Fabric : Fibre : Family
Last week was Ma SIL’s birthday.
We celebrated in high style with lunches and suppers and a rather lovely dinner at a local restaurant on the actual day of her birthday which was Tuesday.
So, although it’s very late, this is to wish Ma SIL much love from all at Chez Stitches for her birthday.
And to share this…my current favourite picture of her and Button.
Aren’t they beautiful?
With the Olympics nearly upon us Button has taken up fencing.
Yes, that is the head of a rocking horse she’s standing on.
No, it’s not wedged against anything.
Yes, I do have grey hair!
There seemed to be no other appropriate name for this dress than Giverny.
The fabric so reminded me of Monet’s garden that the dress pretty much named itself.
And despite the pattern being a royal pain in the derrière, I really rather like the dress:
I scooped the neckline a little lower on this one than on the original cafe crème version:
The straps are also thinner. And contrary to what you see in this picture, the neckline is even…it’s just the way I’m standing.
So although you won’t be seeing M5042 on this blog any time soon, I think the Giverny dress is a suitable swansong.
The small print:
Pattern: McCalls 5042
Fabric: Liberty 100% cotton – gift from Himmelbjerget…thank you.
Lining: Polyester habotai from Abakan
Notions: Thread from stash. Zip from Abakan.
Total cost: £3.40 (About the cost of a coffee light frappucino!)
The sun was out today so we went to the park to catch up on some photos of finished projects.
Button was far more interested in playing football with The Boy and running around making themost of the weather.
Who can blame her?
But I managed to snag a couple of snaps, which in the circumstances I’m sure you’ll forgive.
Whilst she might have been reluctant, for once, to pose for pictures, she wasn’t faintly hesitant in wearing her new Made by Ma cardigan.
The pattern is Paton’s Pretty Lacy Cardigan, free on Ravelry.
The yarn is Rowan Handknit Cotton in Ecru.
The lace detail is adorable.
As is Button.
Through I tell you.
Finished.
Over.
Done!
You promised me simple, stylish summer dresses, and what did you deliver……
Grief.
Grief I tell you!
What with your ill drafted pattern pieces. And the craziest fitting skirt I’ve ever come across. And lets not mention the fitting issues up the wazoo around the waist!
Don’t think I didn’t hear you sniggering in the corner!
And I know just what you’re going to say…
“well…you’re hardly the one to talk are you…not exactly the perfect shape are we?!?!”
…but your little snidey comments don’t cut the mustard, oh no! I’ve made two of you now. Nothing you can say can phase me, Mister!
And, despite your best efforts to sabotage my sewing, I. have. finished. the Libery print dress. So there!
I’ve even given it a really cute name.
All I need is some sunshine in which to photograph it and I’ll show the world that I’m tougher than you.
And you, my fiendish, fabric-fouling friend, are off to the recycling.
So there! Again!
Today I have my great-nephew over for the day whilst my niece moves into her new home.
The boys are playing reasonably nicely together and Button is surplus to their requirements.
Ma is also here cutting out a toile for a top.
Which gave me an idea for an occupation for little girl hands.
An embroidery hoop.
A darning needle.
A scrap of calico.
Bright pink embroidery floss. (Of course!)
A lot of concentration.
I wasn’t allowed to help.
I’m particularly impressed with that lovely herringbone stitch!
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if she carried on in this vein?
I always said I’d never knit socks again.
Yeah…how’s that working out for you, Evie?
I blame The Husband…of course.
He loves hand knitted socks.
And Liz and Lara Croft for indulging him with beautiful handknitted birthday socks.
What’s a girl to do?
Knit socks for her man, of course!
Yarn : Design Line by Kaffe Fassett for Regia
Colourway : Anthracite
Pattern : Regia’s basic sock pattern
He’s already eyeing up other colours. I see more socks in my future (and his!).
And just to clarify…The Husband doesn’t normally wander around with his jeans rolled up in this unfortunate manner.
I made him do it for the camera!
The past few weeks have been hustle and bustle. It’s all good but I’m craving a slightly slower pace. Today was the first opportunity for a little simple domesticity.
Whilst the children were at nursery I made bias binding and did the machine sewing to attach it to my dress.
Tonight I can curl up on the sofa with The Husband and hand stitch whilst we watch a movie. This dress is so nearly finished.
After nursery the children and I went to the park for a couple of hours to make the most of a dry day. We met grandparents and friends from nursery, purely accidentally. We played stick ball and football and had lunch in the cafe.
Then whilst they scootered up and down the street with the neighbours children I attacked (and beat into submission)the 3 foot high weeds in the garden, and cut the peony flowers that had been battered by the winds and rain over the weekend.
I need to plant more peonies!
And some of the lovely new peony roses from David Austin.
David Austin’s beautiful Royal Jubilee rose
Image courtesy of www.davidaustinroses.com
Doing all this gentle, domestic mooching, I remembered what life was like before I started to finish my degree.
And what it will be like in just over 3 months when I am done.
And I’m excited for a future full of simple pleasures at home and with my family.
A pretty great start to the week, no?
I hope your Monday has been as wonderful.
“Ooh that man is on my list
And ooh that man I wanna kiss
My only sin is I can’t win
Ooh I wanna love that man”
Caro Emerald
My favourite photo of my guys.
And what’s not to love?
He’s an amazing guy.
And an amazing daddy.
And an amazing husband.
And an amazing son too.
Happy Father’s Day, my love.
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And to Pa SIL too.
:: :: ::
Pa Stitches is never far from us, but more so today.
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I’ve recently come across a shop in Clitheroe which has recently rebranded itself under the name Pendle Stitches.
In case you’re wondering I have no connection or affiliation with this shop or its website.