Buttons and Bobs

Here are three youtube channels that have interested me lately: Bernadette Banner Bernadette sews historical costumes Cutesy Crafts -  detailed tutorials on how to add hand stitched embroidery Katalin Horvath - Amazing applique using unique machine sewing methods

One of my favourite things to do is applique for young children in our family. I buy plain T shirts and add the pics. I learned a lot by following Wendi Gratz  of Shiny Happy World  and l google for outlines the children might like. Successful appliques have included cats, Little Miss Sunshine, flowers, an elephant, a lion, a hippo, a dinosaur, Holly Hobby, a camper van, letters and numbers. One of my daughters likes to take photos of her children on their birthdays with their age appliqued to a new T .  So simple, quick  and effective to do - yay!

This is my latest favourite gadget.  I bought it months ago and I regret that,  though I have made several items since then,  I have used it for the first time today. It is an adjustable guide sewing machine presser foot. Mine was £2.65 from Amazon UK with free delivery. The description says it fits most machines.Well my Janome and my So Crafty both like it.

It has been two years since I used pattern Butterick B6201. It is a very pretty full skirted dress suitable for girls 2 to 5 years. Cap sleeves Lined bodice Gathered skirt Zip fastening The pattern says it is easy.  I disagree with that. It is a worthwhile learning experience. It might, however, put a complete beginner off sewing. To me easy would be a simple sew with no zipper, sleeve insertion or lining such as New Look 6504. 

Oh I prefer to buy my patterns ready printed and neatly folded in an envelope. I wanted to make an Ogden camisole. Although the paper pattern seemed expensive at £16 I pursued it. It had sold out on every site I tried.  So I bought the pdf pattern.  That bit was easy. Then my old computer decided to get hot and bothered. It does not hold battery power for more than 20 minutes but the power lead connection is dodgy so the computer made frightening beeps. I turned to my Chromebook but it would not connect to my Samsung printer .  I spent the next two hours getting better acquainted with my Chromebook. I gave in and borrowed my husband's laptop, printed the pattern and went for a lie down. Here's a photo taken the next evening. Lots of paper, sellotape ........ mess. I really don't like pdf patterns.  There are some creases but I hoped all would be ok  .......... on another day. Another day and some success at last. The first cami is made fro...