tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30105300917671972162024-03-13T12:50:18.118+00:00Winnibriggs HouseJust me and stuff I love with plenty of sewing and lots of travelling around our beautiful island.WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.comBlogger232125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-70442527546674774592019-03-09T15:43:00.001+00:002019-03-09T15:52:34.901+00:00Well and full of ideas and plansSo February passed in a blur of coughing, aching limbs and utter lethargy. Somehow this nasty bug sucked out all our energy and enthusiasm, even for eating! (That was its only bonus as it certainly helped my quest to shed a few pounds before the warmer weather gets here)<br />
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Then suddenly one morning I got up and actually felt like me! I really wanted to get stuck into some of those plans I had abandoned and even began to think of some new projects. My sewing room was calling again.</div>
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So what have I been up to.</div>
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First I made up a wearable toile of the 'Jocko' top from Ready to Sew. The only suitable fabric I had was some fleece, which was a bit thick, but it enabled me to see just how boxy the top was.<br />
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When you are like me and more of a triangle shape, tops that are too loose are not flattering and I found that I had to go down 2 sizes to make it work for me. Still loose and comfy, but not overwhelming. </div>
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I really like this top and straight away ordered some striped French terry to make up a lighter version. I think this really works well and it will certainly be a pattern I return to again.<br />
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Next I thought I had better tackle some of the costume work I still have to finish for the <a href="https://www.chantrydancecompany.org/" target="_blank">Chantry Dance Company</a>, for their show Alice, Wonderland through the Looking Glass, later this year.<br />
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It's coming along, though I can't reveal too much. If you're into contemporary dance check out their website to see if they will be performing near you.</div>
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And then of course it was world book day. Only one of my grandsons was involved this year, which was just as well as he didn't decide what he wanted to be dressed as until 2 days before the event. </div>
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Amazingly the theme was Alice in Wonderland, in the air or under the ground. Well bless him our little man is potty about worms, but to make a costume he could manage in all day at school was a bit of a problem. Eventually mum persuaded him that a caterpillar was similar and so the one from Alice emerged. Hoodie top, two colours of fleece and some pipe cleaners and voila!<br />
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We did make the tail detachable on an elastic belt so that he could sit down and manage other things unaided. Mums amazing makeup finished it off and although I had my doubts that he would actually wear it, he loved it and stayed in it all day.</div>
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And just to make his day he was awarded 3 gold stars, so all in all another success.</div>
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Well I'm on a roll now so off to do some more of the costumes and some tee shirts ready for my hols later in the year. </div>
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I'm using a free pattern from <a href="http://www.lovesewingmag.co.uk/" target="_blank">Love Sewing magazine </a>and even managed to purchase the same yellow spot jersey from <a href="https://www.girlcharlee.co.uk/" target="_blank">Girl Charlee</a> that was used in the magazine. It is a little thinner than I had anticipated but we'll see how it makes up.</div>
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Enjoy your week and sewing if you're doing any</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
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WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-41910721786823807012019-02-10T08:30:00.002+00:002019-02-10T08:30:56.816+00:00Sew many plansSo here I was all fired up to complete the beautiful Sanderson curtains and then rustle up the ,Jocko' top and bang!!!!<br />
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First DH succumbs to this nasty viral flu bug thing and then being the kind sharing person he is gives it to me.<br />
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Feel a bit like Ive been run over by a steamroller.<br />
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So I'm staying here, no energy to even get up this morning, but no doubt later I will feel ever so lazy and stumble out.<br />
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Needless to say sewing now on hold.<br />
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
<br />WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-73248559713344708182019-02-04T13:57:00.000+00:002019-02-04T13:57:54.965+00:00Goodbye JanuaryWell January didn't seem to hang around very long did it? Or is that just another reminder that I'm getting older!<br />
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I am rather proud though that one month in I'm still holding to my 'no bought clothes' challenge, though the me made bit has not developed much further. Truth is I do have a well stocked wardrobe and need to have a bit of a cull. That's not to say I don't have a few things on my wish list.<br />
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One of those is a new to me pattern called <a href="https://www.readytosew.fr/en/home" target="_blank">'Jocko' by Ready to Sew.</a> A simple PDF pattern for a rather cosy top. There are lots of versions of this on the web and I have been inspired.<br />
I have a large stash of fleece from when I made slippers and I'm intending to use some to make a wearable toile.<br />
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Picture credit.. <a href="https://www.readytosew.fr/en/home" target="_blank">Ready to Sew patterns</a></div>
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I have found some gorgeous French terry on line which I am aching to buy, but will be very restrained until I have made my toile.<br />
As any sewer out there knows, patterns which look stunning on one person are sometimes just not you. So watch this space. It's supposed to be a quick sew so I hope to have one done this week.<br />
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I haven't been a slouch though! I have been making curtains for my darling girl, for a very square bay window. I had previously made blinds, but because of the way the house sits, sunlight had got in at a strange angle and faded them in stripes! At least with separate curtains she will be able to draw them to try to avoid this in future.<br />
The fabric I am using is a vintage Sanderson called Rosamund, from 1982 (she would only have been 11 then). It is a beautiful rose pattern on a cream background. I picked up several metres at a car boot last year, but when I came to measure the windows, I didn't have nearly enough.<br />
I went on line and to my amazement I managed to track down about 12 metres. Some of it had previously been made into curtains, but the selve edges were still intact and they had obviously not hung for long as the fabric is like new.<br />
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However when I received it, it turned out to be a slightly different colourway to the fabric I already had. The roses are more apricot, whereas mine are deep coral. Luckily the girl loved it anyway and there is enough to make all four curtains we need. The original will now be used for cushions and making a lampshade for a standard lamp.<br />
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I have purchased new blackout thermal lining and have already pieced together the curtains that need extra width. I'm quite proud of my pattern matching especially since the fabric was not bought with that in mind. A case of more good luck than judgement I feel.<br />
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I managed to find a couple of lampshades to recover at our local Sue Ryder CS for £1 each, what a bargain!!<br />
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I just need to acquire a couple of lamp standard bases now!<br />
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Well that's about it for now, I will be sticking my Jocko PDF pattern together later and making a start tomorrow. I cant wait as I really do like the look of it. Just hope it likes my body shape as much.<br />
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Happy sewing</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-68690625655493659072019-01-04T19:30:00.000+00:002019-01-04T19:30:53.395+00:00New Year..New ChallengeSo here we are again at the start of a New Year!<br />
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And I hope that finally this poor neglected blog will suddenly be filled with new sewing projects.<br />
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I have set myself an almost impossible task (for a shopaholic), of only adding me made items to my wardrobe for a whole year!!<br />
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I'm not really sure I can do it, but each time I've purchased something lately, I have been less than happy with either the fit, the quality or just the price. I also like to wear something individual, and what better way to do that than make it yourself.<br />
The pattern, how you may adapt it, the fabric, the colour, all these things make a me made garment yours and yours alone and rarely will you find anyone else wearing the same thing.<br />
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I've already made a start. In November I went to the knitting and stitching show at Harrogate and bought some lovely cord to make a couple of skirts. I found a suitable free pattern on Craftsy.com, although it turned out to be a Lekala pattern!, but as I hadn't made it before, I made a toile from a remnant I had picked up at a market.<br />
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After sorting out a couple of fit issues (I had heard that they weren't always very accurate and indeed despite putting in my exact measurements, I did have to take it in quite a bit and the waist is still very generous!) I am now though happy with the result and ready to start on the cord versions.<br />
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I'm hoping the process will make me focus on what's missing from my wardrobe, instead of just buying things that take my fancy. Things that will work with those things that I already own. To this end, I am going to make a list of what I think is missing. The items and the colours and hopefully over the next 12 months I will be able to fill those gaps with well made, well fitted garments that I know I will wear.<br />
