One Pattern, Two New Skirts

Last Saturday I went to Glasgow for a sewing day with 9 other sewing bloggers. We met at The Stitchery and had 4 hours of sewing, chatting and eating, it was a great day! I didn't take a single photo but  Franca took some great ones and you can see them here.

The only problem was I had no idea what to take with me to make. The last thing I have felt like doing recently is sewing so I decided on a simple skirt which would fill a glaring hole in my wardrobe. 

I tested out the pattern the week before the meet up in case it was terrible but it came out really nicely. It is a totally simple A line skirt with sided zip and no pockets (I am terrible at stuffing pockets full of things and totally distorting the shape of skirts and trousers so I am safer without them...).

I then cut out a green version to take with me to sew up. This time I folded the pattern so the skirt was more straight than A line.

I got it done in a couple of hours and I think it is now my favourite skirt.

Both fabrics were from my stash, the chunky cord for the first version apparently came from the Levi's factory when it was in Falkirk (in the 70's) and the green cord was from my Mother In Law who made cushions out if it.

These skirts have refueled my sewing fire and I have made PJ's , leggings and a top over the last 24 hours, at this rate my stash busting will be done before the summer!

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DIY 2 Strand Bracelet with Swarovski Crystals

Happy New Year! I decided to start 2014 as I mean to continue, using up my crafting supplies and not buying any more for a while!

This year is going to be a hard one financially. I chose not to go back to work after I had Big E but it means I have not been working for 8 years now and that, along with renovating our house, means that our savings are taking a beating! This year I plan to make as many birthday presents using stash crafty things as possible as I have a craft room full of stuff that I have got as birthday and Christmas pressies, or for free, for the last 8 years and I need to use it up!

I had the urge to make something last night (anyone else get those urges?!) so I pulled out my jewellery making stuff and got to work.

 

Using a cracker bracelet for the findings, a glass hearts bracelet that my in-laws brought back from Italy ages ago (and the gold beads between the hearts were cheap and loosing their gold covering) and some left over Swarovski crystals and pearls, I strung 2 new bracelets. I then used the toggle closure and jump rings from the cracker bracelet and put it all together.

I was going to use the chain from the cracker with ribbon threaded through but it looked rubbish when I put it together so scrapped that idea. Also, I used nylon beading thread because that is what I have but it would have been better with beading wire, the bracelets look like they are magically attached to the jump rings with the thread!

I don't wear bracelets often so this may end up as a gift, I am tempted to keep it though!

Linking to some of these fab linky parties!

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Stashbusting little bags

Continuing on my stash busting mission I have been making some wee bags.

I used a mish mash of various techniques which is not really advisable but they worked ok!

First up was a wash bag made from an Ikea pillow case and old shower curtain waterproof lining.

Next was a small wash bag for my son to take to Beavers camp. It is made of an old pair of my jeans and I gave it a lining that would make him smile!

 Next a rather squint attempt at a velvet 'ladies things' bag, it will do as it will spend its life in my bag!

It was made with an old Ikea cushion cover  and lined with cream fairtrade organic cotton.

Last but not least, a teeny change purse so I don't have to lug my big purse about all the time.

The zip is a bit wonky on this one... never mind!

Not much of my stash gone but it was good to practise putting in zips, which I hate!

Linking to some of these fab linky parties!

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