tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74892318299483542372024-02-08T03:51:19.001+00:00tybalt: king of catsmake your own waySabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-83798762702266060222015-08-22T07:40:00.000+01:002015-08-22T07:40:13.766+01:00A year's worth of makes<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, since my last post just over a year ago, I've made a bit of stuff. Mainly a baby. Who's not a baby anymore! She's just turned one and is a little rascal...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On her first birthday last week</td></tr>
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Here's a photo roundup of things I've made. As you'll see, most of it is knitting as it's been so much easier to knit than sew while looking after a littl'un.</div>
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Two cardis for Aali</div>
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Eyelet yoke jumper</div>
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Salam cardi and Hetty cardi</div>
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Laylow shawl</div>
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Quilt for Aali's first birthday</div>
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And a sneaky peek of the first dress I've sewn in almost two years! I'm very pleased with this dress but need a nice sunny day to get some proper photos (except that I live in England so that won't be for at least another year now...)</div>
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I'm hoping to get my sewing machine out more often now and sew a few more dresses for myself. I have a long wish list!</div>
Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-45183200939720525882014-08-04T08:43:00.000+01:002014-08-04T08:43:16.499+01:00What do you call half an Outfit-Along?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Seriously. I don't know!</div>
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I really wanted to take part in the recent OAL hosted by Lauren of <a href="http://lladybird.com/" target="_blank">lladybird</a> and Andi Satterlund of <a href="http://untangling-knots.com/" target="_blank">untangling knots</a>. But did I really want to make a dress/skirt/top that would fit me for all of half an hour before little baby moo puts in an appearance? Waste all that lovely fabric? I think not!</div>
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So instead I just did the knitting part. Except I still didn't finish that on time for the deadline, ha ha!</div>
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I made the official OAL pattern, Andi's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/myrna-3" target="_blank">Myrna</a> cardi, which I had been stalking a bit anyway. So when she did an offer for 20% off at the start of the OAL I just couldn't resist. It's so damn cute!</div>
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I used cascade 220 superwash yarn which was fab to work with, really soft and squishy and the resulting fabric is lovely to wear too.</div>
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It took me 13 days to knit in total, working on it every day. Well, I am a "lady of leisure" at the moment while I'm on leave waiting for the baby to arrive (hurry up now please!). If I'd still been at work I think it would have taken me at least double that...</div>
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I made couple of changes, the main being lengthening the cardi as I don't think anything cropped that finishes just below my current ample bosoms would be that flattering! I also did all the ribbing in a contrast colour - but that was because I ran out of the brown wool. Actually I'm rather pleased with the two colour variation, I wasn't sure it would work but it looks fine.</div>
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The best bit (I think) is the keyhole at the back of the cardi - which I also edged in the peach colour to give it that extra little pop.</div>
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I still haven't put any buttons on (I don't have enough that match) but at the moment I won't be buttoning it up anyway - it won't do up over the bump! But I do know that the fit should be perfect after I get back to my pre-preggers state. Ravelry notes <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/miniandmerky/myrna" target="_blank">here</a>, including details of my cock-up.</div>
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I don't suppose a shop-bought dress that matches is allowed...?</div>
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So yeah, that's it. Thanks to both Lauren and Andi - I hear there will be a knit-along this autumn and then anther OAL is planned for next summer - I am so there!</div>
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Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-21686007258653477592014-06-15T20:11:00.001+01:002014-06-15T20:11:37.788+01:00Owls knitalong: time to come clean...<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well there certainly ain't been much sewing going on around here for a while.....</div>
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My last actual FO was waaaaay back in October last year when I made the <a href="http://tybalt-king-of-cats.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/the-hunt-for-red-october.html" target="_blank">Belladone dress</a>. Since then I've done quite a bit of knitting but not much else. Why?</div>
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Well here's why:</div>
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Yep, I'm only bleedin preggers inn-eye? (as they'd say on eastenders) Do you remember ages ago I said I hadn't been feeling well? That was because I was in the midst of being constantly nauseated, feeling very faint and just absolutely knackered. Oh the joys of pregnancy! At that point in time, it was all I could do to drag myself to work, try (and mainly fail) at doing my ward rounds and then come home and cry on the sofa. Not the best way to feel about something you wanted for ages, eh?</div>
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When I did start feeling better (about 4 months in) I was still fitting into most of my pre-pregnancy clothes. And so by the time they didn't fit (actually only a month ago; I'm now over 7 months) I thought there wasn't much point in making maternity clothes for the last few weeks.</div>
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So instead I've been knitting. And I finally have the owls jumper to show for it, as part of the KAL run by me <a href="http://www.akraftykat.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kat</a>. I am SO proud of this! I chose rust coloured wool (after hankering after this colour for ages) - it's Cascade Eco + in cinnamon if anyone is interested, which is billed as a bulky yarn but actually I think it's more a thick worsted/Aran weight, and the pattern is the famous <a href="http://katedaviesdesigns.com/designs/o-w-l-s/" target="_blank">owls</a> by Kate Davies. I had to do some <a href="http://tybalt-king-of-cats.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/owls-knitalong-knitting-in-round-with.html" target="_blank">maths</a> to work out what size to knit because of the difference in yarn weight from what was recommended in the pattern.</div>
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It was relatively easy to knit, and I learned a couple of new techniques too, namely cabling and short rows/wrap and turn. YouTube is fab for tutorials isn't it?!</div>
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The only changes I made was to make it a tad longer so I could wear it with jeans in the winter and to not bother sewing on 38 button for all the owl eyes. Instead I just put on 2 pairs. Oh and I steam blocked it rather than wet blocking (because I'm lazy as...)</div>
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The fit is perfect, it goes over my bump right now (I'm expecting the bump to get bigger in the next 8 weeks) but I hope that it will fit post pregnancy as well (and I can always try and shrink it a bit if it's too big right?!) I wore it yesterday for a little while in the boiling sunshine because I finished it and damn it I was wearing it no matter what the weather was like! But I quickly melted in this unusual English sunshine and had to revert to a t-shirt...</div>
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I've already seen that two of the other ladies in the KAL group (<a href="http://englishgirlathome.com/2014/06/08/my-first-owls-jumper/" target="_blank">Charlotte</a> and <a href="http://ladystitcher.wordpress.com/2014/06/15/owls-kate-davies-knitting/" target="_blank">Sue</a>) have finished their owls - check them out, they're fab! I'm really looking forward to seeing Kat and Alexa's finished articles too. I've really enjoyed knitting this (it took me 3 months, taking into account about 3 or 4 weeks where I couldn't get anything done due to moving house) and I've especially enjoyed sharing the process with my fellow KALers. I am so up for more KALs if anyone wants!!</div>
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It will probably go very quiet round these parts for the next few months while I waddle through the last 8 weeks of pregnancy and then try and come to terms with being a mummy. My next two projects are a knitted baby blanket and a patchwork quilt for the little one, but once things have settled down a bit and I'm back to my usual size (daddy is going to have to be on duty so I can take up running again...) I have plans to sew lots of dresses and use up some of that lovely fabric that has been sitting in my stash unloved for far too long!</div>
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So I'll say cheerio for now - and see you on the other side - eek!!</div>
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Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-40410715244044334682014-04-15T14:15:00.000+01:002014-04-15T14:15:22.378+01:00Owls knitalong: knitting in the round with DPNs<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I've finished the body section of the owls jumper and am just starting the sleeves using double pointed needles.</div>
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When I first heard of DPNs I was quite scared of them. But after knitting my Miette cardi sleeves on them, the fear factor was removed so I'm not sure I'll bother to learn the newer alternative Magic Loop method. Anyway, just wanted to share my experience and a great resource for those of you who are thinking of taking the plunge...</div>
