Exciting Spoonflower announcement for European fans!

Most of the sewing community have heard of Spoonflower, the brilliant US company that prints your designs onto high quality fabric and ships it out to you, wherever you are in the world.  But UK customers can sometimes come a cropper when ordering goods from outside the EU, as parcels can get held up at customs, or even be "held to ransom" until the UK buyer pays a sometimes hefty customs charge.  Nightmare!

Spoonflower have addressed this issue by now shipping fabric from Berlin for European customers.  They are also adding VAT at the point of sale, to prevent any additional charges being added on by customs.  This is fantastic news, and will make it easier than ever to accidentally order a few metres of fabric with your pet's face all over it, to make into a dress.  Just me, then?

Read all about it on the Spoonflower blog.

The best kind of Easter present!

Since completing the overlocker course with Layla Totah at Guthrie & Ghani in March, I have really been getting down to the exciting business of sewing with knits - almost on an industrial scale! 

The first garment I sewed was a simple shaped t shirt out of floral waffle ponte roma in a lovely autumnal pink and taupe that I ordered from Abakhan.  It's still in stock if you like the sound of a textured stable knit fabric.  I sewed it for my mum for Easter, as she prefers clothes to chocolate!

Floral waffle ponte roma t shirt

Above is a photo of my mum wearing her new top whilst visiting friends in Australia.

She was so pleased with it, she wore it several times on her trip, and told me that she received compliments when she was wearing it.  So, for her wedding anniversary (38 years!), and to say thank you for her picking me up some lovely crepe in mustard and teal whilst she was in Australia, I decided to order more of the fabric, in the other two colourways Abakhan stocks, and make her two more tops.

Turquoise floral waffle ponte roma top

 Above is the top I made using the turquoise colourway. 

Cerise floral waffle ponte roma top

And finally, here is the top I made in the cerise colourway.

This fabric was so easy to sew with.  It's very stable, but with a good stretch with great recovery.  However, it is a poly spandex, so don't make the same mistake I did and accidentally melt the back of the neckline of the first top whilst trying to press it!  Luckily it was only a small area, and because of the style of the fabric it isn't obvious unless you run your fingers over it.  I still couldn't believe I'd done it, though!

Abakhan have currently got lots of fab jersey fabric in stock, in lots of fun prints, as well as solids, so they're well worth a look if you fancy sewing up a quick t shirt for spring.

Have you sewn any "basics" that you're particularly proud of?

A houndstooth Coco dress

One of my favourite patterns, Coco by Tilly Walnes of Tilly and the Buttons, is a quick and easy make for stretch fabrics.  I have made a couple of sleeveless versions previously (as yet unblogged), but this time I actually managed to buy enough ponte roma to make a version with sleeves!  This houndstooth ponte roma is lovely and soft.  I can't remember where I got it from - possibly Minerva Crafts.

I used my overlocker (utilising my new found overlocker skills!), and so the whole thing came together really quickly.  I included the funnel neckline and cuffs on the sleeves.

Funnel collar - and look at the pattern matching!

Inside the sleeve

Overlocked and straight stitched hem

 I cut a 3 at the bust and waist, grading out to a 5 at the hips, and it is an easy fitting fairly smart dress for work.  It's also super comfy.  I suppose I could have cut a size 2 at the shoulders and waist, but as I wouldn't want to go any smaller than a 3 at the bust, and I am far too much of a lazy sewer to grade in and out and in and out, I can deal with it as it is.

Houndstooth Coco dress

If you haven't yet tried sewing a Coco dress - why not?!  It's a really easy dress to sew, and can be sewn on a normal sewing machine (my first two were both sewn on my basic Brother sewing machine).  Hop over to Tilly and the Buttons, and snap up a copy of the Coco pattern.  You won't regret it!  The instructions are really clear and easy to follow, so if you don't have much dressmaking experience, you don't need to worry.

I love the quick makes that offer almost instant gratification.  What's your favourite instant pattern fix?

Ginger jeans and Waver jacket plans

Two patterns I've had my eye on for a while are the Ginger Jeans and Waver jacket.  And seeing Layla's version of the Waver jacket at the overlocker class she taught, it pretty much sealed the deal.  So when I picked both patterns up from Guthrie & Ghani recently, I knew I'd need to start looking at fabric choices.

