Hwyl Fawr i Cymru

OK that was Google translate helping there, I hope it is correct for 'Goodbye to Wales' as I would hate to offend anyone. But as I like to try to speak a phrase or two of their language where ever I visit, I could not let Wales go without a try!
The last leg of our Welsh adventure took us across the Elan valley to Aberystwyth via the Devils Bridge. Words really cannot do justice to the scenery here so I will let my pictures (for once) do the talking...

These stunning views changed dramatically at one point as we came upon these 19th century abandoned mines. I believe lead was mined here and in others close by copper.....

They have now been designated areas of particular archaeological interest and much of it is fenced off. But what you can see is a stark reminder of the conditions that men worked in to extract these precious metals.

Our journey continued on to The Devils Bridge. There is a pretty story about the 3 bridges which are built virtually on top of each other.You can read it here

Again the views were spectacular and even though there had been much less rain than usual leading up to our visit the water falls were magnificent...

 And then finally we arrived at Aberystwyth, what a wealth of lovely architecture....

And the natives were quite friendly (especially if you shared your fish and chips )...

 So with a beautiful view of the bay we said goodbye....for now....but we will be back....after all it is in my blood.....Stormy Johns from Pembroke I am sure you have been watching me discover your beautiful country, and perhaps you are smiling a little, though I have yet to venture that far south!

Hoping I didn't lose you all on the way, it was another marathon...

TTFN

Jenny xx

ALMOST READY.....

I am so excited that I have almost completed my samples and designs for my new wedding/christening/party outfits for all your little princesses.
Initially I will be offering the floral spot dresses in the green, chocolate brown and red colourways with contrasting flowers. Brown sash with red flowers on the brown and red sash with green flowers on the red. Though they can all be interchanged at the customers request.

I am also making some plain dupion silk and taffeta dresses in the same design in white, turquoise and candy pink.
They will be embroidered with daisies and butterflies on the top of the dress, and the matching shoes and headbands will have freestanding butterflies. I hope to be able to show you these next week. Just waiting for some habby supplies to finish them off!

My other new products are Baby bear boxes. These are for new babies, baby showers etc and contain a pair of first size shoes and a hanging bear to decorate a crib or pram. At present I have made them in just pink and blue, but I am open to suggestions.

There will also be a teddy garland consisting of five teddies on a ribbon, the same teddy but about half the size, to hang on a cot end or decorate a nursery. These new products will come in gift boxes so perfect as a new baby gift.

I have so enjoyed making these and couldn't resist letting you have a sneak peek.
I hope to have them for sale in the next couple of weeks, and they will hopefully be sold through the Fab Little Shop, which is a new Children's on line shop full of talented designer makers being launched any day now.

Well back to the machine, my head is now buzzing with new ideas and I haven't felt this motivated in ages.

I would certainly welcome any comments.

TTFN

Jenny xx 

BEAUTIFUL WALES...part two

Our journey continues.....
On our 'rest days' we decided to do the touristy thing and visit some of the nearby towns for a bit of sightseeing and possibly a bit of retail therapy. Two of these were Ludlow and Hereford. Not Wales I hear you shout. No I know, but they did sound interesting and were pretty close.
I have to say that for me Ludlow was my favourite. The architecture was quite stunning. I really love the whitewashed and timber buildings. In fact there are 5 grade 1 listed buildings in the town including Ludlow castle and the impressive Feathers Hotel, and over 500 listed buildings altogether including some fine medieval and Tudor examples.

The town plan remains much as it did when it was built around 900AD.
We spent a lovely afternoon here doing a little shopping and we even found a small antique emporium filled with all kinds of wonderful French furniture and linens, but alas the things I coveted most were too big to transport home, so regrettably and much to DH's relief  I had to leave them behind.
On the way back to base we came across another castle, Croft castle, now under the care of the National Trust, but the Croft family still reside in part of it. What a find. There is not a massive amount of the inside open to the public, but the gardens were lovely, especially the kitchen garden and the parkland.

For our second walk of the week we set off from Presteigne, about 3 miles from our base, on a circular route taking in part of the Radnor forest. A mere 8 miles this time and in beautiful sunshine. Its hard to put into words how amazing the views were but I hope my photos can give you a little taster.....

My final post will take you with us through the Élan valley to Aberystwyth via the Devils bridge.  I hope you can join me next time.......

TTFN

Jenny xx

A CAUTIONARY SEWING TALE...

This is not the post I was going to write today, it was meant to be part 2 of our lovely Wales holiday. However I seem to have had a sewing frenzy this week together with an almost disaster and its this that has made me write the following.
Now if you have visited me before you will know 2 things about me. One, that I am no spring chicken and two, that I love clothes and especially making them. So I am constantly scouring the internet to find new patterns. Something other than those offered by the 4 or 5 big commercial pattern companies. I am delighted to find therefore a sudden flurry of new young designers producing and selling their designs as patterns, many of which are available for instant download. Ok you have to do a bit of origami before you can get stuck in, but the prices are so reasonable and you get it instantly. Of course you have instantly picked up on the 'young' bit, which implies the designs are going to be young. Of course they are, but I am of the firm belief that any pattern can be tweaked to suit you whatever age you are. Of course I do avoid the pelmet skirts, the plunging necklines (back or front) and the 'can they really breathe in that' bodycon dresses. But classic styles can always be made to work.
 This little gem, the Gathered Sundress Pattern by PatternRunway sold on Etsy is a perfect example. It is also the subject of this post. Not the pattern I hasten to add, which is great. The clear helpful instructions show you step by step how to acheive a really professional look. No the problem here was a fairly experienced sewer who did not fully read the pattern!!

1. As the bodice was lined I used this as my toile. I had plenty of the lining fabric so could afford to waste a little if necessary. (Note. At this point I must have pinned the toile correctly!)

2. The body measurements for the size I cut were one inch bigger than my actual measurements at bust and waist. Great plenty of ease then.

3.The toile fit perfectly.

4. Proceeded to cut out rest of lining and main fabric. Assembled all. Zip, though not an invisible one as suggested. ( I have a stash of zips which I try to use whenever possible) fitted smoothly. Piped band and waist band aligned perfectly. Pockets assembled and bound successfully. Dress looked great. I did add 3 inches to the length.

5. Dress is very snug....ARRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!

Ok I can wear it but not if Im going out to a blow-out dinner. What had I done. I read the pattern again....and again... Oh no!...................

I am that used to having a 5/8" seam allowance I just assumed that all patterns had. And you've guessed it, if I had read the thing correctly, or even glanced at the notations on the pattern I would have seen that this pattern only allows for 3/8" seams. So taking into account the fact that I have made a 1/4" error on all the princess seams it is surprising that I can get the dress on at all.

But Im glad I made it and will certainly be doing so again. I did in fact make another in cotton jersey, this time unlined to check that it was my sewing that was the problem and this turned out a little loose, as I had expected the first one to be, So all in all a great weeks sewing, a lesson learned and two new pieces to hang in the wardrobe.

Now where was that new blouse pattern I liked...and the first thing I will check.....

I think I need that glass of wine now....or was that the problem?.. Back soon with pretty pictures of Wales...

TTFN

Jenny xx