Sunday 29 November 2015

Absence

Hey guys,

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I last posted. I miss both blogging and sewing so much; I haven't been doing much of either recently. My assignments for university have been piling up, there are three essays due in for 10th December totalling 8,000 words. That's a lot of writing...

I've finished a dress, a skirt and a cardigan since I last wrote here, which are all waiting to be photographed. My phone is being a pain at the moment and won't let me take pictures the way I normally do, due to a lack of internal storage. Hopefully I can get it fixed soon so that I can start documenting some finished makes!

Thankfully it's not been all work and no play around here, as I have managed to fit in a trip to London, which was amazing as always. Although I don't think I could ever adjust to city life, I do love the occasional visit; there's so much to see, the bustling crowds and, of course, the shopping! There may have been a trip to Liberty involved, and I also picked up some gorgeous fabric in John Lewis, including the most beautiful purple needlecord, which I hope to make into a Megan Nielsen Brumby skirt.

Last night I also went to see one of my absolute favourite bands, Bellowhead, in concert. I know their name is suggestive of screaming rock music, but they actually produce the most lovely, bouncy folk music, which is far more my style. Check out my favourite song of theirs here. The evening was so much fun, and by complete coincidence I bumped into one of my lecturers and one of my flatmates Lucy there, neither of whom I knew were going too!

I will try to post more regularly, but no guarantees I'm afraid, at least until the first of my assignments have been handed in.

Thanks for bearing with me and being so patient :) I hope all your sewing projects are going well, feel free to share below!

-obligatory band t shirt pic-

Peace out guys. 

Beth x

Friday 6 November 2015

A Stripey Sewaholic Renfrew

Hey guys!

Yes, it's another long-completed garment in the absence of any current sewing projects to share with you, although I'm going home for Reading Week today (sort of the uni equivalent of a half term) and am definitely planning to get some sewing done in the evenings this week after I've worked on my essays during the day. 
 
So, here it is, a Sewaholic Renfrew...this time not hacked into a dress!
 
 
I've made three Renfrew dresses, but never made up the top as patterned, so this was a new one for me. Stripes do not photograph well, so I sincerely apologise for the blurriness here! 
 

 
I'm not hugely convinced by the finished result. My fabric was fairly lightweight with not too much stretch, so the fit is a bit strange in places, especially around the neckline and the sleeves. Pulling the neckband tight enough was a bit of a nightmare - I ended up sewing a dart on each side, extending from the neckline into the shoulders. Still, it's definitely wearable, and another handmade top to add to the wardrobe! 
 

 
A very unattractive photo of my back for you to enjoy... 
 
I made up the smallest size as per usual, which was the right choice. The fit, bar the issues being caused by the odd fabric, is just how I like it. I can't stand my clothes to have too much ease, especially knit garments. 
 

 
You can get a better look at the neckline here, which in truth is a bit of a mess. If I make another version of this top I would definitely plump for something with a bit of a heavier weight and a bit more stretch to be able to cope with the neckband. At least I've learnt my lesson! 
 
Thank you for reading everyone, and for bearing with me through the long absences! I've just about finished off a burgundy cord BHL Elisalex Skirt, so stay tuned for that one within the next few days. 
 
Have a great weekend! 
 
Beth x