Hello all,
Hope you’ve had a good week? I certainly have on sewing related things.
Me May Made has seen the rise of the boob selfie! I have an IPAD but not a smart phone so taking selfies is tricky because I can’t easily hold the IPAD steady and press the button. Anyway, the desire to get a quick, no-nonsense pic each day without the embarrassment of having to ask someone to take it has resulted in my new technique whereby I can take a photo easily by balancing the IPAD on my desk – the only slight problem with this is that it only offers a close-up of my chest!
The boob selfie from a gal who clearly likes prints and buttons
Me Made May has crystalised what I knew already: I have a plethora of tops (being the Queen of the Quick Fix) and far fewer separates to wear them with. During the week this is fine because all the tops brighten up my work suits but I definitely need to do more separates sewing – bottom half. I always enjoy these challenges because I find other people so inspiring and enjoy finding new blogs/IGers to follow.
Well, what did we all think of the GBSB? I was delighted to discover that one of the contestants is a young lady from Sussex who also shops at the wonderful Ditto fabrics. I met up with one of my sewing buddies, Jane, yesterday to do a post mortem over lunch. I had previously spotted an Instagram pic of Jane wearing a dress in an unusual fabric covered in mini Brighton Pavillions. I told her how much I loved it and she generously said I could have the offcut. I thought I was going to use it for some sleeves or a border trim but when Jane gave it to me, it was a substantial piece and I knew I could get a Grainline Scout Tee out of it.
I was really chuffed – sewing friends are the best. When I posted a pic of my WIP on IG, one lady sympathised with how tricky it would be to pattern match! I’ll leave you to ponder with how that went! Anyway, because I can really whizz through a Scout tee these days, I was able to wear it today on a walk around and above Chichester and Goodwood.
Goodwood in the background – I am at the trig point on the Trundle
Before we went for our lunch, we met in Cloth Kits – I love Cloth Kits. Two years ago this Easter I attended a workshop there, Make Your Mother Proud – in fact, my banner photo comes from that day, and I was immediately hooked. I left that workshop and went straight to John Lewis and bought my machine. Anyway, yesterday they were having an I Love Liberty Event – there were all sorts of bargains to be had and even a pop up Liberty shop out the back which sold an array of goodies. The yard behind Cloth Kits – the aptly named Drapers Yard, has opened up an area with pop up shops (prettily painted garden sheds) which you can rent for the day from £10 apparently.
What a good idea – perhaps some of you who sell your crafts could go there?
Obviously I couldn’t resist buying some fabric. There was a good deal – spend X and you get 20% off (sorry can’t say what X is – you never know, one of my family might actually read my blog for once) and dithered for ages over what to get. In the end I bought some lovely, fleecy backed sweatshirt fabric. I did buy it with the thought of another Grainline Linden (ignoring the fact that my overlocker still has broken needles from my last foray into trying to tame it) but I wondered…. those of you who have made Cocos – would it work in a heavy sweatshirt fabric do you think? My other purchase was some lovely Lantana Wool. I have never heard of this before but it is SO soft. I think it is destined to become my first Laurel. It’s funny isn’t it now that summer is on its way, I have been buying winter fabrics.
Well, that’s it I think. I just want to leave you with a photo taken today by lovely Mr CK – we have been together 30 years and I am so blessed to have someone in my life who can make me laugh this much. I am currently preparing for various stages of the Mountain Leader training and you have to have an emergency shelter as part of your personal kit. This is us trying it out on a very sunny day at the top of the Trundle – a passer by asked me if the airport had been notified!
Toodle pip,
Clarinda x
clarinda kaleidoscope 
Hi, I can answer your question about your Liberty fleece fabric made up as a Coco, here: http://cathysmakes.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/coco-liberty-sweatshirt.html It is the exact same fabric that I used! In all honesty, I kind of regret not making a Linden, which Charlie of Noble and Daughter did, but I think that is just buyers remorse. I’m really, truly happy with it and still wear it often. Have fun deciding, I can’t wait to see the finished product!
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Hi, thanks for that – it does look lovely. I was pondering how it might work as a dress as it does seem particularly thick fleece but now I think I small going to go for a Linden after all as the fabric was so expensive I don’t want to mess up!
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I also enjoy a quick fix and have far to many tops and quick dresses! I do love your scout, the fabrici s fab! I have never been to clothkits before – it sounds like it would be worth a visit! Happy anniversary and good luck with the mountain leader training!
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what a nice fun post! I can feel your energy coming off you. And training to be a mountain leader too! No stopping you. I love the Brighton top. And boob selfies – they work well as you are so perky!!
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Love the boob selfies! I also love your Scout tees. I’m going to have to treat myself to this pattern!
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Do – it’s so straightforward!
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The perfect sewing week. I particularly like that bee print fabric on your bosoms 😉 I’m so glad I have my children to make my photos, like you I don’t think I could ask friends or colleagues to take them. I’ve got a few awkward selfies in my shots too, maybe I should adapt your boobs shots instead?
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You used a selfie stick for a while didn’t you? I thought you were getting quite proficient with that. I bet the children really enjoy being involved and taking photo’s for mum’s blog! As they get older, you could make them your Blog Managers!
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I do have one… Somewhere. I think we changed our internet provider and I haven’t reprogrammed (??!?) it since. Must have another go. My son’s seriously tiring of the daily shots at the moment 😉
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Your scout tee looks great in this fabric – the perfect combo! I would love to visit Cloth Kits at some point so maybe this could be the venue for the next Sew Bees meet up?!
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That’s a good idea – I’m sure they would be very pleased to accommodate us. There is also a place called the Eternal Maker but I’ve not been there – have you?
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No. Maybe a summer excursion is in order! 🙂
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Love that fabric you’ve made up & think Draper Lane a great idea! Wish it would catch on over here. I’m considering some autumn/winter fabric, too, and thinking I’m wishfully thinking ~ glad I’m not the only one! 😉
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It’s odd but last year I made lots of summer dresses – just haven’t had the urge this time round!
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Loving your new Scout Tee – that fabric is so cute and looks so perfect when walking around in the green outdoors.
I love that idea of pop up sheds to rent by the day. What a good way to start off small businesses and a fun way to shop. x
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The colour is quite unusual – it’s not quite yellow but it’s also not quite lime green. I should think those sheds will become very popular – probably cheaper than having a stall in a market.
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That emergency shelter is proving very entertaining! Your Scout Tee is just lovely – that was certainly a speedy make! I didn’t even think about pattern matching when I made my dress! Have you thought about the Seamworks Astoria top for your sweatshirt fabric – Daisy Crumpet has made some lovely ones. I’ve got the pattern but not tried it yet. I have made the Coco in a fairly substantial jersey and it worked OK. Really enjoyed seeing you yesterday. X
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I have been thinking about the wild camping and wondering how it went! I think the Astoria is more cropped and I like a bit of length. I might risk a Coco – I have had the pattern for ages.
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I have seen the Astoria lengthened by Trishstitched here https://trishstitched.com/2016/03/24/floral-astoria/ so that might be a possibility.
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Great having a liberty event. I am envious. We are a bit short on the classes in Yorkshire compared to down south. Try propping your iPad and using the timer it might help but your selfies are great. Happy Anniversary K xXx
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Thanks for the tip – now I just need to find out how to use the timer!
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