24-hour-sewing-knitting-crafting-party-people (Edinburgh edition)

Posted on 22 January, 2012 by scruffybadgertime

It was the Crafters’ Ceilidh, January 21st 2012.  Did Edinburgh know what hit it?

The fabric shops were most definitely aware that a whole flood of sewists had just entered their emporia, performing that dressmaker’s ritual exponential times over of rubbing fabric from practically every single bolt between fingers & thumb, adding in a stroke to the really tactile fabrics.  Surely they were grateful that they had to lock us in at closing time, so we wouldn’t get away much fabric were we buying?  But what about others in Edinburgh?  We were clearly a pack, each identifiable by a beautiful fabric flower brooch.

Image from Kestrel Finds & Makes

We formed crocodiles to cross roads.  We walked with purpose, ignoring the draw of any shop that did not scratch the handmade/ vintage itch.  But to those working on Lothian buses that had the (mis)fortune to encounter us I think we were just “tourists” and they could only be bemused.   Bemused at the hordes of fabric laden ladies trooping onto their fleet in one go and disembarking (in almost) one go.  Bemused also at the complete lack of understanding about how you buy your ticket on a bus, probably common to tourists, and small children, not just sewists.   Bemused but patronisingly understanding that someone dressed in such a “unique and handmade” dress (& less unique but also lovingly handmade snood) could so easily misplace the ticket purchased just 5 minutes before (the phrase “dippy badger mare” I’m sure went through his mind).

 

 This post will hopefully add to what’s already been written & I shall try not to repeat content of other excellent accounts of the day.  But read Debi & Kerry’s versions (two of the organisers along with Kristin), Karen’s here at Didyoumakethat, and Roobeedoo has penned her version also.  They all contain some excellent photos, reflect the fun & the characters, describe the day’s activities as well as the joy & wonder that coming together “IRL” brings to the online sewing community.

You can also get an idea of how many of us there were & what a challenge & great job these lovely ladies made in organising us.  Thank you so much, Debi, Kristin & Kerry.  (Apologies for the random photo editing using Picnik’s bits & pieces.  It’s an expression of happiness)

Karen (Didyoumakethat), Roobeedoo (in their handmade coats & hats) and me (not)

As is always the case, we caught up with old friends and made new ones, & this time missed Miss Dibs.  Had a fair few giggles & much sewing chatter.  There was an occasional stray away from sewing talk onto other subjects – but it didn’t happen very often!  Yes, I bought some fabric, mostly linings with a couple of surprise bargain purchases to make some tops & a silk skirt.   I was really taken by the vintage shop, Armstrong’s in the Grassmarket.  I couldn’t resist taking a few photos of the wonderful arrangements that appealed to my rainbow love…

And evidence of what you might be seeing appearing being made on Debi’s blog in the future ….

Another shot below of some amazing outerwear, marveled at by all….

In the midst of the two finest handmade coats!Karen & Kerry (Kestrel finds and Makes)

I would love to know the statistics- the cumulative group miles walked, the total metres of fabric purchased, the numbers of patterns swapped …This unfortunate pattern below was not wanted by anyone once Rachel (sadly not a blogger because she’s a funny lady) had finished her “anti-sell” of it.  She drew everyone’s attention to the styling, the severity of the models.  Fine if you like the 90s “efficient uniform” look.  Fine perhaps if you bought it second hand as part of a bundle.  But this one she bought new!  She had us in stitches – very apt for a bunch of sewists.

I feel super lucky having benefited from the pattern swap (no, the pattern above is not in my possession).  Check out this perfect sailor trousers pattern – it has that “special opening” – what is a front flap called?  I am thrilled to bits to have this one, even though I will need to grade it up a bit- or enter train for  5 full marathons.

 But a very slow burning appreciation dawned on me for my other pattern.  At first, no one was interested.  Its light was hidden under the proverbial bushel, it was one of the figures of fun.   How cruel!  During the “desperation round” where Kate bigged up the patterns no one appeared to want, I saw the light.  This my friends is genius.  This my friends takes Christmas present making for my sons (23 & 19) to a new level.  They have been warmed up over the last few years with made by Mum boxer shorts, flannel PJ trousers, and even handmade shirts.  What could possibly be next?  How could I surprise them in Christmas 2012?

See those outfits on the right?  Perfect.  My lads are Star Wars nerds (admittedly traditionalists preferring the superior Episodes 4-6 –  they detest Jar Jar Binks & the young Anakin – but who doesn’t?).  This will be something I can start sewing earlier than my usual November.  It will be something that will get heaps of laughs, be worn for 10 minutes on Christmas day, but will lurk in a bottom drawer, ready to be pulled out for all future fancy dress.  Gone is the laziness of deciding on the day of the party to dress up as a pimp.   There completes my function as a mother that sews.  I believe that I have not only Roobeedoo to thank, but everyone else at the pattern swap for not swiping this before me.  I am super grateful  - thank you all!!  Truly.  Thank you for all for such a wonderful day & evening – it was a veritable pleasure.