For the jeans, I settled on two different stretch denims, both from Guthrie & Ghani.  The one on the left is an unusual bubble print, and is a dark indigo.  The denim on the right is a standard stretch denim in a more casual mid blue. 

Both denims are currently in stock, if you like the look of them.

As for the Waver jacket, I am considering making it out of the flamingo cotton I picked up last year on Goldhawk Road.  Would that be too much?  Maybe it would be better as a lining, and have the main coat in a plain fabric, to make the coat more wearable.  I've got some lovely plain fabrics in my stash, so maybe I should shop that for my first Waver.

Indie pattern love

We all know about the Big Four pattern producers.  But there are some really fantastic indie pattern creators that are definitely worth investigating!

Some of my favourite indie pattern designers include Tilly and the Buttons, Sewaholic, By Hand London, Colette, and Closet Case Patterns.  They are all great in different ways, for different tastes, and different body shapes.  Indie patterns are created by small designers, with the pattern development process being supported by many hobby sewists all around the world who pattern test, ensuring that the final version is perfect for you and me.

Which is your favourite small pattern house?  Any emerging talents that I might not have heard of yet? 

The perfect Valentine's gift

For Valentine's Day this year Mr Deravelled booked me on a one day course at Guthrie & Ghani, to help me finally get to grips with my overlocker that he bought me two Christmasses ago!  The course was led by Layla Totah, and it was fabulous.  I went in not even knowing how to thread an overlocker, and came out not only confident in my ability to thread my overlocker, but also able to create a wearable top!  If you have an overlocker that is gathering dust because you're too afraid to turn it on, then you're in luck!  They have another class coming up in July, and currently there are still some spaces left!  Go go go!

With Layla's excellent tuition, I now feel assured that I can use my overlocker with confidence - amazing!  It was also lovely to spend the day with a room of like-minded sewists, chatting about sewing-related stuff and drinking copious cups of tea.

Red velvet cake from the Persian cafe down the road - what else?!

I would highy recommend a Guthrie & Ghani sewing course to anyone who wants to learn a lot in a short space of time, and really push their knowledge to the next level.  I loved it so much, I've booked to go back for a two day course in the summer.  Watch this space!

A wonderful gift from Mr Deravelled

On a recent trip down to London with Mr Deravelled and the Moomin, we happened upon the historic London landmark - Liberty of London.  Having never been inside Liberty before (although an avid viewer of the documentary), we went in for a look around.

After negotiating the ground floor full of beautiful accessories, cosmetics and chocolate, we made our way up the creaking staircase to the fabric floor.  It was smaller than I imagined, but still fabulous.  It was at this point that Mr Deravelled said that he would buy me three metres of the fabric of my choice (lucky me!).  After squeeing a lot, I started the serious business of trying to choose just one design.  After very nearly going for the Strawberry Thief, I instead decided upon the above tana lawn, in Morris A.  Thank you, Mr Deravelled!

It really is an experience shopping in Liberty.  They take so much care over the cutting of the fabric, and wrap it so beautifully in Liberty tissue paper.  They even put it in a fancy purple gift bag, emblazoned with the Liberty crest in gold.  Just as well, really, as the fabric is very expensive.  So expensive, in fact, that I am now too afraid to use it!  Do you ever have that problem?

A cheeky hour on Goldhawk Road

Flamingo madness!

So I was down in London for a business lunch recently, and after it had finished I had a few hours to kill before my train, so I jumped on the tube and took a trip to Goldhawk Road.  Having heard so much about this magical place on other blogs, I knew I had to visit myself.

For those of you who don't know, Goldhawk Road is a bit of a fabric haven - you really can get almost every type and colour of fabric imaginable.  It's really easy to get to by tube - it has its own station, served by both Hammersmith & City and Circle lines.

There is a whole row of about ten fabric shops, some really cheap, others quite expensive, depending on the type of fabric and notions they sell.  I nabbed the above flamingo cotton whilst there, from Toni Textiles.  The sales team were great fun, and as soon as they learnt that I love flamingos, one of the guys started bringing me various bolts of fabric in different colourways and patterns.  However, I was firm, and just came away with three metres of this lovely cotton.  I think I'd like to make a dress out of it, but as we all know, best laid plans and all that.  But at least it will look pretty draped on my ironing board....