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Wish me luck!</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-70151165776469668662018-08-12T13:26:00.002+01:002018-08-12T13:26:22.358+01:00Step back in timeWell it seems odd to talk of snow considering the blistering weather we've been experiencing over the past few months, but I seem to have let this blog slip and yet I have had so many nice adventures this year that I have decided to step back in time and recall some of them.<br />
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March 2018<br />
Way back in March I went on another of my visits to beautiful Scotland, and if my wish was to see it in all kinds of weather, well I certainly did this time.<br />
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On the day I set off it was pouring with rain, after several days of blizzards and heavy snowfall here in Lincolnshire. The views from the train window were still stunning though. I think the trip to Edinburgh is one of my favourite railway journeys. Hugging the coast for much of the latter part, the North Sea was wild with white horses and I was glad to be snug in my carriage looking out.<br />
As I try to travel mid week, there are not always that many fellow travellers, but on both my outward and home journeys this time the carriage was quite full, so it wasn't quite so easy to lose myself in my book.<br />
Have you ever noticed that whether on a train, in a restaurant and sometimes even the cinema you always seem to hear one voice way above everyone else and once heard you cannot get it out of your head! Well I had one , in fact two sat opposite me and however hard I tried to block it out, it was all I could hear. Two 'business' people, one a young woman, the other a more mature man, who spent a good two hours trying to out do each other in what they had achieved, what they owned , where they holidayed and how mentally and academically they were far superior than their peers.<br />
I know you shouldn't listen to other's conversations but sometimes you have no choice. I almost felt like chiming in and saying I had a normal job, a loving family, a reasonable car and cheap holidays and that now I am retired, no hassles, no competition, freedom, and I am completely content and happy with my lot and hoped their stress and power struggles were worth it in the end!! Some people seem to spend 'the best years of their life' fighting to be at the top and miss life altogether before it's too late. Sorry, have got off my soapbox now! But it is sad that some people just can't see the beauty of taking time out and enjoying what you have now.<br />
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Anyway, back to Bonny Scotland.<br />
We had as always planned to have a couple of outings, and now my sister has a car again, a bit of touring was on the agenda.<br />
But No!! Four days of intermittent blizzards, some sharp frosts and lots of ice are not the kind of weather two wrinklies should be risking! Broken hips are not worth it. We struggled to take Jack my sister's dog out some days, so we enjoyed a few days of complete rest, reading, knitting and chatting. And you know sometimes that is enough.<br />
I did manage to complete a lovely scarf and hat with some wool my sister was going to give away! And it looked like I would still be needing it if the weather forecast was right!<br />
Spring...it seemed an awful long way off !!! (Even though I know it had officially started!)<br />
Finally a couple of days before I was due to return the sun came out and we had a lovely trip to the charming fishing village of Anstruthers. We kept to all the B roads and the scenery was quite magical.<br />
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On my final day we took just a short trip to Burntisland.<br />
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I had been there before and looked forward to a walk through the lovely park area. Again the sun was shining and this time the cool winds had dropped. Running along side of the park there is a railway branch line, and underneath some arches. I asked my sister if she had ever ventured through them as they seemed to be a public pathway, and she said no, so curiosity peaked we went to explore.<br />
Oh my!<br />
What a surprise. <br />
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A wonderful coastal path with benches all set facing a stunning beach. Completely protected from any wind. It was warm enough to sit and linger, so we about turned, nipped to the local fish shop and returned to eat them by the sea with the sound of the waves just lapping on the shore. You could almost imagine a beach by the Mediterranean it was so pleasant.<br />
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The perfect way to round off a very happy holiday.<br />
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I'll be back soon hopefully with some more of our adventures, and maybe even get up to date one day!! You never know.<br />
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Have a lovely week. <br />
The weather has taken a dip here over the last few days, but is forecast to pick up again next week. I've loved the sunshine and feeling like we're having a 'real summer', but the bit of a break and some neede rain hasn't been too bad.<br />
What's it been like for you?<br />
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TTFN<br />
Jenny xx<br />
<br />WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-40448744730814198282018-04-09T14:13:00.000+01:002018-04-09T14:13:01.601+01:00Selfish sewing <br />
After spending weeks sewing costumes, I finally decided it was time to do some selfish sewing. I’d bought some lovely jersey knit from <a href="http://www.girlcharlee.co.uk/" target="_blank">Girl Charlee</a> and wanted to see how it made up.<br />
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I'm not a big tee shirt fan having completely the wrong figure type. Most off the peg tee shirts either fit at the top and are too baggy around my hips or fit well at the hips and much too snug over the bust.<br />
Anyway I found a free pattern in <a href="http://www.aceville.com/brands/crafts/dressmaker" target="_blank">Dressmaker magazine</a> for some wardrobe basics. Three tops and some draw string trousers that looked both practical and comfy.<br />
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I’d only bought a metre of each of the fabrics I had chosen, just to check their suitability for me, i.e. not clingy, see through etc. so I started with the sleeveless version shown on the model. I checked the size recommended for my measurements, and then the finished garment size. I don't like my tops too fitted, neither do I like them baggy and as there was quite a good amount of ease I opted to make a size smaller and I'm so glad I did.<br />
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I'm really pleased with how they turned out. Comfortable, just skimming the body and not clinging at all. The fabric feels so nice, I cant wait to choose some more!<br />
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Having said all that, the same cannot be said for the trousers on the same pattern. I wear a commercial UK12, but according to the pattern sizing I should make a 14/16. I decided to do a wearable toile, cutting out the size 14 and guess what! Awful!! The silhouette was nothing like the picture. Enormous wide legs and the top wouldn't have gone amiss as a clown costume.<br />
But I would not be defeated and set about recutting and fitting and in the end landed up making an 8/10. Believe me when I say that is definitely not me. The legs are still more straight than slim, but I think this is the style and they now work. I just need to find some medium weight cotton stretch fabric in bright colours and I'll be all set for when the sun eventually shines.<br />
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Do you have any good recommendations for fabric for these casual pants. I would like something that I can roll up when its warmer, so it doesn't need to be too thick.<br />
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Have you found any give away patterns that have become your favourites? I know this will be one of mine. I might try the sleeved one next.<br />
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have a lovely week whatever you are up to.<br />
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
<br />WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-68142653019384259292018-02-12T20:31:00.001+00:002018-02-12T20:31:49.772+00:00Vintage hunting near Skipton and a giveawayA couple of weeks ago we had a lovely weekend break near Skipton. The weather was rubbish but we were determined to shake off the flat post Christmas blues and enjoy ourselves.<br />
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We stopped off en route at Saltaire where we found a small but busy vintage fair at the Victoria Hall. Loads of great vintage clothes and collectibles. I almost bought a jacket ready for Twinwood later in the year, but it wasn't quite the right style. It would have been super to wear for every day, but I really didn't need another coat.<br />
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As you can see by their flier they do several shows a year, so if you are in the area it's really worth a visit.<br />
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We spent our first evening meeting up with a cousin of DH who we haven't seen for several years. It was lovely to catch up and we had a great meal at the Hopper Lane Hotel. Lovely atmosphere and great hosts.<br />
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On the Sunday we went to a large car boot sale near Chorley, where we met Danny Sebastien. As flamboyant and jolly in real life as on TV.<br />
From there we went to Bygone Times a vintage and Antique Emporium covering 6 Floors.<br />
Vintage Heaven!<br />
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I was very good though as we are in the middle of completely overhauling Olive and Edna. We have all our stock at half price at the moment (extended to end of February), but I was tempted!<br />
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And finally the bargain of the month! I have been looking for a new pair of red/purple long boots. I've had my eye on some Fly London boots for a while and DH gave me some money for my birthday towards them. The best price I have found was on the Internet at £94. On the way home from our weekend we popped into Wetherby as we often do when in the area and as usual we had to check out the CS. And yes, you've guessed it. A brand new pair of red Fly London boots, my size, that fit my skinny calves for just £15. I almost fainted. They are perfect. So I've used the rest of my birthday money to purchase a lovely silver mounted red jade pendant I've had my eye on. Lucky girl or what!<br />
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Well I have a busy week ahead, WI committee meeting Wednesday, manning a stand in our local museum on Saturday and having a stall at the Lincoln vintage flea market on Sunday, so I'm off to put my feet up and read for a little while. May not get another chance.<br />
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Talking of books the lovely Lisa from<a href="http://www.jumbleandjelly.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Jumble and Jelly</a> introduced me to the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear. She initially sent me the first two, Maisie Dobbs and Birds of a Feather, then followed up this kindness with a third, Pardonable Lies. I said I would read them and then pass them on and so if anyone fancies a bit of pure light reading in the form of some female detective novels which start at the beginning of the 20th century, just leave a comment here. I will draw a name from a hat if more than one person replies. I have really enjoyed them and as there are 13 now and another due I will be able to follow Maisie for a bit longer still.<br />
