tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20197609424504810292024-02-19T07:17:05.292-08:00One Crafty MinxFrantically swimming in a sea of craftermath. One Minx and her adventures in sewing.Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-36164488612304719302014-09-24T14:51:00.002-07:002014-09-24T14:52:34.800-07:00Vegas, baby!<h3>
Pattern: There was none!<br />Size: Michelle-sized<br />Fabric: Heavy silk crepe-backed satin from <a href="http://www.beckfordsilk.co.uk/browse_949" target="_blank">Beckford Silk</a></h3>
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A true fact about me and sewing: I'm not very good at is winging it. Sure, I can change the odd detail here and there but going pattern-less makes me want to quake in a corner. So, when a friend at work asked if I could make her a dress to wear to a very important event she was attending, and this dress was to be a copy of one she already owned, I had my equivalent of 'holding a tarantula to cure arachnophobia' moment. I had a deadline and a person I didn't want to disappoint so I just had to get on with it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This girl could look good in a sack, but better in satin</td></tr>
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Another of my fears reared its ugly head when it came to fabric. The original dress is 100% viscose, but has a wonderful shine to it that I've never encountered on viscose before. It took quite a while and a number of samples to find a fabric with the same drape, weight, and shine. The final candidate was a silk crepe-backed satin at £31/metre!!! I would never usually dream of working with something so expensive, mostly for fear of ruining it. I had visions of it slipping around all over the place and me making a royal mess of it. Actually, it has been very kind to me. It's a good, stable fabric with no slippage, and even quite forgiving of pin holes, although I tried my best to keep those to the seam allowances.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside out so I can brag about how neat it is</td></tr>
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The process was multi-staged, but it was good for me to take my time for once! I basically (with the lovely Elena's advice and hand-holding) traced around the dress up to the point of the dart, added that in, then angled the rest of the dress from the top of the dart. If that makes any sense, which I don't think it does. For the back split I used the pattern piece from <a href="http://onecraftyminx.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/mad-men-and-crazy-hounds.html" target="_blank">New Look 6912</a> as a base; and the facing I made once the neckline was finalised for the dress.<br />
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I broke all my own rules and made a muslin for this out of some cheap n nasty. There was no way I wouldn't have done, but I'm so glad I did all the same. I tried this on my lovely model, and we identified a few areas for change - the darts needed moving up, the sides taking in a little, the neckline bringing in a bit to stop it falling off her shoulders, and the sleeves lengthening slightly. I made these changes on the muslin by literally sticking on extra bits of fabric where required. I then used these fabric pieces for my pattern pieces when cutting out the real fabric.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally invested in an invisible zipper foot and check it OUT!!</td></tr>
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I wanted this dress to be perfectly finished (where possible - I shall never be perfect!) so I even bought green overlocker thread - check it ouuuuuuut! One final try-on of the actual dress before I finished the seams resulted in a small adjustment to bring in the bust by half a cm each side, and the fit was set!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside out back view for more brag</td></tr>
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You may laugh because it's a fairly simple dress in design, but this was a proper scary experience for me! But also a great one. I found that by taking things one step at a time, I can achieve a lot more than I think I'm capable of. Of course, I didn't do it alone. Help from good friends and blogland were invaluable. But I'm pretty chuffed with the end result, and I hope my friend is too.<br />
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The dress went to Vegas to the Boxing Hall of Fame! In my head it took on a life of its own and I found myself wondering how the dress was getting along on its travels. The dress had fun by the looks of things.<br />
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The dress met Michael Jackson's Dad!<br />
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The dress met two of George Foreman's sons. Both called George. How the dress laughed.<br />
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Most recently the dress went to a second event where it got a bit boozy and is now experiencing a hangover that even dry-cleaning can't solve. Don't you hate those? Hopefully a good soak in the tub will sort it right out.Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-72299903304648864762014-08-30T12:05:00.001-07:002014-08-30T12:05:30.923-07:00No word of a lie!<h3>
Pattern: Ultimate Trousers by <a href="http://shop.sewoverit.co.uk/collections/homepage-top/products/ultimate-trousers" target="_blank">Sew Over It</a></h3>
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Size: 12/14</h3>
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Fabric: Poly-viscose twill from Mason's</h3>
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I hate trousers. Shopping for them has reduced me to a quivering wreck with an excess of body issues in the past. I am disproportionately large on my bottom half, so all they serve to do is make my thighs look massive, my legs look short, my bum look long (yes, long!) and my tummy huge and round. In fact, I pretty much stopped wearing them for years other than jeans occasionally. Recently, however, I've been drawn towards the idea of having trousers in my life but I couldn't bear the idea of shopping for them, so began the pattern hunt.<br />
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'Ultimate Trousers?' Whatever. It's not possible, especially from a pattern that only contains four pieces. I did what I usually do, and checked out the versions other bloggers had made and it looked strangely like these trousers did look amazing on everyone! And I made sure I checked out a good variety of body shapes and sizes, not just the skinny chicks who look good in everything. Fine. I'll be the one to disprove this 'ultimate' theory.<br />
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I bought a cheap fabric: £3.20 a metre so I could mess it up and not care. It's a bit thinner that I would ideally like for trousers, but actually feels lovely and drapes rather nicely. I overlocked all the edges, as the pattern instructs, and indeed followed the pattern pretty much to the word. I tacked down my waist facing more than the instructions called for, as it was determined to pop out, so I tacked it through each seam and the darts too.<br />
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I cut a size 12 as that matched my measurements, however, when I tried them on they were like leggings. I looked like a gross, poly-viscose sausage. So I unpicked all the seams and let them out by about 1 cm and that's when the magic happened. There is no bit of my body I hate in these trousers. AND they have magic stomach-flattening properties! Bonus! AND these were only supposed to be a muslin!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magic flattening properties at work</td></tr>
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I am so massively impressed by this pattern. It's super simple, but cut just right, and once I'd got the sizing right (I'm guessing they're more like a 14 by now), I didn't have to make any adjustments; they even curve in to my back at the waist! I know some people have bemoaned the lack of a waistband but I think that's what makes these so luscious. They're streamlined and have a simple silhouette.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crotch shot! Who needs a waistband?</td></tr>
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They sit at the perfect waist height and nothing digs in anywhere, even when sitting. I've pretty much lived in these since I made them they're so comfy. I think mine are a little bit looser in the lower leg than perhaps they're supposed to be so maybe aren't quite as ooooh sexy as they could be, but I think they look rather stylish. My concern is whether or not they look like middle-aged mum trousers. But then my mum looks better in trousers than most people I know, so maybe that's no bad thing.<br />
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Conclusion: miracles can happen. Thank you, Sew Over It!<br />
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<br />Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-66983379498360771292014-08-20T12:41:00.001-07:002014-08-20T12:41:19.636-07:00Crafty collaboration<h3>
Pattern: McCall's 6760<br />Fabric: Crepe back satin<br />Size: 14</h3>
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The joy of sewing for yourself is picking exactly what you want to make, in exactly the fabric you want to use. Staying in your comfort zone if you wish, or trying something new. However, I do think it's good sometimes to be thrown out of the comfort zone and this is the second time in a few months that I've found myself floating around outside of mine!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCp0sVhIvOcSQKlp3DmkCaD4hwZwQpdRvIbCFXT3Efvbr8wuF-e0Xtj_gL4vM8GtOgbAjZu0gqmrjg2ypc7FcTl6M97h0OJAW7zi2BDZogXa8IFZkAW9agw8FOwm7jiKQE0iaAJSc88I/s1600/_MG_4517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCp0sVhIvOcSQKlp3DmkCaD4hwZwQpdRvIbCFXT3Efvbr8wuF-e0Xtj_gL4vM8GtOgbAjZu0gqmrjg2ypc7FcTl6M97h0OJAW7zi2BDZogXa8IFZkAW9agw8FOwm7jiKQE0iaAJSc88I/s1600/_MG_4517.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dreamy liquid fabric</td></tr>
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This dress was made for a collaborative project with my friend Caroline (she took <a href="http://onecraftyminx.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/a-brace-of-beautiful-blouses.html" target="_blank">these amazing photos</a> if you recall). Caroline is doing a photography degree and her project was based around use of colour – contrasting complimentary, etc. She decided it would be great fun if we were to collaborate with me making a dress to appear in her photos. I loved this idea! Having a deadline, a brief, and working with a friend to produce something beautiful. And also the idea that I'm creating art, dahling, rather than just something to wear.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To demonstrate the low back!</td></tr>
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Long story short, and one colour wheel later, Caroline chose violet as the colour she wanted for the dress so I began researching fabrics. I keep going back to crepe back satin, but I love the texture contrasts and thought we could use that to our advantage, so I made the bodice and skirt with the satin side and the waistband with the crepe side.<br />
