Measuring..... Using COLETTE, Threads and a newly found blog!

Hello there peeps..

Yes I keep Falling off the edge of the earth!! I seem to be DROWNING in the house at the min.. I think this is what happens when you decide to clear out the whole house... With hindsight I should have done 1 room at a time!!! Oh well we live and learn (We hope)

So whilst DROWNING I have had little No time for sewing loveliness! Which is a bit of a bugger if  you ask me BUT it means when I do get down to sewing I shall have no guilt.. And a much smaller to do list!!

I have a little sewing related task today though.... I am helping a lady Dee she is sending away for her wedding dress (you know, form china or somewhere via the internet) I totally don't agree with this BUT hey not my dress so who am I to complain!! I will be measuring said dress.. I will be using the ever helpful The COLETTE sewing handbook. Her Section on measuring is fantastic very in-depth, I only wish there was a chart (very lazy I know).

I am looking forward to getting a little sewing related stuff. Oh how I miss my machine BUT I will be wielding my measuring tape with glee.... I'm happy I'm helping Dee look PRETTY for her big day.... And as much as I want to get to sewing, I'm glad I'm not making the dress, That would be way to hectic!

I managed to find one great chart here, And The Sewing Directory found this, Did you know that The Sewing Directory has NEVER left a question unanswered for me.... And I would say countless others. If you don't know Fiona and her team I suggest you head on over they are FAB!!!

Anyways I'm off to meet Dee now!!

XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXo

#amonthof ~ Pretty

Have you read......

Hey there, How was everyone's day? I had a very productive day.... I even got the socks paired! 

I wanted to share my latest book find, it is very inspiring indeed.

Via me

ICONS

FASHION

FROM THE 18TH TO THE 20TH CENTURY 

The Kyoto Costume Institute 

TASCHEN

Above is all links to where to buy.

(this is a free download link ~ Not tested!)

I have 5 faves..

James Tissot ~  The reception (Detail) 1878 Musee d'Orsay, Paris

Via

I adore the ruffles in this painting paired with the massive bow shouts couture Now but Class back then!!

Second up is

Party costume By ~ Paul Poiret Photo: Mario Nunes Vais

Via

This photo is lovely, I think the ladies top half looks amazing.. With a floor length empire skirt in layered chiffon.... Are you with me??? 

Next up is...

Culotte Dress Label: MADELEINE VIONNET DEPOSE 1937

Via Pintrest... (lost the link!!)

This dress is lush I love the lace over the skirt.. I have to say i'm not fussed on the top half, But you have to admit the skirts is stunning!

And what about a little

Pierre Cardin ~ PARIS A/W 1966. Plaid large turtle neck suit.

Via me!!

This suit is fab... I mean, in a tweed or wool mix I would wear it today, Love the over-sized collar. Yum!

And last but by no means least...

Vivienne Westwood ~ London A/W 1997

Via me!

Another collar to die for! It's just so much nicer than the go to lapel. It looks fab and has a function.. Keeping the wind out!

This book for me is a inspiring piece of wordy goodness... The write up is informative and short. A wee gem says me!

XoXoXoXoXoXoX

A part of  #amonthof ~ wordy

#reverb12 ~ Day 9

 

 

What was the best book you read in 2012, and why? (And by "Why?" I mean: Why did you read it? And why was it your favourite? Although these answers could be one and the same...!)

OOOOhhhhhhh

 

That's a hard on.... I'm gonna take the easy option, and share a fiction AND non fiction.

 

My fiction book is

 

THE GODFATHER

 

 



Mario Puzo

 

I am currently reading this book, I love gangsta books/movies BUT to this day I have NOT seen this movie... I always said I would read the book first, so in 2013 I shall watch THE GODFATHER P1...

 

 

**********

 

Now on to the Non Fiction.... This is a hard one, I am a hoarder... On every level, books are certainly no exception. I have read a number of sewing books this year. But I think that Colette SEWING HANDBOOK

 

 

 

This book comes with patterns which is a total bonus..... BUT the real reason I love this book is Suri

 

 

Not only does this book show you how.... BUT it also shows you WHY, I think that this is fantastic. it makes the understanding of the tasks so much easier!!

