Happy to be Sewing Again!

Hello friends,

I am happy to report that things in the life of Creative Mummy Bear and her loved ones are looking much brighter and breezier, and getting back to a more even keel. 

One measure of this happy development is the resumption of my sewing.  When my mind or heart are troubled I find sewing very trying and don't enjoy it at all, so I put it aside and gently shut the door of my sewing room.  Joyously I have now thrown open the door, plugged all the machines in, dusted off the desks and away I go!

I started by making two dresses for my daughter, for her birthday.  These are both tried and tested patterns that I know she likes and wears all the time.  The first is in cotton lawn, and is Simplicity 1873, designed by Cynthia Rowley.

 I have written about this pattern before, as I have made about a dozen of them to date!  It's DD's absolute favourite pattern that she finds cool and comfortable for work, or can dress up for social events.

I haven't ever shown you the back, which I think is equally pretty, with pleats that go all the way around, and a neat, concealed zip.

I really like the unusual print, which is a sort of stripe in a way, but close up reminds me of lines of Edwardian ruffles.

The second is a washable wool blend pinafore dress - McCalls M7188  - again, one I have made for her before.  DD is tall in the body, so I have added an inch to the bodice length.  This makes it look overly long on Valerie, the mannequin, but perfect on DD.

I am pleased with this fabric too, as it looks very businesslike, with its small check.

I then decided to make something for ME!  I chose a new pattern and some cotton lawn from my fabric cupboard.  As you can see, the pattern is New Look, 6224, and one I actually hadn't made before! 

I settled on View D, but added nearly 3 inches to the length, and swapped the long sleeves for the shorter ones, retaining the narrow binding to match the neck.

I'm really pleased with how it turned out and it is such a comfortable dress.  It was quick and easy to sew too!  The skirt is a full circle, cut in two pieces, with a side zip.  As this is such a directional print, with hindsight I would have adjusted the layout of the skirt pieces so at least the flowers appeared upright in the middle.  However, hindsight is a wonderful thing and I shall still enjoy wearing my dress, with its unique 'design feature'.

I like this pattern so much I have started another one!  Some more lawn from my fabric cupboard. (I am enjoying 'shopping my stash'!) The print is so busy I was concerned it would look like I was wearing a pair of curtains, so I decided to make it sleeveless.  I cut some bias binding from the scraps left after cutting out and will bind the armholes.  I will let you know how it turns out!

I can't tell you how good it feels to be back in my sewing room again. Small pleasures are often the sweetest.

Donna x 

Sockie, Scrappy Blanket... FINISHED!

Hello friends,

Well, it's finished!  The sockie, scrappy blanket that was meant to be a really long, ongoing project, became therapy.  I worked away at those little 4ply solid granny squares at every opportunity.  I was fortunate enough to be gifted lots of sock wool leftovers by my lovely, yarny friends, so I kept going and going until I ran out of the background colour.  I couldn't get any more of that so used every last piece!

Here it is!!

The finished blanket is 12 squares by 19 squares, so 228 squares in total.  The finished size is 130 cm by 83 cm, making it a really lovely lap size.  The solid granny square pattern is courtesy of my lovely friend, Lucy, Attic24, and can be found here.  I did an extra round, to make them slightly bigger, as I was using a finer yarn.  I used a 3mm hook. 

I edged my blanket in some plum coloured sock yarn, which sets it off quite nicely I think.  I did three rounds of half trebles (UK) and then a final round of crab stitch.  

The background colour is Patons Diploma Gold, and felt a bit scratchy, so I used the trick that Christine (Winwick Mum) told me, which is to soak the finished item for five minutes in warm water to which a good squeeze of hair conditioner has been added.  It really does soften things up nicely!

I laid it on the dining table to photograph and then wobbled about on a dining chair to try and get a decent picture.  I tried an arty photo too ;)

I have loved this project so much and was a bit sad when the final square was done.  However, last Friday Lucy very generously gave me all her sock leftovers... (Sock Yarn Leftover Heaven!)

...other ladies kindly rummaged in their project bags and I was so excited I made a start straight away!

I am planning on making this a full size blanket, and will buy some wool for the background colour.  I was originally planning a natural colour, but am thinking of a pale grey, as the two sofas in one sitting room are a grey Yorkshire wool, and I think this would look rather nice.  I shall keep pondering.  And making squares... :)

Donna x