Sherlock Holmes

I needed a break before going home tonight. Like watching a movie.
Why not Sherlock Holmes? I had 10 mn to drive from work to the parking lot, find a place for my car, walk to the cinema and buy my ticket for the English version. Or 30 mn to go to the French version...Uhuh. But the luck was with me. No traffic, a parking place at once. They were making the last call when I arrived at the cinema, so I did not have to queue for the ticket. I even had time to make myself comfortable before the movie started. The English one!
At the beginning, I was a  bit surprised. I expected something slow. It was very lively instead. Sherlock and Watson are also much younger than I expected, but, well, this has advantages :-). London is as expected it. Even better. On the whole, I like it very much. And I'm glad I made it to the English version. I'm sure the French one misses the humour and the accents. And I'm sure there will be a sequel.

If you can, go and see it, you won't regret it.

Au bonheur des petites mains - pattern to discover

Rosalie of Art You Wear and me just sent me a link to a French lady who sells patterns. Very nice patterns indeed. Have a look: Au bonheur des petites mains
I don't know yet if they are nice to work with, but I'm going to find out very soon. Believe me...

It's a good day

• when I need to wear sun glasses to drive home from work,
• when I discover a mail box full of magazines (wonder why I have more textile vocabulary in English than in French...),

• when I have time to visit your blogs...

burda 02-2010-104

Pattern Description: 
Skirt with pockets
Pattern Sizing:
40
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
On the whole yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, but I added lining, so I did not follow them by the letter.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the pockets, easy to make. On the other hand, the fabric is a bit too busy for the pockets... sigh...

Fabric Used:
Some polysomething weave. The fibers were very loose. tending to live their own live, in any direction. The fabric was so wild that it frayed at a simple eye contact... But I tamed it, at least I think I did 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Kept the size at it was, took the shorter version and added about an inch in length, to feel comfortable.
Added a lining. I cut it from the same pattern, just glued the pockets to the front.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Good basic piece. I will sew it again, in another fabric.

Conclusion: 
Took one day. Looks good. perfect for a weekend spent sewing.

Snowman

Look at what I found in my mail box a few days ago:

This is from my friend Muriel.
Isn't it cute, and ain't she gifted?

Have a nice week all!

I had been looking for a little something to wear over my leggings and Tshirt during the Belly Dance lessons. I did not want an oversized T-shirt, but something fun.

As I was browsing though my Burda magazine for another project, I fell upon this. The picture itself did not appeal to me, too young, too stylish. But when I saw the sketch, it looked perfect for this purpose.

So this is my version, in cotton jersey. Made in less than one day. To be worn tomorrow night.

Pattern Description: Festive mood
Don't wear any jewelry with this dress in silk satin! It has anough bling! Enhances your arms and legs!
(my translation from the French burda site :-))

Pattern Sizing:
34 - 40. I made a 40
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
The shape was the same. Not the general idea since I used a duller fabric, and intend to wear it other leggings and T-Shirt
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the asymmetry.
Fabric Used:
Cotton jersey
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I used a more down to earth fabric.
And a knit instead of a woven.
I've reinforced the neck, the arm seam and the seam where the zipper is (read from other Vogue patterns). So the fabric stays where it is supposed to, and keeps the dimensions it is supposed to have.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, it is a one-day project, easy to make.
Conclusion:
Thrilled.

Summer Fun Party continued

You may remember the blocks I was sewing last summer. I just had to assemble them on some background. Amazing how much time "just to" requires :-)

I've spend yesterday afternoon and part of this morning to achieve this. But I'm pleased with the result. My friend Agnes helped me find the right fabrics: as I was sewing those blocks randomly, a coffee theme appeared. It even imposed itself. So no wonder Agnes proposed a fabric that looks like jute, and another one with coffee beans on it.

Since I have plenty leftover fabrics in the same colors, I decided to make the back with those fabrics, thus reducing my stash. So I spent the afternoon cutting 2" wide strips and assembling them together. Now I have 30 strips, waiting to be sewned together for the back. I just have to do that...

Take all good care and enjoy the coming week! Love to all!