Stitch 'n ' Knit

Welcome to the stork

2011-11-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Quynh Anh / Livia: 3rd baby of the year. This time I put aside the knitting needles and courted my neglected sewing machine and made a baby bathrobe.

I used a big towel I bought and some stripped light cotton (did I mention I love stripes?). I really like this fabric and I was keen to use it on this project.

This project is pretty simple. Once the towel is cut to side, stitch the hood and cut enough bias to cover all the way round the towel. Fold the bias in two then each side in two again and mark the creases with a hot iron. Pin the bias and stitch it. The most difficult is to stitch the bias on both side of the thick terry towel.

I had some bias left, so I tied the little bathrobe with a cute bow. The Royal Mail the the French post did take their time to deliver it, however it eventually arrived. Phew!

Rolled-up bathrobe

Baby bathrobe

Ooooh, merino

2011-10-25T05:22:00.000-07:00

Winter is coming fast and I'm keener to knit/crochet than saw. I've tried to extend my knitting abilities to something else than baby booties however my recent snood failure didn't help. Mind you, it meant I finished to watch NCIS's season 8 episodes and the cat has now been given a very comfy cover..sorry failed snood. Ahem...

The wool below will be used to make Milly the sheep. The pattern is available for free from The Guardian. The balls are made of merino wool and silk. They're so soft and easy to knit with. I really enjoy using merino for booties since it can be cleaned at 30°C in a normal washing machine was.

With 3 babies planned before Feb. 2012, I need to get going!

Cosy merino and silk wool

Wee pause

2011-09-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

The summer took its tool on me and I haven't updated this blog in a couple of month.

I haven't been twiddling my thumbs, I have been pretty busy: I finished the pencil skirt, done a baby bath towel (that got lost in the post), finished a wrap-around shirt, 3 stenciled t-shirts, given the unstretchy snood to the cat... I'm putting together some bunting, doing more baby booties for 3 babies in the making - from 3 different mums, not triplets.
I also managed to smash my camera's screen and I haven't really looked into either fixing it or buying a new one.
As soon as my move is over and the dust has settled, I'll get going again.

Lamp-work session

2011-07-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

I guess one of my drivers in life is "if somebody can do it, I can" coupled with "if it was made, I can make it too". I do face set backs due to a evident lack of brute strength (I'm very petite) and wanting quick results.

Being a wee bit *ahem*geeky, I was keen on learning to make my own beads. I've followed somewhat distantly the Pandora/Troll/Chamilla bead craze since:

1. I don't like wild-fire trends,

2. The beads, bracelets, spacers are overpriced (all machine made too),

3. It is in fashion, a charm bracelet is dangling from every female wrist,

4. It is not original anymore.

Several months back, I'd been to a very friendly bead and wire workshop at Amy Surman's. She is a lovely lady and knows her stuff. Her workshop is now bigger and Amy can now hosts lampwork sessions. Lampworking is pretty simple, it is about melting glass with fire to shape it and mix it artistically. It is amazing the extend of options one has with respect to mixing colours, shaping, playing with different sizes, melting again, creating protrusions... The possibilities are virtually endless. I guess one of the drawbacks is the amount of kit required, from gas bottles, burners, safety googles, aerated room to oxygen purifiers to increase the flame efficiency. Not something you would set up in your living room.

Getting the hang of it is pretty quick and very regimented with respect to choosing colours first, setting all the tools then opening the gas and oxygen machine to lighting up the torch and starting the fun!

To make a bead, it is all about creating a big blob of melted glass at the tip of your glass wand. Then wrap it around a rod and even the shape out using warmer or cooler flame areas and gravity. There are many techniques to add other colours and shape.

You can also twist a tongue-shape of molten glass and make lovely pendants.

Add bubbles of air, add colours by spreading the layer below instead of adding another coat...

Foreground, L-R: rectangular bead with clear and mat green, oblong drop with ivory and green (I overcooked the ivory, however the darker smoky lines are fancy) and red & ivory round bead with 5 mm hole (I wanted to make very precise red spots however the melting point of the red rod was lower than the white...lesson learnt).

Foreground, L-R: spacer blue bead with white melted spots, 2 clear beads with dark shade of "spritz" (glass crumbles incorporated into bead) see below as earrings, big round dark clear blue bead with blue mat spots.

Lampwork marine beads earrings with Swarovski faceted beads and uncut clear diamond on sterling silver wire and hooks

Woolie ball pattern

2011-06-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

I started to knit about 6 months ago. I thought I would behave and follow patterns for a while. Oops I did it again...

The ball is made up of 12 knitted triangles, knitted two by two. I also used leftover fabric to fill the ball. I used scraps of wool.

The pattern is übber simple:

Cast on 10 stiches
**Stitch 10
Cast off 2, stitch 6, cast off 2
Stitch 6
Cast off 2, stitch 3, cast off 2
Stitch 3
Cast off 2, stitch 1
Stitch 2
Cast off 2 and finish off the last stitch**
Pick up 10 stitches from the bottom of the triangle and repeat steps ** to **.

10. Pick up 10 stitches at the bottom of the triangle

Once the two triangles are done, repeat 10 times.

Once all the pannels are ready, stitch them together with a wool needle. I used a crochet to hide the ends on the inside of the ball.

Before closing off the ball, stuff it.

Pannel stitch on

To start with I made this ball for the cat. He agreed to pose for the picture but refuses to play or even look at it. He goes crazy for paper balls, I have a eco-friendly cat!

