Pattern Book

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a lovely birthday gift today. The Merchant&Mills Workbook. It’s something I’ve  been looking at for several years now. To my surprise, the book has turned up and it’s just as good as I’d imagined. I first came across the book while visiting the Merchant&Mills web site. I found a great video featuring the book and often think about it. You can check out the video here yourself.

I love all things Merchant&Mills and this book sums up why I am so drawn to their style. Everything about the book is beautiful. The craft paper cover, the little cord closure on the pattern section, all the photographs and hand drawn sewing instructions etc. The designs work wonderfully together and I will be using the whole Collection as the basis for my Summer capsule handmade wardrobe. My plan is to make all the designs and make them in 

fabrics which will work well together.

               

I will be starting with the Saltmarsh Skirt. I’ve been thinking about what fabric I need to use and am undecided ! My initial thought was a navy linen look fabric. Linen look rather than linen because of the creasing. I like the idea of true linen but the practicalities of a linen skirt is something, I know, I won’t be able to deal with. I need to find a fabric which has some interesting surface qualities, either subtle blue combinations and/or textures - I will know when I see it ! The Merchant&Mills online shop seems the obvious place to look. So, that’s where I will start. 

The Workbook has six patterns. All the garments are quite simple in design and lend themselves to all kinds of little detail changes. I’m hoping to spend time thinking and planning to bring my Collection together over the next few weeks. I’ll be sharing the development of my plans for making the Workbook garments as they become a reality. It’s all very exciting.

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

Handmadewardrobe

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing another new sewing plan today. My plan involves yet another LB Pullover ! This time, I’m going to make a different style neckband. I have lots of the larger roll over neck and but have never tried the simple smaller neckband style. So, this is the one.

Look back here for my first LB, I’ve since made a total of four LB’s. Each one in a different fabric, giving a completely different look to each pullover. My photo story (below) shows some new fabric for the latest LB to be. It’s a Teal coloured jersey with a sparkly silver ribbing (for neck and wrist bands). The original LB pattern does not have wrist bands but I’d like to add wrist bands as a feature of my new Make. My cuff will be an extension of the sleeve rather than a pulled in cuff and will be a big feature of the Make.

Here’s a quick look at the fabric :

                      

Im hoping to spend Friday (tomorrow) working on my Pullover. I’ll share the results next week.

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

Making Fabric Bags

Hi Everyone 

I have a new project to share today. This time, it’s a cosmetic bag. I intend to use the bag for my makeup and am hoping to replace a shop bought item which is very old and rather unpleasant to use. My bag will be another addition to my handmadewardrobe. The bag project comes from a lovely little book all about bags and purses : Little Bags & Purses by Saskia Abel. 

             

I was inspired to make this bag after watching a YouTube Channel from Sew Pretty Kitty (check out the video  here). I watch this channel regularly and am often inspired by her Makes. The bags look great and I love the zigzag trim on the bag flap.

Getting back to my project, this will (hopefully) be a quick Make. I’m hoping to acquire some new fabric tomorrow for the job. Tomorrow, I’ll be out and about on a mini fabric tour. It’s my birthday and the whole day will be about indulgence. A couple of fabric shops with lunch and afternoon coffee stops.  I have two fabric places to visit, one shop is new to me and it’s such a long time since I’ve been to the other, I’m counting both visits as new. I’m not sure, exactly, what I’m  looking for, in eras of fabric - other than three different cotton fabrics which will work together and some co ordinating zigzag tape. I have all the other notions which are needed.

My book gives me templates for the pattern pieces and I’ll spend a little time preparing these templates, later today. I’ll be preparing and sewing up my bag over the next few days. I’ll share my purchases and give a quick review of the shops I visit on Friday.

Thanks for calling in today. 

Fabric Design

Hi Everyone

Last week, I shared a project (in the design stage) for a frame Purse bag check it out here. I had experimented with paper surface patterns and have developed some of the ideas into actual fabric. I’ve produced a couple of pieces of fabric. Each design is inspired by my random experiments and I’m ready to make up my little bags/purses. I have my pattern outline and will position the fabric to give an interesting design to the bag/purse.

                    



I have two different styles created around colours. The blue version is all about travel and has a central idea of the sea. I have included small printed images of fish and travelling related items. The use of colour and the application style gives an impression of the sea and perhaps, an island coastline. I’ll position the pattern to find an interesting view of my fabric. The other fabric is bright oranges, lemon and purple colours. There are printed flowers and a calendar print. Again, I’ll prepare my pattern to accommodate an interesting view of the fabric. 

