First make of the year

Drum roll please for the first completed sewing project of 2013.... ta dah!

It's certainly very ummm... paisley isn't it! Actually, I'm pretty pleased with this little number for a variety of reasons.

First, the pattern and fabric come from a batch of vintage goodies that a lovely colleague donated to me after clearing out the house of a beloved family member. My love of vintage is partly all about the continuation of something with a bit of history, and that sense of linearity is all the more special when there is a personal connection involved.

Second, the original 70s pattern (Style 3756) was sized for a 32" bust and needed some alteration to fit. I used the cut and spread method to add 1/2" width and height to the yoke and this also involved fiddling about with the sleeve heads (eek!). So, I was both slightly astonished and immensely pleased when it all worked perfectly first time without any extra adjustments needed. Result!

Third, I decided to line the dress to add some body and swing. This decision just happened to coincide with a silk sale at Oxford's favourite haberdashery. So, guess what, my paisley 70s smock is lined with the finest silk for a little bit of extra glamour (okay, so the glamour effect is slightly taken away by the woolly tights and legwarmer combo, but I know it's there!). I've not worked with silk before, and try to avoid light fabric if I can  (I'm a wimp that way), but was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was to work with - top tip though: a lovely sharp shiny new needle in your machine makes a world of difference!

Fourth and lastly, I added the bow as a little bit of contrast to all the swirly whirly stuff going on and made a last minute decision to stitch the bow bit of the bow (must be a proper name for that... loopy parts maybe??  No, that really doesn't work does it!) in place. I think it worked out okay.

So, despite the fact that the reaction from Mr Loulabelle to my 70s smock dress was a rather ungratifying "yes, it's rather smocky isn't it", I am pretty pleased with the number 1 make of the year and shall put myself at the top of the class!

PS: Apologies for the poor photo quality- the light has been pretty shoddy recently. I had to resort to an outdoor shoot and what you can't see out of shot in the first pic, is the piles of snow! Brrr, it was cold and clearly getting a good focus slipped my chilly mind!

New (old) dresses for a new (old) age

Wow, how did it get to be mid January so quickly? Time is doing all kinds of odd things at the moment - as of this weekend I'm apparently a mere 5 years from 40. I'm pretty sure there has been a big mistake. But perhaps that explains why I've been tucking my vest into my tights recently?

Anyway, while I continue to ponder the passing of time, I thought I'd share the results of some recent retail therapy at Oxford's Thursday antiques market.

These vintage beauties came to a grand total of a tenner for the pair. I may be getting old, but I can still spot a bargain! Oh, and thanks to my nephew, I recently rediscovered the joy of the whoopee cushion - so maybe all is not lost after all.

Turban-tastic!

The turban: the grand-dame of headwear. Oh yes.

After reciving a lovely hank of Fibrespates Scrumptious 4ply in Dandelion & Burdock, I had to choose a project worthy of it's luminous deliciousness. Legwarmers, cowl and wristwarmers were all considered but put asunder as soon as I came across the DROPS designs Edith Piaf hat.  Super simple to knit, but brilliantly effective, this pattern uses double strands so the finished had is luxuriantly warm and weighty.

I've been wearing it non-stop... just need a 70s kaftan and the lounging lady look will be complete!

The highs and lows of a November weekend

The highs... Oxford's Chrismas Lights Night Market

The lows... accidentally letting go of Freya's much loved balloon! (bad, bad Mummy!)

Basic tailoring - oh my!

Last night was knit club night.  Good progress was made with Project Turban (more on this later!), the wine and chocolate flowed, and we compared disastrous brother stories. But the icing on the cake for me was being given a book that our hostess's mother in law had been clearing out.  

Basic Tailoring from Time Life Books (1975) looks pretty unassuming from the outside, but check out the title page for Chapter 1 and you'll understand why my heart skipped a little stacked heel beat. What could be more jolly than a kalaidescope montage of a 70s suited couple!

 I  have fallen in love with this book! Yes, the content is good - great step by step guide to tailoring with a bit of suiting history thrown in for good measure, but for me, the content comes second to the amazing images from a time before Photoshop...

  ...when men were maxing out the bow-ties and feeling mightily flambouyant with their evening wear...

"Hey man, I am loving that bowtie." "Why thanks, I made it myself."

Wooosh! Many an evening was spent running down hills with arms outstretched in the 70s...

 Billy Connelly in a hunting jacket? Suits you sir

Right, I'd best be off - I've got my work cut out convincing Mr Loulabelle that we need matching capes...

Dressmaking - the next step

Have you lost confidence in sewing your own clothes, or started something but then been bamboozled by the pattern? Come and join me for an Intermediate Dressmaking Course brought to you by Pinworks at Oxford's Darn It & Stitch.

Bring along a pattern of your choice and we will guide you through.

A great way to build up your sewing skills and confidence in a small group.

Mondays: November 12th, 19th & 26th
December 3rd,10th & 17th
7 - 9.30pm
£175 pp

Sewing machines will be provided. To find out more or book your place email hello@pinworks.co.uk or call Darn It & Stitch 01865 242 779

Making up for lost time

 Smiliest baby in all the land. Cow parsley prettiness in an urban sprawl. Demise of the White Flame. Marvellous Macaroons and Chilli jewels at East Oxford Farmers Market. Princess, pirate and her pink castle. Walking with purpose, resplendent in home knits. Feast for the eyes at Comma Shop.

On the boardwalk. Bags at Old Fire Station. Floral feast at Oxfork. Discovering bubbles. Busy in a blur. Tatoo-tastic. Splashing. Snails. Big girl cuddles. Best buddies. Recreating Totorro.