Beautiful scenes of a day off.

So picturesque, so quiet and so white... hey, that's Hubby and the Bubela walking back from the shops.

This day in February marked a day of fun in the snow for us. Whilst the Nosh experienced his first steps in the snow and the Bubela, with laughter and mischief, as they both dug, threw and played in the snow. I loved today.

Apart from fooling around in the snow, I had a very productive day with the Old Singer. I adapted the pattern I'd used for the pink puff sleeve dress by straightening the waist slightly and tapering in the flair and a few embellisments here and there. I have't decided what to do with the sleeves yet. I'll post photos tomorrow of progress and maybe you can help me decide what to do with the sleeves.

I went with a puff sleeve

I decided to go with the red binding, the brown just did nothing for the dress. Its a really nice linen mix binding and its lovely to work with, especially around curves. I did wonder about putting a collar in, but after much deliberation and even sketching it out (EVEN muttering to oneself at the table and raising all sorts of eyebrows??) I decided against it as what I had in mind just didn't work for that dress. I did however re-think the sleeves and decided to put in a puff sleeve with with an elasticated cased cuff. What do you think?

*I really need to buy another mannequin, this one is only 6 months and is not holding my clothes nicely*

Buttons: I bought some of those cover your own button thingys. Oy vey, the packet said they were easy to make, well, let me tell you they're not! I broke my nails, tore my cuticles, chipped my polish and found a whole new vocabulary whilst trying to get the fabric to grip the teeth... or teeth grip fabric. Grrrr. I only managed to cover one button. Sodding button! I wont be using it, I'll be framing it what it only put me through. Thank goodness I didn't like the look. I'll have a dig around in my button jars for something suitable.


Made up in a Age 4. I'm going to make this in a couple more sizes, any modifications you think I should make? Especially with regards to the sleeves.





Here's my little Bubela doing a great job modelling this alien t-shirt (which has now somehow worked its way into his wardrobe). *OK Bubela, I will make you a Mario Bros t-shirt*

I've been a naughty naughty WW. Far too many biscuits that didn't get pointed. So long to that initial 2 pount loss. OK. Back on track with a great start... a 2 point brekkie porridge. Lets shed this half a stone, come on!

New dress being constructed

After completing my course at the London College of Fashion, the best advice my tutor gave me was to go home now and design a dress. I did. Made a paper pattern and cut it out of fabric. It sat in my room in the roof for months before I did anything further with it.

This week was the perfect time to get it out and sew it together. I forgot how beautiful this fabric looked together. Trouble was... I'd forgotten what look I was going for so was slightly perplexed when I saw that the back had a big slit up it. Was it cut with intent of a back fastening? Was it cut on the selvedge instead of the fold? Nevertheless, it came as a surprise and I'm now thinking button back fastener.

I also had planned to fully line this dress, but the cotton is very light and the lining would have shown though. Instead I have just lined the breast. Age 4.

Decisions: Binding around the neckline and armholes. Red or brown? Brown sounds bland and red is going to jazz it up a bit. What do you think? Did I just answer my own question?

The WWW lost two pounds this week!! First day in the hot seat was extremely rewarding. I loved being the one to reward weight loosing women with their pound loss. Faces of glimmer after a week of hard work far outweighed the faces of shame for those that cheated here and there. Tip of the week: let a bad day just become a bad day not not roll into a bad week. *to myself: Take your own advice love, you'll go a million miles*

Today is the CPSIA Bloggers unite

Less than two weeks to go now to the crucial date of Feb 10, when the CPSIA comes into effect. This far-reaching act is starting to be noticed by more than just the sellers it affects directly, with coverage in some news programmes and the US national press. I agreed to do a CPSIA post today as part of a group of Etsy sellers that are affected by this law (thread is here). As it currently stands, the following extract of text will be posted on 165 blogs today, but the number is growing rapidly.

