How To Use My Fabric Stash

This post is just a plan, organising my ideas into one place and by no means an extensive addition to #kristystodolist!

But these are the ideas floating around, but right now this is how I see me using my stash...which means I can end my fabric diet! In real life and not in the sewing world, as soon as I say 'diet' I crave chips, chocolate and pies and as soon as I have said 'fabric diet' I am craving Walthamstow, crepe and novelty prints! So I need to execute some self control and sew up a storm.

Here is the plan:

First up - the patterns I have already used before

An underlined TATB Delphine - *should* be a quick make as made before.

A seagull Seamwork Osaka, will have to concentrate on pattern matching at those seams.

I think this would make a gorgeous TATB Miette - it is just the right weight. But I don't know if I have enough of it with 1.5m. It may also need a lining so a bit more time consuming.

Simplicity 1364 - these should be a really quick make but I want to have a go rotating the dart on the pattern. I have LOTS of the turquoise so may attempt to rotate the pattern and try a wearable toile in that first before cutting the black and white.

I think this would also make a great Simplicity 1364

Cashmerette Concords -excited to see the end results of these

I have not made these patterns before so will take more time:

TATB Margot Pajamas from Love at First Stitch book - I have lent the book to a workmate so this cannot go ahead just yet but should be a straight forward make, except tracing the pattern looks a bit of a ball ache!

Seamwork Wembley would look good in these two ponte knits I think. The stripe maybe a bit thick though for a cardigan and be more jacket like.

These were bought with a Colette Aster in mind so would like to stick to that plan.

 I want to make this into a maxi skirt - I think I will try a quarter circle maxi like the one on the By Hand London site found here.

This was bought for a TATB Arielle so will stick to that.

I recently bought New Look 6123 off of eBay. I bought this pattern as when I finally get engaged I want to make my bridesmaid dresses and I really liked the look of this pattern (I am jumping the gun I know!) so I wouldn't mind having a go of it for myself and this gorgeous crepe would do the trick I think.

Right so there are the loose plans for 17 pieces of fabric. At my current sewing rate that will take me to about 2019 I think to get finished!

Well, like my To Do List every week this has actually given me some much needed motivation, hopefully won't be too warm in my flat tonight to do some cutting.

As always, thanks for reading my ramblings.
Kristy xxx

To Do List 2

Happy Friday!

Not sure if this To Do List thingy is going to get lame, but it helps me so I am going to do it until I am bored or I simply just forget! If I have a busy weekend I probably won't be doing much but lets see how it goes!

This list has been in my drafts since Monday and as I keep getting ideas I am adding them, it is a good way to get them out of my head. It is also getting very detailed!

I am publishing this and realising just how tired I am today, maybe I won't get much done this weekend! But hey ho, here is my list!

1. Add button holes to V2 of Seamwork Osaka
2. Sew button holes onto V2 of Seamwork Osaka
3. Photograph V2 of Seamwork Osaka
4. Blog V2 of Seamwork Osaka
5. Update costs (fabric and wardrobe) pages
6. Finish cutting Cashmerette Concord
7. Sew up Cashmerette Concord
8. Sew up cushion covers
9. Buy cushion inserts
10. Photograph charity shop refashion
11. Blog charity shop refashion
12. Tidy up patterns/book shelf - decide what to take to the swap I am organising through The Foldline
13. Book a venue for the fabric swap
14. Finish the fabric basket and mat for my mum - same as what I made for Mothers Day presents
15. Sew up V5 of Colette Laurel
16. Sew up V6 of Colette Laurel
17. Photograph V5 and V6 Colette Laurel
18. Blog V5 and V6 Colette Laurel
19. Make the first muslin of the Pussy Bow Blouse from issue 26 of Love Sewing
20. Sort through scrap bag to see if actually usable pieces in there 
21. Plan what to make for friends baby girl (deadline for final pieces 18th June)
22. Print out some patterns for baby girl
23. Tape together patterns for baby girl
24. Cut baby girls gifts
25. Sew baby girls gifts
26. Sew up V2 Miette skirt
27. Photograph V2 Miette skirt
28. Blog V2 Miette skirt
29. Update costs (fabric and wardrobe) pages
30. Make a muslin of TATB Megan dress (I keep seeing amazing versions and think it will be flattering on me)
31. Print handbag patterns
32. Tape together handbag patterns
33. Cut handbag
34. Sew Handbag
35. Start to plan quiet book gifts
36. Find a tie pattern for Richard
37. Print out tie pattern and instructions
38. Make a practise version
39. Scout for fabrics for ties for Richard
40. Print Cashmerette Appleton
41. Tape together Cashmerette Appleton (urgh - the Concord was 32 pages!!!)
42. Cut Cashmerette Appleton muslin

