Silky PJs

After pondering what to make with the silky aubergine fabric intended for an underwear set I finally decided on some shorts pyjamas.  I didn't use  a pyjama pattern but rather one intended for a  top and a modified trouser pattern.   I will give you a peek here but the full details are being saved for my Minerva post.

This is the top but I have to say I have since made the flounce a bit narrower as my husband was not a fan of it.

I do hope I won't look too much like I am about the enter a boxing match wearing these silky shorts!
One of the details I enjoyed was making the bias biding out of some scrap fabric that I had, it is only me that sees it but I like knowing it is there.

After I finished these today I sat outside in the sunshine with a cup of tea, my new cook book that I bought last week from the charity shop and I planned a few new meals to try for the week.  We had one for tea tonight, a gorgeous broccoli pesto. I made half the quantity and there was still loads left I don't know where they get there portion sizes from sometimes?

I have more of the purple fabric left so there might be just enough for a short wrap, or that might be a squeeze, we'll see.  That's all for now just a short one today.

Charity Shop Finds and an Elephant Bag

On Saturday we  went for a walk in town and had a browse in the charity shops, I am not a fan of shopping as something to do but we were treating ourselves to lunch out and there are quite a few nice charity shops on the same street.  Whenever we are near one I will have a look and often come out without anything but there is always that chance that you will spot something you need/want and that is the fun part.  Going and buying things new the minute the impulse takes you is not great for the purse but I can appreciate if it is something you truly want and you can afford it then why not.
I love the fact that you are saving unwanted items, getting a bargain and benefitting the charity so it makes the whole process feel a lot more satisfying to me anyway.

As I often mention on this blog I get most of my books from the library but sometimes if there is a particular cook book or reference book that I know will be  read more than once I sometimes buy them.  So with that in mind I was delighted to find this Deliciously Ella book for £2.50, I would not be able to buy that cheaper on ebay as you have postage costs so that was my first bargain, it is a hardback too and looks like new.
The pretty little skirt above is from Oasis originally and I paid £1 for that from the reduced rail, it is a little big so a little bit off each side seam and it will be perfect, it is fully lined too. The glasses were £2.49 for four and I love the fruit design on the sides, finally there is the cute cake tin for £1.50.  My husband did not get why I was so thrilled with this but it was the design more than anything, I think it may stay in sewing area for non food related items ;) it is too much fun to stay in a cupboard.

I finished another little bag yesterday and I am afraid I want to keep this one, I know I will not get very far stocking up if I keep taking a fancy to them myself but it is also sad if they sit waiting to sell and I could have been enjoying them.   This was made from elephant fabric leftover from my blouse from a while back, the stripy blue and white skirt I made last year, duvet cover lining and new vinyl.  Oh and the charm is just odd bits and beads.

I am wondering if white is a good idea on a handbag but it will wash. 

We have been watching a new French drama on Netflix this last week, it is called Black Spot  (Zone Blanche in French and that doesn't mean black spot but rather white zone or area so that bit of translation is a mystery).  Anyway it is a crime drama set in a small town surrounded by a forest with high levels of crime, a lot of it centring around this  forest. There is an unusual police force and the town seems to follow it's own set of rules. We are really enjoying it and I have seen other French dramas with the similar backdrop of the sinister forest, it seems to be a recurring theme in a lot of their television.

I have finished two books this last few day Small Move Big Change by Caroline Arnold and Make Your Bed by William H. Mcraven  I found the first book interesting and the second very repetitive they both cover the subject of positive habits but Make Your bed is from  a military perspective and I really don't feel that all the yelling and screaming from drill sergeants or whatever they call them is always the making of people.  In fact I wonder how many are actually broken by the whole experience, so while discipline is good and needs developing in the mind I think there  are healthy limits.  That's all for today, thank you for reading. 

Making Parts

Today I have been busy all day but not with what I originally intended, I came down ready to start a another bag but was annoyed to find fruit flies in the kitchen not loads but enough for them to be annoying and of course we don't want that in the kitchen.  So that meant a browse on the net to find the best solution without chemical to get rid of them.  I opted for a trap that is just apple cider vinegar in a jar with a bit of washing up liquid, you then put a paper cone in the top and they go in but can't get out.  It is working, but initially as I was vacuuming I was getting any strays with the nozzle.  I feel bad  about this but we can't have contaminated food.

After that distraction I vacuumed the whole house as I may as well while I had it out, then I was hot so I did my pilates then rather than later followed by guitar and a shower.  Can you see how quickly I went off plan? Watering the greenhouse I noticed how large the pansies were and flowering so they have been potted up  along with a hanging basket.  Washing out and 'Oh look at the time' better do the supermarket shop. After putting the shopping away it was time to take the dogs to the park and then of course because it is actually warmer today the rest of the garden needed a water.