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When I did my Miette sleeves, I was working top down and just had to transfer the top part of the sleeves from a circular needle to DPNs which was very straightforward. This time, however, the owls is worked bottom up and the sleeves are knitted separately and then joined and grafted onto the body. So there was a lot of head scratching (and maybe a bit of swearing...) when I tried to work out how on earth to cast on to DPNs. Luckily YouTube came to the rescue and I remembered this video from <a href="http://gksagenda.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gail</a> that is excellent:</div>
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13W0z2FK-Zw </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transferring the cast on stitches between DPNs</td></tr>
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Basically I followed her advice and cast all the stitches onto one DPN then just slipped them onto the other needles to distribute evenly. I feel a little bit cackhanded knitting with three needles rather than one circular but it really is quite simple when you get going.</div>
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Here is also another video that shows just the casting on method in a little bit more detail:</div>
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mcb9kR_7yT0</div>
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Seriously, though, Gail's video is <i>everything</i> you ever need to know about knitting on DPNs, I'm not even going to <i>try</i> and show you myself as there is no point when a master can show you so clearly...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What it looks like side on</td></tr>
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Go and watch it then you're ready to conquer the world of DPNs!<br />
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Oh yes, just one more little thing - I was gobsmacked to discover that I now have 100 followers on Bloglovin' - so I'll leave you with this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvjdipsQf3XLRCyPzyVlbBp-85avAkaawPYBnw0Qt0VKT6bez9EioPvFXMSH9kqfVBeyD5RM14r4UvFIxi2z0VVVop9yEiKRwA3gL6Ro5w00O3BTwhU25-g86zJXNZe_pM5mxmKoQ6DM/s1600/th_Victory_Dance.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvjdipsQf3XLRCyPzyVlbBp-85avAkaawPYBnw0Qt0VKT6bez9EioPvFXMSH9kqfVBeyD5RM14r4UvFIxi2z0VVVop9yEiKRwA3gL6Ro5w00O3BTwhU25-g86zJXNZe_pM5mxmKoQ6DM/s1600/th_Victory_Dance.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSz4crNtpyuPLXjUoFoYo5X73ww6KAHKLpoa2dl75Qk3IgAfpwe4fr8fcwxm-CPwyi98RQLzLzU3EjpjdvbyI9Ee6bHS0mKedZ4VxIINeMetkGoFjBFkptIALUcgPCNyUNEbzXwYQ2Pw/s1600/tumblr_inline_n3ikoxOme41rnmpxp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSz4crNtpyuPLXjUoFoYo5X73ww6KAHKLpoa2dl75Qk3IgAfpwe4fr8fcwxm-CPwyi98RQLzLzU3EjpjdvbyI9Ee6bHS0mKedZ4VxIINeMetkGoFjBFkptIALUcgPCNyUNEbzXwYQ2Pw/s1600/tumblr_inline_n3ikoxOme41rnmpxp.gif" height="261" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-84007992321340601862014-03-25T21:02:00.000+00:002014-03-25T21:02:17.581+00:00Owls knitalong - knitting in the round with circular needles<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello all! I'm so excited to say that the owls jumper KAL is underway! It's being led by <a href="http://www.akraftykat.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kat</a> and myself and we have four other lovely ladies joining us. If you are not in the least interested in knitting then switch off now!</div>
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The pattern is <a href="http://katedaviesdesigns.com/designs/o-w-l-s/" target="_blank">owls</a> by Kate Davies:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful isn't she?</td></tr>
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I have to confess I'm a bit late with this post - I'm already a little bit behind everyone else as I had to wait for my yarn to arrive so I'm not sure my contribution is even needed! But I thought some links would be useful.</div>
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I spent a large part of Sunday gone making gauge/tension swatches and trying to work out what size jumper to knit. The recommended gauge is 13 st x 20 rows over a 4" square. Now the recommended yarn is a bulky one and I've gone for Cascade Eco+ which <i>claims</i> it's bulky but actually I think it's more a heavy worsted/Aran (ie thinner). My gauge using 6mm needles was 15.5 st over 4" (working out to 3.875 st per inch). If I had got the correct gauge, I would have knitted the size 2 jumper as written in the pattern, but alas it always seems more complicated than that! Using Gail's amazing <a href="http://gksagenda.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/miette2-gauge-and-sizing.html" target="_blank">Miette KAL</a> posts I did some maths to work out how many stitches my gauge would give me for my desired bust measurement and compared it to the owls pattern. To do this I took my desired bust size (32" when taking into account the 1-2" negative ease) and multiplied that by the number of st per inch that I got from my gauge. I came up with 124 which is only 2 st away from the 126 st mentioned for the size 4 jumper. Therefore if I knit the size 4, it should give me a finished result of a size 2 jumper....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPgPY_JP5LA_9KBF8CQph19AsvjL2NKdZqHyZvr4j1_dbEq2A8sCdRpxNWi0N9D12plI1Xofc8SZmq9NJWiLoDwnw-rF2ysMuMyuMhLtkMtnL39oOsfeyDuSur_vECPJSqtV6hw-e00s/s640/blogger-image-319117542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPgPY_JP5LA_9KBF8CQph19AsvjL2NKdZqHyZvr4j1_dbEq2A8sCdRpxNWi0N9D12plI1Xofc8SZmq9NJWiLoDwnw-rF2ysMuMyuMhLtkMtnL39oOsfeyDuSur_vECPJSqtV6hw-e00s/s200/blogger-image-319117542.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colour is cinnamon, a lovely rust<br />colour in real life, not as bright orange<br />as it appears here</td></tr>
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Everyone with me so far? Let's just hope I've worked it out correctly!</div>
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Anyway, back to my take on knitting in the round. It's actually very simple once you get the hang of it. I've used the long tail cast on method, just because I find it neater than the knitted on method. Here's a link to how to do it:</div>
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<a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/long-tail-cast-on">www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/long-tail-cast-on</a></div>
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Once you have cast on, make sure all the stitches are even distributed around the needle and not twisted. The loops should be on the outside edge of the needle and the cast on edge should be in the middle, like you see in my photo:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcZTfsqzJuMvdvJLwa_6hCY3tewGiW89lAM-jUjOh4UjH1Ree4_iY00JVWGQZDp1oaPRKoH4_7ad3xVOJb7Sk3hUl0IPAgtYQg0gGrSJlRpz_UKlQ1qlLDVi4uysrhatH-Y36Vf4bjlA/s640/blogger-image-923303870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcZTfsqzJuMvdvJLwa_6hCY3tewGiW89lAM-jUjOh4UjH1Ree4_iY00JVWGQZDp1oaPRKoH4_7ad3xVOJb7Sk3hUl0IPAgtYQg0gGrSJlRpz_UKlQ1qlLDVi4uysrhatH-Y36Vf4bjlA/s320/blogger-image-923303870.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry, it's a little more blurred than I thought...</td></tr>
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One thing to mention is that circular needles come in a whole variety of lengths (as well as the standard needle sizes) and ideally you need to pick one that is shorter than the circumference you want to end up with. This is because otherwise the stitches won't be evenly distributed along the needle and the whole thing will end up stretching and becoming misshapen.</div>
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To join in the round, you pick up your needles so that the needle with the tails of the yarn is in your right hand, put a place marker at the end of the needle then pick up and knit the first stitch on the left hand needle. For the first couple of stitches I used both tails of the yarn to knit with and then dropped one to carry on knitting with the working yarn (which is the yarn attached to the ball). I knit in the English method but if you work continental, you may use the opposite hands for all of this!</div>
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I've added links to a couple of videos which should show things more clearly than my garbled explanation and also some still photos if you prefer that to videos.</div>
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<a href="http://www.blog.tincanknits.com/2013/08/17/casting-on-to-circulars/">www.blog.tincanknits.com/2013/08/17/casting-on-to-circulars/</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0avXwdPJBW8">www.youtube.com/watch?v=0avXwdPJBW8</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.stitchdiva.com/tutorials/knitting/on-circular-needles">https://www.stitchdiva.com/tutorials/knitting/on-circular-needles</a></div>
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Once you've joined the two ends, it's as simple as knitting round and round and round and round.... you get the picture! If you want to do stocking stitch, you just knit all the time, there's no purling at all which makes it so much easier. Every time you come to your place marker (PM), you can think of that as the end/beginning of a row (although in reality, you are knitting a spiral and instead of calling it a "row", you call it a "round"). The best bit about it is that you end up with a seamless tube that you don't have to sew/seam together. Simples!<br />
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So, that's my mini guide to knitting on circular needles - written as a relative beginner so forgive any glaring mistakes please!<br />
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Right, let's get knitting!</div>
Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-45367833797638341902014-02-22T19:01:00.000+00:002014-02-23T10:57:53.980+00:00Finally I've made something - my Miette cardigan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This post has been a long time coming... It's been nearly <b>three</b> months since I last blogged! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKOE_GfMKpsJGmzx6I5veZVrD3KPUW02fG7zEdjVDdGJfuY45iNrALUII51jNeAKABeF4jzTk9RnkSlaiRl8QOexQy-wYYKCI2aj79EZNJ_wybjeNPQMDAqpxjwEzJpnJVbJcC9e7CNo/s1600/IMG_4319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKOE_GfMKpsJGmzx6I5veZVrD3KPUW02fG7zEdjVDdGJfuY45iNrALUII51jNeAKABeF4jzTk9RnkSlaiRl8QOexQy-wYYKCI2aj79EZNJ_wybjeNPQMDAqpxjwEzJpnJVbJcC9e7CNo/s1600/IMG_4319.JPG" height="200" width="200"></a></div>
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It's not because I haven't bothered to make anything. It's because I've not been up to making much recently due to feeling unwell.</div>
