tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693493482001440332024-03-21T07:51:46.550-07:00willowsmum's musings<a href="http://www.craftyblogs.co.uk/">
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</a>willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.comBlogger167125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-4375178222526279962010-09-21T08:58:00.000-07:002010-09-21T09:22:58.244-07:00Finished trousersI am finished my dog walking trousers, but once again I think they are too good to get muddy. The other thing about moleskin (not real moleskin, just given that title because of the feel of the fabric) it is designed to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer so lining is not an option.......this fabric stretches and goes out of shape with only one wearing, the pile goes flat and they generally look shabby straight away......cord does the same IMHO.......but these fabrics are ideal for what I want so I have to put up and shut up.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519399072096890034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmRZZYVT9IecxG6i3hqqA0b39Gf5b3YTEdPb4arLKKcmYHvxj5OnAF8dWDyd76QdlpFd85dCdI4ZKqBwbZMT6Sra7nWGvo-5WFf09axzVMJEtsdwDZ_geP1rEwgGR15Ayg7s-M4SoGrNk/s320/green+3.jpg" border="0" />I used chalk to transfer the markings from the pattern to my fabric.<br /><br /><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519399646886236050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4dsyBznxwt80l_YiHsvxL4wwkYVaD0ks6mi5TD-Whjja-_fjjhjHob3ryaOVB_vGioSbiyPFdslLkV9JoLi4cX6zMWqgfD7YXo618L7vkt9OBadNDNaQlOsLNnMDaSINw3voDCEHtnE-/s320/green+4.jpg" border="0" /></div>I then thread traced so that I would have markings on both sides.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519400134479574866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 228px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYMceiWhLybLu0rgjAJ9Rdv9QhS5cJUzdFt0vQ2uLrrlMpP2_eWZYNHEZXMgnbfR7ZBo6pQ8IepeFKbUpUB0tcK-CqxFnaUaePBRyj6jCmt5xC9FkeB7lugQwQdnSwXh7ZSrcePwqs3Hd/s320/green+2.jpg" border="0" /></div>I used organza to stop the slant pocket from stretching and stitched it on by handusing a herringbone stitch.....I thought iron on interfacing would flatten the pile.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519401299660885650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XqdxQdsDO4jfLZjPDD25okrWC96q8x8_SaIz-yHvsJJGrPYiTiOLNSJhZrmUzWJllTDAnfHPEkrquGt6gR5vX-IZbWL2uswh5AQz51w_80h-0h66II-K4leLnRp8R-f6R0cgoFrl7ehn/s320/green+1.jpg" border="0" /></div>Here they are same as usual, I took a few pictures but they were absolutely appalling, this was the best one and no these are not my dog walking shoes lol<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519402492401665122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF_jk4QPcq3rmde-iAE6waaaWilD4Zyjv4c0bL6Y_j0xkzB-AWegzoMG8xJV_fmRcyTXwGzwP4WYSjb4BUmqDAIk1nFV9NNhO04tr5sIxHtqlVK2KQfRgZq68GhKhyEK-8_-etYTLiQJ6/s320/Linton+1.jpg" border="0" /><br />I went to Linton tweeds.....I mentioned in my last post......here is the fabric I bought, the assistant gave me some labels to stitch into my garments.willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-75171801653382288372010-09-12T12:58:00.000-07:002010-09-12T13:34:51.140-07:00BusyI have been busy for a few months with our kitchen extension, it's nearly finished now but it shows the rest of the house up... that will have to be decorated now...... tut..... I'm fed up with it.....I am not that keen on housework.<br />I have been busy sewing a pair of moleskin trousers for dog walking ( the last couple of pairs of moleskin trousers were RTW and they are nearly thread bare so I am desperate for new ones) RTW moleskins are really expensive some are £120 a pair. I have the waistband to put on and the hems to do.<br />We went to Carlisle yesterday and I went into Linton Tweeds to see what their fabrics were like. There were some beautiful Tweeds and their wool crepes are lovely for skirts and trousers.....well I couldn't come away with nothing, could I? I bought 4 metres of black wool crepe for a pair of tailored trousers and a skirt. I looked at the Tweeds (for my first jacket) but I didn't want anything that had to be matched.....I ended up with a black textured wool with sparkly bits in it and what looks like little bits of ribbon woven into it. I have no idea when I will get round to sewing these beautiful fabrics.....it cost me £150. They were reasonably priced for what they described as couture fabrics..<br />There was a striped wool fabric in red, blue and cream which had been used by Chanel and this was the remnant that was left, not my taste, then there was a beautiful textured wool but it was in a sickly sweet bright pink which was also a remnant from Chanel.<br />I will take some pictures of my new fabrics when I get some time.<br />It is nice to be sewing, my wardrobe is getting very sparse and shabby so I really need some quick projects, I might sew a few knits.<br />The silk blouse in the post below has never been worn yet, for some reason I am not that keen on it......never mind, I might wear it next summer.willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-47913171251572194692010-06-06T08:06:00.000-07:002010-06-06T08:16:30.723-07:00Finished silk shirt<div><div><div><div>Here are the pictures of my finished silk shirt.....I'm not that keen on it for all of the frustration I've had......I prefer cotton or linen if I am honest, I will wear it though.</div></div></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479678025360155970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkfasvNqAiRuT4ENbE_BtTcZbYpnTFQ1kTo72gSE7XZuA_oR0RBPXMBBV64o8t5zUCUf7ynN5RoqVcTyegFYN-vmQJc1mzj8ZUymheMEjee9JrQgfp0ZzjK6FURTHEUF1PqdokM36zTn_/s320/shirt+2.jpg" border="0" />From the back.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479677821148984082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTGHgn_WjCcdLFUlu89xvhAnwuWDRE5biZkuMZCKc8_k4hPsUL6jRxaFdREGaCk4KaedT2cVxI6wqWbV9WYXmYdZnNDNuhKKAMF2YBkATQ8scW_iFuM8fePNGWSEtGAtQfANaQ-zvXFwk/s320/shirt+1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479679157090047570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 143px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65n5JcfjmE6yBBSUupOHnoxHrnQ4Y2_PPDHyOvcJRtBN3lBP-olAvxJRfDEDkyZ4_i49SyAwbdqdRwvF_hXVNO17pLun9Y71vPqAZm6VT2Bn4d9hgqROVjAaDKpRZv7MKa5YFjZHEnj79/s320/shirt+3.jpg" border="0" /></p></div><br />From the front.....there isn't anything more I can say about this shirt other than .......it's alright.....not worth the money I spent on it.willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-21003318663545802692010-06-05T06:32:00.000-07:002010-06-05T07:02:48.113-07:00My GardenThe flowers are starting to open in my garden so I thought I would take a few pictures, anyway we have the plasterers in the kitchen today so I am keeping out of the mess.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479282653779560162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FzJpqNVS4P_bT-y4Nwmf1Cmj3T3RR8i60slPg22bfrfxPxzdaa3HztWUO6P_njwfZ2HTYuJTGKupoYW1_r6xlgRSECVn9kdDgqNnzeRFwRWo7su-tIL1PsvAfQl6KCqEuGvIL1jnPuq2/s320/garden+1.jpg" border="0" />I have waited 2 years for this poppy, but worth the wait.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479283099723783586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 283px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexAjRXj5XACjEsRibit5eVJ4tMWLbqNWi_P_h0fy3OhcWapqCzW-T8ckSRFd25TEhyg7DkA02eKRxRznmJPt0LKi2hEehcYSvBaKuuEpx3DvjN6MrlhwmnmGTM4GM1DOtkuWsk2TmPG58/s320/garden+2.jpg" border="0" /> Another view.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479283526163424786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWoTUPXtLgroMQ-kU3SHlYOBECR6grwweHoHH9l-mmSgxXINFSFD15EDWiUgvf_FLXGvyMTqAYKbe89GiizC0keqGc2wumqAVljPWYuS5XbDb3PbQ-7k7koTiElH9A8ZNmcVFj7s4MDcY/s320/garden+3.jpg" border="0" />My Clematis is just starting to flower.<br /></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479284197884289090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GlUkAmyf6emT1xB_msV5WDrDuD4lW2TvntNZlnaSMFA7cQdlZaK-gYdOFdsuuxVhkqPWggyUMzQe_AKcEcyvd3KakIS0hmo19FvXAjmJ6f0RTn22tiH3rifKHe6UXBPN4qnt8xTUJHDZ/s320/garden+5.jpg" border="0" />Hostas and lupins.