T H I M B E R L I N A

Ali’s Been Busy!

A lot has happened since I last posted…… I’ve been on the telly for one! But that’s another story! I’ll tell you all about that shortly – I kept...

Indie Pattern, Outer Wear, Pattern Hacks, Tutorials

A Sewing Room Miracle

Some things just never go to plan. When they don’t go to plan in the sewing room, but the creative juices are flowing, a sewing room miracle can happen....

Let's Get Sewcial, Meet Ups, Sew Down Dewsbury, Shopping, Yorkshire Spoolettes

Handmade Harrogate

Back in June last year I organised a meet up in Harrogate. It came about after I called in to Fine Fabrics of Harrogate and was chatting to Sandra...

Let's Get Sewcial, Meet Ups, Sew Down Dewsbury, Yorkshire Spoolettes

#SewDownDewsbury 2019

Yup, 2019. No, it’s not a typo! Last year I organised 3 meet ups – 2 in Dewsbury and 1 in Harrogate. I also attended Sew Up North in...

Shirts, Tops, vogue

The Thea Boho Sleeve Shirt

It’s taken a crazy shirt to get my fingers flying across the keyboard and to get me to update my blog! It feels good to be back, I just...

Let's Get Sewcial, Meet Ups, Sew Down Dewsbury, Shopping, Yorkshire Spoolettes

#sewdowndewsbury 6th March

Hi Everyone! Sorry for the late update on our SewDownDewsbury meetup next Wednesday. We’ll be meeting at our usual spot – Wetherspoons – the area on the right as...

Pattern Hacks, Tops

McCalls 6612 – A Nearmiss

Last Monday I woke up wanting to sew. It’s a long time since I woke up with ‘the urge’! I was meeting my crafty friends for lunch and ‘needed’...

Let's Get Sewcial, Meet Ups

“Crafternoon Tee”

Yesterday was our monthly Crafternoon Tee at the golf club. The Crafternoon Tea (or Tee as it’s a play with words – golf tee!) came about as there’s quite...

Let's Get Sewcial, Meet Ups, Sew Down Dewsbury, Yorkshire Spoolettes

#SewDownDewsbury 2019 & last years pix

Hi Lovelies! I’m like a bloody bus this week. No posts for ages, then 3 in quick succession! For the 5th year in a row I’m organising a meet...

Dresses, Loungewear, Skirts, Summer wear, Things for the home

What I’ve been making during my absence

Vogue 8903 Mc Calls 7542 Burda 6626 Vogue 1449 Vogue 1411 Sexy Lounge Pants! Vogue 8888 Yasmin Yoke skirt by Maria Denmark Vogue 8888 A Huge Granny Square More...

Let's Get Sewcial, Sew Down Dewsbury, Yorkshire Spoolettes

#SEWDOWNDEWSBURY 28th July 2018

Hello!! Here’s just a quickie to let you know about the next Dewsbury Meet Up. I posted on Instagram a while ago but thought I’d best just add it...

Dresses

Another Day At The Races M6612

Before I ramble on and tell you about yet another McCalls 6612 I just need to say this flurry of blog posts isn’t due to me being in the...

Jumpsuits, Pattern Hacks, Sew Up North, Summer wear

Fankenpattern to the Races – Newlook 6648 and 6730

For the last few years we’ve been invited to Ripon races and I’ve always made a new dress for the occasion. This year I almost deviated from wearing handmade...

Tops

Hacking McCalls 6612 – 3 very different Tops

Following on from the success of my Little Red Dress I decided to use the sleeves I’d cut out but not used, and some double knit jersey from my...

Dresses, Summer wear

The Little Red Dress – McCalls 6612

Back in June 2013 I bought a dress pattern which changed my life. It was the Mcalls 6612 dress and tunic. I made it up in a size 14...

GBSB, Let's Get Sewcial, Meet Ups, Tops

#GBSBLIVE 2017 & The Japanese Asymmetrical Top

The Great British Sewing Bee Live was fabulous and just what the doctor ordered! I’ve been AWOL for the past few weeks, I won’t go into detail but I’m...

Inspiration, Refashioning, Slimming World

Refitting My Favourites after My #SlimmingWorldSuccess

Back in June 2013 I dusted off my sewing machine and sent my then 22 year old overlocker off for its’ first service. I made a dress in a...

Dresses, Summer wear

On The Ball! Simplicity 1613

Being on the ball is not usually my forté but since my trip to the recent SewUpNorth meet up I’ve actually used 2 pieces of fabric I acquired at...

Summer wear, Tops

Vogue 9242 – My Favourite Summer Top

I made this on trend top using Vogue 9242 and a blush pink cotton lawn from Minerva Crafts. I’ve written a guest post over at Minerva if you’d like...

Jumpsuits, Summer wear

McCalls 7577

Back in February I joined Slimming World. I’d lost about 10 pounds on my own, well not entirely on my own, I’d been hitting the gym classes with my...

Let's Get Sewcial, Meet Ups, Sew Up North, Shopping

#SEWUPNORTH 2017

What a day!! Even bigger, and dare I say it better than last year! Sally and Becca really pulled out all the stops and were super organised! It included...

Me Made May, Summer wear

The 2nd Half of MeMadeMay17

No don’t rub your eyes, you have read correctly, and yes I am that behind! No apologies necessary, absent friends don’t need to do that….right? I hope so! I’m...

Refashioning, Slimming World, Sunday Sevens

#SundaySevens 99

Hi Folks! Here we are with another Sunday Sevens Double Bill, and looking back over the last 2 weeks and beyond it’s no wonder I’m not making any new garments!...

