tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7288295986110878662024-03-12T17:42:26.137-07:00fernUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-79060122772228136732013-06-13T14:39:00.001-07:002013-06-13T14:39:27.600-07:00Adventure Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've done more changing of This into That this week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My eldest daughter is going through an Indiana Jones phase, we re-enact the scene with the descending stone and the hat most mornings at school... with her book bag and the school gate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Inspired by adventures and a place to collect treasures, I'd been looking for a brown leather messenger bag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogwfVFx9Ib9jb-yqcrJaXA_PtbiqFXIwHMEqhE_Ub-oZj1ZYDYqmMjOcBsRDOcDTEmmcXaBH9Q9tssIZ8H33BHvFjfaBibyFuQ1jYuYtq_4MmKk3YULf7s8wDMEL6IPpoy-O8WPYElY_n/s640/blogger-image--1106094017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogwfVFx9Ib9jb-yqcrJaXA_PtbiqFXIwHMEqhE_Ub-oZj1ZYDYqmMjOcBsRDOcDTEmmcXaBH9Q9tssIZ8H33BHvFjfaBibyFuQ1jYuYtq_4MmKk3YULf7s8wDMEL6IPpoy-O8WPYElY_n/s640/blogger-image--1106094017.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'd been searching charity shops, of course. I didn't find one, but I did find this....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwwxSwisEuqWb0HH-h5KkvCYP0A5cA3IhbFeYci_U8C8TP1ubHNgRaP2wP1h3MmwP2jnTfbPSD2BX3lhOgv8WAPFgNsJJSCs1VW7i60GwsmeDPjVQSIvZ_QdEu0Kpbfok9aP6Q7vxQukY/s640/blogger-image--1239871686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwwxSwisEuqWb0HH-h5KkvCYP0A5cA3IhbFeYci_U8C8TP1ubHNgRaP2wP1h3MmwP2jnTfbPSD2BX3lhOgv8WAPFgNsJJSCs1VW7i60GwsmeDPjVQSIvZ_QdEu0Kpbfok9aP6Q7vxQukY/s640/blogger-image--1239871686.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Isn't it hideous? The lining is polyester, but the outer is genuine leather. £5. Couldn't wait to take my scissors to it...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRed6x0v_trVQFff20RrBvGAiAYvq0yI_F8lSuXjRq3BzOKf-RqPtyPLVzxQrAQq689lipiukGKE7R-Xds2GMOHWCFo6Eiau0WUeNUHy2ftvNgJ69XnnYNX0-51tf2fxOmceIyI2igDGuV/s640/blogger-image--1986581067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRed6x0v_trVQFff20RrBvGAiAYvq0yI_F8lSuXjRq3BzOKf-RqPtyPLVzxQrAQq689lipiukGKE7R-Xds2GMOHWCFo6Eiau0WUeNUHy2ftvNgJ69XnnYNX0-51tf2fxOmceIyI2igDGuV/s640/blogger-image--1986581067.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I kind of worked by eye, using what pieces I could to make up a simple messenger shape. The shoulders, which were a bizarre snakeskin effect leather, could not not find a place though..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoseGnb_aXl-803NDEexpb84exFPRynmQ23epNr7ppP6Pj_IbgUghi0pGsMBR6PJsEHBfVErgaEBKpMEYWaKfioA9pgqr9QSOwYZCL7PyG8GboUm_0nq5XgeYDgNXwInjAsZdkemr7WIk/s640/blogger-image-459908735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoseGnb_aXl-803NDEexpb84exFPRynmQ23epNr7ppP6Pj_IbgUghi0pGsMBR6PJsEHBfVErgaEBKpMEYWaKfioA9pgqr9QSOwYZCL7PyG8GboUm_0nq5XgeYDgNXwInjAsZdkemr7WIk/s640/blogger-image-459908735.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lots of tea helped the process along. I copied the shape I'd sewn in a beige linen, and attached to the bag using the "right sides together leave a gap and turn it through" method.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A couple of notes:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have a Teflon foot and I used it when sewing directly on to the leather. But once I forgot, and it didn't make a massive difference. This leather was very soft so that may have helped. I've heard putting tissue paper between the foot and the leather helps if you don't have a Teflon foot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I used a long stitch length. 3.5 or 4. It's looks nice and the leather seems to be held together strongly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I bought a meter of pelmet facing and cut three pieces just smaller that the bag pieces and the flap piece. I sort of just fitted them in when sewing the lining and the bag together. I think this bag would be far too floppy without them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The bag has a phone pocket and pen loops. Perfect for today's modern adventuress. I added them before I sewed the lining into the bag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hardware: the buckle on the strap was from my vintage stash. I had trouble finding D hooks big enough for the strap I wanted to use. I needed approx 50mm. Couldn't find them. I got these from a children's belt I bought in Oxfam for 79p. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLI-AnTIqxFjFtolhNwA0r3CRX-EBfWu1gArJ_IsZU077IDHLhV_g7W-sgycUy01OuKXlTvZlTiOb3WJX2rvltfhuFezVGvfkFd5gRAijlIDN1oqJQ43oDuU_0GQpfw7-rczAXyh-LYM5z/s640/blogger-image--1799131461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLI-AnTIqxFjFtolhNwA0r3CRX-EBfWu1gArJ_IsZU077IDHLhV_g7W-sgycUy01OuKXlTvZlTiOb3WJX2rvltfhuFezVGvfkFd5gRAijlIDN1oqJQ43oDuU_0GQpfw7-rczAXyh-LYM5z/s640/blogger-image--1799131461.jpg"></a></div><br></div>What essentials would you pack for an adventure?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-27893229824333741862013-06-08T10:41:00.001-07:002013-06-08T10:41:07.156-07:00Adventures in spray painting<br />I've recently armed myself with several cans of spray enamel paint, and I am loving it. Loving it I tell you!<br />Not much is escaping the spray fest: old metal boxes, the heating vents in our house, the letterbox. <br /><br />This ring:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/8987757737/'><img src='http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/8987757737_3c280d4714_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />...which I spray painted, set with a piece of an old star map... And the promptly lost...<br /><br />My favourite revamp though is this...