tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41417450483040010632024-03-12T17:31:37.764-07:00make&docraftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.comBlogger397125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-89319190954225752012017-04-15T05:32:00.001-07:002017-04-15T05:32:57.086-07:00Ultimate SewingI have recently come around to Sew Over Its patterns. Initially I found them not to my taste, a bit retro, but seeing so many of them made up in blogworld, I changed my mind.<br />
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I bought the Ultimate Shift Dress from Fabric Godmother at their last open day and soon knocked up a muslin / toile. <br />
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I needed to lower the bust darts (I followed a tutorial by Cashmerette). And then I cut out my dress fabric, a Javanaise viscose from Abakhan fabrics £7per m and sewed it up. I went for the 3/4 length sleeve so it's wearable now. It's such a light fabric that it'll be very nice in the warmer weather too.<br />
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I have to say that I'm really happy with the dress. It's very comfy. I wore it with navy leggings and a pink cardigan.craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-63968085384111713512017-02-26T06:36:00.001-08:002017-02-26T12:55:12.756-08:00February Half Term Sewing<div aria-label="Conversation" autoid="_rp_2" role="list" style="background-color: white; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;" tabindex="-1">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In the week just gone, I found myself at home alone while my children were back at school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Firstly, I finished the Drunk Love 2 Tone quilt. I am so proud of this quil</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">t. It's a LOT of sewing, but I took my time, only picked it up when I could do 3+ hours without stress and decided it would be finished when it was finished.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then, I made a Red Riding Hood cape for World Book Day! We are going as favourite book/ poetry characters. I'm inspired by Roald Dahl's rhyming poem of LRH!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">After that, I bought the </span><a href="http://www.molliemakes.com/craft-2/new-mollie-makes-big-comic-relief-crafternoon-2/" style="font-size: 10pt;" target="_blank">Mollie Makes Red Nose Day Crafternoon Magazine</a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> (say that Drunk!) and made the Sew Over It Molly Breton Top which was in the magazine (and the main reason that I bought it). I realised afterwards it's a similar pattern to the Great British Sewing Bee's Breton top pattern in their last book with new judge Esme on the front!! Anyway I used a flower patterned jersey fabric which I bought c2 years ago. And it turned out really well. I will definitely make a few more if these. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">After that, I took out my unfinished </span><a href="http://sewoverit.co.uk/product/heather-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern/" style="font-size: 10pt;" target="_blank">Sew Over It Heather </a><span style="font-size: 10pt;">dress that I started just after the pattern release and took the side seams in as it was far too wide. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Now the fit is much better. As it's black it's hard to see the details.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The last thing that I made was a pair of</span><a href="http://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/2015/10/10/basic-leggings-for-girls-free-pattern-and-tutorial" style="font-size: 10pt;" target="_blank"> girls' leggings</a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> for my 4 year old niece. She's quite tall for her age so I cut the size 6. I used left over fabric from another project that I did a while ago. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">So it has been busy. I've definitely got my sewing mojo back. I have ordered some more fabric from </span><a href="https://www.abakhan.co.uk/" style="font-size: 10pt;" target="_blank">Abakhan Fabric </a><span style="font-size: 10pt;">shop. For another </span><a href="http://sewoverit.co.uk/product/capsule-wardrobe-city-break-ebook/" style="font-size: 10pt;" target="_blank">Molly</a><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, a </span><a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/catalog/hawthorn" style="font-size: 10pt;" target="_blank">Colette patterns Hawthorn</a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> and a</span><a href="http://sewoverit.co.uk/product/nancy-dress-swing-dress-sewing-pattern/" style="font-size: 10pt;" target="_blank"> Sew Over It Nancy</a><span style="font-size: 10pt;">!!</span></span><br />
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craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-32739212448963708832017-02-21T07:05:00.000-08:002017-02-21T07:06:29.737-08:00Drunk Love 2 Tone Quilt <div class="BodyFragment"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:10pt;"> <div class="PlainText">So I have not blogged in a very long time. I still read plenty, but studying and starting a new career has zapped a lot of my free time. <br> <br> However the sewing machine has been out and if you follow me on instagram @craftyclaire74 then you can see what I've been up to. It's sewing and food most of all. <br> <br> Anyway I've been working on a project since July 2015 which is now finally finished. It is the Drunk Love 2 Tone quilt from Denise Schmidt's book Quilts. <br> <br> I bought the fabric from Hancocks of Paducah costing $102. I think the exchange rate at that time was pretty good. <br> <br> Here is some of the journey: <br> </div> </span></font></div> <div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EbjXDxqt7c/WKxXdhd4EEI/AAAAAAAACts/IUsVSH91h6sx6Ru6aLO9W3uOjWf_GD1GQCK4B/s1600/image1-789739.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EbjXDxqt7c/WKxXdhd4EEI/AAAAAAAACts/IUsVSH91h6sx6Ru6aLO9W3uOjWf_GD1GQCK4B/s320/image1-789739.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389578136043393090" /></a> </div> <div class="BodyFragment"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:10pt;"> <div class="PlainText"><br> Turquoise back. I stitched in the ditch to quilt it but I love how you see it on the reverse. <br> <br> </div> </span></font></div> <div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k34vfdoFfPU/WKxXeZdGTcI/AAAAAAAACt0/F0V3zXO2C_su74mVBcRxtupn6n8IRE_DACK4B/s1600/image2-791574.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k34vfdoFfPU/WKxXeZdGTcI/AAAAAAAACt0/F0V3zXO2C_su74mVBcRxtupn6n8IRE_DACK4B/s320/image2-791574.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389578151072517570" /></a> </div> <div class="BodyFragment"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:10pt;"> <div class="PlainText"><br> Nearly there, you get the idea. <br> <br> </div> </span></font></div> <div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6sqUc-_UzSs/WKxXegSXHFI/AAAAAAAACt8/Uxjzb-SKvj4DKjdaPU0Lrrf1KmIGUwktwCK4B/s1600/image3-793648.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6sqUc-_UzSs/WKxXegSXHFI/AAAAAAAACt8/Uxjzb-SKvj4DKjdaPU0Lrrf1KmIGUwktwCK4B/s320/image3-793648.