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I'll be honest, I would have thrown this dress in the nearest canal on numerous occasions. I declared I hated it at least 3 times. I unpicked it and altered it more times than I can actually remember. The pattern is designed to have a lining but I didn't think my fabric needed one and it would actually be too bulky with one so I left it out. That did provide a challenge but I managed to figure it out! Neckline and armholes were overlocked and then handstitched to the inside. I did line the waistband as exposed interfacing is quite frankly gross. For some reason, though, I could never get the lining piece to fit the same as the waistband piece so there are some unsightly and unintentional gathers inside. I'll be honest, it bothers me, but I just can't bring myself to try again so they will have to stay and I'll have to try to press the hell out of them. Not that this fabric presses in the slightest.<br />
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I made a couple of other changes - reduced the flare of the skirt pieces slightly so I didn't have to buy another metre of fabric(!) and I omitted the ties at the shoulders, admittedly partly because turning those blighters inside out would have been the end of my sanity, but also I think my fabric is too thick to carry off that look, so I pleated the shoulders instead.</div>
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Wearing the dress for the photoshoot made me come to peace with it and I really enjoyed swooshing around in it and feeling glam. The zip broke towards the end which is a bit frustrating but I guess I did zip and unzip a lot. I'll maybe get round to replacing it one day. But the best thing overall was having an awesome time with an awesome friend! We spent about 5 hours shooting in one day with open-air outfit changes, visits from dogs, chats with another photographer, wind, sun (not enough AND too much), cows (and their dooings), running (lots of running), a half-eaten rabbit's head (discovered whilst running), and lots of laughter and mutual appreciation.<br />
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<br />Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-48735142851574366162014-08-18T13:52:00.000-07:002014-08-18T13:52:48.976-07:00One blog-hopping Minx!<span style="font-weight: normal;">Something a bit different this, time. My lovely girls over at <a href="http://www.teafortwodiary.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tea for Two Diary</a> nominated me for Blog Hop which is basically a super way to find out fun stuff about other bloggers. I love that it's not just sewing-related, it applies to any and all kinds of blogs. So, I will answer the same questions below and then tell you a bit about the bloggers I want to nominate. And hopefully they will play along :-)</span><br />
I don't like the idea of a blog post with no photos, so I shall intersperse some random images from a recent trip to Yorkshire.<br />
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<b>1. What have you been doing / making / scribbling at your desk this week?</b></div>
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I'm usually staunchly sequential about my sewing and hate to have multiple projects on the go as, well, I find it a bit confusing really. And it's boring changing thread too often. This week, however, that has gone entirely out of the window! I've just finished a black denim skirt which I LOVE and am wearing to school today. I'm also remaking an oldy but a goody which I'll blog about soon so won't give too much away here! My head is full of autumn now that the weather has gone cold, and next on the cutting table (AKA my living room floor) is a dress to wear to a wedding in September – the fabric is incredible with a big leaf print in orange, green, burgundy...all the delights of autumn. So that's exciting. I also found some rather nice cotton/silk mix online earlier so am now obsessively thinking about blouses. Sorry, got a bit carried away there.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog and view</td></tr>
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<b>2. Where are you currently finding your inspiration? (Influences, heroes, sources of inspiration, paths exploring)?</b></div>
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As always, and I don't think I'm alone here, other bloggers are a massive source of inspiration. Sometimes a pattern is enough to get you going, but other times it's important to see a garment made up and on a body and with someone else's creative input. There have been patterns I've completely snubbed until I've seen a version in blog land and then I've completely changed my mind.<br />
Often, the release of a new indie pattern gets my heart racing so I'm always keeping an eye out for those.<br />
I'm not that fussed about what's in fashion and what's not (you may have noticed!) but I do find myself constantly checking out other people's outfits! Especially Elena's as I'm always wondering which bits she's made, which ones she might have tinkered with. And she always looks so well put together.<br />
I've had the pleasure recently of collaborating with a very good friend on a photography/dressmaking project which I'll share more about in due course. There was a clear brief, as what I made needed to fit with a particular assignment she was working on, but between us we threw around ideas, and I found patterns and fabrics until we were both happy with it. That was something new for me as it's usually entirely left to my whim, but I enjoyed having a bit of structure for once!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny man carrying massive pie</td></tr>
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Totally. Essential. I <i>literally</i> don't know how people live without it. And I don't mean just sewing, but anything. I love hearing about other people's hobbies, skills, and passions. I spend an alarming proportion of every day thinking of projects, fabrics, patterns; and I probably love my sewing machines way more than anybody should. Every now and then, when something goes wrong, I'll throw a strop and declare I'm giving up only to get laughed at later on when I sneak back to the sewing room to have another go. It's an obsession and an addiction and I'm fine with that.<br />
It's difficult to blend it with work. At least I get to wear my creations to the office, I suppose. And whilst working very hard (obviously) I simultaneously daydream about making things. :-) My boys are very understanding although I try to not ignore them entirely for my hobby. When I'm having a big sewing session, I'll leave the door open to the sewing room and we can see each other, and talk to each other (when the sewing machine isn't making a racket!) and listen to Radio 4 comedy programmes together. And then I'll transfer to the sofa with my hand-sewing to get a bit closer to spending proper time together.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog enjoying a castle visit</td></tr>
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<b>My nominations!</b></div>
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Enough about me, let's move on to my nominations!! Both are blogs by colleagues of mine showing the breadth of interests found within the workplace.<br />
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First up is <a href="http://dashing-divas.com/" target="_blank">Dashing Divas</a> written by Sian who is one of those fun-loving, adventurous types who makes you feel like boring wuss. She writes so well, that the blog post on her trip this year to climb Europe's highest peak left me breathless, a bit teary and feeling exhausted. Have a read!!! I like her blog, because, whilst it's about sporting achievements I doubt I could ever get close to, she's a real girl who doesn't make out it's all a piece of cake (mmm...cake).</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Second, the absolutely inspired <a href="http://slothnoway.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Sloth No Way</a>. It has to be seen to be believed, but Sloth Queen Leah has created something that is guaranteed to make you smile no matter how bad the weather or how many wrong sides of bed you tried getting out of. Enjoy!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Look out next Monday, 25th, for their responses to Blog Hop!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-90621353064190587972014-07-26T10:19:00.001-07:002014-07-26T10:19:17.495-07:00I-calypt, eucalypt...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Pattern: Eucalypt tank dress by Megan Nielsen<br />Size: M<br />Fabric: Viscose from Goldhawk Road; Chiffon from Mason's</h3>
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I rather took myself by surprise with this one. I had seen this pattern before but thought it was rather dull and didn't give it a second thought. Then, recently, I had a chat with my good friend and sewing guru, <a href="http://www.teafortwodiary.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Elena</a>, about being more focused in our sewing: working out what we really need in our wardrobes and what we will wear. This was a very useful conversation for me, because there is a part of me that wants to hope one day I will grow up and start wearing pencil skirts and crisp white shirts. But, I'm 32, have massive hips and spill food on myself regularly, so that's probably never going to happen.<a name='more'></a> I realised that something I was missing was a cool (as in temperature, not hipness) floaty, "what this old thing?" style dress for those summer days when you just want to feel relaxed and unrestricted but still pretty. And my searchings led me to Eucalypt. How wrong I had been to ignore her.</div>
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I've had this viscose in my stash for a while now and was never quite sure what to do with it. Until now. It is the perfect partner for this dress. I've not had a great history with Megan Nielsen patterns. My Kelly and Banksia attempts have never seen the light of day. But this being a reasonably unfitted garment, I figured I couldn't go far wrong.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Help! There's a bike coming out of my nose!</td></tr>
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The fit, it turns out, was good, with the exception of the armholes which ended up indecently massive. I actually felt a bit sick looking at them as they resembled some rank old stretched out wife-beater. So, I took the sleeves in at the shoulders by about 1.5 inches which solved the problem. It did, sadly, make the dress shorter than I had planned so it does now need to be worn with leggings for decency, but I can live with that. </div>
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As you probably know by now, I hate facings, and as I'm overlocking anything that passes my way at the moment, I simply overlocked the hem and armholes and then folded them over once and hand stitched in place. Niiiice.</div>
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I enjoyed the process so much that when I saw this incredible chiffon in Mason's, I immediately decided to make the tank version.</div>
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Chiffon has always been a great fear, but as this is such a simple design with no darts or faffing, I thought it would be a safe zone. And the fabric had to be purchased. The colours are so vibrant it makes me think of that incomparable quality of light, in the early evening on an autumn day. Heaven! </div>