Pinterest Obsession

Hello Guys,

Long time no blog, and well, I miss it! I have been reading everyone else's lovely pages but nothing on mine - I have been unselfish sewing away in the background and will update as soon as I can but I have had 2 wedding weekends away and people visiting and a U2 concert (which was amazingggg) but I am hoping to get some pictures this weekend for anyone that wants to see!

Also, I have used my last two days annual leave this year to take a couple of days around my birthday off, and I plan to sew, sew, sew. My own personal 4 day Sewcation - selfish sewing - no xmas presents in sight and hopefully I will get something made to show you...still a month to go until that though - BOOO!

So no actual sewing but I just wanted to share one of my favourite places to be indulgent on sewing as much as I want. I am sure you are all aware of Pinterest but I just wondered if you all love it as much as me?!??!

I have 23 boards and 11 secret boards (these are a mixture of sewing related plans and non-existent future wedding ideas that I don't want my boyfriend to find and think I am weird!!!). I have over 1300 pins...think this shows my obsession well!

Among my boards I have...

Recipes that I have never cooked...

Handbags I could never afford...

Sewing tips that have actually come in useful...some may not buy you never know...

And of course all 30 year olds with a long term boyfriend has one of these boards....

...yet the hint doesn't seem to be working despite the many, many links to the board that have been sent...!

I really enjoy trawling fabric sites and looking at their offerings, pinning and pining over their beautiful selections and showing just how much I love all novelty fabrics!

I also keep a board full of my pattern catalogue I own (more visual that my page dedicated to the pattern costs) I keep looking at this board and making plans, really really shouldn't as my brain is full enough!

One of my most active boards is the patterns I want...like a never ending shopping list!

And of course my sewing inspiration board that is full of stuff I am never going to be good enough to copy (hello couture beading) but I still want to look at all the pretty things...

I swear that wool skirt, top right on the screenshot above, gave me palpatations!

I am always on the look out for new people to follow, I love the randomness of what comes on my homescreen, so please add your username in the comments and I will drop by!

In case there isn't enough links in this post I have also added a widget thingy-majig to the right hand tool bar to make it easy for you to find me

Sorry this hasn't been the most interesting of posts but I just wanted to share one way I keep in touch with the sewing world when I am not actually sewing!

Hope to see you all soon with some actual sewing...Now I must get back to actually working (boo!)

Again, thanks for reading :)

Kristy xxx

PS - this happened on Monday night at the concert I went to...

I have a wee bit of an obsession with Noel....amazing!

Fabric Shopping 3

Hello peeps,

I hope you are all enjoying a lazy Sunday morning - I am currently writing this laid in bed before I get my glad rags on and go for a Michelin started lunch - cannot wait!!

Anyway I know I said I was going to try hold off of anymore fabric shopping trips until my stash was smaller, well, I changed my mind! An early finish from work on Friday and an unexpected wage rise (only small but allowed me to justify spending!) Saw me getting the tube to Walthamstow and seeing what I could find. I tried to be very strict and only bought things I'd definitly wear as a top and bought 1.5m of each.

