tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365096912024-03-19T12:56:51.371+00:00Clare's StuffClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-10075562986787638252011-02-01T22:11:00.006+00:002011-02-01T22:16:13.868+00:00Project sofa images...before shots!Images of the smaller sofa, a removed arm from the larger sofa (with crud from the previous owner...nice!) and a pile of firewood...erm I mean the larger sofa frame!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJjn-_jl_6sr6XJfpIrUaIoiIP6-3q2sbLNSn1vnNPjlFl3g_tFxC3cN45RgB7JkElF7uOO8xU6LybQtSsS38sMvCJnSNJpZfZB1WHsX0wCJ3zct8S2LeMyxTV3qEZ5Lr5yd16w/s1600/brown+sofa.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJjn-_jl_6sr6XJfpIrUaIoiIP6-3q2sbLNSn1vnNPjlFl3g_tFxC3cN45RgB7JkElF7uOO8xU6LybQtSsS38sMvCJnSNJpZfZB1WHsX0wCJ3zct8S2LeMyxTV3qEZ5Lr5yd16w/s320/brown+sofa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568848016785147122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzwtF5NrzP0GK_JL8r_gleozw86_FEPGkb3LneowceUWx-aFxJAZ-gPIxpGuNiDctpPVk3cweX7JDNBhZkdhDQZZcqxQVJfstYF5jrXym8qrKxMjrxOxJQsTWQ7YL_ZNuPF2Dwg/s1600/sofa-arm.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzwtF5NrzP0GK_JL8r_gleozw86_FEPGkb3LneowceUWx-aFxJAZ-gPIxpGuNiDctpPVk3cweX7JDNBhZkdhDQZZcqxQVJfstYF5jrXym8qrKxMjrxOxJQsTWQ7YL_ZNuPF2Dwg/s320/sofa-arm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568848146022920050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLagnUBJfiMsUN3RAVGPOfyFOWUn_MUP0GRBDtDrltLsZkS0UAWjwuU8Ji3JAOopz5vrRRckMvJrkvLvxGh8BzUJuHw0AuTK1KN2YtQ0kgv5Idb8wLR_StWGr3zM-2r3daR97qEw/s1600/frame.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLagnUBJfiMsUN3RAVGPOfyFOWUn_MUP0GRBDtDrltLsZkS0UAWjwuU8Ji3JAOopz5vrRRckMvJrkvLvxGh8BzUJuHw0AuTK1KN2YtQ0kgv5Idb8wLR_StWGr3zM-2r3daR97qEw/s320/frame.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568848262082591458" border="0" /></a>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-89066169409655298032011-02-01T21:54:00.002+00:002011-02-01T22:09:06.645+00:00PROJECT SOFA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDb0Wc0V3XX2GEeOXDr80_uHq6qpUKvPWUMBoQ91XLifwedxPgMmccSH6SHsDGQc6LS8i-GGiepWdWAx7kT87HyVtD_s8fyQI7NWCbltlWjLLrJ8kAbhVf7FovipbTftPgTnrHpw/s1600/safa.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDb0Wc0V3XX2GEeOXDr80_uHq6qpUKvPWUMBoQ91XLifwedxPgMmccSH6SHsDGQc6LS8i-GGiepWdWAx7kT87HyVtD_s8fyQI7NWCbltlWjLLrJ8kAbhVf7FovipbTftPgTnrHpw/s320/safa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568846577103089842" border="0" /></a><br />Well...after neglecting this blog for a while I'm back again for 2011. Each year I have a wish list of the things I'd like to get for that year. On this years wish list were new sofas for the lounge. Designer Italian style sofas like the ones you see in Elle Decoration magazine....sigh...well I don't exactly have a couple of grand to spend on furniture so I started scribbling some designs in my notebook. Could I make sofas out of some wood and mattresses? would my dad help me? Anyway, after a bit of discusion I decided to "upcycle" two second hand sofas, remodelling the frame and reupholstering. Below is a rough mock up in Photoshop. I picked up two sofas for £45 from Preloved, one large 2 seater and one standard 2 seater. After stripping the larger one (removing upholstery, foam and zillions of staples) we discovered that the frame was pretty poor quality. Luckily my dad is a genious engineer and DIYer and has agreed to make the sofa frames from scratch using better quality wood in his garage. It was still worth £45 buying the two sofas as it was very useful taking them apart to use as a basic template, and of course I will be reusing the foam (as foam is VERY expensive!). My mum has also treated me to 30m of upholstery weight chenille fabric at the bargain price of £1.50 a metre!<br />This is my first upholstery project (discounting simple drop in seat pads) so watch this space as I document "project sofa"!Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-36220648976196433592010-10-26T19:07:00.002+01:002010-10-26T19:09:04.435+01:00Baby's first digital painting!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicxqjg5VPhaHmlhX1PT-cf_s8zKIxRirCSf3bJ-lQ3o5PK9BPKtM9wXCeAUd6kBCaRCaO_cFGZK0G8j-puvLatfwEB30g7HLJWmnInBPu1SzP4ha1KAUh5GWS4neQKO2SgJGLDg/s1600/rosiespainting.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicxqjg5VPhaHmlhX1PT-cf_s8zKIxRirCSf3bJ-lQ3o5PK9BPKtM9wXCeAUd6kBCaRCaO_cFGZK0G8j-puvLatfwEB30g7HLJWmnInBPu1SzP4ha1KAUh5GWS4neQKO2SgJGLDg/s320/rosiespainting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532418291185672450" border="0" /></a>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-55416950731126975552010-10-24T21:14:00.002+01:002010-10-24T21:17:47.407+01:00knitting...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnrv49mLKgbWGWHKKFOOwt7Io05_snV3v_imGZjvqWdRoTKPHXqFZjbTFvumt4mej31hupnZ-koEKbfrQvy2wrTlKam3zRvyGPf4wDf8qFdIktjwWYf-3MnN_mZ3R1CEkiDrUJw/s1600/dolls-knits.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnrv49mLKgbWGWHKKFOOwt7Io05_snV3v_imGZjvqWdRoTKPHXqFZjbTFvumt4mej31hupnZ-koEKbfrQvy2wrTlKam3zRvyGPf4wDf8qFdIktjwWYf-3MnN_mZ3R1CEkiDrUJw/s320/dolls-knits.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531709328440845938" border="0" /></a><br />...is not something I do..I can do it, but I am hopelessly slow at it, crochet is more my thing. I have enjoyed leafing through my Grandma's old patterns though, such as this doll's clothes one. Both me and my mum have had doll's clothed from this pattern. Anyway, now it's on ebay for someone else to enjoy...Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-64315687107628186352010-10-06T19:43:00.002+01:002010-10-06T19:46:56.883+01:00she comes in colours everywhere....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgcfK-Ek42ZQV4AF2O_CAt4uKjeeiyHKN2CmxOZkyYbMX9LBaMz8VQpPPqNL8jbMf7n-iCpEdo_FH15YpB1XHng1zskmHUpwNOkdnBkWHiebxWS5gpbtbmmWWfIat-qwNHK_a0w/s1600/rainbow-blanket.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgcfK-Ek42ZQV4AF2O_CAt4uKjeeiyHKN2CmxOZkyYbMX9LBaMz8VQpPPqNL8jbMf7n-iCpEdo_FH15YpB1XHng1zskmHUpwNOkdnBkWHiebxWS5gpbtbmmWWfIat-qwNHK_a0w/s320/rainbow-blanket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525006375967010866" border="0" /></a><br />...she combs her hair<br />...she's like a raaaainboooow!Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-3190738608747814032010-10-03T22:33:00.001+01:002010-10-03T22:35:34.351+01:00online shopping...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.argos.co.uk/wcsstore/argos/images/2-1210136A73UC621390X.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 620px; height: 404px;" src="http://www.argos.co.uk/wcsstore/argos/images/2-1210136A73UC621390X.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />...is my downfall...<br />still haven't done the dishes....Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-45357245392319539392010-10-03T21:11:00.002+01:002010-10-03T21:16:15.226+01:00dress up skirt<a href="http://ohsohappytogether.blogspot.com/2010/07/dress-up-skirt-tutorial.html">This</a> is such a lovely blog with some inspiring tutorials...I must make this dress up skirt for my 2 year old niece for Christmas! Sometimes I spend so long looking at nice things online I suffer from a sort of creative overload...so many things I want to do but I just can't seem to get on with them! Can't do much tonight apart from sew a name label into my son's new coat and do dishes...I have a dishwasher in my parents shed but have no where to put it in my flat which is VERY frustrating!Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-20141219869916144252010-09-30T20:00:00.003+01:002010-09-30T20:07:07.956+01:00crocheting rainbows...