Creative Bug

It was probably the Great British Sewing Bee that whet my appetite. It's been a while since I've made a consistent effort to make clothes. There were a couple of tunics run up a month or so back, but to be fair, they're probably the easiest thing to make other than a tote bag. They're like tote bags with arms. Wearable totes! Whatever. Hardly that taxing.




Then I spied this little course on offer over on Tilly's blog. And for that price what's not to love. I signed up immediately and awaited the first episode - how to take measurements. Wait - that's it?? Well, I can DO that! Yeah, I can DO that so maybe I can make my own clothes?? The next few lessons I learned things just by watching the way Cal worked - how to transfer a dart pattern onto cloth - so easy. How to change a neckline on a pattern. Simple! After four lessons I'd hardly call myself an expert, but I AM now confident and enthused, and really for the price of a couple of coffees I'd say that was pretty amazing.





I'm eying those patterns of mine up with a whole new look in my eye. I'm such a lousy student, as soon as a pattern starts talking Klingon I just ignore it and make it up as I go along. Not a great idea. But I actually think I have a clue now! Yes, really. And maybe an entire handmade wardrobe will never be in my future, but the ability to make a few more things with confidence? Well, I'm excited about that prospect.

New Togs

Clothes have to be two things for me to wear them - they have to be reasonably baggy, and with enough about them that I don't melt into the earth with their blandness. You might call baggy clothes 'maternity wear', but, Islamically, it is 'modesty'.

Flicking through one of the many (oy!) Japanese clothes books that sit mocking me on my shelf, I suddenly saw something that was simple yet had 'something' to bring it just back from the edge of blandness - gingham. I know - you either love it or hate it, but I've never had anything with 1 inch squares before - with the arms cut on the bias, and it was that tiny detail that tickled me.

So with my go-to pattern for all things tunic (it is this vintage Simplicity 8463 pattern, shortened) I ran a couple of gingham tunics up - one in 1 inch square and the other in 1/4inch square with a linen/cotton pocket detail in navy blue.

They go with my jeans and other trousers, are super comfy and baggy enough to leave the house in. That's all I ask for in life.

I have no idea why I'm doing this:



I thought perhaps the midget would take a close-up of the bias-cut on the arm. Instead I look like a cabaret star waiting for the chorus girls. But you get the point.

New togs for spring.

Good Golly, Miss Maggie

Miss Maggie got herself a few more items for her wardrobe at the weekend. Deary me, this doll thing is relaxing. And addictive. And slightly worrying. She probably has more clothes and is better dressed than me OR my children right now. A new shirt, two new pants, a finished knitted coat (with ear holes - hello), a new made up sweater on the sticks, a lined cape and a little headband. Not to mention the dress she came to live with us in.

I'm not done. A peasant shirt and a skirt pattern are being drawn up and she needs, like a suitcase, a tote, a bed and quilt and *mad twitch* a place to live. Right? Right??

Oh the possibilities. If you haven't got yourself a Miss Maggie pattern I defy you to make one up and not make an entire wardrobe in two weeks flat.

She needs a picnic blanket. *Hyperventilates* she needs a summer wardrobe .... OK I'm going to my work space... I may be some time...

Lost and Found

Around this time last year I made the discovery of some hidden things in the back of my wardrobe. It made me very happy. And this year I've done the same thing - found things squirreled away at the back of my wardrobe, totally forgotten about and inducing a fair amount of happy dancing on discovery. Namely, these white clogs.

I am happier than a bird with a french fry. And I don't really want to start a tradition of losing, forgetting then finding things, but it does feel like you've found a treasure trove when you do!

Happiness is....

Finding clothes and shoes at the back of the cupboard that you'd forgotten ALL about - a new buzz all over again. In this particular case, my misplaced chucks, and a scarf in 'just the right shade' from several seasons ago. And I even found some white cloggs which I only have vague recollections of ebaying a while back which was also a nice surprise.

In fact, I think I'm going to be doing this more often - perhaps parcels of fabric or yarn hidden all over the place to find when I've forgotten all about them.

Or I could just remember where I've put everything and love them anyway?

That might work.



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