tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19864355940830236142024-03-06T03:54:04.908+00:00InspiredbyfelixCrafty blog covering patchwork, fabric, homemade items and general chitchat!Inspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-21607304527858336882013-04-21T23:27:00.000+01:002013-04-21T23:27:23.928+01:00Sewing liberation!Last week, it was with some relief that the second lot of five bags with matching coin purses that I've been working on were delivered to their destination. Of course I forgot to get pictures, doh. <br />
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Anyway, as happy chance would have it, their destination is 5 minutes away from Brit Bee buddy Terri's house, so Felix and I popped in there for a spot of tea and for me to pick up a rather lurrvely fabric haul.<br />
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Of course I hadn't been able to resist when Terri had previously told me she was planning on heading up to Superbuzzy on her recent trip to California....I've been quite abstemious since before Christmas and planned to spend some of the bag payment on a fabric top-up. <br />
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This is what she had for me!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(L-R, a Japanese print, plus three chunks of Echino)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCfc18oHWA2JZ2YuDchR-Xul64s-kYx0WciANlUkzUYTEay1rnDYylVzV2355NqnaH_H_Ob9nLST7U-gUvbL8_f78lnJ7kolWi_b3r2LiHjaEkhfPxmzGwOtM9WyE_f6k4n3t-6TlaH8/s1600/Superbuzzy+haul+apr13+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCfc18oHWA2JZ2YuDchR-Xul64s-kYx0WciANlUkzUYTEay1rnDYylVzV2355NqnaH_H_Ob9nLST7U-gUvbL8_f78lnJ7kolWi_b3r2LiHjaEkhfPxmzGwOtM9WyE_f6k4n3t-6TlaH8/s400/Superbuzzy+haul+apr13+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recipes, cheeky monkeys, a seedy thing, and a gorgeous linen map print</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various others - The houses on the right are a flannel, not sure on the plan for them yet!</td></tr>
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That's not to mention the red fabrics for a swap, and two delicious bags of proper caramel popcorn, bless her luminous pink socks!<br />
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I feel a little liberated now the bags are done and I have no other specific commissions on the go. Whilst I've got shops to make for, I can choose what I make and with the fabrics above to inspire me, I'm feeling rather spoilt! <br />
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I started with a test pair of baby shoes, with suede bases - fiddly but quick to make:<br />
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Then cut into my new fabric yumminess and made a pencil case<br />
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And then I turned this panel I'd made a while back<br />
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Into a giant 24" floor cushion<br />
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And my brain is still buzzing with stitchy things, yippee!<br />
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xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-37724869401035877012013-03-26T22:00:00.000+00:002013-03-26T22:00:26.489+00:00Bag factory..I took a large order for bags just after Christmas, well large by my standards anyway, and a couple of weeks ago I delivered the first half of the order: Five over the shoulder bags with zip closures and matching coin purses. <br />
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The second lot are well on the way too, filling up every available surface in the sewing room. Doing these has been a lot of fun, but has also put a bit of a dampener on all other sewing....so it was a relief to get a break today with some fun and slightly messy preparation for my month in Brit Bee.. more about this in the next post but here's a little taster snap.<br />
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Back soon, once I've cut all of these up and got them in the post!<br />
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xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-58501618633053534952013-03-07T00:17:00.000+00:002013-03-07T00:17:38.507+00:00Hello! blog hiatus officially over!Hello everybody, after a fabulous weekend with some VERY dear sewing buddies and then, yesterday, the first ice cream of the season, I suddenly feel compelled to blog again! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felix with buddy Matthew</td></tr>
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I'm so sorry it's been so long. I kind of got out of the habit, and then struggled to get back into it. And now, I'm very much hoping that I'll pop up on the Readers or in the inbox of some of my followers and they'll have a vague memory of who I am!<br />
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Hopefully, you'll be pleased to hear that I haven't stopped sewing..and although the following isn't too exciting or new, here's a few snaps of what's currently "in progress" at the sewing machine..<br />
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Cushion commission 1 of 2 for my Aunty Jane (see, I haven't forgotten, Jane!) <br />
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And a bag order for local shop - there are bag pieces everywhere and the addition of zip closures has made this a bit of a mammoth task...<br />
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and just to show that practice does NOT make perfect in this house, look what I managed to do this evening...somehow get the bag handle completely entwined in my machine whilst top stitching bag outer to lining.<br />
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I couldn't stop halfway without ruining the stitching so I just kept going and got more and more tangled!<br />
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Once these are out of the way, I have a pressing engagement with my foody Brit Bee Blocks from last April :) These need to be turned into a giant menu, and I am VERY looking forward to the challenge!<br />
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Hopefully back soon!<br />
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x<br />
Inspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-43253891342149783842012-09-06T22:40:00.001+01:002012-09-06T22:40:47.941+01:00I promise I won't mention the wedding again (after this!)Since we got back from honeymoon, I've been busy reacquainting myself with my sewing machine, plus heading off on the kid's holiday (I call it that because a week in Devon with three mischievous little folk was not in the least bit relaxing!).. but before I start blogging about sewing again, I just wanted to show you all the other creative stuff that went on at our wedding :) I can't claim credit for all of the following, I am lucky enough to be surrounded by people who can turn my half-baked ideas into reality!<br />
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Firstly, <strong>the flowers</strong>... I found a fab local florist (Bobo, in St. Leonards-on-sea) who turned a few words of mine (I think I waffled on about bright colours, no white, quirky, unusual, relaxed) into the most amazing bouquets for all of us, plus headdresses for the younger girls. Here's Kaitlyn proving that she can look angelic.<br />
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She even did flowers for Felix sticking out of a brown paper bag, but the little madam lost them somewhere along the line and I don't seem to have any pictures!<br />
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For the <strong>table decorations and the mantlepieces</strong>, we came up with the idea of using mismatched vintage items, and somewhere along the line, I decided that artificial grass might look pretty cool. Bless her (thanks Marcie, for accommodating me!) Marcie the florist actually did a happy dance at the idea and even suggested that she wire the odd flower directly through the grass - for the crazy meadow effect! Anyway, I couldn't have been happier with the result, and since I sourced all the containers from charity shops and IKEA, I could give them all away :)<br />
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On to the <strong>menus and the table plan</strong> - another charity shop idea. We went out looking for any small vintage picture frames, and I printed out the menus in cool fonts on Photoshop and then put a different frame on each table.<br />
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For the table plan, we mocked up a wall using chipboard and vintage wallpaper (that I cheekily stole out of someones recycling box!) and then hung the frames randomly on it, with a table list in each frame. I designed the scribbled sketches on photoshop at about 3am a couple of days before the wedding!<br />
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Talking of walls.... the idea above came to me because we already had "<strong>a wall</strong>". I'd asked my dad to make me one that people could stand behind to have comedy pictures done (having been inspired by Jo, plus others!), and he came up trumps! There's an ornate picture frame, skirting board and coving, plus that fab vintage paper, and we left a box of disguises around to help people "unwind" :)<br />
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I think the wall is currently serving another wedding in Cornwall - go wall!<br />
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For the <strong>table favours and place settings</strong>, we ordered sticks of rock that had guest names on them and <em>Ceri (heart) James</em> through the centre (corny eh?!) and we also handed out gift wrapped Stroopwafel (those circular waffles with caramel in the centre that you can warm on top of your coffee) - just because I love them.. oh and popcorn in cinema boxes for the kids, which I bought from a wholesaler in huge bags that I just wanted to dive into!<br />
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I owe a huge thank you to a number of my friends and family who helped me make <strong>paper decorations</strong> to hang in the ballroom we used. I found excellent tutorials online for the tissue paper pom-poms, and in total I think we made 25 in various sizes and colours. Very easy to do, and if you go large, they are stunning too. I added three <em>cheap as chips</em> red illuminated hearts from IKEA and there you have it!<br />
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And lastly, but not at all leastly, there was the CAKE. Made by my brilliant Mum, who only had one instruction - not traditional! And this is what she came up with...a marvellous surprise!<br />
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A Mad Hatters tea party with all the main players (Felix is in the teapot). There's a rainbow at the back with pots of gold, George is the Mad Hatter and Kaitlyn is the Queen of Hearts. Even my dress and James' cravat are featured, and there were cupcakes for all the kids too. It was blooming brilliant, and went down a storm...<br />
Thanks Mum!<br />
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Right, I really do promise the next post will be sewing related - thanks for reading :)<br />
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x<br />
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PS Huge thanks to Sarah, our photographer, who took some of the fabulous images in the last two blog posts :) <br />
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<br />Inspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-10844936249286788282012-08-11T15:17:00.000+01:002012-08-11T20:23:04.867+01:00The wedding Part I - the dress!Mrs Stokoe is formally entering the bloggy building! I'm sorry for the extended blog-vacation, but life has been...well..just too darned exciting!<br />
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I am now married (it was a totally fabulous day, thanks to all our much loved guests!), the honeymoon is over and most (but not all) of the thank you letters have been written. I have to say I am pleased to get some time at my sewing machine and am keen to catch up on everything I've missed in blog-world (how are the swaps going, folks?!) and whilst I have a number of new stitchy things on the go, I am totally aware that I owe some of you a bit of detail on wedding craftiness, and in particular THE dress - especially since you have been so supportive through the process!. <br />
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It started with these vintage patterns and a whole pile of fabric from Goldhawk Road.<br />
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and with the help of a very cool lady (thank you <a href="http://www.sewingparlour.wordpress.com/">Anna Winston</a>!), turned into this shabby, but very important, bed sheet garment..<br />
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which in turn, evolved (over about 3 months) into this! <br />
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If you have no interest in dressmaking, please don't bother to read any further! However, for those of you hankering for the details, here is a little run-down of the process!<br />
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<strong>March:</strong> This dress is loosely based on the two patterns above. However, I wanted a boat neck bodice without sleeves and a different waistline, so we ended up making a toile from a king-size bed sheet and adapting the patterns. Because we wanted a "wedding dress" quality of finish, the construction also ended up being more complicated than the original pattern instructions. <br />
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<strong>April:</strong> The dress pattern itself was a simple enough design. The bodice is made up of four pieces - centre front (with darts) and back, plus two side panels. . Anna helped design a facing pattern for the lining, so the bodice is partly lined in the print, and partly in a jade green lining cotton. We added small amounts of sew-in boning to the front of the bodice. <br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo below is a view of the facing inside the bodice)</span></em> </div>
<strong>May:</strong> Attaching the lining to the bodice was probably the most challenging part of this make. Both the neckline and the armholes needed to be perfect, and I spent a number of hours pinning and stitching at snail speed. We managed to devise a way of attaching the two pieces together with minimal hand sewing, so I only had to slip-stitch the very top section of each shoulder strap.<br />
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<strong>June:</strong> The skirt is made from over 8 metres of cotton, french seamed in four sections, and is heavily gathered at the waist. Pinning the gathered skirt evenly to the bodice was another mammoth task that probably took up an entire 2 hour lesson!<br />