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479284732413680194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2QBvKvWF-Q3BNyY2QyEQz_ufTz4hidRvsvDhxXsBnRoAVS9WwZGj6_KHDYH5fWCfwt_dG4AeuUMI36WEqWLFTjbIPmPw7Y6USQuYNHL674f8WMD-3cGoS9ydB_2d-wQ3-r0Xlw6sGdeC/s320/garden+6.jpg" border="0" />Another variety of Hosta.<br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479285284785589698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 197px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqP7diEkdPXMBOMefvepl30-ZJF9KUaMbcyHHeudLYChF3jC14SKtok0Fxtt17rTBMCoV9KEygDCuUGP70-B0kvRzvmDKbCVOTuTCUDaIg6JFeWiQw_Owtbop7AmuceLFon1bHe3ZdFgz/s320/garden+8.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>Sky likes to help in the garden too.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479285998690105762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tFXbcQiU-Sasng6Wns6BrPOYOwtZ8pjep8c14whNSUvv9EHdhM7uz7peZR2Cq5Nomc3GuQNZ-Nz6pgkRcCkdEBh2Yiy5rDdqheu7SL_CHo5Vu8yS2z5YLUu_hB4yU2uCV5xn7Fv8yzmR/s320/gartden+4.jpg" border="0" />She is definately posing for this one.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479286519186447138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcECJoH3BGTkXWpGMmSCHct7-fixaVW0Ba6EPGygYFno1PrBntVQh9rdXmtLGCyRRZpRtQS6EUqhTW7KD3MV7j2Mb6Rfkhs85WxiatW7YM1z4nYUo4pH03mmKEX1XREnsdjV8q8wKvBGIq/s320/garden+7.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div>I noticed when reading some blogs of the ladies in America that their Iris were in full flower, my Iris have just started to bud up. I can see a couple of them are ready to bloom.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479287324315916514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 257px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0iTw7ZlF0u7U1tutD9GHlHnVRyAk3MYTXOPJ3LFJEH43LUqVbAFNYwCU1QiZASbCIreOSeIU2w5erFJo7rTBxE6IW_ul4q1kqMwkwiSuyfpyV16z-KOK4qsVT2slXsV2Wa9ZlxqSQ94r/s320/garden+9.jpg" border="0" /><br />I am finished my silk shirt, I finished it this morning while the plasterers were in. I am sick of this garment, I have made more mistakes on it than enough. I was really careful doing the buttonholes, stitching on the buttons and doing the hem, by hand, but I am not out of the woods yet! I tried to rub a few of the markings off with a clean wet cloth......some of them have come off but some of them haven't..... I have worried about this fabric until the end.....I will wear it a couple of times then rinse it in cold water to, hopefully, remove the markings then wash it properly. When I get myself looking respectable I will take a picture of me wearing it.willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-53029390541921414772010-05-30T11:31:00.000-07:002010-05-30T12:16:58.366-07:00Living in chaosHere are a few pictures of my kitchen.....it definately isn't a kitchen at the moment.....<br /><div><div><div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477136295073627170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCmidRxxLTVaU69AzhWGJEZT9E0zrqda_zVwVGgdniOwLkYeOkHZNemFFw_xRtEzzgOIKYbmxqRTbg9ULb5vbSI-GATxn0VqoimSfGKUjjt0DSqKMODyKKPXVQcnE8e3VbdS_Mn-So4a5/s320/kitchen+2.jpg" border="0" /> The old ceiling had to come down, the steel girder is where the outside wall used to be.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477134473141859922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEfFE9AWxmx_oiwKyE2JkZEdiHlmjsd-y3RPwe8Fri1xjBjrDZGtadUZZxvxJtqIqZdT2fSD7EVJExRkuvv4VbzTJCuXo9LTpY_JVvxRoGXj2JoledzBr252y3zg5IBD-NfUlbEQ2X-tK/s320/kitchen+3.jpg" border="0" />I have lightened these pictures so much that Sky's grey muzzle is showing.....she doesn't like change or being disturbed. She hasn't slept properly during the day since the disruption started and she doesn't like strangers in the house. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477135783873171410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn60eCziSMusSbMfm11WrlKLODz3tA1sTyGnb0j12QICgJleyR_IV8gnsWkudoUGLKTWw3wRfNPIryk8EDuygqEAEBJXcXWiSGTpB9NGl9lu4nc2s_fs9O8XSA6UBYVaMrhAJ21QNekkc/s320/kitchen+6.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div>View from my new kitchen windows.....my beautiful Acer has had a battering.<br /><br /><br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477136889792323618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzVRNOumKLp0N3dlLeMKB6ZslV3IxmlIbPkwGHFTLc06j9pRw3iRUs3suJbloYvDY2wm1E5hazr5zuA1gie8sSxWtJDGIlM6PEkGwJDCf2nJ6TWsKj4efFH8m0j9oYxDUm-KQxNJ8btZX/s320/kitchen+7.jpg" border="0" />There is nothing much left of my small garden, this is supposed to be my patio....it is just a dumping ground at them moment. My old ceiling is in the plastic bags.<br /></p><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477137612680363026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzA9sG_cZUflD5fDoDFfjqyUQQ_uiwcIa0mVP69oPLlXvdq-D8u14SsFXUa_iRDmDWlMXjOla9ZbtHdc8Qo-YohvC4FG6R3dVPeaj6AcVfCcipl64Dp8H-_5OxXd-1WjRQ-Ho4g3-G4cq0/s320/kitchen+5.jpg" border="0" />Beautiful new windows....if only the inside looked as good.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477138136379569442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IbK5v4okOmoRL9hb8UFCGv4YbcwTVmTU_UHLriXMt4mUVuLRWxlYdsgbvsZ3hLw1zNDp3Vx8cA1K7n-EQEixZNzwUOVeQnXd0BfDHnL_srSu05rWmClTarzVt2n8WpGFhRIxgNt2V8aj/s320/DSCF0475.jpg" border="0" />We now have 3 times as many windows in the kitchen but we still have lost a lot of light, it is darker than I thought it would be....I still love it though.</div><div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477138812776883394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCKElW1BC1nvIBgHXiTvOmHjRJxCeasu_nRm-QCgjDQfSR9U9DE_3KojPxxxQdtIeKViWoi5oLoWGyJXQ2g1BfHpPYljcQLQvLq5G8fcJ1rl4-rjvz4GmAhhJBdEVP6kILEAnzUxMjopZ/s320/kitchen+1.jpg" border="0" />I have made more mistakes on this shirt than anything else I have ever made, in fact it has nearly gone in the bin a couple of times. The last huge mistake was while overlocking the hem I slashed into the body of the shirt with the knife on the machine (I have done this before on a grey skirt I was making, you think I would learn from my mistakes....no!) I was absolutely gutted because this fabric wasn't cheap, I had to put it down and walk away until I composed myself and thought about what I was going to do. I couldn't cut it down to where the cut was because it would be too short.....first of all I invisibly mended it with silk thread then I cut off 1/4" at a time all the way around the hem twice, the mistake was then turned under into the hem, I am hand stitching it because I need to be in full control, one more mistake and it will be ruined. There is too much going on in my mind and I am not concentrating on what I am doing. <p></p></div></div>willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-6316798792754791442010-05-22T00:19:00.000-07:002010-05-23T00:15:47.932-07:00Too much messI haven't blogged for a few days now but to say we have major disruption in our house is an understatement.<br />The builders have been in , on and off, for three weeks now and they are nearing the end of the extension to our kitchen, the windows and door are due next week. We have ordered all of the kitchen units, fridge freezer, range and dishwasher, we need the plasterer to plaster the new walls and skim all of the old walls, the list goes on.<br />I am still sewing, even if it is just a little, and am progressing with my silk shirt, I have just put the sleeves in that leaves the side seams, cuffs, buttons and buttonholes.<br />Yesterday I bought some more RTW tops for the summer, I just wasted my time because none of them fit, I get spoilt sewing my own stuff because I always find fault with RTW, now I have to take them all back.....tut<br />I will try to get photos of my shirt.......when I've got time.<br />On a different note, I got 2nd with my lovely little girl Piper in an open dog competition a couple of weeks ago.....I was absolutely delighted. (Open competitions are for older more experienced dogs and are difficult to win or even get placed.)willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-72739712797142906462010-05-07T03:41:00.000-07:002010-05-07T04:13:52.994-07:00Silk shirtI have started another shirt the same as the white one and the flowered one .....my thoughts were, we have the builders in and I still wanted to sew so I thought I would do a TNT project so there is no stress just straight forward sewing.......huh!!!!!!!??????......that's what I thought.