"As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:


To the Parents of Young Students:

Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:

Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:

Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:

Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:

Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:

Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:

Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:

Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:

Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

I'm in the UK, so why do I care enough to blog about it? Firstly, it will affect me as an international seller, although it's still unclear how... Some people say it's okay to sell to the States as we're not duty bound to comply to US law, others say that Customs will destroy items as without the requisite testing and certificates they will be deemed 'hazardous'. Unlike American sellers on Etsy, I will at least still be able to advertise my apparel as available to ship to other countries outside the States; strictly speaking I don't believe American sellers are able to export non-tested / non-certified items. I have made a lot of friends through Etsy and Craftster who will likely lose their precious and hard-earned livelihoods.

If you would like to show your support for cause, feel free to copy any or all of the text of this post into your own blog and spread the word

Tea, Tees and Sequins...

A wonderful morning over tea and embellishments was had with me and Michelle doing something we both love. Let me remind loyal readers, or those new or first time about Michelle. Many years ago (well, not that many - 5/6 years ago) I admired the most amazing knitted work of hers. She created the most beautiful beaded blankets... In fact, I was lucky enough to have been gifted one for the Nosh when he was born. Now, all nicely packaged up in his memory box.



Anyway, after tea and biscuits with her that morning, 5/6 years ago, she sent me off on my way with a ball of acrylic (black), two size 4mm needles and a Teach Yourself to Knit book by Zoe Mellor. From that day on, many fibres, frustrations and techniques later (I thank her for that initial inspiration) and we're sitting here together this morning, embellishing t-shirts for the fair. Thank you so much for your help. x So, with tees beaded, buttoned and sequined... we're ready to go!



Next up and ready to go, is this pretty summer halterneck dress. Age 6.

I'm a WWW. A weight watcher weigher

First day in the job was great fun, even though it was more of a observant one. 'Tis an awfully important job weighing fluctuating women (myself included). All consciously aware women in one room at one time talking about the lifestyle they love and the lifestyle they want. I say "women" because thats all we were, gossiping women sipping tea and snacking on bananas (or weight watcher bars), no men included (albeit invited). I'm in the hot seat on Tuesday, wish me luck. "Step on the scales please..."

Now, with regards my upcoming craft fair my stomach is in knots. Is that normal? I'm on Shpilkes. Why? Oy vey! I think it could be a slight anxiety attack or more of an "Am I going to get finished in time?" kinda nerves, or an over presumptuous "what happens if I sell out". Is that normal? All t-shirts are done and hand finished with buttons, beads and sequins. Oh, and this is a sample halterneck dress too that needs finishing. Age 6.

The photography hasn't had much practice this week due to the weather. The weather plays a major factor for great natural light, be it in my house or be it in general I dont know, but I've concluded this dark house needs sunshine. And, thats why, even though I am eco aware, unfortunately this house screams un-eco-friendly-neighbour-resides-here for the amount of energy that expels us. Lights, lights, lights. Oy, I can hear my Ubba now "close off the lights if there's nobody in the room!..."

In the meantime, I've been recycling. This is an old Armani skirt of mine which is way too big that I've been holding onto for years, just because it was expensive and designer (??). It was either chuck out or cut up.

Now, cut up to make the Goofy Pants trousers from the Ottobre 6/08 magazine for the Nosh (size 86).

Farmisht with the camera

Photography. Hands up if your good at it? *looking around and swinging my arms low*... Well, I'm teaching myself, and oy vey, you'd think with the ease of digital, autoflash, autofocus and all those fancy schmancy icons on the camera you'd be able to take a professional looking photo. Not the case! I've been conscious of my photographs for a while now and my amateur photography needs to step up (I feel).

This all comes in light of my planned opening of an Etsy store (probably next month), and there is nothing worse than lacking confidence in buying goods from a website with amateur looking photos. Or am I wrong? In fact, I think its the skill of the photographer that professionalises our handmade goods. With professional looking photos and obviously a high standard of ones art or craft, I think you are entitled to ask for top dollar pound (I don't think I'll attempt selling Stateside since the introduction of the CPSIA but thats another story).

Natural light seems to be what everyones queuing for and it seems that I must have the darkest house in the photographic world. *sigghhhhhh* And, a good contrasting backdrop. So, my photographic studio comprises of my conservatory at the back of my house, a couple of meters of crisply ironed fabric and my Sony Cybershot 8megas.