I’m also keen to add elements of embroidery to my fabric. My plan is to pick out areas where embroidery can add dimension and interest to the purse. There’s also an option to add beads and other embellishments. 

I’ll cut out the bag/purse pattern on the fabric and some iron on interfacing. I’m also considering adding a padded layer and possibly an element of abstract quilting. I am drawn to the Boro or Shashiko embroidery and quite like the idea of adding small sections of these techniques. Here’s a quick explanation of Shashiko (here) and Boro (here). I have my pattern prepared and have chosen a frame for the orange fabric (see my photo story).

I’ll share my experiments over the next week or so. This project will feature in one of our local workshops soon, so there will be lots of other examples to share.

Thanks for calling in today.

Nightdress Sewing

Hi Everyone

I’m almost finished my second nightwear project and this time it’s a nightdress. I had intended to make another pair of pyjamas (see here for the first pair) but failed to buy enough fabric. My plan B was to make the nightdress option on Butterick B5792. The top of the pyjamas is exactly the same design as the nightdress but obviously, the nightdress is longer. I made the nightdress as long as the fabric would allow and it’s probably around mid calf length. I need to find some kind of embellishment for the centre neck position. I’m currently thinking, small buttons would be good. The previous pyjamas have a small fabric bow and a button. I think a series of buttons which follow the pleats would be good. I’ll give this idea a go ! 

                 

The fabric is a pretty cotton flower print and quite similar to my previous pyjamas. I’m almost finished the nightdress. I need to add a second length of bias binding to the right armhole and top stitch both armholes and the neckline. Then it’s the hem. 

This Make is very simple, however, I managed to mess up the machine gathering stage several times. My mistake was trying to gather too close to the edge as well as making my machine gathering stitches too close together. This results in the fabric bunching and sticking together. It simply will not gather. Having moved the gather stitches 1cm from the edge and the stitch lines 4mm apart, no problems at all. Live and learn ! The mistake wasted about an hour or so and stopped me from finishing my nightdress yesterday. However, all is well and I’ll complete my nightdress this morning and hopefully be wearing it, tonight.

Thanks for calling in today.

EYF Round Up

Hi Everyone 

It’s the day after my EYF visit of 2019 and I’m sharing my haul. I didn’t think I’d bought very much at all but looking at my photo story, there’s quite a pile. It’s small but very pleasing. I’ve only bought stuff which I have already identified for designated projects, although there’s always the option to adapt and change plans !

             

I’m also sharing progress with my garment knitting project, the St Catherine Cardigan by Kate Davies. Let’s start with the cardigan. I’ve knitted most of the body part, there’s an extra bit for the lower back - giving length to the cardigan. I hadn’t quite realised this extra section would happen and it’s quite a relief. I was thinking I’d made a big mistake somewhere ? The construction is amazing. Each part of the pattern deals with a specific area of the cardigan and all sections are knitted to each other. Quite satisfying. My only concern is that I’ve gone wrong with the arms. I may have made the armholes rather snug. I know how I could alter this (quite a bit of ripping back) but I’ve decided to complete one arm before deciding. I’m enjoying this project and am looking forward to completing my cardigan. I’m thinking of a second St Catherine already.

Getting back to EYF, I had a lovely day. Here’s a quick run down of the day. The weather was good yesterday and the journey, very pretty. We had an early lunch on the way, again a lovely experience. No queue at The Corn Exchange , so straight in the door. Parking went reasonably well too, minor miracle as there is not designated parking as such. I had my list (see yesterday’s blog for the details). I managed to find sock yarn, there was so many options and in the end, I decided on some interesting stuff rather than pretty colours. I saw some brilliant ideas for lots of colour combinations and am inspired to dye some up myself. Buttons were also on the list, I wanted some buttons for sewing projects and found exactly what I needed. I also wanted ideas for a knitted shawl and perhaps some yarn for the job. I didn’t find anything in particular yesterday but looking through the Wool : press newspaper quite (free on the day) there’s a lovely crochet shawl, which I’m very taken with. It’s a crochet shawl which will challenge my skills but I’m still quite keen. I need to find some yarn in my stash for this job.

EYF Visit

Hi Everyone

I’m very excited about my plans for today. I’m off to Edinburgh Yarn Festival. I didn’t go to the festival last year (my choice) and regretted the decision. I started thinking about this years trip to Edinburgh (in detail) a couple of weeks ago, although the plan has been in the diary for about 6 months. We will set off reasonably early from home (Edinburgh is about 2 hours away). Lunch is planned en route and we hope to arrive when the marketplace opens around 1pm.

