Sew and Tell

So as promised a quick sew and tell, the truth is that if I had my way I would have my bottom firmly screwed down in front of the sewer for a good few hours a day, but hey somehow life gets in the way, but its not all bad.

So first up is my Margot pyjama bottoms. I was so excited when I first learned that Tilly Walnes was writing a book. I absolutely LOVED her in the first series of The Sewing Bee and was guttered when she had to leave. I just love everything about her style, so needless to say when she announced that you could pre order the book, I wasted no time. For those of you who haven't flicked through this fabulous book 'Love at First Stitch:Demystifying Dressmaking', you should seriously do yourself a favour and get your mitts on it. It has some really lovely sewing ideas with some lovely patterns. I really love the fact that the patterns are all full sized, so no enlarging or faffing required, which suits a gal like me down to the ground.

Now for quite some time I have been meaning to make some PJ's and seeing that there are quite a few easy patterns floating around on Pinterest it was only going to be a matter of time before I got around to it. The first time I flicked through this book, I immediately knew what my first project was going to be, yes you guessed it, the Margot PJ's. I bought the fabric, but as is often the case it got put to one side to make room for something else, well that was until I could wait no longer and as they say the rest, well, was history.

These are really easy PJ's that you can make in next to no time. I think all in all (ignoring hand sewing the hem) it took me a few hours, but now that I know what I am doing I suspect it will take me a little less time to make the next pair, they are just too comfy not to!

A few weeks ago, I spied a fabulous looking magazine on no other than the very lovely Daisy's Instagram feed and it was only a matter of days before I was flicking through it.  I love everything about this magazine (thank you Daisy!), it is so varied with so many different and lovely sewing ideas and projects, in fact I can feel a little subscription coming up, ssshhh don't tell hubby! This months issue comes with a pattern for a rather lovely little tunic, so I wasted no time in reaching for my shweshwe fabric, which I purchased during our recent visit to South Africa, and got started.

Again, seriously, this is an easy peasy pattern to follow and such a quick sew for a rather lovely finish. My only criticism about it is that it came out far too big for my liking so yet again I had to take it in! This seems to be an ongoing trend with my dressmaking, but I suspect sooner than later I will start understanding what my true size is. 

If it wasn't for the alterations, this would have taken no more than a few hours from start to finish. It is simple and uncomplicated and for any new sewers out there, give it a go!! I am definitely going to make another one, in fact it would seem a shame not to!

So whilst I was packing and tidying, I spotted a pattern for a sunglasses case (again part of this month's Love Sewing Magazine) and needless to say I just somehow had to make one...

Fortunately it was really quick sew that I just about managed to squeeze in and I must say I'm very impressed with yet another Sewgirl pattern. The only criticism, yes you've guessed it, its a little too big for my liking ;-), in fact its the perfect little make-up bag.

So that's it for today and for my sew and tell. We are soon jetting off on summer jolly and going back to beautiful Tuscany, so needless to say we are all feeling a little giddy with excitement, but as usual there is quite a lot to get ready and prepared, so I better get on with it! Wishing you all a beautiful couple of week and leaving you today with some beautiful lavender from the garden (Ma this one is for you!).

Warm Wishes

Hannapat

xoxoxo

and so she sews...

I don't know about you, but for me I always have this list of things I would like to achieve before the school holidays kick in. I know as soon as the first day of the school holidays start I can wave my little crafty project goodbye. So amongst many other things, this dress was on this so called list. I will add here that since the beginning of the year, when life changed directions, my so called to-do-lists were chucked out the back door and I must confess that even though there are days I feel very tempted to put a pencil to paper to make a list or two (as really I am a gal who likes a good list), I no longer allow myself the pleasure. So when I refer to this before-the-holiday-start-list, it really is very much a mental list, but hopefully it comes without the pressure (or so she says!!)

So coming back to this dress. Now a few years ago I was in our local fent shop when I spotted this rather gorgeous, what I would class as retro looking, fabric and I knew that despite the fact that it was rather pricey, I just had to buy it there and then. Now years later I found the pattern and it seems the rest is history. Honestly from start to finish it didn't take too long, we are not talking hours here, in fact much more like days, but it was still good going for me that is. I seem to be getting a little better at understanding patterns and how to use them and this one threw a few tricky curve balls my way just to make sure I was concentrating, but I got there in the end (oh Google what would I do without thee!).