Dresses, Dressmaking, Me Made May

#memademay17 – Halfway there

I pledged to wear me made every day and post on IG and so far so good! It’s been tough at times as I discover more clothes that are...

Golf, Refashioning, Summer wear, Tops

A Quick Polo Shirt Refashion

I think MeMadeMay spurs us all into action and opens our eyes to gaps in our wardrobe. Last week I was wondering what I could wear for golf, then...

Dressmaking, Sewing, Skirts

Simplicity 1783 – A Cynthia Rowley Pattern

I know there’s a lot of Cynthia Fans out there and I’m quickly becoming one! Here’s 1873 Last year I made the top from this pattern, you might remember...

Me Made May

Me Made May Already!!

An hour and a half to me made may and I’ve not made my pledge yet. So here goes….. Here’s my 3rd time, and I Ali aka Thimbers of...

Shopping, Sunday Sevens

#SundaySevens 97 – Sunshine Edition

It’s a double bill and there’s been lots going on, including my long awaited ladies trip to Portugal. If you’ve never thought of playing golf, it’s worth learning to...

Let's Get Sewcial, Sew Down Dewsbury, Sunday Sevens, Yorkshire Spoolettes

#SundaySevens 96 And We Have A Winner or 2!!

Well, I finally gotten round to doing my Carol Vorderman bit and added up the total mileage of how far everyone travelled to the #sewdowndewsbury meet up. And I...

Monthly Hawl, My Stash, Shopping, Yorkshire Spoolettes

February Hawl

Time to share my pattern and fabric additions from February! This is a new thing for me. I often add the odd photo to my Sunday Sevens but then I...

Jumpers, Sew Over It, Tops, Tutorials

Molly Top Hack #SOICITYBREAK

I’d say the majority of the fabric in my stash is in 1-1.5m lengths. As I’m very lucky and surrounded by lots of real life fabric stores I tend...

giveaway, Let's Get Sewcial, Sew Down Dewsbury, Shopping, Yorkshire Spoolettes

Giveaway Time! How Far Would You Go?!

Remember I said there’s going to be a prize for someone who couldn’t make the #sewdowndewsbury meet up? Well there’s going to be 2! The ladies who attended...

Let's Get Sewcial, Meet Ups, Sew Down Dewsbury, Yorkshire Spoolettes

#SEWDOWNDEWSBURY -a photo speaks a thousand words

Hey there! You all asked to take lots of piccies, so we did! I’ll keep the words brief, or I won’t have time to post (I don’t watch much...

Dresses, Pattern Hacks

The Cold Shoulder – Lekala 5669

I was browsing through the Lekala website a couple of weeks ago and stumbled across this little on-trend beauty! Lekala 5669….. I just fell for it straight away –...

Dressmaking, Let's Get Sewcial, Meet Ups, Sew Down Dewsbury, Shopping, Yorkshire Spoolettes

#SEWDOWNDEWSBURY – an update and teasing you with more photos!

Only 3 sleeps for you guys! I’m not sure how to count mine as I’m working the night shift tonight and tomorrow so it’ll be 2 ish I think!...

Sew Down Dewsbury, Shopping

#SundaySevens 90 – Double Bill

Hi Folks! Apologies for the double bill! I’m thinking back to when some used to say I don’t know how you fit it all in! And now I’m wondering...

giveaway, Sew Down Dewsbury, Shopping, Yorkshire Spoolettes

#sewdowndewsbury – only 9 sleeps

Last year when the Spoolettes got together down Dewsbury for a day of sewcialising I ran a little competition/giveaway and prizes were awarded to 2 ladies who guessed the closest to the total...

Crochet, Gifts I've made

Secret Valentines Exchange

Things have been a bit hectic in the Thimberlina household. I really need to update you with the final details of #SEWDOWNDEWSBURY but my Valentine’s post has just jumped the queue!...

Shopping, Sunday Sevens

#SundaySevens 87 Feat. Fabricate at Roberttown

All this came from just ONE cauliflower!! So I got all super organised and bagged up lots of spare veg for the freezer for those days when I was...

giveaway, Let's Get Sewcial, Sew Down Dewsbury, Shopping, Yorkshire Spoolettes

#sewdowndewsbury – A Giveaway for those who can’t make it!

Last year when the Spoolettes got together down Dewsbury for a day of sewcialising I ran a little competition/giveaway and prizes were awarded to 2 ladies who guessed the closest to the total...

Dresses, Refashioning, Sewing Challenges

The Dress of Many Colours – Just Call Me Joseph

When I started browsing the likes of Harrods, Harvey Nics and other designer stores looking for inspiration for my Designin December make, little did I thing than I’d...

Jumpers, Sewing Challenges, Tops

Keeping It Cosy

I don’t always take part in a lot of challenges, but there’s a few that’s caught my attention in 2017. The January ‘Keep It Cosy” #dressmakingbloggerchallenge is the first...

Let's Get Sewcial, Meet Ups, Sew Down Dewsbury, Shopping, Yorkshire Spoolettes

Dewsbury Meet Up & A Hike around Haworth – an update!

Not long now ladies! I’m counting the sleeps, and I know a few others who are too!! Can you believe it!? Our next meet up now has international status! Chris who...

Gifts I've made, Meet Ups, Sew Down Dewsbury

Goodie Bag Guidance!

For the next Yorkshire Spoolette’s Meet Up on the 25th February there’s going to be a goodie bag swap. It’s not compulsory to join in but it is compulsory...

