tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25603752985447420132024-03-13T18:09:33.940+00:00The Pickled WeaselRandom musings of a small and furry crafterPickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-8634853745113587702015-08-18T20:19:00.001+01:002015-08-18T20:19:59.007+01:00Janey Jump Around (night) DressI made this back in May for Munchkin's 7th birthday (I know, how time flies, they grow so fast, where has my baby gone etc etc). This is only the second nightie I've sewn for her, she'd always been a pyjama girl until her auntie bought her a Disney Princess fancy nightie for Christmas and after that there was much pleading for nightdresses to be sewn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TD3R7WJmPKE/VZEOnx28O4I/AAAAAAAABaw/j1fp3d_joSQ/s1600/IMG_1568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TD3R7WJmPKE/VZEOnx28O4I/AAAAAAAABaw/j1fp3d_joSQ/s320/IMG_1568.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very pleased with her new nightie :)</td></tr>
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I used the <a href="http://www.peekaboopatternshop.com/janey-jump-around-dress/" target="_blank">Janey Jump Around Dress</a> pattern from Peek-a-boo patterns which I downloaded a while ago but hadn't used. I made an age 8 as I thought it would last a bit longer and I was really pleased with the fit. The pattern has a lovely faux wrap front which is a lot easier to sew than it looks. I left off the button fastening and just top-stitched part of the front instead so that it didn't gape.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YCJ8jxHQcE/VZEOqI1RVOI/AAAAAAAABb0/ys6aZP6Khvo/s1600/IMG_1583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YCJ8jxHQcE/VZEOqI1RVOI/AAAAAAAABb0/ys6aZP6Khvo/s320/IMG_1583.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipsqueak gets in on the act.</td></tr>
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The fabric was a nice soft jersey from the Magic Fabric Shop, £2 a metre, and I wish I'd bought the whole roll. All clothes should be made from bright pink soft jersey with cats on. The neck band and sleeve bands were scraps from an old black t-shirt of mine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwf9dOtgPxc/VZEOo7BPt2I/AAAAAAAABbE/5bfWbirJ9TM/s1600/IMG_1575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwf9dOtgPxc/VZEOo7BPt2I/AAAAAAAABbE/5bfWbirJ9TM/s320/IMG_1575.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back. Love the modest length :)</td></tr>
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I think the pattern works really well as a nightie and I'd definitely make it again. The pattern is 6 months - 10 years, so for a freebie you get a lot of sizes. I used my overlocker which made it very fast to sew up, but you could quite easily do it on a standard machine and the instructions are very clear so it would be great for beginners. I can see why it's called a Jump Around dress - you could do pretty much everything in it and a) not expose yourself to all and sundry as it's a great length, and more importantly b) not feel restricted. Perfect for the girl who loves dresses but still insists on climbing every tree in sight. Munchkin is just happy that it's comfy to sleep in and has cats on :)Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-6345965840324203422015-05-31T22:26:00.000+01:002015-05-31T22:26:08.278+01:00The Owl TunicSo, I'm back. Maybe just for one post, maybe for a squillion, who knows. We'll see.....<br />
The reason for my return is <a href="http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/blog/searching-simplicitys-star-sewist/#.VWtts9LBzGc" target="_blank">this competition</a> from Simplicity patterns. And here is my entry:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aujM6ya-kw8/VWtw1fmmpwI/AAAAAAAABYY/vM1I_8kI7L8/s1600/IMG_1553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aujM6ya-kw8/VWtw1fmmpwI/AAAAAAAABYY/vM1I_8kI7L8/s400/IMG_1553.JPG" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I look a little surprised....maybe it's because my mouth has been replaced by a giant flower?</td></tr>
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I'm calling it the Owl Tunic, for obvious reasons when you look at the fabric up close. I used the <a href="http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/6145/#.VWtvcNLBzGc" target="_blank">lovely free pattern</a> that Simplicity sent me and decided on view A, as I liked the pleated sleeves. My original plan was to use this fabric to make a muslin and then use a different fabric to make my final entry, but I liked this so much I stuck with it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lskYjiKBoC4/VWtwrUeBglI/AAAAAAAABYI/zyzEn0xTDaM/s1600/IMG_1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lskYjiKBoC4/VWtwrUeBglI/AAAAAAAABYI/zyzEn0xTDaM/s320/IMG_1557.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric up close in all its feathery glory</td></tr>
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The pattern was quite easy to put together and the instructions were clear and detailed. I made a size 10 without any alterations, as I've sewn Simplicity patterns before and a straight 10 usually fits. Next time I would shave a tiny wedge out of the front as my <strike>decoletage</strike> <strike>decolletege</strike> <strike>deccoletig</strike> collar bone area is a bit narrow, and although the neckline sits fine when I'm still, there is a tiny bit of gapeyness when I move around. Otherwise I am very happy with the fit.<br />
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I was a good girl and followed the instructions exactly, even understitching the neck facing, which made a big difference.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6CMxtkSmpQ/VWtxHevouEI/AAAAAAAABXo/ZatHThpbOYc/s1600/IMG_1546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6CMxtkSmpQ/VWtxHevouEI/AAAAAAAABXo/ZatHThpbOYc/s320/IMG_1546.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I must admit, I do love a bit of understitching :)</td></tr>
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I'm pleased to say my invisible zip is pretty invisible. I asked Mr Pickledweasel to confirm its invisibleness by looking at the back of the tunic while I tried it on, and he said 'Yes, but you haven't pattern matched.' That's what happens when you let your significant others watch the Great British Sewing Bee. I did try to pattern match, honestly, but my eyes went a bit funny after 5 minutes and I gave in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcY0XT7nylE/VWtw3di80_I/AAAAAAAABYo/tJcwlNaH_Ro/s1600/IMG_1556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcY0XT7nylE/VWtw3di80_I/AAAAAAAABYo/tJcwlNaH_Ro/s320/IMG_1556.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't look at it too long, it's a bit like one of those Magic Eye books.</td></tr>
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The only thing I changed about the pattern was the length. I tried it on un-hemmed and it was just a teensy bit too short for me - something I'd wear with opaque tights and boots, but as this was intended to be a spring / summer outfit for work, that kind of length would involve the Revealing of the Knees of Doom (not a very pretty sight), so I decided to make it into a tunic instead. I took 5" off and then did a 1" blind hem, something I haven't done for ages. I have a blind hem foot for my machine which makes it a doddle, and I love it. It takes a bit more preparation than a standard hem, but it looks great.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oELyJao9zxA/VWtwp9r4JkI/AAAAAAAABW4/0t3CFdbXx8w/s1600/IMG_1544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oELyJao9zxA/VWtwp9r4JkI/AAAAAAAABW4/0t3CFdbXx8w/s320/IMG_1544.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lovely hem. Look, no stitches!</td></tr>
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The fabric was from the Magic Fabric shop (yes, it's still going, they're open 6 days a week now instead of just Mondays and Thursdays!) and was £2 a metre. I think I used about 2 metres and the zip cost £3.90, so the total cost was just shy of £8. Not bad, eh?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5Vrz7RqZ50/VWtw15rCgTI/AAAAAAAABYg/gaeqhriwLQc/s1600/IMG_1555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5Vrz7RqZ50/VWtw15rCgTI/AAAAAAAABYg/gaeqhriwLQc/s320/IMG_1555.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front. It's a very good for hiding lumps and bumps by the way :)</td></tr>
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The fabric was kind of like a scuba stretch but without the stretch. It was nice to sew with, quite silky on the printed side but still had enough stability not to go crazy when I put it under the presser foot. In terms of time taken, I'd guesstimate 4 hours from start to finish. I cut all of the pattern pieces when I was on holiday last week on the Yorkshire coast, on a lovely big dining room floor in the cottage we were staying in. I'd seen all sorts of birds during the week, so it felt appropriate to be working with feathery material. I am seriously considering sewing up some capes with the leftover bits I have, so the little pickledweasels can pretend to be owls too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0zzZ7t4FV0/VWtwmDZwOkI/AAAAAAAABWk/3ZQ_iI690PA/s1600/IMG_1510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0zzZ7t4FV0/VWtwmDZwOkI/AAAAAAAABWk/3ZQ_iI690PA/s320/IMG_1510.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How much do these <strike>wings</strike> sleeves look like little owl hoods?</td></tr>
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Overall I'm very happy with my new owly tunic. I'm pretty sure there is another one in the pipeline, this time with a bit of a tropical theme (and some lengthening so the Knees of Doom won't be involved). So thank you to Simplicity for giving me the chance to take part, and for the pattern, I've loved making it :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2fuWvwkOErg/VWtw1QVtYVI/AAAAAAAABYQ/EUHPNP5K2Oo/s1600/IMG_1548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2fuWvwkOErg/VWtw1QVtYVI/AAAAAAAABYQ/EUHPNP5K2Oo/s320/IMG_1548.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"This'll never work...what am I meant to do with the flower, eat it?"</td></tr>
