Pink Panda Pyjama Party!

Hooray for brand new pyjamas! I had already been eyeing up this fantastic fabric from The Eternal Maker for some new PJs; it's called hidden panda!

Of course I used the new Sewaholic Tofino pattern. Toino is a great pattern this is; straight forward and pretty. My new jim-jams came together really quickly, despite my best efforts to screw them up. The phrase more haste less speed comes to mind.

I realised I would be away at the in-laws and a friend's wedding from 19-23 June. So I'd have to get ahead and have a blog post all sorted before we left. But it really is a good idea to buy the correct supplies. I couldn't find any piping cord in my local Hobby Craft so I left with some chunky braid thinking it would be fine.... guess what? not fine. My piping was a big fat mess, wonky and twisted. I only then realised it would probably be uncomfortable too. After a touch of internet shopping and a short wait I had some nice skinny piping cord and a brand new piping foot for my machine. Postage and unpicking time slowing me up a bit.

A piping foot has a two channels in the base to guide it over the piping cord, keeping your stitches even and close to the cord. In the end, I found my concealed zip foot worked even better as my piping was so skinny.

Based on my measurements, the finished garment measurements (so useful) and some existing pyjama pants, I cut a size 6. Existing pink panda print pyjamas no less! The only change I made to the pattern was to remove 4 inches of length from the legs, which at 5'1 is fairly standard for me. When I was finished I added contrast cuffs to the legs, just cutting a strip of fabric to to correct width. I really like how the cuff pulls it all together.

I'm very pleased with how they have worked out. I think I'll be needing another pair for the winter. Now, where can I get my hands on some panda print brushed cotton?!

Un-selfish sewing

A few of weeks ago I whipped up a couple of appliqué cushions. My friends' sweet girls were both turning one within a week of each other, time to put my fabric stash to work!  I made long quilted cushion covers and the cut down cushion pads to go inside.

I'm pleased to report that both mothers loved them. Charlotte and Emilia have yet to comment, fingers crossed they like them too!

Me-Made-May Results or my love for Scouts!

So with May behind us it's about time to see how it went. First up, the last batch of ropey selfies...

Clockwise from top  left;17/05/13; 18/05/13; 23/05/13; 30/05/13; 26/05/13, 25/05/13

The briefest hint of sunshine allowed me to wear my Darling Ranges dress, albeit with a vest, half slip, tights and (later) boots. Then I tested out a couple of yet-to-be-blogged tops; a cute Washi tunic made from a soft grey anchor print cotton and a pinstripe Scout with a self drafted peter pan collar. Next I wore my crabby Ginger. And finally my denim tulip skirt and beloved Liberty Scout to finish with.

What have I learnt? My pledge was to wear two me-made or refashioned garments a week, I make that at least 8 garments. I managed 14! Yay! I've also learnt that I really love a Scout T-shirt...

Scout-mania 

 ...and my yellow cardigan! I have fabric washed and waiting patiently to be made into another Scout. Looks like if it wasn't wearing a Scout it was a skirt, not bad for a jeans&tee sort of girl. Again I have some fabric lined up for another pleated knee length skirt. Well, if it aint broke..

The three occasions I didn't wear a Scout or knee length skirt are below, all of which were made in May, along with my peter pan Scout and refashioned silk Scout. I'm pretty pleased with my self, especially as of the clothes I've worn only four skirts and a top were made before May (and two of those just a week before!)

I have loved taking part, even though I couldn't commit to a garment every day, maybe next year. I have loved seeing what everyone has worn although my to-make list is as ling as my arm now!

Now I'd better get to bed, unless I just cut out my next Scout!