Jamie Oliver silk for Liberty

I also went into Classic Textiles, where, amongst other bits and pieces, bought one metre of this funky Liberty silk, designed back in 2013 by Jamie Oliver, of all people.  I love the colours, and thought it would make a cute scarf.

I curbed my stash enhancement duties at this point, as three metres of quilting weight cotton is quite heavy when you're lugging it around London on the tube.  I will definitely make another trip to Goldhawk Road, when I've got more time and probably a pull along trolley on wheels!

From Japan, with love

My parents recently went to Japan, and asked me if I would like anything bringing back.  As well as the usual tabi socks, I requested some double gauze, a uniquely Japanese fabric that is lightweight and cosy.  They didn't disappoint, and came back with three metres of this beautiful Nani Iro double gauze, called Joy Flower. 

They also picked up three metres of the lovely cotton canvas next to the double gauze in the photo.  It is reminiscent of a toile de jouy, but with little rabbits on it picking apples.  This fabric is for the Moomin.  She hasn't decided what she wants me to make for her out of it yet.  It's pretty thick, so may be too stiff for a dress.  Maybe a bag or a coat.  Any suggestions?

V&A Museum Liberty ART Fabrics find

Spade Liberty Art Fabric for the V&A

On a recent weekend in London with Mr Deravelled and the Moomin, we went to the V&A museum (one of my favourite places - yay!).  After having a lovely stroll through the rooms and exhibits, and having a delicious (if very expensive) lunch, we made our way to the gift shop.  And I'm so glad we did!  I found, in the sale bin, one metre pieces of Liberty Art Fabrics cotton, taken from a collection they did in collaboration with the V&A a few years ago.  I chose two pieces of a design (the mathematicians amongst you will know that I bought two metres altogether) that was based on a quilt that dated from the mid 18th century.  How amazing is that?  I wish I'd bought three metres now. 

I have no idea what I will use the fabric for.  However, it will make a great addition to my stash!

Maybe I'm back...maybe

Watch this space, friends of Blogland...

Absent without leave

I know I haven't been around a lot lately.  Life has got very busy!  I think I'm going to be taking an (official) break from blogging for a while, and will be back when things settle down again.

Until then, keep well.

Gem x

The Moomin's kimono

8.05pm: The Moomin gives me a letter that says it's world-themed fancy dress day at school tomorrow.

8.06: Go into panic mode. We don't own any ethnic fancy dress, and I doubt we can get away with sending her in a Charlie and Lola dressing gown with a tea towel on her head.

8.07: Realise I'm going to have to sew something.

‎8.08: Decide on what is hopefully the easiest thing to sew, a kimono. After all, it's just strips of fabric sewn together, right?

8.10: Finally get the Moomin to stay stood still so I can measure her by lassooing her with the tape measure.

8.12: Go back into panic mode when it dawns on me that I don't have the first clue how to sew a kimono, and that the Moomin's not in bed yet.

8.30: Come back down after getting the Moomin to bed. Lay out fabric on the floor ready to cut.

8.32: Shout at Mr Deravelled for putting his feet on the fabric i have so carefully laid out, and mutter about him always getting his feet in the way every time I try and sew a kimono for the Moomin for school.

8.40: Plan out my pattern. Try and do calculations in my head, and go mad.

8.42: Get calculator, and figure out pattern.

8.46: Measure and draw pattern onto fabric with biro, as someone has eaten my tailor's chalk.

9.45: Finish cutting out all the pattern pieces (it took so long because Mr Deravelled made me spaghetti hoops on toast for supper, the sweetie).

9.46: Go into panic mode about how late it is already. Decide to pull myself together and press and pin the pieces instead.

10.08: Start sewing.

10.29: More pressing.

10.35: More sewing.

10.54: Pressing.

10.59: Sewing.

11.45: Pressing.

11.52: Sewing.

12.28am: Mr Deravelled shows his support for my struggle by going to bed.

12.46: Run out of thread in the bobbin. Search for another bobbin with some thread already wound on it. Eventually locate one - but the new thread's a different colour! Decide that I don't care.

12.50: Put new bobbin into machine. Continue.

01.25: More pressing.

01.29 More sewing.

01.30: I manage to bend the needle in quite a spectacular fashion. Spend time marvelling at the amazingness of the bent needle.

01.34: Replace bent needle with shiny new one that isn't bent. Continue sewing.