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I rather overcompensated for the armholes on this version and had to let them out a bit! I also cut it a bit too short. so the front isn't quite as long as I would usually opt for. However, being chiffon i have to wear it over a tank anyway, and I think it looks quite cute and floaty. What I love about the fit of this pattern is that it in no way looks like a maternity dress and hangs nice and flat down the front. </div>
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I made my first attempt at hand rolled hems for the neckline, hem, and armholes of this version. They're not the tiniest or neatest, but they will certainly do and it was fun to do whilst watching the epic double bill of Phantom of the Opera and Happy Go Lucky!</div>
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Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-58902723857846585452014-07-20T09:25:00.003-07:002014-07-20T09:25:49.678-07:00Bronte and the Overlord<h3>
Pattern: Bronte by <a href="http://www.jenniferlaurenvintage.com/2014/06/introducing-bronte-top-pattern-number.html" target="_blank">Jennifer Lauren Vintage</a><br />Size: 12<br />Fabric: Stripe jersey upcycled from a dress</h3>
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Years ago I owned the cutest t-shirt. It was just from Matalan or somewhere else equally ununspiring, in the dark days before I sewed, but I loved the unusually shaped neckline and sweet button accents. I wore it to death and saw anything similar again. Until I encountered Bronte!! Seriously? A pattern from which I can create as many of my all-time fave t-shirt as I like?! YES PLEASE!!!</div>
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It's not really clear from the photo above, but I went with the option of adding a row of buttons on each side of the neckline detail. I love putting random, functionless buttons on things so this appealed to me greatly.<br />
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Excitement out of the way, it's a PDF pattern which gets a big tick from me. There's not a lot to say about the pattern which is a good thing. It just worked. Even that neckline which you might think could be a bit tricky, was just a piece of pie. I reckon the whole thing took me a couple of hours from cutting to finishing.<br />
The only thing I would change in future would be to hem the sleeves after sewing up the side seams as that's my preferred finish, although I followed the pattern to the letter on this first try.<br />
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I didn't quite use the perfect fabric, it should have a bit more stretch in it really, but I've had this hand-me-down dress courtesy of my mum which, I've finally accepted, is just too small for me. Like, even if I lose 10 stone, my rib cage is just bigger than that dress. Shame, it was pretty. However, I hate to see a good bit of clothing go to waste like that and I loved it too much to give it to charity, AND the green stripe was just begging to be made in to a Bronte, so...ta-da! I didn't have quite enough fabric to cut out the back piece, so I improvised and made a panel at the top of the back with the stripes going the other way, which I think makes a rather nice feature. I will most definitely be making a million more of these (it has a long-sleeve option for the winter too - hurrah!) so will hunt out something a bit stretchier in future.<br />
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One last bit of mega excitement...I FINALLY bought an overlocker (or an Overlord, as Big Minx likes to call it). It has taken me a long time to bite the bullet and justify the cost, but I was starting to feel very miffed that I couldn't finish my garments to as high a standard as I would like and I magically found a reconditioned Toyota overlocker at this shop's website. Here she is snuggling up with my most-used sewing machine.<br />
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She was a bargain, being second hand, but had just been serviced and came with a 6-month warranty so I took the plunge. She arrived within 2 days and is fabulous! I was mighty afraid of her at first as I had no idea where to even begin, but I read the instruction manual, looked at some YouTube vids, and a few days later we're now firm friends. I even rethreaded the whole thing just cos I didn't want that to be a big elephant in the room. It's really not as hard as everyone makes out! Or maybe I'm just lucky to have a nicely colour-coded machine. I'm still fiddling with tensions as I go along and edging (no pun intended) ever closer to the perfect stitch.<br />
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Anyhoo, long story there, but I sewed the majority of this top on my overlocker which was fun! Only the topstitching around the neckline and the zig-zag around the sleeves and hem were done on my normal sewing machine. I'm totally in with the in crowd now.<br />
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<br />Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-16233023338762560152014-07-08T12:13:00.002-07:002014-07-08T12:13:59.303-07:00One not-entirely-selfish Minx<br />
It's a real rarity, but I've actually made some things for other people for a change! It sounds terrible, but I always have such an epic list of URGENT sewing jobs for myself, that I neglect to make things for others. Is that a general sewist trait, or am I just a bad person? Either way, I forgot about my wardrobe NEEDS for long enough to make a couple of gifts recently that I'm going to share with you here.<br />
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First up, a bag for my mum's birthday. I bought the book Sew Serendipity Bags after deciding I needed more bags in my life and should start making my own. This was a nice easy one to begin with, and I figure everyone loves a fold-away shopping bag, right?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Folded up</td></tr>
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When I first saw this fabric out of the corner of my eye, I thought the red was poppies, which mum loves. I then realised it was roses, but by that time it didn't matter because I'd clocked the cute cottages, and the yummy rich colours all over. I picked out the green for the colour-block handles, and had just the button that has been sitting in my stash for years waiting for its perfect home.<br />
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I had some pretty lace left over from my Sureau dress and thought it toned in perfectly and added a little feminine touch to the bag. It was fun to make, and the instructions were nice and clear. There's a bit of jumping around through the book (i.e. 'to make the handles, refer to the tutorial on page 16') but that's no major hassle.<br />
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Next, it was the hen do of Bezzie Minx's mum last weekend. She's like a second mum to me so I was really excited when we came up with the idea of making her a garter as a special gift. Bezzie Minx told me her mum didn't have her 'something blue' for the wedding yet, so we thought a garter would be a nice gift, and something a bit cheeky to give her at the hen do. It turns out, however, that nice, classy ones cost a fortune! Like £40-£50 so I boldly exclaimed "I reckon I could make one for a tenner".<br />
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I checked out a few tutorials and chose<a href="http://thepinkbuttontree.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/how-to-make-bridal-garter.html" target="_blank"> this</a> very helpful one to follow. It seemed simple enough, so after 2 trips to the ribbon shop (length estimating fail on Trip 1!), it came together pretty quickly.<br />
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Last but by no means least, a gift for the happy couple! I wanted to make something special as these are two very dear people to me and I found this lovely cross-stitch kit which I thought wasn't too smushy and cheesy, whilst being all above love and loveliness.<br />
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Cross-stitch feels a bit like cheating to me, as it's really the sewing equivalent of painting by numbers, but this one was a beast! You wouldn't think it to look at it, but this took what felt like forever and I was actually worried at one point that I wouldn't finish it in time. Big Minx commented one night "nice to see you've adopted a sweatshop attitude to getting that done" as I filled my every spare minute with tiny crosses.<br />
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What took the time was the fact that there are no real big blocks of colour (other than the tree) so a lot of chopping and changing between threads went on. The silver and gold metallic threads, pretty as they look, are positively ghastly to sew with. They snag and separate and drag and everything you don't want from an embroidery thread, so I'm glad that bit's over with!<br />
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<br />Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-58724606258325969992014-06-21T08:29:00.000-07:002014-06-21T08:30:12.296-07:00Just call me Linda Lue<h3>
Pattern: Meghan Peasant Dress by <a href="https://www.sisboom.com/store/patterns/meghan-peasant/" target="_blank">Sis Boom</a><u><br /></u>Size: M (8-10)<br />Fabric: Viscose from Minerva Crafts </h3>
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It's always exciting and nerve-wracking in equal measures making a garment from a previously untried designer, but I was really keen to try this pattern. The design on the cover is sooooo cute, and I had visions of myself wandering a prairie farm wearing this dress, cowboy boots, and a denim jacket. In my mind I'm basically Linda Lue Linden (played by Sandra Bullock) in The Thing Called Love.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've got my father's knees</td></tr>
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The fabric is a Viscose from Minerva Crafts, from the same family as the one I used for my summer Cambie, with that lovely embroidered flower border.<br />
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I got on very well with the pattern which is well explained and really very simple. Interestingly, it doesn't include skirt pattern pieces, rather instructs you to cut out rectangles to a certain measurement and the use a shaping pattern piece to curve it in at the top. At first I thought this was bothersome, but actually, it's great! Less sticking together of pattern pieces is always a bonus.<br />
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The fit is easily achieved as it's all down to elastic. The size I chose fitted me perfectly, but it could easily be adjusted by hoiking in the elastic a bit more. I went for the smaller of the sizes I fell between as advised in the pattern, but still found there was too much fabric around the waist area and it looked a bit frumpy so I took some in from the sides.<br />
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I followed the instructions to make it knee-length, based on my height, but in reality it came to half way down my calves. It strongly resembled a wholesome, modest nightgown from Little House on the Prairie. I would have taken a photo but the sight of it made me actually gag a bit so I had to whip it off and chop the bottom off. Unfortunately, in my haste, I chopped way too much off, going from modest to ho-bag in one swift action. When your own boyfriend tells you something's too short, you know you're in trouble! I thought I had ruined it, but then came up with the genius plan (even if I do say so myself) to add another row of the border. Hooray! I think it looks awesome, and hopefully intentional. Phew. Close shave.<br />