Which just leaves me to say, wasn’t Edinburgh the perfect beautiful location?  Does the sun always shine, are there always blue skies?  It seems so every time I visit.  OK, maybe not all day, & maybe there was a bit of a nippy wind, but I was well equipped with a draft-banishing snood, wasn’t I?   Can I also recommend the most wonderful veggie guest house?  Cathy at the Claymore on Pilrig Street was just the best hostess, 100% brilliant veggie breakfast maker, largest display of wonderful Pre-Raphaelite pictures & was also totally into the whole sewing blogger meet up – she may even have been encouraged to visit the Sewing Bee Cafe when it opens its doors…

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It’s Victory for the Hazel dress

Posted on 20 January, 2012 by scruffybadgertime

I have to blame Law. Kind of around Christmas/ new year following a bit of a buzz about Victory patterns in a fair few blogs, Law highlighted a special offer (now over) which led me down the path of temptation, resulting in buying three awesome quirky and what appear to be very wearable styles. I was most taken by Hazel, a shift dress with a gorgeous bow tie neck that is constructed in two colours.

I’d already started to dream about the Victory Patterns Hazel dress when Tilly tweeted about it asking what thoughts were out there for colour combos.  Well.  That fired me up right & proper.  In my mind it seemed to cry out to be made out of jersey, and the fact that it was made out of two colours allowed more scope for stash busting! And I had just something in mind.  Woo hoo! Enter stashbadger!  What a start to 2012 – using something from within my fabric drawers (ooo er, sounds a bit Carry On!).

20120120-180609.jpg

Sorry crappy evening iPhone picture!  As you can see I chose a grey / turquoise colourway and just about eeked it all out of what I had in my stash. The only time I went off road was with the tie neck – it takes quite a few long pieces of fabric (x4) and is supposed to be made in a solid colour not two tone like mine! But I didn’t have enough.  Ideally it would be turquoise.  Ideally I’d also have sewn the turquoise side on the top, but had thought (upon studying Hazel images on the website) that the collar would fold over (as attempted above).  In truth it’s better not folded over (as you’ll see from the pics below) – it’s much happier sitting unfolded.  But that means I have a grey tie, not a turquoise one.

Shape?  I needed to shape it a bit more at the waist as it was trop sac for me. (It’s still sacklike, but in a shift-dress-way & that can be quite desirable when feeling blobby).

But I did it. That is I made it from jersey. With my overlocker ( apart from just a little bit of straight stitching around the front neck opening) & the hem (which also doesn’t look perfect as I look at the pictures, but hey ho).  The pattern is designed to have a skirt lining, but being stretch fabric I missed it out & made a (garish) silky slip instead (with yellow lace on the rest of that turquoise sari fabric).

Tips for jersey & using this pattern & an overlocker/serger?  Well, first of all I found that the pattern had loads of notches which was super helpful – I used all of them & found that with something stretchy like jersey the notches allowed me to line everything up properly & with confidence.  I staystitched neck edges also, as you would with most neck edges, but this was particularly necessary with jersey.  I also used some form of seam stabiliser/ seam binding for the shoulder seams so that they didn’t stretch with the weight that is placed on them when finished.  But my best tip?  The one that helped me to get my seams lined up (& there are more that show when sewing in this kind of style where the seams are obvious & part of the design feature.  It was pinning & tacking.  But tacking only where you want the seams to line up – the area that I find greatest slippage occurs when overlocking (cos you want to get those pins out nice & early before hitting the blade, don’t you?)  Remember, despite all the bravado & attempts to impress, I’m still a sewing slob & want to cut corners – not for me excessive time spent hand sewing basting stitches, oh no!  Bare minimum, but just enough.

I haven’t worn it yet, but I’m thinking it could fit lots of occasions, both work and play. With its jersey shiftiness I reckon it’ll be great for hiding a big meal, a totally comfy travel dress, and bring an element of confident sophistication to the office.
What else commends this dress? Why it’s turquoise and will be accessorised by my fave shoes :-)

As for the pattern – it’s a pdf (as are all of the Victory Patterns) & the instructions were clear & contained diagrams & photos which I liked.  I can’t say that I followed them to the letter & also found myself picking up the odd tip / difference in method after I’d done it my way (eg I would have liked to tried gathering stitches for the sleeve head by sewing in one continuous line – out between the dots, turn 90 degrees for a couple of stitches & then back parallel to the start- but caught it after I’d done it my way!)  My interactions with Kristiann, the creative behind this pattern company, were all lovely, promptly answered and personal (eg I asked her opinion about whether it would suit jersey).  Thank you Kristiann (she said make sure you align to grainlines).

I’d definitely make this again.  LOVE it.  But which other patterns did I buy?  Well it was hard to choose.  Go have a look yourself.  I was also taken by ….

Well, Madeleine & Anouk of course!

Anyone else sewing for Victory?

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Feeling stupid, not wise

Posted on 16 January, 2012 by scruffybadgertime

So remember I’ve started to knit a cardigan? My very first garment made from warm string? The fabulous Wisdom by Kim Hargreaves?

