Happy 3rd Birthday Boy!

My little boy turned 3 on Saturday!  Where has the last three years gone?!  Here’s what we got up to this year…

Unwrapping

Birthday present

Cake inspection

Victoria Sponge on the bottom and marble cake on the top

Pirate Birthday Cake

Pirate vanilla cupcakes

Chocolate buns that were decorated with chocolate butter icing and chocolate money (Joy of Baking Chocolate Cupcake recipe) The bun wrappers are from Tesco

Naked vanilla cupcakes (Hummingbird Bakery recipe)

The theme was… Pirates! Plates, Napkins and Table Cloth came from Sainsburys

We had a lovely day with people coming over from 10:30 in the morning and the last leaving at 18:30!  A very long and tiring day, but a very enjoyable one.  And as you can see, the dressing gown is being worn!

First Finished Item of 2013: M4643

The first make of 2013; completed yesterday the 1st January!  This is McCalls 4643 a pattern for toddler PJs and Robe, made for Boy.

I haven’t got any pictures of him wearing it yet as he was too tired this evening.  When I asked if he wanted his picture taken (which normally involves a big ‘Yes’ and then ‘Can I see?’) he decided to snuggle into my neck instead and say ‘No, not now Mummy, I need cuddles’.  I guess the first day back at the childminder’s is as tiring as the first day back at work after a break!  I’m kinda glad to be heading towards some kind of routine though…

Anyway, back to fleecy snuggly dressing gowns!  Boy chose the fabrics himself (via a computer monitor) and elected for the stripy fleece (Fabric Land) and then asked for some giraffes (FQ from Frumble) which feature on the bias binding.  All of this was bought in 2012 as I knew I wanted to have it made ready for his birthday (this Saturday – he’ll be 3!)

It is a ridiculously fast pattern to make.  All in about two hours and that includes pattern tracing and bias tape making!  By far and away the most time consuming bit was the bias tape making – I always forget how much bias tape you can get from a FQ too.  There was enough to go all the way around the dressing gown rather than hemming the bottom edge, as well as do the cuffs.  There is only about 6″ left now though.

The main construction was done on my serger.  I did a flat fell seam in the hood and along the neckline as I was worried raw edges or serged seams might irritate skin or catch in his hair.  They’re not the neatest seams, but they do what they need to do and as it’s fleece you can hardly see the stitching anyway!

The only other variation I made to the pattern was to add the hanging hook, which makes it easier for him to deal with.  Hanging it from the hood wasn’t an ideal situation to my mind!  I also top stitched the belt as the fleece is quite stretchy and I wanted to add some stability to it.

I’ll definitely be making this again – it’s an incredibly quick win and very cheap to make.  This cost me £11.11 including the cost of the pattern.  There is a ton of growing room in this current version – it’s down to his ankles and would go round him twice!  I should have made the size 2 rather than the 3, but he loves it and that’s all that really matters.

From Bellissimo Speciality Cakes – click to go and see her amazing blog

I hoped to have my Peony done by the end of this week; I cut the lining fabric this evening so all I need to do is construct it and insert it, but there is the small matter of conjuring up some sort of Pirate Cake for Boy’s birthday this weekend!  Sewing will have to take a back seat for a little while, but I don’t mind – I enjoy baking and decorating cakes so it’ll be fun, and apart from anything else it’s for Boy!  The cake above is my starting point, so that’ll be two round sponges made tomorrow night.  Now where’s my Mary Berry baking book…

Looking Back…

Like me, you’ve probably been really enjoying other bloggers Top 5s of the year inspired by Gillian at Crafting a Rainbow.  I wish I’d been organised enough to do the same…  I do though want to reflect on the year that is rapidly drawing to a close and start to look forward to the new year.  WARNING:  The next 3-4 paragraphs have nothing at all to do with sewing and is a bit of naval gazing on a personal level.  Feel free to skip over it as it’s not particularly uplifting reading…

As you know, 2012 hasn’t been entirely good to me on a personal level with the latest kick to the head happening just before Christmas.  In a nut shell my family (me, Husband, Boy, my parents and sisters) have lived through; my sister’s mental illness including self harm, Father’s testicular cancer diagnosis and subsequent operation (thankfully not full blown cancer), my miscarriage, and finally two days before Christmas  the same sister being dumped by her finance and boyfriend of 8+ years over the phone, 24hours after he’d travelled 350 miles away with no warning at all.

