Mauve Linen Jacket

I decided that I wanted to make a linen jacket in a loose track suit style.  I bought New Look pattern number 6142 which was really designed for stretchy fabrics. I made the jacket one size larger to be on the safe side but  I kept the length the same for my normal size 12.  The sleeves were also from the size 12 and I decided to make turn ups for a change as they turned out quite long. 

The jacket is quite roomy but I am pleased with the result. The linen was bought from Fabric Land for just £6.99 per metre and I was pleased with the quality especially for the price.

textileART07 Exhibition 2015

textileART07 are having an exhibition at Headley Community Shop Chapel at the end of September and would love you all to come and see our different interpretations of the word "Reflect".
There will be refreshments available and the Chapel is situated just off the A339 Basingstoke road.

You can telephone 01635 268922 or contact me on 01635 40542 for more information.

Blue Linen Top

I have been very distracted lately with moving, planning, selling and all the legal and other issues that go along with it.  I however decided to spend some time dressmaking in an attempt to use up some of the mountain of fabric that I have accumulated.  I forced myself to become creative and finally the bug bit and I well and truly started to enjoy myself.  The only thing was that in becoming excited and having to go and buy bits and pieces to finish garments, I have bought more fabric than I had before!

The  first garment  I constructed was a blue linen top that I have made before and is a modified pattern from the book Bold and Beautiful- Easy Sew clothes .  It is such an easy pattern and very loose and cool to wear.

I like to wear this top over linen trousers or jeans and dress it up with a scarf or colourful jewellery.

The pattern was a PDF download which I narrowed slightly and straightened the bottom hem.

Hexagon Bug - 8

I attached the last border to the quilt center and decided to see what happened at the corners of the quilt before deciding how I was going to tackle them. The hexagon shapes create the two opposite ends the same, and the other two opposite ends the same but different from the other ones.

I decided that the corners needed to be be more pointy and added an extra blue and pink flower in each. I trimmed back the border edge on two opposite borders so that each border was 5 inches away from the applique.

I folded the fabric until a mitre was created to meet the corner of the borders and mid point on my blue added flowers.  This creates a wierd angle but I think looked the neatest. I hand stitched the mitres and later trimmed off the excess fabric.
What next!

Knitted Fairies - 2

 Here is the third of my knitted fairies.  This one has a bit of attitude and glamour but with smaller wings.

Knitted Fairies 1

Some time ago I was introduced by my friend Ann, to a book called Knitted Fairies by Fiona McDonald, and I decided that I just had to try creating some. These two were knitted as a pair.
 I found that the parts knitted up quickly, but it took ages to sew them all together, especially  adding the little ears and forming the hands.

I did not always stay completely true to the fairies in the book but took bits and pieces from several depending on the materials I had. This fairies hair was made from feather boa trim.

I did not make the eyes as the book instructed but printed the ones from the book onto fabric and carefully cut them out and glued them in place. I will show you the other ones I have made in another blog.  After having another look at the book I am tempted to make some more but I really just do not have the time!

Owlivia Update

We think that 3 out of 4 of Owlivias eggs have hatched, though it may only be 2. The first chick hatched 1 week before the others and is now large enough to sit next to her.  He or she can be seen trying to nibble on the numerous mice bodies.  We were worried that the difference in size might mean he/she would pick on the smaller ones to compete for food but this is a good year for mice and there is plenty to eat.

The young chick can also stretch his/her wings now that there is more space available.