02.04am: Finished! Bed time!

Do you like it? I used one metre of Laura Ashley cotton/linen fabric. It's gorgeous and stiff, so was the perfect fabric for this project. I quickly sewed her a red cotton Obi to go around her waist, and finished it all off with a metre and a half of pink velvet ribbon.

Underneath the kimono, the Moomin is wearing an authentic light cotton under kimono, all the way from Japan. It goes with my 1940s sillk kimono that I've had for years.

What do you think?

All change!

So, you know when I promised that I was going to be a good blogger from now on, and post regularly. And you know that I said that back in January, and haven't actually posted again since? Yeah, sorry about that. :/

Ok, so where did I leave you last? Ah yes, I needed to change my hours at work to fit around the Moomin starting school. Well, they weren't keen at all on the idea, and refused to budge. So, after several in-depth discussions with Mr Deravelled whilst we were in Edinburgh for our wedding anniversary (it was lovely, btw. There were rose petals on the bed and chocolate dipped strawberries and everything! - I know!) it was decided that I would (very politely, of course) tell work where they could stick their job, and instead work for Mr Deravelled's web design and multimedia company, doing the office management and marketing side of things (and, hurrah, finish at 3pm so that I could pick up Miss Moomin from school).

I've never done office management or marketing before, so it is a very steep learning curve for me (especially now I've turned 30!!), but I'm so glad Mr Deravlled offered me the job, as I'm really enjoying the whole networking and company accounts thing (who'd have known?!). I even now own a proper suit. And I have business cards. And a fancy computer on my own desk. It's all good!!

So how have you all been? :)

Gemma x

They grow up so fast.

Tomorrow is the Moomin's first day at school. I am excited for her, but also so sad that she isn't my baby any more. It's the foundation unit, so it's not "proper" school until September, but it's not nursery any more, and she'll be getting a uniform to wear, so it's close enough.



And to make things more complicated, a change in circumstances means that I need to change my hours at work so that I will be able to pick her up every day from school. But work aren't willing to drop my hours.... argh.

Whoopie New Year!

I hope you all had a very merry Christmas and a wonderful new year, and that by now your heads are back to normal!

As part of my Christmas present, Mr Deravelled bought me a recipe book full of recipes for whoopie pies, and a whoopie pie baking sheet. As I have never made whoopie pies before, I was eager to have a go. I set to work yesterday (with some help from the Moomin, of course!) and made chocolate pies with vanilla buttercream filling. And they are very yummy, if I do say so myself! I made 22 pies, and now only have 6 left, so they are proving very popular!! If you get a chance, pick up a copy of the whoopie pies book and have a go yourself!

It's back to work for most of us on Tuesday. Luckily Mr Deravelled and I have a weekend away in Scotland to look forward to for our wedding anniversary next weekend, and then my 30th birthday celebrations the weekend after that! I think it's important at this time of year to have things to look forward to. There's nothing worse than coming out of the party season looking at the whole grey month of January stretching out in front of you endlessly. Mr Deravelled and I have discussed booking a two week holiday away every January, so that by the time we get back the month will already be half over. Good plan, huh? ;)

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend.

Gemma xx

Happy Yule!!

Whether you prefer your yule log like this...



...or like this...




...and whether you prefer your hot chocolate like this...



...or like this...




I hope you're having a very happy, warm and snuggly Yule. :)

Dearie me

Oh dear. So I said I was back, and had apologised for not posting for so long, and then I go and disappear again for months. I am not a very good blogger.

Well, for my new year's resolution, it will be to apply myself and to blog interesting things regularly. For now, I hope you will be happy with some photos of mine and Mr deravelled's wedding from way back in January. Enjoy! :)

I'm back!!

Hello there!!

Well, it certainly has been a long time since I last posted!!

Lots has happened since I last blogged. I have completed my post grad, and now work as an Early Years Professional in a lovely local nursery - and am loving it!

And, me and Mr Deravelled finally got married!! Yay!!

This isn't going to be a long post, as it's late and I need my beauty sleep. So I'll finish off with a few photos from the last year. :) Hope this post finds you all well.

Sew Cute Shop Amy Butler Birdie Sling GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Sew Cute Shop Amy Butler Birdie Sling GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Such a gorgeous bag up for grabs over on Grosgrain!!