tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30698906026508712302024-03-06T01:53:08.669+00:0060 Degrees of Inspiration My adventures in crafting from 60 degrees North.Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-20351706553015461022018-08-16T17:25:00.001+01:002018-08-16T17:25:11.693+01:00Stash Busting Stained Glass Challenge.<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cK-v32KRsei3gdSCvRTe5kBOQS6u18Nb-mrwA2PRcrPU-OREIhyphenhyphenGOVoXUyPMh00b2Rdc7Ir8t3Naf6jMaka9T4d6SUyjIWoao7MHjrQ07SxhvhuVbkF2hiXFbS3PIVetRXJMgkng0kQ/s1600/Collage+2018-08-14+10_05_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cK-v32KRsei3gdSCvRTe5kBOQS6u18Nb-mrwA2PRcrPU-OREIhyphenhyphenGOVoXUyPMh00b2Rdc7Ir8t3Naf6jMaka9T4d6SUyjIWoao7MHjrQ07SxhvhuVbkF2hiXFbS3PIVetRXJMgkng0kQ/s320/Collage+2018-08-14+10_05_26.jpg" width="196" /></a>I am really lucky to have some very supportive friends who say very kind things about my creations and are general cheerleaders in my life. One of whom is rather eager for me to remember to sew for myself. She is also not afraid to show off things I have sent her to anybody <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cK-v32KRsei3gdSCvRTe5kBOQS6u18Nb-mrwA2PRcrPU-OREIhyphenhyphenGOVoXUyPMh00b2Rdc7Ir8t3Naf6jMaka9T4d6SUyjIWoao7MHjrQ07SxhvhuVbkF2hiXFbS3PIVetRXJMgkng0kQ/s1600/Collage+2018-08-14+10_05_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cK-v32KRsei3gdSCvRTe5kBOQS6u18Nb-mrwA2PRcrPU-OREIhyphenhyphenGOVoXUyPMh00b2Rdc7Ir8t3Naf6jMaka9T4d6SUyjIWoao7MHjrQ07SxhvhuVbkF2hiXFbS3PIVetRXJMgkng0kQ/s1600/Collage+2018-08-14+10_05_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>who will look. I had a hat commission as a result of this a few years ago. She also knows Clare of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FabStainedGlass?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count#items" target="_blank">Fabled Stained Glass</a> who makes beautiful bespoke stained glass windows. I have been in awe of her lovely designs for a while and was rather excited when she announced she had got some fabric printed with the designs. I then received a parcel containing a fat quarter and a note saying my friend had shown her my <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.com/2015/03/oystercatchers-and-puffins.html" target="_blank">oystercatcher and puffin</a> and said I would do something interesting while passing on my address. I am not sure I can live up to an “interesting” reputation but I was eager to see what I could do to showcase such lovely fabric. Despite not being religious I adore stained glass and am in awe of the skill and artistry that it takes to make them. My favourite local stained glass windows are in the library in Lerwick. I love the detail in the musicians and the oak leaf.</div>
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The fabric is a really good quality cotton and not too thin. Normally with a print that has characters or animals on there is the inevitable "cutting off of features" when sewing with it as I have spoken about before. You also get a lot of waste with fancy cutting. The beauty of the grid format is that it allows the rectangles containing the picture to be cut out without “accidental decapitation”. I decided to challenge myself to use all of the complete rectangles on the fat quarter to make a series of projects where the fabric can star as the focal point. Unlike a lot of fat quarter challenges I was content using as much other fabric as I wanted as long as I had it in my stash. I resisted the temptation to just create 40 different projects each using a single rectangle. In the end I settled on 7 projects using them to explore different aspects of the design and fabric combinations.</div>
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I contemplated making a tea wallet but worried when folded I would lose too much fabric on display – I thought about a flap on a messenger bag but that was almost too obvious then I remembered a pattern that was on my wish list of things to make (best not to discuss the length of that list!). It is a very basic origami/bento bag which uses 3 squares of fabric to make up the outside of the bag. The <a href="http://www.simplysewingmag.com/fast-fat-quarter/great-british-sewing-beeinternationalhowtomakeabentobag/" target="_blank">pattern</a> was not actually lined but I chose to line it with a strip of blue fabric. The finished bag is surprisingly spacious – I decided not to tie the two corners to make the handle and added a button instead. It was really fun and easy to make and showcases and nice big square of fabric. <br />
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My second project was a small zipped bag, I have lost track of how many little bags like this I have made – I made the first one in 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9gfPyuAyz6AaxhGb8-TpyqIt76EVJ7QU11K5HxZDvxysV-9P3NaLS4GiYOdnuH8lQj05GooMKlB7eYt8YyP05Y3vbC5dZ5-3arjMpCRSAD62j3ygSpnVWgi7oRrf28n8S_Ey_7Q_QKo/s1600/Collage+2018-08-14+08_59_59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9gfPyuAyz6AaxhGb8-TpyqIt76EVJ7QU11K5HxZDvxysV-9P3NaLS4GiYOdnuH8lQj05GooMKlB7eYt8YyP05Y3vbC5dZ5-3arjMpCRSAD62j3ygSpnVWgi7oRrf28n8S_Ey_7Q_QKo/s1600/Collage+2018-08-14+08_59_59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>011 and they have been a staple of my gift giving ever since. They are versatile and can be made in different sizes and with collections all nestled inside one other; I once made a set of 6 with Russian doll fabric just for the irony. I never specify what they are for as they can be used for make up or as a pencil case or just for embroidery projects. I decided to use two rectangles each side to make that the dominant fabric with a little bit of blue added to make it a little brighter and highlighs the lovely blue strip in the design. The only challenging bits of this pattern is the zip which even now takes a bit of concentration and a deep breath. I chose not to add box corners as I would loose too much of the fabric. I think this one will probably be a pencil case but who knows. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9gfPyuAyz6AaxhGb8-TpyqIt76EVJ7QU11K5HxZDvxysV-9P3NaLS4GiYOdnuH8lQj05GooMKlB7eYt8YyP05Y3vbC5dZ5-3arjMpCRSAD62j3ygSpnVWgi7oRrf28n8S_Ey_7Q_QKo/s1600/Collage+2018-08-14+08_59_59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicE4xMMu5TASk34Cde71aAhvEMw7Q5r9F5H-1__y1uKcLa6OyUrtiv5iUs3-L07-V03v2Qo_lix-eNo2sfEhliOXV8NellxjQKJg3eXThSMK-el3nkNSikGTZcGygDkmnZ76pKZU5D138/s1600/Collage+2018-08-14+10_59_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I have been meaning to try some of these lovely little bowls for a while. I use a lot of small bowls when sewing sequins and beads or making things from the <a href="https://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.com/2016/05/pipsqueaks-ive-never-felt-like-this.html" target="_blank">pipsqueaks book</a>. I loved the idea of getting to the end of a task by uncovering the design below. A bit like "peek a boo" for grown ups…. I could have made this project a lot faster by sacrificing the herons around it but I was on a mission not to do that. I used a one heron rectangle for the small bowl – I cut two pieces of co-ordinating fabric (3.5cm bigger than the rectangle all the way round). I then attached the heron rectangle to the centre of the inner bowl fabric. I did this using a machine blanket stitch. I like the fact this make the base a little heavier and thus a little sturdier. I used two heron rectangles for the bigger bowl and this time machine stitched right at the edge and covered up the raw edge using a decorative hand embroidered chain stitch with 3 strands of black embroidery thread. I am not sure which I prefer. It will be interesting to see which holds better in the long run. I then stitched the top and bottom pieces right sides together turned through a small turning gap and ladder stitched the gap before sewing the corners together to make the bowl. The fabrics all co-ordinate with other projects. I love how effective these are. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCPAbp3rFkiTB9Jni9Kn_69VtkeJCyLtDRJeCq1NNnfAXOKuXKPkCZ34o3VNOoX_kOfeKiEBLnszonZ4k4obO0ezoeclW-UpbP4f-p-pp-v1uH_VnbEiCIzrir2ItFGHYqgYm4VUI85s/s1600/Collage+2018-08-14+09_08_46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCPAbp3rFkiTB9Jni9Kn_69VtkeJCyLtDRJeCq1NNnfAXOKuXKPkCZ34o3VNOoX_kOfeKiEBLnszonZ4k4obO0ezoeclW-UpbP4f-p-pp-v1uH_VnbEiCIzrir2ItFGHYqgYm4VUI85s/s320/Collage+2018-08-14+09_08_46.jpg" width="320" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>I have a bad habit of breaking headphones, the left one tends to stop working a lot and they get bashed and jumbled in my bag. I went through a phase of keeping them looped on a wooden clothes peg but even that didn't help..... I therefore decided to make a little case using two rectangles of the fabric. It was lined with black cotton fabric cut a little longer than the rectangles and turned through the lining at the end. I added poppers and little buttons on the outside to co-ordinate with other projects. The photo shows the front and the back. I love how cute and practical it is and it is already proving to being easier to find them in my bag. Less tangled too...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzX2msEVQSKVb3OUJtkTrWMly3jmu_aGSn3DO4Uj0xo1akbeUxFQIyRtT_B72T_TddBiqCtLr2jteTrrDwDBbcF4Vb1NdGvud9esIfYlpJjvb-fuD1petny2efsK6OHI1WY99Qhzy51U/s1600/Collage+2018-08-14+11_20_41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzX2msEVQSKVb3OUJtkTrWMly3jmu_aGSn3DO4Uj0xo1akbeUxFQIyRtT_B72T_TddBiqCtLr2jteTrrDwDBbcF4Vb1NdGvud9esIfYlpJjvb-fuD1petny2efsK6OHI1WY99Qhzy51U/s1600/Collage+2018-08-14+11_20_41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cK-v32KRsei3gdSCvRTe5kBOQS6u18Nb-mrwA2PRcrPU-OREIhyphenhyphenGOVoXUyPMh00b2Rdc7Ir8t3Naf6jMaka9T4d6SUyjIWoao7MHjrQ07SxhvhuVbkF2hiXFbS3PIVetRXJMgkng0kQ/s1600/Collage+2018-08-14+10_05_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzX2msEVQSKVb3OUJtkTrWMly3jmu_aGSn3DO4Uj0xo1akbeUxFQIyRtT_B72T_TddBiqCtLr2jteTrrDwDBbcF4Vb1NdGvud9esIfYlpJjvb-fuD1petny2efsK6OHI1WY99Qhzy51U/s1600/Collage+2018-08-14+11_20_41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="630" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzX2msEVQSKVb3OUJtkTrWMly3jmu_aGSn3DO4Uj0xo1akbeUxFQIyRtT_B72T_TddBiqCtLr2jteTrrDwDBbcF4Vb1NdGvud9esIfYlpJjvb-fuD1petny2efsK6OHI1WY99Qhzy51U/s400/Collage+2018-08-14+11_20_41.jpg" width="245" /></a>Another of my "go-to" makes is a notebook cover – there is something satisfying and tactile about having covered notebooks. I made myself a Christmas planning notebook cover years ago using a fabric wrap from lush that was bought for me (by the same person that recommended me for this fabric so it felt right to go full circle). There was of course a temptation to make the whole notebook cover in the fabric – it would showcase it nicely. This would have meant that I did not have enough for the bag though, and it also would have felt a little ”safe”. It is fair to say I could have gone through 3m of this fabric with none left but the joy of having a relatively small amount to work with is it make you think really carefully about how you use it and what you really want – it also forces you to be a little creative. I thought about putting a rectangle on the blue I used for the bag – it’s nice to co-ordinate. What I really wanted to do was explore some of the elements of the design. The bird is striking but actually the detail and intricacies are interesting in their own right. So with the notebook I chose to explore the colours used. I sorted through my scraps and found 4 strips just long enough that matched the 4 areas in the fabric including the most perfect batik green. I don’t tend to think about fate but I decided it was a sign that the universe was on my side – my husband felt it was a reflection of the size of my fabric collection that I can match anything..... I lined the four strips up and it felt too uniform so then experimented with using some on a slope to reflect the actual design. This was better but not right – it needed the black "lead" to break it up and mirror the de<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicE4xMMu5TASk34Cde71aAhvEMw7Q5r9F5H-1__y1uKcLa6OyUrtiv5iUs3-L07-V03v2Qo_lix-eNo2sfEhliOXV8NellxjQKJg3eXThSMK-el3nkNSikGTZcGygDkmnZ76pKZU5D138/s1600/Collage+2018-08-14+10_59_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicE4xMMu5TASk34Cde71aAhvEMw7Q5r9F5H-1__y1uKcLa6OyUrtiv5iUs3-L07-V03v2Qo_lix-eNo2sfEhliOXV8NellxjQKJg3eXThSMK-el3nkNSikGTZcGygDkmnZ76pKZU5D138/s1600/Collage+2018-08-14+10_59_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>sign. I thought about piecing in thin strips of black but it would be tricky and hard to keep a steady width on such thin fabric – I also contemplated machine stitching the black lines but that would be a challenge to get just the right thickness of thread and would make it more likely to pucker (I really like the word pucker!). I then decided to use some bias binding. Thankfully I had just enough black in my stash so I added the bias binding along the strips. I then had to add on my rectangle – I didn’t want to use one of the bowl methods so I chose to use bias binding so<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzX2msEVQSKVb3OUJtkTrWMly3jmu_aGSn3DO4Uj0xo1akbeUxFQIyRtT_B72T_TddBiqCtLr2jteTrrDwDBbcF4Vb1NdGvud9esIfYlpJjvb-fuD1petny2efsK6OHI1WY99Qhzy51U/s1600/Collage+2018-08-14+11_20_41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> that it was in keeping with the rest of the notebook. Mitered corners on something (6cm x 8.5cm) was tricky but thankfully I had buttons to cover the offending corners and coordinate with the bag! As I said I had just enough fabric lengths for the cover. If I had been making it for a gift I would have wanted to be longer so instead of sewing the front and back right sides together and turning I opted to sew the front directly onto the back and edge with (you guessed) more bias binding. I ladder stitched the end sections to make the flaps to wrap around an A5 notebook. I was really pleased with the outcome - it isn't technically perfect and it did evolve a bit but I feel it highlights the use of colour in the way I wanted to.<br />
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The bookmark was a really basic project that took minutes to <br />
put together and a lot longer to embroider! I had come across it numerous times as a way to use fabric scraps – again having a fabric with straight edges lends itself to this and looks really effective. I had thought about adding elastic to the back but the tassel won in the end as it allowed me to play with pretty coloured embroidery thread! I wanted this piece to highlight the texture and amazing detail in the design. I used a single strand of black embroidery thread and tiny backstitch to outline the leaves. I used two strands to embroider the rushes using French knots and backstitch. It was fun to lift out the details. Although it did lead to me photographing leaves in the town flower garden. <br />
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I have explored the colour and textures – I have even used thick black borders as a nod to the lead. I used a large section to just speak for itself and highlighted the fabric in my pencil case but the one thing I have not done is pay rightful attention to the heron who is after all the subject of this beautiful window! I gathered up the remaining scraps from the book and the bowls to discover I had just enough for coasters. To make the coasters I used one rectangle and added on co-ordinating fabric at the sides. I then layered some wadding and a co-ordinating backing fabric that was 1.5cm bigger all the way round than my top design. Using black thread and my friend's sewing machine (I actually have the best friends!) I quilted around the Heron. This gave a subtle lift to the heron on the front and made a fantastic heron on the back. I made 4 of these and it is best not to compare them as my quilting is not that consistent.<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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I had a lot of fun with this fabric. It was lovely to get to work with such a special design and explore the features of it. It is a strange feeling having been in contact with the designer as it made me want to try and do it justice and show it off to its best. I also gave me the perfect excuse to make lots of things for me and not wait too long to do it. As I said at the start this was kindly posted to me - I would like to make clear that there was no requirement to blog or review the fabric and this is just because I was excited by it. <br />
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<br />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-56687503967008315442017-08-06T22:11:00.000+01:002017-08-06T22:11:20.513+01:00Lottie Week Day 7 - Stylish storage and Future Plans
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Today’s blog is all about the bags I made to go with the Lottie
clothes and accessories as well as a quick round up.<br />
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I have made various bags in the past to be used as everything from
make-up bags to pencil cases. I tend to store planned projects in
individual bags so it's something I am drawn to. I had found amazing
'Girl Friends' and 'Wonder Fabric' ranges by Ann Kelle for <i>Robert
Kaufman</i> and I used her 'Urban Zoologie' fabric for my <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=millie" target="_blank">little girls quilt</a>.
I decided to make 3 bags of different sizes with the intention of the
large one being for Little Miss Es Lottie dolls (she has more than one, with different names, but for the sake of this blog I've called them all "Lottie"). The middle sized one
is for the clothes and the smallest for being for accessories.<br />
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The fabric for the dolls is perfect for<a href="https://uk.lottie.com/" target="_blank"> Lottie</a> as it is a series
of girls doing all sorts of jobs. This fitted with the range of dolls
and sets available. I think it is obviously important to tell our girls that they
can do anything and be anything they want, but I also think it is
important to have that message all around them and in the things that they
play with. As I have previously mentioned Little Miss E loves a bit of sparkle and
<a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/lottie-week-day-5-dressing-up.html" target="_blank">dressing up</a> so I used the princess print out of the same range for the
second bag. This is a fun print showing girls with different hair
and skin colours in lovely dresses. There is nothing sexualised about
the dresses and the girls are the shape of girls, not women, so I
felt this also tied in with the Lottie doll company. The final bag is made
with the unicorn print, I love the bold primary colours (and who
doesn’t love unicorns!). On a side note I am a little bit in love
with the Girl Friends range <a href="http://www.annkelle.com/new-collection-girl-friends/" target="_blank">mermaid print</a> and I have just discovered
that you can make soft toys of the <a href="http://www.annkelle.com/the-girl-friend-dolls/" target="_blank">girls dolls</a> – this is going to
have to be added onto my to do list.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbeRVANI37j0IRrB2p_bIN6VM1wXjG46ryjm-9uzp26VV4aF_gNUcuA6xazp7V7c7ynW4eOD2fSktg0r1xRU_11Wr9ikuGqUBxny0XMezuC3PQjeLYjoQCAT_7_6IRuhlCelCg7TMBjQ/s1600/IMG_6693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1600" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbeRVANI37j0IRrB2p_bIN6VM1wXjG46ryjm-9uzp26VV4aF_gNUcuA6xazp7V7c7ynW4eOD2fSktg0r1xRU_11Wr9ikuGqUBxny0XMezuC3PQjeLYjoQCAT_7_6IRuhlCelCg7TMBjQ/s320/IMG_6693.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ann Kelle Fabric bags for Lottie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All three bags were made in the same way. Firstly, two pieces the same size
were cut out for the lining fabric, then one piece was cut out of the
pattern fabric using the lining as the template. A second piece was then cut out
of the pattern fabric which was the same width as the lining fabric, but only 75% of the height. A fifth piece of fabric was cut out of a
coordinating solid colour that again is the same width, but this time only 30% of the height. The solid colour fabric was embroidered with letters to show the intended "purpose"; remembering of course that we are talking about a 4 year old playing with her toys!<br />
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I thought for a while about
the font I should use for the embroidery and was almost ready to Google “Child style handwriting” when it occurred to me that it
would be much more personal to get my daughter to do the writing.
She wrote 'Dolls', 'Clothes' and 'Play' for me on a piece of A4 paper and I
used the transfer pen I had used in Day 2 (for the fairy wings) to
trace it before ironing it onto the fabric; I used a basic back stitch to
embroider the words onto the fabric. The solid colour fabric was
stitched along the long edge to the top of the smaller piece of
pattern fabric, pressed and trimmed to be the same size as the other
piece of patterned fabric.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V08mSQgiu_Mj2oAsbVvyV_RMXCI3pv5gc9Wy4ivmyLeMX0zluJschdQUCuvrgYSZKBCavShPej58CsTPwpccNYCI16keaCW_7SpSJLE-NlXlUBw1ylEkqr0aoW-1gE8HO0hm7SLQtUE/s1600/IMG_6695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V08mSQgiu_Mj2oAsbVvyV_RMXCI3pv5gc9Wy4ivmyLeMX0zluJschdQUCuvrgYSZKBCavShPej58CsTPwpccNYCI16keaCW_7SpSJLE-NlXlUBw1ylEkqr0aoW-1gE8HO0hm7SLQtUE/s320/IMG_6695.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl Friends Big bag </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUpvnfmmfFw7cV7HTde6x8f9-rSNHAPl_HZ_tcHaeYeHMNX50p0qOaD_EXcDZxaJzpibB8dcEHCR4CLcB8aOuns9UF31lFB3RV_OIkNCcKPoPeY5-WaoyK0KBoRRSkPzlshT40AeQJE0/s1600/IMG_6697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUpvnfmmfFw7cV7HTde6x8f9-rSNHAPl_HZ_tcHaeYeHMNX50p0qOaD_EXcDZxaJzpibB8dcEHCR4CLcB8aOuns9UF31lFB3RV_OIkNCcKPoPeY5-WaoyK0KBoRRSkPzlshT40AeQJE0/s320/IMG_6697.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl Friends Medium Bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIL6SzXm7Mt3izsEJBNMzRBqHjpRKUnb3GA7nzvUmN4JuSBsMxTylhMCr2pGGWxEmR8Awvj8W3Qw55Wg_qejEXNJ-6KJJgC2vXluJj5TsvxApUoYXvFFLc7hc0HkEKW7S1_ubgsWWLA4/s1600/IMG_6698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIL6SzXm7Mt3izsEJBNMzRBqHjpRKUnb3GA7nzvUmN4JuSBsMxTylhMCr2pGGWxEmR8Awvj8W3Qw55Wg_qejEXNJ-6KJJgC2vXluJj5TsvxApUoYXvFFLc7hc0HkEKW7S1_ubgsWWLA4/s320/IMG_6698.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unicorn Wonder Fabric</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
I sandwiched the zip between the top fabric and the lining fabric
on both sides and stitched it in using a zipper foot. I then stitched
the sides and bottom of the bag on the patterned fabric with right sides
together. I flattened the bottom corners to make a triangle and
stitched a line across 5cm down from the point on each side. I
trimmed the triangle off which created a nice gusset, then I repeated the
step with the lining, leaving only a small turning gap in the bottom.