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<strong>July week 1:</strong> There is an invisible zip on my left side, and the skirt has a lining cut from the same pattern (this means the whole dress has over 16 metres of fabric in it, and is somewhat heavy!). Cleverly, Anna suggested we pleat the skirt lining, rather than gather it, to reduce bulk at the waist, and that really worked.<br />
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<strong>July week 2:</strong> I had previously bought two petticoats from Beyond Retro (just off Brick Lane) - despite the sales assistant telling me that wearing two together would look ridiculous! Anna bravely hacked them to pieces and sewed them to a new lining so that we could increase the length of the petticoat to fit the dress, <span style="background-color: yellow;">tier</span> the net to give the right silhouette AND enable me to flash both red and orange at passers by :)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(note, the only way to get a photo of this petticoat was to put it on and look ridiculous - I promise that it's only by chance that my top matches!)</em></span></div>
So, onto the hem...I spent at least an hour standing in "less than comfy" wedding shoes whilst Anna sat at my feet, pinning it inch by inch. The volume of fabric and petticoats meant that the hemline was not a straightforward measuring job. We had to cater for the hang of the skirt and therefore we had over 3" in variation in the hem length to deal with. Having used all of the pins in Anna's studio, I carefully cut off the surplus and we then deliberated the pros and cons of various stiffeners, before opting for a bias binding finished hem.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(bias binding hem with invisible slip-stitching)</span></div>
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This involved making 8.5m of bias binding (I guess as a quilter, I should be used to this!), machine stitching it to the trimmed hemline, and then laborious slip-stitching of the binding to the inside of the dress. I've learnt that this gives a much smoother line than your average double folded hem and there is no puckering. In addition, the binding adds a little bit of weight to the skirt bottom, giving it a luxury feel. This is one of my favourite parts of the whole dress :)<br />
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<strong>July week 3 - thursday:</strong> Final fitting week! Slight panic as the dress wasn't feeling quite as figure hugging as in previous weeks. We worked out that by adding the skirt lining we had increased the weight of the dress so much that it was pulling the bodice straight down, rather than fitting in at the waist. Anna to the rescue again. She made me a Waspie from an old elastic belt, a scrap of cotton, ribbon and a bunch of eyelets. I ended up wearing this between the lining and the dress, to prevent that lining dragging the whole thing down (The dressmakers amongst you may realise that this means I couldn't finish the zip on the inside as then I wouldn't have been able to thread the belt between the two layers, but no matter). <br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Waspie worked a treat and I had that 1950's hourglass feeling that I was after :)</span></em></div>
<br />
<strong>July week 3 - Sunday:</strong> Wedding! Some of my family members have commented that finishing this dress three days before my wedding was cutting it fine....in retrospect they may have been right, but fortunately I got lucky and it all came together at the 11th hour!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrUXRjIFXptSBiMGwVaigMSAes5MzPNV84nXNJyKU8Ap5zYggfzP10EoFi9jXRI9Q6BDlwEc64PbMtcTazg6hdtWBBTcFsq9B3EDcywKet9AGSvZBzrCJuD_N-L9EeEb793RfXYcAhEo/s1600/IMG_5970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrUXRjIFXptSBiMGwVaigMSAes5MzPNV84nXNJyKU8Ap5zYggfzP10EoFi9jXRI9Q6BDlwEc64PbMtcTazg6hdtWBBTcFsq9B3EDcywKet9AGSvZBzrCJuD_N-L9EeEb793RfXYcAhEo/s640/IMG_5970.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you've made it this far, thanks for coming on that journey with me....I love my dress and am so pleased I made the decision to make my own...however, it wasn't all plain sailing, there were a few doubts, a few late nights and more than a few unpicked stitches along the way. My next dressmaking project will definitely be simpler!<br />
<br />
xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-43505161543917312742012-07-11T21:41:00.002+01:002012-07-11T21:41:32.924+01:00The next Ronny Corbett..or is it Harry Hill?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66qPdbbBEVy0VDhul2C9hX9yyCzN5O7bsOomHr2nswFntcAHL1TgHdCkC8S_YaRjPsGyEmBOtp-XMbaKnGrNoto1WyImYLqniuRGYrOzVo89dAJKjhTuSHGM5WXVYf7zTqVHljbYJw1w/s1600/felix+in+glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66qPdbbBEVy0VDhul2C9hX9yyCzN5O7bsOomHr2nswFntcAHL1TgHdCkC8S_YaRjPsGyEmBOtp-XMbaKnGrNoto1WyImYLqniuRGYrOzVo89dAJKjhTuSHGM5WXVYf7zTqVHljbYJw1w/s400/felix+in+glasses.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello everybody, I'm just quickly dropping in to apologise for having somewhat dropped off the bloggy radar recently. <br />
<br />
It is only temporary - the thing I have discovered about organising a reasonably large wedding within five months (especially when you want it to be handmade and a little quirky) is that quite a lot of things need to be done in a compressed space of time (durr!)<br />
<br />
I hope to do lots of crafty and dress related posts in a few weeks time, but now the count-down is on so I shall thank you for sticking with me and apologise again for not commenting on blogs, and finally hopefully amuse you with a picture of Felix sporting one of the "wedding disguises" (don't worry, prospective guests, there is only a teeny element of dressing up involved!)<br />
<br />
x<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>Inspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-10009176441356332102012-05-31T22:45:00.000+01:002012-05-31T22:45:34.698+01:00Meet Terri!I know, it's unheard of for me to blog two nights on the trot...but this one is a little different. One of our Brit Bees, Terri, who is attending the Quilting Retreat this weekend is a Flickr person, but not a blog person. Therefore, I said I would do her a little intro so fellow retreaters will know who to look for (however, rest assured that you will hear Terri before you see her anyway!)<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.fatquarterly.com/blog" title="Fat Quarterly"><img alt="Fat Quarterly" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzpGF7w5NrEFBny4THxFVBTlyqK34xvikG5f-Qd5LTm7V7CFLn7w96XJEYKeyHU-bmZD1bpL9NuO35J-0EPqs0mzowLWlL893sNmlGH4YPnTwHxJlHzHGun5uHDK3OvXztXozjPKBBHcF/s254/Untitled+Drawing+14.png" style="border: currentColor;" /></a></div>
<br />
This is what the lovely lady looks like...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlTnG6rFnSdFinrF6MWqQ9C8tBHwb9SuFC974a09Zj8irs-Gla8lQRr3OZMKAyDg3cJrmiB1oAzjc0LRNNTPtcpy04eWdMBiAxWZVwjXLe0oz9TeTVjDu75giqLVPo_PG-lvZZhWp2-E/s1600/terri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlTnG6rFnSdFinrF6MWqQ9C8tBHwb9SuFC974a09Zj8irs-Gla8lQRr3OZMKAyDg3cJrmiB1oAzjc0LRNNTPtcpy04eWdMBiAxWZVwjXLe0oz9TeTVjDu75giqLVPo_PG-lvZZhWp2-E/s200/terri.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
<br />
A New Zealander, who spent most of her life living in Australia, and then somehow managed to end up in Sevenoaks, Kent, with an Australian husband and two gorgeous girls. In previous lives she's been a pharmacist's assistant, a teacher and a potter (which drove her potty)...<br />
<br />
Terri is a creative genius who loves Japanese fabrics, embroidery, fonts and calligraphy...oh and did I mention that she bakes...? Check out this banana bread - yes those are my teeth marks :)<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pZiD7MgqWktVd_3HQZ3bLNDakHadunnTGC7VZcPrFjy5a38Q-qTI6Trd1LF1tU4WpVB7TJXbyAp_Jl6gP4atM-Kau2g71gRpFCxVL-5HEbwab8MLHTB3D73mB6lJ-ZDJmY0yaXMbPM0/s1600/banana+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pZiD7MgqWktVd_3HQZ3bLNDakHadunnTGC7VZcPrFjy5a38Q-qTI6Trd1LF1tU4WpVB7TJXbyAp_Jl6gP4atM-Kau2g71gRpFCxVL-5HEbwab8MLHTB3D73mB6lJ-ZDJmY0yaXMbPM0/s320/banana+bread.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
At the retreat you will find her either at one of these classes (in this order)<br />
<br />
1) Portholes<br />
2) English paper piecing<br />
3) Freezer paper piecing<br />
4) Frame purses<br />
<br />
or talking the hind legs off a donkey somewhere....<br />
<br />She's also doing the Iron man challenge but wonders how she's going to fit that in amongst all the talking... Did I mention that Terri talks a lot? and that you have to have a super-fast brain to keep up with her stories? I'm not exaggerating - her husband says she could carry on talking underwater with a mouthful of marbles. Apparently, as a child she had to compete for airtime with 8 other siblings hence the development of this skill :) She thinks it's a weakness, but I think it's wonderful...<br />
<br />
and so will you :)<br />
<br />
x<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Inspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-84022633355544855452012-05-30T23:24:00.000+01:002012-05-30T23:24:43.301+01:00Quilting Retreat - pre-event party!Did you know that I am escaping onto a quilting retreat this coming weekend?. I am terribly looking forward to this and can't wait to meet in person many of the bloggy friends I have made over the last year. James, on the other hand, can't help sniggering when I put the words "Quilt" and "Retreat" into the same sentence. I'm afraid to say I think he thinks I'm a geek!!<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.fatquarterly.com/blog" title="Fat Quarterly"><img alt="Fat Quarterly" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzpGF7w5NrEFBny4THxFVBTlyqK34xvikG5f-Qd5LTm7V7CFLn7w96XJEYKeyHU-bmZD1bpL9NuO35J-0EPqs0mzowLWlL893sNmlGH4YPnTwHxJlHzHGun5uHDK3OvXztXozjPKBBHcF/s254/Untitled+Drawing+14.png" style="border: currentColor;" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway, I thought I'd join in with the pre-event party (linking up on the Fat Quarterly website) and introduce myself to fellow retreaters :)<br />
<br />
I look like this. Kind'a.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlGvfgJlAS0y4aSG_hKquLiCdWNqfWp1d451qoRZsDOlFVgQcgmIXYbv2GUQjOQQk9-bcdfBRFzOCCoUd7dYp2OAbdRUtobNRrkrr4lpoksdvspzP8NvCPUBw6aOD0oDYJiMrwUZP-Ag/s1600/me+mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlGvfgJlAS0y4aSG_hKquLiCdWNqfWp1d451qoRZsDOlFVgQcgmIXYbv2GUQjOQQk9-bcdfBRFzOCCoUd7dYp2OAbdRUtobNRrkrr4lpoksdvspzP8NvCPUBw6aOD0oDYJiMrwUZP-Ag/s320/me+mosaic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">( I got James to take a picture of me for this blog, and didn't like any of them, except that cutie in the middle, so the only option was to put them all in...in very small boxes. Not sure what dropped down my top in that last one)</span></div>
<br />No idea what I'll be wearing but by a twist of fate I'll be carrying this, one of my early bag makes (the only one that didn't sell is also my favourite!) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGT4ljbnollKNvNDMSwPZ6TQeMkcGVjYjFu15ef-PQFaurQvBYSKyaEmpuSMRz3wK_ty6d3IxcD8D3vrQXcTn6NrmM-okPZGU5kV_77XlGHVwlY9dDnn6fkcC4vJZ1c2qVa1wba4dskA/s1600/ruby+star+bag+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGT4ljbnollKNvNDMSwPZ6TQeMkcGVjYjFu15ef-PQFaurQvBYSKyaEmpuSMRz3wK_ty6d3IxcD8D3vrQXcTn6NrmM-okPZGU5kV_77XlGHVwlY9dDnn6fkcC4vJZ1c2qVa1wba4dskA/s400/ruby+star+bag+3.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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I'm 38 and I used to be an IT Director for an insurance company, officially until about a year ago when my maternity leave ended and I gave my notice, in order to be a full-time Mum to my daughter Felix, who will be 2 next month. I am also lucky enough to get to hang out with James' two children, to whom I will officially become stepmum in July when we get married. <br />
<br />
I am making my own wedding dress and as a result have been a bit of a sporadic blogger of late, as dates loom. <br />
<br />I'll be travelling up to London on the train on sturday morning, accompanied by this quilt for Siblings together<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1nxjz1OJKbxmfQuh7iIEkr9PcRRLrD4nyZDe18J0XhsXy3qpZ_1Suk25s6UZm8a6YhGNnfdH9J2r5vhxRHqD9f7VHRyM_A99kFUz__MHHnVWIQLT9k6DyhsQOqY1CBsugWPwAQMnPHg/s1600/siblings+together+basted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1nxjz1OJKbxmfQuh7iIEkr9PcRRLrD4nyZDe18J0XhsXy3qpZ_1Suk25s6UZm8a6YhGNnfdH9J2r5vhxRHqD9f7VHRyM_A99kFUz__MHHnVWIQLT9k6DyhsQOqY1CBsugWPwAQMnPHg/s400/siblings+together+basted.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(sewn by Terri and I, who will be hand stitching the binding on the train, at this rate!)</span></div>
<br />plus an enormous wheelie suitcase, plus fellow Brit Bee and fabric mule, Terri (aka <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60468428@N07/">Mish Mash Mama</a>) and Liz (new bloggy friend aka <a href="http://lizofdandeliondaydreams.blogspot.co.uk/">Dandelion Daydreams</a>) and am staying at the Radisson Edwardian Vandebilt on Saturday night.<br />
<br />I'm hoping I'll mostly be:<br />
<br />A) Marvelling at the talent/ superb time management skills/ stash/ quilty finishes of everyone else!<br />
B) Talking to new and old friends<br />
C) Attending these classes (in this order):<br />
<ul>
<li>Portholes</li>
<li>Frame purses</li>
<li>Freezer paper piecing</li>
<li>Designer challenge</li>
</ul>
D) Living it up with my fellow Brit Bees (a marvellous bunch)<br />
E) Propping up the bar at any opportunity :)<br />
<br />See you there?<br />
<br />
xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-24068810037292609792012-05-21T20:30:00.000+01:002012-05-21T20:30:44.088+01:00Double act!On Thursday, Terri (<em>aka</em> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60468428@N07/">Mish Mish Mama</a> <em>aka</em> fabulous human being) and I got together to do some sewing. We'd decided to sew a quilt for the <a href="http://www.siblingstogether.org.uk/">Siblings Together</a> Charity which is rocking the online quilting world at the moment, and a jolly good cause it is too. Click <a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/giving-something-back.html">here</a> to read about it on Lynne's blog, <a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.co.uk/">Lily's quilts</a>, if you haven't already.<br />
<br />
The vague plan was to sew a quilt in a day - which didn't really happen! Here's the rough timeline of events:<br />
<br />
9.00 Lovely Felix goes to the childminder<br />
9.30 Terri arrives - hot drinks and chat and Internet fabric shopping<br />
9.32 James spots delicious homemade cookies that Terri has brought<br />
10.30 Decide we need a plan, look at available fabrics<br />
10.32 James caves and asks for a cookie<br />
11.00 Settle on using Terri's Pips charm pack as basis for a log cabin quilt, rummage in fabric stashes for coordinates<br />