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I started knitting the Miette cardigan back in October with a deadline for the New Year, but alas I had to stop working on it for two months over winter as it was taking all my strength just to go to work and back. Most nights I was fast asleep on the sofa by 7 o' clock!</div>
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Luckily I started feeling a bit better a couple of weeks ago so I finally have a finished garment to show. And I am so chuffed with it - my first, proper knitted garment!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1JcBw1Q2VFmVtfi6PoNTSsTdMW4jf2gFSFiuJMH8siO6UNqvrlZZIQhoP4k6luCgl7VMLCDxwc0o-nAoCKLX1y28_Obe-hbiF0aNtyvT2A_D4yspzb0ZNl3DI2i9oL8g5ipmNP_wohc/s1600/IMG_4321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1JcBw1Q2VFmVtfi6PoNTSsTdMW4jf2gFSFiuJMH8siO6UNqvrlZZIQhoP4k6luCgl7VMLCDxwc0o-nAoCKLX1y28_Obe-hbiF0aNtyvT2A_D4yspzb0ZNl3DI2i9oL8g5ipmNP_wohc/s1600/IMG_4321.JPG" height="200" width="200"></a></div>
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I made a few modifications with the help of Gail from <a href="http://gksagenda.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">gksagenda</a> - without her, I don't think I'd have even got past the first few rows so a big, fat THANK YOU!! And thanks also to Jo from <a href="http://makingitwell.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">makingitwell</a> for the inspiration and tips!</div>
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- I moved the bust darts to the side seams (I'm very glad I did this as I think it may have looked a bit weird worn unbuttoned with the "bust cups" on show!)</div>
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- I lengthened the body and the sleeves a little (I wish I'd made the sleeves longer; even tho I tried it on as I went along and thought they were full length, they've turned out to be three quarter length)</div>
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- I did plain 2x2 rib rather than the twisted rib in the pattern</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOM0HUYdM7i_w6TUQaV1POtUvAlULgz1FXv1e_2DRIz4eE_R9oZxtuWHHlUG8kIWC88NnwTUeNL9-TiAs1N5UJWWI_58AdIMdua6OHxbIlrQ2cry4P2N8t6iunQSmDWCpH-dJIMCePSfA/s1600/IMG_4320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOM0HUYdM7i_w6TUQaV1POtUvAlULgz1FXv1e_2DRIz4eE_R9oZxtuWHHlUG8kIWC88NnwTUeNL9-TiAs1N5UJWWI_58AdIMdua6OHxbIlrQ2cry4P2N8t6iunQSmDWCpH-dJIMCePSfA/s1600/IMG_4320.JPG" height="200" width="200"></a></div>
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I learnt so much new stuff doing this - new stitches, how to make buttonholes, how to make changes by calculating the differences between what the pattern recommends for gauge and what I actually knit, how to use DPNs (double pointed needles), how to steam block and lots of other new techniques.</div>
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Talking of buttonholes, I made them just as told only to find that the cardi doesn't <i>actually</i> do up as it's a teeeeny bit tight across the bust. Oops! So I only put the top button on. To be honest, it doesn't matter a jot as I never wear cardis done up anyway.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0vwUTXmEXEYGqexLHpiqRJvAiOLv-S8WnA3o0jZG5d2y1LKOdPPyFuh9O4lfLR9lU0HbT6UnC_Ch-5fxnmbS22fZAhVYC5jE2a2_gn6YX3W73jK8bm3lSe6dDH1calcR5kW57_D3DcE/s1600/IMG_4322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0vwUTXmEXEYGqexLHpiqRJvAiOLv-S8WnA3o0jZG5d2y1LKOdPPyFuh9O4lfLR9lU0HbT6UnC_Ch-5fxnmbS22fZAhVYC5jE2a2_gn6YX3W73jK8bm3lSe6dDH1calcR5kW57_D3DcE/s1600/IMG_4322.JPG" height="200" width="200"></a></div>
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I love this cardigan, it's great for wearing with dresses and skirts and very comfy. I think I will almost certainly be making another one in a different colour! Oh yes, the yarn is Kirkton House aran weight, funnily enough from Aldi of all places!!</div>
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Right now I'm making myself a new hot water bottle cover (my current one is a bit holey) while I wait for some yarn to arrive. <a href="http://www.akraftykat.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kat</a> and I are going to do a little knitalong together next month using the awesome <a href="http://katedaviesdesigns.com/designs/o-w-l-s/" target="_blank">o w l s</a> jumper pattern from Kate Davies. If anyone else fancies joining in, let us know!</div>
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<img height="133" src="http://needled.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/owl.jpg?w=672" width="200"></div>
<br></div><div>At some point I will do some sewing too but I'm easing myself back into crafting with knitting at the mo... I have some plans which I will share over the coming months!</div>
Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-61602879604810919872013-12-01T20:20:00.000+00:002013-12-01T20:20:30.702+00:00Itty bitty kitty booties<div style="text-align: justify;">
My friend's baby came early. By about 3 and a half weeks. I hadn't even started knitting the booties that I had planned, thinking I had loads of time, the baby was bound to be late, right?, seeing as it was her first... How wrong I was! So I had to rush. And I made mistakes and had to start again. And again.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/saartjes-bootees" target="_blank">pattern</a> is a freebie on Ravelry and lots of people have made it already. Everyone said theirs turned out way smaller than they thought - as in too small for a baby and only just big enough for dolls! So for my first attempt, a practice run, I tried bigger needles and Aran weight yarn. I only did a few rows and thought, "this looks great, I'll start the proper ones now". Or, as the case may be, I didn't think...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqRL6DmGMoV7yezA5E6npQGoth9sxCYmInWyvjEO-11u0VmjDVAgRVJMy3VQhXJ8olUJewNBqyrQhdrVa2P3BEQAHgoCmNKAvczuDI78fyl9UdfdMXnZyTtoagiR9KRqKZnbZLDcL2ig/s640/blogger-image-2088672505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqRL6DmGMoV7yezA5E6npQGoth9sxCYmInWyvjEO-11u0VmjDVAgRVJMy3VQhXJ8olUJewNBqyrQhdrVa2P3BEQAHgoCmNKAvczuDI78fyl9UdfdMXnZyTtoagiR9KRqKZnbZLDcL2ig/s200/blogger-image-2088672505.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I used a lovely green tweedy yarn with flecks of pink. Gorgeous. And 5.5mm needles. No, I don't know why either - I'm a newbie, I wasn't thinking! I got two thirds of the way through knitting the first boot and realised it would end up being big enough for a two year old! I had to frog...</div>
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For the final attempt, I switched to 4mm needles and the result is so much better. The buttons are my favourite bit - tiny, little, pink kitty faces that perfectly match the pink flecks in the yarn. They were only 15p each from the rag market!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlVTLZL_C9or3lIqnA0txVe96YnIdNlCUX78p-on6t2EU_KO7ciMBPwPG47OfKt_kvbAMeoe_Y3Efw-AJIoJyw8sccYj1i0hFdeIhBJwachyk1NGdFZq4zQVcUyl2u3HM6FyNfwjv9Rc/s640/blogger-image-513477037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlVTLZL_C9or3lIqnA0txVe96YnIdNlCUX78p-on6t2EU_KO7ciMBPwPG47OfKt_kvbAMeoe_Y3Efw-AJIoJyw8sccYj1i0hFdeIhBJwachyk1NGdFZq4zQVcUyl2u3HM6FyNfwjv9Rc/s640/blogger-image-513477037.jpg" /></a></div>
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How cute are they? I'll definitely be making more, they're perfect for new baby gifts.<br />
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Now to get back to my cardi...</div>
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Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-34189005657228889972013-11-13T20:32:00.000+00:002013-11-13T20:46:16.671+00:00MIA again<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is just a very quick check in. I've not had much time to do anything much these past few weeks. But I thought I'd upload a couple of wip photos. I'm afraid I'm going to have to neglect my blog for a while longer but I am keeping a sneaky little eye on everyone else's to keep the creative juices flowing! Hope to be back soon(ish) xx</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemC45BuspmyUsfih4R1i4xXaU-SG-M7GcEWW_MQNWWUHA954f280a6LE-4nRfWwzV0HkoTw0d_nzVogzYUmJ7OP1rXvDgagvl2eI1fnmuJZ0TTblXqa09fJmfp9iH1tD1gq11Fh4kUMA/s640/blogger-image-833462091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemC45BuspmyUsfih4R1i4xXaU-SG-M7GcEWW_MQNWWUHA954f280a6LE-4nRfWwzV0HkoTw0d_nzVogzYUmJ7OP1rXvDgagvl2eI1fnmuJZ0TTblXqa09fJmfp9iH1tD1gq11Fh4kUMA/s640/blogger-image-833462091.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miette cardi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0MSlUEQuRxrFy_drr1wlUqRR0Y5pJ22QTvTt48Mq-eC8uJpGnqdVUAj1DhtC7-T6yo7zZDEG-TCX1b67WIp5wohkm8Bi_o1_OPREAyoYAqH4G1ggOARBqeAFQaqb50e8cqePvqKgw1E/s640/blogger-image--1199027273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0MSlUEQuRxrFy_drr1wlUqRR0Y5pJ22QTvTt48Mq-eC8uJpGnqdVUAj1DhtC7-T6yo7zZDEG-TCX1b67WIp5wohkm8Bi_o1_OPREAyoYAqH4G1ggOARBqeAFQaqb50e8cqePvqKgw1E/s640/blogger-image--1199027273.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brasilia dress pattern testing</td></tr>
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Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-43081298752634426042013-10-10T12:12:00.000+01:002013-10-10T12:24:52.218+01:00Knitter's paradise<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyYKmGkn8UH_n-QD9jmsmHeDWx-S5jWd9yXfouU58eyWSx9Dic0kv8K9qdv7wII9gNLezrPJIkZqD-U0kgV-R6vIAZtSK-3rFmfkxTlZ7BL9cyLJmH7eArJcrLiRAWUl8Dk1lMlqWyZM/s640/blogger-image--442990135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyYKmGkn8UH_n-QD9jmsmHeDWx-S5jWd9yXfouU58eyWSx9Dic0kv8K9qdv7wII9gNLezrPJIkZqD-U0kgV-R6vIAZtSK-3rFmfkxTlZ7BL9cyLJmH7eArJcrLiRAWUl8Dk1lMlqWyZM/s200/blogger-image--442990135.jpg" width="200"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple boot toppers - chunky</td></tr>
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As I walk through the valley of the shadow of wool</div>
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I take a look at my life and realise it's so full</div>
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Cos I been sewin' and quiltin' so long</div>
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That even my hubby thinks that my mind has gone<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLtws79d3Hpv42lRgjMFNhM9gmUFU1kQmppUAFkQ3Ql62hambGVqjArkKywzZ_-waJi_NPqU7r79CVw3yxcN_E7TPCKUoY2HbRaCn8TWFNxShKmvWuadaiu6nmNBGijIvER5ZmiWSH10/s640/blogger-image--1130710183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLtws79d3Hpv42lRgjMFNhM9gmUFU1kQmppUAFkQ3Ql62hambGVqjArkKywzZ_-waJi_NPqU7r79CVw3yxcN_E7TPCKUoY2HbRaCn8TWFNxShKmvWuadaiu6nmNBGijIvER5ZmiWSH10/s200/blogger-image--1130710183.jpg" width="200"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby booties for my friend's newborn</td></tr>
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But I ain't never crossed a yarn that didn't deserve it<br>