Uninterested mamal

Pearls of wisdom

2011-05-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for a simple and silver like pair of dangling earring with 9mm cream pearls.

I've looked and looked, but couldn't find what I wanted:

- closed loop earring (about 10mm)

- silver or white gold

- dangling pearls (paramount for dangling earrings)

- medium-sized cream pearl (non-dyed)

I looked online for the right loop and pearl size. Again I couldn't quite find what I wanted, all I knew it that I wanted it! Can one have a crafty single track mind?

Then I had a light-bulb moment - doesn't happen that often, let's hold the thought.

Ok I may not have the exact size earring, however I have some leftover pearls.

Ok the pearls are drilled through and not half bore, anyway I wasn't keen on using glue, it is not that secure. I hear you whisper "Duh, do you know what superglue is?". I crowned myself Queen of the Superglue, it runs in the family, let is be known superglue can fail you! And it's great for suturing clean wounds (I insist on "clean"). I can use pins, I have tons of pins.

Ok the pins are plated and not sterling silver, I need to go shopping.

I have the tools, I have wire, let's put this together.

1st trial: Ta daaaa

9mm cream cultured pearl with twisted wire on sterling silver loops

2nd trial: re Ta daaaaa

I bought bigger loops and I'm waiting for sterling silver headpins. As you can see, the plated pins have already started to tarnish.

I will only do 1 or 2 twists maximum with the new headpins.

Fancy a tutorial about setting a pearl/bead on a headpin?

Tie me in with some light!

2011-05-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Last year I posted a picture if this pendant I made some years ago during a lovely silversmithing workshop.

The copper had tarnished, which was a lovely consequence with this metal. I cleaned it et voilà!

I like the result, do you?

Sterling silver and copper pendant on snake chain

...Yet another pair of booties, serious attack of cuteness...

2011-04-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

In a couple of weeks I will visit family members I see far too little.

Guess what: one of them is 8-month pregnant. With few days spares during Easter, a fantastic sun and with the short-term burial of some other projects, I made these little booties with merino wool, 4 buttons from my latest bought batch and some spare ribbon.

The pattern is from the British Hand Knitting Confederation Limited (bit of a mouthful), code BHKC 48. What I haven't mentioned is that the booties are the smallest item on that pattern - and cutest, there is also a cardigan and a shawl/blanket.

I guess that will be the last pair with that lovely ball of merino deluxe DK (Col 12) 50g from Patons, machine washable at 30°C. Merino is an awesome yarn, keeps you warm when you need it and stay cool in the heat. One ball does about 5 booties, not the most practical I know, it would be great if it did 6.

The ribbon is re-used from the annoying ties you find on lights jumpers to suspend them on hangers, you know the ones that inevitably show when you wear it. They look great on booties! I simply stitch them at a needle-length and made 7 petals. 6 petals left too many gaps and made it difficult to arrange.

I can now knit and watch TV, I seldom watch TV. I am ashamed to say I calculate how long it takes me to knit one baby shoe in episodes (about 2.5 if your really want to know).

I feel knitting has fulfilled my fight against boredom and inactivity when I watch TV and also has made me more sociable since I can now talk about what was on last night.

Baby booties with pink ribbons

Button Galore

2011-04-02T03:37:00.000-07:00

I was trapped in my favourite fabric shop...queuing...faced with a box full of discounted buttons...too late now, they came back in my bag (I did pay for them, by the way).

Bootie buttons, shirt buttons...

Updated on Xmas dress and Evening dress

2011-03-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

I've updated the pictures of the two xmas dresses I made with better ones.

Corseted Dress

Bow Dress

It's a boy!

2011-03-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Ain't they cute?

Same model than the previous baby booties with a mixed 2-ply wool on 3.5mm needles. I initially bought this wool to make a scarf, however I ended not having enough wool and this type was discontinued... I now know how to make a very neat wool ball.

Since the second row is essentially made up of yarn forward, purl 2 together, there is a nice little space for a thin ribbon (3mm). Thank you mum for the idea.

Knitting needle case

2011-03-18T15:27:00.000-07:00

Since my rather painful encounter with knitting needles, I decided to protect them and me with a case.

I've inspired myself with this blogger who made a really cute one.

I used a beautiful remnant from Etro given to me by a very dear Italian friend (you know who you are Daniela... ooopsie). The outer fabric is thick and textured with flowery patterns. It reminds me of wall tapestries. The inner layer has a lovely shade which matches the brown tone of the case and lightens the mood.

I've added a flap to prevent any spillage or escapees.

If I were to do another one, I'll do the bottom row shorter, some of the crochet hooks are too short to pop their heads out. I would also reduce the width, stitching all the casings took a rather long time. Thinking about it I would also round the edges of the flap to prevent it to pop out if the case is rolled up in a hurry.

Bias

Spring roll? No, knitting needle case!

Flap open

Flap closed

The Mad Knitter

2011-03-12T12:20:00.000-08:00

I managed to finish the baby booties after an expermented knitter gave me a very needed helpful hand. They are not that difficult to do, the pattern is not easy for beginners.

I have 4 pregnant friends. I'm starting a proper production line.

I've used Youtube a lot since many knitters and crochetereds (is this a word ?) have posted very helpful step by step videos of stiches and projects.

Chanel Booties

And guess what, those are for a girl!

Lingerie poutch

2011-02-17T04:15:00.000-08:00

Last night whilst I was cutting fabric to make a knitting needle holder, I came across two strange shapes in the fabric I was using. I then understood what it was stepping back a little. It was a bra and a pair of knickers!