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It's the comfiest dress, and deliciously cool on a hot day. It manages to not look like a maternity dress despite it being empire, but I bet it would accommodate a pie or two. I love it.Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-86310541016774135512014-06-07T13:23:00.000-07:002014-06-07T13:23:31.468-07:00Mon cher châtaigne<h3>
Pattern: Chataigne shorts from Deer & Doe<br />Size: 42<br />Fabric: Stretch denim</h3>
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This is my third Deer & Doe pattern and it has confirmed that they are vying for top spot with Sewaholic in the 'Indie Designers I Love' charts.<br />
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The patterns are crazily cute, always simple to make, and in my experience, require no messing around with fit. The diagrams in the instructions are so clear and helpful that I made the first two patterns (Belladone and Sureau) using the French instructions! Thankfully, all their patterns are translated in to English so they're even easier!<br />
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I made these shorts to replace a much-loved but very annoying pair I already own. They're denim with turn-ups and I like to wear them with tights or leggings. The trouble is that the zip refuses to stay zipped which makes them reasonably unwearable for a girl with a small shred of dignity, which I like to think I have.<br />
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I love the fit of these and the shape is really cute, especially for those of us who are blessed with plenty of thigh and should therefore steer clear of a tight short. On the flip side, the lovely shape is not for those who have bum paranoia - it increases the size of mine considerably, although <a href="http://www.teafortwodiary.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Elena</a> kindly said it actually just serves to make my waist look smaller. Hooray for friends! Speaking of the lovely Elena, the fabulous tie-front blouse I'm wearing here is one of her creations, made from a Burda pattern. Clever girl.<br />
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Another thing I'm a fan of in this pattern is the side zip which makes for a nice, flat front to the shorts. I love the fabric - it's a sparkly stretch denim purchased on Goldhawk Road so whilst being casual, it feels a bit special and glam. Not much more to say - they came together in record time and I love them. Hoorah!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can just about make out the gold sparkle here!</td></tr>
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Btw, I looked it up - apparently 'chataigne' means 'sweet chestnut'. So that's nice.Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-65669478553178005142014-05-24T01:58:00.001-07:002014-05-24T02:00:30.669-07:00Having a Marilyn moment<h3>
Pattern: Sew Serendipity Marilyn dress<br />Size: M<br />Fabric: Stretch cotton from ClothSpot</h3>
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I was really excited when this pattern came out as I heart a good 50s-style dress, AND it has a low back which seems to be my number one requirement since acquiring my latest tattoo. Such vanity.<br />
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I'd made one Sew Serendipity dress before and whilst I don't wear it anymore (shirt dress, gaping issues), I remember the pattern being really well drafted and fun to make. This one wasn't so much fun, mainly due to fitting issues. You probably know by now, I'm not a fan of a muslin, so I just went ahead and chopped in to my lovely fabric (and isn't it lovely?!) only to find that the bodice was waaaaaaay to short, the result being that the skirt hung out like a maternity dress. Which is great if you're pregnant but very bad if, like me, you're not.<br />
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Thankfully, the sewing gods allowed me enough spare fabric to re-cut the bodice and I added an inch in length to both the top bodice and waistband parts. That's TWO WHOLE INCHES, boys and girls! I'm perplexed by this. I think I do have a longer torso than some, but overall I'm pretty short, and it looks from the photos on the pattern like the model is quite long-bodied too. So why the pattern has been drafted for people with only half a rib-cage is beyond me.<br />
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I think every part of this dress has been unpicked and resewed at some point. I sewed the wrong skirt pieces together, had to redo and tweak the contrast binding a few times to get the thickness right, and the zip. Oh my LORD, the zip. I don't have enough fingers to count on to work out how many times I redid that beast. There were far too many things to line up at the back and no matter how hard I tried there was always something off. Pretty happy with the end result, though!<br />
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So, a bit of a painful journey, but now all that is almost forgotten and I'm left with a well-fitting dress that I love! I wore it yesterday to a good friend's wedding so took advantage of the decadent surroundings for a few sneaky photos. I even had a Marilyn moment as we got out of the car - embarrassing perhaps, but very apt.Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-56321704595280429502014-05-11T05:24:00.000-07:002014-05-24T02:01:04.739-07:00Piece of cake?<h3>
Pattern: Cabarita by Cake Patterns<br />Size: 35<br />Fabric: Jersey from John Lewis</h3>
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I love the design of this top, and it worked out really well, so kudos there. I did have a few criticisms of the pattern which I feel quite bad saying as I love the top and will definitely make more Cake items.<br />
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So, the low points were:<br />
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Sizing. This seems like a strange thing to complain about as the pattern is actually set up to give you more fitting choice. You choose a bust size, then a length, and then can also tailor the waist, fitting your measurement to the corresponding markings on the pattern. This is, of course, a good idea, but I felt it was a bit too much hard work for a t-shirt. I felt annoyed at having to work out what length I needed, and just wanted to be told the right length for my chosen size. I did choose to take it in at the waist a bit for extra shaping, but it wasn't the simplest thing to do, even with the markings. I expect I'll be the only one to complain about that, and I apologise for being cantankerous!<br />
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The instructions were also sadly lacking. There are no illustrations at all, which I find unnerving. I managed fine without them, but had I been a beginner I would have floundered, I think. Some of the instructions are also very unclear. Throughout, the pieces are referred to by the corresponding letter on the pattern (i.e. attach B to C) but then the centre back is referred to as 'CB' - the same letters meaning different things!<br />
I changed the order some things were done in as they didn't seem to make sense to me. For example, the pattern asks you to attach the cuffs to the sleeves and then sew up the sleeve and side seams. I opted to close the sleeves first and then set in the cuffs, like one would for a Renfrew. It just seemed to make more sense that way. I took a couple of inches off each cuff, as well, so they draw the sleeve in a bit towards the arm, otherwise they were rather too wide for my liking. But that's just personal preference.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmm...v-back. The creases are just from the weird way I'm standing, btw.</td></tr>
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Having said all that, the design is fantastic and I've ended up with a really different, well fitting garment, and I'll definitely be making more.<br />
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<br />Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-25231055584846848632014-05-03T13:25:00.000-07:002014-05-03T13:25:25.244-07:00A rolling Belcarra gathers some Moss<h3>
Belcarra blouse by Sewaholic<br />Size 10<br />Fabric: Fox chiffon from Clothspot and viscose lining</h3>
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Moss mini skirt by Grainline<br />Size 12<br />Fabric: Black stretch denim from somewhere on Goldhawk Road</h3>
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I seem to be getting a bit behind on documenting my makes, so here's a double post to try to catch up a bit!<br />
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I don't have a great track record with making tops, so was stupid excited when i saw the first announcement of this beautiful yet simple top. That was, however, a very long time ago and it seemed to take <i>forever</i> to be available for sale. I ordered it the very day it came in to stock and knew already I was going to use this cuuuute fox print chiffon I've been eyeing nervously for a couple of months. I underlined it with a plain black viscose for decency.<br />
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As always, I have nothing but praise for Sewaholic patterns. There's nothing new to say, really, and the only tricksy part was my fabric. If you look closely you can make out some rippling at the sleeve seams as French seaming with layered fabric isn't the easiest thing to do. Who knew?<br />
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Making this pattern in a cotton lawn, for example, would be absolute heaven. I will do that one day.<br />
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The best part was not having to set in sleeves! I HATE setting in sleeves so might convert everything to raglan now. For a loose-fitting top, it's really shapely and I don't feel tenty at all. Hurrah!<br />
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Next up:<br />
My favourite item of clothing is my denim mini skirt. It always looks good even on a fat day, and it <i>literally</i> goes with everything. But it upsets me that Fat Face made it, rather than me. So the obvious solution is to make my own standard denim mini skirt and the Moss Mini is obviously the right pattern. I've avoided it for years though, due to fear of making a fly facing. Silly, wussy me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photography experts, please excuse the quality. Dingy club backdrop wasn't prime conditions!<br /></td></tr>
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I love this pattern! It just creates a brilliant-looking skirt. Really cute and neat, and that fly is a cinch! It was made before I realised it was time to be scared. Incredible!! One thing I found ridiculously baffling was that the right side of the fabric was represented by white, and the wrong side by grey. Talk about learned behaviour, but this goes against every other sewing pattern I've ever made so it took a lot of rewiring my brain to understand it.<br />
