Monday, 31 December 2012

I Was Very Good This Year...

Apologies for the terrible photo, But at least its mine for a change!
This is a selection of the sewing goodies I got for Christmas!
I was very blessed this year! Heres what you can see!
Deer and Doe, Sureau and Airelle
Colette, Jasmine, Peony and Clover
A Cute little owl pincushion from my Grandma Grace
and Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing!

I wasn't sure I was going to Love Gertie's book so I held off on buying it for myself but just as the Colette book did, it was a pleasant surprise! 
Its so detailed and is written for an intermediate audience without being over complicated for beginners to read.
I will try and get a proper review done but I can't wait to sew from it.
I'm working on a 2012 review post for tomorrow.
"Three posts in a matter of days?! Thats unheard of Stevie!"
Yes you lucky things! 
Hehe I am going to try my best to better my blog this year. More frequent posting and
Hopefully there will be some better features and content as well as maybe a new look!
Happy New Year To Everyone
Have a Safe and Prosperous New Year
See you in 2013!
x

Friday, 28 December 2012

To SWAP or not to SWAP?..

Merry middle celebratory week people! This week always feels funny to me, Christmas is done but New Year is still to come, I'm not sure if I should still be in a Christmassy mood or not?

Nevertheless, I have been contemplating going in for The Artisan Square SWAP 2013. I know my sewing room isn't set up yet, but I don't intend to do it for the deadline. I think a SWAP would teach me  to create in terms of wardrobes and outfits rather than single pieces. So far my calculations tell me that not including the Jacket I can make at least 12 outfits from this plan.

I would also like it to focus on useful items. For me its all about the cake! It also links in with another Idea I have for the blog later in the year! Exciting no?
The patterns are from left:

  1. Colette Anise
  2. Salme Blazer
  3. Colette Juniper 
  4. Lekala Cardigan 4163
  5. Colette Jasmine
  6. Victory Ava
  7. Deer and Doe Airelle
  8. Grainline Moss
  9. Sewaholic Renfrew
  10. Colette Clover
10 pieces, 12 outfits? That sounds like a pretty good deal if you ask me. Lots of wearability the ultimate cake wardrobe!
The question is, do I have the time to devote to it, or will I get bored with my choices?
What fabrics to use? Oh so many questions! I think plain colours would be the most sensible option, what do you think?

Wednesday, 19 December 2012

Around 19th January... London Meetup anyone?

Ok, I haven't had chance to be at a meetup for ages and was sooo jealous of all those that got to go to Birmingham! It looked amazing!
I'm proposing a London meetup, either Goldhawk, Portabello or Walthamstow as i've never been there.
Anyone interested?
If so leave a comment or email me at Beebeesvintagedress@hotmail.co.uk
The date is Flexible but I think a Saturday would be sensible, would be nice to spend a little Christmas moneys! (more on the little side!)

Would be fantastic to see you!!!


Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Addressing the Re-sewlutions...

The year is fast approaching this end and I can't help but think about 2013 and the year ahead. First I want to thank everyone for sticking with me and reading through this year! I am so thankful that people read and comment on my little space and how I create. Especially through the last few months where I haven't had much to say!
I looked back at last years Resewlutions  and I can't help feeling I failed miserably in terms of sewing!
I'm not too forlorn though as my predictions about my life being very different and on doing my masters degree were correct. So we can't really grumble can we?

So things I did achieve this year:
I graduated! - This was a big deal for me, getting my degree in Fashion and Dress History just demonstrated to me how much I want to be in the world of museums, academia and historical dress.

I Started my Masters Degree - An extension of above, I found that getting employed into that world straight from an undergrad was rare, So I have taken on another two years study to get my Masters.
This is coupled with working for Worthing Museum and The Fashion and Textile Museum in London.
(now can you see why my sewing time has nosedived?)

I got a Job! - Not one I truly wanted, but one that will keep me going whilst I study. Caring for people with disability is hard, but it is my background and the place I work everyone is great so for now it buys me a few luxuries.

We bought a House! - This one I was not expecting! But this has been the hardest part of the whole year. We intended to move in within 6 weeks. We are still not moved in 3 months later, but hopefully after the Holidays we are going to be moving into our first house!
The kitchen is arriving as we speak!

I learnt to Knit! - This has been on my list a long time! I'm really pleased I did it, not having the space to sew has been really tough on me and picking up my needles and knitting almost anywhere has been a godsend! I intend to finish a large project soon and start honing my skills!

My Sewing has taken a hit this year because of all these big life changes, but hopefully this will be a thing of the past.
It turns out I didn't need a graduate wardrobe after all, which was fine with me but I would like to develop the idea of capsule sewing, as well as making a jacket and getting trousers right.
These are the three things I'd like to do this year. I gave myself a quota of more than 25 garments this year! I'm pretty sure I made something like 12 garments, HALF of what I made the year before. But I think its important not to get mad at myself. I do this for FUN not for a job. Its ok that i've had other things on, I still got 12 garments made by my own fair hands.

So this 2013 Recap:
No garment quota
Learn to make a nice fitting pair of trousers
Make a Jacket/Coat
Slow down and make everything to the best of my ability
Knit one sweater
Reduce my stash (yeah right :P)
Make a capsule of key pieces, considered and budgeted

What are you planning for the year ahead?