I turned the bag out through the gap and stitched it up using a
ladder stitch.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier2X95j08n2QImM58W_W8fqsljqD5vgRLcv2tl6E9LjkVo8KjzBXg9nn8ECynRgl2tMHieH0sIEkM1XelolZKxV0aBhKZ1nrcK2gauBnSGPaTgekq7kc4PeiFq_1CFIuknvLhf1DTa38/s1600/IMG_6563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier2X95j08n2QImM58W_W8fqsljqD5vgRLcv2tl6E9LjkVo8KjzBXg9nn8ECynRgl2tMHieH0sIEkM1XelolZKxV0aBhKZ1nrcK2gauBnSGPaTgekq7kc4PeiFq_1CFIuknvLhf1DTa38/s320/IMG_6563.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layout one </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsMDx81jTif5C-JVrSgdX5k_Ny_fBbV-0x9tk6xtBjSb-aWpUJV0NBimGpwVyaHTeTJw1j9VjA4dSx1TjzzQCg8kN7vJ0yhR_jfb_8Ie0JYzVc1TpH7KuaWn7NQ42IFRU9mU6V_mHu0A/s1600/IMG_6561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1600" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsMDx81jTif5C-JVrSgdX5k_Ny_fBbV-0x9tk6xtBjSb-aWpUJV0NBimGpwVyaHTeTJw1j9VjA4dSx1TjzzQCg8kN7vJ0yhR_jfb_8Ie0JYzVc1TpH7KuaWn7NQ42IFRU9mU6V_mHu0A/s320/IMG_6561.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">|Layout two</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have a couple of photos here of all of the things I
made laid out just to give sense of scale of the different pieces. I
didn’t want to include it at the start as I wanted outfits revealed each the day... It has been such a fun project to carry out and I feel I
have learned a lot. I knew the small size would be the obvious
challenge and it was. I now have a better understanding of what
techniques can be transferred from making children’s clothes to
dolls clothes. I love felt and tiny buttons even more. I have become
more experimental in my approach to design and gained some
confidence. I would like to try my hand at more pattern drafting in
the future. I don’t think this ends my adventures with Lottie –<br />
I
have a feeling she will have a gift under the Christmas tree this
year that matches<br />
Little Miss E’s present...
<br />
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-86221272141772740322017-08-05T19:58:00.000+01:002017-08-05T19:58:31.047+01:00Lottie Week - Day 6 - Lottie takes a role in the South Mainland Up Helly Aa (SMUHA)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ujz2mtH-WRyEIPYhpvuHZ36M_Fi4h9d4zfD-ib0KEN5Co_SdJj19-hvPFy_0vcYXkPO9YWvpkdvEqmrcyUnD5ulZgcES9RIFx5E1seaGencoBqevTz-MwPp_TmmwVfq13dubdASZrC4/s1600/IMG_6646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</a></div>
This is the sixth set of clothes and accessories for Little Miss Es
Lottie doll and my personal favourite. This was the most obvious
outfit to me and it was in my head as soon as I started planning what to make. Shetland
is known for its Viking connections and through the Winter every year the Up
Helly Aa fire festivals take place. The most publicised is the Lerwick Up Helly Aa (which is
also the largest) however there are many smaller regional festivals. Our local Up
Helly Aa is the <a href="http://www.smuha.org/2013.html" target="_blank">South Mainland Up Helly Aa (SMUHA)</a>.<br />
<br />
SMUHA is a more
recent addition to the fire festival calendar and is more inclusive allowing women to be part
of the squads and<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-31862589" target="_blank"> to take the role of Guizer Jarl (or head Viking)</a>. The festival consists of
squads of people in fancy dress with the main squad (the Jarl's Squad)
dressed as Vikings. They lead a torch lit procession through the
streets ahead of a galley which is then set on fire at the end of the procession. The smell and the
atmosphere is like nothing else and the work that goes into the suits
is amazing! There are all night parties at local halls after the
burning and the Jarl squad will attend charity events in the
following year. Little Miss E's Dad and Brother were in the squad a
few months before she was born in 2013 so I
loved the idea of Lottie getting to dress up as a SMUHA Shield
Maiden, and the progressive nature of SMUHA seemed in keeping with the ethos of the Lottie company.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6BDr8HDEejR0XCFKRF4vdhZFVPwzujo0RWqV2FnmJL6o_320U5PIPsUziDopG5ZnmSlQqGHGJi7KOOlkJYFglIysvKTzpdbj64x3q6A9z0xGSiQ2p-3CyUI-BrdXX-t0IRWL7vpGWeo/s1600/IMG_6555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6BDr8HDEejR0XCFKRF4vdhZFVPwzujo0RWqV2FnmJL6o_320U5PIPsUziDopG5ZnmSlQqGHGJi7KOOlkJYFglIysvKTzpdbj64x3q6A9z0xGSiQ2p-3CyUI-BrdXX-t0IRWL7vpGWeo/s400/IMG_6555.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SMUHA Lottie in front of Hoswick Beach </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The 2013 SMUHA was the first we
attended with our little girl and so the night holds fond memories for our family too.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfnM1H9sBYBa-TmU39iJ8whhuF1a98OoCG-9rxF0ELvihgAaeFJDm37UE4BXWP8mw6uRPbAAeoZ6FNsrbcY1nuToHCcuRpr64keLFqWd2K9yCFMOY5NCTA5UtXw9BxyZiuNFGA89k99E/s1600/P1040120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfnM1H9sBYBa-TmU39iJ8whhuF1a98OoCG-9rxF0ELvihgAaeFJDm37UE4BXWP8mw6uRPbAAeoZ6FNsrbcY1nuToHCcuRpr64keLFqWd2K9yCFMOY5NCTA5UtXw9BxyZiuNFGA89k99E/s320/P1040120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Galley - Sunnahamar </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmYxy1Sd6qe_nJEF55OWdfXlHYZCGYnrL-_gfo5CFjHNkgG9J_oQ0dnrtWRKQ7yXKrEtDsyXf1DLPPMLbDQ6h7Rer5gz5Qwpm_YHktadMA3ghR2FYVsN3iMcsYotcNNkTlOaR-bD8sDs/s1600/P1040125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmYxy1Sd6qe_nJEF55OWdfXlHYZCGYnrL-_gfo5CFjHNkgG9J_oQ0dnrtWRKQ7yXKrEtDsyXf1DLPPMLbDQ6h7Rer5gz5Qwpm_YHktadMA3ghR2FYVsN3iMcsYotcNNkTlOaR-bD8sDs/s320/P1040125.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lighting the torches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMzLhbxJHekqrudgSnbPkC1ld5djjVdU7l541J6fpSGIn5-TqL3m-rxhtVJsBQ39r3ZyyoMHFxoV0fJN-Qjhl97kPY77cmLPITZLFP5mi3L2bQoQGELcSZaOBNcpnle7qtvju30-9vzI/s1600/IMG_6687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMzLhbxJHekqrudgSnbPkC1ld5djjVdU7l541J6fpSGIn5-TqL3m-rxhtVJsBQ39r3ZyyoMHFxoV0fJN-Qjhl97kPY77cmLPITZLFP5mi3L2bQoQGELcSZaOBNcpnle7qtvju30-9vzI/s320/IMG_6687.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SMUHA Lottie Outfit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thankfully SMUHA 2013 has an extensive website which <a href="http://www.smuha.org/2013suitmaking.html" target="_blank">documented the suit making</a>. This allowed me to look in depth at the shield
maiden suit as well as the extra detail in the jewellery and I was able to see the real thing on display at the <a href="http://www.shetlandheritageassociation.com/members/south-mainland/hoswick-visitor-centre" target="_blank">Hoswick visitor centre</a>. This outfit isn't a perfect replica but I would say it is "inspired" by the 2013
squad... and thankfully the squad members who have seen it recognise it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I had the perfect piece of dark green fabric in my stash and I
immediately knew that it would make the base dress. I started with
the mini dress pattern I used for Day One. I then needed to figure
out how to insert the sleeves. I have not inserted sleeves in
anything this way before and I was mindful that I was trying to do it
on something so small! I spent quite a bit of time looking at shirt
making and to draft the sleeves I measured the armholes in the dress, then I
made the curve of the sleeve the correct size to fit into the
armhole. I then added on a generous seam allowance and tapered the
ends to give a wide cuff so there were no issues getting the hands of
the doll in. I used an old pillow case to make up mock dresses to see
what would work and make sure the sleeves would go in OK. It took a
few attempts before the sleeves were wide enough and the shoulder
seams were sitting right. My first attempt with the actual fabric was
a disaster - it frayed and fell apart – and I tried and emergency zig zag
stitch but it was too late. The second time I traced the pattern onto
the fabric and zig-zagged along the lines. I then cut around leaving a
small seam allowance. I stitched the two back sections to the front
piece right sides together along the shoulder seam and then inserted
the sleeves. I stitched the sleeve seam and the sides of the dress on
each side and before hemming it I added the rest of the details.
<br />
<br />
I used a dark green felt to make the shorter dress that goes over
the top. As with many of the pieces in this project the construction was based on
trial and error. I sketched out the shape of the front piece and
added a seam allowance at the sides. I then measured the back pieces
so they were as wide as the back pieces of the dark green base dress.
I stitched the sides of the dress to the front pieces and then trimmed the
seam to make it as snug as possible and, finally, stitched the top of the
felt dress to the base dress.
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vXY7OLxeCvy3VUdS8mE4Ux3_NKXie7IrAFyOUqUeZwiBa1lxjvcS7w3n-M8b-iqfrleOhG_xtu2Pwkw6oULyx2LHM0lN2bIYGOPhCgFpGbpYubzKZLBec3ffw8CSknRXSpJKJx36JEM/s1600/IMG_6626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vXY7OLxeCvy3VUdS8mE4Ux3_NKXie7IrAFyOUqUeZwiBa1lxjvcS7w3n-M8b-iqfrleOhG_xtu2Pwkw6oULyx2LHM0lN2bIYGOPhCgFpGbpYubzKZLBec3ffw8CSknRXSpJKJx36JEM/s320/IMG_6626.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 inspired dress design</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-OiYSODjzq-fpVUEVyiXFYmFBHLP7cC1-g_W6fkN2RCA3SXsKUKxLDmbw0CpRe_c8byys9u7vBgVN4uyewMsTmDPfycavxHwh_ulw2kg7ugaaM2c9HfRJ_6MVkCPlfJ3p4mJ2I5Z9xU/s1600/IMG_6627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-OiYSODjzq-fpVUEVyiXFYmFBHLP7cC1-g_W6fkN2RCA3SXsKUKxLDmbw0CpRe_c8byys9u7vBgVN4uyewMsTmDPfycavxHwh_ulw2kg7ugaaM2c9HfRJ_6MVkCPlfJ3p4mJ2I5Z9xU/s320/IMG_6627.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celtic knot style buckle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For the belt I cut a long strip of black felt, again judging
the width by eye. I stitched this from one of the back pieces at
waist height along to the<sup> </sup>second back piece. I then had a lot
of fun playing with metallic embroidery thread to make the buckle. In
the end a circle was satin stitched using green metallic embroidery
thread and I used three lazy daisy stitches in silver embroidery
thread to make the Celtic knot style motif. The circle was cut out and the edges
were stitched with more green thread. The buckle was then attached to
the belt.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I could not find the right ribbon to the trim the dress so I used a
strip of silver that I had in my stash and embroidered over the top.
The stitch I used in the end was, I believe, my own creation. I got 9
strands of embroidery thread and plaited each set of three. I then
plaited the three sets together and (this is where it becomes unusual) separated the top loop of the plait and secured it with a small
loop, creating a hole. I moved along one section of the plait and
separated the bottom strand and secured it in the same way. I moved
along the plait created holes alternately in the top and bottom this
way. Although not an exact match to the ribbon used in the original it gave a good effect.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ujz2mtH-WRyEIPYhpvuHZ36M_Fi4h9d4zfD-ib0KEN5Co_SdJj19-hvPFy_0vcYXkPO9YWvpkdvEqmrcyUnD5ulZgcES9RIFx5E1seaGencoBqevTz-MwPp_TmmwVfq13dubdASZrC4/s1600/IMG_6646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ujz2mtH-WRyEIPYhpvuHZ36M_Fi4h9d4zfD-ib0KEN5Co_SdJj19-hvPFy_0vcYXkPO9YWvpkdvEqmrcyUnD5ulZgcES9RIFx5E1seaGencoBqevTz-MwPp_TmmwVfq13dubdASZrC4/s320/IMG_6646.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embroidered Ribbon</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With the dress comes a cape/skin so I used a sample piece of fake
reindeer fur for this (and it was just big enough!). I measured the
length it needed to be and calculated the width by lying Lottie down
and adding on the shoulder sections. I sketched this all out and cut
it out of a piece of cream felt. I used this to make sure that it was the
right proportions. I added a press stud to each shoulder piece and then used the felt as a template to cut the fake fur. I was nervous enough not
to spoil a 99p sample, so goodness knows how nervous they were with
full skins! The fur and the cream felt were stitched together using a blanket stitch and I then added the other half of the press stud to the
corresponding part of the dress. In the original there is a chain
that goes between the two sides of the fur. To recreate this I added
three small links from a bracelet making set.
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2J0LA3W83lABwK4OHl6WjO_CMoNraNlBd1yeE4l3OCFe1XabCRtx710a55kyT11MjxHymhrflMcz1cKTL-CuIjVGBJSBI-uEFD8rpV5Sqec2waFYDmT-z27AEYOhQFrlOA9zEAdiuHJY/s1600/IMG_6647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2J0LA3W83lABwK4OHl6WjO_CMoNraNlBd1yeE4l3OCFe1XabCRtx710a55kyT11MjxHymhrflMcz1cKTL-CuIjVGBJSBI-uEFD8rpV5Sqec2waFYDmT-z27AEYOhQFrlOA9zEAdiuHJY/s320/IMG_6647.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chain detail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After all of these details were added I tided up the seams,
creating small rolled hems and hemming the felt and dark green dress
together to reduce bulk. After this I added the strip of Velcro down
the back of the dress so that it was easy to get on and off.<br />
<br />
The joy of looking at all of the details on the website is that I
got to see the making of the jewellery – they had amazing necklaces and knotted bracelets. I took liberties with this for Lottie's accessories and
to make the necklace I used an idea I had seen for making friendship
bracelets where you fasten them with (yet another...) tiny button. The main part of the necklace was contructed using finger crochet to incorporate a charm. I had some sparkly green beads that made a lovely
bracelet on some elasticated thread.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVzG0dHkJUE14sX-M0kmMqEB9AL4fqzpZkurLJ0uNOECDjDArje1LhMuCEYbe7J-lAji9XXTUmu8zAXdUUpXKzR4URmviJGXBP6xXA4ZXbk4hhCepoW57P1IggGuD5NrOVeDzEVjIfBY/s1600/IMG_6652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVzG0dHkJUE14sX-M0kmMqEB9AL4fqzpZkurLJ0uNOECDjDArje1LhMuCEYbe7J-lAji9XXTUmu8zAXdUUpXKzR4URmviJGXBP6xXA4ZXbk4hhCepoW57P1IggGuD5NrOVeDzEVjIfBY/s320/IMG_6652.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lottie SMUHA inspired jewellery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The final part of the outfit was the shield. It is probably no
surprise that I chose to use felt as it has featured heavily
throughout. I embroidered the design using metallic silver
thread and a chain stitch. The dot in the centre is a single French
knot. I then cut a circle out around it and added a second circle of
felt to cover the back of the embroidery. I stitched them together
using silver metallic thread and a blanket stitch. There was a small
piece of elastic added on the back so it would stay on Lottie's arm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAztRDitg3l18NEXdr4EjIfMcXd66VOyYvZdJU0zkiO_NZle0jjNpg_f5Q4dP1bwvSee2087P6HnxDXgVurSWAK_fCvKlzBTmIB7nQyNZwxox-dGbPx2mGTnvow_pQSAddARvV45BnuiA/s1600/IMG_6656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAztRDitg3l18NEXdr4EjIfMcXd66VOyYvZdJU0zkiO_NZle0jjNpg_f5Q4dP1bwvSee2087P6HnxDXgVurSWAK_fCvKlzBTmIB7nQyNZwxox-dGbPx2mGTnvow_pQSAddARvV45BnuiA/s320/IMG_6656.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 SMUHA inspired shield</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This outfit was a really interesting one to make as it was all
about trying to recreate something that already existed. The previous
outfits had been about making something I had imagined, and even when I
used a template I often added my own twist or whimsical fabric. It
was lovely to go back and look at the little details and be inspired
by someone elses designs. I know it is not a "to scale" replica but
I have to remind myself again <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/lottie-week-day-1-from-rock-n-roll-to.html" target="_blank">that the idea</a> was to make a toy not an exhibition piece. It did feel
different to make this outfit with the pressure of staying true to something you
admire.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaW5kEhNXIF1QDZMg2RPdhZdTN6sIGn-yUXxbZtJX3uB0zpcBW6ZFkPNSXdqiLWQwjNB1iM99jYtW7G6p-mCyLRiCh7NdRH1UR9QSIaxBOhP_RDKml7xH6MOajEWTOIYZALhfb6gqOWCU/s1600/IMG_6552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaW5kEhNXIF1QDZMg2RPdhZdTN6sIGn-yUXxbZtJX3uB0zpcBW6ZFkPNSXdqiLWQwjNB1iM99jYtW7G6p-mCyLRiCh7NdRH1UR9QSIaxBOhP_RDKml7xH6MOajEWTOIYZALhfb6gqOWCU/s400/IMG_6552.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SMUHA Lottie looking out to sea.</td></tr>
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<br />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-41523036108603522842017-08-04T18:18:00.000+01:002017-08-04T18:24:26.307+01:00Lottie week Day 5 - Dressing up <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzdRSbknYSaIrsSF6Seo0M9bwsIQ_zy0zVPz21YSsXzPk5sTAba15TlzeSy8414Qg3gJ0nuBllRvo3yeYG35tMyg4GjttW67P_D47OBt7vZF0ZtrL6W9XCk5U6he0XTZ-H2eiHq660Vw/s1600/IMG_6559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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Little Miss E is the queen of dressing up and she loves a little
bit of sparkle. I really wanted a multi-purpose dress up set.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzdRSbknYSaIrsSF6Seo0M9bwsIQ_zy0zVPz21YSsXzPk5sTAba15TlzeSy8414Qg3gJ0nuBllRvo3yeYG35tMyg4GjttW67P_D47OBt7vZF0ZtrL6W9XCk5U6he0XTZ-H2eiHq660Vw/s1600/IMG_6559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzdRSbknYSaIrsSF6Seo0M9bwsIQ_zy0zVPz21YSsXzPk5sTAba15TlzeSy8414Qg3gJ0nuBllRvo3yeYG35tMyg4GjttW67P_D47OBt7vZF0ZtrL6W9XCk5U6he0XTZ-H2eiHq660Vw/s320/IMG_6559.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mermaid Lottie on Hoswick beach.</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_170174916"></span><span id="goog_170174917"></span><br />
I started this set with a <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/make-doll-clothes-for-any-size-2365580" target="_blank">swimsuit tutorial</a>. The fabric used is
actually a sample piece and was just enough. The tutorial is easy to
follow and really helpful. I changed the neck slightly and added a
halter-neck with a popper hidden at the front making it easy for
little fingers to put on and take off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvObv0zw6LjZ1eev-_PsTxzH8FSGmLO4uK_z3g3kqg9yrYMyZ2XDvJmhrKbVOyZjmH_vuC88pxkPBXb4uN7WgmWO8nt9-dUJ97VIToiWufZ8Bh9-dTUnpwUpbxvgOAfMyDZemGKlii-0/s1600/IMG_6648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvObv0zw6LjZ1eev-_PsTxzH8FSGmLO4uK_z3g3kqg9yrYMyZ2XDvJmhrKbVOyZjmH_vuC88pxkPBXb4uN7WgmWO8nt9-dUJ97VIToiWufZ8Bh9-dTUnpwUpbxvgOAfMyDZemGKlii-0/s320/IMG_6648.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swimsuit </td></tr>
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The first dress up outfit was a mermaid. The was a really simple
design; I drew a wide line around <a href="https://uk.lottie.com/" target="_blank">Lottie</a> lying down from one side of her waist round her feet to the other side of her waist to
make the tail shape and sketched in the tail fins. I cut out two pieces
of purple felt for the tail and four pieces of pink felt for the fins. I
stitched the pink fins right sides together leaving the top open and
turned them through this gap. I sandwiched the fins between either
side of the bottom of the tail and stitched around the tail leaving
the top open. I then cut 3 cm down the center of the back of the tail and
folded one piece over the other and added a press stud, and I added two small
darts to improve the fit.<br />
<br />
This was all quite straightforward and took
less trial and error than the rest of my self drafted patterns. That was until the sequins and
beading... I decided that the felt on its own was not 'exciting' enough
so I bought flat purple sequins (1cm across) that I could overlap to look like
scales. This way each sequin covers the stitch of the sequin below.
