organising ya self

2012 is turning out to be rather busy. I seem to have less time available each week to do what needs to be done, and I'm sure that you lovely readers have noticed that I'm not posting quite as often as I was.

I love reading the blogs of others and writing this blog, but I'm going to have to start planning my posts otherwise I'll have weeks without writing anything.

I now have the measurements of my two friends whose wedding dresses I'm making this year. I have (hopefully) final muslins almost made for the bridesmaid dresses I'm making. I'd love to share these, but can't really until after the weddings, Oh and I have about a million and one other things to make for myself.

The Alice in Wonderland dress is finished, I'll post about that later this week.

I have art ideas running through my head. MUST PLAN TIME!!!!!!!!

Ruffle it up

A while ago I was give this very long charcoal grey cardigan by my mother in law - because I like that sort of thing (aparently). I don't! the quality of the knit was rather patchy and the pockets had stretched in an unattractive fashion when they had been sewn on. It was way too long and frumpy.

I put it in the drawer and forgot about it. Then I saw this in the Burda magazine.

I thought I'd use this as inspiration for improving this cardigan. So I chopped off the length, Hemmed it. removed the pockets and cut strips to make ruffles from the off cut.

It's ok and I at least might get some wear out if it now!

UFO or (WIP)

I have far to many unfinished objects in my house at the moment. And here was me thinking I'd get loads done over half term. The truth is I've done very little. Even my sister commented on my lack of blogging!

I started the Alice dress - still to be finished.

The Alice dress - in progress

I have final Bridesmaid dress muslins to get made up.
I have three UFO refashioning projects to complete.

One of my refashioning projects that needs more work.

Oh and just keeping on top of everything else that you just need to do in life.

So what did I get  up to last week?


I got a lovely Willow heart from my hubby on Valentines day (we make each other things).

Me and My Eldest Son on Lindisfrane

We spent Wednesday up on Holy Island (Lindisfarne) doing a treasure trails treasure hunt. These are available for all over the UK and it's a great way to spend a couple hours. Our eldest son, who usually complains bitterly when asked to walk anywhere, loved it!

Thursday was spent trying and failing to keep the house tidy! and writing reports for school.




Friday we shopped and helped out with a Christians Against Poverty pamper event. We were even treated to a family portrait while we were there.

Alice Part 1

Sewing seams

It's not long until world book day.
Every year the kids school has a "dress up as your favourite book character" day. usually with about two days notice!
So This year we are getting prepared early. Bethan decided she wanted to go as Alice in Wonderland, she also wanted to learn how to sew. Ideal opportunity for her to begin.

Armed with the back up sewing machine (hers) we began.

I drafted a pattern based on the the Rhianna Dress I made for her before Christmas. together we cut it out of some pale blue sheeting.

Under direction, Bethan cut out, cut notches, sewed and pressed darts, shoulder and side seams on the outer and lining (same fabric). I did the peter pan collar and under stitched it.

And that was enough - 8 year olds only have a short attention span.

Progress so far

Blog Award

Wow I got an Award - Thank you soooo much Jan @ Handcrafted by Picto.

I Love Jan's blog and visit it regularly - It's nice to know that people like reading my blog - so What does getting this award mean?

The Rules are :

1- Choose FIVE up and coming blogs with less than 200 followers to award the Liebster Award to. 

2- Put their links on your blog and let them know that you have done this.

3- Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them. 

4- Post the award on your blog.

 

I find this really hard as I read so many lovely blogs but here goes...

1. Camelias and Crinolines

I just love he vintage styles and op shopping.

 

 

2. Fingers Chopsticks and bobbins

A relatively new blog - get over there and show some blog love!

 

 

3. Found Poet

This is the new blog of my good friend Alli. she is one of the driving forces for my creativity and will always inspire and encourage me - she is one amazing lady and a fantastic poet and screen writer.

4. Hating Martha

I discovered Hating Martha just a few weeks ago and love reading her blog.

 

5. Replicate then Deviate

Another recent discovery which I love following.

Flower Tea and Found Poet

Just a quick post today...

John bought me some amazing Flower Lover tea back from China. It starts off as a ball of tea which you drop in a glass of very hot water and gradually turns into this...

Secondly, On Wednesday I challenged our Church Home group to make something creative for another in the group. My Friend Alli wrote me this amazing poem. She is one amazing lady - Check out her blog.

I've got lots to do - look out for Blog awards, Alice in Wonderland dress, wedding sewing and moe - when I have time to blog about it. (or in fact actually do it!)

Lovely dresses I want to make... (from Monsoon)

I saw this in Monsoon a few weeks ago - want to make something like it!

And this one...

Now I just need to find patterns I can use! - any suggestions.

In a Quandry

I am loving sewing - but I'm missing my art making - the trouble is I'm stuck for ideas with my art. I know that I'll get over it if I just get started - but I need to get on with it! There's just too much going on in my head and I can't do it all - which means I don't do any of it!

I bought muslin fabric to work on. now I need a frame ( think I might just canibalise one of my already used frames for now) I want to paint realistically and abstractly. I want to try new techniques. I want to sew. I want to make the bridesmaid and wedding dresses I'm doing this year. I want to use up the stuff in my stash and I want to crochet this cardigan.

Via Fave crafts

So any advice on completing all this - gratefully received!