Burda Girls Harlem Trousers 05/2013

For those of you who follow my blog regularly will know that I have a younger cousin who lives quite a while away and whom I only get to see once or twice a year. Last weekend I was in her neck of the woods, so of course I had to drop of a gift. The pattern I decided to make for her was the burda Harlem trousers, which you can find here. 

This was such an easy pattern to make. It has only two pattern pieces (the front and the back). I then choose to add a yoga style waist band and cuffs around the ankles. As the pattern was so easy to follow, this piece took around two hours from start to finish.

For the fabric, I choose this light blue jersey that I've had in my stash for nearly 4 years now. The fabric originally came from a 60p and was perfect for this pattern.

 

Sadly I didn't get to see my cousin try on the trousers but I did get a call from my aunt, saying that my cousin really liked them.  

How I increase the cloth size of a pattern

In Full Bloom 06/2017 (A Burda Pattern)

So I used the same super easy pattern to make tops for all of my friends as presents for their birthdays. However I needed one top to be a size 20, which this pattern didn't accommodate for. In the past I have needed to increase the lengths of patterns however I have never personally needed to increase the size. So I thought I'd share with you how I went about this but in the knowledge that there maybe a better way to go about this. This being said, this method worked out perfectly for this pattern.

So starting on the side opposite the fold line, I measured the length of the pattern line for the smallest side. Then I measured the length of the pattern line for the next size up. I worked out the difference between the two. I did this for the difference between every pattern line and was glad to find out that the difference was the same for each size increase. Similarly the distance between each of the lines where the same.

Therefor the next step for me was to multiply these figures by the difference in size from the largest size on offer and the size I wanted. I used these figures to then draw out the new line.

I repeated this for each of the sides for the pattern. Like I said before, there is probably a better method for this, so if you have any hint and tips they would be greatly appreciated.

Book Review- A Guide to Sewing

A Guide to Sewing

By igloo

This was the very first sewing book I ever bought myself. I found it reduced at 'the works' and boy am I glad I did.
Although I originally bought it for it's projects, I actually found that the guides at the front where the most useful parts of the book. The book has a really detailed guide about types of fabric, types and sizes of needles and threads. As well as lots of hand drawn instructions on various had stitches. I think the aim of this book is to give a brief introduction to sewing for complete beginners but I think it goes well beyond that and gives beginners and wide range of information that comes in useful time and time again.

In terms of projects, I have successfully completed the infinity scarf, the coin purse, the Retro Cushion, the headscarf top, the pillow case dress and drawstring skirt.

I found that the project instructions lacked visual sources and relied far to heavily on text. Although the hand drawings that accompanied the instructions on occasion, where a pretty little touch in terms of the graphic appeal of the page, they did little to help explain the method being used.
Overall I'd recommend this book for beginners that want to get a deeper understanding of materials, threads and needles.

Burda New Collection: In full bloom 06/2017

I made this top as a birthday present for a friend. I bought a Burda Style magazine whilst on holiday. Although the instructions are in a different language, it's nothing that google translate and basic expectations of what the pattern was going to say, I was able to knock up this beauty.

Sadly I couldn't find this pattern anywhere else, nor could I find the official name for it. So for the title of this blog post I went for the name of the collection that was on show in the magazine.
As you can see I choose a sparkly and see through fabric. It wasn't an easy fabric to sew with but since it came from a £1 bundle, I can't really complain. I used the pattern as a basic template and then added my own embellishment (the lace). I used the lace to cover all the raw edges and for the straps. This made the pattern even easier. It also added to the fancy/ party feel of this top. With a vest underneath, this top will be perfect for a night out.
I can see myself making more tops with this pattern, due to how quickly I was able to make this one. It took less than an hour!

Sneak peak of the week

Post 1: Tuesday 20th June 18:00

Post 2: Thursday 20th June 18:00

Book Review- Learn to crochet

Learn to Crochet

By Coats

Edited By Sally Harding

This book was my very first crocheting book. My Mum bought it for me once I had mastered the basics of chaining, slip stitch and double crochet.
The books primary aim is to teach the reader how to crochet with a set of simple and clear diagrams. I found that although the diagrams helped, I did need the assistance of a few YouTube videos on occasion. As a result I feel that the book would have better achieved it's aim by coming with a DVD that had video tutorials that accompanied the diagrams. However I was able to teach myself the finer details of crochet through this book and have referred to it many times since.
I have also lent this book to a friend who was learning to crochet about a year or so ago and again the book was greatly appreciated for it's quick over view of crocheting techniques and terminology.

I have personally successfully completed several projects in this book. The include: the striped cushion, scallop cushion, cotton afghan, wool afghan and hand towel edging.

Sally Harding has also written Crochet Step by Step, which has an average of 4.9/5 and 4.3/5 ratings on the book people and goodreads respectively.  This seems to be a much more detailed book, with it explaining 100 different techniques and stitches compared to Learn to Crochet, which only explains 20.  However having not read this book myself, I can't comment on whether the book better addresses the staticness (for want of a better word) of the diagrams.