Well, it had to take a break with Christmas knitting but I picked it back up again last week. I noticed that in the double moss stitch I’d accidentally knit a quadruple moss stitch, just once. In the middle of the back. Surely I could get away with it – didn’t show afterall did it?  However, I got to a new stage of the pattern and just couldn’t get it. ” these last 38 rows form pattern and cont side shaping” plus all that went on before and after.   What is it about knitting patterns?  I feel I need to put them through Babelfish.  It’s a new language, with strange grammar.

Luckily I was visiting my mum and could ask her to interpret. She did. She also persuaded me that the quadruple moss stitch would show, that I would always know it was there and that with such lovely yarn it would be a shame. It had to come out. I need to say here that my mum is a super kind teacher. All those decades ago, as a very willing child, she taught me to sew.  This meant that until I became confident and proficient in sewing she would unpick all my mistakes for me, taking away the disheartening aspects of learning something new. She would wield the seam ripper as an expert, not only reducing mistakes to nothing, but obviously without shredding the fabric which is surely what I would have done had it been left to my junior ministrations. She’d then set it up so it was all ready for me to try again. She sure knew how to help a learner.

So, knitting. I think you know what’s coming. My 6 rows following the quadruple moss stitch had to come out and my dear mum did it for her 40 something daughter. And then, having ripped it, picked it up, she also knitted it to get it back for me to start knitting again. She is such a sweetie. Thanks mum!20120116-210124.jpg

And then I took it with me on the train & knit the next 10 rows.  I was rocking, until I came to the next bit of the pattern.  No comprendo.  I hit the brakes & visited my wool shop yesterday lunchtime.  And guess what I found out?  (anyone who is knitting this spectacular cardigan has probably worked it out already).  Uh huh.  Yep.  This pattern is actually made of bands of stocking stitch and double moss stitch.  (Which I failed to remember working from a black & white photo copy of the instructions).  I have only one band of stocking stitch.  I had a revelation, although not a good one: that was what “These last 38 rows form pattern” meant.  Argh.  ”Pattern” being a stocking stitch band followed by a double moss stitch band.  I have to rip out 38 rows of my knitting.  All on my own.  No Mum to help me.

Lesson learnt – a full size colour picture can really help with interpretation of this strange language.

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Very lucky Clover trousers of a paranoid pudding eater

Posted on 15 January, 2012 by scruffybadgertime

After months giving the appearance I was all signed up for the Colette Patterns Clover Sewalong, I finally got my now 3%-lycra-mix snuggly covered butt into gear to explore the feasibility of Clover pants & Scruffy Badger’s potentially quirky waist down.

There has been much emphasis on making a muslin for these trousers, so that’s partially what stopped me.  I had my fabric (£4/ m from Birmingham Rag Market) but nothing more expendable.  All the wonderful fitting fixes prepared by the sewalong also convinced me that I was going to have to get heavily involved in “issues”, therefore I wanted some cheaper fabric to mess up.  Hard to find.  I thought I was really clever dismembering an old pair of trousers to harvest their fabric that had lost its colour, but still had an element of stretch.  When finally coming to position pattern piece on the separated pieces of fabric I was scuppered  simply by there not being enough there.  (Despite appearances, Clover pants, although slimline amazingly still require ample fabric for one’s butt.  Get that!  There was I thinking that slimline meant “smaller-on-me” & therefore, the low rise wide legged trousers that I took apart would surely suffice.  But no.  Remember these babies go up to one’s waist & fit nice & snugly around one’s rear.  That does not mean that they utilise any less fabric, or enable one to shed any inches in that area.  Sadly. Shame I didn’t engage my brain on this before the unpicking.)  Therefore, with no other choice I opted to make what I hoped would become a “wearable muslin” out of the grey.

Strangely enough, however I cut it out, by complete chance, sort of merging between two sizes, and it seemed to just about work out.  I took photos at the first trying on stage.

First try on- last time you see this view of me- only in the name of science

First try on

There was some runkles at the back hips, suggesting that I needed to allow a little more at the hip seams.  But try as I might, I could not for the life of me see any “smiling crotch” or, even worse a “frowning crotch”.  (Heaven forbid!!  The very idea fills me with dread…. Nothing untoward down there, let me assure you!)  Eeeking out a 1/4″ at both sides I came to try on again.   Now, I might be blind, there might be some other area that could do with better fitting, but I could not see it therefore it did not take much convincing to continue with the making.

I adored the style with cute little waist pockets & used some leftovers from my pussybow galore blouse.  The only deviation I made from the pattern was to sew a lapped zip, as I did not have an invisible zip.

The final try on to set the length was puzzling.  I wanted to most definitely avoid the Miss Ellie look.  Shoes?  I know I NEED a pair of brogues.  But will remain prudent.  I found two pairs to mess around with lengths.  Just above the ankle?  Does that work out OK?  I am not sure if I need to make them narrower though ….is that better Miss Ellie avoidance?

