Ragdolls this brings back memories of my childhood and thank you Kirsty Alsopp

So I decided to make a gift for my niece. What could of been better than a rag doll. I was planning on drafting my own pattern but when I went to Hobbycraft to stock up on supplies I discovered Kirsty Alsop kit which had everything in it that I would need to make my very first rag doll and I was so pleased with the results.

Great British Sewing Bee - Jumpsuit

My GBSB book arrived the first thing I wanted to try out was the jumpsuit, so I ran straight to my local fabric store and stocked up with all my supplies.

I worked solidly on the jumpsuit and actually it only took me about 5 hours which was not bad at all considering it took me several attempts to stitch the trouser legs the right way around.

Perhaps not as glam as the model but I think the outfit came out really well.

The fabric itself was just £2.50 per metre which was a great bargain so the suit did not cost much at all and was definitely cheaper than shopping on the high street.

Love Sewing Ruby Dress

As soon as I saw Love Sewings's free gift of the Ruby dress I just knew that I had to make it. It was so far up my street and I had the perfect fabric available  for it (once again from Walthamstow).

The only thing that was unclear to me from the instructions was which size zipper to use. After a bit of searching I discovered that it was a 16" invisible zipper.

Out of everything that I have every made this is by far my favourite outfit to date. I wore it very proudly to my Nephews dedication, as it is the perfect dress for a spring/summer occasion.

Since buying Love Sewing due to this incredible pattern I have actually subscribed for 6 months and was so happy with my free gifts which were the 3rd Sewing Bee Book and also 2 fat quarters which I need to decide what to do with.

This is my Ruby Dress and I love it and believe everybody should go out and make it now.

.

The Great British Sewing Bee Book 1 - Boyfriend Shirt

Having watched and loved the great British Sewing Bee, I couldn't wait to get on with some of the projects that were in the first book, having rekindled my passion once again.

Still armed with the fabric that I picked up from Walthomstow I selected my Zebra print, and decided to adjust the pattern to make the shirt a short sleeve.

The shirt was definitely my biggest challenge to date, and it took me many attempts on scraps of fabric to ensure that I could perfect the button holes.


This is my finished version with a few of my own adjustments I can not wait to wear it all summer long! I love the simplicity of the instructions and can not wait for the book to accompany the 3rd series to arrive.

How to make a super sparkly sequin skirt!

Below is a really easy and quick way to make yourself a beautiful sequin skirt which is great for either a night out on the town or a bit more casual with a t-shirt. I hope you love the project as much as I enjoyed making it!

The finished product and me looking very un-model like haha...!!

Step 1: Lay out your fabric on a flat surface and fold in half.
Step 2: Measure around both your thighs with your legs together. Half that figure and mark that out from your fold.
Step 3: A good length for me is 45cm in length so measure this down the fabric.

Step 4: Cut out the fabric following the marks you have made. When unfolded this will give you a rectangle shape.

Step 5: Fold the fabric in half from the smaller sides, with the right sides together.
Step 6: Pin along the edge and sew into place with a seam approx. 1cm wide.

Step 7: Pin along the bottom edge of the skirt. Turning up approx. 1.5cm.
Step 8. Sew into place.

Step 9: Cut your elastic to the size of your waist.

Step 10: Sew the 2 ends together.

Step 11: Pin the elastic to the fabrics right side. Remember to stretch the elastic as you go around.

Step 12: Sew the elastic to the skirt. Remember to keep stretching the fabric as you go around the skirt.
If you don't mind the elastic showing you can stop here.

Step 13: Turn the elastic into the wrong side pin and sew into place.
Step 14: Turn the right way out and model it.


Now you've made yourself a beautiful skirt, wear it with pride and please feel free to send me pictures of your makes.

Lots of love,

CTC
xXx

Fabric Heaven at Walthamstow Market...

Wow, what an incredible day I had at Walthamstow Market. It was firstly super hot and secondly the best market ever. I only spent a total of £30 but got over 10 meters of fabric from various stalls so as you can imagine it was very cheap. I went for a variety of fabrics so that I can make a lot of different items. The pictures are below of the fabrics that I bought.

A very summery silk fabric, I'd really like to make a
camisole from this!

Gold stretchy sequin fabric. I'm going to create
a skirt and top out of this for a good night out!

I can see this light weight cotton making some fab shorts!

This beautiful cotton is going to make a lovely
summer dress and hopefully a tote bag too!

This striped jersey fabric will make a stunning maxi dress!

I've never used Chiffon before but I'm hoping this will make a
very stylish kimono jacket!

Chaotic...

Things have been rather chaotic lately and I've had no time to do any new craft items, however now I am on holiday for 10 whole days so I'm planning on getting quite a bit done now. On Thursday I'm really excited as I'm heading to Walthamstow Market which is meant to be fantastic for fabric. So I am going to do a bit of a stock up, so that I can go back to making some of my own clothes again, which is something that I love to do. Stay posted to see all my purchases and see what I am going to make from it all.

CTC

xXx