Blue Ted Baker Fabric and lace top

Well the nice lady that sold me this fabric at £3.50/meter said it was Ted Baker, so who am I to argue??? 

I have searched for a new pattern or even just a bit of inspiration in the usual pattern books, and I must say they are really quite dull and uninteresting……

So as usual I end up tweaking one of my old faithful Burda patterns (although I am a bit tired of doing the same old … same old).  This time I decided to use a contrasting piece of lace in the seem at the shoulders, around the neck and also at the hem.  OK, just tell me if it’s too much 🙂

 

I think it’s quite cute really. I have loads of both fabrics left over so need a good think about what to make next …. Ideas welcome

Ted Baker fabric yellow and black top

I bought this fabric a few months ago on Preston market.  It’s apparently Ted Baker fabric.  I bought the same design in blue also, which it’s gorg’ and I actually prefer it to this yellow, but I can’t quite decide what to make with it.  This beautiful fabric was £3.50/metre and is lovely, although quite difficult to sew and you absolutely must pin and tack before you sew the slippery stuff!

Anyway I found a nice pale lilac length of satin bias binding to edge the neck , but there wasn’t quite enough on the roll to edge the sleeves also, which was my original plan.  Then while waiting to pay I saw these lovely laser-cut zips and just had to treat myself.  The odd thing is tho’ that these very pretty zips are actually invisible zips – so where’s the logic in that?  No-one but you knows you’ve used an invisible zip so why go to the effort of making it so cute?  Before I knew it I was buying a bit of fine black lace to match….

I am not so sure about the end result.  I think it’s maybe a bit too “full-on bling” for me….being a shy retiring type (Hahahahahaha not!) Let me know what you think, I won’t be offended honest.

 

Barcelona fabric heaven

A couple of weeks ago I went to Barcelona for a long weekend.  It was such a lovely weekend.  Lots of exploring, gastronomic delights, and also a little bit of shopping.

We combined a bit of chilling in Barcelona with the excitement of the Catalan Moto GP in Montmelo. It was fantastic.

 

Anyway, I found this gorgeous fabric shop round the corner from our hotel.  I spent ages looking round but I just couldn’t decide what to buy so went empty handed.  But just look at the window displays.  Aren’t they wonderful 🙂

I love it.  

 

 

Gorgeous Navy and Red Contrast Top

This little top was made from remnants of fabric leftover from a gorgeous long-sleeved batwing top I made a week ago.  I bought the fabric from a local Lancashire mill shop.  It’s another easy-peasy to make top.  It’s exactly the same pattern I used for the, “Floral remnant stylish top with brooch” which I posted a couple of months ago.  It’s so easy that you can have it made in one afternoon.

Considering it’s made from remnants it looks great.  I especially like the back with the light blue stripy pattern.  I haven’t worn it yet but I am sure it’ll be a favourite this summer with jeans, shorts or linen trousers.

I used a Burda pattern from the 07/2011 collection, and adapted it slightly as I didn’t want the tie at the neck which is a feature in the original pattern.

Big splash red and navy flower top

     Well I was supposed to be shopping for oriental fabric for my daughter’s hair-dressing completion…it’s a long story, see my previous post.  While I was out looking I came across this absolutely beautiful fabric.  It’s a knitted, thickish jersey and the man in the shop tells me that he’s seen dresses at £200 made out of it.  Well I must say I love red and navy, and this fabric is stunning.  I paid £4.50/metre from one of my favourite Lancashire mill shops.  The print is spectacular with this huge red flower on a navy blue background.  Ideally I would make a dress out of this, but I know it would sit in my wardrobe and hardly ever be worn.

So I have made this slash-neck top with bat-wing sleeves to get the “full-on bling” of the flower.  I know I am going to wear this over and over again.  Looks wonderful with jeans, and the tapered sleeves give it a fitted feel.  It’s a Burda pattern 118 in the 04/2011 edition, but I have made it without the seam across the bust – front and back to make the most of the gorgeous huge flower print. Oh yes, and I have enough left over to make another little top.

Fab Fabric can be so hard to find…unless you know where to look

I have the bug again… need to sew something new.  You know the feeling, when you can’t stop thinking about your next project.  The weather is lovely and I want to sew myself a little top for the summer ahead.