The first time I wore them I felt in heaven.  Give me fabric with lycra in any day.  Oh my word!  But am I getting old before my time?  Will the curse of Miss Ellie style never leave me?  Am I destined to bulldoze my way through the throngs of more deserving grandmas for the navy slacks to be found alongside lilac acrylic turtle necks in British Home Stores?

And here continues my doubts about this particular trouser shape on me.  Now I am carrying a bit of extra load following the festive season, which is bound to fall off once I start running again (huh! in my dreams!) I tried to funk them up.

(Apologies about the photo -taken in daylight, but inside- can’t wait for more light …)

The first time I wore them I went a bit “Audrey” daring to wear a neck scarf to the office.   Engaging my inner doubt was the fact that no one, yes no one, commented on me wearing something pretty unusual.  (Should I have mentioned that I also wore leopard fur loafers & stripey socks?) Paranoia is not an attractive trait.

Not to let negative thoughts prevail, I shall make one more pair.  I am planning to make them in navy velvet needlecord, but silly me, I did not buy enough fabric.  Don’t ask me how.  I can be so stupid sometimes, as well as paranoid.

But hooked it seems I am on trying more fabrics with some S-t-r-e-t-c-h.  Like these three from Croftmill.

Navy velvet needlecord

Light weight denim

Floral Bedford cord

There will be at least one more pair of clovers, maybe some 3/4 length for the spring as well.  The floral bedford cord has a slight stretch to it as well, & I thought it could make a cute Pastille.

And no, I hear you hollering, but you cannot see more pictures of my finished butt.  There are limits to the number of times I refer to my backside, let alone inflicting it on you, me, anyone, in its technicolour non glory.  Even in the pursuit of science. Take it from me that the runkles are no longer there.  You are not seeing my ar**e in lycra again.

So what have your experiences been wearing lycra mix garments?  Does it make you feel fancy free, or does it pile on your psychological years?  How has your Clover experience gone?  Do share … no butt pics required…..

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New Look 6000 Frock Fest: part 2

Posted on 12 January, 2012 by scruffybadgertime

Since the last post we have had a few recent entrants to New Look 6000 Frock Fest, & they are SO worth sharing.  I will add them to the original post once this is published so that anyone who wants to see them all together can appreciate everyone’s different use of fabric & unique interpretation.  But without further ado ….

Here is Rehanon from MissDemeanor with her “Bet Lynch eat your heart out leopard print dress“.  Now prepare yourself for some glamorous housework  & a rather special hairdo….

Don’t you just love the contrast cuffs & collar – nice touch!  But it’s the matching sweeping brush that shows true accessorizing!  I think the fabric choice is brilliant for this style too, don’t you?    But just to whet your whistle & to show how such a sassy lady –  rewards herself after seasonal domesticity….

Rehanon has created a little photo story in her post, I’d go & check it out, it’s sure to tickle your fancy & give you a better view of that awesome phone!

Next up we’ve Chris who blogs at Sycamore Stitches.  She has made this frock in raw silk (SWOON!).

Now what I love about Chris’s version (apart from the special fabric) is how elegant it looks with the cuffs & plain neckline.  It is yet another flattering super fit – as are they all.   Chris has written about it on her blog here and says that it felt super glam to wear – plus it has come out of its first wash unscathed.

Here is another photo of the cuff (I must admit to having cuff weakness with this style!  I love the way they’re pointy! & a fabulous showcase for a statement button)

Now last for this installment, but by no means least comes “The Holloway” from Joanne at StitchandWitter.   I am so excited – it’s the same pattern, but another swanky sexy look (hence the moniker), using winter weight fabric no less – some lovely tweedy wool.    Joanne’s opted for the side gathered view, & boy do I want to give that a go myself now ….

 Remember, before you think that this is all debauchery (daylight drinking- indeed?!) – these frocks have been made with Christmas & holidays in mind, & bless her,” Joannie” is just living the highlife ….with a dress like that a gal can have cocktails whenever she wants! But what’s going on here?  More chores?

Groovy “tickling stick” though!  Anyways, back to THE DRESS.  Can you see that Joanne’s used teal coloured fabric covered buttons – what a pretty touch.  I do really like this version, & it is once again a dress that is hyper flattering.   I’m going to let Joanne, I mean Joannie take it on from here…

Joanne says,

 I really really wanted to add a lining to this dress but when it came to the crunch I was just a little too scared by the prospect, having not lined a dress before. I’ll revisit once I have more skills under my belt. It’s a little scratchy but what’s that when it comes to glamour?! I’ve gone for the ‘Joanie at home’ look with these pics.
Likeability: 9/10 – i love this dress but want to make it again with a lining. The buttons are covered with teal corduroy – I toyed with brown vintage buttons but I loved the pop of colour these gave the tweedy fabric.
Unsolicited comments: Haven’t worn it out yet but when I showed a pic of the dress in progress to my pub landlady she asked how much did I charge for making dresses for people! Now that’s a first for me!

