tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31459506665815892232024-02-28T10:30:28.830+00:00runcibledaysrunciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-88136853141356554812015-05-01T13:25:00.002+01:002015-05-15T14:01:43.502+01:00A Butterfly Birthday Ballet Bag<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Remember the <a href="http://runcibledays.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/february-resolutions-and-sewing-for.html">Railroad Tote</a>?</div>
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I made a not-quite-new-year resolution to sew things which would be practical and much-used - rather than fanciful things which get forgotten in wardrobes. It's been a success, I use my tote every day, and have moved on to making them for friends and family. </div>
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The only small glitch was with the one I made for my Dad - he didn't realise it was a gift and returned it, neatly folded, the following week.</div>
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("Awkward", muttered son#1.)</div>
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Lesson learned: presents need to look the part.</div>
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So when my daughter turned five, I made her a pretty bag, and wrapped it up with ribbons and sparkles </div>
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and bells and whistles.</div>
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She uses it all the time.</div>
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But then I signed up for the <a href="http://oliverands.com/community/blog/2015/04/size-5-project-bubble-dress.html">size 5 project</a> and I <u>had</u> to make a dress as well...</div>
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It's for the<a href="http://oliverands.com/community/blog/2015/04/bubble-dress-sew-along-day-1.html"> sew-along</a> on the Oliver+S blog - is that a good enough excuse for a little bit fanciful sewing?</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-69512541404681563582015-03-20T12:30:00.000+00:002015-03-20T12:30:42.952+00:00A longer lazy day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So, there I sat, scissors in hand, fabric in mind, all set and ready to start on a <a href="http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/lazy-days-skirt/">lazy days skirt</a>.</div>
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The pattern says:<br />
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<i>length of the skirt to be; then add 2" to that measurement</i></div>
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Did I measure my daughter?</div>
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No.<br />
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(she moves too fast)</div>
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Did I measure one of her skirts?</div>
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No.<br />
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(they were in another room)<br />
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I just cut.</div>
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Did it turn out the right length?</div>
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Nope.<br />
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(<span style="font-size: xx-small;">it was tiny</span>)<br />
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Another hour, a lot of fiddling, and a couple more inches made it it right.<br />
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Note to self: 'lazy day' applies to the wearer, not the sewer.<br />
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Still, the skirt is a hit.<br />
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She needs another one now,<br />
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a bit longer next time, please, mum.</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-40575902118232822402015-02-23T12:01:00.000+00:002015-02-23T12:01:50.347+00:00February Resolutions, and sewing for happiness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm not good at New Year resolutions - not good making them, let alone keeping to them. </div>
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January seems like the wrong time for big strategic decisions, when we've all just tumbled through Christmas, and the house is still full of cake and chocolate, and the outside world is cold and bleak and dark. New year is decluttering season for me. I enjoy taking down the decorations, tidying and rearranging - but it's the moment for small scale domestic reshuffling, and not at all auspicious for long term planning.</div>
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Anyway, that's my excuse.<br />
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By February, though - when the cake has been eaten up, the days are a little bit longer and the rhythms of normal life are back in place - it's time to make plans.</div>
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Sewing plans...</div>
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Here's what Tilly Walnes, of <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/">'Tilly and the Buttons'</a>, says about realistic sewing in her book 'Love at First Stitch':</div>
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"<i>Making fancy frocks is lots of fun... but you want handmade to be part of your regular lifestyle, make some stuff you're actually going to wear on a daily basis</i>".</div>
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Common sense? Definitely.<br />
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Also a helpful wake-up call to stop me making party dresses which my daughter doesn't need, and to look instead at what I actually use. And it turns out that the winners, in terms of everyday hand-made usefulness, are not clothes, but <a href="http://runcibledays.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/a-little-change-to-make-life-better.html">bags</a> - <a href="http://runcibledays.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/saving-best-for-last-ikea-4.html">lots of them</a> - which I reach for all the time without even registering that I stitched them.</div>
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So instead of cutting out a fancy frock I started the year with a tote bag which had been waiting on my wish-list, thanks to my sewing friend Justine at <a href="http://justmejay.blogspot.co.uk/">Just Me Jay</a>. She's been making beautiful versions of the <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/2014/07/06/mollys-sketchbook-railroad-tote/">Purl Bee Railroad Tote</a>, and she promised it would be a satisfying pattern. It really is - there's enough detail to keep it interesting, but it's still a quick sew that's easy to finish in an afternoon.</div>
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With a nice new pattern like this, it's hard to stop at one...</div>
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So, on reflection, my 2015 resolutions are about choosing activities which lead to long-term happiness - starting out by balancing the instant gratification of sewing a pretty frock (which might languish in the wardrobe) against the long term satisfaction of using my lovely railroad tote every day for the rest of the year.</div>
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Thank you, Justine and Tilly.</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-83522735346296892602014-12-23T22:42:00.001+00:002015-04-28T13:42:01.529+01:00Last-minute dot Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I realised a long time ago that procrastination is all about perfectionism - because the circumstances tomorrow might be just the little bit more auspicious...</div>
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It took me a whole lot longer to recognise that this is A Bad Thing, and that a task not done for the best of reasons is still essentially a Task Not Done.</div>
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So now I try to keep my inner perfectionist on a very tight rein, and she really only gets to express herself here in my blog where I hardly ever write anything. She was certainly well suppressed back in November when I found myself with a tiny slice of time and an old cocktail dress which was crying out for an upcycle.</div>
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I muddled this skirt together in a twinkling, knowing that my four-year old can carry off the tulle-and-sequins look a whole lot better than me, and that she won't be troubled by grain line issues and dodgy top-stitching. I even felt a glow of satisfaction at having started my Christmas sewing while there were still leaves on the trees.</div>
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And then the very next week O+S released the <a href="https://oliverands.com/free-patterns/onstage-tutu-skirt/">Onstage Tutu Skirt</a>, an actual pattern for exactly the thing I'd been trying to achieve. And it was free. And showed me clever solutions to all the glitches I'd encountered.</div>
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My inner procrastinator was delighted: the universe was clearly on her side. </div>
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Consequently all the rest of my seasonal sewing has been done in last-minute flurry.</div>
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<a href="https://oliverands.com/free-patterns/bow-hair-tie">Hair ties for all the little girls in my life..</a>.</div>
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For son#2, an Art Museum vest modelled on Bilbo Baggins' waistcoat (with some linen PJ trousers to match, in case he wants to go for the full Hobbit look). <br />
Oh - and the lining is gold silk from that cocktail dress.</div>
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For son #1, who has grown so much in the past year that he won't fit last year's PJs, new pair in soft houndstooth with fancy buttons (because real men dare to wear pink)</div>
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Next year, I'm going to remember some sensible words from my friend Rebecca:<br />
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'Christmas', she said, 'is a predictable event'.<br />
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She was encouraging me to crochet a reindeer jumper, which may or may not ever happen - but I'm going to hold on to the reminder that there will be another Christmas in 367 days, and another in 732, and another... and so on.<br />
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So there will always be another chance to do the thing perfectly.<br />
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And if it's not quite perfect this time, that will be ok.<br />
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A very happy Christmas from runcibledays.</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-39427373670901619422014-11-25T12:21:00.000+00:002014-11-25T12:23:49.850+00:00All quiet at runcibledays<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been quiet for too long at runcibledays. Some things get harder to do the longer you delay - writing a long-overdue letter, making belated apologies, cleaning behind the fridge - and also blogging, it seems. The longer the silence, the more pressure to break it with something amazing.</div>
