I’ve Moved!

It’s been an awfully long time since I’ve used this site and to be honest it was becuase I didn’t like the design, name or the way I was writing. So, I’ve decided on a brand new start over here: http://www.honeyhistitches.wordpress.com. There’s not an awful lot on there just now but over the next few weeks I’ll populate the site with some new projects, images and words.
See you there!

Adventures in Patchwork

I’ve finally bitten the bullet and decided to try my hand at making a patchwork quilt. I’ve fancied it for a while but been reluctant, I’m not even sure why really. I’d love to do a really graphic striking and intricate design but that may be some years down the line. For my first attempt I am using large squares in a variety of scraps, broken up with a pale blue and red polka dot.

So far I have managed to cut out enough squares to make a decent sized quilt and have laid them out to make sure the design works. I am actually starting to really love the mix of colours and patterns. Plus each scrap reminds me of a different project or shopping trip. It’s been quite a lovely experience so far. I’ve machine stitched a couple of rows together and now can’t wait to see the finished product! 

 

In other news, a recent trip to Belfast resulted in some fantastic vintage fabric buys, including this beauty which was promptly made into cushion covers for our sofa. 

Bicycle Skirt

I absolutely love this bicycle print fabric. It’s been in my stash for a couple of years at least one of which it was halfway to becoming a Colette Meringue skirt. That was until yesterday when I made the decision to finally get it finished. There was one problem though. Over the pasy year or so I lost half the pieces I’d cut out so decided to improvise and just make up a nee skirt. I’m glad I did as this skirt is such a great fit and is so wearable I know I’m going to wear it loads.

Vintage Pattern Month-Part 3

So, I’ve finished my July vintage pattern dress and here is the final product 

I have to say I am really pleased with how this turned out. Ignore the fit on the dummy, it actually fits mr really well and is now all packed for a wee trip to Dublin.

Vintage Pattern Month- Part 2

I’ve managed to get the bulk of my dress together with only fitting the bodice more neatly and hemming to go so I thought I’d share with you my progress so far:

My favourite part so far is the bias binding on the arms and neck. I hand stitched it and I’m so glad I did as I think it just makes it look so much neater. 

 

Hopefully the next time you see this it’ll be finished!

Vintage Pattern Month- Part 1

I have finally come in from the lovely weather and made a start of my vintage pattern this month. I was going to pick this one but when I went to look for it in my pattern folder I stumbled across this beauty and decided it would make a great summer frock…

 

I’m going for option C with the skirt length of option A. I am also going to use bias binding at the neck and arms instead of facings. Mainly because I am in love with my bias binding maker and I want any excuse to use it. 

Choosing a fabric wasn’t easy but I settled on this lovely cotton I got in the John Lewis sale. 

with that chosen I ironed out my pattern pieces and fabric and got started cutting and marking everything. 

 

Vintage Pattern Month

June was Indie Pattern Month and I came a bit late to the party (poor scheduling of drafts). I did manage to make a Colette Sorbetto top.

I thought that July would be a great time to do Vintage Pattern month. I love sewing up vintage patterns and have a collection waiting for some attention. I really fancy making some sweet summery dresses so I might get started with this bad boy….

I’ve made this before and worn it to death so I think it might be time to make another.
Would anybody else like to join in? Just comment below and let us know what patterns you’re going to be makign up.

Finished Crochet Wedding Blanket!

I finally finished the crochet wedding blanket! I am actually really pleased with how it turned out, I think it just looks so bright and sunny! 

I was heading to a friends birthday tea and knew the bride and groom would be there after their honeymoon so I decided to bring it along with me, as well as a sunflower and homemade red velvet cake for the birthday girl. 

All gifts were greatly appreciated and a lovely day was had by all. What better way to spend a Sunday than with great friends and lovely food!

 

Improv dressmaking

I love working with vintage patterns, however, there are those occasions when you love a design but half of the pattern pieces are missing. I had planned to make a very sweet 1960s top, complete with collar and sleeve cuffs. However, after selecting some sweet remnants from my stash I realised that there were a few pattern pieces missing. I really wanted a new top to wear to go and see The Stone Roses at the weekend so I bashed on anyway, with no collar or cuff pieces I decided on a plain neckline and sleeve design. I also realised I didn’t have a zip so had to refashion the neck fastening a bit. Finally, for a bit of a sweet detail I added a white ribbon bow…and here it is. One afternoon and a bit of faffing about later I had a wearable top! It may not be my neatest, most competent work but I am happy that I was brave enough to stray away from the pattern and try something out myself. 

 

The Finished Product

Here’s a quick peek at the finished dress I mentioned here A New Dressmaking Project! My friends and I are all ready for the wedding of the year….