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
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WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-75725805570956001032018-01-30T08:06:00.001+00:002018-01-30T08:06:23.229+00:00And Its done!The Butterick B5281 dress in spotted swifts is finished.<br />
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Having had no luck finding any more of the fabric to replace the front section I had <strike>cocked </strike> messed up, I rifled through the bag of scraps that I had collected to go to the local sewing group and managed to find a couple of larger pieces of the right fabric, and having pressed them, I held them against the wrongly cut piece to see if I could in any way patch them together. It took a little while but finally I was able to choose two pieces which when all joined together gave me enough fabric to cut out the missing front piece correctly this time.<br />
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The matching isn't absolutely perfect but as near as, and since this is for a 'costume' I am happy enough with the result.<br />
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Of course whenever I have a potential disaster making something you can guarantee that as soon as one thing is solved something else goes wrong. So having spent all afternoon trying to get this as perfect as possible, I make up the dress, try it on and the zip broke.<br />
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Blizzards!! again.<br />
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Put it down, go get a glass of wine and just leave it!<br />
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I am not meant to wear this dress am I?<br />
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Later on I returned though determined not to be defeated. I put in a new zip, finished the skirt, added some vintage buttons and voila. Just the hem to finish now and then its done!<br />
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I don't think you will be able to see the 'repair' when I wear it<br />
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Unless the wind blows that is!</div>
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The inside patchwork seams</div>
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What a relief. I would be lying if I were to say this has been an enjoyable sew. And even my favourite vintage pattern isn't so appealing at the mo. However I do believe that I have truly embraced the 1940s ethos of 'make do and mend' quite literally!<br />
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Have you tossed many disasters in the bin, or are you like me and won't admit defeat?<br />
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But for now I think <span style="text-align: center;">I'll step away from the machine. I have a floor length 'Scottish Widow' type cloak to tackle next with a large cowl hood. I think I need to have my sensible head on for that.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Wish me luck</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">TTFN</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Jenny xx</span></div>
WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-43652341466740961612018-01-22T11:49:00.001+00:002018-01-22T11:49:19.953+00:00Sewing Accessories...the big rip off!Well my call for help with fabric fell on deaf ears! I did have someone kindly contact me but their suggestion did not produce the goods....however in the spirit of make do and mend I have made progress but will keep that for next time.<br />
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I was prompted to write this post, because for some time now I have been looking for a Teflon foot for my sewing machine. Now I have a Husqvarna Platinum 950E ( about 14 years old ) and a Huskystar C20. I bought the latter from the knitting, stitching and hobby craft show at the NEC, to save me keep taking the embroidery unit off the 950E.<br />
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Don't get me wrong I love both machines. The 950E when used just as a sewing machine is a dream, and the embroidery unit has been a real pleasure to learn on and use. The Huskystar is very portable has a good range of stitches, and for a pretty basic machine has done me well for some time.</div>
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However my biggest gripe is that all the lovely machine feet I have bought for the 950E do not fit the Huskystar and vice verse. </div>
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I even bought a load of Husquvarna machine feet in a sale when our local studio closed and none of them fit the Huskystar. Now I know someone out there is going to tell me that Huskystar are not actually produced by Husqvarna but by Janome, but either way they are sold and demonstrated by Husquvarna reps at every sewing show I visit, so for my money they still come under the husqvarna banner.</div>
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Now when the average price of one foot for the 950E is anything from £6.99 to £59.99, having to buy a second lot for your 'spare' machine is no joke!<br />
Read on line about the various sewing machine feet and you will find plenty of information relating to a long or short shank. what you don't usually find is the information, and this relates in particular to my Huskystar, is that the bar on some feet that your </div>
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Introducing <span id="goog_313777124"></span><a href="http://www.austinsewingmachines.co.uk/" target="_blank">Austin sewing machines</a>..<span id="goog_313777125"></span><span id="goog_1238153344"></span><span id="goog_1238153345"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>.... Amazing service, amazing products and currently my hero! At an average price of around £4 per foot I have now equipped myself with a roller foot, a Teflon foot, a narrow zipper foot, an invisible zipper foot, a double gathering foot, an edge stitch in the ditch foot and a 1/4 inch foot. In the blurb it states that all of these feet will fit several machines including the Husqvarna husky series... And guess what they do!! I am in seventh heaven, as anyone who does any amount of sewing knows that although we can get round things, life is so much easier if you have the correct tool ( for that read foot ) to do the job.<br />
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So well done Austin, you have finally saved me from regretting my second husqvarna purchase and I am enjoying sewing all over again.<br />
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And while we're talking about the items that make sewing your own clothes easier and therefore to me more enjoyable, I must mention my latest purchase from Lidl no less. Never thought I would have any need for a table top ironing board, but I have to say this has been a little gem. Hung on the back of the door when not needed and so quick and easy to set up when all you want to do is press darts etc. Saves all the hassle of getting out the main ironing board and whats more takes up so little space.<br />
At just £4.99 it was money well spent!<br />
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So this happy bunny is now off to tackle the last steps in her latest project, and take some pictures.<br />
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Back soon</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
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WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-9578840651509155272018-01-15T12:46:00.001+00:002018-01-15T12:46:48.246+00:00Desperately Seeking.......Makower spotted swifts in dark salmon<br />
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For some years now DD and her crew have bought us tickets for the Twinwood Festival in August. A real celebration of music, dancing and vintage fashion from the 40s through to the 60s. Each year my SIL and I decide what we're going to wear and start researching patterns and fabrics, I'm afraid that there's not many actual vintage dresses out there that would fit us now so we choose vintage patterns and retro fabric to create our hopefully authentic look.<br />
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However since we are real converts now and would buy the tickets anyway, this year we have been given tickets for a similar new festival at Newark in June. So now we have two outfits to find (actually that's four as our other halves are now very happy to join in the fun!)<br />
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Well last year I decided to get a bit more organised and started making a a vintage dress which I have made before.<br />
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Butterick B5281</div>
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A completely different fabric this time. My first version I cheated a bit and made in a jersey to try and avoid the side zip called for, but this time I was using a woven cotton fabric Makower spotted swifts in dark salmon and intended to make it up exactly as shown in the pattern instructions.<br />
So far so good. I must have cut the dress out last September, and I got as far as making the bodice before other commitments meant it got shelved. This has been on my tailors dummy ever since.<br />
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Yesterday I decided I would finish it ready for the Newark festival........<br />
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I made up and attached the sleeves, exactly as instructed to do, even though I was itching to just use the overlocker! And then I came to the skirt.......Blizzards!!!!!! and even more blizzards.....<br />
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The front skirt is made of two separate pieces cut out singly and how I've done it I have no idea, but I have managed to cut one of them with my fabric reversed! I can only think that I must have been having trouble fitting the pieces in and have turned the pattern piece over. Fine if you're cutting something on folded fabric but absolutely useless when it's only supposed to be cut on a single layer .<br />
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So here's my call of desperation<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><br /></span><span style="color: red;">If anyone has even a metre of this fabric in the dark salmon stashed away, would you please....pretty please.... let me know if I may purchase it from you.......</span></h3>
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I really don't want to start again, I do love the dress so far. but I cant find any on the Internet so I am in your hands.<br />
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Hope your latest projects are going a bit better than mine.<br />
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-6967632730575155032018-01-08T11:48:00.001+00:002018-01-08T13:23:28.908+00:00And a New Chapter begins.......First though a bit late, a very happy New Year to you all.<br />