 

I can't wait to get my free Sorbetto pattern made up!! The only problem is I can't seem to get the printer set to 100%!!! Wish me luck!!

 

XoXoXoXoXoX



Swapping ..... Me!!!!

Hello there peeps

 

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!

 

 

As ever I'm running a little late

 

 

I seen a plaque the other day that described me to a T

 

"If it wasn't for the last minute nothing would get done"!!!!!

 

I love it

 

Here's a sneak peek at ONE of my swaps for the handmade ornament swap

 

 

This is a fab book...

 

I photos later (After the swaps are over) it's a very inspiring book indeed... And published in 1996 too!!!

 

I'm off to finish the housework!!

 

Lots of sewing posts to come with some.... With some arty farty stuff with me and the boys!!

 

Enjoy your Friday

 

XoXoXoX



Flea market finds.... Blogtoberfest #6

Hello on this yet another crisp morning in October....

I have to say I am loving October cold ~ Yes for sure but the sun is lovely, and the colours well to die for!! I have a list as long as my arm of things I should be doing but luckily enough for me blogging is on o them... Thanx Blogtoberfest 2012!!!

 

I have a huge stash of vintage sheets to show you, but to photograph them I must find them. And to say that my sewing room has been neglected is a understatement. Sooo I shall show you my latest find.. And have a little build up till I show you the rest...

 

So here she is...

 

 

Isn't she fab I love the colours they just seem to pop... Oh so very bright, vibrant! I plan on making a fleeced back rag quilt for a friend with this using white cotton too.. I don't think I'll manage to find the pinks to match it. Also I think the sheet is enough of a statement..

 

 

 

And my book collection grows.. This book was given to the boys so not so much a find but vintage and brilliant all the same.. It is a first edition and in great condition.... UNTIL I spilt coffee on the edges :( (and on the same day I burnt my hand too) Coffee was not my friend that day!!! 

 

 

Well that's it for my just now must get on with this endless list... Before the boys finish school!!!

 

Happy Tuesday everyone..

 

XoXoXoX

 

My current reads... And my new home find!

Hiya AGAIN!!!!

I told you I was on a roll, third post today huh!!

I took back my library books... With not to many late charges! I photocopied some of the projects for my to make folder which is now bursting I might add... I so can't wait to get my sewing room back up and running! I have found a new house so will be moving in the next 2 weeks!!! But that's for another post! Keep on track Traci!!

So on to the new books on loan...

 QUEEN OF CRAFTS

JAZZ DOMINO HOLLY

I LOVE this look it's a mixed bag of sewing, knitting, baking, gardening and so much more, this is going on my wish list!

***********

50 Fabric Animals

marie claire

This book is filled with all the patterns required to make the 50 animals of all shapes and sizes.. I shall be photocopying a couple to try out.

bright & breezy patchwork

R. Norum & H.A Krohg

There are a couple of projects in here I like, the instructions seem easy enough.

practical sewing techniques

RUTH SLEIGH-JOHNSON

I'm not fussed on this book, I love a book with way more visual aids!

FLOWER POWER PATCHWORK

ANNE-PIA GODSKE RASMUSSEN

OOHHhhh I lurve this book.. This will be on the book shelve in no time! There is a knotting/crochet bag I have to make!!

Well that's my current books... I'm off to the photocopier to get that to do folder bursting a little more!!

What are your reads... Firm faves Do share in the comments I always like a good recommendations!

xxx

My Library card doing it's bussiness!

Hey there, how is everyone?
I have had a very productive day myself, food shopping done, washing done, pattern prepping done and now blogging!!

Today's post is all about what I have out in my Library card. I must be my library's worst nightmare... I find a book I like, maybe LOVE is a better word and i just extend it till I hit the full 3 months!

Here's a my current books....