<br /><br /><br /><div>This was not the time to use my favourite silk which cost me over £50. It is a pain in the a.....to work with, in fact at one stage I was just going to fold it up and put it away in my box and leave it there.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468478548935746066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2s_QCXOEc1aEhEcewO_G04uohGg6zJGjm45GvvV-I9aKhAynsJfL2UwqS6XjvsUinj3aii13tkr3uCCcXU5N4iXZRCQAC9F26wif4qinh9rSgTL92ZZ2Jfutk2U1W8huI-L_B5nXnMQMP/s320/fabric_3%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br />This is the villain in question.<br /><br /><p>This pattern has a yoke and the front shoulder seam has to have a stay to stop it from stretching.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468479371200036834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYQo6cAXTW7x1Br9Gmcgyi6n6cP5IhDW3SqWZpxvEZ3HH75Z_BFU1uWf0kTAQUJuNUfE8Bgga92bOtuLiC17Z7PNVN7glXTQKjiVK_9NaEYCuwmOiK-Zyrd9EUJZO4-XR4Em0sDJ_x8_t/s320/silk+shirt+3.jpg" border="0" />I tried organza</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468479778374791074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOO91D5twke1Hn7683Q6sOV2eYjaPxzax5zyfjwDlkhweHbgxGF9HAcuIJbmZX0f6FrZGqc4IdBCooHlag-zTYGJVLEEupd47GoZ_FsIxx_64HUd6RUQEoLb0EhmaKznGnINIBxUlFBY66/s320/silk+shirt+2.jpg" border="0" />this was just to stiff and made the seam wavy. Then I tried batiste</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468480761178942754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAfWWYM6bjsfj_jysygW2vyN7QNWr4js5Wh7QqSJOQNZLOi2x47Pw4J2st4-0CnSqe_O5sb98Y38SR29GBo-kQxAclKt1Hzg_ZI4b-X6EyHM0DDUPvXTN7XKeUO6LWLRXV4PePFgd9JYW/s320/silk+shirt+1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>this also made the seam wavy and was just to heavy for the delicate silk. I then used self fabric, cutting it on the straight grain so it wouldn't stretch.....still not suitable.....at this point I just wanted to fold it up and put it away.</p><br /><p>This morning I decided I wouldn't put any stay in at all, everything is too heavy, so I decided to put a couple of rows of stay stitching in the seam before I sew it</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468482144705613618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTO4MkABt3lkgxpTvfbjZ3DlMQE28aQ1zd0BdNJLZHAJ3-FQbEa605XLIvJOGJVrGsmRE5JGY3ZLxfmjovsmfZ0e1qf8iZ5qGRpbceMl8LvBvaWZnvdwDCG7m415EPWFxMwTRH3Ys4ux4O/s320/silk+shirt+4.jpg" border="0" />this is a little better but as I have pulled this seam out about 3 times it has eventually stretched it but I am going to persevere with it and see if I can salvage it. The trouble is the V neck on the shirt and the back neck also has to have a stay and I will just have to put staystitching there as well. I wonder how this will turn out, will I have a beautiful silk shirt at the end of it or will it go back into my box and never see the light of day.<br /><br /><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><p></p>willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-8471410264760824162010-05-01T09:56:00.001-07:002010-05-01T10:27:04.990-07:00Stash<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjG8Je0Ugyvx_O6sT3z0Zrv4dy8fXwcMrjeSLmfE6VzyfvrRFBZhWx-ahtda_u1pKzBxwaoFNDzNZDe2xcR-axc6O-VUfySMS2Q-Doz1j_17qHg1nSBx5RZLyfBqdWMj2HURJvQ6pkdZo/s1600/stash+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466346808454055346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjG8Je0Ugyvx_O6sT3z0Zrv4dy8fXwcMrjeSLmfE6VzyfvrRFBZhWx-ahtda_u1pKzBxwaoFNDzNZDe2xcR-axc6O-VUfySMS2Q-Doz1j_17qHg1nSBx5RZLyfBqdWMj2HURJvQ6pkdZo/s320/stash+1.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is my collection of fabrics or stash as everyone calls it......this is a blanket box that I have had for about 40 years, it was covered with quilted vinyl and had yellow flowers all over it so I recovered it and I keep my precious fabrics inside, it keeps them dust and grime free. This is all the stash I have, there maybe 20 or so different fabrics, I won't buy anymore until there is room inside for more...... as you can see it is full to the brim with fabrics that I love. The flowered fabric on top is what is left over from my latest project.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466349371810981090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yXEHZgZMY0Tkxa3KlAj06lZhGQBeaObmZ0pv2MGg3QR3mC_2CGOy6_xbOXDqy6cZCU93QgCHP9AFmpXPTMY9yco56_novMub5OgrlC0O3LIcvcRQ_GL1dU7nAJcpAjgWyo7hcx0l2F83/s320/flowered+shirt+4.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br />I am still not quite sure about the design on this shirt but the fabric is really lovely to wear. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466349804170520978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 217px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTLvqRFgVOpplHsgHv58NIFRtOCgczkJsSp3lEVVJGCMkGL9C0cgm_P1HzmQSqwj755FiH_b6tSz4VOZpjh2IxNL6BRGfsmLDlBsEvBytvRjlmd41h5-TGWyQkMcHqMGx-UigtXpufp0n/s320/flowered+shirt+5.jpg" border="0" /><br />This fits a lot better than the white shirt since I altered the neckline. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466350460685927474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 162px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfbaX7rEYMQoqqSy7iJr2PM06Lw7_S3lx9AsKYorzDWp4Og1MPeRAAL0KltnSk43PnxuBi-0tyBCnallifI_JA6Y0GWqIBVFCwxgAmgKpXPu1mQ29hwYu9NeI6xYl5xAkAXWa9aTCrcTg/s320/flowered+shirt+2.jpg" border="0" /><br />I like it open like this, I think the white camisole underneath breaks up the flowered pattern.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466351159196315218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIeuyDNV9XA-BjpczCeZcyi7a5ZNWrKdT8wfFTYf4Xm31_wYaJqosMODxXRUH9V_8Xdo-vRJFd9pTsf7mIqQpVtjGX4j5Pq3LjWxijGoxpLmSferwxjjsRQX_eT-1wJL8QoxqyYQzYoZO/s320/Flowered+shirt+1.jpg" border="0" /><br />I think I will get some wear out of this in the summer, I didn't think I would wear it at all but it is growing on me just like the flowers lol lol. As you can see I have no furniture or carpets in my dining room, we have builders in at the moment we are having our kitchen extended.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466351738034365954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEIWeaq5XO8xeykfatfm0xt2W8RamaPZAtbAHbZfSTRwf_dU2MDfrUDpuE9BpN7QRae79V2QVIPq-VVlGvwYXzkcXVPOXpaj5RfX6YF6dTFkE6qTHHBRNrslHEM4FXmHo84R4Wn5N7SMe/s320/stash+2.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>My desk is cleared for my next project......same pattern but green silk, this is lovely fabric.</p>willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-29789071862895758002010-04-29T07:22:00.001-07:002010-04-29T08:13:39.361-07:00Shopping againI went shopping on Sunday of all days when the world and its children were out shopping...tut.....anyway I bought some fabric for more shirts and at last some fabric for a relaxed jacket and more linen for trousers. The thing is, and this is not an excuse to buy fabric, but I have to buy what I like when I see it otherwise it would be gone when I go back if that makes sense lol lol<br /><div><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465573765202496994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8h5paI-D4ZJmLcOtKSAKIWTRP3N98ZyDO29dxYS4RO1gNlwY812uxYCN3aJ-h6kxm9e7VOh8RYCeEVG_ibFhe-lSLQSPtANxLDb474wrypcAndnP_pBKtJchLS3-skwfDIV9mdyV6nJd/s320/fabric+1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div><div></div><p>Above.....from the left.....dark navy linen for trousers, £14.50 a metre.....good quality. Breathable lining in navy and sage £9.95 a metre, this is beautiful lining from John Lewis.<br /></p><br /><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465567112568369138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Vy9_dseLndxR49dxPo7Lj5tcc_xOJfcsES4ZUB7Y8y3ugBjcel9gXrUyh13O0-ekqxHYgV686oZ3EypteAwTTcj0E3nCXDBZLXSobnvHTfzlRyrWuU_Bhy_FhvWbVaHmztO1YEcIvO85/s320/fabric+2.jpg" border="0" />Above from the left .......a herringbone linen, it is blue but in fact it might be more of a violet, lovely colour, for a relaxed jacket, I am not quite sure if I suit tailored jackets, this was £13.50 a metre. The other fabric is for a shirt and is described as an ethnic floral and is £12 a metre, very pretty colours and is a viscose.