Headscarves Expansion 2019 Part 1

Headscarves Expansion 2019 Part 1

I have several projects started so it was difficult to choose which one to blog about. Also real life isn’t easy at the moment so the next few week’s blogs might be briefer than usual.

Fleur de Lys Headscarf

The above photograph is a reminder of a project I did some time ago. Although technically the Headscarf was finished I was never entirely happy with it.

Broderie Anglaise Edging

When I wore the Headscarf it seemed a little short on length. Therefore I decided I needed to do something to address the problem. It has taken me several months to find an Edging that I both like and was suitable for the purpose.

Choosing Cotton

I had two materials of slightly different shades so when I was choosing a Cotton to sew them together I had to be very careful.

Starting Edging

I started adding the Edging at one Corner leaving a slight excess of material to overlap when I reach all the way around.

Autumn Cape A long Term Project 2019 – More Hood Part 2

It has been a long time since I have blogged about my Cape. This is due to being unable to concentrate on my design courtesy of a disruptive environment.

Pick Up Stitches

 

I have got to the point that I really hate. This is why I have been putting it off for as long as possible.

Stretching Stitches

Picking up Stitches is difficult so therefore I decided to stretch them first. A needle of the same size or larger is preferable to use.

Even Number

 

Since I am doing a Rib pattern I need to make sure that I have an even number of Stitches.

Cock Up

Oh rats. I never thought of that. I had the right number of Stitches but the Pattern doesn’t match up.

All Joined up

A bit of fiddling and I have managed to join up the Rib. Not sure what I am going to do next as yet.

Little Red Number – Blast From the Past

Little Red Number – Blast From the Past

Due to a finger injury I haven’t been able to do much crafting. Therefore I have trawled through my archives. This blog is about a costume I made for a weekend Hen Party many years ago.

The weekend was themed and all attending were dressed as Disney Characters. I chose Madame Medusa the female protagonist from Disney’s film ‘The Rescuers’.

Front Red Dress

First I needed a Red Dress. Rather than start from scratch I bought a cheap Dress from a local charity shop. Now I had to completely butcher it to get the desired effect. I am sorry but I didn’t think to take a photograph of the original Dress.

There was a tie around the Waist which I unpicked. I removed the Shoulder Sleeves and put them to one side.

Back Red Dress

Now for the Back. I cut out a large curved piece of material from the Back of the Dress as the Costume was Backless. I then proceeded to add elastic and Hem it.

Next I had to sort out the Straps. Since I had already unpicked them from the material all I had to do was sew them together. This changed them from ordinary Straps into a Halter-neck.

Medusa Earrings

I also needed some Blue Earring for the character. Again I went to the charity shop. I got some ordinary cheap dangly earrings then proceeded to papier-mâché into the right shape then paint Blue

Medusa Staff

My original photograph has disappeared so I have had to retake it. It may look a bit battered now several years on but it still gives you the idea.

This was made from an old mop handle which I placed a tumble drier ball on top. I then papier-mâché all around the ball to cover up the spikes. Once everything was dry I then painted the Ball Gold and the Staff Black.

Boulder Holder

That concludes making the Costume. However I am not one to let stuff go to waste. I had a pantomime to do where I was taking washing to the Dame. I quickly whipped up a couple of novelty items to put in my washing basket.

The Bra was made from the Shoulders that I had taken off. I used more of the Belt to make into a Halter-neck. The two ties at the Back were pieces of Hem. It didn’t matter that it was flimsy as it wasn’t intended to be worn.

Teensy Weensy

For a touch of hilarity I made a matching G-string. A size 0 would struggle to get in them.

Little and Large

The above photograph gives a better indication of the difference in size between the two items.

Madam Medusa

Here is a photograph of me on the Hen weekend in my Madame Medusa Costume complete with Red hair and Purple Stockings.

All in all I think I did a good job

More Blooming Flowers 2019 Part 3

More Blooming Flowers 2019 Part 3

Another week and another set of problems.

Missing Cotton

This is something that many crafters encounter. There is only a little bit left to do and you run out of Thread.

Testing Colour

Normally I would just cut some more and carry on but unfortunately I have two very similar Coloured Threads. This means I need very good light to check which one I need to use. Unfortunately being stuck in bed I have had to leave it.

Double Check

Whilst not fully recovered I have managed to sit outside for half an hour where the light is better. A quick Double Check before I finally finish the Petal.

Final Two

If you remember from last week I had trouble with a Transfer. I have now started the Bloom. I went around filling in all but those last two tricky Petals

Adjusting Petal

I very carefully Adjusted the Petal on the Right Hand Side. I curved it ever so slightly. If you look at the above photograph carefully you might just see the outline of the original Pencil Line.

Easy Does It

In order to correctly Adjust the final Petal I sewed it slightly different. I made the Petal far narrower than usual. That meant I had room to make it bigger on either side depending on how it looked in comparison to the others.

Adjusting Complete

I am glad that is over. I hope I don’t find too many more that need Adjusting like that.

More Blooming Flowers 2019 Part 2

More Blooming Flowers 2019 Part 2

I am not having a good week. Apart from being ill my Embroidery has taken a beating due to being beset with problems.

Pencilled Leaves Complete

First I had to go around the whole Cloth and go over the Leaves in Pencil. I finally managed to complete all the Leaves in their different colours.

Faint Lines

I could now move on to colouring in the Petals. However as soon as I took a look out had to come the Pencil again.

Blurred Transfer

If that wasn’t bad enough some of the Transfers must have slipped whilst being put on as in the above photograph

Blurred Part Pencilled

This is tricky. I am slowly going over each individual Petal. I am trying to get it as accurate as I can by comparing it to other Transfers that aren’t as Blurred.

Petals Too Close?

I think I have done mostly okay on this Bloom but I am not happy with the Bottom half of it. I think the last few Petals are a bit too close together.

I think that when it comes to filling them in I will have to adjust the Pattern slightly.