tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22417106238436392502024-03-13T11:28:06.222-07:00makeryrandom acts of creativity...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.comBlogger487125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-5042653520838271852015-02-14T05:47:00.000-08:002015-03-16T03:59:32.762-07:00Moving Day!Guess <a href="http://www.makery.uk/">spanking </a>just moved the kettle, so stop by and check where I will be flowing how I like. We can sit upturned!<br />
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slightly very shortly coming<br />
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<b>www.akery.uk</b><br />
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ST <b>.uk</b><br />
<b><br /></b>follow your BUT and it'll be hard then just select your preferred method of receiving. The thing about this move is losing contact<br />
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exciting shed loads of DIY orals<br />
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please<a href="http://www.makery.uk/"> pop</a> the boxes!<br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wroteRlW7OU/VHuB2ZxYajI/AAAAAAAAVOM/V1kkOZ73jHU/s800/Untitled.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-33408191475173884722015-02-13T04:14:00.000-08:002015-02-13T04:14:55.886-08:006 Sewing Hacks With Masking Tape<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you're anything like me, you'll love a technique that saves you time, money and sanity. Especially when it involves a "tool" that you'll find in pretty much every household and elicits one of those "face palm" moments. You know the kind? The kind that makes you think "Duh! Why haven't I been doing it like this all along?!" One of my favourite household "tools" is masking tape. But it's not just for decorators, oh no no! Here are some of my favourite uses for masking tape when I'm sewing.....<br />
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<b>1) Making Bias strips:</b> When your sewing pattern calls for a strip of bias binding and nonchalantly presents you with a flimsy bit of tissue paper to pin to your flimsy fabric that you just know is going to slip and slide everywhere when you cut it, and then asks you, with a perfectly straight face, to cut 6?! DON'T! All you need is a roll of masking tape the same width as the bias strips you want to make. <a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/sewing-basics-9-easy-peasy-bias-strips.html">Look! (This is by FAR my biggest eureka moment with masking tape:)</a><br />
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<b>2) Lengthen pattern pieces the easy way:</b> Slash the pattern piece where indicated and<a href="http://instagram.com/p/yCLN3dNGSo/?modal=true"> use masking tape the same width as your desired increase</a> to join the pieces back together. If you want to lengthen a pattern piece by 1", use a roll of 1" masking tape. Want to lengthen it by 2", use 2" wide masking tape. (It actually works out a little under that because of a miniscule overlap, but you get my drift!)<br />
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<b>3) As a guide for quilting lines:</b> If you're just quilting in straight lines, (and like me you're inclined to a wobbly stitching line now and then), <a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/my-first-ickle-quilt.html">use a strip of masking tape</a> to ensure straight and evenly spaced stitching lines.<br />
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<b>4) Sew perfect darts:</b> Sewing darts can be tricky because you're sewing (or attempting to) a straight at an angle without the assistance of the seam guide on your throat plate. Use masking tape to <a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/sewing-basic-12-sewing-dart.html">create a guide for sewing darts</a>.<br />
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<b>5) As a seam guide on your sewing machine:</b> If the stitching line you want to sew has a wider seam allowance than your throatplate guide...just measure from your needle to the desired spot on your machine, and use a strip of tape as a temporary seam guide.<br />
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<b>6) Assembling PDF patterns:</b> I try to use masking tape when assembling pdf sewing patterns for a number of reasons. It unpeels easier than sellotape and is less messy than glue. You can iron over it if your pattern becomes creased, without it melting (ask me how I learnt that one!) And if you want to redraw pattern lines you can draw over it :)<br />
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This list is just the tip of the iceberg. I'll bet some of you out there have got more awesome uses for masking tape! Have you got any other great sewing hacks using everyday household stuff? Feel free to chime in and share in the comments section :) I'm ALWAYs looking for more shortcuts and hacks in my sewing!<br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wroteRlW7OU/VHuB2ZxYajI/AAAAAAAAVOM/V1kkOZ73jHU/s800/Untitled.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-78719168873660746822015-02-12T05:27:00.001-08:002015-02-12T08:33:09.592-08:00Simply Sewing Magazine: Launches Today!!Well hello all! Thought I'd give you a heads up on a little something I've been involved in that I've had to keep under wraps until today! You may or may not be aware of a new magazine launching today. If you weren't, then let me spill! Simply Sewing Magazine is the sister publication of Mollie Makes, and little ole me has been asked to contribute a regular monthly piece about refashioning! I know!! You can read more about the magazine <a href="http://www.simplysewingmag.com/about-simply-sewing/">here</a>. Here's a peak inside the first issue...<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;">This issue includes two free sewing patterns and apart from my good self features other bloggers like <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/">Tilly</a> and Lauren of <a href="http://www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk/">Guthrie & Ghani</a>. You can keep up to date with <a href="http://www.simplysewingmag.com/">Simply Sewing Magazine</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine">facebook</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/simplysewingmag">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/simplysewing_">Twitter</a>. Can't wait to share some of the projects I have coming up in the next few issues!! Eeep!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;">Quick question...what sewing publications do you currently read and why those particular publications?</span><br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wroteRlW7OU/VHuB2ZxYajI/AAAAAAAAVOM/V1kkOZ73jHU/s800/Untitled.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-60427128964944236612015-02-03T10:17:00.000-08:002015-02-03T10:17:37.295-08:00DIY: Rose Gold & Leather NecklaceI get a little kick out of finding a different use for things that are intended for a particular purpose. Re-imagining. Repurposing. Whatever you like to call it. I do that thing. You know that thing. Where you look at something, tilt your head and think, "what could I use that for?" Do you ever do that?<br />
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The decorative rose gold elements of this necklace are actually meant to have a more functional use. But they were way too pretty to be limited to that....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ8RoQMY1jQ/VNDe2kfup_I/AAAAAAAAZ7E/e7Y39VmryYU/s1600/P1080834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ8RoQMY1jQ/VNDe2kfup_I/AAAAAAAAZ7E/e7Y39VmryYU/s1600/P1080834.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
They are actually known as sliders. Intended for use singularly, to secure a loop end in leather cord, <a href="http://www.endlessleather.com/jewellery-findings/stainless-steel/slider/slider-rose-gold-plated-stainless-steel-8x3-5mm">like so</a>. They remind me of miniature metal belt hardware :) As is often the case with the simplest of items, when displayed in volume they can take on a much more decorative persona, and the effect can be minimalist, modern, simplistic, edgy...but oh so gorgeous! (I really LOVE this necklace. Can you tell?)<br />
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<b>You will need:</b><br />
1m of <a href="http://www.endlessleather.com/leather-cords">leather cord</a> (1m will give you enough for 2 necklaces depending on finished length),<br />
2 x cord <a href="http://www.endlessleather.com/jewellery-findings/stainless-steel/end-cups/standard/end-cup-rose-gold-plated-stainless-steel-inside-3mm">end caps</a><br />
1x matching jumpring<br />
1 x matching lobster clasp<br />
20-25 <a href="http://www.endlessleather.com/jewellery-findings/stainless-steel/slider/slider-rose-gold-plated-stainless-steel-8x3-5mm">Sliders</a><br />
Superglue<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9aKhR5ke6Q/VNDfE9uvQ6I/AAAAAAAAZ7M/-nv5xzvhGI8/s1600/rose%2Bgold%2Bnecklace%2B-%2Bmaterials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9aKhR5ke6Q/VNDfE9uvQ6I/AAAAAAAAZ7M/-nv5xzvhGI8/s1600/rose%2Bgold%2Bnecklace%2B-%2Bmaterials.jpg" height="402" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thread the sliders onto the leather cord. I used <a href="http://www.endlessleather.com/leather-cords/round-cords/core-leather/3mm/round-leather-cord-high-quality-3mm-grey">this grey cord</a>, but it comes in a huge range of colours, and you can probably make out I chucked in a single stainless steel slider to contrast with the rose gold ones...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMQaqoqTD00/VNDfVEQTX3I/AAAAAAAAZ7U/Xd2xvCzJuqk/s1600/rose%2Bgold%2Bnecklace%2B-%2Bstep%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMQaqoqTD00/VNDfVEQTX3I/AAAAAAAAZ7U/Xd2xvCzJuqk/s1600/rose%2Bgold%2Bnecklace%2B-%2Bstep%2B1.jpg" height="370" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cut to desired length...<br />