11.15 Hot drinks, chat, James (working from home!) appears and eats another cookie<br />
11.30 Start cutting and sew a test block (that looks like this), chat<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjM5EDPpv4sF5b6aPXLjkSi8VfVn8L-4BBVEW1pxoR3dNpsymHWVRLkpBoisbuUQ7c_Nb90Mvy3PVKfpUzJFTxfDjs8Gif01Be_6DTILfWg7faLnxecnO_UYq1QMm0CaAUpTG6UihrwDM/s1600/siblings+together+block+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjM5EDPpv4sF5b6aPXLjkSi8VfVn8L-4BBVEW1pxoR3dNpsymHWVRLkpBoisbuUQ7c_Nb90Mvy3PVKfpUzJFTxfDjs8Gif01Be_6DTILfWg7faLnxecnO_UYq1QMm0CaAUpTG6UihrwDM/s320/siblings+together+block+1.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />(or was it this one??)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wv8XqfkuWfOPrGOOyV2dgCG-uU-V4Qbd08rcRoJZTfeFz8ghtMUJp8q4vb59Be4FMq8JutYqEj5L75tdi-gkYI9ZKPm3LhT_F3xh1DeeUyPc99dnW1jKP5z2CAfvtXvSemCwtx8ejE8/s1600/siblings+together+block+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wv8XqfkuWfOPrGOOyV2dgCG-uU-V4Qbd08rcRoJZTfeFz8ghtMUJp8q4vb59Be4FMq8JutYqEj5L75tdi-gkYI9ZKPm3LhT_F3xh1DeeUyPc99dnW1jKP5z2CAfvtXvSemCwtx8ejE8/s320/siblings+together+block+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
12.00 Terri sewing inner parts of blocks, chain-piecing styley, Ceri slicing strips of fabric for outer logs, chat<br />
13.30 Lunch, chat, James eats a cookie<br />
14.00 Back to it! Stitch Stitch Stitch - look, we're hard at work, honest!<br />
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16.00 Politely request that James goes and retrieves Felix, which he does, in exchange for a cookie - (yes, that's four!) Fifteen blocks down, 5 to go<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLOkcVUJ4t5OWxjhfpAdXxkL9AQu30bcoS3FzIPV-Ogt2BVt69man1-opV2O15vu0FJ57ZcxbwiN7oCt8FYPHx5PqkCH7qpogXIXVMvKeZd3vtT1O1dQPdfGCffBY2gJdCX_s20gz0Rs/s1600/siblings+together+15+blocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLOkcVUJ4t5OWxjhfpAdXxkL9AQu30bcoS3FzIPV-Ogt2BVt69man1-opV2O15vu0FJ57ZcxbwiN7oCt8FYPHx5PqkCH7qpogXIXVMvKeZd3vtT1O1dQPdfGCffBY2gJdCX_s20gz0Rs/s400/siblings+together+15+blocks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
17.00 Look, twenty blocks! Terri has to leave for her brood, so we call it a day.<br />
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<br />Yep, they need sewing together, quilting and binding, but hopefully we have a plan to achieve that before the Quilting Retreat in two weeks time..<br />
<br />
A very satisfying day, in many ways....and we'll have to have another one to get this finished, darn it :)<br />
<br />
xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-62437497228878551922012-05-16T22:52:00.001+01:002012-05-16T22:52:25.003+01:00Going to a wedding..I mentioned wedding invites in my last post and since they've arrived with recipients, I can officially share another Inspiredby Felix project that's been taking up a bit of mental space recently!<br />
<br />
As you may know, I was a little hooked after doing a days screen printing with <a href="http://www.madeinhastings.co.uk/craftsmanship/the-five-of-us/">Sue</a>. Well I got this idea of printing wedding invites onto tea-towels.... so I did a drawing (got to love those Sharpie pens!) with most of the information on (dates and address have been fuzzed to protect the innocent!), and with Sue's help got it transferred to a screen.<br />
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<br />We printed 50 tea-towels over two sessions lasting about four hours each. All the invites (plus spares) were hand screen-printed in the first session, in a two-person routine that became second nature after an hour. These were spread out over Sue's house in order to dry!<br />
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<br />And in the second session, a few days later, we added the colours using hand-cut templates.<br />
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I ended up folding these with an information leaflet, wrapped in a printed cardboard loop, packaged in smart white envelopes with sketched labels. Special thanks go out to my Mum who ironed and folded the vast majority! <br />
<br />I'm pleased to say the response has been fab, and I even got a fabric reply from my cousin, and a wonderful handmade card from my Aunty....craftiness breeds craftiness!<br />
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x<br />
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<br />Inspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-79078404773381210362012-05-07T17:11:00.003+01:002012-05-07T17:11:41.312+01:00Winter Stitching list round-up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Way back in October I created a winter stitching list and linked up to Sarah over at Fairyface designs - the aim being to tide me through until the warmer climes (ha-de-ha). I had a little mid-point review in January and now is the time to do a final update on progress. </div>
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<a href="http://www.fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.com/"><img alt="FairyFace Designs" src="http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j433/FairyFaceDesigns/WinterSewingbutton.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" /></a></div>
<em>The good news first:</em><br />
<br />1) Bee blocks..The final few have been delivered For the European Bee I have been part of. I was so late that I'm sure all the lovely ladies in that Bee have been (legitimately) cursing me, so can't inflict my lateness on them any longer and won't be carrying on for a further year. (lesson to self, do not take on too much!)<br />
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2) Brit Bee is still going strong with these blocks being delivered.<br />
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I also had my month in March and asked for paper pieced foody blocks...and look what I got!!!!! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1. </span><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/52132650@N03/6816692904/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Time for Tea?</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 2. Needles and Lemons - Eggs!, 3. </span><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/61046213@N04/7024136121/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brit Bee block</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 4. </span><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/61046213@N04/7027438663/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">raspberry ripple</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 5. </span><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/37837976@N02/6979756996/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Miss March Brit Bee Block</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 6. </span><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/54242795@N04/7073477525/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">a March Bee Block</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 7. </span><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/48813034@N04/6800263376/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Drink up</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 8. </span><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/48813034@N04/6800161138/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pizza!</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 9. </span><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/59603506@N03/6948878101/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brit Bee March Pineapple Block</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 10. </span><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/59541066@N02/7152787021/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Foody block from Jo</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 11. </span><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/59541066@N02/7152751955/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">apple block from Jennie</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 12. </span><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/46310984@N03/7020234261/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brit Bee Block for Ceri</span></a>
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There is also a sooper-dooper mad hatters cake on it's way from Terri (I've had a sneak preview!) and then I need to do a couple of blocks - this is going to be one amazing wall-hanging!!<br />
<br />3) Learning to screen print. I did this, it was fab, and I'm addicted! <br />
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4) Free-motion a large quilt - I did this with the Bonkers quilt, and my shoulders ached...but, I've had some brilliant tips re making the process a little bit easier on myself (sticky gloves, large table space etc) and would definitely to it again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41gkykJ0ZKpOgNmtf8Y_OLnNh_0nnLl_Ku7o9YTe4OG3Hvlwk5nVFlLWSPoIKiDLuuT2jUtGPdcHCXYF3fl-ApntfpuoGtHfRADNg5aZDU_wz6G303LT4iQPvNoiTKS3j2Z5BvAzSPDo/s1600/bonkers+quilt+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41gkykJ0ZKpOgNmtf8Y_OLnNh_0nnLl_Ku7o9YTe4OG3Hvlwk5nVFlLWSPoIKiDLuuT2jUtGPdcHCXYF3fl-ApntfpuoGtHfRADNg5aZDU_wz6G303LT4iQPvNoiTKS3j2Z5BvAzSPDo/s320/bonkers+quilt+1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<br />5) Approach another shop. I finally did this a couple of weeks ago. Feedback was positive so I'm just waiting to see what, if any, stock they'd like.<br />
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<em>And the progress that wasn't..</em><br />
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6) The sliced coins quilt has not moved from the pile it was in in January, nor have the blocks for my Bee Europa quilt - I must get to it soon, there's wonderful blocks in there that need showing off<br />
<br />7) The Stained quilt along - I'm so sorry Sarah, this is all still sitting in a reusable Tesco's bag!. I've seen some amazing Stained quilts, so I will come back to this.<br />
<br /><em>The unplanned...</em><br />
<br />8) Had a fab time in the Mouthy Stitches swap. I sent this to <a href="http://www.isisjem.blogspot.com/">IsisJem</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7kRJ-CbnqBmbo2dhkuvUTcVlnXS5KDlYb_UcbOloXYkdQ9aNvp98lfNV4BHb6VbCmOKOLLhoT1sIhnhsvGHyonqdWsve54-tCapJZZcO-0TCiBPsEG7cMrOOJdA_-39WRIw1OTDy9cI/s1600/finished+pouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7kRJ-CbnqBmbo2dhkuvUTcVlnXS5KDlYb_UcbOloXYkdQ9aNvp98lfNV4BHb6VbCmOKOLLhoT1sIhnhsvGHyonqdWsve54-tCapJZZcO-0TCiBPsEG7cMrOOJdA_-39WRIw1OTDy9cI/s320/finished+pouch.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
and got this faberoony pouch from <a href="http://www.indiannadreams.blogspot.com/">Indianna Dreams</a>!<br />
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9) Guest posted at Fairyface designs with a little girls skirt tutorial<br />
<br />10) Mini-quilt made and submitted in the Modern Mini challenge... I didn't win, but had so many lovely comments and people pinning my image, that I felt like I'd won!<br />
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11) Made lots of gifts, and more things to sell.<br />
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<strong>Oh heck, yeah, and decided to get married this summer! (and here lies my excuse for anything not completed in the above list!!)</strong><br />
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<br />A quick summary of the latest on that:<br />
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THE DRESS - toile finished, adjustments made and pieces cut from the final fabric. Facings designed and cut. Bodice is half stitched together.<br />
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THE BRIDESMAIDS - Successful trip to Oxford Street on Saturday resulting in three bridesmaids dresses for the older bridesmaids and three <em><strong>ridunculously</strong></em> high pairs of shoes </div>
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(not unlike these - their choice, honest!)<br />
<a href="http://www.office.co.uk/womens/office/minted_court/37/9928/31404/1?fs=9928"><img alt="Office Minted court Bri red nubuck" height="173" src="http://www.office.co.uk/images/shoes/thumb/37262154_t1.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>
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THE INVITES - invites designed, printed and sent by me - watch this space - I hope this one deserves a post of it's very own :)<br />
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If you've got to the bottom, thanks so much for reading..shorter post next time, I promise!<br />
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x</div>Inspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-48628844242005661632012-04-23T15:37:00.000+01:002012-04-23T15:37:29.049+01:00"Diary of a wedding dress" by a beginner dressmaker - Part 1Some of you will know that I <strike>crazily</strike> bravely decided to make my own wedding dress this year. Some of you have also been kindly asking about progress, and, as of yesterday, I had exactly 3 months to get it done so I thought an update was in order!<br />
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Don't panic, I don't think I'll be giving any secrets away...James has seen the fabric and the pattern (I felt this was necessary to prevent any nasty shocks as I enter the room!), but he swears that being a bloke means he has no capability to visualise the finished article :)<br />
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You may breathe a sigh of relief when I tell you we're not talking about a traditional wedding gown here. I have an aspiration to get married in a brightly coloured 1950's style big skirted frock. In pursuit of this aim I found a wonderful designer/dressmaker by the name of Anna who lives locally (you can check out her <a href="http://sewingparlour.wordpress.com/the-studio/">gorgeous studio here</a> and her <a href="http://sewingparlour.wordpress.com/">blog here</a>). She has kindly agreed to help me achieve my aim, and, by gum, I'm glad she did.<br />
