Serious Stuff

At the start of the new school year, I was roped in to help at the village youth club. I am now officially in charge of the tuck shop. What a chore! For someone who loves sweets, this is an ideal post (I am even talking in an official capacity!)

One of the downfalls of being a faffer is that I just can't leave anything alone. After manning tuck last week, I decided that the whole thing lacked something. Something I have made up for this week.

I felt I lacked a certain gravitas - after all, I am in charge of tuck. Let's not beat about the bush here. After having a chat with Keanan who informed me that I would embarrass him beyond belief if I wore a full apron, I went with the half apron (with Keanan's consent).


Also popped into the youth club bag, ready to go, is a table cloth for the tuck. After all, I can't stand there in all my finery, with my wares displayed on a old chipped formica table can I?

Back to School

Today was week one of adult education classes. Although I sew, dressmaking is not a skill I possess. Because I can sew, I have joined Dressmaking for Improvers.

The first part of the project was choosing the fabric. I picked up a vintage duvet cover over the summer holidays with the intent on using it to make some bags. But after having a good look at it, decided it would be better used to make a skirt with.


After today's class the pattern pieces have been cut out. Next on the agenda is the lining fabric. And I am hopeful that I will be able to take the skirt and lining into class next week, tacked and ready to sew.

The pattern?



I chose it as it is relatively simple: 6 panels and there is a zip. A zip has always been something that eludes me. So I can't wait until I finally get taught how to insert a zip.

Roll on week two!

Weighty Issues

After all that awful weather during the summer holidays, this week has been glorious. I've even managed to dry washing on the line!


So it's ironic that I have started thinking about Christmas presents. But needs must and all hat. I decided to go down the practical route and make two doorstops that I managed to squeeze out from a remnant of chenille fabric.


Although I have kept the doorstop a manageable size. it still took some filling. But that's one present down. After making one for someone else, the thought occurred to me that I should have made an extra one for myself. Arthur careering through our fully glazed door is a regular event in our house.

So it's back to the sewing machine for me!

Bits and Pieces

Not a very inspired title for this post - but it sums up just how things are are the moment. Flitting about (sewing wise) all over the place and only a few things to show for it.


I am rather fickle with my pincushions and regularly make new ones that are flavour of the month until I get fed up with them. After seeing these felted pincushions on Betz White's blog, I was thrilled to discover her book in the local library. How could I not check it out?


Out came the box with all the felted sweaters in and I finally finished choosing the wool and made two pincushions. One for me and one for a friend Jo.

I have decided to learn some new skills this year and with that in mind, have signed up for dressmaking classes. As I am able to use a sewing machine, I have been told to sign up for the Improvers Class - am now having serious doubts about my ability. Making bags/pincushions/cushions etc, no problem. But clothes?


So it was with the course in mind that I bought this piece of vintage fabric on my charity shop trawls. What is it destined for? Not entirely sure at this point in time. But maybe a duster jacket. I think I am going to have to see how the dressmaking course pans out!

And also on my travels I found this hand knitted lion.


How could I leave him there? He is destined as a gift for a friend who has had a baby. I thought the little lion with a small tote bag and maybe a book. Which means another one to add to my To Do List.