More about her trials and so many more of her tribulations (particularly an amazing pose which in itself is an amazing test of courage, on her blog here.

Every time I see more iterations of this wonderful pattern I fall in love all over again.  It really is a classy number.  Ladies, I salute you for bringing more joy into the world

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In which my behind masquerades as a big, bright and bold floral number

Posted on 10 January, 2012 by scruffybadgertime

Howdy peeps!  I wonder if you’d like some colour in amongst the winter grey?  Not to disappoint I’ve something SO bright you might need shades.  Classified as a 2011 make, I give you the bright bold floral full skirt …

Well, it’s had a bit of a colour boost, you know, just cos I can!  This is what it’s like untampered with.

 Still lovely & bright, yes? So, the backstory.  I fell in love with the idea of this fabric, from MisForMake.  It’s an Anna Marie Horner from the Loulouthi range.  I only bought 1.5m because I thought I’d easily be able to make a skirt out of that.  But when it arrived I could envisage it as a perfect dress too.  Or a Ginger skirt.  Maybe I should have bought more?  I could also have bought more to make it into a circle skirt (full or half).  Guess what – I paralysed myself with indecision.  Until.  Until I’d got so virtuous in sewing & knitting so many Christmas gifts that I just had to make something new for me.  Just had to.

[Slight digression - this picture SO reminds me of Monica's uniform when she worked at the Diner... know what I'm saying?  ]

Source

Anyway, whilst I’d considered making this into a Ginger, which I knew would be lovely, I wanted something just a little more full.  So very unscientifically, I ripped across the width to create what would be required for a waistband, then halved the length of what was left & rrrrrripped across that too.  I kind of fudged (who me?!!?) the side seams – I added a side seam zip then set the pleats before finalising the other side seam.  This allowed me less thought in working out exactly what size my pleats should be to generate the correct waist size, because I don’t know about you, but it never works out as planned.   This way, I could just take a slightly larger final side seam to catch any left over width.

By the way I decided on pleats because they are just a bit more forgiving than gathers I find, if you’re like me with curves & don’t want a balloon effect around your middle.  Even so, I do have that feeling that I am wearing something that leaves everyone guessing – “is that huge floral number filled with a full bodied woman or is it just lots of loud fabric?”

But guess what?  I don’t care.  I have worn this skirt lots already.  Sometimes I wear it with clashing colours to the max, other times with more subdued navy & purple.  It certainly brightens the day.

These photos were taken this last weekend by the sea in Penzance.  That was such a still grey day too …. until I came along!   Behind you can see St Michael’s Mount in the bay.

Oh we had some fun in Cornwall, but more of some of that another time….tell you what though, my craftingness was not disappointed :-)

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December makes: the sequel

Posted on 4 January, 2012 by scruffybadgertime

I know I’ve been less of a voracious blogger during November & December – here’s why.  During the months of November & December I was feverishly busy making gifts (excuse sloppy photos- they were taken hastily before a mass wrapping session) :

  • 1 hooded cape
  • 1 crocheted snood (with a twist).  This comes from Carly’s fab snood pattern, only I made a fundamental mistake on round 2- when I came to the end of the round I think my end of row join included some serious twisting which I didn’t notice straight away….. but it’s OK, it snuggles a bit more closely!  My friend loves it which is the main thing  (she doesn’t know it wasn’t deliberate!)

Twisted Snood

Twisted snood

Scarflette

Fab big loop scarf

Loop scarf with Moomin flower

 

 

 

  • 2 Martha Stewart scarflets
  • 3 knitted looped scarfs (using “Patons Fab Big” & the pattern on the label!)
  • 4 fur collars using this pattern from Colette patterns via Mollie Makes

Faux fur collar (why didn't I make one for me? ....)

  • 3 pairs of boxer shorts
  • 1 Negroni shirt (I will review later)
  • 1 “waterfall” cardi/ wrap
  • 2 pairs of PJ trousers.

Phew!  As a result of all that making I needed a break & could only lie on the sofa, craft battery recharged by my Colette Sewing Handbook & Liberty Home Sewing Book (yes, Father Christmas smiled on me this year!).  All of a sudden I was overwhelmed by sewing options – there were so many I was paralysed.  To overcome this debilitation I cut out 3 things then sewed them all at once (no, I didn’t end up with a pair of trousers with a skirted kindle cover pocket  !)

I now have a pair of Clover trousers, plus the most adorable floral skirt (Anna Marie Horner fabric) that leaves unanswered the question: has she a big bum or is it the fabric?  Both of these items scraped in as the last makes of 2011 that will get photoed & discussed soon as.   My super new lucky me Kindle* also has a papoose.  I was getting quite anxious not having sewed anything selfishly for a while, but rest assured feel a lot better now.

Looking back at these woolly things, I really enjoyed making them, but feel I need to progress into cables or thumbs….. any ideas for some easy progression patterns?  I feel a look at Ravelry is a good starting point.  And after so many fabulous online yarn shopping suggestions I feel (but do not fear) onset of Imminent Yarn Stash fever (it appears to be contagious!).