Sewing Patterns 200 QUESTIONS ANSWERED - SOPHIE ENGLISH

This is a great wee reference book it has all the basics eg - Understanding the back of a a pattern envelope.. Too altering a pattern for a larger bottom. I think I could have benefited from more pics but overall... I like this book!

THE FABRIC SELECTOR -DANA WILLARD

This book is F-A-B! I have this on my wish list on Amazon. It has so much info eg - Needles to use, care instructions, how best to cut, what thread to use... I could go on!! I LOVE this book!

FIFTEY DRESSES THAT CHANGED THE WORLD - DESIGN MUSEUM

This book is another ace book very inspiring, they are defo dresses that changed fashion. There will be quite a few you recognise! I LOVE this book!

CROCHETED EDGING & TRIMS - SUSAN SMITH

AAAhhhh this is a book that will be in my book shelve in no time. It lacks enough pictures but the end products are worth the tinkering! I LOVE this book.

not your mama's CROCHET - Amy Swenson

This is a mixed bag, on one hand some of the designs are a bit dated... On the other hand it has a Eco bag made with carrier bags, a denim rug and a boyfriend jumper I have to make!! I like this book.. Alot!

chloe owens - all sewn up

This book is oh so inspiring yet another that will be winging it's way over to my book shelve... Very good for applique.. The cover is lush too. I LOVE this book!

the homemade home - Sania Pell

A quirky book to say the least! But I have to say the embroidery hoop pics, & tea cup plants are too cute. I like this book.

The LIBERTY Book of Home Sewing - Lucinda Ganderton

OOOOHHH this book is another on my wish list on Amazon... There are so many projects to do roman blinds, round cushion, tote bag, the rose cushion makes me squeak just a little... This book is a must.... I LOVE this book!

And last but not least.....

SUMMER AND THE CITY - Candice Brushnell

Who doesn't like a little trash!! I LOVE this book!!

So there we have it... My library card at work.... And what a good job it has done! I have these books at the side of my bed, I have to say never tire looking at them! Some of the links have a look inside section, I suggest you have a wee peek to see what all my rambling is about...!

Does anyone have any good books they are reading at the mo?!?!? Fancy sharing in the comments... I would like a few new books to faun over!!

Not such a creative space more or a reaserch space!!

xxx

Books I'm loving.... And maybe some sewing too!

Hello there How is everyone Saturday going.... Me and the boys are having a fab day! They are playing in the toy room whilst I TRY to write this blog post, before we head on out to the garden for a wee run about!

Today we booked our wee beach break to Portstewart, SOOO can't wait only 3 days but 3 day we will enjoy to the MMAAXXX! We also went to the library today and got a few new books...

I found a new book called 20 Floral bags to make

This book is inspiring to say the least..... Here are a few of my faves!

Le roses


**************

The spider's web

**************

The rose stitch

I'm also LOVING The fabric selector it's a fab reference book a must for your book shelve, if your a sewing enthusiast... It shows you all the different types of fabric as well as how to work with it being the needles to use and the care instructions. This book is also recommended
by sewing classes at online universities which is worth checking out!

And now on to my sewing..... That has been put back till tomorrow!!!

I recently found a tutorial for a sewing machine cover, I have the pattern made and the fabric chosen.... I've had this in my stash for so long, it's been sitting waiting to find a use special enough to put scissors to it... I got it on eBay and has been a wee treasure... I just so hope I don't mess it up!!!

WISH ME LUCK

xxx

Monday and still going strong!

Hello there, how are we all?

I am still off the smokes!!!

We are going good here.... I love Monday not many people can say that, but I love a bit of structure in my days and Finn going to nursery is certainly a part of that!

Frazer is happily running around the library just now, we've started taking books out again.... Now that the boys are no longer riping them up! That and the promise i've made myself..... NO more late charges... How can I be that forgetfull!! I won't tell you how much the last charge was, I could have bought the books twice over!!

Talking of books has anyone seen "The Libertys Book Of Home Sewing" I adore it!! might have to go get it on amazon! All my books out at the mo are all about decorating and sewing...