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/8987758619/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/8987758619_c261dd90e3_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A cheap, battery operated carriage clock from a car boot sale. I took everything apart, and coated it liberally in satin black. The face got covered with more of the star map (there's still some left, and I love it, so I anticipate this will not be the last star-related craft..), and the hands were spray painted with chrome. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/8987759287/'><img src='http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/8987759287_ae6293418a_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />..to this!<br />It makes the tiniest click each time the weights change direction. <br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-15565140895088089892012-04-24T14:00:00.000-07:002012-04-24T23:08:01.407-07:00KCWC Day 2 - Cutting OutThis is as far as I got this evening....<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/6965809762/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/6965809762_cb08373edf_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />My children decided neither of them wanted to go to bed, and we're up and downstairs like small, cheeky yoyos. I'm surprised I got this done!<br /><br />The fabric has a repeating flower design, and really I should have given much more thought to matching sides and flower placement on pieces. However, I'd bought the entire remaining length of this roll, and I'm not sure there was enough here to be that creative in my cutting.<br /><br />Here's what I had left:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/7111886489/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/7111886489_1effa25f1b_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Just scraps. Hopefully it'll look ok when sewn up.....<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-83907445635516553672012-04-23T11:55:00.001-07:002012-04-23T11:55:58.609-07:00KCWC Spring 2012 - Day 1I've been mulling over what to do this week. E asked for a summer coat (because V has one!) and I was planning on doing that. I was going to use the leftover fabric from V's coat and was debating whether to use another vintage coat pattern I had in my stash, or really challenge myself and attempt to draft her a coat from scratch...<br /> <br />Then at the last minute - actually on day 1 of the challenge - I changed all that and went out and bought new fabric and a pattern. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/6960945682/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6960945682_e9f1824262_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Actually, I bought quite a bit of fabric! Well, in for a penny....<br />The beige linen on the bottom is what I have planned for the coat, possibly with the red spots for a lining (the pattern doesn't include a lining - I'd have to wing it, that would be my challenge for the week).<br />The three folded pieces above that are potential skirts, E has a definite hole in her wardrobe which needs to filled by summer skirts. Let's see if I get time..<br />(The screwed up stuff on the right is "remnants". Who doesn't need more remnants, right?)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/6960946760/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/6960946760_2706694e96_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The pattern is McCalls M5743. A little uninspiring in fleece on the picture, but could be lovely in a linen for summer. I'm making view D: long, ruffle sleeves, with a collar.<br />I've traced the pattern, and cut it out, and that I think will do for tonight...<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-23663686843445578832012-04-08T05:54:00.001-07:002012-04-08T05:54:49.089-07:00Scrap Patch Bag<br />I made a bag... I should have been packing for my hols, but I did this instead.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/6910522276/'><img src='http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5036/6910522276_54c932f01b_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Here it is in our holiday house - I did get packed eventually...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/7056608901/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/7056608901_506e9a969c_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The outside is upholstery samples from the Scrap Store. I liked the rough edges...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/7056609357/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7056609357_a69c5460f0_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />So, after I cut the patches to size I rewashed and tumble dried them.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/6910523728/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/6910523728_a4e5bdc075_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I sewed them wrong sides together to keep the fray. I used the final size of the patchwork bit to size the rest of the bag. The top blue fabric is from my stash and the leather handles are made from leather sample squares I picked up for 25p from a charity shop.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/6910524204/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/6910524204_c3fc017a1e_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The lining is made from an old shirt of S's. I used the cuff for a phone holder. It also has pen loops!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/7056610913/'><img src='http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/7056610913_72cd01f505_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And an interior zip pocket.<br /><br />Materials Used:<br />Scraps from ScrapStore: Approx 30p<br />Top: from stash<br />Lining: free (S was going to throw it away)<br />Handles: 25p<br />Interfacing: Approx £1<br />Zip: from stash<br />Total Cost: £1.55<br /><br />Pattern: improvised<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-5379757705832984992012-04-06T05:00:00.000-07:002012-04-06T05:12:36.571-07:00Odhams P570 Childs Dress, Hat and Coat<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/7050429395/'><img src='http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5072/7050429395_cdcbb9eff6_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It's finished!