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I was always rubbish at keeping a diary and it seems I've not improved with the digital type!<br />
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Every morning I spend a few minutes in bed reading my emails and a few blogs but somehow I never seem to find the time to actually sit and update mine. I used to love doing it, but it does take time. I am always in awe of those who manage a post almost every day.<br />
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Well I'm not making any rash promises to improve in the New Year but I would like to get back to recording some of the lovely things we have planned.<br />
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My most exciting news since I last wrote in July!!! is that DD has completely changed her business, is doing very well and is so much happier. She and her husband now have more time to spend with their darling boys and actually enjoy life.<br />
One of her cards was featured on Dragons Den over the holidays when the CEO of Thoughtful, one of the sites she sells from, was on the show!!!!<br />
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You'll also find her here <a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/giddykipper" target="_blank">GiddyKipper</a><br />
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For myself, I think I have found my dream job!<br />
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No I haven't returned to work at my age, but I have become involved in making costumes for a professional contemporary dance company. I am in my element at the moment creating and making anything and everything from simple slip dresses to velvet tail coats, corsets and steam punk helmets and goggles. Most of what we do is created from what we can find. I am getting very adept at deconstructing curtains for fabric and my sewing room looks more like Santa's workshop. At times it's a bit hectic getting things done to a certain time frame but brilliant to think they will be seen by hundreds of people all around the country when the next show takes to the road!<br />
And I'm having great fun. That's what a hobby is really about isn't it?<br />
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Pretty underskirts </div>
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The toile for a tail coat ready to fit</div>
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Anyway at the moment we have a break, and a bit more time to complete the costumes for the rest of the cast. The show will not open until the Autumn, but I am looking forward to seeing it all come together. I have a lovely partner in crime and we hit it off straight away. On top of that the directors are not only amazingly talented but are the nicest people I have ever worked with.<br />
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How lucky am I. Want to see more, go take a look at the <a href="http://www.chantrydancecompany.org/" target="_blank">Chantry Dance Company</a> website<br />
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Well <a href="http://www.oliveandedna.co.uk/" target="_blank">Olive & Edna</a> are busy with a sale at the moment so I'm off to add a few more vintage pieces to our site.<br />
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Hope you are keeping busy and well<br />
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-59283637984621633692017-07-25T10:15:00.000+01:002017-07-25T10:15:27.117+01:00Do I miss travelling abroad....not at allLast August DH and I together with our daughter, son in law and two very excited grandsons, took a cottage in Wales for a week. We had all sorts of plans to explore this beautiful place (for me reliving holidays from my teens) and guess what! The sun came out and sea and sand won over castles and water falls and so we had to file away our 'to do' list for another time.<br />
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Well that other time came a couple of months ago. Renting a converted barn near to Bala, we set off with our sister and brother in law and apart from choosing the worst day of our week to do Snowdon, we had an amazing time.</div>
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It doesn't matter how many times I visit this beautiful area there is always something to take your breath away.</div>
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We managed to fit in so much we needed another holiday to recover, but it was all worth it.</div>
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We visited beautiful Chirk Castle, Erdigg House,<br />
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spent a lovely day exploring Bodnant gardens again and meandered through the lanes at Portmeirion,<br />
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stunned to realise that it is 50 years since 'the Prisoner' was filmed here. I can see it quite clearly and know that we watched it regularly, though I never did understand it!!</div>
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Our non event of walking up Snowdon was our only disappointment. We set off in a bit of drizzle, but by the time we got to the PYG track it was raining and blowing up a real storm.<br />
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The road we drove up on had almost disappeared in the mist and you couldn't see more than a few feet up. Well we are wrinklies and do have a modicum of common sense and so apart from walking up the track a few feet to be able to say 'I was there', we abandoned our plans and headed for stunning Bettws y Coed instead. </div>
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To say this was a fortunate detour is an understatement as the mornings rain had turned a lovely tourist attraction into a phenomenal sight. I can truly say I have not seen such a stunning waterfall ever! ( Never having seen the delights of either Niagara or the Victoria falls) Just awesome, and my pictures do it no justice at all.<br />
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We finished off our week with a trip on the Welsh Highland Railway, from Porthmadog to Caernafon and back. It was a beautiful day and we got to spend a couple of hours stretching our legs before the return journey. Caernafon Castle was most impressive, but to be honest apart from that and the harbour the town was very much the same sad site as so many of our towns in the UK. Empty shops, crumbling buildings or cheap bargain basement retailers. Such a shame!<br />
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Altogether it was a brilliant break and although we got to see so much, we still want to return to explore other parts around Conwy and Anglesey, but before that we have a lovely holiday booked for later in the year in glorious Somerset......can't wait........</div>
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Enjoy the summer break, wherever you are.</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
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WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-777207087174218922017-05-07T08:20:00.001+01:002017-05-07T08:20:39.221+01:00Bonnie Scotland A few weeks ago I took a little break from sewing and hopped on the train to Bonnie Scotland. To Fife in fact to visit my sister for one of our biannual get togethers.<br />
It's a bit of a knit and natter session, a reading marathon and on my part a week of complete relaxation and charging my batteries.<br />
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I love the train journey there (and back) and never tire of the changing scenery as we wend our way north. My sister has lived just outside Edinburgh for about 6 years now, so my journey only takes about four and a half hours. Before this she lived in Laurencekirk and the journey took all day so that I always arrived in the dark!<br />
The east coast from about Newcastle onwards is stunning. Glimpses of Alnwick and beautiful Berwick upon Tweed, both of which I have explored on past holidays tempt you to explore further.<br />
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This journey was in beautiful sunshine, for us here in Lincolnshire the first really warm weekend of the year and the sun glinting on the water by the coast was magical.<br />
My only regret nowadays is that we are tied to public transport as my sister has given up driving. Oh we don't let this stop us altogether and I must say the bus and train services in Scotland are pretty good. It just means that we no longer get to those remote fishing villages which pepper the east coat.<br />
We managed a visit to Dumfermline, and ventured to Sterling by train. We found we could go from Cowdenbeath which is only manned part time and when we went to enquire about tickets the office had just closed. However there was a public information machine which we decided to try, and thank goodness we did! Within seconds of pressing the button for assistance we had all the information we needed delivered by a charming man ( yes an actual live person) with no problem at all. Well done Scotrail!!<br />
On my final day we were kindly given a lift into Queensferry,<br />
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... a pretty little town on the banks of the Clyde. It was lovely to walk the full length and take in the sight of the now, 3 bridges. The rail bridge, the original road bridge and the almost finished new road bridge which I have watched taking shape over my last few visits. A stunning piece of engineering. I wasn't able to get a good shot of all three bridges together, but at least I got them individually.<br />
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Our kindly neighbour who then picked us up to return us home had to make a slight detour to pop some shopping in to his mum. You can imagine how my jaw dropped when he drove into her driveway!!<br />
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Hopetoun House</div>
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She doesn't actually live in the 'big' house but in what must have been the dower house I assume. Which in its own right was a lovely building but it must have been quite a shock for her friends the first time they came for tea, as the only access is down the main drive. She hasn't been here for long and her garden is currently under construction, but the views from it are the stunning parkland and woods of the estate which are now managed by the Hopetoun House preservation Trust<br />
A super surprise ending to my lovely holiday. I didn't get to see in the house as it wasn't open until the week after my visit, but I might have to delay my holiday another year so that I can get to see more.<br />
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Its always sad when a holiday draws to a close, but at least I can now catch a train straight through on the way back.<br />
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And though its nice to go travelling its oh so nice to come home! (Sorry Frank) just had to do it.<br />
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Well another busy week ahead for me getting ready for yet another trip to Wales. This time with our brother and sister in law, hoping to do all the things we didn't manage on our holiday with the young things last year. I'm determined to walk up Snowdon at least and plenty more walking too.<br />
The only problem is the packing. Beautiful as it Wales' weather is not exactly predictable. I think I might need a slightly bigger case this time!!<br />
