Fancy a new challenge….. I somehow have been talked into making a Jumpsuit … want to join us…? Read on………!
Latest Posts
Sunday Sevens – Week 34 (me 9)
I thought I’d be scraping the barrel with the photos for this past week, but now as I’m flicking through them on my photo stream I have 7. Phew! I thought before I looked that I might have to add one or two from my Me Made May ones but I don’t.
1. Spot the vital piece of equipment necessary when I’m sorting out the back of my car at work!
2. Spotted another shop in Bradford which I’ll have to try and peruse one day. Apparently it’s really cheap for all haberdashery – as in it’s cheaper to buy the whole roll than just a couple of metres! It’s on Toller Lane near Bradford Royal Infirmary – if any ‘local’ readers could enlighten us further that would be fab!
3. An exceedingly windy and chilly day on the golf course!
4. A rare treat – going out with Mr Thimberlina (to a do at the golf club! where else!)
5. Look what arrived in the post! Thanks Amanda!
6. It was too cold to watch cricket (well too cold to watch it in my new Morris Blazer, but it wasn’t getting covered up with a big coat!) so we went and bought 2 sofas. Here’s one nearly the same. The other is a love seat and will be for snuggly up with my crochet hooks! Unfortunately they won’t be here for 6 weeks, but it’s taken us 4 weeks to choose it, so I can live with the old ones a bit longer!
7. Found a pic of H on my phone today, he was chuckling like mad and I did’t know he’d been taking a selfie and changing the photo of my lock screen!
Hope you’ve all had a great week!
If you want to see more of The Sunday Sevens, head over to Nats (from Threads and Bobbins) Pinterest Board to see what the rest of the Sunday Seveners have been up to!
“Magic Our Morris” 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 it I do remember a well know phrase from the show, which was “Magic ‘r’ Morris!” Morris was Selwin’s brother. If you remember it and fancy a nostalgic chuckle take a peak at this You Tube clip.
If you don’t, then moving swiftly on……….. here is my new Grainline Magic Our Morris Blazer! (worn with my BHL Polly Top)
I’m so excited to share this with you! I’ve not taken it off since I finished it this lunch time and have had so many compliments. I woke up at half 6 this morning and by 7am was well into cutting out. All in all it’s taken me 5 hours from start to finish (not including getting the pattern ready).
So here we are – I’ll get straight into the finished garment photos, then I’ll just mention a few changes I made during construction.
I think you can tell from my smiley face that I’m really chuffed with my new blazer! There’s some amazing ones out there and I was afraid that my cream one might be a bit dull, but it’s quite the opposite. I went to the cricket club and they thought I looked glamorous! I’d only put on a pair of ear rings and my new blazer!! Or maybe it was the new hair cut, but they saw that last week. Anyway, needless to say I felt amazing in it!
I thought I might mention how I finished off my seams. The instructions basically say to finish the seams by your own preferred method. As it’s not a beginners pattern I think this is quite acceptable, but there are adventurous beginners out there who will make amazing Morris’s, so if showing them my preferred way helps them out, all well and good. If not, it’ll remind me next time I make one!
After pressing the seam allowance to one side, I trimmed the underneath seam allowance.
I then overlocked the seam allowance – with the wider seam allowance on top – I also trimmed off aprox 1/4 inch as I overlocked.
In some places the bottom seam allowance was caught, but it didn’t matter either way.
I pressed the sleeve head seam towards the body of the blazer.
Then I top stitched or edge stitched. I did the shoulder seam prior to inserting the arms.
I also should mention that I did not stitch together the side seams until after I had sewn in the sleeves. I sew in my sleeves with only 3 pins and no easing stitches – super fast and learnt off Janet Prays Craftsy class – so have to change the order of construction slightly.
Wrong side of collar after top stitching.
right side of collar after top stitching.
A few of the reviews I’ve read so far mention part 15 of the instructions were a bit tricky. For those who’ve made it you’ll know what I mean when I say I made it a bit trickier by not turning under the 1/2 inch – instead i overlocked it and chopped the 1/2 inch off. This meant I had to do things a little different – I took some photos – hope these clarify things:
I didn’t want any more bulk on the edge of the facing so overlocked the raw edge which would be shown. its a bit hard to explain but if you do make one and when you get to part 15 this will make sense and hopefully help you out!