So, that's what I've been up to, practising photographing my appliqued t-shirts that I'm making for the craft fair on the 28th February (details to be posted shortly for those of you local ;) ).

Oh, and this is my label, or have I shown you this before? *Scratching head wondering*. Sorry if I have, but I just love it. Also, this was taken whilst learning about the tulip looking icon. I know these photos still need alot of practice.

In other news... I'm gonna be a weigh-er at the weight watchers class (that I've neither attended nor observed for months and months). So, I guess I gotta stick with it now.

AND...

The Nosh had his first week at nursery, arrrhhhhhh. Photos in the sidebar. My little choochkie started nursery on Monday. And my big choochkie was such a proud big brother telling all his mates about it in the school line up Monday morning. *Just love you boys so much*.

Baby its cold outside...

...and I'm here ga-ga ga-ing at the sewing machine.

I've seen a Singer 201K baby on Ebay and oh my goodness its to die for. OK, I know it wont sit nicely in a box next to my shoes, or tucked away in my cupboard with the china, but its complete with all accessories, with a sit-in table, worn and hard used by a dressmaker with (I guess) tons of history behind it. Oh I love it. Its a steal. Bids start at £10. 10 quid!!

Now, I'm not one to buy anything (big or small, cheap or expensive, of interest or not) without conferring with Hubby. Its not for approval or permission or decisions... its just the thing that we do. You know, some do the food shopping together, some do the school run together, some tell eachother bedtime stories... see, however lovely, however different we all do something, if not, all of the aforementioned.

So, I asked 'bout the £10 Singer and what with his history about the mannequins I wasn't expecting a promising answer... he said yes. YES. Goodness. Then, I had to express my joy and talk about how its one of the best Singers ever made blah blah blah, and that it does EVERYTHING from ruffles, to pleats, to binding, to quilting, blah blah blah ... EVERYTHING. And... that it has its own table and foot peddle, blah de blah. I was right there, dancing away with the bobbins...

Table! No. Flat, just like that. Here have a lolly, suck a lolly ... take the damn lolly away... NO!

But, I love it, and I've been looking at it for 2 days now and I've only got another 3 days 14 hours left to look at it.

Its attractive, isn't it? Would it look nice in the hall a vase of flowers on it. Obviously when not in action.

Just dreamin'

As if one wasn't enough already

I remember when Stella joined our household. Stella, cooeee in the background - you still bring me such pleasure and you look gorgeous glammed up in broaches and neck wear. Oh the shame, that's my yard meter stick running through her acting out a rail during this credit crunch.

Well, as if one mannequin in the house wasn't enough, I had to go and buy another. But, this ones 6-12 months and everso everso cute. She's about 18" high, perfect. She looks adorable dressed - ahem, in one of my t-shirt applique designs (an elephant in case you didn't know - close ups here and here.)

One person in the household who isn't too keen on her... yep, you guessed right, Hubby "your not bringing anymore of those things in here are you?". THINGS!! Oy vey I'm all light-headed.

Anyway, in other news... My paper bags arrived yesterday. Hot pink, small. They're ok, not fantastic quality, but they'll do. *so excited* My white t-shirts arrived today - all 135 of them (ages 2-8). They are lovely quality and I can't wait to get started.

The Bubela is back at school tomorrow after this long holiday. Its been lovely, full of activities, visits and late nights and I'm gonna miss you. In fact, I'm starting to get slightly anxious about the Nosh starting nursery in a couple of weeks. So many excuses why its not good enough for him and so many excuses why he's not ready yet. He's still a baby. Yes, he's my baby and I may not be ready to let go yet. Heart flutters and eyes welling suggest I stop about that just here.

Snowing outside!!!!!!

2009 - Welcome

Dearest Readers, Happy and healthy new year to you all. May I wish you all the best for the year ahead.

I'm not one for resolutions anymore. I just go by one moto, give more than the year before. Its a good one and it can mean so much in many ways. And this year I intend to give, to love and to cherish more than I did the year before... and of course crochet that recieving blanket, sew those kiddie clothes and learn another skill for the year ahead.

Much love.

