Hogwarts' bag
17 Nov 2016 09:03 amI've made myself a bag that I can wear with my robes when we go to the Harry Potter studios on Sunday.
I used some leftover robe fabric - black for the outer & Hufflepuff yellow for the lining - & sewed a Hogwarts' emblem patch onto the front flap. I then added my Order of the Phoenix braid & my little Hedwig to finish it off! *g*
Excuse the pic quality - I took it with my phone.
Hogwarts here I come! \o/
I used some leftover robe fabric - black for the outer & Hufflepuff yellow for the lining - & sewed a Hogwarts' emblem patch onto the front flap. I then added my Order of the Phoenix braid & my little Hedwig to finish it off! *g*
Excuse the pic quality - I took it with my phone.

Hogwarts here I come! \o/
Hogwarts' robes!
15 Nov 2016 12:59 pmA while back, I made
lantean_drift a set of Hogwarts' robes as a Christmas present.
Well, during this year, I've also been making robes for other friends as their birthdays have come around, & on Sunday we're all going to the Harry Potter Studio Tour again - but this time, wearing our robes! \o/

There are 8 sets of robes & we have all 4 houses represented:
Hufflepuff: Me
Gryffindor:
lantean_drift,
xanthe, KB, S
Slytherin:
flyingnorth,
battyoldflapper
Ravenclaw:
carnelianred
They're fully-lined & I've made wand pockets inside so that we'll all have a place to keep our wands as we're walking around. *g*
It's going to be 'Hogwarts in the Snow' when we go - I can't wait! \o/
*Snoopy dances*
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
Well, during this year, I've also been making robes for other friends as their birthdays have come around, & on Sunday we're all going to the Harry Potter Studio Tour again - but this time, wearing our robes! \o/

There are 8 sets of robes & we have all 4 houses represented:
Hufflepuff: Me
Gryffindor:
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
Slytherin:
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
Ravenclaw:
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
They're fully-lined & I've made wand pockets inside so that we'll all have a place to keep our wands as we're walking around. *g*
It's going to be 'Hogwarts in the Snow' when we go - I can't wait! \o/
*Snoopy dances*
Happy day 6
14 Sep 2016 01:56 pmI'd seen some really cute fabric a while back that I loved but couldn't think of a project to use it for.
Fast forward a couple of months & I was looking at the fabric again in the online shop (okay, I'd been stalking it!) & I saw that they'd only got a few metres left! Noooo! I knew that I had to buy it right then! I have a monthly sewing mag called 'Sew' & it always comes with a free pattern & that month it was a really nice little summer dress. So, I got the fabric & made myself a dress!
(Excuse the creases - I'd worn it before I remembered to take a pic!)

( and that wasn't the end of the story! )
Definitely happy-making!
Fast forward a couple of months & I was looking at the fabric again in the online shop (okay, I'd been stalking it!) & I saw that they'd only got a few metres left! Noooo! I knew that I had to buy it right then! I have a monthly sewing mag called 'Sew' & it always comes with a free pattern & that month it was a really nice little summer dress. So, I got the fabric & made myself a dress!
(Excuse the creases - I'd worn it before I remembered to take a pic!)

( and that wasn't the end of the story! )
Definitely happy-making!
A couple of projects
24 Mar 2016 06:47 pmDespite being rather busy with the move (so much paperwork!) I've managed to find the time for a couple of sewing projects. (I find sewing very therapeutic! *g*)
I'm exploring the world of applique - & really loving it! I'm still very new to it & just finding my way, but here are a couple of appliqued cushions:
Labrador & love-hearts!

Home

I love this swallow fabric & thought it went well with the 'home' theme - like birds flying home. :)
I'm exploring the world of applique - & really loving it! I'm still very new to it & just finding my way, but here are a couple of appliqued cushions:
Labrador & love-hearts!

Home

I love this swallow fabric & thought it went well with the 'home' theme - like birds flying home. :)
My Scottie dog skirt
1 Mar 2016 11:23 amA couple of people asked to see my new skirt when I'd finished making it, so here it is.
I think that the fabric is just so cute!
( Scottie dogs! \o/ )
I made a couple of adjustments to the pattern - I used an invisible zip instead of a normal one as I think it gives a much smoother silhouette, plus it just seems a bit more professsional looking. I also added a lining - using a pale blue silky lining fabric - so that it didn't stick to my tights as I walked. *g*
It was the sweet & beautiful
lantean_drift's birthday over the weekend, & we went out for a lovely afternoon tea at our local vineyard, giving me a chance to wear my new skirt! In fact, it was a fabulous weekend all around as the wonderful
xanthe had come up to visit & so there was much chatting & laughter!
I think that the fabric is just so cute!
( Scottie dogs! \o/ )
I made a couple of adjustments to the pattern - I used an invisible zip instead of a normal one as I think it gives a much smoother silhouette, plus it just seems a bit more professsional looking. I also added a lining - using a pale blue silky lining fabric - so that it didn't stick to my tights as I walked. *g*
It was the sweet & beautiful
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
A delivery from Madam Malkin...
22 Feb 2016 03:11 pmI've recently been working on a really fun project - making a set of Gryffindor robes for
lantean_drift!
I found a post with an outline of how to go about it - but it was more a set of diary notes than a step-by-step tutorial. I had to adapt an existing cloak pattern - reshaping the hood & sleeves & giving it a full lining (with the sleeves, hood & facings in the appropriate Gryffindor red.) It took some figuring out, but I'm quite pleased (actually - pretty darn pleased) with the result! *g*