Now as I was nearing the end, having just done all my interfacings, I was trying to trim away some of the excess bulk around the neck and arm areas in order to get a clean and crisp press finish. Well it was all going swimmingly, until my Fiskars Micro Tip scissors couldn't get through the bulk of the layers of fabric and I reached for sewing scissors, when yes, brace yourselves, I cut through my dress, yes interfacing, dress and all. Now all you Instagram folk shared my panic and pain and offered much support and fortunately after a knock on the door, a cuppa, and a moment to breath, I returned on a mission to put it right and fortunately I managed to do just that, phew! (yes a big phew!).

One thing I am still struggling with is to ensure the dress fits me perfectly. Both the dresses that I have made fit, but not like a glove and that is the whole point of making your own clothes right. So this is something that I need to figure out. I am forever having to take darts in to get it a little snugger and after wearing this dress for the first time today I will be making a few alterations to it over the next couple of days. So if anyone has any good advice on good books or youtube links, please share as I would be very interested to hear your input.

As for the rest of my mental list (no pressure is the mantra!) there are quite a few things I would like to achieve by next Tuesday, but honestly when I look at the calendar, I can only but sigh and breathe as it is looking rather unlikely.

This week Tuesday we celebrated 15 years of being together and it has been the best 15 years of my life. Who would have thought that 15 years ago when we sat in some dingy pub in London just off Fleet street and my man plucked up the courage to ask me to court with him (yes he comes with good manners!), that we would be the best team ever. We work so well together, we gel in oh so many ways and I love my man more than words can say and there is not a day that I don't feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Tuesdays are busy days in our household and by the time we get back from gymnastic, kids are fractious and hungry, this week to add insult to injury little J joined hubby for an orienteering fell race and by the time they both walked through the door tired and muddy it was  LATE.

A table was set in the garden for the two of us, nothing fancy but all the same it was special. The kids enjoyed a late telly session whilst us grown ups longingly looked into each others eyes declaring our undying love to each other (well actually it was more along the lines of 'oh my what the hell happened in parliament today?', need I say more!). One thing is for sure, Romance is NOT dead in our house. It was such a lovely evening and I look forward to sharing another 45 years with my man. He is my best friend, lover and the most amazing Dad to our two kids, what more could I ask for in one lifetime! I am truly blessed.

(and yes of course there had to be a little dessert, Paleo all the same. Basically its one avocado, cacao powder, a little honey, one can coconut milk, and some dates. A bit of an improvisation and it possibly needs a little tweaking but one day when I get around to setting up my new blog it will be on there! All in all not too shabby at all).

That's it for today, I will be back soon with another project that I worked on this week, for now though I am wishing you all a very lovely week.

Warm Wishes

Hannapat

xoxoxo

A new computer and a little update

Hello lovely people, oh I can't even remember when last I sat down to write a little post and to be honest I haven't a foggy as where to start. I still have so much news to catch up on, our trip to SA, little Es's party, general news and the monthly mandalong that I couldn't post thanks for our computer.

For months now our computer has been driving me doolally with taking ages to open, crashing all the time and not allowing me to do a blog post in under five hours. To be honest I stopped counting the number of times I wanted to throw the darn thing out of the window and jump on it, but I kept mindful and calm and carried on until we both finally blew a fuse and it just couldn't do NO MORE. So after a trip to the computer doctor, which half took some time we now are proud owners of a new computer that will hopefully make life a little easier, well she hopes! So without further ado, lets get on with the goss.

So yes, I know I am a month behind in my monthly mandalong and really I should be making that my first post, but I figured a month out wouldn't harm anyone and with so much other news to share, I would rather just get on with daily drivel. So in the last month I have enjoyed finishing a gorgeous little crochet project that I will share with you very soon, in the meantime here is a little sneak peak.