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465574351605724338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0PPgugx1L6kCpH6CwdhI4La4MQSJpiV97PtMusWj6y7U46mlcYmjouc77i-fesaGS92UDQT8fxUFny5MgI3qcv-VlW5DEy429QiAHNKDrz3cCgl7WIZQHFZL8a9-rKwcOHIKPEhRVSKe/s320/fabric+3.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div><div>I am not quite sure about these 2 fabrics.....they are both 100% cotton the white is a slub weave at £6 a metre, the blue is an Oxford cotton also at £6 a metre both fabrics are for shirts but they feel a little stiff to me......maybe if I wash them a few times it will soften them up.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465570597657320082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6NBC3QEEAFe-QtMfQ5nWfvBZYT5b2kSod7ahQU9hcktVIWIDkuAHrDhItzCjQ7-cc47RZEkfS5RDJ4JAMg8lAbuFxaKZXQ6m-v1AouMAe80ZoP7gMiexafY-gjwGJnT7tzBfbTfSx60I/s320/handbag+1.jpg" border="0" />I posted I had bought this bag the other day.....well I tried to get all of my stuff in and it was just too small so I returned it and bought this one</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465573228563329314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfS5-5Q0XgPSAspCvTzQq52uHWQvoQ0aHxQo_YefMb8dz1PAtYWrwPzJB6kgxgCGI9mkMRb5kRaa2jW_gdDPO_TaZtOS8RYddCoe4teqfzto_LktJCaEu_q3PhP7f3XojlEGiaslera_U/s320/fabric+5.jpg" border="0" /> Lovely soft tan leather.....scrummy if that is the right word.</div><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465571785493468770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmthKiB-R1q9RFcYjvOWazjCNyXZA1qxJMeQRvif2B7_HizOsXtkWkKQOGMndoHVQoXnhsL2iploCweJnKp9LliisCjXNpJceLWaKpdXR44LNNKgN3VbTMtadzKBOaCJTYHM23a2gWmLJ/s320/fabric+6.jpg" border="0" /></p></div><p>I also needed some new make up.....well not really but I couldn't resist these from my favourite Clarins........eye shadow palette, a highlighter for cheek bones and brow arches and anywhere else you care to highlight and a tinted lip balm, all summer colours apparently.<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465572849689994914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Rn9P2ZiAVrQoWbnpWiNbToNvAy3KNnjEDcG9Azl8nczpmrWT_83P-JqfFAq5UwyoTRRQGwaV7OeB90wi-0J1ysLGJwFqpLHv8lQimCriWLMZfJP6ItF5oOBUeRH3WO2i7QemoKFOIuz7/s320/fabric+7.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div><br /><br /><p>Last but not least a dark maroon.....darker than it looks here.....nail varnish, there were four in a pack, this is one of them.</p><p>My flowery shirt only needs the cuffs , buttonholes and buttons stitched on.....I like it better than I did but I'm still not sure....my husband says he would wear it, not in my size he wouldn't lol lol</p>willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-34688534604186483162010-04-29T00:12:00.000-07:002010-04-29T00:29:50.611-07:00ComparisonI have been compairing the shape of RTW shirts to the shirts that I make.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtb21rcuM3BrgISPFfilzPwvIMXEx195VodwrikmtcbGL2lqQvR79MLRXHcU5LmkhVbylEHagjeCJ6zFE9u534TOLi8HKjjpI7na66KyD-sUPj_Qmb-JWZ3FTDGlGtGZxF4kPUR1JkgLs/s1600/shopping+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465454899447734370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtb21rcuM3BrgISPFfilzPwvIMXEx195VodwrikmtcbGL2lqQvR79MLRXHcU5LmkhVbylEHagjeCJ6zFE9u534TOLi8HKjjpI7na66KyD-sUPj_Qmb-JWZ3FTDGlGtGZxF4kPUR1JkgLs/s320/shopping+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I know they are two totally different styles but the shape of the RTW on the left just doesn't flatter my shape at all infact I think it makes me look rather matronly and frumpy.......the one on the left which was handmade suits my shape a lot better even though I haven't quite got the fitting right over the shoulders.<br />I have bought more fabric for shirts I will take photographs later, we have got builders in at the moment.....ugh.... more mess.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37hHshTILo5pNuK7j5sNYHJcmbDJBDzVyDDtP5wkTaiCRsO8lLatfVGG89SlVckOOU887SSvL6zQVYyVFHg6xooFr_myz5vso2s3WE0vXjH-qBiluzmFYEpVBzVoZ7imVCnIzKFLSMx8l/s1600/finished+shirt+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465455329806848066" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 248px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37hHshTILo5pNuK7j5sNYHJcmbDJBDzVyDDtP5wkTaiCRsO8lLatfVGG89SlVckOOU887SSvL6zQVYyVFHg6xooFr_myz5vso2s3WE0vXjH-qBiluzmFYEpVBzVoZ7imVCnIzKFLSMx8l/s320/finished+shirt+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-4424337468102773332010-04-22T08:05:00.000-07:002010-04-22T08:25:47.512-07:00Ready to wear<div><div><div><div><div>I bought 3 tops when I went shopping yesterday and I'm not quite sure that I love any of them. I think I am so used to making my things I really don't know what to buy and if I am satisfied with the fit of them. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462978970818110962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQndySnSVjLLmCz_6fiH9Vn1ltSwnY2MErwqIxV5GA2l41K-cU62MuvfcANWQU6tmB2AAsgnrHFELK7txTvsbC2LFXt3UcQChBZZ4yQrOUXuB6TqDKvEeUXJSFnvm03eCHWWE4ettGNuHA/s320/shopping+2.jpg" border="0" /></div></div>This is the first one, I don't mind the fabric, I think the style is a little young for me, I like the colour but I don't think I suit collars.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462979516671223026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 138px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWcOjsCfCEQ6n_c8ABoum_IS5DVnYn-KMJeTvEIViBA8BJTf8F63JG1VtZ3CTw3U0Yk93G-APnDKgOfMbift_mTQSb1g1MZnQazcDRK_J674lYjvvu54qBrvmh-gqFN2zV7ZFFxrSf0TQ/s320/shopping+3.jpg" border="0" /></div>This little dog does make me laugh..........anyway on to the second, this fabric isn't very good it is also a dirty white......I think it is a poor quality voil, I don't like the grandad collar on this one, so this one is definitely a NO, even though Sky seems to like it lol lol <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462980479569609650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFOMq9CIhN5m-BWVynLY2OSvFQDzUlG2i3071oBEnYGYfW3s8bUsDD4HwUr2P2Coj6M2oiupFraOFfHjvT6JCf_nWRQg4vNk5pKmNhwdL_B_F-sUkh0HOFJCYY-MxYjZig6_nkwMkH5vf/s320/shopping+4.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p>Very bad photograph......I love this fabric, it is linen and very pretty colours but it is one of those styles that makes you look pregnant, I am not keen on the neckline so I don't think I will be keeping this one either.</p><p>So I dont like any of these tops and the fabric of my latest project is awful.......I'm really having a great time......NOT</p><p>I really love this,<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462982112279591682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWQJvl2Oqb8zjr9ZJBm9HZMdAD-d4_h0xVHqMCmLD4K6GZMbwrPiMkXG-lSgJSoNIhBwxzeeOnl77L78J5DMjWEbDdQXB0ZSu_4UBv0anCqWlhuUXvohk_i6GkLab05Ro5X7vMoGGlsOK/s320/handbag+1.jpg" border="0" /></p></div>which I bought to go with these,<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462982518356262034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShUMGx2QlSEs5HwuqqnOpSzMFQd0tAaZdJqUIcWpw1vMJlnlL5O2mDMChTFyU_QEJ8TtrmxMyCCQcnFmkOplsON8ERDE_joC8yGVcSf0QxY7MPTyX2Km4z4_q7YskJ-vC5V7nOavzJ3ft/s320/tan+sandals.jpg" border="0" />willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-12958963039067308222010-04-20T09:56:00.000-07:002010-04-20T10:14:16.554-07:00I'm not sure about this fabric at all......ugh....I thought it was a really sweet, feminine, airy, summer cotton but it just reminds me of my grandma's flowerey all in one aprons that she used to wear. I should follow my instincts and I should know after all of my mistakes that I am a plain and simple sort of person and I just don't suit busy fabric designs. I am going to finish it though.