My First Dress

Since I recently got out my sewing machine I have been wanting to make some clothes for myself as well as the boys. For my birthday I bought this beautiful material that I am determined to make into a skirt but I still haven't found the time yet

However I have been slowly working on a spotty affair and I am so close I thought I would start this post as I'm sure I will finish it soon. 

While sewing though I have discovered my favourite pins of the moment. I have to admit I like to get results quickly so tacking rarely happens. Fabric goes straight onto the sewing machine, so to finally buy and use this flower headed pins which I see on so many blogs was brilliant. They really work and my machine will sew and keep on sewing I'm so happy, small things. 

Right well I have now finally finished dress it is a Anna Maria Horner Socialite Dress

I saw it on a local website Saints and Pinners and thought I could do that.

I bought Kaffe Fassett blue dots which is lovely.

On and off this dress have taken me most of the summer to make, taking a break to make a cushion for Rita and Tate's PE bag. 

It has been sitting by the sewing machine half finished so last weekend was the time to finish 

I did find the yoke quite a challenge, and found some great help here on Sew, Mama, Sew! But it was my first attempt at making a dress and I am pleased with the results.

Didn't quite go as it should but it works, lining up is very important will remember next time. 

when I'm feeling braver I take a picci of me wearing it. 

It does look good and I have worn it to work, just wanted to tell everyone, 'I made this' hopefully I didn't bore too many people.

What to do next.......x 

PE kit bag

Tate needed a PE kit bag to start school back at the beginning of September, it took me until last weekend to make it, slacking a bit I feel.
I went to a show at Exeter last weekend and found the perfect fabric for the job

 

However I couldn't help buying some more for future projects 

I have my eye on a Colette pattern for this 

Finally picked up some jersey to make pants for the boys

Just because 

So I hunted around for a suitable tutorial and found a great one at Kitschy Coo, which looked great and was straightforward to follow, to have a look click here

Last Saturday night we decided to have a non TV night and I got on the machine. I'm really pleased with how it came out and Tate loves it. However it has yet to make it into school as he wants to take it everywhere to put in his toys. So old drawstring bag is still in school and Dino bag is full of Octonauts.
Oh well might have to make another one soon x

No PE kit for my bag 

Pot holders

My pot holders have become a little worse for wear

So as I live miles away from Ikea where these came from, and hubby would not relish a visit with the boys I thought I would have a go at making some.

Tracking down some smart fabric was easy from 'Prints to Polka Dots' I tend to keep fabric I fancy in my wish list for when I feel like a spend. Next I got hold of some Heat Resistant Insulating Wadding from Ebay and away you go.  

As you can see it had to be spots

I knew I would have to make some bias binding which was a bit daunting but after reading Dana's' Made' blog, I love what she does I wish I could be half as creative. I thought right let's have a go. Dana's how to and everything you need to know about bias binding is here It took a bit of mastering but actually I found making it was easier than using the stuff. 

finding the bias to cut on

The cut strips 

Off we go

Once I had my binding made up it was pretty straightforward. I used my old holders as a pattern, measured and cut out the fabric and wadding ready to sew. 

Pinning on the binding came next which I did find a bit tricky

I did find that the first time a sewed around I didn't catch both sides of the binding very well so I had to go round again, taught me to take my time a bit. I tend to find I'm working to a nap deadline which can make me cut corners. Must try to calm it down. 

Well new pot holder are up and ready to go and despite my little mishap I'm pretty proud of them and I do have loads of my own binding, not what to do next x