Big Instagram Roundup

I keep thinking I've nothing to blog about, then I check my Instagram and see I've been up to a lot. Just not blogging. So, here's a roundup from Instagram. One of the biggest things I did in the past month or so was be a bridesmaid for one of my best friends. (Photo above). And just below you can see my friend in her gorgeous dress (to which this photo does not do justice.) Descriptions of photos will be at the bottom of the post.

Sewing weekend

Hello, hello, I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. I started on a new sewing project - one of my costumes for Supanova, which is only in a couple of weeks. I didn't actually do any sewing, yet, so the post title is misleading but it sounded a bit better than 'pinning and cutting weekend'. Ha.

I've been feeling the 60s, again, lately (they were my first love, after all) and this dress pattern is not only perfect for my costume idea, but I'm looking forward to making some for everyday wear if the costume works out. I shan't say what the costume is, in case it doesn't work out, but you might be able to guess from the colours of the fabric in these photos. Hee.

Not a very exciting photo! But it shows you one of the colours I'm using...

How cute are the illustrations on this pattern? I love the shoes, too. And more hints of costume colours!

I've been feeling a bit 'blah' about my wardrobe, lately, but I decided that, seeing as I've many patterns and fabrics not used, I should make some clothes (and a dent in my fabric stash) before I buy any more. I'm also trying not to buyuntil I sell off some of the stacks I've got in boxes, etc., to list on etsy once my thesis is out of the way.

I really hope my costume works out - I can't wait to share it with you all! I think it's going to be cute.

I'm Crafty: 1930s Blouse Completed

I finished the blouse! Hurrah! Mum helped me pin it together, and to understand the instructions (reading patterns, no matter how simple, is like reading a foreign language for me, at the moment, so it's nice to have someone to 'translate') but I'm proud that I didn't just give up and let mum take over, like I usually do.

Ta-da!

I really am rather proud of myself, which in itself is an achievement as I find it very difficult to internalise  my successes at the best of times.

I wore it out on Friday night to the Way We Wear Fair; I saw lots of lovely things (most of them incredibly expensive) but the only thing I regret is not picking up a little sailor doll I saw. He was lovely. Oh well!

A view of some of the stalls.

There were vintage wedding dresses on display. I forgot to take photos of the really nice ones.

One of the many items I couldn't afford...

Isn't this carved bracelet beautiful? But it was 325$ Eek.


Edited to add: I was quite taken with the deco light fixtures in the 'powder room'.

I did, however, purchase this lovely 1930s straw hat - the woman who sold it to me said that it had belonged to her aunt. As soon as I saw it, I fell in love but I left it for a few minutes, telling myself I'd return to the stall once I went around to all the others. Well, I only made it to the next one and I kept peeking over the racks to see if it was still there...so I knew I had to go back. The lady who sold it to me was lovely, too and asked if I was going to wear it - I assured her I would (it's perfect for summer) and I think she felt better about letting it go.

Here's a few extra shots showing off my blouse...

I probably didn't need to add this as well but I like that you get to see more of my room.

Love,

Andi B. Goode

x

P.S. Sorry that this is rather light on text, today, but I'm awfully tired and have no idea why.

I'm Crafty: 1930s Blouse

I make no secret of my dislike for sewing - whenever I've tried to learn I tire of it easily and get little joy from it - but I decided that I can't very well expect my mum to make every little thing that I want. So, I'm learning...again. And hopefully I will end up enjoying it! So, yesterday I went out and bought myself some fabric so I could get started on the blouse from this pattern set, from Wearing History:

My progress, thus far:

The fabric

I was going to start making it up today but got distracted by knitting, which I find far more therapeutic and suited to my personality. But I am determined to sew, even if I only make it through this one blouse! I got upset because I didn't cut the notches but Mum and my sister's partner, both experienced seamstresses, said they often don't bother and mark it with chalk or cotton. I decided that, seeing as I rarely cut the notches in the same place anyway (am absolutely pants at cutting anything out, really) then cotton/chalk would be more accurate.

I'm sure most of you will know of Lauren's wonderful patterns - she's truly amazing. I'm always gobsmacked by her work! I have the 1940s Style Panties and Sunkissed Sweetheart Patterns, too. The panties were the first things I made but, as they're a little dodgy, I'll wait 'til I've made something semi-decent then I will show them together. 

And I'm completely in love with her latest pattern:

I wonder if these beautiful '30s hats would go so well with my '40s clothes? Hmm.

The Wearing History etsy store is here and her blog is here.

I probably ought to have waited until I was actually finished with the blouse (which Mum is going to assist me on as I get awfully nervous) but I was a little excited, I suppose. Oh, and I hope the photos are OK - they come to you courtesy of my iPhone.

Love,

Andi B. Goode

x