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/7034329733/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7034329733_e71a94b140_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Materials Used:<br />Large piece of blue linen-ish fabric, from a jumble sale. Approx 50p<br />Country Living teatowel, for contrast. Free, came with a hamper I got as a Christmas present.<br />Thread. Coats Duet. John Lewis. £1.20<br />Buttons. Red shell flowers. 3@55p each.<br />The first part of this went relatively easily, managed to get fronts and backs together OK, and sleeves in. I serged all my edges before sewing on the linen as it frayed super-easily. Assembling the fronts was really enjoyable, even though I felt like I was changing bobbins over every 5 mins for the contrast stitching. <br />The interfacing and the collar completely stumped me. Being a vintage pattern, the instructions implied a level of knowledge I clearly didn't have. I spent the first evening pinning and repinning and head scratching as I tried to figure out the puzzle. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/7050429589/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/7050429589_39a66628f5_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I have no idea how I got to this point. Somewhere in the repinning it just came together, so I sewed!<br />I'm really pleased with it. V is (a small) 1 and a half and the pattern was sized for 2years, so she's got room to grow into it this during Summer/Autumn.<br />Modifications:<br />I had a red teatowel I wanted to use as contrast, so I top stitched the bodice pieces in red.<br />I added a back half lining from the same blue fabric, as I wanted to put a label in. I edged this piece with homemade "bias" (it was straight) tape from the teatowel. <br />I did make a pocket for the front, lined with the teatowel and top stitched in red, but it didn't look right so I ditched it. <br />I didn't understand the pattern and thought the facing (cut from the teatowel) would be on show. It wasn't, it was meant to be hidden under the front. I rolled the edge slightly and topstitched it so it looked a little like piping.<br />I used the contrast under the collar too.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/7050429759/'><img src='http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5159/7050429759_d14f00004f_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/6904352538/'><img src='http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5446/6904352538_790bcbf647_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/7050442647/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7050442647_0c4b5906e8_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-90017140147311233672012-04-01T02:16:00.001-07:002012-04-05T11:26:04.007-07:00Vintage Childs Coat pt1<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/7048491343/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7106/7048491343_fbd549f5d8_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I made it this far relatively easily yesterday. Then I stalled...<br />Buttonholes! Facings! Collars!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/68398121@N00/6888431872/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/6888431872_16a669bb9a_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is going to need a cup of tea and some thinking time....<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-24524994832862629042012-03-30T23:31:00.001-07:002012-03-30T23:31:12.203-07:00Sewing Kids Clothes<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/30/3618.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/30/s_3618.jpg' border='0' width='200' height='200' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />With all the plans for sewing clothes for the girls swirling around my head, I've signed up for Elsie Marley's kids clothes week. I'll be away on the weekend for my nieces birthday but I'll make it work somehow. Hopefully there'll be buttons to handsew by then...<br /><br />Sign ups are at Elsie Marley <a target="_blank" href="http://www.elsiemarley.com/kids-clothes-week-spring-2012.html/comment-page-9#comment-16970">here</a><br /><br />I'm still intending to do some sewing before then. V needs a summer coat and I thought I'd try to make one. With this unexpectedly summery weather I've washed all my fabric and line dried it...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/30/3619.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/30/s_3619.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And I'm ready to cut out. Straight from a simple shift dress to a vintage, no marking on the pattern, child's coat? I'm jumping in feet first....<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-11364604920159798622012-03-26T23:39:00.001-07:002012-03-26T23:39:37.814-07:00It's about time I started this up again...Here's a recent make. <br />Denim dress with button placket. I got the pattern from drawing round the pieces of a Clothkits shift dress, size 6, before I made it up.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/26/3913.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/26/s_3913.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The fabric was half price at Boyes because it had a fault line. I didn't use this piece for the dress, so no worries there! I have now hemmed the dress, since this photo was taken.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/26/3914.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/26/s_3914.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />Here's the back. I used a vintage souvenir scarf from Australia for the lining and appliqués. I basically just bondawebbed them on and scribbled over the top with my machine needle. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/26/3915.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/26/s_3915.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And here's the lining. Can you see the koala peeking out.