Mend: Winter Boots

This weekend I did a bit of basic repair on a pair of (fake) fur-lined boots which I wore all winter to keep the cold out and my feet snug.

Months of wear took their toll on the inner heel (probably not helped by the fact that I stand on the heel to pull the boots off...) I figured that sewing it up with strong thread would rub my heel, so instead I patched it up with some sexy green felt and bright yellow thread - stunning!

However, my sewing needles turned out to all be too long & straight to get the angle at the bottom, so I've had to leave that unattached. Maybe I should've glued it first... Oh well, let's see if it holds next year...

Amend: Shirring Elastic Waistband

BEFORE

I bought this dress a few years ago from Miss Selfridge - the neck tie detail on the front really caught my eye. I'd already added the black sleeves (to balance out the band at the bottom), but something still wasn't to my liking.

Given my... generous upper dimensions, it was just hanging off me like a bit of a sack. So I figured I'd add a waistband and decided on shirring elastic as the best method.

  

DURING

I used this blog by Made by Rae as my guide. For shirring, you put normal thread in the top of the machine and elastic in the bobbin, then simply sew across the fabric in lines, turning a flat piece of fabric into an elasticated piece. Here's my test piece...

Some guides talk about measuring out precise distances and straight lines, marking with chalk or tacking thread, but... I'm a bit lazy for that. I measured down from the underarm seam on both sides, put the dress on a flat surface, and pinned across in a straight line - then stuck it under the sewing machine! No going back after this...

One line complete and now for the rest...

AFTER

Ta-da! All done! All the lines of elasticated stitching pull together to make a really comfortable, elasticated waistband.

And I'm really pleased with the end result! Although it does shorten the already-short-skirt, so I think I'll be wearing it with leggings from now on.

 

 

Time to try my new fitted dress out I think.

Anyone for cocktails?

New Year Resolution 2014

This year, my resolution is a simple one.

I intend to finish all the half-started projects that I have lurking around my house.

 

However, I've found that so far, doing this has proven difficult, especially when facing the temptation of new, exciting projects... So, this blog is essentially my tool and motivation to finish something!

 

I am a combination perfectionist and bargain-hunter, with a haberdashery passion and itch to stitch. When it comes to my wardrobe, this can be a dangerous thing that feeds into an eternal spiral...

 

 

 

So now, the time has come to...

FINISH SOME PROJECTS (dun dun duhhhhh!)



Making, Mending and Amending

I love crafts. After a long day at the office, I love to spend an evening chilling on the sofa with CSI and a project of some kind. I enjoy all kinds of creativity, including...


CROCHET
KNITTING
CROSS-STITCH
TAILORING
MACHINE SEWING
HAND SEWING
TAPESTRY


 My craftiness generally takes one of three forms: -

1. MAKING
I like to make new things from scratch.

2. MENDING
Things break, I fix.

3. AMENDING
Change is good, whether it be tailoring an existing garment, or turning old into new.

I'm planning to update every week, to keep a record of my progress in all my projects!