Suffice to say, this festive season has been a bit flat, but Boy has been a complete source of joy and the reason I bothered at all to be completely honest!  My babyiest sister (there are three of us, and middle sister has born the brunt of the crap this year) is having a F*** 2012 party on the 31st as we’re all quite pleased to see the end of this year.

But on the other hand, 2012 has taught me things about myself and changed me in ways only living through these experiences can.  They’re part of me now and part of my evolution, so whilst I whole heartedly wish that we hadn’t had to deal with any of it they’re now part of us.  The shared battles and traumas have strengthened us and brought us closer.

It’s also really truly shown me the value of this blogging community of ours.  Whilst none of this has anything to do with a needle and thread you all have contributed in getting me through a lot of this.  Being there to listen and offering encouragement.  I am truly grateful and humbled that people I have never met have taken the time to offer a kind word and a little support.  There are many things to be thankful for in this life, even when it feels like you’re on the receiving end of kick after kick after kick, and you guys are definitely one of them.

So, that’s the personal review.  Navel gazing now complete.  It’s safe to come back to the page now…

Onto the sewing!  My sanity saver and also causer of some insanity its self…  There have been wins and only a few fails:

WINS:

Simplicity 2588 – The first ever pattern I’ve wanted to make more than one of.  I suspect there’ll be more in the future too.  Not bad for a pattern that came free with a magazine!

Colette Peony – I know many have had issues with the pattern.  I guess (other than a fuller bust) I must be a little closer to Sarai’s sloper as other than a FBA and a slight sway back adjustment I’ve got another TNT pattern.  I am so close to finishing this dress now – I just need to finish inserting the lining.

V2903 – Illustrations and Line Drawings

Vogue 2903 – A monster amount of work went into this dress for Brother in Law’s wedding.  It’s my first Vogue pattern and they’re really no harder than any other ‘Big 4′ pattern I’ve sewn.  I received so many compliments whilst wearing it.  I really must get you some photos (don’t worry, this is covered in the fails!).

Sewaholic Minoru – I have worn this jacket at least 3 times a week since I completed it. I am in love and like Karen it will be re-made should this version ever cease to be functional.

Colette Meringue – Another really fast and easy project and also garner or unsolicited compliments!  Looks professional because of the beautiful wool (Thanks Ann!) but still has some personality.

Soft Furnishings – seriously guys.  I made curtains and a roman blind!  Each of those curtains are 3.5m wide when they’re not gathered up.  They are MASSIVE!  They’re lined with black out lining, blind hemmed and everything.  I am so proud of myself for making them, even if wrestling with them in my bijoux sewing room was err, frustrating?  Difficult?  Not overly pleasant anyway!  Who would have thought straight seams could be so stressful!

I love the blind too, and I’m sure I’ll be making a few more – I’ve got 6 more 4m lengths of fibre glass rods to be used at some point.  Not immediately though…

Community Fun – I’ have had a blast on this blog over the last year.  I’ve hosted give aways and organised a swap which I have enjoyed immensely and shared my sewing with you all.  I’ve also loved reading your blogs and have been lucky enough to win a few give aways hosted by you.  There have been sew alongs too plus you have inspired me in ways you can not imagine as well as shown me the potential in patterns or fabrics I wouldn’t have seen other wise.  You have developed my ‘eye’ in that regards and I am very grateful for that.

And now the FAILS!

A bit of saucy belt waving!

My Peony/Jenny mash up – Bodice is a win.  Skirt is a fail.  I really really really need to wear Spanx with this dress and I have wearing them.  These photos are without the industrial underpinnings.  Does not work as a day to day dress.  On the positive side, I drafted and inserted a godet which I love!

My ‘Perfect’ Shirt Dress

Simplicity 1880 – This has now hit the bin.  Bodice was a win.  Skirt was a win.  Matching side seams between the two was a complete and utter fail all caused by the fact that I did not take into account the always necessary FBA and how this means I need more breadth across the front and the back stays the same.  I cheated and just cut a bigger size skirt so the side seams were never going to match and I couldn’t live with it.  Complete wadder, now binned.  The wrap version on the other hand came out well… I just need to hem it (and have done since July!).

Ambition – My wish list outstrips my productivity by a considerable amount.  I really should try and be a little more realistic about what I’m actually capable of doing…

Photography – Oh, I need to work on this!  If I’m behind the camera, it’s all good.  Stick me in front of it and oh dear…  I practically hid from the photographer at Brother in Law’s wedding as I feel so self conscious if someone points a camera at me.  I’ve got three dresses I need to share with you and that involves photography.  Some half decent light would be helpful, but I’m also procrastinating I’m afraid.  I’m enjoying the Craftsy course though so hopefully the technical and artistic side will improve and with practice I’ll feel less of a dork in front of the camera!

