Phew - Assignments Completed

In May of this year I thought it would be a great idea to learn more about using my overlocker, so I enrolled on the Martha Pullen Serger II Licensing Agreement internet course.  This course would not only be teaching me new skills but giving me a license (if I pass) to teach the lessons they have on the course.

In May the deadline of the 30th September seemed so far away.  Then I started the course and panicked.  There were videos to watch, new feet for my overlocker to buy and lots of supplies to get - most of them not available in this country.  Oops.

But on Sunday I finished the last piece and I have today submitted the assignment.  All I need to do now is wait for my accreditation.

Martha Pullen is mainly known for her Heirloom Sewing and the intricate and delicate nature of that style of sewing.  Tiny stitches and delicate fabrics spring to mind.  This course was mainly to do Heirloom Sewing on an overlocker!  How?  Was my first question.  But as the months went by and the number of practise pieces you have to do were completed, I soon understood how delicate sewing was achievable on an overlocker.

As well as inserting lace and bridging, I have learnt how to insert zips with an overlocker.  Not as strange as it sounds, and really very easy - just different.

We even had to complete some patchwork using an overlocker.  For me, though, this technique is superfluous and uses far too much thread.

One of the first things was to attach bridging and lace to fabric and to make pin tucks.  I got the bridging wrong, so had to resubmit it.

This was resubmitted and I got it right this time.

 Patchwork with an overlocker, not only that, but 1/4" seams and a bowtie patch as well

Then making a small zipped bag.  With lace and ribbon insertions.

Two placemats that are bound in two different ways.  I thought this was a waste of thread as all the seams are flat-locked.

Now for something more associated with an overlocker and that is jersey.  So next came a cotton jersey camisole, but just to make it a little bit more difficult, we had to add a ribbon trim.

Now for the last piece using some heirloom techniques.  This is an underneath slip for a 4 year old girl.  Frills and skirt gathered and attached by overlocker.  My sewing machine didn't feel left out on this project because there are 4 tiny buttons and buttonholes on the back.

Lets hope I have done enough, and I can't wait to do some sewing lessons on these techniques.

There are other lessons as well and I hope to do some of these and show you pictures in time, but please do not hold your breath.  I have endless dog cushions to make at the moment. 

Zipped Vinyl Pouch

If you look over to the right of this blog, you will see I have a new tutorial in there.

I have been a little bit busy and with the material I have bought from Pennine Outdoors, I have crafted myself a zipped bag.

I have decided to make it 8" by 10", a sort of A4 size, so that I can take projects with me on my travels.  The one I have featured in my tutorial has already been to work with my sock knitting in it.  I put the handle over my wrist and was away.  Happy Days.

For the quilters out there, I have based the design on a piece of layer cake, then with an 8" zip and the vinyl I was on a roll.

Here's the second one I made

I can see my layer cakes becoming pouches!

Love Sewing - Amelia Tea Dress

I have recently subscribed to Love Sewing Magazine and July's issue included the lovely Amelia Tea Dress.

On a shopping trip out with my sister I bought some beautiful floaty viscose and I already had some shirring elastic, so I had to make it for the summer.

Here I am "fashioning" it

My latest purchases are, some curtain fabric from Dunelm Mill to make a 60's inspired coat.

During our recent trip to The Lake District we called at Pennine Outdoors.  I so love getting the opportunity to indulge my passion whilst away and hubby was very obliging  but only because I bought some material to make him a jacket.  I bought some clear PVC and two lots of lightweight breathable waterproof material to make two coats, one for me and one for hubby.

  

Then whilst in Lancaster I bought some Liberty Lawn from Standfast and Barracks.  

Hopefully over the next couple of months I can get enough time to make them up.

New Sewing Class Venue

Starting on Tuesday 13th September, I will be moving my sewing classes to Penistone.

I have secured a beautiful bright room with plenty of plug sockets and work space in St John's Community Centre, Church Street in Penistone.  It is the IT room, if you go in the entrance on the left (with the large ramp), go into the main hall and take the first door on the left, numbered room 1.  At the same time Slimming World will be running, so the caretakers will have put some screens up to separate the two classes.  There is ample car parking, I have secured a boiler for us and I will bring tea and coffee.  

Hope you can come, all abilities are welcome and is a great place to be with like minded people.

Time on my hands

I am definitely someone who can't sit still.  Friday was my washing day this week, and I always go into my work room on these days.  But I hadn't got anything ready to make.  So, time to look through my scraps.  I found the left overs of my Yorkshire Sayings material.

First of all I made a cushion for hubby.

A couple of weeks ago I bought Simplicity Pattern 1153, and made view A, a tote bag.  I do like this and I will be using it to take my lunch to work.

In a couple of hours I made two things from scraps and it all cost me nothing.

Emerald Green Dress

The Emerald Green "Silk" I bought in India has been made up into a beautiful dress.

The pattern I used was New Look K6723, the material I bought in India and from Minerva Crafts I bought the lining, zip, buckle and thread making a total cost of about £45.00.

The fabric proved tricky to work with and it was fraying as I breathed.  So I actually made it up in 5 days, not giving it time to fray.  Sewing was mainly done on working days and sitting down for a couple of hours a day. Not easy when you work 12 hour shifts.  In total (including making a toile) it took me 8 hours to make.  so how they do it on Great British Sewing Bee in 6 hours I don't know!

My one regret with it, is that I bought some black interlining, but didn't use it.  The skirt is too light and I need to look at the waist again.  I am thinking of taking it in at the waist and putting some petersham in there to give the waist some substance.

I wore it last Wednesday at one of my sewing classes and it was very comfy and I shall definitely be wearing it again.

Now to make my 50's petticoat.

Cowl Neck Dress

This dress I eventually made from the book, "Sew Many Dresses sew little time" by Tanya Whelan.

This is not a very flattering photograph of me in the dress.

I really enjoyed the process of drafting the pattern and the fit is lovely.  As the material has got some lycra in it, it is really comfortable.

The material is Blue Parasol from Stitch Fabrics and I bought 3m at a cost of £30.00.

A truly unique dress, so pleased!