Bunting Banners

The list of stuff I’m optimistically planning to DIY for the wedding is currently about as long as my arm….Now its not much more than 7 months away I decided it was probably about time to make a start on things.

 

I have to say I’m not a big fan of bunting, (sorry mum) I think it’s just one of those things that has been somewhat overdone in the last few years. However I did love the idea of stringing up a few rustic-looking bunting banners in various places.

All I used to make these was some off-white linen/cotton blend, black thread and ivory bias binding and they took not much more than a morning to do all three. I cut out two of each flag to sew together so there would be no raw edges, and using bias binding to finish the top edge doubles as the ribbon to hang it up. I drew on the letters in washable ink and then freehand stitched over the lines, just how I do my skyline pillows.

 

 

My sister found this cute little wooden suitcase for me in the flea market. It’s over 100 years old and was a steal at just £15. I’ve been planning on making it into storage for all my thread and sewing supplies but hadn’t got round to it yet, so as cliched as it is these days, I thought it would make a great card box.

 

I may make a couple more banners at some point, I definitely intend to do one for the dessert table we’re planning. Maybe saying... ‘Let them eat cake!’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emily Kate.

Rupert Bear Trousers

After the success of my first pair of Ultimate Trousers from Sew Over It, I thought it was about time I got round to making another. my first pair were originally going to be tartan, before the wrong-size-fiasco so I had to make a tartan pair eventually. Or as my mum called them, some Rupert bear trousers.

 

 

I discovered Lisa's tutorial on how to make the trousers high-waisted and thought I'd do that this time, as I find high waists very flattering. I also planned to add pockets since I really miss them in my grey pair. In the end I made the typical mistake of deciding I absolutely had to finish them by the weekend so I could wear them on my weekend away...and didn't have time to do anything exciting with them at all.

 

This was the first time using my adapted pattern, so it's great to see the fit is still just as good the second time around. The pattern is such a quick sew I made these in two mornings worth of sewing time. Unfortunately my least favourite job (cutting the pattern out) is made longer by the fact I have four individual leg pieces as my left leg is an entire inch fatter more muscular.

 

 

As well as the fit, I'm super happy with my pattern matching skills. Especially considering I had to cut out each piece individually.

 

The only problem with these I have is that I'm not sure I have many tops/jumpers to pair them with. but then again that's a brilliant excuse to buy more fabric and patterns. :-)

 

 

 

 

Emily Kate

An Impatient Knitter

Do you prefer to knit....or sew?

 

 I first took up knitting a few years ago after I had finished studying. It took a whole Saturday afternoon of youtube-ing and reading before I finally got the hang of it....and then I was hooked. The repetition involved is very calming and comforting, and I really find it a great stress-reliever.

 

That first year I knitted everyone's Christmas presents and I started this blog. Then I started sewing.

 

Now don't get me wrong I still love to knit, but I find it hard to find the patience to knit an entire jumper when I can sew up a new top in a matter of hours. And then there's the price of the wool. I've knitted many many scarves, hats, gloves, socks, even a couple of pouffes but confession time...I've never finished made a jumper.

 

For my birthday this year my mum gave me an old book she found at someone's garage sale, mostly because she knows I love old books rather than actually thinking I would knit something from it. So I decided it would be pretty cool to knit something from a genuine vintage pattern.

 

 

 

I actually knitted up the front of the jumper pretty damn quick, but since then its been put on the back burner as I procrastinated my way through the last few weeks. Seriously if you ever want to have a very unproductive month/week/year, plan a wedding. It's truly amazing how many hours can be wasted perusing pinterest and reading wedding horror stories.

 

So I thought by sharing it with you, it might encourage me to finish this one. Hopefully by Christmas, or at least by the end of the winter months.

 

 

I cant be the only one with lots of half finished knitting projects....what have you got stashed away?!

 

Emily Kate.