With the run up to Christmas and so little time to do any sewing, I’ve not managed to even start on this dress. I’m sorry. I am quite disappointed.
I am intending to make it for my birthday night out, which is at the end of January. There should be more than enough time to do it for then. I have all the materials and decided on the pattern finally. I know, It’s like a month behind but better late than never!
All the dress reveals have been amazing. I’ve been trying to keep up with all the blogs/vlogs and Instagram reveal as they are released but I’m sure I’ve missed a few!
2017 is going to be there my sewing room will be put to use. I intend to also start a vlog and I’m looking into that as well. So you know that the reveal of #thelittlereddress will probably be aired on youtube! I’m super excited but also very nervous.
The Pattern
This is the final decision as I’ve been indecisive when it came to patterns before now. This has been a firm favourite for a few weeks so it will be getting cut tonight (so no flippin changing my mind now!).
Because it’s labelled relaxed fit and I love the shoulder details, it’s “tea dress” skirt and the waistband (there are too many reasons why I shouldn’t change my mind now!) this pattern is rocking my world. I’ve got the material and all the notions, so I’m going to get cutting it tonight. I’ll give you an update as I go!
The Material
Beautiful red satin from Edinburgh fabrics – you’ve seen this before in my last fabric haul post.
So there’s my plans for the little red dress/ birthday dress (see smart goals) … As I said, I’ll update you with proof that I’ve cut it out and pinned it!
I’m scratching my head as I really want to start doing a vlog that runs alongside my blog. There are so many beautiful sewing vloggers out there I would like tips on where to start and how to do one.
I’ve watched several YouTube videos on how to do it. But I’m still struggling to look and sound streamlined – do you do it in one take? Or is in several little takes and cleverly edited together?
After filming myself several times in one take, I’m coming to the conclusion I need to take bite takes and mould them into one.
Also when your looking into your iPhone/ iPad, you look at the little lens rather than the screen? I’m thinking I should be looking at the lens! Am I right?
With so many questions am asking myself how much time do you put into your own vlog before you publish them? How long does it take to film and the edit? What editing apps do you use if you use an iPad or iPhone.
I have an dslr camera and a tripod which I could set up instead of the iPhone/iPad.
I’m thinking of using the vlog to be interactive with the patterns and fabric I choose for my projects. I’ll also pass on any tips that I’ve found useful and with that maybe show you any new things that I’ve bought. On top of that, a sewing room tour would definitely be top of the list and details of how I organised my space would also be available. When I’ve made my makes I can show them off by giving them a twirl and give my pros, cons and findings.
Of course, I still keep blogging – but the vlog would be that little extra. It’s just going to take a little time to bring it altogether but any tips would be really appreciated from experienced bloggers&vloggers!
Thank you for reading and Happy New Year to you all xx
So, a few days ago I added a picture on my Instagram, showing off the projects I intend to do in 2017.
As you can see there is still space for another two patterns/projects but I’m still deciding which ones from my stash – yes I’m trying not to buy any patterns.
I get quite a few free patterns from my sewing magazine subscriptions. I have 4 – yes four! It’s definitely one, two many, so I’m deciding which one I don’t need. It’s actually harder than I thought. It’s like going through a break-up. Which one should I ditch? They overlap each other on some degrees, so I have to make a decision. Geez, it’s tough!
Right, back on to the free patterns, yes I have a good stash of patterns, paid and free and I ought to put them to the test and also put myself to the test of actually making a few things. So the Granville skirt and the waterfall jacket (free with this issue 25 simply sewing mag) are on the planner. Simple Sew’s Bardot dress (free with love sewing) is also up there (I swear I’m going to make this red dress, even though it might be past it and out of season!). Sew Over It’s Ultimate Shift Dress is finally up there too. If anyone knows of any exercises to get rid of middle fat on hips (FAST) – please let me know – it will avoid me altering the patterns hugely. That being said, I’m going to hit the swimming pool this year to try and work it off.
There I go again … always going off piste with the chat!
On the topic of SMART goals and because it’s actually the title of this blog post here are my SMART goals for early 2017.
Next topic, fabric. Urghhh Ummm, yes I have a confession. I bought fabric in December when I specifically said I wouldn’t.
