Summery Appleton in winter!

  

I have no idea why I am striking such an odd pose!! 

I made Cashmerette's Appleton wrap dress. This is my practice version out of some rather lovely viscose (I got it on sale for £3.99/m). As the viscose was so fine it didn't lend its self to a winter garment very well, so despite the season I decided it would have to be a summer dress.

I have never made a wrap dress before and I thought it might be a tricky sew especially as the viscose was a bit slinky, as it turns out the instructions were fantastic and it all came together much quicker than I thought it would. I was especially dubious about the fit as I measured up a size 14 c/d cup - I haven't been a c/d cup since my teenage years! But it fits perfectly, normally I would't wear something so low cut but it feels fine and I don't feel self conscious in it at all. I am not sure how safe I would feel to wear it without tights or leggings - I think things could get personal if it were a windy day!

For my 'proper' version I plan to make a 3/4 length sleeve appleton out of this gorgeous cotton jersey I got from Ditto fabrics (another sale buy!).

After seeing some cute ribbon on So Zo what do you know's instagram feed from the Textile Garden I just had to go and have a look - loads of cute ribbons, lace trims, amazing assortment of buttons and so much more! I treated myself to some ribbon (for labels) and some wooden heart buttons (hopefully for a darling ranges dress).

Well that's about it for now - I hope everyone has a great week!

Thanks for stopping by!

Su xx

The Ballard top

 I have been in dire need of tops - since my overlocker is no longer working I ruled out any woven tops. I like longer length tops so the Ballard top from straight stitch designs was perfect! It has several back variations which I love but I just needed something simple for work so I opted for the boring closed back version. Construction was simple and the instructions were excellent. The fabric is from Girl Charlee in one of their sales last year - I only bought a meter, I think the blue breaks up the pattern and I really like the combination.

I wanted a loose fitting top so went for a larger size - the shoulders are a little to big but perhaps a few washes will fix that!!

I have finally got the hang of my camera remote and managed to set it for a two second delay so that I could hide my hand with the remote. Again I had great fun taking the photos!!

This top will be perfect for work - I can see a few more in my future!!

Thanks for stopping by!

S xx

Esme top OR I have a lot to learn about photography!

  Many years ago I took photography for one of my GCSE's. Now this was in the olden days and as well as taking oodles of photographs I spent many hours in a dark room with various noxious chemicals - I was hooked from the start and have always loved taking photos. Little did I think then that we would have instant access to our photographs and a whole new world of social media built around this instant photography.  A couple of years ago we sold our digital SLR and replaced it with a lighter, smaller digital camera thinking that this would be easier to carry around with us.   I instantly missed the old SLR and no matter how hard I tried the new camera just wasn't the same. Last week we found a second hand SLR via an online add, I dug out a tripod from the depths of a cupboard and ordered a remote for the camera - I totally loved setting it all up and taking photos - I felt like David Bailey and it was great being able to take as many photos as I wanted with out having to cajole/ bribe a little person to do it! I just wish I had read the instructions for the remote and set it for a 2s delay rather than taking the photo as soon as I pressed the remote button. 

  I decided to make the top version of the Esme tunic (Lotta Jansdotter, Everyday style) out of  a gorgeous Hemmingway designed fabric that I bought in the sales. My overlocker broke as I was halfway through finishing the last seam which was unbelievably inconvenient especially as I had some denim projects that reqired the overlocker planned - Oh well I will have to think of something else to make!!

The sitting down thing didn't really work out!

I have so much to learn about taking good photos (which these clearly are not!!!!)

I should have cut out a larger size but am determined to loose weight so stuck with the same size which does mean it is a little snug over the bust and arms.

Hopefully the next lot of photos with be an improvement. Back to school and work tomorrow - I am really not looking forward to setting the alarm  for an early morning wake up!!

Thanks for stopping by

Su xx

New Year - New Scarf!!

Happy 2016 everyone!!!!!!!!

Sewingwise 2015 has been a pretty good year - I have learnt a lot and I think grown my skills as well as made a few garments that I wear often which signals success in my book!!

I was in need of a quick and simple crochet pattern to join me on an afternoon of rest and TV watching! I chose this free pattern. I used some chunky wool I had. I didn't have a 9mm hook as the pattern suggested but used a 10mm instead. It is a quick and really easy pattern - just what I wanted!

I think it will keep me nice and warm if we ever get any cold weather down here!

I hope that everyone's 2016 is filled with soft yarn, full bobbins, great sewing and more importantly love and laughter!!

Su xx