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. 

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.

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….

Finally…A New Dressmaking Project!

In the whirlwind that was moving house and redecorating my crafty projects were put to the side for a significant amount of time! Now that we’re moved and settled (bar a few finishing touches) I’ve been able to indulge my brand new craft space. I’ve never had a whole area I can call my own to work in before, it’s always been a corner of the living room, which isn’t ideal if there is anybody else around. The first this I decided to do was get back  into a bit of dressmaking. 

This was partly a necessity as I’ve a wedding coming up and was so disappointed with what was on offer in the shops…too short, too many frills, no sleeves, wrong colours, cost a small fortune, the list goes on. All I wanted for the wedding was a simple dress in a vibrant summery colour, it had to be a decent length (I want to feel like I can sit down without flashing the world), it also had to have sleeves (I didn’t want to have to bring an extra cover up, or worse…show my arms!). 

So my only option was to raid my vintage pattern selection and my fabric stash. I picked a turquoise blue lawn and this pattern;

I loved the sleeves in option 1 so decided on that with a remnant of psychedelic fabric I picked up years ago! Buying the pattern, fabrics and notions so long ago was beginning to make this dress feel like a freebie! 

I can be quite impatient when I’m dressmaking, cutting a bit too roughly, not pinning and tacking properly but this time I decided to do everything by the book and I’m so happy I did….I love the finished product, what do you think?

 

I am considering adding a contrasting collar, in the same fabric as the lining of the sleeves…all time dependent though!

Pinterest Picks #8

I missed last week so I’m back with some of my favourite Pinterest Picks for this week. This weeks theme is all around bicycles. I love to ride my bike and I’ve really missed it this past week as the weather has been just to icy for me to get out and about. I’m also working on a design for pannier bags and I should be able to show you the final product in a week or so!
Anyway, on to this weeks picks

Festive Discounting!

So, for Take a Look Tuesday this week I decided to have a wee pre Christmas sale and for one week only, everything in my shop on Etsy will have 15% discount with code TALKT15. Don’t forget that as all of my items have free UK & Ireland postage this means there are some real bargains to be had!
I’ve also got some lovely items left over from the market at the weekend to add tonight.