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.