<br /><br />Notes for next time.<br />Although this dress is a size 6 and E IS 6, there's very little room for growth here. I'd drop the armholes a little as they seemed a bit tight, and also lengthen it a bit in the bottom.<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-77395450443151470742011-07-13T13:12:00.001-07:002011-07-13T13:34:16.827-07:00Vintage Bazaar<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5934293811/" title="Daisies by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5934293811_748761d5da_z.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Daisies"></a><br /><br /></div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br />On Sunday afternoon we went to a vintage bazaar. Jo opened her beautiful home and garden to visitors and every available space was covered in vintage treasures to peruse and purchase.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5934855750/" title="Pond by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6150/5934855750_09c7e07a7b_z.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Pond"></a><br />..And an open garden to wander round, with spaces to sit and drink tea and eat cake<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5934291501/" title="Poppies by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6126/5934291501_b04dd59af7_z.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Poppies"></a><br />....perfect for Mummies<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5934290819/" title="Quilt by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5934290819_bb22eb0054_z.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Quilt"></a><br />....Not always a 5 year olds idea of fun<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5934290373/" title="Chair by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/5934290373_b888041c20_z.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Chair"></a><br />..... So I gave her the camera and let her play<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5934851702/" title="Pebbles by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5934851702_cd210f52fe_z.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Pebbles"></a><br /><br /><br />.....And I enjoyed the results when we got home<br />All photos by E. Age 5 and a half.<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-16627199602927921032011-03-27T09:43:00.000-07:002011-03-27T10:05:06.570-07:00Raffle Winner AnnouncedWe printed out all the comments and put them in a large jar. My 5 year old was very excited about this. We had talked about why we were having a raffle and she had helped to put together the raffle prize, but now she was just excited about the drama of picking a winner.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-J9CDExqrqsEcbwHBI_oCsmxwMZJ-vbVXF66NktzpLhXsM3B1ySHekKp6gJ1hieKrehiIgVoCT3Yh7Y9uxAD59-S8wek2jL5AYNYfvVmP6r1Wu5Ar7kggQEG4wSu2cQ7oYGuaIo7cOb0/s1600/IMG_5224.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-J9CDExqrqsEcbwHBI_oCsmxwMZJ-vbVXF66NktzpLhXsM3B1ySHekKp6gJ1hieKrehiIgVoCT3Yh7Y9uxAD59-S8wek2jL5AYNYfvVmP6r1Wu5Ar7kggQEG4wSu2cQ7oYGuaIo7cOb0/s400/IMG_5224.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588803013238076514" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She gave them a very good swish and a swirl, then with her eyes closed, she pulled out her winner:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAKnuYfzWNqlchiowHFslQBdeVtLRi2pqbCVyfMczNaA2A5fRpSucikSP3-QE0eotNLviXL-lNv1MeoFUmCppwJ34PwwhhIqHaOO70JlwshXPAGKaFGcXeL8eHx5bOTGBGHeRkzcN5PrE/s1600/IMG_5227.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAKnuYfzWNqlchiowHFslQBdeVtLRi2pqbCVyfMczNaA2A5fRpSucikSP3-QE0eotNLviXL-lNv1MeoFUmCppwJ34PwwhhIqHaOO70JlwshXPAGKaFGcXeL8eHx5bOTGBGHeRkzcN5PrE/s400/IMG_5227.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588803018572283026" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sweatereyes! You are our winner (not sure why the photo is sideways), Congratulations!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRDrrcUwKlgII88ALMZqF6vBnNS1xEfqNx75UZyQd60Y-ljhqdVMrQdG8QpqkctusYyHqq8vQPSYUVrkLiU4tmZ8BaymN0qyiBuxCczhhcQne7vvhVEDZTgrFZpFUj1DHULa_eClAwV0f/s1600/IMG_5228.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRDrrcUwKlgII88ALMZqF6vBnNS1xEfqNx75UZyQd60Y-ljhqdVMrQdG8QpqkctusYyHqq8vQPSYUVrkLiU4tmZ8BaymN0qyiBuxCczhhcQne7vvhVEDZTgrFZpFUj1DHULa_eClAwV0f/s400/IMG_5228.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588803025067398578" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Thank you all so much for buying the raffle tickets.<br />Sweatereyes - I'll be dropping you an email!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-65291147267474863042011-03-16T03:18:00.000-07:002011-03-27T04:13:06.845-07:00Japan Quake Appeal - RAFFLE NOW CLOSED<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5530510184/" title="Japan Quake Raffle by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5293/5530510184_4ba26f70f9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Japan Quake Raffle" /></a><br />**Thankyou for your generosity. Raffle is now closed. Winner announced soon!**<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Reclaimed crafty bits and spring treats!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hi</div><div style="text-align: center;">I wanted to do something for the Japan Quake Appeal, in conjunction with <a href="http://jojoebi.blogspot.com/2011/03/japan-quake-auction-appeal.html">Jo's Blog</a>, but as I'm not sure anyone in blogland would actually WANT any of my crafts, I've decided to put together a selection of vintage/reclaimed crafty bits and a few treats. This package is put together with Spring in mind. New growth and renewal. Good Luck to Japan.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a breakdown of what's included:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5529923819/" title="Sewing bits by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5529923819_97f09d58ab.