Battles with dressmaking

The new machine, adorned with bunting.

So I haven't learnt anything for years. Absolutely nothing. Yes, I'm now a dab hand at excel. I can make a mean pot roast, but I haven't actually learnt anything practical and new since...well probably since I learnt how to drive.

Anyway, I decided to do something about this, and in January signed up to a dressmaking class. There have been minor hitches along the way, including a huge lack of talent and an irreparable sewing machine. But now I have a new second-hand machine and two terms into the dressmaking, it's all feeling a little easier. To get the hang of the Toyota, I made huge quantities of bunting for my cousins.

Then it was time for something daring - making something without the help of my incredible sewing teacher, Grace. I've wanted a broderie anglaise tshirt for ages, but couldn't find one in the shops that I liked at all. I'd been sitting on the fabric and pattern for ages, as I didn't have a machine at home, but last week decided it was time to give it a go. First problem is space, at sewing class we have huge tables to cut out on. At home, I had the floor. But I managed to get it all cut out and did the machine sewing. A little more finishing needed, and I'll post a photo of the finished result...watch this space.

Fabric, beautiful fabric

I’ve been going through a bit of a craft phase for years, although I’ve never had a lesson and never been very good at it. I moved into my flat a year or so ago and although I love it, I want it to be P-E-R-F-E-C-T now. Which means blinds in the sitting room would be nice (especially as the beautiful big windows might as well stay open they’re so drafty) and I want to do something with all the fabric I’ve been collecting for the last few years. So I signed up to an inexpensive course round the corner to learn all about soft furnishings. So far, I’m getting better on the sewing machine, and have made a cushion cover! It’s been really inspiring to learn how to do things properly, and this week, we’re starting projects. Fabric shops have suddenly become not just pretty, but full of possibilities, and my sewing machine may not just gather dust after the course has finished (once I’ve had it fixed....)

Here are a few of my current favourites, but who knows, it could all change next week.piring to learn how to do things properly, and this week, we’re starting projects. Fabric shops have suddenly become not just pretty, but full of possibilities, and my sewing machine may not just gather dust after the course has

Native Heath Berry, by Old Town

This retro print makes me feel really happy, the tepee, little hut and windmill are so pretty, and although reminiscent of summer, the colours make it perfect for all year round.

Black Goose by Borderline Fabrics

This beautiful bird is a design by EQ Nicholson, a London artist who was designing fabrics in the 1930s. Her Runner Bean fabric was used for the Royal yacht Britannia. I think this is such a bold and striking design which would look perfect as a blind or a curtain.

And finally, something very different, I love this red and white stripy ‘deck chair’ fabric. It’s so bold and timeless, I think it would look amazing as a really dramatic, long curtain. You can purchase this fabric from www.deckchairstripes.com

An old fashioned collection

Inspired by the wonderful Domestic Sluttery blog, I thought I'd write about my slight obsession / collection of commemorative memorabilia. I'm not sure where this started, but have a vague memory of the Charles and Diana mugs at my Grandparents house and we always kept the birthday candles in a C&D tin. When we cleared out the house, the C&D engagement and wedding mugs came back to London to live in my parents cup cupboard. Sadly, the mugs, like the marriage were destined not to be, and were both broken within a very short time.

Then, a few months later, at a car boot sale, I picked up two of the Charles and Diana wedding mugs that we used to have for the princely sum of £1.50. Amazing. And since then I've added to my collection with a Silver Jubilee mug, a Coronation paperweight (a present from my little brother) and the crowning glory of my collection, the Andrew and Fergie mug.

I can't quite explain why I love them so much, it must be something to do with the inherently British feeling of them, the pomp and circumstance of a Royal occasion and the vague promise of bunting and street parties that goes with them. And of course, I'm saving up for the new mug for the collection, bring on April I say!

An adventure to the South

On a murky Friday I jumped on the number 3 to the end of the line and went to Crystal Palace for the first time. The bus journey was an adventure in itself, taking me through parts of London I'd never even heard of, let alone visited.

My aim was Jaspers, an antiques warehouse, but getting there just before 2pm, they were closed as everyone had gone to a funeral, with the promise they would open at 2. So I visited all the charity shops, had some lunch and moseyed.

At half 3, it was STILL closed, so I kept wandering and discovered Vintagehart, a tiny little vintage store. The owner was amazing, really helpful and found me two beautiful tartan skirts, one pleated and one kilt. Both are in beautiful condition, woollen and under the knee. The look I'm going for is land girl / country / what my granny would wear, a woollen skirt and a blouse, maybe even a head scarf on a chilly day. Perfect.

Jasper's eventually opened, sadly they didn't have what I wanted, but I had an amazing day and got to the end of the AtoZ!

An evening at Somerset House

Last week I decided to check out the Film 4 Summer Screen and so trooped, picnic in hand to Somerset House to watch Powell and Pressbergers Black Narcissus. I don't think we were the most prepared with our seating arrangements, that paved floor needs padding! The smug crowd had arrived early with hampers of goodies, padded rugs and sleeping bags for when the sun went down. Our M&S picnic and blanket I pulled off my bed wasn't quite the same, but even if it wasn't the most comfortable at it wasn't cold and the picnic was great.

There was a real buzz of expectation when the programmer came out to intro the film. Thelma Schoonmaker, the wife of the late Michael Powell and Scorsese's film editor was there to introduce the film as well, giving it a sense of occasion rarely afforded to a film made 53 years ago.

And the film, well it was great. Beautifully filmed in technicolour by Jack Cardiff it tells the story of some nuns who are tasked with starting a new convent high up in the himalayas. They filmed it all in the UK, because the light wouldn't be the same if they filmed in more than one location-a big worry when using technicolour stock. Although a little dated the film was incredible and at times wonderfully surreal. And my 1,999 fellow audience members seemed to feel the same.

I do of course have a few criticisms, it's not cheap (£16.50 including the booking fee) and the sound is ruined slightly by the echo in the courtyard. But they are minor, I had such a good night. Oh-and the best thing, not a drop of rain, even though it pelted down the next day. I'll definitely be there next year...