It also allows the sequins to shimmer in the light. For the fins I
stitchd on individual 5mm pink sequins each with a tiny pink bead in the
center. This took a lot longer than I had anticipated but gave a
really fun effect. I finished the top line of purple sequins with
pink beaded ones to cover up the purple holes.<br />
<br />
When I am making something for a person I like to have something going on that makes me thinks of the person I am stitching for. This is normally music, a programme or even a drink. I was not able to take up the whole process with something that made me think of a (at the time, almost) 4 year old but I did sequin the tail while watching<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubble_Guppies" target="_blank"> Bubble Guppies</a> with my daughter. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoulUO_SlqgDCUksAI_E4WvJQTv7R4NDoHS7L2vdaUmqn0lkXcmqhc6BkxsiFpkf07Ib-3i2T7b1I9CSOroogqlWpsds1XgA78plD3lp9V-7rgyvvh5kLzYF3RIr_qcYgJLNM2hA4aNI/s1600/IMG_6650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoulUO_SlqgDCUksAI_E4WvJQTv7R4NDoHS7L2vdaUmqn0lkXcmqhc6BkxsiFpkf07Ib-3i2T7b1I9CSOroogqlWpsds1XgA78plD3lp9V-7rgyvvh5kLzYF3RIr_qcYgJLNM2hA4aNI/s320/IMG_6650.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mermaid tail</td></tr>
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To go with the mermaid I decided to include a mini <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tildas-Seaside-Ideas-Tone-Finnanger/dp/1446303780" target="_blank">Tilda spermwhale</a>. Lots of children’s toys include dolphins but a sperm whale
seemed more unusual. I also like that<a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/lottie-week-day-3-dog-walking.html" target="_blank"> Day Three</a> had narwhal fabric so
I was happy to be a little bit different again. I have made a lot of Tilda sperm
whales of al sizes so it was a personal thing for me to make and
give and I chose pretty flower fabric to match with the pink and purple
mermaid. The whale is mostly made on the sewing machine with just the
fins hand stitched on. Despite the simplicity of the pattern you get
such a lovely expression just from the length of the mouth and the
position of the eye. For the eyes I used a tiny black button, a
French knot would have also been fine.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattern matching on the sperm whale</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every girl needs a flowey sperm whale</td></tr>
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<br />
The second outfit was a fairy. This also uses the swimsuit as a
base. I made a really simple skirt by gathering glittery net fabric using a large running stitch. It was so glittery that I am still finding glitter, and I may need to
apologise to the Little Miss E’s family for this too. I measured Lotties waist and multiplied it by 1.5, then gathered it up by hand
and added a strip of the lycra from the swimsuit which was slightly longer than
the net fabric. I stitched the two short net ends together from the
bottom to 1cm below the waist band. I added mini poppers and tiny
buttons to finish and tidied up the open bit of net. This was not the
tidiest finish and I might be tempted to take a different approach if
I made one again.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFF9Ur51O61TxjcTiscnwGMzK35VhXNwMh6U3fCLXedOap6aD69udEWI0B1WueUGSxLT_-W-ULUhsk4LRZJLDJN161BuSYHhx3NTSDYpnR_VrufEtRA4L7otuL8Q6vc7TiIPjaHPlZ1A/s1600/IMG_6689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFF9Ur51O61TxjcTiscnwGMzK35VhXNwMh6U3fCLXedOap6aD69udEWI0B1WueUGSxLT_-W-ULUhsk4LRZJLDJN161BuSYHhx3NTSDYpnR_VrufEtRA4L7otuL8Q6vc7TiIPjaHPlZ1A/s320/IMG_6689.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairy dressing up set</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I wanted a lovely fairy wing shape, I was thinking more insect
inspired than "Tooth fairy" so I found a lovely shape and shrank it on a
photocopier, I traced the details with a transfer pen and ironed the
pattern onto felt. Metallic thread is difficult to use as it has a
tendency to snag so I combined it with a single strand of grey
thread. I used back stitch to put in the lines and then cut the
overall shape. I embroidered the felt first as I was able to keep
the tension by putting it in an embroidery hoop. If I had embroidered it after I had cut it out then it would have stretched and lost its shape.
Having cut out the felt wings I then used it as a template to cut out a piece of metallic
fabric. I stitched the two together using a small blanket stitch, and I
added a press stud on the metallic side of the wings in the middle and then I
sewed the other side of the press stud onto the back of the swimsuit.
I pondered this solution a lot; Initially I wanted bits of elastic as you
would use for a childs play wings, but it was going to be too fiddly, too
easy to tangle and look clumsy. The downside of my use of the popper
is that it can only be used with the swim suit. This was another time
I had to remember that it is to be played with and that it is okay to
use the wings just with the swimsuit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPn4iuPF1vmmeHuma63SnsonVAoL85HQMXiACKy7bVOIOgkJhgs2jx4G1yuvZR76dVpUpbNzgJK8DQy_E2r2u0D0h7vykxpj8DH7ycsh_Md2qurn9otHk9bP06AEd7moeocNRN8e45cpk/s320/IMG_6616.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairy wings</td></tr>
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I love how fun and bright this set is and its one I can see
encouraging imaginative play. As Little Miss E has more than one Lottie doll I still wonder if I should have made a<sup> </sup>second swimsuit so that there could be a mermaid and a fairy at the
same time. Maybe Lottie... I mean Little Miss E... will get a surprise at
some point.<br />
<br />
Also... She might need a wand.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbjAsqVlkIOber25GNFXfAFQFmkNzmelf6w-p9S6-lIvMkMNw7ije5T0Uarje64E9zii1e7cmgY4vgJeiRI_EPHnSTOf_utgEhf5aejzj5jJM8J9fryJpVQh1dWaRlWBm39MafR6MKRQ/s1600/IMG_6522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbjAsqVlkIOber25GNFXfAFQFmkNzmelf6w-p9S6-lIvMkMNw7ije5T0Uarje64E9zii1e7cmgY4vgJeiRI_EPHnSTOf_utgEhf5aejzj5jJM8J9fryJpVQh1dWaRlWBm39MafR6MKRQ/s320/IMG_6522.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower pot Fairy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzmTN-eoreHH9NlHy72lsgYwJcLTQLRSFhc6nnTl7SZr9MIJFi2D2vqRgj1LSGSS7vxxCfeSYTlV5HzdU-FQyr34ksLmkQYQTl6uM0S4aaVvkr-6pt7Q3yQ0UIkIDk8o0zJYeD0R8bug/s1600/IMG_6523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzmTN-eoreHH9NlHy72lsgYwJcLTQLRSFhc6nnTl7SZr9MIJFi2D2vqRgj1LSGSS7vxxCfeSYTlV5HzdU-FQyr34ksLmkQYQTl6uM0S4aaVvkr-6pt7Q3yQ0UIkIDk8o0zJYeD0R8bug/s320/IMG_6523.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wing close up </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-73797691503638617482017-08-03T18:12:00.001+01:002017-08-03T18:12:34.784+01:00Lottie Week - Day 4 - Bed TimeWhen researching things I could make for<a href="https://uk.lottie.com/" target="_blank"> Lottie</a> I came across
quite a few doll sleeping bag patterns which got me thinking that
having a "Bedtime Lottie" would be a good idea. This, as with the other
sets, led to lots of ideas all linked to the theme.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1ecYxAGKh225TfW9qtxSbW1gU9-fQv7-jJ-33xrVzTVn8qsON2CswDNplW5r4AiASdxDV19_e_ylqm5dXeHjN3i2qH28krjEeL8JCfObllutJTRSSXIhTtuJm3uTvMTHaLvjh2wogSo/s1600/IMG_6680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1ecYxAGKh225TfW9qtxSbW1gU9-fQv7-jJ-33xrVzTVn8qsON2CswDNplW5r4AiASdxDV19_e_ylqm5dXeHjN3i2qH28krjEeL8JCfObllutJTRSSXIhTtuJm3uTvMTHaLvjh2wogSo/s320/IMG_6680.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedtime set</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I started with pyjamas - the first pattern I <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSJqV5FDQEe/?taken-by=jo60doi">ever
self drafted</a> was for big sister pyjamas for 3 girls when their
brother was born. I used the same principle to draft some pyjama
bottoms and again tested my pattern using a pillow case. After two
attempts I had modified the gusset and had a working pattern. I made
them using beautiful green fabric covered in small Scottie dogs. I
trimmed the bottom with tiny pom poms.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImiFvefNEqdns_EHcTzysPZkmAv207nj2Mn52dIbT0EHZ-iAX7lUvnIiMQZmO1bzsr55ZBMtchcLhs4cYxuOZaLkH2VZAOh2VE6zOGFXQucaZfQu7H2EsUG4p_L92CgT57kDis-zqodk/s1600/IMG_6595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImiFvefNEqdns_EHcTzysPZkmAv207nj2Mn52dIbT0EHZ-iAX7lUvnIiMQZmO1bzsr55ZBMtchcLhs4cYxuOZaLkH2VZAOh2VE6zOGFXQucaZfQu7H2EsUG4p_L92CgT57kDis-zqodk/s320/IMG_6595.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottie dog pyjama bottoms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I made a top using the same principle as the cardigan on <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/lottie-week-day-2-pretty-in-pink.html" target="_blank">Day Two</a>. I decided the fabric would be too thick to insert the arms
separately. I created the front template by adding arms to the top
part of the simple dress pattern. For the back I traced the front
pattern piece - straightened where the neck was curved and cut it in
half . I then added 3cm to each half to make sure there was enough
fabric to add the Velcro to to close it. The front and back pieces
were machine sewn and then the Velcro and hems were done by hand. I
embroidered a small Scottie dog onto the front of the pyjama top so
it co-ordinated with the bottoms.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaXLjSknLHkGzxH6s5uxQoD4fon4_26aBPeSOsKUmlR32Rm_-mkM2gtNI1dPkE1A_N3bRBFXZL1Ya7IothoYhQY_jhsjDcFT28_M6blcuVh9fjuEx6_f2RAHf_MFarEm1CKIgxhJ9_2k/s1600/IMG_6596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaXLjSknLHkGzxH6s5uxQoD4fon4_26aBPeSOsKUmlR32Rm_-mkM2gtNI1dPkE1A_N3bRBFXZL1Ya7IothoYhQY_jhsjDcFT28_M6blcuVh9fjuEx6_f2RAHf_MFarEm1CKIgxhJ9_2k/s320/IMG_6596.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottie dog pyjama top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAqRrQggfW7R5VyRLyk3xDMEQSMTDz7P1rMCt9pqvDDlRQJTdvPSgILEAImpP3HAAwcQCW_s576d4uk48JP3E6GYmFo98St4sJujTEnZMqc7GhelkhIiTmvxdQutgV3fztSopZ_FFFXI/s1600/IMG_6577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAqRrQggfW7R5VyRLyk3xDMEQSMTDz7P1rMCt9pqvDDlRQJTdvPSgILEAImpP3HAAwcQCW_s576d4uk48JP3E6GYmFo98St4sJujTEnZMqc7GhelkhIiTmvxdQutgV3fztSopZ_FFFXI/s200/IMG_6577.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny slippers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I found a <a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/3e/c6/bc/3ec6bcb397f86ba8e44cd4d98dc83039.jpg">slipper
photo </a>and modified instructions to fit Lottie. This included drawing
round Lottie's feet and some trial and error getting the shaping right
on the strip of fabric. I blanket stitched the strip to the sole using thread the same colour as the pyjama top and added a pom pom on each to co-ordinate with pyjama bottoms.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAI33hWnLTFxWONzv7SPph9CkyKBpZ1Oo4vwgxBuFHBmuNLn1kpHOIOKN8rGyILEK7Fv6Bc_qCf4Kbomnk5Xzf3vH7QdR4L9r3s4Lf8Yw-FoiiyivhwIzeGUJz_0sHlhIEou316wkTqE/s1600/IMG_6567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAI33hWnLTFxWONzv7SPph9CkyKBpZ1Oo4vwgxBuFHBmuNLn1kpHOIOKN8rGyILEK7Fv6Bc_qCf4Kbomnk5Xzf3vH7QdR4L9r3s4Lf8Yw-FoiiyivhwIzeGUJz_0sHlhIEou316wkTqE/s200/IMG_6567.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipsqueaks teddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I made a <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/pipsqueaks-ive-never-felt-like-this.html" target="_blank">pipsqueaks</a> bear to go with the set. This is one of the
more basic pipsqueaks design and I adore the simplicity and the
beautiful bow. The stitching on the face makes it look so happy and gives each bear an individual expression. It is also where <a href="http://www.sallydixon.com.au/" target="_blank">Sally</a> (of Pipsqueaks fame) started with
her journey into the world of felt so it seemed overdue for me to
have a go at it. I really think I should make a pair of them into
earrings for myself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I decided to make Lottie a quilt. I measured the size that I
wanted based on Lottie lying down and sat with a piece of graph paper
and a lot of head scratching. I started the quilt with a lovely piece
of stripy dachshund fabric. Little Miss E owns a Dachshund and so it
was perfect. I love sorting through my stash for the right
patchwork pieces especially as it is a lovely excuse to look at fabric that
reminds me of all of the things I have made in the past. The three
main colours in the dachshund are dark pink, lime and blue. I had a scrap of Little Red Riding hood fabric designed by Tasha Noel for Riley Blake. I managed to get 3 perfect sized pieces to tell the story on the left hand side of the quilt.e. The middle patch is made of lovely
funny bunnies.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgSIVFJWa0A65PWswq2fjuSSR65NT0XExXK0j7iTlf2QmVY6OIi_SsZJ45RUdQZT06v_fmXV_94QmpPtMoqBhgiuLXLHP5BNjY-sELBBjxrBgKyU3pKJnUuHih97qVolvbWXB9tBv0J0/s1600/IMG_6581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgSIVFJWa0A65PWswq2fjuSSR65NT0XExXK0j7iTlf2QmVY6OIi_SsZJ45RUdQZT06v_fmXV_94QmpPtMoqBhgiuLXLHP5BNjY-sELBBjxrBgKyU3pKJnUuHih97qVolvbWXB9tBv0J0/s200/IMG_6581.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunny side of the pillow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZlRRtEV6rK5haSuq8f-fz12ax_o3n100_xN3DjKv2Mag8eQypCUh1JViORzENLLt3wPXLyQ23nFPPRwmW8uZ9Jt5tRutUyu8zR24fCHtU__yuQKuPdeK5cmf-VaqamuMgUz7byglwdQ/s1600/IMG_6588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZlRRtEV6rK5haSuq8f-fz12ax_o3n100_xN3DjKv2Mag8eQypCUh1JViORzENLLt3wPXLyQ23nFPPRwmW8uZ9Jt5tRutUyu8zR24fCHtU__yuQKuPdeK5cmf-VaqamuMgUz7byglwdQ/s200/IMG_6588.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottie dog side of the pillow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The turquoise panda fabric is one I have used many
times and love. I also included the lime fabric with the Scottie dogs
so it would match the pyjama bottoms. The<br />
other pieces tied in with
the colours and had a small enough print as by this point I had
designed the simple layout. I used a soft brushed cotton for the
back. To quilt it I used the basic "stitch in the ditch"
method. The quilt was bound from the back and hand stitched on the
front. I made a matching pillow using the bunny fabric and pom pom
trims to tie the project elements together. This was just two basic
rectangles, one bunny rabbit fabric and the other Scottie dog fabric
stuffed with toy filling.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSr0PBUZxSh708o2qkOQBjaM84NJZSzWymL2kAthIVOHUBHsE4bWjXkDgjMJlbhZh6r04ZhrUmIlI-6pPOZhaStXa5pwtlJj2IVSixpJ7ytErVQz3OLNQOaojCJED8hvGPJc4RIOdslZw/s1600/IMG_6565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSr0PBUZxSh708o2qkOQBjaM84NJZSzWymL2kAthIVOHUBHsE4bWjXkDgjMJlbhZh6r04ZhrUmIlI-6pPOZhaStXa5pwtlJj2IVSixpJ7ytErVQz3OLNQOaojCJED8hvGPJc4RIOdslZw/s400/IMG_6565.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lottie Quilt </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
For the sleeping bag I used Lottie as a guide to the overall
length of the bag including the area the head goes on. I then
measured length without the head area. I added these two measurements
together and cut two long pieces of fabric. The outer fabric is a
lovely needle cord decorated in tiny flowers; it was used last
Christmas to make my daughter a blue, purple and pink <i>Melly and Me</i>
dolphin as they were her favourite colours at the time. I opened out
the zip fully and sandwiched it between the two pieces of fabric
starting at the none curved edge of the fabric. I then stitched the
two pieces of fabric right side together all the way round leaving a
small turning gap. I turned the whole thing through the turning gap
and closed the gap. I zipped it up and then using a small ladder
stitch I closed up the side opposite to the zip. I also made a
matching pillow as I didn’t want the doll with the sleeping bag to
feel left out next to the one with the quilt…. Again this was an
indicator I needed to move away from Lottie!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYEiwTT45QCMeB2ocJ-pFZKnbl7ygwnaB3Ckmo31v_N4gh7-eJ9MrEMBGjY-wySFuc8bQgmhs4yJ6ROjzd3bQawLEJCCdCAc0q-M1DTp6fk4AliGUDYZ-0HX8d5Vtb_0jLO8k7llAUq4/s1600/15841860_10158123167680529_342193467_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="820" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYEiwTT45QCMeB2ocJ-pFZKnbl7ygwnaB3Ckmo31v_N4gh7-eJ9MrEMBGjY-wySFuc8bQgmhs4yJ6ROjzd3bQawLEJCCdCAc0q-M1DTp6fk4AliGUDYZ-0HX8d5Vtb_0jLO8k7llAUq4/s320/15841860_10158123167680529_342193467_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric bought for Melly and Me dolphin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOhwuGG8N_U4aMQz0DrsictjTTPrCXSOPmACsFz1d7trnoLk4iEHMWAsac44cDzbdnQmBxAGSO8Y-TKbdSzAT2A_e8dC3Pm2cI78YJU50JMx-0Dz7n_8jMzXWIihNvvSWkFn_LC2N5AI/s1600/IMG_6624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOhwuGG8N_U4aMQz0DrsictjTTPrCXSOPmACsFz1d7trnoLk4iEHMWAsac44cDzbdnQmBxAGSO8Y-TKbdSzAT2A_e8dC3Pm2cI78YJU50JMx-0Dz7n_8jMzXWIihNvvSWkFn_LC2N5AI/s320/IMG_6624.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower sleeping bag </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When it all came together I could imagine play sleepovers and
camping. Since making this Lottie dolls have released a <a href="https://uk.lottie.com/collections/all/products/brownie-campfire-fun-playset" target="_blank">tent and camping set</a> - I think this should be added to Little Miss E's wish list! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2Ct-uvsvCHCqR-elT-o54jI6-CwrEpdR49hHousfEiJdXhqzx_N8ba__I3wY5lH21HowYRcA1RgcE8SsthUOWBji-yQpeSkMkp7vhnZ7r_zdtQF-0C3rcvOXK3p-4ohdKtVoIg1_R3A/s1600/IMG_6531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2Ct-uvsvCHCqR-elT-o54jI6-CwrEpdR49hHousfEiJdXhqzx_N8ba__I3wY5lH21HowYRcA1RgcE8SsthUOWBji-yQpeSkMkp7vhnZ7r_zdtQF-0C3rcvOXK3p-4ohdKtVoIg1_R3A/s400/IMG_6531.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for bed with pipsqueaks Ted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbsDT9I7dauM_QgElNY9dPRmWuD-4x_ImCPWXpwqAMdYuHV-MEj2kXMPYjPwthMzNB3d-Dt_rXNuEhENUkxa9lu31fH71RXOUIksigirkt0CKM2uAEfgUwtRfHwjhlCYar_r9Kt3tkMI/s1600/IMG_6537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbsDT9I7dauM_QgElNY9dPRmWuD-4x_ImCPWXpwqAMdYuHV-MEj2kXMPYjPwthMzNB3d-Dt_rXNuEhENUkxa9lu31fH71RXOUIksigirkt0CKM2uAEfgUwtRfHwjhlCYar_r9Kt3tkMI/s320/IMG_6537.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lottie ready to camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYPJqaRqBMQeSurgJYzbq145WUvDy8D05BWPWABbgtDISPc2fLrUm8Bd5T881Y1cIN0CH9W5z4SIL50uXRHhao2REV_AHK52TbqQeX_z9tcWS6BQNgt2FCppjvMpXx7Fwq15p-vamcEc/s1600/IMG_6535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYPJqaRqBMQeSurgJYzbq145WUvDy8D05BWPWABbgtDISPc2fLrUm8Bd5T881Y1cIN0CH9W5z4SIL50uXRHhao2REV_AHK52TbqQeX_z9tcWS6BQNgt2FCppjvMpXx7Fwq15p-vamcEc/s320/IMG_6535.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lottie under her quilt </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-68012208908761593592017-08-02T10:09:00.005+01:002017-08-02T10:09:51.181+01:00Lottie Week - Day 3 - Dog Walking The third outfit set compliments that of <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/lottie-week-day-2-pretty-in-pink.html" target="_blank">Day Two</a> and this one was made at the insistance of my little girl thinking that Lottie also needed a blue outfit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEdYef2-SbVb_NI8BvJNLnNPLTx-7OmqB1X_CBsyBYM5H181D6l-IQYkQu2VMiZhGxaUKtVsIkSye_CTTZTrhq2_ALNvl1K6nhlxyya3A_092jCBrnmN92hArnhitWxYs-6CW0Y7TY9M/s1600/IMG_6668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEdYef2-SbVb_NI8BvJNLnNPLTx-7OmqB1X_CBsyBYM5H181D6l-IQYkQu2VMiZhGxaUKtVsIkSye_CTTZTrhq2_ALNvl1K6nhlxyya3A_092jCBrnmN92hArnhitWxYs-6CW0Y7TY9M/s320/IMG_6668.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue set </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The top for this outfit uses the same template as for <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/lottie-week-day-2-pretty-in-pink.html" target="_blank">Day Two</a> and again by using cotton I had to make the pattern a little bigger. This time I decided to add poppers on the front and embelish with mini buttons so that it is more like a shirt. I opted for a white top with the co-ordinating fabric sleeves.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qn1JOSr3RwmVyd7S-MVC1SBlre9_SVWrmjufXQB0XkvNniDbm12Q2XCJpmfcVO2nE0FPwk-5mEXNmPOJOhRO1IsAERU2j1LK9bRoYDOYViekiJQo__1BrGGznMtCA_ZxpXUR2UUXSq8/s1600/IMG_6601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qn1JOSr3RwmVyd7S-MVC1SBlre9_SVWrmjufXQB0XkvNniDbm12Q2XCJpmfcVO2nE0FPwk-5mEXNmPOJOhRO1IsAERU2j1LK9bRoYDOYViekiJQo__1BrGGznMtCA_ZxpXUR2UUXSq8/s320/IMG_6601.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Shirt style" top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPNLYVs_kSr0te3b6G8vSEatTyfm86kRrkf9AFpMDxFGNL-Fv_kWwrfsHgWtWxUCKnbisGg8T8nJomygV8PD44p26dxdsPw6aEmTVT0UYotGgkOvH-aW1m3RKgKLOmYXU9nGFIhRdoPs/s1600/IMG_6602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPNLYVs_kSr0te3b6G8vSEatTyfm86kRrkf9AFpMDxFGNL-Fv_kWwrfsHgWtWxUCKnbisGg8T8nJomygV8PD44p26dxdsPw6aEmTVT0UYotGgkOvH-aW1m3RKgKLOmYXU9nGFIhRdoPs/s320/IMG_6602.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeve detail </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I used a <a href="http://daydreamdollboutique.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=wrap+skirt+" target="_blank">reversible skirt template</a>