Finally... My First Block Quilt

It's been two years in the making! It's finally finished! I really can't contain my excitement.

Back in the summer of 2015 I really wanted to make a quilt. I think my words where "how hard can it be". Oh it was hard... Actually let me rephrase that. It wasn't hard, it just took a lot of time, patience and accuracy (not exactly traits I'm known for). As a result I returned to this project multiple times. In fact I mentioned this project in a post back in September 2015.

If I went back, would I start this project? No. But am I glad I made this quilt? Yes. The quilt feels like a personal achievement. It has proven to me that I can stick with and complete a project that lasts for more than a week. It is also another skill that I have tried, I wouldn't say I've mastered the art of quilt making but I have definitely tried new techniques. That being said, I don't think I'll be making another quilt in a hurry.

Sneak Peek of the week (hello again)

Publishing Times:

Post 1- Tuesday 18:00 (British Summer Time)

Post 2- Thursday 18:00 (British Summer Time)

Peru Day 8- Cusco to Puno

The taxi that was meant to arrive at 6:30am to catch the 7:00am bus to Puno didn't arrive until 6:40am, which made it a rush to the bus stop. But we made it in time!
Our first stop was Andehualillas, which was yet another stunning church with an over whelming amount of gold.

Then we stopped for lunch at a buffet place, which had a wide range of food.
There was another stop at a small hill side market but I wasn't feeling well enough to get off at this point.

We finally made it to Puno after a 10 hour bus drive, we went straight to our hotel which was outside of the town and so had a beautiful view of the town bellow.

After the long journey, we where in no fit state to go out into the city again and so ate at the restaurant that was part of the hotel.

Christmas 2016

"Libby, you disappeared again!"... I know and I'm sorry.

This Christmas I was extremely busy and so didn't have anytime to make anything big or difficult for my family. However I did stay up until 3am one night beavering away on these finger-less mittens for my friends. In total I made 8 pairs in one night, each taking 30 minutes. They where a real success, mainly due to the fact that no one was expecting anything.
The reason why this project is so quick, is that the wool used is super chunky. If you want to make a pair for yourself or as a gift for a friend, then use any wool that requires the use of a 10mm hook.The rest of the instructions can be found bellow.

ch- Chain
dc- double crochet
Create 2
Row 1- ch 15, then dc into the second stitch from the hook. dc into the next 13 stitches.
Row 2 to 9- ch 1 and then dc 14
Row 10- dc 14
To assemble the mitten simply sew the two shorter sides together remembering to leave a gap for your thumb.

I hope this has inspired you!

Peru Day 7- Cusco

After many early mornings and days of travelling, we decided to have a really lazy start to the day. I still wasn't feeling to well, so this really suited me.

In the morning we just slowly ambled through the shops before taking a look at the cathedral. I must admit I've never seen so much Gold in a church before.
For lunch we, on my request, where really boring by going to McDonald's. I just really wanted something that my body knows and wouldn't make me feel any worse.

We then went onto the Inka museum, which was brilliant at help us understand the pre- Incan history of peru. There where also some really interesting Incan artefacts.
Inside the museum there is also a great tapestry shop that sells beautiful pieces for a good price.
After the museum we went to the arch-Bishops palace, which is also the museum of religous artifacts and sits on an old incan building. The inside is so ornate and beautiful, the tiles and the carvings where the most beautiful aspect for me.

We then made our way to the church of san blas.
The rest of the group then went to the planetarium, whilst I stayed in bed at the Hotel, in the hope that it would help me to recover faster.

Peru Day 6- Ollantaytambo to cusco

The taxi arrived at 9:00am and took us to Moray. However at this point I really wasn't well enough to even think about getting out of the taxi, but I did take a good look at everyone else's photos.
Then we drove to Maras, where I was well enough to enjoy the salt mines, which really do look amazing from above.
After that we went onto Chinchero for lunch at Meriendo which was just a super relaxed place with great food. We also watched an interesting weaving demonstration. Before finishing the day at our Hotel in Cusco.
Because of how ill I had been, I wasn't able to take any photos and the person who did take photos that day, sadly never emailed them across to me. Hence the reason why there have been no posts for so long. I had hoped to have the photos by now but decided to post this without them. If I do finally get the photos, I will update this post. 

Peru Day 5- Machupichu

All I can say is how amazing Machupichu is. In the morning we had to get up at 4:00am to be in the bus line by 4:30am. However even then we weren't on the first batch of buses. We didn't miss them by much, so if we'd have been in line for 4:15am we'd have been at the site 40 minutes earlier.

Of course by the time we got to Machupichu dawn had broken. Due to being high up it took longer for the sun to rise, so we were able to see the sun rise over Machupichu.

