The Mini NCW - Batman version

After posting a photo of my Batman purse, a friend asked me to make her a smaller version in the same fabric so here it is...

I used the add on for the regular NCW which tells you how to make a smaller version. I made some changes to the materials. As I've used my purse more, I realised that it's not as sturdy as I'd like it to be so used a very stiff interfacing (almost like cardboard) for the flap and a firm interfacing for the rest including the zip pocket. For now it seems much sturdier than mine. 

My friend wanted a black lining rather than yellow and of course, it works well. I used a different brand for the turn lock as I was really disappointed that mine didn't quite fit together. This is one is much better and think I'll stick with Prym for them.

I will be making a matching washbag once the frames arrive and then I have another two mini NCWs waiting to be put together. Uni has started up again so I'm trying to find a good balance between crafting and working!

ABC Collection - Sac "ceinture" fleurs roses

I received this kit last Christmas and I decided it was time to put it together. My other half very kindly translated the pattern for me but in true fashion some of it didn't make sense once translated. Did you know that the call a french seam, "couture anglaise"?
So, I had to guess a little but I think it turned out well.

The biggest issue I had with this bag was the belt loops, the folded ends often slipped out of place even with wonder tape holding it in place. 

I'll be back soon with a post about my field trip.

Simple elasticated skirt

Would you believe that I have another sewing finish? I can't and I'm hoping to have a few more by the time uni starts again.

I feel like I should give the story behind this skirt, I apologise in advance if it is long and won't hold it against you if you skipped to the photos. I started off with some red stripey fabric and cut out a gathered skirt from a pattern however it was too large (I'll explain more when I finish that skirt off and write about it) and the amount of gathers gave a puffy effect which to me doesn't work well with my shape.

So, I put that skirt to one side and turned my focus to the other skirt I had cut out from the same pattern and decided to omit one of the panels and cut a chunk off from another. The 2 panels that were left were sewn together and a waistband was created by folding over the upper edge twice which also created a channel for the elastic that I decided to put in.

I was that eager to get a skirt made for myself, I didn't even attempt to pattern match! How terrible am I? 

I think I'll take apart the red stripe skirt and do it the same way but try and make it flow more as I think the stripes would work well with that. I have a few mini NCWs to do as well. Let's not mention the cross stitch I still need to get done...

Simplicity Sewing Challenge - Best Vintage Make

I saw a post on Facebook advertising the Simplicity Sewing Challenge and decided that it would be fun to have a go so sent an email over requesting to join. I decided to sign up for the Best Vintage make which used Simplicity 1365 (Simplicity provided the pattern for free).

As I wasn't making it for me, I let my model choose which view she would like and she chose view B. My model was two different sizes so I used a 16 for the bodice and a 20 for the midriff. The fabric is a red, polycotton gingham and the size of the checks are 24mm which I bought from Fabricland.

The bodice was tight in the end but I'm not sure if that was because of the way I finished it off or if I should have cut the bodice in size 14 but with a full bust adjustment. It did gape at the side of chest a little but that was sorted by pulling the ties further around. 

Because I used two sizes, there was a lot of pull in the fabric when the bodice and midriff were joined together. To counteract this I changed how the pieces joined together around the back. Here you can see how the back was meant to look and what it looked like in the end.

I would happily sew this pattern together again as it was nice and quick to put together (setting aside trying to work around the fit). I think it would look gorgeous in black! There are 3 things I will take away from this project:
1) I need to learn how to do pattern alterations
2) It's much easier to work through issues and check fit when you have a model on hand.
3) Pattern matching is difficult!

Holiday photos and a couple of updates

Morning everyone! I've got a small update for you guys. I haven't had much time to stitch as I have a couple of resits to revise for. Most of my progress on the remembrance fields was done on holiday in Portugal.

Remembrance field 15.08.2016

This was nowhere near being done in time for the person's birthday so I moved on to the next present. I just hadn't realised how much I was taking on with that piece so it will go on the back burner for now.

Now time for a couple of holiday photos!

Nazaré

Nazaré

Lisbon

Lisbon

Lisbon

Lisbon

Blogger is so fickle when it comes to positioning photos! I am considering updating to a different platform and redesigning the blog but that maybe some time as I've got a lot of stuff to do first. 

I started barn owls as another birthday present. This is where I got to 11th August 

Barn owls 11.08.16

and managed to get to here by 14th

Barn owls 14.08.16

I've got a number of sewing projects to do as well *sigh*. A friend has asked me to make her a purse so there's that and I still haven't finished my cousin's bag but I want to unpick a lot of the quilting as I'm unhappy with it. 

I hope to show you more updates soon!

Christmas in Summer Exchange

Sarah and I had our annual exchange and the theme this year was Christmas. Once again this was fun to put together! So much so, that we both wouldn't mind doing it again.

Look at the pretty ribbon that was on the envelope!

Sarah made me a lovely biscornu...

 Here are all of the fabulous contents of the package together,

Thank you again Sarah! I honestly love it all.

The Necessary Clutch Wallet

There was an advantage to being up at 5.30, I managed to finish my batman purse!

You may notice scratches on the clasp that is because the clasp did not fit well together so I used pliers to try and make the hole a bit wider.

I need to make sure the measurements are more accurate as I seemed to be a bit short on some parts.

The pattern was The Necessary Clutch Wallet by Emmaline and the only change I would make to the next one would be to use a heavier stabiliser for the main purse piece and the flap to make it sturdier. Overall, I'm very happy and once again there were tears of joy. I do plan to make the mini version as when we go away, I don't really need a big purse.

I've realised how terrible I am at replying to your lovely comments so I'm trying to rectify that. This Saturday, I'll be picking up HMS Victory from the framers so I'll make sure to get a photo!

Enjoy your week!