So, not bad really.  There aren’t too many sewing fails and the bloggy bits are things that can be worked on.  Hopefully next year I’ll be able to improve on them greatly!  I have some plans looking forward I’ll share with you soon…

It Was a Good Day…

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas Day?  I’ve been a little quiet as we’ve had (what must be) a final 2012 incident but I wont bore you with it here!  Suffice to say whilst I know 2012 has been really really good to some of you, I’m done with this year.

A massive positive though was that all the hard work me and Husband had put in on Boy’s new bedroom paid off.  He absolutely loves it and disappears upstairs to play in it and have adventures!

I suspect his favourite bit is the lights under the bed – it’s an LED ribbon and there’s a remote control that you use to change the colours, or make the flash!  He’s mastering climbing up and down to the top bunk too, although I’m quite pleased that he’s sleeping in the bottom one at the moment…  I don’t want to hear a crash in the early hours when half asleep he gets it wrong!  Lots of practice first I think!

There’s a lot of ‘Me Hearties’ going on too as he has a pirate outfit which he loves – a last minute ‘impulse’ buy by me in the Early Learning Centre the weekend before Christmas.  My sister bought his some foam cutlasses and if I can I’ll get you a picture of Pirate Boy on his hobby horse brandishing a sword.  He tries so hard to look fearsome, but is just too darn cute to pull it off!

I got the blind and curtains done, finally hanging the curtains Christmas Eve (so late partially due to some idiot moments on my part during construction of the blind and having to re-do the header tape on the first curtain as it was too close to the radiator when hung).  I am so pleased with how they came out though.  It was definitely worth the effort and I hope they’ll have a long life as they’re not babyish…

I was a very lucky girl and got some lovely sewing goodies as well as my swap items!  I now have the Alma Blouse pattern by Sewaholic which will be made up with some leopard print lawn with a black peter pan collar.  Perfect for Pretty Grievances Jungle January!

I also now own some pinking shears – Gingher ones no less too and oh my, they do cut beautifully!  Also some gorgeous lengths of fabric which will be pre-washed today as I fancy some very selfish sewing.

I hope you all had a wonderful day and were spoilt rotten.

Why Seemane is Amazing

Yup, Claire, I’m talking about you!  Thank you so much for my pressing ham.  It is absolutely beautiful, smells deliciously of pine and is awesomely well made.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Pressing Ham by Seemane

Pins on one side and a beautiful camel wool on the other.  I’m in love.  There are no curves that can’t be tamed now (well, once I sort the whole iron thing out…  It’s hanging on in there still at the moment!).

Not only does Claire make amazing pressing gizmos, she is also an incredible fount of knowledge (its embarrassing how many times she’s pointed me down the right path) and has had a hand in organising some amazing blogger meet ups (one day…).  Claire, you’re an absolute diamond.

I know we all say it, but this community of ours is just amazing and I’m proud to be part of it!

Belated Birthday Thank You

I apologise for how late this is. I really really do. I just wanted to say a massive Thank You to everyone who left comments on the give away post and especially those who emailed me direct with kind wishes and ebook pressies!

I had a lovely day and was (again) a very very spoilt person!

I was lucky enough to be given a white iPhone 4S which I know I am probably never going to use to its full potential, but love so much more than my Blackberry as it is SO much easier to use!

 

I also got given a lot of i-Tunes vouchers, some of which got spent on Kylie’s Abbey Road album (I am a child of the 80s…)  I have fallen very hard for this album.

I also bought all of Gabrielle Aplin’s catalogue as well.  Gabrielle has shot to fame here in the UK through her version of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s Power of Love which is being used by John Lewis in their Christmas Advert.  The music is so haunting and beautiful to me.  Makes me cry every. single. time.  Here’s the full length version and video.

I also received Craftsy classes (serger and photography ones), some Gingher snips (they are mean little beasties!) and the Sewaholic Cambie pattern which I am really looking forward to making!

Thank you again to you all, you helped make it an enjoyable day.  Whilst it was tinged with sadness here and there because of recent history, there’s nothing quite like getting messages throughout the day from your friends to make you smile and feel positive.

Here’s to the next year!

Slipping and a Slight Feeling of Panic…

I have to admit to a slight feeling of panic at the moment.  Time is slipping, or rather rushing past and I have so much to do!

I’ve re-written my ‘what construction steps I’m going to do when’ list so many times in my lunch break.  Within 48 hours it’s always slipped.  This saturday there is a fortnight until I need to be sailing out of the door wearing V2903.