Powder blue viscose £3/m

I have seen this print in a shop somewhere but not sure where...more viscose £2.20/m

I have bought this before and made a mess of it as clemency skirt but I love it so when saw it again I couldn't resist _ £2.20/m

This is my total bargain of the day, a poly at 50p/m !! Got 2m of this as not as wide but I really love it

Another viscose £1.75/m

Ooops - forgot to add this in my post - this is a soft turquoise viscose again - £2.20/m

I am so happy with my purchases - now to crack on with my top pattern fitting so I can use these pretty fabrics!

The next time I go fabric shopping I will force myself to only buy some complimentary plain fabrics which will allow me to do some colour blocking and use up scraps, we,'ll that's the plan anyway...

UPDATE - I have added the other fabric I bought and updated the Fabric Stash page - it is getting pretty long now!

Enjoy the long weekend lovelies

Kristy xx

  

Pattern Shopping

High five!

I was incredibly lucky to win a £25 voucher from the new sewing and craft online shop Weaver Dee they have a great collection of everything sewing related and the voucher has been burning a hole in my virtual pocket ever since! I originally thought I would use it towards an overlocker but today some sewing patterns happened to have dropped into my shopping basket so I decided to go ahead and buy them...

First up:

M6959

Well in my previous post I told you I couldn't stop thinking about it so now I have got it for free - EXCITED!

BD6974

 I really like view A - this is a really simple skirt but as I am still learning I think this will be a good place to start - plus I have NO summer wardrobe. Pinterest has given me a good few ideas for this skirt:

Pinterest board has the links to each picture on there

I love the sequin idea for a hen do I have coming up....my brain is now ticking!

BD6973

 I looked at this for the skirt only to be honest, really like it, doesnt use much yardage either which is ALWAYS a bonus but interesting lines. I actually like the dress too but we shall see - but for just under £3 it is a bargain

S8523

This is in search of a perfect everyday top, I really wanted a V neck top so hopefully this will fit the bill!

B5317

and I have taken a bit of a chance on this, I think this just may suit me, I like the strappy version better and like the contrasting fabrics. It will cover up my belly without making me look like im in a maternity dress hopefully while being able to do a decent FBA! Yuk to curvy problems!

Last week I also bought Tilly and the Buttons Miette 

I didn't really think this was for me but the more I thought about everyday wearing clothes the more I liked this! I think I would like to do a hack of removing the ties though as I will never wear a top tucked in (more curvy girl problems!) so may just add too much bulk...decisions

Just would like to say a massive Thank You to Weaver Dee for the voucher, it has made Friday a much happier place today!

I have also bought a book on fit, I read an exert on shoulder fit somewhere on the web today and seemed very easy to understand while explaining why it needs to be done

Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure - Sandra Betzina

I did buy it off of eBay though, I will let you know how I get on with it. Now someone PLEASE take my bank cards away, change my PayPal password and disable ALL 'add to cart' buttons before I have to declare bankruptcy and kick my boyfriend out of our home to make way for all this sewing related stuff...

Many thanks!

Happy weekend people! 

Song of the day - Friday I'm in Love by The Cure - ENJOY!

Sewing Inspiration - Laurel and M6959

Happy Friday!

I hope you are all well! Not sure there are that many people reading this, but to those that are, thank you very much!

Well the sun is out in London today, it's Friday and my stinking cold is finally subsiding so I am in a good mood!

I have been very quiet at work this morning and playing around on Pinterest wayyy too much and have been picking out some sewing inspiration....

I think my first pattern to master will be the Colette Laurel - it is simple lines and hopefully one where fit is not too scary! I know I will have to do an FBA and I think I will have to get rid of a gaping armhole, this has been the big problem that I didn't know how to fix when trying to sew last year - and now I know about this it is all I can see on my current ready to wear clothes!

All these pictures have come from Pinterest Laurel board - along with other inspiration

I would love to get this fit perfect as I think this pattern could be made to look so different, can be hacked into colour blocking and different shapes. It can be dressed up or down or work appropriate. I cannot wait to get started!!

