Crafty Sew and Sew

Summer Playsuit

So I finally finished my summer project- a bit early too! 

I bought this pattern discounted from the big NEC fair a few months ago and it turned out brilliantly. I’ve only ever worked from Simplicity patters but unfortunately they didn’t do a playsuit so I had to opt for a McCalls. That said though it did give you a lot more choice in terms of fitting before you sew. But of course I ignored me which came to bite me on the ass towards the end!

Luckily I only managed two mistakes on this one. Firstly my shorts were extremely wide as I’d sewn the front to the front instead of front to back. Then when I was nearly finished the whole garment ended up too small! I panicked a little but after some help I realised I could just add a panel at the waist to lengthen it a little. Otherwise I would have been struggling to sit down! 

The pattern is wonderful and I now even have enough time to make the dress alternative before my holidays. At least I hope I will! 

The Skirt of Independence

After taking dressmaking lessons for over a year I’d settled pretty easily into running to the teacher whenever I couldn’t understand a step on my pattern. 

Each time I opened a new Simplicity envelope I’d swear I wouldn’t need the help, only to find I would give in by step 6. There’s something about the language of all sewing books and patterns that makes it impossible to follow, even though I’ve now completed three garments!

But this time unfortunately I didn’t have my teacher to fall back on. Luckily I started with a skirt, and after immediately questioning the amount of fabric I’d cut out, realised that in fact it all fitted perfectly. 

Of course I did have problems. I had to add my zip twice as I just couldn’t get it quite neat enough. And when cutting out the band around the bottom of the skirt I was certain I was supposed to cut one piece on the fold and not two. But then when sewing it all fitted into place.

And then suddenly it was complete!

Now I’m not saying I’m on the home stretch but one pattern without a teacher? Surely now I should be able to complete them all!

Making a Where The Wild Things Are costume

When I was asked to make a Where The Wild Things Are costume for my friend Lewis I couldn’t help thinking it would be a big task. Despite my numerous dressmaking classes I’d never attempted to make anything without a pattern. 

Luckily we both managed to find a few online guides giving us the basics. We found the best one here and ordered the fleece fabric for a steal at £16 on eBay.

First I borrowed a top and jeans from Lewis and drew around them both (excluding the arms). I then cut two and sewed them together, leaving gaps at the feet arm holes and neck. I then drew around the arms and did the same. 

The biggest obstacle was making sure the suit fit Lewis. I started by making the costume very big so I could always make it smaller if needed.

Of course as you can see here it did need to be taken in! Not as much as I was expecting though. Attaching the arms isn’t too hard but I did struggle with my sewing machine. The material was so thick I broke my needle and had to keep force feeding it through!

After that I left the tutorial and moved to this one. I prefered this hood, though I did have a lot of trouble getting the wire for the ears and whiskers. In the end I had to go to a florist!

I then decided to attach the hood to the full suit completing the full Max effect. But the whiskers were a little sharp so Lewis will have to watch out!

Patchwork cushions

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve been attempting to make cushions. Although the first wasn’t the biggest success I quickly mastered it with a lot of patchwork pieces and time!

I’ve made four, two red, one blue and this green one. I cut up the multi coloured patches, machine sewed each individual piece together and then attached the rows. It then has an envelope back.

I’m hoping to be able to make all different colours and sizes now

Crafty New Year

After Christmas we’re all ready to start something new so I decided to spend some of my birthday money on a wonderful workshop at Maltby’s Knit and Stitch.

The workshop and its wonderful teacher managed to solve all my problems when it came to learning how to make something which wouldn’t fall apart instantly.

We’re promptly given a cushion pattern, a sewing machine and enough help to get going. The rest is surprisingly easy. There’s people on hand to help with all your little queries and instead of spending the time learning the techniques you can actually question the problems you come across along the way.

Then the six of us managed to walk away with a lovely cushion! And I can finally master my sewing machine at home…

Starry mince pies

So after I was asked to make some mince pies for a friend I instantly found this simple and easy Jamie Oliver recipe.

The mince pies themselves are very easy and quick to make- so perfect for this time of year when you’re busy every second of the day. The only thing is, they’re quick in the oven too. If you don’t get them out quick the mixture will bubble over and they will stick to the tray.

I found this happening to mine. The one above turned out great but the same cannot be said for most of the others! Next time I’m getting them out fast. The key is to not let them cool down first. Apparently.

Natural leaves phone case

So after a few tries I’ve managed to perfect the phone case. I decided that simply a sock for the phone leaves it free to wriggle away when it’s in your bag. I also added another inner layer to give it some much needed protection!

For the leaves case I first sewed another pink inner layer and then joined the material. Turning it inside out I turned over the top twice to make sure the fraying seam couldn’t be seen.

I then did the same with another scrap of material to make the flap to secure the phone. Add a little button to the main case and you’re sorted!

By hand it is a little time consuming but it’s worthwhile!

You can buy my stuff on the Folksy store now too.

Cath Kidston iPhone case

So I managed to finish my first iPhone case this weekend. I’m hoping to perfect the model to eventually sell over at Folksy.com.

I managed to get my material as a sample from Cath Kidston so luckily it was rather tough! This one I made very quickly by sewing up three sides and turning the material inside out. I think sewed down the ends all around the top. 

I’m hoping to develop the cases to include tabs, buttons and zips. Hopefully they will be as easy as this one!

Halloween Fun

I love Halloween. Mainly because it’s an opportunity to be childish and create something a bit fun.

Pumpkin carving is one of the easiest things to do and you can always make some yummy with the leftovers. I’ve made pumpkin soup for the last two years and it keeps me going for months through the winter.

There’s all sorts of confusing recipes but I find the best one is one added by a member over on the Jamie Oliver site. Check it out here- http://www.jamieoliver.com/foodwise/article-view.php?id=2618

Chocolate Delight

The Hummingbird Bakery book received another test this weekend as I decided to move away from the sickening marshmallow cupcake and create something a little easier.

In the hope that anything chocolate would taste nice I opted for the chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting. I was expecting it to be very rich but actually the frosting tastes very light- almost like chocolate mousse.

I added hundreds and thousands just to make the cupcakes easier on the eye. I was also surprised how quickly they can be made. Make sure you melt the butter before you try electric mixing though- otherwise you do end up with a kitchen full of icing sugar!