I would like to say that I don't usually cut these... There was a practical prupose, honest.

Many years back, I made a little cotton poutch to store my underwear when travelling.

The bag was unremarkable, so I decided to mark its content. I've folded in two a contrasting piece of fabric and drawn half a bra and half a knicker.

Why just a half? It's easier to make a symetric drawing if you only draw one half and the cutting stage is fool proof too.

I've also added a couple of machine embroidery.

I've left the edges unfinished since I wanted to try this for a long time. The poutch is now several years old and is aging nicely.

Puff-ball Skirt

2011-02-13T11:03:00.000-08:00

You might remember a couple of weeks ago when I posted the picture below confessing being addicted to a particular fabric shop.

I've had to push myself a fair bit to complete the skirt.

I thought I could build the pleats using maths, dividing the length of fabric (3 m) by my waist and the depth of pleats. It worked theoritically, putting this into practice was somewhat impossible.

I gave up and played the accupuntor with my dummy. I've stiched on the wip first and then pinned the fabric. It took me two attempts to managed an even finish.

I've basted the pleats and pinned the length I wanted to sew. I was very keen to avoid the school girl look with a too puffy skirt.

Pleats have been stitched one by one.

Once the skirt was finished, I made the lining pattern. I've made a block thanks to the explanation of Coupe Couture. I've made an excel file which calculate many measurements automatically. Email me if you want a copy.

Ta daaaaaaam :

Hot presents

2011-01-16T14:16:00.000-08:00

Last hot water bottle.
Not the best one... it's a number's game.

Pattern for a hot water bottle cover:

Take a big sheet of paper and trace a line around the hot water bottle (piece # 1 of the pattern).
Copy # & twice to create #2 & #3.
On #2, cut the bottom 1/3 (side opposite from the water spout).
On #3, cut the upper 1/3. You've just create the opening to slot your hot water bottle in!
Pick up a fabric for the outside (mine is black to help with the embroidery) and a fabric for the inside (I've used lining left-over). You can replace the outside fabric with matelassé fabric and not use any wadding.
Each piece must be cut in the inside and outside fabric and wadding. You'll finish with 9 pieces of fabric/wadding, 3 bits per pattern piece. Add 3 cm all around when cutting, or 1.5 cm if you're using matelassé fabric.
Now is the time to embellish the outside front fabric (#1) with different coloured stiches, paint... Do remember it has to be machine washeable. I would avoid stitching any beads.
Stitch together the pieces (all the #1 together, all the #2 together...). I've used my overlock machine? Do take care to place the wadding in between the two layers of fabric and be careful if your fabric has a different outside and inside.
Once all your pieces are stitched together, fold in 1 cm of the bottom edge of #2 to finish the edge.
Place all the pieces together, aligning their edges : #2 on #1 (oustide over outside) and #3 on #2 (outside over inside), pin them all together.
Stitch all the way around. Make sure all your edges overlap each other, the wadding is thick and it can be tricky.
Turn it inside-out.

Note: If the cover is too small once finished, use a smaller hot water bottle.

Warm iphone for the thought winter ahead

2011-01-12T13:54:00.000-08:00

My first iPhone died in the snow (minute of silence..... taking a deap breath in.....over now). I needed to protect my second iPhone.

Mum thaught me to knit during Christmas, I needed to use these knewly acquired skills before loosing them (I did use Youtube too to remember how to cast off).

For those who would like to start knitting, I used size 3 mm neddles and a "furry" wool (I don't really sound like I know what I'm talking about, do I?) . I've cast on 20 stitches, then ended with 19...I've lost one along the way. 4 knit, 4 purl to make a nice ribbing.

I haven't counted the rows, since I was using the iPhone to judge the length.

Since I don't know how to do circular knitting, I've stitched by hand the two sides together with a big needle. I'll recommend this stitch to avoid unecessary stretching the finished project.

It doesn't look like anything at the start, always.

The Winter Sock!

Father Xmas'Bag

2010-12-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

2010's Xmas presents

Open necklace and double-layered bracelet made with tiger tail and beads

Dotted necklace

Silver wire bracelet in with fimo and foil beads

Bracelet

Detail

Spring hot water bottle cover

Hot water bottle - 1L

Winter hot water bottle

Winter cover - 1L

Back

Plated Jewellery

2010-12-22T02:29:00.000-08:00

Rat tail bracelet with a series of beads en queue de rat tressé avec un assortiment de perles monté sur fil d'argent plaqué

(et hombre de queue de chat sur la première photo en bas à gauche)

Green Geometry

2010-12-22T01:57:00.000-08:00

Earrings with silver wire and tiger's eye beads

Star stoned bracelet

2010-12-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

Silver wire bracelet with sparkly blue beads made several years ago. The clasp is handmade.

Xmas elf

2010-12-20T13:47:00.000-08:00

Xmas workshop

Winter poppy

2010-12-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

Ribbon and black spinel stitched on black rat's tail with silver wire ring.

I can't help it

2010-12-07T05:10:00.000-08:00

My favourite fabric shop had a whole rack or remnants. I didn't go in there to buy fabric, I think actually I wasn't meant to come in that shop. My eyes got caught by the lively patterns in their window and the promise of hours of fun.

Furry hot water cover

2010-11-15T11:22:00.000-08:00

I've been using my hot water bottle a fair bit since the cold days have arrived. I had some leftover green fur since I did the cave frog costume I did some years ago.

