Tie-front Dress Progress

I have finished the tie-front bodice inspired by the Pattern Magic books. I made it up in a reproduction 1950s style cotton quilting fabric. Just need to decide on the skirt style now. I'm thinking pleated or gathered.






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Flying Geese Progress

Well I've made all my individual 'geese', now it's just a case of arranging them. I like the first idea below, but am trying other ideas before I start sewing.











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Girls' Indian Tunic

Having made a prototype of a tunic with button-up yoke, I had a go at making one in one of the many hand printed, Indian cottons I have. It needs binding at the neck armholes and some buttons, but I think this is a really cute summer tunic! It's age 3 if anyone interested in purchasing it!






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Clothes for the Girls

I have about 26 million metres of hand block-printed Indian cotton to use and I thought I would try my hand at children's clothes. I bought the Winifred Aldrich pattern drafting book for children's clothes and have made a prototype tunic top and gathered skirt. This will be my half term project!

Africa Purchases

Seems like ages ago I went shopping in Swakopmund in Namibia and found some beautiful telephone wire bowls to send home to my mum. Interestingly, they are constructed starting at the top of the bowl.

I also found her this lovely cushion cover, hand embroidered by African women through a charity run to support them.

We stopped off along a dusty, Namibian road and looked at the bog standard tourist souvenirs, such as carved figurines. Beneath the junk, I spotted this handmade quilt top. The lady was reluctant to part with it, but I managed to persuade her. I'm not sure if I should leave it as it is or make it into a quilt.

India Purchases

Finally got around to photographing the beautiful textiles I bought In India: hand block-printed fabrics, silk saris and embroidered cushion covers to name a few. Just what to do with 26 metres of cotton.... Got a bit carried away!!

Wall-hanging made from recycled saris

Wooden block-prints (hand-carved)

Embroidered cushion covers

Silk sari

Printed cottons

Crochet Pin-cushion

I made a couple of these and gave one as a present. Crochet in red cotton and pad made from limited edition Liberty cotton made for the V&A Quilts exhibition.

Hand Quilting

So I'm making progress on my stars... trying a little bit of hand-quilting using my new cotton batting. Haven't quite got the knack of the delicate touch, but I'm practising!

When will I learn?

When will I learn not to take on 3 million new projects at any one time?! I couldn't resist this set of fabrics...