Busy Busy! July 11, 2009

I finally worked up the motivation to get started on the to do list & am making good progress!!  Today I finished Simplicity 4255;

Simplicity 4255 - Strawberry Fabric

This is a great little pattern, but will definately make some changes next time I make it;

The collar is far too stiff with interfacing, so I will leave that out totally, or just use half the piece.

The cuffs were meant to have interfacing too, but after seeing the stiff collar I didn’t bother with it for them, maybe I will try with half the piece again, but I don’t think it necessary.

The tie ends are just 1 piece with a narrow hem on the back, when I make it again I will double the pices (4 instead of 2) and stitch them & turn them so as to not have the hem & the back of the fabric showing.

It didn’t take too long to make at all, and I will definately be making it again, maybe with the longer sleeves.  I love the fact that there is enough of the tie to make a nice bow!

Next is the shirt I started in September last year.  Simplicity 1554.  It needed facings, hem, collar & buttons.  I still have the buttons to do, but that won’t take long at all.  In fact I might finish them by hand in front of the TV after I’m done here…

SImplicity 1554

To be honest, I can’t remember much about the construction at all.  I’m not too keen on the rouching at the shoulders, it seems pretty pointless as you can’t see it because it’s hidden by the collar .  Oh well.

From what I remember it was pretty easy to make, though I was making it on my old sewing machine so it would have been a pain in the bum anyway!  I’ll try it again definately, but it’s not one of my favourites.

I do however love the fabric ;

Heart Fabric

And these are the buttons I got for it;

Pink buttons! Sweeeeeeeeeet!

I tried on the trousers this morning & realised I have more work to do that I thought; I’ve taken up one leg but it’s still too long & the buttons are placed wrong, plus the waist is too big, so I may give up on those for now, but they are lovely.  I don’t know if I have the patience to unpick the waistband…

Finally, today B & I went into Halesowen & it was market day.  While he was looking at the vinyl (Depeche Mode & Kraftwerk for those of you who are interested) I was browsing the little store next door, a lady who made jewellery & bags & purses & picked up this;

Pinup Purse

How cool is this?! All hand made & beautifully done too.  I shall be using this as a makeup bag, but she had the cutest little purse made from fabric with 50s style dresses on it.  She has a website here.  Go look, awesome stuff, and at bargainous prices too!  This cost me £4.50 (well technically it cost me £3, B put the extra £1.50 to ) and there’s some pretty jewellery too.  I especially like this charm bracelet;

Carlo Biagi Charm Bracelet