Wednesday, 11 August 2010

Kazakh Dress

Finally finished the sewing project that I mentioned back here over two weeks ago! Isn't it annoying how life just gets in the way some times? My grand plans for spending my summer doing nothing but sewing, socialising and sunbathing scuppered by mudane things like finding a flat, rain and insuring my car. I was kinda afraid to use this fabric that I bought when I was in kazakhstan. What if I ruined it? It was irreplaceable. After it had been sitting in my stash for nearly a year I decided that it was finally time to bite the bullet. I settled on making a shift dress to start with, one, because I have used this pattern several times before, see here and here, and two, because I thought such a bold print needed to be balanced by a simple dress.

* I totally loath those kinks that I get in the back of my hair, even my straighteners rarely deal with them. Luckily I don't see the back of my head too often*

The pattern is Burda Young 8123. The construction went well, the best with this pattern so far, although I still have trouble with the facings (I think they are a bit too big), finishing the shoulders and the fitting at the back. It fits fine across the front but pulls at the back although not as badly as it looks in the photo. It is certainly wearable. Obviously my pattern matching is nothing to write home about as you can see from the side seams and the zipper but I did make the effort to make sure that the print was at least level across all the pieces which was a new thing for me.

Monday, 9 August 2010

Yet More Fabric For My Stash

A couple more fabrics that I've picked up in charity shops. The navy fabric is a double duvet cover that I bought for £2.50 I'm planning on making yet another simple shift dress but with added details such as a peter pan collar and a strip of lace down the front.

This red fabric was £5 for a couple of meters which is more than I would usually spend but I loved the sea gull print. With this I'm planning to make an open back dress in the style of Vivat Veritas.

Saturday, 7 August 2010

Charity Shop Jewellery

Pearl Necklace £1.50, It's pretty short so I plan on using the beads to make a longer necklace.
Green Glass Pendant on Triple Chain £2.00
Cross Pendant on Chain £2.00
Triple Bar Pendant with Chain £1.00
Both Gold Necklaces £2.00 each

I'm supposed to be expanding my collection of rings and bracelets but I just can't resist a secondhand necklace.

Please excuse my attempt at being artistic with my photography.

Wednesday, 4 August 2010

Grandma's Stash

During my search to find somewhere to live in September (which I did by the way, but found out what little my money would get me in an area within commuter distance of London) I stayed over night at my Grandma's House. I just happened to mention that I had made my pajamas and Grandma replies 'Oh, I didn't know you liked sewing. Come with me'. So out we go to her conservatory where she opens a cupboard and shows me a shelf full of vintage knitting and sewing patterns.

They are going to take some sorting out!

Quote of the Day

"Nobody will ever win the battle of the sexes. There's too much fraternising with the enemy."
Henry Kissinger

Monday, 2 August 2010

Green Tea

Another gift for a friends birthday.

Vintage Chain, Tea Cup Charm from crotchetynoodnick on Etsy, Green Bead from The Bead Shop.

Sunday, 1 August 2010

Quote of the Day

"I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it."
Mae West