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In exciting news, I used the greatest number of sewing machine feet ever on this skirt: 'normal', zipper, stitch-in-the-ditch, and buttonhole.<br />
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As i sat on the floor, PDF pattern pieced together in front of me, I debated what size to make. The size 10 was exactly my measurements but the ease wasn't mentioned anywhere. So should I make a 12 to be sure it's comfy? Ooh I dunno. 10? 12? Well, I know from reading other people's blogs that they've found the measurements to be accurate in their finished garment, so I'll trust in a higher power and go for the 10.<br />
Mistake. I'm soooooo frustrated as my skirt is fantastic and I'm so pleased with my handiwork, but I've been standing in front of the mirror for about half an hour now, pulling it up, yanking it down, pressing the pockets down, and it's just a bit too tight across the hips and the waist sits out from my waist because it should sit lower. I'm going to have to accept this is a muslin. And not a wearable one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iGDWYgPzyfOr51MNy_n12dxZhohftgU1tSd9hZhnGUU7AX8C3xmarO6aTZ83P3NvkDOZnTdmLrs5Mig74wltr7_HXEvIq38cXxJV9GYlLV45fp3Iqyqch-fjZqgvafn-bfLssH_oIwE/s1600/DSCN1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iGDWYgPzyfOr51MNy_n12dxZhohftgU1tSd9hZhnGUU7AX8C3xmarO6aTZ83P3NvkDOZnTdmLrs5Mig74wltr7_HXEvIq38cXxJV9GYlLV45fp3Iqyqch-fjZqgvafn-bfLssH_oIwE/s1600/DSCN1651.JPG" height="640" width="332" /></a></div>
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Interestingly, everyone else seems to say how scandalously short this skirt is. I don't find that at all and I didn't add the extra hem band. Perhaps I'm short. Or maybe just not as demure as everyone else!<br />
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So, what you're seeing here is Moss_v2. Size 12. Fits great. Stupidly, I thought I could get away without interfacing as the waistband is a double layer of denim. But it has stretched. I'm now wondering if I can shrink it back in with a wash and do some retrospective interfacing. We'll see.<br />
<br />Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-70615995499753741312014-04-09T14:29:00.001-07:002014-04-09T14:29:40.146-07:00Glamorous Gabriola<h3>
Pattern: Gabriola skirt from Sewaholic<br />Size: 10<br />Fabric: Viscose suiting from <a href="http://clothspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Clothspot</a></h3>
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It's no secret, I love me a Sewaholic pattern. Tasia has been busy granting my wishes and just as I bemoaned the lack of an indie maxi skirt pattern, she waved her magic wand and *pchoof* here's Gabriola.</div>
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It felt like a relief to be dealing with Sewaholic again. I knew the size 10 would fit me perfectly, and that the instructions would be so clear I wouldn't have to use my brain at all. I like that. And I wasn't disappointed.<a name='more'></a></div>
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Problems arose from my choice of fabric. I seem to have had a few projects recently where the fabric has been a bit tricksy and I think it's because I'm trying to use fun, winter fabrics. I'm usually glad I did in the end, I just have to get through the struggly, hatey bit first! This is a viscose suiting from Clothspot. It's weighty enough to be suitable for the cooler weather, but also drapes soooo nicely. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hang on, there's no dog on that lead!</td></tr>
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I would like to quickly sing the praises of <a href="http://clothspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Clothspot </a>as they not only stock the most wonderful selection of fabrics, but their customer service is excellent. They contacted me after I had placed my order to say there wasn't quite enough of the fabric but would I be happy to take what they had at a discounted rate? Yes, please! As it happens, there was still enough for my skirt, so good result and warm, happy feelings all round.</div>
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The main problems with the fabric were: refusal to be pressed, and desire to fray all over the place. I didn't want to use French seams as that would be too bulky in this fabric, so I zig-zagged every seam. This was a bit boring and laborious, and not being as clean a finish as an overlocked seam, it's still a bit messy and frayed on the inside. But at least I know it won't completely unravel on me! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird's eye view</td></tr>
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Knowing these things, I decided to bias bind the hem and that seems to have worked really well. I didn't have quite enough black (despite buying 3 metres of the stuff!) so there is a section of a few inches in silver. It won't win me the Sewing Bee, but quite frankly, I don't care and it amuses me knowing it's there. :-)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stripes pretty much matching. Good enough for me!</td></tr>
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I wore Gabby today, and loved her! She is very swooshy and dramatic but also super comfy. I can see at least one more in my future, hopefully made from a lovely, compliant cotton.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzJ6k_MfKZf3XrajRPo1qRqvZyRdzyv8yPjG9qe03sBR_eQlkGsOv3Wb8PtxVNk_8Xsrt9cMtrBkO8BrsUi5_jSAPCrO7MSj-YN3seb6J4RjRdDtFUE6rXpucUNJKCLo9KKR5WmFciV4/s1600/DSCN1628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzJ6k_MfKZf3XrajRPo1qRqvZyRdzyv8yPjG9qe03sBR_eQlkGsOv3Wb8PtxVNk_8Xsrt9cMtrBkO8BrsUi5_jSAPCrO7MSj-YN3seb6J4RjRdDtFUE6rXpucUNJKCLo9KKR5WmFciV4/s1600/DSCN1628.JPG" height="640" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live-action swooshing</td></tr>
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<br />Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-11449700999300160032014-03-29T12:26:00.000-07:002014-03-29T12:26:26.417-07:00Makin' an Aiken<h3>
Pattern: Aiken by Andi Satterlund<br />Size: M<br />Yarn: Patons Colour Works Aran</h3>
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Andi Satterlund designs the most fantastic patterns. All really cute, classic, 50's-esque and lovely to make, too. I'm a big fan of the Miette cardi (and <a href="http://onecraftyminx.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/ey-up-chuck.html" target="_blank">Chuck</a>, although sadly mine never gets worn due to bad yarn choice), and so knew I would get on well with Aiken. On a side note, I was convinced I had blogged not one, but two Miettes but it seems I haven't! That will have to be next.<br />
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There's not a lot to say about this make. The pattern was really easy to follow, even the fabulous lace insert which was the fun part. It didn't take long and was definitely simple enough to do in front of the telly.<br />
I finished it in our beautiful holiday cottage in Scotland whilst relaxing with Edinburgh Raspberry Gin (booze discovery of the year, for sure!).<br />
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I used the fabulous Colour Works Aran from Patons (on sale - hurrah!) which stripes as you knit (cheating stripes - ha!) and has enough wool (25%) to be warm and shape well, but not so much that it's itchy. In fact, layered over a vest top, it just feels lovely and soft. It comes in a great selection of colours so it was hard to choose, but I realised this one would go rather well with a skirt I had made and not really formed an outfit around yet. A little bit of geek for those who like yarns and spinning, this is a tubular yarn, so is lightweight despite being aran, and <i>should</i> spring back in to shape. We'll see how the waistband is doing after a day of wear.<br />
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You can just about make out in the picture below that the v-lace pattern is also on the back. Nice touch. You can also see a nice line where my top is tucked in to my skirt. I'm nothing if not classy.<br />
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The skirt is actually a New Look 6912. I decided to make a jersey version as it's quite a close-fitting pattern and I always worried I would split my <a href="http://onecraftyminx.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/mad-men-and-crazy-hounds.html" target="_blank">original version</a> just by sitting down! However, once I'd made the dress, I didn't like the top part, so removed it and accidentally ended up with what has become a favourite skirt! Of course I love the teal, and I also like that it's edging towards pencil skirt territory but not in a scary "look at my thighs!" way. I love the little bow at the waist, although it does cause problems with coats. Meh, you can't have it all!<br />
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<br />Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-71563579067201199672014-03-09T09:59:00.001-07:002014-03-09T09:59:47.622-07:00Scrap the time machine<h3>
Pattern: Sureau by Deer & Doe<br />Size: 38-40<br />Fabric: Wool mix from Mason's / Viscose lining from Ditto Fabrics</h3>
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Pattern: New Look 6000<br />Size: 14<br />Fabric: Jersey with lace overlay from Mason's</h3>
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I reckon most of us have, at some point, had that feeling of wishing we'd bought multiples of what turns out to be a favourite garment. For me, it's a pair of Gap jeans - the only pair of jeans I have ever felt good in. I have a friend who told me that if time travel is ever invented, she would use it to go back 8 years and buy more of her favourite cardigan from M&Co. Good use of science, there. :-)<br />
The great thing about making your own clothes is that if you have that feeling, you can just go ahead and make another! Granted you probably won't get the same fabric again, but you will get something you know you love the style and fit of.<br />
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This is a double post about two new versions of items I've made before and loved. They were therefore lovely and simple to make because I knew the patterns, and had the pieces already cut. It also goes to show how much mileage can be got from one pattern to make completely different versions that you may not even recognise as the same thing.<br />
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First up...Sureau. I made a lightweight version last summer which I've really enjoyed wearing. Here's a reminder of that first one for comparison.<br />
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This wintery fabric for Version 2 was an impulse buy - I just had to have it. A wool mix with all that incredible applique on it!<br />
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I chose Sureau because the skirt pattern piece is straight, therefore lending itself well to a border.<br />
I cut one side of the front bodice to include some of the applique as well to continue the theme.<br />
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I lined it with some gorgeous sage green viscose lining from Ditto Fabrics. I was over the moon to find this - it's slippy enough to prevent tights-stickage, but doesn't have that horrible sweat-inducing weirdness of the usual acetate linings. And it comes in a glorious range of colours so I recommend you check it out.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonus dog shot</td></tr>
