Spring Mornings and Afternoons

 The worst thing to do in the early warm spring days of the year is to stop in and make something to wear on a warm day! Oh, the irony of that choice. With this in mind, I have been sewing on colder mornings and gardening in the warmer afternoons.

This is the Fen Dress by Fancy Tiger Crafts. I made a winter version in brushed cotton with a round neck in January and now this summer one with a V neck. You can also make tops from the same pattern. The fabric is a lightweight cotton sateen. I thought I would choose a large print for a change which I really love.

Another successful make is this reversible Agave skirt by Deer and Doe. The one side is black linen for winter and the other is floral cotton poplin. It fastens with two buttons and has an asymmetrical wrap front. It is genius!

Then I had a go at some bag making this is a REAL handbag! It looks and feels so much like a real one. I had to use a leather needle in my machine and it sewed up like a dream. There are useful front pockets, inside slip pocket and a back zip pocket. It is the noodlehead traverse handbag made with faux leather - an absolute keeper.

I am of course true to my sewing roots and have used up some smaller fabric pieces to make a Linden sweatshirt using up leftovers. I have two of these now and I wear them regularly. I had a few handmade sweatshirts that shrunk a little after washing so these have gone to my big girl.

The view from my studio is unique and when the lunchtime hotspot lands right on the french doors it is time to stop sewing and head outside for some sunshine. 

Bloke has worked hard finishing off the steps outside which I am so happy about. I tripped up them in January which caused my bad arm which I am struggling with at the moment. The sun shines right in my eyes at the sewing table about 1:30pm so it makes me pack up and go outside for the afternoon.

It is refreshing to take the dog out, give my daughters some fresh air and enjoy the spring weather with them.

I have lambs to show you next.... exciting times.

Jo

PS. I have managed to get my blog admin all set up on my laptop so I can blog more regularly and catch up with you folks now. I only used to be able to load stuff on the main PC in the office but we have lambs in there and it stinks! 

February...ing

Lots happening this February...so many things in fact, it has taken me away from the online world. The biggest being my studio make over. When we moved house 18 months ago all of the furniture we didn't quite have a planned home for ended up in the studio and I used it to store my stuff. Now, with creating online tutorials for my work, I have to make it work as part of my job. The new working from home concept.

Painting - one studio wall white for better filming. The sewing wall houses everything sewing related with some room to spare. I also painted the table legs on both tables green, then waxed them to seal the paint.

Disturbing - all of my craft stuff is in its self disturbing. I had a good clear out and replaced this wall with more storage.

Building - two whole walls of IKEA Ivar units with bloke was gruelling especially as we did it all on one rainy day. My girls built some stuff too in the house while we put the units together and they kept popping in with completed parts. 

Exciting - news. The introduction of our cockerel, Gordon, has meant that Daisy the hen has started laying again. Hopefully, Heidi can hatch chicks which she has been reading up on. The incubator is ready to go in spring. For now though, we are eating the new eggs.

Giving - a Harris Tweed jacket a new life. It was a mens kilt jacket but I shortened the shoulders and sleeves; added a waist tie; covered some new buttons and added a cuff detail. It is such a warm coat/jacket.

Sewing - a comfortable dress. I am not mad about the fabric print as it happens but the pattern is brilliant and super easy. I have been exploring a range of patterns for work called Atelier Jupe. They have a wonderful wardrobe range and incredible instructions. This is the Charlotte dress and Lou top. I like that most of my clothes have names!

Sorting - out embroidery threads. With the two girls both stitching, it was all getting a bit of a mess. I bought them a bobbin case and the girls sorted out what they wanted to keep then got rid of the rest.

Crocheting - my knitting and crochet has ground to a halt. All of that painting and moving furniture has left me with a sore elbow. Also I have ran out of the medium grey colour wool for this throw and can't seem to find any anywhere. I have also found out that using my hands every evening to do yarn craft is actually what keeps me awake! I am finding it hard to keep my eyes open in the evenings without it.

Upskilling - my sewing by creating piping detail on my latest pair of Carolyn Pyjamas. The pattern really lends itself to the concept of moving your sewing on as you make each pair more complex. It is expensive but in my opinion, the only one PJ pattern you will ever need. This is my fifth pair (not all for me!)

Listening - to the wild wind this week and bracing ourselves for Friday with storm Eunice. I have tied the trampoline to a tree, turned all the sheep hay cratches away from the wind and picked up anything that can blow away and put it in the shed. All gates will be checked but fingers will have to be crossed for the tin on the barn roof. In calmer times...

Thanks for dropping by. Jo xxx