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Squeeze the cut end slightly to compact it a little....<br />
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Then dab the inside of the end cap with a teeny amount of super glue and insert the cut end of the cord....set aside and allow to dry completely<br />
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Once dry add a lobster clasp....<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBXpCAe6GI0/VNDgpRcRFAI/AAAAAAAAZ74/ChqDYyHR81g/s1600/rose%2Bgold%2Bnecklace%2B-%2Bstep%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBXpCAe6GI0/VNDgpRcRFAI/AAAAAAAAZ74/ChqDYyHR81g/s1600/rose%2Bgold%2Bnecklace%2B-%2Bstep%2B5.jpg" height="370" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and you're done! You can see the contrasting steel slider more clearly in this pic. Might be quite fun to alternate the two different finishes to create a pattern!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VC5fqfSyYbU/VNDg7vZD70I/AAAAAAAAZ8A/sGU9KlMczyQ/s1600/2015-02-03%2B12.05.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VC5fqfSyYbU/VNDg7vZD70I/AAAAAAAAZ8A/sGU9KlMczyQ/s1600/2015-02-03%2B12.05.09.jpg" height="370" width="640" /></a></div>
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Flipping the sliders the "wrong way round" also gives it an extra little design element...<br />
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This necklace looks really cute made in a shorter length and worn over a collared shirt so the metallic elements "peek out" between the collar:)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Full Disclosure:</b> All of the supplies below were supplied to me c/o <a href="http://www.endlessleather.com/">Endless Leather</a>. The eternally helpful Daniel, dropped me a line and asked me if I would like have a browse and choose some materials for a DIY. I have received no money for this post nor will I receive any kind of commission related to the links herein. The views expressed are entirely my own. Had I not liked these products when they arrived I simply wouldn't have written this post. Luckily for me I loved them, and would have no hesitation in recommending both the quality of the products AND almost as importantly, the level of service. Poor Daniel must've got fed up with me in the end as we went back and forth so many times deciding on materials. But he bent over backwards to be helpful. A rare thing these days. So thankyou Daniel :) If you get a chance, check out their range. Amazing colours, embossing, printed leathers. Literally ALL sorts....;) And even better the prices are wholesale with no minimum order quantity. So whether you want a few bits for your own personal use, or you want to go into full scale production and buy in volume, they're well worth a look IMHO. :)</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wroteRlW7OU/VHuB2ZxYajI/AAAAAAAAVOM/V1kkOZ73jHU/s800/Untitled.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-65730550991784126552015-02-02T06:24:00.002-08:002015-02-02T06:24:42.391-08:00Refashion: Jersey Maxi to Slouchy Tee (aka "embrace the unexpected")Every now and then, completely bodging something up can turn into a "happy accident". Case in point; having refashioned this jersey maxi skirt into a slouchy top I had the cracking idea of dumping it into a stockpot of dye that I had sitting on the hob from another project. Then promptly left it, got distracted and forgot about it. I didn't stir it or rotate it periodically and consequently the dye only took in certain areas, related it seems to how the fabric was crunched up as it sat in the dye. My initial response when I realised my cock up....was a few choice words. But as this effect gradually revealed itself while it dried, I went from cursing myself, to actually kinda liking this subtle, "accidental shibori" effect....<br />
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The refashion itself was simple enough. After removing the waistband and pressing everything flat, I removed a large portion of the length and cut out this trapezoid shape. Cut out a neckline, overlocked the shoulders and side seams (leaving a 7" opening for armholes), then turned and stitched the neckline and sleeve hems....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZjsiSE-LJo/VMfVixwbClI/AAAAAAAAZbI/qGQxT_nHcZg/s1600/MAXI%2BTO%2BTEE%2B-%2BSTEP%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZjsiSE-LJo/VMfVixwbClI/AAAAAAAAZbI/qGQxT_nHcZg/s1600/MAXI%2BTO%2BTEE%2B-%2BSTEP%2B1.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used the fabric that I had left to create a folded/double thickness band that was approx 5" smaller than the hem of the tee(and about 3" smaller than the circumference of my thighs), and gathered the tee to fit it, overlocking to join the two pieces...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flTI13uN0_Q/VMfVrtpgdzI/AAAAAAAAZbQ/pdivs2K-TEw/s1600/MAXI%2BTO%2BTEE%2B-%2BSTEP%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flTI13uN0_Q/VMfVrtpgdzI/AAAAAAAAZbQ/pdivs2K-TEw/s1600/MAXI%2BTO%2BTEE%2B-%2BSTEP%2B2.jpg" height="390" width="640" /></a></div>
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So a really simple way to convert a skirt to a top, yes. But by far the overriding thing that makes me smile about this make, is the dye job that could've been. And how much less interesting it would've been compared to what I ended up with! Have you ever had that happen? Have something go completely awry, and end up being happier with the outcome?<br />
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Sewing aside, it happens alot in my life. Things rarely work out exactly as I've planned. But more often than not, it becomes apparent down the line that it was the best thing that could have happened anyway. If "X" hadn't have happened then I wouldn't have met "Y". That kinda thing, you know? That cliche of everything happens for a reason? Well I'm a firm believer in that, and lets face it, all cliches become so, because they have been proven have an element of truth, more often than not! It's taught me to embrace the unexpected and just go with it. (after I've allowed myself a bit of ranting and thrashing of hands, ha ha!) Tangent over....sorry...drifted off there!<br />
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Aaaanyway, as a fun side note, someone pointed out to me on Instagram that you can see an image in the dye pattern of this tee. I hadn't noticed until she pointed it out, but I totally can now!. Be interesting to see if any of you can see the same thing too, or indeed something completely different!<br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wroteRlW7OU/VHuB2ZxYajI/AAAAAAAAVOM/V1kkOZ73jHU/s800/Untitled.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-17075369150315645822015-01-31T03:03:00.000-08:002015-01-31T03:03:49.972-08:00FO: Freemantle Coat by Marilla WalkerLook peops! I made a coat!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl745JiW2yY/VMfdFAPKdcI/AAAAAAAAZbg/hb_C909BWXo/s1600/FREEMANTLE%2BCOAT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl745JiW2yY/VMfdFAPKdcI/AAAAAAAAZbg/hb_C909BWXo/s1600/FREEMANTLE%2BCOAT.jpg" height="346" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'd been devouring little sneak peeks of this pattern on <a href="http://instagram.com/portialawrie/">instagram</a> and marvelling at the striking resemblance it had to some of the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/61080138671123307/">coat styles</a> I'd been pinning on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/portialawrie/garment-sewing-ideas/">Pinterest</a>. So when Marilla put out a call asking for pattern testers...well....I was straight in there like a rat up a drainpipe!<br />
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Enter the <a href="http://marillawalker.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/new-pattern-freemantle-coat.html">Freemantle Coat </a>by Marilla Walker! The cocoon shape is wide across the body and torso and tapers to a narrower shape at the hem, which on the view I opted for, stops just above the knee. There are three views to choose from, two sleeve options, and button/giant popper or zip closure options too as well as welt pockets (which I ommitted on my sample due to time constraints) So in my book, this pattern is great value for money. Here it is...Just check out the giant houndstooth version Marilla made!<br />
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Particularly cool is the construction of the sleeve with its integral gusset extension. A bit of a head scratcher on first inspection, but actually really simple, clever , and strangely satisfying! Just folow the instructions step by step, and have faith, all becomes clear! Talking of construction....SUPER straightforward. The style is so simple, with such clean lines and subtle details that it's a breeze to sew. No troublesome fitting issues due to the ease built into the design. In short, this was a cinch to sew. The only possible stumbling block I can see for a beginner would be the welt pockets. In terms of the the quality of the drafting I was also super impressed. Everything lined up perfectly including the intersecting seams of the underarm gusset (I love that word).<br />
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What made things even simpler for me was the fabric I chose. This <a href="http://www.dragonflyfabrics.co.uk/wool/boiled-wool/">beautiful boiled wool</a> from <a href="http://www.dragonflyfabrics.co.uk/">Dragonfly Fabrics</a>. I didn't need to underline or finish seams which cut down my construction time considerably. I just adore this fabric, A dream to cut, sew and wear, I had a hard time choosing which colour to go for when browsing the range, but I'm so glad I opted for this teal. I've had so many compliments.<br />