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Anna runs vintage dressmaking classes and has a huge array of patterns to choose from. After an hour of browsing, we settled on a hybrid of the dresses below, teaming the voluminous skirt from the pattern on the left (using 6m of fabric!) with the boat neck bodice from the pattern on the right, but minus the sleeves and the pointy bit at the bottom of the bodice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eaLCBAQGNpCMv3HZOXWzTseOmL3075bFTmnWx5j75NfNJ0htsEKxBFJAtTlOI-_McdjQ32uV9IvIGUyLFkP3ByeJxjfzMGQdm0IIeDnUr0W9ZFaanwzL6eXiHrpX_EQvL0oW-Tg5Zh4/s1600/dress+pattern.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eaLCBAQGNpCMv3HZOXWzTseOmL3075bFTmnWx5j75NfNJ0htsEKxBFJAtTlOI-_McdjQ32uV9IvIGUyLFkP3ByeJxjfzMGQdm0IIeDnUr0W9ZFaanwzL6eXiHrpX_EQvL0oW-Tg5Zh4/s640/dress+pattern.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Next, I went in search of a fabric that would be in keeping with the style of the dress, but would be <em>wowzers</em> enough for a wedding. I headed off to London, armed with a fantastic list of shops to visit, thanks to bloggy friends who did a great job of providing me with recommendations. Soho, Edgeware Road, South Kensington - we did the lot. On the second trip, Mum and I ended up at the fabulous Goldhawk Road, where we purchased THE perfect fabric. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1c82mU2FEP_SfloOUnHuc5Wf02Mstw5PkswFRXoNTbSK3UUfYBzUCQaA-pIp-eyGIRb5Er8v29mS0dSNZ9t7Zh6Tbv1YlcO7b7_AQj8iNB5Nh5Rlz-tJjs67bbVLKWHFl07KXPuDp-Dk/s1600/Final+fabric+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1c82mU2FEP_SfloOUnHuc5Wf02Mstw5PkswFRXoNTbSK3UUfYBzUCQaA-pIp-eyGIRb5Er8v29mS0dSNZ9t7Zh6Tbv1YlcO7b7_AQj8iNB5Nh5Rlz-tJjs67bbVLKWHFl07KXPuDp-Dk/s640/Final+fabric+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Despite having looked at lots of wonderful expensive silks, I found myself immediately drawn to this more modest cotton which has a rich print with sumptuous colours and slightly satinised feel to it.<br />
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I LOVE IT! <br />
...and, there's so much potential in the colours (the background is actually a dark jade green, I just couldn't get it to photograph!) for coordinating bridesmaids and flowers etc<br />
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Back in the studio, and with much help from Anna over the last few weeks, I have learnt to trace a pattern and adjust it for my measurements. I have learnt to properly mark and cut out pattern pieces for the toile (practice version, in my case, made from an old king size bedsheet) and to stitch the skirt together. I have also learnt to gather, tailors-tack and insert darts. And then, last Friday, I stitched the gathered skirt to the bodice pieces and tried on my toile.<br />
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The dress was a good fit, but at first we were both a bit "MEH" about the look. The skirt didn't appear to be that special, and the bodice looked boxy with a lack of waist definition.<br />
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(NB. this next bit is where the professional works magic!)<br />
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Anna got a spare voluminous petticoat out (which transformed the skirt) and jumped into action with her pins. We lifted the waistline an inch and a half (I think I must be high-waisted), dropped the bust darts an inch (there was a hint of comedy Madonna pointy bra going on!)...and no, <a href="http://www.archiethewonderdog.blogspot.com/">Helen</a>, this does not mean I'm tucking my boobs into my waistband (I had to giggle at that comment!)<br />
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We also took the waist darts in an inch at the front and back...and hey presto, a dress with some serious potential emerges! I was too pinned up to think to get my camera out so no pictures I'm afraid, but here is the bodice with all the alterations marked on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WzVZIs4zeW0OvKFIj6KGLhoasY01AuTmtcBaYeTCPZ3C1iG1jo6BaeYB_v8IwlWQwgZre6Mffmk6q6lt2P7o7blWesEECZA9pH9KoZUUl9gKgFTJN8XyzvRnDszmh_P-w5KoS3UoBaQ/s1600/wedding+toile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WzVZIs4zeW0OvKFIj6KGLhoasY01AuTmtcBaYeTCPZ3C1iG1jo6BaeYB_v8IwlWQwgZre6Mffmk6q6lt2P7o7blWesEECZA9pH9KoZUUl9gKgFTJN8XyzvRnDszmh_P-w5KoS3UoBaQ/s640/wedding+toile.jpg" width="562" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(check out my newly acquired gathering skills!)</span></div><br />
The next step is to unpick this, make the pencil adjustments, and then use these pieces to cut from the final fabric.....eek! In the real thing, I am going to need to master facings, linings and a hidden zip plus other techniques I'm sure I don't know about yet - so it's by no means plain sailing!<br />
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xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-30438720852870166062012-04-18T00:19:00.000+01:002012-04-18T00:19:31.734+01:00Bloggy backlog...or is that bloggers block?Sounds painful?! I think I might be suffering from this! I'm not talking about reading blogs because although I LOVE reading blogs I seem to be continually behind on catching up with other people's happenings... nope, this is about my inability to get a blog post out!<br />
<br />
I've got so much stuff to talk about....For starters there's the Liebster awards and bloggy "tag" (totally missed the boat on this one), then there's wedding dress progress - I have THE fabric (!) and the invites, handmade by me too. And then there's a few final blocks that I stitched for Bee Europa, plus a string cushion that I'm just finishing...and I really really need to show you all the wonderful foody blocks I've got from the fabby Brit Bee ladies.....oh, and did I mention that Felix has finally got a few words (so cute), James stepped on a rusty nail (serious ouch moment) , and I've joined the Wonky WI?! <br />
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It dawned on me that my new years resolution was to blog more frequently, but shorter posts...a task that I have so far spectacularly failed on.<br />
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It's never too late to start though..so here goes with the first of my shorter, speedier bloggy witterings..<br />
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I give you three blocks for three months in Bee Europa. It's been great but I'm ducking out now, due to my inability to keep up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgkZgar0eBomBbkFSqDYO4wPIz2FPItrUsBk701aKejoBG7mTnkqjjq3-Wrw2HfAbFomy-MPQ-pnB5J4KYekYEeWa3F7LTPB29kN1iWjxtSy40s-zpX0jdk2MqGx4xxuStjNBa6Z2PYg/s1600/bento+blocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgkZgar0eBomBbkFSqDYO4wPIz2FPItrUsBk701aKejoBG7mTnkqjjq3-Wrw2HfAbFomy-MPQ-pnB5J4KYekYEeWa3F7LTPB29kN1iWjxtSy40s-zpX0jdk2MqGx4xxuStjNBa6Z2PYg/s320/bento+blocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-_-OOdpthwW_0yxXKbBAGn7edqaMbanPqb1vaCMIooBjc-uQT74oueUeKVs2BFj1-1Cj-l_tEeqpDeQy4vxx5Fei9nqhW2v36Um_fwZ7pwIKC16aD6GOgsi_fTAbCDnqm-x_W-uA8zM/s1600/stained+glass+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-_-OOdpthwW_0yxXKbBAGn7edqaMbanPqb1vaCMIooBjc-uQT74oueUeKVs2BFj1-1Cj-l_tEeqpDeQy4vxx5Fei9nqhW2v36Um_fwZ7pwIKC16aD6GOgsi_fTAbCDnqm-x_W-uA8zM/s320/stained+glass+block.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FlvvohuvPUkqwVsopmOKmgWRouCXXY-8UHrExxGpFGBlaARNkdLsSyeQUSUW0xS-EhDfFjf4Xj6frUWJnoeoDPSmb2zZk1PYNfbgp_RMQn-xyfAPHSdQ_YkulufGK9-EmejhYxTJu9I/s1600/Spiders+web+blocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FlvvohuvPUkqwVsopmOKmgWRouCXXY-8UHrExxGpFGBlaARNkdLsSyeQUSUW0xS-EhDfFjf4Xj6frUWJnoeoDPSmb2zZk1PYNfbgp_RMQn-xyfAPHSdQ_YkulufGK9-EmejhYxTJu9I/s400/Spiders+web+blocks.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><br />
Particularly loving this spiders web and learning that you don't need seam allowances on the outer edge of selvedges (I wondered how people using selvedges didn't lose the text in the seam allowance!) I am now inspired to start saving my selvedges properly (in long lengths and with an inch of print above the selvedge) so I can make something like this for meeeeee :)<br />
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Back soon, I promise!<br />
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xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-88991630053917131092012-04-02T22:06:00.001+01:002012-04-02T22:08:17.731+01:00A catch up (photo heavy!)What with all the excitement (trips to Brussels, wedding excitement yah-de-yah) I've not had time to blog about the normal goings on at the sewing machine. So here's a little update on smaller things I've made as gifts and for selling in the shops. Hopefully not too boring and same-y!<br />
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First up, Some iPad covers - After a false start with my <a href="http://www.inspiredbyfelix.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/having-play.html">first attempt</a>, I managed to get the sizing right second time around and these actually do fit i-Pads in them! I played around with Velcro and zip fastening options. Feedback from James, whilst generally positive, did suggest double layers of batting next time (he's getting into the groove of this sewing lark!)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12-V30RgLjV4pTEx4p__9mp3SPuYVwjA_T7rsJxZXoyhMmYUl1f_WFYM5mInLVYD_dneAz_ZrV3WbjNvjLWFTekv3AnKwgitv1NHikUlfaQ4k97GXErCXKqFfdN-pPxyKP3FlnG2FS9w/s1600/ipad+cover+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12-V30RgLjV4pTEx4p__9mp3SPuYVwjA_T7rsJxZXoyhMmYUl1f_WFYM5mInLVYD_dneAz_ZrV3WbjNvjLWFTekv3AnKwgitv1NHikUlfaQ4k97GXErCXKqFfdN-pPxyKP3FlnG2FS9w/s320/ipad+cover+1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqHa3zFAJN5ElLXfCBZVOhES2T8cwJfLw4HLpwgKobcmmbipV_KLsYnql1ETJVr0XTOf24kjbfjmuG5_uwRJlfj4ffZSSFqbVwiSX31hCTpEJGrJ4KXCcKu2eFS-ZVLJGvMpM3F25wjY/s1600/ipad+cover+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqHa3zFAJN5ElLXfCBZVOhES2T8cwJfLw4HLpwgKobcmmbipV_KLsYnql1ETJVr0XTOf24kjbfjmuG5_uwRJlfj4ffZSSFqbVwiSX31hCTpEJGrJ4KXCcKu2eFS-ZVLJGvMpM3F25wjY/s320/ipad+cover+2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_yWkq0-2e9CCuNZIFZymIWYLNKZ_JOEIPvtitfLKbCXgM3GORBkIP_lbkHtFPiWXD9wbCkgqUg2Vs9i-1hl6o_aAAQpxhTkTqKBAI7HSmFSpYPH1v82EtKlJkE7ZSt9gHpG4e5iHLEw/s1600/ipad+cover+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_yWkq0-2e9CCuNZIFZymIWYLNKZ_JOEIPvtitfLKbCXgM3GORBkIP_lbkHtFPiWXD9wbCkgqUg2Vs9i-1hl6o_aAAQpxhTkTqKBAI7HSmFSpYPH1v82EtKlJkE7ZSt9gHpG4e5iHLEw/s320/ipad+cover+3.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Then, a zippy pouch for Mothers day. I made this with the phone tucked into my shoulder catching up with the <a href="http://www.narcolepticinacupboard.blogspot.com/">lady in a cupboard</a> in Shetland, whilst she stitched and then unpicked some piecing - it's amazing neither of us sewed through our fingers! (Message for Mum: multi-tasking doesn't make it any less of a gift!)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSj1GRTsRZT6OFjWWcvKHka8sXgCS0czcoA7tqdImc6Nsk9_UIoLQfHjHRKWxwm0xZQc_psYoT0dYfm748dbxAANYC4TWw_Crm8BX9b3LN83o6NB4EV5Ys66gF-kxuqLb5u1L0DbOBLs/s1600/zippy+pouch+for+mum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSj1GRTsRZT6OFjWWcvKHka8sXgCS0czcoA7tqdImc6Nsk9_UIoLQfHjHRKWxwm0xZQc_psYoT0dYfm748dbxAANYC4TWw_Crm8BX9b3LN83o6NB4EV5Ys66gF-kxuqLb5u1L0DbOBLs/s320/zippy+pouch+for+mum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Two cushions - I pieced the front of the first one yonks ago, it's taken me ages to getting around to finishing it off!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteCo1EY0ur9p77iUJ0i6MmBOLMtAi2Zxhwtb386Ob-Vb9A9oNK_ZXMZtRyovkTR_BM0kaX0fbWdXmnrAC9xOkyAbkB-8RW9MPzEuwE1mQ-3rdqEi1EUXrywa0yPzIz5X0GGPuQWyusxM/s1600/HST+linen+cushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteCo1EY0ur9p77iUJ0i6MmBOLMtAi2Zxhwtb386Ob-Vb9A9oNK_ZXMZtRyovkTR_BM0kaX0fbWdXmnrAC9xOkyAbkB-8RW9MPzEuwE1mQ-3rdqEi1EUXrywa0yPzIz5X0GGPuQWyusxM/s320/HST+linen+cushion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2a8cDDoP_UjgaEytJlxO6HMpq5xiw0ASQmqj5WQwcclfoE3sZYaEQ7ibn-lOTZ5MewAsgvXJMecVI1bd1MsKyminTgQkjeieR2RkBFa5dDBF_Q7O5vkqDI0qcfBp1kTXDCF7qXjYbXVc/s1600/stripe+on+denim+cushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2a8cDDoP_UjgaEytJlxO6HMpq5xiw0ASQmqj5WQwcclfoE3sZYaEQ7ibn-lOTZ5MewAsgvXJMecVI1bd1MsKyminTgQkjeieR2RkBFa5dDBF_Q7O5vkqDI0qcfBp1kTXDCF7qXjYbXVc/s320/stripe+on+denim+cushion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Some extra little zippy purses<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblwlKAAiDkEx2OZD3T5tQqZzcjPM6mSERPrHUwCRVnrah2mE5D-B_ib180WsWwoNACZmHHQYUvViB6ZWV7PWByoPTFfXxayl96SJZg8YQZav1kc9YCS6Ob29sCWJeQs3CCHHKKxUsHWs/s1600/mini+zippy+purses+march+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblwlKAAiDkEx2OZD3T5tQqZzcjPM6mSERPrHUwCRVnrah2mE5D-B_ib180WsWwoNACZmHHQYUvViB6ZWV7PWByoPTFfXxayl96SJZg8YQZav1kc9YCS6Ob29sCWJeQs3CCHHKKxUsHWs/s320/mini+zippy+purses+march+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A baby quilt - I tried to make this unisex, but rather than go rainbow, I opted for an alternative colour scheme. I think I was thinking log cabin, but kept changing my mind and ended up with these quarter log cabin blocks...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfL6OqvD9afGvXgkktnuy2bggq0YfawKVUqFyWVddiekLrgnGy5LUgoVSi_mLSNky0ZutGRxoCeB8DzToqdpCpeIOETY-nrVzsVD3NkQhpCR9J8xN0jIxytkvfVEym_OBxBBBy4nBvBo/s1600/random+log+cabins+baby+quilt+blocks+in+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfL6OqvD9afGvXgkktnuy2bggq0YfawKVUqFyWVddiekLrgnGy5LUgoVSi_mLSNky0ZutGRxoCeB8DzToqdpCpeIOETY-nrVzsVD3NkQhpCR9J8xN0jIxytkvfVEym_OBxBBBy4nBvBo/s320/random+log+cabins+baby+quilt+blocks+in+progress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
which I finally laid out in alternate directions, and added a double border and scrappy binding to create a quilt measuring about 30" x 40". It's for sale in the shop at the moment, and is backed in purple fleece and quilted in a free-style wavy line pattern that is my new favourite "easy to do" quilting design!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7ZCCUKqAXaYDu38ql7Fiuyo5vsIoiRA6B6kcBByoY4qTDTJQuzh8DVKHWOBDtrDiLUpS-EZ29lC7e1TpC1kFrYHc5-gLK8jdgoYltgjSGidVb9JMe9PkSORX5RbDwQbDXFE1K1CngxE/s1600/random+log+cabins+baby+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7ZCCUKqAXaYDu38ql7Fiuyo5vsIoiRA6B6kcBByoY4qTDTJQuzh8DVKHWOBDtrDiLUpS-EZ29lC7e1TpC1kFrYHc5-gLK8jdgoYltgjSGidVb9JMe9PkSORX5RbDwQbDXFE1K1CngxE/s320/random+log+cabins+baby+quilt.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(sorry for the appalling picture, forgot to get a proper shot so had to make do with a snap outside the shop!)</span></div><br />
And finally, a lovely friend of mine, Zoe, whom I haven't seen for a few months, had a little boy a couple of weeks ago. His name is Monty and I made this changing mat for him (well, more for his mum actually, although he may appreciate the fleecy lining!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarbs8EOOmawDm1ZooG4WYREzqZJfcERgWgpAKGXA-Uk8HJS5vczK8f6gfwdvYyTzpRMBkr7Flud3ggFLNfDPGucez02nBe0UI0Hf6n4h8Au9YtdbP_vPGnp1dzXhcvK-epzYN1M7fXyI/s1600/Baby+bag+changing+mat+-+folded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarbs8EOOmawDm1ZooG4WYREzqZJfcERgWgpAKGXA-Uk8HJS5vczK8f6gfwdvYyTzpRMBkr7Flud3ggFLNfDPGucez02nBe0UI0Hf6n4h8Au9YtdbP_vPGnp1dzXhcvK-epzYN1M7fXyI/s400/Baby+bag+changing+mat+-+folded.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJbCJ00WRlrvvCS7LfqBxXTAyC82-CNNhYXCWGfoXZe86jtzydF4x1puM_hUeQ_4Veib4JzeukNZgsoxD32PvjgD0Pu5CzTFYTAfLlFEcEzAzeJkI9K_xxqQKG7_YN8knPDHYhH9LwsA/s1600/Baby+bag+changing+mat+-+interior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJbCJ00WRlrvvCS7LfqBxXTAyC82-CNNhYXCWGfoXZe86jtzydF4x1puM_hUeQ_4Veib4JzeukNZgsoxD32PvjgD0Pu5CzTFYTAfLlFEcEzAzeJkI9K_xxqQKG7_YN8knPDHYhH9LwsA/s320/Baby+bag+changing+mat+-+interior.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUvVuxyIUgcDTFY3Lr9u9-a4FSrf8ohVy88y2Dp_Es4iHqyyh0rzOccQJdkrM4dTOizlL5jP441ro5FSokr91UlrBTsq0bV1RI6vAmE2hocu0YgH7L9wNkHgt-W6W_Q0iHD-94_vl8MA/s1600/Baby+bag+changing+mat+-+exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUvVuxyIUgcDTFY3Lr9u9-a4FSrf8ohVy88y2Dp_Es4iHqyyh0rzOccQJdkrM4dTOizlL5jP441ro5FSokr91UlrBTsq0bV1RI6vAmE2hocu0YgH7L9wNkHgt-W6W_Q0iHD-94_vl8MA/s400/Baby+bag+changing+mat+-+exterior.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I followed <a href="http://chickpeastudio.typepad.com/chickpea_sewing_studio/tutorials.html">this</a> pattern but added improv-piecing to the exterior . The pictures don't show the fabric covered button I need to add before sending it on it's way to it's new owner :). Welcome to the world, Monty!<br />
