Monday 26 October 2015

By Hand London: Kim

Hello everyone!

Long time no see...there has been very little sewing going on around these parts, and an awful lot of seminar work. Very boring, I know, but an inevitable consequence of uni life it would seem. Ah well, I have a finished dress to show you today, which I'm only just getting round to sharing despite the fact it was completed nearly two months ago. 


This is the By Hand London Kim, made with a simple gathered skirt (I skipped the tucks that come with the drafted pattern) and the sweetheart neckline option. I love me a sweetheart neckline, reminds me of my beloved Sewaholic Cambies. 

The fabric is a bordered cotton I picked up at Abakhan in Chester. I have a Belcarra Blouse made from the same fabric in a different (white) colourway. It's so pretty, right?! Unfortunately for me, it was slightly off grain, which means the border was tilted and my skirt is a slightly different length all the way round. Do I care? Probably, a bit. But I still wear it!
 

Arghhh the straps. They do not like to stay on my shoulders! I've had to resort to wearing this dress with a strapless bra, which is usually something I try to avoid like my life depends on it, but for this dress it's probably necessary. The fit is a little big around my bust, there's a bit of gaping if I lean forwards too far, but I don't want to pull it in too much and then not be able to breathe. I'll have a think and see what I can do - any suggestions? 
 

SO SWOOSHY. 

I may have a few complaints about this dress but it is made in some of the prettiest fabric I've ever owned, so I basically shut up and wear it anyway. I think it goes well with teal tights and my colour blocked Colette Astoria, so that sorts out the gaping bodice issue at least. Sweatshirts for the win! 

Thank you for bearing with me during my long absences...I'm trying to get back into the flow of sewing but it's just not happening at the moment. Sooo many essays, so little time. 

Still, here's hoping everything is well with all of you - and help me live vicariously through all your lovely sewing projects! 

Have a great week everyone. 

Beth x

Sunday 11 October 2015

The Liebster Award



Hello everyone!

I have some very exciting news today... the lovely Mona of Curls & Cakes has nominated me for the Liebster Award!! Thank you so much Mona, it's such an honour to be nominated by such an awesome, stylish and intelligent person (if you've not read Mona's posts on understanding cancer yet, you should check them out - they're easy to understand and contain information we should all be aware of about how cancer works).

From what I've read, the Liebster Award is basically a way for bloggers to share their love for blogging and other bloggers with each other, which I think is a wonderful idea.

I'm supposed to share 11 random facts about myself, so here goes...

1. I'm a pescetarian, which is someone who eats fish but not meat - so far I'm not dedicated enough to go vegan, but I do what little I can to limit my impact on the lives of other animals

2. I used to have very blonde hair; it only started to darken to the shade it is today in my first year of primary school

3. I was recently made a godmother to a beautiful little girl called Abigail

4. I've visited 11 countries so far - Wales, Scotland, Ireland, USA, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy and Russia. When I've finished my degree I'd love to go travelling and cross off a few more

5. My absolute favourite TV show in the world is Detectorists (there'll be a few spoilers in that link if you haven't watched it yet!)

6. I never leave the house with unpainted nails

7. I've always been a reader, and when I was little I wanted to be a writer. The inspiration behind my choice of degree - Welsh History - can be found in a single book, Here Be Dragons by Sharon Penman. Please, go and read it. I've never read a novel more beautifully written

8. I have a particular weakness for huge hoop earrings, but it took me five years of having my ears pierced to learn how to take them in and out by myself

9. I've always wanted to be Welsh, just like my great-grandmother. I guess a lot of my choices in life have been influenced by that desire, including my choice of university and which rugby team I support!

10. My favourite animals are narwhals (they are like sea unicorns!)

11. I've been to watch the Tour de France four times, all of which were amazing

Now for my turn to nominate some people...I've chosen these amazing ladies for their beautiful blogs and awesome style - 

1. Fiona of Sewing vs Knitting

2. Kaitlyn of Kaitlyn's Simply Vintage

3. Lauren of Lady Sewalot

4. Kristy from Scientific Sewing

Whether or not you pass on the award is up to you, but thank you so much to all of you for your inspiring blogs, I love reading every single one of them :)

Beth x