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Have a lovely week whatever you are planning</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-76749478776278289722017-03-25T08:00:00.000+00:002017-03-25T08:42:02.413+00:00MarathonNo I'm not back running, but my dressmaking is taking on marathon proportions and my posts even more so.......<br />
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I think I am becoming obsessed! Okay those that know me know I am always obsessed with something, but at the moment it is finding the perfect fitted dress pattern.<br />
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So I am whispering this as I know I will change my mind again, but I think I have just about constructed my perfect dress bodice sloper. I say dress, but of course I can now use this for fitting tops and blouses too, so I am a pretty happy bunny. Which is just as well as I have purchased so much fabric in the last couple of months that I could almost open a dress shop by the time I get it all made up!!<br />
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I printed off the customised pattern I purchased from Bootstrap Fashions and per their instructions still made a toile to check the fit. It was almost perfect, just needed a bit of tweeking at the armhole to remove the tiniest bit of excess fabric there and voila.....<br />
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It's really not that easy taking photos of yourself without looking a right dork!<br />
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Anyway, bad piccie or not this is the first attempt. The only issue I have is that I should have shortened the waist to bust dart. Other than that I think it's okay and I like the fuller skirt for a change. The fabric is a stretch denim printed with tiny flower sprigs I bought for another project and It's made up really well. I have at least 2 metres left so DH could be in for a dress or skirt too!<br />
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The second is very tongue in cheek. Made from Makower fabric sporting caravans and campers, with mauve check linings to the patch pockets which I have folded over and fastened down with spotty buttons. I think it has a real vintage vibe and will be perfect when I am manning my <a href="http://www.oliveandedna.co.uk/" target="_blank">Olive & Edna</a> stall at the Vintage Flea Market at Lincoln Showground on Sunday 23rd April.<br />
This time I think I have got the fit just right.<br />
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Finally I have made up another dress from an old Vogue pattern 2659 which I made about 2 sizes ago!! I love the original that I made in a dark brown firm stretch fabric, but I look like a litter of piglets stuffed in a bag in it now. This version is in Ponte Jersey. A bit thinner weight than my original, and I'm not over the moon with it but it's okay.<br />
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I shall have to try to source some fabric with a little more body to it, or lose some of mine lol!!<br />
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So that's my dress journey to date and as for the encore......<br />
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I told you I wouldn't go to the NEC and return empty handed..<br />
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The top is a duck egg blue with a sort of pumpkin design in orange, next down a taupe and white fabric with a London skyline sketch in stripes across it. There were lots more I could have bought but as I had already made a couple of purchases on line before we went I was trying not to get too carried away. At least I didn't buy another machine this time!<br />
The bottom two are the ones I bought on line....,<br />
The deep dusky pink is to recreate a 1940s dress I made when we first went to Twinwood for the Glen Miller Festival and the final piece is a grey/mauve with tiny balls of wool unravelling.<br />
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As you can see I have plenty to keep me out of mischief at the moment, but I'll be having a little break imminently as it's time for my spring trip to Bonnie Scotland. Shame it won;'t be warm enough to model any of my new creations, but at least we do seem to be getting a few more bright and sunny days now.<br />
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Well if you've got this far you're definitely gonna need a big drink, so enjoy and I think I might join you.<br />
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TTFN<br />
Jenny xxWinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-79944319817873145972017-03-24T12:12:00.000+00:002017-03-24T13:29:12.524+00:00Ta...Daaa!.......almost!!Well as I said after the denim dress I got down to remaking the muslin to address the issues I had with the fit of the bodice. It wasn't much, or so I thought, but wanting to get it right I went back to the original pattern. This time I decided to do a few more actual body measurements to compare to the pattern before I made the muslin.<br />
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What I found straight away was that the distance from the apex to apex on the pattern was too wide for me, so I adjusted that and then found that despite the fact that I had already done the full bust adjustment there was still too much fabric in the armhole. Fortunately there are lots of super tutorials on the web for dart manipulation and so following one of these I pinned out the excess by creating a dart in the armhole tapering it towards the bust. I then marked this on the muslin with my frictions pen and transferred this onto my pattern. Then by slashing and pivoting the dart I was able to move this excess fabric and incorporate it in the side bust dart. Of course I made more work for myself by starting with a pinafore pattern with much deeper armholes, but eventually I managed a much better if not perfect fit.<br />
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I really do love the dress now, but am going to search my stash of patterns to find a regular sleeveless bodice that I can really fine tune. I made a belt as well for this one and like it both ways<br />
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In the meantime I have purchased a custom fit pattern from <a href="http://www.bootstrapfashion.com/" target="_blank">bootstrap fashion</a>, which allowed me to put in all my correct measurements including chest, under bust, full bust, hips etc. as well as indicating if I have a flat or rounded tummy, shoulder width and even the circumference of my arms! You can in fact add even more measurements if you wish, but for now I just stuck with the areas that cause me most fitting problems ..<br />
I've printed it all out now, assembled it and compared it to the final draft I made myself and it looking pretty promising.<br />
I shall try it out (on a muslin again) over the weekend and report back,<br />
I hope I haven't bored you too much, but I like to keep a record of my fitting journey to refer back to as I don't always remember what I did with each pattern I use. I should really keep a note book!<br />
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Happy sewing or whatever is your happy place</div>
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TTFN</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jenny xx</div>
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WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-87719708884681668722017-02-21T16:11:00.001+00:002017-02-21T21:15:34.898+00:00Denim LoveAlthough I'm not a designer jeans kind of girl, and in truth don't really understand what anyone can do to a pair of jeans to justify them going from a few pounds to several hundreds (especially when they rip out half the fabric you pay for), but I do like denim as a fabric.<br />
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Anyway when I stumbled across a lovely soft washed denim in of all places our local Boyes, I couldn't resist it.<br />
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I had just the pattern I wanted to use from <a href="https://angelakane.com/sewing_patterns/patterns/pinafore-dress-sewing-pattern-721.php" target="_blank">Angela Kane</a>. It's called a pinafore as it's cut to allow for a tee shirt underneath, though I intend to wear it as a simple dress.<br />
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In the unlined version on her site, she has suggested just turning the seam allowances in. That's not something I could live with and so I decided to go with a self made bias binding. I usually do the <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/02/continuous-bias-binding-tutorial/" target="_blank">continuous binding method</a>, but didn't have enough fabric to do that this time, so I just cut my regular 2 inch strips along the bias and joined them all separately.<br />
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I mostly use a Frixion pen when needing to mark things nowadays as with a mere touch of the iron it disappears.<br />
I subscribed to the Angela Kane site a few years ago and have made several of the designs. All very classic, but one of the benefits of the site are the wonderfully detailed videos. Even as someone who has sewn for years I have found some very useful tips.<br />
Of course that doesn't mean to say that everything always goes right. When like me you have to lower the bust apex as well as do a full bust adjustment, it can and did give me a bit of a headache. Add to that a sway back and you can understand why I sometimes still have to refer to my fitting bibles....<br />
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I made a muslin first, which I did fit, but as you can see from my mannequin,when I made up the denim I somehow managed to make the top too big! That must be a first.<br />
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Admittedly the dummy is a bit smaller than me at the top but it still required a bit of adjustment.<br />
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<b>So here it is with the further adjustments made.</b></div>
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I'm quite pleased with the final result though not so much with the vertical bust darts. So I have already made a new muslin correcting that for my next version. I intend to make it again in the pretty green spotted cotton I showed <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Km9VFCw6HkE/WGp8EPxaUAI/AAAAAAAAFs0/qu95bHV1plc9qtbmxHURLaDtu4VdkHeFwCEw/s1600/616.JPG" target="_blank">here</a>, though this time I will line it. (And there's a video for that too).<br />
I just realised when I took this photo, that the skirt I was wearing was an Angela Kane too and even had the same pockets!<br />
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It's only a few weeks now to the Knitting and Stitching Show, and so it looks like I will have used all the fabric I bought at the last one I went to. I'd better start saving again then. I can't imagine I will go and not bring anything home.......<br />
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Have a good week</div>
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TTFN</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jenny xx</div>
WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-8606943567131455822017-02-06T20:10:00.000+00:002017-02-06T20:15:58.389+00:00Baby it's cold outside...So if you're anything like me you will be hunkering down in the warm, and what better place to do that than in your cosy kitchen rustling up homemade soup.<br />
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(of course if I was a true food writer my soup would have had its swirl of cream and snipped chives to dress it up, I was just anxious to take the picture and eat it!)<br />
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A few years ago I was lucky enough to be sent a book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hungry-innocent-recipe-filling-family/dp/0007416806" target="_blank">'Hungry</a>' by the lovely people at Innocent. I've made several of the recipes over time but the section about soup has made it my go to bible when I want some inspiration.<br />
This sweet potato soup recipe comes from that book and it is deeelicious!! Just the job for warming you up on these cold days. And the added bonus is there's usually enough to pop some in the freezer for another day.<br />
The leek and potato recipe comes from <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THE-BRITISH-COOKBOOK-THE-BEST-OF-BRITISH-FOOD-HARDBACK-FREEPOST-UK-/272198544770" target="_blank">The British Cookbook</a> which I bought at Asda some time ago and is a particular favourite. Can't seem to find it anywhere but on eBay now!<br />
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I know this blog is known mainly for sewing but I do love cooking when I'm in the mood and my kitchen is somewhere I love to be. It is one of only two rooms in the house where I have allowed my vintage collecting to influence the decor, (the other being my sewing room of course)<br />
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So do you have any favorite warming recipes to share I would love to hear from you if you have. In the meantime I am off to snuggle down on the settee with a good book and an equally warming whisky and soda.<br />
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-36960999213197427682017-01-25T14:54:00.001+00:002017-01-31T12:01:33.471+00:00In a Crazy World at least my ears are warm!....and a giveaway!!Yes the world has gone crazy, and yes there are some very important issues out there, but we all have to deal with this in our own way. I have two favourite options for this. One, turn off the TV and radio and avoid the Internet ,or two, immerse myself in something I love and hope that some of the awful panic starts to fade.<br />
It's not any kind of solution but it's my way!<br />
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And so naturally since I can't just avoid everything I dislike I've decided to embrace number two and hit my sewing room...again.<br />
I completed the sweat shirts for the grandsons and am currently deciding on my next bigger project, but it is sooooooo cold here it's enough to freeze, well just about anything really!<br />
So I thought I would share my favourite headband, earmuff tutorial with you.<br />
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You will need:<br />
About 6 inches, (15 cms) x the circumference of your head measured around your ears plus 4 inches, (10 cms) of fleece.<br />
A small amount of polyester filling. The band is slightly padded for extra warmth and it is a little more flattering<br />
About 4-5 inches (8-10 cms) of Velcro, hook and loop fastener.<br />
Matching thread<br />
Sewing machine, although this project is small enough to be hand sewn if you don't have access to one.<br />
Card or paper to make template.<br />
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First of all measure around your head, or your child's as this is suitable for all sizes, going over your ears. Make a note of this measurement.<br />
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Next you will need to make a pattern.Take a piece of card or firm paper half your original measurement plus about 1.5 inches (3 cms) and about 6 inches (15 cms) wide. A4 paper was just the 1.5 inches short for my head, so I used this and noted my pattern piece to add that on to the back measurement when cutting out.<br />
First draw a line 4 inches,( 10 cms) down from one long edge.<br />
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Next measure from the centre front of your head to the centre of your ears. This is the second measurement. Jot it down.<br />
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One short edge of the card will be your centre front. Mark this. Measure along the long edge from the centre front and mark the second measurement (centre of ear).Mark this again from the centre front along the drawn line. Connect the two marks and draw a vertical line.<br />
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Next you will need something rounded to create the slight shaping to cover the ears. I had the backing ring from some bias tape. Place the bottom of the circle or saucer, whatever you are using so that it is centred over the second measurement line and comes below the bottom line of the band by about 3/8 inch (1 cm) . Draw the curve and then blend that into the bottom line so that it is a gentle dip as opposed to a deep curved flap. This is then your template which is half your band. As I was using fleece and I find cutting it on a fold rather tricky, I copied the template onto another piece of card and joined the two together at the centre front with sellotape. This is also a good way to check you have measured correctly and that the slight dips line up with your ears!<br />
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You will need to cut two of these out of fleece, not forgetting to add the extra length at the back seam if like me your card was shorter than needed, and then right sides together pin and stitch them together leaving a small gap on the bottom edge to turn the band out.<br />
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Trim the corners, making sure you don't cut the stitching and layer the seams, that is trim one side to about an eighth of an inch to reduce bulk, then turn out to the right side.<br />
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With the bottom shaped edge towards you fold the left side over to the middle and the bring the right side over to overlap this.<br />
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The overlapped side should be the one that is completely sewn, the side with the opening still is the one underneath at this point.<br />
You will now stitch the hook portions of the hook and loop fastener to the underside of the right overlapped piece. Cut two pieces about 1/2 inch less than the finished width of your band and centre them side by side.<br />
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This is the point at which you will insert the stuffing. You are aiming for an even flat slightly padded look, so you don't need too much.You should keep the stuffing about two inches, 5 cms away from the end which is still open as you will be stitching the loop part of the fastener here. Its a little tricky with the opening but not impossible. You could use thin batting that you would use in quilting, but this would need to be attached when sewing the band together and I thought this might prove a little tricky with the thickness of the fleece.<br />
Once you are happy with the look of your band close the opening neatly with a ladder or similar stitch. There are lots of videos on the web showing the neatest way to do this.<br />
Ease any stuffing away from the end to leave you about two inches to work on and then you will finish by sewing on the loop fastener.<br />
To ensure that you are sewing it on the correct side fold your band as before, with the shaped side towards you fold in the left side to the middle and then the right side to overlap this. If you have it folded correctly the hook part of the fastener will be on the underside of the right overlapped piece. You will then sew the loop part on the end of the left side facing up.<br />
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And you are done, A cosy band to keep head and ears warm.<br />
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Dress it up with a vintage brooch or even make some felt flowers to add a bit of fun. Why not make several to go with your different outfits! If unlike me you don't have a ready supply of fleece there are sellers on eBay who sell scarf sized remnants of fleece that would be perfect, or you can recycle an old fleece of your own or from a charity shop.<br />
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Do let me know if you have a go, I would love to see some of your creations.<br />
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Here are a few I made earlier, I hope they might give you some inspiration.<br />
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And finally if you want to have a go I have quite a quantity of fleece in basic colours, beige, navy, dark brown and black left over from my slipper making. I will send a piece of your choice to the first 6 people to leave a comment here and there might be a little surprise gift included too.<br />
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Good luck</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx<br />
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PS I will keep the give away open until 31/01/17 and then contact the winners for their addresses.</div>
WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-58325199613529554932017-01-18T15:30:00.001+00:002017-01-18T15:30:06.894+00:00Return of my sewing mojoWell it seems giving myself a mantra for the New Year is working. Not only did I finish the cord skirt, but have now made the jersey blouse and the grey sweatshirt! Forgot to take pictures though!<br />
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Haven't tackled the shift dress yet as I don't suppose I'll need it in the next few weeks according to our weather forecasts. So I've started on some sweatshirts for my grandsons.<br />
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I bought this navy and white stripe sweat shirting on line at the end of the year and hadn't got around to making it up. It's lovely to work with and this sweatshirt hoody is so quick to make up.<br />
I printed the free pattern from<a href="https://shwinandshwin.com/product/boys-hooded-sweatshirt" target="_blank"> Shwin and Shwin</a> for Charlie the youngest, and will buy the older size for Alfie as I can see it being used over and over.<br />
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The hood is lined which gives it a nice touch and the pattern suggests ribbing for waist and cuffs but this time I've decided to shorten both a little and leave them plain. I quite like the effect.<br />
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I was so keen to get on, I didn't think what I was going to use for the lining until I had the main sweatshirt cut out. All I had was some turquoise jersey or some mid navy, neither of which inspired me, but rooting about in a bag of old tee shirts I was discarding I found just the right shade of yellow, and it's perfect!<br />
Just have to try it on now and do final fitting and I can get it hemmed and handed over.<br />
So next of course is Alfie's, I think I will raid the tee shirts again to see if I can find an orange green or purple for his hood lining as they are his favourite colours. Perhaps I won't be throwing out those old tee shirts in the future, but storing them in my stash!<br />