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462266439633262658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 194px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZa_nqFxDDIm8PIoKzXoMdGhhiyTZnDdW3xonc_e1gqhIVzesDwAhZEDgVYOb_8aFFaln24qMm9I6Mni-sx4vJz0oWp6nNchm-wX33t07xU9vfuQz9N9T74s0xk-ka59mCKi88V_B34P0A/s320/flowered+blouse+2.jpg" border="0" /><br />I have got the neckline done, I actually altered the neckline by taking a 1/4" wedge from the front neckline and tapering to nothing at the armsye, I am hoping this will stop the shoulder seams pulling to the back but .....who knows.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462267529832751954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 251px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vunbR2gg6YMpF8gJPBc4LLwOrRd9_PscrKi7MSKnwOVcD1YkqvfuUvqJ2Mz71SUla6_wC5fojlFeIEvU59AR5mpVnCA7UzyWaVicuIask34oeZVj6FJybwmCcT0k7HIJejxaEHkFpoKQ/s320/flowered+blouse+1.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>I pinned a sleeve in just to see if it would look a little bit better......no it doesn't.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462267844078695714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqaplKel-3-5y2ShBtc1O-kir7Ps_2nmB2isyx7WTJUXRr2SBdKV0ki-yD0sg211RICN4yCATW2hUltbszqVKPOYz9509e2Lo1kUjTLOoqsyYJWR8SJb8XqaE0IegdOf8iCtulCwcugqG/s320/flowered+blouse+3.jpg" border="0" /></p>It is lovely fabric and sews up beautifully, maybe I can wear it as sleepwear lol lolwillowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-50553245612021933712010-04-17T05:06:00.000-07:002010-04-17T05:34:31.341-07:00Flowered shirtI have cut out my flowered shirt and marked it all.......I hate transferring markings with a passion. I know this is one of the most important tasks in sewing especially thread tracing, it helps me so much but I really hate doing it so I do it in small increments. I make sure all the preparation is done altogether cutting, marking, choosing and cutting interfacing and thread and button choice and it all takes so much time when you are impatient to get started sewing, it takes all of my willpower not to just jump in and start sewing on my machine.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461079397977117170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40MRR3ExnoWogNg5c0mRQp-QO-a8RlC04g5CMmZgCp8N303DXsVSNHCkq_ViNA3eMSA0Iz44Ux_0ADUL-wwdVC5xvakPizBeuCGpK8Ohs_wQsHiDGxEXn0ewvgCqAyFwSsgpgh6vYqEc7/s320/Flowered+shirt+1.jpg" border="0" /><br />I am a little disappointed with this fabric, it wasn't cheap but when I was making samples of different interfacings and I used some steam the dye came out of the fabric onto my ironing board. This has never happened to me before, if I had known what was going to happen I would have washed it another couple of times.....I washed it once......funnily enough the dye off the flowers hasn't come out onto the white backround of the fabric, I wonder if it is the heat and moisture together that is doing it. Anyway I am not going to waste it.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461081390917193858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetjdcfqGTiTB3HViVLya9FQ53k61u-6UtDoIsuywj4MsjcU-VvAgs-qyo5uf-duybHwVcGH1FQW9dZ7PnqLUP1Z7CANTFoQEmyX4bpxCpAAne3RdmugaVIY-GQKS89NSDUsokm7Wfzs76/s320/Flowered+shirt+2.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Above you can see the imprint on my ironing board cover from the fabric so I have covered my ironing board with some white sheeting while I make this shirt. I will definitely have to make another cover now.</p><p>I don't think I will get much sewing done for the next few months because we are having some home improvements done. Sigh, sigh. </p>willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-5080472950662709242010-04-11T04:40:00.000-07:002010-04-11T05:25:20.705-07:00Finished shirt<div>I am calling this a shirt because I didn't want a fitted blouse, I wanted a slouchy shirt something relaxed and casual. Did I achieve that?......I don't know, I think I have too many curves and bulges but I am happy with the result even though there are lots of fitting issues to be sorted. </div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>This is the shirt that I absolutely love<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458844689799693618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-vqpN-V0DTa-qRn75zrS6nvD8G9VzEymHAJT64FGrPfp7nrpVT6Wb5Wpcdct-TD7e6602tzmJ0BMYArWsYasiEvU7iK74A0Zdk7bWGotoigJ7IRxWSuQOhFIdCmEED_rhaYm8rR7oBQI/s320/shirt_pattern_2%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p>a Calvin Klein big slouchy shirt........this is my interpretation<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458845236618604946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 248px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-sgP9e2FOf532YdKugJ693oUAqBADGMKSPLnQd59XQwYvBLstP54DR-Bxd_KfhOaV_XgiAG58DJmL8VxIQk0aNG1d5esAlL-eDDy-oSEg1tprlKS4ontL1tZNMTpX0MDk65PaYveDRnH/s320/finished+shirt+1.jpg" border="0" /></p></div><p>as you can see the shoulders are slipping to the back but they are like that on the pattern picture as well. I could have added more darts but that would have been a fitted blouse and that isn't what I am looking for.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458848400398499698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LnNb-YcRGTW5SLXBtsYiNtfZH7ZnE0Xj9DAskpR6M8Sa_sc443UET_f6tWUO0EcuCAFD2jZU8aWEpMFS8zdcwWiW-EMQcECZDdG12Ox83tbzVkNfgySiol1XIM4vGN2ba4Gbw4862MxA/s320/finished+shirt+2.jpg" border="0" /> This shirt would have been massive, I have had to take out about 4" from the width and about 2" from the sleeves, add a dart and do a FBA, the yoke..... I had to do extensive alterations because of my round shoulders, I also had to put a seam down the middle and add extra width. </p><p>The sleeves also had a lot of alterations, they weren''t long enough, they were far too wide, I had to extend the top of the armsye to accomodate my large shoulders and take out some pleats from the cuff .</p><p>The shoulder seam was too far down the arm so I adjusted for that as well. I am happy with everything except the shoulders, but I will have to live with it unless I want it more fitted. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458849219858167890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtOndrRu59dvSB8Z29HtZt9xgXUHNVAFwxKmgJN4yNlifOOnWdhrwX-27Kdne1KVWGlUBhSDD5JafeTrTu37lkNwQwlXxtGkXQmNkoneg0mFu1_1TuVytcCJtNpax8iUxYe8pxKmRTT5s/s320/finished+shirt+3.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div><br /><p>These pictures are with my tailored trousers.<br /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458849958722272530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcgZHlkHfLk7e_f0aCHEXsk4YmVqT3mNQTnYo7HIlfN734R09I8gx4kh1-cAS8jesFTdbfftlXSyKjZnnjzUL6uA_BVzeKZQikvt1w0izmJPOQfDeoBA-E6xqlYz-hl_lqgR9uccak-QZ/s320/finished+shirt+4.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458850492606180354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOywE-Xf2QS7YR_58Xspq-aWts7OEDWAXje1rZ3CbGLUEP3WbQa-3jPFtZ2q0tW-VqOdZlsrWZs9Z_zr1eK-1WEo1PxFxPP8mPEAsNi2PfGFvhu74_u18p_uIEC8A9ZLcJOm2WmtduXI6/s320/finished+shirt+5.jpg" border="0" />These pictures are with the navy chino cotton trousers I have just finished, I suppose I could wear my trainers with these for a more casual look.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458851179700903794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPxWw3y0a4dVpz3dI_GqcsaOsubqUJEapzb1lV4pkeY-IE8W4JOlnGTt5i5-Jc8f44N3sBKYvm7vn4XQqwElAnkADbE7dgi7AomSOoskuDeKBroVSiAZ-IQt7rtxEKnPDu6szFoutfYuC/s320/finished+shirt+6.jpg" border="0" /></p></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458851416022402610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 167px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSymPPkKq5xVAHVww-8D4U2hiZd9usDEiK9edmc9mwk3QqCVYezstGnHXpwzAYho8n0hHi3yT0vyX-_etOokYvWvX0rginFR5d1PtPD32Xfp0FKH_iIcH3JdBrubch9yVhk3FoNrFOdjet/s320/finished+shirt+7.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458851732613122162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 178px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnOmSxTqBp4cU7mzsmCxR83ysTJhFOUqybIe6kF_hIhYrrmwQ94FhAjqs1DByZkTRYE9KtnTdmP-UvhmJtqggxs7pAttnOjGzhTyC05WnJOCPjX7sHI3t7VsS4DpDQuS4c7snFwvENNgO/s320/finished+shirt+8.jpg" border="0" />These are with my white cotton and linen trousers, lovely and light an airy for summer.....not sure about the earrings. I tried a leather belt at my waist that was a no no, it looked ridiculous.