Let's Get Sewcial, Meet Ups, Sew Down Dewsbury, Yorkshire Spoolettes

Save The Date For The Next Dewsbury Meet-up

Yay! It finally arrived at 11:19 last night! The email letting me know for definite the big changes that would affect my shift pattern and when they will take...

Meet Ups, Reviews, Sewing

Top 3’s of 2016

I’ve been blogging now since September 2013, but this is only the 2nd time I’ve looked back and posted on the previous year. I tend not set myself any...

Gifts I've made, pressies, Stitching Santa

Stitching Santa 2016 – The Reveal

3 years ago Sheila from Sewchet thought up the fantastic idea for us crafty folk to have a Secret Santa, and called it Stitching Santa! I didn’t join in...

Shopping

Fabric Shopping In Krakow

Has anyone been and can you point me in the right direction for any fabric shops. I’m going in the morning for a short break, mainly eating and drinking...

Dresses

STOP Everything for Cleo!

I couldn’t help myself. I know I was supposed to be getting on with making blocks, especially stretchy ones, but I just needed a Cleo so badly after seeing...

Let's Get Sewcial, Meet Ups, Sewalong

The Harrogate Knitting & Stitching Show and The #BVSEWALONG Afternoon Tea

I thought I’d share with you my whole day as those of you like me who have never been to anything like this will be wondering if you should...

Babylock Ovation, Self Drafted Patterns, Tops

Me and O – The Start of Something Marvellous!

Here’s a quickie (with quite a few piccies) about how me and my new assistant O are getting on. Anyone who knows me in ‘real life’ will know I’ve a bit...

Outer Wear

My First Pattern by Gertie – Butterick 6390

Back in September I attended my first proper meet up – Sewbrum. I had an amazing day and met some fabulous ladies. Sitting down for lunch outside a pub with...

Stitching Santa

I’m starting to feel proper Christmassy now I’ve received my email telling me who my swap partner is!! I’ve been having a good look at her blog today and come...

Let's Get Sewcial, Meet Ups, Sew Up North, Shopping

Sew Up North

You nearly got Sunday Sevens on time. Only nearly! But I’m too excited still about my day yesterday attending Sew Up North, so I just have to tell...

Babylock Ovation, Shopping

Cover Stitch Quest Part 2

Can I just say a HUGE thanks to all of you who left comments on Part 1. They were all invaluable in helping me come to a decision and...

Shopping

Cover Stitch Quest Part 1

For ages and ages I’ve wanted a coverstitch machine and lusted over many a blog post and You Tube video in my dreamy state. Throughout this period of wanting (I’m well...

Dresses, Jumpsuits

BHL Holly Jumpsuit – No excuses needed this time

Last year I made a Holly Jumpsuit in the name of frivolity, also known as Jumping Into June. This time I didn’t need an excuse. I’d been given a...

Active Wear, Cake Pattern, Indie Pattern, Pants

Do Not Adjust Your Screen (Espresso Leggings)

They really are that bright!! This colourful fabric, an ITY knit, has been illuminating my stash for over a year. As my gym joining experience has continued and not...

Sew Over It, Tops

Good Golly Miss Molly

Does Molly need any introduction? I don’t think so. There’s Molly Tops everywhere, all over the internet, and probably in a city near you. It’s part of Sew Over...

Let's Get Sewcial, Meet Ups

Sewbrum 2016

Back in March Charlotte from English Girl At Home revealed the date for Sewbrum 2016. I was so giddy when I checked my shift planner – it was my...

Dresses, vogue

BIG Vintage Sewalong – Vogue 9082 & Sonja Dress Hack – And a Near Miss!

What do you do when you’re too excited to sit still and watch TV, not that I’m good at sitting still anyway?! Well, for me I’m going to drink...

Let's Get Sewcial, Meet Ups, My Stash, Shopping

When Jenny Met Ali

I’ve 3 blog post on my to-do list and half an hour to spare. So first up and straight to the top of the list and bypassing my belated...

Meet Ups, Shopping

I’m going to Chester!

This Friday I’m hopping on a train with Cyber-Mom and heading to Chester to meet Jenny from Let The Sewing Begin. She’s heading over to the UK, across the...

giveaway, Tutorials

An Invisible Invisible Zipper Tutorial

Because not all invisible zips are invisible. SewPhotoHop from Rachel of House of Pinheiro is back! It’s day 2 which is “Your Favourite Skill”. Knowingly or unknowingly we’re all quite...

Dresses, Inspiration

Inspiration from People Watching – #pictureheavypost!

One of the pitfalls I find of making my own clothes is feeling a bit ‘our of it’ when it comes to knowing what’s in fashion. Though I don’t see...

Golf, Pattern Hacks, Summer wear

Belize Skort Hack

I’ve had loads of compliments this week wearing my different variations of Itch-To-Stitches Belize Shorts and Skorts – both on and off the golf course. My favourite feature of all the...

Golf, Indie Pattern, Loungewear, Pants, Summer wear

Getting busy with Belize from Itch-To-Stitch

Itch To Stitch has just released their latest pattern – the Belize skort and shorts. She was asking for pattern testers not so long ago and I would have loved...

My Stash, Shopping

Oops! Accidentally Adding To The Stash

A couple of weeks ago the Tall Boy went on a cricket tour to Arundel in the south of England. We didn’t have to go with him as the whole...

Dresses

Vogue 9082 – Muslin 1, 2, 3….Go! Oh, and lining it too!

