Curious Cat for Hallowe'en

Hallowe'en is a nice excuse to get crafty; I decided to stretch my stitching skills after a long time of not sewing anything.

I think this Curious Cat is just Puuurrrfect for October:

If, like me, you haven't done any sewing for a while the extra bonus with the curious cat comes as a 'Stitch and Keep' sewing guide that you can practice all the stitches on before you finish off on the proper piece. 

The kit comes with all the embroidery silks needed to embellish the printed design. I find working with an embroidery hoop much easier as it keeps the work taut and you're less likely to end up sewing two sides together by accident.

It's really simple to follow the areas that need to be worked and you can choose between the colours provided depending on what you prefer.

Now all I need to do is plan whether to make it into a cushion or frame it for the wall.....

If you haven't tried your hand at stitching before, I would recommend these wonderful kits designed by Nancy Nicholson 

SIO Tips no. 52: Sewing Machine Needle Care

Sewing machine needles should be changed reasonably often to ensure crisp sewing stitches and the smallest possible puncture marks.  Will look less unsightly if you have to unpick.

SEEKITOUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time.

"No New Clothes for Jodie" - Part 2

Guest blog from Space to Sew 

"I have to say that in taking up the gauntlet to join in the Jodie "No New Clothes Challenge" I wasn't expecting it to turn competitive - or for my clothes to be copied before I've even had a chance to wear them! Though admittedly sharing patterns and ideas is one of the huge benefits of sewing with others. Nevertheless as the first version of my 40s blouse (pictured left) is finally complete (who says I never do any sewing or complete anything?!) it has been so admired that it is already being copied by the amazing Jodie, allegedly because she so loves the pattern she's been dying to sew it. I have to admit that despite my apparent protests she is of course right: it is a great pattern, though I wish I could take credit for it. Credit is however due to tutor Kate, designer extraordinaire, who spotted its potential - for me at least! - the moment the pattern arrived. I originally only intended to make the skirt: it was Kate who suggested I make the blouse (and bolero actually!) and I really only agreed to work on the blouse because the original blouse or bolero pieces will be much easier to frame than the skirt ones due to their smaller size. (Apologies: the original pieces are still not framed as I am still trying to work out how to do that effectively!).
However once again Kate's designer eye has been proved right and the 40s blouse is a huge hit, even though this 'prototype' is a first draft and not yet made to the standard I intend to achieve on repeating it. (cf. part of Goal no. 2: to sew the next one better!)
It would seem though that the blouse pattern is about to stand another challenge as Jodie and I usually wear completely different styles, so it will be interesting to see how it turns out for her. Isn't she lucky that I hadn't thrown the toile away and she could use it? A great recycling use of the first toile I drafted, though I am not totally convinced that Jodie should have evaded the original pain of tracing off an original 40s pattern without pins: be warned Jodie, you owe me a 'pattern trace'! That apart, I am actually quite excited at seeing the Jodie version (I heard a whisper from another Club member the other day about also wanting to make up their own version of the same blouse - Kate eat your heart out!). But ladies, I need to say very firmly at this point, that other than in a 1940s fashion show (do I sense an event coming on?), we absolutely cannot be seen wearing them at the same time at the same party! In the meantime I can say that thanks to the photographic evidence I can prove that I have completed Goal 1 of my 2013-2014 Dressmaking Goals. And whether I like to admit it or not just now, this is very much due to Jodie spurring me on because of the shared (non-competitive!) challenge. Hopefully the favour has been returned as she has just sent me her written Sewing Goals. So here they are below. Note the hoodie (where's the 40s influence in that?!) by her own admission one of her favourite items of clothing - don't worry Jodie: not an item you're in danger of me copying!
No new clothes for Jodie update: Jodie's 2013 Sewing Goals - in her own words of course!
"The aim of this challenge was firstly to improve my sewing, however 6 months in I feel somewhat behind where I wanted to be. I have had a few unexpected outside (to sewing) challenges but still! Inspired by Domini's sewing goals I am setting myself both projects to complete and also some techniques I would like to master alongside them. 