( more pics... )
My current project is a sweet, little skirt for myself made with this very cute Scottie dog print! ♥
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
I found a post with an outline of how to go about it - but it was more a set of diary notes than a step-by-step tutorial. I had to adapt an existing cloak pattern - reshaping the hood & sleeves & giving it a full lining (with the sleeves, hood & facings in the appropriate Gryffindor red.) It took some figuring out, but I'm quite pleased (actually - pretty darn pleased) with the result! *g*

( more pics... )
My current project is a sweet, little skirt for myself made with this very cute Scottie dog print! ♥
What's going on, LJ?
31 Jul 2015 09:27 amHulloo!
LJ keeps dumping me out & then not letting me log back in (claims it doesn't recognise my name or password!)
So, while I am actually logged in (not sure why it let me in this time) I wanted to share my latest sewing project.
It's a 50's inspired halter dress which I do rather love. I chose a retro looking fabric & am so happy with the way it turned out (despite me having to put the zip in about 5 times! LOL)

( the back view, etc )
I'm taking my Mom out for a formal afternoon tea at our local stately home next month, & so I think that I'll wear it then. (I have a lovely little white shrug that looks perfect with it!)
LJ keeps dumping me out & then not letting me log back in (claims it doesn't recognise my name or password!)
So, while I am actually logged in (not sure why it let me in this time) I wanted to share my latest sewing project.
It's a 50's inspired halter dress which I do rather love. I chose a retro looking fabric & am so happy with the way it turned out (despite me having to put the zip in about 5 times! LOL)

( the back view, etc )
I'm taking my Mom out for a formal afternoon tea at our local stately home next month, & so I think that I'll wear it then. (I have a lovely little white shrug that looks perfect with it!)
Princess Buttercup
22 Apr 2015 12:34 pmSorry this is a bit late, but here's my completed Princess Buttercup dress that I made for my cousin's 40th birthday fancy dress party a couple of weeks ago.
( pics this way... )
( pics this way... )
As you wish...
27 Mar 2015 12:26 pmSorry that I've been so scarce, but I'm madly busy making a last minute costume for my cousin's last minute 40th birthday party! (The birthday isn't last minute - just the party. *g*)
With three weeks notice, he decided that he was having a fancy dress party with an 80s theme - could be the general fashions of the decade or something from a movie or TV or music.
So... Mr B & I are going as The Dread Pirate Roberts & Princess Buttercup! \o/
I got a lovely pattern for a medieval gown & some red fabric & am currently sewing my fingers to the bone! - & then I just need to make Mr B's mask, bandana, etc.
Bud has, as usual, been invaluable...
Checking twice & cutting once!

( more Buddy... )
I'll post some pics when the dress is done.
Happy Friday, everyone!
*hugs*
With three weeks notice, he decided that he was having a fancy dress party with an 80s theme - could be the general fashions of the decade or something from a movie or TV or music.
So... Mr B & I are going as The Dread Pirate Roberts & Princess Buttercup! \o/
I got a lovely pattern for a medieval gown & some red fabric & am currently sewing my fingers to the bone! - & then I just need to make Mr B's mask, bandana, etc.
Bud has, as usual, been invaluable...
Checking twice & cutting once!

( more Buddy... )
I'll post some pics when the dress is done.
Happy Friday, everyone!
*hugs*
New tablet case
26 Feb 2015 03:04 pmI've had a new tablet - a Galaxy Tab S 8.4 (which I love) & have made a case for it with some fabric that I bought on holiday last year. :)

I just love having little Labs all over the place!
( the inside... )

I just love having little Labs all over the place!
( the inside... )
Catching up...
16 Jan 2015 02:53 pm+ Hi everyone & a very belated 'Happy New Year'!
I hope everyone is well & happy. We're all good here at Chez Buddy.
Here's a pic of Bud on one of our walks this week. We'd had some snow & it was so beautiful in the early morning light.

