tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47609794035325250642024-03-11T21:50:53.544-07:00KraftyKatKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-15283047106478458552014-01-03T14:54:00.001-08:002014-01-03T14:54:15.969-08:00New year...new look...new blog!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello and Happy New Year! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The new year is a great time for a fresh start and with this in mind I am delighted to announce that KraftyKat is moving. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.akraftykat.co.uk/"><img alt="http://www.akraftykat.co.uk/" border="0" height="120" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WsaXc9E04jo/Usc-6dDnDoI/AAAAAAAABcw/2NjIwymJmqk/s640/KKlogo2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been thinking about making the jump to wordpress for some time now and over Christmas I got chatting to my boyfriend about my blog. He happens to be a bioinformatician and does clever things like build websites on a daily basis - yet for some reason it had never before occured to me to ask him for help with my blog. Why I do not know. So we had a play around and now not only have I changed to wordpress but I am a .co.uk - new territory for me. It's been great fun starting from a blank(ish) canvas with the design elements and I am pleased to announce that <a href="http://www.akraftykat.co.uk/">www.akraftykat.co.uk</a> is now open for business (metaphorically speaking!). A big thanks must go to my boyfriend for all his help - everything that looks good is down to him and him alone (despite his best efforts to teach me how to code. I learnt a little bit. Honest!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So pop on over to <a href="http://www.akraftykat.co.uk/">www.akraftykat.co.uk </a>and take a look around! I hope you like what you see. Although all the bits and bobs are in place now there are still likely to be a few changes while I settle in to my new home and I would welcome your comments and constructive criticism :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you follow me on BlogLovin' I am working on getting my followers transferred to my new blog so there will hopefully be no need for you to change anything - I'll keep you posted! Eventually there will also be an automatic redirect set up from this site to the new one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll be back soon (hopefully) with a new make to share with you - yep I've been sewing too! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kat x</span>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-7241284693392886382013-12-29T14:45:00.000-08:002014-01-03T14:12:45.392-08:00A spot of Christmas craftingHello everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I had a lovely time catching up with friends and family and eating far too much scrumptious food. As always it went by too fast! The preperations up to the days itself were fairly hectic, but I did manage to fit in a spot of Christmas crafting which I am now able to share with you. I'll let the (sadly poor quality iPhone) pictures do most of the talking...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zkh-3Jk41f4/UsCgBQ4IbNI/AAAAAAAABcM/K256pluCp6c/s1600/IMG_1792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zkh-3Jk41f4/UsCgBQ4IbNI/AAAAAAAABcM/K256pluCp6c/s640/IMG_1792.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitted angel made from a kit free with <a href="http://www.letsknit.co.uk/">Let's Knit magazine</a>, which is now sitting proudly <br />
atop our tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade gift tags</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://madelinetosh.com/store/index.php/honey-cowl.html">Honey cowl</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxwPmfrUBaY/UsCf8clkqSI/AAAAAAAABcA/2yHAtHlnLKc/s1600/IMG_1808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxwPmfrUBaY/UsCf8clkqSI/AAAAAAAABcA/2yHAtHlnLKc/s640/IMG_1808.JPG" width="588" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applique cushion inspired by a design from Cath Kidston</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of pairs of PJ shorts for the boy (how AWESOME is the dinosour fabric!! Sadly all used up now <br />
but I am aiming to find more so I can have a piar for myself)<br />
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That's all my Christmas crafting this year. A lot of my gifts were food-based - for example, for both our sets of parents the boy and I made up hampers full of a mixture of homemade and bought foody goodies. I am pleased to say these went down really well so i'm sure they will be repeated in years to come. Who doesn't like food, after all!</div>
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I can also now reveal what I received from my <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/sewists-secret-santa-2013-edition.html">Sewist's Secret Santa</a>...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful merino wool, funky lace and owl buttons (of course!)</td></tr>
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Thank you Santa! Did you take part in the Sewists Secret Santa? Feel free to share the link below once you have blogged about your gifts and if I get enough I'll do a round up post. Thanks to everyone who took part, I look forward to seeing everyone's goodies!<br />
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Did you take part in any Christmas crafting this year?<br />
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K xx<br />
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2528751/?claim=t3qqm2scee9">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-31718715494107692112013-12-10T13:20:00.000-08:002013-12-10T13:20:16.362-08:00Easy reusable sandwich wrapsHello all, and happy December. Hope it's going well for you so far. I must admit that I am not yet feeling very Christmassy, although I am increasingly feeling the pressure to get going properly on my Christmas shopping - eek! We are hopefully going to buy out Christmas tree this weekend - I really want a real one for the first time this year - so i'm sure that will help matters. <br />
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Today I have a very quick and easy project to share with you. I am not quite sure how to describe these if I'm honest...lunch wraps? Sandwich wraps? The word "wrap" always makes me think of a tortilla. Whatever you decide to call it (answers on a postcard please) this is a nifty little creation that can be used to wrap up your sandwiches/bagel/crumpets/biscuits/cake and keep them nice and safe during transort, avoid crumbs, are reuable and look so much prettier that a plastic bag. The little plastic bags you get to pack sandwiches etc in are a bug bear of mine - I find them so wasteful - and I am very pleased to have found a reusable alternative. <br />
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Guess which one I made for myself and which is for the boy... </div>
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I used a tutorial which can be found <a href="http://treasuresunderthewillowtree.blogspot.co.uk/2009/07/reusable-snack-bags-free-tutorial-for.html">here</a>. The outside is cotton and the wraps are lined with PUL, or polyester/polyurethane laminate, a washable, waterproof and food-safe fabric. I bought mine from <a href="http://www.fabritastic.co.uk/fabritastic/prod_2262740-White-2mm-PUL-525half-meter-50-x-150cm.html">Fabritastic</a> but there are many other suppliers. This is a great project for using up scraps of pretty fabric.<br />
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These wraps were made from a 13 inch square and I can just about fit a bagel or a slice of bread in. I think that the next time I make these (and I predict there will be many more to come) I would increase the size to 15 inch square. Also, I would add a fabric tab over the velcro strap just to make it look a bit neater. Otherwise nothing to add - these are a quick, easy and useful make which have been much-admired in the tea room at work! I am planning to make some for Christmas presents. <br />
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In other news, I have joined forces with <a href="http://www.samanthaschofield.co.uk/">Samantha Schofield</a> to organise a creative and crafty blogger meet-up on 11th January in Nottingham. This will be a chance for <span style="font-family: inherit;">creative & crafty bloggers to meet up and we will be having a craft swap, goodie bags and discussions all in a new cafe based in the city centre. I</span>f you would like to come along please get in touch!<br />
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K xx<br />
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Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-82040811071871287432013-11-11T13:30:00.000-08:002013-11-11T13:30:40.540-08:00Charlotte Kelly SkirtHello Everyone! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. Last weekend I set up my sewing room and I am pleased to report that I am now back in the (sewing) game. I am also equally pleased that I am finally able to share with you my latest make - the <a href="http://megannielsen.com/products/kelly-skirt-sewing-pattern">Kelly Skirt</a> by Megan Nielsen. <br />
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I've called this my Charlotte Kelly skirt because it is <strike>pretty much an exact copy of</strike> inspired by a skirt made by Charlotte from <a href="http://charliesayssew.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/me-made-may-days-6-7.html">Charlie Says So.</a> Charlie's wore her skirt to the <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/brilliant-birmingham-blogger-bonanza.html">Birmingham meet-up</a> earlier in the year and I loved the black and red combination so much that I set about purchasing the materials required to make my own, right there and then. The main fabric is a cotton linen blend from <a href="http://www.leonsfabrics.co.uk/">Barry's Fabric Superstore</a> in Birmingham. This was my first time working with a linen and I must say, it was a delight to work with.</div>
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This skirt has been a work in progress for a very long time. It came together pretty quickly and I actually wore it to the London meet-up on 3rd August...seen here with Paddington (proof it was summer - look at those bare legs. I feel chilly just looking at this picture now)<br />
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However, I had a serious problems with the fit of this skirt and I realised just how bad it was after I spent the whole day of the meet-up tugging my skirt down! Basically, what happened was I tried to be a little bit clever. I struggle with skirts that are fitted at the waist and prefer to wear them on my hips. So although I loved the Kelly skirt pattern, I was unsure if the style would suit me. To overcome the waist issue, I planned to extend the waistband so that it would fall to my hips instead. Turns out this was an error. You can see from the picture below that the result was a massively gaping waistband (excuse the flesh on show!!)<br />
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I have since learnt that there are differences in waistbands for skirts that sit on the waist and those that sit on the hips. Waist-waistbands are straight, whereas those that sit on the hips are curved. Makes sense, right? This was a revelation to me when <a href="http://www.mymessings.com/">Rachel</a> explained this to me - thanks Rachel :) </div>
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After the meet-up this skirt was put to one side for several months until last weekend, when I picked it up again. I pinched in the waistband at each side and lined up the resulting fold with the side seam so that it looked like part of the pattern. I pinned both sides to check the fit then pressed and hand sewed the fold in place. I generally avoid hand sewing wherever possible, mostly because I'm lazy, but I was glad i did it on this occasion because the end result was pretty neat and it really didn't take that long. I just can't believe it took me so many months to apply this really simple fix!</div>
