~Sewing Room Tidy Up~

The messy state of the sewing room has been a bone of contention in our house for a while now.  It's always way down my list of things to do, though I admit it's a source of stress as it's where all the home paperwork is dumped filed, and I store my candles and made-up stock there too.  After some baking and picallilli-making this morning, I've made a start sorting fabric - as you know stroking and folding fabric is a favourite stress-busting pastime of mine - and I've put some aside to list on eBay tonight. There are some FQ's and wool skirt lengths and upholstery fabric, so if you fancy a look my eBay link is in my sidebar, username  lavender_attic. Here's a bit of tidy shelves...

Now, if I can stop getting sidetracked by discovering long-lost patterns, books and half-finished projects I will get it tidied!

~Finished projects & Knitting Book Giveaway~

The good thing about time off in the Summer is the opportunity to catch up on the myriad of unfinished sewing and craft projects.  I called into Me and Mrs Fisher for tea and yummy lemon drizzle cake last Friday, and was talking with one of the owners, Hannah, about how I feel I've lost my motivation and crafty mojo lately. It's all about time, priorities and opportunity... I have to say my first week off hasn't see me go far at all, but it means I have rediscovered my sewing machine (under the piles of stuff awaiting eBay listing, ironing and paperwork...)  So many projects I have got started - half- made dress, odd wristwarmers (all unfinished), hexagon patchwork, tea cosies as well as my dresser to finish painting...
Anyhow, I completed this name bunting for a friend to give as a Christening gift....

...using some Cath Kidston stone paisley, Ikea Rosali dot and Laura Ashley fabric.
I also repurposed a piece of hexagonal patchwork that I'd once used on a chair, to make this cushion which would be lovely in a caravan or VW Camper...

Then finally, my favourite thing...I bought this Liberty fabric ages ago; I absolutely love it and decided to have a go at a Summer top.  I used New Look pattern 6895, which features 6 tops with gathered necklines, bias binding trim, ruffles and fabric flowers (eeek!)  I am getting a bit braver and re-learning the proper way to do things.  I also used a vintage button and the  'Made with Love' ribbon, bought from Me and Mrs Fisher as a label...

Here's the finished article...I love it!

And for a crafty-mojo celebratory giveaway, I have this lovely book....
Knitting Classic Style by Veronik Avery
which has 35 patterns inspired by vintage fashion, with some lovely photographs.
All you have to do to enter is leave me a comment below by Sunday 12th August 12 midday, and for an extra entry,  please cut and paste my message -     Knitting Book Giveaway at Lavender Attic at http://lavenderattic.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/finished-projects-knitting-book-giveaway.html - Please let me know you have tweeted about my giveaway.
Many thanks and good luck!

~Dress reveal & Birthdays~

Thanks to Magie at Teacups & Bunting blog for asking to have a peek at my Dress #2 that I mentioned in my previous post...I'm too shy and dissatisfied with photos of myself actually wearing the dress, but here it is without me in it...

I used some black cotton dress fabric with ditsy pink and grey roses, bought from Boyes for £3.99 a metre, but I actually used the reverse of the fabric for a more faded vintage look.

You can see the brighter fabric inside better here...

...I prefer the faded colours. I wore it with this pretty rose necklace and a thin black belt and patent shoes.  It did look nice I have to say, thanks in no small part to some good solid foundation garments!

It's also Small Dog's 2nd Birthday today...

Bless his little cotton socks.

He is so funny and good company.

Happy Birthday!

~Recent projects~

This piece of vintage dress fabric from the local village charity shop for £1...

(A decent piece, about 3 yards long and gorgeous quality)
...Has been turned into this...

A vintage- inspired pretty dress! It fits really well, so I'll be making it in a few different fabrics.  I'd forgotten how much I loved dressmaking - I had my first sewing machine and made my own clothes from about age 14.  (How I remember the black cotton floor-length trenchcoat I made myself in 6th Form!) Anyway, I'm back on track, and have finally mastered a neat, covered and shaped side zip - yay!
I used this New Look Pattern which is really really easy.

As well as selling my homewares and vintage treasures locally, I have decided to have some items available via my blog.  This recently completed Rose tea cosy is for sale if you click on the 'Shop' tab in my menu bar.  I'll add selected items on a regular basis, some vintage treasures and some handmade items.

I used Louisa Harding Fleuris wool for the body, with oddments of cashmerino and double knitting for the roses and petals. Hope you like it!