 I must try and pass on some lettuces this weekend as I don't want them wasted.

When I finally looked at the sewing machine there was just enough time to do something but not much before I had to start the dinner.  I decided to make a strap for the bag I am going to make as that felt like a complete thing in itself.  I am a bit funny in that once I start things I like to carry on but I have been trying to make things over a few days recently to take a more relaxed approach.   I have some cotton and recycled bag furniture so I paired that with some faux leather.  At least I feel like now I have achieved part of it, I will go back and do a bit more later.

I suppose it is better not to rush and I have thought making the handles in advance like this might be something I could do in future so that I have ready made supplies, if I do them in  quite neutral colours so they will go with lots of fabrics.

It has been a bit of a ramble today I know but that sort of goes with the day, sort of non stop without the doing what was planned.  Do you ever get those days where you know you have hardly sat down but when asked 'well what did you do today' you feel like you can't think of anything of any substance?    Of course that is not true, the house is clean, the fridge stocked everyone has clean ironed clothes every week and a cooked dinner but of course don't these things often go unnoticed. Oh dear now I sound like Victorian woman I am going to go before I ramble some more, bye for now. 

Babushka Bag

A lovely Tuesday to you all,  I have just got home and I am feeling relieved as one of my dogs was sick last night but now he is bouncing around and seems perfectly well.  My son has been home all day as exams are finished and he said he has been fine.  Last night he managed to find a bit of cream rug to throw up on in an otherwise hard floor living room, he was ill a few more times with us quickly ushering him to the door.  Aside from the vomiting he was not acting unwell but dogs can't tell you that is the worry.

I completed another little bag on Sunday, I don't know about you all but sometimes I  am not sure what I am going to make until I have all the bits on the table and that was the case here.  I had some babushka fabric leftover from a bag I made a few years ago, just a small amount and various other recycled bits.  The result was this little bag and I like the effect of the colours together, I wasn't sure I had made the right choice when I began stitching.

There is some recycled duvet cover in there for lining,  the red zip was unpicked from an item so long ago I can't even remember what! The stabilizer is some felt that I had and the strap is recycled, the little charm was bought as part of a pack of three a long time ago and this is my last one so I may buy more as I do like them.

This is the back view, pretty much the same without the charm and zip pocket.

I will keep adding to my shops on Etsy and Folksy gradually and the worst that can happen is that I will end up with a bag for every occasion if they don't sell.  I am already finding folksy gets more views than Etsy after just a few days.  There is also the fact that I have read that the search favours large shops over those with just a few items, so my having only a few items listed will not do me any favours.  Also not sure at the moment if I should just concentrate on Folksy as it is more local.

This weekend I read a couple of books 'The Silent Guides' by Prof Steve Peters, he wrote the books on our inner chimps and this one is more if the same really but aimed at raising children.  I didn't really notice that when I picked it up as my children are grown but I do work with children so not a waste of time.  I did find it a quick read, it has 274 pages but lots of graphics and bullet points.  If you have read his previous work I wouldn't say it offered anything new on how to manage your brain or that of your child.

The other book I read was very short but interesting and  was 'The deal of a Lifetime' by Frederick Backman, more of a short story but an interesting one.  I enjoyed it and would recommend it, sometimes you work your way through hundreds of pages just to come to a poor ending so this was a refreshing change.

On Sunday I also listened to another interesting podcast by Cal Newport, I have read some of his work before and he was interesting to listen to.  His topic was digital minimalism and that is the theme of his latest book.  What was interesting is that my generation are the last to grow up in the developed world who won't have had access to smart phones and social media growing up. It was also stated that this links to the current younger generation having high levels of mental health and anxiety issues.    It was on the rich roll podcast on YouTube again so if you have listening time while doing some menial chores why not give it a go.    It was quite sobering as last week I had read a book on online marketing which basically said you need to be on everything to have any chance of success online.  Cal Newport however has never had a social media account, he does very well with his books and career and the one thing he does keep up is his blog. I might also add he is a professor of computer science!

Have a good week. 

A Few Friday Thoughts

Today was the last day of exams for my son, I'm sure there are a few of you out there who have children going through it at the same time.  He has been very relaxed about it all so I hope that has been a good thing I know some children find it incredibly stressful and that is so sad. I know there are young people with very fixed ideas about what they want to do, and some of them feel failing now will mean they never get to do it.  However there  are always access courses and taking a year out to try things, I know many people who have retrained later in life so these exams are not a map of life.  Sadly this is not the message that many young people hear, and expectations are piled on by school and home.  We all want our children to do well but this must not come at the expense of our relationships with them or their feelings of self worth and emotional well being.  So to all families out there who have been going through the exam period this last few weeks I wish you well.