I stitched these together just a couple of mm off the edge as I had in effect chopped off all the seam allowance when I overlocked the edge.
You can just about make out the stitching line here.
Wrong side of facing after a good press.
Right side of facing – the corner on the bottom left of the picture now matches up with the bottom edge of the jacket when sewn together, right sides facing.
If you’ve not sewn one yet and I’ve not tempted you, Saturday Night Stitch has a stunning mustard one HERE, Sew Busy Lizzy has a beautiful floral one HERE, and Ginger has 2 for the price of one HERE!!
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 of it (mum….that might be you!) see So, Zo… What do you know?‘s blog to read all about it and see who else has signed up. We’re looking at nearly 500!!!
So here goes,
“I, Ali of Thimberlina.wordpress.com, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May ’15. I endeavour to wear at least one me made item every day and NO rtw tops at all except work uniform and Golf Team T shirt on match days (there’s only 2 in May).”
Good luck to all you Me-Made-Mayers out there. Looking forward to reading your posting already.
Oh, and something not related, but hopefully it will be finished well before the end of May, I’ve started to Crochet another bag. I made the orange, pink and white one last year after only 4 months of learning to crochet. I’ve just struggled to find the above photo of it and for the life in me really don’t know why I never wrote a post about it. It consists of 20 squares which took about 45 minutes each, then had to fasten together, make the handles and line. A lot of hours, probably near on 30, but I used it so much I want another for this year.
These are the colours for this year’s summer bag, and hopefully they’ll go with most casual outfits.
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 the usual polo style top that golfers wear. Not just because I wanted to be different, I’m a tad scared of plackets!
This pattern was marked as easy, so although the collar didn’t look too straight forward, I thought it would be easier that the dreaded placket.
I chose to make the sleeveless version as I didn’t have enough fabric to make one with sleeves. I was either going to use a grey ponte knit (leftover from my sisters coco) or a black viscose jersey (refashioned from an old top). For the contrast I was using some leftovers from my scuba knit espresso leggings.
I wasn’t being a skin flint using the scraps – this was hopefully going to be a wearable muslin – according to the instructions I could alter the fit on the side seams if needed, and other than that it should fit!
I cut out the contrasting collar super carefully – I think fussy cut may be the right phrase here! It would have been a disaster if each side wasn’t identical!
After cutting one side I made some notes on the pattern piece to help get the mirror image for the other side. I also took a photo with my phone with the pattern on top so I could check it was right before I cut it out.
I used the back viscose jersey for the wrong sides of the collar and the facings which made them less bulky. It all came together really easily, and was interesting too as I’ve never made anything with this type of collar before.
I used the back viscose jersey for the wrong sides of the collar and the facings which made them less bulky. It all came together really easily, and was interesting too as I’ve never made anything with this type of collar before.
For the arm holes I just used a strip of the check scuba fabric and applied it like a facing.
I needed to trim away some of the excess bulk:
But then was able to flip it over and stitch without any pressing – this scuba doesn’t change one bit even after a good press!! Well, except for melting I s’pose!
I was really excited when I woke up today! It’s Tuesday and it was sunny! My new golfing attire was about to make it’s debut at the golf club! But then it snowed. It hailed. And it blue a gale!
I was in a dilemma as to what to wear. I really wanted to wear my new top, so I layered up and covered my lovely new top with a jumper and waterproof jacket!
I did manage some photos after the game (which I won! we were playing out first round of the club knock out).
These are selfies taken in the locker room!
When end I left the club I called at my mums to collect H and a photo shoot it was freezing outside. Gorgeously sunny, but so so windy. We retreated to the greenhouse – lots of light, scorching hot and no wind!
The last photo is almost full length – I’ve shorted my pants by about 6 inches. They were neither long or short before!
I have a feeling there’ll be a few more 1429’s in my wardrobe before the year is out. I’m definitely going to make at least one as a dress – I bet it would look cool with the new Morris blazer, which sort of just slipped into my basket whilst browsing the Grainline website today. Ooops! Like quite a few off you out there it’s suddenly jumped right to the front if my sewing queue!