I also managed to do a little sewing. Now many of my regular readers will know that I am most certainly NOT a dressmaker, in fact I have only ever made a couple of dresses and two of those were for little E and two for myself. This time though I thoroughly enjoyed the process and I am hopeful that I will actually wear this dress, unlike the other two I made. I must confess that I find it hard to buy dress patterns that I actually like, but this sweet little pattern immediately caught my eye. It was a pretty straight forward sew, a zip in the back, some darts and some interfacing around the arms and neck. I also enjoyed adding a little trim around the neck, just to add that little something extra. I used some gorgeous traditional shweshwe fabric that Mum gave me as an early birthday pressie when we were over in SA for Easter. I absolutely LOVED working with it and I also love the texture against my skin. All in all I am pretty pleased with the outcome and it has put me right back in the sewing zone.

Last week I celebrated my birthday and I had such a lovely day in the company of good friends and loved ones. I enjoyed a lovely lunch with a girlie on my actual birthday, but then several others throughout the rest of the week. Isn't it great when birthdays go on forever?! I was also thoroughly spoilt and received some gorgeous gifts and quite a number of plants and bunches of flowers. Thank you also to the very lovely Joy who sent me a little something special all the way from Australia. We have become such lovely friends and I absolutely adore her and feel very blessed that our paths have crossed. Thank you Joy for sending through your gorgeous gifts and for making my day extra special.

So needless to say the girl had to make a birthday cake and even though I am still on my no sugar, no grains, no soy, no dairy lifestyle, we indulged in a very delicious Paleo chocolate cake that was beyond scrummy and yes there was a little exception for sugar on the day. For anyone interested you can find the recipe here. 

This weekend just passed we braved it and went camping for the first time in five years. In fact the last time we went camping was when little E was three months old and it was shortly after we returned that I fell ill. I have always loved camping and have wonderful memories of camping with my family when I was a child. I was a little apprehensive about how I would cope with the lack of sleep and if I am honest it most probably wasn't the best idea, but I loved it all the same and had such wonderful time. 

We drove to Anglesey, an area we have been dying to visit for so many years, and found a campsite two minutes walk from the beach, so perfect for me without my wheels. 

It couldn't have been more perfect. The weather was warm, well it didn't rain, we were virtually right on a gorgeous sandy beach (I have a thing about this!) and the campsite was clean with everything you need. 

We all loved it and even though the kids have been camping before (well E maybe won't remember), they just loved every minute. We made sandcastles, collected pebbles, did a little yoga every day, played football and swam in the sea. I think if anyone had to ask me what I would like to do before I die, it would be to have a swim in the sea, I love everything about it, the feeling of the saltwater on my skin, the cold sensations that swirl through my body and most of all I have to put my head under the water to get the complete sensory experience. The water was freezing, but for me that's all the better as it just fuels my veins with energy and life. I often wonder whether I was a fish in my previous life as I have always been a water baby, with a special love for the sea.

It was just sooooooo wonderful to be able to walk with my family and enjoy these little moments that I have been lying in bed dreaming about for so many years. Don't get me wrong they certainly exhausted me, but I did it and that for me is just such a massive achievement after years of struggling. 

Lligway Bay is just such a beautiful place and the beaches are truly stunning, I would highly recommend a visit here. 

I even got the opportunity to try out my birthday shoes and I have to say these shoes are just so very comfortable, thank you hubby!!

Well the weekend ended on a perfect note, a lovely cup of Teapigs chai at this very sweet little cafe on the beach after a wonderful swim. It certainly was a fabulous weekend and we are all looking forward to our next visit to Moelfre, Anglesey. 

Well that's it for today, I will be sharing a little crochet with you soon and in the meantime I will try and catch up with some of your news. Wishing you all a very lovely week filled with happy moments and lots of laughter!

Warm Wishes

Hannapat

xoxo

This and that ...

I just quickly wanted to pop in today to say HELLLOOOOO. It has been so wet and grey here in the North of England, but if I am honest, I have rather welcomed it. I am not sure how I will feel by Thursday with half term upon us and kids at home being cooped in, but for now it has been rather fun and mostly quite chillaxing.

 

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Today I even managed a little time in the garden, yes with my rain coat on and I feel rather satisfied that things are slowly starting to take shape out there.

 

 

 

In fact I am actually super proud of my veggies (OK, there are only a few), but they are all planted from seed, which has been fun. The potatoes and kale is doing tremendously well and the spinach and beetroot is slowly coming into their own. Today I planted out the broccoli and rather sad looking cucumbers, so we will see what happens to these.