*I am a super lucky Badger/ Mum/ girlfriend

 

 

 

 

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A new year, a pledge and some intentions

Posted on 2 January, 2012 by scruffybadgertime

Happy New Year everyone!

I have taken a semi enforced digital detox with some serious energy recharging needed (but over this holiday season it seems as if it has been subject to near constant depletion with all the fun, present making & hosting etc!).  Technologically it is also not worth battling against very temperamental broadband access when there are two extra laptops jostling for bandwidth, but how interested can anyone be in that?  Moving on then ….

So I am newly full of vim, looking forward to catching up with everyone else’s new year’s plans, and will catch up on visiting your wonderful blogs.

Of my own resolutions for 2012?  Well, I had decided not to make any, accepting for once that I am weak & have high boredom thresholds/ rebel against too much structure.   But then I thought back, and in doing so I have become a little more motivated to keep a couple of intentions going, & then just set up a couple of new ones.

SB’s handmade wardrobe

  • But here’s THE BIG INTERESTING ONE.  Last year I planned not to buy any ready to wear (except sports clothes & shoes/ undies).  And amazingly I achieved this particular resolution.  I am stunned.  To develop my handmade wardrobe ( most pictures here) I made:
  • 10 dresses
  • 10 tops/ blouses
  • 4 skirts
  • 6 pairs shorts/ capris/ culottes/ trousers
  • 1 cardigan
  • 1 jacket
  • 7 pairs of knickers (not all now in use!)

Oh me oh my!  That is 36 things for me!  There are 3 things missing in pictures that I will update soon as I can.  I will keep this going, and update my projects in the pipeline page as my ideas develop.  And I will make a coat.  And more jackets. I will.  I suppose out of the 36, here are the most eliciting comments in the real world – my Vintage Vogue jacket & much worn-to-parties-this-Christmas-and-new-year-Rooibos.

I will take the seamless pledge also, (I will not buy any ready to wear with the exception of running / sports wear,  or second hand for the duration of this year and will renew it each year.)

This poses the biggest problem for my real wardrobe gap, as with many other keen sewists is in the knitwear department.  I am knitting (slowly) a cardigan - Kim Hargreaves Wisdom.  So onto knitting ….I shall have to knit more, or make jersey cardigans in 2012….can anyone share any great UK online yarn stores?

Another thing I’d like to do more of this year is jewellery making, having totally failed to make very much at all last year.  I will try to make a quirky or vintage inspired piece a month.  So there we are, some intentions for  sewing, jewellery making and knitting.

Blogging

I do enjoy blogging & am super inspired by all of you lovely people out there too.  Thank you for the blogs you create, the makes you share with us & for visiting here & leaving comments.  This year I shall try to get better at putting more effort into blogging: pictures, ideas, whatever….

Making for others

The boring bit!  I need to make an advanced intention about Christmas next year.  I seem to go crazy making for others in six weeks of the year but should spread it out!  Therefore I shall try to make more for others across the whole year.  Related to this, ie non-selfish sewing, I should also try once again try to sort my home furnishings out.  Nothing happened last year to the saggy lounge curtains or the broken bedroom blinds.   Or to the cushions in the lounge.  Tsk Tsk.  I had a Christmas present though that has some lovely ideas that should encourage me.

Running

  • And I need to include something on running …
  • Last year I ran 3 half marathons (slowly!)  and ran 550 miles.  Wow.  That was worth looking at as here I am going through another dip in motivation caused by being ill (my most arch enemy that knocks my running mojo with longer lasting impact than the illness itself – I have no strategy to combat this one).  Hopefully my returned vim includes running….I have another half marathon in March.  It would be so great if it was  at least a teeny weeny bit faster than last years….

So that’s it for now.  Onto a fun filled 2012 we hope!  I will enjoy catching up with everyone else’s plans for the year ahead.  May we make it brilliant & dazzling !

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Handmade gifts, Episode IV, A New Cape

Posted on 24 December, 2011 by scruffybadgertime

Once upon a time I used to sew only for myself, but since November it seems I’ve been fully engaged in sewing/ knitting gifts for Christmas (apart of course from my Pan Am dalliance with New Look 6000).  This week I’ve been on holiday, but right up to Christmas Eve I’m still finishing things off.  Must start earlier next year. Or do less.

So at last I can start showing & this post will be devoted to a gift I made a friend who is most definitely not a Star Wars nerd, but you’ll see why I chose to have some fun with it ….and how it links to Karen’s (Didyoumakethat) Man Craft post a few weeks ago….

  I saw a hooded cape on Crafty Christmas Club last year, a gorgeous blogger posted something heavenly made out of Boucle.  She was swirling, it had a hood, she clearly had “the Force”.  But I haven’t.  Try as I might, I could not find the post, nor any other replication of the type of simple hooded scarf I’d seen.  Was it a vision that visited me via a droid?