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A few close-ups of the details, firstly these beautiful buttons which came from Birmingham Rag Market. I was a bit scared about the seven button holes required for this skirt, but once I had done a few practise goes it really wasn't that bad. Honest. I think that if I make this skirt again, which I quite possibly will, I would interface the button planket as well as the waistband, just to strengthen it. </div>
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Also my favourite feature...there are owls in the pockets! OWLS!! Yes I copied this from Charlie too, but come on, owls are my thing, it had to be done. And I'm sure I would have come up with this idea anyway left to my own devices. Maybe. </div>
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So there we have it, a very red Kelly skirt, finally completed. I'm a bit sad I left it so long and it is now autumn, because this was lovely to wear in the summer as it is so light and comfy. Oh well, next year! Now is the time to wrap up warm in tights and scarfs, and it works just fine with tights too. </div>
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On the topic of winter, or more precisely Christmas (apologies for the C word...!), if you fancy taking part in this year's <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/sewists-secret-santa-2013-edition.html">Sewist's Secret Santa</a> you have until Sunday 17th November to sign up, so pop over to the link and find out what the fun is all about (and there are some handy dates there too so you ca plan your shopping!).</div>
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Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-3178157025800892772013-11-05T00:40:00.000-08:002013-11-05T00:40:02.632-08:00Sewist's Secret Santa - 2013 edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wC3RE30Rk7M/UKf7bRH3yjI/AAAAAAAABFo/GkVm5FED9u4/s1600/santa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wC3RE30Rk7M/UKf7bRH3yjI/AAAAAAAABFo/GkVm5FED9u4/s1600/santa2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hello Everyone!<br />
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Thank you very much for all your lovely comments and messages in response to my <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/normal-service-will-resume-shortly.html#comment-form">last post</a>. We have been in our new house for just over four weeks now and we are definitely getting there. It is feeling much more like home now and I even unpacked my sewing machine in my brand new sewing room at the weekend - photos coming soon!<br />
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For now though, I am pleased to announce the return of the <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/sewists-secret-santa-plan.html">Sewist's Secret Santa</a>! I know it's only just November and you probably haven't even started thinking about Christmas or Christmas presents yet, but following the success of last year I have decided to organise it again - with a bit more advance planning this time. Here is how it will work and how you can sign up:<br />
<br /><b>1)</b> Send me an email to kraftykatblog(at)gmail(dot)com by
<b>Sunday 17th November </b>with the following information -
your name, a link to your blog (if you have one), your postal address and also
whether you are happy to post internationally. Also, if you would like to
provide a short snippet of information for me to send on to your Santa please do
- for example, <i>"I'm a sewist and a knitter, I love spots and lace and big
prints". </i><br /><i><br /></i><b>2) </b>I will play Santa and
pick everyone's Secret Santa out of a (probably metaphorical) hat. I will split between people happy to
post internationally and those who would prefer not to. This will not be a
straightforward pairwise swap, otherwise everyone will know who their Santa is,
and that just defeats the object!<br /><br /><b>3) </b>I will send everyone an email
telling them who they will be buying for, along with their address/blog
link/information by <strong>Sunday 24th November.</strong><br /><b>4)</b> Present buying! This bit is completely up to
you, however please try and keep within the limit which is £5 (or equivalent
internationally). You can make/buy/thrift your presents or even shop your stash - it's completely up to you.<br /><br /><b>5) </b>Pop your gift in the post. Don't forget this
is supposed to be a Secret Santa, so it's most fun if you don't let on who the
present is from. Please keep an eye on the last dates for posting before
Christmas...check <a href="http://www.royalmail.com/greetings">here</a> for last
Royal Mail posting dates. The earliest last posting date is 4th December for anyone posting to New Zealand. Please try to post your parcel by <strong>Monday 16th December</strong> to make sure it arrives in time for Christmas.<br /><br /><b>6) </b>Receive your present and pop it under
the tree, or open immediately if you must, however please wait until after
Christmas to share on your blog. And feel free to speculate about who your Santa
might be....!!<br />
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I had so much fun shopping for my secret santa last year and am looking forward to doing it all again. If you have any questions please feel free to drop me an email or write a comment below and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.<br />
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Ho ho ho...<br />
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K xxKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-73099357767437462882013-10-12T13:18:00.003-07:002013-10-12T13:18:54.227-07:00Normal service will resume shortly...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3CbCiOvZIM/UlmldcSukbI/AAAAAAAABZA/s9caDkEw2Eo/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3CbCiOvZIM/UlmldcSukbI/AAAAAAAABZA/s9caDkEw2Eo/s400/IMG_1692.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We moved into our new house last week (just one day before <a href="http://www.astitchingodyssey.com/2013/10/goodbye-balconyits-been-blast.html">Marie</a> moved into her's - there is not really a mass Leicester exodus going on, to my knowledge at least) and the last few days have been a blur of boxes and small victories - it's amazing how exciting it can be to unpack something as insignificant as a good chopping board that has been hidden for days! I was sad to leave Leicester after over 7 years there but I am excited to move out of the city and start a new adventure.<br />
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While we are making progress with getting the house in order, I'm not sure there is going to be much sewing going on in these parts just yet. I'm lucky enough to have my own sewing room (a.k.a the spare room) in the new place, but it is currently looking a bit like this...<br />
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...a bit of work to do here I think you'll agree! If it was up to me the sewing room would be the first to be sorted out, but unfortunately the boy doesn't agree...</div>
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At least someone is making herself at home...</div>
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As long as Sally has a sofa and her biscuits she's happy!<br />
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I am excited to make the new house a home and furnish it with handmade goodness. We left all our curtains at the old house and although we have managed to snag a few freebies to keep us going in the meantime, I really want to try making my own curtains. This will be a first for me though and I'm frankly a bit clueless...if anyone out there has dabbled in curtain-making I would be most grateful for any hints, tips or handy links you can offer. Right...boxes are calling...or maybe a bit of X Factor...hmmmm...<br />
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P.S - apologies for poor quality iPhone pics...if anyone has any idea where I might have hidden my camera (in a box is not a valid answer) please let me know!<br />
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K xxKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-80839354694226491572013-09-21T13:26:00.000-07:002013-09-21T13:26:20.652-07:00Sewing with oilcloth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When my mum first asked me if I would make her a bag from oilcloth, I was a little bit dubious. Having never sewn anything with oilcloth before, I wasn't sure how to go about it. I had read that I might need a special foot, tissue paper, and all sorts of other complicated bits and bobs. However, in the end it turns out oilcloth is not really that scary. Fiddly yes, but scary no. </div>
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A bit of research lead me to <a href="http://shop.norfolktextiles.co.uk/">Norfolk Textiles</a>, who have a huge range of oilcloth in many many different patterns. I wasn't sure what to expect but I took advantage of the free swatches they offer to order some samples and let my mum pick her favourite. She also chose a simple canvas tote bag pattern from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Martha-Stewarts-Encyclopedia-Sewing-Fabric/dp/0715338307">Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts</a> (it's the bag on the front of cover in fact) as a basis for the bag. I ended up making a few adjustments, including chopping about three inches off the top and attaching the straps to the inside of the bag rather than the outside.</div>
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Since this was my first time sewing oilcloth, I had a bit of a practice run on a small strip of oilcloth first until I was happy with how the material was moving through the machine. </div>
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So how was sewing oilcloth any different to sewing with other fabrics? Here are a few pointers:</div>
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<li>I covered my standard sewing machine foot with masking tape to stop it sticking. I tried attaching masking tape to the feeder plate too but that really didn't work (note to self, if you cover up the teeth that feed the fabric through the machine, it won't move through properly. Duh)</li>
<li>I used a denim needle</li>
<li>I found it helpful to pull the cloth through the machine slightly to make sure it fed through smoothly</li>
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Other than that, it was pretty much business as usual. <br />
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To make the straps, I folded the oilcloth and sewed down the raw edge. The great thing about oilcloth is that it does not fray, which means there is no need to finish the seams. It is not advisable to use pins with oilcloth because they leave a mark, so instead I marked the position of the straps with a felt tip pen and placed the straps in position when I sewed the top of the bag down. I then sewed around the straps in a box shape to add a bit of strength. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hQGVdtNfjts/Uj32_QFgSUI/AAAAAAAABYk/lMHMyC2iCIo/s1600/IMG_1670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hQGVdtNfjts/Uj32_QFgSUI/AAAAAAAABYk/lMHMyC2iCIo/s320/IMG_1670.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sewing this bag was a bit of a learning curve but I'm pleased with how it turned out - and hopefully my mum will be too! The whole bag was made from half a metre of oilcloth, which makes it a pretty cheap make. I also bought another half metre in a different pattern for myself, so there may well be some more oilcloth sewing happening in the future. </div>
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In other news, we signed the contracts for our new house yesterday and hope to move in during the second week of October. Not long to go! I'm very excited about the move but not so excited about the packing - eep! We really need to get cracking. However today I took a little break from packing to head to Birmingham for the day. I was on a very strict budget due to the house move (plus new purchases equals more to move!) and I think I was quite restrained. I limited myself to two lengths of fabric from the wonderful Barry's - predictably some owl fabric perfect for pyjamas, as well as some dinosaur fabric which is destined to be pyjamas for the boy, who has been requesting dinosaur pyjamas for quite some time. This fabric was perfect so I had to snap it up!</div>