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<br />Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-43601324729748267022011-02-19T17:39:00.000+00:002011-02-19T17:39:33.576+00:00It's not you, it's me....<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUSPoRzE0WFC1XNpUxle_8lo4bjE-kheLYF6dmXGzo7Fejp5ymoUfpMj6V5U8iKSYNE_lDJ2Zm_C1uO8cWQs8A_FdQfzvvYz5c5wcTZfEwb1tHfntqo7W1Rp-YMBBsQ0eG5z8WK15mk74/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575456239940229234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUSPoRzE0WFC1XNpUxle_8lo4bjE-kheLYF6dmXGzo7Fejp5ymoUfpMj6V5U8iKSYNE_lDJ2Zm_C1uO8cWQs8A_FdQfzvvYz5c5wcTZfEwb1tHfntqo7W1Rp-YMBBsQ0eG5z8WK15mk74/s320/004.JPG" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Byeeee!<br /></span><br /><div>Good news - I have a pretty new netbook. Bad news - I don't think I want to blog any more. </div><br /><div>While I was laptopless I thought at lot about why I blog, and whether it was worth continuing. I don't really feel like I'm contributing anything to the greater good by waffling on about what I'm sewing. I don't really have any technical insights to share, and I can't remember the last time I did a tutorial. I love being part of a crafty community, but I think I can do that without blogging. I love showing off what I've made, but I can do that via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/38288149@N00/">Flickr</a>, or <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/search.pl?search=1&ProfileID=240233">Pattern Review</a>. I have limited spare time, and composing and editing blog posts doesn't come top of my priorities list, so I end up feel guilty that I haven't blogged, or guilty that I've spent 2 hours writing a post and taking pictures of it. This is not how it should be.</div><br /><div>So this is my last post. It's been fun, and I've met some lovely people along the way. If you want to you can add me to your contacts in Flickr (just search for smallandfurry) or if you're really brave you can email me (pickledweasel at btopenworld.com) and we can facebook each other til it hurts :) </div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575456239331554514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0S9E81CUGihFR_QY1EpGyy9j90KhaMBu1b0qEnwT0f8HmCZtBzv5lOe8aoJEJgsEggA-2TPOy5R3fw_BgbACcDPVoZz1km880ejJmsyDUwTjIFwZ6ngDGihBBHwktVYn03XLcK77aNNF/s320/005.JPG" /> <div></div><div> </div><div>Lots of love,</div><br /><div>Pickled Weasel and Munchkin x x x</div><br /></div>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-42565892760754530602011-01-31T17:14:00.002+00:002011-01-31T17:23:33.284+00:00I am still here, honest.But my laptop isn't, it's at the laptop hospital being fixed. Although the man said it would take 4-5 days and it's been a week....<br />So here I am logged onto a public access PC at work. That's how much I love you :)<br /><br />I have been sewing lots, because I haven't had the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">interwebs</span> to suck away my time into a big <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">etsy</span> / <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">facebook</span> / pattern review / folksy / generally random searches on Google wormhole.<br /><br />Munchkin now has two new skirts and a wrap-around top, cut down from a dress I made her a while ago but that she never wore because it looked a bit like a dressing gown. I mended a shirt of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mr</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">PW's</span> that had a hole in it, turned one of my dresses into a top and sewed a whole host of buttons back on to various garments.<br /><br />And I made munchkin a winter coat, cried because the armholes were ridiculously small, cut it up, cried again, went back to the drawing board and am now in the process of making her a button through dress from the redundant coat outer, and drafting a new bigger <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">armholed</span> version using the lining as a template. Sorry there are no pictures, you'll just have to imagine all this :)<br /><br />Hopefully, I'll be back soon, but now I must leave you and return to my cuppa soup and the remaining 7 minutes of my work break. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Laters</span>!Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-4145427880840428942011-01-07T21:38:00.000+00:002011-01-07T21:59:35.472+00:00Scandi Skirt<div align="left">I've actually made a wearable piece of clothing for myself, which looking through my past posts I don't think I've done before, except maybe a neck warmer.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559563784159343618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPlm5u7w4dtNotFo5412bdhaAVNb2pbcjOxjTM3ZOjsUgrmb4l8otU3Y0UAVs7bL5y0T8p6kViEhnsS-xVVv9HFft8YYI9f0TWFcSe3q68IB6lJ7jFkfBWRbZqX-g-OVad5jQw3gY7Z6Y/s320/001.JPG" /><br />I made clothes for myself when I was doing my stuuuupid college course (I'm never going to mention it again, it was that stupid. I have a certificate saying I passed it but I never learnt how to sew a buttonhole. I may have mentioned this before...), but I wouldn't call them wearable :) For my final project I made an A-line under skirt with an apron over skirt, and this skirt was made using the pattern I drafted for the under skirt.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559563781275210642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZrT38zo6f0TbKsEytt1O7Cj4gM2jDyte8w9zFrVGlGMWNE-yi9htyUr65RmZEULjOUgxL-RI0hw5eY_GrE6ovXSvRRrpCAJmqeV5gKcox8t1qCEl4CYyQJt3DJ3d3Fwh7qyXEz56ZFP4/s320/002.JPG" /><br />It's just a basic A-line block from Winifred Aldrich's <em><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Metric-Pattern-Cutting-Womens-Wear/dp/1405175672/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294351868&sr=8-1">Metric Pattern Cutting for Women's Wear</a></em>, and although I drew it up using my measurements in May last year I'm pleased it still fits around my post-Christmas podge :)<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559563644551614402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi921bP-E-bGR5DsvwxwF43dfVw_XJPGp_Y6npZbwhYeTfhOyXcMypuxmDeKsz2UHHbwRqyWlXxGXiFMQqUCkptbDP6Cle2lCLHh3uxu6c78gNm3SXk129AjxAlnrQb2mCUVqDQjp2gMcSy/s320/003+%25282%2529.JPG" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">I look a little crazy - I can't tell if it's because of the recently blow-dried hair or the overuse of blusher...</span></p>The fit isn't perfect, as the darts could sit a little smoother at the back, but I think that's my sewing rather than the pattern. I did take a few photos of it without the cardi on, but blimey my middle has thickened over the last few months, so I'll not be sharing them with you. Because the waistline is quite low it sits on the widest part of my middle, and so definitely needs a long top over it or some sort of cardi to break it up. On the other hand it is remarkably comfy to wear :)<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559563639424205058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsiTseJa0xsZbP9Gv0TB67tv9ZnPOMaYZKYtkikSRZ04tFwf6rt6sk2rUsarJQhLGZP5Ak6OXUiQyZ8xm7Fg8ZFpoCKsKlMl7a2EM3XPO2btiLwNGUF9Gd1uf7JyWvAPk3Wjh5rfKUXNk/s320/003+%25283%2529.JPG" /><br />You might remember I made <a href="http://thepickledweasel.blogspot.com/2009/12/can-you-marry-fabric.html">Munchkin a tunic</a> using another version of the fabric, and this has been sitting in my stash waiting for my to gather up the courage to cut it since then. I lined it with some bog standard black polyestery type stuff, which was a bugger to sew but does the job. I've called it the Scandi skirt because the fabric makes me want to go to Stockholm and drink strong coffee and look at art :)<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559563636195045986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FLY_SzMtISbsij8o5PzrI83fSJqwf_iBZXLqrjfra7GizVcSAEahAveQkumWBwC-9XKZ34JOzwmZ8toAp2VZAHZEPktXa_OcTzAyD6g2JQKDeR7wuPQwq4FgS1xKyKKLRMupwEyfNK0t/s320/004.JPG" /><br />I'm very pleased with my zip skillz - inserted using the method that is in the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sew-Built-Wendy-Making-Wardrobe/dp/0821257404/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294352486&sr=1-1">Sew U</a> book (sew side seam up to where zip will start, change stitch to long stitch and tack all way to waistline. Tape zip to wrong side of seam, topstitch using zipper foot, remove tape and tacking). I sewed the zip just into the outer fabric, and then I made the lining up separately. On the seam where the zip would be, I sewed up to where the zip would start then tacked the rest of the way up. I ironed the seam flat and unpicked the tacking. I then attached the lining to the skirt right sides together, flipped them, topstitched around the waist, and then carefully pinned the lining around the zip and re-topstitched where I had sewn the zip into the outer.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559563632341727410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioezQ54LN8gOA9VVbn4e30ubXTLEzUrhUCKZjKafynumHXUJBhvRs7OEoRUiY3UflUxUFUA7BdkU3VkFlRWSsMZyPu9OfpqNQ40uigqYBdhvrat2A5dN6taV3u6fdmSffOYgZQUwE4Hma1/s320/005.JPG" /><br />And I've found a brilliant new way to avoid failure when attempting new sewing projects - don't do blog posts announcing to the world what you're going to achieve over the next month / year / decade. Then if you don't finish them / they go horribly wrong / you never even start them, no-one will ever know! Success guaranteed :)<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559563624808496050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5R5KaIeXWNMUnNM_lv3Y0n3qReiO0xWrfxhJLmge88OyoO5PGJu92NRqWZnCeDSHhk9zJSW5z5cjzgRZ8F539SbZpooToSqaQ1hpWAkhaeDaY5hHgH18ZJ8dBFMICM6wKuChGssDTghLh/s320/006.JPG" /><br /><br />So all you're getting from me is the following statement:<br />I will be sewing things over the next 12 months. I will tell you about them when I have finished them :DPickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-79663578579483773812011-01-02T20:20:00.005+00:002011-01-02T21:16:45.653+00:00Nose Balloons: The Next Big Thing.<div><div>I swear, by March <strong>everyone</strong> will have them.<br />Normal balloons are just so 2010.<br />Even those long balloons that make a big weeeeeeeeee noise when you let them go, they're really last season. Munchkin knows it - just look at the disappointment on her face.<br /></div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557700043634232258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkv3kcl9t9EJCe2KTvrcKiZzU8PRXS1rwf9Iqg9nOmPxAsvFlU5oV1jj86nVaRDIcum_nhu4NCS4xXnmu1cmD02TkX6uMJ7oU6I6w8tuqOrpEvVvg8pOYc3lm7t1kbHec7E2becw3LRJQj/s320/164132_10150110756020660_571655659_8185257_2707442_n.jpg" /><br />I've managed to get hold of a hot-off-the-press photo of the latest trend. The quality isn't great because <s>Mr pickledweasel was laughing so much he couldn't hold the camera still</s> it was at a top secret location, and they were taken using a hidden camera, they're <strong>that</strong> exclusive.<br /></div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557700040803393490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRD2fE2SIs6Zw6ahTPZQErs_c_YfU1hl15skeWp7-6KyrT1oDF-WhAVsQrvLjYzmby3jR7NbdUbXPQjoQdpnBzYtlHs1vatZt3qYcNMcyCfxkUGdW2JOrzHCap8-gmJtzxJBJlaQwce4H/s320/007.JPG" /><br />I know you're dying to get your hands on one, so I'll let you into a little secret. You can buy them online from <a href="http://otovent.co.uk/index.html">net-a-porter</a>, or if you're lucky enough you'll be diagnosed with glue ear (a condition so exclusive it's normally reserved for children under the age of 9), and you'll get them on prescription. Remember, you heard it here first!</div></div>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-86169431686839724912010-12-24T14:40:00.000+00:002010-12-24T14:49:14.700+00:00Christmas is coming, the pickledweasel's getting fat...I need to stop eating honeyed salted cashew nuts, or I'll not fit into my <a href="http://www.clothingattesco.com/womenswear/f+f-jacquard-full-skirt/invt/bu022092/&bklist=icat,4,buylists,featuredproducts,wm-skirts-sl">nice new Christmas skirt </a>tomorrow :( Things are Christmas a-go-go here in the pickledweasel household, despite me having a throat infection and munchkin getting over a stinking cold. We've been making Christmas decorations:<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554258803938539314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjMMi_LCBHxw8Z7o3eIORB-cm7oBFQB9Sq_M_h8xZ4R_9HkCIj548kPVnT0Z2CmtyYfUp5yBeoyO1csV60x3hB4cH1gurIKXram1xXGUfM7JPeLTGNB_yfoUFDuI827_fGL7nCi4S7zhQ/s320/002.JPG" /><br /><div>And cards:<br /></div><div></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554258801928944642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuWnEyy09PwgFIurdOcwuvntW_UZQXrvbj12gTmQaDYzRkvRrPFfcQFIlYGm9liibiTq7r0HeYhYZC8hgHa_Xg-LAyG1hcbUCQ_5vy_u0_0syP_6dVED1F5kdps_tNF1DxN7xdT1XRWgc/s320/003.JPG" /><br /><div>And hair slides for Christmas parties:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554258642250386354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowBt8M73frYD7_VpgLPpq-lA3d6YdF2wf6K1Vxahti3UkkWn9IuM6jeBgKTqBVfHMAjCLQzPa_2JcYLYx0lHu2_M0DPWwaW2rCvNgtqjuzfIaoHQGwE3N9UFIIw8dmbdARUb2EHvgzmoT/s320/027.JPG" /><br /><div>And the icing on the cake, a man-bag for mr pickledweasel:</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554258632488289058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv3De60ZRlJFszNuau6bpwk7KMQhsZRz-95yPPjCMC_fejiAw_EKD9WOIJVdQ25TbxIlcmYnvjKAk5-UbVz8xhMl56WEyKVw876v-qW7ovlm1rMI6Jb2wS9qsil4WmQtIrU_Ck7AbyCOk/s320/032.JPG" /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554258623125418914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtUXcas_mOpa1c9d7PB0XhonCJ9IxdFqJhYG7JWbeFlFxNvhde9xcSk6sF1kk_2WfZK2t7ffUjvl0lQPssXTq8ju1hGaA9FwVVauPDg3rOID3w_4MlNMz6m_AAdosS06Phfk7Q3kDGj6e/s320/035.JPG" /><br /><div>We decided to just spend £10 on each other this year (excluding presents for munchkin), as we're a bit short after the loft conversion. The bag came in at about £7.50, although that's kind of cheating because I calculated the cost based on the material used, so the whole yard of the amaaaaaaazing coffee cup fabric cost £6.60, but I've calculated it as £3.30 because I used half a yard. And I'm not including the £8.00 postage because it <a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7871-Robert-Kaufman-Metro-Cafe">came from America </a>:D Any ideas what I can make from the leftover half yard?