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389578152906529874" /></a> </div> <div class="BodyFragment"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:10pt;"> <div class="PlainText"><br> Mitre corner - I still marvel at how this works.<br> <br> </div> </span></font></div> <div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SNoTmX4aNLs/WKxXfOb1TNI/AAAAAAAACuE/wMFZ_g0LKSo2Myva6q122ag0ztK5goILQCK4B/s1600/image4-795247.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SNoTmX4aNLs/WKxXfOb1TNI/AAAAAAAACuE/wMFZ_g0LKSo2Myva6q122ag0ztK5goILQCK4B/s320/image4-795247.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389578165294288082" /></a> </div> <div class="BodyFragment"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:10pt;"> <div class="PlainText"><br> <br> </div> </span></font></div> <div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4pedKAaHLA/WKxXfYDvKUI/AAAAAAAACuM/4xFH_T7WcC89gswilaPPOOlPZP57akOZACK4B/s1600/image5-796939.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4pedKAaHLA/WKxXfYDvKUI/AAAAAAAACuM/4xFH_T7WcC89gswilaPPOOlPZP57akOZACK4B/s320/image5-796939.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389578167877577026" /></a> </div> <div class="BodyFragment"><font size="2"><span style="font-size:10pt;"> <div class="PlainText"><br> <br> <br> Some of my quilts that I have made. From top: Castle Peeps by Lizzy House, My first ever quilt from Sew Hip Magazine, a quilt made from Amy Butler's Midwest Modern fabric scraps and the bottom one the Denise Schmidt Drunk Love 2 Tone. <br> <br> More pictures are on my instagram feed, please hop over and take a look. </div> </span></font></div> craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-68551838078921850442013-07-16T02:50:00.002-07:002013-07-16T02:53:23.058-07:00Upholstered Chair - Summer Project #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was lucky enough to save this chair from the landfill about 3 years ago! I liked the shape of the chair and knew with new fabric and some varnish that it could look great again.<br />
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Apologies for the lack of before photos but you can see the original fabric below, a thick faded yellow stripe:<br />
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This is the back rest cushion, which was just stapled down at the bottom. It's attached to the chair with screws so you cannot see that bit. One less bit to sew!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFJ3-GRzrPQ/UeURmM9H2oI/AAAAAAAACpI/_v2ertuD020/s1600/2013-06-26+21.05.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFJ3-GRzrPQ/UeURmM9H2oI/AAAAAAAACpI/_v2ertuD020/s1600/2013-06-26+21.05.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFJ3-GRzrPQ/UeURmM9H2oI/AAAAAAAACpI/_v2ertuD020/s1600/2013-06-26+21.05.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFJ3-GRzrPQ/UeURmM9H2oI/AAAAAAAACpI/_v2ertuD020/s1600/2013-06-26+21.05.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFJ3-GRzrPQ/UeURmM9H2oI/AAAAAAAACpI/_v2ertuD020/s1600/2013-06-26+21.05.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
I did not know what was going on in the inside of the back rest, so it was interesting to remove the fabric cover and see the construction. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFJ3-GRzrPQ/UeURmM9H2oI/AAAAAAAACpI/_v2ertuD020/s1600/2013-06-26+21.05.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFJ3-GRzrPQ/UeURmM9H2oI/AAAAAAAACpI/_v2ertuD020/s320/2013-06-26+21.05.59.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The webbing and foam needed replacing, I followed the instructions in a book called <i>House Proud</i> by Danielle Proud, which worked a treat.<br />
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My husband helped me stretch and attach the herringbone webbing with upholstery tacks.<br />
I then tacked on a piece of hessian over the webbing. The 1" foam was laid down on top of that and then lightweight batting was stretched down on top of the foam and stapled into place to hold down the foam.<br />
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To make the fabric for the back rest piece, I unpicked the back rest cover and used that as my pattern piece. I have reupholstered the chair with Anna Maria Horner's "Drawing Room" fabric in home dec weight.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmDP9EmnQAY/UeUQNumSXiI/AAAAAAAACoY/kTIriS_u6v8/s1600/2013-07-13+14.51.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmDP9EmnQAY/UeUQNumSXiI/AAAAAAAACoY/kTIriS_u6v8/s320/2013-07-13+14.51.47.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The cover was just pulled down tight over the back rest frame and stapled firmly into place.<br />
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I made a box cushion to cover the new 3" foam seat pad, that has a zip fastening at the back<br />
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Obligatory gratuitous shots:<br />
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I am really proud of our efforts here. My husband still has to sand and varnish the wood, but I've done my side of the bargain. I bought all the webbing and upholstery supplies from ebay shops, and the foam locally. Now that I know we have sorted out the structure, I wouldn't be worried about changing the fabric again. Any questions, please ask.craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-77430223587644492512013-06-26T02:39:00.004-07:002013-06-26T02:41:20.768-07:00Hello, it wasn't meant to be this long<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It may have appeared that i have fallen off the planet, but I've just been busy studying, working and raising a family. In the summer break I have lined up a load of projects to tackle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="320" src="http://static.colettepatterns.com/assets/shop/1026/cp1026-hawthorn-cover-med-137ad150e266ff18bc3e662b1d8bb854.png" width="213" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/hawthorn" target="_blank">Hawthorn dress</a> by Colette Patterns has queue jumped all the way to the top. I am going to tackle version 3 (sleeveless shirt dress) in this bird print fabric which I found of <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/D12-BIRD-PRINT-BIRDS-NAVY-BLUE-100-COTTON-LAWN-DRESSMAKING-CRAFT-FABRIC-/111096100056?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:GB:1120" target="_blank">ebay here</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/D12-BIRD-PRINT-BIRDS-NAVY-BLUE-100-COTTON-LAWN-DRESSMAKING-CRAFT-FABRIC-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/4P4AAMXQDK1Ruabc/$T2eC16V,!ykE9s7tw21zBRu,bci(EQ~~60_35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/D12-BIRD-PRINT-BIRDS-NAVY-BLUE-100-COTTON-LAWN-DRESSMAKING-CRAFT-FABRIC-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/4P4AAMXQDK1Ruabc/$T2eC16V,!ykE9s7tw21zBRu,bci(EQ~~60_35.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is described as a cotton lawn, I am waiting for it to arrive. To make it even more exciting there is a sew along on the <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/sewalongs/hawthorn-sewalong" target="_blank">Coletterie blog</a>. I will definitely be following that step by step. Here's the schedule: <canvas height="25" style="color: #523a39; font-size: 1px; height: 25px; left: 0px; line-height: 1px; position: relative !important; top: -4px; width: 54px;" width="54"></canvas></span><br />