I have hopes of being re-housed soon... I shall for now, be staying in Derry but watch this space as things could change fast! Me and the boys have been in communiual living now for 7 months and it's hard going.... I think I can say for us all a wee home of our own will be GREAT! also it means I can sew things for the new wee home too!!!! I have started a ring binder with lots of ideas and inspiration... I do love a bit of cutting and sticking :)

I have been reading away at my theory test book, and will be back on the disk tonight.... The next lesson is on Wednesday can't wait... Beep beep!!

I have been trying to learn the wee notes my instructor has given me

Position Observe Move

Point Of Turn

The last one is very long and I have to practice.... I shall get back to you on that one!!!

I am counting down the days to be able to post properly eg, photos I ahve so much to show you!!

Well till tomorrow!!!

Have a fantastic Monday

xxx

Hunting & Gathering

Today was filled with hunting & gathering supplies...

I am now ready to get on with making my muslin for this Coat-along .......

I collected my Burda magazine, Such a good issue too, hoping that the above link shall aid me in much fabulous sewing tips on fitting/tailoring,

I got a few supplies for the sewing box too.....


I managed to pop in to the library and found this book, it's written in threat letter theme never seen it before..... Crazy huh!
It's called Woman's World by Graham Rawle

Well i'm off to start my muslin.... this was just a virtual kick up the butt, to make sure i actually get my muslin done tonight wish me luck!!!!

xxx

His 1st day :o)

So today was the first day of creche,
Finn loved it, Frazer not so much but he'll take time. He's only in once a week and still a wee baby so that's totally what i expected. As much as i love that i will have a bit of time to myself.... It means they are growing up huh my wee boy's heading for nursery where does the time go!

I LOVE YOU, YOU'LL ALWAYS BE MY WEE BOYS

XXX

I was in the same building today doing a course called the
nurturing program,
it has had rave reviews, from friends who have taken part in the 12 week course. To be honest i think it sounds real good so far.... seems to be all about praise so we'll see! This is the book we are working from..... I'll be sure to let you all know what i think, i have to read through the first section now that i have the book at home....

Have you heard of the course???
Have you done it????
Do tell!!!!!

xxx

How 2 sew patchwork?!?!?!

So here we have it folk's the last installment to the David & Charles sew series

Patchwork is my new found friend, we are new friends but friends all the same! My first bad with patchwork is i don't wash the fabric..... If I'm honest I don't wash ANY fabrics!But for quilting i think it's more a preference to the sewer?!?

There are fab tips on ironing, pressing seams and cutting triangles too. The 1st of 3 projects actually made my stomach flip! no really BUT i have to say purple does that too me! This book shows you what is do-able, even to the newbie, and it there really is wow factor. The next project is a great stash buster, that the kid's will love... See the pigs above i mean cute or what! Once again templates are provided, so your good to go! The last project may seem scary, a backpack, but i reckon the earlier you are introduced to the zipper the better, saves you getting the fear! I am only just getting over!

So in conclusion for me the
How To Sew Series By David and Charles.

The books as a series, for me have been a good read, i think anybody looking to get in to sewing would thoroughly enjoy these books, and as a person who sews already i got a couple of tips too. Another bonus for me is that I am a hoarder of books. I now think that E-books have a place in my life, i mean i don't need to have every book on my shelve now do I! Also there is the pollution/waste issue too..... i mean all the P&P and the delivering. I am in no way saying i will never buy a book again, just that my eyes have been opened and there is space for a E-book or 2!!

Book 1
Book 2
Book 3
This book

xxx

How 2 machine sew?!?!?

So here is my 3rd review of the sew series from David & Charles


So were at the stage in the series where, the sewing machine is being investigated and used.... Still at this stage there should be no need to own a machine, maybe there is someone you can borrow it from?? Maybe the person who got you interested in the first place!

The first thing that this book this book made me do was..... Smile... It talks of sewing with no thread and on lined paper! I remember hearing such words and laughing it off! To say i wasted a lot of fabric trying to sew in straight lines is every much a understatement!