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There are literally no negatives for me with this make. And I am totally going to be making more. I fancy trying this out in sweatshirt material for instance. The only thing I may change next time is the button placement which I may move marginally closer to the the edge of the opening, as on mine it doesn't quite hold it flat. Although I also fancy having a play with the proportions and mixing the sleeve options from view B (omitting the ribbing) with view A. Maybe playing with an asymmetric opening or adding a shawl collar.<br />
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In any case, this pattern has me excited as it's ripe for some creative play, and I can definitely see another Freemantle in my future!<br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wroteRlW7OU/VHuB2ZxYajI/AAAAAAAAVOM/V1kkOZ73jHU/s800/Untitled.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-18788277491960286952015-01-27T06:42:00.000-08:002015-01-27T06:42:40.108-08:00Refashion: Cropped Tee to Banded TeeThis is a really simple refashion that elevates a cropped boxy tee to something a little more interesting and with a bit more coverage. I don't do "cropped". Trust me....nobody wants to see that! This can work with a standard tee too. really anything that you want to add a bit of length or design detail to. It's a great way to use up an otherwise redundant strip of a favourite fabric. Pick one thats a similar weight and drape to the top you're refashioning. I'm mixing woven with jersey here....<br />
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To start...turn the tee inside out. Put it on and mark where you want your contrast fabric band to sit...<br />
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Cut straight across the tee just below this point to allow for some seam allowance...I'm a sod for not measuring or marking anything. But you can always measure 5/8" down from your pin and chalk a line across as a guide if you're more conscientious than I am!<br />
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Cut your contrast fabric band at your desired width. Lay it between your two tee pieces and mark where it needs to line up with the rest of the tee, with a line of pins. Sew down this line and finish/trim raw edges so you have a tube of fabric the same width as your tee.<br />
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With the tee RS out and the band WS out, place the bottom of the tee inside the contrast fabric tube, (the tee will be right sides together with the fabric tube) line up raw edges, then pin and sew all the way around. Repeat this step with the top portion of your tee, sewing it to the other raw edge...<br />
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Give it a good press and you're done!<br />
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I used a serger for this project. You can use a standard machine and just zig zag the raw edges. Best of all....no hemming (as you're using the original hem of the tee) and takes about 20 minutes!<br />
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Happy sewing!<br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wroteRlW7OU/VHuB2ZxYajI/AAAAAAAAVOM/V1kkOZ73jHU/s800/Untitled.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-49672465116927012612015-01-17T11:40:00.000-08:002015-01-17T11:40:29.811-08:00Refashion: Sweater to Kimono CardiSo I mentioned in my last post (aka "that time I turned a cardigan into a sweater") that I would most likely do the same in reverse at some point. Welllllll.....<br />
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Pretty straightforward this peops. Take a long baggy sweater and cut the panel out of the front like so. Round the back up close to the neckline ribbing, then straight down the front perpendicular to the neckline...<br />
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Pin inch wide grosgrain or cotton twill tape all along the raw edge on the right side..leave about an inch spare at either end for turning under later...<br />
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Stitch about a 1.4 inch from the edge of your ribbon all the way around. First with a straight stitch. Then with a zig zag stitch right up close to your straight stitch. The zig zag will secure the cut/raw edge of the knit and prevent it unravelling. If you zig zagged the raw/cut edge before applying the ribbon, you run the risk or stretching the fabric out, resulting in a curly edge. The ribbon stabilises the edge first. Bingo! No curly edge...<br />
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Flip the ribbon band to the inside and pin and stitch in place, (turning both loose ends of the ribbon under first!) Stitch in the ditch or just in from the seam...<br />
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The sleeves on this were pretty shot....<br />
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So they got lopped off and hemmed....<br />
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...and that was it really! The main purpose of this was to demonstrate the use of grosgrain ribbon to create, essentially, a stabilised button band. I left this cardigan loose and open because that's what I like. But with this technique you could just as easily convert a sweater to a fully functioning button through cardigan by adding snaps, studs, toggles or proper buttonholes. A technique to play with, no?!<br />
<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wroteRlW7OU/VHuB2ZxYajI/AAAAAAAAVOM/V1kkOZ73jHU/s800/Untitled.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-15990134666532905072015-01-12T10:32:00.000-08:002015-01-12T10:32:13.907-08:00Refashion: Long Tailed ShirtSometimes a few minor tweaks is all it takes to bring a charity shop find (£1.50) bang up to date. This polka dot shirt had a lovely drape. Even the fact that it was XXL was not a problem in itself as it just meant that it had that slouchy feel that I am most at home in; and I loved the fabric. Lightweight. Drapey. Perfect. After a couple of tweeks with the proportions that is...<br />
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I turned the original sleeve hem to the outside and edge stitched to a) marginally shorten the sleeve and b) create a faux cuff/turn up...<br />
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Split the side seam, left the back hem the length it was and re hemmed the front approx. 2" shorter...<br />
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...and that quite literally...was IT! Subtle changes but eminently more wearable :)<br />
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Sincere apologies for the grainy images. I need to work on some lighting at the new house. This is literally the only spot where I have a clear, plain backdrop to do garment pics. The window is along the same wall to my left and is west facing so the light is especially AWFUL at this time of year. Boo to grey winter days. After several weeks of varying degrees of illness in this household, I'm sooooo ready for spring to bloom, aren't you?<br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wroteRlW7OU/VHuB2ZxYajI/AAAAAAAAVOM/V1kkOZ73jHU/s800/Untitled.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-4202316267393941472015-01-04T10:30:00.000-08:002015-01-04T10:32:46.481-08:00Refashion: Oversize Cardi to Tunic SweaterI've seen a few tutorials out there for converting sweaters into cardigans. Which I shall no doubt do at some stage. But what if you want to do it the other way round? Turns out it's easy peasy...<br />
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I started with this thrifted cardigan. (£2). It's a really nice fine knit but a little too boxy and shapeless as a cardi...<br />
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Flipped inside out and with right sides together I fastened the button placket all the way down so the placket ribbing was all aligned (no pins necessary!)<br />
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Next I serged all the way down with the edge of the placket, with the ribbing to the right of the blade so it got removed as I serged....<br />
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Here's the new centre front seam all serged....<br />
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I like my sleeves elbow length. So I cut the bottom of the sleeves off, leaving a turning allowance of 2"...<br />
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...serged the new sleeve hems to prevent unravelling, turned, and hand stitched in place....<br />
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I used what was left of the sleeves to cut some oversized pockets for the front and edge stitched those in place using the stretch stitch on my standard machine...<br />
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...and that was it...<br />
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This was everything I had left...so a super minimal waste refashion. Can't be bad :)<br />
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This is a great way to adapt oversized men's cardis. I for one will be on the lookout for those on my next trip to the charity shop!<br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wroteRlW7OU/VHuB2ZxYajI/AAAAAAAAVOM/V1kkOZ73jHU/s800/Untitled.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-52913453740561051832014-12-28T08:15:00.000-08:002014-12-28T08:15:19.629-08:00DIY: Geometric Sharpie LampshadeThings happen when I'm sat watching Boxing Day TV and trying to prevent myself from fridge picking. I was staring at this boring old lampshade trying to decide how I could give it some design edge when this happened.....;)<br />
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Ok, it didn't just "happen". But I had a little light bulb moment (pun totally intended) and dug out my Sharpie and got doodling....(doodling is much better for your waistline than fridge picking)...<br />