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xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-56528239873212485882012-03-24T00:08:00.000+00:002012-03-24T00:08:53.580+00:00Happy Christmas me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think I was remiss in that I didn't do a sewing-related Christmas pressie post in December. Well, now is the time to let you know that one of James' Christmas gifts was a trip to Brussels to include a visit to CREATIVA - an exhibition for crafters. </div><br />
How exciting, I thought! We couldn't really make much out from the website so I wasn't sure what to expect - but since we were spending the weekend in Brussels, along with our friends Sarah, Russel and baby Izzy, we didn't think it would matter if the exhibition turned out to be a flop.<br />
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Anyway, we caught the Eurostar last Friday, and on Saturday morning, Sarah and I left our menfolk in charge of the babies and the snack pots (they were headed for Antwerp Zoo) and we negotiated the Brussels tube system.<br />
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The day started well when a lovely french speaking lady gave us her spare tickets for the exhibition, as we walked up towards the entrance (thank you, whoever you are!) and then got even better as we walked into an enormous hall, and were handed a free sewing pattern and reusable bag to put all our goodies in...and then we looked up and saw...this<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ae_KgOIanNLlsEWOzUaCOu9EP5HCo0c0oJvnlD6dlI8y2BP2nHCJ0AAAlOQt_dCAWE3fm-r0lT96wQloYraq3wKHIKF8_tlz0Jjujt3rMGyiQGAfCG59Lx22Y5Ub1XUt7RH_oVYkWf0/s1600/Brussels+Creativa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ae_KgOIanNLlsEWOzUaCOu9EP5HCo0c0oJvnlD6dlI8y2BP2nHCJ0AAAlOQt_dCAWE3fm-r0lT96wQloYraq3wKHIKF8_tlz0Jjujt3rMGyiQGAfCG59Lx22Y5Ub1XUt7RH_oVYkWf0/s320/Brussels+Creativa.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Craft shopping heaven!<br />
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All morning was spent browsing up and down the isles, making sure we didn't miss anything. We were very controlled and the purses didn't come out until after lunch when we started filling up our shopping bags. I would estimate that the hall was a third filled with paper crafting, a third with jewellery making and the most astonishing array of beads, findings and embellishments...and a third filled with fabric (joy!)<br />
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Want to see what I got?<br />
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Here's the haul:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RMJQbcyub6yL35HWBGlceGrzW80UzGYukH34P2mgtQ8RZTI7zv7HUgjYoth1MxNgl_57Pq3-xmAiV3MTAOkJHhNJ6IupRmEyUvJgHpO_Jy6FlyJsq9ERZSRIZyVLyq8sHWGCYI0EZiY/s1600/Brussels+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RMJQbcyub6yL35HWBGlceGrzW80UzGYukH34P2mgtQ8RZTI7zv7HUgjYoth1MxNgl_57Pq3-xmAiV3MTAOkJHhNJ6IupRmEyUvJgHpO_Jy6FlyJsq9ERZSRIZyVLyq8sHWGCYI0EZiY/s320/Brussels+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li>A large piece of french linen, printed with cream polka dots</li>
<li>A funky roll of vinyl, printed with glossy magazine covers (I'm thinking insides of make-up bags)</li>
<li>A metre of this "Big Daisy Dot" Michael Miller print</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vNopy8MdjptJQ00v7iXr7prpDwUsrrZzQDPF0E1E9hMCuoQbIJLvEJD7IIrBqBOL6TCazRS9aDYui2-oe-sG8Q9gqX40MJOHr2gwXweDbjYLy4hUPO9wQYTqY1H6R8Th0FV9yRTwiKU/s1600/Brussels+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vNopy8MdjptJQ00v7iXr7prpDwUsrrZzQDPF0E1E9hMCuoQbIJLvEJD7IIrBqBOL6TCazRS9aDYui2-oe-sG8Q9gqX40MJOHr2gwXweDbjYLy4hUPO9wQYTqY1H6R8Th0FV9yRTwiKU/s320/Brussels+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li>A metre of that abstract design cotton (top middle - not my normal colours but I thought I'd add it to the stash)</li>
<li>A large chunk of Echino</li>
<li>Two stamps, one with text on, to give stamping on fabric a go!</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvsGB6fcy1vYTSu2e3bogMkbIHuZLnKGH-s7MpQ7FUni0LLf8rnuyVHe5XaOckUnkNlbONKl7uWco3olwAMKjjSCgrCSgWXWSIx3qOWBnalDUqm12zf6V8clcjXunsm5yi8fjRkEQVyw/s320/Brussels+3.JPG" width="320" /></div><ul><li> Three fat quarters, including that gorgeous tape-measure fabric</li>
<li>Plus a length of opulent ribbon and some Liberty binding</li>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiElYqoSROweLUjLhJOVNoSQnDf3TTAE_TYMikE_fZoiBzC2SK4TREPNygD5vzSk7Qz8eSPXYFwCV_kI1ScNH0MhXGp91lfmhPQy9LnnGggZrvHD1bs7pv1N6f_RPWVFN56vBg78eFtVE/s1600/Brussels+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiElYqoSROweLUjLhJOVNoSQnDf3TTAE_TYMikE_fZoiBzC2SK4TREPNygD5vzSk7Qz8eSPXYFwCV_kI1ScNH0MhXGp91lfmhPQy9LnnGggZrvHD1bs7pv1N6f_RPWVFN56vBg78eFtVE/s320/Brussels+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li> This fab vintage style fabric that I had to unfold before taking the picture, just so can see the fab-ness!</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVurdz51D5V75o3wtoQgHLepbQFzrhJftjn6LfkUjZ6-24mVRN51kgZNXHY3V7kXakylPZKKHhVT8zZ5RgCd9u3AfQamtBeJOY7IG_b9sSl9wkX8WQGoXoXGODvJBF8DnzrXkEk3TSm7g/s1600/Brussels+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVurdz51D5V75o3wtoQgHLepbQFzrhJftjn6LfkUjZ6-24mVRN51kgZNXHY3V7kXakylPZKKHhVT8zZ5RgCd9u3AfQamtBeJOY7IG_b9sSl9wkX8WQGoXoXGODvJBF8DnzrXkEk3TSm7g/s320/Brussels+5.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li>A whole host of little bits and bobs - including a jar of teeny buttons, an "F" button (guess who that's for!), three reels of sewing related sticky tape and a little wooden red-riding hood (for what purpose, I'm not sure!) </li>
</ul>All in all, a VERY pleasing day, and the babies apparently loved the zoo (and they even got some sex education when some Condors decided to get...errr friendly!)<br />
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To top it off we found a cool fabric shop when wandering round an arty part of Brussels the next day where I picked up this zingy vinyl, and two metres of cotton by "Petit pan"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuIJVOLtlgUfuusHHsf_d4HjmGE0-uH8oVxgsEgs7iMCN-qOSmb4PH1F5jgAbDTBkU42nTwY0hokxqRmJrR3-_fXyk2-eEEwVUiaNvgSDYUeuDy_s0Tddfidsf3kT1KSt_sUFJmHaQns/s1600/Brussels+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuIJVOLtlgUfuusHHsf_d4HjmGE0-uH8oVxgsEgs7iMCN-qOSmb4PH1F5jgAbDTBkU42nTwY0hokxqRmJrR3-_fXyk2-eEEwVUiaNvgSDYUeuDy_s0Tddfidsf3kT1KSt_sUFJmHaQns/s320/Brussels+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Hmm....more fabric is entering this house than is going out at the moment...I need to get sewing!<br />
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xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-58309811952568897042012-03-23T14:34:00.000+00:002012-03-23T14:34:41.598+00:00Little girl's skirt tutorial - sew get started!If you click <a href="http://fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/sew-get-started-easy-girls-skirt.html">here</a> to pop over and see the lovely Sarah who blogs at <a href="http://fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/">Fairy Face designs</a>, you will see she is featuring a tutorial for a little girl's skirt like these, written by little old me!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhaX_bFzZ_T4qnFm7CpNIA0eO0EdEYK638d9FwZZokInmP1YI2j_dJYEzJnCrxsk1GyHht3sSrjFK27QKvlN88iZEROhzptOwZ5TK7Kvnks3p0O4jwPMQCOJY4REpWKjR81ZUv979NYM/s1600/skirt+mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhaX_bFzZ_T4qnFm7CpNIA0eO0EdEYK638d9FwZZokInmP1YI2j_dJYEzJnCrxsk1GyHht3sSrjFK27QKvlN88iZEROhzptOwZ5TK7Kvnks3p0O4jwPMQCOJY4REpWKjR81ZUv979NYM/s320/skirt+mosaic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Thanks for the slot Sarah, and I hope a few little ladies get a new skirt as a result of this tutorial!<br />
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x<br />
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PS Back later with some fabric pictures :)Inspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-39260141443811734152012-03-13T22:41:00.000+00:002012-03-13T22:41:27.340+00:00Am I mad?I joked about it in my last post, but since then I have actually decided to make my own wedding dress...however, even whilst I am typing this I am questioning my sanity! Why is she doing this, oh why? why? I hear you ask...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVm6va2h1W8J-I4-SvEPIkKhTshkJLJtCSdS1gZxKbc388qb4HHmGqzet9C6rkDGXaO0zbNAD25MFz9i622H4Tulgf4Sq4U8LNPILIc1BhJcU_0fGIA3WbbFkWnUiM7JrW6U3ZX4G4Jtc/s1600/audrey+hepburn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVm6va2h1W8J-I4-SvEPIkKhTshkJLJtCSdS1gZxKbc388qb4HHmGqzet9C6rkDGXaO0zbNAD25MFz9i622H4Tulgf4Sq4U8LNPILIc1BhJcU_0fGIA3WbbFkWnUiM7JrW6U3ZX4G4Jtc/s320/audrey+hepburn.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br />
Well...<br />
a) I don't want a traditional dress, I want a fifies style below knee frock with big underskirts (like the picture above - oh how I would like my waist to look like that!), but in a bright print. Somehow this feels a bit more achievable than a traditional wedding gown with all the embellishments!<br />
b) I've hopefully found a 1950s specialist designer/dressmaker who is local and has agreed to give me some "in the moment" lessons and guidance<br />
c) Wouldn't it be totally cool to wear a one-off, and say to everyone, "Oh this? I sewed it myself...(!)"<br />
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I'm meeting the designer on Thursday, but from our phone call last week she suggested I practice inserting invisible zips. Not one to need any excuse to sew, I had a go yesterday...following a few You Tube videos I found.<br />
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First time round my zip was extremely visible! (forgot to get a picture of the sorry state though). I unpicked it and found some advice online to iron the reverse of the zip to flatten the rolled over teeth, enabling stitching much closer to the zip teeth.<br />
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It worked! Here's a photo to prove it:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Lzsa-LgIsTMqxMEVspSydzEVIBwIWtmVgLAPTJfhkmfJ97Pl2Ci7Un-lsLw0w1OdQ8hkLPRvsIYqsTzjS5YOxaXadsCZEugBLLN5py8LsOS8MDY-h5pGtA3K2FuYvCc2KQblZojLqZM/s1600/dress+for+Felix+-+zip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Lzsa-LgIsTMqxMEVspSydzEVIBwIWtmVgLAPTJfhkmfJ97Pl2Ci7Un-lsLw0w1OdQ8hkLPRvsIYqsTzjS5YOxaXadsCZEugBLLN5py8LsOS8MDY-h5pGtA3K2FuYvCc2KQblZojLqZM/s320/dress+for+Felix+-+zip.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
And what did I sew the zip to? Well, a little dress for Felix of course!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LdEAM-EXehtdRBJAYqxY41wF79Rqf6TEu17G6NpGSDsVLK8SW5Zn08hgpRipnFZN_P8KCVv7LUYyVjhISygKcPAhiXPEZW_ZfAehOF02BiDg5rZOQ28YnIdaoWM77tK1a7YTYZTVTco/s1600/Dress+for+Felix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LdEAM-EXehtdRBJAYqxY41wF79Rqf6TEu17G6NpGSDsVLK8SW5Zn08hgpRipnFZN_P8KCVv7LUYyVjhISygKcPAhiXPEZW_ZfAehOF02BiDg5rZOQ28YnIdaoWM77tK1a7YTYZTVTco/s400/Dress+for+Felix.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTEtJOqP8GOTk68VouS5MdNOD0CIOjH2RpzIfcZjh1qMNF0axnJ80xo99OEJ8J3w-KvXNOXuu0XHR-SDdB9ZXIxuHj-5XAjFEFfogkvYGS5E_JIxseVmZEGubANqECP9eNT9OEPDgQbU/s1600/felix+in+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTEtJOqP8GOTk68VouS5MdNOD0CIOjH2RpzIfcZjh1qMNF0axnJ80xo99OEJ8J3w-KvXNOXuu0XHR-SDdB9ZXIxuHj-5XAjFEFfogkvYGS5E_JIxseVmZEGubANqECP9eNT9OEPDgQbU/s400/felix+in+dress.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(whilst I am pleased with the zip and the applique, I am really not pleased with my other dress-making skills, namely, not thinking to add a facing or a lining, making a right hash of binding the armholes, and the width across the shoulders which makes Felix look like she's wearing an overall - live and learn eh?)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>So back to THE dress...I am told that half the battle will be finding the perfect fabric. I am also told that quilting cottons will be too heavy, so I am shocked to find that despite the task being fabric shopping, I am seriously out of my depth! I would not know a dupion silk if it smacked me in the face!<br />
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Therefore, can anyone recommend any good dressmaking fabric shops in London or the South East where the service is friendly, the fabric is excellent quality (I don't mind paying for quality in this instance) and the shop carries a good selection of prints? We are heading up to London next week, to Libertys and The Cloth House. But other shop recommendations would be very welcome indeed!<br />
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xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-28187360108908599342012-03-04T21:37:00.001+00:002012-03-04T21:43:13.657+00:00Treating myself :)I treated myself on Friday. For those of you that know me, no, I did not consume an entire giant white Toblerone, nor did I have a fabric shopping spree. This treat involved four uninterrupted hours sitting at the sewing machine, sewing something just for me! It was bliss! Little Felix was at the childminders (and I am happy to report that she now adores the place and cries when I make her leave) so I decided that rather than doing washing (surprise surprise) or even sewing something to sell, I'd just do something I wanted to do. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ellisonlane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Modern Mini Challenge" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/ellisonlanequilts/buttons/modernminichallengebutton125.jpg" /></a></div>I'd seen the Modern Mini quilt competition going on over at Ellison Lane Quilts and had been inspired by all the amazing ideas that had been posted in the blog hop that Jennifer had organised in the run up to this competition. A few ideas were buzzing around in my head for my entry...and one of them was getting to grips with triangles, and I mean the tricky equilateral ones rather than the (also tricky) half-square ones I work with more often. Lynne, over at <a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/2012/02/modern-mini-quilt-challenge_08.html">Lilys quilts</a> made a fabulous triangle mini-quilt, and Laura at <a href="http://www.needlespinsandbakingtins.com/2012/02/solids-finshed-quilt.html">Needles, Pins and Baking tins</a> worked some magic with equilateral triangles on a large quilt recently too.<br />
