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Hacking McCalls 6612 – 3 very different Tops

Published by Thimberlina

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 scrap bin, to whip up a t shirt.

I raised the neckline by an inch and shortened the dress pattern to hip length. I feel a bit like a 5 year old but I’ve worn this loads and it’s been in regular rotation worn with old denim shorts during the last month of what we call ‘summer’.

I was thinking of making another when Bea mentioned on her IG feed that she had this gorgeous jersey going spare, I couldn’t believe my luck when I was able to snap it up. She sent it with a lovely note and some other sewing goodies!

As I’m a serial tracer and muslin maker it’s a real treat to be able to whip up a new garment in an hour or 2. I’ve not really had any TNT patterns in the past but I think I definitely need more to boost my everyday wardrobe when I’m short of time.

I’ve worn this top loads, both with my yasmin yoke skirt and my blue skinny jeans (unfortunately not me made but hopefully that will change will change soon). The unusual pattern has had lots of compliments, so I’m really grateful to Bea for gifting it to me.

My last top to show you is my new favourite! Is it just me that has a new favourite nearly every time a garment is finished?

At 4:20pm last Saturday I’d cooked a huge pan of chilli for a friend’s surprise party, washed my hair and was being picked up in 1 hour and 40 minutes.

So I did a really crazy thing and decided to make a new top to go out in. Not only that, I also decided to redraft the sleeves. I’d been reading September’s Edition of Sew Today and they made it look really simple to hack the sleeves to something right on trend.

I followed the instructions for the flounce – the middle one on the diagram above – starting the flounce from where the short sleeved version would finish. My thought was that once the fancy sleeve craze was over, or when i fancied a change, I could chop off the flounce and just have a short sleeved top.

The slashing and spreading was really straight forward. I initially separated each strip by just one inch, but it didn’t look like it would be flouncy enough so widened them to two inches apart.

Although I had my dressmakers curve at the ready I roughly drew a curve as everything was just a little rushed.

When I cut the top out I also was really careful to cut very smoothly at the bottom of the sleeve as I was planning to leave it unhemmed. I also didn’t bother marking any of the notches so laid out the pieces on my cutting mat so I didn’t get the left and right sleeves mixed up.

There was no pattern matching, and luckily it turned out just fine despite having to cut all the sleeve pieces on the cross grain – luckily the fabric had a 4 way stretch. I was worried at one point that a big flowery part would end up on each boob!!

At 6:02 my lift arrived. My hair and make-up was done (thank goodness for straighteners) and although my top wasn’t hemmed (thank goodness for fray check!) it was finished enough to be wearable and I was all ready to go…..!

Tah – dah!

I just love this fabric. I bought it last year when i met Jennie in Chester, when she came all the way from America. She obviously wasn’t coming especially to meet me but we took advantage of her trip and met for a few hours. This fabric came from my Abakhan and was the first time I’d purchased fabric that was weighed in.

The top was all sewn up on the overlocker using a 3 thread wide hem. I’m wishing now I had used a narrow 3 thread as it feels slightly bulky on the some of the seams. Or maybe it just needs a good press as it’s still not been done!

I’m really liking the sleeves and am planning my next hack…..I’m quite fancying having a go at something like what Geo created on the amazing shirt she had on at Sewing Bee Live,but may be adding them to a pussy bow blouse.

Have you got the sleeve bug?!

Thimbers x

PS I’m not really sure if I should apologise for the blog post overload, but after such a quiet spell I really have quite a bit to catch up on!

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The Little Red Dress – McCalls 6612

Published by Thimberlina

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 without even thinking I needed to measure myself. Luckily due to the very stretchy nature of the fabric it fit.

I’d not used this pattern again, until earlier in the summer, and I’ve since made 5 very different garments. I measure a 16 chest and 12 hips but generally sew with a smaller seam allowance and keep my fingers crossed that it will fit. So far so good!

The first M6612 was a little red dress made with a cotton jersey from John Lewis. I was going to add short sleeves but after sewing up the side seams whilst in auto pilot I decided not to bother as I nearly always sew sleeves in in the flat and couldn’t be bothered easing the sleeves in. To jazz things up I added a striped trim to the neck and arm openings and absolutely love how it transformed this simple dress.