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Second is another New Look 6000. Again, first version for reference:<br />
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This time, I wanted something less 'office' and more' night out', so shortened the hem, left off the collar, and did the ruched front option.<br />
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The fabric is a jersey with lace overlay but actually has very little stretch in it. Sufficient, however, to leave off the zip again which made for a very easy sew.<br />
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You will rarely hear me say this about films or music, but in terms of sewing...hooray for remakes!</div>
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Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-83879753508001286242014-02-01T09:42:00.002-08:002014-02-01T09:42:50.315-08:00Victory is mine!<h3>
Pattern: Chloe from Victory Patterns<br />Size: S<br />Fabric: Corduroy from John Lewis</h3>
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I treated myself to a cheeky trip to John Lewis in Reading after Christmas. They stock beautiful fabrics but always at unaffordable prices. Until sale time, that is. I got enough for about five garments, all for around £50 and the most I paid was £8 a metre for some beautiful lightweight cotton that looks suspiciously like a Liberty print and originally cost £17 a metre!! Bargain. :-) I also got to have lunch at one of my favourite cafés, the <a href="http://www.risc.org.uk/tutus-ethiopian-table" target="_blank">Global Café</a>, which serves the most glorious Ethiopian stews and injera.<a name='more'></a></div>
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This is the first item I've made since the aforementioned spree and I love this fabric so much!! It caused a heated discussion that I end up having with so many people about the pronunciation of corduroy. I say it with a slight 'j' sound for the d, like you would use for dual, for example (unless you're American). But certain people in my life think this is hilarious and say it with a hard d, so it's like 'cor-doo-roy'. I would be interested to hear other people's views on this matter, although I'm going to maintain I'm correct, of course. :-)</div>
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Anyway, this is a sewing blog, so back to the dress. This is the second Victory pattern make for me, leading straight on from the Lola dress which I love and am wearing as I write this. As with Lola, Chloe is a fantastic pattern and went together with great ease. It has in-seam pockets which you can't even see here! There was the option of a contrast welt to show them off but I thought that would be a bit much with my flowery fabric.</div>
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I'm never a fan of lining - it doesn't appeal to my impatient side, but I knew that with corduroy and tights, a lining was essential, and I happened to find this marvellous poly/viscose remnant in Mason's. It's got a slight shine to the flower pattern which is awesome. Excuse the creases - I'd worn it all day! </div>
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The pattern is written to have the zip sandwiched between the main fabric and the lining which I love because it gives this super-neat finish. I also sewed the dress and lining together at the neckline rather than using the binding method suggested. This is partly because it's a nice, neat finish, and partly because I really didn't get on with the binding.</div>
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This was the only let-down in the pattern as it was, in opinion, not well explained or illustrated and I, as a sewist with some knowledge now, just couldn't figure out what on earth they meant! I got in a tizzy about it and thought I would never finish the dress! When I came down from my grump cloud, I had another look and finally figured out what they meant, and was therefore able to complete the sleeves. It was rather ungainly, and looks ok, but doesn't add enough to the dress to seem worth it to me. Difference of opinion, I guess. Other than that, it's great. These patterns just fit me straight off which I love so I'll definitely be making others. It's really comfy, and I love the lack of waistband for that.</div>
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My bezzie and I had a fabulous day in London, eating lobster and seeing an exhibition on 80's fashion at the V&A, and so she kindly took some photos of the dress while we were there. Here's some proof of the lobster!</div>
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Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-41600508629949890242014-01-20T14:52:00.000-08:002014-01-20T14:52:31.188-08:00L-O-L-A Lola!<h3>
Pattern: Victory Patterns <a href="http://www.victorypatterns.com/products/lola/" target="_blank">'Lola'</a><br />Size: 8<br />Fabric: Sweatshirting and matching rib from <a href="http://www.vendfabricsonline.co.uk/" target="_blank">Vend Fabrics</a></h3>
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This is my first Victory Patterns um...pattern. I hadn't paid them much attention but one of my resolutions for 2014 is to make mostly independent patterns so I gave them a revisit.<br />
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Awesome things about this dress are that it perfectly fulfills my quest for clothes I can wear out of the house that feel like I'm wearing pyjamas, it has HUGE pockets that you could <b>literally</b> carry a dog in, <i>and</i> whenever I think about it I get a weird mash-up in my head of 'Lola' by The Kinks, and 'If You Stay' by Brian Wright...<br />
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'I don't think I'll ever meet another quite like Lola,<br />
She knows a million hymns, sings them like she stole them'<br />
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Sweeeet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hobbies include reading...</td></tr>
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Sorry, back to reality. It's a PDF pattern which I'm a fan of although some of the panels are pretty huge and take a lot of sellotape. I <b>must</b> get myself a tape dispenser. The construction of the dress was fun and easy and pretty much trouble free. I did have to redo the neckline as it was weird and baggy and stuck up at a funny angle. I tried it a second time with a shorter neckband and it seems to work so I'm not sure if I did something wrong the first time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...looking at art...</td></tr>
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The fabric is the same as I used for Big Minx's <a href="http://www.onecraftyminx.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/good-in-theory.html" target="_blank">Newcastle Cardi</a> - a heavy jersey sweatshirting with beautifully soft, fleecy inside. Vend Fabrics very cleverly offer matching rib for all the colours of this sweatshirting, so I went for that which is a really nice touch, I think. I did learn, however, that it's best not to press rib as it makes it stretch and go a bit out of shape. I did that on my hem band but I hope it might ping back to its former glory upon washing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4mHGdfkZsTFbI6UZMPFhKwgXurt_179crriR-RiICqasrulwwndXnxZkU21HVDzUJYgublLLUGBCqcx43Vpz_KA3jd4m-6QuV2gl70M4eirrJChO4LJw_GvuPjojhUkRyooZrKP1KqU/s1600/DSCN1412+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4mHGdfkZsTFbI6UZMPFhKwgXurt_179crriR-RiICqasrulwwndXnxZkU21HVDzUJYgublLLUGBCqcx43Vpz_KA3jd4m-6QuV2gl70M4eirrJChO4LJw_GvuPjojhUkRyooZrKP1KqU/s1600/DSCN1412+%25282%2529.jpg" height="640" width="336" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and staring at people</td></tr>
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I'm really pleased with this dress - it's soooooo comfy and pretty much the only outfit I don't fuss with in any way. No tucking in, no moving waistband, no hoiking, no hitching, no yanking down, just sits there and looks cute, not slobby. I think, anyway. The only thing I changed was to topstitch my neckline and cuff bands as the thick sweatshirting looked bulky and unappealing at those points so the topstitching helped it to lie flatter.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look - a little sweatshirt 'V'!</td></tr>
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Now, can I get away with more of these in my wardrobe? I'm a bit worried I might wear this exclusively for the rest of my life until someone loves me enough to tell me how gross that is. I'll debate that while I move on to my next Victory offering...Chloe.<br />
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Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-31248022595281316082014-01-11T13:54:00.001-08:002014-01-11T13:54:28.956-08:00Cinderella Part II<h3>
Pattern: Anna dress from By Hand London<br />Size: 12-14<br />Fabric: Satin from Mason's</h3>
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As always with dressing up dresses it took me quite a while to decide on a pattern, but I knew I wanted a maxi and the Anna dress had been catching my eye for some time. A lot of the versions in blogland are beautiful, don't get me wrong, but more along the lines of a summer day dress so I just wasn't sure if it would posh up enough. Then I saw this glorious version courtesy of <a href="http://chainstitcher.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/anna-dress-version-1.html" target="_blank">Diary of a Chain Stitcher</a> and I knew my prayers had been answered.<br />
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Fabric took a while again. I originally toyed for quite a while with a £2.99 a metre polyester in Mason's as it was drapey black that shimmered red when it moved. On closer inspection, however, it revealed that it would look mostly black and attracted all the wrong kind of attention. Mostly that of fluff and lint. Then some navy flower patterned satin caught my eye, and as navy is definitely one 'my colours', I figured I couldn't go too far wrong.<br />
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Anna is a fantastic pattern and gets my prize for the coolest packaging. It is all contained in a pretty sleeve with a cut-out, and the instructions are in a cute booklet. A word of warning - I'm not sure how they calculated their fabric requirements, but I had tons left over after I had cut my pieces. I could have got away with at least half a metre less.<br />
Other than that, I have no complaints. It's a well explained pattern and includes details on how to finish the dress with French seams. I did this as I wanted it to be special and my fabric was quite inclined towards fraying. I also took the time to handsew the edges of the thigh slit, and the hem with blind slipstitching. I really enjoyed that part and it definitely made for a more high-end finish. I did the hem twice as it was way too long the first time. Turns out it was still a bit too long the second time but I didn't want to go too much the other way and have a too-short dress!<br />
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The fit is good. I chose a 12 bust, grading out to a 14 waist as there isn't much ease. I think my bodice is a tiny bit tight, so when I make a second, more casual version, I might go up to a 14 all over, or let out the pleats a bit, but it's fine for a fitted, evening garment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooh, showing some ankle!</td></tr>