Over on Minerva Crafts blog today you can see my post about my sundress that I made a little while ago.  It is a nice easy to follow pattern and the fabric is just wild.

It will be great if I ever get to wear it this year, unless I want to wear it to go for a paddle in the rain!

I have tried a few new recipes this week after my month of sticking to the same routine of foods, these falafel last night were lovely and you can find the recipe if you go on over to Minimalist Baker they are called kale and humous falafel.

Sorry I don't have a prettier picture of them on the plate as I had tow other dishes on the go at tea time and then a rush to get it on the table.  One of which was jackfruit wraps and we enjoy that, my husband had his with chicken in yet another pan.  There was enough jackfruit mixture left over to make some wraps for lunch today too, just a couple.  Youngest son enjoyed that and he has been eating more vegan food weekdays with just meat at the weekend.

On the top of these is a little vegan cheese, I don't use it a lot but it is ok in a wrap or sandwich.

I have just been watching a  few videos on YouTube about the benefits of waking early and how people have transformed their lives, some were really interesting.  One video however feature Mark  Warlberg  walking at 2.45am then working out at 4.00am, I am all for discipline but I don't get that unless you are catching a flight or something.  He goes to bed about 7.30!  If you did this you would be just effectively turning your life upside down to the point where you don't see anyone.  I don't know maybe some  people think that is a good idea but where is time for family if you have a self imposed permanent night shift.   I am impressed by his discipline like I said but I do wonder what his family make of it.  

That is all for now I am off to walk the dogs. 

June...ing

Hi there, I thought I would join in again today with Christina  and Joe with another 'ing' post.  I have to admit that this has come around far too quickly and like many of you I'm sure, feel like I am in a constant battle with the clock.  Well enough of that here goes...

Growing all sorts of things at the moment, quite a lot has gone outside now. I'm very happy that from a few seed packets I now have lots of plants outside so this will have been quite a saving.  Although saying that I would never have bought that many flower plants as I planted out over forty on Thursday and there are still some to go out.  I have peas that need putting out and the lettuce that are inside are doing really well much better than the ones outside.

Reading 'Can We Live Here' by Sarah Alderton, this is a travel memoir and I wasn't sure when I first started it if it was for me.  I have continued with it and it has a funny moments however some of the language feels a bit young to me (or am I just getting old) for example calling people dude, as a grown woman is  a bit weird to me and phrases like that.   The young family in the book rent out their house and set off around the world with a little one in tow to find paradise, or at least something like it where they can live.  Some of the descriptions of places sound stunning and others appalling as you would expect when seeing the whole spectrum the world has to offer. It has been a good change to read something a bit different.

Drinking  tea, water and cordial only as I have decided to do one year no beer, not that I drink very much anyway but I have decided to do this after seeing it on a podcast and listening to a very interesting talk about it.  I probably buy a bottle of wine about once a week and I just decided why? To be honest I often feel sleepy after a glass anyway so I am giving it up.   

Deciding what to make with the lovely purple fabric from Minerva Crafts. I had thought an underwear set like the one below however it occurred to me that they require photos of finished products and there is no way I am being photographed wearing that!

Wearing tights again today and not happy about it, the building at work is cold and just when I thought the summer wardrobe was out to stay here I am walking around all day with a fleece on.  Hopefully this dreary weather won't last.  My son has been at Alton Towers this last couple of days too, not the best for standing in cues.

Eating pretty much the same menu each week recently, pasta, curry, stir fry and so on.  I have just felt it has been one less thing to think about and made shopping so quick on a Friday.  I find I go through phases of trying lots of new things then settle into a pattern now and again, I may have to mix it up a bit soon before the family complain;) I'll maybe have a new set menu for a few weeks.

Listening to the Rich Roll podcasts on YouTube, usually while sewing or ironing.  He is an ultra athlete, former lawyer who completely changed his life.  He interviews a variety of people and some I enjoy more than others.  I like to have something to listen to while I get on with things.

Waking up earlier, this is always so much easier in the summer and mornings feel more relaxed.  I don't stay in at the weekend anymore as I am just naturally awake earlier.  It would be nice to think this will continue through  the seasons but I will have to report on that later in the year.  Just reading a few pages and eating breakfast slowly is wonderful.  Does anyone else experience this more at this time of year or are you an early riser all year round?

Well that is all for now,  thanks for reading.