A newbie like me, it's all about the 'crylic</div>
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I better watch how I'm slippin' and how I'm purlin'</div>
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And get myself used to those blasted DPNs<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcSqby_SRX2IOuEqWD1U1iFfLu56ubVUJJ7gC6LLwEMn3XdH8A3Xk0ZF7kkPvuNwUWfSaVx0_zM5Bo3EvWnhf-GeIlKfiWwjgN-tpGYmojYjrhrgZ0dDOSexlReOLfxDBeF0QjOLVT4A/s640/blogger-image-110644664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcSqby_SRX2IOuEqWD1U1iFfLu56ubVUJJ7gC6LLwEMn3XdH8A3Xk0ZF7kkPvuNwUWfSaVx0_zM5Bo3EvWnhf-GeIlKfiWwjgN-tpGYmojYjrhrgZ0dDOSexlReOLfxDBeF0QjOLVT4A/s200/blogger-image-110644664.jpg" width="200"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oats cowl for me in Merino wool </td></tr>
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I really hate to tink but I gotta, yo</div>
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As it unravels I see myself goin' with the flow, fool</div>
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It's the kind of K all the crafters wanna do, like</div>
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With my circs in my hand try-na knit in the moonlight...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRg-Wfpc0bOp46rmzk63ppqsKq5bax01waWzZLXmrDcB5J_cnJkPRFnvbEhVhyphenhyphenE4JQJh8CGlI6Zpb4r_CjGIF99RjEQsHLjJTZG6uYTU569C8-zzSqhgPFPBYkKhpQmneYW8iv02l1o8/s640/blogger-image-1669999027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRg-Wfpc0bOp46rmzk63ppqsKq5bax01waWzZLXmrDcB5J_cnJkPRFnvbEhVhyphenhyphenE4JQJh8CGlI6Zpb4r_CjGIF99RjEQsHLjJTZG6uYTU569C8-zzSqhgPFPBYkKhpQmneYW8iv02l1o8/s200/blogger-image-1669999027.jpg" width="200"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gauge swatch for Miette cardi</td></tr>
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Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-77652208114687024352013-10-04T14:07:00.000+01:002013-10-04T14:07:02.327+01:00The hunt for Red October...<div style="text-align: justify;">
...is over!<br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.threadcarefully.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">tabathatweedie</a>, I discovered that I'd inadvertently joined in with a sewcialist sewalong!</div>
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I don't use twitter - it's as much as I can do to keep up with blogging, Ravelry, Facebook, Instagram and, well, real life let alone another social media platform! So I've been blissfully unaware of twitterings about red being a neutral colour.... And all the while, I've been making my own little neutral dress...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiXr0dgf5udKcvjoDFxa3Q0Ycl0qtCVof4cq3p9Kq9CIIQ6lre0PW8tQ-NTgF6fUEDkksdsV2ABdvrxeYugqdMu7zRV4jC3GfJaqUAtNWSMa1Q2KIENElJN1VASxPo0j_t08ssPXnGNk/s640/blogger-image--1744904404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiXr0dgf5udKcvjoDFxa3Q0Ycl0qtCVof4cq3p9Kq9CIIQ6lre0PW8tQ-NTgF6fUEDkksdsV2ABdvrxeYugqdMu7zRV4jC3GfJaqUAtNWSMa1Q2KIENElJN1VASxPo0j_t08ssPXnGNk/s200/blogger-image--1744904404.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdPDfJqGW4LeE9z25F77GR8kne28d4Qi9qijLBQskEauLSeQq8h9owVZoE9iE5onaXcxgRQvD5JCty9wIiQkG2qWCcPQG3iMyhBHzSYUJ8Aiok1TlGrTJ_k8_RwxdMv8Q3bcsmBTrWhI/s640/blogger-image-1480819134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdPDfJqGW4LeE9z25F77GR8kne28d4Qi9qijLBQskEauLSeQq8h9owVZoE9iE5onaXcxgRQvD5JCty9wIiQkG2qWCcPQG3iMyhBHzSYUJ8Aiok1TlGrTJ_k8_RwxdMv8Q3bcsmBTrWhI/s200/blogger-image-1480819134.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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At our mini meetup a few weeks ago, <a href="http://www.almondrock.co.uk/" target="_blank">Amy</a> brought along her <a href="http://www.boutique.deer-and-doe.fr/2-dresses-belladone-dress.html" target="_blank">Belladone</a> pattern for me to peek at and <a href="http://www.helenssewingadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Helen</a> kindly gave me some amazeballs fabric that she had spare. And although I hadn't planned it, I was so excited about the combo that I immediately set to work!</div>
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I did have a few teeny tiny problems along the way. But only because I'm stupid and got the right and wrong sides of the fabric mixed up...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oops, wrong way round!</td></tr>
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By this point, I'd already bound the seams so I spent <i>ages</i> ripping everything out and redoing. Annoy-<i>ing</i>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much better</td></tr>
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After that though, it was pretty much plain sailing. I've never used so much bias binding in my life - 10m!! I wanted the inside to be as nice as the outside seeing as I <strike>couldn't be bothered</strike> didn't want<strong> </strong>to line it.</div>
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How cute is the back cut out detail? It really makes this dress special. But it's not indecently big or low so you can still wear a normal bra - win! What a shame it's turning colder now though, I'll be covering it up with a cardi over the winter. I can't wait to wear it by itself next summer to show the diamond off now!</div>
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There's only one thing that I'm not one hundred percent happy with - the stormtrooper shoulders make a return again...<br />
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I know I'm late on the Belladone bandwagon but this is an <em>awesome</em> dress! Eleonore has done it again with a fabulously easy-to-follow pattern that makes it a pleasure to sew. And the finished dress is brilliant!</div>
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Sorry about the quality of these photos - my laptop isn't working so I've had to do the whole post on my phone which makes for rubbish photo clarity.<br />
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Also, I was sorry to hear that the author of The Hunt for Red October, Tom Clancy, passed away yesterday, hence the inspiration for the title...</div>
Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-35415682413596251312013-09-24T20:32:00.000+01:002013-09-24T20:32:25.369+01:00I'm back!<b><i>And so is my sewjo!</i></b><br />
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After almost three months of no sewing, I have finally made something! A dress!<br />
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It's a bit of a boring work dress but nevertheless it's a dress I've sewn so yay me....</div>
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I started this Amazeballs Fit pattern at my sewing class ages ago:</div>
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I got to the point where I had done a tissue fit and was preparing to cut the fabric but then horror of horrors, my sewing class got cancelled! I was really upset at this but found out that my sewing teacher had an unforeseen family crisis and couldn't do the evening classes anymore. And then something similar happened to me too so I put everything to one side and forgot about it.</div>
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A week or so ago, I had a day off work and thought I'd better get my machine out in case I'd forgotten how to sew...and this dress came together very quickly indeed!</div>
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It's a grey polyester from Barry's - no lining needed. I cut a size 12 for the bodice and waist and 14 for the skirt and added pockets as normal (I'm not sure I can make <i>any</i> garment without adding pockets now!)</div>
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It's definitely a tad looser that I would ideally like - I forgot that the seam allowance is stupidly large, and I'm not entirely sure why I didn't cut a size 12 skirt, but at least this way, I'm not sucking myself in at work! The fabric frayed like mad so I French seamed the princess and side seams and used bias binding for the rest. It feels ok but it's not the most structured material in the world and I'm not sure I'd use it again. Next time, I'll use nicer fabric and make the whole thing a bit more fitted - it doesn't really look like the photo on the pattern envelope - or is that just the model?! But, hey ho, my dress is functional for work so I'm happy. It'll do, pig, it'll do.</div>
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<span id="goog_1247327550"></span>I've already got my next two projects queued up although things will still be slow around here as family life still isn't back to normal. But to be honest, I'm happy just to be sewing again!</div>
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Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-25089649319468434342013-09-09T17:21:00.002+01:002013-09-09T17:21:15.718+01:00This knitting lark is pretty addictive (and there's some sewing too)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PtikfsYtRED9VzvRyq3O7POvHwfxvoB1QJPH51C9ntUqVp5btEniDIfPMOsscbz6xM8q_Gp6cmwlE08NA2XWDjVufLB_SteXzApf_XoxaVKibsVQzUYIGtVzQCh5R2_8fOSKXaRk-MA/s1600/IMG_3905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PtikfsYtRED9VzvRyq3O7POvHwfxvoB1QJPH51C9ntUqVp5btEniDIfPMOsscbz6xM8q_Gp6cmwlE08NA2XWDjVufLB_SteXzApf_XoxaVKibsVQzUYIGtVzQCh5R2_8fOSKXaRk-MA/s200/IMG_3905.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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My knitting is coming on in leaps and bounds! I've finished my first ever in-the-round make! Here's the Oats cowl, pattern courtesy of <a href="http://tincanknits.com/thesimplecollection.html" target="_blank">Tin Can Knits</a>.<br />
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It was my first foray into circular knitting and I must say I'm hooked! I found some Addi bamboo circular needles at <a href="http://www.yarnsmith.co.uk/" target="_blank">Yarnsmith</a> for a very reasonable price and got the yarn (aran weight, a mixture of acrylic and wool) from a local (very friendly) wool shop called <a href="http://www.cityknits.co.uk/" target="_blank">Christine's</a> in Bournville. It's really soft!</div>
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The cowl is for my sister as a birthday present - which isn't till December so shhh!<br />
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Oh and guess what? I had a day off today so I actually got my sewing machine out and started the beginnings of a dress! Reckon it's going to be slow going as I'll only be able to work on it in dribs and drabs but even still, I feel like I have my sewjo back...<br />
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Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-45458120978241881632013-08-28T08:47:00.001+01:002013-08-28T08:49:07.544+01:00I'm featured on Sew Mama Sew!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just a very quick one to say my Cambie has been featured on Sew Mama Sew today as part of the Super Online Sewing Match inspiration series!</div>
