MachMade

When I first started going to sewing classes almost 2 years ago, one of my fellow beginners attended purely to learn how to hem trousers. If only someone had shown her how easy it could be with this method! So Mr M bought these trousers a while back... They're a touch too long! They're great trousers - lightweight, lots of pockets... but they are definitely a bit long, which isn't ideal for outdoor activity trousers! So we decided to have a go at taking them up - the quick and easy way ! First we pinned them - making sure to leave a little bit extra for the hem to fold back down (yep, that's right - no hemming in this speedy project!). Then we sewed around the trouser leg, just at the edge of the hem. We aimed to line up the seams so that it looked nice and tidy at the end. We trimmed off the excess fabric at the bottom using pinking shears to reduce fraying. Gave it a good press to make the hem stay pointing downwards... Ta dah! S...

This was a fun challenge! I've had this fabric for quite a while but had no idea what to do with it, so when I found this pattern (although I don't remember where it came from...) I knew it was my chance! I found it quite fiddly. The fabric slid all over the place, so I had to pin it like crazy! It has ended up quite messy, but I still think it's really fun. The hem isn't a perfect curve, but it looks okay. The facing keeps trying to flip out, but it's okay. Luckily I LOVE the print, which makes up for all the okay-ness! I wore it for a jolly outing to Stonehenge! Looking a bit weather beaten! It was pretty windy, so it doesn't really show the top off to it's best! It is sliding off my shoulder, but that's the cardigan pulling it off - I promise it does fit! Really love this one! I think it's a strong contender for my OWOP pattern! Covering up my derriere. Modelling in the sun (not The Sun) Emily

As a teacher, I'm constantly on the hunt for things that are useful but also fun, cheap, exciting, new... - stationery fills that role very successfully. I've recently bought some super cheap biros for the naughty little tinkers who turn up to lessons with no pen lesson after lesson (yes, this is very frustrating - I could complain for many, many blog posts, but I won't). I needed somewhere for my 'naughty student' pens to go! I found the shape and a basic tutorial on Pinterest (I love Pinterest so much!). I like it because it looked like it opened really wide, so I wouldn't be rummaging around too much. The fabric was part of a cheap fat quarter pack I picked up from Hobbycraft in a sale ages ago. I completely love the colours - I don't have many green things as blue is usually a safer colour for me.  Oh, and this was (mostly) another hand sewing project for me - Mr M and I have been rewatching the Star Wars films, so it was nice to sit with him w...

Beautifully modelled by Dolly, this is my first attempt at the  Sorbetto Tank Top   from  Colette Patterns .  I decided to keep it simple first time round - this is just some lovely fabric that I had saved for a rainy day (and it certainly has been rainy here in Warwickshire today!).  This is the first time I've used bias binding - I think I did a pretty good job! I chose to hand stitch the inside, which was time consuming, but rather satisfying. I also thought that my front pleat was a little bit wonky, but I think I was being over critical - on Dolly, it looks fine. I was pretty much exactly into the size 12 measurements, so I was very chuffed with the fit. Usually my handmade clothes divide into 2 camps - too tight to get on, or too baggy to stay on! I will be wearing this for an outing very soon - watch here for pics! My next project is a pair of trousers, which I'm currently half way through. I think I may have already gone very wrong. More...