After watching the Sewing Bee each week I am filled with ideas, inspiration and motivation to get moving on dressmaking projects of my own. Please don't tell me who won, I've not watched the final yet! It was on paperbag short week that I made a point of going on (and on) about making a pair for myself. So much so, that C very kindly went on a mission to find me a downloadable pattern, print it and completely assemble the paper into a huge grid for me. I was particularly happy about this although rather dubious of how to go about such a first solo off-piste project after my most helpful book which talks you through everything. The fabric was a polyester which I originally bought to make a dress from but after it arrived it did look like something travel agent from 2002 would be uniformed in so I stashed it and waited. To be fair, it looks fine for these shorts. 

Needless to say the project took a long time. Not only to decide what size to make the shorts - but to take every other step too. I mentioned before of my struggles to understand and process how to undertake each step. Reading, re-reading, googling, watching a YouTube tutorial... some parts took a lot of comprehending. Now I've worn them a few times, I think I should have made at least one size smaller as there is so much fabric but it's better that than too tight and not being able to sit down. The elastic waist is what keeps them wearable. All in all I'm thrilled with them and they look good enough for me. One pocket is deeper than the other after a bungle. I'm convinced one inner hem is either upside down or round the wrong way but it look ages to get the first one right then I just couldn't figure out the other one. They sit fine enough when I wear them. They move fine. They haven't unravelled. Yes, they are supposed to have a raised hem at the outside of the leg. 

It's a very forgiving fabric with this pattern!

I've been really enjoying learning to sew and hope to make many more items over the next few years, ones that I'll wear and wear until they're worn out.

 

Long time, no post. Why? It's been a dreadful few months really, too much on at work which really dragged me down. Times like that force you decide where to direct your remaining energy and to take care of yourself. I know what's good for me, fortunately I know lots of things that are good for me but there's a limit to how thinly you can spread yourself. I make no bones about winter being my nemesis, though this year's was satisfactory - a great improvement of many gone before. The onset of spring is what brings my soul back to life, I feel myself revelling in each new blossom opening, each leaf unfurling and the glow of the sun feeding my spirits. The good hours, the daylight and sunshine all must be spent outdoors for a thorough feed and revitalise, so that we did. It's been lovely. Yes, it's been a slapdash spring in terms of weather but there's been so much to see, hear and smell that I forgive willingly. The camera clocked up many hours out and I've took about 1200 pictures that haven't been posted. Sad really, but the joy I took in taking them was just the same. 

What else did I do? My training (workouts) which has taken centre stage since around September. It's been a keystone to my life for years but since I started a proper training plan it feels like so much has clicked into place and finally the breakthrough I needed was made. It's become a ringfenced part of my life so no matter how hectic things have got, I've insisted on taking that time for myself and feel all the better for it. My mind clears, my body works and there's a peace that's made. Yoga was started last year in March which I particularly enjoyed but I often found that the time I did it wasn't convenient. More recently I've been incorporating yoga flows into my cool down stretching which feels a lot more in synch with my breath, body and focus. I've even managed a lovely second and a bit crow flight. Very exciting. 

What else did I do? The garden, allotment, greenhouse and flower patch. You have to keep up with these or they walk all over you. The time spent on these is almost always peaceful time. 

What else? I've continued on my sewing journey, trying to keep finding snippets of time to complete a step here and there. The Sewing Bee has been even more enjoyable this year as I feel like I'm part of the club, I know much of what they are talking about and it's super fun. I'm trying to pick up some useful tips too for future use. Once the weather warms up I will be able to wear my own summery creations; two blouses, a skirt, a dress and hopefully if I can finish them soon my paper-bag shorts. Although I entered into the world of sewing with THE FEAR, it has been so much fun to work through making these items. I'm making countless mistakes which hopefully will hold me in good stead for knowledge and understanding in future. I've been wearing my winter skirt several times, though it isn't the best fit!! And my Japanese style utility apron which again, isn't the best fit. 

I've missed blogging immensely as it is my creative outlet for having the conversations I want to have. Well, soliloquy more like. Much of my thoughts haven't made it out anywhere else. Writing down each post and mulling over the photographs is a definite therapy for me of sorts and one I wouldn't want to go too long without (she says having already gone too long without it).

I'm not saying I'll be here weekdays from now on, but I'd very much like to be. Let's say I'll be here if I can. 

Take care,

Sophie

I thought I could get so many posts finished and posted last week but nope, not one! How annoying. Here's the only set of pictures that have been readied. It's not due to be the hottest of long weekends, which is typical after the gorgeous weather this week but if it stays dry at least we won't be penned in. 

 

I'm more partial to searching out wild flowers on the ground but when we came across a pile of drying poop (presumably cattle) there was a lovely shiny beetle going about it's work which took my interest. Of course it was C who spotted it. We decided that as we don't get dung beetles in the UK it must be a beetle which just happened to be on an old pat. After a quick Google search, it turns out we actually do have dung beetles in the UK but not the kind which make a big dung ball and roll it away. Instead, this rather pretty looking beetle and his cousins. I can't get over that shine, it looks like it's been polished and buffed. 

Blackthorn starting to flower now.
Groundsel, which will flower and seed all year round, annoyingly.
There are so many speedwell flower buds which are about to open.
This spring has been full of long tailed tit sightings.
Lesser celandine is in flower everywhere. 

Chickweed with it's teeny, tiny flowers.
Violets
And white violets
Super frilly trumpeted daffodils.
Broom with new buds.
I'm trying harder to identify plants from their foliage. I want to say it's thingy. Nope, I can't get it yet.
I think this might be oak moss. Don't hold me that. 

 

It's not often I wear a midi skirt and certainly rare I wear one with this much volume. Going back probably a couple of years I bought this in a blog sale. It's a lovely shirt dress with lovely sleeves, stiff collar and button down front. the shirt is big, swooshy and has a bit of weight to it, plus most brilliantly, pockets. 

It's been cold. Too cold for just a nice dress so I had to compromise and wear this tiny cropped jumper on top. At least it allows the lovely belt of the dress to be bowed up and remain a feature instead of being swallowed up into an awkward bulky lump. 
Big muddy boots because it's still absolutely mucky as heck in some places. Although it's evidently drying up in most places, it's not the case across the board. Of course they're not exactly becoming of the ensemble but I's have mud clad pretty shoes (and ankles) if I wore anything else. I suppose the most diligent of bloggers would probably bring a bag with nice footwear to change into for a scenic spot, but that's beyond my level of patience and besides, if you had any notion of what a labour these boots are to lace up to the correct tension then you would understand. 
Making the most of that quantity of fabric. I could be one of those dollies that sit over loo rolls. Grandma used to have one of those.
It's not a kilt. It's not.
Take care,

 

It's been joyful to welcome back old friends to the scene; flowers and foliage are appearing with increasing frequency. What an exciting time of year. No, it's not warm or blissfully peaceful like summer but there is plenty to see and hear. Birdsong is lovely each morning and a lot of the time during daylight hours.