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Needless to say I'm <i>very</i> excited and chuffed!</div>
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Go and have a look <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/2013/08/sewing-inspiration-cambie-2/" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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See you soon x</div>
Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-36176716793440177582013-08-25T12:11:00.002+01:002013-08-25T12:11:53.042+01:00AWOL and a knitted headband<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi all, just a very quick check in. It's been a bit quiet on here recently mainly because we're going through a bit of a stressful time at the moment with a family illness so I haven't been in the mood for sewing or blogging. I'm not sure when things will settle down so I may be away from here for a while.</div>
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Although my sewing machine hasn't seen the light of day for ages, I haven't been entirely craftless as I have been knitting instead. It's relaxing and therapeutic and very portable which is great seeing as we've been up and down the country a fair bit due to the family situation.</div>
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I made a knitted headband a good few weeks ago which is atrocious quality (I misread the instructions, oops!) but it will do to keep hair out of my fringe when I'm running...</div>
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And I've made a really good start on the Wheat scarf, the first of the learn-to-knit series of patterns called The Simple Collection from <a href="http://tincanknits.com/thesimplecollection.html" target="_blank">Tin Can Knits</a>. The photo below was taken about two weeks back and I've done a load more since then - I'm about three quarters of the way through in fact!</div>
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So hopefully things will be returning to normal fairly soon but in the meantime I'll be abandoning the blog for a little while. I'll still be putting wip photos on Instagram and Ravelry (miniandmerky on both) no doubt so keep in touch!</div>
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Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-72645235117474729642013-08-11T17:22:00.000+01:002013-08-11T17:22:39.219+01:00I can knit!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can now say I've knitted an actual, usable <b><i>thing</i></b>!</div>
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Yes, it took me nearly three whole months and yes it's full of mistakes but it's still wearable. I present to you (...drumroll...) my <b>wrist warmers</b>!</div>
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I started these back in June when I took a beginners workshop at <a href="http://www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk/workshops/learn-to-knit-chunky-wrist-warmers" target="_blank">Guthrie & Ghani</a> and continued little by little, adding a row or two at a time. I even took it on holiday with me!</div>
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The yarn is Rico Design Fashion Garzato Super Chunky knitted on 9mm bamboo needles. The finished wrist warmers are so soft and cosy! You can see the mistakes and also where I went a bit wonky but I reckon they'll be great for autumn when I don't need full blown gloves or mittens but my hands feel a bit nippy.</div>
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I'm really pleased with them and am planning some more soon. I've started my next project (an easy knitted headband) and it's sloooooow progress but I'm carrying on as I want to get good! You can see what I'm up to on Ravelry (I'm miniandmerky). I'm also going to be following along with the learn-to-knit <a href="http://tincanknits.com/thesimplecollection.html" target="_blank">Tin Can Knits Simple Collection</a> series...Wish me luck!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYX7QY73xRzx-mDy8ZnFh2KHuumxIN_eNIFicZznRyCsvoQPKvItD1rTPQBzHNmGqP65s-mJ1NW0TIKPc6PRtpK-657pltmp5cSF__3_DlSUkcGVPLM9SnpqpuDLR3k08GBuV3-6gHDlo/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYX7QY73xRzx-mDy8ZnFh2KHuumxIN_eNIFicZznRyCsvoQPKvItD1rTPQBzHNmGqP65s-mJ1NW0TIKPc6PRtpK-657pltmp5cSF__3_DlSUkcGVPLM9SnpqpuDLR3k08GBuV3-6gHDlo/s200/IMG_3797.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr6cIka20xg-NGDKjG8v86e-OS7tFsxkJBx4RlDwcj12at71-VEjnDSq88BXtMZoclIU775y4Gpc34G1tioDAqf5BPeJ77zZz0ZPJbxP_yKh2D7Qc6R7TRxgN3XutSSdaM5SQNqnmP4I/s1600/IMG_3798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr6cIka20xg-NGDKjG8v86e-OS7tFsxkJBx4RlDwcj12at71-VEjnDSq88BXtMZoclIU775y4Gpc34G1tioDAqf5BPeJ77zZz0ZPJbxP_yKh2D7Qc6R7TRxgN3XutSSdaM5SQNqnmP4I/s200/IMG_3798.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-80553097038447692342013-08-09T14:08:00.000+01:002013-08-09T14:08:39.815+01:00My first proper go at recyled refashioning!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Sorry, I seem to have forgotten about blogging recently - it's been nearly three weeks since my last post!! Where has all that time gone?! I'm not sure what I've been doing, other than eating, working a a little bit of knitting (a post to follow...). Here's one of my backlogs in the meantime.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHb4788Gj_u2TWMNroS9lLGDo-Yy5Z2GdKu-IF6guv2nn8501qRbNOizq_noAaJNhz_R27jxBINcN9hu-RIaKNjmuAf15u0vsOZHIsjae72pc-Vw6IbQKi26sP4dtpAHYwMiqPssQqks/s1600/IMG_3751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHb4788Gj_u2TWMNroS9lLGDo-Yy5Z2GdKu-IF6guv2nn8501qRbNOizq_noAaJNhz_R27jxBINcN9hu-RIaKNjmuAf15u0vsOZHIsjae72pc-Vw6IbQKi26sP4dtpAHYwMiqPssQqks/s200/IMG_3751.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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You may remember <a href="http://tybalt-king-of-cats.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/my-new-sewing-area-eek.html" target="_blank">this post</a> from
last year when I tarted up my so-called sewing area (aka the window seat
in the lounge). I chopped up the floor length curtains and used the
offcuts to make littler curtains to hang under the window seat, mainly
to hide all our junk, although my sewing machine also resides there. I
have to be oh so careful not to whack it around too much for fear of
damaging it - so far I've been a very good girl!<br />
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Anyway,
I had about a metre/metre and a half left over which has sat in my
stash for a good six months or more so I thought I'd make a skirt out of
it. I've been after a brown skirt for a while. Btw, have you noticed a
brown theme to pretty much <i>everything</i> I make? If it's not brown itself, then it will go with something that is!</div>
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Initially I thought about making another Cambie skirt, but actually, I've been hankering after a proper pencil skirt after seeing some crackers on t'web plus <a href="http://helenssewingadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Helen</a>'s amazing green one IRL. Guess which pattern I used? <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gerties-Book-Better-Sewing-Couture-style/dp/1584799919/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352755377&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Gertie's</a>? The <a href="http://www.afashionablestitch.com/pencil-skirt-sewalong/" target="_blank">Burda Jenny</a> used in Sunni's sewalong?</div>
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Nope, I went back to my TNT NL6483 and just modified it a bit! (<i>Boring</i>, some might say...)</div>
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The length of the curtain piece was about right for what I had in mind - a longer, midi finish instead of knee length and the best part was that it was already hemmed!!</div>
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I added pockets as per all my NL6843s (using instructions from Megan Nielsen's Kelly skirt) and made the skirt a little more tapered than the pattern suggested. Unfortunately I think I must have overdone it a bit as I couldn't actually walk to start off with...! So I went back and put a slit in the back using the very traditional method(!) of opening up the centre back seam and just folding it back a touch before stitching it down. It works, so don't judge me!</div>
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My only tiny little regret is that I probably should have made it half an inch bigger round the waist. And this is after letting out the two extra little darts I've been putting into every skirt I've made from this pattern! Don't get me wrong, I haven't put on weight to thicken my waist and the fit is actually perfect but it <i>feels</i> a little snug, even though it isn't. Does that even make sense? Maybe it's all in my head?</div>
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Well anyway, here's to another work appropriate skirt.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Scuse the wrinkles!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-4314532718920436952013-07-22T15:52:00.000+01:002013-07-27T16:15:08.584+01:00Another floral top, madam? Yes please!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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When I went to the rag market in mid May with my "<i>ami francais</i>" <a href="http://atelier-de-flossy.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Katie</a>, I spotted some viscose that I really liked the look of but because of time pressures, I didn't get a chance to purchase. Well, I kept thinking about it for a few days and then decided I had to go back and get some. Luckily there was some left! (In fact, there was still some left when I attended the bloggers' meetup where, funnily enough, <a href="http://charliesayssew.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Charlotte</a> got some too!)</div>
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I now wished I had bought enough for a dress but at the time I only got 1m as I had a top in my head. I do need more tops though, so I suppose it's a good thing. Plus it only cost £3!<br>
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I didn't really have a proper plan for this top so I winged it and used the pattern for the Lydia pattern sans sleeves. Except I totally forgot that the pattern was meant for knit/jersey fabrics and forgot to factor that in so it's a bit more fitted at the hips than I intended! Luckily, I'll mainly be wearing it tucked in so no-one'll notice.<br>
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Oh and I may have cut the fabric upside down...Can you tell?<br>
