Thursday 5 July 2018

Crafting and sewing

This made me laugh the other day - Chris found it on the internet. printed it out and slipped it inside yet another crafty supplies parcel which I had ordered.  Obviously it's not just me then...
In other news, I have made a second tunic dress, this time using purple chambray which was gifted to me.  I knew it would come in handy!  The floral material was just a fat quarter, but made the pockets, sleeves and tie ends, so was perfect for this.
The back looks pretty too.  I have finally got the neck right too, without having to add any darts.
I have also got round to making my own bias binding, following a tutorial which I have had for ages, which I am very pleased about.  I am making my third dress at the moment and couldn't find the right shade of bias binding.  So, I used the contrast fabric and made my own, using the nifty little red gadget in the photo above. It isn't difficult although it is a bit time consuming.  However, I am sure the end result will justify the extra time.  Having learnt how to make it, I can now use my own material all the time (unless the pattern needs metres and metres of the stuff, in which case, it is cheaper to buy it!) For the top of the pockets and the neckline for this dress, it is about a metre, so well worth it, I think.  Naturally, I will post a photo of the dress (and hand made bias binding) once it is finished.

12 comments:

  1. How funny, I went to Hobby craft on Sunday to get some eyelets and came out with eyelets and 4 reels of variegated cotton as well. lol
    Your tunic looks lovely , you should model it for us.
    Briony
    x

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    1. Thanks, Briony. I think all crafters must share this problem (although the only real problems are budget and lack of storage space).
      I don't really like having my photo taken, which is why you won't see me on here - well, I have appeared, but only from the neck down!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. Haha, made me laugh too, probably because I can identify with it too. Your dress is looking lovely, I wish I could make clothes xx

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    1. Thanks, Cheryl. I really like this pattern and it doesn't have any fastenings so is quite quick to make. I am quite slow at sewing though and it does take me a while, fitting it in while other projects are also on the go. (Also, I have only tackled quite simple garments so far - the thought of tailoring with all those collars and cuffs and yokes makes me go cold!)
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  3. Clever, clever you.
    And yes, definitely two hobbies. Perhaps three. Admiring the collection is another. And feeling a tad guilty about it a fourth.

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  4. Thanks, EC. Making bias binding was one of things I thought I should be able to tackle, but kept putting it off. In the event, it wasn't as complex as I had imagined (as is so often the way).
    Yes, I am with you on the four (more than four, in my case) hobbies although I work hard to ignore the guilt! 'They make me happy' is my cri de coeur!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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  5. Amazing looking dresses, I love the design that you used on the sleeves of this dress. It definitely pulls the whole look together. Thanks for the share, love checking out your blog.
    World of Animals

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    1. Thank you, World of Animals. I have enjoyed making the dresses.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  6. LOL.....love the poster. That's truly funny and so appropriate for so many of us with yarn, fabric, whatever. LOVE the purple dress, what a cute idea to use a fat quarter for the trim like that and pockets.
    Sandys Space

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    1. Thanks, Sandy. The poster made me laugh too. I am pleased I found that material lurking in my stash as it was perfect for this project. (There is plenty more in the stash!)
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  7. Dress looks lovely:)

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    1. Thanks, Weekend-Windup and welcome. I really like this pattern which is simple to make but which can be adapted and personalised.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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