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<li style="list-style: disc outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">June 26 – Buying fabric and making your muslin</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">July 1 – Full and Small bust adjustments</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">July 3 – Wide or narrow shoulder adjustments</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">July 5 – Fitting the cuffs (a quick and easy adjustment)</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">July 8 – Interfacing, Staystitching, Darts, and Shoulders</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">July 10 – Collar, Facings, and Side Seams</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">July 12 – Attaching the skirt or peplum</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">July 15 – Version 1, short sleeve</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">July 17 – Version 2, 3/4 length sleeve</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">July 19 – Version 3, Armhole</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">July 22 – Buttons, Hem, and Finishing</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">July 29 – Hawthorn Parade: Vote for your favorites!</span></li>
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<span style="color: #523a39;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 20.15625px;">Looks like I need to make by muslin ASAP! I will only do that for the top as it's a wide skirt.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #523a39;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 20.15625px;">Will you be joining in? </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #523a39; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.15625px;">I also have to make up a cushion cover for a chair which has been waiting patiently for 3 years! </span></span></div>
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<br />craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-43483468002729127732012-07-25T01:52:00.000-07:002012-07-25T02:11:30.767-07:00Jewellery Holder TutorialI have been looking for a jewellery frame holder for a while, to hang my necklaces from, to stop them tangling up. I found an example of one that was ok from <a href="http://www.coxandcox.co.uk/products/jewelery-frame/in/bath-and-beauty-accessories" target="_blank">Cox & Cox</a> for £35. I didn't really want to spend that on something that I wasn't that keen on aesthetically!<br />
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So an idea of how I could make one started to come together in my mind. Yesterday I was out and about and saw a cheap corkboard, and I was off!<br />
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60cm x 40cm Corkboard £4.99 from Burts Homestores, </div>
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Staple Gun £4.99 from Robert Dyas</div>
Hooks £3.00 from Robert Dyas<br />
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Wadding from stash</div>
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Cut the wadding a few inches larger on each side of the notice board and firmly staple in place.Pull tight, try not to stretch.<br />
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Then attach the fabric (get the right way up) and staple into place firmly all the way around. Again pull tight, don't over stretch. If I was doing it again I'd tuck the edges under before stapling.</div>
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Close up of staples - see how many I put in.</div>
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Hooks put in (they just screwed in)</div>
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Necklaces attached, tangle free, looking alluring!.</div>
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I hope you enjoyed my tutorial. It was really quick to make, under an hour. I am very happy with how it has turned out. Please let me know if you do one too.</div>
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</div>craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-75490162647243330662012-07-24T00:01:00.000-07:002012-07-24T00:01:00.080-07:002012 Thank You Totes<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">I have been making these totes as thank you presents for three years now for my children's class teachers. This year I went with the following measurements:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> w: 49cm x h:22cm for the top rectangle.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">w: cm x h: 30cm for the two outer bottom rectangles</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">w:13cm x h: 30cm for the bottom middle rectangle</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Back was w:49cm x h:52cm</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">1.5cm seams throughout </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">You can see the front on the picture below:</span></div>
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I also made some inside pockets. One was a flat one and the other was a stand out one, I used directions from Lisa Lam's "Bag Making Bible" book. They were all fully lined.</div>
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I went with three colour ways (the teacher's favourite colours) and my children embroidered the hearts.</div>
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I hope you like them as much as the teacher's did. I think these make a great present, and tend to be much appreciated by the receiver.<br />
<br />craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-32004598123160362732012-07-23T07:52:00.000-07:002012-07-23T08:06:31.881-07:00Beignet ..a long journey!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Many many years ago (<a href="http://clairesmakeanddo.blogspot.co.uk/2009/05/new-patterns.html" target="_blank">three in fact</a>), I bought my first ever Colette Patterns skirt pattern, the<a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/beignet/" target="_blank"> Beignet.</a> I had my new machine, it <b><i>allegedly</i></b> did buttonholes like a dream (best not to look too closely at them!), I bought my fabric and I was all set to make this snazzy little number!<br />
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The pattern, itself, is a dream to make. It has brilliantly written instructions, which are very easy to follow. Sarai has set a very high standard for other independent pattern makers (and the big companies too). <br />
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Of course, my sewing standards are not quite as high as they were needed, and somehow, my hemming was atrocious, with a wonky bottom. So I unpicked it all and put it away! For THREE years!!! Oh dear, was it really that long?<br />
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Well I have decided in this financially tight time, to get out all my WIP/ UFO and to complete them. So the Beignet is finally finished. It is a red linen skirt, for the spring/ summer. It is fully lined, so it's quite warm, I will definitely wear it, and I am pleased with it overall!<br />
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I also have a few patterns and fabric brought for some projects that I have not made yet. I will probably try and do those too!<br />
