Friday 25 May 2012

Fashion Fridays - Maxi Dresses

So we have waited patiently and here it is finally - SUMMER!  Well for this weekend at least.  So let's make the most of it.

Maxi dresses at the ready everyone.

What I love most about a maxi dress is they cover you up at your most vulnerable time, the beginning of summer.  You are feeling a little bit pasty, not quite ready to expose any part of your body soon (mine has been cocooned for too long), yet you are desperate to embrace the rare occasion the sun puts its hat on and say's hello.  What other outfit can you wear safely, lightly and confidently on these balmy days?

Here are some of my favourites on the high street.







I may have purchased this one last minute last month for a cheeky trip to spain! So glad I may get to wear it again this weekend for a birthday BBQ,










I so hope this weather is hear to stay for the season (or at least a large part).

What will  you be wearing this weekend?

Nice to see you again.
Xxx

Thursday 24 May 2012

Birthday Bunting Tutorial



So I managed to secure myself the most beautiful bundle of fabric yesterday.  As always eternal maker never stop inspiring me with the most wonderful, varied and original fabrics.  On this visit though I was in a rush and did not have the luxury of mooching through the fat quarter section to create my own mix, so thank goodness for their pre-selected bundles.


It is Little Miss P's 3rd birthday party on Monday, so as always in a last minute rush I am only just commencing a collection of crafty projects for the main event (only 4 more sleeps, I hear myself say!)

This project however is a complete breath of fresh air!  Bunting is so easy and this creation took less than hour from start to finish (with a few distractions in between from the little lady herself).

You will need:
Cardboard (for the template)
A selection of material (scraps will do)
Pencil and ruler
Pinking shears
Bias binding
Pins
Sewing machine
String (optional)

*There are no specific measurements to this tutorial, which is how I like it.  I am not very good at following written instructions myself and maths has never been my strong point, so I do what works for me.  I think you should do the same, it is so much more fun!

Step 1.
Draw a triangle template onto some cardboard.  Mine measured 18cm across the top.  The size is entirely up to you.  Then cut out the template.  


Top Tip: google any shape template and you will find an example on line or just be brave and cut free hand, bunting does not have to be symmetrical or exact!



Step 2. 
Pin the template to the fabric.  Then cut around the template using pinking shears.


Repeat for as many triangles as you need.

Top Top: If your are confident in your scissors then you could fold or layer the fabric and cut several at one time.  

Top Tip: If you don't have pinking shears cut with normal scissors then sew a seam all the way around the inside of your triangle approx 1 cm in (this will prevent it from fraying too much)

Step 3.
Iron your bias binding in half.  Place each triangle in the fold of the bias binding and pin in place.  Repeat with each triangle creating your own desired pattern.  Or don't follow a pattern, there are no rules.



Step 4.  (optional)
I decided to add string loops at the end of my bunting so I could attach it quickly to a branch, fence or trellis.  

 Step 5. 
Sew in a very straight line, along the whole length of bias binding.  Ensure the tops of all  your triangles are tucked in.

Congratulations - Birthday Bunting is complete!







Nice to see you again.
Xxx

Mend and Make Do - A Garden Bench

I have been sooooo busy in the garden over the last couple of weeks (thank goodness for sunshine).  As a result I have so many things to show you.

As with most of the projects in the garden I continue to mend and make do where possible. Money does not grow on trees!  We were given this solid wood bench for Christmas by my dear M & D.  It was originally stained quite dark, until the winter weather took its toll and not to mention those pesty pigeons!

So with my giant pot of classic cream I was off!  And here it is, my brand spanking new garden bench.



Now it is time to go fabric shopping for cushions!

Slightly concerned about my obsession with painting everything in the garden cream, hey ho, garden shed next!

Nice to see you again.
Xxx

Monday 21 May 2012

Music Mondays - Our Versions of Events

This blog is not intended to be a resource of ground breaking new music.   My intention with Music Mondays is just to share with you the music I enjoy listening to and songs that have an impact on me.

I am obsessed with music, at the moment listening to music takes preference over TV.  I so much prefer listening to my ever evolving random play list or the radio, while I potter with a million different projects!  I can not wait for a new song to come on the radio that I as soon as I hear what I then to know immediately, to be my new favourite.  

What I do find an ongoing challenge though is, knowing when an artist or a song can match the promise of an emerging artist.  How many can confirm a great album.  Well 'Our Versions of Events' did come with a 100% guarantee.  This girls voice is amazing and when paired with her own handcrafted harmonious lyrics then I am in heaven.

Emeli Sande
These two tracks are my favourites of the album; Breaking the Law and Hope.

For any lucky fans of Cold Play she is supporting them on tour (again - so must be good).  In the meantime you have 3 days left to listen to her sing live on Radio 2 Simon Mayo.

Also two interesting facts about the singer/songwriter, which you may or may not know.  her real name is Adele and she was studying to become a doctor before she broke into the music industry.

Nice to see you again.
Xxx

Friday 18 May 2012

Fashion Friday - Wonderful Wedges

So the fashion dilemma this week has been what to wear this coming Saturday evening!  I have an invite to a 21st birthday bash in Brighton.  Now while I am not prepared to share my age with you today, lets just say I am concerned that I am a little out of my comfort zone.

So this is what is referred to as a 'Penny Panic', as I spend hours wasted away searching the internet for the ultimate outfit, shoes and bag which will immediately shave 10 years off my age (at least I hope).

For those of you who have been following fashions fridays will know that I have recently given up wearing heels, having sold my entire collection in a shoe sale.  Now this is one of those moments when I wonder what an earth I have done!  This is one of those times when I need heels.

So the answer I guess is in compromising comfort!  Wonderful Wedges.

Boohoo



Dorothy Perkins


New Look


 ASOS


 Still can't decide, now can some one please help me with an outfit!

Nice to see you again
Xxx