I thought she sewed quilts?

I haven't been able to ignore the clothes sewing urge.

It's something I have always wanted to do and sewing simple items like pants for the babies has satisfied me for a while but now I want to take it to the next level and move on from slightly oddly shaped pajamas.

The only downside is the same thing I discovered with the knitting lark - where the hell do I squeeze in the new stash???

After reading a whole lot of new-to-me seamstress blogs I decided to buy The Colette Sewing Handbook. I've had a quick read and confirmed that I have a lot to learn but that it will help.

I made this 'wearable muslin' as a first try at making a top.

I'm fairly happy with it. It was the first time that I had done french seams which I quite liked. The top itself is too wide across the back which I didn't realise until after sewing it all together.

Lesson learnt to measure myself properly and to have a better look at the shape/size of the pattern. Using my seamstress expertise....I made a small pleat in the back which is fairly well hidden in the busy fabric. I shortened the length so it sits nicely with jeans and I just have to hem the sleeves and it's done. I'm not overly eagre to make it again but we'll see.

Then I decided to bite the bullet and sew with knit fabric. I think sewing with knits is going to be a bit like free motion quilting - it seems really daunting and you suck at the start but practice and a devil may care attitude will help you get better. 

I've worn it several times and it hasn't fallen apart so that's got to be a good sign.

I had a quick break from the tricky stuff and made my souz chef an apron (he calls it his smock). This is the 'I just snaffled a corn chip from the bag, stuffed it in my mouth and am trying to finish chewing before you realise' face. He has a lot to learn before he'll eat my chips without me knowing ;-) 

Having gained 'so many skills' making one top I decided that I would make a dress to wear to a wedding. Not one to shy away from a challenge and feeling the need to create some grey hairs I chose a pattern that I could breastfeed in but also happened to have a whole lot of gathering as it was a maternity pattern. I ended up removing all of the gathers with a bit of advice from Jules and Aunty Pam.

I like how it turned out but wussed out of wearing it to the wedding, I felt like it wasn't quite formal enough, probably due to being made of quilting cotton. It looks nicer than in this pic but that's the calibre of photo you get late at night and with an IPhone.

In case you were worried I'd gone seamstress crazy and forgot my quilty roots....

 A triangle (and very wrinkly) quilt top for a friends daughter and an oodle of strips to be turned into binding if I get some sewing time tomorrow.

Happy sewing,

Ab x

Bound for Glory

Bound Up, In a Bind, Bounding Along....

I have several quilts to bind.

Not my favourite part of quilting but I do feel rather accomplished with this lot.

Less accomplished with this lot....actually all of that cardboard equates to a hell of a lot of flat-pack furniture that has been put together so maybe it is an accomplishment. We'll be visiting the local tip that has a cardboard recycling area. I think it might take a few trips.

On our visit to Ikea we couldn't resist buying this Circus Tent for Ring Master Harvey.

It's quite cool and enjoyed some lovely quiet time in there the other day.

Lucky he's willing to share his toys. 

I don't photograph my food that often but the other night we had sticky date pudding for dessert and mine was extra decadent because I ate it while snuggled in bed.

Thank you Sara-Lee 

My new interest in knitting hasn't abated, just been slightly sidelined with all of The Retreat setting up.

Danielle tweeted that there was a sale at Suzy Hausfrau so of course I had to have a look and somehow these goodies ended up being purchased. The Cashmerino is sooo soft and it is such a deep berryish colour.

No idea what it might become, I guess I'm starting my stash.

Busy busy times around here but we're nearly there with all the furniture buying and setting up at The Retreat.

I can't wait to show off the finished product to you all.

Sew happy,

Abbe x

SACKED!

It turns out Young CP doesn't have a stocking or sack so I thought I'd better amend that.

I bought a panel at good old Spotlight and added a few touches of my own.

 Now Young CP has his very own Santa Sack to lay out on Christmas Eve.

Lets hope that it doesn't get filled up with reindeer poop like my dad always used to threaten if we weren't well behaved.

I can't have been too bad. I never did get the poop.

I'm sure Dad would say there is still time....

Loving our tree with full decos, prezzies underneath and most importantly the letter to Santa balanced on the branches.

A successful sewing day and now I'm sitting and watching Glee which is definitely a new favourite show. Singing while quilting and binding the Purple Wonder.

This is the life!

Ab x