’ve had second thoughts. After lots of indecision, I’ve decided I’m not a skirt person ! I’m not sure why ? but I can’t remember the last time a chose a skirt to wear and often reject a skirt for a dress. I do tend to wear trousers most of the time but I have started to enjoy wearing dresses lately ! Anyway, the decision is now made. My new Stitch Story : Friendship will be a dress.

I’m going to make the dress a generous, loose fit so I can wear a blouse or long sleeved T shirt underneath (for cooler months). I’ve started to draft a pattern. I’ve done this many times so I’m confident I can make a reasonable job of the pattern. I’ll make a toile first so I can get the fit, ‘just right’. Here’s a quick reminder of the fabric I’m going to use with an initial rough sketch of the dress pattern.

                 

The fabric is a beautiful green and my dress will be very simple. I want the (Stitch) Stories to be the star of the show. I’m collecting bits and pieces which will I can add to the dress and will organise myself a box of things which will get consideration. The theme of Friendship will be my focus and this gives me lots of options. One of the most important stitch elements will be some Jessie Chorley templates (similar to these items). I was gifted my templates from a lovely friend (for my last birthday). I will embroider my templates in lots of shades of green, I think ? We will need to wait and see ! I will make the simple dress first and possibly add design details, as I go. There are no rules and I’d like to alter my plans as I feel the need. I’d also like to hand sew the majority of my dress. Again, I’m not totally decided about what or how to finish the details. As I’m working, the dress will tell me what to do.

I’ll be sharing my progress as I go. This won’t be a quick make but I’ll be working each day on a small task. I did learn from the Stitch Story Bag about taking my time and getting completely immersed in the Making process. This, I found hugely rewarding and the thing that gives me pleasure. I’m hoping I will be rewarded again while making my dress. I can envisage the finished item but want to surprise myself as I develop the piece.

Thanks for calling in today.