Hi everyone,
I hope you can bear with me whilst I share details of my FAB day and post loads of pics of my (ludicrous) fabric purchases.
We needed fortification before we tackled the remaining stands
A couple of weeks ago I posted an open invite on my Instagram to see if anyone fancied meeting up at The Knitting and Stitching Show – three fellow bloggers took me up on my offer and I have just spent the loveliest time with friends: Jane, Su and Becca. I really enjoy meeting up with other seamstresses. Jane and Su I have met before, a couple of times, so it was great to catch up with them again and I really enjoyed meeting Becca who graciously allowed me to copy one of her frocks about a year ago!
Lovely Lauren who was at Tilly’s stand – I was actually really chuffed that she recognised my sweatshirt – I bought the fabric at Guthrie and Ghani
Su organised a route around the show so that we visited every stand and then returned to the best. As part of our tour we encountered sewing royalty: Lauren from Guthrie and Ghani; Lisa from Sew Over It and Tilly from Tilly and the Buttons. Becca was wearing an Orla top and had issues with the hem facing so Tilly had a quick peep and gave some advice!
Where else could you go where it is perfectly normal to look at the insides of people’s clothes?
We all made purchases at Sew Over It – in fact three of us bought exactly the same silk cami kit with little foxes on – I actually thought they were lobsters: I’m getting old – my sight is going!
The silk cami kit and some other fabric I bought at the bargain price of £6 per metre
To be honest, it was overwhelming having so much luscious fabric on offer – I bought loads but the thing I am probably most excited about it this gorgeous pattern from Sew La Di Da. It is a culottes deck suit with a halter neck – although you could do crossover straps at the back. My sister is threatening to get married this summer and if she does, this is what I plan to wear. I want to look like Anna Chancellor as she was in Mapp and Lucia.
The parasol fabric I plan to use – only £8 per metre
The only thing I definitely had on my list was some replacement needles for my overlocker – I asked three separate people if you needed different ones for an overlocker before I got my answer – No. However, when I described what had happened to the helpful man on the Janome stand he said it sounded like the timing had gone (?) – I hope that is not the case.
Needles and the only knit fabric I bought – just in case the overlocker and I don’t become friends anytime soon
Want to see the rest of my purchases?
Liberty loveliness – bluey one to make ties and the red one to make a scouttee
very thick fabric that I plan to make a tote bag with for future fabric shopping ventures
Isn’t this gorgeous? A By Hand London Kim I think
Don’t even ask me what I am going to do with this – I also bought some fine black wool to “tone it down” a bit
So that’s it – I sort of think I should feel guilty at having spent so much (I haven’t added it up and don’t intend to) but I can promise you that each and every piece was an absolute bargain!
Tonight I am off to a 50th birthday bash and I have made my friend a Liberty tie for his gift and tomorrow I’ll be in full Matriarch mode for Mothers Day so all in all, a cracking weekend!
Toodle pip,
Clarinda x
The whole shebang
clarinda kaleidoscope 
I can’t wait to see your Margot’s in that parasol fabric!! I used the same material to make the Sew La Di Da box pleated dress and it’s lovely to use and has a little stretch to it. I’m definitely going to have to get the Margot pattern – I’m thinking blue linen for lounging in the garden over the summer with a Pimms close to hand! Love the other fabrics you bought too – especially the retro one! x
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Looks like you had a ball! I wish I’d have gone! I was off work too. I didn’t see the shout out but will keep my eyes peeled for the next one. Love all you purchases 😃
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looks like a great time was had! thanks for sharing all your purchases, its getting me in the mood to start sewing again!!
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Hi, how is your sewing mojo? I am trying to finish off a couple of WIP before I start on this lot but have been thwarted by buttonholes!
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Oh what a lovely gathering! I don’t know of anything similar here in the states. 😦 You’ve found some wonderful fabrics, the parasols are my favorite. Or are they? hmmmm. Just have to wait now to seem them come to life.
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You might have a long wait!
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I had such a great time! Thank you for putting an open invite on instagram or i would never have thought if going! I can’t wait to see what you make with all your purchases! Especially the deck suit – i live mapp and lucia and can jyst see you wafting around graciously in your deck suit……..
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I’m really pleased I did – it was the highlight of my week. Yes, love Mapp and Lucia – hope I can pull the look off – I am about 10 inches shorter!
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Absolutely adore your parasol fabric & pattern & think you should make it up, no matter what. I keep remembering the Lucia outfit (stuck in my mind from last summer’s viewing!) & this would be perfect for you to enjoy! Wonderful event ~ thanks for taking us along!
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I bought the DVD and watched it again over half term – there were some glorious outfits.
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I watched my copy again, too!
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Beautiful fabric choices! And you look like you had a fantastic time.
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Hope to meet up with you one day too – in some sort of fabric alladin’s cave which is toddler friendly!
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Toddler and fabric shopping do not mix for me LOL. The main problem is my kids are getting to like fabric almost as much as I do and the moment we step into a fabric shop they too want to look and touch and feel and choose what they want…while I have to supervise them and try to shop myself Basically I need a third eye……I do hope to meet you too IRL. I do plan on attending any meets in the summer for London Goldhawk Road – or if I just plan a solo mission I will get in touch and maybe if you are free we can meet up.
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Ahh it looks like you had a lovely day – really annoyed I missed your post on instagram, I would have tagged along! Your fabric choices are soo lovely!
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Next time!
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I love the northern K&S show too but we don’t get the sewing royalty like the Southern one. I’m slightly jealous! Your fabric purchases are gorgeous! Definitely original!
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You’ve got sewing royalty – Lauren and Amanda just to start!
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Looks so much fun, though perhaps a little overwhelming! You have made some fabulous choices. Those parasols are devine.
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Thanks Louise – hope to catch up with you soon. X
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Gorgeous purchases, I absolutely love the parasol fabric and deck suit pattern. I shall look forward to seeing it sewed up. Good luck with it!
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Everyone seems keen on that combo – I’m beginning to think it might be to have a good laugh!
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Sounds a great day out! Fab fabric choices, some lovely, original choices 🙂
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Mmm, substituting bonkers for original having looking again at the Adamms Family one!
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🙂 Nothing like adding a bit of ‘character’ to your wardrobe!
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I’m so impressed that you’ve written this already! So much more fun to visit the show with friends. I’d forgotten how much you’d bought! That deck suit is going to look fabulous.
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I think I must have forgotten how much I bought at each new stand I visited!
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Wow! So jealous, the K&S show doesn’t come to us til the autumn, I look forward to it all year! Love your fabrics, no point going to a show if you don’t buy anything 🙂
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Quite! It’s funny I went to it once before after work and I just wasn’t in the mood – it definitely helps to be with other sewing chums.
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Love all your fabric haul – but especially the parasols print!! Looking forward to seeing it all made up, eventually! Sara
Sent from my iPhone
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Eventually?! I reckon if I live to be a hundred I won’t have enough time to make up all the fabric I have accumulated over the past two years – I am beginning to worry that I have an addiction!
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