Top stitching with a wide twin cover stitch really made the dress look really RTW.

I’ve worn this dress loads over the summer – for meals out with pals, socials dos at the golf club, and just to watch the cricket on a sunny day.

Refitting My Favourites after My #SlimmingWorldSuccess

Published by Thimberlina

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 day….. totally oblivious to sizing charts, in a tricky ITY knit and have never looked back!

During the last 4 years I discovered social media, and now have more sewing friends that golfing friends, which is really strange as golfing is a real life hobby not a virtual one like blogging!

I also have lots of golfing friends who now sew… my enthusiasm can be infectious so watch out! But all the sewing led me to have a huge lifestyle change, and not really for the better.

I no longer played golf 3 or 4 times a week, instead I was either sat at my sewing machine or at my computer, and my life became stagnant.

I’m not sure when the extra pounds really crept on, but soon I was almost 2 stone heavier than when I started blogging!

#slimmingworldsuccess #upcycledclothes39

My first outing on my C25K journey

Things had to change. I felt really sluggish and was lacking energy.

So one of the first things I did to try and become more active and healthy (and ultimately lighter) was to download one of the couch to 5k apps on my phone and then head out to pound the pavements in my quest for the new me.

For at least the first couple of weeks there wasn’t much pounding. Well there was, but it was my heart not the pavement! At times I thought my heart would burst out of my chest and my lungs would explode! But I survived and before long even manage to complete my first park run.

To cut a long story short my weight did change, and my fitness improved, but I still didn’t feel like me. So in February this year I took the bull by the horns and joined my local Slimming World Group.

Here’s me on the 12th Feb the day I joined SW wearing my newly finished Lekala dress with the George Michael tribute act. Maybe not my best angle, but they say the camera never lies!

I really got stuck into Slimming World and would say I stuck to it 95% of the time, and on the 27th May, just a few week later i reached my goal of 11 stone!

This is my Memademay pic from the 27th!

And here’s the new me after a run…

Loosing just 15 1/2 pounds in this time (i’d lost a few before I joined SW) made a huge different to my clothes as I’d lost 3 inches from my bust, waist and hips!

For a while the sewing of new clothes slowed down. Especially whilst I was still loosing weight. It all seemed pointless as I didn’t know what my finished size was going to be. All of a sudden I seemed to be at my target weight and all my favourite clothes were too big!

I set about altering them and was surprised how quick most of the alterations were, most were done within the hour, which is less time to sew up a replacement.

So here’s a few before and afters and some tips in case you want to make similar alterations.

Lekala 5669

For this I simply shortened the dress to above the knee keeping all 3 layers of the skirt different lengths. It seemed a bit daft to cover up my new slim legs! No one had ever said i had great legs before, even when I was younger, but I think the body pump as well as the weight loss has helped improve the shape.

Tilly’s Cleo

Another quick fix, simply shortening it, it’s a little bit too big but so long as I wear something that’s hip length i can keep my modesty where it gapes.

3 Yasmin Yoke Skirts

I’ve 3 Yasmins which all were miles too big. This denim one is my absolute favourite and was originally really dark as you can see in the original post. Worn with the striped top near the beginning of memademay it was shapeless and had lost its A line shape.

So on a nice sunny day I set about the blue denim with a stitch ripper. There was lots of top stitching and 2 rows of stitching on the hem but it took less than 1/2 hour to unpick it.

#slimmingworldsuccess #upcycledclothes14

#slimmingworldsuccess #upcycledclothes13

Resewing the side seams and restitching the facing and the hem was even quicker and my favourite skirt was back in regular rotation sooner than I thought.

The quickness of it all made me be super cheeky and ask my sister for a black denim one that I’d made for her a couple of years ago. I knew it was a bit on the big side for her and she didn’t wear it. I gave it the same treatment as the blue one and now I have 2 favourite denim skirts!

Next up was Vogue 8805 and an even quicker fix – a couple of tumble drying sessions caused enough shrinkage for a perfect fit!

My Colette Moneta (unblogged!!) didn’t fit too well anymore, but even if it did I really couldn’t see myself wearing it, so I chopped it in half and made a top! It has been worn a few times but it’s a bit on the short side unless I continually pull it down, so maybe it may need further attention.