 

I am feeling just a tad excited bout the beautiful Camelia Japonica that I bought yesterday for a little spot in the back of our garden that has been rather neglected for quite some time. Largely because this gardening lark can be quite expensive, so it really does take time to get where you want to. It has also been one of those spots that I had far too many ideas for what I wanted to fill it with, but I am really pleased with my final decision and look forward to seeing this beauty grow.

We also bought another couple of  beautiful Hydrangeas, one blue and one pink and just for fun I bought a St John's Wort. So for now I really haven't the foggiest what I am going to do with it, but I reckon that I will find many a good use for it somewhere along the line, especially seeing that I have recently been discovering that there are quite a few nifty tricks one can do with the odd herb and weed growing in the garden.

So for anyone who struggles with a cough that won't go away and one that's been lingering for a while,or for anyone who just fancies a little lymphatic cleanse (we all need it!), or for anyone who wants to boost their immune system, clear their skin or calm the nerves (reckon I will be needing it again towards the end of the school holiday!), wander into your garden and look for a weed called a 'Cleaver' (pictured above), and for anyone up for a giggle it also goes by the name of 'StickyWilly', so for once we might actually be happy to enjoy a little sticky willy every now and then (who would have thought! pardon me!!!). So basically what you do, pick a very generous handful and make sure to rinse it well and then chop it up, pour some cold water over it and let it stew overnight (with a lid on) and then the next day you can strain it off and drink up to five glasses of the water. To be honest it's actually quite tasty and the good news is that you won't die, I am still here. So for a full lymphatic cleanse you really need to drink it for a week, somewhere between three to five glasses per day and for those of you who can't be bothered with the overnight soaking, you can always stew it up as a tea with hot water if you like, either way it taste quite good.

So after this morning's little session in the garden, I enjoyed a little time playing games with the kids before embarking on a spot of Paleo baking. I have decided to try out the Paleo diet again, even though I have been here before as I am a firm believer that if something didn't work for you once it doesn't mean it won't work for you at another point in time. Our bodies are constantly changing and especially when you are ill. Take for example my attempts to remove ALL sugar from my diet (no honey, syrup, dried fruit, no nothing!) for over a year and if I am honest it felt like it made ZERO difference, now on the other hand I have seen the most AMAZING changes in my body since cutting it out since the 6th of January, so my motto: Keep on trying. Now I feel ready to slowly embark on the odd treat every now and then and today's cake is no exception. In fact it is just a tad indulgent and very chocolaty and has a smidgen of palm sugar and some delicious forest honey to tickle my fancy and reignite that little sugar devil in me!

 

 

 

So basically Paleo baking is tricky as most gluten free flours are rice based and seeing that you can't eat any rice or other grains, I used almond flour and coconut flour and I must say the cake turned out rather scrummy. For the ganache I used coconut cream and cacao and rice malt syrup. Lets just say it made the perfect Sunday afternoonsie.

So despite the fact that I have mountains of crochet awaiting, as I am in the midst of having to pull out my entire Nordic shawl that I crocheted whilst on holiday, as it seems that for some reason I have this massive triangle at the top rather than a straight end (don't ask as I honestly don't have the answer!). I have been putting it off as I think I need to be in the right frame of mind for this job!

 

I am also nearing the end of weaving in some ends for another little project I am working on, but more on that next time.

 

 

 

So why not start another project just when I should really be focussing on making a start on my starflower mandala?!! Seeing that 'should' no longer features in my vocabulary, I figured why NOT. So this afternoon when the kids went off to a party I quickly started cutting out the pattern for a dress I have been wanting to make for a while. Now don't hold your breath as dressmaking really isn't my forte, but I am determined to make at least one this summer.

 

 

You see when we went to South Africa, Ma bought me heaps of gorgeous fabric for my birthday which means no more excuses and basically that the girl's got to get on with it. I am actually quite excited by the prospect, just wish I knew a little more than I do, but hey that's all part of the fun, so watch this space!

 

 

So that's it for today. I hope you all have a lovely week ahead. Before I go I just want to say a big thank you for all your lovely comments on my previous post, you are all quite special and for those of you who wanted to know how the Prince concert went, lets just say that it was MAGNIFICENT!!!! I am just a little more in love with the man and his music than I was before I went, my golly he has oodles of talent!

 

 

Time to sign off.

Warm Wishes

Hannapat

xoxoxo