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The pattern started off as random triangles joined with dots. It didn't quite do it for me as was. So I then went on to connect each dot with all other dots within a 360 degree radius, which created a more satisfyingly dense pattern of radial shapes and intersecting lines. The overall effect of which reminds me of string art; which I actually really like and was totally intentional of course ;)<br />
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I love how such a simple method can give such a striking end result. I just love me a quick, easy and spontaneous DIY that works out!<br />
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Hope you are all having a wonderful festive season :)<br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wroteRlW7OU/VHuB2ZxYajI/AAAAAAAAVOM/V1kkOZ73jHU/s800/Untitled.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-11581683749239567502014-12-15T08:50:00.000-08:002014-12-15T08:50:23.106-08:00DIY: Ikea Tub Chair MakeoverEvery now and then a project turns out exactly how you had it planned in your head Well...this wasn't one of them, lol! Ultimately I'm content with the finished chair but this project was not without its curve balls and wtf moments! So what follows is by no means a definitive "how to" but more of a "what worked well and what didn't" and what I learnt along the way.<br />
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Ah, the ubiquitous Ikea Tullsta tub chair! Currently retailing at £80...this one cost me £0. A freecycle result about 18months ago :) I had planned to reupholster it but it ended up just sitting in a corner all that time while I pondered how I was going to approach the whole thing. Then it occurred to me....fabric dye! So I googled...there's a few bits out there about dyeing chairs. Enough for me to know it was possible but not enough to have a tried and tested route to follow. So I kinda winged it...as is my way, lol!<br />
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Once I had a plan in my head I gathered my supplies. <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&index=aps&keywords=rit%20dye&linkCode=as2&tag=mip0a-21&linkId=QMBMY332HBA2B2JA">Rit dye</a>, clean empty spray bottle, car sponge, paintbrush, gloves, salt, and a funnel. I covered my work area in cut up bin bags...this is a messy job!<br />
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I started by detaching the seat pad using a seam ripper. It's attached to the main body of the chair by means of a fabric "hinge". I used the underside of the cushion to test out my colour mixing until I arrived at the colour I was aiming for. I used one bottle of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001765GQO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B001765GQO&linkCode=as2&tag=mip0a-21&linkId=XNSLJLSBZA5B5AJB">navy liquid Rit</a>, and a pack each of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BMLHMCK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00BMLHMCK&linkCode=as2&tag=mip0a-21&linkId=T2VKR6DKBEGEYEX4">black</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00HZ9JUZK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00HZ9JUZK&linkCode=as2&tag=mip0a-21&linkId=7EIF6K5CHGQL4HVL">wine</a> powdered Rit dye in 10 pints of water. So a <b>very</b> concentrated solution. Everything was mixed in a big stockpot on the hob with the addition of half a cup of salt (in hindsight possibly too much salt...you'll see why further down) brought to a simmer and then kept hot while I worked...<br />
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I used two application techniques on this project. The first was applying the liquid dye with a paintbrush. I started with the seat pad here. Applying the dye generously so the seat pad was really soaked in it and overlapping my brush strokes to ensure even coverage. Then while the dye was still wet I used a sponge in brisk, firm circular strokes to even out the coverage and eliminate the brush marks...<br />
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The second application technique I used was to decant the dye liquid into a spray bottle. This was a much quicker technique but allow me to share a few tips! Test the spray pattern of the bottle you're intending on using. You want one with a larger more diffused spray pattern as opposed to a jet of liquid. Also make sure the dye liquid is cooled a little first. If it's too hot when it goes into the bottle it will cause the plastic to "suck" inwards and distort with the heat which in turn can mess up the pressure inside the bottle...if the nozzle gets a little drippy and blocked after a while...just soak in hot water and flush through with clean hot water....using this technique I covered the whole chair in about 10 minutes...overlap each spray area with the previous one for thorough coverage...<br />
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I started with the inside of the chair and worked my way round to the back. When I was done spraying I used the sponge again to really rub in the dye and even it out...<br />
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What astonished me about this was how much lighter the finished colour was once it dried. It was by no means the solid, rich, dark colour I was anticipating when I mixed the dye liquid! It looked soooo dark when wet, and at least 10 shades lighter when dry! I used 3 coats in total. Pictures in order below. The one on the right is the third coat, still wet....<br />
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The second problem I encountered was this! (Cue agonised screams of "noooooo!" when I came down to THIS the folowing morning!) I suspect it's because I used too much salt in the dye bath for the amount of liquid. When the 2nd and 3rd coats dried I was left with these crystalised white patches. I first of all tried a mix of white vinegar and water wiped over the offending spots. Vinegar is supposed to dissolve salt. It lessened the white patches but didn't eliminate them. My eventual saviour ended up being good old baby wipes! I gave the chair a thorough rub down with baby wipes and bang...white marks gone! (Cue sigh of relief!)...<br />
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Now for the legs. This part DID turn out exactly as I'd envisaged and I'm super pleased with this part :) I used <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&index=aps&keywords=kobra&linkCode=as2&tag=mip0a-21&linkId=PKHVSJZYQEWSQWG3">Kobra</a> paints in <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003X1HB5A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B003X1HB5A&linkCode=as2&tag=mip0a-21&linkId=EAEZNXSR3BTTGWNK%22%3EKobra%20KOB-10044%20400ml%20Aerosol%20Spray%20Paint%20-%20Black%20Matt%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mip0a-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B003X1HB5A%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">matte black</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003X1HBKK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B003X1HBKK&linkCode=as2&tag=mip0a-21&linkId=VUBJLJKSC2WYQH2V">copper</a>. Go outside for this! These paints have a larger spray pattern than other brands I've used but coverage is awesome and these are substantially cheaper than larger brands too. I think this brand is gonna be my new go to :) I stuck the legs upside into a wodge (real word;) of polystyrene foam to hold them while I sprayed...<br />
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First just one coat (told you, awesome coverage!) of matte black. Then I masked off everything but the tips and sprayed those copper...<br />
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And there you have it! Not all smooth sailing, not perfect, but ultimately I'm pleased with the end result....(I love the way the copper bands reflect in the flooring)...<br />
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And lets face it...it looks better than it did before! Oh, and one final step...once completely dry (I allowed a few days) check for dye transfer by rubbing with a white cloth...mine was fine but if in doubt, spray with Scotchgard to fix the dye in :)<br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wroteRlW7OU/VHuB2ZxYajI/AAAAAAAAVOM/V1kkOZ73jHU/s800/Untitled.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-42939138170725141822014-12-01T11:16:00.000-08:002014-12-01T11:16:50.161-08:00DIY: Dyed Leather Gloves (inc DIY leather conditioner & cleaner) As I mentioned in my <a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/diy-dyeing-buttons-experiment.html">previous post</a>, I had a stockpot of the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&index=aps&keywords=rit%20dye&linkCode=ur2&tag=mip0a-21&linkId=C3WWW6O5IMXQHHGN%22%3Erit%20dye%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mip0a-21&l=ur2&o=2%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Rit Dye</a> simmering on the stove whilst I worked on another project. (Deets of that to follow soon I promise. Just waiting for some decent daylight to photograph it, as it's soooo grey skies here right now it's not even funny! <a href="http://instagram.com/portialawrie">If you follow me on instagram</a> you'll know what the "big project" is...just not the end result ;) Today I thought I'd share another little experiment with Rit dye. Whilst my stockpot was simmering away I began pondering what else I could use all that lovely rich dye liquor for. I like to get value for money! (BTW, did you know you can bottle unused Rit dye liquid once it's cooled and reuse it months later! Apparently so...result, huh?)<br />
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Anyway, I decided on a whim to randomly chuck this pair of leather gloves into the mixture...and what do you know? It worked! They didn't crisp up when they dried and the result is relatively even...so I guess...you CAN dye leather with Rit dye!<br />