I thought I’d share with you the fitting dilemmas of my most recent make – the Vogue 9082, view C. And also how I omitted the facing and fully lined this...

Dresses

The Big Vintage Sewalong – Vogue 9082

There’s nothing quite like a challenge to get the sewing and blogging juices flowing. More so when it’s raising money for a very worthy charity. This year for the...

Pants, Pattern Parcel, The Monthly Stitch

Paprikas New Pattern #IPM #TMS

Back in May Kat Hardisty from The Monthly Stitch and Muse Patterns got in touch and asked if I’d like to join in something new for Indie Pattern Month. In return...

Let's Get Sewcial, Sunday Sevens, Yorkshire Spoolettes

Sunday Sevens 64, MeMadeMay & The Spoolettes Visit Halifax

In other words it’s a photo heavy catch up of what I’ve been up to in May. Errrm, where do I start? Almost a whole month without blogging!...

Golf, Photo Challenges

Reflection

Gosh, this was a really tough one for me. I’d had to go back to 2011 in my photos to find some ‘reflection’ photos. These were taken at...

Shopping, Yorkshire Spoolettes

Spoolettes Next Meet Up Details

Hi Just a quickie, I’m playing catch in in advance of everything before I go on my holidays in the morning! Sorry, I don’t mean to rub it in,...

Let's Get Sewcial, Sewing for Charity, Yorkshire Spoolettes

#SparkSomethingGood – Update

Earlier this week some of the Yorkshire Spoolettes headed into Leeds and volunteered their time to help make syringe driver bags for our local hospitals and hospices. It...

Me Made May

#MMMAY16

I, Thimberlina of https://thimberlina.wordpress.com, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May ’16. I endeavour to wear at least 2 me made items each day for the duration of May...

Pants

The Need for Ease – Simplicity 1696

Is it just me or do you trust the stitches more on RTW garments than something you make your self? How many times have you laid flat on your...

Make A Difference, Yorkshire Spoolettes

Help Needed – #sparksomethinggood

Yesterday I received an email from Alex who blogs at Sewrendipity asking for help from the Yorkshire Spoolettes to join her and others in making special tote bags for the...

Shopping, Yorkshire Spoolettes

Mini Meet Up in Happy Valley

Since accidentally discovering The Fabbadashery in Halifax (photos and post HERE) I’ve thought it would be a lovely place to have a mini meet up for the Yorkshire Spoolettes....

Summer wear, Tops

Save all your kisses for me…. Simplicity 1783

Back in October one of my besties went to Fabworks and with the help of the ladies there bought me these 3 pieces of fabric for my birthday. I...

Shopping

All in a day’s work!

I don’t talk about my time at work much, what with patient confidentiality and all that. And also nothing much happens that I think would be worth sharing. But,...

Shopping

Sharing the Liberty Love

This morning over my first cup of coffee at work I was checking my emails and saw one from Liberty and immediately clicked the link to view their new...

Golf, Photo Challenges

Outline

This week’s photo challenge was a tricky one I thought! Then I remembered these photos hidden in the depths of my computer! The feature photo and the photo below...

Outer Wear, Refashioning

Another Brooklyn Hoodie & A Refashion

Remember the white hoodie I made last month? The only time I don’t wear it is at work, it’s just so cosy and goes with everything. So I thought...

Shopping, Yorkshire Spoolettes

Dewsbury Makes Linky Party!

On the 6th February the Yorkshire Spoolette’s gathered in Dewsbury for their 2nd meet up. We had a great day and came away with bags full to brimming with...

Tutorials

A quick way to make a thread looper

I’ve made thread loopers in the traditional way by hand. But usually when I get to the stage of making the looper it means I’ve nearly finished whatever I’m...

Dresses, The Monthly Stitch

Vogue 8805

“Why oh why did I leave it so long!!??” We’ve all said it. More than once. But we never learn. It’s not that often is it that we unearth...

Outer Wear

The Brooklyn Hoodie by SBCC

In January I took park in a Giveaway on Instagram hosted by Skinny Bitch Curvy Chick to win their latest pattern – The Brooklyn Hoodie. I’m a big fan of...

Sunday Sevens, Yorkshire Spoolettes

Competition Results & #SundaySevens 50

Sunday Sevens is late as we were at a wedding yesterday, so I thought instead of writing 2 posts, which seemed I bit daft, I’d announce the winner of...

Yorkshire Spoolettes

Don’t Forget To Enter The Comp’!

Seventeen Yorkshire Spoolettes gathered last Saturday in Dewsbury. Did you manage to come up with a guesstimate of how far we all travelled? If you’ve not why not have a...

Shopping, Yorkshire Spoolettes

The Yorkshire Spoolette’s 2nd Meet-Up

Well, I needn’t have worried! All those restless nights were worth it! I even dreamt one night that I couldn’t even blog about today because I forgot to go!...

Shopping, Yorkshire Spoolettes

The Yorkshire Spoolettes – Who’s Going & Something For Those Who Can’t

It’s only 9 sleeps until the Yorkshire Spoolettes meet up in Dewsbury. Thankyou to all of you who said you can make it. There’s a great bunch of ladies going...

Pants

#JeansJanuary -Style Arc Misty Pull On Jeans

I thought it was about time I wrote a post about something I’ve made. Lately it’s all just been about what I’ve been up to in my Sunday Sevens...

Shopping, Yorkshire Spoolettes

Calling All Yorkshire Spoolettes!

I’m feeling a bit nervous writing this post. Arranging a meet-up is a lot like arranging your own birthday party and hoping someone other than your mother and your...

