Sew inspiring

Here are a couple of blog posts that are keeping me inspired..


Tilly from Tilly and the Buttons has organised OWOP- a week where fellow stitchers all wear items of clothing made from the same pattern. I think there are around 90+ people taking part in this and my blog feed is going crazy because of it. I love this top by Joanne at Stitch and Witter, the buttons, the collar and the print are all so cute.
Im hoping that another one of these will be arranged (I probably need to attempt to use a pattern first...) in the future so I can take part. I love the sense of community these stitchers have created and I am looking forward to seeing everyones pictures at the end of the week.

I also came across this post by Miss P . A woman after my own heart.
I love trawling through charity shops and what better feeling to find exactly what you are looking for. It just reminded me what useful skill it is to be able to sew!

On that note, I shall leave you with a picture of my best charity shop find...

Ding Ding, Round Two

I had another go at making the simple elasticated waist band skirt and I have to say, even though this is the ULTIMATE beginners project, I am very impressed with myself, again.

I ventured to Goldhawk Road after doing a little research on places to buy fabric and my gosh, was there a lot to choose from -a little over whelming as a newbie I have to say. Learning about the different types of fabrics (or gaining some kind of idea about what the hell I am sewing with) is something I intend on doing very soon... well...it is definitely on my to do list anyway.

I bought this lovely green floral material for £3.50 a metre and some more calico to practise hand embroidery on.
I really love this floral print, it caught my eye as soon as I went in the shop. It is 100% cotton - I'm not sure if this is the most suitable material to be using but the print is so nice, I had to get it.

The skirt is longer and definitely has neater edges, I also found putting the elastic on much easier now I know what I am doing. I seemed to be much quicker in making it too and I can say that I am feeling more comfortable with my sewing machine - in terms of it is been shouted at less.
After wearing it to work for the first time I have already had a few people asking where I got it from. Nothing makes me prouder then saying 'I made it myself'.

This sewing stuff is alright.

First skirt

So, its official. I have made my first item of clothing. OH YES.

A dark green cotton skirt with an elasticated waist band (learning how to put in a zip is on my to do list).

The skirt is a little bit on the short side as when I was cutting it I forgot to take into account the hem but teamed with a pair of tights it looks rather good.
I didn't use a pattern but 'Googled' elasticated skirt and pieced together all the useful tutorials out there.
I will definitely be making another one of these, they are so quick to make and look so good but next time I need to remember to make it a little bit longer, for my inner granny!
Also, I think I will try using different material as this creases like a bitch.


When making this skirt I certainly felt more confident using the sewing machine. I think understanding the movements of your machine and knowing when and where to start and stop is a huge part of successful sewing. Also, after inspecting the hems, they are pretty straight! Practise certainly makes perfect.