So last weekend I took a trip out to find some fabric for said project, and took my mum along too.  We went to Preston outdoor market.  It is just fantastic!  There’s 2 stalls in particular that have the most wonderful selection of stuff.  There’s a guy who sells loads of designer fabric including a good selection of Liberty lawn, and there’s “Cath’s fabrics” which is a dream.  She has a load of rolls of Ted Baker fabrics for £3.50/metre.  So of course I was like a child in a sweet shop.  Just fabulous!  If you live anywhere in Lancashire it’s well worth a trip.

Greedy-guts here had to get 3 lots 🙂 🙂 🙂 and my mum also got some gorgeous fabric which she is making into a dress. I am looking forward to seeing the end result.

After Preston market we then drove over to Green’s fabrics in Blackburn because they have a good selection of microfiber and various fabrics which will contrast with the Ted Baker design.  My mum bought herself some beautiful linen for a blouse that she’s already almost finished.

I have attached a photo for you to see my treasure trove selection of fabrics.  Unfortunately I have been so busy at work I have no time in the evenings to make a start, and this weekend the weather’s been amazing so I just had to get some jobs done in the garden.  I have some ideas for this little lot….just need some time to make a start.

I will post my end results when I get there x

 

Burnt Orange Boxy Top

This little top looks deceptively simple to make, but in fact it was actually quite tricky. I like the simple shape and the little stand-up neckline, and the striking colour.  I saw the pattern in the 02/2012 Burda magazine and gave it a whirl.   It looked quite straight-forward but I found that the precision required to get the yokes just right was a bit of a pain; and since they are a feature they do need to be “bob on.”

 

If I was going to make this again I think I would choose a slightly heavier weight fabric as I think it would really bring out the yokes and hang a little better.  That said, the finished article turned out fine and looks great with my old favourite jeans., and provides a stunning pop of colour.

Strictly Dancing Pussycat in Backless Frock

OK.  I know I need help (hahaha) but how cute is this little puddycat?

She has a gorgeous little scooped backless dress in gold (something? not sure what the fabric is) and underneath is a cute black, frilly lace tutu., but very nice) The dress is  trimmed with black lace daisies at the neckline and around the scooped back.  She’s wearing black lace tights and little black shoes. 

To be honest, that scooped back is a little too low cut for any self-respecting puddy-cat.  She’s almost showing her butt!

She’s wearing a little green velvet choker with a black central bead. That beautiful black fur stole is keeping her snug and look at her cute little gold handbag. Working that look girlfriend – Go girl!

See this little doll for sale in my shop, “Daftdolls” on Etsy.

 

 

Black and multicolour contrast over-sized top

Just to show you the versatility of the fabulous pattern I referred to in my previous post, which is so easy to make .  Quick recap –  Burda #116 07/2011.

 

I thought I’d do a quick, little post to show you the same top but in different fabric.  This is actually the first one of these tops I made.  I made it about 3 years ago and I still wear it and it looks great.  I wore it only last weekend for a pizza night out with the girls and it was ideal.  Covers up all the lumpy and bumpy bits and sits great on your hips, and looks fab with jeans.

 

Beautiful floral contrast Top

Last year I really loved the floral contrast  which seemed to be everywhere.  In particular I was smitten with the Ted Baker designs with those gorgeous soft peachy pinks, deep raspberry and black.

I remembered a great little “Burda” pattern (pattern 116 07/2011) I had stashed away from a previous successful sewing escapade, and thought it would be perfect for this project, and it worked out so well.

The floral fabric was purchased from Minerva Craft s in Darwen, which is so handy as it is just across from the train station, and has a fantastic range of superb quality fabrics and haberdashery.  The peach coloured microfiber was from “Greens” in Blackburn which has such an incredible selection of fabric at very reasonable prices.

The pattern is so, so simple that you can run it up in no time at all.  I love this pattern.  It is not just easy to make but very flattering.  I love the off-centre neck-line and the way it drapes beautifully.  It hides all your bumpy bits and sits neatly on your hips and looks fantastic with jeans, black trousers.; or if you’re feeling very brave……shorts.

This is one of my all-time favourites.  I also have made a black and contrast version which is also gorgeous (in fact I wore it to go out with the girls last night) and I made a linen version last year for my Bessie friend.

If you fancy a very quick and easy sewing project – this is perfect, and so rewarding.

Happy sewing x