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Instead, I'm going for the 'aaah' factor with a sweet little jacket (though it's not nearly as sweet as the gorgeous baby it was made for). It's from <a href="http://www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/2014/03/06/issue-16-is-on-sale-now/">Simply Crochet magazine, issue16</a>, and it was a joy to make. The background fabric is a pram blanket from way back when my babies were babies, and it still makes me smile. </div>
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After a summer of crochet (did I mention you can crochet on the sofa? in front of the television? or while having a conversation? by the pool on holiday? - that's still very exciting to me) I was a bit afraid that sewing might also have crept into that category of hard-to-pick-up activities, and that having not stitched anything for so long, the pressure would be on to create something extraordinary. I wasn't sure how to break through the perfection-barrier, and had started dithering about rearranging my button storage. Luckily my sewing friends have come to the rescue with a reminder that some projects just won't wait.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFkUbmLRs-R5tB6oEBiiyF02DGgFAZV-TKIYuXwJSpUXXb44lQCijjNnBQTEEj8q2CGEMGIzkW8DlPGgaqJb9wnSPXrP5oBs-nhyFRVCfwfOYqkORawmJdl93oLg5WmeZPqYs_RaDN7k/s1600/P1000740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFkUbmLRs-R5tB6oEBiiyF02DGgFAZV-TKIYuXwJSpUXXb44lQCijjNnBQTEEj8q2CGEMGIzkW8DlPGgaqJb9wnSPXrP5oBs-nhyFRVCfwfOYqkORawmJdl93oLg5WmeZPqYs_RaDN7k/s1600/P1000740.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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Remember these <a href="http://runcibledays.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/bubbles-and-ice-cream.html">tiny bubble dresses</a>? They was made for my little runciblegirl when she was a baby, and were the start of my obsession with O+S patterns.<br />
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Their original patterns - the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS002PS.html">puppet show</a>, the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS001TP.html">tea party</a>, the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS004SS.html">swing set</a> and of course the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS003BB.html">bubble dress</a> - only go up to size 5T.<br />
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And my runciblegirl will turn five in the springtime...</div>
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So it's time to leave the sofa, step away from the crochet hook, and start catching up.</div>
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But first, while I'm still in baby mode, just one more 'aaah' for that cardigan...</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-45450536160540352422014-01-10T11:27:00.001+00:002014-01-10T11:27:08.387+00:00Hook a duck (quack)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A belated Happy New Year from runcibledays!<br />
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I'm celebrating 2014 with a new sewing icon: the multi-talented Scarf Lady, from<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/sarah-and-duck"> Sarah and Duck</a>. Scarf Lady is inseparable from her grumpy carrier bag, and she has a colour-coded wool store in her loft (where the oddments live a secret life of their own). She keeps a donkey in her garden. She is terrible at remembering faces, but good at keeping up with her friends. She can knit trumpets, tree-cosies and hot air balloons.</div>
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I don't know whether to worry that I'll end up like Scarf Lady, or to see that<br />
as an aspiration.<br />
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Anyway, although I still can't knit (too afraid of all those little stitches) my friend Carol has taught me to crochet, and I am<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"> smitten.</span></span> I love that there is only ever one stitch which can unravel, and so incidents with cats or toddlers can always be put right.<br />
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Also, it's like sewing, but I can do it from the sofa. Bliss.<br />
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And there's a whole world of beautiful wool and yarn to be discovered.<br />
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But mostly I just wanted to make a duck.<br />
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Or two.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqkEq7y6j8nFHBeL3nu-3IBRgBSypILN05wP0FLm75I7bX7_0Pf9VM7334JXapCJmQoOv-qBZARHZYNeTrZ2jPnUBKqjPTmhLgF0xbCJ3wQwRsZN7JNAHfrN5XXqRl1MkTn_y_AH7LH8/s1600/P1090595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqkEq7y6j8nFHBeL3nu-3IBRgBSypILN05wP0FLm75I7bX7_0Pf9VM7334JXapCJmQoOv-qBZARHZYNeTrZ2jPnUBKqjPTmhLgF0xbCJ3wQwRsZN7JNAHfrN5XXqRl1MkTn_y_AH7LH8/s320/P1090595.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm very grateful to Jo Clark who designed and shared the <a href="http://www.lookatwhatimade.net/crafts/yarn/crochet/free-crochet-patterns/crochet-duck-pattern-sarah-and-duck/">Duck pattern</a>.<br />
(I'm hoping she'll do a hot air balloon next.)<br />
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Clearly any little girl with a Duck will need a hat to match...<br />
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... and perhaps a bunny (from a pattern which came from the library, I'll give credit where it's due if I can find the book again) ...</div>
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... and a Christmas stocking, or three (based on a pattern from<a href="http://www.deramores.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=stocking"> Deramores</a>).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEoouu5vhs_k6P6GsGHFoE2w3j6ntiELlezD-SQQabtx63aO65BLslhmE4BAzug1gsksYdRU1_nY6WShZFD6I3aDNxw8BjVmIuxev5JauluPcq6pePufVW7X0ti7f30MRBbm_EIXjUb8/s1600/P1090624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEoouu5vhs_k6P6GsGHFoE2w3j6ntiELlezD-SQQabtx63aO65BLslhmE4BAzug1gsksYdRU1_nY6WShZFD6I3aDNxw8BjVmIuxev5JauluPcq6pePufVW7X0ti7f30MRBbm_EIXjUb8/s320/P1090624.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The only question is: do the children in my life really need more crocheted animals? </div>
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And how will I know when it's time to stop?</div>
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(Although Scarf Lady wouldn't worry about a thing like that.)</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-77089588880211469632013-12-16T21:42:00.001+00:002013-12-17T10:02:22.870+00:00All he wants for Christmas...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Christmas is go in the Runcible household: we have tinsel, fairy lights, candles, glitter, mince-pies, and mystery decorations made at pre-school. </div>
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So why does my husband look a little bit afraid, a little bit anxious, a little bit like a man haunted by an unspeakable dread?</div>
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I think I might have the answer.</div>
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He had suggested some practical - and fairly specific - Christmas gifts:</div>
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cycling gear, socks, books.</div>
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Could it be that he's afraid I might be baking, stitching, crafting or crocheting all of the above?</div>
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The socks must be a particular worry.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnmFRMKsGaLwXeikvuSlEuVNE0N3O1QyCsqTzI0x14Iejq-a4O1Ksnnu1UVJeo4KLVUNN-fBEt7Tg5bVgWCa_rGyAvZJWD-TUvsC1cIOLf2A9r8SBwUSEYUBfv_8iQAkVotM8JUfmXRQ/s1600/P1090587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnmFRMKsGaLwXeikvuSlEuVNE0N3O1QyCsqTzI0x14Iejq-a4O1Ksnnu1UVJeo4KLVUNN-fBEt7Tg5bVgWCa_rGyAvZJWD-TUvsC1cIOLf2A9r8SBwUSEYUBfv_8iQAkVotM8JUfmXRQ/s640/P1090587.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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So, will I be knitting reflective bicycle clips this Christmas?</div>
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Watch this space...</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-5648817919337141932013-09-24T15:01:00.000+01:002013-09-24T15:01:25.695+01:00When the going gets tough...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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... the runcible house gets organised.</div>
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Tidying up is my default displacement activity.</div>
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Because even though the universe might have infinity and entropy and chaos,<br />
at least my fabric scraps are all in order.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-8jgfGVj-l5dnaTXBLr8c_SEIPL8wewFFMAlsp70Ga7eVsNk1pyza4jrYJjOhLoGkBUhdZW0foX9y4Ua2TrmQa231KcNj1cZWMLXnd-cIgdw5Br31_hlixh-toOa1O0HAipPJf7X5nU/s1600/P1090413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-8jgfGVj-l5dnaTXBLr8c_SEIPL8wewFFMAlsp70Ga7eVsNk1pyza4jrYJjOhLoGkBUhdZW0foX9y4Ua2TrmQa231KcNj1cZWMLXnd-cIgdw5Br31_hlixh-toOa1O0HAipPJf7X5nU/s400/P1090413.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-85047444547944204022013-08-07T12:28:00.002+01:002013-08-07T12:28:39.659+01:00A truly reusable bottle bag<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Do you re-use your bottle bags? I'm thinking of those nice paper ones which dress up a bottle and make it look a bit more gift-worthy. I re-use mine - it seems wasteful not to - but always with a niggling awareness that they are never quite as crisp and perfect on a second (or third, or fourth) outing. And I know it's just not so much fun getting a present in less-than-perfect packaging.</div>
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Last month, at the end of term, I had some bottles which needed to be wrapped up nicely for teachers, and found myself with no bottle bags at all. Something must have gone badly wrong in the bottles-in v bottles-out ratio in the runcible house. Luckily I had plenty of fabric. I wish I'd taken photos, but it was a last minute scramble and they were off to school whilst the bags were still hot off the sewing machine. Instead, here's a picture of another fabric bottle bag - this time with a touch of patchwork on the side...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrobxZW6sLRLo_-8S7qFSs761ncrA8l5tMMrHjotghy1myggRr_6RYrsKE2h65QlS_mn2-sATdDk01C7XY-YIRHEIGRTcfPc-DSFw9b6guiNopeRNHLNrUpN5m7C8jV50RHOaLHAv22-k/s1600/P1090120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrobxZW6sLRLo_-8S7qFSs761ncrA8l5tMMrHjotghy1myggRr_6RYrsKE2h65QlS_mn2-sATdDk01C7XY-YIRHEIGRTcfPc-DSFw9b6guiNopeRNHLNrUpN5m7C8jV50RHOaLHAv22-k/s640/P1090120.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Fabric bags, it turns out, are so much better than paper. They feel reassuringly durable, they look a bit special, and - best of all - they are really, truly reusable. They won't crumple like paper, and, even if they get a bit creased, a moment under the iron will make them look new again.</div>
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Here's another - it turned out unintentionally Christmassy, so I'll be putting it away for a few months.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qjTxsdhmatL9_LgOs6eAfh8byB1MTNausYnPaIyn02M3GgQ2qEX_OIL7bNB0cZCiyIX8Q3sa7jlFmxuFUeu_W5Chba1TLLXyjQX3pNuXV8bkCwcMMRsANLTv78DerO69nA3Wbl5B1_E/s1600/P1090114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qjTxsdhmatL9_LgOs6eAfh8byB1MTNausYnPaIyn02M3GgQ2qEX_OIL7bNB0cZCiyIX8Q3sa7jlFmxuFUeu_W5Chba1TLLXyjQX3pNuXV8bkCwcMMRsANLTv78DerO69nA3Wbl5B1_E/s640/P1090114.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm hoping that they are so reusable that they will be passed on, and on, and on... and eventually one might even come back home to me (maybe even with a nice new bottle inside it).</div>