Moving on swiftly – ha ha …
Vlog time. I’ve been canoodling over this for a wee while. I’ve done a rough draft (yes it was fairly rough as I bed head and I was still in my pj’s so that’s not going to go viral) so next is to re-do it and get a little less uncomfortable with the camera. That way I can show you the latest fabrics and talk you which projects I’m going to try in January/February. See what I did there RE: Moving on 😀
I’ve set up my YouTube channel – you can, of course, subscribe to it so, you instantly get notifications of when the first vlog goes live!
I got a few sewing goodies for Christmas too – one of which was on my last blog that I did and that was the sleeve board! My Brother In Law wasn’t too sure about getting me this as he thought it was too do housework but I said it’s fine it’s for sewing!
See you soon! And Happy Hogmanay when it comes to you all!
As some you of you know, I love a good sewing book – what’s better than something to hold all these sewing books? Well, it’s of course, a sewing machine bookend!
Talking of ironing I intend to put an iron board up in my sewing room but lack space for a big one, so I’m going to get this wee one from IKEA!
JÄLL, IKEA (£4) – Photo courtesy of Ikea
Now – sit down, this may bowl some of you over! Soap dish and sewing, surely not. Get a suction one, attach it to the side of your sewing machine and you can keep tabs on the seam ripper and fabric marker!
How many of us try to set up a deadline and never actually finished the project on time? I’m one of these sewists that really find it difficult to get things done on time. To be honest, it’s maybe more than a month for certain projects (or even a year) to get finished and modelled.
This dress has be shamed so many times since all I need to do is the darn hem!
I’m scratching my head and really thinking if I will actually take part in the #sewmystyle challenge – one it’s sizing for most patterns (my hips are chunky and my back is short) and two, its timing.
Yes, know you can adjust patterns but there is only so much give on the patterns themselves before you have to move darts, calculate where else it needs to be adjusted and then “lose” it. There is definitely a couple of patterns from #sewmystyle I’d love to try. Maybe not pressuring myself to a deadline might be a wise decision. So many things tend to go wrong when I rush and material is precious!
My favourite Patterns from the #sewmystyle challenge.
The Toaster Sweater
I’m definitely thinking with going to try and kick my “never worked with jersey” box if I do this one.
These dresses just cry out at me! I love this style … yeah I will do this one. I personally like the back!
Dresses always get my appeal first – probably because I don’t have to think about separates until this blouse / such a lovely piece – yeah the dresses can wait on this one!
So after purchasing the “Bennett Dress” – I now see another Megan Nielsen dress that gets my heart pulsing!
I have the “Anna Dress” already, so I won’t have to get another – I love the look of this pattern – it’s screaming “make me, make me”!
So if I’m going to do any challenges, if may not be the whole thing unless miracles happen but st least I’ve tried some and hopefully can wear them too as well as maybe learn other sewing skills from them – who knows?!!
Another deadline and it’s coming to unveiling it very soon – is the little red dress.
You bet right, I’ve not even started cutting the pattern out! Argh – what is wrong with me! Then again, I have been rather busy with other life adventures and usually exhausted before I get even near the sewing machine! Mmmm, lets see if I can do this in a week, which will be interesting, very interesting!
It’s week 4 at Fabric Focus’s Beginners Dressmaking class and I’ve not had to unpick a single thread – woo hooo!
Simplicity’s 4789
Amazingly I’ve not had a tantrum with pockets (Simple Sew’s Sophia Skirt has the blame for that). It went a bit like this with the skirt hitting the floor and scaring my husband in the process. It went a bit like below!
So moving on (quickly) (in fact, the speed of light quickly)… I’m seeing this cotton fabric is quite slippery whilst getting it on the sewing machine. I’m still in love with it despite it trying to escape the sewing needle.
Darts are now in the front with the front part of the pockets attached. I’m going to attempt to attach the back pockets on the back bodice/panel then tack the sides together.
Front Pockets on!
Darts in!
Remember in my first project I said I wasn’t going to go full steam ahead of the rest of the class, well I’ve kept the pace – woo hooo (again)!
Also, I’ve learnt how to do tailor’s tacks, which I will be using from now in my sewing!
