I made it a few inches longer than the pattern so it's more of a tunic shape and I used a plain navy jersey for one sleeve just for a bit of fun. I may add a navy pocket, and a striped cuff on the plain sleeve might also be good idea. I don't want anyone to think I simply ran out of the striped fabric!
On Sundays I usually make enough bread to keep us going for the week ahead. People seem to think you have to be patient with bread making because it takes so long. Well it's true it takes around 3 hours from start to finish but you don't have to watch it! I set the dough to prove and take my timer with me to the workroom. By the time it's ready to be turned out and shaped I've cut the fabric out and made a start overlocking the hems. I finish the sewing while the loaves have their second rise and try my new top on as the bread bakes and the kettle boils for a well earned cup of Lady Grey.
Sundays are also a day for gardening, especially at this time of year when there's so much to be done. It's very satisfying though when you enjoy the rewards of the hard work. I can barely move after weeding and planting most of today but as well as the sense of a job well done there are beautiful flowers to look at and fresh salad to put on our plates!
By mid afternoon, although the spirit is willing (and there are still plenty of weeds!) the body is weak and there comes a point when any more bending is out of the question. A gentler activity is required.
I was glad to sit in the warm sun and try out some new pens I've treated myself to. I usually draw in a very tonal way so it's a challenge for me to work in a more linear style. I'm working from a botanical illustration that has gorgeous depth of colour so I couldn't resist adding a wash over watercolour pencil. This is just a start, I'll be adding more drawing and colour if I get a few minutes tomorrow. It's helpful to see the photo - shows me just how much darker those shadows on the gooseberries need to be.
Talk to you again soon
Linda x
I hastened to Vogue online and scoped out the patterns there by Marcy Tilton. Wow. It stirred rusty memories of the days I sewed for myself. I love her patterns. Your new top is super cute. I don't think anyone will think you ran out of fabric:) Another time, you could make the back the same color as one sleeve and the front the color or print of the other sleeve just to see if that feels more intentional.
ReplyDeleteYour watercolor gooseberries are great too. Makes me hungry for toast and jam.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Glenda - sounds like a good plan. I have lots of bits of jersey that could be used in combination!
ReplyDeleteLove your top Linda, I too went and looked at Marcia Tilton, loved her patterns and I also have an earlier version of your over-locker which I use very often. Here in Spain though I have never seen any knitted/jersey fabrics. just popped over to your sales page and have emailed you about a couple of items. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a wonderful summer, your garden looks lovely and fresh, here our landscape already looks "desiccated" with a beauty of it's own though.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteWe are really lucky to be able to buy so many jersey fabrics in the UK. Have you looked online? I have bought from Minerva Crafts recently and was very happy with their jersey. I don't know if they ship to Europe but I suppose the shipping costs would be exorbitant though as fabrics are pretty heavy. BTW I haven't received an email from you so drop me a line if you have questions!
Best wishes,
Linda
All that done in a day - amazing. Love the top.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel - thanks for your order. The pincushions will be on their way to you asap.
ReplyDeleteHi Liza - it's surprising what you can do when you set your mind to it!
ReplyDelete