Wendy's Week - Patterns & Packing

Hello, I hope you are having a great week and looking forward to the bank holiday that is just around the corner here in the UK (sorry if there's no holiday where you are I'm sure you'll have a lovely weekend anyway)! Thank you for all your get well wishes it's very kind of you all, I can confirm I am feeling much better now and have been super busy to make up for my much needed lazy spell last week!

~ Patterns & Packing ~

- 18th - 24th April -

Beautiful Spring Blossom // Officially a geek // Lots of new old knitting patterns
// A gift of sewing patterns // My Anderson Blouse // Packing for a trip

- Renewed my membership to the I.O.W Steam Railway. I haven't already made myself sound like a teenage boy what with Airfix kits and my love of sci-fi, I have gone one better and I am now a member of a steam railway too! OK, I've actually been on and off been a member from birth as my parents have been members since I think the 70s, but now that I have started regularly attending the annual 1940s weekend, it seemed only right to join up myself and help support them all year round, as nothing beats a steam train ride for a little bit of time travel!

- I went to the cinema! On Tuesday I went with my best friend Diane to see Disney's new version of The Jungle Book. It was great I won't lie I wasn't expecting very much but it was really good, it even had a couple of the original songs which was a nice surprise, my favourite character had to be Baloo played by Bill Murray, his voice was perfect for the part! How similar it is to the original cartoon I can't say as I have actually only ever seen the first half, due to it being the video of choice at Junior school for filling in the last day of term when we were all too demob happy to be expected to do any work which also meant it was always, without fail, turned off before it reached the end, so I know the beginning very, very well. The end? Well, that's still a mystery!

- I Bought some knitting patterns! My obsession with that Home Fires Fair Isle is still going strong and thanks to the amazing Liza from The Vintage Knitter I now am the proud owner of the original pattern (amongst a few others which I couldn't resist, see header photo)! I lucked out when found the original pattern on The Vintage Knitting Lady website so I knew it had to be mine. The original cast on and ribbing that I did for the jumper has turned out way too big so I will need to rip that back and start from scratch anyway though the pattern that I originally charted matches up perfectly, which means all I need to do now is work out how many stitches to add for a (much) bigger size and I will be ready to get started! If you are as besotted with ITV's Home Fires as I am, then do pop over to Liza's blog where she has created the most fabulous 'Home Fires: The Knitwear' post matching up the knitwear in the show with its original patterns, it is really wonderful and is making me want to add them all to my must-knit list!

The mini wheelie bin is a belated birthday present for my brother, if you have ever been to Liverpool you'll understand why!

- Started Packing for my trip Tomorrow I will be heading off up to Liverpool to meet my parents and brother, before flying off on Friday to Amsterdam for the bank holiday weekend! I need to stop for a second to appreciate the fact I have typed a sentence that has the word 'flying' in it without the usual stomach-churning terror, yes my nails are still bitten in anxiety, but the therapy I am taking is certainly starting to work! We are going to explore the city and to take a trip to the Keukenhof to see the tulips in bloom. I am really looking forward to our trip as it's somewhere I have wanted to visit for many years, especially the Keukenhof, as if it is in full blooming glory it should be really magnificent. Expect lots of pictures on my return!

- I was gifted some Vintage Sewing Patterns! Last week I got a message from one of my Facebook friends David, who I met (albeit virtually) through writing this blog over our shared love of the history of WWII's home front. He contacted me to ask if I would like some old sewing patterns that he had been given in a house clearance and were only going to be binned if he couldn't find a home for them, obviously, I snapped his offer up and so they arrived this week! They are fabulous, mostly they date from the 60s & 70s and most are in larger sizes, which is wonderful for us more curvaceous gals! I am honestly blown away by his kindness in thinking of me, it's really touching just how generous people can be, so with this in mind, once I am back from Amsterdam I will be hosting a giveaway so that I can pass kindness forward to you lovely lot, so watch this space!

- I finished my Sew Over It Anderson Blouse! As usual I could look happier about it in this photo, but honestly, I do really love it! I will write a more detailed/waffelsome post once I can get some better photos of it but it's done, I think it's great and I've already worn it twice! The fabric was a challenge at times, more so in the poor cutting out than in the sewing together, and basting the pieces before stitching worked a treat, thank you, Cate! It's by no means perfect, there are some dead wonky seams, but it has certainly given me the confidence to start on the dressing gown soon which is all I was really hoping for anyway, and now I have a bonus top to boot!

Have you any exciting or crafty plans for the bank holiday weekend?

Wendy x

My Pattern Pyramid Picks

Hello, remember me? No, well I don't blame you its been a while! 

I promised to show you what patterns I picked from Karen's Pattern Pyramid and here they are! I'd fully intended to show off my finished creations along with my pattern choices, but things haven't gone quite to plan on the sewing front, so rather than leave it another month, while I continue faffing, I figured I should just get on and show you so...