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It'll do tho. I French seamed the entire thing and used self binding on the neck and armholes.</div>
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I made it ages ago, well before my holiday, so it's had quite a bit of wear now. It's in regular circulation for work, mainly paired with the cream Cambie skirt in the photo, but it also looks cool with a pair of shorts and flip flops on hols! </div>
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Phew, one unblogged item down, another bajillion to go! </div>
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Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-16330531088158724072013-07-21T18:04:00.002+01:002013-07-21T18:04:38.858+01:00A few more Kenya safari photos for anyone that's interested<div style="text-align: justify;">
Look away now if</div>
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a) you don't like animals</div>
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b) you are expecting sewing related stuff!</div>
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Apologies for the photo-heavy post but pictures speak louder than words...</div>
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I think it's safe to say my favourites were the cats!</div>
Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-54337482031433283792013-07-18T13:21:00.000+01:002013-07-18T13:21:00.538+01:00It's too hot, I'll have a Sorbetto please!<div>
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Nothing that interesting or impressive - just a very quick make on my day off earlier this week. I needed to do some sewing after two weeks of lazing about in the sun in Kenya...</div>
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The fabric is the last little bit left over from some that I bought at the Brum meetup. The main make from it hasn't been blogged about yet as I haven't got round to taking photos.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwynid1RnutFJwo35N74K_t5wkLcZCU3gmDkeFfFfFWIj98yxWHIBcVEQGjPqWu5Cr2ojb7_l9vZITonBaVlmsfNJ-OX10m_6kPA1w6_SlHdVeZpOBdCaCZ6sPWPZSch-aaus5OoChNDo/s1600/IMG_3726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwynid1RnutFJwo35N74K_t5wkLcZCU3gmDkeFfFfFWIj98yxWHIBcVEQGjPqWu5Cr2ojb7_l9vZITonBaVlmsfNJ-OX10m_6kPA1w6_SlHdVeZpOBdCaCZ6sPWPZSch-aaus5OoChNDo/s200/IMG_3726.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why does my nose look so big in this?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm not sure why the neck is so big - I didn't change anything about the pattern since I last made it. Hmm, mystery. (Well, it could be the fabric I suppose)</div>
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Anyway, that's it for now. I have at least another two or three things to photograph from weeks ago (but am feeling too lazy) and a massive list of to do's. This heat has zapped all my energy. All I want to do is sit. Still, I'm not complaining - I'd much rather this than the cold!</div>
</div>
Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-11764922039494956502013-07-14T10:05:00.000+01:002013-07-14T12:53:35.455+01:00Miles and miles of bloody Africa...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMKFx6kPBDBNsRLvI3jiHjdqinFkmqLDNTgSQs7MRo1plV0ABF_SjYKimBjQjXn-HHzshS2qYvYtVmLzf6Y1zVD0YjyeG6x7INspJFGZn1_UP67VzPLPOlxHszrSOaW1-pXrK-iQvR6M/s1600/IMG_3697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMKFx6kPBDBNsRLvI3jiHjdqinFkmqLDNTgSQs7MRo1plV0ABF_SjYKimBjQjXn-HHzshS2qYvYtVmLzf6Y1zVD0YjyeG6x7INspJFGZn1_UP67VzPLPOlxHszrSOaW1-pXrK-iQvR6M/s200/IMG_3697.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dofu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First of all, thank you for all the lovely comments on my last post and sorry I haven't responded to anyone else's posts for the last two weeks. You see, I've been on holiday - on safari to Kenya!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>And it was bloody brilliant!</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZJkUFk7me_fzApbEFXPtBfVVoHjQBr3uvQsBau8MFy1cjrm3BRg0nmmR4nqSADj8yds394BEXX-rJywMVMSuXg67SZoirYq0xNxvET9gyg2S-Z_hSBMzsJAhup23zOS0f2xZyobzKgM/s1600/IMG_3698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZJkUFk7me_fzApbEFXPtBfVVoHjQBr3uvQsBau8MFy1cjrm3BRg0nmmR4nqSADj8yds394BEXX-rJywMVMSuXg67SZoirYq0xNxvET9gyg2S-Z_hSBMzsJAhup23zOS0f2xZyobzKgM/s200/IMG_3698.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simba</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I took mainly me-made items to wear for the entire trip. In the few weeks before we went I scrambled around making loads of lightweight summer tops to wear with shorts in the daytime and I took a handful of dresses for the evenings.</div>
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But guess what? I was so captivated by the scenery and animals that I only got ONE photo of me wearing anything me-made. Yes, one measly photo, that isn't very good...you can't even see the wildebeest in the background!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSn97IdSGnvaSRGNcwhE-cmvjvW-w5sX3JwJwrio0HxaxkW74hvU7or_Jovb5XaqvtrDs5MgnkKLE6i6oSE3rPQtN3Uk9XwosjBY5lB1BZJVwTJVZHK5c4afcNUIQh78l7NrhEdbBRl4/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSn97IdSGnvaSRGNcwhE-cmvjvW-w5sX3JwJwrio0HxaxkW74hvU7or_Jovb5XaqvtrDs5MgnkKLE6i6oSE3rPQtN3Uk9XwosjBY5lB1BZJVwTJVZHK5c4afcNUIQh78l7NrhEdbBRl4/s200/IMG_3707.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T shirt made with leftover<br />
butterfly fabric</td></tr>
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Anyway, despite the lack of sewing-related photos, I had a fantastic time. We went to a fair few different game parks and nature reserves all over Kenya and got to see loads of animals and birds. The game drives were awesome!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZvXgOWchHNYgUG49VSjCfzCCmWhMSnTKA3gan137v4KW_BjhuXem0d6ErGLGPiGeqplDouG__KTnHIaEnqKRYy2F4sGOOudlrGGo2M1Gnilwn47a6QyoU77WyROCZxdfha2oklG2VHo/s1600/IMG_3699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZvXgOWchHNYgUG49VSjCfzCCmWhMSnTKA3gan137v4KW_BjhuXem0d6ErGLGPiGeqplDouG__KTnHIaEnqKRYy2F4sGOOudlrGGo2M1Gnilwn47a6QyoU77WyROCZxdfha2oklG2VHo/s200/IMG_3699.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant train</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I don't have the "official" photos yet (we had one proper camera between all of us) so here are just a selection of some that I took with my iPhone camera. We were lucky enough to see all of the Big Five (elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and even the elusive leopard!)</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNayF5iYdLRASufFaMCMxyCEk2oHrjy6lv3e1ffbTxhgCZaonopSFAJVdAcTaHF9_jMNx2CYGHc9oCoB_Sy6-x1tCicMZbq1snMjGVS41Ffpju7Alcd3LtazxL7LpevpqOd7UC0iDU0Y/s1600/IMG_3704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNayF5iYdLRASufFaMCMxyCEk2oHrjy6lv3e1ffbTxhgCZaonopSFAJVdAcTaHF9_jMNx2CYGHc9oCoB_Sy6-x1tCicMZbq1snMjGVS41Ffpju7Alcd3LtazxL7LpevpqOd7UC0iDU0Y/s200/IMG_3704.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Great Rift Valley</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGou0Wv6MqQMdzN90r2tW0FtPLu00UbZdv9t5GA8YLqwyaTR9fPlVfjn9cCjGYUubQS6BGWLHUgRH434NKWbHHQRq-DR94eH_nyJ_zC6QxLM_llMEclPwrjVDIqAwWSQ9sKUBXWhdjOJE/s1600/IMG_3703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGou0Wv6MqQMdzN90r2tW0FtPLu00UbZdv9t5GA8YLqwyaTR9fPlVfjn9cCjGYUubQS6BGWLHUgRH434NKWbHHQRq-DR94eH_nyJ_zC6QxLM_llMEclPwrjVDIqAwWSQ9sKUBXWhdjOJE/s200/IMG_3703.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sausage tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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One of the highlights was getting stuck out in the bush in the middle of a game drive, in the middle of nowhere! We had to get out of our minibus and help dig out the sand from under the van then push with all our might to get it going again. It was exhilarating, especially knowing that there were wild animals that could attack us at any moment!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqDrtyX991HghIr-tBhjZ_aTtxbtpWQQzNYGM4MidXrIFaIQwVD_3yBZCIuiTiVz2a3bTJRemwQ561KdbJhifRJKZDAGATpLuuOrf8uYJq9Unt7M5a1reOsWy5-aRt4AZC8JqRBJ7dtU/s1600/IMG_3705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqDrtyX991HghIr-tBhjZ_aTtxbtpWQQzNYGM4MidXrIFaIQwVD_3yBZCIuiTiVz2a3bTJRemwQ561KdbJhifRJKZDAGATpLuuOrf8uYJq9Unt7M5a1reOsWy5-aRt4AZC8JqRBJ7dtU/s200/IMG_3705.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Sabs making himself useful</td></tr>
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And here's a photo to prove that I did take some crafting with me. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7DLUZs-QAnzJ0NeKao5N1tDPdfWXVkwUqNgpzWuNavMKcEt83DL7fRKPA39xC8gegLnrH4dKJ-kfLAxoEVosHrGtQYomd76GkHmicku1pLmQKO2jQkIwsQAX3d1AJrvU_fduArvCtFc/s1600/IMG_3706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7DLUZs-QAnzJ0NeKao5N1tDPdfWXVkwUqNgpzWuNavMKcEt83DL7fRKPA39xC8gegLnrH4dKJ-kfLAxoEVosHrGtQYomd76GkHmicku1pLmQKO2jQkIwsQAX3d1AJrvU_fduArvCtFc/s200/IMG_3706.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing my knitting beside the pool</td></tr>
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I'm now going to spend the long but enjoyable task of reading through all the blog posts that I've missed while I've been away. Enjoy the sunshine everyone!<br />
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**Edited to add**<br />
<br />
I forgot - I bought some fabric in Nairobi! I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't the huge amount of fabric that I was expecting in the markets but I liked the bright blue of this one. It's not wax fabric but printed cotton and I'm thinking it will make a nice dress with a border hem...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTafo7ewIWiijTUGaP4Mm_9BWf6NmMoP4-arMGXgIY6GV25D8SIa_wp-DnhDDB31DaL9Ot4M534AiYv-a4mn1mKcO_BCdMflTgCHM-8LOH5NTIRr-J3R7R_33xB09m3H5ysDQdsYDtI9A/s1600/IMG_3709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTafo7ewIWiijTUGaP4Mm_9BWf6NmMoP4-arMGXgIY6GV25D8SIa_wp-DnhDDB31DaL9Ot4M534AiYv-a4mn1mKcO_BCdMflTgCHM-8LOH5NTIRr-J3R7R_33xB09m3H5ysDQdsYDtI9A/s200/IMG_3709.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-68895162085897913462013-07-06T09:37:00.000+01:002013-07-06T09:37:00.318+01:00Ma deuxieme Robe Sureau: The Dragonfly Dress<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdH12U1R0jn7UCgKrKBfXMQsgRmZV29HgUnAHt_qPgphygGeShzD8IJo4K57TCdc4QBGoRqAqLKKLA_ESpeiggyK9ceNswaLrbJ50C41IqA2kSWEtzwMpx7Fi-f2WQqaqC-Rpgiifs3I/s1600/IMG_3438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdH12U1R0jn7UCgKrKBfXMQsgRmZV29HgUnAHt_qPgphygGeShzD8IJo4K57TCdc4QBGoRqAqLKKLA_ESpeiggyK9ceNswaLrbJ50C41IqA2kSWEtzwMpx7Fi-f2WQqaqC-Rpgiifs3I/s200/IMG_3438.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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And I don't even like creepy crawlies!</div>