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<b>UPDATE:</b> Sew Magazine are offering the <a href="http://www.sewmag.co.uk/downloads/files/20120719/taffy_blouse.pdf" target="_blank">Taffy Blouse</a> from the Colette Patterns Handbook as a free download to print and makecraftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-188892976863743372012-06-27T03:56:00.000-07:002012-06-27T03:56:00.283-07:00organisingAs you can imagine something has to give when on top of a busy life I added in studying for a degree too! I hate to say it but housework was shafted to a degree. Not the hoovering/ dusting/ mopping/ laundry that gets done every week, but those bigger less frequent jobs.<br />
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We moved into our flat 5 years ago and at the start everything was pretty organised and had a place, but as time goes on we have acquired more stuff, the children have aquired a lot more toys and things haven't been kept up as they should have done.<br />
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We have 2 big cupboards in our hallway, one is the "bike cupboard". It has my husband's bike, spares, tools etc in there. He is a one man workshop! The other we have organised by using medium and large plastic boxes with lids from Matalan and Asda. They are all stacked on top of each other. Or on the shelves in the cupbroard. Each box is for a different thing eg gardening/ light bulbs/ paint & painting tools/ xmas decs and so on. Plus our drill/ tool kit etc. We don't have a garden shed or a loft/ attic/ basement to store any of this stuff in so we have to find a space in the flat. The hoover is also in there! We have put some hooks on the back wall to hang bags with our welly boots and walking boots in. Plus an over the door hook for more bags of wellies and the Ocado shopping bags for online food shopping. <br />
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The kitchen is another story, and hasn't had the same attention to detail of late. I shuld have taken a before photo but I was just too ashamed! I only have 3 drawers in my kitech (screams NOT ENOUGH!). The top one is for our cutlery and a few other bits and bobs. The bottom two are pretty deep so all kinds of stuff has been dumped in them. Sometimes because there is nowhere else for the item or out of laziness.<br />
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On the weekend I finally tackled these two drawers and a big awkward corner cupboard. I got rid of old, no longer fit for purpose kitchen linens. Moved items to their rightful homes around the flat. In doing this relatively quick job I've made a ton of space! The bottom drawer has the kitchen towels and teatowels folded nicely and ready to use. Plus I utilised an old icecream tub for the bits and bobs that I DO WANT in the drawer. It's not perfect, and I'll see if I can find something a bit bigger for the job.<br />
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The middle drawer has utensils in it now, I'll probably get some kind of divided container for them to stop them moving around so much. What frustrates me is how much DEAD space is above this drawer. I would really like some removable tray to sit on top that I could store some things in. If anyone knows of such a thing please point me in the right direction.<br />
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It's small steps and I still have to do our larder cupboard which is full of CRAP! The door is organised as husband fitted a load of handy hooks on it for the broom, dustpan and brush etc But inside it's just not working. See? NOT PRETTY! The wheely rack (which used to be our veg rack in a previous home is just wasting space) and I have too many plastic bags that are not really needed. This is my next task, along with the upper corner cupboard which is a disgrace too!!<br />
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Having had an inspirational look on Pinterest I came across this brilliant blog <a href="http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/" target="_blank">The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking</a> and a series called <a href="http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/search/label/31%20DAYS%20TO%20AN%20ORGANIZED%20HOME" target="_blank">31 Days to an organised house.</a> I love this series, loads of great, cheap ideas to sort your home out with.<br />
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I will be tidying, sorting, binning, recycling as necessary and I haven't even mentioned by bedroom wardrobes!!!! That's a whole other post!craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-17052972409268756802012-06-13T06:42:00.001-07:002012-06-13T06:47:42.167-07:00It boils down to this<div class="mobile-photo">
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Tomorrow I have a lovely 3 hour exam to cover this little lot on the table, I'm not feeling that confident.<br />
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The above is to blame for my time away from here. It's all for an <a href="http://www.open.ac.uk/" target="_blank">OU </a>course. I have 2 more years after this, as long as I pass.</div>
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Wish me luck, and I'll see you on the other side! xox</div>craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-71640984289610171252012-06-11T06:20:00.003-07:002012-06-11T06:21:41.734-07:00small raccoon anyone?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday we went for a walk in the countryside and suddenly a small furry mammal appeared right by our feet. Here's our video of it. My eldest son is aiming to become the next <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/articles/steve-backshall-webchat" target="_blank">Steve Backshall</a>, he has a long way to go as he called the shrew a small raccoon (no they don't live in Britain!)</div>
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We had fun and then on our way home a ferret/ stoat/ weasel ran across the road in front of us, unfortunately the camera was not on at that point!<br />
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It all made the trip that bit more exciting!craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-2272310383968917102012-06-10T08:46:00.000-07:002012-06-10T08:47:01.601-07:00free craftsy classesIf you haven't been tempted to dip into <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> yet (which I thoroughly recommend that you do) then there are a few free taster classes to wet your appetite.<br />
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The first is a <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/Sewing-Machine-911/77" target="_blank">Sewing Machine 911</a> - which as it says on the tin is about maintaining your machine<br />
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The second for quilters is the <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/The-Craftsy-Block-of-the-Month/50" target="_blank">Craftsy's Block of the Month</a>.<br />
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I have signed up to both of Gertie's courses (more for techniques to apply to projects that I want to make and to the Susan Khalje class, the<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/The-Couture-Dress/53" target="_blank"> Couture Dress.</a><br />
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Have you tried any of their classes? What do you think of them?<br />