Crochet, Gifts I've made, Tutorials

The Octopus Scarf

You’ll just have to humour me. I know they have 8 tentacles and my scarf has a lot more but it still does remind me of one! A...

Gifts I've made, pressies, Stitching Santa

#StitchingSanta – The Reveal!

I can certainly say that the #StitchingSanta has been one of the highlights of my Christmas this year! A HUGE thankyou to Sheila from SEWCHET for arranging this, and an...

Yorkshire Spoolettes

Save The Date – Yorkshire Spoolettes Meet-Up!

Back by popular demand I’m arranging another meet-up in Dewsbury on Saturday 6th February 2016. The day will be the same or similar to our last meet up –...

pressies, Stitching Santa

#StitchingSanta

It’s arrived!!! My pressie and it’s taken prize of place under my tree! I’ve just gotten back from a run and our lovely postie had left it next...

Dresses, giveaway, Shopping

A Competition Ladies!!!

I’ve just stumbled across a competition whilst making tea. Well, I should’ve been making the tea but like most of you I am easily distracted, I’m still at the...

Gifts I've made, Stitching Santa

#StitchingSanta Update!

Whilst many people are out and about shopping for pressies, I’ve been busy stitching up some hand made gifts for my Stitching Santa recipitant. Here’s a little sneak preview...

Shirts, Tops

Grainline Archer – At last!

One of the first things I lusted over noticed everywhere when I discovered sewing blogs was the Grainline Archer. They really were everywhere and I really wanted one. I’m...

Colette, Dresses, Tutorials

My Colette Wren – The Nitty Gritty

I had a vision! + = POSH FROCK Here’s how it happened! After taking my measurements I opted to trace off size large. I didn’t notice the chart for...

Crochet

Crochet For Calais

C’mon ladies! After reading this I’m going to put aside a couple of hours and make one – can you too?? Every little helps 🙂 Source: Crochet For Calais

Colette, Dresses, Indie Pattern

The Colette Wren at The Yorkshire White Rose Awards

On Monday we attended the White Rose Awards at the Leeds Arena. It is the largest celebration of tourism excellence in the UK. The dress code was black tie....

Colette, Dresses, Work in Progress

When One Thing Leads To Another – The Colette Wren Part 1

My big sister (older by 10 days short of a year) celebrated her birthday at the end of October. Two years ago I made her a leather bag and...

Outer Wear

Birthday Cape – Oliver and S Woodland Stroll Cape

I had Birthday Cake – a HUGE one, and now I’ve got a Birthday Cape too. As those of you who follow my Sunday Sevens will know I received...

Dresses, dressing up costumes

Lekala 8000 – A Tale Of Two Frocks

Well it’s one frock really, but due to it being far too tight and having giant ric-rac on the hem it was in need of attention before I could...

Indie Pattern, Laura After Midnight, Tops

Elephants and Indians

Gosh! Where’s the time gone?! I’ve had a whole month to rustle something up to fulfil my pledge for the Made Up Initiative which is raising money for the...

Yorkshire Spoolettes

Birthday Cake Singer Sewing Machine!

Originally posted on thecraftycreek:
I’ve got a big birthday this weekend so I’ve got 12 friends for dinner tomorrow night and I’ve just made myself a birthday...

Culottes, Pants

Emily Culottes – The Jury’s Still Out

I wore culottes in the 80’s. I also wore bright yellow full length pencil skirts and goth make up for a short time (not together, I hasten to add),...

Indie Pattern, Pants

The Denim and Jersey Aurora Tank By Seamwork

Back in June I printed off one of the latest patterns (then it was!) by Seamwork – The Aurora Tank. I was inspired by Helena from GrayAllDay patterns to make...

Crochet

Yarn bombing, yarnbombing, yarn storming, guerrilla knitting, kniffiti, urban knitting or graffiti knitting is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colourful displays of knitted or crocheted...

giveaway, My Stash

Gadget Envy Giveaway!!

Remember my recent post about the amazing Goodie bag from Janome? There was a certain amount of gadget envy going around the blogasphere after then so I contacted the...

Indie Pattern, Laura After Midnight, Tops

Laura After Midnight’s Dimpsy T

A few weeks ago I bought Laura After Midnight’s new pattern the Dimpsy T. I originally intended to make it for TMS Indie Pattern Month but life got in...

GBSB, Tops

Sewing with Heather and Silk – The Reveal

Remember I went on a sewing with silk master class with Heather Jacks from the GBSB? Well I have finally finished my silk blouse! Not without a few choice...

GBSB, Pants

GBSB Capri Pants – converted to an easy elasticated waist

I need more pants! No not knickers, I mean trousers! Cropped ones for summer. I’m living in my jeans and when we have the occasional warm day I’m stuck...

Jumpsuits

Jumping into June – Linkup Party

Don’t forget to link up ladies! 😀

Jumpsuits

#jumpingintojune: A Lineup of Jumpsuits

Dresses, Indie Pattern, Refashioning, The Monthly Stitch

Georgia, you were only supposed to be a muslin!

For TMS’s first weekly challenge of #IMP15 I decided to make The Geogia Dress from BHL. It called for a fabric with a little stretch to help with the...

Tutorials

Finishing A Cowl Neckline

I recently made Lekala 4119. If you’ve tried Lekala you’ll know the instructions generally expect you to have a fairly decent knowledge of garment construction or time to google. Or...

Me Made May

Me-Made-May 2015 Part 4

Crikey, I’d almost forgotten to write my final post for MMMAY15 with all the excitement of Jumping Into June! So without further ado, and no more mentions of...