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Here's how I made them - it was quick and easy, and used only a fat quarter of fabric and about 30" ribbon.</div>
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I started with a piece of fabric 18" by 13"...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXw7-viWWG4jMnR-GbHZYYMR-gXKvpJ6_s9LU354YVVcRbS9LZ5uZv3GQw3GkmM9PSvgHKB5ZgAOrPzU9K-mrP9TBSth2nA4abkINEYd9G4ekPJyY4zdmygxZiABTjIwV6i602w6awfw/s1600/P1090095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXw7-viWWG4jMnR-GbHZYYMR-gXKvpJ6_s9LU354YVVcRbS9LZ5uZv3GQw3GkmM9PSvgHKB5ZgAOrPzU9K-mrP9TBSth2nA4abkINEYd9G4ekPJyY4zdmygxZiABTjIwV6i602w6awfw/s320/P1090095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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... and snipped it in half lengthways...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyPrz6DcDAlUfwv1ku-DI5GAiPxFacBmSJajPNpFrY9nHGWulJIkg9kkHCMIUyvu2HFp7LusxktRvpwmBIaloWdBIRC_LlKG6hT6K907DM0wZkPhxEFiFsWs9J1eInkCUrD_cVGA50qU/s1600/P1090097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyPrz6DcDAlUfwv1ku-DI5GAiPxFacBmSJajPNpFrY9nHGWulJIkg9kkHCMIUyvu2HFp7LusxktRvpwmBIaloWdBIRC_LlKG6hT6K907DM0wZkPhxEFiFsWs9J1eInkCUrD_cVGA50qU/s320/P1090097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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... and pinned, then stitched, some ribbon on the top edges for handles. 14" for each piece of ribbon makes for a generous length. This edge will be folded over and hemmed, so the handles will be stitched again to make them secure.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ5nH08Y1PfOC44nCD19KSgraPvHIDipvcVvzLfcqbygslmtYbHhRtgo48QspJEoItYOk6NXv4RegkEEdTaLqO-J9zK5Y0LJRrtrI69NlpSL6w-c1cARjfjbS66E3oRqdz8SQvsKliUY/s1600/P1090098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ5nH08Y1PfOC44nCD19KSgraPvHIDipvcVvzLfcqbygslmtYbHhRtgo48QspJEoItYOk6NXv4RegkEEdTaLqO-J9zK5Y0LJRrtrI69NlpSL6w-c1cARjfjbS66E3oRqdz8SQvsKliUY/s320/P1090098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I sewed the two pieces together along their bottom edges, right sides together, and pressed...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFv5ULH1TbuosRtPpb30y8cfmpoH8k4xFCEzqyZQYJBVf208rnT3nFG7Nq2OPpN5FMlssvRqDuYV_IBI-xZuQVRs8Rt5bOC23dbO-Fm3TbrGrV-RMMpd6Mcvq0gzutdhq3A04pKeugcg/s1600/P1090099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFv5ULH1TbuosRtPpb30y8cfmpoH8k4xFCEzqyZQYJBVf208rnT3nFG7Nq2OPpN5FMlssvRqDuYV_IBI-xZuQVRs8Rt5bOC23dbO-Fm3TbrGrV-RMMpd6Mcvq0gzutdhq3A04pKeugcg/s320/P1090099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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... then stitched the long sides with wrong sides together and a narrow seam allowance, ready for French seams on the sides. This is where I added the applique panels on some of the bags, with the raw edges of the panels trimmed to match the side seams of the bag.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjBHBAHKPzKzPHB5QJsQc7DcN9mGARXi9VxF1zWWnRzCA2erlgqhdtknD0CLMMhyJRFVUJUYBIx4tVWBIEmdq9AefsprSsTqR3VLPrMttOZJ1zXBnJMFVpPPyLb_Lh8fRncS4qUtCjpQ/s1600/P1090108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjBHBAHKPzKzPHB5QJsQc7DcN9mGARXi9VxF1zWWnRzCA2erlgqhdtknD0CLMMhyJRFVUJUYBIx4tVWBIEmdq9AefsprSsTqR3VLPrMttOZJ1zXBnJMFVpPPyLb_Lh8fRncS4qUtCjpQ/s320/P1090108.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And I turned it inside out with right sides together to make nice French seams up the sides.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExp_HXLUGsahMLV5df-ZJ9ViQIYpMzwuXYlIr5KA-yyKaal2gODyYxxNwbx0bm8iBVWF_nO4RMWSVvE1iCegyQ1RNXbNzclbmuQ8BQcxkHz03WJfuy1M_juAoz1lVTu6AWTEIag1H-dc/s1600/P1090101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExp_HXLUGsahMLV5df-ZJ9ViQIYpMzwuXYlIr5KA-yyKaal2gODyYxxNwbx0bm8iBVWF_nO4RMWSVvE1iCegyQ1RNXbNzclbmuQ8BQcxkHz03WJfuy1M_juAoz1lVTu6AWTEIag1H-dc/s320/P1090101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I sewed across the corners at the bottom - the blue line is 2.5", which gives a nice square base to the bag.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGbNOpE_aN1u-kNnqg9j_O4VvLR3j8hdqyUcRgSbLCU9x03wpoz7u8I59t2zW1V7vkOTOgCBFa6cdwJc84Msc6t5-YomBv_vYYfNMGPheLJN7SJyupiVoGBfFrs8k9Uf5ZSmmuSWjPsw/s1600/P1090102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGbNOpE_aN1u-kNnqg9j_O4VvLR3j8hdqyUcRgSbLCU9x03wpoz7u8I59t2zW1V7vkOTOgCBFa6cdwJc84Msc6t5-YomBv_vYYfNMGPheLJN7SJyupiVoGBfFrs8k9Uf5ZSmmuSWjPsw/s320/P1090102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I folded the top edge twice, and stitched the hem, catching the ribbon handles to secure them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6TiEv3RDQox3FhexRx4jx6ub2zgUNFMg1_FUlt9wQUo5ZRM2cds4pj97a8Lgyytfvuod0G2jSvujAq99TryJ-_XglqBoWHUmOJ3nOcCwg3CBnJCV5WoIetUiicu4yVhkIrN_kJ8u9J0/s1600/P1090103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6TiEv3RDQox3FhexRx4jx6ub2zgUNFMg1_FUlt9wQUo5ZRM2cds4pj97a8Lgyytfvuod0G2jSvujAq99TryJ-_XglqBoWHUmOJ3nOcCwg3CBnJCV5WoIetUiicu4yVhkIrN_kJ8u9J0/s320/P1090103.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Done!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsnoB_z_V_zkz4bS1Dcqjc9emgbEkCjEXmJZleWuSkoUwWSQtqbUw8XTd99u3R__tmSs_b0wnxP9if9hoJAqzRKcZYTsO6hiVpFrjrTTMVyQK8cENVdgn1PGRVm_6HgrZLIZYXvnXbJQ/s1600/P1090106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsnoB_z_V_zkz4bS1Dcqjc9emgbEkCjEXmJZleWuSkoUwWSQtqbUw8XTd99u3R__tmSs_b0wnxP9if9hoJAqzRKcZYTsO6hiVpFrjrTTMVyQK8cENVdgn1PGRVm_6HgrZLIZYXvnXbJQ/s320/P1090106.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-43584800305599818972013-06-25T15:50:00.001+01:002013-06-25T15:50:21.361+01:00Flat S in England...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We've has a very special visitor in the Runcible household this week: <a href="http://oliverands.com/blog/2013/03/the-flat-s-tour.html">Flat S</a> sailed over from America on her way around the world.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn6nx6A-Y5NNrohG-fxukP6cJY_wnPhVGnKhIXFkrHVWp8W_-8FtYbIMUmz00I_oQdYj9KMcjoipX6hB_8yiX9XTUAxk49ZwOTPcnTVSFSjhZussbEQKc8B8Ja1UnRVCLtj9kRMUNNmg/s1600/P1080958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn6nx6A-Y5NNrohG-fxukP6cJY_wnPhVGnKhIXFkrHVWp8W_-8FtYbIMUmz00I_oQdYj9KMcjoipX6hB_8yiX9XTUAxk49ZwOTPcnTVSFSjhZussbEQKc8B8Ja1UnRVCLtj9kRMUNNmg/s320/P1080958.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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It was a little bit magical having her to stay - as though a story-book character had stepped off the page and come to play! After<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3145950666581589223#editor/target=post;postID=9133404113178459718;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=5;src=postname"> all</a> <a href="http://runcibledays.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/mummy-and-me-sewing-by-stealth.html">these</a> <a href="http://runcibledays.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/buttonhole-blues.html">years</a> <a href="http://runcibledays.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/bubbles-and-ice-cream.html">sewing</a> O+S patterns, I was a little bit in awe at first, but the children just got on and played with her.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63-lj4v_EeTNaUa5nUHY2-tDzmc3u6xx0GTYd0Rj1JbOXQ-fP7CXBJTDTVfrEjnkSChaBOaU_5151M1NLt7mhce3z27xXq5bOT3BUPPH9GaoLc8HEIQ-hAEnVjLy0DYIxoHMRk1wAzDE/s1600/P1080907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63-lj4v_EeTNaUa5nUHY2-tDzmc3u6xx0GTYd0Rj1JbOXQ-fP7CXBJTDTVfrEjnkSChaBOaU_5151M1NLt7mhce3z27xXq5bOT3BUPPH9GaoLc8HEIQ-hAEnVjLy0DYIxoHMRk1wAzDE/s320/P1080907.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The story of her adventures with us is over on the<a href="http://oliverands.com/blog/2013/06/flat-s-arrives-in-the-united-kingdom.html"> O+S blog</a> today, and now she's sailing away to her next destination...</div>
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Happy Travels, Flat S!</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-64855617946506577202013-06-04T21:15:00.002+01:002013-06-04T21:42:54.379+01:00A little change to make life better<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This was my peg bucket.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq-9dGW_1-6OQ0tW2GXdJfMoQ-4Am4gmVdkpyhIDyzJ0CS62kKjJ4NK3ZybdUMRlcg5qvN0b-roIJD2R5vuHX0t0VjPObE1VpsC1uZ20P92veqYFHi8-q7sceqMCKGBoUm41MxPV5fso/s1600/P1080951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq-9dGW_1-6OQ0tW2GXdJfMoQ-4Am4gmVdkpyhIDyzJ0CS62kKjJ4NK3ZybdUMRlcg5qvN0b-roIJD2R5vuHX0t0VjPObE1VpsC1uZ20P92veqYFHi8-q7sceqMCKGBoUm41MxPV5fso/s320/P1080951.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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It said 'PEGS' in big friendly letters on the side, and so I always believed that it must have some special powers to make it perfectly suited to peg storage... and yet it was almost completely unfit for purpose. </div>
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Sometimes I found snails living inside it. </div>
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Then I had a revelation: other people use peg <u>bags</u>. Last week's<a href="http://runcibledays.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/a-phone-cosy-for-all-seasons.html"> phone cosy process</a> works equally well for a simple little bag. I scaled it up a little, added a shoulder strap, and used a morsel of precious Japanese linen for the flap.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1H55rznEL3Ue6s8oaAfI-SXsFWjsN9a2nVamFY5IXP7XQDsYFZgEJwtAO9fTG1M-g67-zt-8RKSkwljmj20tul9ptv8R066b2bjy1MEKyzfLXFXTwPn54rUSNPJSxpB0yxEFGlBvslqY/s1600/P1080946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1H55rznEL3Ue6s8oaAfI-SXsFWjsN9a2nVamFY5IXP7XQDsYFZgEJwtAO9fTG1M-g67-zt-8RKSkwljmj20tul9ptv8R066b2bjy1MEKyzfLXFXTwPn54rUSNPJSxpB0yxEFGlBvslqY/s400/P1080946.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The stripy fabric is from Cath Kidston (with a sturdy interfacing) and the lining is grey gingham from Ikea.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnFbkLqnfo2GBWUCShhHdK0E-Gp3opLhSppcv3z8QtSGE3gjaro0URPW-Jaq1k00O3dOdBT1qaKqtTPQey80KTEnGjVcYAGMb_UU7HDd1cFDEgodL5HQLiniNeXAgbNQJIvVD-JoL92I/s1600/P1080948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnFbkLqnfo2GBWUCShhHdK0E-Gp3opLhSppcv3z8QtSGE3gjaro0URPW-Jaq1k00O3dOdBT1qaKqtTPQey80KTEnGjVcYAGMb_UU7HDd1cFDEgodL5HQLiniNeXAgbNQJIvVD-JoL92I/s400/P1080948.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I feel like a proper grown-up with my bespoke peg bag, and it lives indoors, where there are no snails.</div>
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Why didn't I think of that before?</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-4720657892734612562013-05-29T23:07:00.000+01:002013-05-29T23:07:06.857+01:00Leibster adaptations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I had a lovely compliment last month from Natalie at <a href="http://sewingroomsecrets.wordpress.com/">Sewing Room Secrets</a>, who nominated runcibledays for a Leibster Award. After looking through her beautiful blog I feel very flattered to be on her reading list. </div>
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The only catch is that I had to answer eleven questions, and then pass eleven questions of my own on to eleven other blogs. That sort of challenge could set me procrastinating for years.</div>
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I muddled through the questions, though:</div>
