Slow Progress

Hello!👋

Hope you have been keeping well!

I can’t believe the weather we are having here in the UK, feels like it’s been forever since we had so many days in a row of gorgeous sunshine. 😎

I must confess that I am no longer used to high temperatures after living here in the UK for 13 years now, so I have only gone outside early morning and late afternoons when most of the heat has passed. 🥵

I also feel like I don’t have enough summer clothes to keep me going in this heat for so many days in a row! 😂

And probably when I decide to make something for this weather, it will be overcast the next day. 😂

As expected, it has been a week of very slow sewing because the kids are off school for 6 weeks now.

I started cutting out a pair of Safiya trousers from Tilly and The Buttons last weekend at my sewing social and finished cutting the last leg at home.

I tried to take my time with the cutting out because I wanted to pattern match as best I could because with this particular print, if it didn’t match, it would be pretty obvious and would probably bug me forever. 😅

I am very pleased that I managed to pattern match pretty well as you can see in the photo. This is of the back seam and the side seams look the same.

The front crotch seam on the other hand doesn’t look as good as the others. 😏

It’s not that bad actually, I don’t think you will be able to tell when worn and in movement, just if you stare at it up close, so I am sure I will survive with it. 😂

I am actually very happy that I have finally made a start on  the Safiya trousers in this fabric as it has been a project I have been wanting to complete for months. 

The print reminded me of Burberry, so I have called these my Burberry inspired trousers.

I tried them on without the elastic and I got a bit excited as I thought they looked really good. I even ran downstairs to show my partner. 🤭

I showed him my pattern matching, but he straight away pointed out the parts which weren’t completely pattern matched. 😅

I will just take this as I have taught him well how to spot the imperfections. 😂

I did want to lengthen them by a couple of inches to cover my shoes, but as usual I forgot! 🤦🏼‍♀️

This time I have the sewing social event to blame, I was a bit distracted so it slipped my mind. Oh well! 🤷🏼‍♀️ 

Every evening this week and sometimes early morning when the kids are still in bed, I have managed to sew a seam, so this project is taking some time to complete.

As this week finishes, I still have to insert the waist elastic.

Remember last week I was undecided between making another Jasmine Sweater, which is the bubble sweater from RitaMadeThis, and a pair of socks, well… 😂

I started neither and went for a completely different project.

Let me tell you why.

As you may know I like to test knit, and there are a couple designers that I always apply for when they put a call out. They are RitaMadeThis and Knit Stitch Repeat.

I simply love all of RitaMadeThis’ designs, I feel they are very easy designs and with the combinations of just knit and purl stitches, she creates so many different textures that I am drawn to. 😍

As for Knit Stitch Repeat, she also creates very easy designs to follow with the intention to use up your stash, and I have more than enough in my stash to knit her projects up.

So back to what I started, I applied to test knit for Knit Stitch Repeat as she put a call out for a buttoned up cardigan and I could use an extra cardigan in my wardrobe.

I was fortunately selected to be a part of the test team and I raided my yarn stash immediately! 🤗

I bought this yarn, Yarnsmiths Freespirit Aran in Apollo, earlier this year with the intention of knitting a sweater, so I thought it would be perfect to turn into a cardigan instead.

At the same time I got this yarn, I bought some Yarnsmiths Create Aran in Parchment and Rose Pink to complement it.

I made a swatch with one strand of Rose Pink together with one strand of Apollo because I wanted to make the whole sweater with this combination, but I didn’t really like it and I thought I would probably not reach for it when completed.

Unfortunately , I forgot to take a photo of the swatch before I undid it, but I have lined the yarns here for you to see. The pink overpowers the soft tones of the middle yarn, Apollo, so I decided to use 2 strands of Apollo together instead and I really like how it is turning out.

I only had 3 balls of Apollo and I am nearing the end of the bodice and 2 balls are practically finished, and the third ball is not going to be enough to knit both sleeves the same. 😐

As I did the bottom band ribbing in Parchment, I will probably do both sleeves in this colour as well and do the neck ribbing in it too.

I only have 2 balls of Parchment, so I am hoping it is enough as I don’t want to buy any more.

I know if I have to buy more, the extra yarn I need to finish this piece won’t be the only items falling into my basket!

I know you understand! 😂

So as this week finishes, this is how far I have gotten with this cardigan and I am loving the gradient colorwork! 😍

This coming week, although I have part of the Heyday Dungarees from Waves and Wild cut out, I will probably not touch them for now but rather move onto a dress.

I have been dreaming about the latest release from Fabric Godmother, the Fleur Dress and Blouse and I prepared the pattern pieces for it this week! 🤗

I want to make one of each version, and I don’t know which I want to make first! 🙃

Have you already made one? If yes, what version did you make? Or are you planning to make one? Which one?

So many questions, sorry, just super excited about this project! 😀

I have pulled these fabrics from my stash as contenders, if you would like to help me choose, please get those fingers typing and reply to this email with which is your favourite! 😀

The light one I got on the swap table at my sewing social and I can’t remember what the fabric base is, possibly a stretch viscose jacquard. 🤔

The darker ones are both cotton poplin - the black tiger print is from Pound Fabrics from a while ago and the ditsy floral is from UK Fabrics Online.

The tiger print I have always envisioned as a dress, and I think the Fleur would be the perfect fit! 😊

Let me know which is your favourite one! 🤗

😎Confidence Corner:

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”— Dr. Seuss

This quote is a powerful reminder to stay true to ourselves and focus on genuine relationships.

Being yourself means accepting your unique qualities and expressing your true thoughts and feelings. Sometimes it can be tough, but it's important to be honest about who you are.

