Sewing class and stuff...

changed my sewing class this week. Still go to the same woman, but a different night.  Just had to do it - there was a lovely well meaning woman on my other night who just couldn't stop talking!  I would be trying to figure out how to sew a french seam or draft a pattern and she's talking in my ear about how people are driving past her workplace WAYYYY too fast post the earthquake, or some other book that she found in a second hand store.  So last year I enquired about the possibility of changing and my lovely teacher rang me a few weeks ago and my first night was Monday.  Lovely class, lovely girls and I really enjoyed it. Here's my pattern that I cut out and pinned the material I guess I could take a pic of my material - just think black and white retro.  Not making the full skirt - am going to do the dark slim dress.  Cutting out the material this week and maybe even doing a little bit at home if I get the nerve!

Fitness test at the gym today - and I survived relatively easily.  Was surprised at how easy it was to be honest.  Although I need to work on it and improve my fitness level.  Mind you - ran 45 mins yesterday in the heat so I was pretty happy with it really.  

Speaking of which - going to change my blog name!  (Not that it really matters because I don't think anyone has stumbled upon it yet anyway!)

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Gotta love weekends!

Well yesterday I finally had the opportunity to make the sticky buns out of Annabelle Langbeins  'the Free Range Cook'.  Been wanting to make them for a while but needed an excuse to do so... otherwise the batch of buns would have ended right up in my tummy!  I think they turned out ok...

I'm much more the savoury kind of girl so these totally appealed.  Took them up to the men concreting at friends and they went down a treat.

Today I've made some rather overgrown courgettes (that reads 'marrow') into pickle.  Mum's famous recipe (well famous in our family anyway!)  and they've all come out pretty good.  Just have to work on getting the jars clean of any old stickers and labels and they're good to go.  All just about popped their lids.  I think there maybe one that doesn't want to seal - but that's all good as it can be used straight away!

And so now - about to tackle a sewing project for a friend.  She is dressing up in an outfit similar to her bridesmaid outfit from many moons ago.  Check out the main photo in the New Look 6383 pattern - and imagine it in maroon knit!  I've read the reviews and apparently it's a fairly easy pattern to make... fingers crossed!  :)

Whoops - it's February!

Life has been a blur of Christmas, camping, work, another week off for my brothers' wedding and then work again this week.  Thankfully the cafe across the road from work has reopened and have graciously rekindled my caffeine habit.  Quite liking them actually - way better than the previous cafe/tenants! 
But no sewing... well limited anyway.  I've made this dress

Version B obviously... I made it late last year in a merino and loved it, then got inspired post my trip to Auckland with some new fabric and remade a summer version.  This one is quite sheer, so needs a slip underneath - and it works well.  What I DO have to do though is cut my sizing down.  I've decided I have body dysmorphia as I consistently make items in a size too big for me.  It's cool and comfortable, but really.... could be a size smaller.

This weekend I want to refashion a t-shirt of my hubby's.  I found a tutorial on another blog site http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/warhol-dress-pattern.html  and you end up with a pattern and tutorial for this wee dress. It's gorgeous!  (Actually I won't link the picture as it wasn't mine to begin with and I feel slightly dodgy about doing that).  standby for the finished product!  :)

Sewing class begins next Monday... what to make?  I've added to my stash following my trip to Auckland, but kind of feel like there's nothing there that I want to make!  Hmm... might have to make some gorgeous cushions instead - at least I'll get practice at putting in those invisible zips!  :)

It's Christmas and am I ready?

Nope.  Well not really... haven't let the Christmas season kick in this year - no reason really, just haven't been bothered!  Which is quite sad.  But it's all ok - and at least there's no decorations to take down once we return from our camping holiday.

Now the reason for this blog.... I've been fascinated by the blogs of others who use it for updates on their sewing - it's amazing to see what everyone does.  So I've joined this maddening throng and here I am.  To be honest - I should probably be using this time to finish off a few little projects, but they've kind of sat there for so long as it is... what's a few more minutes... right?  (Although I do have to find the supermarket today, finish off oiling the deck furniture and think about what's for dinner!)

Once I can figure out how this all works, and can post pictures and have been for my afternoon run... I'll be back!  :)