RAOK - March

I was thinking of what I would do this month for my RAOK as nothing had really sprung to mind so far. We had a big a clear out and I boxed up lots of bits for Fiji as a work mate of my husband is collecting items to send to friends and family put there but that didn't seem quite right as this was something we would have done anyway and my challenge was to do something we may not have done normally. I made a cushion, bag, skirt, bracelet and necklace for the PTA but again it didn't seem quite enough. Then while we were out today I managed to slip it in.

We were at a National Trust property completing the Easter Trail and had popped in the shop for ice cream. A man was asking about getting cashback or a cashpoint so he could get some money for his son to do the trail but he was told their was no cashpoint and no cashback option.

On a whim I gave him the money, he tried to protest but I just asked him to please take it but to do something nice for someone else when he could. He said he would, thanked me and took his son off to the start of the trail. Both the shop managed and cashier were taken aback by this but hopefully it might make them think of doing something for someone else one day.

I don't usually have a lot of change so this is not something I would normally be able to do but I am pleased that today on such a beautiful day I was able to complete my RAOK this month and make a little boy happy.

I hope everyone is enjoying the lovey weather this weekend. We certainly are.

Frozen fever

As the handful of you who visit on a regular basis will remember we went to America last summer to see some of my husbands family. And of course to shop for fabric. And I have slowly been working through our haul, various pj's for children and husband, skirts and dresses for madam and shirts for the boys. There is still a fair bit left and all the stuff for me that hasn't been used yet.

Yesterday during preschool I traced off the pattern for another free pdf dress, this is a cross over dress I found on Craftsy which goes from age 2-6. I traced off age 4 and hoped it would suffice. During naptime I got cutting, I decided after months of wondering what was the perfect pattern for Anna and Elsa I would just cut and hope. As it's reversible I choose a fabric I wasn't sure I was going to use that came in a bundle for the reverse, it's Michael Miller print. I actually really like it now. The pattern I had was very easy to make, similar to the Squashed Peas and Carrots one if you have seen that. And it didn't take long at all. I top stitched all around when closing and the thread ran out, luckily I had some very, very similar to finish off with. It doesn't photograph that well flat but she wanted to wear her 'Skellington' skirt today. (Which you may have read about before).

The front of the dress, looks like any A.line dress front really.

The back cross over part of the dress. Here you can see our Michael Miller lining, the Kams on this side are a matt green to coordinate with the fabric. 

She is very happy with the dress and so am I. More stash used not that you seem to see the difference in the pile. I may need a sewing marathon to get through it all.

How is your week progressing?

Labour of Love

When our friends asked us to be the only Godparents to their son we couldn't have been more flattered. And on a crazy whim I suggested that they asked all their guests to bring a piece of fabric and I would make a blanket for him as a memory of the day.

I went home with lots of fabric and no plan at all. A year and a half later and I have finally finished. It's by no means perfect, I have a lot to learn, but it was made with love.

So on to the next project. :)

Sewing for Summer

I haven't had the urge to do much recently, the weather, the amount of work to do on the house, the constant stream of expensive problems we have encountered. It's all been a bit much. But this week I had the inspiration to get going again. I joined a group on Facebook called Buy Nothing New. Now while I don't think I will actually BNN, I have been trying to find ways to spend less, well when the account is empty already you don't have a lot of choice really! I have made some incredibly tasty meals from what we had lying around while waiting for payday if I do say so myself. The challenge was actually kind of fun at times. And seeing the food disappear when you were a bit worried at the reception is always good. I have also been on a bit of a sewing spree for Madam's summer wardrobe, she has grown considerably since last year so while some of her things will still be useable more will be required, (supposing the sun ever starts shining, is it just me or is the grey and the wind and rain starting to outstay it's welcome).

My first make was a reversible flutter sleeve dress/tunic top. I traced off the 4-5 age as she is already in age 4 so 2-3 didn't seem a sensible option, it was a free PDF, forgive me I have looked at so many I am not 100% but I think it was from Craftiness is not Optional. The instructions were really easy to follow. The butterflies were from an unseen bundle I bought, a lady was selling on her bits and I took a gamble. I was lucky most of the fabric I received was lovely, I sold on two pieces I knew I would never use. The flowers were a length I had bought for another project years ago in a Rooftop Fabrics sale, but I never got around to using it. So many projects! The ribbon was in a bundle I was given sometime ago. As you can see it needs a good press but I was really happy with the end result and will definitely use this pattern again. It was admired by Madam but is a little big still.

 The second project was another free PDF, I believe this one was from I Sew, You Sew, again I found it via Pinterest. The simplicity appealed to me. It's a lovely A.line dress which looks so effective when completed. Four pattern pieces make it a super quick and easy sew which is great when in a stash busting mood. This fabric was also in a bundle I bought, though from another lady clearing out, again unseen, I love it, I was so pleased there was enough for this dress. The lining was a piece I was gifted and the KAM snaps were from the original purchase maybe 4 years ago now. I am in love with this dress. I plan on her wearing it with layers until the sun comes out to play. 

 My final make is again a free PDF, from It's Always Autumn, also to be found on Pinterest, (I have a board here full of sewing for girls. Pop over and take a look). It was my first attempt of pleats. Two pattern pieces, again a fairly simple sew but made more complex with the pleating and bias binding finish. It needs pressing now it's finished but I was pleased with the overall result. I hand covered a button for the closure as you can see on the second photo. The fabric was left from a skirt I made, the ribbon button hole was a gift, the self cover buttons a free gift a long time ago and the bias was from a roll I bought about 3 years ago, it's nearing the end now, I will have to start making my own. This pattern came with the option to make a top and instructions for an elasticated neckline as an alternative. I think I shall try the shorter elasticated version next.

 So that's what I have been up to this week.