Wednesday 19 October 2016

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #385

I'm very late to the party today. Had a class this morning and the rest of the day just disappeared. This was the scene at the kitchen table on Monday morning.

























I taught the baby wipe technique today and everyone had fun creating their own unique ink pad.

























The finished tree in Autumn colours.

Linking up with Julia and the Deskers, before Bake Off. Then an early night for me. Rock and Roll!

Sunday 16 October 2016

Finish-A-Long Q4 2016

I first came across the Finish-A-Long at the beginning of the year. I'd missed the deadline for the first quarter and intended to join in for the next. Then the whole university debacle happened and it got forgotten. Joining in with the #saturdaynightcraftalong, I saw a reminder on Archie the Wonder Dog's account, for the final round up of the year, and immediately wrote it on my to do list for today.

1. Maria Denmark Yasmin Yoke Skirt

























First up, the dressmaking project that has been hanging around the longest. I started to pin it together and couldn't figure out why the pocket linings wouldn't fit. Eventually, after much head scratching, I realised that I hadn't added the seam allowance when I cut them. I've written myself a helpful note on the pattern piece and just need to find a scrap of cotton to cut another set from.

2. Two Zip Hipster bag

























Here are the fabrics I shared on IG last night. I've pulled them from my stash to make a replacement for my much loved denim Fat Face bag, which is slowly falling apart. The gingham is a similar weight to the denim and together they will make the outside of the bag with the polka dots for the lining.

3. Colette Laurel dress

























This project stalled when I decided I wanted to make it sleeveless and realised I would need bias binding. I wanted to make my own from the Tree of Life fabric, but I'm thinking I might just buy some hot pink binding to match the zip and be done with it.

4. Roberts Collection dungaree dress

























This is the newest project on my list. I have a bit of a thing for denim dresses and this one looks perfect. I changed my mind on which fabric I'd use for the facings. Can't resist those polka dots.

5. Pyjama bottoms

























Lastly, those PJ bottoms I mentioned last weekend. Along with Sandra and Jo, I've challenged myself to get a pair of these made by the end of October. Finally pre-washed my lovely elephant fabric this afternoon and also found this Butterick pattern in my collection. I figured it would save me tracing off the one in Love at First Stitch. That should speed things up. The end of the month will come around all too soon.

I have many other sewing projects whirling round in my head (as always!) but I think that's enough to be going on with.

Monday 10 October 2016

Memorandum Monday ~ Stranger Things

It was a quiet weekend around here. I injured myself at the gym a few weeks ago and I'm still not quite back to normal. I managed to aggravate the pain around my shoulder blade on Friday morning. Making packed lunches of all things.

Rest was forced upon me and I did something I've never done before:

























I binge watched my way through a whole series in two days.

I had noticed Stranger Things on Netflix back in the Summer, but didn't think it was my cup of tea. I'm not a fan of The Goonies (much to my boy's disgust) and I'd heard it compared to that. It was much more Spielberg and Hughes, with a nostalgia inducing soundtrack including The Clash and Bowie. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Are you a binge watcher or do you prefer to work your way through series at a slower pace?

Linking up with Sian and the Mondayers this afternoon.

Saturday 8 October 2016

Sewin' on Saturday

My sewjo seems to have upped and left. I haven't completed a single dressmaking project this year. I have patterns galore and enough fabric to open a shop, but it's just not happening. I decided I needed to give myself a little push. To that end, I chatted with a couple of friends on Facebook and we came up with a plan.

I thought it would be fun to sew the same thing and as they both have a copy of this book, we chose from there. The Margot pyjama bottoms are a nice simple project and don't require a great deal of fitting. Perfect.

























And perfect timing for me. These are my favourite pair of PJ bottoms and as you can see they are past their best. They've seen me through seven winters so they haven't done too badly.


























The Margot pattern ties with a ribbon, but I'm going to deviate from that slightly as I prefer an elasticated waist. I'll probably add a ribbon as well, because it looks pretty and it'll give me an opportunity to try button holes on my sewing machine.

Anyone else fancy sewing up a pair of pyjama bottoms? You don't need a copy of the book. There is a Simplicity pattern, currently half price, with child and adult sizes. Alternatively there are lots of tutorials around on how to draw a pattern from a favourite pair. Feel free to join us.


Wednesday 5 October 2016

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #383

Another Wednesday rolls around, all too quickly. Another class. Two more cards, each with a matching gift box.

























This was the kitchen table on Monday afternoon, with sample making in progress. It's empty right now. We've had our porridge and will be off on the "school run" shortly. A 35 mile round trip, followed by 45 minutes to kill in town, before I can get into the venue and set up for class. Never fear, I'm armed with coffee and a book.

Linking with Julia and The Deskers this dark October morning.

PS I shared the matching card on Saturday, if you want to see it.

Saturday 1 October 2016

Stampin' on Saturday ~ Penned and Painted

It's World Card Making Day today, so what else to do but share a card with you.

























Another design using the Penned and Painted set from Wednesday's post. This time just the outline stamps for the background.....

























.....with a three layered flower fussy cut and added on top.

I'll be putting an order in tomorrow (Sunday) evening. Shout if you *need* anything.