Kimono Style Dress

Now  this last couple of days I have had a few false starts, to begin with I have cut a few things out that did not inspire me ( sometimes the fabric really is everything and the ideas I had seen were not working with my offcuts!). Then of course there is fabric I have loved on other bags but when I tried to use too much of it at once I went right off it and that is this one...

Now don't worry it will be saved but this was just not doing it for me all in the same fabric, it will be paired with something calming at a later date.  For now it is safely back in the drawer.  It didn't help that I had a migraine all day yesterday and felt very sick so maybe I'm not fully recovered and the fabric is just too shouty!

I did settle on cutting out this simple sew pattern again however as I have made it before and though it is simple it just looks so good on.  There wasn't quite enough fabric so I have had to make it slimmer and shorter but it still works, leggings or tights under this one unless I am on the back garden.

It just ties around with the belt may times so you get a nice fit, ideally don't use a fabric that wrinkles much due to all the tying, this fabric is perfect.  The very long belt ties are stitched into the waist at the sides,  I opted to make them slimmer this time for a bit of variation.

 As you can see it is a blouse that I have lengthened, the last time I did it I made it much longer but I had more fabric that time.  If you want to see my last version of this it is here simple sew dress

When  I make something like this I am always amazed how well something so simple can look on, I am sorry there is no photo of me in I finished just as I was about to put the dinner out  so quickly tried it then ran down to dish up.  Do any of you sew while doing other things?   I am usually ok but there has been the odd time I have burnt the roast potatoes.

There has been a message from Minerva saying my fabric is on the way so I can get on and make more boxer shorts when that arrives, of course  there are a few pieces in there for me too, just bits and I have no idea what for?

Keep busy everyone, back soon.

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.