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Finally I do have to confess to one purchase, a denim skirt in Marks & Spencer's sale. At only £14 reduced from £35, it was a bargain and what's more for once the fit is perfect. However I'm still on track as makes are 3 to 1 at the moment!!<br />
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Well that's it for now. I am off to help hubby fit the sides of the new cupboards he has already built and plastered in his new room. It seems his building mojo has also returned as I can't believe what he's already achieved in the last few days<br />
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Have a good week, I'd love to hear from you whether it's sewing related or just to say hello!<br />
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-8491722077290158442017-01-02T16:27:00.001+00:002017-01-02T22:19:30.840+00:00This doesn't bode well.....Well I'm already a day late so as the title says this doesn't bode well for my better organised 2017,<br />
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However despite this I wish you all a very happy, healthy and peaceful New Year wherever you are.<br />
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We have had a lovely Christmas and New Year with lots of get togethers and some fabulous presents. A couple of which were definitely not planned.<br />
I signed up for Tracy's Cracker Swap back in November and while trying to print something out to include in my parcel my printer decided to give up the ghost! So off to our local shop we went to try to find a reasonable replacement. I went for a wireless one thinking this would make things so much easier, But no not a chance. So okay, for now we'll connect it by cable and sort out later! Doesn't work when your ancient computer still has XP installed. So to cut a long story short, we invested in a new laptop and then our son (the computer whizz) spent almost four hours setting everything up!!!<br />
Needless to say said swap has not taken place yet. My Partner Lynn couldn't have been more understanding and in fact had reasons herself to delay our exchange, so we will be sending our crackers off anytime now<br />
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Despite this we have had a good time and are now looking forward to this New Year.<br />
One holiday already booked in beautiful Wales again and another planned for later on.<br />
We are booked to help with some decorating for our DD and family and have a few projects lined up here. The main one being a man cave for DH with some storage and a new airing cupboard to be created from part of the bedroom he is taking over. ( It is quite large) </div>
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My other plan is to sew more than I buy in 2017, not only because I enjoy the sewing part so much, but to be honest, I get so disappointed when I shop for clothes. I love colour and there are only a handful of shops whose clothes I like that seem to embrace this.</div>
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Anyway I've already made a start and have just completed a cord skirt with some fabric I bought at the Harrogate Knitting and Stitching show.</div>
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I used an ancient New Look pattern, 6030 and am quite pleased with how it's turned out.<br />
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My only regret is that I didn't use the contrast cotton for the waistband facing as the cord is quite thick. However that's a note to myself for next time!<br />
I am following this with a jersey blouse for which I will use my trusty tunic pattern, shortened and with short sleeves.<br />
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I've also got fabric lined up for a cosy half zip sweatshirt in this lovely grey fleece backed fabric printed with tiny stars and the first of my summer weight shift dresses. A gorgeous chartreuse cotton with cream spots. Just a few bits to be getting on with.<br />
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I guess my next thing will be to cull my wardrobe to make room for them, some to sell and lots for the local charity shops, recycling at its best.<br />
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So what are your plans? I hesitate to say resolutions as this seems to put the mockers on them straight away lol! Whatever they are I wish you well with them and would love to hear what you are up to.<br />
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TTFN<br />
Jenny xx<br />
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WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-189873899536017562016-10-06T17:00:00.001+01:002016-10-06T17:00:35.717+01:00Tunic obsessionDo you find that you seem to obsess over certain items in your wardrobe. Over the past few months all I seem to have been doing is searching on line for Breton tops! I now have quite a few in different colours. What I don't understand is that as a sewer why I'm not making my own!!<br />
They must be one of the simplest items to run up and yet so far I've not made a single one.<br />
Admittedly in the past there were very few places to buy a really nice weight cotton jersey, but today that's not so much the case. Okay some of the nicer knits are not cheap, but at least making your own means they actually fit you!<br />
Well that little obsession has taken a back seat at the moment 'cos I've now progressed to tunics.<br />
Last year in the sale I bought two from one of my favourite retailers. One in a gorgeous gold with cream spots and another in teal. Whenever I've wanted to look good and feel really comfortable, it's been these that I've returned to again and again.Worn with crops on cooler summer days and they go just as well with skinny jeans or leggings for Autumn.<br />
And there's nothing worse than finding that your wardrobe staple is suddenly past it's best, so knowing that I will be very sad when this happens and unable to find exactly what I wanted in a commercial pattern I decided to hack a pattern myself. Never tried it before, but what did I have to lose.<br />
I thought it wise though to try a muslin first, before I started on any of my treasured fabrics, and so what do you test out a pattern you've made for a knit top out of.....A woven cotton of course...'Not!!!<br />
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So how lucky am I? I must have been a bit generous with my seam allowances without realising it, as apart from slightly snug sleeves the top worked brilliantly ( thank you dear friend Joan for the fabric! She gave it to me to remake some cushion covers but I think its much better as clothing!).<br />
And once I realised that the pattern really worked,............ well...<br />
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Next up came a shorter sleeved more dressy version in a beautiful fabric I bought at the Knitting and Stitching show at the NEC way back in March and my latest...<br />
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One actually made from jersey this time. Birch organics maritime sanderling to be precise which I bought on line from <a href="http://www.billowfabrics.co.uk/" target="_blank">Billow Fabrics</a>.<br />
I love it and there are lots more similar designs out there to try...and I even managed to pattern match the pockets, something I'm usually not too good at!<br />
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Well I'm still going to be sewing over the next few days but not for me this time. I have another costume to make, a pumpkin for youngest grandson. Hope it turns out as easy and effective as his brothers Tudor one and then I shall breathe a sigh of relief!<br />
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Always helps when you have a willing model, Bless him.<br />
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Hope you too have a productive week whatever your passion</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-45339781689551380152016-09-20T19:44:00.001+01:002016-09-20T19:44:29.221+01:00Marvellous MargateGosh it seems ages ago that we trundled off for our annual holiday with our lovely in laws. (sister and brother in law), but it's really only five months ago. I think we've crammed so much in this year though that it feels like much longer!<br />
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I've called it Marvellous Margate, as we did have a lovely break and to be really truthful, Margate is certainly putting up a fight and in certain parts the regeneration is creating a vibrant vintage and cafe culture which is definitely worth a visit, but like most towns, seaside or not the High Street has and is still suffering from closed shops and not enough investment to bring back the shoppers to make it a thriving community.<br />
Having said that we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the area and especially the wonderful walk from our base at Westgate on Sea to Margate along the seafront. About a mile and a half, past gorgeous rows of beach huts, the lovely beach stretches way out at low tide, leaving rock pools for investigating and at high tide the sea laps right up by the sea wall. Its colours changing from murky brown to vivid green and the brightest blue when the sun shone.<br />
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We were so lucky to have a week of dry weather with quite a bit of sunshine, though the wind was often bitterly cold. Not bad for April though!<br />
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We managed to slot in a couple of National Trust visits while we were there. Sissinghurst of course and similar but on a much smaller scale, Batemans. We were a bit early in the season to see either at their best but both were still stunning and well worth the visit. We chose well and I think we had our warmest days there.<br />
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We also managed to visit Canterbury. Stunning! The architecture and the atmosphere. We dined Al Fresco under a canopy by the riverside watching the punts ferry visitors back and forth. It was very relaxing, and we had a lovely meal too.<br />
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There were other places that we visited too, some less exciting than others, but we loved Whitstable and Sandwich.<br />
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All in all it was a lovely break, with walks, car boots and vintage shopping too., What more could we want!<br />
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Since then we have had six weeks of school holidays, most of which was spent out in the garden in glorious sunshine, a fabulous week in North Wales with our daughter, son in law and grandsons, another great visit to the Twinwood Festival and have just returned from a weekend in the Derbyshire Dales where we enjoyed a beautiful walk through Dovedale in glorious sunshine.<br />
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So hopefully I'll be sharing some more of our exploits and some sewing news with you over the next few weeks.<br />
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Have a good week, whatever you're up to</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-12049478467688773492016-03-21T13:44:00.001+00:002016-03-21T13:44:49.714+00:00Out and about Hello<br />
