This Year I....

Suffered from really bad stress.
Created a whole exhibition's worth of paintings.
Held my first solo exhibition.
Refashioned more items than I can remember.
Was made redundant.
Went on a shirt term team to China with International China Concern.
Visited London Twice.
Holidayed in Wales.
Had a new sewing machine and got my first overlocker.
Drank lots of my hubby's home brewed wine, beer and cider.
Learnt how to draft patterns (by myself).
Got a part time job.
Made clothes that I'd drafted myself.
Went to two clothes swaps.
Sold lots of my art work to fund my China trip.
Had my large scale paintings displayed in a local venue.
Had the most marvellous hubby supporting me through it all...I couldn't have done it without you.

2011 - rubbish when it began - but hey look at that list  - it ended on a good note!

Ni Hao...

by Vic Chapple

...the greeting that my Hubby and eldest will be hearing for the next few weeks!
They arrived in Beijing today -upgrade on the flight out :), lost baggage for my son :(

They are off to do a team with International China Concern after spending a few days in Beijing. I wish I was with them. I love visiting China with it's massive contrasts. Good stuff and bad (like everywhere). I really hope it's a great experience for my son and some good bonding time for the two of them - oh and I hope he gets his pants back soon!

Via Sweet Sassafras

I've been thinking about what I'm going to do creatively over the next year. I have a list, Are you ready?

• Avoid buying new clothes unless necessary - so that means self made, thrifted and refashioned.
• Make items from Pattern Magic.
• Make movie inspired outfits (see previous post).
• Make the bridesmaid dresses for my friends wedding.
• Make the wedding dress of another friend.
• Create more art - painting.
• Create clothing inspired by my art or wearable art.
• Get better at taking photos!

Egress - Claire Cooper

Can I manage all this? Who knows?
All I know that as I go into 2012 life looks very different from how it did a year ago. I'm a different person, and despite there being some big unknowns this year I'm looking forward to it.
I'm open to a new challenge and to seeing where God leads John & I and the family - whatever that may involve.

The Movie Project 2012

At around about this time last year, my husband decided to watch the top 100 AFI films during the year. However, withing a few short days the list had grown to include films from the BFI and IMDB.
The list eventually grew to about 460 films and he managed to get through about 180 of them during the year.

As I've watched them alongside him, I've been struck by the costume design in some of these films, from the sublime to the ridiculous. From the refashioning of Maria (Sound of Music) and Giselle (Enchanted) who both make use of curtains, to the totally way out high end designer pieces - Gaultier in Fifth Element.

I've decided that one of the things I wanted to accomplish next year is to make a number of outfits inspired by films that I see during the year. I'd like to challenge you to join me and share your film inspired fashions.

If you'd like, grab a button and stick it on you blog to show you're taking part. Make as many or a few as you want and share what you make. Come and join our group on Facebook " The Movie Project 2012"



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Boxing day dip and trying out the pressies.

This morning was the annual Boxing Day Dip in Newbiggin by the Sea. Where all sorts of folk gather to brave the freezing North Sea for a charity. some run straight in and out while others linger in the icy water slightly longer.

This year my eldest son and his friends decided to take part... They were the type that linger a little longer before complaining of the cold, and head home for a warm bath and hot chocolate.

After our traditional (and favourite) meal of cold meat and chips I decided to have a look at the sewing items that John had bought me. First I got out the overlocker, it was second hand, and already threaded, all be it rather tangled. So I set about untangling the threads and gave it a go. Wow first time I've ever used one and I'm impressed. Still have to get to grips with it though.

I would really welcome some advice on the best way to use my overlocker as a beginner - what should I attempt to do on it? What should I avoid?

I also checked that the invisible zipper foot and darning foot fitted me sewing machine. In the words of Kirstie Allsop - Free machine embroidery is the crack cocaine of the sewing world!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to you all. Feeling rather full after a delicious lunch cooked by my wonderful hubby. I must have been a good girl this year as I've had an overlocker and pattern magic 1 & 2. Now that will keep me busy for some time.

Done... Finally... At least I think so!

A huge part of our Christmas pressies this year has been home made hampers. These have consisted of several home made items - food, textiles, drink, smellies.

Yesterday was an epic finishing off session. We made Chocolate fudge with the kids as part of the Jesse Tree activities. Then John made Honey and Ginger fudge and we broke the hand whisk again (note to self - never whisk fudge with a hand mixer).

John Whisking the Honey & Ginger Fudge

The Hampers - just awaiting final items

I finished off sewing stuff and we sent off 5 Hampers yesterday. Three more delivered this morning and just one more to go this afternoon. and rest.

It never rains

The last few months there just seems to be one thing after another. We got the roof fixed and discovered the toilet cistern was leaking. The pressure keeps dropping on the heating system (leak somewhere). Then I discovered to my horror that the cooker was bust. Thankfully the local church had one going cheaply, John and one of our friends, Martyn, collected and installed new cooker yesterday. It has 8, yes 8 burners on the hob and two good size ovens. (see pic below).

So today I decided to head off into town. Off I went in john's lovely 78 Citroen Dyane. Only for it to die just down the road. Looks like a trip to the garage for the little car. It's a good job we only need one car over the next couple of weeks.