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458853426139688354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfPdDXEAC0GG7yv8Dy9aGhQatdkOAj4G79i_dKNEJ9Os5WZ4f4A7PZooAWKccjxrsjcqTm1HZ0bRhBXIENe9KeEr34siGPPLjPufW1ZOYiFWGNYTc0W2ADWvlbRmPUOTmGydjkxwedHDm/s320/finished+shirt+9.jpg" border="0" /></p><br />This little one had to get in on the act wanting her belly tickled .....as usual.willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-64386002930703943172010-04-09T13:08:00.000-07:002010-04-09T13:17:00.544-07:00Finished<div>I have finished my white top but it really needs a wash and press, I am going out tomorrow so it will have to wait until Sunday.</div><br /><div>I think I might wash the crinkle cotton next and make the same top without the sleeves. I'll see.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458233597218413266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zBO5VkpZYqT143mEGWfpUPMe85t7PObsd-JhNKVA3Sqo3hGCTDJwtZiNcZsRJJ2GoAiBO-o4-iRTf1JbTqBB6Xkjqw5Ul7hPbHR1xvnmhKYqrNN6IcBGazksP5eVxA39R_73ZyCAp0i-/s320/Causey+Park+10.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Just for something to look at......here is a picture of me getting a retrieve from Piper in a competition, that is the judge standing next to me. This was last year, I came 3rd. </div>willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-90189895860421409562010-04-05T08:40:00.000-07:002010-04-05T09:19:17.751-07:00Shopping again<div><div>I bought the two fabrics below over a year ago and I had decided to wash and dry them ready to sew them when I finish my white blouse..... so I went shopping today for some buttons for my white blouse and some thread for the fabrics below. The plain lighter green fabric is linen the other is lining. </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456680784091842754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 283px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIN03ACa_mTvYVEBsUvvVQN77Cn-NOub0UTJ7mptIhLGob2rEtbvVIK0p_fCThs5g-esRDw7IUBFilPF0Dfy3_9Zx13iea5Jbhwl4GaBxcAeX5yh0hIbFNYaUi11JjzlRp_v4N517o5W-/s320/fabric_2%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" />This fabric is silk which has to dry cleaned but I put it on a delicate wash and it is fine, I can't be doing with dry cleaning blouses.<br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456680867664468514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5XjK2_nyUrp8rHcyggyTl0HfMryXbi8dc0TBgZwXogf7y7qsHLRD0Lc4opg2IPSThVgZZfGvLgTCf_y020VNFRLq4L88gdWX_8lB0Drtnj0L28Zp3ZXsRe45AM6JntfjFTF4inhwbGGq/s320/fabric_3%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" />These are now washed and dried and put away in my box ready to be used..... however when I went shopping today I found some fabric for another summer shirt. </div><br /><div>Now I am not a flowery person at all.....I am plain and simple really, but I saw this lovely crinkle cotton print which caught my eye. This was £5.95 a metre and I got 3 metres which cost me nearly £18.00.....not a cheap blouse when you can buy RTW cheaper, probably not the same quality though. </div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456683345633421010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcAlcf223F8x3t9BwA4Yug49yoRdOahXu_RgJW56I_kkFwpeajNoBArm3N-keQAHyezJcz4mM-NgUFoLtUl0XUhyRpdNDJSEWe-rp9OwDSN3ZHAjRXnln4DJHp3BsTZrLPzKIEurBK7L5/s320/crinkle+cotton+1.jpg" border="0" /> This is a closer look, lovely for summer.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456683681154682850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC1b5AWy0GOyEn68oZnSX2Tgfl3w3Zud22n_8WpcXcW99oBJGlAAEE5AQLUVInrAJdJaTVu74-G4F9umXbMNMo9yC7M7yY3rMArbKj1ZQTlkHKrlmaRhT_USTGTDiFNQ46m9pdWxNnfkq/s320/crinle+cotton+2.jpg" border="0" />I think I might wash this fabric for my next project......I'll see. </p><p>These are the other things that I bought, the white stuff is interfacing, a very lightweight interfacing which I bought for the silk shirt, the other interfacing is for stretch fabrics which I have never used before. The cream coloured threads are silk for the silk blouse and the green is pure cotton for the linen trousers. The buttons are lovely little shirt buttons with a gold trim, they were half price so I bought 24, I have had them before and they look lovely on white fabric. They won't be getting anymore so I bought extra.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456685888975534306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 297px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdevdjqjdq6kW5FHWJwkjLtdROoE4G5ZAfvnh2SXsUEYbn-b38zrIuOA_yYsJqerPRWXJk15sb7rr6pwHh7S19i5BfmTeJ99AJInyqLok2xUlSvck_eYeMN_IDSNwnMrC86RhtcdIvwsY/s320/crinkle+cotton+3.jpg" border="0" />All this little lot cost me £50 and a few pence, sewing is an expensive hobby.</p>willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-35868155598868303672010-04-01T05:50:00.000-07:002010-04-01T06:30:03.110-07:00White blouse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CBcu_W1_ihmF-RJPhGJiRI2hm8Iu9j0z7VZR9-3nyvuFUo87mQhhyphenhyphens7UZ1xT9Nnhv5hwjJlih6BdzTq9pRJYBBzKdEJTsp0u_1FWxl7diQRtHaqhsZIg6RkN1yoRQxSO0tPTqg7YEGXM/s1600/white+sleeve+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455151112488143250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CBcu_W1_ihmF-RJPhGJiRI2hm8Iu9j0z7VZR9-3nyvuFUo87mQhhyphenhyphens7UZ1xT9Nnhv5hwjJlih6BdzTq9pRJYBBzKdEJTsp0u_1FWxl7diQRtHaqhsZIg6RkN1yoRQxSO0tPTqg7YEGXM/s320/white+sleeve+1.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is the placket and pleats before the cuff goes on, I haven't done a sleeve with a cuff for a long time, I generally do 3/4 sleeves with a vent so I am enjoying doing this.<br /><div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455152026834212018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQy26nZl9vHLCu0_-ZvIjgrZ7ut4Vii-nw-NUIn-5q_AG67ACsXIxolqNk0YAroLS6nbvINWyKyBCNKvtqridp8H1yzl_3SYZgETKslL36eD3W8o9mYC4yO8d5CISnNusCAm3rt3_3Qr9S/s320/white+sleeve+2.jpg" border="0" />Another view, this is lovely fabric to work with, it is very delicate and airy.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455152584470001810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCP_nqNjfPWp0Q5TD7mFw4Hnz9nqoBSegK7DxqSyBCUU_v0UWvkhhnxOq9CBOsIp2yZI1gErYPyrsIfc9rPjXtY-_7_6aPD0jIXN-qv-EAqzFoQPd6gWEhNnnc2r661wOHXy_UOy0TAY3J/s320/white+neckline+2.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div>This is the neckline and the facing, this is a big shirt, I have already taken out about 2" in width and it is still a big shirt......I hope I am going to like it.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455153421527244290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT1YkIGpSkHSb8iYOc4bOEZYawdmOyWe6n_xk4BLFzMScFepns0mk9ydimO_jO3QzE5XFyLlJyeJb7ZutO_kUsqCRcoXzyPubzWeSyXAgukFjIXJJeRp8Vg0Ty3klGFX3wLRnPUy4KUum/s320/white+neckline+1.jpg" border="0" />This is the bust dart which I had to add for a bit of shaping, it was about a 2" dart so I had to trim and overcast it with a small zig zag stretch stitch, it looks a lot better trimmed down. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455154233897636786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6skSfSnIbq3AN5H1RyWptQx8HLSe1bqIl525eR2UrtmhEPGoZNqTXfw1JubXGmCGd0cS24Uq_a7riBZh3rl0X5o9IqWmZREcK2Dxea3oQzko6PZSKFUON4Z7ULkJaWabZPFB9GYHM5UK/s320/iron+1.jpg" border="0" /></p>This is my iron, which I have had for over 20 years. It is a Hashima H1-350PS.....this looks a little bit dated but believe me this little contraption does the business, I don't use a sole plate either they are a real nuisance I would rather use a muslin cloth. The ironing board which my iron is standing on is about 40 years old, the top of it fell to bits so my DH put me a piece of plywood on top and screwed it on......it is wider than an average ironing board and is padded with flananette and a white ironing board cover on top which I made, I need a new one this one is quite discoloured now.