+ Oh, & the reveal has been done (actually a while ago now) for
sga_art_santa.
I was so pleased to have this beautiful piece of art done for me by
mella68, & here's what I made for
danceswithgary:
Click on the teaser:

+ Did/does anyone watch* Star Trek: Enterprise? We gave it a try back when it first aired but didn't really take to it & only watched about half a dozen eps. However, we decided to try again & bought the boxed set of the entire series (sadly only 4 seasons) & we're absolutely loving it! We're currently part of the way through season 3 with the Xindi threat. Love, love, love it!
*Please - no spoilers! *g*
+ I'm still busy sewing & have just finished making this teddy bear for my cousin's little girl's 7th birthday tomorrow. The clothes were a bit fiddly, but I'm quite pleased with how she's turned out in the end.

Happy Friday, all!
*hugs*
I hope everyone is well & happy. We're all good here at Chez Buddy.
Here's a pic of Bud on one of our walks this week. We'd had some snow & it was so beautiful in the early morning light.

+ Oh, & the reveal has been done (actually a while ago now) for
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
I was so pleased to have this beautiful piece of art done for me by
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
Click on the teaser:

+ Did/does anyone watch* Star Trek: Enterprise? We gave it a try back when it first aired but didn't really take to it & only watched about half a dozen eps. However, we decided to try again & bought the boxed set of the entire series (sadly only 4 seasons) & we're absolutely loving it! We're currently part of the way through season 3 with the Xindi threat. Love, love, love it!
*Please - no spoilers! *g*
+ I'm still busy sewing & have just finished making this teddy bear for my cousin's little girl's 7th birthday tomorrow. The clothes were a bit fiddly, but I'm quite pleased with how she's turned out in the end.

Happy Friday, all!
*hugs*
Honey bear
14 Nov 2014 03:10 pmMy cousin & his wife have just had a little baby girl, & so I've made this cute teddy for her.
I used a super soft fleece - she's so snuggly!

I got the pattern free by signing up to the newsletter at Funky Friends Factory. (There's also a really helpful video tutorial on the site for this pattern.)
The pattern called for black buttons for the eyes but as I was making it for a baby, I used safety eyes instead. I also found a really cute heart-shaped nose in the sewing shop that I couldn't resist! :)
I used a super soft fleece - she's so snuggly!

I got the pattern free by signing up to the newsletter at Funky Friends Factory. (There's also a really helpful video tutorial on the site for this pattern.)
The pattern called for black buttons for the eyes but as I was making it for a baby, I used safety eyes instead. I also found a really cute heart-shaped nose in the sewing shop that I couldn't resist! :)
More sewing...
18 Oct 2014 01:48 pmI bought some gorgeous winter-themed fabrics when we were in Tennessee, & I've used some of it to make a pretty pleated-edge cushion for my mom.
There are two co-ordinated fabrics with birds & berries.
We don't get cardinals here in the UK, & I love to see them when we're on holiday.
The front of the cushion uses the main fabric, & the pleated edge & back use the co-ordinating design.

( more... )
While I was taking these pics, I had to take some of a certain someone, too... ♥

( Buddy Budster! )
There are two co-ordinated fabrics with birds & berries.
We don't get cardinals here in the UK, & I love to see them when we're on holiday.
The front of the cushion uses the main fabric, & the pleated edge & back use the co-ordinating design.

( more... )
While I was taking these pics, I had to take some of a certain someone, too... ♥

( Buddy Budster! )
Happy times
13 Oct 2014 09:07 amI've just spent a fabulous weekend with my lovely
xanthe.
As usual, there was non-stop chatting & laughing (& a fair amount of cake eating, too! *g*)
We also met up with the wonderful
gloria1 &
flyingnorth for a brilliant 'chat' which actually lasted for 5 hours until the coffee shop closed down around us! LOL
Oh, & the weekend gave me the opportunity to test drive my new handbag that I've just made. My homage to the impeccable Lord Peter & his lovely lady, Harriet...

I mocked up the bookcover graphic in the style of the old Penguin books & printed it onto transfer paper which I ironed onto my fabric.
I then used that as the panel for the front of the bag. I'm really quite chuffed with how it turned out. :)
( more pics )
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
As usual, there was non-stop chatting & laughing (& a fair amount of cake eating, too! *g*)
We also met up with the wonderful
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
Oh, & the weekend gave me the opportunity to test drive my new handbag that I've just made. My homage to the impeccable Lord Peter & his lovely lady, Harriet...

