Still Looking & Finding

Charity shop finds have been a bit thin on the ground of late. I have been looking, but there hasn't been much to buy. My Current Husband does occasionally mention that I neglect the 'Finds' part of my blog name, but if I'm not finding anything there's nothing to show!

Anyway, I went charity shopping with my friend a few weeks ago, and got a couple of vintage sheets:

They were excellently priced at £1 and £1.50 each. I do have a plan for these, which I really should put into action at some point. (Oh, how mysterious I am!).

Then last week I made a great find of vintage sewing and knitting patterns in a charity shop I often visit during my lunch. It has a vintage section which isn't too badly priced (though mostly full of 1980s wear) and often has sewing related things, including fabric. There was a box full of patterns which I've been through several times before, but also a new basket full of patterns - woo hoo!

The patterns were mostly for kids clothing but I got a few adult ones, and they were all only 29p each, what a bargain.

Some of the illustrations on the kids patterns were pretty creepy:

I won't show you the knitting patterns I picked up, since they will be used for an upcoming Pattern Monday. I have been relying on eBay to provide the last few Pattern Monday posts I've done, it's so long since I've found some appropriately terrible patterns to share with you. So you'll be pleased to know that my personal archive of heinous patterns is now growing again.

A couple of days ago I popped back into the same shop and found this sweet vintage crochet (?) collar, a snip at 29p:

I wonder if charity shop finds work seasonally, being better at the times of year when people are getting rid of things (like spring cleaning)? Maybe it doesn't make a difference too much, and you certainly never can tell when, or where, you'll find that next great thing. Such is the joy of charity shopping.

Have you found anything good recently?

K x

Finished: Happy Green Hippo

He's finished! A very happy looking green hippo:

Adding the face to a soft toy is always a little nerve-wracking - just a millimetre the wrong way and that cheerful smile looks sinister or unhappy. It's always worth taking the time to sew on the face carefully - my Current Husband thinks the hippo looks a little bit stoned but I think he looks cute.

This was an enjoyable knit from Susan B. Anderson's Itty Bitty Toys book, which I also used to make this rabbit in 2011:

 

There are lots of cute patterns in this book and as they are knit in the round that means less sewing up, which is always good news. It's not just soft toys like this in the book, but also sweet reversible toys, balls and stacking blocks, all items which are great to use up odds and ends of wool. I'd really recommend it if you're looking for some nice kids projects.

To make the hippo I used a varigated Knitpicks sock yarn which is held double and knits up to make a nice robust fabric. He's stuffed with regular toy stuffing and also some poly pellets in his body and a few in his hands and feet to give him a bit of weight and let him sit up. As such, he's a little heavy (and large!) for a young baby but perfect for somone a bit older.

As knitting my last cardigan had ground to a halt this was a great project to make knitting enjoyable again for me, and now I've got a new crochet project on the go too.

Have you tried knitting any soft toys?

K x

An easy but long overdue project

You know those projects that you keep thinking, 'I really must make that', but never quite get round to? This was one of those projects. I've been using this old make up bag to carry around assorted lady goods for some time. You know, painkillers, nail file, tampons, mirror etc. But look at the state of it:

No wonder it looks so bad, since I've had it for absolutely years. I think I got it for Christmas in about 1994, making it 19 years old. It was from Boots and was made in the UK (pretty sure all similar items would be made in China now) and I think it's interesting how the pattern has aged - it was printed with gold dots but these have started to wear away, making me think that whatever was used to print them was quite acidic, so it has eaten away at the fabric. Anyway, enough about my ancient make up bag - this is what I made to replace it:

The pattern I used is here and can be easily adjusted to suit the size of fabric and zip you have. I used a bit of ex-Liberty fabric I bought at Mandors a few years ago. It's some kind of poly which is perfect for bags and such.

I also treated myself to a new mirror from Buttoned Up and Pinned Down on Folksy:

It's also Liberty fabric but not only was it inexpensive (£3) but it arrived the day after ordering. I had originally wanted a vintage compact mirror but these are not cheap, and I didn't need one with a powder section anyway, which most seem to have. This mirror came in a little drawstring bag, so I don't need to worry about it getting scratched.