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<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.625; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sweet or savoury? (sweet, unless the savoury option were cheese, then maybe both)</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.625; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A few really good friends or lots of acquaintances? (a few good friends for a night in, though lots of acquaintances can be nice for an afternoon at the park)</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.625; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">City girl or country? (live in the city but love the countryside especially when there are goats)</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.625; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Morning person or night owl? (night owl who likes early nights)</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.625; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What is the most unusual thing you have ever eaten? (I can remember the sausage which rendered me vegetarian twenty years ago)</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.625; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What is your earliest memory? (not sure, but I can remember being very excited by cheese on toast at my kindergarten)</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.625; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What is your favourite smell? (my babies, of course, and springtime)</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.625; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What 3 words would you choose to describe yourself? (judging by the above: indecisive, indecisive and indecisive)</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.625; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What qualities do you most treasure in a friend? (tolerance and tea-making skills)</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.625; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How did you choose a name for your blog? (a long story beginning and ending with the Owl and the Pussycat)</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This next step might be cheating - but I like to think that it's still in the spirit of the Leibster award and its mission to encourage small blogs.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead of nominating eleven blogs (and asking eleven questions) I'm going to mention just two (but they are both very much worth visiting):</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sandi at<a href="http://www.ebethwyatt.com/"> Elizabeth Wyatt Patterns</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amy at<a href="http://lotsofpinkhere.blogspot.co.uk/"> Lots of Pink Here</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I met Sandi through the Oliver + S flickr group (before flickr turned to the dark side). She has just released her second pattern, the <a href="http://www.ebethwyatt.com/2013/05/introducing.html">Little Man Tool Belt</a> (it also works for little girls who want to stash away snail shells and bits of twig from the garden). I was lucky enough to be one of her pattern testers, and can absolutely recommend this pattern. It has lots of clever pockets, no raw edges, and plenty of clever toddler-friendly adaptations (adding a ribbon tab on the zip, for example).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amy and I bonded over the Sugar City Frock a few years ago, and since then her online shop and blog have gone from strength to strength. She is a master of clever cutting, and has also recently also released a pattern - a <a href="http://lotsofpinkhere.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/sew-mama-sew-giveaway-day-and-release_6.html">travel game set</a>, which also links up with a binding tutorial on her blog.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you again, Natalie, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and please forgive me for rewriting the rules a little. </span></div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-90099902438075868462013-05-22T21:03:00.000+01:002013-05-22T21:03:26.471+01:00A phone-cosy for all seasons<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My phone has a new home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wKDGI1kkuQRAku4XRKOAbVaiYlZbCKQ0HSm0JGiIoZPjZEZQbCRf13fixuwXeNPlLtZ-dYuuf39lZrneCLMONTkDDgyNxLXtmnYk0OQA3ZyA_xOzDcyI1IStrjuEho-Tdq_xzt3eHco/s1600/P1080872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wKDGI1kkuQRAku4XRKOAbVaiYlZbCKQ0HSm0JGiIoZPjZEZQbCRf13fixuwXeNPlLtZ-dYuuf39lZrneCLMONTkDDgyNxLXtmnYk0OQA3ZyA_xOzDcyI1IStrjuEho-Tdq_xzt3eHco/s320/P1080872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm much more excited by the case than by the phone inside it. It's taken a lot of experimenting with various gadget cosies and cases, but at last I've happened on a quick and satisfying way to make then whole case (including the lining) in one step, with no seams showing.</div>
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I'm thinking that there are two groups of people who might want a gadget-cosy:</div>
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1 - those who love their gadgets and want to protect them;</div>
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and </div>
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2 - those who hate their gadgets and want to hide them away.</div>
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That would be everyone. Almost. So I'm sharing photos of the process just in case it saves someone else a few hours of fabric origami.</div>
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And here's what I did...</div>
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(please bear with me on the tedious measuring stages at the start - it's really just one long rectangle - there's no actual maths going on here).</div>
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First I drew around my phone.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0O2kL72414wfiIUhtutrGGsJRue034-YLShWVAprXMKQSDJCX3V7IoChayaidAriR4jJJAJOXCfwoNZX1SVeio9fXQO9-VSHOQteRPtAhsTqcjUahc8wPgrOTBO2EgGoA8AYz3LqK8w/s1600/P1080824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0O2kL72414wfiIUhtutrGGsJRue034-YLShWVAprXMKQSDJCX3V7IoChayaidAriR4jJJAJOXCfwoNZX1SVeio9fXQO9-VSHOQteRPtAhsTqcjUahc8wPgrOTBO2EgGoA8AYz3LqK8w/s320/P1080824.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Then I drew a box </span> about a quarter of an inch outside<span class="Apple-style-span"> the phone's outline (I'll talk about 'the box' quite a lot in these instructions, for want of a better description).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilh3Ec5jH6NMHTIci2hKN1P07kYD5ju7-v3S-XAojbIFp3Mtk7_XhWff5j-VRnFO7immrmxjE_29A3TNpV3cb1r8JlVnDo83olPdsMHwmMJ89mr4PQDst0E-w-3z51xoeFk6FnG8X-IF8/s1600/P1080825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilh3Ec5jH6NMHTIci2hKN1P07kYD5ju7-v3S-XAojbIFp3Mtk7_XhWff5j-VRnFO7immrmxjE_29A3TNpV3cb1r8JlVnDo83olPdsMHwmMJ89mr4PQDst0E-w-3z51xoeFk6FnG8X-IF8/s320/P1080825.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Next, I drew some parallel lines half an inch from the long sides of the box, for seam allowances.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fzUzzHSeglNesouzD6rdcAoujFnjOAW4b6I2cDE1bn3nrtUsKztKgvXiz4JOyEd09yeETvh9MHwXBcyIBieNi2XjiArGsqlDnJI6gLepgaG3P1c0xqm8KoM2QN-QFdbGMgx285t7JPo/s1600/P1080826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fzUzzHSeglNesouzD6rdcAoujFnjOAW4b6I2cDE1bn3nrtUsKztKgvXiz4JOyEd09yeETvh9MHwXBcyIBieNi2XjiArGsqlDnJI6gLepgaG3P1c0xqm8KoM2QN-QFdbGMgx285t7JPo/s320/P1080826.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I measured from the top to the bottom of the box, and added identical rectangles (the same length) above and below, to create one very long rectangle, then added half-inch seam allowance at the top and bottom. In the photo below the dotted lines along the short ends of the rectangle mark the half inch seam allowances. The solid line just below the phone, at the bottom of 'the box', will be where the fabric is folded later, so I'll be calling that the fold line.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wsolvvMRgi9NBSyVZQZRyoAggtyNGvxZ0lRlOpq0Mkbi9fDs2-aCeMKbW_XzlBm3vVy0TSSNqCvBWDgbTVmTUEP5GuEQCL0Zql5lMn_ztFjA_beR-jiupAsYDkySwI42Y0OeGTdCZtg/s1600/P1080873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wsolvvMRgi9NBSyVZQZRyoAggtyNGvxZ0lRlOpq0Mkbi9fDs2-aCeMKbW_XzlBm3vVy0TSSNqCvBWDgbTVmTUEP5GuEQCL0Zql5lMn_ztFjA_beR-jiupAsYDkySwI42Y0OeGTdCZtg/s320/P1080873.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Just in case that sounds too theoretical, this is how it worked out for me:</div>
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My phone was 3" wide, and I added 1/4" each side for the box, plus 1/2" seam allowances = 4.5" width.</div>
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It was 4.5" long, and I added 1/4" above and below for the box, making 5".</div>
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Then I added a 5" long rectangle below, plus 1/2" seam allowance = 5.5".</div>
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And a 5" rectangle above, plus 1/2" seam allowance = 5.5".</div>
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So the final pattern piece was 16" long by 4.5" wide.</div>
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I used my long rectangle to cut a piece of outer fabric and a piece of lining. I chose to use some quite thick outer fabrics in order to provide a bit more protection from accidental bumps: a wool boucle for the kindle, and a thick felt for the phone. The linings were Liberty scraps (I knew they'd come in useful sometime!).</div>
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I also cut an extra piece of lining fabric measuring 2" by 4.5" which I interfaced, folded in half lengthways and stitched along its long edge...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRTJcqy0Uymae5cwM3kJBmR1Ajil4vmWu8d0JRhb79ESNnA6EpGFkf3FXD95g9CkgdloQbcFtHd20MQJmwhVCJyuaMtfA8yJpvsl62zH3b2kJm3jkp6Bh_FC7bEt5GZEefkc97j157Gk/s1600/P1080852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRTJcqy0Uymae5cwM3kJBmR1Ajil4vmWu8d0JRhb79ESNnA6EpGFkf3FXD95g9CkgdloQbcFtHd20MQJmwhVCJyuaMtfA8yJpvsl62zH3b2kJm3jkp6Bh_FC7bEt5GZEefkc97j157Gk/s320/P1080852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptDI_qNttgYkYXtqP9ZI44LY1fzf3RZCSXNDgM58v6soYBXwlySSKkmM8sZEnrunDpjy1tQy3y3swEzMIubtEt9_ksn9tNAKj5JFUrjkbOGOdt3W6R379j8HxbROcLJC2vDN1DS-FjrQ/s1600/P1080853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptDI_qNttgYkYXtqP9ZI44LY1fzf3RZCSXNDgM58v6soYBXwlySSKkmM8sZEnrunDpjy1tQy3y3swEzMIubtEt9_ksn9tNAKj5JFUrjkbOGOdt3W6R379j8HxbROcLJC2vDN1DS-FjrQ/s320/P1080853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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... then I turned it right-side-out and pressed it into a tube..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIKncB0rQONSIjH0REuYYgkwWWXal7FjnfCbWiIj8gTRkbD1ObDJG_0tM9r9YkkDrQZHTOH7eHkMLcpV7vz3Jt6ZbNXO4RYWAAVegGO0t1hbeTdn9tE4kXqkb9BNB6aydh5bctmn7wsc/s1600/P1080854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIKncB0rQONSIjH0REuYYgkwWWXal7FjnfCbWiIj8gTRkbD1ObDJG_0tM9r9YkkDrQZHTOH7eHkMLcpV7vz3Jt6ZbNXO4RYWAAVegGO0t1hbeTdn9tE4kXqkb9BNB6aydh5bctmn7wsc/s320/P1080854.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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... and stitched it to the right side of my outer fabric, about 1" below the fold line.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGjz_n9PMgQmL7eLAbvqrrTMg695_rGItEM1mXlei9tLJt4kTejyXMK_QifAs2sRr8C1cgft5G3sdUdPSly_PErDT96xHV3-0_SsKDV1r_p-2_4RQPxzDFuYeDv9mhnx_Qrm1w3wtMpU/s1600/P1080857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGjz_n9PMgQmL7eLAbvqrrTMg695_rGItEM1mXlei9tLJt4kTejyXMK_QifAs2sRr8C1cgft5G3sdUdPSly_PErDT96xHV3-0_SsKDV1r_p-2_4RQPxzDFuYeDv9mhnx_Qrm1w3wtMpU/s320/P1080857.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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That's the end of the preparation, and this is where it gets a bit more interesting.</div>