I like to make a list of things to ‘look out for’. The marketplace can be quite overwhelming. There’s so much to see and most of it, is amazing. The vendors put so much effort into presenting their stuff in creative displays, it’s just an amazing sight. I find the whole experience both wonderful but difficult to deal with at the same time. Here’s a quick look at my list :

I’ve never been on a Thursday before (the opening day) so this will be new for me. I have my list of special things to check. These things are bits and pieces which I would like to find and buy. I’m under no illusion that the list will change and develop ! However, it’s a start and gives me little tasks to focus my journey around the event. I will probably tour around the marketplace twice. The first time I’m just taking in everything and the noting things to look at again. The second tour will be to purchase my chosen things. It’s all sound simple ! 

I’ll share my ‘small’ haul and some of the highlights from my day, tomorrow. I’m so looking forward to my day, very exciting,

Thanks for calling in today.

New Sewing Plan

Hi Everyone

I’m sharing a new sewing plan today. This time it’s a little jacket, the Classic Jacket. The jacket arrived earlier this week with my monthly subscription of Love Sewing. The jacket samples in the magazine are made from woven fabrics, I’m planning to use a Jersey Denim. This Jersey fabric is the same fabric I’ve used for my recent Pinafore Dress (the one which has caused me a few issues recently - read back yesterday for more on that story).

                   

I do love a little jacket for the Spring/Summer, especially a Denim jacket. I’m hoping I can make the Jersey Denim work. I’m fairly confident of this one. I’ve not looked in detail at the pattern but it’s the same designer - threadcount patterns - which I used for a remake of a skirt a few months ago. That particular pattern was brilliant and very easy to use, you can read about the details of that project  here.

Getting back to the Classic Jacket Pattern, the design is described as an unlined, fitted jacket with princess seams. There are waist darts at the back and a wide neckline collar. There’s an option for 3/4 sleeves and I think that’s what I’ll go for. I will need to acquire some buttons and extra thread but other than that, I’m good to go.

This is an extra little project which I have not planned into my sewing lists, however, I feel inspired to go with this one. I feel, at this stage, I can fit the Make into my schedule without too much trouble. My next priority project was to be more pyjamas ! I now have a dilemma. It’s a nice problem to have. I’ll let you know which project wins through. I’ll keep thinking for an hour or so before deciding.

Thanks for calling in today.

Pinafore Dress Update

Hi Everyone

I’ve finally remade my Marilla Walker Pinafore Dress. My dress is almost ready to wear. I just need to finish the hem, it’s tacked and ready for stitching. My plan is to use a twin stitch around the bottom of the dress. Having decided on that idea, it maybe necessary to add a second top stitch feature around the bib, arms and back ! Not sure at this point.

                 

I do like the finished fit of the dress, although, initially I had an idea of a more baggy look. The fit issue resulted from cutting a larger than necessary size in the first place ! Not sure how that happened ? I had thought I had checked all the measurements, several times. 

My first attempts at fitting my dress didn’t quite work (read about it here and here )and I eventually, adapted the fit by recutting the whole of the back dress piece. I used this solution because I’d completed the front of the dress which included the pocket sections and had already added the bib. In addition to the sizing issue, I think my choice of fabric, a stretch denim jersey, needed a more snug fit. Perhaps, the baggy fit I wanted, wouldn’t have worked even if I’d got the size right ? A lighter cotton or linen fabric would probably work better.

Generally, I like my dress. It’s very comfortable and I think I’ll get lots of wear from it. At the moment, the skirt is quite long, well below my knee. The longer length feels right. I’ll go with that length and if it doesn’t work, I’ll take it up. I’m definitely going to make a second dress in a linen fabric and will aim for that baggy look with a shorter skirt.

Looking back, I feel this Make has caused me lots of problems. Essentially, the design is a very simple one and should have been a quick and straightforward construction. It seems, I’ve taken forever to get the dress made ! However, I still like the pattern and have immediately forgotten all the issues. I’ll definitely be making all the pieces in The Roberts Collection.

Thanks for calling in today.

Frame Purse Project

Hi Everyone

I’m sharing another little project today. This time, I’m experimenting with printing on fabric. The idea is to develop some interesting fabric to make a small frame purse. My initial experiments have been with paper, paint, inks and stamps. The plan was to come up with ideas on paper and then try and replicate on fabric. After a few abandoned experiments, I settled on developing a Travelling themed piece, based on all bings blue (my default colour for everything !)