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What's on your sewing table at the moment? Have you ever sewn with oilcloth and do you have any top tips? </div>
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K xx</div>
<br />Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-12140740897196637112013-09-14T12:12:00.002-07:002013-09-14T12:12:55.159-07:00Things making me smile this week...I wanted to share a few things that have been making me smile this week...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4LYaWhDtxk/UjSs9vMUrMI/AAAAAAAABX4/Wi8MF0Iw8u4/s1600/IMG_1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4LYaWhDtxk/UjSs9vMUrMI/AAAAAAAABX4/Wi8MF0Iw8u4/s640/IMG_1660.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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The weather has become distinctly autumnal this week. Everyone around me is mourning the loss of summer but me? I don't mind at all. I may be the only one, but I've been rather looking forward to it! I think autumn is my favourite season. I love snuggling up with a good hot chocolate, wearing cardigans and walking amongst the colourful leaves while it is cool but not <i>too</i> cool. This week I wore my <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/fo-little-red-riding-hood-minoru-jacket.html">minoru jacket</a> for the first time in a good few months. When I put it on I noticed that my brooch from the <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/brilliant-birmingham-blogger-bonanza.html">Birmingham meet-up</a> was still attached - that must have been the last time I wore this jacket. It made me smile remembering how awesome that meet-up was and how great it was to spend time with so many lovely ladies. I've kept the brooch on the jacket - I think it goes quite well and when I put it on it never fails to make me smile. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-doH-_Ro7hBY/UjSs9-Z7WKI/AAAAAAAABX8/FExgEe5o2zw/s1600/IMG_1658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-doH-_Ro7hBY/UjSs9-Z7WKI/AAAAAAAABX8/FExgEe5o2zw/s640/IMG_1658.JPG" width="520" /></a></div>
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My <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEss11/PATTcorinne.php">Corinne cardigan</a> is coming together rather well - it's even starting to look like a cardigan. The way this is knitted is really interesting - the cast on edge is down the front of the cardigan (on the left in the picture) and knitted vertically across. The shaping is achieved by knitting short rows. To make the sleeves, you hold the first set of stiches on a stitch holder, cast on more to make the sleeve and continue knitting round. You then cast off the new stitches and pick up from the side to continue round the back. This makes a lot more sense when you do it - trust me! This would be a great beginners project as there is no complex shaping required, and the whole thing is done in garter stitch. Such a simple knit, but I think the finished article is going to be a really snuggly cardigan with three-quarter sleeves - perfect for autumn (I best get knitting!). The only downside is that it is now too big for me to take on the train so it's been relegated to a "home knitting" project - meaning it gets less attention!<br />
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And finally...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFF_ym4utOM/UjSs9TsS0BI/AAAAAAAABX0/VAE-_OkpC_c/s1600/IMG_1661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFF_ym4utOM/UjSs9TsS0BI/AAAAAAAABX0/VAE-_OkpC_c/s640/IMG_1661.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Paul Hollywood's <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/white_chocolate_and_89452">White Chocolate and Raspberry sourdough</a>. I've made a few standard sourdough's recently but this is my first attempt at branching out a bit. Admittedly, this is a bit soggier that Paul's version but it is TASTY. Yum yum yum. </div>
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The other thing making me happy this week I'm not able to illustrate photographically - things are moving really well with our house, and we hope to sign the contracts in the next week or so. Eeep! I'm already looking forward to my brand new sewing room - but slightly dreading the process of packing the whole house up...gulp...</div>
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What's been making you happy this week? Share the happiness :)</div>
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<br />Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-77415316760502547412013-09-09T10:04:00.000-07:002013-09-09T10:04:17.054-07:00A very snuggly bunny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I think I've mentioned <a href="http://www.craft-days.co.uk/">Craft Days</a> before on this blog, a wonderful craft shop in my home town of Saffron Walden. It's probably a good job that this shop was not open when I was growing up, because I think a large amount of my pocket money would have been splurged there! It's great to see this shop is flourishing in my little home town when so many shops around the country are closing - a true sign of the growing popularity of crafts in general - and it has even expanded relatively recently. They sell a variety of yarns, fabrics, beads and general haberdashary, and also run a wide range of classes. Last time I was there I picked up some <a href="http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/yarns/the-collection/fur-wool/">Fur wool</a> from the range by <a href="http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/">Erika Knight</a> (anyone who, like me, is an advocate of British yarn, check her out!) with the intention of knitting a gift for a small person using a pattern also from Craft Days. Now that the said small person has made his entrance into the world (and taken receipt of his gift) I can now share with you this very snuggly bunny rabbit.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ2FOPDuyDI/Ui3588L2Y3I/AAAAAAAABXQ/w2UXytF4z3g/s1600/bunny2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ2FOPDuyDI/Ui3588L2Y3I/AAAAAAAABXQ/w2UXytF4z3g/s640/bunny2.jpg" width="542" /></a></div>
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I tell you, the small person was lucky to get this bunny, he is so snuggly I was very tempted to keep him for myself! Knitting with fur wool takes a little bit of getting used to as it can be a bit fiddly, but it knits up SO quickly. I think all the main peices for the bunny were complete in a couple of evenings and then the making up took a few more evenings. So all in all a speedy make. The yarn is a little bit pricy (at least for someone who until recently was quite happy with acrylic!) but definately worth it. The best thing about this yarn is that it is very forgiving - you can sew everything up on the right side, even using a different yarn if you so desire, and the stitches disappear out of sight. Magic.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBM_ulirgoo/Ui36U7supsI/AAAAAAAABXc/L3osVZnE6po/s1600/bunny1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBM_ulirgoo/Ui36U7supsI/AAAAAAAABXc/L3osVZnE6po/s640/bunny1.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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I'm really pleased with the way this bunny turned out, and I forsee more on the horizon. I enjoy knitting baby toys and garments (I'm not going to lie, this is partly because they knit up quickly and I am impatient so this suits me!) and I have several friends who have recently announced pregnancies so there will be a whole heap of baby knitting happening over the next few months. I tend to stick to the same few patterns for baby knits and recently I have tended towards toys rather than clothes, as I worry clothes are outgrown quickly.<br />
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What are your favourite things to make for small people - knitted or sewn? <br />
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Or maybe you are a mum (or dad!) yourself - what were the most useful or most loved handmade baby gifts you recieved for your little ones? I would love to know!<br />
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K xxKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-53624417597683620102013-08-23T10:55:00.003-07:002013-08-23T10:55:54.968-07:00A crafty catch-upWell, hello there! Anyone still there? It's been quite some time since my last blog post, but for once this isn't actually due to a lack of crafty happenings in these parts. I've had lots to blog about - the <a href="http://sew-incidentally.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/goldhawk-road-meet-up-saturday-3rd.html?utm_source=BP_recent">Goldhawk Road blogger meet-up</a>, a finished Kelly skirt (blog post coming soon) and a whole host of selfless makes including a couple of pairs of socks (<a href="http://roobeedoo.blogspot.co.uk/">Roobeedoo</a> warned me that knitting socks is addictive and she's not wrong!) and a rabbit for a small person. I am also the luck recipient of the <a href="http://astudyinstitching.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/super-sweet-blogging-award.html">Super Sweet Blogging Award</a> from the very kind Rachel at <a href="http://astudyinstitching.blogspot.co.uk/">A Study in Stitching</a> - again blog post coming soon, I promise!<br />
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There's been lots of non-crafty happenings too - the boy and I have had an offer accepted on a house (squee!) which is incredibly exciting and a little bit scary and grown up. I really love the house, the two features that sold it to us (quite literally) are the large kitchen with space for a big dining table and the open fields at the front. It's three bedroom (which allows a study for the boy and a sewing room for me!) and has a lot of character. It's in a lovely village which is halfway between where I and the boy work and near to Derby but not too far away from where we live now so I can still pop back. I'm now very impatient to move already, but it turns out that buying a house is a very long (and expensive!) process involving lots of different people doing lots of very slow things. We're going back to the house tomorrow with a tape measure so we can work out where our furniture will go and if we need to find anything new to fit the space. I'm trying very hard not to get too excited, as things could still fall through, but I have everything crossed. If all goes well we could be moving in a few months time. The thought of actually packing everything up fills me with dread, but I'm sure it will be worth it....<br />
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So the process of sorting everything out with buying the house is taking up a surprisingly large amount of time, add to the fact that we are trying to de-clutter too before the move and it's been a busy few weeks! There has been plenty of crafting being planned behind the scenes and taking place on my daily commute though. Those of you who follow me on Twitter or Facebook may have seen a sneak peak of my latest knitted make...it's growing by the day and here is the latest picture...can you guess what it is yet? (Note: it's a lot less purple and a lot more red that it appears below, but I had trouble taking a picture that accurately reflected the colour properly).<br />
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Like others in the UK I am looking forward to a long weekend of de-cluttering, relaxing and hopefully some sewing thrown in as well. What crafty plans do you have for the weekend? Whether it's two days or three, I hope it's a good one :)<br />
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K xxKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-12523977598611039102013-07-21T10:56:00.000-07:002013-07-21T10:56:18.087-07:00Have you ever been attacked by your stash?<br />