I mocked up the bookcover graphic in the style of the old Penguin books & printed it onto transfer paper which I ironed onto my fabric.
I then used that as the panel for the front of the bag. I'm really quite chuffed with how it turned out. :)
( more pics )
I've had a new sewing machine as an early birthday present! \o/
I love it - it's so smooth (& quiet) & can do 5 different styles of button hole! I know, 5! LOL

I gave it a test drive this afternoon by making myself a pair of comfy lounge pants with some cute Thor fabric that I bought on holiday in the US (what can't you find in Walmart, eh? *g*)

I've been really enjoying my sewing over the last few months. Here are some of the bits & bobs that I've made:
( a few sewing projects )
I only wish places like Jo-ann's Fabrics & Hancocks shipped to the UK! We just don't have so many lovely fabrics to choose from here.
Btw - is anyone else having problems with their user icons? When I answer a comment, only my default icon gets used - even when I've selected another.
I love it - it's so smooth (& quiet) & can do 5 different styles of button hole! I know, 5! LOL

I gave it a test drive this afternoon by making myself a pair of comfy lounge pants with some cute Thor fabric that I bought on holiday in the US (what can't you find in Walmart, eh? *g*)

I've been really enjoying my sewing over the last few months. Here are some of the bits & bobs that I've made:
I only wish places like Jo-ann's Fabrics & Hancocks shipped to the UK! We just don't have so many lovely fabrics to choose from here.
Btw - is anyone else having problems with their user icons? When I answer a comment, only my default icon gets used - even when I've selected another.
I made a Sherlock thing!
1 Jul 2014 09:20 ambanner by
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
This is a little Sherlock-inspired thing that I made for my lovely
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
It's the front door of 221b Baker Street - but as a bag. *g*

I hand stitched the number with gold thread & used a button for the doorknob.

( the lining... )
I had a lot of fun making this & have got a few more fandom inspired craft projects in mind now. :)
Weekend fun!
7 Apr 2014 12:39 pmWhat a smashing weekend!
Mr B & I went to the 'Cake & Bake Show' in Manchester on Saturday. It was a great event with lots of demonstrations from various well-known chefs, including some of the Great British Bake-Off winners, as well as stalls selling all kinds of cake paraphernalia - & cake to eat! Yum! We shared a gorgeous slice of traditional Caribbean rum cake made by a husband & wife team that was simply divine! (Now I'm hunting for a recipe because I need to eat more of that! *g*)
Then on Sunday, we drove down to London so that I could meet the sweet & lovely
hilde for lunch while Mr B went off & did his own thing.
It was so lovely to see
hilde again & we had a very long - & very chatty *g* - lunch discussing lots of fandom things. :)
As Hilde is a bit (a bit!) of an Angliophile, I'd made her a Union Jack inspired cushion that hopefully will squash down enough to fit in her case!

Oh, & I've used some of that gorgeous black lab fabric that Mr B surprised me with to make a little bag that I took for a test drive this weekend. :)
It has an extra long strap so that I can wear it across my body.

The colour of the lining matches the collar of the labs on the fabric. I also included several inside pockets for my phone, Oyster card, lipstick, etc.

A couple of buttons just for some fun detail. :)

I hope that everyone had a lovely weekend!
*hugs*
Mr B & I went to the 'Cake & Bake Show' in Manchester on Saturday. It was a great event with lots of demonstrations from various well-known chefs, including some of the Great British Bake-Off winners, as well as stalls selling all kinds of cake paraphernalia - & cake to eat! Yum! We shared a gorgeous slice of traditional Caribbean rum cake made by a husband & wife team that was simply divine! (Now I'm hunting for a recipe because I need to eat more of that! *g*)
Then on Sunday, we drove down to London so that I could meet the sweet & lovely
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
It was so lovely to see
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
As Hilde is a bit (a bit!) of an Angliophile, I'd made her a Union Jack inspired cushion that hopefully will squash down enough to fit in her case!

Oh, & I've used some of that gorgeous black lab fabric that Mr B surprised me with to make a little bag that I took for a test drive this weekend. :)
It has an extra long strap so that I can wear it across my body.

The colour of the lining matches the collar of the labs on the fabric. I also included several inside pockets for my phone, Oyster card, lipstick, etc.

A couple of buttons just for some fun detail. :)

I hope that everyone had a lovely weekend!
*hugs*
Best. Husband. Ever!
3 Apr 2014 06:28 pmLook what Mr B ordered for me!
1 metre of this gorgeous black lab fabric!
\o/
It arrived today & was a total - & awesome - surprise!
Wheeeeee!
First thing I'm going to do is make myself a new bag! :)
No wonder Mr B's the love of my life - he's just so thoughtful. ♥
1 metre of this gorgeous black lab fabric!
\o/
It arrived today & was a total - & awesome - surprise!
Wheeeeee!
First thing I'm going to do is make myself a new bag! :)
No wonder Mr B's the love of my life - he's just so thoughtful. ♥