A surprisingly successful refit was my Vogue 9082 / Sonja Dress hack. I wore this last September to the night do of my niece’s wedding but haven’t worn it since. Not for any reason other than I’ve not needed this type of dress during the winter months.

My original V9082 (and bestest dress ever!) had a side zip so I really didn’t feel like altering this, much to my sister’s pleasure, who now now the proud owner! But when I made this dress I inserted a CB zip because of the pleats. In future I will never add a side zip unless it’s absolutely necessary – in skirts and dresses, resizing is just so much easier!

There was quite a bit of unpicking needed as everything seemed to be under stitched. I ended up taking the side in by a good inch either side, but have left the excess seam allowances in, just in case it ever is loaned out and needs to be made bigger!

And then on Lady Captains Day a couple of weeks ago my ‘new’ dress with quite a few inches chopped off, made it’s debut:

Next up, these wide leg trousers were a ‘hand mi down’ from my MIL. They still had the labels on last year when she gave them to me, and I took them on holiday to Portugal. I shortened them to a mid calf length and they looked fab as culottes.

This year I took them to Portugal but they were huge and needed holding up with a belt!

So when I returned home I set about altering these to fit my new size as culottes were everywhere! I didn’t fancy unpicking the waist band and making lots of work for myself. I think often it’s harder with RTW to alter them as you don’t know exactly how they’ve been put together.

Instead I pinned front pleats in place next to the belt loops and it miraculously worked. So just a quick stitch and they were as good as new.

#slimmingworldsuccess #upcycledclothes16

#slimmingworldsuccess #upcycledclothes18

#slimmingworldsuccess #upcycledclothes17

These were worn on my Turkish holiday and before, but have since stayed in the wardrobe. Writing this post has reminded me that they are there and they’ll be out again very soon!

My super cool favourite Molly Top

Now this sloppy jumper-like top was loose fitting when I made it but since loosing the pounds instead of it looking loose fitting, it looked like it was just oversized and shapeless.

#slimmingworldsuccess #upcycledclothes41

#slimmingworldsuccess #upcycledclothes42

#slimmingworldsuccess #upcycledclothes40

By simply running a new seam from cuff, all the way up the sleeve and down to the hem it looks like it belongs to me and I’ve not borrowed it! Not a huge change but enough to make a better fit.

#slimmingworldsuccess #upcycledclothes45

#slimmingworldsuccess #upcycledclothes44

#slimmingworldsuccess #upcycledclothes43

My last refit was of a RTW dress that I’ve had ages. I simply sewed new side seams and shortened it by a couple of inches. It’s quite short, but I’ve worn it for golf with black gym shorts underneath to keep my bottom covered when taking my shot! I’ve worn it too just with sandals and a denim jacket out for lunch. I’ve actually worn it more in the last month than in the last few years it’s been in my wardrobe!

So that’s it, for now! I’ve a few more bit and pieces that I’ll be altering in the coming weeks, but these few garments have helped bridge the gap between the old and the new me!

Before you sling out clothes that are either to big or too small or just not quite you any more it might be worth seeing if half an hours TLC may turn it into something you’d love to wear again!

And on a completely different note to sewing. If you’re thinking of shedding just a few pounds, or a few more, I’d definitely recommend Slimming World. Ask around and see if you can find a fun group. The guy (yes guy!!) who run’s mine in hilarious and has us in stitches. So if you’re anyway near me and fancy joining then let me know and I’ve give you the details of where we meet.

Have fun and happy sewing,

Thimbers x

On The Ball! Simplicity 1613

Published by Thimberlina

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 the swap and used a pattern that came free with the current issue of the Dressmaker magazine.

I’m not a regular of the Dressmaker magazine as I subscribe to Love Sewing and Sew Direct. I think the hubby would raise an eyebrow at more sewing publications dropping on the mat, but I still have a peek at the others when I’m out shopping.

This pattern caught my eye immediately and I was drawn into buying the mag’ and I knew just which fabric would be a perfect match.

This John Kaldor ITY knit which was kindly donated to the swap from Ruth Ruth at Ruth Creates.

The pattern was a super simple make, I whizzed it up in a couple of hours (after cutting out) despite having to unpick the off the shoulder part – I’m not sure what it’s name is. The shoulder band maybe?