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<strong><em>*Disclaimer: This is not my actual fabric stash but a handy representation!*</em></strong></div>
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This morning I had grand plans for an afternoon of sewing, starting off with PJ shorts (much needed in this hot weather) and then cutting out for my <a href="http://megannielsen.com/products/kelly-skirt-sewing-pattern">Kelly skirt</a>. I couldn't quite face my <a href="http://shop.byhandlondon.com/product/victoria-blazer">Victoria blazer</a> with the heat we have had recently, but rest assured this is next on my list. I was all ready to go and was just storing away my Victoria blazer fabric on the shelf where my boxes of fabric live....when out of nowhere disaster struck and the whole shelf came crashing down, boxes of fabric narrowly missing me and my precious overlocker (luckily we were both fine). I was literally being attacked by my stash. The result was fabric strewn all over the floor while I stood there trying to hold the rest of the boxes in place until the boy came to rescue me. <br />
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The piece of fabric I had been trying to put on the shelf was by no means heavy on its own, but it must have been the straw that broke the camel's (or rather, the shelf's) back. The boy gave me a stern talking to about overloading the shelves - apparently they can only hold 15kg in weight. I would have protested that there is no way my stash comes anywhere near that, but comparing lifting even one of the four boxes to weights at the gym, I have a horrible feeling that it weighs considerably more. Opps. So rather than spending the afternoon sewing, I spent it clearing space to store my fabric as I am now one shelf down. The screws were pulled out of the wall by the weight of the shelf and the boy thinks it's unlikely that the shelf will be able to go up again in the same place, so for now I am forced to find space elsewhere. Oh dear. I can't believe that my stash has got to the stage where it is tearing apart my sewing room - not good, not good at all. I was already on a fabric diet but this has made things even worse - I think I need to join stashaholics anonymous stat! <br />
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Have you ever been forced to confront a problem in this way? Have you ever been physically attacked by fabric?! And any storage solutions other than shelves suitable for a small space would be most welcome....<br />
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K xxKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-84385242372636141142013-07-11T14:38:00.000-07:002013-07-11T14:38:15.164-07:00In praise of pyjamas<br />
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<a href="http://didyoumakethat.wordpress.com/">Karen</a> recently posed the question of <a href="http://didyoumakethat.wordpress.com/2013/07/10/home-clothes-do-you-have-them/">whether people have "home clothes</a>". Mine have got to be pyjamas - or more specifically, pyjama bottoms. Snuggly in winter with thick socks and a dressing gown, and if made into shorts or with a light fabric they can be surprisingly cool in the summer paired with a vest top. I've always been a big fan of pyjamas. Back when I was a student, I would spend large portions of the day, especially at the weekend, in my PJs. Sadly I can't really get away with that anymore, but I still frequently change into them as soon as I get home - they are the most comfortable item of clothing known to man (I challenge you to find anything as comfortable - except perhaps a onsie, I would imagine, but definitely more acceptable!). </div>
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I have now made three pairs of pyjamas using the Simplicity 2116 pattern and I love them. I swear I am never buying RTW PJs again and am already planning some shorts versions for me and Mr KK. I like my pyjamas long, and being tall, this was pretty much impossible to find. Now I just whack and extra 2" onto the pattern pieces - simples! The only other change I made was to lop about 2" off the top of the PJs before sewing the waistband - I guess I like mine to sit a little lower than intended. </div>
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This pattern is really quick to whip up, and that's even taking into account that I have used french seams for all three versions - I just love how neat and strong this makes them. Even since I acquired my overlocker, I still can't resist a french seam. The only exception was the hems, which i overlocked and then folded and stitched once. </div>
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Another advantage to making your own pyjamas is that there are so many awesome prints out there - you can choose some really quirky fabrics. My local market is full of amazing options. The first pair I made out of safari print cotton which I think was quilting weight so it wasn't particularly drapey. It worked just fine but the next two pairs I have made with much lighter cotton and this works really well (not to mention it feels lovely against your skin). </div>
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This is my most recent pair, made just in time for <a href="http://didyoumakethat.wordpress.com/2013/06/23/pyjama-party-launches/">Karen's Pyjama Party (part 2).</a> I made these with a lovely soft cotton purchased at the recent Birmingham meet-up. I made a slightly late-in-the-day attempt to match the plaid, just to see if I could. You can see in the photo below that I managed it ok at the front of the crotch (left hand side) but not so well along the bum. Oh well - it's not like I was really trying or anything...!<br />
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Apologies for the creasing - they had just been washed! <br />
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Do you love to make pyjamas? Or are there other garments that you have sworn never to buy RTW again after discovering how great it is to be able to make your own with the correct length/fabric/fit you desire? <br />
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K xxKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-26681996603906770822013-07-04T12:36:00.000-07:002013-07-04T12:36:49.225-07:00What was your very first make?At the <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/brilliant-birmingham-blogger-bonanza.html">Birmingham blogger meet-up</a> a few weeks ago, a few of us got talking about the first item of clothing that we every made. Mine was my <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/crescent-skirt-finished.html">crescent skirt</a>.<br />
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I love this skirt and I still wear it all the time. I followed <a href="http://sewaholic.net/sew-alongs/">Tasia's sewalong</a> to make this skirt, which was extremely helpful for me as a total beginner because she went through the whole process step by step complete with handy photos. I don't think I would have ended up with a skirt anywhere near as wearable as this if I had gone through the process alone.</div>
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However, looking back, there are a few things that I would do differently now. For example, I was completely clueless when it can to bias binding - I didn't really know what I was doing and so before binding the hems with it, I cut it in half! At the time I was really pleased with my neat and tidy bound hems, but after going through the washing machine many many times, this has resulted in a whole lot of fraying. At some point soon I will have to redo this properly. I don't tend to use bias binding for the lining hem these days - I fold the hem over twice and stitch instead. Also my zip insertion and stitching in the ditch are both a bit of a mess - but hey, nobody looks that closely right?! I'm a bit of a perfectionist but even I realise that these are only small points and I am still really proud of my skirt. Looking back at the first few items of clothing that I made makes me realise how much I have learnt over the two years I have been sewing - and am still learning. Each item that I have made acts in some way like a marker of my progress, and teaches me new things for the next one. </div>
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So what I want to know is - what was your first ever make? Was it a simple project or did you dive in at the deep end with a challenge? Was it a success...and if so do you still wear it?<br />
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K xxKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-87357903764654987372013-06-20T11:17:00.000-07:002013-06-20T11:17:01.317-07:00Spring Sewing Swap 2013Who doesn't love getting presents in the post? I know I do. So when I saw that Kerry from <a href="http://www.kestrelmakes.com/">Kestrel Makes</a> was organising a sewing swap I knew I had to take part. Basically how it worked was that Kerry paired everyone up and then we had to check out our partner's blogs and spend up to £15 on sewing goodies for them that we thought they would like.<br />
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I was paired with Kerry herself - talk about pressure! Here is what was in the lovely parcel that she sent me...(check out the awesome dotty post bag!)...<br />
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There are no pictures of everything wrapped up because I may have been a bit impatient to take a photo. I had to pick up the parcel from the post office because the postman took it hostage and I was so excited to see what was inside that I started to open my goodies at the bus stop! There may also have been some tablet fudge in the package too but, erm, it may not have made it home in once piece.<br />
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Kerry had obviously been reading my blog and has seen that I like <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/yorkshire-dales-and-british-yarn.html">using British yarn</a> as she bought me some local yarn from <a href="http://newlanarkshop.co.uk/">New Lanark in Scotland</a>. Also in the package was a pattern for a casual top, which looks like it will make a great basic, some purple buttons and a gorgeous length of purple cotton with a bird print (are they swallows? I'm not great with birds!). I think the fabric would make a great <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1204-alma-blouse">Alma blouse</a> (just realised the birds are upside down in the photo - this was not intentional, sorry birdies!)<br />
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Thanks Kerry, both from organising the swap and for my lovely goodies! I love everything that you sent me :)<br />
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If you want to see what I sent Kerry, take a look at this <a href="http://www.kestrelmakes.com/2013/06/spring-sewing-swap-post-your-links.html">blog post</a>.<br />
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K xxKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-77660357280465053952013-06-16T13:39:00.000-07:002013-06-16T14:11:46.261-07:00Brilliant Birmingham Blogger Bonanza<div style="text-align: left;">
Yesterday morning <a href="http://www.astitchingodyssey.com/">Marie</a> and I set off to Birmingham bright and early to meet up with 30 "strangers from the internet". After our initial apprehension about whether anyone would actually turn up, we soon found ourselves surrounded by 30 super sewing ladies. There were oohs and ahhs as everyone admired each others handmade outfits and excited squeals as people met online friends in real life. Once everyone had assembled we set off, not quite two-by-two but pretty much, to the amazing fabirc heaven that is <a href="http://www.leonsfabrics.co.uk/">Barry's</a>. The lovely ladies there had kindly agreed to give us a 10% discount and seemed remarkably unphased by the huge gaggle of sewists who descended on them. </div>
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Temporarily shopped-out and hungry, we headed to headed to <a href="http://www.cafesoya.co.uk/">Cafe Soya</a> to refuel with a yummy lunch and a mammoth swap. Ah the swap!</div>