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I sewed the outer and lining pieces with right sides together along their bottom short edge. I pressed the seam well and under-stitched the lining...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigC1qHLM6_y3hZSc79Z5la2wRARwBTuZlgHgL7ESvyijnmtadKSzKjvnIAHKAqPWTuDuAQHKM3d1EQhKIFNKsi_IO-WvP9deIEpe2AUHuCu56RpGqs2hN2s3h9TUofpt_XpRfFpfqI6AE/s1600/P1080858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigC1qHLM6_y3hZSc79Z5la2wRARwBTuZlgHgL7ESvyijnmtadKSzKjvnIAHKAqPWTuDuAQHKM3d1EQhKIFNKsi_IO-WvP9deIEpe2AUHuCu56RpGqs2hN2s3h9TUofpt_XpRfFpfqI6AE/s320/P1080858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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...then pressed it again with the wrong sides together and right sides facing out. </div>
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Here it is: I've turned it over so that the sewn seam is at the top, and the lining is above the outer fabric. It helped to have the paper pattern beside me at this stage:</div>
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I placed the paper pattern beside the fabric, so that the sewn edge was level with the line at the top of 'the box'.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM63bvQ3olXiSzOjNY9wu9zmnO8OyjLZH3x-4o2I6FBMtWF3zBPsZpH2o5xwNzrva9qGeTvkzCsKAescRBX-wuvJLsmNiVQ5B9pBVI5i_m3sBlfpkBRk0cFzDLlDDmpWETzz3-CYZNUDI/s1600/P1080874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM63bvQ3olXiSzOjNY9wu9zmnO8OyjLZH3x-4o2I6FBMtWF3zBPsZpH2o5xwNzrva9qGeTvkzCsKAescRBX-wuvJLsmNiVQ5B9pBVI5i_m3sBlfpkBRk0cFzDLlDDmpWETzz3-CYZNUDI/s320/P1080874.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I folded the lining fabric up along the fold line, with its right sides together, so that the raw edge was level with the top of my paper pattern and the wrong side was now facing up (allowing a peek at the wrong side of the outer fabric beneath). I pinned it along the fold line, just as a temporary measure to hold it in place for the next step.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNRzEW8YOAFho_eLcxiocgtsjn1Oz8EldJTQy52hLSy8T6qDW8swwSnG2RLr19hvGeANgugCkxwx5jCTOYTGFkoxnwgOfRjYrglflg-19fHGRBohNUnbM8MXAnE8EHzXaTcKVCaU3c1g/s1600/P1080860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNRzEW8YOAFho_eLcxiocgtsjn1Oz8EldJTQy52hLSy8T6qDW8swwSnG2RLr19hvGeANgugCkxwx5jCTOYTGFkoxnwgOfRjYrglflg-19fHGRBohNUnbM8MXAnE8EHzXaTcKVCaU3c1g/s320/P1080860.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I flipped the fabric over, so the outer was above the lining, and folded up the outer fabric in exactly the same way: folding up along the fold line, right sides of outer fabric together, upper raw edge aligned with top of paper pattern.</div>
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The sewn edge is now sandwiched between the two layers (though that's hard to show in a photograph).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwexDH9tUqN9iKmAMJH2CNQiEpsm0QHtbznUH8-JYwhxDsNAWTMqIqQHyYAiJtefOoiir9ZLHv2dFupvLsh260YvIAeB2HXjZnyqJxSmcnWUH81wjdFCx1xRguY7zZmxfmofD9xpPLk8/s1600/P1080861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwexDH9tUqN9iKmAMJH2CNQiEpsm0QHtbznUH8-JYwhxDsNAWTMqIqQHyYAiJtefOoiir9ZLHv2dFupvLsh260YvIAeB2HXjZnyqJxSmcnWUH81wjdFCx1xRguY7zZmxfmofD9xpPLk8/s320/P1080861.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And then I stitched along both long sides, pivoting at the top corners to sew about an inch along the short upper edge as well, but leaving a two inch opening at the top for turning through. The stitching lines are just visible in this photo below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHo3DJHa3TUka2b8AiwjmVKF1mPpSlTUAc8ixnPlfO7MN__ylg8fxMAAX1KoPeanzs2O5NXGr5bXsrV1PfWEnRCprxWav3Q-TT4i6qZWA5cuwxm76HixBIf0Tc1ELR_5qMhhSEqw330FE/s1600/P1080862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHo3DJHa3TUka2b8AiwjmVKF1mPpSlTUAc8ixnPlfO7MN__ylg8fxMAAX1KoPeanzs2O5NXGr5bXsrV1PfWEnRCprxWav3Q-TT4i6qZWA5cuwxm76HixBIf0Tc1ELR_5qMhhSEqw330FE/s320/P1080862.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I trimmed the corners...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZY0vaM0qd84F_DAfRC9qXGOpQbiXisdf2UtISB0WOx3FoKB2SygRRwc-fM4Ky6gHeCKLgGzMzWmjW1cQm-etBLOrLhugpG8yf-9-sRjD0xD5_AFyBphDM_UU0_SoBAPzQ9hwMkzakow/s1600/P1080863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZY0vaM0qd84F_DAfRC9qXGOpQbiXisdf2UtISB0WOx3FoKB2SygRRwc-fM4Ky6gHeCKLgGzMzWmjW1cQm-etBLOrLhugpG8yf-9-sRjD0xD5_AFyBphDM_UU0_SoBAPzQ9hwMkzakow/s320/P1080863.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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.. and turned it through the gap.</div>
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Ta dah! All of a sudden it looked almost finished.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jH4wAewpDhk-G1a330SwB3xwUed0qb8HKklM94lMlhnS5CKLHm99eLhS3lZR7lnVhjU0ekGDXoAZH98A_D7rc1YSm29yNE1yY2L3nNhOMYHqaWQ4nmtEzPDLSPeFUCdJ84IiMe1pD7s/s1600/P1080864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jH4wAewpDhk-G1a330SwB3xwUed0qb8HKklM94lMlhnS5CKLHm99eLhS3lZR7lnVhjU0ekGDXoAZH98A_D7rc1YSm29yNE1yY2L3nNhOMYHqaWQ4nmtEzPDLSPeFUCdJ84IiMe1pD7s/s320/P1080864.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I slip-stiched the gap at the top closed, and also hand-stiched the corners in order to taper the flap slightly. I suppose I could have sewn it with slight taper, and might do that next time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdb9EyZYUMQhoBcoAd3AyUClmZZgjHWueX5CTsyJPVPzNDW-zEVU9gaDEgrVJXJpDUAyI18L9aerWD8p2C0AIud7hxdet0dKFIXZZdbX7_nN0sXSkH1mDW8v_D_u499mPjFX98BUxB0g0/s1600/P1080865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdb9EyZYUMQhoBcoAd3AyUClmZZgjHWueX5CTsyJPVPzNDW-zEVU9gaDEgrVJXJpDUAyI18L9aerWD8p2C0AIud7hxdet0dKFIXZZdbX7_nN0sXSkH1mDW8v_D_u499mPjFX98BUxB0g0/s320/P1080865.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And it was done.</div>
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The phone slips in nicely and the flap tucks neatly under the band.<br />
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I like the long flap, though of course it would work with a shorter one too. My original gadget-cosy was a case for my kindle, which had a shorter, curved flap and a button closure.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWf6gnGJV01C-yUAJpnjzkaCh84GB6wd6q8GVMdQMvXNRqFpScBs8x4yiXUP8vU5upWN_QptnEbzzCICGRwihgeQc_9Ea4S_Ju_n4PAB0cCnAXfzIH6_9BHauLMG7gLeoWWijmDfjas8g/s1600/P1080842.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWf6gnGJV01C-yUAJpnjzkaCh84GB6wd6q8GVMdQMvXNRqFpScBs8x4yiXUP8vU5upWN_QptnEbzzCICGRwihgeQc_9Ea4S_Ju_n4PAB0cCnAXfzIH6_9BHauLMG7gLeoWWijmDfjas8g/s320/P1080842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'd be tempted to do another like this, even though the bound buttonhole more than doubled the construction time! I used <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/sewalongs/tutorial-bound-buttonholes">this tutorial</a> for the buttonhole, and have to say that it makes me very happy, so the time invested in it was more than justified.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYX91KBymqIomtzLXhIVp7g8SBfyybmeUj8aVMuT5RcMewCLr7-Xc9xK0LX62UDMFDALwzRzKZGauUvsU7p1BKGY9j9vfqjaze6KBNSU8flD5Y8ds3qnp6q9EpcDHNLIc5iLkOiY47ro/s1600/P1080846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYX91KBymqIomtzLXhIVp7g8SBfyybmeUj8aVMuT5RcMewCLr7-Xc9xK0LX62UDMFDALwzRzKZGauUvsU7p1BKGY9j9vfqjaze6KBNSU8flD5Y8ds3qnp6q9EpcDHNLIc5iLkOiY47ro/s320/P1080846.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">I wouldn't recommend the smaller flap for a mobile phone case - the thickness of the fabric means that it doesn't fold over especially neatly, whereas the longer flap flips over beautifully, and the band provides a satisfying splash of colour.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcoMSJVniGPKbmsG8dDifCI-zd088FR6_YwESq0OC9cRJxNb1yRsaDLCNXRG0vN3A_fnjUlkKtw628Jp7NcJ8QMgMOZAwgD429XjKZ_Lwu7yXC1rRHK-TH46InIvuysGxyp2356JF0-k/s1600/P1080871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcoMSJVniGPKbmsG8dDifCI-zd088FR6_YwESq0OC9cRJxNb1yRsaDLCNXRG0vN3A_fnjUlkKtw628Jp7NcJ8QMgMOZAwgD429XjKZ_Lwu7yXC1rRHK-TH46InIvuysGxyp2356JF0-k/s400/P1080871.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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A case this pretty might even teach me to love my phone...</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-57934545683647671522013-05-02T10:54:00.001+01:002013-05-02T10:54:14.971+01:00Making do and mending in space and time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So, the Sewing Bee is over, and KCWC too. It's time start sewing again instead of just watching other people making things. The only problem is the mending pile. This is the dark side of sewing: it's so practical and useful that it can easily become a bit mundane.<br />
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Which is fine, but not especially relaxing, and not necessarily much fun.<br />
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Although sometimes the repairs can take on a life of their own...</div>
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Recently I've been hearing the term 'home sewing' to describe, well, home sewing, and I like that way it encompasses what we do, whilst completely bypassing the question of why we do it. It avoids the whole issue of whether 'home sewing' is recreational or functional. Is it a utilitarian life skill, or an artistic endeavour or a self-contained hobby? It doesn't matter - 'home sewing' brings sewing into the same bracket as cooking or DIY: virtuous and necessary, but with the potential for enjoyment and perhaps a bit of quirkiness.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsecjnSAuTk27YzOfRv5ba7VR-aYQAPUwKmbXnGw4M71Yk4TZuuH4BFrtd3qRUmpCotDlAhy5ZT41vMvzYjzB_FKb-fgSRTYzFHA5tnTL4wAgGPQeIrEJ8n_gPi9dihv8jOGhVZeBtSI/s1600/P1080664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsecjnSAuTk27YzOfRv5ba7VR-aYQAPUwKmbXnGw4M71Yk4TZuuH4BFrtd3qRUmpCotDlAhy5ZT41vMvzYjzB_FKb-fgSRTYzFHA5tnTL4wAgGPQeIrEJ8n_gPi9dihv8jOGhVZeBtSI/s320/P1080664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And it does make me happy when all the facets of home sewing come together in one uber-satisfying Who-themed knee patch.</div>
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Oh, and there's a reason why the boy has holes in his trousers. Here's how the Tardis looked the next day...</div>
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More mending is sure to follow.<br />
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-91334041131784597182013-04-23T14:48:00.002+01:002013-04-23T14:48:29.422+01:00There's sewing all around us...*<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's day#2 of <a href="http://www.elsiemarley.com/category/kids-clothes-week-challenge">Kid's Clothing Week</a>.</div>
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And the final of <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0165nj8">The Great British Sewing Bee</a>.</div>
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And my local sewing shop is doing crochet classes.</div>