Turkey and Latkahs... of course

I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas with all your loved ones around and that you enjoyed sharing your kids magic (unless, of course, you are the actual kids). We had a wonderful holiday spending time with the family where we were swinging our crackers to White Christmas and lighting the channukiah singing Maor Tzur.

For me, the holidays are of nostalgia and traditions, giving plenty and placing a smile, creativity and inspirations. Its a time for love and laughter, board games and great tv. Cold turkey sandwiches and Quality Street. Glasses of Baileys and spoonfuls of trifle. And children. Its all about the children.

We started the holidays with making chocolate rice crispies cakes... for the reindeer's of course

...then a gingerbread house and mince pies... for Santa of course

...checking the tv guide... of course

...and no Christmas would be the same without yarn slipping through my fingers, so what better opportunity than to start the crochet granny square baby blanket that's intended to gift.

Progress on another smock continues.

Wish you all a Happy Channukah.

First light gets lit tomorrow night... remember plant candles right to left and light candles left to right with the Shamash (the tallest most candle).

MIL lives these winter months in warmer climates. She's a regular reader of my blog and a huge complimenter. She's 4 foot, ginger and lovely... and I couldn't ask or pick a better one.

Enough with the shmoozing.

She phones me from her Cyprus balcony twice a week. OK, one of those two phonecalls is to ask her son to call her when he's free, but the other is a sole me / her conversation. We speak for 10 minutes about the weather before we start chatting generally. The conversation:

Me: How's things?
MIL: The weather is glorious here. The best December yet.
Me: Lovely, you keep saying.
MIL: Its cold there, I see, isn't it?
Me: yes, freezing, but don't worry about whats going on here, enjoy there.
MIL: We keep an eye on the weather from the news. Sunday's going to be nice there.
Me: Oh...good...thanks

And it goes on a bit how she's still in her shorts and t-shirts, blah, blah, blah.

Yesterday made me chuckle when she told me that the weather was 11 degrees and that its quite warm here.

Hardly warm, but it still made me chuckle that she knew our temperature. But, it was still hotter there and the best December yet!

In News: I booked my first table at a craft fair. So excited. And nervous.

I'm making applique t-shirts and these skirts. The t-shirts are like the ones in a post further back. Honest criticisms welcome. Any craft fair tips of the trade also welcome.

I'll post details of the fair once I receive the official flyer.

1 week 'til Chruxmas.... yippppeeeeeeee

Ottobre 06/07.

Having heard so much about Ottobre patterns and flicking through their online pattern books I ended up buying the 06/07 Ottobre pattern book from Dots n Stripes (the only UK distributer). I did think about subscribing, but I can't subscribe to another magazine. It was difficult selecting a one off pattern book from the whole library of back issues, but in the end it was the Ollie pants that did it for me, here! The patterns are gorgeous, even nicer (I'd say) than the Japanese magazines - and they come translated!

This particular pattern was ok to construct. I do feel that probably some instructions get lost through trasnlation, however, if you're an intermediate/advanced sewer then I think you'll be fine. The patterns are not marked in any level of simplicity like the Burda Fashion patterns, so I highly recommend reading through (as you should anyway) the whole pattern first.

I did omit the pockets. The reason being that the dress was too small for them and they looked silly. I've constructed and sewn the pockets up already, and I'll save them for the same dress in a bigger size that I plan on making shortly.

My lining and seamings are a bit messy, I need alot of practice!

The Hubby comes in Sat morning from clearing out the car, shticking [laughing hysterically] to himself. Its his Saturday morning ritual - the car cleaning not the hysteria - to clear out the weeks worth of mess that the boys (and I) leave. I tend to leave him to his own devises at 9 oclock on a Saturday morning. But this particular morning something seemed to be up. Did I leave some oddity in the car? Had a passing stranger told him a joke? Did he tell himself a joke?

Turns out it was the next door neighbour.

We've got lovely neighbours next door (the ones that are attached to our semi). Mr neighbour is always outside in his Barbour watching the traffic and Mrs Neighbour is always gardening. Flowers all year around. She wears a cork hat, I guess to ward off those pestulant insects we get year round.