I got the idea from a Guardian article. The pattern is made tracing a line around the hot water bottle.
Do think about positioning the opening on the upper third of the pattern as well as the two back flaps have to overlap to minimise the heat dispersion.

Pattern on fabric

Cutting stage

The 6 layers are about to be stitched together.

Opening finished with bias.

Back

Front

It's a girl!

2010-10-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

I don't usually wear pink, so I thought adding a pink ribbon would be ok.
I bought this top in a Charity shop, I was looking for something like that to wear with a new light grey suit I bought recently.

The top was initially to big however the colour was spot on.

J'ai repris les coutures latérales avec la sujeteuse, ouvert le coté droite pour y mettre une fermeture invisible et j'ai cousu le ruban en y insérant un noeud.

Ce type de noeud est très simple à faire, il s'agit d'un tube de deux tubes de ruban (un court pour le tour du noeud et un long pour le noeud) insérés l'un dans l'autre en ensuite glissé sur le ruban " porteur ".

La fermeture éclair pallie à la perte d'élasticité du tissu maille causé par la pose du ruban.

Haut customisé

Détail du noeud

Tie-me in!

2010-10-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

This is a pendant I made several years ago during a silver jewellery workshop (the only one I ever attended).

It is made with two discs, a small one in copper and worked with a ball-point hammer and a bigger one in silver which went in a press with a piece of grainy fabric to print some texture.
The pin is also in silver and was melted to keep the two elements together. .

The copper has now tarnished . It aged well, however I think I will polish it since I like shinny things.

Heart pendant

2010-10-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

Whilst battling with a ever-lasting synusitis, I dragged myself to a silver wire and beading workshop in one of Oxford bead shop. Amy Surnam thought us very well and her shop is fantastic and she had a great learning room.

I was the only one not to have made a full bracelet. I think my leargy got the best of my creativity. I was up to learn new techniques and play with tools but inspiration wasn't there.

I managed to combine aesthetically the circles and finish the suspension link after three attempts.

This is the result: Swarovski faceted bead and foiled bead mounted on silver plated wire.

Rock'n ' Roll skirt

2010-07-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

Customisation of one of my favourite pair of jeans.
You'll need:

- favourite pair of jeans

- multicolour thread (thanks Nonna)

- sewing machine

- some patience

Backless shirt

2010-07-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

I've made a matching shirt to the taffeta skirt I made two year ago.

Usually the shirt closes up but the dummy is too well endowed at its smallest setting. I've made this shirt quickly, the details may have been overlooked a little.

Fabric covered buttons. Fiddly but well worth the time.

Black Star

2010-07-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Petite Nétoile was born last weekend.
She will accompany a little tadpole at the Rullière's home.
Shhhh, it's a surprise.

Nétoile putting on some make up

Acupuncture to help relaxing

Stretching and exercising to be on top form

Customisation, it's in the dictionary.

2010-07-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

This top was too big for me...not surprising.

I've shortened the straps and use the cutting to make a little ruffle at the front. It is pretty simple.

The top now fits perfectly.

Summer smock dress

2010-06-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

I've learn to do smocks on my sewing machine last year. I did golden gaiters for a superhero fancy dress. I used a special foot with a groove to guide and clip the elastic. With an increase pressure of the foot and a bit of patience it went very well.
The stitch is like a zig-zag with midway out of kilter stitches. So long the needle doesn't spear through the elastic, it works. If not the elastic couldn't be pulled to create the gathering.

I've used a double length of elastic, this was a good choice since when I very gently pulled the many rows of elastic few snapped.

I had a fantastic Italian remnant of fabric from Etro (thank you Daniela). J'avais un superbe coupon de tissu italien du créateur Etro (merci Daniela). I hope the result is nice enough, I don't usually sew big prints.

The making of the dress was pretty simple since I used the whole length and width of the fabric. I've hemmed the top and bottom. I've roughly measure the length for the smock (underarm to top of waist) and I've traced parallel lines every 2 cm.
Sewing the 14 rows of elastic took the longest.
I then pulled gently each row and made sure to spread out the pleats evenly without breaking the thread or the elastics. The I sewed the two edges to form a tubular shape (pleonasm?).

After wearing the dress once, I realised why such dresses had straps: they travel down the body each time you raise your arm above your breast level...
The second picture show the straps that I still need to stitch on. I made them from a plated brown flat ribbon.

I'm good to go on sunny holidays (a real summer with lots of heat and sun).

Top of the dress

An L, an elephant

2010-05-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Present for the birth of Chrissy little one.

May bracelets

2010-05-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Landrybag

2010-03-07T08:45:00.000-08:00

Laundry bag for organised man

Dangle dangle

2010-02-26T07:18:00.000-08:00

The older I get the more I like dangly braeclet that dubbbed as toy.
Indian glass beads set on a plated silver chaine for a small wrist (mine).

Grappes

2010-02-26T07:15:00.000-08:00

Cultured pearls and rice pearls

Cloud of stone

2010-02-02T12:42:00.000-08:00

Pink quarz and garnet individually tied on silver plated wire.

Christmas dress

2009-12-24T01:48:00.000-08:00

This post is the result of some long, too long failed project.

This year, like last year, I had the idea to make a dress for the company christmas party. The idea was a long dress with an integrated corseted top, covered with a red ribbon, which would have criss-crossed at the front and a black bolero. Moreover I wanted to make my own pattern.
I had two projects: the pattern and the dress.