My plan is to produce two pieces, similar in content, to make up my final purse design. I’m going with the length of the artwork (as it appears in my photo story) rather than cutting into the fabric. I quite like the idea of a longer purse/mini bag. I estimate, the length of the purse/bag will be about 18-20cms long.

My purse/bag shape will be inspired by a pattern produced by Lisa Lam from U-hand blog (you can see the link to this blog at the top of my photostory below). I’ve used Lisa’s idea but adapted the shape to accommodate my purse frames and produced a new pattern.

I’ll share the finished purse/bag when I’ve completed the project. I’m also thinking about adding some embroidery to my piece. I quite like the idea of adding themed embellishments to my purse/bag. I need to raid my stash and see what I’ve got. The completed purse/bag will have a lining and maybe a little charm ? I may have my completed purse/bag in a week or so.

Thanks for calling in today.

Knit News

Hi Everyone 

My latest knitting project (garment size) is a shrug-like cardigan designed by Kate Davies, the St. Catherines cardigan. The cardigan is a bottom up design and knit in the round. I seem to have been knitting the bottom section forever ! However, I’ve now progressed to the back and have split the 372 stitches for the sleeve sections. I’m hoping my cardigan will grow a little quicker from this point on.

                 

I’m using Cascade 220 Sport Yarn with 4mm needles. This was exactly as per the pattern gauge. The cardigan has lots of shaping going on and I’m intrigued to see how the front and sleeves develop. I’m finding this an interesting Knit although the whole thing is produced with Garter stitch. I’m not, usually, that keen on lots of Garter stitch but for this garment, it seems exactly the right.

There’s not much more to say, I’ll keep going and see where I get to next week. Wherever I find myself next Friday, I’ll give an update here.

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

Re Fit (2)

Hi Everyone 

Following yesterday’s news about my Roberts Collection Pinafore Dress re fit, I’ve managed to undo the overlocked side stitching ready for re cutting the back of the dress. Undoing the seams took quite some time. I wanted to keep a neat fabric edge, so it was a ‘stitch by stitch’ process. Patience is necessary for this job. However, I’m there, the back is ready for recutting and re fitting. 

                     

You can see (from my photo story) the back of the dress, separated from the front. I had hoped, I could refashion the side seam (bottom right photo) to get my refit. I pinned and tacked this small section and refitted the dress on myself. No good. The difference between the top of the dress back and the hip point was too great. The result was an unacceptable wing on the side of the dress, around the bottom of the pocket opening. The only option was to undo the whole seam and recut the back of the dress. So, that’s were I am at the moment. My hope is to make some time today, to get the dress together again. Hopefully, the next time you see my dress - I will be wearing it. 

I’m planning on making another dress using the Roberts Collection pattern. I hope to use the top (view D) and add a simple (slightly) gathered skirt with pockets, as per the Pinafore Dress pockets. So, making the Pinafore Dress has been a useful gauge of the pattern sizing. I clearly, need to re think how I can make a better judgement about which size I need. The whole Collection is an oversized range of garments and I was aware of that from the beginning. However, despite measuring both myself and the finished garment size, I seriously overestimated the right size for me. I probably need to go down, two sizes. I’m in a better position to understand the key measurements from the pattern pieces and make a better job next time.

Thanks for calling in today.

Re Fit Required

Hi Everyone 

Last week, I started sewing my latest project - the Roberts Collection, Pinafore Dress. You can read about my introduction to the project here. The pattern and the construction have gone well. I’ve changed a few things and have altered the size a few times. However, having attached the lining and almost finished my dress, I need a re fit.

                  

The final dress fit is not quite right for me. I had already made a short body adjustment and altered the placket closure on the waistline and considerably shortened the shoulder straps. The dress is still much to big. 

The basic pattern has a generous amount of positive ease as a design feature, which I like but the fit is still much to big. I did all the standard body and finished garment measurements, so I’m not sure why my dress is quite as roomy around the middle ? The problem made itself clear last Friday.  I’ve left my dress for a few days - mainly to get over the disappointment but also to come up with a plan. I’ve been through the idea of completely unpicking all the seams and re cutting the fabric pieces to trying a smaller waistline recut to bring in the waist by around 6-8 cms.

Having considered the shape of the dress and the possibility of re fitting the lining, I’m going for the later option. I’ll unpick the side seams to the pocket point, recut the back and lining and try to reconstruct the sides. If that doesn’t work, I’ll unpick the whole dress, recut all the pieces and go down a few pattern sizes.