for a much bigger doll and I scaled it down by measuring the length and 1.5
times Lottie's waist, then added on the seam allowance all around. The
two fabrics were stitched right sides together before being turned
through a turning gap. I closed the turning gap using a small ladder stitch and added a strip of Velcro at the corresponding top edges to allow it to close both ways. The fabrics used for this were a beutiful Narwal
fabric from Tales of the Sea by Lewis and Irene that I got for my
birthday and a Riley Tartan, which is actually an Irish Tartan that my Mum used to make my husband a waistcoat for a Scottish wedding. Again it
felt right to include fabric that was important to us to make the gift
more special.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRU5RPyBf680WaaH1iawmnfBvBTcu1m7APbyNEcKcFA-3yHmo3FVe2TTVr1f8bkLbt8-V5I1dXIAVKfcpow3IqMDheYudWVAg7YiKF49reuK6RxzzhUYuRUYi89tXf_hZwxo_Qertqoc/s1600/IMG_6599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRU5RPyBf680WaaH1iawmnfBvBTcu1m7APbyNEcKcFA-3yHmo3FVe2TTVr1f8bkLbt8-V5I1dXIAVKfcpow3IqMDheYudWVAg7YiKF49reuK6RxzzhUYuRUYi89tXf_hZwxo_Qertqoc/s320/IMG_6599.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narwhal side of reversible skirt </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUpu1mR5Bqzfarxvc2qjJD2aSBDlSANt7Bd8u2lz7pVRKlSkwI8cKuX9UxWdaWO8TneLCLTutZ_ukNXESMjOJ3fObebgDEr5nXFlosIoaJshAom0HPz27tRMIAtzYypJWG97CyY4b3EU/s1600/IMG_6600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUpu1mR5Bqzfarxvc2qjJD2aSBDlSANt7Bd8u2lz7pVRKlSkwI8cKuX9UxWdaWO8TneLCLTutZ_ukNXESMjOJ3fObebgDEr5nXFlosIoaJshAom0HPz27tRMIAtzYypJWG97CyY4b3EU/s320/IMG_6600.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riley tartan side of reversible skirt </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I love a good poncho and my husband knitted me a lovely one when I was pregnant. Poncho appreciation is something Little Miss E's Mum and I share, so I thought it would be fun to include one. Again I turned to recycling as with the cardigan in<a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/lottie-week-day-2-pretty-in-pink.html" target="_blank"> Day Two</a>. I had a lovely wool jumper that was springing holes all over the place and past darning. I boil washed it and it felted up really well. I used the rib and cut two rectangles. I stitched them together adding a small popper at the back. I added a basic blanket stitch to neaten the edges, although I was confident it was felted enough not to fray.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIpw04at1Vw6aML6Fli1lguOIW4KeMk_1bkUDMxw_kjvLxLzGbTPQt9shmXyJgrX8sLHg6M4AVMI3-mO6yrk_r4QLV9UIAqg071V-EZdPnxtaMa0ZFcx6-dCllk35svd6JHmyuOXjvyY/s1600/IMG_6604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIpw04at1Vw6aML6Fli1lguOIW4KeMk_1bkUDMxw_kjvLxLzGbTPQt9shmXyJgrX8sLHg6M4AVMI3-mO6yrk_r4QLV9UIAqg071V-EZdPnxtaMa0ZFcx6-dCllk35svd6JHmyuOXjvyY/s320/IMG_6604.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upcycled Poncho</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
To go with this outfit I made a tiny dog made using the <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/pipsqueaks-ive-never-felt-like-this.html" target="_blank">Pipsqueaks book</a>. The dog has a lovely shape and was a joy to sew with the head and tummy pieces allowing it to stand properly. To increase the play aspect of this I also made a dog lead. I added a bracelet loop to the collar and made a lead using embroidery thread plaited to incude a bracelet lobster clasp at the end. The functionality of something so simple made me more excited than I should admit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDZ6G3kdR50betSiWrEbGeamyyP69HBVh46EBwncghP23EVveWCmNjCZbkSU4v6bYx9Spc4xpaG21fasolFoaPsTp7jt5_waYQXcnqHsAC-jo4hf4PNj101UzOcbEoEQinjOfwuKKUZY/s1600/IMG_6608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDZ6G3kdR50betSiWrEbGeamyyP69HBVh46EBwncghP23EVveWCmNjCZbkSU4v6bYx9Spc4xpaG21fasolFoaPsTp7jt5_waYQXcnqHsAC-jo4hf4PNj101UzOcbEoEQinjOfwuKKUZY/s320/IMG_6608.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipsqueaks dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzivf8lH_ZMuNAbBR_mxQxU_Et0Ih_QKpEP2RuX4z4xWdO9HoXByN5P_qnMwTc917DQcKGp3L6D_DJX-B3F1AYxImqUtfKhotwAsLuOVS-TmwDKc4JbV4acpsH9US6odL8qromlBwNcg/s1600/IMG_6612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzivf8lH_ZMuNAbBR_mxQxU_Et0Ih_QKpEP2RuX4z4xWdO9HoXByN5P_qnMwTc917DQcKGp3L6D_DJX-B3F1AYxImqUtfKhotwAsLuOVS-TmwDKc4JbV4acpsH9US6odL8qromlBwNcg/s320/IMG_6612.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This outfit works well with the blue side of the reversible bag described on <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/lottie-week-day-2-pretty-in-pink.html" target="_blank">Day Two</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NXSmwKs9kjmxDycI1sTqaz03lwrm1kxFh20tcM0_hmu8D4INZ6MPSH9vPX8FsybNbwL_ut5cCGK4MtzRhPxwb15INjhA5dlKzliYSQYdNH9Tt4MX4nnzNvo84BssRGjNVbIGSOttLp0/s1600/IMG_6598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NXSmwKs9kjmxDycI1sTqaz03lwrm1kxFh20tcM0_hmu8D4INZ6MPSH9vPX8FsybNbwL_ut5cCGK4MtzRhPxwb15INjhA5dlKzliYSQYdNH9Tt4MX4nnzNvo84BssRGjNVbIGSOttLp0/s320/IMG_6598.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue and purple bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I love the simplicity of this combination and the reversible skirt works really well.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ykj93XOvt1JP5Obz2M7-hmkAUzVChxF1UsCzTvWlfjLfsDTESQh07hyphenhyphenbNeYguYkX2hQv_5lQd3-H49TYWugaXfRIv1y0Yz_chfEKQzFHsU9IDMss2VQLXD5emUlXXLgV_mQf6L6a-Lk/s1600/IMG_6513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ykj93XOvt1JP5Obz2M7-hmkAUzVChxF1UsCzTvWlfjLfsDTESQh07hyphenhyphenbNeYguYkX2hQv_5lQd3-H49TYWugaXfRIv1y0Yz_chfEKQzFHsU9IDMss2VQLXD5emUlXXLgV_mQf6L6a-Lk/s320/IMG_6513.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog walking </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnViiApjmEe9w7VbEEyjus28LCzRBOaiz-zqfVOhTLWwsOkdBJvH9W8DNmIzuffsXSPOQOgijmUC9DhCJ-8A4zIyGg9kFWgmHogUyEnnn93vVXK8aGTZJV7miAAhLG_mBhqNPRI5Ha9w/s1600/IMG_6517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnViiApjmEe9w7VbEEyjus28LCzRBOaiz-zqfVOhTLWwsOkdBJvH9W8DNmIzuffsXSPOQOgijmUC9DhCJ-8A4zIyGg9kFWgmHogUyEnnn93vVXK8aGTZJV7miAAhLG_mBhqNPRI5Ha9w/s320/IMG_6517.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tartan Skirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pGBzrKhZWNwvH-7i9_PFWD0xZzKqvlWUuwv3JRzECrtQs-699oId0XV02CYIXjpzHFHXrvLr1QsdLjxPlBbxoFRJCGloaTShWn5fCR0FUNXMEkHnkKHrPotSGpfPt9ICzsu-gL8OAmA/s1600/IMG_6506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pGBzrKhZWNwvH-7i9_PFWD0xZzKqvlWUuwv3JRzECrtQs-699oId0XV02CYIXjpzHFHXrvLr1QsdLjxPlBbxoFRJCGloaTShWn5fCR0FUNXMEkHnkKHrPotSGpfPt9ICzsu-gL8OAmA/s320/IMG_6506.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-50676853085708100332017-08-01T10:52:00.000+01:002017-08-01T11:03:25.444+01:00Lottie Week - Day 2 - Pretty in Pink <div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I loved the idea of
making accessories and toys to go with the clothes as I
wanted to make it a fun thing to play with as well as a dolls
dressing up box. The ideas behind this set were driven by three things; Firstly I made Little
Miss E a <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/a-lobster-for-pudsey.html" target="_blank">Mary Rasch fleece</a> hat at Christmas and I wanted to re-create
it in miniature, secondly, I wanted to play with the<a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/pipsqueaks-ive-never-felt-like-this.html" target="_blank"> Pipsqueaks book</a>
again, and finally, and perhaps most importantly, Little Miss E currently loves
pink!</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETMdBKEP9OpXLJbh09xXa7Ed11pQW4NvN95E2iNJbkv0s2lxLDJ1MK4RkXoYQYSVfiAZg8V3FztMYgMPgF7f6QxDExP_GeyNani59sVgdz2ez5nhwmReLxsN3NMm6xKFRAbc_aiFTn6U/s1600/IMG_6665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETMdBKEP9OpXLJbh09xXa7Ed11pQW4NvN95E2iNJbkv0s2lxLDJ1MK4RkXoYQYSVfiAZg8V3FztMYgMPgF7f6QxDExP_GeyNani59sVgdz2ez5nhwmReLxsN3NMm6xKFRAbc_aiFTn6U/s320/IMG_6665.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lottie pink set </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Initially I wanted
to make a <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/skirts-of-round-and-square.html" target="_blank">full circle skirt</a> so I measured the waist and the length and
cut out the fabric, but when I inserted the elastic I found out that it was
too small to go over the hips. I think that using such a small piece
of elastic reduces the stretch. I also used cotton, and
not jersey, fabric which would have had more stretch and made it
easier. I decided that I should make a ¾ circle skirt instead. I cut
it out and fastened at the back using the no snag Velcro that I
talked about on <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/lottie-week-day-1-from-rock-n-roll-to.html" target="_blank">Day One</a>, and although the Velcro used is not as flat
as the low profile velcro it is easy for little fingers to get on and off , and should not snag the
hair which is the important thing. I trimmed the bottom of the skirt
with a little bit of lace I had in my stash and the waitstband was finished off with ribbon. By adding on the trimming I got to avoid any
complicated hemming (for now...) and I added a tiny button at the top.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeVYWPuJmAHpY5ACm1XcLVyeDvHlvABzhgbX43KHuXCAFITzogDLzqQMSceEWimXNnEzPVS6f93-nu0qlDVIxBUXuj1GV3oy8F9DJg8PXbMnKBiFHO8SA347yGAU8ZT6JSlCWgZavf-Y/s1600/IMG_6613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeVYWPuJmAHpY5ACm1XcLVyeDvHlvABzhgbX43KHuXCAFITzogDLzqQMSceEWimXNnEzPVS6f93-nu0qlDVIxBUXuj1GV3oy8F9DJg8PXbMnKBiFHO8SA347yGAU8ZT6JSlCWgZavf-Y/s320/IMG_6613.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotty skirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I made the top by adjusting this <a href="https://chellywood.com/2016/02/18/sew-a-raglan-sleeve-tshirt-for-your-livdoll-wa-free-pattern-chellywood-com-dolls/amp/" target="_blank">pattern</a>. I was using cotton again and not jersey so I made the
pattern slightly bigger and I used a scrap of pillow case to test it out, and when that worked I used a scrap of fabric covered in flowers,
owls and ladybirds. I used a white patterned cotton for the sleeves, and in this case the Velcro went at the back. The hem here was a tiny rolled hem with a <i>lot</i> of very small stitches.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAWLBLFuE7NhZLCqvINIgREDyFWSe6nS0-FoQVHqWDfnFF209DfotcUnilbHf58VgiRjaK7-eFzD-CBHNJoHK2P6wtK6AShBwvPqMdXjoAbMGJZH57lLVNS-IS6XijM-VkfEGKYiYm5E/s1600/IMG_6658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAWLBLFuE7NhZLCqvINIgREDyFWSe6nS0-FoQVHqWDfnFF209DfotcUnilbHf58VgiRjaK7-eFzD-CBHNJoHK2P6wtK6AShBwvPqMdXjoAbMGJZH57lLVNS-IS6XijM-VkfEGKYiYm5E/s320/IMG_6658.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lottie top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The cardigan was
made using a beautiful cardigan that had been knitted by a friend of
our family. The cardigan had been felted by accident during the "new
baby chaos" and I never had the heart to throw it out. I made the
cardigan pattern by expanding on the dress pattern used in <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/lottie-week-day-1-from-rock-n-roll-to.html" target="_blank">Day One</a>. I
added long sleeves, the length of Lottie's arm, and cut the dress off at
the waist. The back piece was a basic T shape and the front had the T
cut in half with some shaping added around the neckline. I used the
rib at the bottom of the original cardigan for the bottom of the mini
one. This added texture and stability. Normally I would have inserted
the sleeves into the shoulders but with the thick felt I decided this
would be far too bulky so opted for the basic option. Although the
wool was well felted I added some stitches around the edges to
stabilise it and for decoration. I chose to add a little
Scottie dog button on the back, I could have embroidered something here
but I have a soft spot for the little tartan wooden buttons. Dogs pop
up all over the place in these sets so it was fun to add another in.
I did look down at Lottie in her cardigan and think "Well at least she
will be warm… "<br />
<br />
That was when I knew it was time to sleep...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cDszB-8SGH6wRZwGVHz7zzFABN8HTKsLek3XuZ4v3YglGib29-FnOlcDJgAQ2s3EhJekc2rNe5TVp5aH_XSnRbXY8v8FWEYEv89W9aemM_PfvqOa-06pfmPNKA_09XF8l7bbWSvSCVQ/s1600/IMG_6662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cDszB-8SGH6wRZwGVHz7zzFABN8HTKsLek3XuZ4v3YglGib29-FnOlcDJgAQ2s3EhJekc2rNe5TVp5aH_XSnRbXY8v8FWEYEv89W9aemM_PfvqOa-06pfmPNKA_09XF8l7bbWSvSCVQ/s320/IMG_6662.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardigan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9H42Fi-NLGKvms-tOPt0vgv-2TD2ANSTfYAmFNFjADSZ_I1BL_Avcffl5-dyBbYHYvlMCOPl_fJEPDSfau2V5z4S3qu9jMvQNYYOOujprAIouqLWA2F1CGcll4vJ189wMPc3gqvZ7DM/s1600/IMG_6521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9H42Fi-NLGKvms-tOPt0vgv-2TD2ANSTfYAmFNFjADSZ_I1BL_Avcffl5-dyBbYHYvlMCOPl_fJEPDSfau2V5z4S3qu9jMvQNYYOOujprAIouqLWA2F1CGcll4vJ189wMPc3gqvZ7DM/s320/IMG_6521.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottie dog recycled cardigan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Making the hat was
done mostly by eye. I have made a lot of these fleece hats for children so
I am rather familiar with the construction. I measured Lotties head
and divided it by two and added a small seam allowance. This gave me
the length of the base of the two pieces needed to construct the hat.
I added in the curves using something in between 'guess work' and
'muscle memory'. If I had been less confident I would have measured the
original and calculated the ratios to draw the hat. Fleece would have
been far too thick to work with on such a small scale so I opted to
use felt. It looks similar, handles well without fraying and is much
thinner.<br />
<br />
In the child version the plaits that hold the monster hands
are made out of strips of fleece but for this I used embroidery thread
as it was thinner and the felt would not have been strong enough cut
so thin. I was really pleased that I managed to make the horns into
little cones as I was worried they would have to be 2D. I used a tiny
button instead of a bead for the pupil although if I hadn’t got the right
button a French knot would have been fine. I decided to line it so
that my stitches could not be seen and to make it a little more
stable and once again I gave everything a good tug to make sure it can be played
with. I have promised to fix anything that doesn’t cope with 'play
time'.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Yv8taHbXrphXA6xTTLzi89oOrmnVXPD37BeApox1qImt6u7B4RHgOY1C7-CfKx2x5O0oSlTYIOxYuswVcjn_rFsJDhYyLxMkk4VGfiVPAInKeN9kTnA4riAJWiVP1sdrUA1vlzzUD9s/s1600/IMG_2507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1053" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Yv8taHbXrphXA6xTTLzi89oOrmnVXPD37BeApox1qImt6u7B4RHgOY1C7-CfKx2x5O0oSlTYIOxYuswVcjn_rFsJDhYyLxMkk4VGfiVPAInKeN9kTnA4riAJWiVP1sdrUA1vlzzUD9s/s320/IMG_2507.JPG" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Miss E's fleece hat </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNB-ql4k6VEekDmk-_nBMepuId3tCqeMkVuT4DTGnm2f85ksYJJf36aRS0EV5-8IE01SjP_a6pKhTl3PNUZhWkI859rgjXvdHf58LEkMJVCulCX4mwssvmC0f9X31QprnGhq9614GmqRk/s1600/IMG_6659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNB-ql4k6VEekDmk-_nBMepuId3tCqeMkVuT4DTGnm2f85ksYJJf36aRS0EV5-8IE01SjP_a6pKhTl3PNUZhWkI859rgjXvdHf58LEkMJVCulCX4mwssvmC0f9X31QprnGhq9614GmqRk/s320/IMG_6659.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lotties Felt hat </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have made quite a
few <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/and-i-feel-so-boho-emian-like-you.html" target="_blank">boho bags</a> in the past so I decided that it would be nice if
Lottie had a little reversible boho bag. <span style="font-style: normal;">I
made it using cord left over from raffle prizes I had made for the
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTjcaFPDWAu/?taken-by=jo60doi" target="_blank">Shetland Folk Festival</a> (Little Miss E’s family are very involved with <a href="https://www.shetlandfolkfestival.com/" target="_blank">the festival</a>)
and added felt to help stabilise it. I had to make the strap very long to
go across the body and once again this was the product of an old pillow
case and a lot of trial and error. Turning through such a narrow
strap was very tricky so I had a much bigger turning gap and a lot of
ladder stitching to make it all secure. The other colours used were
designed to match Day Three (spoilers!..) In the original design the
two ends of the straps were sewn one inside the other but I was
worried this would be too bulky so I opted for a very small press
stud, and I hid the stitches for the press stud using tiny colour
co-ordinated buttons. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JcJ2A7jv9jcahDpEhBGAG0CeReFnQ_EZUw_wtrPDmzUSFvzp1LvgSAtdDISrgReNpxKBzSUIPlKR9cNzhQUnI10NmGPSTPHX2v-p1DFIPdDKX7h2GtHTW0FIKQK7mcVfUM4Hxy2gDgo/s1600/IMG_6597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JcJ2A7jv9jcahDpEhBGAG0CeReFnQ_EZUw_wtrPDmzUSFvzp1LvgSAtdDISrgReNpxKBzSUIPlKR9cNzhQUnI10NmGPSTPHX2v-p1DFIPdDKX7h2GtHTW0FIKQK7mcVfUM4Hxy2gDgo/s320/IMG_6597.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini reversible boho bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-style: normal;"> </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ccq7nUJYNO8qpsfifhAgLaaD7SwCjx4CoPsDRis8TqrPBlQOZM-fqtb_S8TbHn4XooYZ-B1NsJfUiRDFpim-j5NK5IijYd4cFKJ0F8PhdzN5f1FF_c3OgJJmh4fKlobfC3mhHh5j1js/s1600/IMG_6657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ccq7nUJYNO8qpsfifhAgLaaD7SwCjx4CoPsDRis8TqrPBlQOZM-fqtb_S8TbHn4XooYZ-B1NsJfUiRDFpim-j5NK5IijYd4cFKJ0F8PhdzN5f1FF_c3OgJJmh4fKlobfC3mhHh5j1js/s200/IMG_6657.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipsqueaks bunny </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-style: normal;">I
then got to add things from the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pipsqueaks-Itsy-Bitsy-Creations-Stitch-Easy-/dp/1617451193/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463009701&sr=8-1&keywords=pipsqueaks" target="_blank">Pipsqueaks book</a>. I decided to make
the tiny bunny using grey felt and fabric left over from the skirt.