I had a real tough decision choosing, as you will be aware there are some lovely patterns in there so it took me some time to settle on my favorites. My plan to make my decision easier was to think more practically, ie. no more fancy evening dresses thank you, to go for styles I could see myself wearing every day and which would also be perfect for summer, with these criteria in mind I chose Style 2136 and Simplicity 9171.

I love 1960s styles, it's the simple lines and easy elegance of the era that appeals, so I was instantly drawn to Simplicity 9171 a cute late 60s shift dress with slightly fitted shape and a natty little jacket. As much as this is a practical choice, it does take me a little out of my comfort zone shape wise. My early 20 were spent slavishly trying to recreate 60's styles from the high street stores, but as much as I loved them I realised then, that some of the iconic 60s styles don't flatter my fuller figure especially when you're not fond of showing off your legs! But I decided it was time to have another dalliance with the 60s, this pattern has a bit more shaping than your average A-line (it was probably aimed at the older lady, but I am fine with that) so might do my curves a bit more justice and my sewing stash could really use a quick to make dress pattern (Ha-ha I'm currently still battling, my own fault not the patterns) which could be ready in a few hours and help to fill the gaps in my wardrobe, fingers crossed this will be the one to do the trick!



Style 2136 from 1977 is a lovely floaty tiered maxi skirt, I have long lusted over a pattern like this. 1970s fashions are where I tend to turn when the summer heat strikes as they are floaty, just that little bit glamorous and above all despite being made of  man-made fibers are able to keep you cool! I was really hoping to have made this pattern up to show you all by now, but I'm really struggling to find just the right fabric for it. I have nothing in my stash at the moment that will do the job or anything that even comes close to the amount of fabric needed, 7.5 yards for the maxi! There is also the small matter of re-sizing it, which as its essentially a tiered dirndl skirt should not be too difficult (as you will see in my next post I've gotten quite good at sewing dirndl skirts) at least that's what I am hoping anyway!

So these were my pattern picks, but don't forget, if you want a chance to win some patterns from the Pattern Pyramid and see some beautiful handmade creations then make sure you follow Helen's blog Sew Stylish as she will be showing off her choices and hosting the next leg of its journey soon!

Wendy x

Things To Make & Do - 1940s Turban

Today's post is a quick one, about an even quicker stash-busting sewing project

~1940s Turban ~

(Stash Buster)

Designed by: Mary Jane of Make Your Way Around Britain

Free Tutorial: Guardian - T-shirt Turban For Women

The tutorial does not require a pattern, but I find it easier to have a pattern to work from so I can note any adjustments for future makes. So I have created a PDF file which you can download HERE if you so desire!

Ingredients

T-shirt OR *A Light Weight Knitted OR Any Stretch Fabric

Scissors

Chalk or marking pencil OR a Printout of the PDF

Pins

Needle & Thread OR Your Trusty Sewing Machine

* I love the idea of using an old jumper or scarf for this project as it will create the look of a knitted turban without the many hours of knitting, just be sure to overlock/secure the cut edges to prevent it gradually unraveling.

Confession Time!
For the past 5 years of owning my sewing machine, I had no idea that A & B (see left) are stretch stitches for guess what, stitching on stretch fabrics!
What a Numpty! If it hadn't been for me moving some boxes out of the way of my little Pee monster, and finding the manual inside, I would have no doubt remained none the wiser for another 5 years. You probably already knew this, but just in case I'm not alone in my manual reading ineptitude, then is worth looking out for this stitch! It is not essential, but it certainly helps!

This project took no longer than 30 mins from cutting to finishing and it would have been quicker still if I had used a t-shirt with a lower edge seam already included rather than an off cut of stretch velvet which needed hemming.

The stretch stitch is great it takes a bit longer to do, due to the back and forth action of the needle, but it is worth it to have seams that move with the fabric, with no risk of them suddenly popping open under tension! I was so keen to use my new found knowledge that I totally forgot I have a big old head! So my first attempt with the (medium) measurements given was a bit too tight - headache inducing in fact, so I added an inch and a half, to the width and that did the trick.

Pleats at the back!
Since this photo, I've added an extra pleat to remove a bit more of the fullness that was sagging at the back and removed that pesky thread.

It is looser than perhaps it should be (bit more like a beanie) but much more comfortable, and I am only guessing here, but I would think, seeing as there was no lycra back in the 40s then the fabric turbans would have had to have been a slightly looser fit anyway, perhaps with a bit of elastic stitched somewhere to help it stay put!

I love my turban it is stylish enough for wearing out and about (especially in the autumnal weather) and perfect for hiding your hair whilst, cooking, cleaning or just slobbing about on the sofa! It's also a great way to use up old t-shirts, jumpers and scraps of leftover fabric, so I am sure I'll be making many more very soon!

Wendy x

The Vintage Pattern Files

Morning!