I’m hoping to give some time to my project today. I’ll let you know how things go and share any progress tomorrow. Despite all the issues, I do love the dress design, the denim fabric and the lining. I  see the finished garment having a valued place in my wardrobe- when I’ve fixed the problems ! 

Thanks for calling in today.

Birthday Gifts

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing an early birthday gift today. I have just enjoyed a lovely weekend with family and was given a very special ball of yarn (amongst other surprise gifts). This yarn is from Wool And The Gang, the Crazy Sexy Wool. I’ve long been a fan of their yarn and have enjoyed several of their kits over the years.

                  

The colour is an amazing Moss Green and just the sort of colour I would go for, myself ! I’ve been wondering what to do with it for a few days and am hovering between a chunky cowl with an interesting (yet to be decided) stitch pattern or a cardigan. If I go for the cardigan idea, I will, of course, need to add more yarn.

I did abandon a chunky cardigan project a few weeks ago because the yarn I was using, didn’t quite fit the job. You can check out the idea and the problems here and here. In the end, I knitted another pattern and have completed a lovely cardigan but I did love the original idea and the colour of my new gift yarn would be wonderful for the cardigan. The gift yarn is exactly right for the original pattern so there would be no problems there. The jury is still out. But it’s a lovely problem to have. I’ll work out my decision over the next few days and let you know.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fat Quarters

Hi Everyone 

I have a new project in the planning stage, a bag made from Fat Quarters. I acquired my Fat Quarters from the supermarket chain, Aldi, over the weekend.  I know this sounds unlikely ! However, there it is. Very reasonable in terms of price and quite a pretty range of prints.

              

These little packs have 6 fabric Quarters in each pack and I have 2 packs. My packs are called Blooming Marvellous and English Garden. There were several other prints in the shop and found making my print choice, quite difficult. All prints would have worked for me. The print design and colours as well a quality is all good. The Fat Quarters are well worth the £3.99. The packs also come with an idea/ tutorial to make a simple patchwork bag. I’ve decided to go for a more structured Make. I’m looking for a bag design which I can use for a knitting project. Not necessarily a patchwork bag. I’d like pockets and possibly zips etc. ? 

I’m not sure when my bag will get made ? I have a list of sewing tasks planned for the next week or so. When I have decided on my bag design and have a schedule, I’ll share my plans.

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

Knitting News

Hi Everyone 

I have a little knitting news to share today. It’s my latest sock knit. The Molly sock by Anna Bergman from the #tantulltussocks book. 

              

I was given this book for Christmas and have been patiently waiting for the opportunity to start knitting all the socks. I had a previously agreed/ commissioned list of sock orders and needed to clear them before starting on the #tantulltussocks book.

Initially, I couldn’t decide on which sock to start with, there are 27 socks and they are all amazing. In the end, I decided to start with sock 1 (at the beginning of the book). My plan is to work through the book and knit all the socks in the order they appear. I’m not especially going for the same colours or exactly the same yarns as per the patterns. I’ll knit from my stash. 

My first sock is Molly. I’ve chosen similar colours to those used in the book, although my colours are more subdued. I’ve stuck with yellow, green and white but my version, results in a more subtle pattern. The cuff of the sock uses a fold over technique with a picot edge and is very pretty and a clever way of constructing the picot edge. I’m about half way down the first leg and enjoying the knit, immensely. I love the simple stranded pattern and it’s all going well. I’m also getting the opportunity to use my little knit caddy. This bag allows me the keep my sock colours separate while knitting and help reduce the yarn from getting in a mess. There’s a special pocket for each colour of yarn and a side pocket for the pattern. 

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

Miss Mitchell’s New Necklace

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a new Make today - it’s a statement necklace called Miss Mitchell Garden Necklace. I’ve been thinking about this design for some time and eventually timetabled the project into my work. The idea behind my necklace is inspired by Tatty Devine, the jewellery designer brand. You can read all about the brand here.

Here’s a quick look at my necklace.

                    

I love my new necklace. As usual, Miss Mitchell is part of my creative inspiration. The Miss Mitchell story gives me a garden link, Miss Mitchell appears in lots of my work. She’s an imaginary teacher and gardener. This time, that’s about it for the Miss Mitchell link. She simply gives me a focus. However, I’m also keen to develop more of these necklaces with different designs and Miss Mitchell will help me come up with more ideas.