I’m not sure how it happened. Well, I supposed I am – I mustn’t have read the instructions properly! It would have looked ok if I’d have wanted to wear it inside out. I’d stitched the band on with a narrow zigzag which lead to a rather painful unpicking experience!

I still managed to get the dress finished in time to wear it for cricket. A hot day was forecast and off the shoulder was going to be needed to top up the tan and minimise tan marks. I also decided to lengthen the top to an above knee dress length.

Where the band is attached to the dress it instructs you to sew a casing and insert narrow elastic. I did but it just didn’t sit properly no matter how I messed about with it.

It gathered up very slightly at the front. Not a great deal but enough to drive me bonkers when I wore it – though quite a lot of the time I had it all tucked under my arms to avoid tan marks.

The back looked slightly better than the front but the elastic had to go!

So the next day, whilst drinking anything fizzy that my sister had in the fridge, I sat and unpicked lots of overlocking stitches on her patio.

Another painful experience but made easier by alcohol.

Something i’d recommend – the alcohol. Along with unpicking outside – no need to worry about the messy threads!

Once the elastic was removed the dress hung so much better. I’m not really sure what purpose the elastic is supposed to serve.

I’ve since hemmed the dress which a twin coverstitch and it looks fab and so RTW!

I’d definitely use this pattern again if I needed a quick and easy summer dress or top. Though next time I think I would shorten the length of the shoulder band – can you see how it hows off my shoulders more at one side…. Maybe it’s due to the heavier weight of an ITY knit?

The fit across the bust is perfect, but I think I must have narrow shoulders in comparison to my back/chest.

Thanks Ruth for giving up this fabric to the swap – I love it and have some left which I’m contemplating making into some wide leg put on pants to wear with this top and give a jumpsuit sort of illusion!

Vogue 9242 – My Favourite Summer Top

Published by Thimberlina

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 to read how I adapted the pattern to take advantage of the tonal border detail.

McCalls 7577 – A playsuit with frilly legs!

Published by Thimberlina

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 bestie but I needed a bigger push to shed another 20 pounds.

One of the things that spurred me on to loose the weight was the Mc Calls pattern 7577.

As soon as I saw this cute little playsuit I really wanted to make it for my June holiday. So as the inches melted away I rummaged in my stash and found the perfect fabric for View A but without the sleeves. I bought this crepe from Leeds Market last November in the first SewUpNorth meet up.

Shockingly (for me) I didn’t trace the pattern and I didn’t make a muslin!

My thoughts on tracing have changed slightly. Before I used to trace absolutely everything as I was hoping to be a smaller size in the future, now i’m tending to cut straight into the patterns as I’m adamant I’m staying the size I am now!

I’d read a few reviews for this pattern and the general opinion was that the sizing ran a little big. So I cut a size 14 even though I measured a 16 at the bust and a 12 at the hips. I also lengthened the bodice by 4cm. I’m not particularly tall (5’4″) but most tops and dresses I’ve made have always needed the body lengthening.

I never thought how it would effect the cross over on the front – it did gape slightly – but being daring on holiday (i.e. braless and tanned) I wasn’t bothered but back home I think a safety pin would be in order. But to be honest, I’m not sure when I would wear this at home – it’s definitely more for the holiday wardrobe.

I didn’t have any suitable lace in my stash for the contrasting panel in the back bodice, but I did have a lace top that I was prepared to loose as the cream colour was a perfect match for the fabric.

The cutting out of the whole playsuit took bloody ages!! I actually lost track of just how long!

I fussy cut every single piece, after all I didn’t want any tits in any unfortunate places!

As each piece was cut I placed them together and tried to balance the pattern.

It felt a bit like doing a jigsaw!

Eventually I had all the pieces cut out for the front…… (note I purposely wanted nothing sprouting out of the front seam in the shorts!)

And the back……..

The whole pattern went together easily. One of the things I did that wasn’t mentioned in the instructions was to topstitch the seam of the upper and lower back bodice.

As you can see above it just didn’t lay as flat as I would have like, even after pressing, but once top stitched close to the edge it was much neater.

A facing was applied to the front and neck opening. I thought it was going to be too bulky so trimmed as much as possible away, turned them top stitched in place.