Source

I therefore had to use my loaf & summon all my Jedi sewing skills.  It was to be lined in sari fabric & made out of some teal wool with bobble trim.    I’d make the scarf out of a length 1.3m long, cut in half lengthwise.   The hood would be made by sewing the two short ends together, & then another seam at right angles to this equivalent to a head height plus some.  There would also be pockets at arms length, sewn to the scarf once I’d assembled the hood.  I’d make the lining & scarf separately, sewing together right sides together once the scarf was one piece.  The finishing touch was a tassle on the hood sewn through all layers that also served the purpose of attaching the lining to the hood.  (See diagram below if you want to have a go at this).

Here follows a few different views …a bit of twirling….& something sinister …

Now you see me ….

Now you don’t …

 

It seems to have evil properties …

Too many similarities with this chap for my liking.  But why can’t I be Obi Wan?  I want to be good, not bad!

Palpatine

Source

Although as part of Gary’s education of me & my boys in 70s gentle (& at times unintentionally comedic)  post apocalyptic films there is also a striking resemblance to Matthias from Omega Man, don’t you think?

Source

So to explain, this is the clay head that I boasted about on Karen’s post on Man craft.  Made carefully by Gary using the touch of his own head to capture bone structure curves & skull shapes (he’s so handsome isn’t he?!).  It has holes for the eye sockets & the mouth, originally intended to stick candles in.  (It rests with the face facing upwards).  It now has glitter eyelashes (false of course).    The best bit?  Until its recent adoption of the cape, I have images of Gary sporting it, his own head hidden inside his shirt collar, with this (small) head on his shoulders as he danced around to Kraftwerk (Autobahn) in the front room.  The best bit?  He’s still got it on video!!    When I can work out how to upload it, I’ll delight you with it, but we’re getting an error message so it will have to wait.  What a star !

Anyway, back to the cape – if you want to make one yourself I’ve tried to create a kind of map below.  Let me know how you get on?

But until then, I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas – you deserve it!   

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New Look 6000 “Frock Fest”

Posted on 19 December, 2011 by scruffybadgertime

It’s time to bring out the fanfare, raise your glasses & toast the mighty sewists who have dared to share & picked up the crazy red gauntlet with white fur trim to join me in sewing up a gorgeous winter frock despite the madness that can be preparations for Christmas.   Phew, that was a mouthful.  Today I have the frocks of three  now six other sewists to show you.

What’s more  we have a blog button (thank you Gary for taking the time to help me!).   If I can get it to work, it should link to this post, thereby showcasing everyone’s fabulous frocks…

If you haven’t quite finished, don’t worry, I can keep adding to this post & doing another round up when you send me your images – a veritable catwalk show of New Look 6000.

Grab the code here:

<a href=”http://scruffybadgertime.co.uk/2011/12/new-look-6000-frock-fest-2″><img src=” http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i374/Scruffybadgerti/frockfest1-1.jpg “></a>

As a small recap, this venture started merely as a cry for help, so overwhelmed was I about which of my few winter dress patterns I should make.  There was more than a little fervour created by one of the options, New Look 6000.  Indeed some of you recommended it being proud wearers of said frock, whilst others proclaimed that they were also going to make it themselves (at least two of you had it lurking as ready cut-out).  And the idea was born.  I thought it would be interesting to showcase this pattern in its various interpretations, & share support along the way if need be.

So I’ll be brazen & start off with  my “Pan Am inspired” frock.  Here is a  poor light shot.  Remember I did not have enough to make the side gathered version, preferring to allow enough for the awesome collar & cuffs.

You can see more pictures here and here.  I also wrote about how I undertook the underlining - not perfect & I’m sure not totally professional, but it does have a lovely finish inside as well as out.

Likeometer: I’d give this a 9/10, reserving the other 1/10 for a different fabric that a certain someone else used whose name begins with J & who likes to make things …. but more of that below.   I like the style though.

Unsolicited compliments: well I’m afraid I have only worn this in the house (not I assure you to do the hoovering & taking the bins out).  Its first real outing was cancelled.  So the only compliments I got were from the men in my life, & due to the fact that the first time they saw me in it I was also wearing this wig & all that eyeliner, also resulted in quite a fair few belly laughs.

Tabatha Tweedie at ThreadCarefully was quick off the blocks, delivering the most stylish grey polka dot number- like me without the side gathers.  There’s a wonderful simplicity in this version, as it’s all about the style and the fabric.  There’s no collar to distract from the simple lines.

But the cuffs – to die for- & with heirloom buttons!

I am seriously in love with the fabric.  She’s written about it here, go have a look at some other pictures & her experience of it.

Likeability: she says that it was a great day dress, comfortable to wear & I think you’ll agree, extremely flattering.   She has seen Jane’s (next up) & is, like me, tempted to try “the” different type of fabric.

Unsolicited compliments: “my husband doesn’t think that the clinginess is a bad thing!” & I’m sure there were lots of other compliments….