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I loved wearing her on the night. I felt much taller (ah, the optical illusion of a maxi) and quite elegant for once and she floated and swished when I walked. Everyone had made a massive effort and looked beautiful, as did St George's Hall, the venue for our evening, and we all had a super-fun time.<br />
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Here are some snaps of the venue, if you're interested!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The band, including amusing keyboard player</td></tr>
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Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-82240313550174796192014-01-06T14:41:00.003-08:002014-01-06T14:41:27.241-08:00Cinderella Part I<h3>
<u>Necklace</u></h3>
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No pattern<br />Materials from: <a href="http://www.the-beadshop.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Bead Shop</a> and <a href="http://www.mailorder-beads.co.uk/" target="_blank">Mail Order Beads</a></h3>
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<u>Bag</u></h3>
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Pattern: High Tea Clutch from Charlie's Aunt<br />Fabric: Cotton velvet, and satin from Mason's</h3>
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For possibly the first time ever, I am about to show you something non-clothing that I've made! It is a rarity, but actually I really enjoyed making both these items so I think I should consider widening my repertoire more frequently!<br />
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The cause for this sudden change is that some of us at work, myself included, are attending a gala dinner this week. When I first found out about it I thought, of course, what a great opportunity to make a 'posh' frock; something I wouldn't normally get the chance to wear in my every day life of not being a princess. This frock will feature in a different post later on, but for now I wanted to share with you the accessories to go with her!<br />
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I wanted to get a new necklace - a statement piece, to really complement my dress. I wasn't quite sure what I wanted until I saw it on Etsy. A totally beautiful and really different necklace. Jubilant, I decided to order one. It was around £30, so a treat, but not too bad. And then I realised it was coming from a long way away and they couldn't guarantee delivery in time. So I enquired about expedited delivery which was going to cost £40! A tear in my eye, I stepped away from the only necklace in the world I now wanted.<br />
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After some fairly hefty dramatics around the house I decided I would try making my own. If it was a disaster then so be it, but at least I would have tried. I discovered exactly what I wanted on a couple of different websites <a href="http://www.mailorder-beads.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.the-beadshop.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>, although my order in reality came from the same place. Weird, huh?<br />
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Whilst it was a bit fiddly, this was a pretty simple necklace to make. I glued the flowers to the filigree plates, slid the beads on to headpins, bent some stuff, opened and removed chains, and closed chains again. And voila! A pretty much identical necklace to the one I originally wanted for a fraction of the price, and I learned some new skills. Mad skills.<br />
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I read somewhere that the rules for a gala dinner for a lady are: long dresses, heels (flat shoes are "frowned upon") and a clutch bag. Anything with a handle is terribly gauche. I remembered <a href="http://www.teafortwodiary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/charlies-aunt-high-tea-clutch-bag.html" target="_blank">Elena</a> making a beautiful clutch for a friend and decided to use the same pattern.<br />
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I bought some beautiful deep navy cotton velvet for the outer, and lined it with leftover dress fabric (slight spoiler for the dress!).<br />
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The pattern is the <a href="http://www.charliesaunt.com/patterns/" target="_blank">High Tea Clutch</a> and it's a corker of a pattern. Beautifully designed with fabulous detail, such as the front pleats. It's a really well written pattern, so easy to follow, and even scary things like inserting a magnetic clasp were made to seem like a piece of pie. I now want everything in my life to have a magnetic clasp.<br />
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It was rather hard to photograph this bag well. It looks like it's covered in lint, and whilst that is obviously the case, it really doesn't look like that in real life, thankfully!<br />
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<br />Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-79228799250282946172013-12-21T13:56:00.000-08:002013-12-21T13:56:33.874-08:00When Love and Hate Collide<h3>
Pattern: Lisette Attache dress<br />Size: 12<br />Fabric: Crepe de Chine from <a href="http://www.clothspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Clothspot</a></h3>
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When I first laid eyes on this fabric I thought we were meant to be. Together forever. BFFs. I heart autumn, it obviously hearts autumn, too. It's crepe de chine, I love crepe de chine. See? On paper, we're a perfect match.<br />
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But things turned sour, as they so often do in whirlwind romances. Don't get me wrong, it still looks beautiful, drapes like a dream, feels great against my skin. But, it was a total witch to work with. It frays LOADS, won't press for love nor money, is quite slippery to sew with, and refuses to be hemmed without looking ridiculous. The skirt, I hemmed with some bright yellow bias binding in the end. It was meant to be orange, of which I had 2.5m left after edging the neckline, but apparently that wasn't enough for the skirt which is longer than the longest thing you can imagine in the world! So I used yellow as that's all I had in a sufficient length. It's jolly though, I like it. And I'll pretend it was an intentional design feature.<br />
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The sleeves caused me the most trouble. They're cut on the bias, so when I turned under the hems they just stuck up, like ski jumps. Comical, ugly ski jumps. I tried all sorts of different methods, but nothing worked. In the end, I cut them shorter and that seems to work, due to where they sit on my shoulders. Phew.<br />
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I switched the lapped zip for an invisible one, because the "I refuse to be pressed" fabric did not lend itself to lapping.<br />
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I love the dress now the pain of making it is over. It hangs and swishes beautifully. Oh, and spins quite well, too.<br />
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<br />Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-58598436377195374302013-12-14T11:38:00.002-08:002013-12-14T11:38:22.381-08:00A Christmas Cambie<h3>
Pattern: Cambie from Sewaholic<br />Size: 10<br />Fabric: Satin and lace from Minerva Crafts</h3>
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The work Christmas party comes but once a year, but every time requires a new dress! I don't go to many dress-up occasions, but as this one is always the same people, I can't recycle!<br />
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It's surprising how hard it is to find a nice party dress pattern that isn't a teenage prom dress. I originally wanted something with a low back to show off my new tattoo, but nothing was quite right. I started to make a <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-8578-misses-special-occasion-dress.aspx" target="_blank">New Look 6173</a> but tried it on halfway through and realised I looked somewhat pre-pubescent so gave up on that. In a panic by this point, I decided to go with something tried and tested - Cambie. I love the summer version I made, I know it fits and it's easy to make.<br />
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I chose to go off-piste a little bit and do layered fabric. I found a beautiful pale blue satin, and paired it with a black corded lace over the top. My plan was to baste the lace to the satin for the bodice, lined with more satin, and for the skirt use the satin as the lining and the lace as the 'main' fabric. Great plan. On paper.</div>
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It became clear, quite a long way in, that this was a bad plan. Attaching a stiff zip to fine lace, making darts in lace...disaster! So, I unpicked the skirt and basted the lace to the satin instead.<br />
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I was nearly done and about to pat myself on the back when I discovered I'd sewn the lining the wrong way. I wanted the matt side against my skin but of course that meant making the 'wrong' side the 'right' side and I'd had a brain fail and done it with the shiny side out. This was an epic mistake. I had to remove the entire lining and unpick EVERYTHING. Darts, and all.<br />
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There were so many times when this dress nearly ended up in the bin, due to my own idiocy. Eventually though, she rose like a phoenix. Lining in correctly, no weird lumpy zip, seams finished with bias binding. I love how neat it is inside: it's almost reversible!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwHzboK2_j10NhUZUIoh2cFfxOK1LC4mcFYCXhHRDQFMvaGiHoxp2NiIn_LcsxOAy4po4K0j71vuXhDOO8j6zO3J0FirepJRj12UDLhvWId4q194fDZbT1srE7N_WqFVVYttZoLnUXwM/s1600/DSCN1213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwHzboK2_j10NhUZUIoh2cFfxOK1LC4mcFYCXhHRDQFMvaGiHoxp2NiIn_LcsxOAy4po4K0j71vuXhDOO8j6zO3J0FirepJRj12UDLhvWId4q194fDZbT1srE7N_WqFVVYttZoLnUXwM/s640/DSCN1213.JPG" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooh...inside</td></tr>
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A beautiful dress with a superb fit. Thank heavens the pattern is so great and I'd made it before or this would probably have driven me to irreparable levels of crazy. The amount of unpicking I did, I'm surprised it's not a threadbare rag, but the fabric seems to have held up!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apologies, was feeling a bit silly at this point</td></tr>
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I think the only thing I'm not crackers about on this version is the sleeves. The stiffness of the fabrics means they stick out in a rather Star Trek stylee and make wearing a shrug/cardi over the top almost impossible.</div>
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It's a good job I took these photos at home as there isn't a single clear shot of the dress from the party! However, here she is in action, as proof of partying existence.<br />
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Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-81130152985702836182013-11-23T09:23:00.000-08:002013-11-23T09:23:38.513-08:00Good in Theory...<h3>