I was really keen to make the pattern since I am usually dissatisfied with the one I buy. I did 10 sewing classes last summer thinking I would learn many thing. I was disappointed, the teacher was very nice, but I didn't need much advise to make the red dress. I've learn a handful of tips: use a wheel to mark darts, stretch stitch on some sewing machines, measuring accurately and using pattern without transferring them on tissue paper first. I knew I wouldn't learn to make patterns, however I hoped I would learn to alter them prior cutting the fabric, a greater help with invisible zips and setting eyelets for corset lacing.

Peut-être que ce type de cours en groupe qui mélange tous les niveaux n’était pas pour moi.

Revenons-en à la robe de noël. J’ai repris le patron de ma robe de l’année dernière pour la robe (haut corseté + jupe) et celui de la veste de costume pour le boléro.
Pour la robe, j’ai allongé le corps du corset jusqu’à la pointe des hanches et la longueur de la jupe jusqu’aux pieds. J’ai aussi modifié le haut de la jupe pour que tout se superpose.
Pour le boléro, j’ai raccourci la longueur de la veste et changé la forme du col.

J'ai utilisé un vieux tissu pour faire la patron de la robe. Le patron du boléro est plus sympathique, il est tout coloré. Le montage des patrons et leur ajustements s'est fait assez rapidement. J'ai aussi monté une fermeture sur la robe pour l'ajuster correctement.

J'avais malheureusement fait des coutures assez proches des bords, ce qui m'a posé problème pour coudre la doublure du boléro. Le tissu de la doublure s'effiloche facilement et je ne pouvais pas coudre au ras du bord. Du coup ma doublure était plus étroite que ma veste. En outre, je voulais ajouter un ruban entre le bord interne de la doublure et la veste, ce qui m'a pris trop de temps. Je ne suis toujours pas au point avec la couture des doublures.

La pose du ruban sur la robe était extrêmement longue. Je ne pouvais pas l'épingler sur mon mannequin puisque les épaules étaient trop large et la robe ne passait plus même ouverte (la dernière photo a été prise avec la robe pliée en deux et épinglée sur le mannequin). Avec 3 niveaux de ruban à l'heure, j'ai mis trop de temps pour faire le haut de la robe et le bas devenait encore plus difficile car le tissu n'était pas soutenu par les baleines. J'ai donc laissé tombé et je suis allée m'acheter une robe toute faite. Na !

C'est beaucoup de travail et il serait dommage de tout laisser tomber. Quand le courage me prendra, je compte faire un corset du haut et mettre des œillets, et faire une ceinture au bas pour en faire une longue jupe.

Pattern put together

Pattern with marked parts

Bolero pattern pinned on fabric

Front of the bolero before shortening it

Back of the bolero

Pinned corset

Stitching soft boning

Dress before starting to set the ribbon

Top

This how the dress stand at the moment

Final result. Not bad eh?

Swarovsky necklace

2009-09-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

I took some inspiration in Nelsa's wedding necklace for a friend's birthday present.

I used 3 tiger wire length and 2 difference Swarowsky crystal sizes. Pour l’anniversaire d’une amie j’ai décidé de m’inspirer du modèle du collier de Nelsa.

Something rather nice with Swarowsky beads is that the colors are identical wherever you buy them (if they're genuine, of course). So I can buy online with my eyes closed and I know I will receive the correct tone. I bought those in a bead shop in Kent. We don't have much in the region of bead shops in Oxford.

I put the necklace in a lovely box.

Summer dress #2

2009-09-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

I've posted two pictures of the dress I'm making for the two weddings I will be attending this summer.
On the first one you can see my first attempts with a draped panel at the front. I thought about leaving the draping from top to bottom but it looked like a pregnancy dress. I left the draping for the top part and then reshaped the bottom/skirt bit without them.

The straps are thinned on the finished version too. I've halved them. .

Too much draping

Finished!

Satin sun

2009-08-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

Some time ago, I bought a lovely silky brown fabric and matched it up with a gold fabric.
I wanted to make a puffy top, sleeveless with a raglan cut, a noted collar and a hipster belt.
I wanted to used fabric covered buttons, however I didn't know how to do and Oxford late Kings Fabrics didn't have any.

I went free-styling since I had no patterns. Felicity helped me a lot.
The noted collar didn't work in the end because of its too wide width, the bow was crushing the fabric. The sleeves, more precisely the armscye were a lot harden than I expected. I ended up stitching them by hand....I'm fast with scissors and a sewing machine, hand stitching takes a looong time.
I got stuck when I tried to assembled the collar and the belt since the base pattern was a big square bag hanging from my neck. To avoid making a big mistake, I patiently folder this project and started other things.

Since I nearly finished my red summer dress, I started again. The result is not perfect but it looks pretty good.

I could have covered the buttons with the gold fabric, however it would have detracted from the sun pattern.

Front

The embroided sun was difficult. It was worth it.

Collar's buttons
Tadaaaaaam

Open bracelets

2009-08-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

Evening Dress #3

2009-06-08T15:49:00.000-07:00

I picked up some courage to post some picture of the dress I made last December.

I'm wearing the tulle underskirt I made but not the necklace or the earrings I made previously which fitted perfectly with the dress.

Front

The big bow is a little flat since it was stored with the dress in a storage cover.

Back

Bow close-up

If you want to read more about this dress, click here.

Baby bathrobe

2009-06-08T15:37:00.000-07:00

Summer is fast approaching, newborns too.
I've made my first baby bathrobe in 2001 for Marie and Olivier's first son. I've made another one for the 2009 vintage!