Jumpsuits, The Monthly Stitch

The Leap Of Faith – with a modesty panel #jumpingintojune

Firstly can I apologise for yesterday’s post which may have distressed some readers and put them off their lunch. I returned home late last night after getting drenched at...

Jumpsuits

WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN – #jumpingintojune

Oh my goodness me! Whatever has come over me! Last year when I made a random purchase of the BHL Holly Jumpsuit I had no idea what I’d be...

Tops

Cowl Neck Casual Top – Lekala 4119

Towards the end of Me Made May I felt I needed more casual tops in my wardrobe. I found a pattern on Lekala that had mini raglan sleeves which...

Jumpsuits

Ready – Steady – Juuuuuuuuuuuuump!!!!!!! #jumpingintojune

Are you ready girls? I am! If not there’s 30 days in June so lots of time to get jumping!

Me Made May

Me-Made-May Part 3

Hi Ladies and Dad! Don’t think there’s any more blokes read my blog but I know my dad does! Not long now! Depending ‘wear’ you are in the...

Indie Pattern, Outer Wear

Colour Blocked Cabernet Cardigan

Due to a recent and severe case of cardigan and blazer envy I’ve unintentionally made the Morris Blazer, The Oslo Cardigan and now The Cabernet Cardigan! Thank goodness for...

Colette, Outer Wear

The Oslo Cardigan from Seamwork & Tips on hemming a slinky knit!

I was a little late subscribing to the new digital magazine from Colette at the back end of last year so I missed out on the free pattern.. including The...

Me Made May

Me-Made-May Part 2

Me-Made-May continues for many of us and we’re over half way! Most of us are learning about gaps in our wardrobes and I’m no exception. What I’ve discovered is I...

Summer wear, Tops

Taking a breather from my Holly Jump suit – Newlook 6217

This week I’ve muslinned (? a proper word?) the Holly Jumpsuit twice. And I went shopping for fabric (and bought 2 extra pieces)! Then I needed a quick fix...

Me Made May

Me-Made-May 2015 – Part 1

It’s my first year taking part in MMMay as last year I would have had the washing machine on none stop as I did’t have enough me made garments...

Jumpsuits

Holly Jumpsuit BHL Muslin No. 2 #Jumpingintojune

Not much tweaking was really needed after Muslin No.1. I’ve added a ruler width to the body length, which turned out to be 1 1/4 “. I just guessed...

Jumpsuits

Jumping Into June – My first muslin of the Holly Jumpsuit BHL

I accidentally created a new page instead of a new post. It’s late. So if you’d like to read about my journey so far in the quest to be...

Jumpsuits

Jumping into June Update: Those who dare

Jumpsuits

Jumping into June: Jumpsuits for all! #jumpingintojune

Fancy a new challenge….. I somehow have been talked into making a Jumpsuit … want to join us…? Read on………!

Outer Wear

“Magic Our Morris” aka The Grainline Morris Blazer

Now, does that heading stir any memories? Selwyn Froggitt was a popular Sitcom which ran from 1974-77. I was born in 1971 so although I don’t remember everything from...

Crochet, Me Made May

Me-Made-May ’15 and what’s on the hook!

Wayhay!!! It’s nearly here! I so enjoyed seeing everyone’s MMM posts last year and now I’m taking part! I won’t go into the nitty gritty, but if you haven’t heard...

Golf, Tops

Vogue 1429

I spotted this pattern a month ago and immediately thought “golf!” I’d been on the look out for a top with a collar that was a little different from...

Dresses

Single White Female in South London: Thimberlina’s GBSB dress!

For those who haven’t heard what’s happened to my GBSB Drapey Knit Dress…!

Golf, Pants

Scuba Knit Espresso Leggings

I think most of you have heard of Cake Patterns custom fit Espresso Leggings. I’ve lost count of the number of pairs I’ve made – for me, my mum,...

Dresses, Work in Progress

GBSB Fashion With Fabric – The Drapey Knit Dress

I wasn’t going to write a blog post about this recent make. I loved making it, I loved the challenging pattern matching with the strange looking pattern pieces....

Dresses

Little (ish) Denim Dress aka Lekala 5963

Ok, so it’s not that little, but it fits. And it fits kinda well to say there’s not modifications to the pattern since printing it. So I’m fairly pleased....

Dresses, Work in Progress

Lekala 5963 with a touch of Liberty

Yesterday I really needed to sew! I’ve not made anything since the 30 draw string bags, and before that was the GBSB Drapey dress (unblogged as yet, due to...

Yorkshire Spoolettes

The Spoolettes in Dewsbury

Thanks Ladies for a fab day! It was a bit like organising a party and biting your nails until the first guests start to arrive! And arrive you did –...

Yorkshire Spoolettes

The Yorkshire Spoolettes Meet Up Tomorrow!

Gosh, it’s only 1 sleep until our meet up in Dewsbury. I can’t believe how fast the last month has gone when I first posted about it! It came...

Gifts I've made, Tutorials

Draw String Bags & Production Line Sewing

Pump bags… Party Bags…. Could even be made as a smaller version for a bridesmaid in pink….. They’re the good old draw string bag! I was asked by my...

My Sewing Space

The Singer Sews & She’s Got A Name!

I threaded up my new Vintage Singer (with the help of this tutorial on You Tube) just to see if she would actually sew. She’s still dirty, a bit...

My Sewing Space

Introducing my 1938 Singer Sewing Machine

I’m so excited, I feel like all my Christmas’s have come at once! At the beginning of the week I saw an old Singer on Ebay with a start...

