I Frogged it
Hello!👋
Hope you have been keeping well!
Remember I said last week that I had started knitting a sweater with the blue yarn…I frogged the whole project to start over again. 😵
I wanted to try something new by having ridges (purls) every time I changed colours, and as much as I enjoyed knitting it, I wasn’t sure I was actually liking it.
So when I finished the bodice, I tried it on and showed it to my partner, and he liked the inside more than the outside. 😅 That just pushed me to really not want to continue with it.
So I decided to start over…
And this is where I am at now…
I much prefer the look of just the knit stitches, so I think I am back on track now! 🦾
As for my sewing studio, it is still in the works.
I went to B&Q (DIY Home and Garden store in the UK) and got a sheet of MDF cut to size, 181x91cm to be precise, to put on top of some Ikea Kallax units I got to serve as a table top.
Why these measurements you may be wondering?
Well, I have 2 cutting mats and I wanted them both to fit on the table, without hanging off the edge, side by side, whichever way I turned them.
And since the rest of my furniture is white, I wanted this MDF sheet to be white too. So I went ahead and used the wall primer paint and white paint that we had already used to get rid of the blue wall in the sewing studio.
I wasn’t sure if it was going to stick to the MDF, but I also didn’t want to buy MORE paint, so I just went for it and it is looking (almost) perfectly fine! 🤗
There are 2 coats of primer and 3 coats of white paint though, because that MDF was thirsty! 😂
I kept the off cuts of the MDF sheet to use for other plans I have for my sewing space. When I will get to it...not sure. 😂 But the plan for one of the pieces (I have 2) is to make a custom size ironing board that I can just place behind my door when not in use.
We then had our friend pop by to help out with screwing on the castor wheels and the table top to the Kallax units.
Now, no more moving the fabric around so much for cutting out, and I get to walk right around my table and move it for better ease of cutting too!
So grateful that I get to do this, and it wouldn’t be possible without the help of my partner, friends and my kids. Yes, my kids, they helped paint, put the floor in and helped me sort my fabric into colours. 🥰 And no, I didn’t force them, they were just too excited for the change and wanted to help too!
😎Confidence Corner:
"Confidence is the courage to be yourself, no matter what others may think or say." - Finding Freedom.
We can apply this to all situations in our life, but since I started sewing my own clothes, my confidence in my own body and wearing whatever I want to wear has come a long way.
Sewing has given me the power to create the clothing that I envision in my head, whether it be some staples or all out there with colours and styles. And being able to create something with your own two hands does give a certain confidence.
Whether in your clothing, or other aspects of your life, be true to yourself and show who you are.
Wear that bright pink sweater with lime green pants, put on your favourite dress to go shopping! (I think I just gave myself an outfit idea...pink and green 🤔🤩)
If you feel happy and comfortable, that’s what matters!
Be you like no one is watching! ♥️
🧵Today's Sewing Tip:
One of the sewing tools I reach for often, is my tailor’s ham and seam roll.
You can buy these, but of course, I wanted to make my own.
These are great for pressing darts, the curved shape of collars and shoulders, and also for sleeves and trouser legs.
If you would like to have a go at making one for yourself, Twig and Tale have a free pdf pattern that you can download. Alternatively, you can make your own shape.
It is recommended to use 100% wool or 100% cotton with a very tight weave, as you will need to stuff the ham firmly.
I don’t think I stuffed mine enough as I can see they have been flattened quite a lot over use. So, if you think there is enough stuffing inside, just put in a little more!
To make mine, I only used one layer of cotton canvas that I already had in my stash, and I bought some sawdust from ASDA(a UK supermarket).
You could use fabric scraps, but these will compress over time.
What are some of your best sewing tips?
⭐My Favourite Things This Week:
- Getting my island cutting table done 🤗
- My kids helping me sort my fabric out by colours.
- Catching up with everyone at the Sew&Bond sewing social!🤩
🗓️Upcoming Plans
- My partner wants me to make him an apron to use while cooking;🤷
- Continue to work on my blue yarn knit project;
- Get my sewing studio sorted and ready to work in (still working on this).
🎬What I have been Watching/Reading:
- Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer (Documentary)
When a body is found in a gay bar in Berlin, it puts the police on the trail of a killer who poisons and robs his targets.
- What Jennifer Did (Documentary)
Jennifer’s mother was murdered and her father was in a coma. When he finally wakes up, the evidence he provides changes the whole course of the investigation.
- The Tearsmith (Movie)
It is in Italian, but I watched it dubbed in English. Nica and Rigel are adopted together after a tough childhood in an orphanage, who then experience unexpected feelings.
🎉Upcoming Events
The Sewcial Circle - Virtual Sew&Bond - Sewing Social - 24th of April 2024
This will be a virtual gathering where you connect, create, and share your passion for sewing in a fun, supportive and online environment.
Link - https://www.beesilva.co.uk/virtualsewbond04/
I haven’t yet officially opened for bookings, but if you would like to get ahead and book your spot for the following events, please let me know:
Sew&Bond - 25th of May 2024 10:15 - 15:45, taking place in Gatley Hill House, South Manchester.
(5hr30m, an extra 30min than usual)
Email bianca@beesilva.co.uk and quote reference: SEWBOND05
Sew&Bond - 22nd of June 2024 11:45 - 17:15, taking place in Gatley Hill House, South Manchester.
(5hr30m, an extra 30min than usual)
Email bianca@beesilva.co.uk and quote reference: SEWBOND06
Sew&Bond - 27th July 2024 10:15 - 15:45, taking place in Gatley Hill House, South Manchester.
(5hr30m, an extra 30min than usual)
Email bianca@beesilva.co.uk and quote reference: SEWBOND07
Bye for now,
B! xx
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