The pattern is very simple. It is a slightly deformed triangle in terry towel surrounded by bias. I attempted to by nice terry towel in fabric shops but it's never soft or thick enough and it is rarely the correct colour (they only had dark green...Ugly green for a baby?).
However I found the sweetest striped fabric. I'm addicted to stripes and try as much as possible to not buy any, not to overdose on it.

These are the bias stripped. Usually they're cut in the diagonal of the fabric to make it stronger. Since I was using a stripped fabric I thought it would be a shame to cut diagonally.
I've drawn the striped with chalk and a ruler. I had to cut several stripped to cover the whole perimeter of the bathrobe. Stitching together the bias is explained very well on the Husqvarna website, have a look.

Cutting bias

Important step: ironing the crease of the bias (doing 4 creases). This make the whole experience 10 times easier and means you can work with pins only and there is not need for tacking.

Pinning the bias and stitching slowly to make sure I'm stitching through the bias/terry towel/bias in one go. It is not that simple since this fabric is thick which makes pinning difficult.

Here you go, a soft and funky bathrobe.

Italian presents

2009-06-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

I've made three projects I'm bringing with me in Italy this morning.
I don't have much to say today, must be the early hour.

Chinese nights

2009-05-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

It is the first time I use a pattern more than once. This nighty was the block for dress to wear at a wedding.

I've some fabric my Nonna gave me. I discovered a little too late this fabric stretched widthway. However the two remnants I had weren't wide enough to cover me...

The dress has an empire cut, two spaghetti straps and two box pleats at the front. The skirt is french stitched and the top is lined. All the inside stitching are hidden.
The fabric was hard to work with and stitching at less than 1.2 cm from the edge was fraying it quite dramatically. I couldn't use my overlock machine since the fabric was too stretchy (believe it or not). Maybe I need to practice more with the overlocker.
However this fabric NEVER creases, it's wonderful. I wore the nighty before the picture was taken and it looked fresh from the press! With a bit of time on my hand I may do a little jacket to cover my shoulders in the morning.

Thank you Nonna ;-)

Summer Dress #1

2009-05-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

I've chosen the two fabrics I will used for making the dress I will wear for Angèle and Nelsa's wedding.

And the light came...

2009-05-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

I eventually changed the living room curtains. They used to be one you find in offices, yes those, the horrid ones.

I hated them each time I walked in the living room. They reminded me of an old dirty office and since I'm only a tenant I didn't want to ask the landlord to change them. I kept the fixture of the original curtains with all the tiny hooks.

I needed to find a very light fabric that let the light through. I found a lovely cream coloured Egyptian cotton. After stitching the first side, I found out whilst removing the original curtains that they were a lot heavier than what I'd previously thought.

I first tried to stitched little loops to hang the new curtains, but it wasn't falling nicely. I then stitched a long strip of fabric at the top with little gaps to slots the hooks in. It means that under tension the curtains fell nicely. I made mitered corners for a nice finish.

The first side was great and fitted well, on the other hand, the left side was a nightmare. It was too short...

Grumble, mumble, sulk, sulk.

I went back to my favourite fabric shop and bought a stripped (did I say stripped? I looove stripes) and I finished the curtains. I did things by the rule with many many pins, the iron and Pik-pik's help.

You can see the results below (unfortunately with back lighting).
Rasta is delighted, she can bask in a new patch of sun.

Bean bag, bean bag.

2009-04-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

Cathie's birthday is coming soon.
When I asked her what she would like for her birthday, she said that since I was crafty I could make her a bean bag for reading.

You may have guessed by now that I am French. Bean bag sounds a little bit like "bin bag" when I say it. It took me some time to understand why very few people were excited about this projects. Few looked mildly put off even.

We went to the fabric shop to select the right fabric. Oh dear, not another fabric shop. I loved it. I even found out that there is an upholstery fabric shop in Abingdon.

We found a stripped fabric (another stripped fabric, honest I wasn't the one picking it). Bought a light fabric for the inside bag and a zip.
I used a very simple online pattern for this.

The light fabric was on sale at a reduced price (£1/m), it was the one!
As you can see, this fabric was made for fans of the Newcastle Football Club. I have another 2m, email me if you know a Newcastle football fan...I've got some left.

This is the outer fabric. The outside is brown and the inside is light fold. I'll use both and alternate the pannels.

The inside bag is assembled with French stitching.

Zip stitching. If I do another bag following this pattern I will buy a longer zip (60 or even 70 cm). The opening looks too small.
I'm even thinking to fill the inside bag after inserting it in the outside bag and stitching it shut by hand.

Bag waiting for its beans.

Cathie on her bean bag

Door stopper and wheat hot water bottle

2009-03-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

Another day of sewing!

My friend Emilia invited me to celebrate her birthday next Saturday. I really like Emilia and I wanted to find her original presents that reflect her personality.

I hope she like stripes (did I mention it?)

I happen to visit an Oxford shop that sell essential oil and lavender based products. I'm not very proud, I reproduced two of their products.

First: The door stopper.
The one I thought had a triangular shaped but was flat packed with a crest and a beak (it was a hen). The manual to fill the bird was very simple and funny.

Since it's been some time I had my last geometry class I had to cut a piece of fabric to understand how many side I needed. Then I made the patter with a ruler. Email me if you want a copy of it.

The door stopper is filled with rice. It has no zip. I've added a small loop/handle at the top to carry it easily (you never know when you might need a door stopper). No, I didn't cover the carpet with rice.
I'm not sure if I'm prouder for the result or not spilling rice everywhere...