It's nice to have a decent looking purse that I'm not embarrassed to pull out of my handbag and it was very quick to make. It was also the first thing I made on my new machine too so was a nice easy project to allow me to get to grips with my machine.

K x

Pattern Monday #39 I Love Your Sexy Mittens

Bravo Sirdar for attempting to sex up a mitten photo shoot.

K x

Sew Grateful Giveaway Winners!

Thanks for all your entries for the Sew Grateful Giveaway. Without further ado, here are the winners....

Red fabric goes to:

House of Pinheiro!

Nautical fabric goes to:

The Amazing Taracat!

Ladies I will email you to get your postal addresses.

Happy Saturday everyone

K x

Out with the Singer, in with the Janome

I didn't realise I was so attached to my sewing machine until we fell out. I hadn't given it a name or anything, like some people do, although it had served me well from my beginner's steps in sewing three and a half years ago. It was a basic machine, picked up for £80 before I had even started sewing, but thought I might like to try.

Singer Inspiration 4205

Then it stop co-operating with me. I finally cracked the magic stitch length and width combination to allow me to sew jersey. I was overjoyed! I made a Renfrew! All was good. Until, that it is, I tried my next jersey sewing project and it just would.not.sew.the.jersey. Try as I might, it wouldn't cooperate with me. And then I knew we were through.

I was so disappointed and felt let down - much like when someone you know says or does something that makes you see them in a different light, and not a good one. After my loyal support of my machine, championing of basic sewing machines and getting it fixed at a cost of £50 instead of just buying a new one, it had really let me down. Is that silly? I certainly didn't expect to feel so strongly about it.

Although I debated getting an overlocker to help with jersey and continuing to use my machine for everything else, I realised that I didn't want to sew with my machine any more and that it was time to move on to a better machine. Not necessarily anything super-fancy but just something that was of better quality with more options.

I settled on this:

 

The Janome 525S. I was able to try it out at a sewing machine shop in Stirling (Pemberton's) but had pretty much decided that it was the one I wanted - a good brand (not that Singer isn't), range of options for stitches and other adjustments (adjustable presser foot etc) but not computerised.

So how's it been? I love it. It's a joy to sew with - easy to use and not too loud. Even elements like the bobbin cover and bobbin winder click into place satisfying and properly, whereas they were always a bit loose on my old machine. It has an automatic needle threader! This was a concept I found baffling until I tried it and it's really quite smart.

 Dot enjoying the sewing machine box

Anything I don't like about it? Sometimes the accessories drawer is a bit sticky to get in and out, and I had assumed the hard cover would click into place over the machine instead of just sitting over it, but maybe that's just how hard covers work.

I'm very happy I decided to go for a new machine and there is plenty of life in the old Singer yet, so I'm hoping to sell it on to someone. And the overlocker? I'd still like to get one, so if you're reading Overlocker Fairy, I'll have a Brother 1043D. Cheers.

K x

p.s I have actually been using it to make stuff, but not posted about it yet! Watch this space....

Book Review: Material World by Perri Lewis

How many craft books do you have? One or two? A shelf full? And how many of those do you actually use? My craft books fall into the categories of 'often used' (only about 3 or 4), 'sometimes used' and 'only flicked through' - you know, those ones with lovely pictures but that don't quite move you to ever make anything.  

Material World aims to be a craft book with a difference. In the introduction, Perri Lewis explains,

"This book is not like most craft books. I've not filled it with step-by-step projects that you must follow word for word (like craft-by-numbers). Instead I'll teach you 15 different techniques so you can go away and use these to make whatever you want, however you like it."

Even a quick flick through the book will tell you that it is certainly different from most craft books - less of the glossy photos (hey, that's what Pinterest is for!) and more of the craft nitty gritty. There is plenty of inspiring reading, with interviewers from makers throughout the book plus pieces like 'How to avoid a Craftastrophe' and 'Craft Your Way to Happiness'. Perri's list of reasons for crafting are very similar to the reasons that I (and I'm sure, many of you) starting making things: fed up of cheap rubbish fashion and wanting to be different. The happiness she mentions comes partly from the joy of making something and partly from the joy of connecting with a community of other people who love your hobbies too. Again, a sentiment that many of us can relate to.

