Make do, mend and sew. . .

A random sewing mix in the last month. . . . .

Laundry bag and a peg bag from left overs of fabric after making cushion covers to spruce up my sister Angie's garden furniture. Fortunately the material has a squared pattern with lines to follow making for easy machining. I forgot to take a photos of the cushions whilst I was there, maybe next time. The bags were sewn here, at home. I have given my sister  the laundry bag, and have kept the peg bag.

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Cutting out, using the pattern lines. Same shape, different sizes.

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Finished peg bag with long strap ....I like to hang the strap around my neck as I peg the washing out.

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Two linen embroidered cushion covers were fabulous charity shop finds that someone had started but not finished. There were so many lovely colours that it didn't seem to matter which ones I added. Using a little bit of stem stitch and satin stitch....da dah.... complete! They are a delight.

"SHE will go to the ball!"......

This gorgeous young lady, Aisha needed some assistance with her stunning 1940s ball gown to wear to her, end of school, prom.

The problem was one of layers and  length ...yards and yards of chiffon. Too much top layer fabric that was hiding the detail on the layer underneath of  very pretty embroidered satin and sequined lace.

 After pinning back at the side to reveal the satin and lace embroidery Aisha's leg could be seen as she walked. The bodice is boned and buttoned at the back with 3 short trains starting beneath the waist - a satin train on the bottom layer, a chiffon layer from the skirt and then a third layer from the pleated bodice below the bust line. All fine if she was to stand still all evening! Taking up the hem was not an option ( not enough time, and beyond my skills). Sending the dress back was not an option. After some discussion with Aisha, her mother, my son's girlfriend we agreed on two alterations. The top train I cut up the centre as far as the buttons, and made into a bow, tacked on to the main dress to hold it's weight. Secondly, sewing on a 'finger- hold' on one side of the second layer, which Aisha could hold as she walked. Aisha was really happy when shown in a full-length mirror. By all accounts had a wonderful evening.

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This rag doll was made from a Liberty pattern. In the sewing book she is called a Libby doll; however rather than use liberty fabric I have used some scraps of cotton fabric leftovers, after cutting out children's clothes, from a charity waste bag for 20p for her dress, and linen from a tray cloth for her body and limbs, and a felt square for her jacket and shoes. I have changed her eyes from the original design that were a couple of French knots, these are blue embroidery thread satin stitch, which compliment her tan wool hair.

 She has been made  for a fundraising event at a local church supporting unemployed teenagers. Instead of selling her to someone directly, people will have to guess her name.

 The event will be in September. When the winner is announced I will tell you her name - until then you will have to wait. Perhaps you would like to guess her name?