The worst bit of the construction was gathering up the lower parts of the legs. If I had a sewing nemesis it would be gathers. Come to think if it, I do have a sewing nemesis. It’s gathers! So this was a nightmare and seemed to take forever.

But it was all worth it!! Here’s it finished all ready for my hols. A week to spare and at my slimming world target weight!

#M7577 #thimberlina #mccalls7577 #playsuit #jumpingintojune16

#M7577 #thimberlina #mccalls7577 #playsuit #jumpingintojune17

And here’s on the first night of our holiday at the end of June.

Though I love this version of the pattern I don’t think I’ll make it again. The ruffles stuck out and I did press the gathers to try and stop the legs looking too puffy.

I think I’ll make a straight legged version, maybe the long legged version, especially as I still have athe back of the lace top to use as the contrasting back panel.

Sunday Sevens Centenary Catch Up

Published by Thimberlina

I’ve only gone and missed a whole months blogging, and missed my 100th Sunday Sevens post!

So here’s a catch up of what I got up to in June……

You might remember I hit my Slimming World Target at the end of May. As a result I went through all my clothes, (yes all!!), some went to my sister, some were put into a pile to adjust to fit and some were put back into action!

Here’s my favourite ever RTW frock from 9 years ago that I can now wear again!! I was so excited to finally be able to zip this up!!

We’re off the Ripon races towards the end of July and usually I make a new dress but I don’t think I will this year!

A night out to see Take That in Sheffield…. an amazing night and more like a show that a concert.

I have no idea why I took this photo and why i’m looking so happy to be at work, but it was in my phone so I thought I’d share it with you!

My peony flowered and was stunning, but I just wish the flowers would last longer.

Stood by at Salterhebble in Happy Valley

Mini breakfasts – these are made with an oat base, chocolate flavoured quark and topped with fruit. We had a food tasting session at slimming world where everyone took in different things to try.

Helen and I played in the first round of the Evening League Foursomes and won! (foursomes for those who don’t know golf means we play with just one ball and take it in turns at hitting it!).

One morning I looked at H and I’m sure he grew 3 inches over night!!

Helen (my golf buddy) gave me a faux leather jacket, I’m not sure how it’ll end up – this was before I chopped the sleeves off!

Mr Captains Day at the club was like playing winter golf! I managed to put a decent score together on the day and only went and won!!

Out with the family for H’s 15th birthday..

And his girlfriend joined us!

Back home after the meal for dessert! The square plates are dinner plates but the puddings are so huge it makes them look like side plates!

Wendy from @wendiwooknits was at the same cricket match as me – H hubby was umpiring H’s game so I took my crochet and we had a good natter.

Early morning bike ride with the hubby – 22 miles… the longest I’ve done in years!

More crochet at another cricket match, but unfortunately no Wendy at this one.

An exciting package from Saturday Night Stitch – some active wear fabric! Thanks Hila!

We had a week in Turkey….love this photo of me and H

And this one of me and the hubby…..

And of course I loved all the food too! So much so that I put on 7 pounds in a week! Luckily it came off when I got ‘back on plan’ when I returned home.

H and I played golf but unfortunately we lost in the first round of the mixed knock out.

Dressed for the school run, matching shoes and PJs! I was driving not walking!

Watchout …………shoe porn! I just need the fabric now to go with these beauties!

George……….you’ve met him before but he’s not shy so here he is again……

Hair colour fix after too much sun in Turkey and a bit of a trim.

Round 2 of the evening league foursomes knock out – we won out match away at Hollins Hall….a course with amazing scenery.

I’ve another couple of posts to write for June – SewUpNorth and my MeMadeJune. Hopefully I’ll catch up with everything soon, and get to read your posts too.

In the meantime if you’re new to Sunday Sevens and want to find out more, or join in too, head over to Natalie’s blog Threads and Bobbins to find out more!

The 2nd Half of MeMadeMay17

Published by Thimberlina

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 here, I’m back and I’ll just get on with it! You can read the first instalment of MeMadeMay HERE. With me writing this so late I’m just so pleased I posted on IG otherwise it would be a struggle writing this!

Day 18 & 19 – I worked 10-20 so it was uniform all day. If I’m starting earlier or later I do tend to wear ‘my own’ clothes either before and after my shift but with this rubbish shift it’s all work, PJs then bed. But my trusty Brooklyn Hoodie saves the day when I need me made on a work day – this was made with a colleague’s old fleeces that were destined for the bin!