</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554258623107829106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9V2GwGK53oUxgN7YQ3rd56AhTt42MCExW2CO92eSqECHpZkHdzMaM-HJZgzTPSeS4C8qTBWLiggd2dd0IwbQzmxC59t_waK7NOudNUEnL0rf5Qv4EM-isv6fFhqYxA8LMj_2BdZEtqdo/s320/036.JPG" /><br /><div>The denim was an offcut from Abakhan. The slider and the d-ring were actually a bargain - I've yet to find reasonably priced ones online, especially sliders, does anyone have a secret magic website that does bag making haberdashery at sensible prices? Anyway, I found this bag for £1.25 from our local Winners:</div><br /><div></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554260108897590706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICsc6sgC7Litbfmux7nHxctK-dyl9FmubhDwjWBMKjvkNYxMuA6uBpC9uqnUe6g0snAcGDA2DlfCnGVgdNHb9mMaKXTBvXGLQdiVeRf8h4K9N7nQBtKEfY9lOS0hevxm9bqijmgXVsO4f/s320/005.JPG" /><br /><div>And cannibalised it. I'll use the zips and the canvas for a pouch I'm making for my sister-in-law, so it won't have died in vain :) I've not done much more Christmas making, just a hat and snood set for my neice - photos of her modelling it to follow - and I've made a mountain of gingerbread to give to friends and family using <a href="http://www.waitrose.com/recipe/Gingerbread.aspx">this recipe</a>.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554258619044745954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEu6FRwDPYFM_7wCv-7HMLuGwpcjAogmLWiojZgj1DMpKB48ichc7jeqkfPLyFWYUeID1b1acUkf0gekU5TDyOHglhRx4stPAzMEOCQQCDgGSGWvYxQi7lJW37wDee7CIgNGlPjj_jGF7/s320/037.JPG" /><br /></div><div>So here's wishing you all a very happy Christmas, and hoping you have a lovely day with family and friends. I'll just be on this big comfy chair over here, with a scarf round my neck, a hot toddy and this family sized bag of cashews :) x x x</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-60652682714012719432010-12-19T22:48:00.000+00:002010-12-19T22:49:54.000+00:00Trousers of ginormous warmth.It's bloomin cold here. It's barely getting above freezing most days, and yesterday morning I opened the curtains to be greeted with the sight of another good few inches of snow. The novelty of winter has definitely worn off, and I'm wishing for rain, which is most unlike me. <div><div><div></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552527756754930786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUz1tzsnhs8jwyBWJedEtCTbJmpgO4MKW90WG20NAJWsFRtVeQHR1CFI7_8suxIOlBFqgscE4uNvp0xJHAopzvgu60tWvOfEwDPhS006br509PTUDopfyVP-SDOIFt1-K3g9JsYonQd_s/s320/010.JPG" /><br /><div>Whilst trying to cope with the icicles and the snow flurries, I've realised how few warm 'bottom half' clothes Munchkin has. She has jumpers and tunics a-plenty, all of which can be layered, but all of her trousers and skirts seem alarmingly thin. With this in mind, a few weeks ago I set about making some lined trousers with the brushed cotton I used for her <a href="http://thepickledweasel.blogspot.com/2010/11/little-winter-warmer.html">latest tunic</a>. </div><br /><div></div><div>I bought <a href="http://thesewingplace.com/browseproducts/Burda-9772.html">this pattern </a>last month, with the intention of using it as a stash-buster. I am still a bit scared of commercial patterns, but when I was looking at the back of the envelope I could see that there wouldn't be any techniques involved that I haven't already mastered, and it would just be a case of reading the instructions carefully. I just seem to get my head in a bit of a tizz whenever I sit down with that big piece of paper and read all those technical sewing terms. And then I fold it all back up again and put it back in the packet :)</div><div></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552527753545036034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIUz2hx5X61s0wWSOjBR4TGj4hSeuzU2qZS1XG4IWAugJrHMMHmPHom2-_yJ2WlWGtyOnyIhrm2I5LL5Ynch3T1W7kA6wv-GANHg32p-S__DnyBU4DFcXmzcZuUTTHW2__uAXcQ9Uf_F6/s320/003.JPG" /><br /><div>But this pattern was fine. I made the trousers up with a few alterations - I essentially made two pairs of trousers, one from denim and one from brushed cotton, and then attached them right sides together at the waistband, flipped them wrong sides together, and then topstitched. They came up quite big, but that means they'll probably last until she's about 5 :) I did a <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=58004">pattern review here</a>, so you can read more about it if you want to.</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552527749350269362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSVNjfoA7RcYNlUmAUi2JXfidkNwARqejDi26jE0qxRK_4wrSu4_kaFJftSaPe09H__0l47D3QVh0sFgvCvvWQQrdHCcyOyi86DwkUgAshBbw_UoBwK_dC2jiA9XbRc1I6sOsPI2tme97/s320/002.JPG" /><br /><div>They look a little bit mid-90's, but they're warm and they match lots of nice red tops that Munchkin already has in her wardrobe. I suppose in theory they're reversible, but I imagine someone would report me to social services if I made her wear them with the brushed cotton on the outside :)</div></div></div>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-36918369973469816092010-12-10T11:13:00.001+00:002010-12-10T12:11:20.837+00:00Best laid plans...This morning I am learning all sorts of interesting things. Like, I didn't know that <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/getsquiggling/">Squiglet</a> is actually a boy (I thought he was a girl). And <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/somethingspecial/">Mr Tumble</a> has a hamster called Harry.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549009635570704562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHCU7uY40Lk1SoBd1XHeYXjhczZLfqEmg9ehlUjXInOCwe7kOklkm8fh0J4OHWPNN_R7NtoUwLZNULX-BvlUbABVRssbVqtCakdXPOAYgd3bCUwnBkYXpORURo7PlKZggl459HyUndyb_/s320/IMG_1533.JPG" /><br />I am sat in front of <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/">CBeebies</a> because Munchkin is poorly. She was sick (all over our new carpet) earlier this morning, and is currently sat on the sofa looking peaky, although she is managing to eat a cracker (update: during the writing of those post the cracker has re-emerged, all over the sofa). Despite her insistence that she is not going to be sick again, and can we go to <a href="http://www.widebeech.co.uk/runamok/">Run Amok </a>now, I'm not so sure.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549009634502705490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4u_Q_7aMgmydpuu4ZRW377xpKOkwIz5KVm9t9lvs1WChyphenhyphenRHOTxHzdSma0RDOqqfhC99yRyCGTy7AFICVstut32T4KrlSEHqJ-OxVtIJSc2Dqbpl5sIXSG3-L-iJS_DCt_jWO8so0RenE/s320/IMG_1532.JPG" /><br />Which is a shame, because tonight was possibly going to be the poshest and most exciting night of the last three years. Maybe even the poshest and most exciting night <strong>of my life</strong>. Mr Pickledweasel and I were due to go to <a href="http://www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk/">Gibbon Bridge</a>, for a champagne reception, dinner in a private dining room*, and bed and breakfast. In a suite. All for free, courtesy of Mr Pickledweasel's work.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549009630726719186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeIXY0_XghxhwcDqQMzp4xU8pA1f0o4VoP3DHe1lbvAtl7KMx5crL04CS_lTgUZyK59WUkkg5lxVkykp7WGL7jDhx2w50ATYFq09_s8QXBX72PCjPTRoYakJhZXQg8MqhEggH6m0ImhxT/s320/IMG_1531.JPG" /><br />Grandma pickledweasel was due to babysit, but I can't leave her with a poorly child who'll ask for me all night. So instead of amuse bouches, Moet and a uninterrupted nights sleep with a lie-in guaranteed, I'm facing a night on my own with a vomiting child. The cheery pictures that accompany this post are Munchkin modelling her new snowman snood made using <a href="http://kitschycoo.blogspot.com/2010/12/tutorial-fifteen-minute-multi-snood.html">Kitschy Coo's tutorial</a>, just to try and lift the mood a bit. No, those aren't tears in my eyes. They're just bits of melting snow.<br /><br /><br />* I'm imagining it'd be like that scene at the end of Layer Cake, where they all have cigars. Only without the guns and shooting.Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-10033212293464531962010-11-28T21:07:00.004+00:002010-11-28T21:43:10.033+00:00A little winter warmer<div><div>Tis frosty cold out there, and although we've escaped most of the snow, we've just come back from a weekend at my sister-in-laws where there was plenty of it. It was almost touch and go as to whether we'd make it back, but it was fine once we got west of Leeds.</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544717245999288770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbjBa8TgYGq5VDsmgbZYeHTj6iTey30Sk0OzzzZNsIayASYeW3TpHwMdMlcwVkGawemtxqXz4tre1vVzfVwb1lbe0K19FDLuDmpWn-pxjk8ShMoWs97hX9O-Y_AchyphenhyphenBwYix9CUwt0kQYG/s320/033.JPG" /><br /><div>I picked up some snuggly brushed cotton at <a href="http://www.abakhan.co.uk/">Abakhan</a> last week, and I loved the colours so much I bought 2m so I could make Munchkin a few things from it - the first being a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57371643/tunic-pattern-and-tutorial">Kitschy Coo tunic</a>. I was a bit concerned the neckline wouldn't sit right as the fabric's a bit heavier weight than I would normally use, but it turned out fine. I used a scrap to make a matching hair clip, which both I and Munchkin love. It's a little bit of a girly touch, but I like it :) </div><br /><div></div><div>Munchkin was very warm in it, and needed to be with the snowy exploits her and her cousin Juliet got up to. She's still making good use of her <a href="http://kitschycoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/tutorial-wintery-fleece-hat-with-ear.html">snowman hat</a>, and Juliet was very admiring of it*, so I'll make her one for Christmas. Next May there'll be a terrible trio of cousins, as my other sister-in-law is 16 weeks pregnant :) I don't know if the world is ready for such levels of cuteness...</div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544717239401486290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFA6XXCrzz48q_Zn61EQd1M5pIRP9ffwqgyiU6ZFDzmVeTaUf5gUGoA2lpB1IylU_M-hAT39pgdzQ3anH9k4-SZTx1-l6Nyifmej3Esrs8LvvmGWEIbIQN1DerqoF0PlW2QrjbdDbZU6D/s320/012.JPG" /><br /><div></div><div>*stole it repeatedly from Munchkin's head :)</div></div>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-86834217745096865942010-11-26T14:55:00.000+00:002010-11-26T15:29:05.188+00:00Stairway to Heaven<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDmsrZ94fC-qDcluOev2xf-oFgO-SVcw1eaHE-4VdX7v4BtQzNYsvBq-LZTNl-PnhKbD6CJ3x29VQ-htmlAs8JJeSFln5GpRwn9l5GeIU7YdGnWfiTfbKNKXaoz6d_GqWTh8sCL0tUHxr/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543879233809880466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDmsrZ94fC-qDcluOev2xf-oFgO-SVcw1eaHE-4VdX7v4BtQzNYsvBq-LZTNl-PnhKbD6CJ3x29VQ-htmlAs8JJeSFln5GpRwn9l5GeIU7YdGnWfiTfbKNKXaoz6d_GqWTh8sCL0tUHxr/s320/008.JPG" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>I am deliriously happy to report that myself and mr pickledweasel are now sleeping in the neverending loft conversion. In a bed, and with carpet and everything!</div><div> </div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543879218465334610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DpSqhVbsmFAq0Esolbx6Yd-f9OIzYy8sw6XFAHJ0bR9wsIMVPWBq-rkaq5z2D0S1AWCAXQttQdFQ4umVJzHpCdUNTlT8FbpqQivae3SJNbh3uFGIv8v6DtFD674AfUI9lZXBd5cijraJ/s320/001.