It's been a while.

Nearly three months in fact. Life has been very busy and there have been changes in our lives that are taking some getting used to.

I'd like to share a little about what I've been up to over the summer and my latest make. 

When I posted last, I was just about to head out to China to work with international China concern. I went with my friend Maureen and we joined the team in Hong Kong. There were folks from the US, UK and Canada and I was in the privileged position of leading them. 

Maureen getting to grips with chopsticks

The Big Buddha on Lantau Island

Maureen and I spent a few days in HK sight seeing and exploring the bead markets. I tried not to buy much as I didn't have space to bring it back.

The Team

After meeting the team, we headed up to Hengyang to one of International China Conceens projects. And were blessed to spend two weeks working with the children and young people there. Our time there was emotional but we also had opportunity to sample the local food and team meals were a great time to share with one another.

Clay pot rice - Yummy

My husband and I sponsor one of the girls there. To be greeted by cries of 'mama' as I arrived brought tears to my eyes. I long to go back soon and would love to spend longer working with these precious children. I can't share photos here but you can find out more about the work of ICC here. 

Once I'd returned home I had less than a week until we went on a family holiday to France. It was a great time of relaxation and the weather was fantastic. I particularly enjoyed our trip to Nantes and the Machines de L'ile. A ride on a huge mechanical elephant? Don't mind if I do. 

Once we were home it was all change. My husband has just begun his training to become a Baptist minister. He'll be studying at Durham Uni and also pastoring a church. It's going to involve lots of work and study and will take some getting used to a different routine at home. 

My work has been busy this half term as I led a residential school trip to London at the end of September. It was a great trip and the 45 students who went were brilliant. It's a tiring thing to organise  but we had a fab time. We saw the excellent Matilda at the Cambridge theatre, went in the London eye and spent time at the Tate Modern, portrait gallery and science museum. 

Louise Borgoise at the Tate Modern

It's probably no surprise that I haven't finished many sewing projects. I completed the simplicity blogger challenge about a month too late. I'm still not 100% happy with the results. 
I also started to make a dress from Burdastyle, but didn't like the way it hung on the shoulder so I decided to draft my own version. 

Bodice from Burdastyle. Shoulder too exposed

My first draft. A little short

Inspired by some of Vivienne Westwood s designs. I worked from my self drafted bodice block and added cap sleeves, a cowl neck, pleats and tucked and a draped skirt. 

The finished dress

 I need to adjust the upper back.

It's taken a few weeks to adjust the pattern and get it made, but even the finished dress needs some adjustments. The back is a smidge too long and a couple of neckline darts are needed to improved the fit. However, despite the minor fitting issues I really like the outcome. The fabric is fab. The back is slightly brushed which means I dont really need a lining. I can wear this with a cardigan, or a long sleeve top underneath. either would be fine.

The next project is to make wrap front trousers from Burdastyle 11/2013. Has anyone made them?