I think it is about time I told you all about a little blog which I have been working on over the last few months...

As the title suggests this is my attempt to create an on-line link library of free vintage knitting, crochet, and sewing patterns. The idea being, it will make it easier for you and me to find the perfect vintage pattern by having them all (I can dream) listed in one place. 

It is obviously going to be an ongoing project, as there will always be new patterns somewhere on the web to be added to the collection, but hopefully, it will be a useful tool for those of you who love vintage patterns and free stuff as much as I do!

If you have any links you would like to add or suggestions on how to make it more user-friendly I would love to hear from you, I will always ensure that you are credited :)

Wendy x

Happy New Year!

Before I launch head first into my waffling post, I just wanted to say a big Thank You to all the lovelies that commented on my last post! It means a lot that you took the time to so thank you very much indeed!

Well, it's well and truly 2012, I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas time and are enjoying the new year so far. I must confess to being struggling to get back into my pre-Christmas routine, of getting up at 5.45 each morning to get to work, after a week off and loads of lovely lie-ins!

So, back to Christmas, belated as this post is! Would you believe me if I said that in the real world I hate being late, I'm the kind of gal who turns up and hour early to an appointment rather than be a minute late yet in the blog- O-sphere I'm always running to catch up?!  Anyway, I travelled up to Liverpool to my parents for my Christmas holidays and had a really lovely and relaxing time, this has to have been the first year in a while that I have not been sick so I actually got to enjoy it!

My Folks Christmas Tree

One of the many windowsill snow scenes my Mum creates each year (Can you guess which little girl had a Sylvainain habit?!) We don't do understated decorating in our house!

We ate lots of fabulous food all cooked by Mum (I did offer to help!) Ate way too many chocolates and Worcester sauce flavour Twiglets (I have missed these) we also took our yearly family photo... of which my brother usually picks the one he looks best in and we look shocking then posts it on his Facebook page in a folder called "You can't Choose your family" Charming!! No different this year but at least I can post my favourite here!

Dad, The Brother, Me and Mum all of us looking vaguely respectable!

On Christmas eve my mum donated me a fabulous 40s style maxi dress which she made herself back in the 70s, it is such a lovely green with red and pink roses all over it, I was rather relieved that I fitted into it, as back then my mum was much more svelte than I am now, but luckily it was the perfect fit, and I have to confess I was much more excited about wearing said dress on Christmas day, than I was about opening my gifts!

....then we go and spoil it all!

So on to the gifts...

My brother gave me my very favourite album on vinyl and signed no less (eBay does it again) and an utterly fabulous Ukulele which I can't wait to have a proper go at playing.

My parents gave me some money (shall show you what I bought soon) and Land Girls on DVD! My Boyfriend gave me The Big Bang theory box-set (loove this show a bit too much!

and this amazing vintage-styled record player (which also plays mp3s and Cd's.) Finally, I can listen to all of the records I have been buying in the Charity shops!

Though I was not really at home for Christmas I still made an effort to decorate our little place, as The Boyfriend was staying behind to work. I went a bit wild making loads of paper snowflakes, my they are seriously addictive!

Just a few of the many snowflakes which adorned our home / Christmas Tree with Christmas Ted (A birthday gift from a few years ago lovingly made by Mum)

My Nan's old mirror looks great above a very 70s fireplace / My Mum made me this fabulous Angel Christmas sock for my Birthday!

I spent New years back home in London, oops Essex, with my lovely mum who came back down with me to spend New years together, we saw in the new year with Snowballs in very large glasses many more chocolates and then promptly went to straight to bed worn out from all the excess! (rock and roll I know!)

The only resolution I made was a bit different to the gym joining, salad-eating, nail-not-biting resolutions I usually make and never keep. This year I want to try and like myself a bit more and enjoy what already have, rather than looking inwardly for places to improve. Early last year I had counselling for my ongoing problems with panic attacks, one of the questions my counsellor put to me was " Give me three (positive) words that describe you?". Now I never realised before just how negatively I felt about myself, It genuinely took 20 mins for me to think of anything - Organised, generous and polite, in case you were wondering, still it's a pretty pathetic offering for 20 mins soul searching & ceiling gazing. It really made me think; it is so very easy to list your bad traits, we do it all the time, but listing the positives is hard and it really shouldn't be!

So for me this year it's going to be about appreciating the positives, what I do have rather than over analysing what I am lacking, and try to make each day a little bit special.  I loved this post by Retro Chick it really struck a chord, my lovely dad had major heart surgery last year which really shook our whole family. As trite as it sounds, it was a wake up call for us all to make more of an effort to spend time with each other and to enjoy every moment that we do, even the arguments, and it being my family there are always going to be plenty of those!

I could think of no better way to end this post than to leave you with Louis Armstrong, and a song which has been going around in my head on a loop whilst writing this!

Wendy x