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If you are after some other free tutorials, then there are some great sewalongs for different clothes patterns on the web. Also check out Tilly's tutorial for her<a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2012/06/how-to-make-picnic-blanket-skirt-part-3.html" target="_blank"> button down picnic blanket skirt</a> that she made in gingham.craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-23026186392764470862012-06-09T07:23:00.003-07:002012-06-09T07:23:54.585-07:00talking it overI turned on BBC Radio 4 and started half listening when I realised I recognised the story. It's a dramatisation of <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01jppvt" target="_blank">Julian Barne's book<b> <i>talking it over</i></b></a> which I would highly recommend. Catch it on i-player for a week or buy/ borrow <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Talking-It-Over-Julian-Barnes/dp/0099540134/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_4" target="_blank">the book</a> and its sequel, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Etc-Julian-Barnes/dp/0099540169/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1" target="_blank"><b>Love Etc</b></a>.</i>craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-865682360918157952012-06-08T08:27:00.000-07:002012-06-09T06:15:50.058-07:00independent pattern companies<br />
Firstly an apology. I've taken a lot on in the last 9 months, hence the lack of posting. Pretty soon I'll have a bit more time to do some things and with that in mind, the following, new (to me), pattern companies have caught my eye.<br />
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In no particular order here are my views:<br />
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<a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/" target="_blank">Sewaholic</a> is a Canadian company run by Tasia. She only has a few patterns so far, but they are already getting great reviews on blogsville. I have nearly finished the <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1202-cambie-dress" target="_blank">Cambie dress,</a> and can heartily recommend the pattern. Photos coming in a week or two!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cache1.bigcartel.com/product_images/59959327/300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of 1202 Cambie Dress" border="0" src="http://cache1.bigcartel.com/product_images/59959327/300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/" target="_blank">Colette Pattern</a>s, have been around for 2-3 years (I've mentioned them before) Again well written patterns, great blog with tips and tutorials. Also Sarai has written a<a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/colette-sewing-handbook" target="_blank"> book,</a> which I have and would recommend.<br />
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<a href="http://www.salme-sewing-patterns.com/" target="_blank">Salme Sewing Patterns</a> is a company that I discovered via Craftsy that looks really appealing. It's a British company with lots of contemporary simple tops, dresses and skirts. I love this pleated T-shirt, I'm pretty sure I'll be making it soon, maybe in a navy chiffon fabric. These patterns are downloadable, so a bit more faff, but cheaper and quicker to get.<br />
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<img alt="Image of PDF Printable Sewing Pattern - T-shirt with pleats" src="http://cache1.bigcartel.com/product_images/52904097/300.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="http://shop.grainlinestudio.com/" target="_blank">Grainline Studios</a> is small with just 3 patterns, but I'm sure more will be coming soon. I've downloaded the Scout Woven Tee (below) for $4.50 which looks like a wardrobe staple pattern. Good reviews around the web as well about it.<br />
<a href="http://cache1.bigcartel.com/product_images/51694763/scout01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Image of Scout Woven Tee" border="0" height="200" src="http://cache1.bigcartel.com/product_images/51694763/scout01.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<br />
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<a href="http://www.patternrunway.com/" target="_blank">Pattern Runway</a> has an informative blog and is selling downloadable patterns via<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PatternRunway?ref=si_shop" target="_blank"> Etsy</a>, here are a selection: I like the style here, again a contemporary look and good feedback.<br />
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<img alt="Easy Short Sleeved Dress Pattern - Elastic Waist, Short Kimono Sleeve" height="200" src="http://img2-ec.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.337439862.jpg" width="140" /><img alt="Gorgeous Pussy Bow Blouse PDF Pattern that you can make at home" height="200" src="http://img1-ec.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.337075189.jpg" width="138" /><img alt="Gathered Sundress Pattern" height="200" src="http://img3-ec.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.313421687.jpg" width="150" /><img alt="Women's Draped Skirt Pattern" height="200" src="http://img0-ec.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.337458952.jpg" width="140" />
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<br />
Here are a few other sites that I still need to look at:<br />
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<a href="http://www.victorypatterns.com/products/" target="_blank">Victory Patterns</a><br />
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<a href="http://megannielsen.com/collections/sewing-patterns" target="_blank">Megan Nielson</a> - who also has maternity sewing patterns.<br />
<br />
And a recent blog post by Gertie on<a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2012/05/dealing-with-pattern-ease.html" target="_blank"> fitting dress patterns</a> helped me choose more wisely what size Cambie Dress Pattern to cut out. I suggest you take a look! It's about looking at the <b>finished garment size</b> rather than the measurement table e.g. if you are 34 bust, 28 waist, 36 hip you need an x which usually leads to a wrong size dress. I've certainly found that, ending up with huge waistbands on skirts etc.<br />