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455155708039010994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqy0Gwop_lSndiQcnRKzMiZLiI5woQeaoKqgEDKkluhfAb51KlIxsj3ebLq9Bp5Kv8BAh-zaEP2OeAj2kFGLP9-pMXNW6i7xtz6DeyvD7X0jT3A_sW_TrihPhJ7dKCj7vxuUIcnAqQWXlw/s320/iron+2.jpg" border="0" />I know this looks a little strange, I have a hook with which to hang it from the ceiling but I would rather use this just incase it falls.willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-18431411890942697392010-03-25T05:26:00.000-07:002010-03-25T05:56:55.491-07:00Interfacings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpH7yg5pnhyphenhyphenroRMwFKjZwuMTZV19xhhkMivxdebYZlEweH9FMip1pU302o_zR-fjEbibx3rXmrwNtsmkUwLYGjZtBKHasypfVpFAusGBJJPg9VTZpskso2xGw6Sp2ySr6VIZnVy8Gcs_w/s1600/interfacing+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452553553300431586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpH7yg5pnhyphenhyphenroRMwFKjZwuMTZV19xhhkMivxdebYZlEweH9FMip1pU302o_zR-fjEbibx3rXmrwNtsmkUwLYGjZtBKHasypfVpFAusGBJJPg9VTZpskso2xGw6Sp2ySr6VIZnVy8Gcs_w/s320/interfacing+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>I have been trying different interfacings for my blouse......I have always, always used a light weight iron on interfacing for blouses but after reading David Coffin's shirtmaking book I have decided to try different natural fibres for interfacing.<br /></div><div>In the picture above you are instructed to stay the neck edge because the v is on the bias.....I have used cotton organza .......I just pinked a strip of organza on the grain instead of using the selvage which wasn't wide enough.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452549059711275730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKuzGY_RUh3rb1dcg9FmAOAOj-zDllS2igurFI1hZtzNLhdPsHtDmiM0KvJj1htRUzUqNQP6f10p7VNnvG1MJjHcpgvx32qEOkByV7wDui2JDE6lRbsdXd5tA2zoWO3dgkY9QgcDa_3sB/s320/interfacing+2.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div><div>Here are more of my interfacings.....on the bottom is bleached soft muslin for the fronts, then a strip of organza for the front neck stay and I think I will also use organza for the cuffs because I want something a little bit more substantial than the muslin. As you can see from the cuff above I have marked all my pieces and at last I am ready to do some sewing.</div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452551427100532482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtESwmu5zTBuclVxVvdQ-Xiazrq5GlGb7-8URbOCHE4s663nbmArda8PZpkZr3-o7WGPiB3dNeXc9W0lwb2xbz12FD92QKIf31uCMvLIBsbiQMb1g6IuNdQVX1TXhukri4TLjonZ4rcit/s320/Sky+2.jpg" border="0" /></p><div>Here is little Miss Poser, she just loves the camera......I just have to tell her to sit and she will sit forever as long as she is the centre of attention she is one happy little dog.</div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452552813231758466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UQdsX4se5bvpN7qVCrNfcwALM5G84y2Wb-dhA9JDpcjh5w-wNnXfz1sQ-8J13TI1ixxtJ0Z_XOiPZPmmxXS78MVjfpCW-LESczNR2UQ1_CblnHpN7zfJyxQxUJdOMUTa0oPj5oGS1ZDD/s320/DSCF0367.jpg" border="0" /></p>Another one......she was still sitting there .......I had to walk away so she would follow me otherwise she would be there all day.willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-81498159726625377122010-03-21T14:05:00.000-07:002010-03-21T14:24:50.845-07:00BJ asked "I see those shoulders are way down the arm...did you adjust your pattern to change that, or will you leave that design element as is? Love the idea of a loose fitting white top. Your fabric is gorgeous!"<br />I have actually scaled this pattern down an enormous amount.....it was far too big, it is an old pattern so this style is a bit dated......I took an inch out of the inside of each pattern piece.......I just made a 1/2" pleat down the centre of each pattern piece, then I took another inch out at the side seams. I took the pleat out of the back, put a seam in the yoke because of my round shoulders, because I have taken an inch out of the pattern pieces that made the sleeves too short......so the sleeves aren't as dropped as in the photograph.....I had to do some extensive work on the sleeves, I still don't think they are right. I really wanted a basic shirt pattern, with a yoke, sleeves with a cuff so that I could build it into a shirt that fits me, I intend to add a collar to this at some time.<br />I don't suppose this shirt will be a perfect fit, it is really difficult IMHO to fit a loose fitting shirt.......if you try and fit it too much it ends up as a fitted shirt.willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-51577407388332464212010-03-20T05:44:00.000-07:002010-03-20T06:25:44.294-07:00Blouse<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYEneM9gnJ1rsAauJ-GS1XL8p9OhHgMr2iJvv_M6Fv9q1XYaMaV0rhQVkCgB9KDeqEMq-mXAev1C89qWBjWvkCYmLzO6DwQMMW3kWkw3FzZowDh4uknnsTPVsr1d0N2nfX90QXKssd52x/s1600-h/shirt_pattern_2%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450705796916567106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYEneM9gnJ1rsAauJ-GS1XL8p9OhHgMr2iJvv_M6Fv9q1XYaMaV0rhQVkCgB9KDeqEMq-mXAev1C89qWBjWvkCYmLzO6DwQMMW3kWkw3FzZowDh4uknnsTPVsr1d0N2nfX90QXKssd52x/s320/shirt_pattern_2%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is the shirt I am trying to make.</div><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450706243650930226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIxb5K_JrmvhPl3tXIcmuMh24XnTNRIfNjPwcdkmVvYq8ppohtwg2TlSgAxgF8OMgFrF1fpsyz8iKC_C3I3nQPABT1GZMfiJjnM3oHZafpfwtqnauDC_q77kGvhR0UEakZUMNFiMVAbf-/s320/pattern+1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Well I have eventually made a new pattern. I have been on for a few weeks now making a muslin and I have fitted it and refitted until there comes a point where it is the best it is going to get. I know it is not perfect, but this is an on going project to get a nice fitting shirt, I will probably keep tweaking after every shirt I make.......well I've got nobody to please but myself lol </div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><p>This is a very basic shirt with a yoke, long sleeves with a cuff and a v neck opening, slits at the sides and it isn't fitted.....it's more of a loose fitting shirt.<br /></p><br /><br /><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450700171493145970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IZVoZoAd_CxFttwtDbTd9JhuARTM7IG0T0lM6uqVhgW-irIt8p9WPZpy3fLqqafcmegyLI9R_Q8pcfGRZwMi5bnz31Rs_Rxjaa38IHorhm5pCiOafRSv2Irs6AzDcj0Hr5ecYHqhkqnT/s320/fabric+1.jpg" border="0" />This is the fabric I am using.....I bought this last year, it isn't fabulous quality it was about £5 a metre but I am not going to waste it. It has a flower design which goes across the fabric in strips. I didn't want the flowers across, I want them down so I have had to mess about with it to get the flowers the way I want them, I have wasted a bit of fabric in the process. This fabric is light and airy .....a very fine cotton. I am nearly finished cutting out then at last I can do some sewing, I hate fitting......it's so frustrating.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450702850032178130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXX8X0epwYoW6LU95wqG7OGX2-MXNsHhljTmIwqalWIyVPHMSvts-6GJoVhwqy2pjEJdP5GhD0SnrAY0Hubf8QEsTpppnnYLpeGVkivmc87YqG6kHi1URlFBfGFFSHl-_1l1w3XXxnOjc/s320/sky.jpg" border="0" /></p><div></div><br /><p>Here is one of my sweethearts, this is Sky....she is 9years old and she is a working cocker spaniel. She is lying on her favourite blankets that are a little bit smelly to say the least, but she loves them.....yes they have been washed over and over. If she moves her blankets are carried with her, she stands on them and wonders why she cannot move lololol. Sky lives in the house now as she is the oldest dog we have got. I am besotted with her, she has got such a sweet nature and she loves to pose for the camera.</p><p></p></div>willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-18615503723165392332010-03-10T14:24:00.000-08:002010-03-10T14:28:59.494-08:00New Phone<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJfWR7BBwNxq9dWsoiG5yi5eOakJK_BFDy3SwiV30hlxFtkVoZNcldaAKHIJgG98YBgYjmrBHU7FEv5uCktSWcB0furQAmegA5702r4RyiVKXEvS0lvpRSkZw6XT9VUfzSZOhyphenhyphen9lznT_T/s1600-h/iphone+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447135079021700306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJfWR7BBwNxq9dWsoiG5yi5eOakJK_BFDy3SwiV30hlxFtkVoZNcldaAKHIJgG98YBgYjmrBHU7FEv5uCktSWcB0furQAmegA5702r4RyiVKXEvS0lvpRSkZw6XT9VUfzSZOhyphenhyphen9lznT_T/s320/iphone+1.