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And I have a lovely new dressmaking book.</div>
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And my friend Lucy is looking for a pattern to make a first-ever dress home-made dress for her daughter.</div>
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I'm not sewing anything. All the activity is just too distracting.</div>
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But I am making a bid for Lucy to try out the <a href="http://oliverands.com/blog/2013/02/introducing-the-roller-skate-dress-tunic-sewing-pattern.html">Oliver+S Rollerskate pattern</a>, on the basis that every little girl should have at least one. This version was constructed with her daughter in mind, knowing how very important pinkness would be to her, and with the elastic casing dropped to waist level to appeal to the 4 year-old/princess aesthetic...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2m3AyycGxNivBb5VNhSx5ERW-g96CqxLGgXL6XcZsGvEW6U_RdsU1ZhhrOKtIAjdKXKfkpau4QUvt7stW2I70hVsLwSIUCBvEKHeygPc_tWitVGrPbzkrqSmRy7i77FGcbhyphenhyphenxAWJ-bQk/s1600/P1080582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2m3AyycGxNivBb5VNhSx5ERW-g96CqxLGgXL6XcZsGvEW6U_RdsU1ZhhrOKtIAjdKXKfkpau4QUvt7stW2I70hVsLwSIUCBvEKHeygPc_tWitVGrPbzkrqSmRy7i77FGcbhyphenhyphenxAWJ-bQk/s400/P1080582.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Must go - there's so much sewing to watch, read about, discuss...</div>
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I might even do some.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">*(to the tune of 'Love is all Around', of course).</span></div>
runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-26048685649878677952013-04-14T14:41:00.000+01:002013-06-01T14:20:18.890+01:00A trail of internet inspiration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My little runciblegirl had a birthday last month, and she's at an age where presents for her doll count as presents for her. </div>
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Preparing for her birthday was a bit like arranging a very tiny baby shower.</div>
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First, a nod to the practicalities with some nappies made from a pattern by <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2008/09/19/how-to-make-a-diaper-for-a-childs-doll/">Skip to my Lou</a>, and a tutorial from <a href="http://beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/diapers-for-dolly.html">Bee in my Bonnet</a>. The moment of true sewing genius in the tutorial comes when she suggests using flannel for the lining because it clings to the outer fabric and eliminates the need for pins. Oh so clever. I'm not a great lover of pins, and I do like a timesaving shortcut.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcoorK0_EcevnrMkKBqNAK-8E6Vxx_pH8DmZorNCGr1nx_5mt5-9PSye6sxl4V0GygXA7-5eO4wRCSMpHR-Ups-jSlmXgYC3KFmZ76XERv7Vv4GJQ0XaRUgYWb0J0Eq0SYZksPLqaaCQ/s1600/P1080307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcoorK0_EcevnrMkKBqNAK-8E6Vxx_pH8DmZorNCGr1nx_5mt5-9PSye6sxl4V0GygXA7-5eO4wRCSMpHR-Ups-jSlmXgYC3KFmZ76XERv7Vv4GJQ0XaRUgYWb0J0Eq0SYZksPLqaaCQ/s320/P1080307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The little case for baby wipes was copied from <a href="http://makingmorewithless.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/a-handmade-birthday-part-2.html?showComment=1358257761468">Making More with Less</a> (and incidentally, she also links to an alternative pattern for dolls' nappies, as well as an elegant little changing bag). I only had tiny scraps of the floral by this stage and was using it sparingly.<br />
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The little wipes are just pieces of flannel cut with pinking sheers and ironed to give them a crease - yet they're one of runciblegirl's favourite things in the whole set.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_6XY2S8Tfb7yxHEU6a3uQvwVaWiVOwB6aNhy5Y6Xg015reIK4Zv4THOxcXMJHYLy1HxcaPbCkJQNKfYUxoWTYwgQ48G6pSB9_sdGNx_XzeJH8tGGY9eO8XrTr3tx7l2OlzjOQmX8LrQ/s1600/P1080310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_6XY2S8Tfb7yxHEU6a3uQvwVaWiVOwB6aNhy5Y6Xg015reIK4Zv4THOxcXMJHYLy1HxcaPbCkJQNKfYUxoWTYwgQ48G6pSB9_sdGNx_XzeJH8tGGY9eO8XrTr3tx7l2OlzjOQmX8LrQ/s320/P1080310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course, a baby will needs some bibs. I used a miniaturised hybrid pattern based partly on my own<a href="http://runcibledays.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/embracing-imperfection.html"> bibs</a>, and partly on a scaled down version of<a href="http://lotsofpinkhere.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/boutique-style-bib-tutorial.html"> another favourite (life-sized) pattern</a> from Amy at Lots of Pink Here. The Paddington fabric has been in my stash since son#1 was born over a decade ago, so it was a joy to use it again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzgwdgYKNkOm_mNH2p3XABNgh-i458cOL4fHxlBMfDrq1LTvXxKBTdXjyjNPvEkvItHvT_wOkafHrXZV6K1H2WMtUEvo9Hpvz35NlADgXusxfdI9D4kM_v_jZCbwFEE4gn1PpdyndXik/s1600/P1080308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzgwdgYKNkOm_mNH2p3XABNgh-i458cOL4fHxlBMfDrq1LTvXxKBTdXjyjNPvEkvItHvT_wOkafHrXZV6K1H2WMtUEvo9Hpvz35NlADgXusxfdI9D4kM_v_jZCbwFEE4gn1PpdyndXik/s320/P1080308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Such a well-equipped doll might need to go on excursions outside the house, so I added a <a href="http://oliverands.com/blog/2011/02/little-things-to-sew-bear-carrier.html">Teddy Bear Carrier</a> from <a href="http://oliverands.com/books/OLV-OS026LIT.html">Little Things to Sew</a> - quick to make, and a chance to use some beautiful buttons.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36cTGKRmj5n6uocZ_5vSjA-0_Bi_d4IMPyNQKMFmA1O0IwczLGKvuJYtMRrKJZKwqzrwQZZW__0WNfG1dJJ1zdZs9fbc6RiRJibk1rPMZ9XA6yxpCuJtlRhkHVcoTxyKEhrQVQ5ZtHHU/s1600/P1080316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36cTGKRmj5n6uocZ_5vSjA-0_Bi_d4IMPyNQKMFmA1O0IwczLGKvuJYtMRrKJZKwqzrwQZZW__0WNfG1dJJ1zdZs9fbc6RiRJibk1rPMZ9XA6yxpCuJtlRhkHVcoTxyKEhrQVQ5ZtHHU/s320/P1080316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And then, the day before the birthday, up popped<a href="http://www.duitang.com/people/mblog/66108081/detail/"> a bag pattern </a>on Pinterest which was just right for the last remnants of dolly fabric. I'll do it differently (= much more carefully) next time, but runciblegirl loves it, so all's well.</div>
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Just a quick note on the bag: the pattern is in Japanese (I think) which I don't speak, but the photographs are meticulous and take you through ever step. My funny little bag was made in haste! Next time I'll be more particular about copying the proportions of the illustrated pattern pieces.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJN9uVE86rnKrCWyLl4M1TPU1k_ORHK0yZ26_YagcgBRTsiLpFEunKm7WkAHhrwHlDTiMBwSitMbm7ic_4oQxOrf1YJVDaa33uwelyudg3vxVUlEPoC3g2B7kZ0G6YqZHM6Obb4M6KGU4/s1600/P1080321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJN9uVE86rnKrCWyLl4M1TPU1k_ORHK0yZ26_YagcgBRTsiLpFEunKm7WkAHhrwHlDTiMBwSitMbm7ic_4oQxOrf1YJVDaa33uwelyudg3vxVUlEPoC3g2B7kZ0G6YqZHM6Obb4M6KGU4/s320/P1080321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy Birthday, little runciblegirl!</div>
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And thank you, to all the generous people whose patterns I've used. They are being well used and well loved.</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-65996818833917746782013-03-26T14:16:00.004+00:002013-03-26T14:16:41.834+00:00Beautiful on the inside<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This post is heartfelt (if a touch belated)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">THANKYOU</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">&</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">OBRIGADA</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to the lovely Ana Sofia at <a href="http://sisforsewing.wordpress.com/">S is for Sewing</a>, who sent me a parcel of goodies from her recent <a href="http://sisforsewing.wordpress.com/2013/01/21/giveaway/">giveaway</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ana Sofia sews for her children, making them beautiful clothes which manage to be practical+fun as well as beautiful+timeless. I had previously thought of these two categories as being mutually exclusive, especially in the context of children's clothing, and so am a bit in awe of her beautiful sewing. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, the giveaway included the <a href="http://oliverands.com/blog/2011/08/introducing-the-after-school-shirt-pants-sewing-pattern.html">Oliver + S After School </a>pattern together with a piece of baby pink wool, and Ana Sofia's question was 'what would you do with these?'</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My answer: a dress-length version of the After School top, for my daughter to wear through the winter.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I really meant it... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yet, somehow, instead we have a scrumptious new skirt (all for me) lined in this cosiest of cosy warm wool.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here it is in all its glory.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tX8aUSUqJi3ZVsRk1vHnKSKWMolH55XCIbXELGdYoiFNKEX1QB8lHyIqQCwDmub3cDTqmm_iXyogo86DJbG98X_qKznJTXRqdWQulQ0Ia6pY7rY8VZUoODZWK9M-JbaElAY09Fw_hF8/s1600/P1080212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tX8aUSUqJi3ZVsRk1vHnKSKWMolH55XCIbXELGdYoiFNKEX1QB8lHyIqQCwDmub3cDTqmm_iXyogo86DJbG98X_qKznJTXRqdWQulQ0Ia6pY7rY8VZUoODZWK9M-JbaElAY09Fw_hF8/s320/P1080212.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Oh - and that's just the inside. It has an outside view as well...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLf9gho4M-U6y0C0p9ZG9iozc1nnzUOQ9oMiJriBeydxmYAc-E-LlrKz-n0BqVSmi3SIXF3CBFuHMDqg9WYyQRHOyDVdyo3LArO5u8h3rkBDsQoHQplUPNImrqFFX_XVHg4FOpc4A-l8/s1600/P1080210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLf9gho4M-U6y0C0p9ZG9iozc1nnzUOQ9oMiJriBeydxmYAc-E-LlrKz-n0BqVSmi3SIXF3CBFuHMDqg9WYyQRHOyDVdyo3LArO5u8h3rkBDsQoHQplUPNImrqFFX_XVHg4FOpc4A-l8/s320/P1080210.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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It's the<a href="http://www.gonetoearth.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1283"> Perfect Attire skirt </a>pattern from Anna Maria Horner (view A), and I do indeed feel perfectly attired in it. </div>
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And very warm.</div>
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Luckily, Ana Sofia's length of wool was more than generous, so there's plenty left to make something for my little runciblegirl as well. And she will definitely want the pink on the outside.</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-21088987762749434832013-02-06T21:36:00.003+00:002023-03-23T20:34:17.536+00:00A 12" doll babygro: pattern and (very simple) tutorial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Remember the <a href="http://merchantandmills.com/products/graphics/eye-test-postcard/">Merchant and Mills</a> mantra?</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">'Sew cloth together patiently and with care for your industry will be rewarded beyond all measure.'</span></div>
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Well, it's true. My recent forays into sewing with wool and silk have convinced me of that.</div>
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And yet... sometimes the exceptions prove the rule, and here's another exception: </div>