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sewing bits" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5529923819/" title="Sewing bits by ninethreeo, on Flickr"></a>Vintage pillowcase in a flower design, yellow/mustard colour</div><div style="text-align: center;">Two pieces of 20cmx20cm felt</div><div style="text-align: center;">Assorted buttons</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spools of yellow and green thread</div><div style="text-align: center;">A spool of silver lurex thread, suitable for sewing, or knitting/crocheting in with yarn for extra twinkle.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ribbons in mint green, white and gold</div><div style="text-align: center;">A vintage buckle with a pearly sheen</div><div style="text-align: center;">A vintage yellow plastic thimble</div><div style="text-align: center;">Package of tiny blue/green seed beads</div><div style="text-align: center;">Small test tube of yellow sequins in different shapes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Card of sewing needles, assorted sizes and uses.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dylon "Golden Yellow" dye, instructions included</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5529922157/" title="More sewing bits by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5529922157/" title="More sewing bits by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5251/5529922157_b043082cbf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="More sewing bits" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5529922157/" title="More sewing bits by ninethreeo, on Flickr"></a>A few more sewing things:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Piece of linen or cotton (approx 60cmx40cm) with vintage embroidery transfer printed on half.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Two pretty pieces of fabric (approx 25cmx25cm) from a sample book (has two holes punched near the top from when it was in the book). These have a flower/leaf/branch design, one is green/brown colours, the other is mustard/grey</div><div style="text-align: center;">Piece of cream leather (approx 25cmx20cm) from a sample book (has two holes punched near the top from when it was in the book)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Two 4.5yard skeins of "Sheba" vintage rayon thread, one in light green, one in mid-spring green</div><div style="text-align: center;">One skein of DMC embroidery thread in cream</div><div style="text-align: center;">Two skeins of Clark's embroidery thread in light and mid green.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Small vintage booklet with embroidery stitches</div><div style="text-align: center;">Length of cream lace.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Small pincushion made by me from a tiny "Bless this House" cup.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a closeup:</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5529923155/" title="Pincushion Close Up by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5251/5529923155_4354e4c9d4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Pincushion Close Up" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some yarny bits:</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5529924343/" title="Yarn bits by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5529924343/" title="Yarn bits by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5017/5529924343_e73bf8c448.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Yarn bits" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Plastic flower loom</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5529924343/" title="Yarn bits by ninethreeo, on Flickr"></a>Small skeins of sample yarns to play with straightaway! Mustard, ochre, dark green, and green mix sock yarn</div><div style="text-align: center;">Small (tiny?) skein of pure silk, spun and plied by me on a drop spindle. I'm a learner! This is a little.... rustic :)</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Vintage plastic knitting needles (Robinoid size 13 and Millwards size 11)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Some treats:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5529920239/" title="Treats by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5529920239_3a6a044776.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Treats" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Three English breakfast and three Lady Grey teabags from Twinings (well, if it's good enough for Stephen Fry...)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunny yellow plastic bead necklace</div><div style="text-align: center;">Two Cadbury's creme eggs (I can substitute for other British sweeties if you live somewhere hot)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sterling Silver Bird and Cloud Rings made by Tuareg nomads from Plumo. Unworn. They sent the wrong size, these are SMALL! (Review <a href="http://www.lsklifesessentials.com/2009/08/plumo-winter-catalogue.html">here</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a close up of the rings. They're lovely. My chubby-hand loss is your gain :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5530506266/" title="Silver Rings by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5100/5530506266_4642fdfbcc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Silver Rings" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/sets/72157626255040782/with/5529924343/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/sets/72157626255040782/with/5529924343/">Here's</a> a link to the full picture set on Flickr, incase the photos mess up here.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's how to enter:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each raffle entry must be a donation of £5 ($8 ish).