 

A Ruffle Sleeve Top from a free Pattern

I am always interested to see what everyone else is making and this week I spotted this lovely top from a free pattern.   I bought the duvet cover from a charity shop because I loved the fabric, when I saw this pattern it was the perfect.    I have had to make a few adjustments as I checked the measurements and this indicated the size I needed, I measured myself to be double sure but it came out really big so there has been some tweaking and I will explain that below.  Here is the top and I think the fabric works well.

Now in my image here there is a tie at the bottom and that is not on the original pattern ( I always have to tweak things you see!)  The original hangs away from the body and I just thought it needed drawing in a little and this was my way to do it.

With regards to the pattern I found it on the sara project blog and I love her version that is also in a white print, go and have a look at her blog if you are not familiar with it.  The free pattern is from Peppermint magazine website so you can also have a look around on there.   It is twenty eight pages of printing!  So that is why I am not always a fan of printing off patterns.  I thought I would give it a go as it is good to share these things with the community when you find them and I know a lot of people need a pattern to work from.  

Sticking it all together is a job in itself but if you think of it as a jigsaw it can be a gentle activity;) 

It is clear I will give it that, everything was there I know once before I printed one and there were bits missing (but not from this source). 

I used the recycled duvet cover and I love using these as you get so much fabric from one, it is just a case of keeping your eyes open for one with a good print that can be worn.  I have loads of fabric left and the other side is striped.

I wonder what I can make  with the stripy side?

As I was saying it came out big size wise so it is a lovely pattern but be prepared to take it in a little. I also moved the darts up on mine and made them a little bigger, we are all different and I think dart placement is specific to each person so that is not the fault of the pattern.

When it was finished I wanted it to sit closer to the body so I cut a long strip of fabric about 4cm wide to make a tie for the bottom.  I also cut a little semi circle where the tie would sit and hemmed it.

I did that over to one side as that is where  I want it to tie.  I then folded it in half and began stitching it to the bottom allowing some to hang over each side.   Then I folded it towards the inside and stitched it down to hide the raw edges.

I find doing it this way gives a nice finish to the bottom and it removes the need for overlocking etc.

So I hope this was helpful if you fancy giving it a go but want to add something extra, I would love to see what other versions everyone can come up with.  I will leave you with one final shot of one of my dogs phot bombing earlier!

Bag Making and a Day Out

Last week I mentioned that I had finished another handbag and was about to list it on Etsy, well I did that although I am still not sure if it is the best place to get seen these days. You are something of a drop in the ocean of handmade sellers out there.  Anyway on it went and I am really pleased that I used up my last piece of the Paris fabric in this handbag.  I made a skirt in this about five years ago that I still wear, then it went into another bag that belongs to a friend of mine.  Later still it made up some of the hexagons in my lap quilt it can be seen here.

So it was only ever a metre of fabric but I really do try and use all that I can and that makes me happy that there is very little waste.  Here is the bag, all elements of this particular bag are recycled including the strap, I saved that years ago from a different bag.

Oops I just realized I bought the D ring on the front and the black ribbon new, I did make the little tassel.  I am very fond of these at the moment so every future bag may have a tassel :)

So the back is the same apart from the tassel, the fabric is in the style of an old newspaper.

Anyone recognise the fabric inside leftover from a dress I made a few weeks ago?

After pottering away with that on Friday I had a sewing free day Saturday as we  visited my sister in law at Bridlington for her fiftieth birthday.  She had rented a hut on the sea front and was having a get together there, it was a lovely day in terms of seeing people but the weather was not so good, grey cloud, wind and rain.  All week the forecast had been good for Saturday too, oh well she has the hut for the week so they have been enjoying it for the last couple of days too with better weather. 

While we were there, it was the Steampunk meeting and a classic cars event so plenty to see.  However we only went for the afternoon but we did have a look around and I managed to get a few photographs.

This camper was amazing, such a lot of work had gone into it and the couple (I presume the owners) in the photograph looking like pirates were posing for shots for hours.  I couldn't get any closer as there were so many trying to take pictures I didn't want to get in the way.   A lot of people had gone to great  effort over their costumes.

Inside the Bridlington Spa it was mainly stalls selling the Steampunk type of clothing but there were a few others with accessories I managed to find myself this...

I decided to wear it immediately and then someone said to me 'out of all that stuff in there did you manage to find the one thing with a sewing machine on?'  Ha! probably yes, it was calling to me. 

My husband found these lamps interesting...

Outside the Bridlington Spa were the classic cars, you really don't realise how big they are until you get up close.  We are so used to seeing the cars in films but can you imagine the costs of running one on fuel over here.

So it was a nice afternoon and a good chance to get to see family who are living in Bridlington now, also my sister in law had a bigger turnout to her party than she expected so that was nice.

That's all for now I am off to cook the dinner and finish piecing together a free print off pattern.

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