Here I go:

1. I live with external hope of a summer so.... a summer dress (I have started this project already) Technique to be mastered.....lining a dress and fitting 
2. A jersey dress, this is for the autumn/winter which will be here quicker than summer so best get started. Technique to be overcome.....jersey and the challenges it brings 
3. A shirt, I love to wear shirts and they never appear to fit well so this is a challenge to be met. This will be my most advanced project of new things including buttons, collars, fitting, the dreaded placket word, so please wish me luck. 
4. A hoodie, I LOVE hoodies and having already attempted one I think another more polished attempt is needed! 
5. As mentioned by Domini above, the 1940's blouse pattern I have "borrowed" from her (thank you). I really love the style and so want to see if I can find my very own and see how this differs from modern patterns. Lots to learn here, vintage patterns are a whole new world and I will be looking to Domini and others at space to sew for help. 

Of all I make I will also complete a quick blog of how I get on, even if I fail! - Jodie"
Domini again: There's no question of Jodie failing as she just doesn't. She has the most extraordinary perseverance and tries things that others would rather not even attempt (and not just hoodies!). As regards helping you with vintage patterns I think it will be Kate and the other tutors we'll need to turn to for that. However I can help you by holding on to the patterns while you trace around them so you don't use any pins!
P.S. I'm glad you want to make a shirt. I'll let you experiment with that one first and learn from you I think. That is the most daunting project I can think of just now, but I know you'll succeed with it even if I don't!

Part 1 - in case you missed it!

@SpacetoSew
www.spacetosew.co.uk

SIO Tips no. 51: Easy Garlic

Peeling Garlic cloves can be a pain but no need for fancy gadgets; simply cut off the end where the clove attached to the rest of the bulb then roll the clove between your palms a couple of times applying enough pressure for the skin to come away from the flesh - Easy Peasy!

SEEKITOUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time.

SIO Tips no. 50: Pondlife

Pond fish eat more in the summer, feed them once or twice a day. It's better to feed them a little and often.
If the food has not been eaten within 15 minutes, remove and dispose of the excess. If you're going on holiday remember to get a friend or neighbour to feed your fish as well as watering the plants.

SEEKITOUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time.

"No New Clothes for Jodie" - Part 1

Guest blog from Space to Sew

One of the things I love most about our sewing Club is the inspiration I get from what other members and our tutors are making; and of course the amazing camaraderie that goes with it. Folk are amazingly supportive of each other and I for one am hugely encouraged to get on with sewing projects that I wouldn't otherwise find time to work on. 
Sewing with others was one of the things I really missed when I moved up from London and surrounding myself with other 'sewists' has had its usual uplifting effect. As mentioned previously in Jodie's Placket Nightmare, one of our most inspiring Club members is Jodie (pictured above hugging her favourite her very beloved Overlocker). Her enthusiasm and determination are infectious as is her undaunted ability to try new challenges & push the boundaries of her sewing knowledge to the next level. I have to admit that I originally wondered if she would reach a 'sewing plateau' (I realised only recently that I have reached one of those myself as my original sewing goals have now been met). Yet not Jodie: she seems to be stretching herself even more than before and part of this is due to her decision at the start of the year that she would sew everything (yes, absolutely everything) she wears in 2013. Why? In her own words: "No New Clothes for Jodie". 
A few things led to the above sentence: "I have too many clothes, I really do, and I keep buying more. I make plans to go out for the evening then look to buy a new top or dress, why? I have clothes I can wear already. Is society or habit my reason for doing this? Then around the time of the New Year, I completed a mental checklist of all that I own and decided I had no actual need to buy clothes or much else. 
Then I thought, I want to be able to sew clothes and this can only come from practice, practice and some more practice. Combine the two: if I want something new to wear I am going to make it and the money I save on my buying can go towards sewing courses and sewing Club (I'm about to learn how to make a bra) to help me learn new skills and buy fabric (as we know this is not always cheap). I mentioned this at sewing club, and suddenly I felt committed as other people thought this sounded great. So.....no new clothes for Jodie. Wish me luck." Domini again: No luck needed Jodie. Your amazing determination and perseverance will see you through! 
Note: Since Jodie decided on her challenge I have decided to follow her example as has at least one other Club member. If any of you reading are doing the same please tell us about it by writing to: blog@spacetosew.co.uk. We will write back!