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dolls' clothes.</div>
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<a href="http://d1sjr3nqdc83tw.cloudfront.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/SEW-CLOTH.jpg"> </a><br />
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There are moments when dolls need new outfits in a hurry... and this babygro can be made from an old T-shirt during a toddler naptime. There are lots of very lovely, and more sophisticated doll clothes patterns out there, but not many for teeny-tiny dolls like this one, so I've included a template which will fit a 12" doll. I've made it using various knits, mostly harvested from the children's old clothes, and it seems quite forgiving in most fabrics. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePlWkvg6MXvM0PDFJEhU0xgrBAfzfKumpvdDyaRdrbPEr-EW_KxS1-e_Fn9GEh0h06dTL2P69cDPflpRYfrWz-7OlKZeqbkdJfkaHrQH_QpXXEgyuhWxcLRKU8Wej6g947RJKMINxwIc/s1600/P1080158.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePlWkvg6MXvM0PDFJEhU0xgrBAfzfKumpvdDyaRdrbPEr-EW_KxS1-e_Fn9GEh0h06dTL2P69cDPflpRYfrWz-7OlKZeqbkdJfkaHrQH_QpXXEgyuhWxcLRKU8Wej6g947RJKMINxwIc/s400/P1080158.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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Here's what to do...<br />
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Cut one babygro front (on the fold) and two babygro backs using <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2BNwQ8IlU5JeV9Bb0l1TjNYdkk/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-YJH-R4vYVNzbbA-Y4ps3zQ">this template</a>. The back pieces have sticking-out-bits at the centre where they will overlap, and which I will call 'placket extensions' until I can come up with a more elegant or accurate description.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5HltRa9RjFmqpkSaumN7kgtsroBJVh733-oI6XhBe2LDNpNTeGowI2Dm9sLONphT4STnfdJ7nIw4VNPWpJIDF3g3Q_rxTpejsFBWl_14L30QbNVTJftUfouWcLPTuM5I5zljF8BTOVg/s1600/P1080139.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5HltRa9RjFmqpkSaumN7kgtsroBJVh733-oI6XhBe2LDNpNTeGowI2Dm9sLONphT4STnfdJ7nIw4VNPWpJIDF3g3Q_rxTpejsFBWl_14L30QbNVTJftUfouWcLPTuM5I5zljF8BTOVg/s320/P1080139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stitch together the two back pieces - with right sides together and 1/4 inch seam allowances - starting the the base of the placket extensions, and pivoting to stitch down the centre back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUABWccepx_VBVf_QlBFugzZbZer2hHpq1u5JOPTYqRhD9AhfdmDJ3jxoFK5IW7fNtaRHhZa99A9lyAGYqrWistqtc3JgGklTuwZfpQPGoaq6DVYMz8u76eh3uv8ZpbpLBnFSAt-yd4lg/s1600/P1080140.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUABWccepx_VBVf_QlBFugzZbZer2hHpq1u5JOPTYqRhD9AhfdmDJ3jxoFK5IW7fNtaRHhZa99A9lyAGYqrWistqtc3JgGklTuwZfpQPGoaq6DVYMz8u76eh3uv8ZpbpLBnFSAt-yd4lg/s320/P1080140.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Press the seam to one side. This will naturally lead to the placket extension on one side folding back on itself, and the other side extending over it - perhaps the picture below will help to explain this a bit better.<br />
It might be worth pinning them together at this stage to keep it all lying nicely.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioF5hNn1yenBFMJSYATfHYesTMSOCxYeYWYz3AEsR5WaOJn887cP4LKuKDqW84HIsp7IKsAGicFWOxnvtDEXKFCvj98VSttFRd_ldeCrduUrEv2F3fRh5eUw_7zNWJJ60jpQRFfS_Zyo4/s1600/P1080141.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioF5hNn1yenBFMJSYATfHYesTMSOCxYeYWYz3AEsR5WaOJn887cP4LKuKDqW84HIsp7IKsAGicFWOxnvtDEXKFCvj98VSttFRd_ldeCrduUrEv2F3fRh5eUw_7zNWJJ60jpQRFfS_Zyo4/s320/P1080141.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Place the front and back pieces with right sides together, and mark the centre of the top (the blue pin in the photo below). Mark one inch either side (the two red pins). Stitch front and back together along the top seams, with 1/4" seam allowances, leaving an opening for the neck between your markers.</div>
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Press the seam open, then fold and stitch a narrow hem at the ends of each sleeve (it's easier to do this before the next step, which will be stitching the side seams).<br />
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Now match front to back, right sides together, and stitch the side seams and inner leg seams, with the same 1/4" seam allowances as before.</div>
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Add a press-on snap at the back of the neck. The snap will catch the folded upper edge and folded-over placket, and hold them in place.<br />
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You could even add another snap or two. Or buttons. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(This is a felted wool version with more carefully finished edges.)</span></td></tr>
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And it's done. Here it is in real life, as it were...</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-19234030168351230102013-01-21T13:42:00.000+00:002013-01-21T13:42:15.111+00:00Time to let go...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A tiny piece of wool tweed (hoarded for more than two decades)</div>
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cream silk charmeuse (harvested from a blouse which has been hoarded for almost as long)</div>
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silk thread left over from my wedding dress (and hoarded etc)</div>
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high-stakes sewing.</div>
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I could have raised the stakes still further with an ultra-complex pattern, but luckily that just wasn't an option: any extra seams or tucks or flounces would have eaten too far into my scraps of fabric.</div>
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So instead, we have a super-simple pinafore made from super-sentimental materials.</div>
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I sewed it up just like the Cloth-kits Peekaboo dress, though this time I traced around an existing dress with a particularly lovely shape (it was passed on by a friend who had her children in France, and it seems to bear out that stereotype about French clothes always being perfectly cut).</div>
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Perhaps a confident French seamstress would have left it unembellished, but my nerve failed and I added some cotton lace, appliqued (apologies if that isn't a word) just below the waist. It came from the stash as well, of course. The loss of nerve may have been linked to the phrase 'oh no, that'll be like sack-cloth' which my husband may have let slip during the cutting out. But it seems a happy addition, either way.</div>
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So, photo-shoot over. It's time to see if my daughter likes it. </div>
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And if she does (and I do hope she will) it will soon be encountering paint, glue, mud, glitter, hot chocolate, toothpaste and tomato soup.</div>
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Now I need to let go...</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-86920486819169319182013-01-05T13:47:00.001+00:002013-01-05T13:47:30.134+00:00A New Year naptime dress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A belated happy New Year from runcibledays!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">And two new year sewing resolutions: to properly master buttonholes in 2013; and to sew only things which make me feel happy (because really </span>there are enough pressures and deadlines in life without generating sewing angst as well). </div>
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Few things could make for happier sewing than this little <a href="http://www.clothkits.co.uk/birdie-shift-dress-sewing-pattern-babycord-p-35.html">Peekaboo dress</a> from Clothkits, which almost assembled itself during the children's naptime on New Year's day. </div>
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Cutting and preparation took hardly any time as the pattern was printed on the fabric, and the kit included buttons, lining and thread. Bliss! I only had to use the seam ripper twice, both times because I had sleepily deviated from the instructions.</div>
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My favourite thing about this pattern is its button placket - super simple to construct, and so elegantly finished with all the raw edges hidden away. I was sewing snoozily after a late night and didn't take photos of the construction process, but luckily the lady at Clothkits has made a <a href="http://www.clothkits.co.uk/popup_movie.php?movie=demo_part1">video tutorial</a> for the Peekaboo dress, and the <a href="http://www.clothkits.co.uk/popup_movie.php?movie=demo_part2">placket construction is here</a>, starting at about 2m20s. It's worth watching even if you're not making this particular dress. If only I'd watched this before starting to sew, perhaps the seam ripper might never have been needed at all.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely button placket (from the inside)</td></tr>
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The buttonhole resolution came about when I realised that I was holding my breath for the duration of stitching each one. No wonder they felt stressful! Although they turned out quite well, especially considering that they were created without the benefit of oxygen. </div>
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Wishing you all very happy sewing for 2013.</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-79679195443632333102012-12-21T21:26:00.000+00:002012-12-26T15:55:55.133+00:00Handmade Christmas#2 ... with a little help from my friends<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Once upon a time there was a little princess who lived in Los Angeles, and she travelled all the way across the Atlantic in a brown paper envelope.</div>
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But when she arrived, the foolish English lady in wanted to put her in a cold hard frame on the wall. The princess was too polite to object, but she looked a little bit sad, and when the lady looked closer, she knew that the little princess really wanted to be snuggled up in a cosy quilt on a bed just like the one in her picture - though perhaps with not quite so many mattresses, and fewer under-bed vegetables.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7QPGGjanQhi-N5biPqSOqUTeH7qJNzm8MjtWQrNZ4CwUN2Ow-e7Ok-agg08G-umDOUXwPUDhScuiy8Uq8NGvoiVYaGYJAWFzoJZbWCkPoMDTsLZqNQjOZKnn_6Ms0o9swytaBkiEDGU/s1600/P1070141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7QPGGjanQhi-N5biPqSOqUTeH7qJNzm8MjtWQrNZ4CwUN2Ow-e7Ok-agg08G-umDOUXwPUDhScuiy8Uq8NGvoiVYaGYJAWFzoJZbWCkPoMDTsLZqNQjOZKnn_6Ms0o9swytaBkiEDGU/s640/P1070141.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The little princess was pleased, and she used her most serious look, and clasped her tiny painted hands together as if to say 'these are my colours - can you match them?'. </div>
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And luckily the lady had been collecting fabric scraps since before the dawn of time, and had a whole plethora of pinks and greens and oranges, so the little princess felt a glimmer of hope that there might be a happy ending ahead.</div>