It is such a simple pattern with the joy being in the small scale and
amazing detail. I love the belly button and the tiny pom pom tail.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">The French knot pupils make
the bunny look as if she is mischievous and I adore the fact that you
can get so much expression in something so tiny. It is only 3.5cm tall, and over a third of that length is ears. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-r7mvLahYwsmQLL49PzT4qD1Ho9o7ZWGTZYEDhjzkqyCCvtIGbRkbYH-RKNLNBYc5kWwTR71GNNO1jVtOmBC_2bThiGcNRR1byNdaA3xGdQNfahm67BJlz6ERQ52Wd6Cv-UgMlTQQSsg/s1600/IMG_6660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-r7mvLahYwsmQLL49PzT4qD1Ho9o7ZWGTZYEDhjzkqyCCvtIGbRkbYH-RKNLNBYc5kWwTR71GNNO1jVtOmBC_2bThiGcNRR1byNdaA3xGdQNfahm67BJlz6ERQ52Wd6Cv-UgMlTQQSsg/s200/IMG_6660.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipsqueaks icecream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-style: normal;">I
also made the icecream using Pipsqueaks – I had made them before
for <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/pipsqueaks-ive-never-felt-like-this.html" target="_blank">earrings</a> but the detail in the waffle cone and sprinkles were
still very fun to stitch.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: normal;"> I was happy with the <i>mix and match</i> nature of this set and had similar plans in mind for Day 3...</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVLUA-211Q_-ebwMhr_gBD9_Vl_fXE5ITjKRnjyFjpduCHTaTQybd6ctEuihB2nhvPhtwIDuOMWgofyDePZeM3jGVrR9WxGnrIHgkP8LKLffYJvgStf0huUmMI7vJjKdS_PQ1PLTOAx8/s1600/IMG_6508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVLUA-211Q_-ebwMhr_gBD9_Vl_fXE5ITjKRnjyFjpduCHTaTQybd6ctEuihB2nhvPhtwIDuOMWgofyDePZeM3jGVrR9WxGnrIHgkP8LKLffYJvgStf0huUmMI7vJjKdS_PQ1PLTOAx8/s400/IMG_6508.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icecream in the garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-style: normal;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3IDpzr-c73B2la1bR23v6iBBLFnfhZolsgO2v4Mc9wOnLgF_YiugISMGXcGVbvpBX0aJf0MYFM7yi56QFj1fv4LrQA2LOa1ixG5xMwLQnwQHuNXzjj_VPQ-HHcCtMi9LGXDZB7ZnvQo/s1600/IMG_6519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3IDpzr-c73B2la1bR23v6iBBLFnfhZolsgO2v4Mc9wOnLgF_YiugISMGXcGVbvpBX0aJf0MYFM7yi56QFj1fv4LrQA2LOa1ixG5xMwLQnwQHuNXzjj_VPQ-HHcCtMi9LGXDZB7ZnvQo/s320/IMG_6519.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrapped up warm </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-78952665922253166472017-07-31T18:50:00.000+01:002017-07-31T18:50:03.523+01:00Lottie Week - Day 1 - From Rock 'n' Roll to Rock CakesI was having a chat with a friend and the subject of her little girl's <a href="https://uk.lottie.com/" target="_blank">Lottie Dolls</a> came up. My daughter is not really one for playing with dolls as she has a group of soft toy dogs that star in her imaginary play, although I appreciate that this could change, and I have never been comfortable with the idea of her having a "Barbie type" doll. The tiny waist, long neck and sexualised nature has never really sat well with me. The emphasis on make-up and more adult situations does not seem like an ideal basis for play either. I appreciate this is all just my opinion but with this in mind I found Lottie refreshing. She is based on the proportions of a 9 year old girl and the company has focussed on lots of fun sets from fossil hunting and star gazing to a superhero. I decided to make a series of outfits as a gift for my friend's little girl - who from now on will be referred to as Little Miss E. This wasn't because I felt there were sets missing from their range but because I had some ideas that were very personal to both my family and hers.<br />
<br />
In total I made 6 sets/outfits and some bags to keep them in so I am going to share a set a day and at the end of the week show the whole collection and bags together.<br />
<br />
Lottie is quite small at 7" tall which I identified as my first challenge. There are not a lot of specific resources for her online as she is quite new. The first one I found was a <a href="http://a-little-crafty.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/lottie-doll-dress-pattern.html" target="_blank">lovely tutorial and pattern</a>. I liked the simplicity of this fun dress and <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/a-vision-in-purple.html" target="_blank">I took my inspiration for the fabric from the first dress I ever made for my daughter</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sT9v1hZvEafoIvfaew_RV4o5uhmoJVc0aeXLxDL_jdaqkzDhTQ1n6O5ulvNjMM_eVkx5SNtRD6acU1iFSOfW1f5_ETwC07PL1AdIIa6NMBj1taVC_nx7uqxg8lSHXd5Mt__4bUeM7a0/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1197" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sT9v1hZvEafoIvfaew_RV4o5uhmoJVc0aeXLxDL_jdaqkzDhTQ1n6O5ulvNjMM_eVkx5SNtRD6acU1iFSOfW1f5_ETwC07PL1AdIIa6NMBj1taVC_nx7uqxg8lSHXd5Mt__4bUeM7a0/s320/IMG_0523.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My inspiration for Lottie outfit one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As the fabric is prone to fraying I decided to line the dress. I made the pattern 1 cm bigger all the way around and stitched the outer fabric and lining together for each of the three pieces leaving a small turning gap. After turning the pieces so they were not inside out I stitched the gap closed and constructed the dress using a very small ladder stitch. There were many times where I hand stitched things that were too small to machine. I made sure that I went over each seam carefully and gave everything a good tug. I was very mindful that it needed to be handled and played with. <br />
<br />
<br />
To fasten I used a fantastic snag free Velcro that would not damage the dolls hair or clothes. It has both hook and loop on each side - with the loops buffering the hooks. I would have liked to have found very low profile Velcro but could not find a UK seller, although now the project is over I am sure to find it everywhere! I embellished the dress using sequins also inspired by my daughters party dress. If I had not embellished it I could have opted for a patterned lining and made it reversible, but I decided not to do so in this instance. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embelished purple party dress for Lottie </td></tr>
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I was pleased with the fit and pattern but it needed something go with it for play purposes - I opted for a guitar, it seemed like a fun idea, and I found a template<a href="http://starry-eyedkid.deviantart.com/art/bass-guitar-plush-pattern-77964061" target="_blank"> here.</a> It looks a lot like my husband's guitar which made it seem more personal and playing with an instrument seemed like a fun addition to the toy box.<br />
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The construction is basic felt applique - something I got very used to while playing with the <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/pipsqueaks-ive-never-felt-like-this.html" target="_blank">pipsqueaks book last year</a>. I loved the details with the beads but I was less happy with the strings. Getting them straight on felt is not easy, I stitched them in using very thin thread at certain points but it was still not perfect. If I did it again I would possibly back stitch them in, although I loved the idea of them being looser to 'strum'. This was one of the many many points where I had to take a step back and tell myself it is a gift for a 4 year old, who would hopefully be more interested in playing with it than analysing my sewing techniques! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felt guitar </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Along with this set I included an apron. I adore <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/adjustable-apron.html" target="_blank">Fiona Gobles apron pattern</a> and I have made 9 of them now, one of which was a Christmas present for Little Miss E's Mum. I had a scrap of the Mori Girl's "Bertie Dog" fabric (designed by Jillian Phillips for Dashwood studios) that I had used at Christmas left over. The idea of dolls matching their owners is not a new one as I made my <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/matching-millie.html" target="_blank">daughter's doll a quilt</a>. I loved the idea of Little Miss E spotting the matching items as I feel it makes it more special. The reason I love the apron pattern so much is that you can adjust the waist and the fitting around the neck. This was really useful for a Lottie doll as methods for children's clothes did not always work at this scale, but this patetrn allowed it to go over the head without an additional fastening. How to fasten things was one of the biggest issues I came across in the whole process. I was pleased with the first fun little set although I was very aware that I had more ambitious plans to come...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Party time! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to bake!</td></tr>
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<br />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-50640345173498046502016-08-08T22:18:00.000+01:002016-08-09T21:57:37.587+01:00Cat Dress and Rainbow Bag I have three wedding parties this summer and I really wanted a different outfit and style for each one. People put so much effort into weddings that I wanted to reflect that and work with their themes and style. This blog is about a fun dress I made for wedding I went to. When I spoke to the bride about the plans it became clear she wanted lots of colour (but no pink) and she was aiming for a fun gathering without too much formality. <br />
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I came across the most amazing Floral Green Cat Jersey fabric by Swafing, I loved the fact that it is floral without being old fashioned or fussy. I do not normally wear green at all which made it feel different and the hidden doodle cats just made me smile. I love fabric (and jewellery) that look like one thing from a distance and another close up. I bought all of the fabric I could get, it was extra wide which gave me a lot but I realised I did not have enough to make a Kate Jersey Dress from Simpy Sew Magzine. I thought about making the Kate top that came with the dress pattern and putting it with a skirt but I could not visualise it at all - I wanted the top but with a pair of jeans and that was not going to be good enough a wedding party. <br />
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I went through my patterns and came across the<a href="http://www.simplysewingmag.com/cottonandchalk/" target="_blank"> Rosie Dress by Cotton and Chalk </a>which came with <a href="http://www.simplysewingmag.com/" target="_blank">Simply Sewing</a> Issue 17. The style of the dress and the feature waistband at the front made me think that I could mix two fabrics together. I really liked the idea of mixing a 1940s inspired pattern with a modern fabric. Also I felt a little warm and fuzzy as the bride had introduced me to the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rosie-Project-Don-Tillman/dp/1405912790" target="_blank">Rosie Project by Graeme Simison</a> which is a fantastic book - although probably not an omen. For the second fabric I didn't want a plain green as I felt that might be over the top and "red and green should never be seen" - though in all honesty I can not find the origin of that saying. Pink was a no go for this wedding, I look awful in yellow and both black and white seemed too stark. The detail in the stems and some leaves is in a nice petrol blue which I thought would be a really good complimentary colour. My main concern was finding a colour that matched while shopping online - I also wanted the same weight of fabric so the bodice was not pulled out of shape by the skirt. I managed to find blue fabric the right weight on <a href="http://www.elephantinmyhandbag.com/all.php#!/Petrol-Blue-Jersey-Knit-Fabric/p/54462181/category=11558120" target="_blank">Elephant in my Handbag</a> - this seemed like a good place to try as they had also stocked the cat fabric. I was delighted when it came through and was a perfect match. I wanted to do the band and the back of the bodice in the blue and the rest in the cat meadow fabric. I could have done the whole bodice blue but I wanted to showcase as much cat fabric as I could.<br />
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With my fabric sorted I cut out my pattern and made up a muslin/toile. I knew it would not be perfect as I was making it up in spare cotton and not jersey. I got it to fit and it was feeling good - albeit long and with a very off neckline - I put the neckline down to the fact that I had not put in the interfacing for the neck or sleeves. Happy with my fit and style I took a deep breath and cut the magical jersey. As I followed the instructions again but put the top together I realised that the reason my neckline was all over the place on the muslin was because it was sewn the wrong way with armholes creating the neckline! On the plus side I had made the massive mistake on the practice dress and not the lovely lovely fabric.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosie Dress made using Cotton and Chalk Pattern </td></tr>
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The two main challenges were dealing with sewing jersey and getting a good gather. I have sewn jersey before in a <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/milkmaid-skirts-and-pattern-matching.html" target="_blank">milkmaid skirt</a>, <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/skirts-of-round-and-square.html" target="_blank">round skirt</a> and<a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/two-hour-top.html" target="_blank"> 2 hour top</a> and I find that using a ball point needle helps a lot. I also learned a new technique in Issue 17 of Simply Sewing which was to sew a zig zag over dental floss and then pulling one end of the floss to get a good gather. The dress came together well but was still too big as the jersey had more give than the cotton, and I had been very cautious when cutting it out. I have a bad habit of thinking it is better to cut things too big and take in than accidently cut it too small. Although this is true it means that there was little point in making the muslin and can cause issues matching the seams. I had to cut quite a bit out of the seams. The jersey had the advantage of having enough stretch that I didn't need to fit a zip.<br />
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The interfacing was a challenge to get into the neck and keep it from stretching. I managed to get the armholes finished but there was too much fabric at the back - I am not sure if this was stretched during the facing or just too big from the start, but they were at least evenly 'out', so I added in a small dart on each side. I hemmed the skirt using bias binding and it was all done.<br />
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It is a very comfy dress and it looks jut how I imagined it. It also moved well and was god to dance in. I love the fabric even more and the whole thing makes me smile.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainboe Clutch - origional design by Magdalena Gabrielova</td></tr>
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Along with each dress I wanted a handbag. I had come across an amazing purse pattern in issue 64 of Mollie Makes and I realised it would not take a lot to scale it up to a clutch bag size. It was a really straightforward pattern to put together with a well written tutorial and a really quirky feel. I made a few changes (other than the size) to personalise it. Instead of rainbow stitched raindrops I used small (6mm) buttons. In the original design the lining was made using multi-coloured stripe fabric but I decided to make my own striped patchwork using fabric left over from previous projects. This made it extra special as each fabric is associated with the person I made the project for. This included the first fabric I ever bought a metre of. Getting the top flap with the umbrella edge to sit right took a bit of poking and pressing but I am really pleased with it and I can see it coming on holiday with me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Lining and Chain Stitch Handle.</td></tr>
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Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-41893947755853310852016-05-13T08:50:00.000+01:002016-05-23T16:39:10.471+01:00Pipsqueaks... I've never 'felt' like this before....I received '<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pipsqueaks-Itsy-Bitsy-Creations-Stitch-Easy-/dp/1617451193/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463009701&sr=8-1&keywords=pipsqueaks" target="_blank">Pipsqueaks</a>: Itsy-Bitsy Felt Creations to Stitch and Love' by <a href="http://www.sallydixon.com.au/index.html" target="_blank"><i>Sally Dixon</i></a> at Christmas. It was a book I had been looking into buying as I'd hoped it would help my hand stitching skills. I have enjoyed working with felt before as it does not fray, it is easy to sew and it gives a lovely finish. 16 years ago I was making felt puppets designed by a friend for a school project, I made baubles a few years ago for Christmas cards and I have used it for <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/felt-triceratops.html" target="_blank">basic applique,</a> but what I still hadn't done was make anything 3D and I hoped this book would help. <br />
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I instantly made a list of things to make and then found Sally as one of the designers to follow when I joined <a href="https://twitter.com/sixtydoi" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. I was very excited when she said she was looking for bloggers to join her blog tour and even more excited when I was accepted. I am very lucky to be on a list of such lovely blogs and to be able to offer a copy of Pipsqueaks as a *competition prize*. Details of the other blogs on the tour and the competition can be found below. I did receive a review copy of the ebook for taking part and would like to thank CT Publishing for providing the competition prize as well. <br />
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The other benefit of being part of the tour is that I got to talk to the lovely Sally Dixon who told me all about her Shetland connections. Her Great Great Grandparents lived in Yell and her Great Grandad was Daniel Mouat, born in Aywick, Yell, before moving to Australia (via the Glasgow police force). I have not found my connection yet but I am pretty sure I could despite the 130 year gap. Aywick has today found its place on the Shetland map for being the best stocked rural shop in Shetland - and they sell sewing supplies too! Thanks to this information I have named my little mouse "Danny O' Yell".<br />
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Danny was created especially for this post as I feel the tour deserved something a little different.... I had a lot of fun doing it and learned a lot. I have to thank my lovely patient husband for helping me set up the lighting and teaching me about the settings on my two year old camera - he also introduced me to the free <a href="http://monkeyjam.org/" target="_blank">Monkeyjam</a> software to make the magic happen.<br />
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Danny O' Yell Stop Motion Mouse </div>
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The mouse was one of the more complicated projects with a surprising number of pieces - I didn't help myself either as I put it together in a slightly different order to make a better video (Sorry Sally...). I adore the whiskers and that fantastic little jacket is an inspired way to add arms without creating complicated and potentially messy joins. The shape of the head is also very clever. I think I made his arms a bit long (again working with the video) but his namesake Daniel was known for weight lifting in Glasgow so I will just pretend it is intentional - felt does stretch after all.<br />
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My first project from the book were these the elephants - I just made the biggest size for three little girls in their favourite colours. I think the beauty of the patterns is that they have so much detail despite their size. I love the little hearts on the back and the use of some patterned cotton to make the ears. The gusset inserted in the underside allows them to stand and gave me my first fully 3D felt project. I did not have any ribbon small enough so I finger crocheted some co-ordinating embroidery thread for the tails which worked well as it gave a little tassel at the end. They went down very well and I got requests for more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi-hsegKBFjngWGxixkVkvpE-XYiIRgA66uG8tjz6Ih44MLH8R9nJCQgnPfwvs_73GQr0Y5OAnkThjAc2wZfcGv5weNywB-PwMxa5Ai49bKG5R0BN2vfH33XqVDrtzPX3IDGC8Y0dI2M/s1600/IMG_2854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi-hsegKBFjngWGxixkVkvpE-XYiIRgA66uG8tjz6Ih44MLH8R9nJCQgnPfwvs_73GQr0Y5OAnkThjAc2wZfcGv5weNywB-PwMxa5Ai49bKG5R0BN2vfH33XqVDrtzPX3IDGC8Y0dI2M/s320/IMG_2854.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three Elephants For Three Little Ladies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As the book was a gift from my Mum I decided to make her something out of it. For reasons I am not entirely sure of I decided it was a great idea to make the Duck billed platypus for her Mother's Day card. It was fun and different and probably not what she expected (although after years of my crafting creations she is hard to shock!) The design for the platypus is inspired and the way the feet are inserted is very clever. I did not make the sleeping bag for this one but I am sure I will in the future.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5MGnLarsO-p4JlFpHCliyk7Z2SJPG8-hY2NnvKu5wzaaXVPaFj9qm0hegilv8vAjfo1lPWu_xmVtkKBhtHDfh6T3omaXYFoMJkT5yvPqVzNXRk-vASrymJC6kOFVManIKUiVngyAWtE/s1600/IMG_3496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5MGnLarsO-p4JlFpHCliyk7Z2SJPG8-hY2NnvKu5wzaaXVPaFj9qm0hegilv8vAjfo1lPWu_xmVtkKBhtHDfh6T3omaXYFoMJkT5yvPqVzNXRk-vASrymJC6kOFVManIKUiVngyAWtE/s320/IMG_3496.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck Billed Platypus </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I had gained the confidence to experiment a little and add to the
designs. My niece loves dogs so I decided to make her the two brooches
out of the book. I then decided to add my own little Scotty dog design
using the same process. Again the detail makes it, as I had not
considered using little hearts to cover my badge backs. I love the
expressions that form as you sew a face - it is always as much of a surprise
to me as it is to the recipient. It made a really fun card and I hope
that my niece has found places for all of the brooches. I will attempt a husky next (watch this space!).<br />
<br />
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</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GLT1Qd4r-PLPGT0UCtkRLdb7tq-eQ4gQ8d9qj5ylYrshYmzbHyPneQ4O7d41oxrsa0G7oRXXgO3RDiBkrCUAdnIF8Kj-5MDmweNBZym-M9dwFD7vBvX-sn2tKSuba-NzidITjWqaV-8/s1600/IMG_3806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GLT1Qd4r-PLPGT0UCtkRLdb7tq-eQ4gQ8d9qj5ylYrshYmzbHyPneQ4O7d41oxrsa0G7oRXXgO3RDiBkrCUAdnIF8Kj-5MDmweNBZym-M9dwFD7vBvX-sn2tKSuba-NzidITjWqaV-8/s200/IMG_3806.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dachshund brooch </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwj0UWiE2YsPbVdctMJpufo8g1rZxmq1BzouvqLH8yNwKS0CZJH4r6qY6KyMh9HteszN8G1RPZRoRCRl6dsHZ6Fm_nvG17J1OEVNpA4_uTwUAnPJUtoqrVRJExAZgf10d83tOnx0Tn9yw/s1600/IMG_3809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwj0UWiE2YsPbVdctMJpufo8g1rZxmq1BzouvqLH8yNwKS0CZJH4r6qY6KyMh9HteszN8G1RPZRoRCRl6dsHZ6Fm_nvG17J1OEVNpA4_uTwUAnPJUtoqrVRJExAZgf10d83tOnx0Tn9yw/s200/IMG_3809.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottie Dog Brooch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrWlNDYLwiRuxZtXVmRKpskypkkhJoUAs9VXeCkBN-TNGyWRolZ0jGQgbqgpXq0HGTdad9Tb6dggp_xE-EZS-JkDmQi7l9dsK6WSzAaBjwZkwCZ-Y2NWrbqSfUVH4eR6YiPpUPq230_8/s1600/IMG_3808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrWlNDYLwiRuxZtXVmRKpskypkkhJoUAs9VXeCkBN-TNGyWRolZ0jGQgbqgpXq0HGTdad9Tb6dggp_xE-EZS-JkDmQi7l9dsK6WSzAaBjwZkwCZ-Y2NWrbqSfUVH4eR6YiPpUPq230_8/s200/IMG_3808.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bull Terrier Brooch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I couldn't resist making some of the earrings, as the smallest projects in the book it seemed like a challenge I should embrace and I love them. They are so much fun and have a lot of detail - I sat for most of an evening beading and embroidering pips, criss-cross waffle patterns and ice cream sauce. If I am honest I had to re-do a waffle cone and cut another strawberry top but with pieces so small it really doesn't matter. I spent the following evening at the <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/communal-crafting.html" target="_blank">craft group</a> I go to entertaining the lovely ladies with my tiny projects. They are fun, colourful and hopefully popular accessories - my only regret is that I haven't get round to making myself a pair yet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqgnkrijgoTUSfpMWA977SF0L2TJ1IycFyR_1-8OxVEcFyvTtWCxvYPMwUacF18lElE_pcHuDzJTk7JYI2eaDjCXKuAnxeBOxSgGbWra9QhyphenhyphenD16zChYhHiIPbggo_y-85FTQOq16FX3U/s1600/IMG_4323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqgnkrijgoTUSfpMWA977SF0L2TJ1IycFyR_1-8OxVEcFyvTtWCxvYPMwUacF18lElE_pcHuDzJTk7JYI2eaDjCXKuAnxeBOxSgGbWra9QhyphenhyphenD16zChYhHiIPbggo_y-85FTQOq16FX3U/s320/IMG_4323.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Utterly Pipsqueaks earings </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The book is beautifully laid out, it has detailed
information on felt selection and technique and an array of wonderful
little projects. They do not take a long time to make and can be done in
an evening with a big mug of tea (optional). They can take
quite a bit of concentration but that is all part of the fun. The steps have clear
photos and well written instructions. Each project has different challenges from gusset insertion to cutting tiny pieces which adds to the variety in the book. It is a fantastic way to explore hand sewing as it takes very little investment. Even if you did not have a well stocked craft room, or even a craft room at all (!?), then a multi pack of felt, thread and beads with a sharp pair of scissors would get you quite far. If I was using this book for an
older child I would be tempted to enlarge the patterns slightly as
suggested.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here
are the scheduled blog stops for the tour:<br />
<br />
11
<sup>th</sup> May 2016: <a href="http://www.ctpub.com/blog/">C&T
Publishing
</a>
(Concord, California, U.S.A.)<br />
<br />
11