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There was fabric galore along with patterns, notions, magazines and trimmings. It was all quite overwelming so I picked up a few things but on the whole thought I had been quite restrained...although looking at my loot I think I came away with more than I thought, including some delicious wool which is destined for a pencil skirt and some beautiful vintage fabric that <a href="http://midsummermellies.blogspot.co.uk/">Mellie</a> told me had been her grandmothers!<br />
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We then headed off to the <a href="http://www.ragmarket.com/">Birmingham Rag Market</a>, and finally the <a href="http://www.fancysilkstore.co.uk/">Fancy Silk Store</a> for yet more shopping, before admitting defeat and heading back from whence we came, armed with delicious goodies generously baked by <a href="http://sew-incidentally.blogspot.co.uk/">Claire</a>. </div>
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Thank you so much to everyone who came yesterday, it was amazing to have so many lovely ladies come along and I hope you enjoyed yourself as much as I did. It was wonderful to catch-up with familiar faces and meet a whole load of new ones....I have so many new blogs to check out now! Below is a full list of everyone who came along and links to their blogs if they have them - do go and have a browse!</div>
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<strong>Alana</strong> - <span id="goog_1303854572"></span><a href="http://www.lazystitching.com/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">Lazy Stitching</span></a><span id="goog_1303854573"></span></div>
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<b>Amy</b> - <a href="http://almondrock.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">Almond Rock</span></a></div>
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<b>Anna</b> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/getcraftynow?fref=ts"><span style="color: #d6265d;">Get Crafty</span></a></div>
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<b>Caroline</b> <b>Bones</b> - <a href="http://cottonheiress.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">Cotton Hairess</span></a></div>
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<b>Caroline</b> <b>Booth</b> & daughter <b>Phoebe</b></div>
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<b>Caroline Nixon</b></div>
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<b>Carys</b></div>
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<b>Claire </b>- <a href="http://iwanttobeaturtle.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">I want to be a turtle</span></a></div>
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<b>Charlotte</b> - <a href="http://englishgirlathome.com/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">English Girl At Home</span></a></div>
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<b>Charlie</b> - <a href="http://charliesayssew.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">Charlie Says Sew</span></a></div>
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<b>Deborah</b> - <a href="http://dfabricate.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">DFabrication</span></a></div>
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<b>Emma</b> - <a href="http://vintageinkfairy.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">My Oh Sew Vintage Life</span></a></div>
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<b>Erica</b></div>
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<b>Hannah</b> - <a href="http://madewithhugsandkisses.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">Hugs and Kisses</span></a></div>
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<b>Helen</b> - <a href="http://helenssewingadventures.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">Helen Made</span></a></div>
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<b>Jo</b> - <a href="http://theamazingtaracat.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">The Amazing Adventures of Taracat</span></a></div>
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<b>Julia</b> - <a href="http://thesecretlifeofseams.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">The secret life of seams</span></a></div>
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<b>Karen</b><br />
<b>Rachel </b><a href="http://astudyinstitching.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">A Study in Stitching</span></a><b> </b>& mum <b>Liz</b></div>
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<b>Lara</b> - <a href="http://dreamingofavonlea.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">Dreaming of Avonlea</span></a></div>
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<b>Louise</b> - <a href="http://threadcarefully.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">Thread Carefully</span></a></div>
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<b>Mellie</b> - <a href="http://midsummermellies.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">Mellie's workroom</span></a></div>
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<b>Rachel</b> - <a href="http://layerstitchrepeat.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">Layer, Stitch, Repeat</span></a> and <a href="http://www.thehollywoodsew.com/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">The Hollywood Sew</span></a></div>
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<b>Rose</b> - <a href="http://strangenotions.pigeondesign.net/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">Strange Notions</span></a></div>
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<b>Sabs</b> - <a href="http://tybalt-king-of-cats.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">Tybalt: king of cats</span></a></div>
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<b>Sarah</b> - <a href="http://52weeksof.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">Not Found</span></a></div>
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<b>Tanya</b></div>
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<b>Zora </b>- <a href="http://zjread.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #d6265d;">Read all about it</span></a> </div>
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So what did I buy? I came away with the lovely little stash below:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloakwise from top left: Checked cotton for yet more PJs, red linen/cotton for a Kelly skirt, black and white print for a dress, red and white print for another dress, and poly-something polka dot which may become a lining for a victoria blazer. </td></tr>
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I think I terrified poor <a href="http://charliesayssew.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/me-made-may-days-6-7.html">Charlotte</a> with my excited admiration for her gorgeous Kelly skirt (I think I said hello to the skirt before I said hello to her!), and then proceeded to buy exactly what I needed to replicate the skirt for myself. Well almost...just when I thought I could not love her skirt any more, I checked out her blog and found she has lined the pockets with owl fabric. OWLS people! Need I say more. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buttons for my Kelly skirt plus a couple of extras....how could I resist?!</td></tr>
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Thanks again to everyone who came, and a special mention to my fabulous co-hosts Marie and Claire. There is nothing left to say except...bring on <a href="http://sew-incidentally.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/sewing-meet-up-london-goldhawk-road.html">3rd August</a> when we get to do it all again :)</div>
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K xx</div>
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Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-68921524281465293272013-06-14T12:31:00.001-07:002013-06-14T12:31:23.106-07:00FO x3 a.k.a stash-busting challenge successBack in April I set myself a <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/stash-busting-challenge.html">stash-busting challenge</a> with the following pledge:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>I, KraftyKat, will make at least three garments using fabric from my stash before the Birmingham meet-up on Saturday 15th June. If I do not complete this challenge, I promise not to buy or acquire from the swap ANY more fabric at this meet-up.</strong></span> </div>
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The <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/birmingham-meet-up-15th-june-save-date_14.html">meet-up</a> is tomorrow - so how did I do? Well, I'm delighted (and just a tiny bit relieved!) that I have three new garments to show you!</div>
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<strong>Number 1: <a href="http://sewaholic.net/">Sewaholic</a> Pendrell blouse #3</strong></div>
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This is my third version of this pattern but the first time I have made this sleeve version - just realised that you can't actually see the sleeves in this photo - doh! - but it's the 2-ruffle version. The fabric is a lovely drapy cotton and is lovely to wear - infact I am wearing it today! I can see this being a staple in my work wardrobe. </div>
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<strong>Number 2: Sewaholic Pendrell blouse #4</strong></div>
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Yep your eyes are not decieving you - another Pendrell blouse. During me-made-May i realised that my wardrobe is lacking basics in solid colours. The Pendrell blouse is the perfect basic pattern so I made yet another version, this time the sleeveless view. Rather than leaving it completely plain (and a little bit boring), I stitched lace trimming around the armholes.</div>
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<strong>Number 3: Pyjama bottoms</strong></div>
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Ever since I made my <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/fo-safari-print-pyjamas.html">first pair</a> of PJ bottoms last year I have been meaning to make another pair and what better excuse that <a href="http://didyoumakethat.wordpress.com/">Karen's</a> upcoming <a href="http://didyoumakethat.wordpress.com/2013/06/03/pyjama-party-goes-live-2/">pyjama party</a>? I used Simplicity 2116 and the most gorgeously soft cotton fabric which is absolutely beautiful - you probably can't see but the gold bits have glitter on them! These were pretty quick to whip up, and that's even with french seams, which effectively means I sewed the PJs twice. I swear I am never buying PJs again. A super-quick make which I can ensure is long enough for a tall person like myself and choose my own funky fabric of my own choice? There is no downside to this!<br />
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So there we go - stash-busting challenge complete. A good job too as I may have fallen off the wagon a tiny little bit last weekend (I was refraining from buying fabric alltogehter, although re-reading my pledge I notice it specifically mentions only no fabric aquiring at the meet-up, so I unwittingly gave myself a massive loop-hole!). Either way I felt terribly guity, but there is a story behined this purchase. A few months ago I walked past a stall in Leicester market and saw this very fabric. I convinced myself that I was being good and walked away. Ever since then I have not been able to get this fabric out of my mind. I searched and searched on the internet to no avail. All was lost. Or so I thought, until last week I happened to pass the stall again and there it was. There were just 2 metres left and I knew I had to snap them up there and then - also at just £2/m it was barganious.<br />
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Oh and did I mention it is AMAZING fabric!??!<br />
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To give you an idea of scale, this is pretty much the whole length of it - my boyfriend is holding it up so I can take a picture. So it's a very large print. It is about 2m by 2m. My original thought was that I want to make a skirt to show off the print. It would make an amazing circle skirt, but I just don't think I have enough. Ideas on a postcard (or in the comments below!) please!<br />