The other inspiration is McCalls M6959 which I don't own, yet. I love a good wrap dress, I think this pattern can be made amazing, hopefully I will take a lot of inspiration from the styles of DVF without the price tag!

Again look at this Pinterest M6959 inspiration board for all links and more dresses

I would love to try make this into a top too? The gingham wrap top (another DVF) is my ideal wardrobe - LOVE it! M6959 is a woven dress, I would like to move into jersey but one small step at a time! Again, all the colours, styles and fabric choices can transform this into some amazing clothes...

and it is this kind of thinking and planning is why sewing your own clothes must be amazing and I cannot wait to jump in!!!

I really enjoy looking at a pattern and imagining it in all different scenarios of fabric and tweaking of the pattern to copy looks I have seen - and your amazing blogs and pinterest as well as a good old google image search just feeds this enjoyment!

11 days until my little Brother comes and lives with me in London!

Where do you find your sewing inspiration from?

Thanks for reading,

Kristy xx

p.s. all collages were made using PicMonkey :)

Fabric shopping 2

I have a feeling this blog title will be making a regular appearance

So I set off yesterday with the aim of everyday wearable fabrics, I love all the fabric I bought in my last haul but not all of it was everyday appropriate and I want to be making all my wardrobe eventually so need everyday fabrics.

I was a bit stupid though and didn't think about the fact was bank holiday Monday and markets don't open on bank holidays-but at Walthamstow there are plenty of shops to call into...won't mention shop names but one lady followed me around her shop like a hawk which I absolutely hate and stopped me from wanting to buy anything, and probably put me off going back. I understand they want to show that someone is available and also have to be aware of thieves but what am I going to do, run out with bolts of fabric under my arm?? Anyway moan over...here is my latest haul

White stretch poly, teeny navy dots - £2/m, I bought 1.5

A linen look teeny stripe cotton, don't think it's a real linen but still nice - £2/m - bought 1m

Another poly and the colours really haven't come through great on thjs,its quite bright for me! My other have said it looked like a cushion...hope it doesn't when sewn up! £2/m again, I bought 2m of this in case need to pattern match

A lovely viscous again, I am really looking forward to wearing these lovely fabrics - £2/m - bought 1

This is a really nice quality Ponte - definitely a tilly and the buttons coco lined up for this beauty - this was £5/m and bought 1.5m. I am also sure I have seen this in a high street shop but I cannot remember where 

Another linen look but much thinner, will need self lining but at £1/m cannot complain, bought 2m

The colour REALLY has not come out on this photo - this is a really deep bottle green that despite this description does not remind me of school uniform! Again a lovely viscose but thin so will double up again - £1/m and bought 2

Absolutely no idea what this fabric is, it's pretty thick, not quite a scuba but I do not know, I cannot even tell if it is knit! It has a nice stretch to it so may make another coco with it

So this was my haul from Walthamstow but I also went on a bit of an eBay spending spree, they sent me a £10 off voucher if spend £20...would have been plain rude to not have spent it!

Right after I bought the new Colette Aster pattern  (I bought this the second I got the email!) I bought this 'chambray' which is actually another poly but it's a really soft poly, not sure I will be able to keep this long before sewing it, it's yum - paid £4ish for 2 metres from this eBay seller which I actually think is a Walthamstow seller too! Slightly more expensive on eBay to the shop but definitely still cheap and this arrived very quickly.

I was a bit disappointed at this at first, it was advertised as lawn but yet again another poly, on closer inspection of the product description (from this seller) it does say it's a poly but it is really nice and will,definitely need underlining...and again the colour isn't great, this is brilliant white - again was about £4 after using the voucher with good delivery service.

If anyone reading this is a old hat to sewing I am sure you are worrying about all the polys in my stash, I understand that the better quality fabric I use the better my final product will be but for just learning I cannot justify spending £20/m on fabric when I may just screw it all up! I (hopefully) have bought the best I can at as low prices and (hopefully) I will graduate to high quality!

I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend, and thanks for reading

Kristy xx

4 weeks today my sewing machine will be in London - yay!