The Tatty Devine inspiration goes back many years, I bought a design with a glitter bow and although it’s a bit messy/well worn now, I do still wear it from time to time. I like the idea of lots of Tatty Devine designs, they are often large pieces and not always right for me but always original and interesting.

I made my flower necklace from glazed polymer clay with a stainless steel chain. No clasp, the length easily fits over my head. I especially like this length. I made the flowers using a small mould and have mounted the flowers on a flat oval shape. I fired each component separately and mounted the flowers onto the oval plate. The piece was then glazed several times to get the shine finish.

I’m thinking about more flowers in more/varied colours but using a similar idea. My next piece will be different shades of red. I’d also like to develop some designs with messages and related to Making things. Watch this space.

Thanks for calling in today.

Photo done

here for tatty link

More Pyjamas

Hi Everyone 

If you are a regular reader of the blog, you will know how much I love my (recent) handmade pyjamas. You can see the first pyjamas under construction here. However, I need more pyjamas- several more sets of pyjamas. So, I’m starting my second pair.

                     

The fabric for this second set is quite similar to the first set. I’ve gone for another small flower print, in a very similar colour. The latest fabric is not quite as soft as the first but I’m hoping it will soften after washing.

I had thought, I would go for a nightdress option for the second nightwear garment but I love the pyjamas so much that I want another pair. There will be more sets, I need to replace all my current nightwear. Most of it, is years old and rather shabby.

I need to wash my new fabric this morning and will cut out the fabric pieces, as soon as it’s dry. I will make exactly the same design and will follow all my previous steps. I feel more confident about what I’m doing with this pattern, so I’m hoping I won’t make any mistakes this time. I had a hard time with the bias binding on the neckline, last time. For some reason, the narrow binding struggled with encasing the tight neck ruffles. However, I understand the finish I need, so the technique required makes more sense to me. I do need my new pyjamas as soon as possible ! I don’t want to wear the old stuff anymore. However, I can’t quite cope with only the one pair of pyjamas, so I’ll have to put up with them, for a short time.

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

Inspiration and Me Made Beads

Hi Everyone 

I’m very pleased to share my little bracelets today. I’ve been wearing the bottom right version all day (yesterday) and have found myself glancing at it with huge pleasure ! Little things etc.

The beads are the result of the last Making Workshop, where I had the pleasure of playing with Polymer Clay for about two hours and managed to create some lovely little beads.

                 

I especially like wearing elastic bracelets. So easy to wear and the colours in my latest Collection are great for lots of my outfits. I’m particularly pleased with the light blue/green/yellow combinations, so much so, that I’m inspired to create some printed fabric using these colours. At the moment, my fabric choice is fine cotton but that could change.

I’m going to use my small Gelli plates with fabric and try to come up with a repeatable pattern which I can get printed up for dressmaking fabric. I’d like to use lots of different ways of getting colour onto the fabric samples. Paints, pens, ink stamps and whatever else I have in my stash. I’d also like to include using some stamps as well as texture plates and possibly stencils. I love it when a plan comes together. 

I haven’t definitely decided on the ‘garment to be’ yet ?  I’m thinking a skirt of blouse would work for what I’ve got in mind. However, I’m not restricting myself in any way;  so I’ll wait and see what comes out of my experiments. I will definitely start with the colours I’ve mentioned above but that’s it, whatever, happens will happen. It’s all very exciting at this stage. I’ll share my project t as it develops.

Thanks for calling in today.

Pinafore Dress Sewing

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing my latest sewing project today. I’ve mentioned this make before on the blog (read about it here ) but I can announce its finally, underway. I was waiting for some lovely lining fabric from Seasalt (check the range here). I love the Seasalt fabric prints and especially the one I’ve chosen for my new project.

My project is a pinafore dress by Marilla Walker. I’ve cut out and overlocked some of the fabric pieces as well as sewing the shoulder straps. This is not a big project so a couple of short sessions this week should be enough to complete my dress.

                  

Initially, I was undecided about the main fabric for the pinafore dress. My choice included a stretch jersey Denim and a more conventional stretch denim fabric. After much thought, I chose the jersey denim and having started the sewing, I’m happy with my choice. The fish lining fabric is lovely. I do like a fish print. I’m considering making the little shirt in this pattern using the fish fabric (you can see the schematic in my photo story, to the left of my pinafore). I’ll wait until I’ve finished my pinafore and check out the amount of fabric left. I’ll share any progress with the dress later this week.

Thanks for calling in today.