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprTNPkxpj98QC9RPxZP58m0GmZKErGNaaB_FkmRpbMGet5H08C1RqFCeqiKfVdwAI0qc33xGpte7qaYDiCZqay9I5wOAAweR8o030Z0M6FfGOi0XbakBakIQoDWCARlgKcN7bow/s1600/rainbow1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprTNPkxpj98QC9RPxZP58m0GmZKErGNaaB_FkmRpbMGet5H08C1RqFCeqiKfVdwAI0qc33xGpte7qaYDiCZqay9I5wOAAweR8o030Z0M6FfGOi0XbakBakIQoDWCARlgKcN7bow/s320/rainbow1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522785086256558098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8uIcT_k8_yXExMQrJ6Iklf6rjPHv1i8kNKc8pxreaf3J0N8Y1N7gMJCHVROgn4nAjhPY_o2bLPVNidbZWP7VfXMyO28Dcjg_0JmoU03Ngr-pbCJYvBAXQUWC9p1gSspZNFm9kw/s1600/freya+025.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8uIcT_k8_yXExMQrJ6Iklf6rjPHv1i8kNKc8pxreaf3J0N8Y1N7gMJCHVROgn4nAjhPY_o2bLPVNidbZWP7VfXMyO28Dcjg_0JmoU03Ngr-pbCJYvBAXQUWC9p1gSspZNFm9kw/s320/freya+025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522784773139269250" border="0" /></a><br />Dishes done, children in bed, bread and blackberry cake baking in the kitchen... I feel so organised! Time to finish off the Rainbow blanket! Rosie made a grab for it today...the bright colours must have caught her eye! I got the ripple crochet intructions from <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/">Attic 24</a>, one of my favourite crochet blogs.Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-1426517146111264562010-09-19T09:40:00.002+01:002010-09-19T09:48:39.533+01:00The Bella Dress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge66WGAi2UOA39n42ExGqk97E4ibPMd9vYZn0ntlyUE2Z197FzuWJsUHwWK6s6TUlVNz8g3NsEAbiP0_vOJE5P9SBpw0vF63j9kzDa0JcKcpLVLiwUSvL0Cio_ttIkoVrNhSryDA/s1600/crochet-dress.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge66WGAi2UOA39n42ExGqk97E4ibPMd9vYZn0ntlyUE2Z197FzuWJsUHwWK6s6TUlVNz8g3NsEAbiP0_vOJE5P9SBpw0vF63j9kzDa0JcKcpLVLiwUSvL0Cio_ttIkoVrNhSryDA/s320/crochet-dress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518543643659432914" border="0" /></a><br />Just finished this little crochet dress yesterday for Rosie, just in time for a friend's birthday party. It's made of DK cotton that I had in the stash...but not quite enough to follow the pattern 100% so it's a little shorter than the pattern specifies. The pattern is by Alicia Paulson and is available from her site <a href="http://www.rosylittlethings.com/crochetbella.htm">Rosy Little Things</a>. I know cream isn't exactly a practical colour for a 7 month old baby who's main diet is orange coloured...but she does look lovely in it!Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-83504056230821209902010-09-11T23:11:00.002+01:002010-09-11T23:15:12.167+01:00new skirt<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/new_skirt/set?id=23069750"><img alt="new skirt" title="new skirt" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFllJaXRmdkc5M3hHLU16Yjh2V3VNb1EAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" width="400" height="400" /></a>Just ordered this skirt and cardigan from Debenhams...shouldn't have really...but anyway, done now! Boots are similar to ones I already own...except mine are not Jimmy Choos that cost a grand..<br /><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/new_skirt/set?id=23069750">new skirt</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?id=116327">Clare Anderson</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/knee_length_skirts/shop?query=knee+length+skirts">knee length skirts</a></small><p></p></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-37641124043485224782010-09-08T20:44:00.003+01:002010-09-08T20:50:15.187+01:00Jane Anderson designs....My mum is currently showing a selection of handprinted textiles made into cushions and footstools at <a href="http://www.arteriashop.co.uk/">Arteria</a> in Lancaster. If you can make it, go and see! If you can't, then visit her website <a href="http://www.janeandersondesigns.com/index.html">here</a>.Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-45333800283934086652010-09-01T20:32:00.002+01:002010-09-01T20:41:31.782+01:00pump bags and school days...school begins for my eldest tomorrow. The last 5 years have sped by in a blur but he's more than ready for school! I just need to sew him a pump bag for his PE kit. I know you can buy them for little more than a pound from shoezone and the like, but I wanted his to be handmade...like mine was. My mum made mine for nursery when I was three and I used it throughout Primary education. It's one of my most treasured possessions. She made it out of black velour and appliqued my name and a flower in blue and green felt with a green draw string. I had plans for a similar style appliqued one for my son, but he may have to make do with a plain one. he chose the fabric though, a patchwork effect with pirates, penguins (?) and other nautical themed motifs. He loves it anyway! Well I must go and make it...I mean, how long does it take to sew up a draw string bag? minutes...in theory!Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-8272359519753710832010-08-20T22:41:00.002+01:002010-08-20T22:47:58.604+01:00long time no see...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8yqvgJBtjwzBuK82r-B9w4tDHIR8cjrI1FWMA9QAxo2E7_gEjJ7KIdvvdESwCLYjqzKvb3WtWLxxdm7ROGLQZ1L1kgAB8oggsMVGKl7U5j-DI9ge0XfDwOQmzDcQFeJfRkbYoA/s1600/freya+015.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8yqvgJBtjwzBuK82r-B9w4tDHIR8cjrI1FWMA9QAxo2E7_gEjJ7KIdvvdESwCLYjqzKvb3WtWLxxdm7ROGLQZ1L1kgAB8oggsMVGKl7U5j-DI9ge0XfDwOQmzDcQFeJfRkbYoA/s320/freya+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507612084355987634" border="0" /></a><br />hello again...time to update this neglected blog. It's been a while and so many things have happened. A new baby was born, Rosie, who is now 6 months old. Many things have been made. Much fabric has been bought. I rediscovered the joys of crochet during my pregnancy, making blankets, cute little baby cardies... I have sewn too many clothes, too many to review in full. A lot of fun has been had on my Janome. I will have to post some pics... in the mean time, here's one of Rosie with a hand made pushchair liner and strap covers...Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-37585192393929121882009-03-03T20:16:00.002+00:002009-03-03T20:24:04.341+00:00new sewing machine and cabinet!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazaUXdWPgFRY0yOMoe_3QrHmna9U_0oEg96FTDUjxOKZlb-w3Cl0HALb5LFG2SZTUU7Ns7afz0VPXzN8m6aJ8e9lrFHzV4TWOkEmP3LGKQHiaf2NUwkaxjTBo3pS6OGQywvfD3Q/s1600-h/sewing-cabinet-011.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazaUXdWPgFRY0yOMoe_3QrHmna9U_0oEg96FTDUjxOKZlb-w3Cl0HALb5LFG2SZTUU7Ns7afz0VPXzN8m6aJ8e9lrFHzV4TWOkEmP3LGKQHiaf2NUwkaxjTBo3pS6OGQywvfD3Q/s320/sewing-cabinet-011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309059826868844114" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCfuhuSxuzSEwXGXUNP_WL1twzlPaqOpNsZq6G8chmo6i4j1y4aGgvE_QxX-1yUpaKLSc_KV5-2kxfJx8c1YB7bFgYQIbWeipG7RTMulWnV_8WOwogWnb_vgIXEE_9kViEqJRGg/s1600-h/sewing-cabinet-008.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCfuhuSxuzSEwXGXUNP_WL1twzlPaqOpNsZq6G8chmo6i4j1y4aGgvE_QxX-1yUpaKLSc_KV5-2kxfJx8c1YB7bFgYQIbWeipG7RTMulWnV_8WOwogWnb_vgIXEE_9kViEqJRGg/s320/sewing-cabinet-008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309059819970101346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuUlA-suo_sZFWyhDhfX1olBdv0hvPd-RcgNjdGuhQJpAjTF4EbS4T4C4IIvVrIoVGENulxmrxTERJfi5Y3Ku14LCXQc4YreH8v5cicHd8cJxEPN7SZ2JWuGA85X-tVukKL51yw/s1600-h/sewing-cabinet-006.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuUlA-suo_sZFWyhDhfX1olBdv0hvPd-RcgNjdGuhQJpAjTF4EbS4T4C4IIvVrIoVGENulxmrxTERJfi5Y3Ku14LCXQc4YreH8v5cicHd8cJxEPN7SZ2JWuGA85X-tVukKL51yw/s320/sewing-cabinet-006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309059823407360642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8sxIPH5Kk5asu_7cFUCwxaE5XfHA8p3bS7PxlUQC9G2I5XZHRZ_zlSvCliD3-F-LW9oGYNpuWaAsvVFwv2FAqMHxVHF7vrQ-kpugRXTsXlutHxEKpnAHXZNOsnyp_8CoWrQ6Rw/s1600-h/sewing-cabinet-004.