This book has a clear set of tips from pining, seams to stitches. There are also 3 patterns in this installment, first is a super cute and easy to make bag, the above pictured scatter cushion which i think is lush..... BUT i have to wait, till my wee ones are a bit older for such loveliness as it would never last! Now the last project calls out to the hippie in me, it's a light weight pocket blind, and very easily made and i reckon i would have a crystal in every pocket, to create clam. I think you could also use this as a replacement to a bead curtain in a door way.

This book has a lot to offer and further entices the reader to sew, another great part to this series!

Book 1
Book 2
this book
Book 4
xxx

how 2 applique?!?!?!!?!?

Hello there,
So I'm back with the second review of David & Charles how to sew series

Applique french verb "apply"


This was like having my own teacher, it has step by step instructions for using bondaweb/wondaweb & has a few tip's along the way too.

I love that this book gives you the instructions for hand stitching not just machine stitching, so if your still on the fence this book offer's a dip! Before you decide (which you will) to get a sewing machine.

There are a a few easy to use templates you can use to say, jazz up a bag or cover a hole in your wee one's jacket or jeans. Now if you don't just love the bunting project in this book then your a lost cause, but that's just me! Yeah yeah i know, it's all about the stash you have but this inspires. The last project is a really cute laundry bag, it has all the templates at the back of the book again, i think i might just be making this for my friend Andygirl, she always need's a hand in that area!

I enjoyed reading this book, and i think it's great there are templates, so you can start on something straightaway. Knowing blanket stitch is the only thing you need to get on with your projects. And to my surprise there was suppliers to not only for UK but the US too.

I have the other 2 reviews ready to be typed up but that's on tomorrow's list!

Book 1
This book
Book 3
Book 4
xxx

Rummaging @ home & abroad!

hello there, in a earlier post i mentioned Belfast, well i managed to find a secondhand shop or two, and as ever book's were my focus. I found these book's....

This Victoria Beckham book

I have looked at for some time, and as it turns out i am a fan of her chic fashion..... Well when my ever changing mood call's for it that is! It is happily going to sit on my ever growing book shelve!

And this book, well any crafter worth their weight would not have walked past it, the moment i seen it i took a deep breath in!

And yes it was more than called for, this book is brimming with vintage fantastic-ness.....

I mean look at this......

And this.......

And this...... I can't wait to investigate it further!

And these lovely sheet's where found closer to home, they are meant for better thing's, i have no doubt you shall see in the near future.

And last but by no mean's least! Wool but not just any wool..... Double knit and 4 ply, not the usual mohair! This is going to be flower's and scarves!

So so have you found any good book's of late? fancy sharing a link?!? Oh please do :)

xxx

How 2 sew?!?!?!?

So a question for you.....
What do you think of E-Book's? Do they muster much though?
For me if I'm honest, they have never mustered a though....
So this book gave me a surprise,

How to sew: The Basics
David & Charles
RUCrafts

As i said above this book gave me a surprise, being that it was my first E-Book. The first thing i liked about this book was it's talk of recycling, I'm all for such thinking. The book also give's the new sewer a insight in to interfacing, i only found about at a later stage of my sewing day's! There is a comprehensive write up on fabric types, seam allowance's & washing of said fabric's.
This book has a basic sewing kit must have.... as ever i approach such a page with caution but to my surprise, i actually agree with 10 of the 12 listed, and i wholeheartedly agree with the need for a excellent iron and iron board... this is one thing i learned after a few sewing mishaps.
All in all i found this E-book to be a great book for "getting started in the world of sewing ". And by no mean's solely for the machine sewer!

i have to say, this could be a contender for the Xmas list of any budding sewer.
Please do watch this space as there are 4 book's within this series, and i will have a write up AKA review in the next couple of day's..... You might even get a PDF sneak peek if i can work out how to work the thing!!!!

This book
Book 2
Book 3
Book 4

xxx