Tops

Gray All Day – The Athena Top

Helena from Gray All Day has today released her new pattern The Athena Top, and guess what….. I was a pattern tester!! When I saw her post asking for...

Yorkshire Spoolettes

Yay! The Spoolettes Are Coming To Yorkshire

I’m not sure how this is going to go, if it’s gonna be a breeze or lots of sleepless nights – I’m organising a meet-up in Dewsbury on Wednesday...

Colette, Skirts, The Monthly Stitch

Osaka Wrap Skirt – Tick!

Whoop! There’s only one thing on my new wish list and I’ve only gone and made it – the rest is in my head but will be noted soon! Disaster...

My Sewing Space

My Space For Sewing – Revamp Phase 2

I feel a bit more comfortable writing this post as the photos I’m sharing with you aren’t of the embarrassing nature that appeared in Phase 1! There was quite a...

My Sewing Space

MY Space for Sewing – Revamp Phase 1

We all have a space somewhere, whether it be large, small, pretty, draughty…. it doesn’t matter because it’s OUR space and if anyone says it’s untidy we’ll have their guts...

My Sewing Space

Too Excited To Type

I’ve a parcel on it’s way and I received a text to track it’s progress, so I did. And then I looked again….. I’ve never seen this service before!...

Dresses, Refashioning

A Few Renfrews…… A Few Renfrews…… A Few Renfrews……

You can’t beat a good tongue twister! I can’t even say it in my head more than twice never mind out loud! I think we all have a few Sewaholic...

Outer Wear, Pattern Parcel

Sewing Gives Me Butterflies – The Julia Cardigan #patternparcel6

Back in October I bought the Perfect Pattern Parcel #6. Included in this was The Julia Cardigan from Mouse House Creations. I’ve been meaning to make this up for...

Dresses

Lazy Valentine Weekend – The Frock Part 3

Hi! Hope you’ve all had a lovely Valentine’s weekend. I finished my frock on Friday, except for a little hand stitching, so that left Saturday for chilling. Today has been a...

Dresses, Work in Progress

Valentine Frock – Part 2

For those of you who regularly read my blog, sorry for the confusion. I’ve not written Part 1 yet! (Part 1 will be about the 2 muslins I made...

Tops

Newlook 6648 – Again!

I decided I needed a new top for a night out on Friday for a colleagues leaving do. I had this fabric in my stash, a soft viscose jersey...

Crochet

The Chunky Headband Pattern

In yesterday’s post I told you about my first ever crochet pattern! Here it is! Free! I used 1 x 100g ball of Sirdar Denim Ultra Chunky & a...

Crochet

I’ve Made a Crochet Pattern!!

Now I don’t know what to do with it! Last weekend we stayed in a cottage in Seahouses, Northumberland to celebrate my mums birthday. I couldn’t take my sewing...

Tops

Stripes, Stabilisers And Sagginess

I think we all have made at least 1 Coco. But have you made a stripy one? STRIPES STABILISERS SAGGINESS I bought this gorgeously soft ponte roma knit from Fabworks down...

Dresses

Oh No! I’ve lost a Coco!

First of all, a belated happy new year! What with holidays in Mexico and a poorly mum-in-law there’s not been much time for sewing or blogging, but I’m back!...

Dresses

My Leopardy Francoise Dress

Last month Tilly released her latest pattern – the Francoise Dress. I bought it the first day it was on sale and couldn’t wait to get started. I...

Tutorials

The Awful Dressmaker’s Book

Today I’ve spent an hour or 2 rummaging through a friend of a friend’s Mum’s stash. We came across this book which really made us chuckle: The book was...

Menswear, Pants, Pattern Parcel, Summer wear

The Hudson Pants #PatternParcel6

Back in October I bought Parcel 6 from the Perfect Pattern Parcel. This is the 3rd parcel I’ve bought but I’ve not gotten round to making anything until now....

Colette, Outer Wear, Tutorials, Work in Progress

A Quick Fix

Remember the hole I fixed in my Colette Albion? I found some photos which I took whilst I was fixing it, and thought they might be useful to anyone...

Colette, Outer Wear

My Colette Albion #2

Remember the ARRRHHHHHH moment in the first installment? I eventually pulled myself together, and several deep breathes & days later I had a plan. Here’s some more pix of the...

Outer Wear, Work in Progress

Colette Albion #1

A few weeks ago I bought a Colette pattern – the albion jacket/coat with the intention of making it for my hubby. As we sewers do, I spents hours some time...

Tops

Deluxe Coco – with sprinkles & cream

Deluxe Coco coming up! Not quite with sprinkles and cream, but does have lots of topstitching and a smattering of ric-rac. Remember earlier when I was trying to squeeze a coco...

Tops

A Challenging Coco

I have a 1m piece of fabric that NEEDS to be a Coco. I’ve walked away for a break, it’s like trying to do a jigsaw with pieces missing...

Dresses, The Monthly Stitch

Dahlia – My Christmas Dress

After my frenzy of downloading, sticking and gluing, and sewing which lasted 2 days and resulted in my most favourite dress to date, things slowed down. Well, not so...

Tutorials, Work in Progress

Matchmaker – Dahlia meets Mr Zip

Whilst inserting my zip today into my Dahlia dress I decided to take some photos of how I match everything up when inserting zips, as it can make or...

Dresses

Sewing Dahlias

Been a newish blogger I’m always extemely late to the party. The only Victoria I knew was a cake filled with buttercream, but you guys were all wearing yours...

