More finished cross stitch (at last)

In a previous post I showed the diamond wedding sampler I've been working on for my great aunt and uncle. I'm pleased to report that it's finished, framed and has been given to the happy couple.

Here it is:




And here's another piece of cross stitch I made for another Young Farmers competition, which is now on display in my parent's kitchen:


It's originally from a book called Pwytho Pennill where I also got the love spoon sampler from (way down there somewhere!) but I changed the poem in the middle to one about the valley where my mum was brought up.

My beautiful red jacket!

Between January and May 2008 I attended a weekly sewing course at Llangollen arranged by Yale College, Wrexham. The teacher was lovely and absolutely brilliant. She reminded me of my mum in her way of showing how to do things, so I felt right at home. The other people in the class were all lovely too - some of them were new like me and some have been going to the class for years.


Anyway, my mum and I decided before I went it would be a good idea to choose a project to make at the class, and I chose this pattern:

The gold jacket on the left, that is. I chose it because I needed a new spring/summer jacket and I absolutely loved the fluted sleeves. I bought some red corduroy fabric (because I love red) and some really cute strawberry print cotton for the lining.

This way the most complicated item I'd undertaken, by a long way, but with the help I got at the sewing class I was able to complete it and I love it! Here are some photos taken along the way:

Here's the jacket on a hanger before I put the sleeves on. This is when all the separate pieces came together and I started to realise I was actually making a real item of clothing! I don't think you can see in this photo but there is some gathering on both sides of the front (sort of on the bust line) and at the back. I must admit that I found this gathering quite a challenge (but much easier with the cotton I used for th linig!) but I'm so please with the finished effect.

Here's a close up of the lining - isn't it cute? I also used an overlocker for the first time with this project - we overlocked the seam between the corduroy and the lining along the inside of the jacket front openings (does that make sense?!). I really want an overlocker now - it looks so professional.

And finally, here's a photo of me wearing the jacket. I couldn't find any buttons I liked so I got some big self cover ones from Dunelm Mill and covered them in the corduroy. Another unique touch I added is the the underside of the collar is in the lining fabric not the corduroy.

I've already worn this jacket loads, and to start with I was a bit worried people would think it looked 'home made' but people have actually asked me where I bought it from! Just need to get some 'Pwythau Pengwern' labels now to sew onto the collar!

Fancy Dress Costumes

Here's a photo of me and my sister in the fancy dress costumes I made over Christmas and New Year (yes it really was that long ago!. We went as vets - I made scrubs out of an animal print fabric. I really enjoyed making the first one but the second was a bit of a rush as I very nearly ran out of time!

It's probably a good job you can't see below waist level as I used pinking shears on the trouser hems rather than doing a proper hem - oh the shame! I was quite proud of the trousers though, as they had pockets!

Where has 2008 gone?

It's official - I'm the worst blogger in the world!
I still haven't posted photos of my coat, fancy dress costumes etc! I will try to do so tonight...
...fingers crossed!
Thanks for your comments as well, it's so lovely to see people reading my little blog.
In terms of current projects, I'm working on a cross stitch sampler as a wedding present for two of my best friends and also on a summery tea dress - this is a link to the pattern :
http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/show/752
in a red patterned cotton.
I'm also going to make this pinafore too:
http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/show/17
in a black and white 'wooly' sort of fabric.

Long time no post

Can't belived it's been so long since I last posted!
I've got loads of photos to upload of clothes I've been working on these last few months, and I've got lots of lovely things in the pipeline...
...just need to find time to post them here now!

My first skirt

Here are some photos of the first skirt I've made. The pattern is from the 'Sew U' book by Wendy Mullins, and the fabric is some remnants from Dunelm Mill (I think it's meant to be for curtains!)

Here's a front view, with my vest pulled down.

And here's the back view.

I've worn this skirt a few times already, and I like the fit because (different to most of the clothes you can buy) the waistband is actually on my waist! On the day I wore it to work, one of my colleuagues asked if it was from Monsoon - I was very very chuffed with that comment!

This skirt includes my first attempt at a zip too. It works but could look a bit better...

Oh no!

I won't be able to do any sewing for the next few days (hopefully not weeks!) because my self employed translation company is getting busy!
I promise to be back as soon as I can with some more stories from my adventures in the world of stitches.
x