Swaps-Needle case

News about this nice little swap came in the mail this morning and I couldn't resist- I like to make small things and who doesn't like a swap?

Pattern and tutorial are provided and you make in your own fabrics taking your partner's likes/dislikes into account.  Tempted?

 If you want to take part click on the link in the sidebar- closing date 5th July

Wednesday Work in Progress

For my modern swap partner- a tease pic

It will be something to use in the sewing area, or it/they could be used elsewhere.

Any ideas?

What do you like to have with you when you are sewing?  Something hot?

( I do not think Cryptic Crossword setter beckons as a future career...)

Holiday clothes, sun, sea and sand

Sun, sea and sand are three words that  don't always sit happily together in the UK but this weekend was all of those.  I finished my Pochee tunic just in time (I won't mention the lace underdress/petticoat that I made but couldn't wear as it was too weird and needs more work)

A bit posey, this is more like it

The Anna Maria Horner Little Folks voile is I the nicest fabric I have ever sewn with.  It is soft and silky, cuts well, doesn't slip and is a pleasure to sew.  This pattern is Diamond Mine pattern in Sky.  It feels just as lovely on and was great for keeping lily white skin covered on the beach.  I buy Pochee magazine from ebay and etsy seller pomadour24.

We stayed at Challaborough bay which looks on to Burgh island.  The hotel there was made famous by Agatha Christie and is a beautiful Art Deco building.  As England were playing on Saturday night we had the beach to ourselves

Damian taught Lula how to skim stones

All of us restored, rested and home.

Presents from Finland

My goodies from Mia's blog giveaway arrived yesterday

How lucky did I feel?

I loved everything.  The bird is in my sewing space so I can see it a lot and  I am using the bag and pouch to pack stuff in (we're away this weekend).  Thank you so much Mia!

M is for Matchbox

I have been meaning to do the post for a while.  There is a guy where I live called David who sells his handcrafted creations on a stall in an arts centre called Exeter Phoenix.  His goodies always catch my eye when I go in and a few weeks ago I was compelled to buy his Alphabet cards.

These are a few that called me but really they are all my favourites.  He has a lovely balance of quirky, hand drawn inky graphic and nostalgia.  I thought some of the sewers might like a close up on Q Quilt

He also sells eraser carved stamps and lots of oddities based on matchboxes

David, aka The Matchbox can be contacted by email at thematchbox@yahoo.co.uk

Tutorial: Tailor's tacks

When you are sewing, especially dress making, you need to get the pattern markings on to your fabric and if the fabric is delicate or you are worried about getting the magic pen marks out, tailors tacks are a good way to make your marks without using chalk/pen/pencil.  I hope this video clip explains all if this is new to you.  If  something isn't clear let me know. There is no sound,  I'm hoping actions speak louder than words

I hope you learn to tailor tack,   I learnt that I have quite veiny arms.

Pochee Progress

I finished my toile for the Pochee tunic.  It looks a bit like a ghostly one armed Victorian night dress but it does the job and the fit is good

The Little Folks voile is cut and ready and I have been tailor tacking to put all the marks for matching up and  sewing the tucks.  I will post a bit of video after this as a tailor tack tutorial- if I can work it out.  I'm using the Sewmamasew June make it wear it thing to give me a kick up the backside.  Pochee 9 arrived a couple of weeks ago and I've been meaning to post pics

There are even more things I want to make in here than in the other one

I have already cut put the pattern for this, I am going to make it from the lacey cotton table cloth I found a couple of weeks ago so it will be a petticoat dress to wear under the tunic, but there's more...

Definitely going to make this dress

The full skirt crosses over at the back like an apron or wraparound style

Too many to choose.