Grateful Drawing

We have just come in from clapping for carers and we all have so much to be grateful for don't we, I know some more than others but still it is good to remind ourselves of the things that matter.  I had this lovely journal page saved and this evening was the ideal time to recreate it with a few thankful thoughts of my own.  You can see the original here on on Elvie studio I wouldn't want to take credit for the design I simply copied it but I thought it was so pretty.  I used my Derwent colouring pencils and fine tip pens, it would have been good if I could have made some of the colours a bit bolder.
  A friend of mine that  I just sent a photo to told me it would look great on a cushion, something to think about?

It is A4 size  I might just brighten the blue background a little and keep it near my sewing machine.

The fabulous thing about going through all the ideas I have saved is that I also keep finding all the blogs to go with them, then adding more ideas.  I will never reach the end of my to make list but that is ok as there will always be something to do. 

I added another book to my tablet earlier it is called The Silence of the Girls, it is another from my amazon wish list but I got it from the library so that is great.  I will let you know if it is any good. Just a short post today  as I am mainly trying to keep myself on target with my making this week.  

Take care everyone.

Pattern Storage Box

Today I thought I would have a go at improving some of my sewing storage, I have been using old boxes to keep my patterns in under my sewing table.  Unfortunately  when I keep pulling them out the sides have got a little torn, they are also boring so were in need  of a makeover.

I had an image on a board that I liked with faux leather handles so as I have some of this from my bag making supplies I decided to recreate it. I have done my design as a slip cover for the box as the box is good for stability and saves the need for buying special fabric stiffeners.  Keeping everything recycled again also saves the pennies and solves a problem, I also think these boxes could be made for anywhere in the house as they can be on display.  There is another to be covered tomorrow and that one may have different fabric on each side to use up more pieces.

Here is the first, I used left over dress cotton for the sides and sheeting for the bottom.

I have used recycled denim to frame it around the top then just slipped it over the box, that way when it gets grubby it can be washed.  To make the cover I just drew around the box and then allowed a seam allowance.   The handles are faux leather back to back then just stitched straight on top.

It is better than a cardboard box and easier to handle now too.

Most people have probably got the odd box in need of covering.

Earlier today I finished reading The Temple House Vanishing by Rachael Donohue, I enjoyed it but found the ending a bit too predictable.  It was an easy going read and ideal for just before bed as it was not too taxing.  

I am currently half watching Location, Location... and wondering how people with such massive budgets still manage to look disappointed with all the beautiful houses they view, too much choice maybe?

That's all for now, stay safe. 

Button Pleat Top

This following was top was added to my pinterest board quite some time ago, it is not a pattern just an image but I thought it looked easy enough to recreate.  I had just enough of this lightweight green jersey that I have also had for some time.  You can see below the original image that I saved, on that version there is a contrast bottom piece but I just wanted mine all plain.

I cut around a good fitting t-shirt and then lay the front piece on the table to arrange the pleats with pins, to do this you have to make the top longer than you would like as the pleats bring the hem up.  When you have pinned the pleats you will also have to recut your arm holes as these will now be smaller than when you started.  If you are nervous about doing this make a mock up first.

It didn't take long at all so I am glad I got around to making this.

I also cut the neck bigger once everything was stitched in place, it is a bit of try as you go.  Here it is on the mannequin before finishing off.

There are lots of different ways you change the style of a t-shirt and they are comfy to wear, I like finding new ways to add interest .  I also cut out some little dog shapes and I am not sure if I will make keyrings or add them to a bag front but that is something for tomorrow possibly. 

This last few days I have got back into practicing Spanish I really let that go for a while so I am busy waking up bits of my brain, a lot of it is in there somewhere I just need to retrieve it!  How are you all keeping busy? 

Eyes shut or looking down? I am not sure, anyway that is another make off my list, thank you for stopping bye.