The crafts covered in Material World range from embroidery and patchwork to the more adventurous craft of millinery and the very retro macrame and quilling. Quilling! What a blast from the past - I remember doing that years ago and can't say it's crossed my mind to ever try it again, but I really liked the project featured - greetings cards with initials on the front, that look really effective.

Although I'm not a cross stitcher (although again, I used to cross stitch in my childhood) I also liked the cross stitch project, a reusable shopping bag:

Ever practical, I could see this as something I would actually use, which is my usual issue with cross stitch, I don't really know what to do with it when finished. 

However, as the introduction explains, the focus in the book is not on the projects but on learning more about each craft, and seeing what piques your interest. Each section includes information on getting started with the technique plus tips from crafts people.

I really like the democratic approach that Perri has to crafting. There are interviews from crafts people at all levels, including prestigious names like Emma Bridgewater, Tatty Devine, Grayson Perry, Kaffe Fassett and Philip Treacy. The world of commercial crafting is referenced too, with former QVC presented Dawn Bibby talking about her craft legend (William Morris) and 'All things weird and wonderful' exploring Etsy and the popularity of 'Geek Craft'. In another section, Stitch & Bitch pioneer Debbie Stoller discusses craft, feminism and the Martha Stewart effect. All aspects of craft are covered here.
 
With that in mind, this statement on the back cover of the book did strike a jarring note with me:

Not only do I love tea cosies (so useful!) but I know several sewing bloggers who totally rock gingham. To me, the sentence goes against the democratic and all-embracing attitude that is prevalent in the book, so I can only think that the publisher has got a little over-zealous. In any case, I wouldn't let that put you off - inside the book is full of the kind of inspiration and encouragement that is found throughout the online crafting community.

There is plenty in Material World to inspire crafters of all backgrounds and levels, whether you could do with following the rules a little less (i.e. me), haven't settled on your 'favourite' craft yet, or just want a bit of inspiration, there is plenty here to enjoy.

K x

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me for review but all opinions are my own.

Sew Grateful - Floral & Nautical Fabric Giveaway

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED - WINNERS ANNOUNCED SOON

I was really pleased that Debi decided to host another Sew Grateful Week this year. It is such a nice way to say thanks to people who read your blog and generally contribute to the blogging community. Plus last year I won a couple of giveaways too!

So without further ado - I have two pieces of fabric to give away:

 

1. Nautical jersey. I don't know what the content of this is - there is a slight sheen to it so I'd say there is some poly in there. It's also not too sheer, so wouldn't be super revealing if used for a top.  I have about 1.7 metres of this to give away. I purchased it at the Mandors sale last month, buying double so I could have some for myself and some to give away - I was so taken by the print but I haven't used mine yet. The colours are navy, grey and coral.

2. Red flower print fabric. This is a light poly with a lovely drape. It is an orangey-red, but not as orangey as it appears in photos (why is red so hard to photograph?!). I've had it for some time but I really don't know what I'd make from it so time to pass it on. There is just over 3 metres, so enough to make a dress.

Here's how to enter:

1. Comment below saying which fabric you would like (you can choose both) and what you would use it for.
2. Make sure your email address is easy to find in your blogger profile or included with your comment
3. It would be nice if you were a follower of the blog, but it's not compulsory.

Guidelines

1. Giveaway is open internationally
2. I will select the winner by a random method
3. Giveaway will close at 5pm GMT on Thursday 14th February and the winner will be announce on the blog and emailed shortly after.

Good Luck!

K x

Vintage Sewing patterns on eBay!

I'm selling a load of vintage patterns on eBay right now. You can see them here.  Do have a look! Lots of 1970s but a few other eras thrown in too.

Listed here

(And if you've ever thought about buying a pattern lot and then selling them individually, be warned that it takes absolutely ages if you're going to check they are complete, photograph then and list them. Let's hope I sell some!)

Have a good weekend

K x