I’m still collecting fabric and patterns, that won’t stop (now that would be weird if I did) and in a few days time, I will release a post about my November Haul! Plus there will be a post on the #SewScottish / #ScottishBloggersMeetup and also on my visit to Dovecot Gallery. Plenty of reading for you to look forward too (plus lots of photos!!).
Only 2 more days until #SewScottish / #ScottishBloggersMeetup (at the time of this post-release) Woooooppppppeeee!
Over and oot!
Disclaimer: All images are my own and opinions are too, in no way are they sponsored!
With only 4 more sleeps to go until Sunday’s meet up with fellow Scottish Sewing Bloggers, it’s impossible not to get too excited about it.
#SewScottish #ScottishSewingBloggers
I keep pinching myself that this idea is actually real and it’s really happening on Sunday. Little did I know that the thought between myself and Lesley would actually develop into reality. EEEEKKK – exciting!
I’m looking forward to meeting like minded people who sew and blog and hopefully exchange a few ideas for our next meetup too. I’m hoping that this could become a monthly/bimonthly thing … you can dream!
As you know I do like to keep topping up my fabrics for all of these projects I have in mind. But Boy, the list is now bonkers – I don’t really have a list on paper as most of the ideas are in my head!!
Most of you know I’m doing the #thelittlereddressproject by the lovely running with style’s Renata and finally I’ve got my fabric – woot-woot! To date the PDF still has to be printed, which I’m concerned about as time is tick, ticking, tocking away – should I opt for a pattern I already have? The answer to that one should be a yes, now the big question- WHICH ONE? I think it should be a nice easy number, something that’s straight forward but party bound.
Next, we have some gorgeous cotton and it’s a John Lewis own brand. I instantly fell in love with it as it has lovely wildflowers on a dark green background. It was £14.99 per metre but it’s totally gorgeous and has a lovely feel to it.
I also bought the rather Christmassy Nordic fabric at the same time as the green John Lewis fabric. It was reduced to £5 per metre, so couldn’t say no to the bargain. Plus I actually need it to back my homemade advent calendar. And on that note, I’m still looking into wadding as I don’t want polyester wadding. I got a metre of the Nordic fabric to back the advent calendar. Looking at the date, I better get this done and dusted. Might have some time this week to sew it up. Might. Otherwise, I’ll be sewing it for next year 😂😂😂
Next up, is the fabric I bought from Susie D Designs Shop in Penicuik on her most recent open day. See post for more details about her shop! I have a soft touch for geometrics and this called my same. I bought 2.5 meters of it so it will be a dress! It’s an Art Gallery Fabric, 100% cotton and a lovely feel to it.
Fabric focus has this gorgeous suede in both Khaki and tan colours. I opted to go for the Khaki. Got 2.5 metres of it. More than enough for a simple shift or CLEO!
Erm … I added something else and that was the trip that the Lovely #SewScottish Meetup and this was some more lovely suede polyester material. At £9 a metre from Edinburgh Fabrics, it has a lovely texture. I thinking another classic shift style dress , perhaps the Bennett Dress from Marilla Walker. Edinburgh Fabrics has a good range of colour with the suede – it’s worth checking out. Also, I bought matching thread but now I’m thinking contrasting thread and with that i would have to ultra careful of stitching!
BENNETT DRESS by MARILLA WALKER – Gorgeous in suede!
Not only fabric lies in this “Haul” but some niche little tools have been purchased also …
Both purchased via amazon. And a bargain as under a fiver each. I picked up from a youtube video by Last Stitch
Some tailors chalk … I seem to lose mine quite quickly and no idea how!
This handy box should keep the chalk from getting bashed!
Patterns on my radar …
Yes there are always patterns on my radar, don’t you know I have a list? Ok now you do and boy it is long. It only seems to be getting longer 😂
And to add to the list is the cute “Cleo Pinafore & Dungaree Dress” by Tilly and the Buttons – isn’t it just adorable? I ❤️ it! I’m head over heels for the dungaree dress 😍!
With Black Friday looming Cleo was quickly purchased with a nice 25% off!
And then ALIX from By Hand London was also snapped up in PDF form! SO WHEN THERES A NICE DISCOUNT – it’s just impossible for me to say no. Impossible.
ALIX from BY HAND LONDON – so in love with this dress.