Pattern: Thread Theory Newcastle Cardigan<br />Size: M-L (I cut between two sizes)<br />Fabric: Black sweatshirting from <a href="http://www.vendfabricsonline.co.uk/" target="_blank">Vend Fabrics</a></h3>
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...and in practice!<br />
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I was super excited when I first stumbled across the Thread Theory patterns. They are designed for men, but actual clothes for cool, stylish men. The other offerings in the sewing pattern world for men are pitiful to say the least. A couple of waistcoats and shapeless shirts with the most appalling envelope styling! I mean, why is it necessary for a man to always be accompanied by a small child wearing a matching shirt or waistcoat? It's just creepy. Nothing creepy about Thread Theory, however.<br />
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Big Minx is a huge fan of a jersey blazer/cardi so we both knew he must have a Newcastle Cardigan. It looked rather tricksy so I avoided it for a while but regular questioning on when it might happen eventually made me buck up my ideas and get on with it! His measurements fell between two sizes, so I just cut between two sizes. Simples. I went for the larger collar option as I think it has a snuggly look, just right for the colder weather.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please ignore the creases, cardi had been inside a coat!</td></tr>
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I chose a sweatshirt fabric as I thought a nice, fluffy inside would be an added treat. This isn't something I see very often, but I did manage to find a small selection on the Vend Fabrics site. Luckily, Big Minx wanted black so that was simple enough.<br />
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I'm very glad I read this review by <a href="http://gingermakes.wordpress.com/2013/10/29/dude-sewing-thread-theory-newcastle-cardigan/" target="_blank">Ginger Makes</a> before I started, as she points out that there are places where you seam together six layers of fabric! As sweatshirting is pretty thick, I realised I needed to find something thinner for the yoke and shoulder pieces or it was going to be a big old wodgey nightmare! So some thin cotton jersey was procured (thanks <a href="http://www.teafortwodiary.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Elena</a>!) and off I went.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be careful what you do when I've got the camera. I will use it!</td></tr>
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This pattern is awesome in the extreme. What is actually a reasonably complicated garment felt like a walk in the park. Each stage was so well explained and illustrated that no part of it was scary or ambiguous. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of making it, with the added joy of sewing with the fluffy 'wrong side' of the fabric against my hands for most it. I really don't think I can fault this pattern, and therefore can't wait to try some more of Thread Theory's offerings.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooh, fluffy inside...</td></tr>
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I have a feeling more versions will be appearing of this beauty in the future...<br />
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<br />Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-15649777360532360312013-11-08T11:04:00.002-08:002013-11-08T11:04:58.240-08:00Belle of the ball<h3>
Pattern: Simplicity 2247<br />Size: 10<br />Fabric: Cotton and lace from Witney Sewing Centre</h3>
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Some non-selfish sewing and a change from seeing my boring mug on here!<br />
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My best friend, Bezzie Minx, attended a good friend's wedding recently but was struggling to find a nice, autumnal dress to wear. So I offered to make her a dress and she graciously accepted. We discussed what she might like in terms of styles and colours (maroon, v-neck, long sleeves) and I started looking for fabrics and patterns. I sent through options of patterns and we gradually narrowed it down to Simplicity 2247. As it's an Amazing Fit pattern, I knew from experience it would be great to make and easy to fit to my model.<br />
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Fabric was trickier and I scoured the internet for a nice maroon fabric, either plain or polka dot but to no avail. Eventually, I found myself in one of my usual haunts, Witney Sewing Centre, where I'd seen a beautiful corded lace that would be perfect for the sleeves. I was just about to walk out when I caught some cotton out of the corner of my eye: maroon with a black marbled effect. Perfect!! Hooray!<br />
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The dress went together easily and the pattern was a joy, as always with Amazing Fit. I usually do away with facings but on this occasion I thought I'd stick to the pattern as the neck facing helps create a tidy v-neck.<br />
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Conveniently, I managed to get most of the dress made just in time for Bezzie Minx to visit and so could do a try-on. There wasn't much to alter but it did mean we could tweak the length of the skirt and sleeves, and also make the v-neck a little lower to suit her tastes. I felt it was a personal victory to make these changes, particularly the neckline, as it meant freestyling, and creating a new piece for the facing to match. I would normally chicken out of such things but as it was for someone else it was a point of pride and I'm glad I was forced in to doing something outside of my comfort zone.<br />
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I'm really pleased with how it came out. I was a bit worried that my fabric was stiffer than recommended but it still hangs really well and in fact gives the skirt a bit more shape which is very cute. It was great having a model to fit the dress on as I usually don't have the luxury of such tweaking, and because of that I think it fits her beautifully.<br />
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You can see for yourselves how gorgeous she looks, and I feel very proud to have made something so special for her.<br />
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<br />Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-10491666015164652002013-10-26T06:30:00.000-07:002013-10-26T06:30:46.370-07:00Old McDonald had a...dress?<h3>
Pattern: New Look 6176<br />Size: 14<br />Fabric: Brushed cotton from Birmingham meat market</h3>
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This is the last of my stash from our trip to Birmingham earlier in the year. I debated for a moment before I bought it as to whether or not a lady of my advancing years could possibly wear something covered in small animals, but it was a short debate as I thought "sod it, of course I can" and grabbed me some.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunnies, ducks, pigs, horses, flowers, houses, trees...very grown up</td></tr>
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I was going to make another Sureau with it but then decided I would like to try this New Look number as I liked its simplicity for wearing at the weekends with some nice tights or leggings. It was an easy pattern to make and didn't take long at all. I opted for the longer sleeves but without the elastic ruching as I didn't like the idea of elastic against skin! Weird, now I say it out loud.<br />
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I like the dress, probably mostly because of the fabric. The fit isn't great and I did bring it in a bit when inserting the zip, but I think it's overall a size too big so it doesn't look brilliant. A waist belt certainly helps.<br />
I would like to make the pattern again but I'm thinking a smaller size and a heavy jersey might see better results.<br />
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All that said, it's cute, I've enjoyed wearing it so far and I think it's a good addition to my sadly lacking weekend wardrobe. It's a beautiful autumn day today complete with blinding sun, bracing wind, and pelting rain. Photos were taken on a lovely canal walk before I stuffed myself full of jacket potato and cake at a tea room. Happiness is.<br />
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<br />Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019760942450481029.post-4323692794566363072013-10-18T03:00:00.001-07:002013-10-18T03:00:49.514-07:00'Ey up Chuck!<h3>
Pattern: Chuck by Andi Satterlund<br />Yarn: Random lambswool from my stash<br />Size: 37" bust</h3>
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Knitting was my first real crafting love. I shudder to think how many hours I must have spent clacking needles in front of a movie (unless it has subtitles which quickly puts paid to crafting). As a hobby it has, however, caused me as much heartache as pleasure, I reckon. The trouble with knitting is you often don't know until the very end if something is going to work or not, and more often than not I would find the garment didn't fit as I would like it to. So I have very few items to show for my years of knitting. In fact, I think there's one thing that I wear. But I love the act of knitting so figured I would give it another go.<br />
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I chose Chuck by Andi Satterlund, as folks in the blogosphere seem to have had so much success, and the styles are so retro and gorgeous. The pattern is awesome and what brought great joy to my heart was that it is seamless!! Hurray! I'm not afraid of seaming as I know the tricks, but it's just so tedious to have to spend hours doing that when you thought you were pretty much finished. Even the sleeves are picked up and knitted rather than attached at the end. Thanks, Andi. :-)<br />
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The only slight (and this is very slight) annoyance with this pattern is that at one point you have two different stitch patterns running and it gets a bit complex trying to remember which part you're up to in each. This resulted in me making a mistake which is of course all I can see when I look at the sweater!! But overall I'm pleased with it. It's not quite as neat as Andi's but it's definitely wearable and I took it for a spin to work the other day. It kept me warm all day and I wore it over a high-waisted dress so the sweater's short length worked really well. By the end of the day, the waistband was a bit looser than it started but I guess that's knitwear for you. I added some buttons because I have a thing about cables and buttons.<br />
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Ooh, I should mention that I actually, for the first time ever, bothered to block this project! I've always been a non-believer. I mean, it's basically knitwear torture. I'm going to soak you and then make you sit in a specified position for 3 days until you dry and at the end of that, woe betide you if you don't fit me perfectly!! And much as I hate to say it, the torture worked. It fit really well and the stitches all sat neatly. So it turns out I was being stupid all this time.<br />
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I'm really looking forward to making more of Andi's patterns and already have a Miette on the needles for a friend.Crafty Minxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090494227568241505noreply@blogger.com3