Somewhat belatedly, I've got a moment to jot down my latest sewing antics.  We've been away to Kent for the weekend, so no chance to 'get my blog on' there, although it was lovely and I may well share a few photos later on. 
I had a good time last week making things for the boys in my life, namely Roan my son and Matt my current husband (!!).  A few months back I bought some bi-plane fabric on ebay and had it earmarked for pyjamas, but with this sudden blast of summer, it's far too hot at night for that, so in half an hour I quickly knocked together a pair of shorts (using same Sewing for Dummies pattern of last week).  Honestly, they're so easy and Roan was able to put them on just half an hour after he'd selected fabric.  Now THAT's my kind of sewing!  I've made a few pairs of trousers in the past, so the structure was straightforward and of course given only half the material, they whizzed through my machine with no drama.  Only problem now is trying to wrench them off him to put them in the wash!
So on to the next TGBSB pattern, the Men's Waistcoat, which looked so stylish and simple.  I used a navy pinstripe wool mix for the outer fabric and lined it with a cotton twill as that was all that was available to me at the time.  Again it was a simple pattern to follow, with darted front and 3 back panels.  I hand-sewed the lining openings but even that hasn't ruined it!  Unfortunately though, the sizes they use in the book are supposedly standard sizing but their Large is not the same as my husband's so it's a tight, almost risque look for Mr T and I'll have to find one of his smaller, skinnier mates to offer it on to.  Still, project ticked off and I'm happy with the results, especially some lovely huge vintage buttons that finished it off.  Nancy looks good in it, hey?
As promised, after the Tea Dress I said I'd have a go at invisible zips and the Girl's Dress in TGBSB looked so pretty I rummaged around and made it up using some leftover Ikea fabric & some stripes for the bodice.  A splash of ribbon here and there with a vintage ribbon gathered trim seemed to work ok BUT my zip is not invisible and my school report on this would definitely read 'must try harder'.  I've actually used this method of zip insertion when making cushions, purely by fluke though, so even though I don't have an invisible zip foot, as they recommend in the book, I'm sure I could get closer next time.

For my Maggie Moo brand, I almost always come back to making bags.  I do lots of other things too, but there's something very satisfying about bags.  I think you're either a shoe girl or a bag… lady, and I fall into the latter.  Can't be bothered with stilettos and peep toes, but come over all of a quiver if I see a snazzy clutch purse or an oh so functional messenger with just the right number of compartments!  Most of my range is made of oilcloth, because having mastered how to sew it, I really enjoy using such a sturdy and practical material.  Anyhoooo, back to bags, because they're such a personal item, when you find one that you like, you can use and abuse it until one day it may well, give one last breath and say ENOUGH already!  That's what happened to Jan's bag.  It was well loved alright, but could no longer reciprocate and she brought it to me to clone.  This is the result, she was bold in her choice of fabric, this Ikea design is one of my faves, and hopefully theirs will be a partnership that will go on and on…  Now you can't always say that about some killer heels that almost killed you at the end of the party and end up tossed to the back of the wardrobe in disgust...

One of the nicest things about crafting is sharing ideas with like minded people and seeing where the creative juices flow.  Since I tend to work alone, (quite happily) in my shed, these interactions are really important to me and it always encourages me to get on and finish things or make something completely different.
Where I live, there are plenty of opportunities to take up new hobbies or join in groups and one of those is the Transition Keynsham Stitch 'n' Bitch (http://keynshamt.wordpress.com/stitch-and-bitch/), that I've been going to for a couple of years now.  It's run by the lovely Erica who has a wealth of experience in sewing, knitting and crochet and she has helped me untangle small disasters on many occasions.  This group opens up a new world to me within a small town and I love that this is something unique to us.  It's not about being R&M's mummy or Mrs T, but just a love of making that brings us together from all our different backgrounds.

It was just a matter of time before a few friends and I suggested getting together for a similar purpose, to share skills and have fun creating and making.  So far, I've learned how to make (& eat!) delicious curries and perfect my granny squares.  It was my turn to host this week and I have to say I don't think my shed has ever been so hot - it must have been all the nimble fingers sewing and the flushed G&T tickled cheeks!  Snap purses are BIG right now, I see them at all the fairs, so I thought we'd have a go at them.  In true Blue Peter fashion, I did have 'a couple I'd made earlier' and we were all really pleased with our results.  
Lorraine kindly passed on a girl's pattern & I've made Maggie a little nightie for these warm nights we're finally getting.  Hoorah, it looks like summer out there!

Oooh, yeah, mustn't forget to share my top tips this week!  My little scissors were getting blunt and I read somewhere that you could use foil to sharpen them - well it only bleedin' works,doesn't it!  Just fold up a small piece of foil several times until it's about 8 sheets thick and cut it with the blunt scissors.  After a few goes it starts to sharpen - MAGIC!
AND I've discovered spray painting, a bit late I realise as someone has already gone crazy in Bristol using it, but my needs were a little more domestic…  I picked up a cheap wicker basket recently but didn't like it that much.  A few wafts of spray paint though and I love it now!