Door stopper

And it works! Maybe I'll sew him a little companion at this rate.

Happy door stopper

In the same shop I spotted hot water "bags" filled with wheat.
The price was pretty hight for two bits of plush velvet in a dull purple, wheat and lavender.
I've used a remnant from making some cushion covers in my last flat (the original fabric was very flowery and had to be hidden from my sight). I've added blue stripe to make the bag more exciting (more stripes !!!!!!!).
I've tried to wheat in the microwave for 1 min. nothing burnt.

I hope to collect more Ardèche lavender at the end of the summer (mum, please don't cut it if you don't intend to keep it).

Pik-pik

2009-03-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

Respectful seamstresses have all a needle cushion. I would have like to buy/receive a second hand one with a rich past...like the many tools I use.

Since I didn't find one, I made one. I introduce to Pik-pik.

Pik-pik is not a voodoo dool and is not masochistic either.

I've used it for the first time today and it worked very week. I still haven't decided which wrist I will us it on, but it is really helpful.

with regards to my second-hand tools:

ma main air of scissors from my nonna
my little pair of scissors from my nonna
my sewong maching from my lovely nonna
my sewing wallet made copying my mum's one (the result is very different, like many projects I start with an idea then the result is somewhat different. Is that a good thing?
elastic, velcro and many more bits to fill in my sewing box from my aunt Zab
many buttons from my mum
a large safety pin collection from my mum
pins from mum
crochet hook from mum (unused...I lack patience)
... and many more...I'll stop now before I put you all to sleep.

Sewing is in our genes!

Little knitted jumper

2009-01-31T10:14:00.000-08:00

When I glew back after Christmas sales were well under way.
I went ahead, I quite like going after the initial rush. Choice is limited and there is not queue at the tills, it makes a more pleasant trip.

I bought this:

It will be very cute with cropped trousers and a long-sleeved turtle neck, or in a more casual fashion with jeans.

I liked it so much that I would like to duplicate it. I don't think I can find the same type of knitted fabric and i do not knot, maybe with fleece.

I'll let you know.

Zoe and Félicity

2009-01-31T10:05:00.000-08:00

Do you remember Felicity?
Come on, she's my adopted sewing dummy.
Felicity ahs a new friend, Zoé.
Zoe is a another adopted dummy and required much love and attention since she was abandonned. Zoe is still recovering but she is getting better by the day (whilst my fingers are covered in glue).
Zoe likes ample ladies.

Evening Dress #5

2008-11-20T08:50:00.000-08:00

It's not all about making an evening dress. Accessorises can make a lot of difference. You've already seen the shoes, part of the bow, here the clutch!

The clutch idea was initially a handbag. However I decided to make something simpler and shorter to create in 2 dimensions (a bag would be a 3D work). I've used remnants of the dress' fabric.
The outside of the clutch is blue and the inside light purple. There is a tie around it to keep it shut.
One issue with 2D work is that the result can often be too soft and not hold itself. So I've resorted to add a thick plastic sheet inside the clutch's lining. I first thought about cardboard, however I couldn't have washed it.

What about the bow?
I would like to make a scarf with a big bow in the small of the back. I want shape, silkiness and volume. i've bought a lovely iridescent fabric. I'll make a fake bow with a circular piece of fabric in which I'll tie the not. To see how I could get the best result I've done a handful of trials.

The first sample is covered in a mix of white glue and water. The glue is too visible. Fail.
The second trial has a higher water content, it's better.
The third trial is covered with spray starch. Too visible on the picture. Fail.

I think I'm going to use the second mix. To make these trials I first pined the bits of fabric in place then dried the with a hair dryer.

Without flash

With flash

Evening Dress #4

2008-11-12T11:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I started making the underskirt after buying tule in my favourite fabric shop.

The theme is the Oscars, I need a big bang and glamourous outfit!
At the moment I've stitched on two rows of tule, pinning them before hand on the mannequin with about zillion pins. I finished it in 10 minutes with remnant from the lining and overlocking it all. I'm not sure how I could have made it without the mannequin or the overlocker, they're wonderful.

Underskirt

Unfinished dress on the mannequin with the underskirt

Evening Dress #3

2008-11-10T12:28:00.000-08:00

I'm made some progress last night. I've pinned everything on Felicity (she has been very good and hold on tight). I'll continue tonight and stitch it all. Oh and I've also found an idea to make a matching pouch.

To answer mum's question, these are the shoes I will wear:

Evening Dress #2

2008-11-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

Cutting

Sewing boning to the lining

Trials on my lovely assistant Felicity

Felicity helped showing me details to correct

Evening Dress #1

2008-11-09T03:31:00.000-08:00

My company has put up a Christmas party on 5th Dec. The theme is the Oscars. I needed to live up/dress up to the theme.

Initially, I thought about making my own pattern but the party date is getting closer and I don't have time to waste. I found a nice pattern and will attempt to make the dress on the left hand-side, without the ribbons.

I will use boning for the top, a first for me. I would like to make a corset at some point, it will be good training. The dress could be too understated for an Oscar party, I'll make up a scarf in a light netting with a big bow in the back

I found all I needed in the magical fabric shop in Abingdon. They're great

Felicity, the mannequin

2008-11-09T03:28:00.000-08:00

Friends have lent me a sewing dummy to help me finish and evening dress.

This is Felicity:

Today Felicity wears the future scarf/bow I will wear with the evening dress.