The people who criticise or judge you for being yourself aren't worth your time or energy. Their negative opinions shouldn't hold you back.

The people who truly care about you will accept and support you for who you are. These real friends and loved ones bring true meaning to your life.

When you are true to yourself and surrounded by supportive people, life becomes more fulfilling and joyful. Being genuine attracts positive opportunities and meaningful relationships.

Think about your own life. Are you being true to yourself? Do you have supportive people around you?

Be yourself, speak your truth, and cherish those who truly care about you. 💖

🧵Today's Sewing Tip:

Hemming

Hemming a garment is a way to finish the raw edge of your fabric to prevent it from unravelling, to adjust the length of the piece and to make it look pretty.

When working from Indie or the Big 5 sewing patterns, they normally suggest which way to hem your garment.

You can choose to stick with this or choose another finishing of your preference.

Here are a few methods that I have personally used over the years. I normally follow the suggested finishing in a pattern, but there has been the odd occasion where I have chosen another method.

You will need to take into consideration the fabric base you are working with. For example, it wouldn’t be advisable to use a double turn hem with a straight stitch on a stretch fabric as the stitches would pop the first time your project was stretched.

The hemming examples below have been made with a woven fabric, some methods can be used on both stretch and woven fabrics, while others are advised to be used only on woven bases.

1- Overlocked/Single Turn Hem

• Run the raw edge of your fabric through your overlocker.
• Press it towards the wrong side of the fabric taking into account where you want your hem to sit on you when worn.
• Stitch it into place.
• For a woven fabric, a straight stitch can be used and for a stretch fabric, a zig zag stitch can be used.

2- Double Turn Hem

• Turn the raw edge of the fabric to the wrong side, press into place.
• Turn the folded edge up toward the wrong side again taking into account where you want your hem to sit when worn and press.
• Stitch it into place.

3- Bias Bound Hem

• You can use ready made bias binding or make your own. If you need a little help making your own, please check the explanation below:

Bias Binding Preparation

-  Cut a 1 inch strip of fabric on the bias of our fabric.

- Fold the bias binding in half wrong sides together and press.

- Open it up and fold the raw edges to meet the fold in the middle and press.

- This will make sure that you have an even amount of fabric folded over to the centre on each side.

• Line up one raw edge of the bias binding with the raw edge of your fabric.
• Stitch in the fold of your bias binding that is closest to the raw edge you are working on.
• Then fold the bias binding towards the wrong side of the fabric and press it so it is easier to stitch into place.
• Edgestitch the bias binding down from the wrong side as it is easier to see and make sure you catch it all under your stitch line.
  

4. Coverstitch Hem

• Turn your raw edge up towards the wrong side and press, taking into consideration where you want your hem to sit when worn.
• With the right side of your fabric facing up, position your needles so that each one is on either side of the raw edge which is now facing down touching your machine.
• Stitch in place. This can be a little tricky but try it on a scrap piece of fabric first.
• From the right side of your fabric you will see 2 parallel stitch lines and from the wrong side you will see what looks like an overlocked hem.

Generally, I like to stitch my hems into place from the right side as I prefer the look of the stitches from the top thread.

I also tend to lengthen my stitch length to around 3.0mm on my sewing machine, this gives the stitches a more relaxed look than keeping them at the standard 2.5mm.

⭐My Favourite Things This Week:

• Enjoying the sunny weather. ☀️
• Starting a new test knit! 🧶
• Nearly finishing my Burberry inspired trousers! 👖

🗓️Upcoming Plans

• Continue knitting the test knit cardigan.
• Make a start on the Fleur Dress or Blouse, not sure which yet.
• Start making plans for the next knit project - sweater or socks?
• Get back to my partner’s jacket - I am leaving this here as I feel if I remove it, I will definitely never get back to it. 😂

🎬What I have been Watching/Reading:

Watching

• The Yara Gambirasio Case: Beyond Reasonable Doubt (Series)

This docuseries digs into the disappearance of 13-year-old Yara and the discomfiting investigation that shattered the peace of a small Italian town.

I don’t want to give the ending away in case you would like to watch it yourself, but I don’t feel the right justice was done.

• Too Hot To Handle (Series)

Too Hot to Handle is a reality tv dating game show hosted by a virtual assistant named "Lana".

The show revolves around 10 adults, all of whom primarily engage in meaningless flings and are unable to form long-lasting relationships.

They are placed together in a house for four weeks and must go through various workshops, all while being forbidden from any kissing, sexual contact or self-gratification, with the money prize getting reduced any time a rule is broken.

• Meet Marry Murder (Series)

This chilling series explores the true stories of people who murdered their partners.

I finished watching season one, so this coming week I will probably move onto season two.

🎉Upcoming Events

24th of August 2024 - Sew&Bond - Sewing Social Event - in Gatley Hill House, South Manchester, 10:15 - 15:45.
(5hr30m, an extra 30min than usual)
Email bianca@beesilva.co.uk and quote reference: SEWBOND08
For more information: https://www.beesilva.co.uk/sewbond08/

21st of September 2024 - Sew&Bond - Sewing Social Event - in Gatley Hill House, South Manchester, 11:45 - 17:15.
(5hr30m, an extra 30min than usual)
Email bianca@beesilva.co.uk and quote reference: SEWBOND09
For more information: https://www.beesilva.co.uk/sewbond09/

26th of October 2024 - Sew&Bond - Sewing Social Event - in Gatley Hill House, South Manchester, 10:15 - 15:45.
(5hr30m, an extra 30min than usual)
Email bianca@beesilva.co.uk and quote reference: SEWBOND010
For more information: https://www.beesilva.co.uk/sewbond010/

Question of the Week:

What's one part of sewing that you always find tricky?

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