Saturday 31 March 2018

A Hare-y box and a pinafore

I made a hare material box for my friend Maria who was visiting from Canada.  Unfortunately, the unseasonable weather curtailed our plans for meeting up, but we did manage a day visit which was lovely.  I  made her a fabric box using this hare fabric - light and squashable for taking back on the plane.
 I have also made myself a needlecord pinafore using this pattern, 'Cleo' from 'Tilly and the Buttons'.  The pattern is really well done with both written instructions and photos too.  I made the knee length version and put the split in the back rather than the front.  I used the automatic buttonhole on my sewing machine for the first time too - I had a few issues and had to unpick a bit, but this was because I couldn't find the 'buttonhole lever' on the machine.  Eventually, thanks to the internet, I discovered where it was (up inside the part where the needle mechanism is held - but this wasn't obvious from the machine handbook).  Thank goodness for the internet!  I made a toile in calico first, just to check on the sizing.  The pinafore is designed to be loose, but I wanted to be sure the size would fit my hips.
 Here it is - success!   I had bought the needlecord a couple of years ago and it had been sitting in my material stash ever since.  I used buttons rather than the dungaree clip option.
Here's the back too.  I'm really pleased with it and have worn it to work several times.  It is really comfortable too, which is always good.  A denim one and another needlecord version (a very floral pattern) are being planned next.  For my pinafore (size 12), I needed two metres of material, which is a bonus as there are some lovely needlecords out there... 

8 comments:

  1. Firstly, I love hares and keep meaning to use one in some project or other, I'll get there in the end, lol
    The Pinafore is brilliant.
    Briony
    x

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    1. Thanks, Briony. I love hares too and am starting (or should that be continuing) to add to my collection, slowly but surely. There is something so magical about them, isn't there?
      I was really pleased with the pinafore. I still consider myself a beginner in the clothes making world, so when something is successful, it's a huge boost to my confidence.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. Colour me awed. Not least because buttonholes are SUCH a beast.
    And I do love hares. And foxes. And most critters.

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    1. Thanks, EC. Once I had resolved what on earth a buttonhole lever was and where it was, the buttonholes were relatively simple (as the machine did all the work) and more importantly, they do function as they should! (I did have to unpick one of them a couple of times, much to my frustration, but I got there in the end.)
      Hares are my favourite, I think, due to the rarity of sighting and magical quality they have. (Also, Hares feature in the 'Little Grey Rabbit' books and in 'The Little White Horse' too - both of which had a lasting effect on me as a child and teenager.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  3. What a beautiful dress! I really should start making my own clothes, i don't know what's stopping me

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    1. Thanks, Wendy. I am slowly increasing my clothes making skills but do like a simple pattern which works well (like this one!)
      Definitely give it a go - I am sure you would make some lovely things.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  4. I wear my pinafore so much, I lined mine which made it super useful with tights throughout the winter. I love your fabric. Jo x

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    1. Thanks, Jo. This needlecord was reasonably thick and lovely quality so I didn't line it, but my second one is much thinner material (although I didn't line that either - now thinking it might have been a good idea!) Oh well, one for Spring, rather than Winter!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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