Part 2 coming to Seek It Out soon!

@SpacetoSew
www.spacetosew.co.uk

SIO Tips no. 49: Sewing

Leave a length of thread in a needle before storing it in a pincushion. You'll be able to see it more easily, and the needle will be less likely to slip inside the pincushion.

SEEKITOUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time.

Knitting is good for you...

Well, so a recent newspaper article said.  For two main reasons; firstly as a stress buster and secondly as away of keeping the brain active for older knitters. Relaxing some of the time I agree but not when struggling to learn or following a tricky pattern.

Our own research told us that newbee's often find knitting stressful; they told us that they want simple but not making endless doll's neck ties or small squares for charity blankets. In response the Nesta kit came to be. Simple to do and room for tension variations with easy to follow pattern but the result must be good enough to use, Nesta is just that. The pretty cushion would grace any decor and the process build confidence, as promised crafting without tears.

Nesta is named after a very talented lady, wife of a Snowdonia sheep farmer who transformed an ancient ruin of a large slate farmhouse into one of the most sympathetic and stunning restorations I have ever seen. The cushion would have fitted in a treat with its natural tones, so reminiscent of the sheep they farmed high on their Welsh mountain.

Rosie 

Creative Director SIO

SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time

© Gail Johnson - Fotolia.com

SIO Tips no. 48: Freshen up outdoor furniture

Making seat pads for outside chairs; use oil cloth cotton to enable you to wipe clean plus it's hard wearing. Lots of fab non shiny and soft oil cloth fabrics available.

SEEKITOUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time.

Hot under the collar - we can cool you down

Five fab recipes for you to try.  Easy, quick, affordable and fab - you can add alcohol to suit or just enjoy a refreshing cold drink.  No need to wait for a party simply keep a refreshing bottle ready in the fridge.  Nice change from cartons of orange juice....

Cold drink #1 Plastic bottle, ordinary lemon squash & water, add dash concentrated lime juice + push in a sprig of fresh mint. Chill in fridge - easy, low cost & yummy

Cold drink #2 Tonic water, unscrew, pop in two ripe sliced strawberries and/or two raspberries, screw up tight and chill well - relax & enjoy 

Cold drink #3. Plastic bottle, 1/3 pure apple juice, 1/3 water, 1/3 pineapple juice + lemon grass stick slit & slightly crushed, chill well - sweet & simple

Cold drink #4. Plastic bottle, 3/4 ginger beer (not ale), 1/4 pure apple juice 2 slices of root ginger slightly crushed and a splash of concentrated lime juice - chill well - packs a punch

Cold drink #5. Plastic bottle, 2/3 cloudy lemonade 1/3 peach or apricot juice (sold in cartons in the supermarket chilled area) and dash lemon juice - chill well & dress class with a sprig of mint - cool passion

Enjoyed then why not like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter so you never miss out on these useful fun bits of information.  For discounts and updates on our lovely craft and homeware products you can always add your name to our newsletter mailing list.  Relax over a cold drink and decide what to do........

  SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time

HOLIDAY MESSAGES & OUT OF OFFICE

Hi Janie here again with another guest blog - thanks SIO for letting me revisit you. Business advice from someone who knows; 35 years of helping and running businesses means I've seen most mistakes and learnt so much.

Out of office messages are often overused or ill thought through giving out negative messages about your business. Are you an emergency Doctor or offer instant response? not many are, so why tell your clients every time you slip out of the office?

Do you value your customers? If you do then why do so many auto holiday out of offices messages say otherwise? How many times do I see messages that say I am away having a lovely time! So this says to me firstly customer service is shut, second reinforces the message that I am not on holiday having a nice time like my supplier. So in one sentence you have possibly annoyed and depressed your customers; not the best idea.

Of course you need to have a holiday or leave the office to visit clients or suppliers but think before you turn on the out of office. Think is it necessary? is the content helpful to the reader? Am I honestly managing customer expectations? On top ask yourself does it sync with my other messages such as answer phone or web based statements? Don't just rely on the standard, personalise it, especially the subject line.

Also be honest, will you check email while away anyway?  If so what need for any message or perhaps something less dramatic such as 'due to a busy meeting schedule over the next two weeks email replies may take a little longer than normal, up to 36 hours. All you should do is think it through and put yourself in your clients shoes.