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Its been a busy week here at Winnibriggs House, first getting ready for Olive & Edna's stall at the FOSA Indulgence evening, last Thursday and then a trip to the Sewing for Pleasure show at the NEC on Sunday.<br />
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Heidi & I really enjoyed our evening running our little stall, meeting lots of new vendors and chatting to some lovely customers. We took mainly Jewellery this time and we were very pleased with the reaction. Its always lovely to hear that customers like what you are making and we had some good sales. So I have been busy making a few new things to add to our on-line shop<br />
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I really look forward to my annual visit to the Sewing for Pleasure show at the NEC. I keep a list of items I have run out of through the year, 'cos although I do purchase quite a few of my supplies on line, Its not always easy to check if what you are ordering is the right size, thickness or colour. So to get the opportunity to find many of these being sold in the same place and being able to see and handle them is always good.<br />
Of course there are always demonstrations and talks too so this is an added bonus.<br />
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This year we sat in on a talk about free machine embroidery by Wendy Dolan. It's not a skill I have tried so far, but have always been fascinated by it and Wendy's work is stunning. Her talk was really interesting and she had lots of samples of the different stages of a work in progress so that you felt you would really be able to attempt something yourself. Not in her league of course, but she made it sound attainable, and really wanted you to have a go yourself.<br />
She has produced a new book,<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Layer-Paint-Stitch-Embroidery-Stitching/dp/1782210741" target="_blank"> <span id="goog_558258261"></span>Layer Paint and Stitch</a> which is a great resource and has some workable examples. I think I will be adding this to my book wish list!<br />
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My own embroidery however has been courtesy of my Embroidery machine, producing a few of my butterfly hairbands, to also add to our Olive & Edna shop. They make super little presents and as they can be adjusted to fit from babies to adults are very practical. I have been playing with a whole new set of colours.<br />
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Well that's me for now, we are off to the Festival of Antiques at Peterborough at the weekend, so am keeping my fingers crossed for dry weather. In the past few years we have been to the October event several times and have experience amazing weather, even a heat wave but have only made it once before in March due to bad weather including a snow storm!. So wish us luck, and if you are thinking of going it is well worth it.<br />
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Have a good week</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-15407952915977672402016-03-14T14:10:00.001+00:002016-03-14T14:13:10.399+00:00Indulgence Evening for a good cause.Hi there<br />
Having just returned from a lovely trip to Bonny Scotland where I visited my sister for a week of complete relaxation, I am focused on jewellery making to fill our Olive & Edna stall at<br />
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This fund raising evening has been running for some time and we are pleased to be part of it for the first time to raise money for local special needs schools.<br />
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There will be all sorts of stalls from confectionery to handbags, gifts to nail art.....<br />
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We have lots of new bracelets, plenty of necklaces, some repurposed and some vintage style. We will also be taking a few of our smaller vintage collectibles, so if you are in the area we would love you to come and say hello.<br />
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TTFN<br />
Jenny & Heidi xx<br />
www.oliveandedna.co.uk<br />
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WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3010530091767197216.post-29954989687304179612016-02-21T10:00:00.000+00:002016-02-26T12:41:08.600+00:00Creative Costumes the Thrifty Way!Once upon a time it was only around Christmas that parents and often grandparents had to put their thinking caps on to come up with some costume or other for school, or any other club that their offspring were involved in<br />
How things have changed!<br />
We now get Roman day, Medieval day, World book day as well as Nativity plays and days when a child can pay something into a charity fund and then wear a costume of their choosing. Now don't get me wrong, especially where learning history is concerned, I do think getting into character does help events stick in your mind, but I do sometimes think that it's getting a bit out of hand.<br />
Since Christmas I have made, or at least almost made six costumes , and we're not even at the end of February yet!<br />
It's okay for people like me who love nothing better than designing and making things, and who have a ready supply of fabric and patterns and what's more time! However for parents who both have to work, what a nightmare it must be! The temptation to go out and buy costumes that will probably never be used again must be very tempting, so here's my guide to making something for nothing.<br />
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Sheeting...... My go to fabric with loads of uses.<br />
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To start with its extra wide so a metre goes a long way. It comes in masses of colours. Unwashed it is quite firm, but give it a rinse and it drapes quite well. And of course charity shops are a brilliant source for sheets for very little money and often they are in prints as well as plains.<br />
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So when you need a cape, a long dress or tunic it's the perfect fabric.<br />
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This Grim Reaper outfit was made for a Halloween costume, so not strictly for school. The pattern I used was for a hoodie which I printed off the Internet for free. I merely lengthened it and tapered the sides out towards the bottom to give room to move. I made the hood a bit bigger and more pointed towards the back. It took one metre if sheeting which I got from EBay for £3.99.<br />
But the best bit was that when a Harry Potter outfit was needed, I just cut the robe down the front to turn it into school gown. I did line the cut edges and the hood with some burgundy sheeting, but they could just as easily have been simply hemmed.<br />
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The scarf was a remnant of fleece with some tape sewn at intervals to represent the stripes. Grandad found a wand like stick and just polished it up with some briwax.<br />
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The Peter Pan costume was for World book day. The green tunic made from an XL mans tee shirt! Loads of these in charity shops for a few pence. The neck ribbing could just be cut off and a small slash made down the centre front so that the sides fold back. Again, I made a collar, but it wasn't really essential. The cap was made from an old felt coat, and the feather from a piece of child's craft felt just cut to shape and cut all around its edges. We had some old green tights which we cut the feet off and hemmed to the right length and school plimsolls would have been just as good. I make children's slippers which I used to sell, so I had some mock suede to make his boots from.<br />
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This Zombie costume was literally made from several old white tee shirts, cut into bandage widths and sewn on top of a long sleeved top from Primark, about £2. The leggings were made from a free pattern again on the Internet and the jersey was a remnant off the market for a few pence.<br />
Of course we are very lucky that the boys mummy (no pun intended) is a bit of a whizz with the make up. I think he scared a few people on his way to school!<br />
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This costume again started with the black sheeting. A full circle with a hole to put his head through and then raggy strips of old white tee shirt and the black sheeting to represent the feathers. Black leggings were again mine with feet chopped off. We did buy the yellow socks and found the feet on ebay for a song.<br />
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Not to be outdone our youngest grandson has also started his journey into dressing up.<br />
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Cut up man's shirt, tea towel and a remnant of faux suede for a waistcoat made this a very economical outfit.<br />
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Here cheap tee shirt and leggings, black gloves, socks (his own) and pants with just an orange hairband as belt and pieces of craft felt made into cuffs and mask. Another free pattern on the Internet. I made the badge on my embroidery machine, but it could just as easily have been drawn on a piece of fabric with paints or felt tip pens.and then tacked onto the tee shirt.<br />
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So as you can see with a little bit of imagination and a few cheap bits and pieces its quite possible to make something very effective and unique!<br />
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Hope this has been a bit helpful if you're trying to come up with some ideas.<br />
I'm off now to finish a medieval knight and a tin man.<br />
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PS. Well that turned into Medieval Knight, Tin Man and Stick Man, as youngest decided he would dress up for World Book Day after all.....<br />
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But for once no sheeting! Instead all the outfits were based on long sleeved tee shirts and leggings, readily bought at places like Primark.<br />
The Tin Man had an added jerkin made from fake silver leather which I also used for the funnel hat.<br />
The Knight is just grey tee shirt and bottoms, which can be worn again, with a tabbard and a separate hood covered in a cheap mesh fabric for the chain mail.<br />
The Stick man is simply the long sleeved tee shirt and leggings decorated with wood 'knots' and felt leaves with a bit of soft wire sewn between the double layer of felt to make them stand up and a pill box hat again with the felt used to create the look of knotted wood.<br />
I made all the tee shirts and leggings, again because I had the jersey fabric and have an over locker which means a pair of leggings takes less than an hour to make, but these would have worked just as well with bargain basement tops and leggings,<br />
Its the details that make the outfits really.<br />
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Well I am off this time but to catch up on all the ironing that has been left this week while I sew, or else I will be packing for a trip to Scotland with very rumpled clothing.<br />
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Have a great weekend and a productive week</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Jenny xx</div>
<br />WinnibriggsHousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12373512408459789941noreply@blogger.com7