Bean bean bean bag

2008-05-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

Thank you mum for carrying through Paris and its tube the filling for the bean bag

Sjirt and shirt (eventually)

2008-04-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure was funnier: sewing or attempting to snap picture of oneself with a time delay option.

Further some customising on the shirt, the result is pretty good.
Thank you Nonna and mum for your advices and patience.
Thenk you Cécile for following the progresses and your encouraging comments.

Front

Back

Wrap-around shirt, continued

2008-04-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

Some details:

collar
sleeve
sleeve deail
the shirt!

Wrap-around shirt #1

2008-04-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

I took me some time to find a topt that will do with the skirt.
This skirt has a fairly stiff fabric (taffeta), I needed something simple but fine. It has to come down to my waist but no further.

I've looked for ideas in the last Burda magazine I bought during my last trip in France (I still haven't started buying English patterns, which means it takes me ages to explain what I would like to do when I shop for fabric).

I found a wrap-around shirt and I found a fantastic popeline. The old lady who helpded me finding it dubbed it as "wonderful", I will agree it is a pleasure to pin and cut.

Right, pattern is cut (I cheat and use a ruler to trace most of the lines). I think CAD software for pattern making must do something very similar

I have cut 8 pieces:

back (in the fabric fold)
side front x 2
front x 2
side backx 2
collar (in the fabric fold)
sleeve front x 2
sleeve back x 2
tiedr x 2
a bias

Taffeta skirt

2008-04-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

i'm invited to Nathalie and Gaëtan (pronounce "gaeytan")'s wedding in May. And I have NOTHING to wear (honest). I went shopping but didn't find anything, well cut and well made. I was even ready to pay good price however I found nothing I liked.

First Project: a light cream skirt with a brown fitted top with a side-way noted collar in a light and summery fabric.

I didn't even pop at King's fabric and went directly into Abingdon's fabric shop, I was gobsmacked with the choice of fabric. I've rejiggle my inital project after a fair few hours drooling on their fabric (not literally though).

Amended First Project: ample skirt in a stiffer fabric and a white wrap-around shirt tied at the waist in a hight quality popeline.

I washed my fabric first...I was told that was the correct way to proceed. I'm not really sure since the ironing time was tripled.

Cutting the lining

The skirt is now cut, I transfer the shape of the skirt onto the lining (chosen by a lady in the shop who gave me wonderful advices and had an incredible eye for colour). I followed a pattern from the many Nonna gave me, I've altered the result slightly since the taffeta had more body than usual cotton/wool..

Lining

Tacking the lining at the waist once the skirt. The skirt will have two box pleat at the front and at the back to make the most of its body. I've used the overlocker on the edges of the lining.
The lining was stitched inside on inside in the skirt at the waist.
I then re-stitched the lining onto the sewing boarder of the skirt to flatten it.
And for the first time I've stitched my first invisible zip thanks to the advices on the Husqvarana website.

Unfinished skirt

I still need to hem the skirt and lining.
Once that's done, the lining will be a tad short than the skirt so as not to poke out when I walk. The skirt should be knee length (if everything goes well with the hem, fingers crossed).

I will put this project on hold and start with the shirt. If everything goes well, I should be in a position to cut the fabric before tomorrow.

Have a good evening.

Project for the fingers, #5

2008-03-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Small silver loops with aventuarine beads

Project for the fingers, #4

2008-03-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

Necklace in onix, rat's tail, silver plated spiraled wire and pearls.

Do you like it?

Project for the fingers, #3

2008-03-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

Project for the fingers, #2

2008-02-19T11:56:00.000-08:00

Fil argent avec perles argent et aventurine

Fil argent avec des perles en verre feuilletté

Commentaires ?

Project for the fingers, #1

2007-09-02T23:51:00.000-07:00

Monday was a bank holiday here, I thought I could use it wisely and started playing with beads. I saw lovely pieces at the Craft Fair in Bleinhem and I'd bought beads whilst in Dublin (shame you can't find bead shops in Oxford).

Here you go, I really like the result:

Early birthday present

2007-08-31T12:39:00.000-07:00

I've received and early birthday present that I'm trying to tame.

New Jacket

2007-07-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

I looove it!

As per requested

2006-12-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

Jacket!!!!

2006-12-12T13:41:00.000-08:00

Here it is!

With the lining, ain't it great?

Damned edge-piped pocket

Suit Jacket...continued

2006-12-01T13:23:00.000-08:00

This is the finished edge-piped pocket

The flap is stitched on the extra bit of fabric of the pipe inside the top edge of the pocket.
There is a proper pocket underneath for my tiny hand, my mobile or my business card.
Trick for business card when you have a pocket on each side: Always put yours in the same pocket and the one you receive in the other one. Nothing worse than giving out somebody else's business cards.

Suit Jacket

2006-11-28T14:35:00.000-08:00

Our company xmas party has the Casino Royal theme. Choosing my outfit wasn't easy (bikini à la Ursula Andress, suit like James Bond, diamond covered from Tomorrow never dies). I've chosen to wear a black suit.

Pattern, fabric, scissors...bit messy.

Jacket's lining...trying to do things properly.

This is an edge-piped pocket. Hi there!

Time spent: 2h... and I still have the other side to do. Breathe in, breathe out, lie on the carpet and relaaaax. Ah, can't lie on the carpet, there are too many things on the floor. Noooo.

New ring

2006-10-29T10:15:00.000-08:00

Ladies, any comment?