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Essentially I started with these soft leather gloves that I had thrifted and then never worn because the colour never quite fit with any of my coats. (£2 in case you were wondering ;). My dye was already mixed and simmering but as I mentioned in my previous post, was MUCH more concentrated than the instructions required. (The <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&index=aps&keywords=rit%20dye&linkCode=ur2&tag=mip0a-21&linkId=C3WWW6O5IMXQHHGN%22%3Erit%20dye%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mip0a-21&l=ur2&o=2%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">black and maroon powder</a> packs you see + the whole bottle of navy <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&index=aps&keywords=rit%20dye%20liquid&linkCode=ur2&tag=mip0a-21&linkId=VCRVAWMSN3BYFKN3%22%3Erit%20dye%20liquid%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mip0a-21&l=ur2&o=2%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">liquid dye</a> to 10pints of water gave me a concentrated dye solution that was an inky blue/purple).<br />
<b>1)</b> Simply submerged my gloves in the stock pot and left for an hour with the lid on.<br />
<b>2)</b> Turn them every 10 mins or so to ensure even coverage<br />
<b>3)</b> Remove after an hour and rinse relentlessly in running water, graduating from hand hot to cold until it runs clear.<br />
<b>4)</b> Leave to dry thoroughly (mine took a couple of days!). I wouldn't personally be tempted to speed this process up (with a hairdryer for instance) as I'd be worried about "crisping" or shrinking the leather. I guess I thought I'd pushed my luck enough having them simmering in a dye bath for an hour, lol!<br />
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When they were finally dry I treated them to a bit of conditioning. You don't need special products either. This works beautifully on leather of any kind. Shoes, bags, sofas...saddles!<br />
<b>1)</b> Just mix equal parts of white vinegar and olive oil in a bottle.<br />
<b>2)</b> Shake well and apply to leather using a cotton wool pad<br />
<b>3)</b> Buff to a soft shine with a soft cloth<br />
Et voila! Trust me when I tell you...do not bother buying expensive leather creams again. This stuff really works :)<br />
<b>4)</b> As a final touch spray with Scotchgard or similar<br />
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So, here they are, my new, old, gloves! I like that the stitching wasn't dyed and now contrasts with the new colour... and talking of colour...you can just about make out an aubergine tinge in these pics...not what I expected AT all. But I really love it! There are a few areas where the dye got veeeery subtly patchy (like in the creases of the leather) which lends them a slight vintage feel too...I totally knew that would happen of course... ahem...cough...;)<br />
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I'm quickly learning with dye projects, not to be too invested in achieving a specific colour. Results are not guaranteed to be what you plan! I think it's better rather to aim for a particular area on the colour wheel and remain open to where that takes you. Sometimes it'll be a triumph! (Sometimes not!) Even though it may be a case of more luck than judgement...shhhh...don't tell anyone that part....just let them tell you how clever you are ;)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>NB: as a little "disclaimer" and in the interests of full disclosure...I haven't yet had a chance to wear these out. While I'm confident the exterior is colour fast due to the scotchgard, I've yet to test the colour fix on the inside fabric except a rub test on a towel which was fine...on sweaty hands though it's possible it could transfer and I could end up all Smurfette...I guess I could turn them inside out and use a spray fixative of some kind...but I'll risk it and see what happens I think...will keep you posted on that!</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-78542904542843114382014-11-30T05:25:00.000-08:002014-11-30T12:50:46.017-08:00DIY: Dyeing Buttons experiment...<br />
OK, so I'll start with a little disclaimer. This was me having a play about because I had a stockpot of dye on the stove whilst working on a larger scale project and I thought...what the heck...I wonder what will happen if I chuck some buttons in a bowl, add some of the dye liquid, and leave it for a while. Well...this happens...<br />
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As you can see. Mixed results. Those two dark ones soaked up the dye like thirsty camels! The majority took on a pastel/subtle version of the dye, and a few had no reaction to it at all. Presumably this had a lot to do with the material composition of each button. Some synthetics will take dye...some absolutely won't. But if you're not hung up on the results, then this is a kinda fun "see how it turns out" rainy day thing....if you've got another dyeing project on the go...why not just syphon off a ladle of the dye liquid and revamp some old buttons at the same time!<br />
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OK, so to clarify this is very much a "this is what I did" post as opposed to "this is the right way to do it" post. So this is what I did...<br />
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Firstly, the dye bath that I was using (for this "other large scale project" details to follow) was very concentrated. I bottle of liquid Rit and 2 packets of powdered Rit to 10 pints of water, and was being kept at a constant temperature on the hob. I ladled some off and added it to the buttons in a lidded glass bowl with a tbsp of vinegar (recommended when dyeing synthetics). I then covered and left it overnight. About 18 hours in total. During this time I whacked it into the microwave every couple of hours for about 45secs to keep the liquid warm....but overnight I just left it to cool down....<br />
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In the morning I simply emptied into a colander and rinsed thoroughly and left to air dry on kitchen towel.<br />
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This was just an experiment. The results were much subtler than I expected, but still pleasing. Perhaps having the buttons simmering on the hob (as opposed to simply soaking in the luke warm dye liquid) would have resulted in a stronger colour. Wooden, horn or shell buttons would perhaps dye well being natural fibres? Still...a good way of getting a little extra value for money out of your dye bath and something I thought you may find interesting and a it of fun :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-7445345473995461522014-11-24T10:51:00.000-08:002014-11-30T12:51:20.923-08:00DIY: Ink Wash TypographyHaving had "such fun" (as Miranda would say ;) with ink washes on my<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/easiest-ever-diy-wall-art.html"> DIY Wall Art project</a>, I've been brainstorming other ways to incorporate some more into our new home. I like some of the typographic art that's out there but not necessarily the printed kind. Graphic prints are not really my thing. So I decided to have a play at creating my own with a slightly more handmade/arty feel....<br />
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A super quick project. Took me about 20 mins. You'll need cardmaking sticky letters a bit like <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00EMG0DQ4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00EMG0DQ4&linkCode=as2&tag=mip0a-21&linkId=AK7OTFGHVBLSCTRO%22%3E1%20x%20Black%20Italic%20Alphabet%20Lower%20Case%206mm%20Peeloff%20Stickers%20Crafting,%20Models,%20Cardmaking,%20Scrapbooking%20824%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mip0a-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00EMG0DQ4%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">these</a>, (mine were from the £1 bin at Hobbycraft about a ahem...year ago!) writing<a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/manuscript-30-ml-bottle-black-ink/568674-1000"> ink</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AAA1CRA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00AAA1CRA&linkCode=as2&tag=mip0a-21&linkId=AD4B67FNXDGY3QLU">watercolour paper</a>,(or paper of at least 300-400gsm. Don't skimp on the paper. You can just about make out some wrinkles in my paper where it buckled a bit from the wetting because it wasn't proper watercolour paper!) a paintbrush and water...<br />
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Create your desired quote using the alphabet stickers, then wet over and all around them using clean water. Dip your brush directly into the writing ink and paint over your letters and onto the wetted paper around allowing the ink to "bleed" and diffuse into the wetted surface around. Be sure to get the ink into the centre of letters with closed loops like "o" "a" "e" etc,,,,<br />
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Allow to dry a little. Carefully lift the alphabet stickers away from the paper. They'll be a little soggy from the water and ink so won't likely come off in one go, so is a wee bit fiddly at this stage. You'll also find that the shiny top layer will peel off but leave a little of the underpaper still adhered.(You can see this on the letter "n" in the pic below) So you may have to peel the two layers separately to fully reveal the clean white paper behind. I left the underpaper in place on a couple of the letters because I quite liked the slightly imperfect, textured look it gave....<br />
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Allow to dry...pop in a frame...simple as!<br />