And then there are all the Seam work patterns that I have in my library – eek, I just love seam work (I actually did a wee post about them a wee while ago and all about why I love them). The “Kennedy” and the “Mesa” are the top two favourites to try first from seam work. And I’ve just heard that you can now use your credits to buy Collette patterns- Eeeeek! YES, YOU READ RIGHT!!
Seamwork’s KennedySeamworks’ Mesa
Adding to my stash of patterns and these were from the swap at the #SEWSCOTTISH meetup –
With these patterns came two bits of fabric – I may have to ask who put them in to the haul and also if they remember what it is … I have a mind like a sieve!
Then there’s this month’s gorgeous pattern from simply sewing magazine – well I think the Audrey dress is stunning and at one point I will try and make it.
So not just fabric, notions, patterns and tools have been added to the haul but also books 📚! Yes, I am also a sucker for a good sewing book.
The most recent one is “The better bag maker” by Nicole Mallalieu. One of my many projects is to make a bag, a weekender bag specifically and this book shows you how with handy techniques, tips and tricks. It’s got loads of lovely bag to make as well as a weekender.
I spotted it via Instagram and I’d say it’s a good find judging by all the hashtag #thebetterbagmaker attached photos!
Beautiful makes from various instagramers.
Next we have
Couldn’t put this one down …Love the look of these garments!
I was just in Dobbies and spotted these two and somehow they managed to be brought home with me … mind you total bargains!
Talking of bargains, the buttons below were too. I bought them from a stall at the North Berwick Quilters Exhibition. I will post more on the actual exhibition very soon on the blog. The buttons were £1 plus a book, which was also £1 too. I’m hoping this holds a couple of good shortcuts for garments.
A little less of a bargain were these buttons bought from Kathy’s Knits on Broughton Street – there’s a nice selection to choose from and are vintage finds! The thicker metal ones are ideal for a jacket!
Remember I said I have a mind like a sieve. Let me reinstate that dramatically – I received this “Simple Shift Dress” Sew Over Pattern yonks ago with a magazine subscription, only now I realise it has actual fabric in the box – total revelation and I realise I’m quite ditsy at times!
So for December, I’ve decided no fabric, no books, no nothing unless it’s interfacing or lining for projects. We will see how long I last … Day 3 and still nothing bought!
That’s all for now,
Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and I was not sponsored in any way, shape or form. All copyrighted pictures are my own.
With being quite close to me and pretty easy to get to by car, I’m wondering why it actually took me until now to visit this cute little shop in Penicuik.
Not where I’d imagined the shop to be!
The ideal opportunity to pop by was one of the monthly “open days” but I was suspicious with my sat nav when it started to direct me further into more of a residential area than the high street. I stayed with the sat nav, which I’m glad I did as I arrived outside the shop with parking spaces to spare.
The open days look quite popular as there were a few ladies in buying fabric. It’s great to see offers too (20% off non sale fabric and selected tools) – before you ask I was straight in at the sale fabric but didn’t really spot anything for a dress making project. Instead, I went for an Art Gallery Fabric with a geometric print. I totally see a dress in this.
Love, love, love geometric patterns!
As well as art galley fabrics, Susie D also stocks Cloud 9, Dashwood Studio, Tilda, Micheal Miller and lots more!
Ooooooh nice fabrics!
There is also a small selection of wool with knitting and crocheting tools. With some haberdashery staples like buttons and machine needles there is a good choice of D-rings, wadding and much more.
Good selection of wools!
Susie D runs classes as well. I’m intrigued as would love to make a bag. I spotted these patterns, but then thought I would (should) go to a class rather than purchase one and have it stored doing nothing as I’ve got lots of patterns doing exactly that! Don’t get me wrong – I probably will end up getting a couple as they look good, but I will do a class and see how things go!
Plenty of table space for classes!I’m really liking the look of those patterns but I’m proud of myself for refraining myself!
I’ll definitely be going back as I’ve had a few itches to make a bag – especially a weekender. Also there a good range of fabric, even tho it’s normally used for patchwork or quilting it’s still cotton!
Susie D Designs has a Facebook page and a WordPress blog too! Do check them out!
Disclaimer: All images are my own. I got permission to take them. All opinions are my own.
Sew Do It Emma 