<sup>th</sup> May 2016: <a href="http://webloomhere.blogspot.com.au/">We Bloom Here</a> - Margaret Bloom (San Francisco Bay, California,
U.S.A.)<br />
<br />
12
<sup>th</sup> May 2016: <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/">My Handmade Adventure</a> - Karen Wasson (Melbourne, Australia)<br />
<br />
13
<sup>th</sup> May 2016: <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/">60 Degrees of Inspiration</a> - Joanne Riley (Shetland Isles, Scotland, UK):<br />
<br />
14
<sup>th</sup> May 2016: <a href="https://buttonsy.wordpress.com/">Buttonsy</a> - Anna Day (London, England, UK)<br />
<br />
15
<sup>th</sup> May 2016: <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/Main/Blog">Madeit</a> (Lennox
Head, Australia)<br />
<br />
16
<sup>th</sup> May 2016: <a href="http://www.sallydixon.com.au/blog">Sally Dixon Creations</a> - Sally Dixon (Adelaide, Australia)<br />
<br />
<br />
To enter the competition just leave me a comment on this blog post and a winner will be selected at random on the 23rd May 2016. You can enter on each stop of the blog tour so it is worth visiting all of the other blogs too. If you are in America you will receive a paper copy of the book, if you live elsewhere then it will be an e-book.<br />
<br />
Happy stitching<br />
<br />
COMPETITION CLOSED - Well Done Linda :D<br />
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-29427923247553080442016-04-14T19:16:00.000+01:002016-04-14T19:16:28.624+01:00A New Meaning to One Directional Print.I have read quite a few sewing blogs written by people that are happy with their size and shape and that is great. I however am less happy with mine and I can change that and I am working on that but I appreciate it will take time. This blog is about making something pretty with beautiful fabric to boost my own confidence when wearing it and that being ok too. I feel that making a few fun pieces that could be adjusted in the future as I change shape would be a good thing to do. It also allows me to learn more about alterations. Although I accept that I wont look the way I want to in them, I hope it still beats badly fitted jeans and over sized jumpers.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-image: none;">
I have dabbled with making clothes in the past I started with <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/trying-out-tee-shirt-top-transformation.html" target="_blank">transforming a tee shirt</a> and then moved to making <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/skirts-of-round-and-square.html" target="_blank"> skirts</a>, a <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/a-vision-in-purple.html" target="_blank">dress for my daughter</a> and a fancy dress <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/ive-got-love-for-you-if-you-were-born.html" target="_blank">outfit</a> for my friend. I liked the idea of a shift dress, something simple, not too challenging that can show off nice fabric. I got a free pattern with issue thirteen of <a href="http://www.simplysewingmag.com/" target="_blank">Simply Sewing</a> magazine. It was just what I was looking for, it has no zip or fasteners and just two darts to fit it. It is a really versatile pattern and can be used with a lot of different fabrics. In terms of the fabric I was looking for something light weight. I started looking for a pretty silk and came across an online shop that sells vintage saris from India. I loved the idea of sewing with sari fabric - it is light and there were some stunning colours and patterns. Although second hand, the shop started that any imperfections would be advertised. It was also not very expensive which gave me the confidence to have a play with the pattern. I could not decide between two designs so I the end I chose both. One purple and blue, the second green and peach. This gave me 7 yards of each beautiful fabric at a good price. It arrived in under 2 weeks and was perfectly packaged. I opened it to find it was even prettier than the photographs online. A sari tends to have one end with a more elaborate patterned section and then a slightly simpler pattern for the rest. I chose to cut the front out of the complicated pattern section and the simpler pattern on the back. I have a lot of the simpler pattern fabric left so I am planning more projects with that.<br />
<br />
As pointed out on the shop I bought it from if it is held up to the light it is slightly opaque, so I decided that I would need to line it. This meant that the pattern I had would need to be changed. I looked up a lot of different ways to line a shift dress and the one that made most sense came from this <a href="https://bernieandi.wordpress.com/2014/06/02/lining-a-sleeveless-dress-or-bodice-completely-by-machine/" target="_blank">excellent tutorial</a>. I think this is because a colour coded picture tutorial is a good way to explain things and that the turning out reminds me of bag making.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; height: 195px; text-align: left; width: 226px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiox9XFDXO9pGsMRCe8UVos39QrW98cXcPQ0SYhVTvvlMIJf394LFDrklYFAA42HfKF3Y_cOPPYPkeXnB-xqCi7lFun_d2EIoiAZzSwKqCq-VRMIsEwX5xI0iVUQhK_BPX2wh_5oNLoGio/s1600/IMG_3595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiox9XFDXO9pGsMRCe8UVos39QrW98cXcPQ0SYhVTvvlMIJf394LFDrklYFAA42HfKF3Y_cOPPYPkeXnB-xqCi7lFun_d2EIoiAZzSwKqCq-VRMIsEwX5xI0iVUQhK_BPX2wh_5oNLoGio/s200/IMG_3595.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practise fabric </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although my beautiful sari was not expensive it is one of a kind and would be practically impossible to replace so I had similar cutting anxiety as with <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/for-love-of-spoonflower-avengers-and.html" target="_blank">spoonflower </a>fabric. I was eager to get the dress fitted and size sorted using practise fabric. A lot of people use muslin for this, my Mum always used an old sheet or whatever was to hand. I went in search or the cheapest thinnest fabric I could find and ended up with a One Direction bed spread. It worked really well although if I am honest it was very distracting wearing a giant head....<br />
<br />
<br />
The pattern was easy to follow and all of the pieces clear. I measured myself and found my bust to be one size and my hips another which is not unusual so I went for the larger size accepting that would need to adjust. I had to divide the back section into two as it meant that I could use the lining method I liked and, more importantly, understood. I found the mock dress far too big so I cut it again the size smaller and then gradually took in the sides. It was starting to look better, however the back was not sitting right so I took some off the back seam that I had inserted for the lining process. This helped it sit better. In the end I was making a dress 3 sizes smaller than the measurements indicated.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 247px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right; width: 210px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyoykl3x4xozmivJkgwv4pQ4gdYFRBxtBkmAo4EhEmBJal0vtjModi1ORsRtajoj2b6QCwOj6zdfiUM-fm6_gjsAqKOupvno9dVnFvAZpOSokvQE1UUS2IjJFg5dkg8qveJdbfBqpyI0/s1600/IMG_3596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyoykl3x4xozmivJkgwv4pQ4gdYFRBxtBkmAo4EhEmBJal0vtjModi1ORsRtajoj2b6QCwOj6zdfiUM-fm6_gjsAqKOupvno9dVnFvAZpOSokvQE1UUS2IjJFg5dkg8qveJdbfBqpyI0/s200/IMG_3596.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mock dress making </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Despite the pattern being taken in significantly the darts were sitting where I wanted them to. I didn't want to cut the pattern smaller and move the darts. I decided to put it together in an unconventional way but one that made sense to me. I made the dress the same as my pattern had been cut and put the darts in the same place - I then took it in the same amount as the mock up. This worked well. I liked the lining process and had no issues with it. I also liked the finish it gave the neck and arm holes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVat-Jw24r0yjO4pjb9BJhuHMFuZhj3jQHWNfmFjmKFWV-ITIe3E4QBzVhGOmnPUsvSON7zh6OrYPxtwSGsEIMzvdeMQ1x0DYIiuUHcH_MsHhAIMnZ0T8a37yeMuIuRChs61jtVFFKRwQ/s1600/IMG_3599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVat-Jw24r0yjO4pjb9BJhuHMFuZhj3jQHWNfmFjmKFWV-ITIe3E4QBzVhGOmnPUsvSON7zh6OrYPxtwSGsEIMzvdeMQ1x0DYIiuUHcH_MsHhAIMnZ0T8a37yeMuIuRChs61jtVFFKRwQ/s320/IMG_3599.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Sari shift dress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The dress making itself came together quickly with just the hem to put in. I decided to use the same hem method I have used in my<a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/two-hour-top.html" target="_blank"> 2 hour top</a>. I hemmed the dress itself with no problems, I hemmed the lining with fun spotty bias binding only to realise the binding was facing out towards the dress and not in towards my legs. I contemplated unpicking it but decided not to as it was fun and I liked "flashing my binding".<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjctfQo1qqDF88MOi5Gmp__EbHende0LfJD6Ev_sV6LigiO-L8uisQdeuFb0RfPYsfdLbkVtMXFUg5cwjeQETKC8upycxc5Clu2qVv3bq2DjC_GQDbMgjfhisQIh2wwNvJkKwCFvv2CIY/s1600/IMG_3739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjctfQo1qqDF88MOi5Gmp__EbHende0LfJD6Ev_sV6LigiO-L8uisQdeuFb0RfPYsfdLbkVtMXFUg5cwjeQETKC8upycxc5Clu2qVv3bq2DjC_GQDbMgjfhisQIh2wwNvJkKwCFvv2CIY/s320/IMG_3739.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheeky spotty bias binding on lining </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overall I was pleased with my dress I love the colours and the simple design really allowed me to show off the design on the fabric. The pattern did need taking in a lot, however, and I worry if you were inexperienced and starting on the smallest size it would be difficult to keep taking in. I have worn it twice so far, once with purple heels for a night out and the other with thick tights and ankle boots for lunch. I love that it is versatile in that respect. It is fun and comfortable and I am pleased I decided not to hold off any longer.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEnoPJg0nNU66ZzEjgjh_pb50za2xmoJP3p2MvaNHiozCj0F1W9vuYmCIXRahb9VVGj0XnQxlWp-0kOUazjVibQzV82JRRmjpg1Ujs7I2rYAU5LWWXVF0MHi1UvkT9Zj8BdPTFMeNfNc/s1600/IMG_3606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEnoPJg0nNU66ZzEjgjh_pb50za2xmoJP3p2MvaNHiozCj0F1W9vuYmCIXRahb9VVGj0XnQxlWp-0kOUazjVibQzV82JRRmjpg1Ujs7I2rYAU5LWWXVF0MHi1UvkT9Zj8BdPTFMeNfNc/s320/IMG_3606.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off my sleeves - and my concentrating face...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtulYAp0EdAlhVyn2q7THoThlpN51oEeO4pPY5kXor0-vhW_h634Kx0P7c23_2wAsfNd68OKoEpSlwgyOHup1xJY1owdLKwMiouOLxzLzV5GHwX0TfOY6i3NsMJEptc2UW0LxVF5nOeo/s1600/IMG_3770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtulYAp0EdAlhVyn2q7THoThlpN51oEeO4pPY5kXor0-vhW_h634Kx0P7c23_2wAsfNd68OKoEpSlwgyOHup1xJY1owdLKwMiouOLxzLzV5GHwX0TfOY6i3NsMJEptc2UW0LxVF5nOeo/s320/IMG_3770.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A casual approach to my sari dress</td></tr>
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<br />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-39498618843458738762016-04-07T20:00:00.003+01:002016-04-07T20:00:52.667+01:00Trials and tribulations of playing Easter Bunny For Christmas I got <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><i>A year in crafts 52 seasonal projects by Clare Youngs </i></a>this is a beautiful hard back, ring bound book, packed full of lovely ideas, some of which went straight onto my "to do list" and others made me keep an eye out for supplies. The book is essentially divided into seasons with a really handy pocket for each section so you can add your own ideas or inspiration, which is a really lovely touch. Although season-led it doesn't rely too heavily on religious holidays and merely takes the essence of the time of year. On my first look through I instantly fell in love with the bunny bag. It is such a simple yet effective design, I was drawn to the embroidery on the face and the fact there was no elaborate clasps or fastening . I like Easter gifts, nobody expects an Easter gift so it does not carry the pressure of a Christmas gift. I adore spring with the days getting lighter and for me my sewing took off with<a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/my-history-of-crafting.html" target="_blank"> surprise Easter gifts</a>. The more I thought about it the more I liked the idea of using it to make an Easter themed goodie bag that could be personalised with the lining fabric. In all honesty I could have made one for every child in the village but I decided to stick to the children whose parents knew me well enough to know that this is not an 'out of character' thing to do... I had 13 children on my list, which did not seem like a good number, so I added in my friend as well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunny bags with embroidered faces and pom pom tails.</td></tr>
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I had a look through the instructions, which seemed straight forward, and then found the pattern in the back of the book. I enlarged the pattern by 400%. Some people get annoyed at having to photocopy patterns but I don't mind it and our library is really helpful for that kind of thing. I used calico for the outsides which I <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/from-dining-chair-to-play-cooker.html" target="_blank">enjoy working with</a> so I pressed it and cut out 14 bunny bag fronts. I traced the eyes and nose using a light pencil and embroidered them on. In the book she uses red but I chose to go with dark grey for the eyes and pink for the noses. I also chose to use back stitch instead of slip stitch as I personally prefer the cleaner line you get with backstitch. I then got to match the lining fabric with the recipient, I loved sorting through my fabric stash for this. Some were obvious, I had a really soft blue fabric for the youngest as it turned the bag into a more sensory toy and I used pretty and more abstract fabric for the older ones; my daughter got Paw Patrol fabric and I had some amazing DC Comics fabric. Soon I had a pile of different fabrics reflecting favourite colours, personalities or popular cartoon characters and I then cut out 14 bunny bag linings. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun lining fabric</td></tr>
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The following step was the dreaded 'pressing' so out came my iron. By this stage I was very much in mass production mode so I sewed the top seam on all of them, clipped my seams and turned the ears. This is when things started to go wrong... I read through the instructions again and my pattern did not match the diagram in the book at all. It was straight at the bottom in the book and had notches in the pattern. I went back to the pattern and I had copied and cut it correctly (I have no idea how I would not have done so, but I checked all the same). At this point I was feeling very stressed and, in all honesty, a bit frantic. I was mostly annoyed at myself; How had I not noticed? Why didn't I make a mock up first? - at what point did I get cocky enough to jump into making 14 of anything, especially with hand embroidery?.... I was annoyed because in my head the pattern had made sense and I felt it was right and I could not sew it together despite a few panicked efforts. At this point I didn't think things could get much worse so I cut a giant chunk of the bottom to straighten it up. I then followed the instructions. Unsurprisingly this looked awful as all of the dimensions were wrong. I had angry, frustrated tears in my eyes as I unpicked the latest mess, and as I looked at it I began to laugh... It looked just like the pattern I had cut. What appears to have happened in the book is that the process was written as the original was made up, but then the pattern was made up by taking the finished bag apart. There is a stage where you fold sew and cut. If you follow the cut pattern you just fold and sew...... A few hours later over a nice cup of tea I realised it was familiar when I started as it was a lot like a Cath Kidston bag I made a few years ago. With this sorted I cut and embroidered a new front and salvaged the lining piece and put it back together.<br />
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Having figured this out I made up the 14 bags quickly and turned them the right way out, I closed the turning gaps and they looked good. I did feel they needed little tails so I decided to make pom poms. In the past I have always used the cardboard rings method but I decided to try using a fork. It took a few attempts to get them tight enough, and some extra trimming, but they looked fun. Twelve of the recipients were aged between 3-10 but one is just 1 so I was very aware that the pom pom tail would probably get shredded and bits of wool may get eaten so instead of a pom pom I made a fleece tail, using a strip of fleece with slits in either side which is then rolled up. This was a lot more secure and ''one year old friendly''.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fleece tail for smaller child </td></tr>
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I didn't want to send other peoples children lots of chocolate as it seemed irresponsible so for the 12 over 3's I put together colour your own book marks, chicks, scratch Easter magnets, a chick bouncy ball and a little bit of chocolate. The craft bits came from <a href="http://www.bakerross.co.uk/" target="_blank">Baker Ross</a>. For the over 30 year old it was just chocolate and the one year old got a wow toy and a little bit of white chocolate. I popped them into bags and my husband added some balloon modelled bunnies for good measure. My daughter loved helping deliver them to her friends and she was then very excited to come home and find one of her own. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filled with Easter goodies</td></tr>
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I made a lot of mistakes during this, I should have compared my pattern and the diagrams in the instructions, I should have made up a test using scrap and when it all want wrong and I should have walked away, drank some tea and thought it through. The information I needed was in my memory I was just too stressed to figure it out. It is also a fault in the book and I am sure others could be caught out by it too. Despite all of the drama - I love the bags, had a lot of fun making them and they seemed well received. I like the fact despite being Easter gifts they can be used all year round and like the idea of them holding hair bobbles, toy cars or, most likely, in our house stones and shells.</div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-37971284393620561392016-02-21T18:33:00.000+00:002016-02-21T18:33:23.666+00:00Purple presents This blog is about the gifts I have been making for my daughter. I love making things for children and I always like to include something handmade with my little girls presents. In the past I have made her a <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/matching-millie.html" target="_blank">quilt with mini blanket</a> and a <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/melly-and-me-toys.html" target="_blank">caterpillar</a> and a cooker. The quilt and blanket are loved and the caterpillar gets an occasional hug. She is often very enthusiastic about the things I make but she seems to think they take a few minutes when she goes to bed. She will see me looking at a pattern book and a couple of days later it is there. She once told me that she thought other Mummies spent a lot of time buying presents whereas I "just" make them.<br />
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I made<a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/melly-and-me-toys.html" target="_blank"> toys for other children</a> in the lead up to Christmas, I was hoping that she would fall in love with something and I could just make her one of those.... The problem was that she didn't fall in love with any of the things I made. She gave them all a little hug and helped me wrap them. I like to think that this is because they were already for somebody else in her mind. The alternative is that no child will love them and I couldn't think like that! I was stuck for ideas and getting increasingly frustrated then I remembered the thing that she had been commenting on over and over again. <br />
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My daughter loves Charlie and Lola books by Lauren Child (spoiler warning) and one of them is all about looking after a dog. The dog gets lost and when they find it they find two identical dogs. In the end they are told you can identify the correct dog by the tag on his collar. One of my daughters favourite toys is a dog with no collar. Every time we read the book she mentions this (about 30 times) so I realised all I needed to do was make a collar for the dog.<br />
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I took the measurements and played about with the design in my head. I could make a tube out of fleece (yes I love fleece) and top-stitch it or I could use cotton fabric and interfacing to keep its shape? How to make the ends neat and what kind of fastening mechanism were also causing me problems. Her favourite colour is purple, I decided to use left over faux leather from covering our dining chairs. I was worried that it would be too thick to sew right sides together and turn but I was not sure about the white underside showing, I then realised I was over thinking the whole thing. I took two strips of the faux leather and sewed it together using a small white top stitch which tied in the white that was showing making it look intentional. I crimped the ends using crimping shears and I added poppers using my Kam popper tool. I cut two circles of felt and hand stitched "Kindle" (the dogs name...) on one circle. I blanket stitched the felt circles together and attached it to a stitch in the collar. It was simple but looked rather effective and I was quite pleased.<br />
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I felt a pang of guilt that other children had more complicated and elaborate toys made by me while my little girl had upholstery scraps. My husband was chuffed with it and assured me it would be fine. I got on with the rest of the Christmas preparation and I had just turned the craft room into the spare room when my daughter handed me a bit of paper. I asked what she had drawn and she said "a hippo I thought you could make it one day". I will be honest, I was tempted to get the machine out and sew through the night keeping our visitor awake but it did not seem very festive. On Christmas morning amongst the gifts sent from friends and relatives - she opened the little parcel and gave the biggest grin. She went to show Kindle and they played in the hall together. Admittedly she never actually told me she liked it but she did tell me Kindle loved it. It felt like such a risk at the time but children don't see the time taken or the cost of fabric they just see something they love or something that is forgettable. It was an important lesson in keeping it simple.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toy dog collar</td></tr>
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Unsurprisingly though for her birthday I made her a hippo. I made it using a pattern from <a href="http://www.mariskavos.nl/books.html" target="_blank">S</a><i><a href="http://www.mariskavos.nl/books.html" target="_blank">ew Cute to Cuddle</a> </i>by Mariska Vos-Bolman. I adore her designs and I used them for <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/gimmie-m-s-c-o-t.html" target="_blank">Mollie</a> and the <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/wedding-tortoises.html" target="_blank">Wedding Tortoise</a>. The diagrams and descriptions as always are really clear. One of the best things is that she shows the finished toy from all angles so you know what all of the parts have to look like.<br />
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I chose to make it using purple fleece, obviously! I have now made enough toys to see where I feel the pattern will be challenging. I knew that I would have to be careful with the darts in the body in order to get a good shape and I was a little concerned about inserting the feet as it looked tricky. The darts went in with no problem and the construction was fine. I found that the feet were as tricky as I imagined, sewing one half and then the other is a great tip, as otherwise I would have probably tried to do it as a continuous circle which would have made it more difficult to move the bulk of the fabric around the machine.<br />
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To make the hippo you construct the body and the head separately and then put them together, I was really nervous about putting the two together as I had visions of mismatched seams but it actually came together perfectly and I was pleased that the seams lined up. It says in the book that she is a rather large hippo and I would second that, it took a bag and a half of toy stuffing to fill her. I will admit it felt slightly odd to spend my Sunday evening with my hand stuck up a purple hippo's bum. I decided to use fleece eyes and add on small buttons for the pupils. As she gets older my daughter is increasingly fascinated by my button box and certainly has her favourites and she noticed them quite quickly and was excited about them. The hippo has proven to be very popular and is so big that half of the time my daughter uses it as a cushion. It is definitly more loved than the caterpillar I made for her first birthday.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hippo - design by Mariska Vos- Bolman</td></tr>
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Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-35006849297616594092016-02-19T19:30:00.000+00:002016-02-19T19:30:40.767+00:00How I do "it"?I am hoping that this post is not as egotistical as it sounds. I get asked the question "How do you find the time/ How do you do it?" a lot. It was the most frequent comment at the craft fair and it got me thinking. There are quite a few ways to take the question so I have tried to look at it from all approaches. I am busy, and I do feel busy, as I work full time and have a little girl so craft time gets arranged mostly in the evening as a time to relax.<br />
