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31

The Haberdashery / Re: Petersham Ribbon

« on: June 09, 2020, 15:38:14 PM »

If you search for millinery petersham and find a milliner's supplier you should get the real thing. I can't recommend a particular shop but I do prefer the rayon petersham to the cheaper polyester.

32

The Haberdashery / Re: Ironing Guides

« on: May 24, 2020, 11:34:03 AM »

I also used manilla file card to make guides but recently I have been using strips cut from thin plastic chopping mats like these. Chopping mats.

They keep a crisp edge for longer than card and they handle the heat reasonably well. They can be a little awkward if you use a lot of steam because they don't absorb the water and it can sit on the surface. I have even used them to cut templates for patch pockets with some success.

33

I saw this & I thought you may be interested! / Re: Oxford dictionary of family names in Britain and Ireland

« on: May 16, 2020, 12:29:38 PM »

My grandmother's name was Wileman which is quite rare and even now mostly found in the Leicestershire/Derbyshire/ Staffordshire area. I was glad to find the first sensible suggestion for the derivation of the name as this has so far eluded us.

The sister of one of my ancestors married a man called Caleb Cakebread which was my favourite discovery until I found another relative married one Philomen Snutch.

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I saw this & I thought you may be interested! / Re: Oxford dictionary of family names in Britain and Ireland

« on: May 15, 2020, 20:56:47 PM »

I've been trying unsuccessfully too. We're probably getting in each other's way!

35

A Good Yarn / Re: Pattern with no separate border.

« on: May 06, 2020, 10:17:19 AM »

Novita (See here) have some patterns where the border or buttonband is knitted in one with the front. They tend to be the more unstructured shapes though. You can check the instructions for any you like the look of to make absolutely sure they don't require you to pick up stitches.
I particularly like this shawl-necked one (but not the colour) and this long cable cardigan is on my to-do list once I have a few more simpler projects under my belt.

36

In the wardrobe / Ottobre Biker Jacket

« on: April 16, 2020, 16:45:14 PM »

I finally finished the Ottobre Biker Jacket in purple

faux leather. It is from the 05/2017 issue which is probably my favourite issue - I've made three things from it so far and other 3 are in the planning stages.

I picked the jacket pattern to use up a piece of cheap faux leather and to cure my zip inserting phobia. This pattern has six zips. The pattern went together like a dream - except for the fabric - it wouldn't pin, press or hold a crease. It melted under a warm iron, stretched as it sewed and broke three needles. I would have had more joy sewing heavy duty bin liners. However as long as no-one inspects the topstitching too closely I am cautiously pleased with how it turned out ( and zips are surprisingly easy after the third one).

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Dolls and Toys / Re: April's Wardrobe

« on: February 04, 2020, 22:11:51 PM »

@b15erk both the pig and the lion were among a job lot of keyring ornaments I bought from a market stall in Rugby about 14 years ago. I used to buy lots of this sort of thing as positive reinforcement/bribe prizes when I was still teaching. I still have a box of oddments of stationery, wind-up toys and rubber balls from those days. Its surprising how often I have just the right thing for a project lurking in there!

38

Dolls and Toys / Re: April's Wardrobe

« on: February 02, 2020, 17:44:46 PM »

The second outfit is pyjamas and a dressing gown. I found the cute slipper patten on the Lee and Pearl web site - I've never knitted anything before but these were really easy.

39

Dolls and Toys / Re: April's Wardrobe

« on: February 02, 2020, 17:37:26 PM »

I got a bit carried away this month and made two outfits for April. It is a lot harder than it looks sewing with 1/4 inch seams. I have a renewed respect for all you Darksiders. Some of my sizing is a bit off. I think Our Generation dolls are a little slimmer than American Girl.

First up a day time outfit -pocket dress, cardigan and tights.

40

Dolls and Toys / Re: April's Wardrobe

« on: January 06, 2020, 21:11:13 PM »

April now has a pair of nice white knee socks - to boring to photograph .

@Sara-S great idea about Valentines day - I've looked out some red cotton to make her a dress.

@Renegade Sewist thanks for the suggestions - St Patricks day isn't really a thing in most of England but I am working on some PJs for her (photos to follow)

41

Dolls and Toys / April's Wardrobe

« on: January 03, 2020, 18:09:11 PM »

When I took a load of donations to our local charity shop I picked up an Our Generation doll. I'd never seen one before - no children in the family. I rather fell for her especially her glasses and wonderful hair colour so she followed me home.

I thought I might try to make an oufit a month for her just as light relief from make clothes for me. It seems like a good way of using up some of the scraps I can't bear to part with.

Here she is after a good wash and detangling of her hair. Her clothes have been washed and pressed as well.