The Christmas wrap-up

Hi everyone

I just wanted to say, quickly, that I hope you had a fantastic Christmas day and that you are recovering from the compulsory over-eating and drinking that often goes along with it.

I did get my Christmas dress finished in time - and I've got to say that I'm pretty happy with it.

Thanks Tilly for coordinating this great blog and thanks to everyone who inspired me with their handmade gift ideas. Count me in for next year!

Stitchybritt

Perfect Gifts for Fellow Sewists (inc Tutorial)

Today was my last day at college until the new year. I wanted to give my fellow dressmakers a little something. Some time ago, I'd stumbled upon this tutorial on Martha Stewart's fabulous site, and decided they'd be perfect. And they were. Cute AND quick.

I used some of the fabric left from my Christmas aprons, as it's such a pretty floral. I made up the pincushions as per the tutorial, substituting the "leaves" in Martha's version, for pretty vintage buttons on mine, top and bottom. I secured the buttons with the embroidery floss, wrapping the loose end around the thread shank and tucking it undeneath the button to finish it.

I wrapped them in some polka dot cellophane (from my local florist) tied with a white ribbon. If I do say so myself, they looked soooo cute. All done in one evening, whilst relaxing in front of the TV with a glass of Rioja! Thanks Martha! I rather fancy making a giant one of these for myself.....


Happy Christmas all, With Love & Best Wishes, Portia.xxx (Miss P)

Christmas Aprons......

Further progress on my Simplicity 2512 will have to be stalled while I knuckle down to sewing up a couple of little cuties for J's Mum & Nan for Christmas. From my stash I've dug out a lovely chambray for the main fabric and a Cath Kidson floral (which began life as a duvet cover!) for the contrast.

The pattern is Butterick, a collection of 1950's style pinnies that I bought about 2 years ago as a beginner project but never used. The final aprons will be a "fusion" of the styles on the envelope. A half apron, with a wide shaped waistband and ties, with 2 patch pockets, one floral and the other cut from the chambray but emroidered with each of their names.

I didn't like the shape of the waistband piece, so did a little re-shaping of my own. It's testament to what a bit of practice and training can do for your sewing confidence. When I bought this pattern I was too scared to even cut it out, let alone start adapting the design and reshaping the pattern pieces. Hopefully finish these tomorrow....

Oh Knickers!

I'll be honest, I attempted to make a pair of knickers from a pattern I had made in tutorial #1. They weren't great.  I thought they were so hateful, they went straight in the bin! The fabric was all wrong, it didn't compliment the lace, and I hadn't thought through what I needed to do before I dived in.

I did stick with it to the end though, and learnt some handy lessons for this attempt! I used different fabric, different lace and all in all I'm happy with my first second attempt. Plus, I can only improve with practice and I definately intend to make more! It's a fun, quick and satisfying project. Once I'd tweaked it a little.....and with the right fabric and lace would make a cute little Christmas gift. Perhaps with a matching camisole..... Tutorial here.....

Swirly dress success

Remember the party dress for my niece I shared with you last month?

Well I thought it would be nice to show some pics of the delighted recipient.  

I'm so pleased I took the trouble to make it for her.  Seeing her little face gives a different meaning to handmade gifts.  x

Party dress present

Hoorah, I've made my first Christmas present!  It's a twirly whirly party dress for my three-year-old niece Hannah and although it's not a secret present (she knows about it and chose the fabric) it is made from scratch by me so I thought I'd share it here.    

This was my first attempt at making children’s clothes from a pattern (I used New Look 6881) and the whole process was a pleasure from start to finish (see my blog).  If you've got a few dressmaking skills, then a handmade piece of clothing for a little girl is a good idea for a present.  It's completely unique and was actually pretty cheap to make because you need so little fabric.  It cost £3.50 a metre for the flowery fabric and £1.50 a metre for the lining fabric, even the zip was half price!  I can't WAIT to see photos of her wearing it at Christmas!  

The whole making your own presents business is definitely good for the soul.  Every time I look at that cute little dress I get a big smile on my face. x