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The most important thing is "wanting" to do it and this is the key. I find the time because I enjoy it and I love seeing people appreciating things I have made. When I think about it I realise that I am actually doing no more than those people who ask me how I do it. I am just really lucky that I get to show off a pile of stock on a fun display, or photograph an <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/my-history-of-crafting.html" target="_blank">"army" of turtle egg cosies.</a> If, at craft fair time, everybody that I know had stalls of how they spend their spare time then I know I would be amazed at the mountains of books read, the miles ran, the music learned (and perfected), the baking done and the food made, as well as broods of Children raised and well loved pets. I never know how to respond to the "How do you do it?" question because my answer is normally I just do it because it is fun . It is flattering to be asked but I never feel like "it" is anything special because everybody has an "it". I hope that most people are lucky enough to have found one they love as much as I love mine.<br />
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To answer the question in a more practical way when it comes to getting things done I find three things have been helpful:<br />
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First of all I do not do it alone, I have my Mum on speed-dial for advice, I have fantastic friends , the local <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/communal-crafting.html" target="_blank">makkin and yakkin</a> group and my husband is incredibly understanding and supportive of the things I feel I "need" to do. It sounds cliché that we do things as a team but it is true.<br />
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Secondly sometimes I just don't get things done. My blog posts can be sporadic and I phone people sometimes to tell them gifts will be late or that cards will be bought. It has taken a long time and some effort to accept that this is okay. I am terrible at finishing projects for myself, I still have a quilt to finish, and I have a friend that threatened not to accept gifts until I made something for myself. Sometimes we just get ill or caught up in something else and cannot do the things that we planned to. I am slowly learning to not be too tough on myself which is easily the most difficult part.<br />
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The third part is planning, I write lists and have 'post it' notes everywhere. I break each project down into smaller tasks and tick them off as I go. If I write something down I no longer have to worry about it as I know it will be there when I go back. This helps me keep track of where I am. I also try and schedule in a catch up day where I can finish things. This is helpful if I have underestimated how long they will take or had to unpick seams. This is really important when I have Christmas presents or craft fair stock to make as I am producing quite a large volume. <br />
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<br />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-80603020063004804532016-02-17T19:41:00.000+00:002016-02-17T20:08:55.824+00:00From dining chair to play cooker... <br />
The idea for my daughters third birthday present came in the form of a Facebook share from a friend who had spotted a kitchen chair cover on "the artful parent" Facebook page. It was a link to a German product. I used the picture to design my own as I could not find a pattern and I wanted it to fit my chairs. We don't really have space for a full kitchen play-set but my daughter was playing with her pans more and more so it seemed like the perfect idea. I have outlined the way I went about making it, it is very dependent on the chairs you have so I have not provided measurements and the number and position of pockets is optional as is the opening of the oven and the way you finish it off. It is such an easy project to personalise and there is nothing too complicated in terms of sewing as long as you measure well take your time.<br />
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<strong>Step One : Measurements, cutting and fabric.</strong><br />
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I measured the seat of my chair A-B, B-D, D-C, C-A, I measured from the seat to the top of the back rest A-E, E-F, F-B, B-A, from the top of the backrest to the floor E-F,F-H, H-G, G-E. I then added up the measurements from the front of the seat A-C+ C-D + D-B to get the width for the bottom of the chair below the seat and measured B-J for the length.. I added 2cm onto all of the measurements for seam allowance. I cut all of the pieces out of calico. Calico is a really good fabric to use for this sort of thing as it is hard wearing and versatile and also not very expensive.<br />
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My little girl has always liked ladybirds so I decided to use ladybird fabric and ladybird print fabric to add on the contrasting details. I wanted it to be bright and fun and vibrant. I used some spare red fabric as well. Pocket one is measured A-B with double the height I needed it to be and pocket two was designed as a strip that goes part way across again double the height I wanted it. Pockets three and four are the length of A-C/B-D and twice the height I wanted them to be when finished. I cut 4 circles out black fleece, fleece is fantastic as it is inexpensive and wont fray. To get the right size I used card circles of different sizes until the spacing looked correct. Tea plates/saucers would work instead of card.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattern plan for cooker chair cover, red is for the contrast fabric.</td></tr>
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With all of my pieces cut out I set about putting it together.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooker chair cover </td></tr>
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<strong>Step Two: Contrast pockets:</strong> </div>
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I folded pocket one right sides together along the horizontal edge, I then stitched the two vertical sides together and turned the right way round. I top stitched the folded edge. I then pinned it to the base of the seat back (A-B). I decided to divide it into two pockets - I marked these out and stitched them in. I then stitched the edges on. I left the bottom with a raw edge. I then folded pocket two along the horizontal edge with the right sides together and sewed one long and one short edge to make a tube, I turned the tube and folded the raw edges in hand sewing the gap closed. I chose to divide the pockets into 6 so that her utensil handles would fit into them. I then made pockets three and four, again I folded on the horizontal with right sides together and stitched the short seams. I positioned them on the bottom of the chair section lined up with I on one side and J on the other. I decided to divide these into 3 pockets for general storage and play. </div>
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<strong>Step Three: Hobs and oven:</strong> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooker chair cover with open oven door.</td></tr>
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I pinned the fleece hobs onto the seat piece making sure that I had left plenty of space around the edge to join the pieces together and for the buttons. The next step is to make the oven - my dining chars have legs and space under the chair so I made a oven door that opens so she could put things in the space below. If you have a solid chair this would be pointless and you could just stitch the door on without cutting a hole. I cut two "oven door" squares and attached a strip of Velcro to the right side of one piece. I then stitched the two pieces right sides together leaving a small turning gap. I turned it the right way round and ladder stitched the gap closed. I decided to make the door out of plain red fabric as I did not have enough ladybird although it looks intentional. I edged it with black bias binding to give it a good contrast. I then cut out a square 4 cm smaller than the "oven door". I trimmed the hole with red bias binding and attached the opposite strip of Velcro above the hole. I stuck the Velcro together and pinned the sides in place, I then stitched the base of the door on over the bias binding using a small strong zig zag.<br />
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<strong>Step Four: Construction:</strong></div>
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I started by pinning A - B on the seat to A - B on the seat back with right sides together. I then stitched this seam making sure the raw edges of the pockets were trapped between the pieces. I pinned E-F and F-E right sides together and stitched this seam. I then pinned the bottom of the chair onto the seat with right sides together matching A to A right round to B. This is the trickiest part I found and take time to get the curve correct. I then stitched along and the cooker was constructed. I put it on the chair at this point to make sure I was happy with the fit, seam adjustments or trimming the edges could still be done here.<br />
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<strong>Step Five: Edging:</strong> <br />
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In the original picture there appeared to just be an over-locked seam. I decided to use bias binding, I have loved using bias binding since the <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/skipping-skirt.html" target="_blank">skipping skirts </a>and I felt it gave the opportunity to add another level of co-ordination. I ironed the bias binding in half and pinned it to the edges and then top stitched it. The amount of bias binding is a lot and will depend on your chair. If you want to calculate it then it will be J-B + B-F + E-G + G-H + H-F + E-A + A-I + I-J or simply measure round it with a tape measure. I added 4 large black buttons with red thread for the cooker knobs. I placed these on the seat in front of the hobs but they could easily go on the front just above the oven. I then added two ties made out of cotton ribbon on each side at position A and B and then in line with the top of pocket one. If you didn't want it to tie on then you could sew the back panel to the front panel and B-J and A-I of the bottom section. This would mean just hemming or adding biased binding round G-H-I-J. I decided to tie mine as it will just on other chairs just not quite as well. After checking the oven door worked and it fit well I had one last look over the top stitching and I was happy it was done.<br />
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It really is convenient and fun, she has had many hours playing with it and I am really pleased with how the fabrics worked together. It has a lot of scope for adaptation with different colours or pocket arrangements and could work on most chairs.<br />
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<br />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-15524544396502873582016-01-20T20:59:00.001+00:002016-01-20T20:59:53.833+00:00Sock PenguinsHaving completed the challenge of the <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/sock-owls.html" target="_blank">sock owls</a>, I had plenty of enthusiasm (and socks) to try the sock penguins. I decided to make the penguins for three sisters, as with my own sisters I made them using the same template but with differences to make them unique. I found the tutorials on <a href="http://www.craftpassion.com/2014/03/sock-penguin-how-to-sew.html" target="_blank">Craft Passion</a> as I had with the owls. I adore this site, the photos are really helpful and the descriptions very clear. I loved making the feet, it was such a simple method to make them look webbed as well as giving a good base. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sock Penguins</td></tr>
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Once again the challenge came in matching the stripes on the socks and trying to get the faces to look right. The stripes took a lot of pinning on both the body and the flippers to get a pattern match.I found the faces shape very challenging, I used thin white socks, which in hindsight were more difficult than the thick socks as they moved more when I was trying to pin them. Despite being difficult to handle the white socks worked really well when padded lightly for the tummies. The beaks were easier to make than with the owls as they were a simple cone shape. I would be tempted to use felt in the future to get more detail in the eyes. As with many toys I make the expression comes as I sew the face which resulted in a slightly evil/stern looking penguin in a red scarf and a blue scarfed penguin with a larger forehead. The weighted bag inside was a great touch as it helps them sit nicely.<br />
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I had been working on arm knitted scarves as gifts so I decided to take it a step further and finger knitted the scarf using this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3LKAlDz9ig" target="_blank">tutorial</a>. This is really simple to do but I felt that the wool gave a good finish.Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-66722392832176985932016-01-18T11:23:00.001+00:002016-01-18T11:23:34.070+00:00Gimmie a M A S C O T I was trying to think of an idea for my niece's 13th Birthday. I find this a difficult age to make things for. I had made her brother a <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/melly-and-me-toys.html" target="_blank">ninja</a> and her sister a husky so I was eager to go down the "soft toy with a twist" route. When she was little I bought her a fairy rag doll called Mary. At that point I would never have dreamed of sewing things like this for her, but I wanted something reminiscent of Mary, but personal and a bit different, and it needed to be quirky enough for her to like it.<br />
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For the past couple of years she has been part of a cheer and dance group based in the Midlands called ACES. She seems to be loving the mix of dance and gymnastics and is having a lot of fun with the group. I remembered seeing a photo of their mascot Molly and started wondering if I could make a mini Mollie. I realised I had a pattern in <i><a href="http://www.mariskavos.nl/index.html" target="_blank">Sew Cute to Cuddle</a></i> by Mariska Vos-Bolman (Fluffels) that I could possibly adjust to make it look like Mollie. I loved making the <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/wedding-tortoises.html" target="_blank">tortoise</a> by Mariska Vos-Bolman<span class="a-size-small a-color-secondary" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.25;"> </span> and I was eager to make something out of this book.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmb75YEoIhhux9qSmQcdpXVRDJTRF_Dj2IhuUC1AYXEplNrpVLt9PphEomt5jMDPkci3-xx5GEYVSfsDfZSfJDgQ_KHyZazjzuJQmOCpIuyuZpCd5NxyuU9cLYVYkkKfTpfYSc6ZS470/s1600/11136751_10204290870253292_7850871504812585091_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmb75YEoIhhux9qSmQcdpXVRDJTRF_Dj2IhuUC1AYXEplNrpVLt9PphEomt5jMDPkci3-xx5GEYVSfsDfZSfJDgQ_KHyZazjzuJQmOCpIuyuZpCd5NxyuU9cLYVYkkKfTpfYSc6ZS470/s200/11136751_10204290870253292_7850871504812585091_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Mollie the Aces Mascot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Mollie - design modified from "Sew cute to cuddle" </td></tr>
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The pattern to make the doll is really well laid out and explained. The book has full size pattern pages to trace which is helpful and it is beautifully illustrated. As with the<a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/melly-and-me-toys.html" target="_blank"> Melly and Me toys </a>I used felt as I find it gives a lovely finish and comes in bright solid colours. I changed the dress colours which was easy and then all I needed to do was make the hair bigger and change the facial features. I found the doll easier to put together than the <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/wedding-tortoises.html" target="_blank">wedding Tortoise</a>. The most complicated bits were as a result of my modifications. By making the bunches much bigger they are far more difficult to fit inside the head to sew it up which resulted in me ladder stitching part of the head closed. The face took quite a lot of time and rearranging as even the slightest change and it all looked 'wrong'. Mollie has very distinctive eyes ( I started to refer to them as "Pacman eyes" by the end of it). There was a lot of pinning before I was happy enough to sew it, I layered the complicated eyes using felt. I was very pleased with the bows in her hair as they are made in the way that real <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Cheerleading-Hair-Bow" target="_blank">"cheer bows" </a>are.<br />
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Although she looks unusual without the context behind her design I was pleased with the outcome, I think next to Mollie she looks how I was hoping she would. My niece certainly knew who she was when she opened her which I was really happy about. I now have more characters from the book planned including some with more modifications.<br />
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Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-75439511219143447852016-01-12T20:25:00.000+00:002016-01-12T20:52:03.195+00:00For the Love of Spoonflower - Avengers and OystercatchersI find it challenging to come up with new and different ideas for gifts. This means that I am always open for requests. The requests are normally for a particular design or function, but unusually this request from my niece was for a specific fabric. The fabric she had found was perfect for her, it contained her favourite colours and was based on "The Avengers". She found the fabric on<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome" target="_blank"> spoonflower</a>. I love using spoonflower it is a fantastic website which allows designers and artists to post their designs and if enough people are interested in it then it can be printed. When my niece found the fabric it had not yet made it into production but it was obviously popular as within a month you could order it. One of the downsides of using spoonflower is that it is an American site so delivery does take longer than UK sites or local shops. I find that I only use it when I am being VERY organised. They do sometimes have 'Free Delivery' offers so if you are keeping your eye on something you can get a deal that way too. I find the quality is really good and the price is good as well. It also makes you very careful how you cut as you know a mistake can lead to a long wait for a replacement!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avengers Satchel - bag design Rebecca Tuffnell</td></tr>
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I knew she wanted a bag, and she had liked a satchel style bag I had made my sister the year before. I wanted to make something that showed the pattern fully, I didn't want pockets on the outside as I was worried that it would look too busy. I chose a pattern from issue 21 of <a href="http://www.craft-seller.com/" target="_blank">Craftseller</a>. The design is based around using a fat quater as the flap. This is a lovely idea and it is good that it takes into consideration shopping within a budget. The pattern itself was straightforward and I found the instructions clear with all measurements given. I have had difficulties in the past with Craftseller patterns but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I adjusted the pattern slightly to make it a bit bigger as I wanted to avoid cutting up the squares on the pattern as much as possible. The bag is a basic pattern with modifications suggested and I inserted a large pocket into the one for my niece.<br />
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I chose to use a turquoise complementary fabric to line the bag as I thought that using purple might be a bit much, and the turquoise would set it off nicely. The pattern uses antique effect clasps however using quite modern fabric made me feel that it would be better to use something more "abstract". I found a lovely set of interlocking bell clasps on <a href="http://www.minervacrafts.com/" target="_blank">Minerva Crafts</a>. They do look a bit like a puzzle out of a Christmas cracker but it gave the effect I wanted. The site itself is excellent with a huge array of clasps and closures and it is now where I go for anything like that.<br />
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It is not just Avengers fabric I bought from Spoonflower this year; when trying to find the perfect fabric for a friends apron I found myself back on the site. I found beautiful <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/2097386" target="_blank">Oystercatcher fabric</a> and unsurprisingly it was for one of the recipients of my <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/oystercatchers-and-puffins.html" target="_blank">oystercatchers</a> last year. The fabric has a bold and modern design, it uses block colour on a beautiful light turquoise background. I adore the simplicity of the pattern.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oystercatcher apron - Design by Fiona Goble</td></tr>
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The apron design is the "<a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/adjustable-apron.html" target="_blank"><i>Sew Quick Sew Cute</i>" pattern</a> I used before, I made a small change as I wanted the pattern on the pocket to match the apron so I cut it to line up and positioned it off centre to match. This looked a little "wonky" so I added a strip of 1" wide cotton tape to the side of it to be used as a tea towel holder. I came across this on a previous design, I think it is a great addition as it is very handy.Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-36656752810048602772016-01-05T22:16:00.000+00:002016-01-12T20:26:09.823+00:00Melly and Me Toys I know I have said it before but I love making things for children; here are some of this years gifts that have been made from<a href="http://www.mellyandme.com/" target="_blank"> Melly and Me</a>, although I have blogged before about my love of Melly and Me patterns in general with my <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/matching-millie.html" target="_blank">quilt</a>, <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/dont-shoot-messenger-bags.html" target="_blank">bags</a> and<a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/wedding-tortoises.html" target="_blank"> mice</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judo inspired Ninja</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEswUw3-TqdsP8skKFcXR7tp-MXXSeCcHxm1agGEhKtnd1y78svRXaLiFH10W6Ax7pnQK7r2O4IqX4inLs4tMvlPE266cG3lGyG4WkZ5olc9vy1329GCrCspyp30I-fq9I3TmONnzF3M/s1600/IMG_2262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEswUw3-TqdsP8skKFcXR7tp-MXXSeCcHxm1agGEhKtnd1y78svRXaLiFH10W6Ax7pnQK7r2O4IqX4inLs4tMvlPE266cG3lGyG4WkZ5olc9vy1329GCrCspyp30I-fq9I3TmONnzF3M/s200/IMG_2262.JPG" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky Blue Ninja</td></tr>
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<b><u>Ninjas</u></b><br />
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This pattern was bought as an <a href="http://www.mellyandme.com/store/p88/Little_Ninjas_Instant_Download.html" target="_blank">individual pattern</a> from the website which I had e-mailed to me as a pdf. I first made ninjas back in the summer for my nephew and his Dad. My nephew is learning Judo so I had a lot of fun using the blue of his training suit and making an orange belt with the correct amount of yellow tabs. I then made his Dad one in blue and white as he is a Coventry City supporter. I enjoyed making these so much that I decided to make them for our cousins for Christmas. I have written before about making the "same but different" for sisters. For the sisters I made one pink and purple and one claret and blue as one of them is a big Villa supporter. Thankfully I do not follow football otherwise I would be in trouble with one or even both. The ninjas are really fun and they do not have over complicated features. The patterns are very easy to follow and the most difficult aspect is getting the arms to look the same. I have a constant battle with pairs of things as one always seem to look different. In the original pattern the bands are added in sections, this makes sense if you are trying to line up cotton, although having chosen to use felt I decided to just hand sew the felt strips on after the toy was constructed. This is easy with felt as the stitches are hidden by the texture of the fabric. The main difference in the Christmas ninjas is that I decided to use beads instead of felt for the eyes. The beads I used were 7mm and I was pleased with the result. I would opt for felt still for a younger child in the future. They are lovely to put together and as long as you take your time to straighten up the bands then it would be a good project for a beginner.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas "Sister Ninjas"</td></tr>
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<u><b>Caterpillars</b></u><br />
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The first toy I ever made was a caterpillar for my little girl from <i><a href="http://www.mellyandme.com/store/p58/Sewn_Toy_Tales.html" target="_blank">"Sewn Toy Tales" </a></i>by Melly and Me. It is a fantastic pattern mixing hand sewn yo-yos and machine sewn leg sections. The yo-yos and leg sections are held together with 5mm cotton tape. I adore this design as it allows the body to move in a really fluid way, it is also great for popping them on things. The book itself is excellent with a comprehensive stitch guide and some fantastic advice on fabric selection. The face details and antenna give a lovely personality and character. There are 15 yo yo's in the caterpillar which are all made of different coloured cotton fabrics. In my Christmas caterpillars I used some soft brushed cotton for the body pieces. I made one with green body sections and brown, red and orange yo-yo's and the second with a purple body, pink, purple and turquoise yo-yo's. I found just enough of my brown mushroom fabric to make the antenna and nose for the green one, which made me incredibly happy as this fabric was left over from the recipients parent's wedding present that I also made. One of the things I learned doing the first caterpillar is that you do not need all the fabrics to match, you just each each fabric to match one other, which is a tip I use a lot! This is a great way to use up your fabric stash.<br />
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<u><b>Super- Hero </b></u><br />