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543879213955534722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WwQOxlEDvhAAT68qYgY6ni8o79AkCLKjQxK9K6ZcSjSyfJcMLQCLyFCvKWYry2DBIAMT8FkR1s717QgYpfz-El4g0Qx0IXCljHj4MpZBiKMMkcxUt0y15iaZac0m8NKVS6Pb9LkAAOU4/s320/002.JPG" /><br /><div>We finished painting the woodwork on the landing on Monday, and the carpet fitters came the next day. The carpet in the hall makes such a huge difference :) We still have to decorate our old bedroom, which will become Munchkin's new bedroom, but for now we're just keeping the door closed and ignoring it.</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543878288052989810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CM3UMWqbBV16eisiVvTPYXSNx6OQGK2-kAmw6-u9QL93wBt93cAgsthB47H6kBmMrPMTODg8fCG-3-WDOTFjV5AOv0Cu_AjMwFyWoQBO7mnf7-xQDxfqP494Kcz3PSO1Y0J0U-yOBakY/s320/003.JPG" /><br /><div>There is just literally a bed in our new bedroom, not because we're going for the minimalist look, but because we've only bought one chest of drawers so far and we haven't put it together yet. I don't care though, I'd keep it that way if I could. It's so calming waking up in a room that's full of light and space...the rest of the house looks like some sort of slum in comparison. I'm hoping the contrast will shock me into trying to get everywhere else as clean and junk free, but I think in reality I'll just spend more time in the new room :)</div><div></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543878278809875490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCq5N1Ji-FBm0LRusRTLz8Ttk_hZCt0qOMoj1ixqIgTn6nxQUQz0QixaTYNjT3rwqfxtazY9x_8zV5lrJ4VA64o4Pw1oHrowpN3IVLoZbx2PJWTPCB6PToLchlwwBilaT_qADT6L1lY8a/s320/012.JPG" /><br /><div>In amongst all the excitement I managed to get to the <a href="http://www.abakhan.co.uk/">Abakhan</a> sale preview and bagged myself some bargains. The elephants and the apples are for Munchkin, but I'm undecided on the skulls yet. As it's cuddlefleece I think it's probably more suited to 'loungewear', so I'm thinking I might make a pull-on hoodie for me to wear in the mornings. I'd love to do Munchkin something with it, but I fear it's too pyjama-y to be worn outside.<br /></div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 186px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543878253347153842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA-RIftps2SJjigH5JUueuwWWYWw56JNCX-_bBYVwCiVxjlbJtB2vxElOUhy3zVHgiTbtNUbtoSm3q6H9Gf_rYuLYgk1CVgQhNP5TbQZc7Damq7Vzk9Fi9f7uP6GFWbkpgWI7rryGwCir/s320/011.JPG" /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543878250006460802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqnCwp0FNczev3R33LBI_7Dgz_2P_T6QiU0jH9lZ622-7q6BtJmV9VxJi457s3F93iXDPwPwplmQxrEtm-UXS4Gty77T217afZ8R7qlUYG7k5-XODoLk7KO3LSz7HObfS00q-9l7mU4OM/s320/010.JPG" /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543878244964853554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHV_mGMWuTHH0l73ZGZNGS9sYsD6oo9-Kp3CTV3r6mGhwmgAr-k9pXJOY3lDpKM-URZparfQVB_E-eff5nqL1P-CdRLhdlZhDgejaXp2U1omuhKyMr-NMP1nFliMrCKF3i35rQTk9T0RvW/s320/009.JPG" /><br /><div>Munchkin's <a href="http://thepickledweasel.blogspot.com/2010/11/all-things-bright-and-quiltiful.html">woodland nap quilt</a> is coming along nicely, and I'm now ready to machine quilt it before I back and bind it. Hurray for all things bed-related!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-70380900525099720222010-11-14T13:53:00.007+00:002010-11-14T14:45:49.302+00:00I'm moving to Japan.<div align="center">It must be the best place to live in the world, if their standard of sewing books is anything to go by :)</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539414980829336130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfD30NDiVTC53woeBZM6ZQIX_Z4PKNvTBANgmCHbaYe8FrkrKren3aRs3dVIpZZ1oTc0GZkv3_SYWIRfufqvG_zGHPukeeKC4ebjqOfNgZyuSvuNayx7BrTyPjU9Os5E6Mnd-p2szKa9C/s320/006.JPG" /><br />Buoyed by the success of the <a href="http://thepickledweasel.blogspot.com/2010/11/tale-of-bow-and-big-belly.html">mushroom skirt </a>(I'm still sorting the bow out, pictures when it's done), I started on the little bloomer / pantaloons, which looked equally as simple.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539414972483253922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2jbf_qVUKTM7x_2Ytb8ncK5Vt6_w20twiK1MpL33pov7EWAv2wN2x9DwAf_XqrlItK35P6Dtzl75AMuJRHigTg3oJ6sq2GBy1brIhe6lmMPzk4JX4Oh0najikPmncNatmRl3URkvYgF_/s320/014.JPG" /><br />And they were! I remembered the seam allowance this time, so no hiccups. The fit on Munchkin is perfect. They're made from a bog-standard denim from the magic fabric shop, and they'd suit any other medium to heavy weight fabric. I have some nice red cord that I think I'll use for another pair.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539413876065838034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo5Ao1rkL1gZeJckIHyFThTvrbM0X6l3HzjM2RnU-vfNKxLe-WwwMU90ZlaQRTnFdW9ck-lg3yV7I9fcJ4hyhnWcpqW3ek3wPbXOeanuWhUCqZM4DO1E5Qno9v2KrQ0qk7UcUw_rbivAe/s320/010.JPG" /> Me and Munchkin had an outing to Skipton last week with Grandma pickledweasel, and we went to <a href="http://www.fentshopskipton.co.uk/">The Fent Shop</a> to have a browse. I picked up a few bargains, including a lovely piece of babycord that was just crying out to be made into a top to go with the new pantaloons :)<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539413872385358834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImTeK3ZVGWifBit5WTt9opkbTA7Uhg4UOpFj2yJhGxygLztk77UGjWgsVy0a2Yf726K-spiXgvyasqzF2BzyjfvpLhC6u61y9YE6qqFp2urhY8EapALQ-_kQfDEnnpggt-wgee1V3p5XS/s320/013.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539413867272526594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOAwCRH2NvYDFvhmDvG9gJ2gYjrwhhJYAIkzxtP6Qf6tscDflTiPMnBf0wN8k1Ofj8OyHR6ucuJ1uHtrXVZ_JD2CtUah3MjbSrzP8hJXvRkS7e7UAwNYweyZwcihmxH4Fj-69pyUNwLkc/s320/007.JPG" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">I couldn't quite get munchkin to replicate the poses in the book :)<br /></p></span>There were faults on the fabric, so I had to cut the pattern pieces carefully, but it looks pretty good. This pattern was slightly more advanced, and I did spend a long time staring at the diagrams for the sleeves before my little brain was able to make sense of how they go together. I made a size larger, as I wanted it to last til next summer, but the fit is still pretty good. It would maybe be better sewn in a fabric with a bit more stretch, as the chest is a bit tight when munchkin pulls it on over her arms / shoulders.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539413864429343298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUsQuKPm9SqYWklGF-LVwGmAfa2Z1Q80VedR5Ar8o2mNgCwG8RzQ6fgVzw5OLZzpqhqSFEsXohiTCAbkoCgDp2asDtWBMNbWxIA-PZJOkxpIRqYbYGiX3VxX7bvOg4n9jU_q2elzKsBcm/s320/008.JPG" /><br />Three garments in two weeks is pretty good going for me, so you can tell how easy the patterns are :) I'm going to give it a rest for a while now and start on <a href="http://thepickledweasel.blogspot.com/2010/11/all-things-bright-and-quiltiful.html">my quilt</a>, but I'll definitely be making more from it. It goes up to 130cm (roughly age 8), so Munchkin can have a new pair of pantaloons each year for the next six years :) I bet Japan is so cool that pantaloons are standard issue school uniform.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539413862149316610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVXFOsazcwRsuGF-rQxQM3xAAOCxFzSBSueh_R6PXMcKvt3sQwoTAbqBOyQp2hDvsUZ7NFrnHmzcpI3Sm7DrLwTMYtQ9TYdacnmZ4TruEi6LJgqMC4nwiQLN20JK2NmKUrq3jfNh3IvMf/s320/012.JPG" />Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-7946133882371177492010-11-12T14:17:00.005+00:002010-11-12T23:22:58.147+00:00All Things Bright and Quiltiful<div><div> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538807087476059426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHFOQG-14oz7hotHCbWyd4XOm4FTm8vdnUhlJjX10VxKdQZJZAs-VhbVRGALng7LJgLEH7EJGtV0esZGF16fbSsB2-9S9_WhQfvmsFsYy020Qzd8eGi4M3YsUoz174nV-bAkfrGJM3TKo/s320/009.JPG" /> <div><br /><div>I've been wanting to make <a href="http://neverenoughhours.blogspot.com/2010/08/fat-quarter-baby-quilt-tutorial.html">this quilt</a> from <a href="http://neverenoughhours.blogspot.com/">Two Little Banshees</a> for a while, and have spent many an hour trawling through Etsy to find the perfect fat quarter combination at the perfect price (I swear I could sew munchkin a wardrobe a week if I didn't use the internet. My <a href="http://thepickledweasel.blogspot.com/2010/04/thirty-minute-pledge.html">ridiculous pledge</a> went out the window months ago). But a couple of fabrics in my stash caught my eye, and I've ended up only buying 3 fat quarters, which has saved me a lot of money.</div><div></div><br /><div>I have never made a quilt before, but I think this will be a good one to start with as it seems really simple and the instructions are well written. I will have grandma pickledweasel on hand to help as she has made several, so I'm hoping she'll show me the best binding techniques.<br /></div><br /><div>I'm not sure about my fabric combos though. Three of the FQs are quite subdued and muted:</div><div> </div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538807098980573874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesr9ZPo1mVmTcKTZLx-_0FSz-bNCkSvT3PQxsk8ziz00lImBRBPUfq5eksPhC-4nMZ1VCiPKSqXzLnYlcEdm2tXb20c5zVCE9ZIhu-PVIL-wMTtYtbSUO-wHo0ACu-QGJ0To1u0UooLaI/s320/006.JPG" /><br /><div>and three are a bit louder:</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538807096418903906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGqOMuZps3SR_6lgiuTk4B0Wg3Y1rD7aacqWftvjyueGt2tV0Ltr2OSUa_FLV7QYwfXXiMfG_r4NoQpCFRc7px4w9bffkamFFoBG7VKCxF5I2iSt5ZoWve7vSWs-eLnzJg-0ibx4_e7ML/s320/008.JPG" /><br /><div>It'll be bound and backed with this leafy print, which has been in my stash for a while.</div><div></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538807092375176322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtEzPTCndobaVrvsklzwFHy_77MudlyUjtH-8u0gIxi4mgglUwEW9MmOkHd5YmdttI5rI9dW40fpHd7ARzApp9WxywJ7spoCh7TWSqdueRZNO65hpuV3WJkbJbRv5DCvI5jlqup3zpNLi/s320/005.JPG" /><br /><div>The finished item will be a nap quilt for Munchkin, and the woodlandy / brown theme is to fit with her treehouse wallpaper. Do you think it will work? Or should I make two quilts, one quiet one and one loud one?</div></div></div></div>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-23185608092994142782010-11-07T14:06:00.012+00:002010-12-13T21:35:32.749+00:00The tale of the bow and the big belly<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYicghZ_bhr9Hm2yhy0yxE9yu8hClqbZHva3Ti6g4OpvijLvp55JBCPoOn_2C4_k9ZxxKaKsflrJyRZ95sAQBSg2InNdYTkrrL2PDevJbKL4E1TuDbW8rFuFUV45fYL1OgVdg0SLF3xN5/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536829662603584722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYicghZ_bhr9Hm2yhy0yxE9yu8hClqbZHva3Ti6g4OpvijLvp55JBCPoOn_2C4_k9ZxxKaKsflrJyRZ95sAQBSg2InNdYTkrrL2PDevJbKL4E1TuDbW8rFuFUV45fYL1OgVdg0SLF3xN5/s320/014.JPG" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div>A very lovely friend went to Japan earlier this year, and was nice enough to do a bit of shopping on my behalf. I was quite sensible as a) I didn't want to spend squillions of pounds and b) I didn't want her to have to leave half her clothes in Japan so she could fit all my goodies in her suitcase, so I asked for 2 sewing books and 2m of a girlish print and 2m of a boyish print. She doesn't sew at all, so I sent her some links to Japanese fabric and sewing books that I liked on Etsy.</div><div></div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536830890344132658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6_XHNYOXWu55i8uL_Q4VnjDYBx5SdhEjCow18KCoX0uHVfC2pAZEogJ9rFB0rjZ6Wn7SyfuXK2_go4HteQQtTJ5Ahoo9F_fKUcOF9KTzYV5Fi5CASwMuS2WM8NbGFyq7U_hA-lLpm9uM/s320/016.