I am thrilled to be featured as "Blog of the month" in the September issue of Sew, home and style magazine. I had to resist running out and buying every copy I could lay my hands on, although I have encouraged everyone I know to rush out and buy it!
Hello to anyone reading here for the first time after buying the magzine , you are very welcome, say hi in the comments below, I love to hear from readers.
I was asked in the article which is my favourite sewing pattern, without hesitation I said the vintage Maudella 5213.
I first made this dress for last year's fall for cotton challenge, and loved it so much I've made three more since, the latest being this bright printed version.
I spotted this cotton on a recent shopping trip to Abakhan in Manchester and knew it'd make a great summer version of this pattern, but I think with tights and a cardy it'll take me through to Autumn too.
I am still in love with the three quarter length sleeves, they are practical, but also show off my tattoo nicely.
The squared off princess seams are still a challenge, but after making four versions, I think I am finally getting to grips with them.
I slightly changed this dress compared to the first three, putting a centre back seam in, and adding an invisible zip at the back instead of on the left side. I haven't decided yet if I prefer it or not.
Taking photos of the complete dress has been far from easy, I have seven children here at the moment, it's the summer holidays and everywhere seems to be in chaos, with teenagers sleeping on airbeds in my lounge. ( It didn't sound like much sleeping was happening at 2am this morning mind you!)
India offered to take some photos, Ernest insisted he needed to be in them too, despite still being in his too small pyjamas. The resulting photos make me laugh, he's having a great time, while I look mostly annoyed!
You can see there is a bit of pattern tweaking still to come, but despite that, I can honestly say that these photos arriving in my inbox this week have been one of the highlights of the week, even knowing I have more work to do on this pattern.
These were not the only fabulous photos I've recieved this week how about these?
Marie won a Scrappy Dove kit in one of my recent give aways, and had some lovely "Mummy and Son" time making it up. Here is what she said to me.
"I really enjoyed the process .... my youngest son, Humphrey, joined in and made his own with me. Humphrey chose an old pair of pjs, a sock and a pair of pants for his. Humphrey enjoyed making his bird too and is happy for me to send you a photo to say thank you. It was a lovely project to complete together. Thank you."
This week has been half term here, I've still been working, so I've had six children here most days (some days more!), and each needing attention of one form or another, which means any serious stitching or working on patterns has taken a back seat. Though I can never quite stop tinkering.
I finally finished off this bunny that had been sat sadly on my desk for longer than I care to admit. He is made from two precious scraps of original 1950's fabrics bought a few years ago at the Antique Textile Fair in Manchester.
I've been helping India make a skirt. She used my A line skirt tutorial and raided my stash for some gorgeous Linton Tweed. I got the job of all the hand stitching.
I know she has an eye on one of my vintage handbags to go with this skirt too!
I've also been playing with box pleats and pattern matching, following Tuesday night's Great British Sewing Bee, but hopefully more on that to come....