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is open internationally, I will post anywhere. PayPal should convert your currency to £GBP for you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">To enter, go to <a href="http://www.globalgiving.co.uk/dy/cart/view/uk.html?cmd=gcart&event=scAdd&synchronizerToken=-64-27-73-3343-43880-102-49-39-68-94-256112282-75124-39">Global Giving</a> and make a £5 donation, when you have done it come back to this post and leave a comment with your receipt number and you must also leave a valid email address, you can write the address in the format of mymailname 'at' hotmail 'dot' com.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">You may enter as many times as you like but each time you need a new receipt number. For help with the donation you can refer to this <a href="http://jojoebi.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-make-donation.html">post</a> on Jo's blog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">Raffle closes at 12.00noon GMT 26th March.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you make a mistake or forget to add you email address please delete the first comment and re-write it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">The raffle held on this blog is in no way affiliated with Global Giving, that's just our chosen method of getting the funds safely to the affected area.</div></span></div><div> </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-42157074706313262582011-02-04T04:54:00.000-08:002011-02-04T05:25:29.004-08:00Hand spinningI've been dabbling in hand spinning on a drop spindle. So far I've only produced two vaguely usable things:<div><br /></div><div>Minty green silk<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/5415247577_2b1b982938_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/5415247577_2b1b982938_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>This is a really small skein, possibly only enough for a brooch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5415858844_2b6f68f5c3_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5415858844_2b6f68f5c3_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/5415246737_26b7cbda5b_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/5415246737_26b7cbda5b_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I can't remember where this roving came from. It's been on my drop spindle for ages, and I only just got around to finishing it.</div><div>Don't look to closely, I kept getting my clockwise and anti mixed up when spinning AND plying. It's all over the place. But I think it's knitable<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5415858064_3ca70034df_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5415858064_3ca70034df_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />And here's my next project....</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5217/5415249759_8c76cdc6f5_m.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 180px; " src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5217/5415249759_8c76cdc6f5_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div>Roving from Woolie Bullie via the Phat Fiber Chinese New Year sampler box. But first, I'm going to draw some helpful reminder arrows on my drop spindle....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-80492056136526705162010-10-09T11:10:00.000-07:002010-10-09T11:23:56.144-07:00KCWC Round Up, and what came afterOK, so KCWC is gone. <br />I DID actually finish the two things I planned to during the week, but blogging about it too proved a step too far. So, here's what happened<br /><br />V's Hat.<br />Is done. Definitely not my finest work: I need to practice sewing jersey, and it's too big, but it still looks cute. I'll take a photo when I can<br /><br />Insa Skirt<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5022544513/" title="Insa Skirt by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5022544513_f54815ba05.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Insa Skirt" /></a><br />Here it is without the elastic waistband sewn yet, I needed to check it against her waist. <br /><br />I'm pretty pleased with this. It was really good fun to experiment with patterns and add whatever I wanted. I made some piping from string and ribbon to edge the front panel:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5023153040/" title="Insa Skirt detail by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5023153040_e13bff199d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Insa Skirt detail" /></a><br /><br />It was quite a bit of work, and you know what? E's not interested in it AT ALL. Sigh. That's how it goes sometimes I suppose.<br /><br />In all, KCWC was a success for me. It made me find some time to sew, and when I did, I found it wasn't all that intimidating and I could actually get something finished.<br /><br />And so, since then, I've made something else:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5064864117/" title="Ikea Skirt by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5064864117_b6be5e7164.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Ikea Skirt" /></a><br />This is from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sew-What-Skirts-Francesca-DenHartog/dp/1580176259/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1286648312&sr=8-1">Sew What: Skirts</a> by Francesca DenHartog. It's the A-Line Skirt, Fitted Waistband version that you create the block/pattern for yourself.<br /><br />And I'm pretty pleased with it. It fits! for one, and it's nicely Autumnal, and it was pretty easy to do if you took it step by step.<br /><br />I used Ikea fabric (total cost £3.99) for the outside, and the fabric for the facing was from my stash of scraps, so also pretty cheap.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5064863685/" title="Ikea skirt facing by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5064863685_b682bb0636.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Ikea skirt facing" /></a><br /><br />Now, what's next....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-63064766863555327822010-09-22T07:11:00.000-07:002010-09-25T07:33:44.341-07:00KCWC Day 3<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5022543555/" title="KCWC Cut out by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5022543555_93d6a5c2ae.