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I am so releived to have completed my stash-busting challenge and am geering up for a fun-filled day tomorrow. There will be over 30 sewists congregating in Birmingham - the fabric shops and rag market won't know what hit them! I am looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting lots of new ones. If you're coming along - can't wait to see you there!! <br />
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K xx<br />
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Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-72604978008348609042013-06-06T00:35:00.002-07:002013-06-06T00:35:55.755-07:00Me Made May catch-up: Weeks 4 & 5 and reflectionsHello everyone, here is my forth and final <a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/me-made-may13-sign-up-here.html">Me Made May 2013</a> post and it's a bumper special covering the last 2 weeks. I must confess that I am missing a couple of pictures here - I debated re-modelling the outfits for these days but to be honest they were pretty much exact repeats of previous days so it didn't seem worth it. Apologies for my laziness! So without further ado, let's get on with it...<br />
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<strong>Day 20</strong> <br />
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Today was my birthday and I am modelling my third <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1001-pendrell-blouse">Pendrell blouse</a>, as yet unblogged and saved especially for the occasion. Yep that's right, I've been sewing new stuff! This is the first of three items I pledged to make before the <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/birmingham-meet-up-15th-june-save-date_14.html">Birmingham meet-up</a> as part of my <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/stash-busting-challenge.html">stash-busting challenge</a>. The cake in this rather attractive photo (!) was made for me by my lovely boyfriend and I'm sure you will not be at all surprised to discover it is an owl. Lets have a closer look....isn't he clever! It was very tasty. </div>
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<strong>Day 24</strong></div>
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At the end of the week my boyfriend's brother came to stay. He was visiting from Australia with his girlfriend. We had a lovely time and ate lots of curry. They left on the Friday and pretty much as soon as they left I had some friends arrive for the weekend. I wore my beloved <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/crescent-skirt-finished.html">crescent skirt</a> but didn't manage to get a photo. However, it can be seen many times in my previous MMM posts....it has been a bit of a staple!</div>
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<strong>Day 25</strong></div>
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Today was the day of my birthday BBQ! This has become a bit of a tradition and has now been going for about 6 years. It pretty much always rains but this time the weather defied the odds and we had beautiful sunshine! It was sunny enough for me to wear my <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/new-look-6557-2-finished-dress.html">New Look 6557 dress</a>, which was the first dress I ever made. Apologies for the shoddy iPhone picture - this was snapped quickly just before going to bed. </div>
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<strong>Day 28</strong></div>
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Another pictureless day I'm afraid. I wore my <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/fo-renfrew-revelations.html">green double knit renfrew</a>, which has been seen many times before over the course of this challenge!</div>
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<strong>Day 30</strong></div>
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Sewaholic <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/fo-pendrell-blouse.html">Pendrell blouse #1</a>. I love this top and in fact I am wearing it now as I type this! Nothing else to report here, this was a work day. </div>
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<strong>Day 31</strong></div>
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Me Made May draws to a close with the reappearance of Pendrell #3 for another day at work - it was a Friday, hence the jeans. I think this may be one of my favourite outfits of the whole challenge, although it's a close call.</div>
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Phew! All done! Looking back over the whole month, I think it was more of a challenge than I anticipated although I'm really glad I took part. Possibly due to the weather, there were a number of me-made items, mostly dresses, which didn't get a look-in, which is a shame. So what have I learnt from this challenge?</div>
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1) I need more me-makes in solid colours. I love prints, but this means that sometimes I struggle to put an outfit together. </div>
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2) I need to sew more work-wear. A lot of my makes so far are "occasion" dresses - frosting rather than cake as the saying goes! Since I spend most of the week needing relatively smart clothes, my handmade wardrobe need to reflect this. Which brings me on to the next point...</div>
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3)...I love dresses and I would wear dresses everyday if I could BUT my current wardrobe contains no me-made work-appropriate dresses! This needs to be a-dressed. Ahem. </div>
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4) I sew a lot of <a href="http://sewaholic.net/">Sewaholic</a> patterns! I knew I loved Sewaholic, but even I was surprised by how many of my makes are from this pattern line. This by no means a bad thing - it is a testament to the awesomeness of Tasia's patterns. They fit me well without the need for major adjustments and the patterns are extreamly versatile and easy to wear. </div>
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So - basics in solid colours and smartish dresses are my sewing future! Thanks so much to <a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.co.uk/">SoZo</a> for organising this fantastic challenge. I am already thinking of next year where I hope to be in a position to up my pledge and commit to wearing me-mades at least 4 days a week. Bring it on!</div>
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Did you take part in Me Made May for the first time? What did you learn from the experience? And do you have any recommendations for smart work dresses?!</div>
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K xx</div>
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Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-26175688392071734162013-06-02T00:54:00.000-07:002013-06-02T00:54:57.899-07:00Me Made May catch-up: Week 3<a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/me-made-may13-sign-up-here.html">Me Made May 2013</a> made have officially come to an end (sad face) but the fun continues around these parts for now as I bring you a round up of week 3 (only 2 more posts after this one, we're getting there, albeit slowly!). Week 3 was a week of repeats...I warn you now that there is nothing new to see here (that comes in week 4).<br />
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<strong>Day 13</strong><br />
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I got a bit confused on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2205993@N23/">Flickr</a> and I think this photo was labelled as day 9 or something, but no, it's day 13! Sewaholic <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/fo-renfrew-revelations.html">Renfrew</a> again, so in an attempt to detract from the fact you've seen this before, I'm joined by Sally in this photo. She was more interested in playing outside than having a cuddle though - shortly after this picture was taken she took a giant leap to freedom!</div>
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<strong>Day 18</strong></div>
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Sewaholic <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/crescent-skirt-finished.html">Crescent skirt</a>. Shoddy self photo taken in the mirror of my parent's bedroom as I was visiting them this weekend. Picture taken just before I ran out of an empty house to meet a friend...why I didn't ask her to take the photo instead I do not know...think I was worried I would forget and end up photo-less for day 18. </div>
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<strong>Day 19</strong></div>
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Another self photo...Colette patterns <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/one-sorbetto-two-sorbetto.html">Sorbetto top</a>. Again to distract from the repeat boredom I am modelling two early birthday presents given to me my my lovely mum - crocheted slippers and a felted bag. Isn't she clever!<br />
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Right that's week 3 done and dusted! It's a beautiful sunny Sunday here...I'm looking forward to a morning of sewing and then a session of plotting and planning the <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/birmingham-meet-up-15th-june-save-date_14.html">Birmingham meet-up</a> with the lovely <a href="http://www.astitchingodyssey.com/">Marie</a>. Can't believe there is less than 2 weeks to go now until the big event! We currently have 36 sewists signed up - eek that's a lot of people. I'm ever so slightly terrified but remain mostly confident that this is going to be AWESOME! <br />
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Happy Sunday everyone!<br />
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K xx<br />
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Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-65622735033584097082013-05-27T06:34:00.000-07:002013-05-27T06:34:12.770-07:00Me Made May catch-up: Week 2Eep where has the time gone! We're into the final week of <a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/me-made-may13-sign-up-here.html">Me Made May 2013</a> and I have been TERRIBLE about keeping up with blogging about my outfits each week - opsie! I do apologise. However, I have been photographing my outfits and keeping a bit more up to date with posting them in the official Me Made May 2013 <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2205993@N23/">Flickr group</a> so all is not lost. My <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/me-made-may-2013_25.html">pledge</a> was to wear me-made garments at least 3 times a week. Let's see what week 2 looked like...<br />
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<strong>Day 7</strong><br />
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Sewaholic <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/fo-pendrell-blouse.html">Pendrell blouse</a> - I love the print on this top, but the puffed sleeves do make it a little bit tricky to wear underneath a cardigan so it's best saved for warm days. Also, because my fabric is fairly stiff, they do stick out quite a bit so I sometimes feel a bit costumey in this top. Saying that, I do love it and I really like how it looks with these trousers and is nice and smart for a day at work. </div>
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<strong>Day 10</strong></div>
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I managed to get to Day 10 before my first repeat - here again is the first skirt I made, the Sewaholic <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/crescent-skirt-finished.html">Crescent skirt</a>. Apologies for the slightly unfocused picture, I have no idea what happened! I love this skirt. It is perfect for work on any day but, as here, I often find myself wearing it on casual Friday. Does anyone else hate "casual Friday" or is it just me?! I find it more of an effort to decide what to wear on these days than on any others. It is most confusing. </div>