I’ve also go 80 order of services to complete…  I think tomorrow I will be telling Husband that he’s in charge and I’ll see him once I’ve got a good few hours sewing done…

On the positive, today my Dad’s CT scan came back as clear so we’re just waiting on the biopsy report from his operation last week.  I hope the rays of sunshine keep coming!

A Little Progress and A Lot of Thought

Hello.  Sorry for the long silence!  As I mentioned, we went on holiday to Dorset and had a wonderful time.  We played with diggers at Diggerland, saw the Red Arrows at Swanage, road on steam trains and of course went to see some Olympic sailing.

We got home a fortnight ago today and it’s be crazy ever since!  We had the usual post holiday crazy of tons of washing and settling back into normal life.  I even got some shopping done for V2903 which was a lovely way for me to spend a day on my own.  The teal colour won out, but I’ve gone for a slightly different fabric…  I got my flat pattern alterations done too and even the fabric cut for the toile.  I also went to help my sister choose a wedding dress and then Mum and Dad came the Saturday evening after we’d got home.

Long and short of it is that my Dad had his left testicle removed on Thursday as the medical profession suspects malignant testicular cancer.  Today he’s having his full body MRI scan to see if that’s it or whether there’s anything else.  Next week we get the full diagnosis which could be ‘that’s it, we’ve removed it, nothing more to worry about’ or could be the complete opposite.  So a lot of waiting at the moment.

And to compound it, my sister started her counselling (finally!) and has been officially diagnose with anorexia on top of the stress and depression.  And the straw that near as broke me was that she’s been self harming as a way to cope before the stress and depression diagnosis.  She hadn’t told anyone as she was trying to protect us.  She has promised me that she isn’t doing it anymore though as she wants to be a good Aunty to Boy.

So, quite honestly this has been the most horrific couple of weeks, hence why blogging and sewing have taken a back seat.  I just haven’t had the mental energy.

Which also means that I am somewhat behind on where I planned to be on the dress.  And that my documentation of the process is not as thorough as I’d like.  But on the positive side all that you’ve missed out on is my construction of the toile and a few fitting tweaks.

This evening, I intend to cut my fabrics and baste them all together.  I hope to actually start construction tomorrow.  I’ll do a post on the fabric I’m actually using and a brief run down on my fitting changes very soon (i.e., later today!).

There is progress for my family members, and a lot to be thankful for.  Now I need to do things to look after myself – as sewing is my ‘therapy’ I hope to start making again.

What Should a God Mother Wear?

Husband and I were asked to be God Parents to Harry, the son of my two best friends on Saturday! Harry is 6 months younger (almost to the day!) than Boy and I am so pleased and happy to be asked.
So I now have the fun of helping with the christening and choosing something as a present for Harry. I’d like it to be something unique so will be heading in the direction of Etsy I suspect… Do any of you have any suggestions or ideas?
And of course I’ll need something to wear! As its in church I want to cover my shoulders (even though I got married in a strapless wedding dress…) so am pondering which pattern to use, I think it will be either Colette’s Peony or the Peony bodice with the Truffle skirt. Or maybe Scruffy Badgers New Look 6000?
What do you think, or should I consider one of the pattern releases?

Happy 2nd Birthday

This week has been busy busy.  It’s the first week back at work (for Husband, any way!) and we’ve been trying to get Boy back into some sort of routine after the fun and chaos of Christmas and the New Year.  Whilst organising bits and pieces for Boy’s second birthday, which was yesterday.  I truly can not believe how fast the last two years have gone, and how much he’s grown and changed in such a short period of time.

Originally we weren’t going to get him anything for his Birthday as the Toy Lander took a lot of time and resources.  However we decided we wanted to get him something to open on the day from us, so Duplo (chunky lego) was the chosen present!  He’s really into building things and uses the Duplo that me and my sisters had as children a lot at Grammy and Grumpy’s house so we knew it would be a success.

Husband and Boy

The Concentration!

So, other than a little shopping and present wrapping my main contribution to our little boy’s day was this:

Yup, Land Rover theme again!  He was pleased as punch with it and keeps asking to look at it.  In all honesty, it probably won’t get eaten as none of us really go for cake (Boy dislikes it, Husband prefers fruit cake and I’m trying to be good!) but all the effort was worth it for his face.

We all had a really happy day.  I think one of my favourite memories will be watching him play with his bricks on the floor with his Daddy and then in the evening, with my Father.  I can’t wait to see what the next year brings!