Creativ Festival

Spring has sprung in Ontario (we hope) so that means that it was time for the Spring Creativ Festival. I had been to the Fall Creative Festival in 2010 and hadn't been too impressed and hadn't really given much thought to going, even though I am on the email list.

But on Wednesday last week the lovely Kay of Gently Down The Seam contacted some of the Toronto bloggers who had met up at thf February this year and ask if any of us were attending so that we could meet up.

Nothing more exciting than discovering that the whole family are busy and that they are not even going to notice that you are not there for the day!

We arrived at the International Centre just after 9am to discover there was a misunderstanding with entry time for tickets purchased on-line as opposed to purchasing at the show. Never mind, we had time to chat and get to know each other while we waited for the 10am opening!!

First up, we took in a needle tatting demo, as I am battling trying to teach myself the traditional shuttle tatting, I found this interesting and purchased the required needle and thread.

We then took in more free how to sessions than actually shopping at the booths!!

We took in:
Comfortable Clothes that Camoflage - Kathy Reddy
Fast, Fun and Full of Fashion - Linda McPhee (while we were having lunch)
Cleaning and Maintenance : Sewing Machines and Sergers - Joanne Brousseau
The ABCs of Pattern Alteration - Lorraine Henry

All in all I learnt a lot.

Laurel Dress

My first Laurel dress. I bought this fabric back in summer (Walthamstow Market, London, England) and it had originally been screaming Hazel dress at me. I was going to use the stripes across the bodice. But when the latest Colette pattern was released, I just knew that this was the fabric for a Laurel.

I made view C, with the classic 60s style gathered cuffs. I made a size 8 and needed no size adjustments. I did however add side pockets. I used the pocket pattern piece from the Sewaholic Robson trench coat, simply because it was on my cutting table at the same time I was sewing this dress. I cheated and used store bought bias tape for the neck.

I think I am going to get a lot of wear out of this very simple dress in summer.

As I am pleased with how it turned out, I think I am going to enter it in the Colette Patterns competition!

Next up is a Laurel blouse and I have just the perfect fabric for it.

Beignet Skirt

I have finished and worn my Colette Patterns Beignet Skirt.

I kept putting this pattern to the bottom of my pile as I personally hate button holes, and this skirt has 12 of them!. But when you get down to it, they are really not that difficult!!

With the pocket lining showing!!

I bought the fabric in summer at Walthamstowmarket (London, England) and knew immediately that I wanted a Beignet skirt with the stripes running horizontally.

It took time to match the stripes at all the seams,but I think I did a good job (even if I do say so myself!)

I am impressed with my stripes match!

As mentioned in a previous post, I underlined the skirt as the fabric is quite thin. I am happy how it turned out as it gives the skirt more body.

I wore it today in the office and got some nice compliments on it.

Close up of the buttons

Would I make this again? Very definitely! In fact I found a plain beige fabric in my stash with matching lining that is going to be made into a Beignet in the not too distant future!

Ding Dong The Socks Are Done!

Before I mention my socks, I have to say that Wiarton Willie has a lot to answer for. He didn't see his shadow on Groundhog Day, and therefore had us believe we were in for an early spring. The photos above and below show the icicles in the garden yesterday (Thursday) evening and it's almost mid April! Not early spring in Southern Ontario!!

But, back to the socks. I have just finished the Hedera socks and am very happy with how they turned out.

They fit perfectly and I love the lace pattern.

Next on the list for knitting are a pair of owl gloves to match my owl sweater and another pair of socks, CookieA's BFF socks I bought the pattern when I bought the Hedera pattern.

Me Made May

Yippee! It is that time of the year again. Spring, and a time to challenge ourselves.

I have taken part in previous "Me Made" or "Self Stitched" months  and have enjoyed the challenge.

So here goes:

I, Debbie of Sew Debbie sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '13. I endeavour to wear at least one self stitched item of clothing each day for the duration of May 2013, plus a me made accessory where possible. I also pledge to finish two new items during the month'

It means that I need to get sewing and finish a few extra items as I would also like to not repeat items too many times. A pair of Thurlow trousers come to mind as well as a couple of basic skirts for work. Nothing like a looming deadline to get things finished (or even started!!).

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