Finished project - a cover for my sewing machine.

My new sewing machine needed a cover because it didn’t come with one. I took the opportunity of using the variety of different stitches that exist on the new gem of a machine and I’m pleased with the result.  I particularly liked doing the smoke from the chimneys on the little houses and for that I used a curly stitch.  If you click on the picture you can make it bigger to see the detail.

The sewing machine is bigger at the base by quite a lot so I had to be careful with the measurements, but it came out just right in the end.

Learning to use my new Singer C440 sewing machine - How to use a blind hem foot.

I found this little tutorial on YouTube and it really is very good. Tried it out today, but didn't get it quite right. Practise makes perfect! I'll try again tomorrow.

A New Sewing Machine

I am excited about getting a new sewing machine for my birthday. It will be a Singer C440 like the one in the video above.

As I start using it, I am hopeful that all the new features will be easy to use.  It is several steps up on the machine I already have so I expect it will be challenging for me while I get used to it.

I have watched the video several times and find it very good to follow. I won't say 'easy' but everything is strange to start with, isn't it.

Looking forward to showing you what I make with it soon.

Vivienne Dress for one/two year old

I just finished this Vivienne dress for my grand-daughter. It is all cotton, fully lined and this time, with sleeves.

If you want to make it for yourself you can find the pattern here or just click on the Frocks and Frolics button on the right hand side panel.

The dress has a circular skirt of 2 metres, which is great for a 'spin'.

This pattern is not just for little girls. It is for big girls too. The pattern is available for all ages to adult size (just) and comes in a variety of guises: circular skirt, box pleat skirt etc. with or without sleeves and all from one pattern. It's a real gem.

Here is the video which shows you how to make it up (although it does come with instructions too).




I'd love to see what variations you come up with?

Happy sewing!

How to sew in an invisible zip.

This was the best video I found to teach you how to sew in a perfect invisible zip. The video is quite long, but it is well worth watching it to the very end.

Good luck when you try your first one. You will find this video very helpful, I am sure.

Vogue Pattern V1550

I was entranced by this video of Imani demonstrating the Vogue pattern V1550 in blazing colour. Just want to share it with you.

I have asked her to make a video to show how to make and put on the attractive head-wrap she is wearing.

Dog blankets for Battersea Dogs' Home

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The pattern for the above blanket is also suitable for a baby blanket.

Using double knitting wool and 4 mm. (8 u.k) needles cast on 155 stitches.

First row:  k1, *k2 tog, k4, yarn forward,k1, yarn forward k4, slip1, k1, psso, k1, rep from * to end.

2nd row - purl

The last two rows set the pattern. Continue working in pattern until blanket measure 76 cms ending after a wrong-side row,

Cast off in pattern

These three dog blankets are destined for Battersea Dogs' Home in London. Just as soon as I find the right box to pack them in, they'll be winging their way to comfort a soon to be rescued dog. Once the dog has bonded with its blanket and found a new home, the blanket will go to the new home with its owner, again to give comfort to the dog in its new environment.

Have you ever considered knitting?  It's a lovely hobby, which you can do from the comfort of your own armchair whilst watching television or listening to the radio and it's really not that difficult.  Think of the satisfaction you can get from making something for someone you love or a stranger even.

The pattern below is in basket stitch. Appropriate name isn't it! Once you have mastered knit stitch and purl stitch, you will soon be able to make this because it is basically four knit, four purl for four rows and then reverse (four purl, four knit). It makes an effective pattern without holes, which is perfect for the dogs so they don't get their claws stuck in the blanket.

Perhaps you need a little help to get started?  Here is an excellent video on how to knit.