Mostly orange and mustard

Hello everyone, 
It feels like ages since I’ve stopped by in blogging world. I’ve had a few blog ideas but no ‘real’ time to write a post… Sadly the exciting plans I had for all my free time seems to have vanished in a puff of smoke. I honestly don’t know where the mornings go, and the evenings are eaten up by homework, reading, spelling practice and mild exhaustion! 

I’ve been busy making stuff though, trying to play around creatively, and also trying to learn a few new dressmaking skills. I have started trying to make clothes with jersey and knits, so I can make full use of my overlocker. I made this sweatshirt out of the gorgeous orange space dyed jersey I bought at the Handmade Fair from the Eternal Maker.  I made it using a free pattern from It’s Always Autumn, which I found via Pinterest. It was very easy to make, even for a jersey newbie like me. I added a little length to the sleeves and shortened the bodice. Raglan sleeves are great! However due to my square shoulders I did have to add a little dart on the shoulders, to take the fullness out, but I don’t think it’s too noticeable. It’s also cosy and warm and very orange!! I used a twin needle to finish the cuffs and hem off- that was another new skill! I’ve nearly made a dress out of jersey, but VERY annoyingly I broke my twin needle before it was finished. So I may have learned a new skill but I still forgot to take the pins out as I sewed…

Another new winter wardrobe item, I’ve sewn a cord skirt with a buttoned front fastening, using the instructions from Tilly and the Buttons Picnic Blanket Skirt. It sticks out a little bit, which I rather like, and it only used one and a half metres of fabric (from Guthrie and Ghani, sadly no longer in stock) and is going to be very cozy in winter too. Just not to be worn with the orange sweatshirt me thinks. 

I went to IKEA for breakfast the other day after the school drop off (£1.50!! You can’t go wrong!) with another mum. Obviously we had to have a look around afterwards and spotted this amazing cat fabric, which I made into an envelope cushion for her. It only took half an hour so was rather satisfying and quick. 

During a sort out I found a freebie paper-cutting gift that came with my Mollie Makes magazine a while ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed doing this piece. It’s a bit tough on the fingers, but very absorbing to do, I might have a go at designing one myself. One day! 

I’ve also started making a couple of Christmas gifts, which I can’t share here for obvious reasons; I think I’ve now got at least 20 projects on the go. I keep telling myself that I need to finish things off but then some lovely new yarn/fabric/ideas come along and I just have to start something new. I drive myself mad! 

Thinking of new fabric, look at this vintage barkcloth I bought from eBay! I love it! No idea what I’ll make, suggestions welcome, it’s only 1m in length but it’s just fabulous and I had to buy it! Look at what those couples are up to…
Have a lovely crafty weekend
Teresa xx