Its been a while...

To be honest its been so long that I was considering stopping altogether. Work and family life just seem to take up all of my time. But I think this is something I really would like to keep doing and so will just have to manage my time better.

I have still been making so I will share with you now what I have done in the last few weeks.

I also made an adult size pair of pj trousers in the M&S fabric (I seem to have stumbled across quite a few recently and snapped them up) but forgot to take a photo...
As you can see i have made good use of the Cath Kidson fabric that i bought in the January sale and still have a fair amount left over which I am planning to use in another patchwork quilt for my daughter, smaller squares and a random layout. The owl was number 2 after my daughter stole number 1 for herself, which I am secretly glad about as I think it had a little more character even if it was made slightly less well...

Today i went to a local charity warehouse and bought a really cool retro dress design book from 1972, a knitting book, 3m of fabric, a smaller piece, and a few other bits and pieces all for just £15. Not much wonder I seem to find myself slightly addicted to second hand shopping. Will try to add some photos of these finds tomorrow.

I have also made some plans to sell some stuff at a local monthly craft market, which is really scary as I have so much to do and it seems to be coming round very fast!

Hope this finds you all well and that you are looking forward to Spring as much as I am. Its the daffodils they scream joy and warmth.

Upcycling part 2

Happy Sunday. So here is my second attempt at upcycled pjs. This time with the legs on the right way round! I am really pleased with these they are made from a vintage M&S pillowcase.

They took a bit longer to make with the extra trim, but I hope you like them as much as I do, although when I asked my daughter she said no, I hope she changes her mind by tonight.

I also managed to hem a skirt that has been on my to-do list for about 8 weeks. This week I am hoping to make a clothkits dress that I have had for nearly a year! I'll show you the results if I manage to finish it this week.

Upcycling

This weekend I finally got round to sewing together the pjs for my little girl only to find I'd cut the fabric wrong so the legs don't match in the middle, but it was my first attempt at trousers and you can't really tell unless you inspect them.

The top is a bought one which I added a heart to made from the same duvet at the trousers were made from. The trousers were trimmed with fabric from a pillow case I found in a local charity shop. I like the fact that the pjs originate from a sleepy time object. Plan to make another pair (correctly) tonight at my sewing class, this time from a pillow case and a FQ.

I also made some self covering buttons after being inspired by another blog last week. http://planetpenny.co.uk/2012/01/08/button-up-for-handmade-monday/

I really like these - not sure where I will use them though.

Another week another make so I am feeling pleased with myself on one resolution at least.
Have a good week.

Wrist warmers

I am feeling quite proud of myself because I finished the wrist warmers in time for my niece's birthday. Pattern from Knitty Gritty: Knitting for the Absolute Beginner and made using merino wool.

I also found this in the CK sale which I can't decide whether to make into a dress for my daughter or use in a patchwork quilt I am planning to make for her ready to put on her big girl bed. Probably the latter, but we'll see.

My ebay purchases have also arrived but will have to show them later in the week because the battery on my camera has died and needs recharging. Still full of new year inspiration and plans, am very pleased that 3 weeks in I have made something every week (first week was thank you cards but I didn't take any photos).

The weekend

Hoorah! Its the weekend for me (I am very lucky to work PT and not work Fridays) and I can't wait to get down to some serious crafting. I would like to make at least one more emroidery hoop and also I must finish (start) the second wrist warmer for my niece who turns 12 on Tuesday.

Lost resolve

Less than 10 days in and I have failed a little resolution to myself to stay away from ebay. The hoops I made at the weekend have inspired me and I just want to make more and so I thought a little look would do no harm. Silly me - such lovely vintage fabrics who can resist? How are your resolutions going?

Hello

Hi, this year my resolution is to make something every week. Two years ago I started knitting and I have made a few things which I have been pleased with - but I am slooow. This developed into sewing and I am even taking a class, but I became concerned that I am more in love with the ideas rather than the doing. So in an attempt to encourage me I am starting this blog to chart my progress of doing rather than dreaming. I recieved so many lovely books that are chock full of inspiration this Christmas and so I am adopting a use it or lose it policy.

My first finished project is this embroidery hoop art inspired by the The Busy Girl's Guide to Sewing: Unlock Your Inner Sewing Goddess: Projects, Advice and Inspiration for a Creative Lifestyle. These are the goodies I bought last weekend and a local vintage fair. 

I am quite pleased with this if I do say so myself, and I am now in the process of finishing a second one dor my daughter's room.