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I keep thinking these would make great handmade Christmas gifts, no? When I eventually get my sewing space back...(ie when we build a new summerhouse in the spring) this may well find a home there...to serve as a reminder whenever I'm tempted to rush to get a project finished! I do that. Alot!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-28520350678242013242014-11-17T05:25:00.001-08:002014-11-30T12:51:55.158-08:00DIY: Bleach Shibori...I've been wanting to have a dabble with Shibori for a while. I particularly love all the indigo Shibori projects that are popping up all over. But I'm also a fan of using everyday household materials/supplies for creative projects. I guess I just love the idea that if the creative mood strikes, I can just have a rummage in my cupboards and whip something up from what's there. Rather than having to drive 40mins to my nearest craft store or order supplies online and wait with baited breath for them to arrive. This is one such project. Bleach, string, and a cotton kaftan top I had languishing in my stash, and hey presto....bleach Shibori!<br />
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Shibori is a method of dying pattern into cloth (or in these case a kind of reverse dyeing with bleach) through a process of folding, pleating, gathering, and binding. Bleaching works best on natural cellulose fibres as opposed to synthetics, so this cotton kaftan was the perfect subject to experiment with. I started with folding my garment in half, and then pleating it concertina style up from the hem...<br />
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....folded the whole thing in half, and then bound tightly with randomly wrapped string....<br />
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Place in bleach solution and weight down with bowls or similar to ensure it's fully submerged. I used a whole 79p bottle of bleach to about half a sink of water. That's about as technical as I get! I left it in for just under an hour, checking the colour lift intermittently....<br />
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...and this is how it came out after I'd removed the string! (That hole on the left? Managed to that when I cut the fabric along with the string! Duh!)<br />
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After that I rinsed and rinsed and rinsed again in cold water, hung to dry and pressed. (I've since discovered that it's recommended to use a solution to neutralise the bleaching process as it continues even after washing apparently. So just a heads up if you're planning on replicating this. Google neutralising bleach. It seems a product called bleach stop aka <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BHZVZ6A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00BHZVZ6A&linkCode=as2&tag=mip0a-21&linkId=IQH4WLTF7W4IMU37%22%3E500g%20Sodium%20thiosulphate%20-aquarium%20dechlorinator!top%20quality%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mip0a-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00BHZVZ6A%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Sodium Thiosulphate</a> is quite popular. But also a solution of <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KDBCFOU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00KDBCFOU&linkCode=as2&tag=mip0a-21&linkId=LBCNKIADVKUCVDR4%22%3EHydrogen%20Peroxide%2011.99%%20Food%20Grade%20250ml%20inc%20Economy%20Delivery%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mip0a-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00KDBCFOU%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">hydrogen peroxide </a>in a 1:10 ratio with water will apparently do the same job.)<br />
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I think this turned out rather cute! I like the way the sleeve edges and hem carry the bulk of the lightening, and the slight "ink blot" effect down the centre that comes from folding the garment in half before bleaching, and I love the effect the string binding has given along the hem in particular, like a forest of sapling trees in silhouette :)<br />
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I'm already hatching plans for objects to use in more Shibori!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-15120990909855919722014-11-10T04:58:00.001-08:002014-11-30T12:52:26.275-08:00Thrift Update....Winter Wardrobe BasicsLong term readers of this blog will know what an advocate of thrifting I am. But it's been a while since I posted any of my finds on here. My new set up with working hours has afforded me a bit more time to indulge one of my favourite pastimes. Namely mooching and thrifting! And I intend for it to make a welcome return as a feature of this blog (along with all my usual sewing/refashioning/DIY). So I thought I'd share some recent additions to my winter wardrobe (a mix of vintage & high street basics) as a jumping off point....<br />
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<b>Left to Right:</b> Vintage Dereta Linen Kimono Jacket <b>(£3)</b> Vintage Nude Kimono Blouse <b>(£1.50) </b>Vintage Jaeger Grey/White Cotton Pinstripe Shirt <b>(£1.50)</b> M&S Cotton Jersey Boxy Tee <b>(£1)</b><br />
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<b>Left to Right:</b> Vintage Cheesecloth Blouse <b>(£2)</b> Vintage Navy Rayon Polka Shirt Dress <b>(£2)</b> Wallis Cotton Knitted Sweater <b>(£3)</b> Longline Mauve Cardigan <b>(£2)</b><br />
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<b>Left to Right:</b> Topshop Sheer Knit Sweatshirt <b>(£1.50)</b> Longline Khaki Cardigan <b>(£2.50)</b> Next Blush Tweed Wool Cardigan <b>(£3)</b> Polka Chambray Shirt <b>(£2)</b><br />
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The majority of these are in regular rotation in my wardrobe already and I have refashion plans for a couple. (I picked my sewing machine and overlocker up from storage this weekend! Yay!). But to put this thrifting thing into perspective and explain why it's so awesome? That's <b>12</b> wardrobe basics for the price of one very modestly priced garment on the high street....!!!<br />
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Thrifting....seriously...why wouldn't you???!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-88482300448737928192014-11-09T08:37:00.000-08:002014-11-30T12:53:04.011-08:00Easiest ever DIY Wall Art....Since we moved at the end of August we've been busy painting and decorating. We are finally at the stage where we can start with the fun part. Pulling room schemes together with accessories, soft furnishings and.....art! At the moment we're focussing on the lounge. It's evolving as a palette of greys, plums, mauves and neutrals....<br />
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For some time we have been looking for some artwork to go in <a href="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/30132527/">these</a> three frames that we both liked and that complements our new room scheme. Frustrated with fruitless searching, and unable to look at a bare wall for much longer we went down the DIY route as a temporary fix, and this was the result....<br />
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I can draw ok. But not to the standard of what I would call "art" and not to a level that I would have on display in my home! What I can do....and what anyone can do...is lay down a few colour and ink washes in complimentary colours and flick some ink & paint around! And hopefully what you end up with are some interesting effects, tones and textures that, once framed, chime perfectly with your room scheme (because you get to select your colours) and are "unique to you" abstract pieces of wall art! Well...art may be a stretch...but as an experiment...I'm pleasantly surprised at the results...and more than happy to live with this trio on our wall until we can find a more permanent solution.<br />
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So I thought I'd share how easy this is to do! I started by covering the floor in the kitchen. Popped the radio on and closed the door. This can get messy!<br />
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I laid out 3 sheets of A2 200gsm textured paper (<a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/daler-rowney-heavyweight-fine-grain-sketchbook-a2/595142-1000#product_description-tab">from a Daler Rowney art pad</a>) on the floor side by side, and using a normal decorators paintbrush, laid down a wash of plain water across all 3. You could wet them completely or a bit more randomly. The colour/ink washes you lay down in the next stage will have differing effects on wet or dry paper. Experiment!<br />
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I used watered down <a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/manuscript-30-ml-bottle-black-ink/568674-1000">writing ink</a> for the grey washes and used Elliott's kiddo paint to mix a mauve wash. Again, watered down and all brushed randomly onto the wetted paper using, of all things, a pastry brush, lol! Ignore the proper paintbrushes in the pic. Didn't end up using them. Don't need 'em!<br />
I tried to treat the 3 sheets as one big sheet, making some brush strokes cross over from one sheet to the next. So that once framed individually they would look like they were meant to sit together. I used scrunched up kitchen towel to lift the colour in random places and create a variation in textures to the colour washes. I then dropped undiluted ink in spots/droplets across all 3 sheets. The ink will naturally "bleed" around the edges on wet paper and give a softer effect. Then using a drinking straw I adopted a pre school technique (!) and blew the ink across the pages to get the spidery effect...told you this was easy!<br />
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Then the REALLY messy part. Using a paintbrush wetted with watered down ink and paint alternately, flick across all three sheets of paper. Random. Random. Random!<br />
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Allow to dry...pop in a frame...voila! No more bare wall taunting you with it's bareness!<br />