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So, I started slicing some up, using any nice rainbow-y scraps that I had. Rather than make a template, I used my 12" x 6" cutting ruler which has a 60 degree angle marked on it. I used the edge of the ruler to determine my triangle size, so ended up cutting triangles that were 3" tall.<br />
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Once I had a few, I started playing with the layout, and liked the triangle shape so much I opted to stick with that and graduated the colours from one point to another, filling in any gaps by slicing into my stash. <br />
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I ironed all the triangles to a large piece of interfacing and planned to piece them by folding each row over and stitching a seam into the interfacing (<a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2009/10/elizabeths-fabric-focus-quick-piece-tiny-squares/">this technique</a>) but my plan was foiled! As soon as I seamed a couple of rows, I found that the diagonal rows became misaligned (see below), and therefore it wouldn't be possible to stitch them all in this way. Don't ask me why, the maths is beyond me!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaxekaaQ6vlG2GMsRf5AI4S62RAMbNF2tESBDZU1hK0d62gilDE0Bpq_nPqdG2Hqzqu47othiMQh5nIsTG2YSjRg61uUERwEqLQ8rgBEdJrUJECgGvqZIcf_M8UIgYjuzDnxK-ooeNp0/s1600/rainbow+triangle+mini+quilt+WIP+problems+with+piecing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaxekaaQ6vlG2GMsRf5AI4S62RAMbNF2tESBDZU1hK0d62gilDE0Bpq_nPqdG2Hqzqu47othiMQh5nIsTG2YSjRg61uUERwEqLQ8rgBEdJrUJECgGvqZIcf_M8UIgYjuzDnxK-ooeNp0/s320/rainbow+triangle+mini+quilt+WIP+problems+with+piecing.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Not to be beaten, I had a cup of coffee and then sliced the big triangle back into little triangles (now handily interfaced!). And then started pieced them into strips in the traditional way!<br />
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My four hours was over by this point, so the piecing and the quilting has been finished over the weekend. I opted for a natural linen coloured furnishing weight fabric for the back, and a dark grey binding. I quilting the triangles in the ditch in a dark grey thread. This was a "should I, shouldn't I?" moment as the dark grey thread really shows up any inaccuracies in the piecing (and there are some I'm afraid!) but I wanted the triangles to pop, and thought the grey thread did this better than white. Finished, each side of my triangle measures about 23", and the height of the quilt is 19.5".<br />
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So, want to see it? Here it is :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSp2rWJmKcDZsYuPY0OwdH0yPUJhFt7RSlYyd3qBFsH3AiW-0u1BH0nMxd-4_camcl_Zgp1uroElbieWJZiBVEMRf09hB1z_XWEC8rfKnIoMuJgZ5p_8VTKhy5dIpd-QX7n_HzBcYpGY/s1600/rainbow+triangle+mini+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSp2rWJmKcDZsYuPY0OwdH0yPUJhFt7RSlYyd3qBFsH3AiW-0u1BH0nMxd-4_camcl_Zgp1uroElbieWJZiBVEMRf09hB1z_XWEC8rfKnIoMuJgZ5p_8VTKhy5dIpd-QX7n_HzBcYpGY/s640/rainbow+triangle+mini+quilt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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This is my new favourite thing I've sewn! <br />
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I keep popping by the sewing room and stroking it!<br />
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I love that looks cool whichever way up it is, so I added a fabric hanging corner on each point so I can rotate it whenever I feel like it, and have hung it next to my sewing machine...hoping that it'll inspire me to treat myself more often!<br />
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xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-72533600669289399342012-02-29T00:40:00.000+00:002012-02-29T00:40:00.247+00:00A sewing and marrying updateA few things have come to fruition around here, so it's time for a little update. Firstly, there was the Mouthy Stitches zippy pouch swap. In my last post you saw <a href="http://www.inspiredbyfelix.blogspot.com/2012/02/mouthy-stitching-literally.html">this</a> pouch I made, which I can now reveal was for Jan over at <a href="http://www.isisjem.blogspot.com/">Isisjem</a>, who thankfully seems really pleased with it. And I was super lucky today because the pouch made especially for me arrived, and just look at it!<br />
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Look at that embroidery! The french knots in that sewing machine are amazing!<br />
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This lovely and useful pouch was made for me by Indianna who blogs at<a href="http://www.indiannadreams.blogspot.com/"> Indianna Dreams</a>. Not only did she do this embroidery, she also pieced the back in some lovely and covetous Hometown text fabrics and made her own lining fabric using stamps.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6919841625_6e5ac2afd5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6919841625_6e5ac2afd5_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRQWIQtqCCVymTtbEM8TwluGrflLX0g8rou7lzdpkzguSBciZx5Etebu7Yd48AX3mWSpCyBoa7FiXVA_CXwCU7BMF2uraRMq-O_37UMEO9zD_d85ad3eK8kQL-YOLCDcd5b5mTZ_QMEM/s1600/MS+swap+pouch+lining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRQWIQtqCCVymTtbEM8TwluGrflLX0g8rou7lzdpkzguSBciZx5Etebu7Yd48AX3mWSpCyBoa7FiXVA_CXwCU7BMF2uraRMq-O_37UMEO9zD_d85ad3eK8kQL-YOLCDcd5b5mTZ_QMEM/s320/MS+swap+pouch+lining.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am in awe of all the skills used in this make, and I really appreciate the time and effort that Indianna put in, not only in the making but also in the stalking she must have done to get me so spot on!<br />
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Thanks lovely lady!<br />
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In other news, I have finally finished my block for Jennie, aka Miss February in the Brit Bee. Jennie set a tricky challenge that had most of us quaking in our boots - she asked for a fabric self portrait! Not to be beaten, I picked this photo of me (from this blog, a little while back)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5pGX0T0wi24gmkvxpe5lN2oXz_o7BtidJB3hB5PGSIe_M1n38UA9Jub_aF2JClnPKVkWNtckhAWh8tAd9ekjS9Rb70eiUpXUJFUbn9du9GNvH5jZY7VT-ayDDN7hUCVNggO-zR8rong/s1600/picture+for+Brit+Bee+bock+Feb+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5pGX0T0wi24gmkvxpe5lN2oXz_o7BtidJB3hB5PGSIe_M1n38UA9Jub_aF2JClnPKVkWNtckhAWh8tAd9ekjS9Rb70eiUpXUJFUbn9du9GNvH5jZY7VT-ayDDN7hUCVNggO-zR8rong/s320/picture+for+Brit+Bee+bock+Feb+2012.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
and set to work with the free-motion foot on my sewing machine (for the uninitiated, this gadget allows you to use your sewing machine more like a pencil - in my case, a pencil wielded by a two year old!). I added a few applique details and since Jennie asked for a background that represented us, I opted for a rainbow made out of fabric scraps, pieced together to look like the brick wall in the original photo.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9xUEWQTIJbN83OlTuOeUvKK2PzpZb_ovfJwvRrrNT-UzZ9AVsSjaSTmKXTqDp_kqUC5SLwfZVE1fx5yXe1xQGu4Z16KSE3j1IRU5723lmuW819ZH17lP0RKHbJqvtvpVLxkmjwFWx7g/s1600/Brit+Bee+Feb+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9xUEWQTIJbN83OlTuOeUvKK2PzpZb_ovfJwvRrrNT-UzZ9AVsSjaSTmKXTqDp_kqUC5SLwfZVE1fx5yXe1xQGu4Z16KSE3j1IRU5723lmuW819ZH17lP0RKHbJqvtvpVLxkmjwFWx7g/s640/Brit+Bee+Feb+2012.jpg" width="594" /></a></div><br />
And there we have it!<br />
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Now, I need people to know that whilst I do have fat lips, no one stares or comments, so I'm hoping my lips suit me more than the fish-face I seem to have given myself in this portrait!<br />
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And finally, some exciting breaking news - James and I have decided to make good on the wedding we promised ourselves a while back...and we're getting married, THIS SUMMER! Venue was selected last weekend, and we are in the throes of finding a date that suits all family members (ha ha)<br />
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Stay tuned, cos I think I might have to make some stuff for this event...although I won't be making my dress..unless I decide to walk down the aisle in a quilt :D<br />
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xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-90140262606733217262012-02-22T16:39:00.000+00:002012-02-22T16:39:01.083+00:00Mouthy stitching, literally.The air has been turning blue around here lately. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyingblindonarocketcycle/6630412617/" title="Mouthy Stitches by Flying Blind On A Rocket Cycle, on Flickr"><img alt="Mouthy Stitches" height="200" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6630412617_ea64e1d07b.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
</div>I've been working on a swap for a secret partner in the Mouthy Stitches swap. In case you're not in the know, this swap involves making your assigned secret partner a zippy pouch, based on any information you can glean on them. It all started smoothly, with these sketches.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDCh0YorsgA5wsAkUH0L3hvFM-SE4qDSGTx-XeBCXI-fXPRFSNn47HjxvbvTxmqRZoLn9HTuTrMTCwBYJSUZJvVVOqV72_XYAnqs1JAyI0SugKEvpcP7BLtaiCdXkCkYAvx87QdvYNHA/s1600/mouthy+stitchers+ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDCh0YorsgA5wsAkUH0L3hvFM-SE4qDSGTx-XeBCXI-fXPRFSNn47HjxvbvTxmqRZoLn9HTuTrMTCwBYJSUZJvVVOqV72_XYAnqs1JAyI0SugKEvpcP7BLtaiCdXkCkYAvx87QdvYNHA/s640/mouthy+stitchers+ideas.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><br />
I picked design A (possibly or possibly not guided by feedback from my partner, I'm not telling!),<br />
and created two panels like this one<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuvsasJYWjNmkdDOo6Kosb8X4uKprg2BKqh_sadx4diaeS2Yl3eY2CAaobUAkpPxZD9T7JPTwx_nRnNT95pCImmMeADm8vUaRwr82RwZHyUWtDU6qslNz3MRh1iKKZoATq7TyAvWD5rc/s1600/zippy+pouch+wip2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuvsasJYWjNmkdDOo6Kosb8X4uKprg2BKqh_sadx4diaeS2Yl3eY2CAaobUAkpPxZD9T7JPTwx_nRnNT95pCImmMeADm8vUaRwr82RwZHyUWtDU6qslNz3MRh1iKKZoATq7TyAvWD5rc/s400/zippy+pouch+wip2.JPG" width="378" /></a></div><br />
I made myself this test pouch using <a href="http://www.theplaidscottie.com/2010/11/box-pouch-tutorial.html">this</a> great tutorial:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YFjStmYMkQ0_ZJMfKQMzrBqNB4kos6u8sV2QYfMY0Tp8n-lzQj6oesQWFfqe1nb4z7NL5YB_ehNrdFHtxvE-Y4GjQvChTlNdLUb-3lqWBpaz4boC8yywOI1tBucuxc7qx1FDfb8ZZYQ/s1600/practice+pouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YFjStmYMkQ0_ZJMfKQMzrBqNB4kos6u8sV2QYfMY0Tp8n-lzQj6oesQWFfqe1nb4z7NL5YB_ehNrdFHtxvE-Y4GjQvChTlNdLUb-3lqWBpaz4boC8yywOI1tBucuxc7qx1FDfb8ZZYQ/s400/practice+pouch.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><br />
And learnt a lot, including not to put a ladies head right next to a seam!<br />
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....and then I put off making the REAL thing because I was scared I'd muck it up. However, with the deadline looming I had to "man-up" and tackle it this week..<br />
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<strong>Sunday evening:</strong> Sewed first panel to zip, and then top-stitched it. Stitching was all loopy on the back and stitch sizes were all over the place as the PVC lining kept sticking to the machine. Unpicked it and did it again. <br />
Repeat above exercise another three times with various threads and machine settings. PVC now looks more like a teabag. Air turns blue. Bedtime.<br />
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<strong>Monday nap-time:</strong> Successfully top stitch first panel to zip. Quit whilst I'm ahead.<br />
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<strong>Tuesday Evening:</strong> Successfully sew second panel to zip. Attempt to top-stitch it but PVC lining gets folded unevenly resulting in a chunk of lining that will definitely get stuck in the zip. Air turns blue again. Stitches unpicked and PVC vigourously rubbed to see if the holes will become less visible! Redo (twice) and sew the rest of the pouch together. Spectacularly snap a needle during stitching of denim loop to end of pouch. Arrrrgh.<br />
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<strong>Wednesday morning:</strong> Box all 8 corners in a heavyweight title fight, but without major incident (woohoo!) Pouch turned though and now seems a little on the large size! (7.5" x 10.5" x4")<br />
Lining sewn up and pouch completed....large sigh of relief.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMDBv3_mAsp6FwXR6jY6RxghgbZ7yFUtG-jHdUF0tKrJiad0Uq6_nA7AGuTLRAKhdlZRdnepi12NBUKp9zddwdoRiztUtafGk6WkbaEopKo9bf0yzkVQuH2CjlPFLaHuGkByiqxL0TLs/s1600/Mouthy+Stitches+pouch+close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMDBv3_mAsp6FwXR6jY6RxghgbZ7yFUtG-jHdUF0tKrJiad0Uq6_nA7AGuTLRAKhdlZRdnepi12NBUKp9zddwdoRiztUtafGk6WkbaEopKo9bf0yzkVQuH2CjlPFLaHuGkByiqxL0TLs/s640/Mouthy+Stitches+pouch+close-up.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
So partner, if you're reading this...revel in the fact that sweat and tears (no blood fortunately!) went into the making of this item. I really hope you like it! </div><br />
xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-24935189970938489152012-02-14T00:06:00.000+00:002012-02-14T00:06:14.526+00:00Having a play...I think it's partly a reaction to finishing a big <a href="http://www.inspiredbyfelix.blogspot.com/2012/02/bonkers-drove-me-bonkers.html">quilt</a>, but I've found myself mucking about with small bits of fabric recently, trying a few new ideas and styles in small items. It helps that I've had my own <a href="http://www.inspiredbyfelix.blogspot.com/2012/02/better-than-pronta-print.html">screen-printed fabrics</a> to play with, plus my <a href="http://www.inspiredbyfelix.blogspot.com/2012/01/bonkers-quilt-is-coming-alongand-slice.html">new year fabric binge</a>, that has been waiting patiently for my attention!<br />
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Here's what I've been up to:<br />
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A few zippy's:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZbBv2OtNyxD38PhDqDbKvzWHlL7jnPLg2dNzlGblYwTVkkya_Wj6Lhje6yWPGmNmX8VXNr-CL-o9-Ke6kcpK4YrhM35cfrzMjvEAvirK8gS7C2nlrwbmcrwVxo_ih_xvlpEGKz4KZw0/s1600/clock+zippy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZbBv2OtNyxD38PhDqDbKvzWHlL7jnPLg2dNzlGblYwTVkkya_Wj6Lhje6yWPGmNmX8VXNr-CL-o9-Ke6kcpK4YrhM35cfrzMjvEAvirK8gS7C2nlrwbmcrwVxo_ih_xvlpEGKz4KZw0/s400/clock+zippy.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><br />