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<strong>Day 11</strong></div>
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Onto my third <a href="http://sewaholic.net/">Sewaholic</a> pattern of the week - my second Renfrew top. I have not blogged about this before as it was pretty much the same as the <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/fo-renfrew-revelations.html">first</a>! This is sewn in very thin (and very cheap) jersey which doesn't do it many favours but I do like the colour and print and it works ok with a top underneath. This day I was flying up to Glasgow so it made a nice and comfy plane outfit. <br />
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<strong>Day 12</strong><br />
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Day 12 does not count at all towards my Me Made May campaign - it was the day of the <a href="http://www.greatrun.org/Events/event.aspx?id=9">Glasgow Women's 10k</a> so I spent most of the day in my running gear. Here I am just after crossing the finish line looking rather soggy as it was a very wet and windy day! The weather obvious worked in my favour though because I ran my fastest time yet despite the Glasgow hills! <br />
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That brings us to the end of week 2...week 3 coming soon! Are you taking part in Me Made May? Are you managing to keep up with your pledge - or even exceed it? <br />
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K xx<br />
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Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-44214998115945883272013-05-06T03:36:00.000-07:002013-05-06T03:36:24.985-07:00Me Made May round-up: Week 1Hello and happy May Day bank holiday to everyone who has a bank holiday today (I was going to say to everyone in the UK but I think perhaps Scotland does not have this day off...or did I make that up?!). It's a beautiful sunny day which is glorious, although I was not feeling so pleased about it when I went for a long and very hot run in it this morning (10K if you're interested, in preperation for the <a href="http://www.greatrun.org/Events/event.aspx?id=9">Bupa Women's 10K</a> in Glasgow next Sunday, eep!). But now the running is over and I have no plans but BBQing and chilling for the rest of the day, I am ready to embrace the weather! I hope it's lovley where you are too. <br />
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Right, so, <a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/me-made-may13-sign-up-here.html">Me Made May</a>! This year I have <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/me-made-may-2013_25.html">pledged</a> to wear me-made garments at least 3 times a week. I will be doing a weekly round up each weekend (yes I missed the ball this time but hey ho, since it is a bank holiday today counts as a weekend!). I have decided to used calender weeks (Monday to Sunday) rather than counting each 7 day week from 1st May as my brain is easily confused and it's easier to keep track of things this way. So without further ado:<br />
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<strong>Day 1</strong><br />
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Apologies for the overly bright photo, it was impossible to get anything better in the morning sun! Here I am wearing my <a href="http://sewaholic.net/">Sewaholic</a> <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/fo-little-red-riding-hood-minoru-jacket.html">Minoru jacket</a> and (also Sewaholic) <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/fo-renfrew-revelations.html">Renfrew top</a>. Slightly boring outfit, but I struggle with work wear! I wear these two garments all the time, they are comfortable and practical, what more could I ask for. </div>
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<strong>Day 3</strong></div>
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Casual Friday today - sporting a <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/">Colette patterns</a> <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/one-sorbetto-two-sorbetto.html">Sorbetto top</a>. I haven't worn this top much recently, but I enjoyed wearing it and I think it will be brought out more often in future, especially during the remainder of Me Made May!</div>
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<strong>Day 4</strong></div>
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Wearing my Sewaholic patterns <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/crescent-skirt-finished.html">Crescent skirt</a>. This was one of the first garments I made, and still remains one of my most loved and most worn. I am plotting another crescent skirt or two in plain fabrics as I think it would make a great wardrobe staple. Oh and yes - that is the world famous <a href="http://www.ragmarket.com/">Birmingham rag market</a> in the background!</div>
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On Saturday <a href="http://asewingodyssey.blogspot.co.uk/">Marie</a> and I went on a reconasance mission to Birmingham in preperation for the <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/birmingham-meet-up-15th-june-save-date_14.html">meet up</a> we are hosting along with <a href="http://sew-incidentally.blogspot.co.uk/">Claire</a> on 15th June (not long now - are you getting excited!?). What were we doing you may well ask - well, we mapped the rag market - quite literally!</div>
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Yep we've compiled a visual representation of all the best fabric and notions stalls to help you out on the day. Can you tell we're excited? I had to get a picture of Marie and I with the results of all our hard work so we asked a young Chinese couple to take a picture of us...</div>
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I think perhaps in retrospect I should have explained to them that we would be posing with a peice of paper and making silly faces because they looked extreamly confused and kept asking "Are you ok?" "Is that your pose??". Much hilarity was had. There were sillier pictures but my camera has a habit of randomly deleting pictures and so we have been left with the sensible one - probably for the best!</div>
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Oh and in case you were wondering, I didn't buy a single piece of fabric during my trip to Birmingham - I was so proud of myself. I am committed to my <span id="goog_838605496"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">stash busting challenge</a> <span id="goog_838605497"></span>and this weekend I have started work on the first of the three garments I muct complete before the meet-up. I am determined to succeed!</div>
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What are you up to this long weekend - do you have any sewing plans or will you be out enjoying the sunshine? Or are you at work (boo!)? </div>
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Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-39527979903315182102013-05-01T14:24:00.000-07:002013-05-01T14:24:48.254-07:00Yorkshire dales and British yarnHello everyone, and happy May! It's been a beautiful day here today and I'm feeling rather cheerful! This could also be partly due to how much I have enjoyed looking at everyone's day one <a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/me-made-may13-sign-up-here.html">Me-Made-May</a> outfits on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2205993@N23/">Flickr</a>. I am amazed by the variety of outfits as well as all the great backdrops that everyone has used for their photographs. There will be a round up post from me coming at the weekend, but it's clear already that I am going to have to up my game!<br />
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Last weekend me and Mr.KK went away for a long weekend in the Yorkshire Dales. It was great to get away and although the weather was mixed (sunshine, rain and hail all within an hour!) we still had a lovely time. I do love the countryside. We spent our time walking in the dales through fields and field of lambs of various ages and daffodils a-plenty - it all felt very springlike!<br />
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We stayed in a small town called Hawes and on a wander through I was delighted to spy a knitting shop - so of course we had to pay a visit. The shop is called the <a href="http://knittingbaskethawes.blogspot.co.uk/">Knitting Basket</a> and it stocks a great selection of yarns, including a number of locally spun and British yarns. Having spent the weekend surrounded by sheep, I felt it was only right to purchase some local yarn!<br />
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I came away with two skeins of blue faced Leicester yarn in the 'owl' colourway (of course!). This yarn is so beautifully soft, and was spun locally in Yorkshire at the mill of the <a href="http://www.wyspinners.com/">West Yorkshire Spinners</a>. I love the fact that I can show you a picture of the breed of sheep it came from - take that cheap acrylic "wool"! I can't wait to use it - I think it would make a lovely scarf. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PhRuWFUFY-Y/UYF9ZutgOpI/AAAAAAAABOo/VtVjAL1D8ik/s1600/sheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PhRuWFUFY-Y/UYF9ZutgOpI/AAAAAAAABOo/VtVjAL1D8ik/s400/sheep.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For a while now I have been thinking more about the yarn I use in my knitting, what it is made of and where it come from, as a result of reading the blogs of wonderful people such as <a href="http://roobeedoo.blogspot.co.uk/">Roobeedoo</a>, who is an advocate of independent British yarn companies, as well as going to a workshop run by the designer <a href="http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/yarns/the-collection/">Erika Knight</a> who has her own collection of 100% British yarn. I think the main thing that put me off is the cost - I thought it was so much more expensive - however a bit of research tells me that this is not necessarily the case. True, it may be a bit more pricey than your £1.50 ball of 100% acrylic, but you certainly get what you pay for (i.e. actual wool!). I am coming to realise that quality is so important. If I am going to spend time making something I truly love, then it is important to use good quality materials. That's half the joy of making your own garments - you know what goes into them and where it comes from. <br />
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A bit of googling has revealed that so many more yarn companies than I realised have British yarn ranges. For more information and an exhaustive list of smaller British yarn companies, check out <a href="http://apileofsheep.wordpress.com/a-guide-to-great-british-yarns/">The British Yarn Guide</a>. I can't promise that I will only and forever more use British yarn from now on, but I will definitely be thinking a lot more about where my yarns come from and going for quality over quantity!<br />
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Do you try and use British or local yarns in your makes? Can you recommend any good companies or stockists?<br />
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K xx<br />
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Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-67763589314217676802013-04-25T12:31:00.000-07:002013-04-25T12:31:12.634-07:00Me Made May 2013<br />
