My Creative Space

My daughter really needed a new bag to take to her Irish dancing classes, and I thought that the Phoebe Bag would be perfect.

The fabric I used is some vintage stuff I found on holidays, although I have a sneaking suspicion it might be Ikea.

I used red gingham for the lining, and I like the contrast with the grey.

 

The bag is just the right size for her "poms", water bottle, phone, and a little lip gloss.

This pattern is really nice and easy to follow. what makes it even better is that Its also a free tutorial which can be found here.

And do go and check out loads of lovely creativeness here.

Flea Market Finds

Yesterday, Sunday, I found some beauties. First a selection of Meakin plates.

 

These are dated from the 1950's. The pattern is hand drawn so its a very delicate pattern.

I also found some more traditional Myott dishes. Myott bought the Meakin company at some stage.

 

I like the slightly grey colour on the edge of the plates, its not very evident from the pictures.

  

And finally I found a full set of Denby pottery. This pattern is from the 1970's. And I have to say I love the retro vibe of it.

The pattern has a nice orange glazed centre with brown rim.

I was super delighted with my finds this week. If you would like to see more finds check out here.

October Sun

In this beautiful green Isle of ours we dont see much sun...

This is what I met this morning...

At the same time I am reminded that Autumn is not far away.

 

"The trees are in their Autumn beauty, the woodland paths are dry. Under the October twilight, the water mirrors a still sky". W.B Yeats

Stil Patterns

While on holidays this Summer, I came across these fabulous vintage patterns. Both by the name of Stil. They have instructions in both Finnish & Swedish, thankfully they have amazing detailed drawings of each step, cos I dont speak either Finnish or Swedish.

The first pattern is a cute halterneck dress, which i will make for next Summer.

Its in my size and was only 50c, why I didnt buy more I dont know.

The second pattern is for a really cute dress, that I plan to start very very soon.

I especially like the neckline and view A.
On that same trip I bought this gorgeous fabric for 2 euro. I have a sneaky feeling it might be rayon. Although I am not sure.

But before any of that sewing takes place I really need to sort out my garden, to say its a mess is an umderstatement!!

No we didnt get hit with a hurricane, just digging up all the hedges that died after last winters snow. Will post some more sewing pictures soon.

I'm Back

Boy did I miss blogging while I've been away.

But I'm back now and ready to start lots and lots of sewing for my next market. Will keep you posted on what I've been making. In the meantime keep the faith.

Dress a Girl Around the World

I made some pillowcase dresses for The Dress a Girl for Charity. The lovely Louise over at Sew Scrumptous is asking for people to make and donate dresses for little girls in need.

The tutorial can be found here. They come together so quickly, the hardest part is if you decide to make your own bias binding.

So if you have time or the inclination do go check out the above link.

Days 4, 5 & 6 Photo Challenge

All 3 days together again, I am bold?

Day 4- Green

Well its a picture of this weird plant that is slowly taking over my garden. Its very tropical looking I think...

Day 5- From a high angle

This time its my coriander, its actually growing nicely and I love the taste and smell of it.

Day 6- From a low angle

I thought it would be nice to take a picture from a dogs eye view. So this is how Mazy sees the world.

30-Day Photo Challenge

Hi, I am taking part in a 30 day photo challenge over at White Peach Photography. You can find the details here. Basically you take a picture every day for the month of June. There is a different theme for each day. Its already on Day 3 now, so I am combining the first 3 days.

Here goes then Day 1- self portrait. I hate taking pictures of myself, this was taken in the garden in full sun. I like the shadow.

Day 2-What I wore today. Its a blouse I made using a vintage pattern and some yellow gingham ( a sheet) I had lying around. I lenghtened the top into a tunic, and I'm wearing my jeans again.

Day 3- Clouds

Believe it or not there are no clouds in the sky today, its a miracle. So I took a picture of these flowers in my garden. They kind of look cloud like with the sky in the background?

And there is a Flickr group set up here. This is going to be fun. Hope I can do all 30 days.

New Tops

This week I made myself 2 Summer tops. Both from Burdastyle, the first is a pattern for a cami top. I used an Ikea duvet cover for this. Not crazy about the colour, but it was cheap!!

I did not add the elastic under the bust cos I like it better to hang loose.

I like how it turned out, now we just need some more warm weather.

The second top is this great free pattern from Burdastyle again, found here. I love this pattern I love how it drapes.

I used a vintage sheet to make it, washed of course. And I also used fold over elastic for the neck line.

I will definately be making more of this one, its such an easy shape to wear.

Happy weekend.

Harem Pants

I love harem pants on kiddies, and I found a great pattern on Burdastyle on how to draft a pair for yourself or your little one. You can find the link here.

I used a light cotton non stretch fabric.

I added some extra width to the waist and bottom cuffs, as the fabric was not stretchy.

These are super easy to make and super comfy to wear.

Also great for jumping in. What do you think of harem pants, good for adults or just kiddies?

Flea Market Finds

Suddenly a Sunday doesn't feel like a Sunday unless it involves visiting a flea or a car boot Sale. Today was no exception, and I picked up some lovely Meakin pottery.

The first piece is a great Poppy pattern teapot, only 2.50, hidden away at the back of a shelf.

Then I found this dinner service.

Its not quite complete, but it includes a gorgeous teapot and coffee pot.

The pattern is Dragon of Kowloon, and its dated from early 70's. I'm liking the colours of this set, and all for only a tenner.

Check out here for more lovliness.

Spring Top

Spring is here,so its almost time to put away the winter coats and jumpers. Time for a new Spring top.
I used my latest vintage pattern find, its from 1979, and only cost 50c.

I made the view with the short sleeves. I had to alter it slightly.

I put a zip in the back instead of buttons, cos I still cant do a buttonhole. And its driving me mad. The pattern was too large also and the sleeves were huge when I first attached them. So seam ripper was used to take them out, and I cut them smaller and re-attached them.

The fabric was last used here, I didnt add the bow on the front I just used some self bias binding. Will I wear it, thats the question? Or will it end up in the pile of unworn items I've made, only time will tell.

Tailoring sewalong

I'll be taking part in a tailoring sewalong, which takes place here. Lately its been on my mind to be able to make a nice jacket.

I'm thinking of  using either of these vintage patterns.

Liking the long one but it has no buttons, only a belt.

Then there is this short one. I love this one but it might be bit too big for me.

Think it would be really cute with the dress also. Now must check out the local flea for some nice fabric. if you feel like doing the sewalong, check it out. If you have any thoughts on which pattern I should use please jump in!

Quilt finished.

Well I finished the quilt. It went together quite easily. I am happy with my binding and mitered corners. See pictures below, as always its difficult to take pictures of finished quilts.

Think the garden path needs to be re-done.

Close up the border, which is hand sewn.