Day 20 – I took part in the Forget Me not Trust Colour run. My jazzy Espresso leggings were perfect. I looked like I’d been splattered even before the race started! This was obviously afterwards!

Day 21 – a repeat from earlier in the month – my Simple Sew Jersey Top.

Day 22 – Lekala 4119 with some old cut offs of H (does slicing the legs off count as me made!?).

Day 23

The Lekala 4119 again but this time with my favourite, too big, Yasmin Yoke skirt. The comments on IG prompted me to bite the bullet and take it in.

Day 24 – a golfing day and it had to be a repeat as I’ve not many memade golf clothes, hopefully this will be rectified soon! Here’s an up cycled top that previously belongs to my XL hubby!

Day 25

Cynthia Rowley / Simplicity 1783 skirt with a RTW top.

Day 26

My newly taken in and well fitted and even more loved Yasmin Yoke Skirt with an trusty old faithful Colette Sorbetto.

Day 27

Yasmin yet again! But this time with another old faithful – the Seamwork Aurora Top.

Day 28

My chopped up Colette Moneta. the one I wore for the Moneta party, and has not been worn since. That was until I made it into a skirt and now it’s worn in fairly regular rotation. Here it is as I wore it before I added a striped band to finish off the waist.

Day 29

Vogue 8805 – this was made pre – weight loss but there’s nothing like a few goes in the tumble drier for a better fit!

Day 30 – outfit number 1 of 2 – a Yasmin Yoke skirt made in a stretch cotton sateen. This has been take in twice now, and I just love it! It perfect for golf worn with gym shorts underneath and much easier to make than skorts.

Day 30 – outfit 2 of 2 …heading off to see take that so wanting to look my best for Gazza! Wearing a HUGE favourite the Vogue 9242 made with a gorgeous border cotton from Minerva.

Day 31 – last but not least. Yet another Yasmin Yoke skirt. I made this in a very sturdy black denim about 3 years ago and gave it to my sister. It turned out too big for both of us but luckily she still had it. So she gave me it back and I’ve take it in and have worn it loads! I’m wearing it now!

So that’s it! Better late than never. It’s tough writing and reflecting on MMMAY so long after the event, but looking through the pics has made me realise how much I need separates in my wardrobe as opposed to frocks. I’ve also been surprised by how old some of my clothes are, and that they’re still going strong!

#SundaySevens 99

Published by Thimberlina

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! I still love taking the pics and sharing them with you, and also looking back over my old posts too. It’s so easy to forget all the good stuff that happens in life so it’s a good way of keep a little photo diary of the little things, and the big things too.

The week didn’t start off 2 good. I fell on the steps in the gym, landing on my side. I managed to keep hold of my purse, water bottle and phone, but hit every step until I landed at the bottom. the rest of the day (after I went to my intended class!) was spent in my PJs feeling very sore and sorry for myself.

Sue and I ready in our team strips to play in the A team.

We played at Bradley Hall Golf Club. The weather was so miserable but the scenery was stunning.

And the meal afterwards was too!

We finally booked out June holiday. Initially I thought it might clash with Sew Up North but it doesn’t so now I’m really chuffed I can make it. Is anyone else heading there too?

A fiery sky to the left of our garden and a rainbow to the right. I used the pano function on the Iphone to try and capture both on one photo.

Lunch on the go – I’ve still been committed and organised in my dieting.

I took part in the Forget Me Not Trust colour run. The hubby’s work were sponsoring one of the paint stations. Here he is in action!

Glad that little lot just missed me!

There was a lot that didn’t miss me though!

Other outdoor activities have picked up too now the weather’s improving. We cycled 22 miles on our bikes, my bottom was killing the next day!

Nearly 15 and still H couldn’t wait to get his shoes off when he spotted a bouncy castle at the cricket club!

A civilised lunch watching cricket, all brought from home including the condiments!

Persevering with the gin and tonics – I can have roughly 3 for 1 large wine so it’s a no brainer really!

Helen and I are representing the club in a pair knockout and won our first match. Luckily we had a home draw. We’re playing Hollins Hall away this Sunday so fingers crossed out winning streak will continue.

