Pink velvet ribbon

One of the reasons for starting this blog was to plot my progress as I learn to sew. This was my first attempt at a zip about a year ago! I was inspired by Amy Karol's Bend the Rules, and used what is possibly my fave Heather Bailey freshcut print. In fact, that reminds me, I should get some more! I wish that pesky pound would rally against the dollar so I can go back to buying shed loads of stuff from the states!

I finished it with a pink velvet ribbon bow (a bit wonky I know!). I have an unhealthy obsession with pink velvet ribbon. I try and add it to all my sewing projects . I even used it to make Violet's Angel doll hair. I liked the effect it gives, a kinda Scartlett O'Hara 'up do'.

Le Wkend - Task 4 A new IT technique

I'm new to blogging. Its a whole new IT technique world and sometimes I feel as though I don't have the time to 'fiddle' and learn like I did before I had little miss P. So, I used some of the wkend (and following wk actually) to get a link/pics of my etsy shop onto the blog ... check it out on the right. Not much in it but having it on show is like a virtual kick up the backside. I need to spend more time working on it instead of just doing what I fancy.

I also, finally set up my flickr account, again its on to the right and you can see the beginings of bringing order to our vast, and still growing and so so outta control photograph collection. I dream of the day when we have neat folders and labels on our pics!

Le Wkend - Task 3 A project for little miss P

Some of the Le Wkend was cruelly cut short by the small matter of a leak. no water and no heating. I had to wait for the plumber to arrive (for the 3 time). The house was so cold, I couldn't wash or cook so..... what do I do on this my first free wkend in my house in 3 years.... GO FABRIC SHOPPING!!! Oooo and what a haul to add my newly sorted shelves.

One of the best finds was brushed cotton. The guy at the shop, Marche St Pierre the fabric capital of Paris... if not the world ;) said it had only just come in I was lucky, and it wasn't gonna last. They had been waiting 3 months for it and boy was it worth waiting for!


Little Miss P is obsessed with 'jammas' as she calls them. She has 1 velour nightie which I literally have to prise her out of. She wants to wear it EVERY day. She has a melt down if I say it needs washing and will only calm down after she has taken it and placed it in the washing machine herself. Its falling apart so I thought I would make her a new one with this gorgeous Miffy and flower brished cotton. I adapted the pattern I used for the first dress I made for her.





I had to extend the sleeves and guess the length so they turned out a little long.


I hung it up so it would be the first thing she saw when came back from her wkend..... its not completely finished, the sleeves are too long, the elastic casing needs to be stitched shut...

but she loves it and she won't take it off!

Le Wkend - Task 2 Fabric play... after!

Et voila! Task 2.... check. All fave fabric neatly arranged! It is so so easy on the eye!

Pure fabric love.

Le Wkend - Task 2 Fabric play... during!

I took my fabric. I stroked, arranged, folded and piled.

Then re-stroked, re-piled, re-arranged, refolded. I have so much fabric love to give!

Pure indulgence! (this is begining to sound disturbing).

Le Wkend - Task 2 Fabric play... before!

I have a special relationship with fabric. I love it but sometimes I treat it bad....
These are pics before Le Wkend.

My excuse is hmmmm... actually I don't have one. I'm just messy.

Le Wkend - Task 1 Amy Butler Cushion

Making the Amy Butler cushion turned out to be like creating a piece of art rather than sewing. Each petal started out like this..


then was individually sewn and arranged into a 'zinnia' shape. It was time consuming and took a lot out of my precious wkend but I found it theraputic .

All the petals are now sewn but I need a large button to cover the centre and finish it. Its a great pattern and very clear. I don't know why but I'm always surprised when a pattern works/comes together easily! There are a few changes I would make for next time, but the hardest part was choosing fabric. I opted for a print I've been hoarding from the Empress Woo collection.

I'm not very good at finishing things ... but I'm hoping posting about it here will give me the impetus to! So first task...check.. God this blog post is so boring! I'll try and pep up the next one!