A Project For Twins

Hello!👋

Hope you have been keeping well!

I took on a project this week that I thought I would get done in 2 days, but it actually took 4!!

My partner wanted me to make his childhood friend who has 10 month old twins a little something, and the idea of making 2 little matching items got me excited! 🤗

I decided to make the Penny Pinny by Waves and Wild because the last time I made it was four years ago for my eldest and I thought it was just so cute! I made it in the same khaki cord that I made my Fleur Dress recently.

I thought it would be a quick project to tackle and because of this, I decided to add 5 pockets and the side button plackets to each pinafore. 🤦🏼‍♀️

It took me nearly 3 whole mornings to prepare 10 pockets and sew them to the main panels. I kept on questioning myself, why did I choose to make all the pockets for a garment that would be worn by 1 year olds, who probably won’t even realize they are there.

Besides that, you can’t even see the pockets because the print is just so busy!

Since I am now more experienced at sewing than what I was four years ago, I got hung up on trying to perfect some details that I didn’t particularly like the finish of.

On the side button placket, the instructions tell you to add interfacing or a piece of the main fabric, wrong side together. As I was trying to hurry up, I didn’t read the latter part, I just went with the interfacing.

When the pinafore was constructed, the interfacing was in plain sight, and I didn’t like this.

My only option at this point, since I was short for time, was to cut a piece of fabric, turn in all the raw edges and sew it to the back button placket.

It looks ok, but it is definitely something to think about better the next time I make it, if ever again. 😂

There was so much topstitching, so many bar tacks to make, and all whilst realising that none of it would be visible when finished because of the print! 😂

I mentioned that I was short for time because Saturday we needed to be on a plane out to see some family and these Penny Pinny’s needed to be on that plane too.

I had hoped to make myself something comfortable to wear before going away, but since the Pinny’s took up way more time than I anticipated, I only managed to finish them on Friday and then there was no more time left for me.

What I did manage to finish before leaving was the Alice Vest test knit by Rita Made This.

I didn’t realise I loved i-cords as much as I do! I have already been thinking of ways that I incorporate them into my makes. 😂

Since it is finished and all I need to add are the flowers, I decided to leave this behind and I will sew them on when I get back.

Obviously I have tried the vest on and I don’t really like how wide open the front is, but I am guessing it needs to be this way for the bow?

I will sew another version up, probably only in the new year now, and I will try to make a small adjustment to the front opening by adding a few more rows on either side.

And since I can’t go away without a knitting project, the latest yarn that was gifted to me by Wool Warehouse to make my beaded sweater made it into the bag! 😍

I have started knitting a test swatch to check my gauge and although my gauge is coming up a stitch smaller than it should, I am not going to worry too much about it. It can be fixed when blocked. 

I packed 8 balls of Yarnsmiths Merino DK with me as I am not sure how much knitting I will get done. 🤭

I am guessing that including the silver beads on all the panels is going to delay how quick I normally knit, but my fingers are crossed that I can at least finish one of the bodice panels. 

With Black Friday this weekend too, there has been lots of temptation to buy lots of goodies! 😳

I have kept strong though and asked myself when will I realistically get around to using what I buy. Having said this, I did buy one sewing pattern that was hard to resist.

With all the cold weather, I have been wanting to sew something warm and the Adult Mikal Fleece Jacket from Petite Stitchery stood out to me!

I have a fair bit of fleece in my stash, maybe not enough of one colour/print to make the full jacket, but I think a mix would make a vibrant jacket!

I am going to get it printed at CLCPrints like I always do, but I doubt I will get one made before the New Year.

One super exciting thing that happened this week is that I got the Roma Necessaire digitised!! 🥳

I got such a happy feeling when I opened the files for the first time! 

Thanks to Tash at NH Patterns for helping me get this done! ♥️

😎Confidence Corner:

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. - Confucius

Progress isn’t always about speed, it’s about determination and consistency.

In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to feel the pressure to keep up with others or to get immediate results, but whether you are learning a new skill, working on a new project, or simply improving ourselves, every small step brings us closer to our goals.

What matters most is not giving up! Each effort, no matter how small, builds momentum over time. 

Keep going, even if the progress feels slow, it will eventually lead to success.

🧵Today's Sewing Tip:

When was the last time you changed the needle on your sewing machine?

For best results, it’s recommended to replace your needle every 6 to 8 hours of sewing.

If you’re starting a special project, consider fitting in a new needle before you start sewing.

A fresh, sharp needle can work wonders, it prevents skipped stitches, uneven seams, and fabric snags, giving your work a cleaner, more professional finish!

⭐My Favourite Things This Week:

• Finished knitting the Alice Vest test knit from Rita Made This - just need to add the flowers.
• Receiving my digital files for my first sewing pattern - the Roma Necessaire!

🗓️Upcoming Plans

• Cast on for the silver beaded jumper with the Yarnsmiths Merino DK.
• Re-visit the written instructions for my patterns.
• Make Christmas presents for my girls. And maybe my partner. 😂

🎉Upcoming Events

14th of December 2024 - Sew&Bond - Sewing Social Event - in Gatley Hill House, South Manchester, 11:45h - 17:15h
Email bianca@beesilva.co.uk and quote reference: SEWBOND012
For more information: https://www.beesilva.co.uk/sewbond012/

2025 Dates!

18th of January 2025 - Sew&Bond - Sewing Social Event
23rd of February 2025 - Sew&Bond - Sewing Social Event
22nd of March 2025 - Sew&Bond - Sewing Social Event
26th of April 2025 - Sew&Bond - Sewing Social Event

Question of the Week:

What are you busy crafting?

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Thank you so much for reading it! And if you enjoyed it, please tell a friend about it to allow me to reach more people. 🥰

Bye for now,
B! xx