Taking Stock #1

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? Because surely I can use that as an excuse for borrowing (outright stealing?!) the idea for this blog series from around the blogosphere. There are lots of examples of ‘taking stock’ style posts, mostly featuring a list like this one. But I do much prefer this version from Heather Lou of Closet Case Files.

Since I transitioned over to a sewing/dressmaking blog, rather than my personal blog, I’ve missed sharing my personality as well as my style. So I’ve decided to use Heather Lou’s format as inspiration, I hope she doesn’t mind! Let us begin.

Swoon

• When Deer & Doe announced the release of the AW 2015 patterns last week, I ordered two of the three straight away! I have been drooling over Attack of the Seam Ripper’s versions of the Fumeterre maxi skirt and the Cardamome dress.
• Jade’s Chambray Alder Shirtdress over on These Days. She has styled it beautifully!
• Dixie‘s Katy and Laney Tap Shorts refashioned from a man’s shirt (as part of The Refashioners 2015). I’ve seen a few ladies garments made from men’s shirt now so definitely want to have a bash at it.
• All the beautiful sewing and dressmaking work populating sewcialists.org. I could scroll for hours. Mind you, Instagram is the same.

Blog Talk

• Last week saw the start of Pattern Review’s 2015 Sewing Bee. They’ve announced the project for Round 1 — a fitted blouse — and I cannot wait to see what everyone has made.
• Photographing projects can definitely be tricky, especially making them visually appealing. So I can definitely relate to Heather B (Handmade by Heather B) in this interview over on Crafting a Rainbow. It’s so good to know other sewing bloggers struggle with photographing their makes too! It also features some great tips.
• For UK based sewists, Love Sewing magazine has a new Editor; Amy Thomas of Almond Rock. This interview on The Sewing Directory was a great way to get to know Amy better.

Community & News

• Casual Seamstress: a blog from two lovely ladies Mindy and Amy, and their FREE Shift Dress Pattern, complete with tutorial. And this post discusses using the pattern to create eight — yes eight! — garments.

Eat

• A recent trip to Portsmouth with ma friends introduced me to Jacob’s Cracker Crisps when someone brought along a couple of packets. They are effing amazing! The thai sweet chilli flavour especially.

Listen

• My favourite podcasts: This American Life, No Such Thing As A Fish (the most recent episode #77 has a segment about the invention of the button, buttonhole and briefly, the sewing machine) and Lore, which I listen to when I’m getting ready in the morning, walking to work or sewing.
• This Macklemore & Ryan Lewis song: Downtown, a song about mopeds…? Warning: explicit.

Read

• A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz, as part of my book club. I’m supposed to read the last 40% (~300 pages) tonight. Eek!
• Familiarising myself with some of the elements of creating your own patterns with this ehow.com guide. If only the pictures were a little better.

Watch

• The second video from Leigh of Cluessless Seamstress: Fabric Stash Plans. I do enjoy peaking at others’ fabric stash! And it makes me want to make a video of my own…