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536832295641656082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRLAi2uCbI0mdFnkZo07LayztvFsDEZJKV093getwJtGAkY2ZnSkgjjKzoxCJj_O-GxM-flSMzxMcQ6G8zT2VlLehQID_38yyCUNQB6pulqhiobglLPnn4J3IN3aTH-uju5eN4RoELSTZ/s320/017.JPG" /><br /><div>Needless to say, she did a sterling job :) And here is the first thing I've made with the things she bought. It comes from this book, which according to Babelfish is called 'Foppish Clothes of Girl', although I'm sure the title's much snappier in Japanese. </div><br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536829664208468722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeJ-wMKaIIPSLoouaHkLi30ePm_zEGiUSEzOkREVyKjOP56vqu7Sz-4Ms4QzhEG5Jo7Id4fl5PUEut6XdfdqxThOkcyHsx06VHqcDsvSMLTvhGaWRjCq2rNxw17AucDU1_E5AXeIAZS3V/s320/012.JPG" /><br /><div>The mushroom fabric is Alexander Henry, so not Japanese at all, although it cost about £5.00 a metre in Tokyo. How I wish I lived in Tokyo. </div><div></div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536829386977395522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YKWySae3krirnZhIz-bhgJt4g3qUOnoSnqX5Yhnthc6DmmCezlgrkYMhFWvhlqyl_lIWIt5cRwYG4Jaj0InX9GIhOJEGvdTBOIIGd1A5fKr4jGYKlfH0txpy4SUMgfgvUQxPoi3U4GoJ/s320/013.JPG" /></div><div></div><br /><div>The brown contrasting fabric was from the magic fabric shop, and has a lovely nap to it.<br /></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536829369328070914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxn9fu690Zvf4Ww9F-kp3bDOA16_pfuDTbBSVbqWgr80EdcichXYgQhz5WGj8ANIY7xOcrBIRXXs2QC4pnw5HrTwHaC_iW49roAToScD7NAgC3dCgJm_HvMUtE7I2cAPh2RdUUhPFTBQZ/s320/020.JPG" /><br /><div>Despite the entire book being in Japanese, the diagrams were brilliant and I managed to sew it up quite easily. Admittedly it is one of the easier patterns, but it was a good one to start with and it's given me the confidence to try some of the others, like these little short bloomers which are next on my list.<br /></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536829380931778434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8FSbDDMmdtP4j9FYCofAi_8GVA0b1IgUOwoGdG4HpF7H324bo-fzN4sW9Mos-9z1CX8BEdD7xGAY0ZNmi91yshCcZvHJyN8y8w7cGE0JVxUvtv2UHkch_4F_PdobyBWHJZrvo9DcAres/s320/023.JPG" /><br /><div>I did mess up on the seam allowance (I forgot to include any when I was cutting my pieces out), hence the extra band of fabric where the brown ties are, but that was my fault for not looking carefully enough at the instructions, as it was clearly marked.<br /></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536829361687834626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFdlwjRQhSz0QXFcCKXYggVpN1ynTKfc8hGm3Xe0X-xLWttLr733L0J0nkDCTtDbNqpbYmhVMwjLPgiQtRWTkvAxm3MtSl_mLU432ljQ23COBKvCJKgInSk8Go49k1NAaxEq06-GO7R7-/s320/009.JPG" /><br /><div>As you can see from the photos, the skirt looks lovely on the floor, but doesn't quite work on the Munchkin. The two ties pull the side seams forward so it sags, meaning it doesn't hang properly. This might not happen so much if the ties weren't so skinny because of my lack of seam allowance, but I still think it would be a problem. And then there's the matter of the dysentery style tummy:</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536829363122267506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45oh3dWCls5VsaV1xBXxDlEjWxGcSJAQ0nUYdTS8DGkloWADBrBfIgdtisKGYEhSCC1N42XXToip07xNnp_of87Meq4MJ4AuuU4Sd6KpCoY75B4VL64jnl4YrWgbmoi8kXjiy7qOJwlK7/s320/010.JPG" /><br /><div>Munchkin has always had problems with poohs, and usually only goes every other day, which results in ridiculous amounts of bloating. She's managed toilet training really well and is now dry 99% of the time, but is still really reluctant to go for a pooh until she can't possibly wait any longer. Which means she normally looks like she's 6 months pregnant :O</div><br /><div>She doesn't wear very many skirts, and when I asked her to try this one on I realised why. Never mind, she can wear it on days where she's managed to go before breakfast :) So, what to do about the ties? My initial thought is to take them off and then use one of them to make a big bow to sew on the front of the skirt. Anyone else have any thoughts?</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>And if you're looking at this thinking you can't live another week without getting some Japanese sewing books, try <a href="http://www.misformake.co.uk/">M is For Make</a>. Kate has a really nice selection, some of which are <a href="http://www.misformake.co.uk/category/sale">in the sale</a>, and they all come with a sheet of translated sewing terms.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-60654206309241434972010-11-05T20:03:00.004+00:002010-11-05T20:24:24.996+00:00Just one more, and then I'll stop. Promise.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWbG3Jkfth6wjFR6psaO7DgL2zet8Sq4F75I0hftOL5uijkVfIgfYQOO-b7K5IpCkVrAQ2f11_OavI5MOxZuIK__pggIer5kVG6iYaFIZBpFDRXTvI6L2sfEqfVJlb2qHrpqvxImU3TBX/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536162382592172450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWbG3Jkfth6wjFR6psaO7DgL2zet8Sq4F75I0hftOL5uijkVfIgfYQOO-b7K5IpCkVrAQ2f11_OavI5MOxZuIK__pggIer5kVG6iYaFIZBpFDRXTvI6L2sfEqfVJlb2qHrpqvxImU3TBX/s320/IMG_1364.JPG" /></a> <div><div><div>I am a bit addicted to <a href="http://verypurpleperson.com/downloads?did=19">this pattern</a>. After the last lot of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">shenanigans</span> with the seams and turning through, this one sewed up like a dream. But I'm still not going to make them to sell, i value my sanity :) If anyone else is though, use recycled jeans, they work really well!</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536162375877957506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWswLY8hRZt-7RAoBEpMCaT6b81wHnGbCvWoLvabjdmhuAFOWsKUThOImH4t5kt2EGDw4yV_hsPNMz_hcXC827AW6Iy9Wy98IZI2bHcWkhrz8JqGRfNWzse4vaoIcZ4ABRgIDH89NW2ELN/s320/IMG_1367.JPG" /><br /><div>This one was made on a rainy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lancashire</span> day, but it's being shipped off to sunny Australia, so I thought the tropical blue flowers were quite appropriate. It's going to a very lovely friend who <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">emigrated</span> there about 5 years ago, and who is sorely missed. She has two beautiful boys who I last saw 6 months ago - the <a href="http://thepickledweasel.blogspot.com/2010/03/tentacletastic.html">octopus messenger bag</a> was made for Ben, her eldest. </div><div> </div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536162370858427842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZhrk8Ma4WwWr6cR3spSj8MaAx1iz7ztJQbZVqXKmtcvBA0ZA6wyLUswBSqx8ffgSrBGE1qbmwuvOXp6xoaxoRY83bjsGFqcDknDUPqYzGNdUnPND5QsxGh4YwUSmwUJ8WupSr_amjQwH/s320/IMG_1366.JPG" /><br /><div>I would dearly love to make the trip out to see her one day. Maybe after the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">neverending</span> loft fund has been repaid. My only worry would be that we wouldn't want to come back...</div></div></div>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-91260170882858711602010-10-29T22:46:00.002+01:002014-02-02T20:29:19.795+00:00Show me the money.This year is turning out to be pretty expensive. Along with the twenty squillion pounds we paid for the neverending loft conversion, we have had to repair the washing machine, then replace the washing machine, replace the hoover, replace the iron, and now the central heating is broken. Not broken in a major way, but it'll still cost about £150 to fix it.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAC2g3JaEy0O5T5As65lPAYE99TYiB6KP0YPsqJrheDbH9paFcz6F2U1FqRi9h21BFpJ1Gly4NRIMb0GMgPxnCGx622GOaUZnr98108hHaah6z0o0U-ILzuoQZwnTyKmDcQLaOQXffZym/s320/004.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533586405262168594" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /><br />Add to that the extra bill we have from our builder for changing the stair spindles in the loft (they were twirly, and they just weren't right. Now they're straight and they're lovely. Yes it was important and worth the money. Now be quiet) and using better quality wood on the cupboard doors (we're staining it rather than painting), and we're a bit strapped for cash. <br />
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<img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPdVTUR9sH2XxS8rlxkryAaQV-WkhmbHWWNaxFBPHauBSDS9hnax5ZonlDVC9Hl8pfSHW-gH3NWxTftx23fgABtK_2dD_phFgylK2BAqbiV9s5rGvedqKidETGecZidLbrlTKaeM8txPj/s320/005.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533586395809167874" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />I'm still finding things to put on eBay, and we're selling nearly all of our dvds on Music Magpie, but we need more moolah. So one of the obvious solutions is for me to try and sew up a bit of cash. My mum, the lovely grandma pickledweasel, has a little business making and selling glass jewellery and art. She does lots of farmer's markets, and always takes along a little selection of <a href="http://thepickledweasel.blogspot.com/search/label/brooch">wooden brooches</a> on my behalf. When I started making bags we talked about selling some on her stall, so I thought I'd finally crack on and make up some stock for her. I've been buying bits and bobs of fabric in preparation, and have quite a few patterns that can be used to make items to sell. My aim was 10 bags using <a href="http://verypurpleperson.com/downloads?did=19">this pattern</a> in 7 days. If they sold, I would try a few more different styles out. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. <br />
<br /><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwoKWdhli0G-eELbiX8Z6gZfR2boGxZTZYAhP4-s1YL2Wp0DYPm9y2YGLfZAIXYP_z7jtw-wUSBpwRmCwTkt7qQ92v9s5GVT7wzQitU-e9RP9hbice-U_Dk1sqenpx5EglKIEDmE6jXw8/s320/003.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533586402653921250" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /><br />Er, no. Despite this being the fourth time I've used this pattern, the bag pictured took me around 4 hours to make and <s>is unsellable</s> <s>unsaleable</s> <s>unsellible</s> no-one would buy it. The outer is faux suede and the lining is a bit of vintage soft cotton I found in a charity shop. Both fabrics are quite lightweight so I thought I would use fusible interfacing on the floral cotton to give the bag a bit more structure. Only when I came to turn it through it had obviously added a bit too much structure, because it was like bloody childbirth. The stitches on the strap split, and tore the lovely old cotton. I had to unpick and re-sew the join at the tops of the straps so many times to get the two sides the right length so they would sandwich together properly that there is a whole new pattern of little holes in the faux suede. It just doesn't cut the mustard.<br />
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I have to accept that I don't have the speed or the skill to make it worthwile financially. In fact, I'd probably make more money if I stopped buying fabric and bag patterns :) I would love love love to make money out of sewing, but I just don't think it's feasible for someone who works part time and has a two and a half year old the rest of the time. Selling online is slightly easier, as you can make things as they're ordered, but you still need time to promote your business and find patterns that work for you and that you can use to make things comercially (or design your own). I've got rid of my little <a href="http://www.coriandr.com/">Coriandr shop</a>, which was rapidly going nowhere due to a lack of promotion on my part. No matter how badly I want it, or believe it's my destiny (in an X-Factor styley), making money from stitching stuff isn't going to happen right now.</div>
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So it's back to eBaying the contents of my wardrobe and shopping in bulk at <a href="http://www.approvedfood.co.uk/">Approved Food</a> in an effort to save money. If anyone has any 100% proven get rich quick schemes, or interesting recipes for <a href="http://www.approvedfood.co.uk/BARGAINS/NEW_PRICE_Old_El_Paso_Flour_Tortillas_8_Soft">tortillas</a> or <a href="http://www.approvedfood.co.uk/RICE_AND_COUSCOUS/CASE_PRICE_Sun_Grown_SPICY_Couscous_6_x_200g_">cous cous</a> please comment below :)</div>
