Diary of a Chain Stitcher

This was my second Salme Sewing Patterns project - this time the 'Colour Block T'. It's a lovely pattern to make up, again I really took my time with it so it took me a while but I definitely think the more experienced seamstress could knock one of these out in an hour or two. I loved the colour combination pictured on the pattern so much I couldn't see past it and just went with it! This project included a number of firsts for me, one of which being the first time I made my own bias tape. For some reason I have always been really put off by the thought of this as it seemed like a long process for something so small but I really enjoyed it and am proud of the finished result. Look at that neat neckline! I used my bias tape making tool which you feed the strips through and press but I'd definitely give other widths a go freehand. Again the fabric was just cheap from Walthamstow market (I want to wait until I'm more confident in my sewing skills before I ...

Out of all the sewing I managed to get through during my week off this is the project I am most pleased with. I made this using Salme patterns Peplum Skirt pattern. I was so excited to find this lovely little independent pattern company earlier in the year. Their patterns are simple and classic encouraging the use of well chosen fabrics and at the same time their simplicity gives you room for a lot of playing around with the shape and style, adding your own details. I chose this particular pattern because I thought it was given a classy twist with the unique style of peplum. As the peplum sits fairly flat to the body I thought this would be more wearable on a day to day basis than some skirts and dresses I'd seen on the high street with voluminous peplums at the hip which might look fantastic for a night out but not so practical for wrapping up in a raincoat! As I'm a fairly novice seamstress I decided to just stick with the pattern exactly as provided and to use some...

I just couldn't resist... Pic: Getty via metro.co.uk Pic: via the Northern Echo Just look at the joy in that face Pic: from @RightToPlay_UK on twitter But to make it a little bit more sewing orientated here's a cushion I made for my sister before I started blogging. The Chelsea logo is cross-stitched and measures about 10" x 10" and took a LONG time! But I love the therapeutic nature of stitching in front of the telly and how neat and accurate cross stitch turns out so it was one of my favourite projects. I made it into a very simple cushion cover by creating a frame for the cross stitch from some soft blue felted fabric using mitred corners. I then created a back out of the same blue fabric in the same size as the frame and stitched it all together. I just made the opening at the back overlap by quite an amount rather than fussing about with any kind of fastening. I decided to keep it very simple as I thought the cross stitch was enough of...

I stole this little story from Pincushion Treats but I just had to share it! A new Banksy has popped up in Wood Green, London... Source: http://www.bowesandbounds.org/forum/topics/new-banksy-artwork-in-wood-green-high-road Appropriate for my life right now in so many ways! Set to become one his most recognised I think, along with the maid in Chalk Farm and the child with the red heart balloon on the South Bank.  Isn't it great?! P.S. Take a closer look. The bunting's real!