Then we spent the rest of the morning exploring Machupichu. At first we where with our guide Carlos, but then we were able to explore by ourselves.

We also hiked to the Inca bridge. I have a fear of heights and although this was hard, it was do able.
Once we where getting hungry, we decided to head back down to the town and leave Machupichu behind.

We found a place in town that seemed to be called 'fast food', which sounds great to hungry travellers. So we each got the s/15 a head burger meal.

Then we just ambled around the town until two o'clock when we made our way to the train station for our 14:30 Inca rail train to Ollantaytambo.
Once in Ollantaytambo we had dinner at the Hotel because I was suffering from a head ache.

Day 4 Peru- km 104 to Machupichu

We started the day at 5:45 and caught the 7:20 train from Ollantaytambo station to km 104. From there we 'basically' hiked to Machupihu.

The company we used for this trek was the Lama Path. Our guide was amazing, he was so helpful and willing to go at our pace. He was also very good at sorting out the small problem of a forgotten Isic card. If you do go with the Lama Path, ask for Carlos as a guide, he was so friendly and informative.

Of course the Inca trail was beautiful. The views made the sometimes tough hike well worth it. Finally the deal we had with Lama Path included dinner.

Peru Day 3- Ollantaytambo

This day was a bit more relaxed. We chose to really explore Ollantaytambo before starting the Inca trail. We got up at a reasonable time of about 8:30 before making it out at around 9:30.

In the morning we explored the Ollantaytambo runes, so that we could avoid the crowds that arrive in the afternoon. The runes where great! At the entrance you can find both English and Spanish speaking guides. It's important to remember that like most things you have to haggle when it comes to the price.

However we found that our guide wasn't the best, as some of the facts she gave us were wrong. That being said we wouldn't have spent nearly as much time at the runes had we not had a guide.
Afterwards we had lunch at the main square. Although good, it didn't come close to the amazing food at the blue magic restaurant.

Having had lunch, we ambled back to the hotel, were a few members of our group, still struggling with altitude, chose to stay in the hammocks, while the rest of us climbed up to Pinkylluna. These runes are completely free and well worth the hike.

Later we attended a chocolate making course at the Choco Museo. This was a really interesting experience. We got to roast and shell coco beans, taste various hot chocolates and make our own chocolates. It made for a great evenings entertainment.
Of course for dinner we went back to the blue magic restaurant!

Peru Day 2- Cusco to Ollantaytambo

We landed early in the morning in Cusco and promptly found our pre-booked taxi. The taxi driver was brilliant at stopping at beautiful view points along the way.

We had already arranged to stop off at Pisac, so that we could see the market and the ruins.
Sadly some of us were struggling with altitude , so we deiced to take it easy and only went to see the market. The market was amazing!

Our driver gave us an hour and a half, my only wish would have been to have an extra 1/2 hour, so that we could really explore the market.
We had lunch at Ulrika's cafe. Although service was slow, the food was brilliant. and the place had a really layed back atmosphere.

We finished off our day in Ollantaytambo and ate dinner at a wonderful restaurant, Blue Magic. The prices were reasonable and the food tasted super good.

Peru Day 1- Lima

For our first full day in Lima, We wanted to take things slowly so that we could recover from the journey. We only planned two events.

The first was to go on a cycling tour of Mirafloras and Barranco. The company we went with was 'bike tours of Lima'. I was extremely impressed with this tour. It was safe, informative and a fun way to see and explore a small part of Lima. I was worried that the tour may be a bit strenuous, however it was far from it.

The route we took, used mostly well established bicycle lanes and the tour guide went at a leisurely pace.

Sadly by the end of the tour one member of our group was really struggling with jet lag, so we decided to go back to the hotel for a while, with the hope that this would give them time to recover.
As I said before, we had planned two activities for the day. The other activity was to go to the Circuito Magico. However this wasn't possible due to us not wanting to leave the member of our group who was struggling with jet lag. Therefore we all had an early night, which wasn't a bad thing as we had an early start the next day.

Sewing inspirations- How to create your perfect modest swimming costume

It's finally here! I released my very first Ebook about a month ago and now I'm able to share the second Ebook, that has been written especially for those wanting to sew modest swimwear. If you'd like to read it follow this link.

I hope this has inspired you!

My second Ebook!

So after a long wait, I'm finally in a position to share my second Ebook in my sewing inspirations series. I must admit that I had hoped to get the Ebook out earlier but that just hasn't been possible.The link should be going live tomorrow, so stay tuned!

My Super Simple Pirate Outfit

Recently I needed a pirate costume. Of course there was no way I was going to buy an expensive outfit when I could easily sew my self one.

All I did to create this outfit was to buy a second hand large mans shirt from my local charity shop. Then I cut off the top, created a casing and inserted elastic.

Then I simply paired it with my old ripped jeans, black boots, a red belt, an eye patch, a red bandanna and a puppet parrot. These where all things that I just had lying around the house.

I hope this has inspired you!