So, next up was Jane at Handmade Jane, also opting for the version with no side gathers.  Jane chose a doubleknit having me (if not others) cursing at her cleverness in this as no zips nor facings were needed.  Genius!  Read more on her post here.  I am really taken with the colour – so festive, so Jane!  It looks so sophisticated but not at the expense of comfort!  I am liking this concept!

Likeometer: Jane’s rating is 10/10- cracking!

Unsolicited compliments: Jane also said she received LOADS of unsolicited compliments when she wore it out.   ”On its one and only outing I got LOTS of compliments and dropped jaws. I hadn’t told anybody I was making my own dress for the party so when I answered the usual “Ooh, nice dress, where’s it from?” with a casual, “I made it” they were the best and most priceless responses!”.  How lovely to be appreciated!

Finally I feel the need also to draw your attention to the button-cuff detail here – double self buttons – lovely finishing touch.

In hot pursuit we have Kerry from Kestrel Finds and Makes.  She made her fab frock out of thrifted wool houndstooth, lining it too.

I am overjoyed to see that she’s taken the side gathers to ripple amongst the geometry of the fabric.  Doesn’t it look effective?  And toasty!  I also like how Kerry’s treated the collar with the big button – she’s left it more open & the whole look is very retro & super elegant.

Now Kerry writes in this post about her dress, & appears to be very happy with this dress, lining it also so that is a comfy winter make that is nice slip on.  She too is contemplating another version, which to me is a firm commendation.

Unsolicited compliments: “I wore it out last night to my work Christmas Meal, and received some very nice compliments.”  I think it’s a brilliant fabric choice & is also really flattering.

Here is Rehanon from MissDemeanor with her “Bet Lynch eat your heart out leopard print dress“.  Now prepare yourself for some glamorous housework  & a rather special hairdo….

Don’t you just love the contrast cuffs & collar – nice touch!  But it’s the matching sweeping brush that shows true accessorizing!  I think the fabric choice is brilliant for this style too, don’t you?    But just to whet your whistle & to show how such a sassy lady –  rewards herself after seasonal domesticity….

Next up we’ve Chris who blogs at Sycamore Stitches.  She has made this frock in raw silk (SWOON!).

 

Now what I love about Chris’s version (apart from the special fabric) is how elegant it looks with the cuffs & plain neckline.  It is yet another flattering super fit – as are they all.   Chris has written about it on her blog here and says that it felt super glam to wear – plus it has come out of its first wash unscathed.

Here is another photo of the cuff (I must admit to having cuff weakness with this style!  I love the way they’re pointy! & a fabulous showcase for a statement button)

Next here comes “The Holloway” from Joanne at StitchandWitter.   I am so excited – it’s the same pattern, but another swanky sexy look (hence the moniker), using winter weight fabric no less – some lovely tweedy wool.    Joanne’s opted for the side gathered view, & boy do I want to give that a go myself now ….

Remember, before you think that this is all debauchery (daylight drinking- indeed?!) – these frocks have been made with Christmas & holidays in mind, & bless her,” Joannie” is just living the highlife ….with a dress like that a gal can have cocktails whenever she wants! But what’s going on here?  More chores?

 

Groovy “tickling stick” though!  Anyways, back to THE DRESS.  Can you see that Joanne’s used teal coloured fabric covered buttons – what a pretty touch.  I do really like this version, & it is once again a dress that is hyper flattering.   I’m going to let Joanne, I mean Joannie take it on from here…

Joanne says,

 I really really wanted to add a lining to this dress but when it came to the crunch I was just a little too scared by the prospect, having not lined a dress before. I’ll revisit once I have more skills under my belt. It’s a little scratchy but what’s that when it comes to glamour?! I’ve gone for the ‘Joanie at home’ look with these pics.
Likeability: 9/10 – i love this dress but want to make it again with a lining. The buttons are covered with teal corduroy – I toyed with brown vintage buttons but I loved the pop of colour these gave the tweedy fabric.
Unsolicited comments: Haven’t worn it out yet but when I showed a pic of the dress in progress to my pub landlady she asked how much did I charge for making dresses for people! Now that’s a first for me!

More about her trials and so many more of her tribulations (particularly an amazing pose which in itself is an amazing test of courage, on her blog here.

Every time I see more iterations of this wonderful pattern I fall in love all over again.  It really is a classy number.  Ladies, I salute you for bringing more joy into the world.    I am so impressed by your beautiful creations – I think this is proving to be a very flattering & stylish dress.  I am really interested to see not only the difference in fabric, but the nuances caused by those side gathers ….

As above, anyone not yet finished, please send me your pics & I can do an update post later on.  Keep going, I hope you see it is worth finishing!!

In case anyone is making this dress & would like some fitting advice, Allison at a Fabricfixation has posted about her experiences, really useful pictures & always impresses me at how much time & effort she puts into getting the fit right (& she does).  She has also left advice on previous posts on my blog, so worth checking out if you are making this dress!

Beforelong I expect to add her creation to this show – I’m keeping places warm for a few of you who I know are busy beavering away on your own version.  xxx

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