I hope H one day will grow out of dropping his pants anyway!

At our ladies comp last week i texted Sue and Helen the night before and suggested we wear our brightest colours so we didn’t get lost on the course!

I managed 3 games last week, and after the 3rd one (when I won my singles knockout) I celebrated with my favourite lunch. I was still a pound to target in my slimming world journey but I really felt I needed this, more so as I was heading straight to work for a 10 hour shift.

My partner in crime again, we fit in body pump whenever we can!

Dining alfresco on my lonesome. Since we bought our new furniture we’ve not had much chance to use it 😦

A trim…..

Shrinking more clothes……..taking in my favourite denim skirt….

Rain…… didn’t the heavens open on Saturday!!?? I went out to take this picture and spotted I’d left my windows open! So I had a soggy bottom until it dried out!

Stood by on Albert Promenade overlooking Happy Valley. My job’s got to be the best job in the world on days like this.

I’ve set to my Moneta with the scissors. At the minute I’m wearing it as a top but am thinking of turning it into a maxi dress with wonky stripes.

Still one of my favourite lunches – a 12 egg omelette….

Some for now and some for later at work……

And finally, guess what!! I reached my target at Slimming World!! I actually lost and extra 1/2 pound and am totally over the moon, and would recommend Slimming World to anyone who want to loose a few pounds. I’m still going to attend the classes as they’re really good fun and they’ll help keep me on track!

Thanks Natalie from Threads and Bobbins Threads and Bobbins for thinking up Sunday Sevens and inspiring us all to join in with you!

#memademay17 – Halfway there

Published by Thimberlina

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 too big for me, but on the plus side some of my older makes have been dug out of the archives.

1 – My first Molly Top from Sew Over It has had lots of wear since I made it back in October, and is still in regular rotation.

2 – Me Made May sprung me into action the night before a game of golf when I didn’t know what I could wear that was me made. I up cycled an unloved golf top that belonged to my hubby.

3 – Day 3 and I managed a whole outfit! A fairly recently make, my Cynthia Rowley Skirt (simplicity 1783) and a top using a Simple Sew pattern from last year (sorry I can’t remember which one!)

4 – My first and only Fehr Trade VNA top. I really need more of these for my new action packed life!

5 – I spent hours making this dress – Vogue 1353. Muslins, interlining…you name it and this dress had it. It’s a bit big but when worn with a wide belt I love it more than when I first made it. In fact, when I made it and wore it I didn’t actually love it, but only wore it because of the work that had gone into it! How crazy is that!

#memademay17 #thimberlina #memadeeveryday14

#memademay17 #thimberlina #memadeeveryday13

6 – another old favourite, I think this Sorbetto will be in my summer wardrobe forever!

7 – Another Molly, a thick sweater knit I bought ages ago fro Fabworks.

8 – I love crazy leggings and these are definitely that! My Espressos from Sewing Cake.

9 – Even more old faithfuls – A Yasmin Yoke skirt from Maria Denmark and a Tonic T in stretch lace. The Tonic T is a free download from SBCC and well worth a look if you want plenty of wardrobe staple. It’s free here if you sign up to their mailing list.

10 – This is a top I copied from a favourite RTW one. Unblogged I’m afraid, is 3 years too late to rectify that!?

11 – Lekala 4119. Yet another blast from the past!

12 – this was a pattern hack from the Simple T in the GBSB second series book. I hacked it into a raglan sleep. Looking back it surprises me how adventurous I was when I didn’t really know what I was doing!!

13 – One of my favourite makes ever is here! I reviewed some fabric for Minerva but unfortunately the post won’t be going live until July. If you’re loving the fabric it’s for sale here and I’d snap up quick whilst the sun’s shining – it’s only £2.99 a metre!!

15 – This wasn’t too good a day, i had a fall at the gym and spent the day in my Liberty PJs feeling a bit sore. I’ll show you my war wounds in the Sunday sevens!

15 – playing out on a school night I wore my favourite jacket – Butterick 6390 and my black lace Tonic T. This jacket is just the best thing ever and I’m so glad it still fits!

So that’s my half way round up! I’m loving watching IG and seeing all your outfits and reading up on your posts. Lets see what the weather brings us for the rest of the month and hope we can see more summer clothes and less winter woollies! 🙂