Friday 6 May 2011

I Can't Help Myself

Gosh, it seems aaaaages since I last posted.  So long, in fact, that I'm only just showing you my makes for the Felt Fairy's Monthly Make for April.

I was hoping to show you the top I started making here, however, this was not to be. If you remember, I bagged this fabric (amongst others) at a jumble sale and had found what was purported to be an "easy" pattern.



Bah!  They lied.  Easy?  I don't think so.

As this is my first foray into dress making, I came a cropper with the "yoke" and "facing" bit of the pattern. I've actually managed to sort it out but I've come to a temporary halt as there just aren't enough hours in the day to follow patterns, go to work, read blogs, stare into space, go on holiday etc etc. So, the sewing is on the back burner for the moment. I WILL nail this sewing malarky - although not just yet!

So what did I make?  I'll give you one guess! 

I've made more cushion covers!! Yes, MORE! I just can't help myself.

Firstly, using fabric that I bought at the jumble I mentioned above, I made these:






I also crocheted a cushion cover which is currently cosying up with the bonkers retro cushion cover that I made previously.


This is one side of it:


And this is the other side:



Both sides look slightly skewiff if you ask me but then that just adds to its charms (er hem).

On a final note, I'm planning on making a knitted patchwork blanket inspired by this picture that I stole from Kylie's fabulous blog, Lucy Violet Vintage

Isn't this one stunning blanket?

This was knitted by an Australian woman, Mrs Gertrude Pepperell, from odd balls of wool when she was in her 80s and virtually blind!  Blimey, I expect I'll be in my 80s by the time I'm done!

TTFN dear readers.


26 comments:

  1. We had a blanket soooo similar to that when I was little....and my parents still have it now. It was lovely for snuggling up with by the fire. Ooooh, it makes me all nostalgic just to think of it!!

    I always think that with any craft there are two parts: the craft itself....and then following those hidewous patterns, which is a skill all of its own, isn't it?!

    Sarahxx

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  2. I've been working on a patchwork knitted blanket for about 3 years now - basically it was an attempt to learn how to knit and lots of squares seemed like the best way forward! I still have lots of squares but they're nowhere near forming an actual blanket. Maybe next year...

    I hate dress patterns. I just CANNOT get my head round them. I think I have the wrong sort of brain.

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  3. oh i want a knitted blanket!!!!!!
    and to figure out how the hell to make cushion covers :S

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  4. You have been busy! The vases of flowers fabric is lovley - lucky you finding that at a jumble. Good luck when you return to your dressmaking!
    x

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  5. You can never have too many cushions! That fabric is lovely, very unusual. I'm hoping to sew a bag this weekend with the Amy Butler pattern that I treated myself to. The lady in the shop said it was easy and that her patterns are so simple to follow that even she could do it! I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it though........... ho hum. Have a lovely weekend xxx

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  6. Good for you attempting dress making - I wouldn't know where to start! Lovely cushions and I love the idea of the knitted blanket.
    x

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  7. Oh that blanket is divine!!! Lol! re the phrase 'easy' on the pattern - that translates to difficult just plugging my sewing machine in and threading it up! The cushions are really good - clever you! xx

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  8. Hello stranger!
    it's lovely to have you back again...I've missed your posts and comments, but I
    understand that sometimes a little thing called Life gets in the way!
    I love your fabric cushions (that material is gorgeous) and your crocheted ones (back AND front! Impressive!) Good luck with "Gertrude's" blanket and have fun at all those jumble sales tomorrow. Happy Hunting. x

    p.s. thanks for saying my blog is fabulous ha-ha

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  9. I'm glad that you got back to the blogging world. I know how complicated things gets and I ended up commenting on blogs but not having time to post myself.
    Love the crocheted a cushion covers, the mixture of colors is very kaleidoscopic inspiring.

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  10. I love that knitted blanket! Your cushions are lovely , esp. the crochet ones, and i agree you cant have too many! Have a great weekend, xx

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  11. I must say I've been contemplating to learn how to sew, been fantasizing making my own clothes but i know it's not that easy, i do loveee your cushions! the pattern (i assume flowers on the first wo?) are gorgeous from where i sit :) and the crocheted ones are so cute!! again i really wish i could crochet *sigh*, i cant wait to see your next project, the adorable knitted patchwork blanket! how long does it take to crochet one cushion btw? :)

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  12. I'm impressed that you would even attempt to make a dress! You're braver than me.
    I love the cushions and their wonky, wobbliness.
    x

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  13. Welcome back to blogland!! That's reminded me that I must get on with my crochet! And the cushions are gorge!! One can never have too many cushions in my opinion!! Have a lovely weekend!

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  14. The blanket is similar to the one I knitted when I was first learning - that reminds me - I never did finish the final round of squares!!

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  15. aawww i love that knitted blanket i started to knit one for myself but then i tried my hand at crochet and everything else has stopped ;-)) Love your crochet cushions there great fun, have a lovely weekend, dee x

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  16. I made a basic summer dress many many years ago, but have not attempted to make another one since. Well done on having a go.

    The crochet cushions look fantastic xx

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  17. Gosh that sounds like a complicated first dress. I started off with an easy Simplicity one. Keep at it, my second dress was much better than my first :) x

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  18. my first dress was a very simple one by burda. i will let you know the code. i still found it hard! that blanket is amazing i hope you get to make it quickity split! xx

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  19. Hello lovely - glad you're back, have missed you! What a fabulous cushion cover you've crocheted, it reminds me of those bags covered in coiled telephone cable (in a good way)! Yeah that blanket is fab isn't it, don't worry there'll be some long winter nights before we know it ;-)

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  20. Who wouldn't love a blanket for snuggling under like that one.
    Good luck for getting your sewing finished. I ahve a machine in the loft but am terrified of it, was rubbish at school and still don't feel like I could cope!
    Lisa x

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  21. Your cushions are absolutely magnificent, I wish I could be so creative and make some for the campervan.
    If you can master crochet you will manage a dressmaking pattern, honestly. xxx

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  22. Hi! Ho scoperto ora il tuo blog...è molto bello e le tue creazioni sono molto simpatiche!
    Un caro saluto, *Maristella*.

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  23. Ive been missing you too Loo! I'd love a knitted blanket like that too - got to love the cushion covers too :o) Scarlett x

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  24. Hi Loo, you've won a giveaway at my blog, congrats! if you would kindly let me know your address so i can send the gifts to you :)

    my email is missr4in@gmail.com

    x Susan

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  25. Hi Loo, what fab cushion covers! I love your crochet covers, they remind me of my childhood. I would like a crochet blanket of my own one day, I keep looking in the charity shops but no luck- I may have to learn to crochet to make one myself! Bx

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  26. You have great crocheting skills amor, wish I could care to knit or crochet. I been wanting a baby blanket.

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