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Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-33556150299405055422010-10-17T20:43:00.007+01:002010-10-17T23:15:09.044+01:00I have cake, and someone has won the giveaway<div align="left">And the winner is...... </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529140455480751474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2EzY1zRLMHY-pS_9BMznYgwAxvk_etALfwr-87miDg6K-AwEq3-UDq7IvcQ4bSDRJKNSljA6RszYcD6sRN_63FiPiIAJgKq4VirOVXKdbpcd7tZeKVqtAa4shRBO1N_gAs98HmivqHA-/s320/Untitled+1.jpg" /><br /><p>Kitschy Cooooooooo! Lucky girl :)</p><p>I too am a winner, as I've had a cracking birthday. Me and mr pickledweasel ran away to Llandudno yesterday for a whole child-free 24 hours. Although we'd been there only a couple of years ago, I had somehow re-invented Llandudno in my head as a sophisticated wine bar and Michelin starred restaurant filled coastal resort with balmy nights and 4 star hotels on every corner, so was a little surprised to find it was a freezing cold slightly run down welsh town full of cheap B&Bs and, bizarrely enough, the <a href="http://www.cambrianrally.co.uk/">Cambrian Rally</a>.<br /><br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529140451370708946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQYzMiJbVNJQapQp2wTmY7loWMCCK_HRSI86vXUHeuFg7iZZ__NIxy6Ulj_XAwBc5YI0Yy-cYT3KZu3iVfqFYb-LOJug0etpKUM3aDvguk3n1Bn-7XHDTElsFxH3rdWiPixxscIiOdEsD/s320/002.JPG" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">We lived it up. I had a tea while we waited for the film to start.<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span>So rather than wear the satin slash neck dress and purple suede wedge pumps I was planning to stun the north Welsh coast with, I just stuck with my jeans and jumper and we had dinner early at a Mediterranean restaurant, and then went to the cinema to see <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/sep/16/the-other-guys-review">The Other Guys</a> (which is an hilarious film). We stayed in a crappy hotel where the bathroom smelt of swimming pool and got woken up at 1am by drunk rally drivers, and then this morning we went to a greasy spoon overlooking the sea and had a huuuge fry up, and then did a leisurely promenade walk.<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529140448353437906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYf0oe6nVWFpymlzy6VObSI4ZmAHRuJgjBTAldKaNHvmjmWwxcaImQiZU7FsHolRC06CfK7fx_a63CyDvXwWvfpixrAn7bIPXGVeVw6yOJU6o_3hy9qf4CG7Kf0mcdGKBj3N5TCKSL9S6T/s320/001.JPG" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">And mr p had a coffee.<br /><br /></span></p><p>Back in time for tea with Munchkin and Grandma Pickledweasel, and just as I was thinking I wasn't getting a birthday cake and I'd have to stuff my face with the jelly munchkin had helped grandma make, mr pickledweasel unveiled this beauty:<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529140435072517090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjso1Tkd058Lz3vBk8H2yN0ebKQA0R32Q1W_1kM_GgEIFf5TAteoFIMUWXMerhzMOJbsCmLvX24g6OAzxRnMQtf2G1fbdhjF-dxM55h4o3YrLCBQ2spZAizyM9T1U6PGMIpXuiPIOIJl5hR/s320/006.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529140430156597090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_No5cOUqlinSZCPDyKnX57TPaM-WP9juhTgQ7iBRWgiwLZEMgaRCk3HZ0eVkBhJKgaDmHAG7K9yYYK3_oowghxMWMlsV1x-oe9KW4y4MYyESc57bq-J4PHYJfXbVo7-vmo-9FieB3COy8/s320/005.JPG" /><br /><p>Isn't it a thing of skill and beauty? I love the foot :) AND it's all different cakes inside - the top is walnut cake, the side is angel cake and the bottom is Madeira. It makes turning 35 just about bearable :)</p>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-16095354418023586312010-10-15T22:35:00.004+01:002010-10-15T22:46:28.622+01:00Giveaway extended!!1! (Because I am tired)...after doing a twelve hour journey from Kent to Lancashire :-S<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528391563679469522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQBS-ZNiTDLDL4etpqwdFXZLAY3Q4WCJ7u3b5xR6aNEhUmpADs9bm5NcDychvy5XmrJYcBtNXosN8N5Ub0jZ2uwmAnaagRXRudZYVHjqCo9Uvq6CEB4neTcayAnNw75Y7kKf6T9zX16qW/s320/012.JPG" /><br />Plus a pitiful number of people have entered (the people aren't pitiful, just the number of them), either because a) the things I am giving away aren't exciting enough, or b) not many people read my blog. I am thinking it is a sad combination of the two.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528391566712875074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySszQEZIa2pxJ9geKIKlVd5jnClVZs4zcd_Sxd1YIi6gXHzwyHUySu5icYnaI8bxZQ3RWkR36pTVKpVjh60A8ttjdYNDfhZlaM31LAnMjt9Ik3HLTg7yhkUA-YI_vruuQk6YQHFNDr3bT/s320/008.JPG" /><br />So I will draw a winner on Sunday the 17th, which happens to be my birthday, in the hope that my popularity has suddenly risen dramatically :) You can enter by <a href="http://thepickledweasel.blogspot.com/2010/10/giveaway-in-bits-and-bobs-de-stash.html">leaving a comment on this post</a>. In the mean time please enjoy these photos of Munchkin making some new Kentish friends.Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-23080587622084321142010-10-11T21:09:00.008+01:002010-10-11T23:34:22.798+01:00Giveaway in a bits and bobs de-stash celebratory past halfway neverending loft conversion styley!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkORFn5-PJCQL4pWmJ7d4ERdRlvH8PmdXVgyVPsSg5rWXrQy43gP3BCZqM1euxsM4HCzbRokJA46n4YR3GjfduK-TGA7qz6OybJXG5h3uhnNSDLeWPDqXeEG-rbDMqpWM8CMNrSaMvaPNs/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526918433465189474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkORFn5-PJCQL4pWmJ7d4ERdRlvH8PmdXVgyVPsSg5rWXrQy43gP3BCZqM1euxsM4HCzbRokJA46n4YR3GjfduK-TGA7qz6OybJXG5h3uhnNSDLeWPDqXeEG-rbDMqpWM8CMNrSaMvaPNs/s320/005.JPG" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>I know, it' such a snappy title :) </div><div><br /> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526918430476711538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSMFj9tFhm07XjWRSUTZcXO2QGEhyphenhyphen481KoVnZtuWZ98duVqRdaQrI8GIxDnC50hh0auWIdVStelxlWCecMBg7rmQFYx0YMZkmgmK31XFAA97gQkgWt-7oJD0G88bHiTDhf3ZI4tZMAUfm/s320/022.JPG" /><br /><div>So, I've listed <s>a tiny percentage</s> half my fabric stash on eBay, and should you wish to get your grubby little mitts on it, <a href="http://shop.ebay.co.uk/emilyhurt/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340">you can look at it here</a>. I was going to put it on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Etsy</span>, but I had no idea what price to put on things, so instead <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">everything's</span> starting at 99p and it'll all get sold. All profits go to the Pickled Weasel New Bedroom Furniture Fund.</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526918422674382418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5qgz7ULhQ-ru-zqr19Z9KewbZiq8jy8SBXxUiD8McvL0lpTBg9KXVPU_vIf4st0TfuNI2eiYoPel9SAx_EHIJrbN4bnJvBEkHT6yqu4dp_R6jLA-8ZjXBB56wO1QxlIH3GLx6XSv0tBE/s320/038+(2).JPG" /><br /><div>But if you haven't got any pennies, and you want some of the loveliness that's listed, read on. You can win all the pretty things pictured in this post. The fabric is just bits and bobs, things that wouldn't really sell on eBay but that people with crafty <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">skillz</span> could use, and then there's a few other random things thrown in for good measure. I hope you like them :)</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526917547655354850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstquAAzQdf3daRdS7IHTWjQPDNuVFfn5BUtt850uxU0pB228F3y7of8AwUlgCHPYyakE6pSqQ69XwicNX4hwbYns_EPZ9SUmfx7eqkdJ7xvWz7SFrmFQq0je0q6EHMBKO74PsR-jrD41Y/s320/001.JPG" /><br /><div>All you need to do is leave a comment telling me about your favourite tutorial on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">interwebs</span>, and a link to it if you can work out how to in the comments box (I often can't, being a bear of little brain, so I don't expect you to).</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526917540544709442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_AOrK-RTEamzaOMeIlPGLFLxPDfjnT2ksbs8Uar5AsXZop-CzJnMsYotHUaOoO6qGGZHD5wCNN5IiQK86zs4EyXg73p6LFtWuEApK0zHA_x788CDSWO1r6qVt1Esr8XoM2_wGMiWNueC/s320/021+(2).JPG" /></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526917541409397490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVonW2HtzqwjLjXlIkKZ7pcNF4lvmRdUgJwknNUTCbRitwRjP6pMDWkcvtIvlsu14pz7sBAXCbG34yQguZKqLfJ2yPaZj1lWcg-vZA9TP8ACESf7eFYB-SIsWtMfcOFGAMbpjGfzqV1pF/s320/058.JPG" /><br /><div>We're cracking on with all the painting (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">mr</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">pickledweasel</span> even has roller-related blisters), and I can see light at the end of the loft conversion tunnel, so I'm starting to think about all the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">craftings</span> I can do when I no longer have a paintbrush surgically attached to my hand. I need new things to covet and drool over and stick on my never ending to-do list.</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526917537131751650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wUgJVipIprjWOxfxcQFgxGbV3QEbBiOZJf_DGIDzKIqDCP9XvWymzHt9aw6aIs-dZVxT3Z4wWF6j8xXiPVU4ven0w5h_Vozp1wELZpUVgszIS6Dsgs7Esw2o-Y3mqsJIa7Q4L3QTraIX/s320/056.JPG" /></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526917533009711746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFyeAFbo-RI0HV4r5eAsZQEVegDWCCnAT2ng2MDp1wsAu41xwGt-MhA9P4Gz0B26SObXZIsouTP1OPNoXPoS9hyphenhyphenKJPaHJ7fsO_pyN-jCmOZKheXewfyAYMCmxNqw5KsmDiYxHd3AJOEAS/s320/039.JPG" /><br /><div>International bods are more than welcome to enter, and I will draw a winner at random on Friday the 15<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> of October. As an added weaselly bonus, if you enter the giveaway and happen to win one of the things listed on eBay, I'll give you first class postage for the price of second class. Not much, I know, but better than nowt. Good luck!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-37765459550135531022010-09-30T21:01:00.008+01:002010-09-30T22:57:58.386+01:00Spoonflower. Not really about spoons. Or flowers.<div align="left">I am trying to sort out my <s>cupboard under the stairs</s> sewing storage room as it will shortly be moving to the...wait for it...UTILITY ROOM!!!1! Yes, I know, How lucky am I. Because of the recent <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">neverending</span> loft conversion project we have a bit more storage space, which means I can have an actual real room to sew in, as opposed to putting my sewing machine on the dining room table and then leaving it there for three months whilst fabric and pattern pieces gather round it in some sort of modern art <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">installation</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">styley</span>, until someone comes for dinner and I have to stuff it all back under the stairs again.