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. 

Star Wars Coasters

Hello, I had in mind today to make a little coaster from my pinterest board with lots of little hearts, however I have no need of another but with the boys  working from home I thought I would make coasters for them with a star wars theme.  Once again this is a recycling project using up all the oddments, I have used thick fleece scraps for the backs and two layers of canvas so hopefully that will stop the heat on tables.

I just searched images and copied off the ones I wanted, there will also be a little yoda one for my husband but that one is not finished yet.

I think Darth Vada looks a little surprised I did his eyes a bit big, sad thing is he gets covered by a cup but it's the thought right?

A storm trouper ? I think... well my sons recognised who they were supposed to be.

I also made a pair of boxer shorts for my son this morning and I do not have a photo as he decided to wear them and said they are the perfect fit.  I have since ordered more thick elastic and cotton jersey to make more.

Now none of these are perfect they are made quickly for fun and to be used, there are things to perfect like clothes and special home furnishings and there are fun makes to try ideas out and that is just what these are.  I love to make use of the last bits of fabric and little projects like these are spot on for that. If you have little ones who like a particular theme at the moment why not google some images and use up some scraps for their own personal little coasters for bedrooms.  My boys are grown but they have lots of drinks in their rooms so I know these will get used.

Last night I checked out a book for my tablet it is The Temple House Vanishing, I am already a third of the way through and enjoying it.  It did take me a while to find a screen I like as the glare from it last night was too bright, you can't beat a paper book I think but this enables me to continue using the library. It also means I can read in bed without the light so as not to disturb my husband when he goes to sleep first. 

Bye for now. 

Something New

I have had this little embroidery hoop sitting around for a while and had been saving it until inspiration struck but you know how that goes and if you don't do something you don't do anything so I had a go. Having looked at my saved ideas I felt even more intimidated by how brilliant they all are so decided to jump in and have a try.  The words are from a journaling book and the other bits I just put together from seeing different designs, it is rustic and I know something I need to work on but I did find it enjoyable so I will be doing more.  This one will be added to and improved over the coming week.

I couldn't see my pencil marks clearly so the writing could have been better, the 'i' has been unpicked and re-joined correctly as it was only when I looked at this image that I saw I had weirdly joined it at the top!  I must have been distracted when I did that. I think it also needs some purple in there but that would have to be done in regular cotton.
The backing is just some scrap drill fabric, my needle was also just a yarn needle quite thick and hard to push through this fabric, I was just basically using what I had so please forgive my crude attempt I do aim to improve.

Little designs could be nice to put on other textiles like bag and cushions I know a lot of people do just leave them in the hoop to hang.  When I have a bit more experience I will try one in a bag panel and see how that turns out.

We have been waking vey early here due to the light mornings and I am very happy they are finally here. It is very quiet however due to fewer cars on the road and that would be a nice thing if not for it being a reminder of why that is the moment you wake up.

Yesterday I started reading The Scarlet Letter, now I have a feeling I read this when I was young as I have a vague recollection of the story but no harm in reading it again.  My reading is always a bit random, something modern, something classical then a non fiction book.  It doesn't work for me to stick with the same genre all the time, I generally walk in the library with no idea what I would like.

Well keep busy everyone I will be looking for my next make for tomorrow.