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Every year I watch people take part in the me-made/self stitched months organised by Zoe of <a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.co.uk/">So, Zo...</a> but I have never taken part before because I never thought I had enough me-made items to wear. Well...this year I still don't have enough me-made garments to wear but I have decided to take the plunge - just to see of I can.<br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i> 'I, Kat of KraftyKat , sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '13. I endeavour to wear a me-made garment at least three times a week for the duration of May 2013'</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Gulp! It's </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">definitely</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> going to be a challenge...but that's the whole point. Hopefully my <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/stash-busting-challenge.html">stash-busting challenge</a> will help me out. If all else fails, <a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/">Miss P</a> has posted <a href="http://portialawrie.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/10-super-quick-tops-just-in-time-for-me.html">10 super quick tops</a> which may well come in handy! I'll be posting weekly round-ups of my outfits - hopefully it will get me wearing my me-made clothes more and give me the chance to experiment with some different combinations.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Wish me luck! Are you taking part in Me Made May? I can't wait to follow everyone's outfits. I'm excited!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">In other news, I'm on the hunt for fabric with a Snoopy print which is suitable for making pyjamas with. Can anyone help? I've scoured the Internet but not managed to find anything suitable. There must be something out there somewhere, surely?!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">K xx</span></span></div>
Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-32536466614565634312013-04-17T13:48:00.001-07:002013-04-17T13:48:49.881-07:00Stash-busting challengeIt's no secret that there has been a bit of a lack of sewing around these parts recently. And by "a bit of a lack of" I mean pretty much none. Although, newsflash, I did make a little zipped bag as a gift last weekend...that counts right? So if you've read about the <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/birmingham-meet-up-15th-june-save-date_14.html">Birmingham meet-up</a> that I am co-organising in June, you might be wondering how I can possibly even be <em>thinking</em> about buying any more fabric at all when I have hardly made a dent in my purchases from the meet-up <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/birmingham-blogger-bonanza.html">last November</a> such as these beautiful fabrics...<br />
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...and these....</div>
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The truth is I can't! I'm feeling the guilt of having an ever-expanding stash. So I've come up with a plan! I am setting myself a stash-busting challenge. </div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">I, KraftyKat, will make at least three garments using fabric </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">from </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">my stash before </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">the Birmingham meet-up on </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday 15th June. If I do not complete </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">this challenge, </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">I promise not to buy or acquire from the swap ANY more </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">fabric at this meet-up.</span> </em></strong></div>
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So there we go. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I have just under 2 months to make my three garments. Hopefully it will be a good way to kick-start my sewjo too. Wish me luck....!!</div>
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Have you ever set yourself any sewing challenges? Were you successful? Do you want to join me in a pre-swap challenge of your own? I'd love to hear from you!</div>
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K xx</div>
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Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-9766963557017005362013-04-14T03:03:00.000-07:002013-04-14T03:03:22.522-07:00Birmingham meet-up 15th June - Save the date!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello everyone and happy Sunday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember these happy smiling faces from the <a href="http://akraftykat.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/birmingham-blogger-bonanza.html">Birmingham blogger meet-up</a> last November? </span><br />
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Well, <a href="http://asewingodyssey.blogspot.co.uk/">Marie</a> and I had so much fun at the last meet-up that we've decided it's time to do it all again! We've planned another Birmingham meet-up for <strong>Saturday 15th June</strong> and this time we're joining forces with the very lovely and super-organised Claire from <a href="http://sew-incidentally.blogspot.co.uk/">Sew Incidentally</a> to bring you a day of fabric shopping, swapping and just generally hanging out with some lovely sewists. <br /><br /> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbw05zH8v8N5IJxVk8JK43gY9UIFSCjewhyXfRmlbuxfDyA9iV_jzS-EcEV38DMqz-VwL1sprboM3Q2mOKeMk1s7lAkKE2NG6_Yqs_Zd5cBY6qLJx1lDSchbN4b9bEIwsGW9IBFgPpj5U/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbw05zH8v8N5IJxVk8JK43gY9UIFSCjewhyXfRmlbuxfDyA9iV_jzS-EcEV38DMqz-VwL1sprboM3Q2mOKeMk1s7lAkKE2NG6_Yqs_Zd5cBY6qLJx1lDSchbN4b9bEIwsGW9IBFgPpj5U/s320/DSC_0036.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
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The details at a glance...<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Birmingham</span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Meet-Up</span></span></b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> Place: </b>Birmingham New Street Statio<span style="font-size: small;">n</span><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> Date:</b> Saturday 15th June 2013</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> Time:</b> Meet-up from 10.30<span style="font-size: small;">a</span>m till 11.0<span style="font-size: small;">0</span>am</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Rag Market Stalls</b></span><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>:</b> 11.00am - </span><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">12.30pm</span><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b> Swap-a-thon + Lunch:</b> </span><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">12.30pm - 2.00/2.30pm</span><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b> More Market / Shopping:</b> 2.30pm</span><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"> onwards!</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b> Home Time</b></span>:</b> 4.<span style="font-size: small;">00 - 4.30</span>pm</span><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The plan is to meet up from 10.30am at Birmingham New Street station (just on the other side of the ticket barriers) and then at 11am we'll head off for some fabric shopping! We'll aim to start off with a visit to the world famous <a href="http://www.ragmarket.com/">rag market</a>, before heading to a nearby cafe/bar for a spot of lunch (venue yet to be decided) at around 12.30pm (it won't take too long to walk there we promise!). There, we'll swap, de-stash, chat, eat lunch and make merry until 2.00-2.30pm. Afterwards there'll be <i>plenty </i>of time to visit the lovely market stalls again and then onto a couple of fabric shops including the<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://www.fancysilkstore.co.uk/contact.asp" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fancy Silk Store</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and </span><a href="http://www.barrysfabrics.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Barry's Fabrics</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A few words about the <strong>swap</strong>...the idea is to pass-on any un-loved sewing/knitting/crochet bits and bobs for example fabric, patterns, notions, books, threads, buttons or magazines etc. etc. Please don't worry too much about what to bring with you to swap with other sewists...you are not obliged to bring anything at all if you don't want to, it's all about de-stashing and having fun! Nobody leaves empty handed and you always find something new, exciting and surprising in amongst the piles of yummy stuff on the tables :)</span><br />
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So if you fancy coming along on <strong>Saturday 15th June</strong> please pop me an email on kraftykatblog(at)gmail(dot)com. I hope lots of you can make it for what promises to be a really great day. If you are not already convinced, take a look at a couple more pictures from the Birmingham meet-up last November...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last year's swapping fun inside Cafe Soya!</span></b></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaGvovJyP84TwWQUd3HZk5yXH08WlhvTCCfWzwh7dOJa2tGCs2YYMghsrxkyRUvaZS7pAp6R-aP0MlqssfoCnEghSyjSOsU-Dpbn-cE6oD9kNTJ6KE5Dt9GZruTzRz4WILqtbP6mBKfg/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaGvovJyP84TwWQUd3HZk5yXH08WlhvTCCfWzwh7dOJa2tGCs2YYMghsrxkyRUvaZS7pAp6R-aP0MlqssfoCnEghSyjSOsU-Dpbn-cE6oD9kNTJ6KE5Dt9GZruTzRz4WILqtbP6mBKfg/s320/DSC_0112.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.barrysfabrics.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Barry's Fabrics</span></b></a></i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">If Birmingham is tricky for you to get to, never fear...<a href="http://sew-incidentally.blogspot.co.uk/">Claire</a> is organising a whole host of meet-ups this year all around the country so there will hopefully be one that suits everyone. For details check out this <a href="http://sew-incidentally.blogspot.com/2013/04/sewing-meet-ups-good-things-come-in.html">blog post</a>. </span><br />
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K xx<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760979403532525064.post-80015257879194450802013-04-13T09:31:00.000-07:002013-04-13T09:31:49.498-07:00Blogiversary giveaway winnersThank you so much to everyone who commented on my last post where I asked for tips on using an overlocker. I now have a whole host of tricks of the trade from you lovely people which have already come in handy as I've been playing with my overlocker today. <br />
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Right, it's time to announce the winners of my blogiversary giveaway! The random number generator has spoken and the winners are...<br />
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Jersey fabric (lot 1): Sabs from <a href="http://tybalt-king-of-cats.blogspot.co.uk/">tybalt: king of cats</a><br />
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Sew and Stitch Home book (lot 2): <a href="http://kristinslearningmoments.blogspot.co.uk/">The Hojnackes</a><br />
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Simplicity 2444 pattern (lot 3): Ashley from <a href="http://jellybeansoddsandends.blogspot.co.uk/">Jellybean's Odds and Ends</a><br />
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Well done to all three winners! Please could you all email me your addresses and I will pop your prizes in the post!<br />
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I didn't want to do a blog post without a picture so I'll leave you with this....</div>
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<a data-ved="0CAgQjRwwAA" href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=A1pprUJpeBdRiM&tbnid=7fiiSFSvAM4a0M:&ved=0CAgQjRwwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fiambackpacker.net%2Fmasala-dosa%2F&ei=I4dpUf_yC4mg0QWG1YDIAw&psig=AFQjCNH_L3Ujd9qbTYXBfsqdKeSpSzAX9w&ust=1365956771228285" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="300" id="irc_mi" src="http://iambackpacker.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Masala-dosa-1.jpg" style="margin-top: 53px;" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a dosa, a big pancake made of rice flour, and sambar, a spicy soup. I love South Indian food and I am attempting to cook dosa tonight for the first time...wish me luck!!!<br />
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K xx<br />
<br />Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00332668769206406249noreply@blogger.com4