<br /></div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 470px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 403px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.spoonflower.com/design_thumbnails/0007/8351/CPS_Demo2_shop_preview.png?1255646212" /></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/78351">Birdies Galore</a> by <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/cabinpressstudio"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">cabinpressstudio</span></a><br /></span></div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">If all goes according to plan I will have a workbench, a fold up chair, shelving and drawers. I will still have to share the space with the tumble dryer and washing machine, but at least I'll have a permanent space for my machine and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accoutrement's</span> that come with it. Happy days :)<br /></div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 470px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 403px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.spoonflower.com/design_thumbnails/0015/8039/ValentineLOVE_Fabric4_shop_preview.png?1265480396" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/158039">Love Fiesta</a> by <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/sammyk"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">sammyk</span></a></span><br /><br />I'm a long way off from that yet. First we have to finish the decorating. I am on the third coat of paint in the hall. The <strong>third coat</strong>, people. Which means there will need to be three coats on the stairs, and the landing. *cries*<br /></p><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 470px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 403px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.spoonflower.com/design_thumbnails/0014/5199/Elefnmittelneu_shop_preview.png?" /><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/145199"><span style="font-size:85%;">Medium Elephants</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> by </span><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/katharinahirsch"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">katharinahirsch</span></span></a><br /></div><br /><div align="left">But I have made a start on my new sewing nest by having a little bit of a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span>-stash. As we have officially run out of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">neverending</span> loft fund loan money, and the electrician's bill came in £700 more than expected, we are slowly putting the entire contents of our house on eBay. This way we get to pay bills and really make the most of all that new storage space, as there won't be any crap left to fill it with. I'll list some of my fabric next week, and will be running a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span>-stash celebratory giveaway to mark the occasion. It's nice fabric, not just manky bits that I want to throw away :)<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 470px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 403px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.spoonflower.com/design_thumbnails/0031/8130/wonderkitty_shop_preview.png?1282271580" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">M<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/318130"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">onsieur</span> Wonder Kat </a>by <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/malien00"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">malien</span>00</a><br /></span><br />Which leads me to the pictures that illustrate this post. How can a girl possibly keep on top of her fabric stash when there are beauties such as these available to buy from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error"><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome">Spoonflower</a></span>? The design talent out there just blows me away. Just a shame all the monies in my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">paypal</span> account will be paying for sockets and switches :( </p>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-36753879015186750192010-09-19T22:47:00.000+01:002010-09-19T22:48:07.174+01:00Bunions and the life-evaulating questions they raise.<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xC0flNah6YDmS5PGVLgH3-3cvWcr3rMCQmGn6iH9WgUlkT8LFPJPC_ZYGIpFMpqKlx6mJUAB2unlqZcuDsDJCzxBl1JdKBzWDi-ZQt0wl4QFETduL22Chhsbp2Zv-CtTVProSZUME5nF/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518738143059893442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xC0flNah6YDmS5PGVLgH3-3cvWcr3rMCQmGn6iH9WgUlkT8LFPJPC_ZYGIpFMpqKlx6mJUAB2unlqZcuDsDJCzxBl1JdKBzWDi-ZQt0wl4QFETduL22Chhsbp2Zv-CtTVProSZUME5nF/s400/011.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Bye bye lovely shoes</span></div><br /><div></div><div>I has a bunion. Apparently its proper name is <a href="http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bunion/Pages/Introduction.aspx">hallux valgus</a> which sounds just as grim as 'bunion' but in a latiny way. Mine isn't very big yet, but looking at my mum's feet and remembering what my grandma's feet looked like, it has the potential to get pretty toe-deformingly large. </div><div><br /> </div><div>I've had pain in my big toe for about a year, but it was one of those niggly things that wasn't really bad enough to go to the doctors with, so I ignored it. It wasn't until a rare sunny day a couple of weeks ago when I was wearing flip flops and happened to glance down at my feet that I noticed the knuckle joint at the base of my left big toe (do toes have knuckles?) was considerably larger than the one on my right toe. Ewwwww.</div><br /><div>Off I hobbled to the doctors, to be given an information sheet and told to 'wear sensible shoes'. I went home and looked at my shoes. All 26 pairs. Then I tried them all on. And sent half of them to a charity shop and put the rest on eBay. And then spent the next two weeks looking in every shoe shop in Lancashire for sensible shoes that didn't make me want to poke my eyes out with a stilletoe heel.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.hottershoes.com/wcsstore/ConsumerDirectStorefrontAssetStore/images/products/large/BRADYS_AW10-product.jpg" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Hello sensibleness. Don't worry, I didn't buy these.</span></div><div> </div><br /><div>I have found two pairs that fit the bill - enough room to wiggle toes, no heel, no pointyness. Some <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/Limited-Collection-Knee-High-Boots/dp/B003UQ1E92?_encoding=UTF8&categoryNodeID=42967030&node=432769031&mnSBrand=core&ref=sr_1_11&qid=1284932565&sr=1-11&rh=&page=">lovely boots from good old M&S</a>, and some boring but 'they'll do for work' black shoes from Tesco, of all places. I'm really struggling with the no heel rule. I'm no willowy thing, more like a little shrub, and I am currently trying to work out how to wear a mid-length skirt and flat shoes without looking like a complete frump. Because if I can't do this, then half my work wardrobe will join the shoes on eBay :(</div><div><br />But what's more unsettling is the deep and probing questions about my life that the discovery of the bunion has prompted. In my mind, no heels = no nights out. This shouldn't really be a massive burden to bear - I last went 'out' properly in May for my sister-in-law's hen do, so it's not exactly a weekly occurence. But then I started thinking about going out, and how I miss it, and how I would love a big girly night out with heels and gin and tunes and a bit of sparkle and maybe an illicit fag at 2am and dancing and lipgloss and giggling. </div><div><br />I used to have nights like that, but there haven't been any since Munchkin arrived. Partly it's because I don't have the same circle of friends any more - we moved up north shortly before Munchkin was born, so all the friends I have here I know within the context of motherhood, rather than from uni or school or work. But should that make any difference? None of my fellow mother friends seem to be off into Manchester every weekend to drink dodgy cocktails and wear tottery shoes. Should I have grown out of wanting nights like that by now? (I'm 34 and three quarters). Mr pickledweasel was never really one for nights out anyway, so I'm hardly likely to be able to drag him away from crappy tv and early bed in an attempt to find out.</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>I have an uneasy feeling that if I did manage a night out I'd feel a) old b) guilty about spending money on cinzano and lemonade and taxis c) clueless about where to go, but it would be nice to give it a try. Unfortunately I doubt I'll find a partner in crime to accompany me or any shoes that are comfortable enough - maybe it's finally time to give up the idea and give in to the bunion :)</div>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-66805874319405893472010-08-27T20:55:00.010+01:002010-08-28T07:27:25.163+01:00It's curtains for me.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkJ3eVa0bGw32Cu2_Exy7iF0lEfCqspnm8yjTP2IyxHYRcNFIt61NeC1lkP41iokJ3-L1kDgeyaKs-0JcI_mqyA_a2uQKVfM7xc87XoGcq0hmbR3HrU4fLrFy5Kb7gp4P6GjeA46BzS5l/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510343314906993458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkJ3eVa0bGw32Cu2_Exy7iF0lEfCqspnm8yjTP2IyxHYRcNFIt61NeC1lkP41iokJ3-L1kDgeyaKs-0JcI_mqyA_a2uQKVfM7xc87XoGcq0hmbR3HrU4fLrFy5Kb7gp4P6GjeA46BzS5l/s400/001.JPG" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>I am no longer in a grump, you'll be glad to know. I don't know what brought it on, but it lingered for a couple of days and was hard to shift. I am very grump-prone, as my mum and husband will testify, and I've never grown out of them, despite now being in my <s>mid</s> early thirties. Munchkin is currently tantrum-prone, but hasn't mastered the art of the grump. I think maybe that comes with teenage years?</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510192932341715362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHLfW34YwckfvMWdQLHmrl-kOtDmQYB0e5ICOb02USST2Xl1I6tMlDRm2q8n9V1QBVwVHk70R86ciIjNONju8zPO1HKU3amBXNjn4yKtuAHZydjdXig7CvPTAV7x_edbSMo2jyS3KL_61/s400/004.JPG" /><br /><div>Aaaaanyway. Enough of my emotional well being. I have made curtains! That hang straight and everything! The little bedroom is now liveable in, and is temporarily housing Munchkin whilst we decorate everything else so she can move into her new bedroom (our old bedroom) and we move into the attic. The little bedroom will then be vacant for the next munchkin, although me and mr pickledweasel don't currently have the energy to conduct a coherent conversation, let alone create new life. We seem to spend every waking moment stripping wallpaper or trying to fill huge cracks with polyfiller in the hope that the wall doesn't fall apart when we paint it. </div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510194122506218178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxrhe6UPZxn7FqsZ2B9OQiqFW4bWYDnJEc20DwfEreJTE3hGcSESPVBTjmM4s6mDKMayBIM-MAStPBNUXosXXHqlrIckgY9yw58agxEOUxcs5Et4O7tE9XIjEwXQEG8c3w1NhiI5WoouF/s400/007.JPG" /><br /><div>But I managed to take a break from DIY duties and make these slightly boring, yet perfectly acceptable curtains. I didn't want them to be too jazzy as the wallpaper is pretty busy already, and didn't need any competition. The fabric was £1 a metre from the magic fabric shop, and is backed with a sort of rubber backing. I don't know if this is a special curtain backing, or whether it's for upholstery purposes, but it means the curtains block out most of the light. I lined them, just for appearances sake, but only bought the cheapest lining fabric as I didn't need blackout quality. </div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 401px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510342355042083138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQInQFxXETEjeZ3UTuVBYD5cHrIkxM1nm_9_7SJIIJMOaHSUgXFEvgRhBWDTAG5IXKpGKYsbVgfJ9pMc4uNqeFZEmAk2domlkPzygAL-wrWy8hyphenhyphenF2ITtgO1lNzXcHXL3pbqXMqDNF_qnu8/s400/008.JPG" /><br /><div>They weren't the easiest things to sew, but I've learnt a lot and I'm sure my next pair will be better. I failed miserably on mitring corners, despite it being one of the very few things I learnt on my rubbish college course, but I'll have a look on Youtube and have a go again with a few scraps of fabric.