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="KCWC Cut out" /></a><br /><br />Finally have some fabric cut out.<br />Insa Skirt is cutout from some of my vintage pillowcase stash. I let E have free reign to choose the colour combo she wanted. As you can see, it's mostly pink. That is the world of my four year old girl!<br /><br />The baby hat is cut from a t-shirt which i picked up from a jumble sale last weekend, with a tiny piece of purple cotton from my scrap basketUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-78972864229633807512010-09-21T15:35:00.000-07:002010-09-21T15:39:23.182-07:00Day 2Somewhere between the school drop off, taking the baby for her second immunisations, having new broadband installed and talking to my brother in law about the work he's going to do in the garden for us this weekend, I squeezed in the tiniest bit of prep. And only them because my Mum and sister came up and picked E up from school.<br />The baby hat pattern is traced, and fabric has been located and washed.<br />The Insa skirt is traced and partially cut out. Fabric has yet to be found.<br />I have a lot of catching up to do.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-25823143044482405912010-09-20T14:34:00.000-07:002010-09-20T14:43:22.491-07:00And... fell at first hurdleWell, not a great start. Seriously, V has been up for HOURS tonight. Not crying, just awake. And looking about. And wanting to be cuddled.<br />So I've chosen cuddling my child over sewing for her. <br />She has now gone to bed though, so I've made a little start. Looked through my books, chosen a couple of patterns I'd like to do. Does that count?<br />Thinking about, for a gentle start, the baby hat from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Making-Childrens-Clothes-Emma-Hardy/dp/190652579X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1285018717&sr=8-2">Making Children's Clothes</a><br />and maybe,hopefully, the Insa skirt from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sewing-Clothes-Kids-Nancy-Langdon/dp/1589234731/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1285018717&sr=8-1">Sewing Clothes Kids Love</a>.<br /><br />Have traced the pattern for the hat and chosen the fabric from my thrifted tees stash. I still need to find a contrasting fabric for the ears. <br />And that'll have to do for tonightUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-80133396312850837982010-09-17T20:10:00.000-07:002010-09-20T15:13:23.830-07:00Early StartI wanted to get a bit of a jump on KCWC, and I wanted to finally use the new serger I bought as a present for myself just before I had V.<br />I planned to use the 90 Minute Shirt tutorial from MADE. (find it <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-90-minute-shirt.html">here</a>). I cut out my pieces last night, using an old shirt of mine and an old shirt of E's which I rescued from the charity shop pile.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5009346279/" title="90 Minute Shirt - start by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5009346279_fcf48ec90c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="90 Minute Shirt - start" /></a><br />Today is my birthday. To celebrate, V slept for a whole 24 minutes when she got in and let me make a start on this<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/5009174725/" title="Longer than 90 Minute Shirt by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5009174725_319b8d9d48.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Longer than 90 Minute Shirt" /></a><br /><br />And throughout the day, though it took longer than 90 Minutes, I got it done.<br />It's not great, but it gave me good serger practice, and the tutorial was great. I'd definitely try making this again. I think it needs a bit more in the length next time though. And I think I'll make the neckband thinner.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-11761122888321891622010-09-14T11:19:00.000-07:002010-09-14T11:51:09.721-07:00Kids Clothes Week Challenge<center><br /><a href=”http://www.elsiemarley.com/kids-clothes-week-challenge-fall-2010.html”><br /><img src="http://d1yops4utenhgf.cloudfront.net/kcwc_fall_button5.jpg"></a><br /></center><br />I really want to do this.<br />My plan for my maternity leave was to spend my free time trying to learn to sew. Practice practice practice, I thought, I'm bound to improve some. I forgot about the fact that maternity leave is essentially to look after your new child, and free time is not in abundance.<br />It remains to be seen whether my new baby is like my first (no more than 30mins for a nap before she's up again and ready to rumble) but at the moment things are pretty busy around here. Baby No.2 and I continue to try to find a routine that works, while Baby No.1 (actually 4 and a half) settles into her new school. It's a merry-go-round of early mornings, lunchboxes and gym kits, note slips and after school snacks. The will-she-or-won't-she-settle evenings. Topped off with through the night, 3-hourly feeds.<br />It's either the worst time to attempt this, or maybe the best. The thought of giving myself permission to squirrel myself away for an hour each evening for a week seems indulgent.<br />I'm going to give it a go.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-33796500522588566142010-07-22T03:14:00.000-07:002010-07-22T03:27:48.532-07:00A couple of things I made over the last few weeks...Have been very very busy, but have just found time to start a couple of makes...<br /><br />Firstly, these socks. From the Fyberspates monthly sock club kits that I seem to have had around for, oooh, ever. I started the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/moss">Moss</a> socks<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/4801574047/" title="Moss Socks by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4801574047_0dae1864bb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Moss Socks" /></a><br /><br />The pattern is simple enough to work without thinking, and it's knitting up quickly.