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8sxIPH5Kk5asu_7cFUCwxaE5XfHA8p3bS7PxlUQC9G2I5XZHRZ_zlSvCliD3-F-LW9oGYNpuWaAsvVFwv2FAqMHxVHF7vrQ-kpugRXTsXlutHxEKpnAHXZNOsnyp_8CoWrQ6Rw/s320/sewing-cabinet-004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309059821408742114" border="0" /></a><br />My new sewing machine arrived yesterday...the Janome 5124 Decor Excel Pro. I am very pleased with it! I was chatting to my dad about wanting a cabinet but they being too expensive so he came up with this one...custom made to fit a small alcove in my hallway next to the kitchen. All the wood and plywood was scraps in his garage, as was most of the hardware. My dad bought some castors, my mum got me the paint which was reduced and I decorated the inside with wallpaper samples from Homebase! I also bought a cabinet lock to keep little hands away from MY new toy!!!Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-31246824742939205292008-11-30T20:59:00.003+00:002008-11-30T21:00:35.740+00:00new dress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0xrRvglrnEKyvXkhVc1CchTbjyPs31OoTpcxkx9CS-x2NsDL7yZ14FYViKA1VMKJsUSXjuPK2ad7a_oaZSysQ_OR6bdqjwPXGdip2acfheZcpnhhkoQaf2YjctKccExbsQnXlA/s1600-h/nov+08+006.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0xrRvglrnEKyvXkhVc1CchTbjyPs31OoTpcxkx9CS-x2NsDL7yZ14FYViKA1VMKJsUSXjuPK2ad7a_oaZSysQ_OR6bdqjwPXGdip2acfheZcpnhhkoQaf2YjctKccExbsQnXlA/s320/nov+08+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274558401473096146" border="0" /></a><br />will post details later, but here's the pic....I think I might shorten it!Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-88072087047504876272008-10-27T20:11:00.002+00:002008-10-27T20:20:08.938+00:00Preston Patternreview weekend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUU693SqaI0ap_v9iXsOBQB_nmONik3bbHv89O5XrcFEp77sZ8LNXJjREg2o4EY4bulpAA9H83Tyiyelp6MXtmGDhd-hnXsB6ikZPtuWn5I77Vr6_hB9l-vtV2yNgED4MbKvGWAQ/s1600-h/preston+market.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUU693SqaI0ap_v9iXsOBQB_nmONik3bbHv89O5XrcFEp77sZ8LNXJjREg2o4EY4bulpAA9H83Tyiyelp6MXtmGDhd-hnXsB6ikZPtuWn5I77Vr6_hB9l-vtV2yNgED4MbKvGWAQ/s320/preston+market.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261931054500050642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNVz7jFIFezJ3QHd_WI8K4BrlWxsowj4RmBCEOmPT2DP5O3A8YhXDH25bcOmxR0YKXluG6WBm_wbadNdYEye7HnfFplUrdOYlG6BMcVLFeepSTkfKKjMcT0dc-sd63hy8Oy-iqQ/s1600-h/fabrix.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNVz7jFIFezJ3QHd_WI8K4BrlWxsowj4RmBCEOmPT2DP5O3A8YhXDH25bcOmxR0YKXluG6WBm_wbadNdYEye7HnfFplUrdOYlG6BMcVLFeepSTkfKKjMcT0dc-sd63hy8Oy-iqQ/s320/fabrix.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261931044580881122" border="0" /></a><br />How pleased was I that this was on my doorstep! I joined the ladies just on the Saturday for the obligatory Abakhan run, and then we went to Preston market which I had never really looked at! great stalls... which was a pleasant surprise. Ruth then drove us all to Lancaster where we went to Fabrix, my local fabric shop, and a great one! As per usual was el skinto, so only bought one piece of fabric... a fabulous red wool to make a dress, <a href="http://www.burdafashion.com/en/Magazines/Burda_World_of_Fashion/111_Dress/1270777-1000019-1671226-1671228-1671276.html#comments">this one</a> hopefully, if the newsagent still has my Burda mag kept aside. It was nice just to look at fabrics without worrying about entertaining a three year old! Here's some pics (nicked from Jenni!)Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-6372505037706840822008-10-13T20:30:00.002+01:002008-10-13T20:36:03.446+01:00Prima top and skirt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-qUB-0MB5W021mdShXZXxPwllkigfJ0D8EkPHNqBuf0rif33gwa4pPcf_vgcpB7VuWzbbOdyQcrGC9pyzf1_YXXOm_EkvEytFfK1ZSrmvYs4JDKpIsYfuQOhkaT1inNYpWEXBg/s1600-h/DSCF9001.