Thursday 30 May 2019

Itch to Stitch

Two days before we went away on holiday, I had a suitcase to pack, a wet suit for an 11 year old to find, an interview to prepare for whilst a puppy chewed the wires on the back of the computer and I just couldn't stop thinking about cutting this fabric! What was the matter with me? I even tried to distract my nervous energy by changing my blog layout...


Big Sis and I went on a mercy Sunday morning run to find a wet suit that she could take on holiday. We had exhausted all friends and previous hand me downs. We were hanging around outside the sports shop waiting for it to open so we had a mooch in Laura Ashley. Heidi had never been in there before and she loved it. I saw a box of fabric remnants marked at £10. I picked up a piece of pink embroidered fabric and then put it down. As we left the shop, I saw the same fabric on a roll for £48 per metre. I went back to the box, laid the fabric out on a sofa and folded it into the centre to imagine my easiest skirt pattern pieces(NEWLOOK 6217) all laid out on it. 


We bought said wet suit(and fabric)then went home where I prepared to teach a lesson to 29 Year 1 children whom I had never met before. I stayed focused but by Monday morning I just had to cut the fabric.


The embroidery was too scratchy to wear against my skin. Some thrifted duchess satin lining was sourced from my fabric stash and I made a new skirt. I really had the itch to stitch. I didn't even want to take it on holiday or wear it to the interview, I just wanted to make it. Crazy I know, but it was such an enjoyable way to switch off from the current madness that was my life before we went away that I couldn't help myself. 

 

It is very summery and super slinky on the inside. I had to add a waistband to accommodate the lining then I made a lapped zip which I haven't done in ages but it looked slick to make a good finish.

When I got back from Italy I put on the skirt and realised I had nothing to wear with it other than a white blouse but I knew I had a small piece of oatmeal marl jersey on the bottom of the fabric pile which I bought for £2 as a remnant years ago. Out came the same NEWLOOK pattern and off I went again to make the T-shirt.


I do have a linen jacket which looks good with it too while it is still chilly.


Anyway, I am having a job switch around. I am going to go back to teaching children on a Friday, Family Learning course leader on Thursdays and sewing for my friend's business on a Wednesday. That leaves me with two days to play around with for house building, sheep and housework. I like to call those days voluntary work!


We had a good time in Italy even though we got soaked with rain some days. It was just good to rest and not juggle so many things in my mind for a week. Back to it...

Thanks for dropping in. Jo xx

12 comments:

  1. You are priceless Jo :-) and I love your attitude to live. The new skirt is fabulous, very summery and (dare I say) quite posh. It goes well with your new t-shirt. Enjoy your new working pattern, it sound varied and enjoyable. I'd love to sew for someone but unfortunately I am in full time employment and barely manage to sew for myself (I made two t-shirts recently).. If only I had some of your optimistic energy.... I am glad you enjoyed your holiday. We finally booked ours, Turkey in October. Have a lovely few days. Keeping my fingers crossed it is not as miserably wet and cold where you are as it is here. xx

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    1. I forgot to say that I like your new blog header :-)

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  2. Hi Jo

    Like the new blog header. Sometimes you just need to have a bit of a spring clean and sort out in your blog space. I've definitely been doing a bit of that. I love your new skirt and top and how handy that you had a jacket to match. Hope the job change around works well for you.

    Mitzi

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  3. I really love your new skirt. The fabric is so pretty and if you had bought a skirt in Laura Ashley it would have cost you waaaaay more than £10 it cost for the fabric. Your new top is a perfect match too. Good luck with your new teaching job - you will be brilliant at it!
    I think your new blog header is fab.
    Caroline

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  4. All the best with your new job and working week. I like your latest makes and your new blog header. I'm glad you enjoyed your holiday despite getting wet. Hoping puppy stops chewing soon. Take care, Cathy x

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  5. Love the new design of your blog and the skirt...and the t shirt. You never stop and are an inspiration to us all.

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  6. Wow! What a beautiful skirt and how smart of you to line it as you did. The work schedule sounds nice three days of something different each day. I love your blog and your sewing Jo!

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  7. An amazing find there with that stunning fabric I am not surprised you couldn't wait. It is a gorgeous skirt you have there. I have to ask did you wash it first? I am so impatient to get on sometimes I don't and then come to regret it when things shrink a little. Your jobs sound fabulous as you get a change each day, plus time off for voluntary work and sewing! x

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    1. I did wash it on Sunday, that is how I managed to keep my hands off it until Monday!

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  8. Well who could ever not want to sew up that fabric, I want to sew it up right now and I don't even sew. You look fab my friend.

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  9. Well done, You: a lovely new outfit, good shopping, and a good holiday break from your normal routine :) xx

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  10. Gorgeous. I especially like the t-shirt, it looks very flattering and easy to wear.

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