Not A Stitch To Wear

I've been going through my usual Spring routine this past week. Early, I know, but the sun has been out (although it is bloomin freezing!) and this causes me to search through my Summer wardrobe and complain that I "don't have a stitch to wear"! This has come at the perfect time, as it's still only January, I can do something to change my wardrobe dilemma before we have a real heatwave...

In a bid to try and mix it up a little and avoid my usual habits of wearing 1930's styles in the Spring, 1950's in the Summer and 1940's in Autumn/Winter, I have tried my very best to put together a good selection of patterns which will compliment the garments already in my wardrobe. Here are the first few items on my "To Do" list:

Yes, it's a 1950's dress, but it's a wrap dress, I already have the fabric and it'll be ideal for those lazy days in the shade, sheltering from the heatwave... I can't keep a straight face saying that either!
This dress will be in pink with a red trim, just like the picture!

This pattern is from 1939, but isn't very dated, is it? So it will be worn from Spring through Summer. I have actually already started this one (last year!), but the pattern is wrong and needs some rewriting... argh!
This is in white, again, like the picture!

Just a simple slip, but why can I not find any? I'm sure I had some packed away. So I'm going to make many in the hope of always being able to find one!
Probably in whites, pinks, blossom prints etc - I'll see what I can find

Oh, how I do love this 1940's jumper! I don't think this really needs explaining.
Red and white, blue and white... I don't know where to start, it's all so exciting!

And finally, something I've already made:

Does he look like a sausage dog to you? I can't make up my mind, but I made him a few days ago with sausages and dogs in mind. He already has a new home, boo. Made in felt, hand sewn.
As long as I keep up with my hand sewing (brooches), I can justify being sat in front of the sewing machine or with knitting needles in hand.

Oh, before I forget, I'm going to have a quick complain about the VAT rise (up to 20%!!!). Here goes: booooooooo, no fair!

There, it's out of my system now, but unfortunately, my brooches are up in price by 50p! The felt has gone up, the thread will no doubt go up in price, as will pins, kapok and postage.

I'm also thinking that now is the time I finally get a little online shop set up for the brooches, which will hopefully have a wholesale section to make it easier that emailing me with orders. Just need a name...

It's all coming back to me, I want to ask, what you you like as a giveaway prize? There are now 54 followers, you all get a say, because if I give away something rubbish, you're sure to complain :)

I also have some exciting developments in the cycling front, I haven't bought the plane tickets, but get training!

See you in a few days when I've calmed down a bit!

Toodles

Jenny (& George, resting by the fire) xx

Catch Up

Urgh, did I feel ill? Yes, but I'm on the mend. Although I've been away from blogging, I have been trying to keep up with other blogs. So news, I have plenty...

I've been sewing like there's no tomorrow. I now also have a new stockist for my brooches.

I started knitting a Norwegian scarf, but then had to go back to the sewing, but I'm hoping to finish the scarf before Christmas...hmmm

I've made a huge decision about my future - I'm finally setting up the business I've dreamed about/planned/researched for the past 5 years. It's been in the making for long enough, so now I'm setting up as a Birthday present to myself (I really do deserve it after 5 years!). I can't give anything away yet, but you will be the first to know about it!

I have 29 followers - I love each and every one of you

The living room is finally being painted - The photo before is just showing the sample patch, but the colour is more of a sage-y green, and shows the new (to me) chair, bought from the antiques centre:



George doing what cats do best

I made mincemeat, it's all bottled up and awaiting pastry! I can promise you, this is the best mincemeat I've ever made, and it contains almost half a bottle of brandy... Can you get drunk on a mince-pie? I'll do the research, so you don't have to!

I went to see my new dentist - Two problems, I'm nervous of dentists and terrified of needles. I already knew I needed three fillings (my very first ones!), but tried to explain my predicament, so now I'm being referred to the hospital to be completely knocked out. Urgh, I feel horrible just thinking about it.

I'm behind with my Christmas shopping - I'm not half as organised as I said I'd be, the dentist really bought me down, and dare I say it, I'm not enjoying the shopping anymore!

I won a "One Lovely Blog" award from Wendy at The Butterfly Balcony - Thank you Wendy. I'm still considering who to pass it on to, so I'll get back to you with a dedicated post on that.

On the 13th, I went to see Austin Vince give a talk down at Garlands in Haverfordwest. I wasn't feeling 100%, and I certainly felt awful the next day, but it was truly fantastic. I don't remember a point where we weren't laughing. Some photos were taken, with the chance they might end up in a magazine, though the name of that magazine escapes me right now. If the photos are printed, I will post them here! There are, however, a few photos here - You can only see the back of my head (my best side!), I'm in the second row wearing a lime coloured jacket

I think that's all, but I will be back with the award post, and some Christmas shopping ideas

Until then, ta-ra

Jenny xx