We don't tend to bump into them an awful lot, but when we do we exchange pleasantries. They're not like our old neighbours (Mr and Mrs Noseyneighbours), espcially Mrs Noseyneighbour. I used to have a "coooooeeeeeeeiiiiiii" most mornings. Not great when you've got to fly off to the school run. It got to the point where I'd have to leave the house 5 minutues earlier than my already 15 minutes - to beat school traffic - earlier, Oy.

Anyway, Mr Neighbour called over to Hubby Sat morning. "Good morning, we've just got back from holiday and it seems that everytime your doorbell rings, ours does too!" And they'd just got in from Australia so I guess they didn't appreciate the early post delivery at 8am. Hubby tried it and, yeah, that's what happens!

*giggle, giggle*

Wireless interferance, methinks.

T'was my turquise corduroy fabric that the postman delivered bright and early this morning. I've already started cutting it up! It goes deliciously with the Farmers Market florals.

Sorry, this doughnut's got no sugar!

I walked into the classroom. Kids, Babies no more than 3, toddled around the room from one activity to the next. Teachers entertaining. Tables set out for crayons, easels for paints, book boxes, toy boxes, kitchen corner... nursery activities.

*oh my goodness, am I ready for this yet?*

My little Nosh, just a breath past two years, will be attending this nursery soon and today was our visit to see how things are run. My little Nosh, never a day away from me, the extension of my leg, my little lunch buddy, my reason for rolling and laughing around on the floor, my story listener, my finger cruncher. My Nosh-pot!

He had a lovely morning playing, and I sat and watched as he mingled with his peers, as he explored the room and took to new surroundings. He even made a friend, aarrrhhhhh. A smile sat on my lips as I watched him enjoying, playing and gaining an Independence and confidence. I didn't expect him to be so confident. And, I didn't expect me to feel so ok with everything.

Then, he saw me and made a b-line. Here it comes, my lap warmer. But hang on. "bye Mummy" then he puckered his lips to kiss me goodbye.

*Gasp*

Obviously I didn't leave. I wasn't ready to let go, and we were just checking the place out. We're going back in a few weeks to see them again. I've gotta get myself used to this again.

Sorry, no photos today. Dontcha hate posts without pictures, bit like a doughnut without the sugar. Talking of doughnuts, 23 days until Channukah.

The sewing machine gets a night off

A cup of hot cocoa, thick woolly socks, legs tucked under a fleece blanket, pulled in tight to my chest and Hubby sitting an inch away. I'd like to say the fire was burning coal, (but ours is a modern day electric one) and two glasses of red sitting on the mantle, but its a school night...

Nevertheless, It's lovely and cosy snuggled here on the sofa watching Desperate Housewives. A night off from the machine was lovely - though, a difficult decision to make. DH v Vintage Singer, hmm. Difficult, hey?



Here's a sight of my new label, posing on one of my applique tee's, but more of the t-shits another time. When the climate warms, they'll come out for show. Bloomers too, they'll also be on my show off list! But the label, I'm really pleased with. I like the logo and the colours. I toyed with many combinations and logos, but this one settled.




I've also failed to mention in the past that I'm a Marie Claire Idees subscriber (amongst many others). Its a French magazine of beautiful handpicked items and crafty things to make with full Instructions (great if you've a French tongue), pour moi c'est difficil. Whilst they are a tad tricky to understand, they are inspirational and beautiful to look at. This quarter's mag wasn't as impressive as usual, I have to admit, especially it being their Christmas edition. However, it's still unputdownable. Here's a flick through a few pages.









I especially liked this teddy bear appliqued coat. Just Gorgeous.

I've found a new friend, or sort of been reunited with an old one (if you could really call her that). We last saw each other when we were 7, then she found me on Facebook. Now, I'm very excited about being reunited (in a funny sort of way) as I'm so intrigued as to where she went. I remember her at school, she was sorta geeky, (wore the free National Health pink glasses, or did she wear the black ones) but there one day, then gone the next! But being a kid I didn't question it - at seven life is as it presents.