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Top tips? Don't think about it too much. Be random. Reserve judgement until it goes in the frame. Oh, and enjoy!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-34433035357420779342014-10-29T06:49:00.000-07:002014-11-30T12:53:58.983-08:00The Perfect Basic Cookie Recipe....Sunday just past, felt like the first proper family Sunday we've had in our new home, in fact, for longer than that. I ended up not sitting down pretty much all day, because I wanted to squeeze as much out of it as possible. I mowed the lawn, put away the laundry that had sat there for two days, cooked brunch (the boys cleared up! Yay!), had some one to one time with the Little Tornado baking cookies (messy!!) and rustled up a beef and ale stew with giant Yorkshire puds for tea. Nom!<br />
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Elliott had a blast making these. Hilariously he hated getting his hands in there with the "sticky stuff". So we settled for putting him in charge of flour and cutting out. He was visibly proud of himself when he tasted his cookies. Simple, delicious and very very moreish! I'm not really a baker. So I asked an acquaintance who is, for a simple, easy and delicious recipe for a basic biscuit/dough. Boy did he deliver! These have a lovely buttery melt in the mouth texture. Recipe below...<br />
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<b><u>Basic Biscuit Dough</u></b><br />
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<b><u>Ingredients</u></b><br />
250g Butter<br />
150g Caster Sugar<br />
1 Egg Yolk<br />
2tsp Vanilla Extraxt<br />
300g Plain Flour<br />
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<b><u>Method</u></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Cream together the butter and sugar</li>
<li>Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract and combine well</li>
<li>Add the flour and mix to form a dough.</li>
<li>Roll out on a floured surface and cut out desired shapes</li>
<li>Place on a baking sheet covered in greaseproof paper. (These spread a little so leave space)</li>
<li>Bake each batch for approx 10-12mins in a pre heated oven at 180-200 degrees F.</li>
<li>Allow to cool/harden slightly on baking sheet for 5mins before transferring to a cooling rack</li>
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Enjoy! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-86199120667924399592014-10-23T05:21:00.001-07:002014-11-30T12:54:37.290-08:00Can't have it all...In my last post I alluded to some changes that were afoot. Well if you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/portialawrie">instagram</a> you'll understand why sewing (and this blog) has been completely on the back foot of late. Aside from going from stay at home Mum to working full time for the past year, on 25th August, a soggy bank holiday, we moved house. So every spare moment or day off in the run up to "the move" was spent decluttering, organising, packing and cleaning. Every spare moment or day off since has been spent unpacking, organising, planning, decorating and gardening. All against the backdrop of some health issues that meant my energy levels were at an all time low.<br />
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When I was younger I moved <b>alot</b>. My parents were in the RAF and in my teens and twenties I'd move from one short term rental to another without so much as a second thought. A house was just a place to lay my head, get changed and keep my stuff. Didn't phase me at all. But for some reason this particular move sent me into a bit of a spin. Perhaps because I was already exhausted before we even started. Perhaps because the house we moved from had just got to a point where it worked and flowed perfectly for us. (At least before my OH's teen moved in and space became an issue). Perhaps it's because it's the longest I'd lived anywhere and I'd subconsciously put down roots for the first time in life. Perhaps, and most likely, because it was the house where Elliott reached all of his major milestones. First words. First steps. First everything really. It was the house where we went from being in pretty dire straits to being fully back on our feet. I'd never really experienced being attached to a home before. And it didn't really dawn on me until the night before moving day that that was what I was feeling. A wrenching feeling. A feeling of being dragged away from somewhere I didn't want to leave to somewhere I didn't want to go. (The move was a purely practical one and I bore no feeling of excitement about the property we were moving to. It's bigger...that's all). So I spent the first few weeks here fluctuating between melancholy, irritability and feeling a bit out of control....<br />
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My way of processing this was to throw myself into physical activity. I have a mentality where, in times of emotional stress, I just stick my head down, stay busy and plough forward until I come out the other side. We always come out the other side eventually, and for me, the "waiting it out" phase goes alot quicker when I pack my days so much that I have less time to wallow or give in to negative feelings. It helps me feel like I'm grabbing those feelings by the horns and wrestling them. Controlling them rather than having them control me. If this house wasn't what I wanted, then I sure as hell am not going to stop until I <b>make</b> it loveable. So this is what the last couple of months has looked like on days off....<br />
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I've been a bit of a thing possessed. And while I have been physically exhausted for weeks, mentally I'm getting back to my usual upbeat, optimistic self. I detest being negative as it really isn't my natural state. <br />
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Undoubtedly, a contributing factor to my low mood, has been the lack of time to fit it all in. Time to spend with Elliott without being cranky because I'm exhausted and then feeling like crap because I snapped at him over something trivial, and then seeing the look of hurt on his face. Awful. Just awful. I haven't been able to indulge my creative passions as much as I did. Having space to sew is somewhat of a factor when you're living amongst boxes without even a table. But the biggest factor is time. Time to fit it all in. Work. Conscious parenting. Relationships. Housework. Oh yeah, and at the end of that list...me time. Maybe it's selfish, but I can't indefinately sustain any of those other things unless I have time to do the things that bring me pleasure and feed my soul. I've tried, and I can't. I literally cannot do all of those things. Hats off to those that can. But I can't. I cannot do it all. There. I said it!<br />
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Time has been a factor for the past year due to my job and more recently the move as well. Trying to do it all isn't working. It just isn't. So recently J and I have been reviewing our work/life balance. J is struggling too. What was meant to be a part time position to supplement my full time wage and allow J to be available for childcare, has turned into a full time job for him too. He's currently juggling business calls and paperwork with a 5 year old tugging at his shirt and wanting attention. So now we're both working full time, financially better off, but both trying to fit everything in on our days off (which are rarely together) and not really managing to stay on top of everything without being constantly on the verge of exhaustion. And my little Tornado? He's confronted with two cranky parents who just need him to play on his own for a bit so they can sit at opposite ends of the sofa and not say anything!<br />
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It's by no means a special situation. And it's not a "poor us". I know families across the country/world struggle with the same issues. I think for us, we have to make a change. We can't have it all, and it's a question of deciding what our priorities are. Financial comfort and a watered down family life OR less (but enough) money, and TIME. Time to shape and improve our quality of life. After all, that's what money buys you. Time. It's actually such a precious commodity. It's finite, Once it's used, it's gone. You can't buy it back further down the line. That particular moment, day, week...well it's gone.<br />
So I've decided I'm going to be more picky with how much of my time I "sell". An opportunity arose in my job where cutting my hours back would solve their problem and mine. So I took it. And as of the end of this month I am officially part time and no longer working weekends.<br />
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More time for family at the weekends. And some time for me to make a return to some creativity and blogging :) And I can't wait! For the first time in months I'm feeling excited about the future again. I lost that for a while and it's essential to me for my happiness. I guess my point is, life's too short. If the status quo isn't making you and yours happy, then it isn't working and something has to give. Let your smile change the world, don't let the world change your smile...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-92028203007403198292014-09-08T06:30:00.000-07:002014-09-08T06:30:22.201-07:00Refashion: M&S Maxi to Slouchy Harem Pants Before our house move (and the temporary loss of sewing facilities) a couple of weeks ago I had time to squeeze in a few projects. One was this refashion of a thrifted maxi into some so so comfy (read "worn to death whilst chilling at home") slouchy harem pants. Difficult to tell from the picture but the skirt comprised of central jersey panels with the side panels made from a kind of textured crepe with utility style slouchy pockets....<br />
