Finished in Time for my Birthday

Hello!👋

Hope you have been keeping well!

I finished my Fleur Dress just in time for my birthday!

And of course, like every last completed project, this is one of my favourite things I have ever made! 🤩

As I mentioned last week, I moved the bust dart about an 1 ¾ inch toward the centre front and the bodice fits perfectly!

I am so glad that I am taking a few extra minutes to make small changes that will fit my body better.

I double checked the measurements chart and I actually only sized down one from my measurements, from an 8 to a 6, not two sizes down like I mentioned last week.

I made the Fleur dress out of khaki corduroy fabric I had lying in my stash for a few years with the intention of using it throughout the winter as a layering piece. And it’s just what I wanted!

In case anyone was wondering, I stitched the pockets on right this time! 🦾

For the binding and pockets, I used a lighter fabric, a cotton poplin (also from my stash) and I love the pop of colour it adds, that you can’t actually see, just me!

I wore it with tights and a RTW long sleeved top on Thursday, my birthday day and it was perfect for accommodating all the food I ingested! 😂

I  requested some sushi for lunch that included fruit, more specifically mango and strawberry together with salmon! 😋

I also asked him to make me a cake, his signature carrot cake with icing that I normally take to my Sew & Bond sewing socials, and it was delicious! 

We ate the cake before I remembered to take a photo of it, sorry, not sorry. 😂

I also managed to work a little on my next pouch design, and I have changed a few details along the way.

I had already written out most of the instructions but decided to redo it all with new pictures and rephrasing sentences for ease of understanding. There is still much to go, but I am happy with my current progress.

I am waiting to digitise my finished bag design, the one I showed you last week, which still has no name.

I hope it doesn’t take much longer to get it to the testing phase!

I wanted to put a call out this week, but it didn’t happen, so bear with me.

If I manage to do all that needs done next week, I will put a call out on my Instagram. If you are interested, please keep a look out there.

I have finally finished my Bi-Colour Snuggle Sweater by Anxious Girl Knits! 🥳

The final stretch is always the hardest, the loose ends.

I don’t particularly enjoy doing this, and I know I won’t wear it otherwise, so it is a must.

This Pebble Haze Aran yarn was so lovely to work with and Wool Warehouse have a wide range of colours to choose from.

I am happy that I can give my full attention to my socks now, and the one has been coming along quite nicely!

Initially, I thought it would be too large but it looks to be turning out a good fit. 😀

Looking at it now, I think I may have made the leg slightly too long but I’m not too worried about it. I am just happy I have finally started knitting my first pair of socks!

Next week I hope to start on the second pair and I (obviously 😂) want to make more pairs of socks, but I need to calm myself down a little.

I can’t keep adding too many projects to my list because I will never get all of them done.

For the Alice Vest test knit for Rita Made This, I am thinking of using the sky blue Yarnsmiths Create DK yarn that was left over from the cardigan I knit one of my daughter’s teachers at the end of the school year.

I will have to hold it double and make a gauge swatch to see if it will meet the requirements, but that is the plan for now.

I don’t think I have ever mentioned here before about the app Knit&Note. 🤔

I started using it at the beginning of the year to help me catalogue my knitting projects and keep track of the yarn that is in my stash.

Currently, I have 4 projects that are in progress or planned and it is helping me keep on track with my plans. 🦾

😎Confidence Corner:

Often, in the real world, it's not the smart that get ahead but the bold. - Robert Kiyosaki

Success often favours those who are willing to take risks, not just those with intelligence.

Skill and knowledge are important, however they don’t necessarily lead to development unless paired with the confidence to step outside of your comfort zone. Being bold doesn’t mean acting recklessly; it’s about taking calculated risks and choosing to take action in spite of the possibility of failure.

People are naturally drawn to those who show confidence, and this energy can inspire others to take an interest and can even encourage them to try something new. Many times, being bold also means pushing through doubts and taking action rather than waiting for everything to be perfect. 

Pushing past doubt and taking that first step can many a time open up unexpected opportunities that would not have existed if we had waited. Taking bold steps can lead to personal growth, new connections, and life experiences that wouldn’t have come our way had we stayed on the safe path.

Sometimes, a single act of courage is all it takes to change the course of our lives.

🧵Today's Sewing Tip:

Christmas is fast approaching and before we know it, we will run out of time to sew the things we want or need.

This week I am sharing a few FREE sewing patterns to encourage you to get started earlier rather than later on some Christmas sewing. 🤭

Pattern 1 - Merry Bright Stocking Pattern

The first pattern on the list is one I sewed up 2 years ago, one for each of my daughters and we have been using them ever since, a Christmas stocking. Excellent to use up some scrap fabric, especially if you have any Christmas themed ones lying around.

https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/merry-bright-stocking-pattern

Pattern 2 - Mini Christmas Stocking Garland

https://www.applegreencottage.com/mini-christmas-stocking/

Pattern 3 - How To Make Christmas Tree Decorations

https://www.applegreencottage.com/how-to-make-christmas-tree-decorations/

Pattern 4 - Adult Classic Pyjama Pattern

Is this the year you make matching Pj’s for you and your family? I used this pattern last year to make matching trousers for my partner and I, and we actually use them all year round too!

https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/adult-classic-pajama-pattern

Let me know if you make any of these, I would love to see how they turn out! 😀

⭐My Favourite Things This Week:

• My birthday! 🍣 🎂
• Finishing the Fleur Dress in time for my birthday! 🎉
• Making small progress on my socks.
• My daughter getting student of the week!
• Finishing my Bi-Colour Snuggle Sweater.

🗓️Upcoming Plans

• Continue knitting my socks.
• Start thinking of what yarn to use for a test knit.
• Continue working on my next bag design.
• Make some gifts for friends and family - matching outfits for twin girls and beanies for a birthday boy.

🎉Upcoming Events

23rd of November 2024 - Sew&Bond - Sewing Social Event - in Gatley Hill House, South Manchester, 11:45h - 17:15h
Email bianca@beesilva.co.uk and quote reference: SEWBOND011
For more information: https://www.beesilva.co.uk/sewbond011/

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 sewing for Christmas?

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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