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But I fell in love with <a href="http://www.fabricinspirations.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2efabricinspirations%2eco%2euk%2f&WD=dragonfly&PN=Japanese_Dragonfly_Blue%2ehtml%23a5908#a5908" target="_blank">this fabric</a> and had been eyeing it up for a while. <i>Then</i> I had lunch with my friend a few weeks ago - and I screamed at her, "Anika, you're wearing the dress I want to make!" She'd only gone and turned up in a dress with a very similar pattern but larger (and green) dragonflies and my mind was made up, I had to have it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBWPiomIgozGdp_f6MKw8YXfFnDyYjUMDiV6epDQbTf2HnaREzmhEnB6mUGsAkPk4lBlH6b582qDkcbCGiY-eIFginYnq2Oyo81RDsQSNLsuP0GzGqo68eZW8XKSQktKlpmY6vo7VEo0/s1600/IMG_3439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBWPiomIgozGdp_f6MKw8YXfFnDyYjUMDiV6epDQbTf2HnaREzmhEnB6mUGsAkPk4lBlH6b582qDkcbCGiY-eIFginYnq2Oyo81RDsQSNLsuP0GzGqo68eZW8XKSQktKlpmY6vo7VEo0/s200/IMG_3439.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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I knew straightaway that it was to be another Sureau. But no sleeves this time. Initially I thought I would leave it sleeveless altogether but in the end, I preferred it with cap sleeves, yet again using the Washi dress pattern. That reminds me, this is part of <a href="http://macskakat.wordpress.com/indie-pattern-month/" target="_blank">Indie Pattern Month</a>, celebrating all the wonderful independent companies out there. Go and have a look at what everyone has been sewing up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtCObafSlV_j0fEXBv8KwSwDLBKUaurrV1X5VU2Lh4nJOgjAVfbaaswb1vSaOjgi9mMIfwk17RMo9klJpaoQKsROggznU4WpJaa2W5_2xX3KkvVhajsmmHzqsV7FC1q7y9Zbk2valvTA/s1600/stormtrooper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtCObafSlV_j0fEXBv8KwSwDLBKUaurrV1X5VU2Lh4nJOgjAVfbaaswb1vSaOjgi9mMIfwk17RMo9klJpaoQKsROggznU4WpJaa2W5_2xX3KkvVhajsmmHzqsV7FC1q7y9Zbk2valvTA/s1600/stormtrooper.jpg" /></a></div>
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Oh yeah, I lengthened the ends of the sleeves to make them fit the armscye better - and ended up with Stormtrooper shoulders!! As I couldn't be bothered to unpick everything and make them smaller (lazybones like you wouldn't believe, me), I just put a little pleat in each sleeve and hand-tacked it down. I don't think you can tell tho so that's another trick up my sleeve for future reference (pun well and truly intended!)</div>
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The second boo boo was adding an extra 2-3cm to the centre back of the bodice to accommodate the zip and realising too late that the neck was a bit gapey. Again, laziness took too string a hold so I added a couple of pleats to the back neckline which seems to have righted the problem. Phew!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnf19HKfERKdhR0EazYQlhq0i8BntICPPF-nZ7ZGrVeK_XysOYwt2aUjTAtLJrcPq20fjvqYQaRJOxI5VD97dea7fnHjOV_T39skjNZVbPdbnDR_NWZ-xBbzqI6NCSskBGCsZ576LbPw/s1600/IMG_3442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnf19HKfERKdhR0EazYQlhq0i8BntICPPF-nZ7ZGrVeK_XysOYwt2aUjTAtLJrcPq20fjvqYQaRJOxI5VD97dea7fnHjOV_T39skjNZVbPdbnDR_NWZ-xBbzqI6NCSskBGCsZ576LbPw/s200/IMG_3442.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basking in the sun...</td></tr>
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The only(!) changes were:</div>
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1. Pockets again</div>
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2. Zip in the back, not the side</div>
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3. Cap sleeves</div>
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4. Lengthening the bodice by an inch and adding an inch or two to the skirt (so I can wear it to work without feeling too leggy)<br />
5. Omitting the front buttons - altho I may still add them later, not sure yet </div>
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The pockets are an homage to my first Sureau, using up the last of the leftover fabric.<br />
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The fabric, actually a quilting cotton, is not at all stiff or rough (I was a bit worried seeing as I bought it online and hadn't had the chance to feel it up) and the dragonflies are really cute and not too big and scary.<br />
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I love, love,<i> love</i> the finished result! Great to wear as a summer dress (the photos are taken at RHS Rosemoor on a glorious day when I wore it for the first time) but warm enough in the winter with tights, boots and a cardi. Perfect!</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I heart the Sureau!</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-92200024481982134092013-06-28T11:39:00.000+01:002013-06-28T18:23:36.656+01:00Re{sew}lutions DONE!<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the end of last year I made <a href="http://www.tybalt-king-of-cats.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/new-year-but-not-new-me.html" target="_blank">three resolutions</a>. I later added an extra one for Karen's jar (finishing all my seams). I've been steadfastly sticking to my plan. So far, so good. But there was one that I hadn't really addressed...</div>
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Well, I can officially say that last Thursday I ticked off the final one - I learnt how to knit!</div>
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I persuaded my friend Tian (who is my brother-in-law's girlfriend) to come along to a <a href="http://www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk/workshops/learn-to-knit-chunky-wrist-warmers" target="_blank">beginner's workshop</a> held by none other than Lauren of the Sewing Bee at her store, <a href="http://www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk/" target="_blank">Guthrie & Ghani</a>. There were five of us so it meant we got loads of one-on-one teaching and could take it at a really slow pace. Which was perfect as we all got a bit confused at one point or another!</div>
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I had actually been taught how to knit before, years ago when I was very little by my aunt. But I hadn't kept up with it and reading through the knitting book I got for Christmas just left me feeling clueless. It all started coming back to me though once Lauren went through it. Her method was great - she made us stand behind her and copy exactly what she was doing so that we could get all the hand and wrist movements. Then it was practice practice practice!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at all that yarn in the background!</td></tr>
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We learnt all the basics - how to cast on, the knit and purl stitches, casting off and seaming. The aim was to make chunky wrist warmers so we utilised what we learnt to do some ribbing and stocking stitch. (Get me, all down with the terminology!) All this while drinking tea and dunking biscuits. Although not too much chatting as we were <i>way</i> too busy concentrating on getting our moves correct!</div>
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Oh, by the way, I gave up a works night out to go to this, much to the amusement of my junior doctors, who told me I was turning into a boring granny. <i>Whatever</i>!</div>
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Here's what I did during the evening. Yes, it took me three hours, but <span style="color: #6aa84f;">look!</span> I'm knitting! I can't tell you how excited that makes me. If you look closely you'll see that I put some, ahem, extra design features into the ribbing. It was deliberate, that's all I'm saying.</div>
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And we all got to take home our chunky bamboo needles and yarn so that we could finish off our wrist warmers at our leisure. I tell you, if you take into account the whopping <i>ma-hoo-sive</i> needles, the ball of Italian wool and three hours worth of teaching, £30 is a bargain! I know a lot of sewists already knit but I would urge anybody who doesn't but who is thinking about it to go along to Lauren's class, it's well worth it. I'm planning on taking everything with me when I go on safari later this year to keep me busy when we're travelling between the different camps. Not, I hasten to add, while I'm out on the game drives, I'm not crazy, people!</div>
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Talking of safaris, I bought a satchel to take with me. My hubby said he wanted a new messenger bag as his canvas one was on its last legs so I couldn't pass up the opportunity either! I've always wanted a leather satchel and I've been looking at all the lovely ones on t'interweb - but as much as I loved their shiny looks, they looked a bit <i>new</i> and I wanted old school. So when I discovered <a href="http://www.scaramangashop.co.uk/" target="_blank">Scaramanga</a>, I knew that was it! I bought the mini wide satchel (they have loads of different styles and sizes). It has a distressed leather finish which makes it look a bit battered, as if I've owned it for years. A vintage look, shall we say. It's fabulously made with lots of pockets and a nice green canvas lining (my hubby's lining is a brilliant bright turquoise!) They're not made in the UK, which is a bit of a shame, but I suppose for me it's the next best thing, India, as that's where my ancestry hails from. The only frustrating thing is that Mr Sabs has banned me from using it until the safari. Gutted. <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I'm already thinking I may have to buy one of their smaller satchels to use as a handbag!</span></div>
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I'll leave you with a completely unrelated photo of Mini trying to get my attention from our apple tree. The little rascal.</div>
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Ps just to let you know, I wasn't approached by or have any affiliations with Scaramanga, in case anyone thought I was asked to write a review or something, I just love my new satchel!</div>
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Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-2599326953208216992013-06-22T20:14:00.000+01:002013-06-22T20:14:44.515+01:00Chasing butterfliesMy very first attempt at PJs as part of the Pyjama Party sewalong over at <a href="http://didyoumakethat.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Did You Make That</a>!<br />
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The fabric I found at the rag market in Brum priced at a bargain £1.50 a metre is a supersoft cotton jersey. </div>