This one uses a fussy cut clock from Melody Millers Ruby Star Shining range - which I love. Mum loved it too, so she bought it! (am I mean to "sell" things to my own Mum?!) I had a play with adding a few teeny bits of leather, a little tab, and as a zipper pull.<br />
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Then, I got brave and cut into one of my screen-printed designs. This zippy uses a panel that I printed on calico, a little Echo and a piece of suede, which I've stitched over in a random design.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcSazNSr5zyy_SSQDWfSANFPpl4p0xGP0DW168HHkDOPHSB6vHJZzGvQxQ2u22Zojzfw-6UOK_nVxC2s1OA7iESVTCyNUojbN3Dmfdt23cvrfIImkq-Td1g190EmINVtfFLMUuXeL-Bs/s1600/Screen+print+zippy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcSazNSr5zyy_SSQDWfSANFPpl4p0xGP0DW168HHkDOPHSB6vHJZzGvQxQ2u22Zojzfw-6UOK_nVxC2s1OA7iESVTCyNUojbN3Dmfdt23cvrfIImkq-Td1g190EmINVtfFLMUuXeL-Bs/s400/Screen+print+zippy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Spurred on, I cut into another yellow panel and a red leather scrap and attempted to make an iPad holder. I say "attempted" because in my desire to make it a snug fit, I forgot about the fact that zipper tabs at the ends would shorten the zip length and therefore make it impossible for me to get an iPad in it - doh!<br />
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And finally, I made Felix a little skirt, using a charity shop sourced M&S vest top which I've recycled and appliqued with, yes you've guessed it, another of my screen-printed scraps!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hvjGOFK_tv_lGp-cAloITRV62qz6aYZWHMgLMjrHb7geyNse8NjVdB7EZTT78KtojBuTq_ax5nLy7TU023nmJ_V3yVR3TfnczIARet7Q0pw_nQD-drYzedFzeRPR-IuFXyQiDA2rY_c/s1600/Applique+skirt+for+F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hvjGOFK_tv_lGp-cAloITRV62qz6aYZWHMgLMjrHb7geyNse8NjVdB7EZTT78KtojBuTq_ax5nLy7TU023nmJ_V3yVR3TfnczIARet7Q0pw_nQD-drYzedFzeRPR-IuFXyQiDA2rY_c/s640/Applique+skirt+for+F.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br />
I am planning to do a tutorial for a similar style of skirt for<a href="http://fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.com/p/sew-get-started-tutorials.html"> Sarah's "Sew: Get started"</a> series of simple sewing tutorials on 22nd March, so if you have a little person who would look cute in one of these, then look out for that!<br />
xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-76302604630598590862012-02-09T20:42:00.000+00:002012-02-09T20:42:42.268+00:00Bonkers drove me bonkers!Yep, the bonkers quilt is done...I'll let the pictures do most of the talking..but I will just say I'm relieved! I do love the finished article - I think the quilting and washing it gave it a more relaxed feel (I was worried it was going to be a bit too "in your face").<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Fv7YHfoapv-wJk0P0xpvFmU_SK1wk5orpMG1Bii7DxNJl4zRUEYVLqolxr8Vy4DdM4V4tzxx2jz9G09QQPuLMSWolx_PXHq8K_7Uf7llcqQD_H_EmH_JWptLb-P66vUSOTnDIf9YJhI/s1600/bonkers+quilt+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Fv7YHfoapv-wJk0P0xpvFmU_SK1wk5orpMG1Bii7DxNJl4zRUEYVLqolxr8Vy4DdM4V4tzxx2jz9G09QQPuLMSWolx_PXHq8K_7Uf7llcqQD_H_EmH_JWptLb-P66vUSOTnDIf9YJhI/s640/bonkers+quilt+1.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(thanks to mum-in-law for standing on a stool in her garden so I could get this picture!)</span></div><br />
The things that drove me bonkers (lessons learnt!) were:<br />
<ul><li>Quilting a large quilt with a stipple makes your shoulders ache. I snapped 5 needles as the weight of the quilt pulled the needle forward onto the plate..doh. I really need to get over my vanity and get some sexy quilting gloves!</li>
<li>Do not try to machine-sew a binding on if you are not practiced at it. I ended up unpicking the whole 260+ inches in order to hand-stitch it on properly</li>
<li>And finally, do not underestimate the time it takes to sew in all the thread ends and trim all other loose thread off...2 hours work I reckon!</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvgvY35f7tQFdKOI2fSect4JMO9sVq_v8_g0dqZdipn6ZTFS8DnjuBun_ZFZPgYowVfTcXV5WUy_T2n3YM6MCaBhqVlSNzMxFJJdO6_jfzQH0IwCH3a9t6rcKUzEFhVzgMNNtj9efnjY/s1600/bonkers+quilt+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvgvY35f7tQFdKOI2fSect4JMO9sVq_v8_g0dqZdipn6ZTFS8DnjuBun_ZFZPgYowVfTcXV5WUy_T2n3YM6MCaBhqVlSNzMxFJJdO6_jfzQH0IwCH3a9t6rcKUzEFhVzgMNNtj9efnjY/s400/bonkers+quilt+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<u><strong>Quilt Stats for the bonkers quilt:</strong></u><br />
<strong>Pattern:</strong> Large scale disappearing 9 patch<br />
<strong>Size:</strong> 60" x 72"<br />
<strong>Fabrics:</strong> All from the stash, I counted 26 different prints and solids.<br />
<strong>Backing:</strong> Quilt is backed in the black, white and green swirl that appears on the front. This was originally a king-size cotton duvet cover by Hobbs.<br />
<strong>Quilting:</strong> A large scale free-motion stipple pattern<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kvXk5nrLa-1iuPlg7IabHgxTYKO8Kq4WpugHX1agv8L3A7d60p_y2yzMWqVAvdGb8bwjOkvopfF275OugtTT_lw-zn54PZPI42lP38ehlY-oRFQ2NBYHHPHxC2LV4D8VAgAM7Fdf5A4/s1600/bonkers+quilt+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kvXk5nrLa-1iuPlg7IabHgxTYKO8Kq4WpugHX1agv8L3A7d60p_y2yzMWqVAvdGb8bwjOkvopfF275OugtTT_lw-zn54PZPI42lP38ehlY-oRFQ2NBYHHPHxC2LV4D8VAgAM7Fdf5A4/s400/bonkers+quilt+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Anyway, this one is destined for a local shop, but if it doesn't sell it doesn't matter, cos I reckon I can find it a home right here... now..on to the next project :)<br />
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xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-11280732984122308292012-02-04T20:06:00.000+00:002012-02-04T20:06:16.760+00:00Better than Pronta-print!On Tuesday, I was lucky enough to spend a day with <a href="http://www.madeinhastings.co.uk/craftsmanship/the-five-of-us/">Sue Harrison</a>, a local textile printing artist. As you may already know, getting an insight into printing my own fabrics was on my new year resolution list, so you can imagine how excited I was about this!<br />
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It was a great day, with Sue allowing Josephine (my "classmate") and I to play in her studio. We started off with simple mono-printing on paper first, to get the feel of it. This involves painting a canvas sheet with your chosen colour and then laying paper on top. Various techniques were then used to create a design..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnD-RvP92VqkffXh-3c3KCU9CHmFK4vydMC2zrZtbcx2wCVHpS7fhhQz2G_V2iJyl7wbB3N4vmqOcfG2bezT5VyGLNcfPfmw7hmC9mlZnKs-77vytvfIBK8Gly3Qr2dkH4ZxJ3FHbhmQo/s1600/screen+printing+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnD-RvP92VqkffXh-3c3KCU9CHmFK4vydMC2zrZtbcx2wCVHpS7fhhQz2G_V2iJyl7wbB3N4vmqOcfG2bezT5VyGLNcfPfmw7hmC9mlZnKs-77vytvfIBK8Gly3Qr2dkH4ZxJ3FHbhmQo/s400/screen+printing+1.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
We tried drawing directly into the paint with a stick or pencil (shown above) and drawing and impressing stamps and other items on the back of the paper, which then picked up the paint from underneath.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjkyUzSLp2H1CC1GAMx7Fk4bip6qoYPA9ZYEnT5XInYC-0aGhSBnJ2k53G5wCNfVPXFVAFCkVxGxzt67pRtI5GRWnWjxjWHQ6LVaBgmTUWrF1vny4qyaeDZnDT4vCbJ8ChUpLXOKTvs4/s1600/screen+printing+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjkyUzSLp2H1CC1GAMx7Fk4bip6qoYPA9ZYEnT5XInYC-0aGhSBnJ2k53G5wCNfVPXFVAFCkVxGxzt67pRtI5GRWnWjxjWHQ6LVaBgmTUWrF1vny4qyaeDZnDT4vCbJ8ChUpLXOKTvs4/s400/screen+printing+2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(the print take from the canvas above)</span></div>We tried cutting paper shapes to block out areas, before pressing paper on top to create a print.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaAq6j0qUrqxQ3C0mh6_4xNUQ1PQfOqlWLVDZZeF3wwuEUGPEQzL8seZIt2-ON_9PjlvpY-QlVDsfjYP0k5wdmZ4lwKNls7hh7t7BublZ01cSR2CsHOg5yjRjmui4Tm01MkwWhox9KXjE/s1600/screen+printing+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaAq6j0qUrqxQ3C0mh6_4xNUQ1PQfOqlWLVDZZeF3wwuEUGPEQzL8seZIt2-ON_9PjlvpY-QlVDsfjYP0k5wdmZ4lwKNls7hh7t7BublZ01cSR2CsHOg5yjRjmui4Tm01MkwWhox9KXjE/s400/screen+printing+3.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgff674XQDCZycyrA9AYSEF8y5NLyawBnRaWP8CMWTsakvWhOvjWegWOG_UambkVCED5EHi20MC6ShSTBl8RUNdwQakzwmAXsZWMoSVFVqbBqP10QFM6iUDGHGFse7q74-kC08mfvnWBks/s1600/screen+printing+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgff674XQDCZycyrA9AYSEF8y5NLyawBnRaWP8CMWTsakvWhOvjWegWOG_UambkVCED5EHi20MC6ShSTBl8RUNdwQakzwmAXsZWMoSVFVqbBqP10QFM6iUDGHGFse7q74-kC08mfvnWBks/s400/screen+printing+4.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>We then tried adding a second colour, using the first technique, and cutting more advanced patterns from paper. All of this was experimental and we could have played for hours with different colours and techniques.<br />
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Satisfied with the progress, we moved onto screen printing, and I used simple cut-out paper shapes to create this design. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvBzXbQ1mnPppKnp0L-j-HE56R48SSQ6E5k9oplojI7RyiOxwvIRKpj8jYQyfUMZ-XNJvF5vrkUtIEYlxQheUauKicT8IpEen6MIfXX3p0WFnZx3ZzZujGYFu2GDPyf6WBk_78upcC_s/s1600/screen+printing+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvBzXbQ1mnPppKnp0L-j-HE56R48SSQ6E5k9oplojI7RyiOxwvIRKpj8jYQyfUMZ-XNJvF5vrkUtIEYlxQheUauKicT8IpEen6MIfXX3p0WFnZx3ZzZujGYFu2GDPyf6WBk_78upcC_s/s400/screen+printing+6.jpg" width="355" /></a></div><br />
The difference with screen printing is that the result is a much more crisp matt image, and also that the paper template adheres to the screen, allowing you to run off quite a few prints before it starts to disintegrate. I was amazed at how professional the resulting print was, even though I'd only spent 10 minutes cutting the shapes. I grabbed my calico and furnishing fabrics to create a few copies to take home with me. Sue explained that we could mix the techniques to create interesting finishes, with the rougher looking mono-print over-printed with a striking screen print. Here it is in the process:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoarM0-EhH_7T1hGsTaWQpE5BG77lgYflo0aXIAiM9pxDuEKVODHLsLHYBf1HkSJNVcnL_KvSwmgo5pTVQfu6id9cfoZXgRvec6PLxVIzkrJkW9qo88P8Kjn-yJV5YUs5cuqUEKHVt9_g/s1600/screen+printing+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoarM0-EhH_7T1hGsTaWQpE5BG77lgYflo0aXIAiM9pxDuEKVODHLsLHYBf1HkSJNVcnL_KvSwmgo5pTVQfu6id9cfoZXgRvec6PLxVIzkrJkW9qo88P8Kjn-yJV5YUs5cuqUEKHVt9_g/s320/screen+printing+5.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(mono-print in black completed and paper shapes laid on top in preparation for screen printing)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGoXTq648dtYPRjxXq7z9IO8n7tmZT8QE9BXG0zrVaW7SmKOgL0WQ9AoqEgUKP4BLR_sRGTT79uL2NDL9PbNlVZmV2u_d0qVWyrtTWMXjkpUM8IZ1APWP4xbsEM7RcplzqTG9VtEspfM/s1600/screen+printing+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGoXTq648dtYPRjxXq7z9IO8n7tmZT8QE9BXG0zrVaW7SmKOgL0WQ9AoqEgUKP4BLR_sRGTT79uL2NDL9PbNlVZmV2u_d0qVWyrtTWMXjkpUM8IZ1APWP4xbsEM7RcplzqTG9VtEspfM/s320/screen+printing+7.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(screen-printed over the top with more mono-printing highlights then added in green - remind you of 1950s wall paper?!)</span></div>More playing...and a delicious lunch, and then we had an hour or so to work on any ideas we'd had. Josephine had chosen a hilarious moustache theme and printed a set of six napkins, along with this comedy hankie for her daughter!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJV7iZeEFaIonCDy05zEkyVxb4PRhwEJhU5HDXoSx_1q5N7prXPpneu46WXoEBE0G0AlF6-QfHDvoeEwtwVCdJMaYv1A31716S5I49WE20NONddGTo-6nyQrkFt_LLUf6xMLJiCQfE3c/s1600/screen+printing+josephine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJV7iZeEFaIonCDy05zEkyVxb4PRhwEJhU5HDXoSx_1q5N7prXPpneu46WXoEBE0G0AlF6-QfHDvoeEwtwVCdJMaYv1A31716S5I49WE20NONddGTo-6nyQrkFt_LLUf6xMLJiCQfE3c/s320/screen+printing+josephine.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br />
And I chose text, because I thought I'd be able to cut it up and use it in my patchwork... I spent 20 minutes cutting various letters and numbers carefully out of two layers of newsprint paper with a craft knife, and then we used the first sheet to print in black...and the second sheet to print in red.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmygOvVYMeDapjtct8AhESzPB9sZ-w_UeuVrnXR-SN7YVQC2Vyo3x0oAvriAfg5Y3c1nKrj5t5QKjZB8gZPRDwea3Y0mi7bGGWVfDI6FdIZgJ1E8gp8W3CIm6IFT7Hi6pvwOP-Pf7hoU/s1600/screen+printing+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmygOvVYMeDapjtct8AhESzPB9sZ-w_UeuVrnXR-SN7YVQC2Vyo3x0oAvriAfg5Y3c1nKrj5t5QKjZB8gZPRDwea3Y0mi7bGGWVfDI6FdIZgJ1E8gp8W3CIm6IFT7Hi6pvwOP-Pf7hoU/s400/screen+printing+8.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(one of four different panels I printed in this way)</span></div> I was so chuffed with the results, especially because I'd opted to print the text on a soft oatmeal linen that will be really usable. The dyes are fixed using a hot iron, so will be washable and usable in quilts, cushions, bags etc<br />
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And finally, since the screen was set up up, I even printed the letters over the work I'd done earlier in the day, just to see how it looked.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5F7HAVIchdSql88C66aP2Px_2CWQiIoB52zVdNhGLyF4mHYLtrN_cq7CkiQ8-6ktt7l1w_2Pb9y0c2pDAWwYqyQh0JhYXyLUaQgVSF1CYGFQjrornT3PaVotZ5zz52bypsKvM_aMWvg/s1600/screen+printing+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5F7HAVIchdSql88C66aP2Px_2CWQiIoB52zVdNhGLyF4mHYLtrN_cq7CkiQ8-6ktt7l1w_2Pb9y0c2pDAWwYqyQh0JhYXyLUaQgVSF1CYGFQjrornT3PaVotZ5zz52bypsKvM_aMWvg/s320/screen+printing+9.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>which kind of reminded us of political posters,<br />
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Even from this short day, I am so excited by the potential and could see how I could add to simple designs with machine embroidery or applique, so I owe huge thanks to Sue for opening up her home to let us play for a day!<br />
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Now, is there room in my sewing room for a screen and a few tubs of dye?!!<br />