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This is another toy designed by Melly and Me, it comes from her latest book <a href="http://www.mellyandme.com/store/p62/Sew_Fantasy_Toys.html" target="_blank">"<i>Sew Fantasy Toys"</i></a>. I fell in love with this design straight away. I love how bold and bright and fun the pattern is. I have a soft spot for super heroes anyway so I was excited to make one. I used fleece as I love the finish and it made him nice and soft. The pattern is well explained and illustrated with the most difficult part being the piecing in the bottom. Because I was using fleece and not cotton I hand stitched the features on instead of using the machine. This is simply because I think the fleece hides the hand stitching well. I also decided to sew on the mask. I liked the idea of it coming off but as the recipient has a one year old brother I decided that an elasticated mask was not the best idea. The pattern overall was more difficult than the ninja and caterpillars. The way the feet are sewn and matched reminded me of the oyster-catchers I made last year. This gives a nice match on the foot seams. I still struggle with getting the arms and feet the same size and shape.<br />
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<u><b>Mermaid</b></u><br />
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This pattern also came from <i><a href="http://www.mellyandme.com/store/p62/Sew_Fantasy_Toys.html" target="_blank">"Sew Fantasy Toys"</a></i>. The construction of the mermaid is a lot more like the ninja than the superhero. Again I used fleece to make it nice and soft and fun. I chose to change the hair style and colour. Instead of using ric rac bunches I used the two buns that were used in the fairy pattern. I was a little worried that this was the Star Wars hype taking over and it would look a little like Princess Leia, but I think I got away with it. Like most toys I make the mermaid got her personality when I added the eyes and mouth. I know that if I made lots of these they would all have different expressions and personalities which makes it such an individual gift. I love the finishing touches like the starfish in the hair and the fact that the designs are not overly complicated.<br />
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<br />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-49668081894842066422015-11-27T22:26:00.000+00:002015-11-27T22:26:07.314+00:00Two Hour TopI came across some beautiful lightweight teal coloured jersey fabric which has metallic thread stripes punctuated with flat sequins. I really liked it and bought some, and then I also received some for my birthday, so I have plenty to use and have been looking for something to make out of it since April. I was worried about the stretch of the fabric and I wanted quite a simple design as the stripes would not work with a lot of piecing together. I came across a <a href="http://www.sewdifferent.co.uk/2-hour-top/" target="_blank">pattern</a> on Pinterest and realised it would work really well, so I ignored my 'to do' list and got on with it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sewdifferent.co.uk/my-sewing-room/" target="_blank">Sew Different</a> is a fantastic site and it gives well illustrated step by step instructions. The pattern is in two formats as well as providing all of the measurements to draw your own. She gives a lovely breakdown of techniques and instruction on how to alter the pattern to fit. It is all free which is a bonus, although there is a Paypal button where you can buy her a cappuccino for £2. I think this is a fantastic idea as it allows you to 'try before you buy'. I appreciate this approach as I have bought patterns in the past and really struggled with the quality and lack of instructions.<br />
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The top is a '2 Hour Top' so I got everything ready and took a photo which included a clock. It was my intention to time how long it took and do it in one sitting, however I got distracted and had a tea break when it got to the "tricky" bits.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1TdOJMrYH1H52jSUEOpNrVmwEWW2SRJbwg0U55dKr4RR_u38WDrVdljugx7pL820XiO688f0kvWNuiaKeDISxZGMDt6f8Cc9cf4UjpBA3xa2V5Wj9ljTusYBdFjSwj7tDUp1kMHsVhM/s1600/IMG_2592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1TdOJMrYH1H52jSUEOpNrVmwEWW2SRJbwg0U55dKr4RR_u38WDrVdljugx7pL820XiO688f0kvWNuiaKeDISxZGMDt6f8Cc9cf4UjpBA3xa2V5Wj9ljTusYBdFjSwj7tDUp1kMHsVhM/s320/IMG_2592.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set up and ready to go </td></tr>
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I decided to draw my own pattern as it stopped me arguing with a printer and I find that by the time I have lined up all the bits of paper and stuck them together I could have just drawn it. I went with the size that the pattern was for; I normally would have gone a little bigger but the fabric has the stretch in it. It took a little while to draw because I kept checking my measurements. There are only two pattern pieces which makes life easier and once I had them drawn and cut I positioned them on my fabric. The embroidered lines helped me to line everything up and make sure that it was centred nicely. I cut the main body so that the lines were vertical and the sleeves so that the lines were horizontal. The fabric was difficult to cut due to the sequins and the stretch but for once I actually used enough pins.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the fabric</td></tr>
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I lined up the sleeve pieces and managed to line up the embroidered lines so that the they created a nice 90 degree angle on the join between the main body and sleeve of the top. Sewing it all together was very straight forward with the only difficulty being to trim the neck at the sleeve insertion.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Join between main body and sleeve</td></tr>
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The last bit was to do the hem, I have written about hems before in my <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/skirts-of-round-and-square.html" target="_blank">skirt blog</a>. It has always been something I have found difficult and this top uses a technique that I was aware of but had never used. Bias binding is sewn face down to the right side of the fabric and then tucked under and top stitched. This is a great method and I will be using it again. Following the curve at the bottom is tricky and takes a lot of pinning. I think my neck line is a little more square than the pattern but I really like it. If I made it again I think I would make it a little bit longer but this is a purely personal choice. In the end because I checked my pattern a lot and had to get my head around the hem so it took just under 2 and a half hours however if I made it again I am confident I could get it under 2 hours.<br />
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I love the site and if I can find the right fabric I will also be making the <a href="http://www.sewdifferent.co.uk/sheer-batwing-top/" target="_blank">batwing top</a>. I will be watching for new patterns and I hope she enjoys the coffee I paid for through Paypal.Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-48004847892031577072015-11-16T14:35:00.000+00:002015-11-16T14:35:00.910+00:00A Lobster for Pudsey BBC Radio Shetland organise, co-ordinate and support Children in Need fundraisers every year which also includes a phone-in auction and I decided that it would be a nice idea to donate something. I knew that I could not compete with the big prizes, such as weekends away and wedding car hire, but I wanted to give something fun and affordable and in keeping with the spirit of Children in Need so I decided to donate my lobster hat. I thought it would appeal to both boys and girls, and more importantly their parents. I have made a lot of fleece hats now and will post a blog about them soon.<br />
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They are double lined fleece hats, designed by Mary Rasch who kindly allowed me to sell some, and they are really warm (and the lobster has ear flaps with claws on the bottom!). I contacted Radio Shetland to see if they would want it and I have to say I got the kindest response which gave me some confidence for the hats I was hoping to sell at the craft fair.<br />
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Having donated the hat and watched it appear on their Facebook page, and displayed in a shop window in Lerwick, I started to worry that it would not sell. I did not want to think that I had taken up airtime for something that did not make any money for the charity. The programme aired during the first night of the craft fair so my husband listened at home. The first update had no bids and I think he was starting to worry but by the end it had sold, and for only slightly less than my craft fair ones. I think a lot of the credit goes to the excellent publicity and use of puns during the auction ("shell out"... "in a pinch").<br />
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I am happy to have helped raise just a small amount towards their total that somebody out there enjoys the hat. I am already thinking about what they might like next year..<br />
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Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-21302629043739459982015-11-08T19:18:00.000+00:002015-11-08T19:18:05.011+00:00Craft Fair : Trading StandardsAs well as all of the fun I have had making stock I have come across a few more serious aspects relating to the Craft Fair. The main three things to think about have been have been Trading Standards, copyright issues and costing. This blog looks at my experience with complying to trading standards.<br />
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I have two products that classify as 'toys' because they are aimed at babies and children under the age of 14. This means that I cannot sell them without a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ce-marking" target="_blank">"CE"</a> label and the work that goes into proving it is safe. I was told this initially by the volunteers that are running the fair, one of the many instances in which their help and guidance has been amazing. I contacted Trading Standards as advised and I had two meetings with an incredibly helpful officer. From what I have seen online the amount of advice and support varies by location and I have been really lucky with the input I received. I would advise that if anyone is considering selling toys, cosmetics or jewellery that they should be the first point of contact.<br />
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Because I am selling on a small scale I am able to put together a self-declaration file that I keep, and if needs be update, for 10 years. This blog is far from a definitive guide and I am not going to add in a lot of complicated legislation but I wanted to simply write about the things I had to think about. I found that a LOT of the things that you have to consider are common sense and I would hope that people making items for children would consider them anyway; for example I would never send a toy without pulling and tugging and shaking it for example, but the difference when doing things commercially is to be able to show that you have procedures in place.<br />
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The first toy I made my daughter had very cute little antennae and I swung it round by them just to make sure they were secure. She has now had it for almost 3 years and has never been as rough with it as I was! When looking at the legislation this comes under "forces applied". If you live elsewhere then you can go to test centres with your creations but as that is not possible up here I described how I carried out each test. I also wrote about the flammability of the fabrics I used. Thankfully all of the fabrics took quite a lot of effort to catch fire when I attempted to burn them. This was reassuring as there has been a lot in the press about flammable Halloween outfits recently.<br />
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In the past I have made juggling balls, using rice to fill them, which was fine for family, but to sell them it was suggested that I use plastic pellets designed for toy filling instead as the rice could harbour nasty bacteria if it got damp. For added strength I had already designed the juggling balls to have a double bag and in my CE report I wrote about stitch length and strength as well as how I make sure all pins have been removed. There needs to be batch traceability so I have marked these ones so I know which pellet filling they have. I do not use any stuffing but if I did it would need to be traced as well. The report also contained dimensions and descriptions of my product along with photographs. It is obviously important that the fabric is clean and the stuffing is new. I used all new fabrics, although up-cycling of fabric would be fine as long as it is adequately cleaned.<br />
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Thankfully my toys contained no mechanical or moving parts and I decided to use felt eyes so nothing could come loose. Neither would any of my toys fit into the test cylinder that is used to check if there are any choking hazards. As a parent I find it reassuring that all of these regulations are in place. I know that I check the seams on all toys and those that are made on a larger scale will also wear down with time. I have seen people claim that this is "health and safety gone mad" but I think it is just about making sure people consider all of the factors that are needed. I do, however, find it frustrating that the regulation is written in a far more convoluted way than I think it needs to be.<br />
<br />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-53835597944351347472015-10-26T22:37:00.002+00:002015-10-26T22:42:31.151+00:00Craft Fair: Identity Crisis I have been awful at posting recently partly because I have been really busy making things for my first craft fair stall.<br />
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I am not sure exactly when I decided that I wanted to sell things at the Christmas Craft Fair. It was a notion that grew and took over. It is not that I am desperate to sell things, or even sure that people will buy them, but more that I really want to be a part of what the craft fair is all about.<br />
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I have been going for the last few years and it may sound clichéd but the atmosphere is amazing and I started to think that it would be fun to be a part of it. Things I make and send as gifts are always very well received and I get some lovely compliments on the things I make my daughter. This simply means one of two things; either people like them or they are all just being really nice. We will soon see! I also wanted to showcase this blog, as awful as I am at keeping my posts regular I love the thought of people reading it and the idea of somebody seeing something I have made and wanting to make it too is really quite special. <br />
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This leaves me in a very odd position that I want to use a stall to promote a blog and not use my blog to promote things to sell. I know this seems the wrong way around but it makes sense to me.<br />
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I then needed to decide what to actually sell, which I found quite tough. When making something for a specific person I can make it to fit their personality and needs, but to make for "people" in general I need to make something that appeals to a wide group of people but without it being so mainstream that you can find it in a supermarket. <br />
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I needed patterns that I could make to sell, that wouldn't take too much time and that I didn't mind making lots of. The first pattern that fitted these requirements were for children's fleece hats. These plans then grew to include things for adults and babies. I suddenly found myself with an array of things I could imagine buying as small presents and stocking fillers. This was all going well and I had fabric and a clear idea of what I needed to do.<br />
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I applied to the Shetland Arts and Crafts Association for my membership and received a form to fill out that asked what my stall would be about. It was then that I started to struggle. I was very tempted to write<br />
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<i>"It is.. errr a mix of things that... errr make sense in my head.... I errr... well I dismissed lots of things that didn't fit with a vision that only I understand"</i>.<br />
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I did worry however that this might not help with getting people to want to see my work! So I took a step back and thought about the words I would choose to describe my products and style. That is when I realised that despite an eclectic range of products they were all held together by my fabric choices. I have opted for bright and fun fabrics. A lot of my products are quirky and different. Most of them have a fun practicality. So I deleted the "errrs" and wro<span style="font-family: inherit;">te: "A fu<span style="font-family: inherit;">n
</span>collection of bags, gifts, accessories, toys and children’s hats using brightly
coloured fleece and quirky fabrics".</span><br />
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It felt great to have written down where I was and where I was heading. As I said before I wanted to promote my blog and I felt I really needed a business card so this was my next mission. I knew what I didn't want from a business card more than what I did want, and I didn't want to spend a lot of money on it either as that would force me to put prices up on the things I had made. I also didn't want to have a sewing machine or needles on the card as I felt that I could possibly get mixed up with a tailor. I liked some of the button designs but they just did not sit right. Then I found a wonderfully pretty card with a simple "appliqué effect" flower and I decided that was the one I needed. On a side note the original design of the card is actually for parents to hand out their contact details to other parents! Is this a thing that really happens?!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My business card.</td></tr>
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The result of this is I feel like I have a 'brand identity' and a hope of communicating what my crafting is all about. Now all I need is enough stock....Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-76078563356494421192015-08-06T23:03:00.000+01:002015-08-06T23:05:46.633+01:00Quilt a Little Birdhouse For Your Soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes when you see a pattern that you like it sits in the
back of your mind until the right occasion comes up for it. Sometimes, as in this case, you see a
pattern and know instantly who it must be made for. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batik Birdhouse Wall Hanging - design by Sue Belleli<br />
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This
design was by Sue Belleli
and I found it in the May 2014 issue of <a href="http://www.homespun.net.au/" target="_blank">Australian Homespun Magazine</a>. This is the same magazine that I got the <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/panda-puppet.html" target="_blank">panda puppet</a> pattern from which shows the variety of projects that the magazine has. The original design was in
bright and vivid colours and worked really well. This would be a perfect "stash
busting" project as it uses so many bits and bobs. The pattern is really easy to follow, there were photos to help with putting the bird houses together, and the whole thing was divided into sections, which I find makes it easier to get my head around the steps involved. There were also some really helpful tips.</div>
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For the recipient I had in mind I really wanted it to be made from batik fabric. She loves batik fabric and she loves
colour. It needed to be bright and bold and fun! The joy of using the batik fabric is that
despite all of the different colours of fabric the use of the same style ties it all
together, so I had no concerns about clashing textures or patterns. The downside of using batik fabric was going to be the expense. In using batiks instead of raiding my existing fabric stash
I would have had to purchase all of the fabric new. In the end I used 44
different fabrics so even just buying fat quarters was going to cost a significant amount.
On top of that I was then going to be left with a mountain of batik fabric to add to
my stash. I did consider buying fat quarters as then I would have had a stockpile for future presents but in reality the cost and space involved in buying all that fabric was
getting ridiculous.<br />
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I then started thinking about getting an assorted pack of
smaller 5” by 5” squares. I could then just purchase a larger piece of black,
sky blue and purple for the edge. The
problem with this idea was that 5” by 5” squares were not going to be quite big enough, although when I looked at the pattern and overall dimensions I realised that it
would work if I made it slightly smaller. There is a risk that if you shrink a pattern like
this then you make life a lot harder for yourself as smaller pieces can
sometimes be a bit “fiddly”. It is a trade-off with quilted projects that the larger they are the more difficult they are to control in the machine, however if they are made too small the details can be difficult to sew and can get lost in the pattern. I shrunk the pattern pieces to
80% of the original size and then pieced it together. I was happy at this size that it was
still a substantial piece and that I was keeping the smaller details, like the wings, at a
workable size. This meant I could order a <a href="https://www.modafabric.co.uk/moda-charm-packs-dreamcatcher-batiks.ir" target="_blank">Moda dream catcher batik charm pack</a> which contained forty-two 5" by 5" squares.<br />
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The fun then
really began. It became like a giant puzzle trying to get the right shades
together and making sure that I didn’t end up with purple leaves, pink birds
and brown flowers. There was a lot of time spent trying to get the colour palettes
right on the birdhouses. I chose more neutral tones on one and brighter
shades on the other. I actually found
this part really fun. With it all finally laid out I started construction of
the bird houses... and I then started unpicking the bird houses! This was because I had completely underestimated the difference
that the smallest mistake with the angles around the centre pentagon could make to the overall shape. It magnifies any error with each
strip that you add, so I went back and did it again with a lot more pins. It is a common theme
when things go wrong with my sewing that I tend to need to use more pins. I am aware of this fact, and it is a work in progress.<br />
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Having got the bird houses sorted I then
started putting the pieces together. I ironed them on with Bondaweb. I do not have a sewing machine with blanket stitch on it so I tend to
hand stitch some types of applique. I do enjoy hand stitching and I find that
it is easier to match fabric to embroidery thread as there are more colours
available. The blanket stitch by hand was difficult as you are sewing through quite a
lot of layers of fabric as well as the Bondaweb, which can make it quite tough. I
have since invested in a leather thimble to help with my hand applique! With the flowers, birds and bird houses all attached I edged it with
some pretty fabric and then attached the webbing and a brushed cotton for the
back. Instead of using separate binding I folded the rest of the fabric from the back
and used that to bind the front as shown <a href="http://www.prettyprudent.com/2011/11/by-craft/the-easiest-cheat-for-binding-a-quilt/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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I did some very basic light quilting as I did not want to
make it look too fussy but it helped lift it further. I attached tabs to the
top by hand and it was complete. I thought the size worked well despite being
smaller and the batik worked well with the design, however I would happily do the project again at full size as a fabric "stash-buster"</div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069890602650871230.post-1677308105249759292015-06-03T14:44:00.000+01:002015-06-03T20:03:27.406+01:00Penguin playset <div class="MsoNormal">
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I am always looking for ideas for projects for children. My
little girl loves penguins so when I found a portable penguin play-set in S<i>ew Quick Sew Cute by Fiona Goble</i> I thought it would be perfect to make for Christmas. I also
thought that it would be a good thing to
make for my friends little boy.<br />
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The base is an iceberg with igloo, this is constructed of two really thick pieces of felt with the top piece folded back to form the igloo, a small pool is then added.The design uses a
strong zigzag around the edge with a straight stitch inside, this gives a good
strong finish and looks really neat. You then make three felt penguins. I chose to make them in 3 slightly different
colours, black, grey and navy just to give variation and allow them to be
named. The penguins are about 6cm high so perfect for little hands. I used a blanket stitch
and a backstitch to secure the seams to make them child proof. It is a well designed pattern with a lot of helpful illustrations. The only change I made was to embroider the beak on as opposed to using felt as this was less fiddly. The step by step instructions are easy to follow. You also make 2 little fish for the pond which is a really lovely touch. These are sewn on a square of felt and then cut it out as trying to sew round something so small is rather tricky.<br />
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One of the things I like best about this design is that it is a good balance between machine sewing for strength and hand sewing for precision and detail. They were a lot of fun to make, my little girl has played with hers a lot and included other small toys in the games. They would be great for travelling as it all folds into itself and does not take a lot of space. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY25uGWWAD_vb4MXPpED7za2yxJlRyFLEscWgUr5Hq4a7q3EDl1g_htH7mD0J8cPx3nrZXONryDQry15wts5j9F1bcgXiIP8s5bItBZsdPgSiuAzjx-vnEuzKT1gbeZhIOJbhOUj1q6yY/s1600/IMGP1144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY25uGWWAD_vb4MXPpED7za2yxJlRyFLEscWgUr5Hq4a7q3EDl1g_htH7mD0J8cPx3nrZXONryDQry15wts5j9F1bcgXiIP8s5bItBZsdPgSiuAzjx-vnEuzKT1gbeZhIOJbhOUj1q6yY/s320/IMGP1144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antarctic playset - design by Fiona Goble</td></tr>
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Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13446284994975129896noreply@blogger.com0