Anyway, poor little girl was shipped off to her birth mother that she barely knew, taken away from her brother and father. 200 miles away from "home", and from the only people she knew as family and friends.

Anyway, she grew up having a normal childhood and adulthood. Met, I guess, the man of her dreams and has two children with him and he now has taken a job back in her home town. At present, he commutes - week days here, weekends there. She's got a phobia about coming back, don't know why.



Hubby questions why I'm so interested in someone I barely know. My answer is just that I'm plain old nosey. Is that wrong? I'm interested in what my past friends are up to now or what paths their lives took. Aren't you? He doesn't get the whole Facebook thing. He thinks I should stick to sewing! Which brings me to mention that above is to become a halterneck dress, so keep watching. Fabulous flirty fabric from Heather Bailey.

Below is a custom made simple A-line dress. Specifications were to be dark, plain and long. So the only fussy-ness I could add was the handmade bias binding trimmed around the neckline and arms.



Im dead pleased with its turnout and I feel like the proud mother of a zip insertion.

I've been busy... doing stuff!

41 days until Christmas - not that I'm sitting at my window sill peering into the night yearning for a glimse of a red cape and hooves, or anything. Nor also that I'm preparing a countdown graph of moon and sun risings, or any other evidence pertaining to galactical movement.

But joke aside, it is my favourite time of the year, my favourite! And, I have a double wammy because we celebrate Channukah too.

I love waking up at dawn to a little tap on my shoulder and a sweet excitable voice asking "is it morning yet?".

Gowned and slippered, Hubby and I follow downstairs and watch two little boys open their presents, present by present.

So, 41 days and counting. What's on your Christmas make list this year? I've got a few ideas, though barely in stitches.

First up, awaiting embellishments and sleeves, we have this lovely little ensemble, size 5.





Can you sort of make out this lovely smock top once the sleeves are sewn on. Its a button up the back fastening.



Until next time. xx

la petite robe...

Its finished, the gorgeous little corduroy dress - and I'm delighted with its result. I love the colour, I love its contrasting fabric and I love that its not in the shops for purchase. And most of all, I love that my fault finder of a Hubby, didn't criticise it AT ALL, he said it was "brilliant bubes". Arrrhhhhh xx.

The khaki corduroy fabric was teamed with 100% cotton florals for its lining. Those big chunky brown buttons came from a shoe box full of miscellaneous buttons which I bought from a charity shop for about a fiver. Teamed together, I think it works.

For me, its a winner!

A trip into the forest

It was glorious. The sun shone and the wind blew.



And the two boys went in search of treasure.



Along the way we found some starving geese. Probably shipwrecked. Thankfully, the Bubela had a whole loaf of Tesco value bread with him.



No rock was left unturned. Treasure was to be found.



Then we went deeper into the forest.



And guess who found a dinosaur bone!

OH NO!!!!

Look what's happened.

My foot pedal fell off the table (as I was assembling the sewing machine for use) and now my machine doesn't work. I'm such a clutz... And, all these lead bits fell out of the pedal... I've no idea what they are, but they're obviously important. Oy vey!! Despair.

I've now got to schlep around in search of a repairer, or a replacement pedal.

So, I'm afraid the only photo I have of my corduroy dress is this unfinished one, pre-machine breakage. [Excuse the poor lighting]. The lovely floral fabric is its lining and the photo does no justice to its beauty. Its mint background and bright pink flowers is gorgeous.



Signing off... a glum Mrs Sweetpea. x

**UPDATE** Phew of relief. I've found a shop that will replace my pedal. They cut off the wire attached to the existing pedal and attach a new generic pedal - all for £30. And the best bit... the wait is 2/3 hours. *Smiling, Hubby will be pleased because I was in a bad mood last night.*

My other choice was buying another pedal direct from Singer for £60 with a weeks wait.

OR

"Just buy another sewing machine", said my Darling Hubby. Last week, My iron had been fusing the house, so Hubby said "just go buy a new one". I saved him £30 something and changed the fuse!!!!! *chuckle*.

*Note to Hubby* I love you and I know you would buy me anything, but we cant just buy a "new one" everytime something goes wrong... we have to learn to fix it. xxxx