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xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-21256402336968989602012-01-26T00:09:00.000+00:002012-01-26T00:09:24.413+00:00Winter Stitching list - updateA quick check of Sarah's blog reminded me it was time to check in against the list of sewing I said I'd do back in late October...here goes!<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.com/"><img alt="FairyFace Designs" src="http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j433/FairyFaceDesigns/WinterSewingbutton.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" /></a></div><ul><li><strong>Bee blocks:</strong> I finally caught up with these a couple of weeks back, and have just completed Judiths scrappy log-cabins (in the pink below!) which brings me almost up to date!</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_Q3gbuV1q32HRqfE0Bys8r1QFX9hKBvR89VAYAYTfarJl0sTBplZ31wJkk43i9GCyA4w2BUx-_kHQMeprfIsFVbQdGvTbqhrW8Xpg0tpN2DHiNYvAZxxK256i9ZlAtaaIYj_-g4L60U/s1600/Bee+block+mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_Q3gbuV1q32HRqfE0Bys8r1QFX9hKBvR89VAYAYTfarJl0sTBplZ31wJkk43i9GCyA4w2BUx-_kHQMeprfIsFVbQdGvTbqhrW8Xpg0tpN2DHiNYvAZxxK256i9ZlAtaaIYj_-g4L60U/s400/Bee+block+mosaic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li><strong>Craft fairs</strong> - well this pretty much took over my life in November and December. In total, I think my stuff was on sale at 6 or 7 fairs, </li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigF9c6nNyJv4NwRX1AuCjX1kclgqF0sSxAoLllCL7-SLIqeAXD_WihHywHUZgk-2DJWylJ6neB4H79Ut8jSqu6t55csfwrkU0GS12O5hsuJp2NhTzNK5lhWGzLzVv90HgbN5rNboi354/s1600/craft+fair+191111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigF9c6nNyJv4NwRX1AuCjX1kclgqF0sSxAoLllCL7-SLIqeAXD_WihHywHUZgk-2DJWylJ6neB4H79Ut8jSqu6t55csfwrkU0GS12O5hsuJp2NhTzNK5lhWGzLzVv90HgbN5rNboi354/s400/craft+fair+191111.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div> </div><ul><li><strong>Business cards</strong> - done! Thank you MOO!</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3y2KXdwkW5jWKpuQDTigKV6d3hIjqhLUc0ydJVjztDN-R8lgRMvNI3PNoMWGGoDp3QNg5mM-EmXH2aXYLAXPuUOVhKL93Lf7mF0AWhcWXhf8mgA4bVWHEsZgQDwcOczBMYl5WZqEQaE/s1600/moo+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3y2KXdwkW5jWKpuQDTigKV6d3hIjqhLUc0ydJVjztDN-R8lgRMvNI3PNoMWGGoDp3QNg5mM-EmXH2aXYLAXPuUOVhKL93Lf7mF0AWhcWXhf8mgA4bVWHEsZgQDwcOczBMYl5WZqEQaE/s320/moo+cards.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<ul><li><strong>Childcare</strong> - tick. I have a childminder in place for a few hours a week and Felix is happy, except for the few seconds as I leave the room, which she still doesn't like :(</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li><strong> Brit Quilt Pillow fight</strong> - loved it - here's what I made, and what I was lucky enough to receive</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBadIToSOLfgkg-fLuH07aBrNPL0R10KVoSOorctrfatYNywg1_KgjJ1L4jueO6CZEmPRXUtCG7dCNnVttGMM8kqSRILVcNJ4L6QJr7KsryBAxEWj0cNsl3p0qqShVigY86ec0yzQRKoY/s1600/Brit+quilt+pillow+fight+mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBadIToSOLfgkg-fLuH07aBrNPL0R10KVoSOorctrfatYNywg1_KgjJ1L4jueO6CZEmPRXUtCG7dCNnVttGMM8kqSRILVcNJ4L6QJr7KsryBAxEWj0cNsl3p0qqShVigY86ec0yzQRKoY/s320/Brit+quilt+pillow+fight+mosaic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li><strong> Christmas presents</strong> - done! Table runner, chair covers, tote bags, make-up bags etc.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2fuemngPKQJ9X1xHqLF9iyu6TRLO9ECI-TG5wCUVsUYbtdx0ANbtv1Xsb_x4UGc2kOwm88zBKUngBHG0W9dW7YPnEVq4kt6Ghy2ui8WBtnCJeQ3Pr4w_Von-Yx5jm9qFNFvbC7fULik/s1600/Christmas+pressie+mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2fuemngPKQJ9X1xHqLF9iyu6TRLO9ECI-TG5wCUVsUYbtdx0ANbtv1Xsb_x4UGc2kOwm88zBKUngBHG0W9dW7YPnEVq4kt6Ghy2ui8WBtnCJeQ3Pr4w_Von-Yx5jm9qFNFvbC7fULik/s400/Christmas+pressie+mosaic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<ul><li> <strong>Learning to screen-print onto fabric -</strong> I'm so excited about this...next Tuesday I am going to spend the day with a local screen-print artist, who happens to do the most beautiful tea-towels and other products, and we are going to try some simple screen prints onto calico and linen...will report back.</li>
<li><strong>Add to my solids stash</strong>..err..well stash has definitely grown, so I guess this is a tick!</li>
</ul><br />
<div> Hmm...from now on it all gets a bit less impressive...</div><br />
<div> </div><ul><li><strong>Sliced coins quilt</strong> - absolutely no progress...zilch....nada</li>
<li>Ditto for my <strong>Bee Europa Quilt for Felix</strong>, and a quilt for me...but I do have The Stained Pink Quilt along planned, thanks to the lovely <a href="http://www.narcolepticinacupboard.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a>.</li>
<li>Free motion quilt a large item...not yet</li>
<li>Approach another shop...no time for this one either!</li>
</ul><div> There were, however, a few things that weren't on the list...</div><br />
<ul><li> A few <strong>commissions </strong>that popped up along the way</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFOddFrMwqlgkqyxig3Bc32x83leK73qSjlmBhbc24FXVzvZ5kGVeHaEivpB3NC6kJqsH50QuLlMZAIP9hgCFSXSOq05SDRsAY2krd0WPrpPSpz0vVFpIszdEUrg5zpnHKlvcgF3P01U/s1600/Commissions+mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFOddFrMwqlgkqyxig3Bc32x83leK73qSjlmBhbc24FXVzvZ5kGVeHaEivpB3NC6kJqsH50QuLlMZAIP9hgCFSXSOq05SDRsAY2krd0WPrpPSpz0vVFpIszdEUrg5zpnHKlvcgF3P01U/s320/Commissions+mosaic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li> Making a <strong>quilt to sell</strong> - the bonkers quilt</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTe7Yu5t5Jr4TOD2gpcfFdNgwXl48T5ayEGCBYUgwc8MwuDCg50V6M1jAoz5T7rGmcyOUXKRkIsbxLVFa8mlV6W2uHbrB6_SRSJnV6nC1Ta0luIWWjzjBkw2MKAKo7PfZmTULmyKXWsbo/s1600/bonkers+quilt+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTe7Yu5t5Jr4TOD2gpcfFdNgwXl48T5ayEGCBYUgwc8MwuDCg50V6M1jAoz5T7rGmcyOUXKRkIsbxLVFa8mlV6W2uHbrB6_SRSJnV6nC1Ta0luIWWjzjBkw2MKAKo7PfZmTULmyKXWsbo/s320/bonkers+quilt+top.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<ul><li> Taking part in another secret swap, the <strong>Mouthy Stitchers</strong> zippy pouch swap... I'm currently stalking my partner for ideas of what to make them!</li>
<li> Getting through to the <strong>Shortlist in the Quokka quilts Bloggers choice bundle competition</strong>...I made it through to the last 8 (out of over 300!) with <a href="http://inspiredbyfelix.blogspot.com/2012/01/easing-back-into-it.html">this</a> selection...and although I didn't win, I was still super chuffed to get that far.</li>
<li>Oh, and Carly over <a href="http://craftedbycarly.blogspot.com/2012/01/sorry-im-late.html">Crafted by Carly</a> very kindly awarded me this <strong>blog award</strong> - Thanks Carly!</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbR0BPQAOw2wd60UqPDC8A-ehx8RcsvxMHFCBq9eJs13l4LPhdiWZQYal9L1dlDbx_yB8_WvM3yXjAmO-fZw6XauYEtBB21a1so24cIkV-e1l-DVY4WFmdOHBPvfnKQlu0CP0H5cLDRQ/s1600/liebster+blog+award.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbR0BPQAOw2wd60UqPDC8A-ehx8RcsvxMHFCBq9eJs13l4LPhdiWZQYal9L1dlDbx_yB8_WvM3yXjAmO-fZw6XauYEtBB21a1so24cIkV-e1l-DVY4WFmdOHBPvfnKQlu0CP0H5cLDRQ/s1600/liebster+blog+award.png" /></a></div><br />
Bring it on 2012, let's get some more things ticked off!<br />
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xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986435594083023614.post-79659788513436718892012-01-19T14:12:00.000+00:002012-01-19T14:12:07.143+00:00Bonkers quilt is coming along...and a slice of fabric heavenI definitely had a moment of angst with the plan for the quilt I mentioned in my last post. Having cut 45 10" squares in VERY bright fabrics and arranged them in 3x3 blocks of 9, it all looked....well...a bit bonkers. I was more than slightly concerned that the finished quilt would look like a pair of dungarees I had in my late teens...you know the sort, worn along with the tatty dyed hair and the army boots...and somehow I think that's what's good for 1990's dungarees, probably isn't good for a quilt now!<br />
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I persevered, and made the first couple of sets of disappearing-9-patch blocks (shown here on my car bonnet because it was the only dry place outside!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jTrvGtdepDxirlyqOzggTiFkbAG1ds_tU6UKAyY9jU50Fg0_Ez4S2q5CtAPvX50QVGDFJt1vVPcBkLFiCUg6-4w99BPCTvhbCMQV-h_drcXme1_OQFwa7yUwO_uDmpyos_LKuzximz0/s1600/first+blocks+for+bonkers+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jTrvGtdepDxirlyqOzggTiFkbAG1ds_tU6UKAyY9jU50Fg0_Ez4S2q5CtAPvX50QVGDFJt1vVPcBkLFiCUg6-4w99BPCTvhbCMQV-h_drcXme1_OQFwa7yUwO_uDmpyos_LKuzximz0/s320/first+blocks+for+bonkers+quilt.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
and do you know what? dungarees or otherwise, I liked them...<br />
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Spurred on I finished the other sets and pieced them all together last night to give me a completed quilt top measuring 56" x 70".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lubeNAWN0rFDiLXbCmZ0p7vva0q0om9-0DIWZLgQV8QbZgZiuwbLG7CMVuUvoqQXSX2ghUe7LgoEISDqGe4sFi4ChY-X0EyIxPJd9aQfsetM1OZ51Z0ab8GQjWmCo20mCX4YEvlJkJA/s1600/bonkers+quilt+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426px" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lubeNAWN0rFDiLXbCmZ0p7vva0q0om9-0DIWZLgQV8QbZgZiuwbLG7CMVuUvoqQXSX2ghUe7LgoEISDqGe4sFi4ChY-X0EyIxPJd9aQfsetM1OZ51Z0ab8GQjWmCo20mCX4YEvlJkJA/s640/bonkers+quilt+top.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
Phew, that was a pleasingly quick top to make...I think I may add a border to give it a little extra size but due to poor planning I don't have a 70" length of any of the solids. Anyone got any good ideas for pieced borders?<br />
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In other news, I have to admit that I had an online fabric splurge with my Christmas money (thanks to both sets of parents!) a couple of weeks ago. The first of three anticipated parcels arrived earlier this week, so you can imagine my glee when out spilled this selection from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkcastlefabrics">Pink Castle Fabrics</a>.<br />
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Some yummy solids Kona Cyan, Bone, Stone and Pepper.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHrXtQ-rZzEgtCHZBSz7hbaNjIzJhTHs2jzc2sjfGXgCFQ5xY2e-DOwHcf3_AAZLyhguDalThiJHJgcISzwHwDDweLo7RVAGw4FIvfyrBLRgD0b4dUcaOuTSquTPFMvQzx_E6IYtQCb8/s1600/solids+from+pink+castle+fabrics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHrXtQ-rZzEgtCHZBSz7hbaNjIzJhTHs2jzc2sjfGXgCFQ5xY2e-DOwHcf3_AAZLyhguDalThiJHJgcISzwHwDDweLo7RVAGw4FIvfyrBLRgD0b4dUcaOuTSquTPFMvQzx_E6IYtQCb8/s400/solids+from+pink+castle+fabrics.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
Plus a whole host of half yards that just took my fancy as I was browsing..including the clocks from Melody Millers new line, Ruby Star Shining, some Etchings and some Joel Dewberry. Typically for me, none of them match, but I love them all!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgHlqjjISHP4FGQSnGbYprUjfeHJLPkTSoe8EkTs1WVBbpgtnoaswipo8mZ-B7Eag-1jHgqRDjvoJPAeo_hmZytF-z5-aybp2h_BpbX4ufr2xFU2RkfTZz5uUighPT7eDeIbL2pD2W5c/s1600/fabrics+from+pink+castle+fabrics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgHlqjjISHP4FGQSnGbYprUjfeHJLPkTSoe8EkTs1WVBbpgtnoaswipo8mZ-B7Eag-1jHgqRDjvoJPAeo_hmZytF-z5-aybp2h_BpbX4ufr2xFU2RkfTZz5uUighPT7eDeIbL2pD2W5c/s400/fabrics+from+pink+castle+fabrics.jpg" width="347px" /></a></div><br />
And then, as I was about to hit publish on this post...the postman arrived with another two parcels. Out came the camera again...how lucky do I feel!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmYL9ZS_ncCpb1PshSaoHbJfIGOMH5iZE_IqA0foY_W9pB56Wmf1Kb83xPz9qoJ2ooOadqGxqpuECIh8PUtHzNbHm8_d2JEbZvs3b_5ZfzjT4oZRmVHMILX8ZpE0thiPKCcANjUaYnxA/s1600/fabrics+from+the+fabric+shoppe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmYL9ZS_ncCpb1PshSaoHbJfIGOMH5iZE_IqA0foY_W9pB56Wmf1Kb83xPz9qoJ2ooOadqGxqpuECIh8PUtHzNbHm8_d2JEbZvs3b_5ZfzjT4oZRmVHMILX8ZpE0thiPKCcANjUaYnxA/s400/fabrics+from+the+fabric+shoppe.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>From the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fabricshoppe">Fabric Shoppe</a> I'd chosen this Mod Green Pod Kaufman print, and these adorable birdies by David Walker for Free Spirit. And Susan, I'd just about packaged up your birdies, but since the envelope is still open, I can add some of these in, if you'd like :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierGO_eVhcN4Bq-KGWm2B63H-3Ze82gMA3r2R8EjN0oFxPZnNctmDbpL8RK6S39F8OXvVNHRbke5gbKOy2XnfEFBwpUwbWA5TxRxI5aF0erT_Tv10RyJhlukbSMTneoOaHsl2u7MsrrJY/s1600/scrap+bundle+from+the+fabric+shoppe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierGO_eVhcN4Bq-KGWm2B63H-3Ze82gMA3r2R8EjN0oFxPZnNctmDbpL8RK6S39F8OXvVNHRbke5gbKOy2XnfEFBwpUwbWA5TxRxI5aF0erT_Tv10RyJhlukbSMTneoOaHsl2u7MsrrJY/s400/scrap+bundle+from+the+fabric+shoppe.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><br />
In this package, I'd also ordered a pot luck bundle...2 yards of scraps (although I don't think I call just shy of half a yard a scrap!) so by chance I've got myself some of the fabulous scissor print I keep seeing everywhere at the moment.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4g_KN78wiTTE5ogc9Z5NOHKzf0bJXcYlpUaYyuJGCl6g2PJQdhKdLY-nuaXqaI-xxaq37Ut_akdSRSSxCIAxpQ_4A5jdE9dyzQZbGKn6ruSEZvCSEJOxphh98XpdmpJqRgZc6yweUcmU/s1600/Lark+and+Terrain+-+the+intrepid+thread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4g_KN78wiTTE5ogc9Z5NOHKzf0bJXcYlpUaYyuJGCl6g2PJQdhKdLY-nuaXqaI-xxaq37Ut_akdSRSSxCIAxpQ_4A5jdE9dyzQZbGKn6ruSEZvCSEJOxphh98XpdmpJqRgZc6yweUcmU/s400/Lark+and+Terrain+-+the+intrepid+thread.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
And finally, the last parcel was from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheIntrepidThread">The Intrepid thread</a>...and it did not disappoint... half yards of Lark by Amy Butler, and Terrain by Kate Spain, <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5SNMhz9vx1u85hyi6xEVE6v7h2vj7RUU6EsNqqdU0_pF_yYe1VlDt5_Ug67QTN9PbtDBiPfYD5I3AvzJYaY_h1PaVYXvYgPSG-hzvA-vmZVPOxCr6wccwt85_rt2KCIY2GZAn9VOjMg/s1600/fabrics+from+the+intrepid+thread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5SNMhz9vx1u85hyi6xEVE6v7h2vj7RUU6EsNqqdU0_pF_yYe1VlDt5_Ug67QTN9PbtDBiPfYD5I3AvzJYaY_h1PaVYXvYgPSG-hzvA-vmZVPOxCr6wccwt85_rt2KCIY2GZAn9VOjMg/s400/fabrics+from+the+intrepid+thread.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
A yard each of these lime green parrots by Tina Givens, this Aubergine Domestic Bliss print by Moda, and the "Dazzle" print from Andover fabrics<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRPM8POjXNMSkWLxXmkgN1ykuQCWXztmE_jTnXBnbf7CQE_0JXn4rWJ-Pn2e4SoYng6N07DDM5HydArm6w_jLP7rRZzBAhr1R6TqHb9-ogcWxIRMhmYxyhhmP0hZL_TK7qb_v5_UK-p4/s1600/bundles+of+Taza+and+Karavan+from+the+Intrepid+thread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237px" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRPM8POjXNMSkWLxXmkgN1ykuQCWXztmE_jTnXBnbf7CQE_0JXn4rWJ-Pn2e4SoYng6N07DDM5HydArm6w_jLP7rRZzBAhr1R6TqHb9-ogcWxIRMhmYxyhhmP0hZL_TK7qb_v5_UK-p4/s400/bundles+of+Taza+and+Karavan+from+the+Intrepid+thread.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
And then (as if that wasn't enough!) two mini half yard bundles - Taza by Dena Fishbein and Karavan by Valorie Wells.<br />
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It's all a bit much, I think I need a lie down (and a ban on Internet shopping until Easter)<br />
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xInspiredbyfelixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.com18