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You can kinda see the panelling and seaming in this photo<br />
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This could not have been simpler really! I marked out new inseams and a curved "dropped crotch" seam with pins...I completely eyeballed this...<br />
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Then I cut out the excess leaving a little allowance for serging...<br />
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...and...er...serged basically. That was it.<br />
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These are sooooo comfy for lounging around in at home, and were lovely to wear dressed up a bit more on an evening out during our trip to Malta, back in August. So much so that I used these as a base to draft a similar pair from scratch. Deets on that coming soon!<br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-stHyAC4Sing/T4NObTePM5I/AAAAAAAACsc/FbuED64Uis0/s800/19794451685.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-91706391149309689892014-08-18T11:26:00.001-07:002014-08-18T11:26:55.901-07:00DIY: Jump Ring Necklace & BraceletGot a spare 20 minutes? That's all this necklace took to make....<br />
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All it takes is a length of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=leather+cord&sprefix=leather+c%2Caps%2C123&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aleather+cord">leather/suede cord</a> and a tube of silver <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/jump-rings-silver/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Ajump%20rings%20silver">jump rings</a>...<br />
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Start with about a 70cm length of leather. About 30cm down tie a simple knot. Thread on your jump rings for about 10cm. Then tie another knot to secure the jump rings in the centre of the length of leather. Then tie off both loose ends with a <a href="http://www.bing.com/search?q=sliding%20knot&pc=cosp&ptag=A6432F07CDD034002B2F&form=CONBDF&conlogo=CT3210127">sliding knot</a> and trim the excess....simple!<br />
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I made a matching little bracelet with the 30cm of leather left over from my 1m length :) Adjustable. Quick. Simple. Understated.<br />
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I love the contrast of the silver against the leather...and for someone who doesn't wear a great deal of jewellery...I've been wearing this alot! Planning some in coloured suede/leather or silk cord....go make some...stat! :)<br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-stHyAC4Sing/T4NObTePM5I/AAAAAAAACsc/FbuED64Uis0/s800/19794451685.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-40392026241682354832014-08-12T10:23:00.002-07:002014-08-12T10:23:58.463-07:00Refashion: Men's Tee to 3/4 sleeve Tunic TeeSo....it's been a little while...and posting on this blog may be erratic for a little while more...however there are changes afoot that should put pay to that and mark my return to a more consistent blogging and sewing/DIY schedule...and that makes me very happy indeed. If you <a href="http://instagram.com/portialawrie">follow me on instagram</a> you'll have seen a few little references to some of those changes. You'll also have seen that there is a backlog of makes that have yet to make it onto this blog. Lately it's been a straight choice between either making OR blogging. My schedule isn't currently allowing me to do both....and at some points hasn't allowed me to do either. Well...that's about to change as I can't continue with that particular status quo any longer. But in the meantime...back to that backlog of makes...<br />
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First up is this quick and dirty tee refashion. Nothing spesh. A simple tee reshaping that takes about 20mins. ALMOST not blogworthy at all, except that I thought it would be a good opportunity to share my little technique for ensuring I adjust both sides of a garment evenly and identically.....<br />
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...(and let's face it, a 20min refashion when your schedule sucks in sewing terms, is absolutely noteworthy!)<br />
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The first step is to establish a new stitching line on one side of the garment. I tend to do this using a combo of pinning, eyeballing and very occasionally, when I'm feeling virtuous...measuring...<br />
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Next, fold the tee in half lining up armscyes, underarm and side seams; then pin along the newly marked line through all layers...<br />
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Pin through all layers directly on top of the marked line making sure not to angle the pins in any way, so the entry and exit points are completely consistent with the marked line...<br />
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Now flip over and there'll be a line of pins that will mirror exactly, the line that is marked on the other side...<br />
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Mark between these pins and you duplicate exactly the line that is on the other side of the garment. Remove the pins, serge along these lines, and hey presto. The garment is reshaped identically on both sides!<br />
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I use this method on jeans and trousers that I want to reshape too. A quick and easy way to ensure that adjustments are even on both sides of any garment!<br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-stHyAC4Sing/T4NObTePM5I/AAAAAAAACsc/FbuED64Uis0/s800/19794451685.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-58358256192342130922014-06-26T01:42:00.002-07:002014-06-26T01:42:44.857-07:00Psssst!! New indie pattern company launches today +GIVEAWAYHey peops! Guess what?! None other than Sally of Charity Shop Chic, launches her own range of sewing patterns as of 9:30 this morning under the trading name <a href="http://www.capitalchicpatterns.com/">Capital Chic Patterns</a>...<br />
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Readers of this blog will no doubt remember <a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/the-refashioners-2013-sally-of-charity.html">Sally's epic trench coat refashion</a> as part of last year's The Refashioner series. Proof if it were needed of Sally's epic drafting skills. So this range of patterns promises to be meticulously drafted!<br />
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Named after cocktails, (methinks Sally has a penchant for cocktails!) each of the PDF patterns comes with two variations included. The collection comprises two skirt patterns, a blouse pattern, a sweatshirt pattern and two dress patterns. Each of the designs is inspired by the catwalk, red carpet fashion and London street style.<br />
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The patterns’ difficulty ranges from intermediate to advanced, perfect for those looking to move on from sewing beginner styles. Techniques such as using boning, French seams and machine-rolled hems are explained in detail; following each set of fully-illustrated instructions is a great way for sewists to learn and improve their sewing repertoires. The patterns are available now for digital download from <a href="http://www.capitalchicpatterns.com/">www.capitalchicpatterns.com</a> as print-at-home and print-at-copyshop PDF files. The patterns currently come in five sizes, from UK 10 to UK 18, and they are nested for easy blending between sizes. <br />
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And courtesy of Sally, one lucky reader of this blog can win their choice of pattern from the range to try out for themselves! Simply leave a comment below detailing how I can contact you....and for a bit of fun...tell me what YOUR favourite cocktail is....you never know...it may even end up as the name of one of Sally's patterns ;) Giveaway closes at midnight (GMT) on Monday 30th June.<br />
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Cheers! Hic....!<br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-stHyAC4Sing/T4NObTePM5I/AAAAAAAACsc/FbuED64Uis0/s800/19794451685.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com77tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241710623843639250.post-36396070873952140812014-06-24T05:59:00.001-07:002014-06-24T05:59:24.129-07:00Instagram Crush...I've recently discovered a bit of a love affair with <a href="http://instagram.com/portialawrie">instagram</a>. Why it's taken me so long, I don't know! But it kinda suits me. Every day there are the little things that I see that I think are cute, funny, interesting, joyous, or that sum up a moment, a day, a feeling....<br />
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and for me instagram is proving a perfect way to capture little snapshots of daily life that collectively form a photographic patchwork that I can look back on and go "oh yeah! that was cool/lovely/beautiful/funny! I remember that day :)"...<br />
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...anyway, I haven't been able to post to this blog as much as I used to since I started full time gainful employment .That's not to say there aren't several posts in the works! Snapshots of them appear daily on my instagram account and will eventually appear on here once I get to writing them up...<br />
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But in the meantime, if you fancy stopping by and saying hi on instagram (missing you guys!) then you can <a href="http://instagram.com/portialawrie">find me here</a><br />
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<a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-stHyAC4Sing/T4NObTePM5I/AAAAAAAACsc/FbuED64Uis0/s800/19794451685.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10017802422891332588noreply@blogger.com8