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Happy looking and hopefully I'll have a few projects sewn up soon!craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-33958796316435186752012-04-11T14:36:00.003-07:002012-04-11T14:42:59.715-07:00Wedding Guest Outfit<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="font-size: 100%; width: 600px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; "><div style="position:relative;">I have a wedding to go to this summer, and I'm just playing around with Polyvore to create a fantasy outfit!</div><div style="position:relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/wedding_guest_outfit/set?.embedder=3689677&.svc=blogger&id=47027052"><img force="1" border="0" height="600" title="Wedding Guest Outfit" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/47027052/id/gDqoDv9FReizpfTY0STsug/size/y.jpg" alt="Wedding Guest Outfit" width="600" /></a></div></div><div style="width: 600px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; "><small><div style="padding-top: 16px; "><div style="margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: left; "><span ><br /></span></div><p style="font-size: 100%; "></p></div></small></div></div>craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-72645872102639464752012-02-24T10:47:00.005-08:002012-02-24T11:21:32.063-08:00radiohead<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%;">I must apologise to all my readers for not updating my blog for a while. I have taken some extra studying (on top of working/ children etc) and my free time is spent reading and writing essays. This is going to go on for the next 3-4 years, so apart from the summer holidays I won't have much free time.</span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">I do sometimes leave the house to go and experience some culture. Lately I seem to be doing this more and more. Last night I went and watched <a href="http://johnosbornepoet.blogspot.com/">John Osborne</a> perform his very funny show, <a href="http://www.johnpeelsshed.com/">John Peel's Shed</a>. John talks about his life through his </span>experience<span style="font-size: 100%;"> of listening to the radio and his love of music. He has a really nice easy going delivery, and he's not afraid of sweetly humiliating himself to provide the many laughs that we had. If you can catch him it's a great night out. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gybM1wUIz08/TotJpLHlZPI/AAAAAAAAAXo/3I6Nq7SB2RM/s259/radio-head.jpg" alt="Buy Radio Head here" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">He has also written this book, that the tour is based on.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">On Valentine's day we went into London and watched </span></span><a href="http://www.onemantwoguvnors.com/adelphi/" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><i>One Man Two Guvnors</i></a><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">. This is a very funny farce, with a bit of audience participation to boot. It was a really enjoyable night. As we came straight from work we needed a quick and cheap bite to eat beforehand. so we tried</span></span><a href="http://www.leonrestaurants.co.uk/" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "> Leon</a><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"> on The Strand and were really impressed by what was on their menu. A really nice quick and </span>nutritious<span style="font-size: 100%;"> dinner.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Oh and if you want to snaffle yourself a free Lisette/ Simplicity pattern, then buy the current issue of <a href="http://www.sewmag.co.uk/">Sew magazine</a> which has the Traveller dress as its giveaway this month. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "> <img src="http://www.sewlisette.com/images/2246/2246Full.jpg" alt="traveler dresses sewing pattern" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Even if I'm not sewing, I'm still thinking about it! And if you love Liberty then check out these shoes with <a href="http://www.clarks.co.uk/p/20348996">Clarks.</a> There's a whole range of Liberty print shoes.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img src="http://assets.clarksmcr.com/products/2/0/3/20348996_A_p.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Finally if you haven't tried it, I thoroughly recommend Pinterest (my page is </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/brightonclaire/" style="font-size: 100%; ">here</a><span style="font-size: 100%; ">) Go on, take a peek.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div>craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-76361037317927903712012-01-19T08:45:00.000-08:002012-01-23T05:54:34.096-08:00proudly presenting...<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-GB/Product/Haunt/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258410b34?cid=search">Haunt for the Xbox Kinect</a>, made by my husband & his colleagues.<div><br /></div><div>It's a fun, family friendly haunted house game (definitely not scary) suitable for age 7+.</div><div><br /></div><div>You use your whole body and you arm acts as a torch/ flashlight to illuminate the house as you walk around it.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://download.xbox.com/content/images/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258410b34/1033/screenlg2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 1000px; height: 562px;" src="http://download.xbox.com/content/images/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258410b34/1033/screenlg2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><b><br />Click on above picture to see full image.</b><br /><div><br /></div><div>You duck out of the ghosts way, and can then strike it or dazzle it with the torch to get rid of it!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://download.xbox.com/content/images/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258410b34/1033/screenlg3.jpg" alt="Image from Haunt" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>Really please that Microsoft has put it on their market place, do check it out, really is a fun game!</div><div><br /></div><div>Very proud of husband and Zoe Mode.</div>craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-46608106117774281712012-01-15T00:40:00.000-08:002012-01-15T01:09:11.079-08:00new(ish) beginnings<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AMirLGKr9YI/TxKRYepJEyI/AAAAAAAAChY/lvehn64G5jI/s1600/tulips%2B%252B%2Bnarcissi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AMirLGKr9YI/TxKRYepJEyI/AAAAAAAAChY/lvehn64G5jI/s320/tulips%2B%252B%2Bnarcissi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697776328305611554" /></a><br /><div>I'm hoping everyone has had a good start to the new year. Our Christmas and New Year celebrations were brilliant, we spend Christmas with family and had friends over for New Year's celebrations.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did a lot of cooking and baking (as we had good friends stay over 4/5 days) and I used my new <a href="http://www.clairesmakeanddo.blogspot.com/2011/09/veg-everyday.html">Veg Everyday</a> book with great success. Definitely a new favourite! For dessert for NYE I made a pavlova topped with cream and passion fruit from my Nigella Lawson's "How to Eat" book. It always gets a big thumbs up from people who eat it. Another thing that worked well were the mince pies I made using <a href="http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/610080">Rachel Allen's recipe</a> (just 1 jar left to use up this month!). Note to self, halve recipe as I don't need 5/6 jars of mincemeat! I made another huge batch of them this week and both my husband and I took them into our respective workplaces, and they were eaten pretty quickly!</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday to help usher in spring I bought 2 pots of narcissi bulbs and some tulips from our lovely local florist, <a href="http://www.missmolesfloweremporium.co.uk/">Miss Mole's Flower Emporium</a>. I thought they all looked gorgeous lit up last night in these two gorgeous tea light holders that my sister bought for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>My new(ish) beginning is that I started an Open University degree course in English Literature back in October. It's hard work, and a lot of reading and essay writing. This is my way of an apology for few and far between blog posts since the autumn. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to see some more of me(!) on the web, I've recently opened a <a href="http://pinterest.com/brightonclaire/">pinterest</a> page as a one stop shop to link to all ideas/ recipes/ likes/ inspiration to ideas on the web. It's a great free resource.</div><div><br /></div><div>Take care for now. xox</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-74855482269151386762011-12-19T14:14:00.000-08:002011-12-19T14:24:57.092-08:00merry xmasToday I had a little pre Xmas tea party for my youngest son, with 2 of his nursery school friends. We made the Gingerbread house yesterday (all 4 of us had a hand in it!). I used the recipe and instructions from Rachel Allen's Bake book. We also made fairy cakes, gingerbread biscuits and homemade mincepies (1st time I've ever done that). Everyone loved it, so far we've eaten half of the roof!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4DW_vdJv5A/Tu-49NU7joI/AAAAAAAAChI/krEdqwfSycQ/s1600/IMG_3423.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4DW_vdJv5A/Tu-49NU7joI/AAAAAAAAChI/krEdqwfSycQ/s320/IMG_3423.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687968216081206914" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-YIllPp_-k/Tu-48rVp4FI/AAAAAAAACg8/udUDoDfjB4Y/s1600/IMG_3424.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-YIllPp_-k/Tu-48rVp4FI/AAAAAAAACg8/udUDoDfjB4Y/s320/IMG_3424.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687968206957437010" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ago1f4Rm-aM/Tu-48EjO7vI/AAAAAAAACgw/Q6nR4lV6krw/s1600/IMG_3421.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ago1f4Rm-aM/Tu-48EjO7vI/AAAAAAAACgw/Q6nR4lV6krw/s320/IMG_3421.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687968196545408754" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Slmvnsv6rkY/Tu-47nEYwKI/AAAAAAAACgk/g-j3k-Y6Atk/s1600/IMG_3411.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Slmvnsv6rkY/Tu-47nEYwKI/AAAAAAAACgk/g-j3k-Y6Atk/s320/IMG_3411.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687968188631400610" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYRaLHPrCwc/Tu-47agqOjI/AAAAAAAACgY/9pufTS0RHtA/s1600/IMG_3409.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYRaLHPrCwc/Tu-47agqOjI/AAAAAAAACgY/9pufTS0RHtA/s320/IMG_3409.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687968185260325426" /></a>craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-59908373009277086922011-12-13T10:52:00.001-08:002011-12-13T10:52:14.047-08:00Tudor Day Costume<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-meBvelrHvJI/Tuee3gfZ0GI/AAAAAAAACgM/FP3ymOpzxac/s1600/photo-734048.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-meBvelrHvJI/Tuee3gfZ0GI/AAAAAAAACgM/FP3ymOpzxac/s320/photo-734048.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685687731030184034" /></a></p>Sewn from a pattern in the Easy Costumes for Children book. Came <br>together very easily.craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-18126795504192461782011-12-13T10:48:00.000-08:002011-12-13T10:47:55.727-08:00Somewhere over the rainbow...<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IcHU22JAr94/Tued3Oq4NGI/AAAAAAAACgA/pTmioyV9Xlc/s1600/photo-775731.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IcHU22JAr94/Tued3Oq4NGI/AAAAAAAACgA/pTmioyV9Xlc/s320/photo-775731.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685686626734847074" /></a></p>craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-25654823598641314882011-11-24T13:34:00.001-08:002011-11-24T13:50:05.787-08:00movember<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://static.movember.com/theme/2011/images/moustache-logo.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>You might have seen a lot of moustaches appearing all over the place. Some looking not quite right. Well if they disappear next week, it's because it's Movember. It's a fun way for men to raise money for men's health charities (and easier than training for a 10k run!) My husband's giving it his best shot, find him <a href="http://uk.movember.com/mospace/2763848/">here.</a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://static.movember.com/theme/2011/images/moustache-logo.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/shop/do/Children/Moustache-Eraser/product/48746"><img src="http://www.tate.org.uk/shop/img/Children/Moustache-Eraser/P48746-15693_3.jpg" alt="Moustache Eraser:" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you can't grow one, you can always buy this <a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/shop/do/Children/Moustache-Eraser/product/48746">moustache eraser</a> from the Tate Gallery shop for £2.50</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://freemoustache.com/images/moustache1.gif" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Or get this cut out and keep moustache from<a href="http://freemoustache.com/index.html"> freemoustache.com!</a> There's a couple of designs to choose from.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy growing!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-716961853800222632011-11-16T08:21:00.000-08:002011-11-16T09:03:42.686-08:00falling light<div style="text-align: justify;">The clocks have gone back and in the 20 minutes since I turned the PC on it's now dark. I caught the last of the day's light to take the photos below. With the cold winter weather coming my mind has turned to warm and snug things to wear. When I came across this book, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Northern-Knits-Inspired-Traditions-Scandinavia/dp/1596681713/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1321462022&sr=8-5">Northern Lights</a> by <a href="http://www.lucindaguy.com/">Lucinda Guy</a>. I had to buy it as I had fallen in love with the Hulda Pullover and the Twined Socks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJPFzUNYC10/TsPl3Qdp5qI/AAAAAAAACeg/vJglG81BlLo/s320/IMG_3342.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675632692891870882" />The book takes inspiration from northern European countries Scandinavia, Iceland and the Shetland Isles. <img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gROLYjcPuqk/TsPl20G_s_I/AAAAAAAACeU/a6xIaApPXbM/s320/IMG_3343.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675632685280637938" /><div><br /></div><div>The Hulda Pullover is in the Icelandic section of the book, so I found this <a href="http://shopicelandic.com/">shop</a>, and bought my yarn from it.<div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IL6vEPINBV8/TsPnAj1VO8I/AAAAAAAACfI/2rCcKD2PTDw/s1600/IMG_3362.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IL6vEPINBV8/TsPnAj1VO8I/AAAAAAAACfI/2rCcKD2PTDw/s320/IMG_3362.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675633952221903810" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My yarn came in a dizzying selection of colours, but I followed the exact shades from the book, as that is what makes it, I think.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Lt9DHVGCJQ/TsPm_pfBADI/AAAAAAAACes/ElR5foQ5o30/s1600/IMG_3358.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Lt9DHVGCJQ/TsPm_pfBADI/AAAAAAAACes/ElR5foQ5o30/s320/IMG_3358.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675633936559046706" /></a><br />The reds that go just around the base of the jumper, which lift it. <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pf7xkzRSqUE/TsPl10itAbI/AAAAAAAACeA/kubeSlGU7uY/s1600/IMG_3350.