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have been treating myself to one of these little beauties. I have had so much fun messing around with this iphone. I tell you it can do most anything you ask it to do.....well most things........expensive but worth it.<br /><div></div>willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-30342820318632105402010-02-20T09:40:00.001-08:002010-02-20T09:56:54.815-08:00Navy chino cotton trousers<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRdRliukoFC3PSuEuXeMuhTVp0HS5Os1i7iM4Gczt6D3xZNbGtj0ELH5jXOJhm8DrD15acUwvNTaPQXJcel2z_G9n-yVfkOLYvTdjuL9SbaND6cs3vfTxFtJfDSsNhGM0Qg1upXYOo9i0/s1600-h/finished+navy+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440382231651712578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRdRliukoFC3PSuEuXeMuhTVp0HS5Os1i7iM4Gczt6D3xZNbGtj0ELH5jXOJhm8DrD15acUwvNTaPQXJcel2z_G9n-yVfkOLYvTdjuL9SbaND6cs3vfTxFtJfDSsNhGM0Qg1upXYOo9i0/s320/finished+navy+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Trousers.....I am even bored talking about them, but with my lifestyle that is what I wear mainly.......anyway here is another pair. White cotton tee shirt and white shoes, I haven't got any decent navy shoes so they will be on my list to buy. I could possibly wear trainers with these trousers as well for another casual look.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440383607642283778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlhHQs6wRWxkrWXcdOgDx7Rq-PfYFg4ltwzYdZ7KU1kPgmLJ5NLZsdu-ZIVhY_rnqu2pamVO5IH85Vops7hWmI17UHhevuOA0Kpj5JhZbQroCI1ecOPALGqP9RHcBDMCvBCg0josgSiMK/s320/finished+navy+2.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><br />Back view....the sun was shining into my dining room and onto my leg.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440384068117876114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUZLF7uTLykzZZOaDRCoJ2aFq2MUABPdnPzauoAflI-QHAXehdOkTKGZcc6q0Bx5m5oGYrQQkUAbf_KnLKYLtIxu1IwgjxR021gq3fRyCyXsHPX_wRI5R5rJKxApw3hsBYbsVvHccgrFl/s320/finished+navy+3.jpg" border="0" />Welt pocket.....I haven't got tired of this style yet.</p><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440384633948049506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 218px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMSceQvK0A-rGHyT9Jpl8sRQZnLEhmgzRGwenxY71z0uX_bTiQEmnM1tqlKJFaIU0Pcnxdkkxx15vb-91w2HzuH6GTaF09A0XtwDMNuu8fWuYCpP6unJdLiS3JZwmy_uXhHvhrLSv2gyG/s320/finished+navy+5.jpg" border="0" /></p>Trousers with a blouse I made about 3 years ago.....needs navy shoes.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440385026801529618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8udhSg7Bc19ugPNbcpVMUA-_g7D3U8MGiHCN1wUUVonPz-SL8YntUZIZVXLO3hz4gsQ5GYQnqpl_Kg77pVRdQV9bKIxGqG-DUrM2sA-8fpK0Zp-mwrUlaKS0jjqOr6Qw75Tmwdj_1EFi/s320/finished+navy+4.jpg" border="0" />Closer look at my blouse.</p><p>Next on my list...... I am still trying to perfect the fit of my shirt, I don't think I will ever be satisfied with it.</p>willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-83873482809589320232010-02-16T03:02:00.000-08:002010-02-16T03:35:52.798-08:00Must do better<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKOIEbMdmaMGmezoxtGZimQ1QWM1JxfqWb3_MIVDb2zOy-e_WwiBnFOphIpJoGiAbY4JJGouD08C6LO8I4zE66_5L42cZp29InAUxAW2yjB6p4iJlJTAn5Xro9yWrD0nun3ZcopiarutX/s1600-h/navy+trousers+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438802177580301298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKOIEbMdmaMGmezoxtGZimQ1QWM1JxfqWb3_MIVDb2zOy-e_WwiBnFOphIpJoGiAbY4JJGouD08C6LO8I4zE66_5L42cZp29InAUxAW2yjB6p4iJlJTAn5Xro9yWrD0nun3ZcopiarutX/s320/navy+trousers+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div>I am my own worse critic and I don't need anyone to tell me my work just isn't good enough. I am trying .........not succeeding some of the time.......to go for quality and not quantity. I haven't got a lot of time to sew, but I really do enjoy it and with my kind of lifestyle I don't need lots of clothes. So I am trying to perfect my sewing. I thought I would take a few pictures of some of the things that need some practise. The picture above is of the finished closures of my waistband, not too bad to look at.</div></div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438802526322854050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 236px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCjvwM-NAo9fcCYAU6zZcSsnWEmBHAbPjjnbuq2BQY-Z_J-mvSzAIB4ee0nK2Llbbar3cnMsJJQFSQctXDxxlDkblCoG5T3odZm0WRbMNmNbwdf7os-7Ajsb-qwGWs0tx7Vplnu2jDn_X/s320/navy+trousers+5.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div></div><div>I have lightened this picture so you can see what a mess this buttonhole is.....this buttonhole at the pointed end of my waistband gives me a huge amount of grief......I think it is bulky in that area and my machine doesn't like it....I will have put up or shut up on this one.</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438798221047354834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApLdjzxnkbBeguxjFYQjlvwenh2jGLWB9gYyb5mxRWlGVsGddPdCHDIXXx5usLTDTvEy_uCOEy8XpiXrk7OLb9kfJfo9E1A5WQXW4ez660txExPX8ZpdsthLRav8RKkz0opWyUn624B3q/s320/navy+trousers+3.jpg" border="0" />Here is the same buttonhole after it has been tidied up. I put a double layer of stitch and tear underneath before I stitched my buttonhole....when I cut it open the white from the stitch and tear can be seen........I then took a blue marker and coloured in the white bits, this isn't my idea I read it somewhere. It doesn't look too bad now. I think if you sew you have to be an expert at covering up mistakes because you just can't be perfect.</div><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438799586148521938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 271px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHd8aUTxt6Hs72vQ8BZx2MO9M3XTY9wf3r3R42D7y7xsJ3oPAUdFAr6CCm2J0l5lZpgxxXTxjlXTxS_DaJEN955dMWjT0xgR13BXJfiyCvEkIVSA9jVHlokMmqVYh9U_o0SMJE9l6bClg/s320/navy+trousers+4.jpg" border="0" />This hook should go into the waistband and only the end bit should be seen, I will have to practise this one, I am frightened I spoil my waistband altogether if I try it on the actual garment.</div><br /><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438800609451252418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUT20i_bfPgiJwVhOspAgjEfnLpyNelwWxiWdqEAo2brRHY__WtMwuT2JasSASm71is_GrdSB5WQxW46PsMhsHH2fR7n1VAhaqBWYXZPZtALnzkwgKRMitGMbXS-lx2YrHt4BebYc2a50/s320/navy+trousers+6.jpg" border="0" />This is the inside of my waist band which was stitched both top and bottom by hand. I have to search for my sanity on this one because it takes hours to do. Hemming stitches along the bottom into every machine stitch and felling along the top of the waistband.......it makes for a non bulky waistband but it is an awful lot of work, I need to try something different.<br /><p>I only have the hems to do now but I have to go grocery shopping this afternoon.......not my favourite activity......maybe I can get somthing done tonight.</p><p>Happy sewing<br /></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><p></p></div>willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-25560385496092910122010-02-11T07:38:00.000-08:002010-02-11T07:47:15.579-08:00Busy, BusyI still haven't finished my trousers, but there isn't much left to do.<br />The trouble is I am also treasurer of a dog club and Jan. & Feb. are really busy for me so the spare time I have for sewing is being used up by the club at the moment.<br />hclairec asked........ what breed of dog was Niamh? pronounced Neeve...... she was a working cocker spaniel, I still get choked up when I think of her.<br />I am on my way up to my mothers, my sister and niece are there waiting for me.....we will have a good old natter tonight.willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269349348200144033.post-62048092320068241152010-02-06T06:21:00.001-08:002010-02-06T06:24:49.853-08:00CommentsSorry to those who commented on Niamh's post and your comment isn't there....I thought I had published them all but when I looked some have been lost. Thank you for your kind words I did read them all.willowsmumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11683437205363569042noreply@blogger.com0