Refashioning, The Monthly Stitch, Tops

Selfies and Sorbettos

Late to the party? Crikey, I don’t think I’ll ever get there, late or otherwise! So, what have Selfies and Sorbettos got in common? ……A year ago I’d heard...

Dresses, The Monthly Stitch

Mono Frock has a day at the races

A couple of Saturdays ago we had a day at Ripon races. We had been invited by VW Van Centre who were sponsoring a race, so best frocks were...

Pants, Summer wear

Golf…… Burda Style

Last month I bought my first ever burda style magazine and bravely set about tracing these shorts It hasn’t taken me almost a month to trace and sew the,...

Pants

Crikey!! Where do I start!!

I’ve finally done it! Will it be the best £4.99 ever spent? Or will I just end up drooling over the photos? I’ve bought my first Burda Style magazine...

Indie Pattern, Outer Wear

Mum does a runner with my New Victoria Blazer

I’ve spent most of the weekend making my 2nd Victoria Blazer from By Hand London. (Link added in case by some crazy chance you’ve not heard of those talented...

Outer Wear, Work in Progress

Plaid Victoria Blazer BHL #1

I’m desperately in need of a coffee break after a morning pattern matching my latest project – my 2nd Victoria Blazer. My first one is unfortunately not blogged as...

Dresses

2 down, 3 to go – Vogue 1353

As some of you will know we have 5 wddings to attend this year, and Vogue 1353 was made for one or two of the weddings. It could even...

Skirts

Maria Denmark’s Yasmin Yoke Skirt

Introducing my new favourite pattern……. The Yasmin Yoke Skirt I’ve made 3 in the last week. It’s rare I ever make 2 of anything never mind 3. The last...

My Stash, Shopping

Edinburgh – anyone know of any good fabric shops?

My hubbies treated me to a short golfing break in Scotland. We’re staying just outside Edinburgh, only here for 2 more nights but I’m hoping to squeeze some shopping...

Refashioning, Tops

Ikea Throw Transformation

Last Saturday was Day 3 of me being a non-smoker. So to take my mind off things I thought I’d sew the current challenge for Stitch Once Rip Twice, organised...

Crochet, Pants, The Monthly Stitch

TMS – Pants Challenge

Phew! Talk about Cutting it fine. February’s challenge for The Monthly Stitch is to make pants. Or trousers, or slacks depending whereabouts in the world you might be. So here’s...

Crochet, Gifts I've made

Happy Birthday Mum!

A little belated Birthday wish for my lovely mum, and introducing my niece to sewing! It was my mum’s birthday at the end of January but unfortunatley whilst my...

Outer Wear

Meet Godzilla – a.k.a. Simplicity 2150

A couple of weeks ago I stayed up late to make a start on my latest project Simplicity 2150. I bought the black furry fabric last year and intended...

Pants, Refashioning

Refashioning my Diesel Jeans #1

I splashed out on a pair of Diesel Jeans around 5 years ago. They were quite low rise and at the time looked great. But over the last year...

Crochet

Crochet: my new addiction

As if sewing, and the odd bit of knitting, wasn’t enough to fill all my spare time. Thanks to Emmely over at Infectious Stitches I now have a new addiction!...

Tutorials

How come my rotary cutter doesn’t spin round?!?!

On Sunday I treated myself to a rotary cutter and mat, today was the first chance I had to try it out. I decided to make a simple A-line...

Tops

My first Polly Top from By Hand London

Just a quick short post to introduce you to my first Polly Top from By Hand London. It’s their first free pattern and can be found here. Here’s some...

Tutorials

Thank you By Hand, London

Whilst browsing By Hand’s website I found a tool they have which does all the calculations for 1/4, 1/2 and full circle skirts!! Amazing!!! Thank you so much! After...

Dresses, The Monthly Stitch

Christmas Party Dress

I’ve been thinking long and hard about what to make for my works Christmas do, and also something for The Monthly Stitch Challenge – “Party!!”. I didn’t want...

Gifts I've made, Knitting, The Monthly Stitch, Tops

Cook’s Apron from The Great British Sewing Bee

Time was running out for me in The Monthly Stitch’s Challenge – ‘something from a book”. As I only own 1 sewing book I wasn’t exactly spoilt for choice....

My Stash, Tutorials

Organising PDF Patterns

I usually roll my PDF patterns up into a tube after using them but today I had a brain wave of a better way to store them. Strengthen one...

Tutorials

No time for sewing, I’ve just delivered a baby!

It’s 4:55 here in the uk, on my first night shift (I’m a paramedic if you don’t know) and I’ve just delivers a baby! It’s a boy!! Think it’s...

My Stash

IS THIS NORMAL?!?!

Hi fellow fabric horders collectors! I decided to sort out my little stash today and was shocked to discover all this…….(it’s a good job my hubby’s at work!) Is...

Gifts I've made, Me & My Brood, Tutorials

Tartan Half Circle Skirt – a bit of a tutorial…My First!

Today’s my niece’s 16th birthday. She asked me to make her a tartan skater skirt. After lots of googling we went shopping to Fabworks in Dewsbury on a fabric hunt....

Tops

Prima 2005 – Vintage!

Here is a top I made from a Prima pattern I found in the loft dated September 2005. Another 2 years and it will be officially vintage! I started...

Tops

The Lekala Jersey Top – Part 2

I didn’t quite make the 3pm deadline for the school run, finally finished it for 6pm. I did break off to do my motherly duties. Enough of domesticity, back...