A couple of Moji's

  I first made a pair of Seamwork Moji trousers ages ago when the pattern was first released. They fitted me really well and I always planned to make more but just didn't ever get around to it (like so many things!)

  Finally this summer I made not just one but two pairs!

I have had this blue cotton in my stash for ages and rediscovered it whilst searching for the perfect Moji fabric.

I did make a few changes to the pattern:

I didn't use a drawstring tie and just used elastic for the waist as a) it is more comfortable and b) I don't wear tops tucked in so no one is ever going to see the waist detail anyway!

 This was very difficult (impossible) to photograph but I pushed most of the waist gathering to the back of the trousers leaving the front relatively flat - more room behind and more flattering at the front!

  Again very difficult to photograph but I sewed a line of stitching at both side seams of the waistband for two reasons a) to keep the majority of the gathering at the waist to the back of the trousers and b) it is a useful trick to stop the waist elastic getting twisted.

  I fancied having elastic at the ankles (on the left) but after an Instagram survey I opted for plain old non elasticated (on the right). I think they would have worked well but I would have needed to add an inch or two on to the trouser length to get the look right.

  I am very pleased with the outcome and have been wearing them lots over the summer - super comfie!

  I wanted to make a plain pair too so used this black linen/cotton blend from Fabric Godmother. It is not a fine fabric but it is still light weight - I think I would describe it as 'rustic' - good for trousers, skirt, a dress, but too much for a top. 

I opted to go for elastic ankles on this pair so I added two inches to the leg length. I am not 100% sure about the look of them! Perhaps I will get used to what is for me a new look the more I wear them.

I have no idea why I am looking so grumpy in these photos!!

  I hope everyone has had an excellent summer!

  I always wondered what it would be like when my little people became not so little - What would we do? Would it still be fun? Would they even want to do stuff with me?  

  It is different and it is a learning process finding out what works for everyone and I don't always get it right but I think on the whole we have had a great few weeks! I would happily carry on for a few weeks more, but it is back to school for them and back to my normal working routine for me.

Anyway we are looking forward to the next holidays!!

Thanks for stopping by!

     Su xx

Musings on Stress, grief, and a Seamwork Clarke

  A few weeks ago I spoke to my husbands Aunt, she's a straight talking lady and she said 'well its been a *bleep* couple of years, I'm sorry but there's no other way to say it'. And I can't think of any other way to sum it up. As well as all of the normal stresses of life I've had some pretty bad health issues, and for different reasons two of the children have had a really rough time at school. But all of these things pale into insignificance - just over two years ago we lost my mother in law and earlier this year lost my mum very unexpectedly. They were both great champions of my sewing, they both read my blog and commented on the things I made, frequently asking about what I was making and what would I be making next. My mum had even started sewing again and made some great garments, we buried her in a beautiful maroon pinafore she had lovingly made. I have some amazing friends but at times I still feel terribly alone. Life can be cruel and fragile, and is so very precious, this quote from After Life says it all -

   It is difficult sometimes but I try my hardest to see the beauty in things and to make a mental note of all of the good things that happen, I remind myself daily of how much I have to be grateful for.

  Anyway enough of the serious chat and on to some sewing! Despite neglecting my blog I have still been sewing - you can catch up on what I've been doing on my Instagram account @sewingsu. I haven't managed much in the last few months but am now determined to work on reducing my stash.

  I am a member of Seamwork and when they released the Clarke I knew it was something that I would wear.

  The straps are wide enough to hide bra straps but the neckline isn't too high. It comes up very short which isn't my style at all so I cut the longest length and then added 3 inches to the length as well.

  I used a beautiful light and floaty linen. I think I bought it many years ago at one of the knitting and stitching shows. It really is a lovely fabric, drapes really well, very light but not see through - perfect for the summer (assuming the nice weather continues).

  The pattern instructions were great - you could definitely make it even as a beginner. Construction was fine, although I did mess up the back 'v' so it is a rounded neckline - which actually looks OK.

  Initially I wasn't terribly happy with the outcome. The front was way too low for me, I must have weird shoulders and it seemed like the top was constantly pulling itself down even lower.

I am attempting to show how low the top is on me without exposing too much!!

Showing the accidental rounded back (excuse the yukky arms!). I honestly did iron it before taking the photos - but linen is as linen does.

I was feeling a bit sad that I probably wouldn't ever wear it, when I had the brainwave to just wear it backwards! 

Problem solved!

 No cleavage, even bending over!

I think the back looks quite good with a deep 'v'.

  I often find that tops like this gape at the arms on me - but no gaping here! Another Yay!!

  So all's well that ends well - Perfect!

  I saw this jumpsuit in Fatface recently - I love it but not the £69 price tag. I have some lovely black linen in my stash and I think the Peppermint jumpsuit (its a FREE download!) might be the perfect pattern.........

Thanks for stopping by

  Su xx