I love daisies, at this time of year lawns are full of them, and they really make me smile. I couldn't resist using up the last scraps of this gorgeous daisy print from Funkifabrics to whip up some more undies. This time a bra and girdle/suspender belt. Both experiments, but I must say for first drafts I'm pretty pleased with them.

The suspender/girdle is based on the high waisted knicker pattern I adapted from the girdle pattern I used for my last underwear experiments, with suspenders attached.



The bra is a copy of one of my bras that I know already fits me well. I'm really pleased with the way it has sewn together, I thoroughly enjoyed the process. Sadly the fit is not perfect, but for a first draft I certainly didn't expect much if I'm honest.
The daisy fabric really needed a non stretch lining to stabilise the cups, and the central gore is too wide, both modifications I can easily make next time, and there will most definately be a next time.

Maude is a retro inspired skirt pattern, with integrated pockets, a smooth waistline and concealed side zip. She is fab in Denim as the wonderful Jayne proves so beautifully in these photos.


She's also great in printed cotton....


...And in stripes.....




...and tweed...


...and plaid...
...and so much more...


Paper copies coming soon. Thank you to my testers for letting me use these photos, Jayne, Clare, and Vicki. Thank you x

Recently I was asked by a local fabric company Funkifabrics if I'd like to try out some of their wares. Initially I was overwhelmed by their website and the hundreds of fabulous designs, after losing myself in the website for quite some time I made a list of everything that caught my eye and managed eventually to whittle that rather long list to a much shorter one. This Daisy print was a must, and top of my list.
I admit Lycra is not my usual go to choice of fabric, but having been experimenting lately with some underwear designs, I thought this Daisy print might work well.
I bought this Ladie's Panty Girdle pattern a few years ago, but never got around to making it up, so this seemed the perfect opportunity to give it a go.



My first attempt, I followed the pattern as closely as possible, using power net in the main body, and velvet (also from Funkifabrics) for the centre panel. (The gusset is lined with 100% cotton ).
The velvet panel was a bugger to insert, and I am left with a rather comical merkin style panty, which I hadn't really noticed until after I had put it on Instagram proudly only for Woody to point it out to me !
When worn, the velvet panel does stretch out and look much less merkin like, I promise you...but don't worry, no modelling of these!



For the second pair, I re drafted the waist to be 2cm's higher, and changed the shape of that centre panel. These work well, but I decided I wanted to try eliminate that seam joining the centre panel to the gusset.



Another re draft, and this pair are my favourite. I had run out of powernet, so this pair couldn't really be classed as a Panty Girdle, more a High Waist Knicker. The entire centre panel/gusset is lined with 100% cotton, and the body is simply one layer of lycra.
I am very pleased with these. The coverage is fantastic, perfect for under circle skirts on a blowy day, or under short skirts when you want to stay active. ( I often have an issue reaching for high shelves while wearing short skirts and dresses, never mind bending down to see to small children! )
They are also perfect for a bikini bottom....maybe something to work on?

I had my gallbladder surgery 6 days ago, it went well, although not completely to plan and I had to spend two nights in hospital instead of coming home straight after the op. Thankfully the ward I was on was expertly run by some very lovely overworked, but steadfastly cheerful nurses, and my ward companions were friendly, supportive and entertaining, which made my stay much more comfortable than it might have been.
If you follow me on Instagram, you'll have been treated to photo updates throughout my stay...I'm generous like that! I've made a little collage of the photos for here too. My Mum gave me a telling off for the "just coming round" photo...oops!


I will spare you the scar photos, and sadly the photos the  consultant surgeon took for me. I had asked if I could have my gall stones, he explained that was not a possibility, but he offered to take photos for me. He brought them to me later that day, and seemed rather bemused by my interest in them. Up until that point, he'd been a bit aloof, but he brightened up considerably when I showed interest in the photos and asked lots of questions. Unfortunately the nurse who had been looking after me all day overheard my excited questions and informed the consultant that it was against hospital protocol to give me photos, and I could only keep them if the consultant wrote in the notes that I could have them. They then both dissapeared taking my notes and the photos and after a discussion, came back to tell me that if I wanted the photos I have to apply through the proper channels and pay for them! I guess I at least got to see them, but yeah I'm still pretty miffed about this.

I have spent the last three days since coming home mostly wearing pyjamas and gently pottering, or lying on the sofa watching Mad Men. Today I decided to get dressed and see if I could make it to the shed to stitch up the Maya Dress by Marilla Walker, I'd cut out before I went into hospital. I managed an hour before I felt too achey to continue, but that was enough time to convince me I am on the mend.




I'll post more details later, India has already claimed this dress...no surprises there!