</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510192904411971058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMXraa_OAMA8IIkf-J7U2mxv9UJwRjnjI7oijckUTaIfHOPpLHUJwyz-_F64DECklz0BGmc3-BjWTKQzqmpFqioq8xMQIBGSCslRq-6XowndLatc-YXk6FTXBhFHYYFEZWxHp1amw-N7V/s400/011.JPG" /><br /><div>I used a book my mum swears by, <em>Soft Furnishings: Ideas and Fabrics by Designers Guild</em>, which was published in 1980, but curtain construction doesn't really change much, does it? There are loads of diagrams to accompany the instructions, and the book includes cushions, lampshades, blinds, upholstery and loose covers as well. You can get it second hand on Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Soft-Furnishings-Ideas-Fabrics-Designers/dp/B001KT94W0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1282940047&sr=1-1">here</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Soft-Furnishings-Ideas-Fabrics-Designers/dp/0374516146/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1282940047&sr=1-2">here</a>.<br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510192900430798802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrS6Qz97n3yRI2Gbt3MjIrolK9MLyrnF8r_CKjP8ROeVNuWyxC5va4WKgDDoKI5_sJPqM8O1IPD_ZJQf2IV4KYHmLUR7_Q2yT4jQ_5vbt2xtAyg-HlQRAnvUcQOwJYauJjvYYNVujH3mJ/s400/012.JPG" /><br /><div>The neverending loft conversion is nearly nearly nearly finished, and is looking like a real room. The plaster looks a bit funny because it wasn't dry when I took the picture, and yes, I know the arch is wonky :). I'm trying very hard not to get overexcited and start sewing cushions and wall hangings and duvet covers for it, as I still have a floor cushion to make for the little bedroom, and then it's on to soft furnishings for Munchkin's new room, which include two pairs of curtains and a loose cover for a 1970's child's armchair. Does anyone fancy a loose cover sew-along? No? No-one? What do you mean 'it doesn't sound very exciting'? I can feel a grump coming on...</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-90145611343177218932010-08-19T12:51:00.008+01:002010-08-19T13:11:14.509+01:00Yeah, whatever.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTPIUHiQd8LZG1Uh7ILHYIObqpZAV_cNFVmyhcYndvle37dCQwbswIVASOm35gJflGXu_c-RVm9EuNZFYsoQoWWwsQie39TvMrEB9DoNHNaA9dKbiakyuz3ngi-zGlwgwoH8DP7qZizqZ/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507090721202095858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTPIUHiQd8LZG1Uh7ILHYIObqpZAV_cNFVmyhcYndvle37dCQwbswIVASOm35gJflGXu_c-RVm9EuNZFYsoQoWWwsQie39TvMrEB9DoNHNaA9dKbiakyuz3ngi-zGlwgwoH8DP7qZizqZ/s400/013.JPG" /></a> <div><div><div><div>I am in a foul mood today, so this post will not be genial, or courteous, or even polite. I really can't be arsed with small talk, so you'll get what you're given.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>Here's a bag I made. </div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507090719927200082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwCFew_YFYdwlGsmyUEnSWMuCRbjrS4JTsasAnQmz6vmbtrubPwL-T12ZKerLMSPl9Gw27muBr9mK_1lLHNKYwyIwF6yr-KwW_KFTLb4LEy12mWYayuJgKTQ_64M_3z1sMpR9XET1WJy8/s400/003.JPG" /><br /><div>It's made of my favourite jeans, which I had to sacrifice because they had a big hole in the knee. The lining is made from some other fabric. I can't be bothered to tell you where it was from.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507090713587584546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lhaKtVk7Zi5s1KhxxUS15mZCWuMpuMmsTeUxOIHKTxWHgt4NwD81XFwxThp1QlLokWl1JWa0ciiUMit6ZXjkbknhbhOettb-H6hQIR86hv6NkRV_Y18-5SsZFhs052-MKsXwfm7v5iYq/s400/007.JPG" /><br /><div>It holds things, and it was easy to make. I made <a href="http://thepickledweasel.blogspot.com/2010/08/mmmmm-stitchesdrool.html">another one before</a>, but this one is better, because.... well, just because. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507090711026101634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTaH8gfGvStM4hwnZyvB1JFRs9PxKdexaBGFZEZMVlBVAF_VFG3NzmvJP4W9YErlpaLMWeG4NnuISWoFLBL1vAqkuyTjW6HE-eEMkka-vGVb5pgqt3qn6qIVcVpfgdhnWNdZ5ueID5G7v_/s400/012.JPG" /><br /><div>If you want me, I'll be on the sofa with my bottom lip stuck out and my arms folded. Now go away! >:-p</div></div></div></div>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-20461388249973987922010-08-05T22:04:00.005+01:002010-08-05T22:39:13.406+01:00Mmmmm, stitches....*drool*<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcjxSkrRNusQgd3hNFQohhB_LqYia3nvhUoj0JJ0sGD_JtOg7TxF0Nu7tNzhYbqa0Q6xXZGsFFwoL4aiw3GyLNiEVwlaGDolTZDIhJCzNbM0brEGOpA_K7chIAgZDxMHEGgbdiEv0FjIE/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502042524466138082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcjxSkrRNusQgd3hNFQohhB_LqYia3nvhUoj0JJ0sGD_JtOg7TxF0Nu7tNzhYbqa0Q6xXZGsFFwoL4aiw3GyLNiEVwlaGDolTZDIhJCzNbM0brEGOpA_K7chIAgZDxMHEGgbdiEv0FjIE/s400/008.JPG" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div>I did some sewing :) I managed to make <a href="http://verypurpleperson.com/2010/04/reversible-bag-pattern.html">Very Purple Person's reversible tote</a>, which is a blinding simple and nifty pattern that everyone should download immediately if they haven't already done so. Mine isn't strictly reversible. Well, it is, but I used the same fabric inside and out :) I haven't got anything that goes with this slightly bizarre aqua monkey head fabric,* so I thought I'd better use it for outer and lining rather than trying to carry off some kind of 'it clashes so crazily it matches!!1!' combo. I love the shape of the bag and the size. Munchkin and I test drove it today, and it comfortably carried baby wipes, 4 nappies, my stupidly huge purse, my mobile, a snack bar and a beaker of water. I'm planning to make it again using denim from an old pair of jeans and lining it with something bright and flowery.<br /></div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502042519215218706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-XaCwM2nhDwvvnarGJ4nq7GQjdGbhFhX-cvnLuW4XmwZQ6R_kRqXr1zM3cmNLnSjcDRT4vKYTE5ue8dzB1OWzDkiQ46l_qZCQ8Rz6ih_vt4HI6zZA9Fx-Jp6nRFK9XeqnFendX0lbJyE/s400/009.JPG" /><br />I am still planning to draft my own bag pattern, and you'll be relieved to know I've found my set square and my french curve. Now I just have to find the time to sketch it all out and go through the millions of revisions needed before I <s>throw it in the bin and cry</s> create the perfect bag. I'll keep you posted :)</div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502042512375053250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyvru9fqkeetJUn0l8vtUI26zvARDgLIiShA-FlfYPwQ2Kqflc49TuQi11FbWMTJVU202M6K_qOpuvNdCaDYLQz1srkViTnafo3pbjdTll2j0PGJILKfhKgBWGNIT1R1JKd343g1Pv4yN/s400/013.JPG" /><br /><div>In never-ending loft fund news, we have windows! Four of them, letting lots of lovely light in. And one of them has a very nice view, if you stick your head out far enough. </div><br /><div></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502042494367521986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRWBmkY4MXmBSwr2INUs8cGFZLy52BHfEJ4wt1mPcb3pm2oBjqIxdynGvEXQ5CSnwFEPIgXSR1zrc0MalU3YC7aXNDribV0AXOsHFa8-HgvnKul8V99iqcG8Ds4-BGi2emkMvf_7bw83l/s400/011.JPG" /><br /><div>I found some non-gender specific wallpaper for Munchkin's old room. At least, <strong>I </strong>think it's non-gender specific, everyone else who's passed comment on it says it's for boys, but what do they know. It was beautifully hung by grandma pickledweasel, and I did the painting. It's not finished yet - the walls need another coat and the woodwork needs doing, but we've bought carpet, and it should be habitable in a couple of weeks. The plan is to move Munchkin back in there (she's curently sleeping in our room), and then start decorating the hall stairs and landing. And then our current bedroom. And then our new bedroom. By which time we will have no money left for food, but we will be so high on paint fumes and turps we won't care :)<br /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502042489997192018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilP5f2lCg-wX3H3l9VChWUTFqPmrkbpwOTgokPYBPozdqRZBjxviegi2VcXTU6Ob9C5yOZ7OLo_ly593WIo3XhRUW7tSXD6T-Mk8lmhqtcz4Q_sfCeu-lBJQHjQ-Ca87x0yyLRxM0Y1_0d/s400/003.JPG" /><br />* The selvedge says the design is called 'candy' so I'm guessing they were going for boiled sweets rather than monkey heads, but I prefer to see them as monkey heads. </div></div></div></div></div>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560375298544742013.post-21501674378194452602010-07-24T20:07:00.009+01:002010-07-26T21:57:34.272+01:00Sewing is my crystal meth.I'm getting the shakes - we're back in our building site of a house, and I haven't really been able to sew because I'm meant to be doing wallpaper stripping, polyfillering, painting and other dull, soul-destroying, non-sewing related activities. <div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498321348888515394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFEz2UI9N5rwXDKRnqkJt26mNioBR8nDxepodE4gCpm2uiKFu6kKuRbMs8dHOrZ7IlfAQR1IGnfYw7WxEv0F-0MGZ_JEfutM32MGC7jW_QkLklOdjPXC5F8IM7-x2MdSXaqGIX6OQgF37/s400/014.JPG" /><br /></div><div>Last night I was going to take the evening off and do a bit of stitching, just to try and slow my heart rate and stop the cramps, but I ended up spending three hours looking for children's wallpaper that was a) non-gender specific, b) didn't make me want to vomit, and c) didn't cost more than a week's wages. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>I sort of classed that as 'work' even though it didn't involve paintbrushes or masking tape, and so decided to move my night off to tonight. I'm making a bag based on one I already own, and was hoping to finish drafting the pattern and actually put thread to cloth. Only my set square is still at grandma pickledweasel's. As is my french curve. And I thought I could improvise with a bog standard steel rule, but I can't find that either. The only straight thing I can find is a Transformers board game, which unfortunately isn't marked out in inches and cms :(</div><div> </div><div></div></div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498321338563390626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbq3CH8NV5mnqNCYp5vezhvcgVqduRZIlgkMjNlqYYt-c-nmMbbv4HU73O9w-6qFWx1ZVR7ymuZsYRe0rOCYObotLE48yTtMS4S1VCteFFoNbufFW0pnwYYan3cmhtrbMD5nYyDdsWGlW/s400/016.JPG" /><br /></div><div>I'm seriously strung out - I may have to do some cross stitch just to tide me over until I can get my hands on some proper gear again. In the meantime I'm trying to keep my mind busy with plans of future projects. I've chosen colour schemes for Munchkin's new room (our old bedroom) and our new room (the shiny new loft room) based on a throw and a lamp. Sounds crazy, I know (maybe it's just the cross stitch talking), but I read an article on interior design that said it was the best way to start putting a room together, just to take an item and build everything around it. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The throw is single bed sized, and I love the colours in it, although I'm struggling to find other fabrics to complement it. It has a slightly 70's feel floral pattern on one side, and stripes on the other. The lamp is from Next, and although they do a whole range to match (bedding, curtains, rug etc.) I think I'll just stick to a couple of lamps and a light shade, rather than go overboard. I've found a deep red quilted bedspread that matches perfectly, and I think the rest of the room will be fawns and greys with touches of red. It's all sounding very grown up :)</div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498321327732283810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPVrbdLrAGQOvfiz8sQanGKqJvadz1-kDp_aHHVP8DXrhj7R5ROHLKAVRZBRftd8hIpitZ7qtFwH_w3s5CpiL2uYCMfBaY0xdVaY9n12AOIQVV0JyBVO9y3SO1uTTV1UyHWJ4RIQHpgQp/s400/011.JPG" /><br /><div>Hopefully by my next post I'll have managed to sew something. If you don't hear from me for a couple of weeks, it'll be one of two things. I'll either have got desperate and be trying to complete my mother's heirloom hexagonal patchwork quilt, which was started circa 1971, or mr pickledweasel will have arranged some sort of intervention, and I'll have had all my copies of Sew Hip confiscated and have been sent away to rehab. </div></div>Pickled Weaselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314110021040229107noreply@blogger.com1