<br /><br />For something a little more challenging, I also started some crochet! The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweet-summer-cardi">Sweet Summer Cardi</a> from the latest Crochet Today magazine.<br />I'm making it from 9 balls of aran weight cotton I found in a charity shop for the total sum of £4.50. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/4802204012/" title="Sunbeam Cotton Classic by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4802204012_5c5e97e03f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Sunbeam Cotton Classic" /></a><br />Hopefully there'll be enough to finish it<br /><br />The yarn is a bit thick, hopefully I'm not crocheting pink armour here. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/4801573607/" title="Summer Crochet Cardi by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4801573607_7da0ea5778.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Summer Crochet Cardi" /></a><br /><br />And here's another thing I made, that's keeping me busy... Violet!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/4817361737/" title="Violet by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4817361737_8d30b62ce1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Violet" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-3943276840249552902010-06-19T11:15:00.000-07:002010-06-19T11:24:10.883-07:00Grumpasaurus. And more Saartje's....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4714380393_8c5f8d7d93.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4714380393_8c5f8d7d93.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Tidying up a couple more projects while I'm waiting. This is Grumpasaurus, Ravelry link is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grumpasaurus">here</a>. This was a cute, fun knit, I just used up some scrap yarn from my odds and ends basket.<br /><br />And another pair!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4714380795_ab2221b75f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4714380795_ab2221b75f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This is I think my third pair, these are for my sister's baby. I used Sirdar Luxury Cotton DK, and a 3.75mm needle so these are larger than the newborn sizes shown in Saartje's pattern (Ravelry link <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/saartjes-bootees">here</a>). I'm thinking of casting on yet another pair, in thinner yarn, so she gets to have a tiny pair too.<br />It's not like I've not got the time.....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-82555672633992833062010-06-18T10:08:00.000-07:002010-06-18T10:14:38.517-07:00Waiting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4704009426_691e74984b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4704009426_691e74984b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I have been preoccupied this year working on something that should hopefully be here very very soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-36923277012973916662010-01-31T05:50:00.000-08:002010-01-31T06:46:52.037-08:00Me timeCarving out a bit of time for myself this weekend<br /><br />Catching up on unfinished projects:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/4318955288/" title="Kiemuralapaset by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4318955288_f1f609a80d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Kiemuralapaset" /></a><br /><br />Treating myself to vintage trinkets:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/4318871734/" title="Boucher Toadstool Brooch - front by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4318871734_177229c946.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Boucher Toadstool Brooch - front" /></a><br /><br /><br />Eating chocolate, and winter stew<br /><br />and enjoying the vintage decor on <a href="http://www.columboblog.com/blog/columbo-season-1/columbo-dead-weight/">Columbo</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-728829598611087866.post-25918918137696438032010-01-01T09:47:00.000-08:002010-01-01T10:08:05.478-08:00New Year's Day<center><br /><br />For the third year running we spent New Year's Day on a steam train. For the second year running we spent it at Midland Railway Centre.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/4234305688/" title="Unlimited Travel - 01JAN2010 by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4234305688_d9d237f72e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Unlimited Travel - 01JAN2010" /></a><br /><br />We got our takeaway teas and coffees and boarded the train for the Butterley - Swanwick round trip<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/4234304156/" title="Station Buffet Open by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4234304156_d25e430e60.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Station Buffet Open" /></a><br /><br />Looked out at the frost and steam and discussed our plans for the year<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/4234307718/" title="Steam by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/4234307718_0019c4c161.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Steam" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/4233543259/" title="Midland Railway Centre by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/4233543259_395059fb25.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Midland Railway Centre" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/4233544221/" title="Midland Railway Centre by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4233544221_7120419a39.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Midland Railway Centre" /></a><br /><br />And before we knew it, it was time to go. New Year's Day is so short<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninethreeo/4233537245/" title="Midland Railway Centre by ninethreeo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4233537245_047c5fd6e5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Midland Railway Centre" /></a><br /></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0