Sunday Sevens – Week 33 (me 8)
Hi Everyone, hope you’ve had a fab and productive week! I’ve not had as much time as I’d like for sewing, though I have almost completed a Vogue 1429 which I’ve made to match my funky scuba leggings! Can’t to to finish them off and show you! I’m going to look a right bobby dazzler on the golf course!
So here’s my seven photos from this week:
1. The Great British Bake Off has nothing on H! He continues to surprise us with his baking skills when he comes home from school on Mondays!
2. If you hate feet (and lots do I know) look away now! Lucky for me my sister loves feet and is in her 2nd year of her podiatry degree so she’s keeps my feet in tip top condition! 
3. My pattern from Linda’s giveaway on Nice Dress! Thank, I made it!! arrived all the way from Canada! Thanks Linda!
4. When I’m on nights it can be difficult to find something to take a picture of. This is 5:30am and I was driving back to station over Southowram from Halifax to Brighouse. Is was really misty and the sun was coming up. This really doesn’t show it off well, but it was the best I could do with my Iphone.
5. Friday I woke up and an hour later decided I was going to make an appointment to have all my hair chopped off. And I did! The last time I had it so short I was 11 years old! So not too long ago really!
6. I caught up with my ironing. Didn’t have much and the photos not actually that interesting until you note that the clothes on the right are me-made and the lonesome golf top on the left was the only RTW clothes in my basket! And that golf top is a necessity as it’s my team top for when I play in club matches so can’t really replace that.
7. And today I played golf in the Bradford & District Evening League Team Championships. Bit of a gob full, but basically a 4 man team from clubs around Bradford. It was a gorgeous day. A slight cool breeze with glorious blue skies and lots of sunshine! We didn’t win, but we stayed dry which is always a bonus! When I left Jeanie’s team from Shipley was in the lead – those of you who went to the meet up will remember Jeannie.
So, there you go. Another eventful week! As well as sharing these photos with you I see it as a sort of diary for me too to look back on, so thanks Natalie for creating the Sunday Sevens. If you want to read more about it, and/or join in, head over to Threads and Bobbins for more info.
Sunday Sevens – week 32 (me 7)
Evening!
Phew! It’s been a long day! A long week too, really. It was the 2nd week of the Easter hols in our part of the world.
After nearly 3 weeks off I went back to work last Friday. That was a shock to the system having to get up at 5am!
MONDAY
Monday we had a chilling day. Visited Nanny & Nana, and stopped off for an ice-cream on the way.
TUESDAY
We played golf – it’s not very often we play together. It’s hard to fit it in. H’s been playing on the ‘big’ course since he was 5 and got an official handicap when he was only 9. He managed 15 holes before he got bored! It was quite chilly. We’d both gotten our legs out but could’ve done with wrapping up a bit warmer!
WEDNESDAY
Some friends came round for lunch. They’re 2 mums I’ve met since H started playing cricket for Yorkshire 2 years ago. It was great for the lads to get together too. H loves jumping out on people and scaring them… (I need to show all 3 for you to get the effect!):
THURSDAY
At work we have a Golf Society and have 6 or 7 trips out through the summer and also compete against other ambulance services. On Thursday it was our first outing – we play 2 rounds, and eat breakfast lunch and evening meal – so it’s a long but enjoyable day!
When I came home I was shattered but it was only 8:30pm so I thought I’d do a little on a blanket I started last summer. This has travelled some miles – I often take it to work, and it’s also been to Mexico! Thinking about it, I don’t think I’ve touched it since the flight back from Mexico on the 1st January!
FRIDAY
Back to work. I stood-by (i.e. park up and wait for an accident to happen!) overlooking Brighouse and beyond. In the distance you can just about make out the Pennines – that’s the ‘divide’ between me and NavyBlueThreads!
SATURDAY
Another early start and I didn’t have time to make a pack-up, so I made do with Super Noodles and 2 poached egg accompanied with some Candy Crushing for lunch!
SUNDAY
Hooray I finished work on time! Well, I actually got off 10 minutes early as when I got back to station the girl who was starting at 6pm was in early so took my car and off I went! (this a a mini miracle – i haven’t actually finished a shift on time since February!)