Lastly if you work from home and this is well known or obvious from your web site then be careful about advertising the fact that you are away. Criminals can read too!

Common sense is all it takes, when did you last look at your business through your clients eyes, it might be worth doing. 

SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time

Colour Inspiration

Ever brought a piece of clothing or an accent piece for the home which simply is impossible to match or contrast to? Well you are not alone.

So often colours grab our attention only to cause us matching headaches down the line.  

Nature is the place to find answers to that; our gardens are now a riot of colour, the crazy mix of colours together, colours you would never put together but they work. 

A great way to get inspiration is to take pictures of your garden, local park, or favourite outdoor place.  Take pictures through the year so you have a running commentary on all seasons and therefore many colour ways to consider. You do not have to be a good photographer as long as the pictures reflect the colours correctly. That is enough as it is only for your private design scrap book.

When faced with a colour issue; refer to your book. What would nature put together? Important to note that in nature it is texture and colour, not just colour alone that makes a fabulous combination really work. 

Light is also important, the same paint can look three different shades in the same room due to the light. So, experiment with swatches, tester paint pots, wallpaper cuttings and items you already own to ensure you have just the right shades to make that sensational look.

Nature has it right, it is brave and wild in its choices, so it could be the best place to start when trying to match the impossible.  

Collect your pictures all year as you may well want summer or autumn colours to look back on even in the dead of winter. 

Bonus is if your pictures are ok, well why not frame one or two and create your own art for your home.

Rosie

Creative Director  - Seek It Out

SIO Tips no. 47: Stale Bread

Instead of throwing away crusts use them to make bread crumbs. Keep for later use in coating fish or making old fashioned style treacle tart; store them in the freezer in a sealed bag or box. Much nicer than the bright orange crumbs you buy.

SIO Tips no. 46: Easy draw scents

When you have nice soap, keep the wrapper and pop in your undies draw to leave a lovely smell. Ensure you shake out any loose bits of soap before doing this.

Olives; at home

My South African family's tradition:

Preserving Olives at home is an enjoyable and therapeutic process; provided that you have access to fresh olives from a fruiting tree. We've been bottling olives from my sister-in-law's tree for three years now and we've enjoyed varying our recipe and now have a winning combination.

I wanted to show you how we do it - so you know what goes into the bottles you find on the shelves of the supermarket, albeit on a much larger scale.

Start with fresh olives; find yourself a nice spot in the sunshine, with a glass of wine in one hand, make a slit in each olive using a sharp knife. Relax, this takes a while so it's nice to have a friend to keep you company and make the time fly.  

Drop them into a reseal-able container as you go and cover with cold water; drain, rinse and re-cover with clean water every day, or two, for two weeks.   

Once you've done the rinse and repeat cycle for two weeks your olives should have released all the bitter oils they store and will now feel a little less hard. Don't squish them too much; it's nicer to have firm fleshy olives when you're eating them than bruised ones.

Prepare to bottle by peeling and chopping a clove of Garlic or two per bottle and ripping Lemon/Lime leaves into quarters. You will want half a leaf per jar.

Set yourself up in a nice work area with olive oil (sunflower or seed oils work fine too), White vinegar (not spirit vinegar, it's too harsh on the final flavour), 1 tsp Mixed Herbs per jar, Sea salt, Garlic, Lemon/Lime leaves, hot water in a jug and your clean recycled jars.

Make yourself a brine using the hot water and sea salt - a fresh egg should float in the solution. I make a big batch of brine which I store in a large jar ready for the next batch.

Now you can start bottling. I tend to half fill each jar then add the garlic, lemon leaves and 1 tsp herbs in each jar then top up with more olives. When the jar is full add 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1/4 cup of oil to each jar (for a roughly 300ml jar) then fill to cover the olives with your brine.

The olives are ready to eat after about 3 months. I try to give the olives a gentle shake every now and then to make sure the flavours are all mixed nicely.

They make a great gift to take along to dinner parties. But be warned, they disappear quickly when opened.

Spice them up with fresh or dried chillies or get creative with other flavours.

ENJOY!

From wintery Cape Town