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pf7xkzRSqUE/TsPl10itAbI/AAAAAAAACeA/kubeSlGU7uY/s320/IMG_3350.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675632668216983986" /></a><br /></div><div>I love these oh so subtle changes from off white up to black in the yarn selection. This is what makes the stripes so lovely in this jumper with the gradual gradation of colour.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ys9jyyA7hDg/TsPl1s_YAwI/AAAAAAAACdw/UHikWmli4-Y/s1600/IMG_3353.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ys9jyyA7hDg/TsPl1s_YAwI/AAAAAAAACdw/UHikWmli4-Y/s320/IMG_3353.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675632666189759234" /></a><br />Now have I actually got any time to make it? Not really!<br /><br /></div></div></div>craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-56413233102534688722011-11-04T09:56:00.000-07:002011-11-04T09:56:00.495-07:00getting organised<div>My handbag has become a bit of a mess, with my essentials fighting to be found with everything else. I have been very generous, and purchased a few new items to sort my life out. First up is a new purse, as my old one (5 years hard service) is falling apart. I spent more than I normally would, but decided it's used daily and is something that I want to look nice. It's a Radley trifold purse, with plenty of room for everything.</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b9xmz4XszAQ/TrAl_aMi1RI/AAAAAAAACdA/AxL5fn-h2pc/s1600/red%2Bpatch.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b9xmz4XszAQ/TrAl_aMi1RI/AAAAAAAACdA/AxL5fn-h2pc/s320/red%2Bpatch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670073702153377042" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div>The next item I bought was a<a href="http://www.credit-card-holder.co.uk/lichfield_leather/5005%2021_credit_card_case.html"> card holder</a> for all those reward cards that I have ruining my current purse. Nothing more frustrating when I don't have my reward card on me.</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cv4K1GpLtVY/TrAl_EP0cLI/AAAAAAAACc0/-aPumteMJI4/s1600/credit%2Bcard.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cv4K1GpLtVY/TrAl_EP0cLI/AAAAAAAACc0/-aPumteMJI4/s320/credit%2Bcard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670073696261533874" /></a><br />Next up were some zip bags from <a href="http://www.zpm.com/default.aspx">zpm</a> to keep hold of my pens, hair brush and nail file and other female items that I don't want the world to know about!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93-lSSovW8o/TrAlR7GI8zI/AAAAAAAACco/R5RfXFQ0Qnk/s1600/Japanese-Blue-Block-Zip-Bag-product.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 260px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93-lSSovW8o/TrAlR7GI8zI/AAAAAAAACco/R5RfXFQ0Qnk/s320/Japanese-Blue-Block-Zip-Bag-product.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670072920710902578" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ATaEok-4dbw/TrAlRXUWu1I/AAAAAAAACcg/tk_YdtWg9Y4/s1600/Song-Bird-Bright-Mini-Zip-Purses-category.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ATaEok-4dbw/TrAlRXUWu1I/AAAAAAAACcg/tk_YdtWg9Y4/s320/Song-Bird-Bright-Mini-Zip-Purses-category.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670072911106849618" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDmrOx7ehS0/TrAlRTDN2LI/AAAAAAAACcQ/mS0xzMhdRbM/s1600/Sea-Dots-Skinny-Zip-Purses-product.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 260px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDmrOx7ehS0/TrAlRTDN2LI/AAAAAAAACcQ/mS0xzMhdRbM/s320/Sea-Dots-Skinny-Zip-Purses-product.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670072909961222322" /></a></div><div>I feel all smug now with my new found order! </div>craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141745048304001063.post-57513304522551553772011-11-02T00:34:00.000-07:002011-11-02T00:34:00.239-07:00on the sewing table<div style="text-align: left;">It's been a long time since I've done any sewing, not because I don't want to, but time pressures have placed restrictions on me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've bought a few patterns lately, which I need to buy fabric for. And one by one, I hope to make them over the coming months. </div><div><br /></div><div>Firstly from the wonderfully written and designed <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/">Colette Patterns</a> the <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/cinnamon">cinnamon nightdress.</a> I had hoped to make a summer sundress in a light cotton fabric, but now summer has gone maybe it'll be a heavier weight slinky satin/silk?</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><u><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZysEIVKpuA/TrAhMn8HLhI/AAAAAAAACb4/8SFgsf_vNi0/s320/cinnamon%2Bcolette%2Bpatterns.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 145px; height: 145px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670068431622712850" /></u></span></span><br />And hot off the presses the new <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/jasmine">Jasmine</a> top. This is probably what I will make first. I just need to decide on some suitable fabric. I love the two tone one she has on her website. But it also looks great in one fabric too.<br /><br /></div><div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b21Vuejc16c/TrAhMp43sFI/AAAAAAAACbo/jJRoLtJkU_o/s320/jasmin%2Bcolette%2Bpatterns.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 145px; height: 145px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670068432145985618" /><br /></div><div>I haven't really made my children any clothing (apart from a shirt from Heather Ross's Weekend Sewing). But<a href="http://oliverands.com/"> Oliver & S </a>get great reviews, so I have purchased the <a href="http://oliverands.com/patterns/pants/patterns2.phtml">Sandbox Pants</a> to make for my younger son. If I can, I'll adjust them to make some for my eldest, who is a very tall 8.5 year old. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JZkDKYRjP8I/TrAhMeCAm5I/AAAAAAAACbg/91mHah4xN_c/s320/oliver%2Band%2Bs%2Bpants.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670068428963093394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 290px; " />Finally, I was inspired by watching Gertie's <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/Sew-Retro-Perfect-Fit-Bombshell-Dress/29">Sew Retro</a> class to make this dress. It's a Laura Ashley dress for <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6350-products-14405.php?page_id=533">McCalls M6350</a>. You cannot buy this pattern in the UK (outrage!) so I had to buy it on-line from an eBay seller.</div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BheZ_d90zHs/TrAhNGggQUI/AAAAAAAACcE/nrRGD5JmTLw/s320/laura%2Bashley%2Bmccalls%2Bm6350.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670068439828414786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 320px; " /></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>As you can see, lots of variety. I think the boy's trousers and the blouse have the biggest chance of being made any time soon! We shall see. </div><div><br /></div><div>What have you got on your sewing table?</div>craftyclairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103035694076129214noreply@blogger.com0