Sweet Albert

Our beautiful kit Albert died yesterday. We are missing him so





We miss his constant talking, the way he would follow us around til we settled to do something somewhere and then he would curl up as close as possible, preferably on a lap, but if not as close as could be with just a soft paw resting on us. The way he positioned himself outside Patch's bedroom in the eve, waiting for his friend to play again the next day. That soft, soft tum which he loved to have stroked. The now empty crochet blanket which Albert claimed as his own. The jingle of his bell as our car pulled in the drive and he came to greet us.

Sweet, sweet Albert.


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A holiday skirt

We are home from our holidays... camping in Dorset. We stayed at a dreamy campsite with oh so large pitches surrounded by wild flower meadows, provision for an open fire each night (perfect for toasting veggie marshmallows. What a treat! Thank you Linda and Ems!), teeny portly pigs who liked nothing more than having their tums tickled, a rope swing, and such clean toilets and showers. Oh and glow sticks each eve for the children and an ice cream van. I don't think campsites get much better.

Before we went I decided I must have a newly made holiday skirt. And a bag... shall try to take photographs of that sometime this week.




I found the pattern in a charity shop last month, with a few others so looking forward to trying. From 1974 just like me. Not at all the right size but easy enough to take in a few inches I thought...




This skirt is flared and cut on the bias and so takes a fair amount of fabric. I used some seersucker gingham purchased cheaply from a local fabric shop hoping that this would be a wearable muslin. I took in a bit from each panel and then attached the waistband. Not at all a difficult job but it looked so finished I didn't fancy unpicking to take off a few more inches from each panel, which it needs. Maybe next time treat it as a true muslin and don't finish it off! But still I like it. The tie is made from some fabric originally used for a toddler dress for Esme and I love it. John Lewis I think. The pattern suggests wearing the tie as a fetching headband...





And another of my favourite parts of this oh so simple pattern is the hemming lace. I know no-one else gets to see it, but I know it's there and it makes me happy. Actually I do show this part to everyone.

Will certainly make this skirt again. Now I just have to decide whether to go for a picnic and use the skirt as a blanket or put on my red Dorothy shoes...

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a Barbapapa t

A simple make for the summer holidays!





H&M sold some Barbapapa bits for a while though mainly for babies. I bought a jersey baby hat... or possibly toddler hat as that would need to be a rather large headed baby... cut around them and oh so quickly stitched them on.

Now, who can name all the Barbapapa children?

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Peter Pan pyjamas for Patch

Well, pyjama bottoms





Pattern used was the Oliver&S Sandbox Pants size 5 in some summery seersucker from a local fabric shop. Such a quick quick make - I left off the pockets though I did add a fake fly which you can't see. But I know it's there.

Actually this was the second pair of summery pyjamas made. Here are the first looking rather similar





I attempted another pattern from Fiona Bell's Vintage Style for Kids. The Classic Boy's Pyjamas looked so sweet, and they are, but again I just found the pattern a little puzzling to follow. I decided to use some white cotton tape to replace the drawstring and made a size 5 as the last make from this book for Patch turned out rather large. I've realised that the Sandbox Pants fit P well as they have a drawstring and elastic waist whereas this pattern has just the drawstring and so has great bunches off fabric around the waist in order to not fall down. And they are rather short. One of the disadvantages of sewing at night when the wearer is fast asleep. But happily they shall make a sweet present for one of Patch's younger friends. Pretend you didn't read that Jo/Kate...

I might try the pyjama top from Vintage Style for Kids though P will be wearing his with a soft white t. They are the perfect pyjamas for listening to Peter Pan whilst tucked in bed with a glass of milk and a biscuit. I love them.

And yes, these photographs are taken on my new camera. And yes, they are as clear as any of the ones taken before. I think I need to better my photograph taking skills. Please help Linda! Not sure I would have taken this one with my old camera





Thank you for the sweet peas Mum!

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Still making...

Though in the summer holidays things more like this





and this






I have managed some sewing, mainly in the early morn when Patch decides it is time to start the day. He has been happily playing with cars, train track, Lego and I have been merrily sewing. So a skirt and some pyjamas to show.

But am waiting for two things - for some sunny, bright light and this




Look out for some amazingly photographed pyjamas on Friday!

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