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This was only my second time sewing with jersey. This time, instead of using the stretch stitch on my machine, I decided to just use normal straight stitching but with jersey needles. I played around with the tension and the stitch length and made sure I stretched the fabric as I was sewing and it turned out fine - <i>much</i> better than the stretch stitch on my first jersey top.</div>
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I didn't use the Tofino pattern recommended by Karen. It looks great but I didn't get my arse in gear in time so I opted to draft my own pattern for the bottoms using an old pair of PJs and following an online tutorial at <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2012/12/shirred-voile-pajama-pants-diy-tutorial.html" target="_blank">noodlehead</a>. I really wanted to do the shirring at the back but my machine and the jersey had a major fall out so in the end, I used normal 1.5" wide elastic and followed <a href="http://www.themotherhuddle.com/tutorial-how-to-make-a-knit-waistband/" target="_blank">this tutorial</a>. Oh and I French seamed the life out of the whole thing to make it look and feel nice on the inside.</div>
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For the top, I used the Burdastyle Lydia T shirt pattern again. I really like it, it's a good fit and very easy to assemble. As before I didn't use facings but put a binding around the neck. And French seamed the entire top as well - the jersey was definitely thin enough to accommodate it without being too bulky.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhky2yYb3NlfpIdBheJe7CJqzpgB-KGXuC17eK85SJNp4WAi8Wa8DtT_-Tc1kTbGdMhSiHzO2oXK0CzPbaBxPTy2mKYyWvhlmRqgoEOs679L6tHr_bS_UoF-aJZhuGe0k5Ulcq9En8lZwI/s1600/IMG_3453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhky2yYb3NlfpIdBheJe7CJqzpgB-KGXuC17eK85SJNp4WAi8Wa8DtT_-Tc1kTbGdMhSiHzO2oXK0CzPbaBxPTy2mKYyWvhlmRqgoEOs679L6tHr_bS_UoF-aJZhuGe0k5Ulcq9En8lZwI/s200/IMG_3453.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPW7B2JjZeUAqdVKXSZr03i-N_xLHbZ2JQkwLmTgUrf9uvZy2BWz_CX4XiJSWqbQjXu2iW1ZJZbbceWIzKzUv9WE_Kh6CvKh-KXC7QvuG66l69W2PQdhlt388kZ-P2h_5Xuue_w5HBlU/s1600/IMG_3450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPW7B2JjZeUAqdVKXSZr03i-N_xLHbZ2JQkwLmTgUrf9uvZy2BWz_CX4XiJSWqbQjXu2iW1ZJZbbceWIzKzUv9WE_Kh6CvKh-KXC7QvuG66l69W2PQdhlt388kZ-P2h_5Xuue_w5HBlU/s200/IMG_3450.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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So there it is, my first PJ mission complete and, as my friend Katie pointed out, my first pair of trousers! I know they're not <i>go-out-in-the-street trousers</i>, but still!<br />
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I'm excited to see what others have made. Hop over to Karen's blog tomorrow morning to find out... Did you make any?!Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-53652626020898532772013-06-16T18:13:00.002+01:002013-06-19T13:18:56.113+01:00The best meetup ever!<br />
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Yesterday, I went to my first ever sewing bloggers' meetup. As it was local (Brum) I went into town on the bus, something I haven't done in ages.</div>
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I was gobsmacked at the number of girls that turned up - there was about 25 to 30 of us altogether! I was a bit nervous about it to be honest, I'd never done anything like this before where I met up with random strangers to go on a shopping spree. It didn't help that my hubby said to me as I walked out the door, "you're really brave to do this"....</div>
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But I needn't have worried! Everyone was so lovely. It was so weird knowing some of the girls from following their blogs but not really <i>knowing</i> them, you know what I mean?</div>
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We started off at Barry's - I was fairly restrained, spending a total of <i>under</i> £20:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcZJA8fmpPVzIoIYxZxwRN4tMW78grl7Ny_RA5MK59y6LEM5gvMUN3GB7hwf8YkwkSxOFvrzffVB2_MS8HHWaXMcXJJ0J9zje604ljwAoLidQLH6-aqHEG-QgaOcd5nVmS47nTwUMXm4/s1600/IMG_3474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcZJA8fmpPVzIoIYxZxwRN4tMW78grl7Ny_RA5MK59y6LEM5gvMUN3GB7hwf8YkwkSxOFvrzffVB2_MS8HHWaXMcXJJ0J9zje604ljwAoLidQLH6-aqHEG-QgaOcd5nVmS47nTwUMXm4/s200/IMG_3474.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Clockwise from top left: dark teal ponte knit (copying <a href="http://theamazingtaracat.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Jo</a>), mystery chiffon-y print for a top, maroon heavyweight polyester (I think) for a work dress and grey suiting for my next sewing class project. The reason it was all so cheap was that that the print was £2 for 1m and the maroon fabric was £2 for 2m!</div>
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Then, after a thorough soaking, we made it to Cafe Soya for a delicious lunch, followed by an awesome mega swap!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could only get half of the group in!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWEUs4k9mDNpeO1kczh2pvIyipVv7QPMRrOMVHkQS_ZWarK1NjOK6l6yydtqdGM8qrbMe4wjs_JcaOvT3ZI08c1C-GxWYS5BOOaBFfDf0JWI5iTXnPTX6ISDR4f5tgKgnrZfZpPDd0oA/s1600/IMG_3471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWEUs4k9mDNpeO1kczh2pvIyipVv7QPMRrOMVHkQS_ZWarK1NjOK6l6yydtqdGM8qrbMe4wjs_JcaOvT3ZI08c1C-GxWYS5BOOaBFfDf0JWI5iTXnPTX6ISDR4f5tgKgnrZfZpPDd0oA/s200/IMG_3471.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFW-JORMvAI8QEPYLsktZJ2EKkbgCgYuqTVJ6fLvfRsQ13MEwe_UqRPkwRJJbx0V7AzpOBVdSLW5nvnm7Bq8yRivpo_nlOzdCepxdlgti5yJKep-ECsIQN6EqB4X3JM1vWNkz-Wtkw54/s1600/IMG_3470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFW-JORMvAI8QEPYLsktZJ2EKkbgCgYuqTVJ6fLvfRsQ13MEwe_UqRPkwRJJbx0V7AzpOBVdSLW5nvnm7Bq8yRivpo_nlOzdCepxdlgti5yJKep-ECsIQN6EqB4X3JM1vWNkz-Wtkw54/s200/IMG_3470.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Here are my spoils from the swap:</div>
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I couldn't decide between the two green fabrics on the left so in the end I took both (sorry, <a href="http://madewithhugsandkisses.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Hannah</a>!). I think there might be <i>just</i> enough to make (short) summer dresses (if the UK weather plays that is)...</div>
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After scoffing our faces, we roamed around the Rag Market (I only bought zips and knicker elastic here) and then everyone headed off home. But there was a little treat on departure - Claire had baked some amazing biscuits and brownies for the journey home, how thoughtful is that?</div>
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By the time I got home I was knackered so I just crashed on the sofa. I did, however, spend a little bit more money - <a href="http://almondrock.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Amy</a> wore her lovely green aeroplane dress and had brought along a remnant for the swap. I didn't take it but did have a little feel and it was oh-so-soft. I couldn't resist looking it up online, seeing that it also came in a dark orange and, well, click click.... oops!</div>
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So <span style="color: #6aa84f;">thank you thank you thank you</span> to <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kat</a>, <a href="http://www.astitchingodyssey.com/" target="_blank">Marie</a> and <a href="http://sew-incidentally.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Claire</a> for organising. I had the most amazing day, it was fantastic to meet so many people who share a passion for sewing and fabrics. Oh and can I just say, the handmade outfits were <i><b><u><span style="color: #6aa84f;">fabulous</span></u></b></i>!Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489231829948354237.post-28514394378266897272013-06-13T18:30:00.000+01:002013-06-13T18:30:01.672+01:00My new old thread box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhfDvw6km2nPQUz1a-qRPDOqeq-HalOX-anYr-mpiHiD4vMs3OetqUW4EGVYdETkO7Shk2cLSOBk45Q1I0v35V_JXS8SwAMAUpg_6pp0LduUMQvmCnjIqUaOUWv6R3xBugRAz7r2T8Jo/s1600/IMG_3444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhfDvw6km2nPQUz1a-qRPDOqeq-HalOX-anYr-mpiHiD4vMs3OetqUW4EGVYdETkO7Shk2cLSOBk45Q1I0v35V_JXS8SwAMAUpg_6pp0LduUMQvmCnjIqUaOUWv6R3xBugRAz7r2T8Jo/s200/IMG_3444.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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As part of my job, I have to sometimes visit the hospital Bereavement Office. I was there a little while ago, filling out a form, when I noticed a beautiful, old, wooden box on the desk. Being curious, I asked who it belonged to and was told that it was the property of a deceased patient that had been unclaimed for a long time. The hospital policy is that an item has to be left for a certain amount of time (I think 3 years) to give family an opportunity to claim it but after that it gets sold or discarded.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2Ccv_z1h48sSuZk-gM698OcBgUDdSeQeGldFJhF2MtXdJLS7EBL1PTD5kbxScaRJ5IIoIdNLpyluTnJuClx2pfmVh6OGso3ibjG70Srzcq4Mof9uORBQc9OG3mSK8DTS31r0kzd6IFw/s1600/IMG_3445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2Ccv_z1h48sSuZk-gM698OcBgUDdSeQeGldFJhF2MtXdJLS7EBL1PTD5kbxScaRJ5IIoIdNLpyluTnJuClx2pfmVh6OGso3ibjG70Srzcq4Mof9uORBQc9OG3mSK8DTS31r0kzd6IFw/s200/IMG_3445.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Well, as I left the office, I said casually to one of the clerks that I really liked it and would be very interested in it if no-one claimed it. Lo and behold, I got a phone call later that same day from the office manager to say I could have it for a small donation! Apparently everyone in the office had been admiring it over the years but no-one had expressed an interest in it until I came along...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merky trying to climb in</td></tr>
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...And the best thing? The clerks suggested a donation of £10. A tenner!! What a bargain. That £10 will go into the charity trust fund of my department (Acute Medicine) to put towards equipment or training. I know it doesn't sound like a lot but every penny helps.<br />
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There are no markings or labels to suggest who it belonged to or when it was made. Inside there was a single, enamelled, lapel pin/badge with two hearts and a crown. I gather this was something given to blood donors once they'd donated a certain amount of blood to the Blood Transfusion Service, probably originating from the 1960s, but I can't be certain as there aren't any markings on it.</div>
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So, what have I done with it? It's the perfect size to store my threads!</div>
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Sabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703598193765211309noreply@blogger.com9