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But the sewing lady had never made a quilt in her whole life, and didn't know what was what or which way was up, and kept going on and on about log cabin blocks. The little princess had to stamp her tiny foot - making the whole mattress mountain wobble - to say 'NO NO NO. I am a princess and I do not do log cabins at all, I do castles and dragons and legumes. And can you not see, foolish sewing lady who has never made a quilt, that my mattresses are horizontal and so your stripes should clearly be horizontal too'.</div>
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The befuddled lady was way out of her depth and knew it was time to look for help. So she turned to her <strike>fairy godmother</strike> online sewing friends, who said '<a href="http://lattemamablog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/quilt-for-sofia.html">this</a> is the pattern you need, and <a href="http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/photos/continuous_quiltbinding/index.html">this tutorial</a> will solve your binding angst, and <a href="http://www.dreamweavers-quilts.com/quilt-epiphany/2009/08/05/tutorial-how-to-hand-stitch-binding-invisibly/">this one</a> will help with the hand stitching - which you can do on the sofa, so be happy - and always cut your backing and wadding bigger than your front piece and always use a walking foot if you have one'.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr12fK1xKxhbzRApIQGIwCqLfFbtyEcJSZ7Wg0mRZNzFVpPP3JWu7IcijmLZozpyscEplZd04WGH8GDtNWSTxg1iqEXE7wEdoO9Pm9m8usjd_0s_82gC2vz1w-rnRkYkXZ1SXsxAl2xBs/s1600/P1070140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr12fK1xKxhbzRApIQGIwCqLfFbtyEcJSZ7Wg0mRZNzFVpPP3JWu7IcijmLZozpyscEplZd04WGH8GDtNWSTxg1iqEXE7wEdoO9Pm9m8usjd_0s_82gC2vz1w-rnRkYkXZ1SXsxAl2xBs/s640/P1070140.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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And the little princess had her cosy quilt in a twinkling.</div>
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She didn't even mind being wrapped up in a parcel, because it reminded her a bit of her nice brown envelope, and because she knew that her happy-ever-after ending would come one day very soon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjt_Nz_pW0Z2xzgJ_QMKipFDFGBOIfoHYwAAOuOU5jpefkvUWcHdJuwd0m5weJOUwBDf_k0mC6WXhT5GJ6UQ4F91648GG6n9MGUir6QBbZya2xfSvIaypc9s6Zyu7J-I-eW_4OF9TkJwY/s1600/P1070172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjt_Nz_pW0Z2xzgJ_QMKipFDFGBOIfoHYwAAOuOU5jpefkvUWcHdJuwd0m5weJOUwBDf_k0mC6WXhT5GJ6UQ4F91648GG6n9MGUir6QBbZya2xfSvIaypc9s6Zyu7J-I-eW_4OF9TkJwY/s400/P1070172.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy Christmas!</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-25845927516803105002012-12-18T09:30:00.000+00:002012-12-18T09:30:39.486+00:00I'm dreaming of a handmade Christmas...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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... but would really have had to start three seasons ago to make it a reality. </div>
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No matter, it's fine to start small (and late). </div>
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Last year's cards have been recycled into gift tags, along with all those snippets of ribbon which I've been saving forever for no clear purpose.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPz7txngPqYnITfTKhgISlVY65aRSj8r0a2hD6oganNO7QEZsm2wR3QNNPmskcFXC3aXhDR30ywFK5GI9oYbjYKGy58gZwSWLg29s-QAfDpmGP6u5CKqWaDe-ElatwPvYE4lRI02JcTk/s1600/P1070072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPz7txngPqYnITfTKhgISlVY65aRSj8r0a2hD6oganNO7QEZsm2wR3QNNPmskcFXC3aXhDR30ywFK5GI9oYbjYKGy58gZwSWLg29s-QAfDpmGP6u5CKqWaDe-ElatwPvYE4lRI02JcTk/s400/P1070072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Perfect!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(There's a a more ambitious project underway as well, but let's not even speak of it until it's finished, whenever that might be).</span></div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-36959914565133112182012-11-13T22:24:00.001+00:002013-06-01T14:19:46.155+01:00Kindle cosy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is how technological innovation happens in my life:</div>
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husband acquires flashy new gadget;</div>
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gadget is superseded by newer and flashier gadget; </div>
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original gadget becomes mine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMn6vFUrb8T5z3xbYEfkR_aDq47WsQlHom4Q3VhGQ6ddXA8cFJ0yBhCKd_MVPK8VknYx9PekGINj5grLjI2iC1MbVJHIvi0kXxtOvCaYgowaXCN7Fi3QKsMV8ui8iC9sfWAKMri_9wC9g/s1600/P1070037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMn6vFUrb8T5z3xbYEfkR_aDq47WsQlHom4Q3VhGQ6ddXA8cFJ0yBhCKd_MVPK8VknYx9PekGINj5grLjI2iC1MbVJHIvi0kXxtOvCaYgowaXCN7Fi3QKsMV8ui8iC9sfWAKMri_9wC9g/s400/P1070037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I didn't expect to be so smitten by the Kindle, but I've made it a nicer coat than any I own myself so there must be a message in there.</div>
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The wool boucle is from <a href="http://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/">Fabric Godmother</a>, and the silk lining is from Liberty, via <a href="http://www.raystitch.co.uk/fabric.html">Raystitch</a>.</div>
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The Kindle is from my husband, of course.</div>
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(Thank you)</div>
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x</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-71766080986760343852012-10-13T14:00:00.000+01:002012-10-13T14:00:50.743+01:00A short sewing story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I had a whole afternoon to myself today.</div>
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So naturally I decided to sew.</div>
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I felt brave, so I tried something new: a log cabin block, from <a href="http://ellisonlane.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/improv-log-cabin-tutorial-scrappy-stash.html#">this inspiring tutorial</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsim3rQFMxjFkFEDhv4A3pZa-8hzjFst632r9O_rVixIz4UtUl5nNEiXTQSdorvsj6h1SH47mgEh7XcOElbGntRRj_7i72Es4j_fogTxfpWPHF6Bnx9yjAJ5BKX2Pk6S2JHcF4LqJLSYQ/s1600/P1060853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsim3rQFMxjFkFEDhv4A3pZa-8hzjFst632r9O_rVixIz4UtUl5nNEiXTQSdorvsj6h1SH47mgEh7XcOElbGntRRj_7i72Es4j_fogTxfpWPHF6Bnx9yjAJ5BKX2Pk6S2JHcF4LqJLSYQ/s400/P1060853.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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And another one:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5IQx_Gf0VSve_Zt6XvLd4ROGB-lf2Lt6ux57H_N-rbu4ZFnlKYfY5bVNvuxzZcT2avisrdzxvy6GTC2Si7_aHriS68dDOHtbIzaFp6KImlMAxusgVZr3zibiyjW-0ehxHAhZodGB4Ak/s1600/P1060852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5IQx_Gf0VSve_Zt6XvLd4ROGB-lf2Lt6ux57H_N-rbu4ZFnlKYfY5bVNvuxzZcT2avisrdzxvy6GTC2Si7_aHriS68dDOHtbIzaFp6KImlMAxusgVZr3zibiyjW-0ehxHAhZodGB4Ak/s400/P1060852.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Why are they a bit rectangular? </div>
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Well - I had a plan. I was going to make a Kindle case, and modelled my blocks on the dimensions of the Kindle.</div>
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So far, so good.</div>
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But then it all got a bit complicated. My batting wasn't quite thick enough to defend the Kindle against knocks and drops, and I very much wanted to end the day with a completed project.</div>
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(Ok - I was impatient).</div>
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I used <a href="http://maureencracknellhandmade.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/a-quilt-as-you-go-tutorial.html?showComment=1349877762882">this tutorial</a> to quilt each block separately, and decided to trim them both a bit and make a toddler-sized tote bag.</div>
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But then the overlocker got involved and began to misbehave.</div>
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My blocks were being trimmed into oblivion, and it was no longer fun. At all.</div>
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And then at last the solution came to me...</div>
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Wasn't I just saying I needed a<a href="http://runcibledays.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/a-sort-of-public-service-announcement.html"> pincushion</a>?</div>
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And what better way to keep my favourite fabrics always on display?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWK6Nw5AnOHIqrNOV8U7-I4-cWhgLCG29Udo8qEWXiZdgDY6c3gRHeLcwrm52pq9W2D4n2dW4oK9D9Z51VBeJqTDMSMDHM18tHxcoYPFOmDAAAVSVX55sCJqJuYEKptfsjsTpLcCUuW8Q/s1600/P1060857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWK6Nw5AnOHIqrNOV8U7-I4-cWhgLCG29Udo8qEWXiZdgDY6c3gRHeLcwrm52pq9W2D4n2dW4oK9D9Z51VBeJqTDMSMDHM18tHxcoYPFOmDAAAVSVX55sCJqJuYEKptfsjsTpLcCUuW8Q/s400/P1060857.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Woohoo, fun again!</div>
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And finished in time for the school run.</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145950666581589223.post-34478498726684481632012-10-10T22:01:00.000+01:002012-10-10T22:01:07.241+01:00KCWC, and Oliver+S meets the Doctor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
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<pre style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">It's already day 3 and I'm late to the party, but have been sewing away for the past few days, trying to conquer knits (or maybe my fear of knits - is there a word for that?) with the help of the O+S Hopscotch pattern.</pre>
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I've just finished an Oliver+S jumprope dress, and thought I could predict its associations - surely it would be steeped in Charlie and Lola, as my sewing friend <a href="http://lattemamablog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/picture-day.html">Lotta</a> pointed out last week.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1twlGq3u9yTpYjWyjhb35bR5jeLi8lZkyFLMqtUKRbR4AO6t5JJmOVhz4ny5Tyq9tf6JpsanhmRkSXc5WRlodC2eEjKHJfm7FKfP4tXbjNccOLrCp1xcx8q6nwfGbmE5CoqKHxQ6gmE/s1600/P1060840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1twlGq3u9yTpYjWyjhb35bR5jeLi8lZkyFLMqtUKRbR4AO6t5JJmOVhz4ny5Tyq9tf6JpsanhmRkSXc5WRlodC2eEjKHJfm7FKfP4tXbjNccOLrCp1xcx8q6nwfGbmE5CoqKHxQ6gmE/s320/P1060840.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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But no. I stitched it last week, immediately after watching the finale of this season's Dr Who, and it turns out to be a Who dress which makes me want to sob.</div>
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Luckily, this happy little music box dress makes me smile again...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-3EnsSSlBMyQlz1gB9_8Y4Rz9A7PghgMR26sQOK_9DBFGShjtvAWUHQ_j6QoZfpBkDC3PtVMQcDutTfay_auRs49R7GeJjuxy-eVwX9Mue5bNS1sMLYuNAxayVCIRgetiPDzEQmnQSA/s1600/P1060841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-3EnsSSlBMyQlz1gB9_8Y4Rz9A7PghgMR26sQOK_9DBFGShjtvAWUHQ_j6QoZfpBkDC3PtVMQcDutTfay_auRs49R7GeJjuxy-eVwX9Mue5bNS1sMLYuNAxayVCIRgetiPDzEQmnQSA/s320/P1060841.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And as for those Hopscotches, I'll be back with photos soon.</div>
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runciblespoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299362615664028175noreply@blogger.com3