That meant I could whiz over to Leeds and watch some cricket. H was playing for the 2nd team at New Farnley (for the seniors i.e. men!) and they won! He’s only 12 but last year he received a card from Yorkshire to say he’s allowed to play open age cricket. He had a great game – took a catch and got 16 runs. And they won!
So that’s my week in a nutshell! Hope you’re week’s been good too. Our days are getting (slightly) warmer and longer which always seems to help put smiles on everyones faces! Hope there’s something to put a smile on yours, wherever you are!
If your new to Sunday Sevens and would like to read more, or join in, head over to Natalie’s blog over at Threads and Bobbins to find out a little bit more about it!
Have a great week………….Ali x
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…!
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, my niece, and even H has a pair which he wore under his ski trousers. I thought maybe I could adapt the pattern for a scuba knit fabric and then they’d I’d be able to make some easy funky pants (ish) for on the golf course.
I originally bought this check fabric when visiting Dewsbury for the Spoolette meet-up. I went with absolutely no intention to buy any fabric on that occasion and came home with all this:
So far though I’ve done quite well and made use of 3 out of the 7 pieces bought that day. Recognise the fabric top left….arrrhhhhh…… The second fabric down is now the Athena Top.
As the scuba knit isn’t quite so stretchy, I added about 1/2 inch all the way round my pattern:
As it turned out this wasn’t quite enough. The fabric only stretches on the horizontal so when I was walking and bending whilst playing golf I felt I was continuously pulling them up and readjusting myself! Not a good look playing golf with 14 fellas! So next time I think for a scuba knit I would add at least 2 inches to the front and back – it’s easy to chop off after! And I would add more from the knee to the ankle.
Even though I had several wardrobe malfunctions on the course I felt great in them, and a few of the lads loved them and wanted a pair of pants made in the same fabric! I was a bit too embarressed to ask them to take photos when we were playing so I balanced my phone on a bench on the tee and managed to get a couple of shots:
The pattern matching was spot on, thanks to my walking foot. I didn’t bother using the overlocker. My first line of sewing was a basting stitch with the scantest of seam allowances. This was fine so then I stitched 2 rows of a narrow zig-zig, and hemmed with a narrow zig-zap too.
Leggings and pants aren’t quite the same, I know. There’s no way I’d have my bum on show if I had leggings on! And I couldn’t wear leggings for golf (not really allowed!). But the scuba knit works wonders with the fit and smooths everything out. A bit of a different look to the GBSB Drapey Dress don’t you think!
One Cap Many Looks
Last week I read about Sth’s Grandma’s Cycling Cap:
How cute is this! I really needed one, like needed one and bought the pattern straight away and printed it off before the money came out of my paypal account! And it sat there for a week. Then it took me all of 60 seconds cutting out the pieces and before I knew it I was a hat maker!
I woke up early and I’d made most of it my 8:30 am – I was so pleased H was awake and I could get a move on and make a bit of noise before before I got dressed. I seem at my most productive when I’m in my dressing gown.
I needed to find some firm plastic to stiffen the peak and chopped off part of a plastic folder. There was enough for 2, so I chopped the extra one ready for hat no 2 (should it occur!).
The hat came together in no time. The instructions were really easy to follow. I could’ve done with using my overlocker to neaten the inside, but as this was my first go i used the overlock stitch and foot on my new Janome.
It’s number 13 on the picture below:
It was a bit tricky when I came securing the plastic in the peak. Probably as it’s small and a bit taffy. I basted along the raw edge to stop the plastic falling out. All was good until I edge stitched the peak which then caused the fabric to go squewiff so I unpicked the basting stitches and restitched. The peak was secure without though as I stitched through the plastic. (with a normal needle!).
It was soon finished and I gave TBM (trainee blog manager) a fashion show. He’d already had a sneak preview before the peak was sewn on. I went into his bedroom wearing it and told him I’d made a denim swimming cap. Unfortunately he believed me. I’m only adding the next pictures as not many people I know in real life read my blog so I’ll still be able to go to the local shops without being a laughing stock!
I’m not sure when I’ll wear it in . My friends called today for lunch, we had a giggle and Jean took some photos:
Three different looks! How lucky am I!
How would you wear yours!!??
T H I M B E R L I N A 