January Aim - Halfway

First off, I can't believe it's halfway through January already. 

Time is flying along!! 

My aim for this January was sewing. Catching up on projects I've started, but not finished yet, and mostly getting things done for India. 

I'm leaving for hols on Friday, so there's not much time left!! This is the list I had in my original blog post. 

Things I'd like to finish for India:

1) Evening dress that's still on the mannequin. I finished this a couple of nights ago, but I've managed to see the side seams too tight, so my MUST DO job Friday morning is to sew looser new seams and seam rip the old ones! 

2) Halter neck top in Hawaiian print. No progress, the self drafted pattern is not helping matters. When will I learn!! 

3) Shorts in Hawaiian print. Just the (really aggravating) waistband and bottom hems to do. 

4) Wrap around circle skirt in Hawaiian print. Haven't started this, and may just make one of my normal circle skirts on Friday. They only take a couple of hours! (<that's probably the nail in its coffin though!!)

5) Denim shorts. Not gonna happen. No time. 

6) A couple of sheer blouses, time has not permitted, but I've got a half made silk top that I might find the time to put some bias binding on!

Knitting and Crochet

7) pink beret. Nope. Might take this with me. 

8) green headband. Done a bit more, again, might take it with me!

(Old picture, it's much bigger than this now!)

9) cream scarf. Nope. 

10) chunky blue scarf. Still nope! 

I would say I'm failing quite badly at this months challenge!! I think a) I'm better at sewing things I need and b) I got distracted by upcycling some of Eric's old jeans into a slouchy bag and some aprons. 

I have seen up a (beautifully easy) sheer, floor length, gathered over skirt though. Which is wonderful. I hope to share an easy peasy tutorial on it while I'm away! Internet dependant! 

That's all folks, wish me luck with manic sewing Friday morning! 

Jo :-) 

P.S. has your sewing pile shrunk any this new year? 

January Aim 2014

Well. I'm a day late with this which doesn't bode well. On the other hand, I had a wonderful day yesterday lounging with the other half on the sofa while he played flight simulator and I watched the TV series of Pride and Prejudice! Lovely. 

 

So. Hello January. 

My aim for this month is two fold really. 

1) to finish as many sewing, knitting and crochet projects as I can. Chunky blue scarf that's been on the needles for about a year, I'm looking at you! 

2) to sew more of my clothes for our holiday to India. I wanted to so this last year, I even have a pattern for some nice high waisted shorts, so I've got no excuses really. 

We're off on the 17th. So I don't have much time. I may take some crochet things with me, but that'll be it. 

Things I'd like to finish for India:

1) Evening dress that's still on the mannequin. Needs the side seams sewing, bias binding finished, the back of the skirt hemmed and a couple of straps adding if I get the chance! 

2) Halter neck top in Hawaiian print. Very pin up for by the pool! 

3) Shorts in Hawaiian print. To match. Obviously....

4) Wrap around circle skirt. In Hawaiian print. (Yeah I got some free fabric. Check for another blog post in a few days!) This is my own pattern, to go over the shorts with the top to look like a dress but still be practical! 

5) Denim shorts. Simple. Classic. To be used all summer!

6) A couple of sheer blouses (time permitting) for evening wear. 

Knitting and Crochet

7) pink beret. 

8) green headband. 

9) cream scarf. 

10) chunky blue scarf. Apparently I find it difficult to knit holes :-S 

Hmm. Ten things is probably enough for two weeks, with mostly just weekends to do sewing and evenings for wool work! 

Wish me luck! Otherwise my holiday wardrobe will be sorely lacking! 

Jo :-) 

P.S. how many unfinished projects do you have lying around? :-)

Stitch by Stitch

Hello there!

It's a bit cold really for tapping out a blog post. Need to be doing something active, my fingers and toes are freezing! I'll have to learn to knit socks. 

Which brings me neatly onto my topic for today. 

See what I did there....!

We've been starting to clear our garage over this last week. Some sad finds. Ruined fifties petticoats and a handmade dress. Apparently there's mice in there! 

There's still some suitcases of clothes to go through, but Eric's gran was tiny. So I have no hope except for accessories! 

One thing there was an abundance of though was magazines. Including these Stitch by Stitch ones from the 80s. 

They're a little dated, but there's a lot of handy how to's and little projects like the one above that make them worth keeping. 

So without rambling on too much more, here's a few of my favourite pages! 

Free skirt pattern. Uncut. Casual and comfy I think! 

Sweet summer dress fitted with shirring around the bodice. 

 

Suffolk Puff quilt. Not just for prams. Great for using up scraps of fabric! 

Velvet winter dress. With a few tweaks could look very 40s! Slightly less poof to the shoulders maybe! 

Simple nightdress pattern. With tap pant style shorts as well. I'm thinking more undergarments than night wear! 

Trench coat. Basic but smart! 

Crocheted daisies. Why not. 

A lovely little find to cheer up the monotony of clearing!

Jo. 

P.S. do you have any go to guides you love? Cheap pattern sources? 

Book review: Geek Chic Crochet

Back with a crafty book review this week! 

Crochet! Since learning to knit (somewhat at least!) I've been intrigued by crochet as well. So having spotted a nice metal set if crochet hooks for a bargain price on eBay, and coming up to visit my craftily blessed Mum and Godmother, I thought I'd give it a go! 

An afternoon was duly spent with some bright pink wool to learn the basics (aided slightly by You Tube!) before opening my lovely new book! 

It's fab. It says it's drawn inspiration from the 60s and 70s with a retro vibe, but I think a lot of the things in here are so classic they'll fit in perfectly well with my mainly 50s style wardrobe! 

It's beautifully laid out and photographed throughout. The instructions in the back are simple and clear, teaching the basic stitches that you will need to complete everything in the book. 

There are so many things in this book I can't wait to make! All of the patterns are started with an easiness rating. One star, simples. Three stars, not so much! 

I've started with a lovely emerald green wool making the Turban Headband. 

I kid myself that I'll look like this when it's done, but it will be great for the airfield and cycling in the autumn! 

It's building up fairly quickly, much quicker than knitting, which is really gratifying for a complete beginner! 

I would recommend this book to anyone starting out with crochet as there are lovely patterns in there that appeal to all, but definitely with a retro vintage vibe! 

As you can see, plenty to keep you going! I think some of the things such as hats, scarves and bags would make lovely thoughtful Christmas presents too....

I'll leave you with a few of my favourite makes. Which will probably take me forever to get round to doing! Along with hours of practice at making the lace! 

Lacy Peter Pan Collar separate. 

Tank Top (there's a matching skirt too!)

Completely adorable Peter Pan Collar Cardigan

Vintage Lace Gloves

I'd better get busy!

Jo :-)

P.S. do you crochet? Want to learn? Got a favourite pattern or make?