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-qUB-0MB5W021mdShXZXxPwllkigfJ0D8EkPHNqBuf0rif33gwa4pPcf_vgcpB7VuWzbbOdyQcrGC9pyzf1_YXXOm_EkvEytFfK1ZSrmvYs4JDKpIsYfuQOhkaT1inNYpWEXBg/s320/DSCF9001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256724528346836050" border="0" /></a><br />Made this top recently and the skirt last year from Prima patterns. Review to come... sewing has taken a bit of a backseat recently due to a busy start of term at work (and Ofsted!). Anyway, hoping to get back into it...still have that massive stash to work through!Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-48694754820430105852008-08-01T23:14:00.002+01:002008-08-01T23:27:46.795+01:00InspiredI have piles of new fabric I must photograph and show off! I am on a mission to sew as much of my wardrobe as possible, as I appreciate stuff I have made myself more than cheap bits from cheap shops. Sewing is more creative, economical, eco friendly and ethical (I 'd rather be my own one woman sweat shop!). It's also more fun! I draw the line at underwear and socks though, and possibly jeans.<br />Anyway, I have already been planning my Autumn/Winter capsule wardrobe based on fave colours of purple, navy blue and teal. Got to get the rest of the summer sewing out of the way first though as I have a bit of a backlog...and home dec sewing bits to do. Too many ideas and not enough time as I am limited to sewing in the kitchen after little one has gone to bed and dishes are done... then I get sidetracked by the computer, patternreview.com and facebook. When I do do sewing it tends to be between 10pm and 1am which is not ideal really and I end up making silly mistakes!. Thankfully though as I have been off work for a few weeks my other half has taken number one son out to playgroup for a couple of mornings which has given me a chance to cut out fabric etc during daylight hours!Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-25244950682622459792008-08-01T22:26:00.003+01:002008-11-13T03:19:01.800+00:00Recent items sewn from Prima magazine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSq0n9nKOobv3helYa01Fi8bqyZFeMiEUYRIVKyxc5rsPgqbpkBeiy6xsDkDMgfpdLKdn16q-R_ADltmy2QY-FsfQ8GA0qXBZ5RFtZP5EAsI8l2c56J3-cfT54DhXmJS3IvzyqLw/s1600-h/turqoise+top.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSq0n9nKOobv3helYa01Fi8bqyZFeMiEUYRIVKyxc5rsPgqbpkBeiy6xsDkDMgfpdLKdn16q-R_ADltmy2QY-FsfQ8GA0qXBZ5RFtZP5EAsI8l2c56J3-cfT54DhXmJS3IvzyqLw/s320/turqoise+top.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229665869844729074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTKP1t39kJJPzLecdNqY6i3_HSlMMtT5AmYQat4uLRJyfx_mND6SZVIcicOsqeVJFYiIw5EYuxhKSLT8DEILKYSK0wOyQPHr8d4hhaIKf4qH8u3LAw_9H6tZ-WnxBi_uVZLAnlg/s1600-h/50s+dress.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTKP1t39kJJPzLecdNqY6i3_HSlMMtT5AmYQat4uLRJyfx_mND6SZVIcicOsqeVJFYiIw5EYuxhKSLT8DEILKYSK0wOyQPHr8d4hhaIKf4qH8u3LAw_9H6tZ-WnxBi_uVZLAnlg/s320/50s+dress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229664441216338674" border="0" /></a><br />Dress I made from December 07 pattern (I think) using grey and white polka dot fabric. I made it for a 50s festival as I felt it looked a bit retro. It's a basic shift with bust, waist and back darts, extended shoulders which create a flattering cap sleeve effect, flattering V-neck and back zip and vent. It's a very flattering dress and I plan to make another!<br />The top was made with tha August 08 pattern and is an empire line top with a neck tie effect. I made this one out of Liberty lawn. I took in the sides to make it look less maternity style. This top has grown on me as I thought the fabric would be too bold at first! Now I love it! especially photographed in the <a href="http://www.midlandmorecambe.co.uk/">Midland hotel</a> toilets!Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-76228557715250783552008-07-17T00:07:00.000+01:002008-11-13T03:19:01.967+00:00A pink makeover!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-HcNXFV6mZKVpFXxzR2HWZU7UXR8BVFwBhONKhVyrDrGvseT34TDiDjLiK8GTe_vNL5gKVoQQUi_MyAL9DYleJWFfvR5PCGCgPyCq4rodQ9366BvekF-gQ9IalR9oSrZXto4fg/s1600-h/P3230222.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-HcNXFV6mZKVpFXxzR2HWZU7UXR8BVFwBhONKhVyrDrGvseT34TDiDjLiK8GTe_vNL5gKVoQQUi_MyAL9DYleJWFfvR5PCGCgPyCq4rodQ9366BvekF-gQ9IalR9oSrZXto4fg/s320/P3230222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223752997093542562" border="0" /></a><br />in honour of my new pink bike!Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-72984435732906649942008-07-16T23:52:00.000+01:002008-07-16T23:56:02.114+01:00Hello neglected blog!It's been a long time since I last posted to this blog or wrote any sewing reviews!<br />I need to post some pics of recent fabric aquisitions and stuff I have made recently!<br />I have sewn a couple of Simplicity patterns, a few bits from Prima magazine and have started to sew from Burda WOF again, which I have not sewn from for 6 years or so!Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-46055505938728314492007-05-21T22:23:00.000+01:002007-05-21T22:30:29.709+01:00Simplicity 4171<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/227/508308509_f9332c9107.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/227/508308509_f9332c9107.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I bought this fabric as I was inspired by that Kate Moss dress, but decided to sew a shirt dress instead. Simplicity 4171 is great as it's designed for different cup sizes. It was easy to sew and I discovered something new about my buttonhole foot! which means I can now sew perfect button holes (I've only had this machine 10 years!!! I blame the rubbish manual!). Anyway, here's the dress, shame I wasn't hones with my measurements and made the bottom half too small so it clings to my tum and back fat! need to diet or start running or something!Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-24539000077587620742007-02-09T21:20:00.000+00:002008-11-13T03:19:02.743+00:00want it!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKasYQi1LcnyClIdDigAoHuBODnDrilsZ_SaXvwkdYOSYM8dFXOLOF64KwMGzKbOb2I1Rhsc2DXJfoM7lx0XudpURvUH-ziX9hFtqd-pGRmtSHUd1Cvy8g859hfZ7xRuPgPxu0g/s1600-h/3835.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKasYQi1LcnyClIdDigAoHuBODnDrilsZ_SaXvwkdYOSYM8dFXOLOF64KwMGzKbOb2I1Rhsc2DXJfoM7lx0XudpURvUH-ziX9hFtqd-pGRmtSHUd1Cvy8g859hfZ7xRuPgPxu0g/s320/3835.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5029647637382008930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Simplicity 3835. Shame I'm so skint! Selling some patterns on ebay to raise some cash!</span>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-65575601147934012642007-01-20T20:23:00.000+00:002007-01-20T20:26:34.720+00:00Pic of red dress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/363473983_29467fb552.jpg?v=1169307950"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/363473983_29467fb552.jpg?v=1169307950" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Red tartan dress made with a New Look pattern that I've linked to in a previous post (can't remember the number!). Ignore daft pose! Must post review for this pattern too!Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509691.post-84773390437470212222007-01-20T20:20:00.000+00:002007-01-20T20:22:26.686+00:00Pic of purple coat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/363726061_edbf824a32.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/363726061_edbf824a32.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As promised, a pic of the coat I've made. I'm finally getting round to post a review of it on Patternreview.com.Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560938394664050920noreply@blogger.com1