williamsews

I’ve cut out a shirt, but not for me unfortunately, I like the fabric pattern and weave. It was difficult to find the match, so I just left it random, I think it’ll be OK. I am now looking forward to working on this. It has an interesting texture. Chilly today. Regards.  Will.

Please visit my site:  william-sews.com I have had to take a break from sewing for a few days, which is frustrating because I have two new lengths of fabric waiting for me. I see that the Strelizia/Birds of Paradise are flowering; I think it’s strange that such a tropical-looking plant would flower in winter but they do brighten up the garden on dull, wintry days. The other rather showy (garish) things are Rainbow Lorikeets; they have become quite friendly over the years as long as I provide fruit and seed. I wouldn’t say ‘Sing A Rainbow’ because it’s more of a screech, especially when I’m late for their lunch. Back to sewing later in the week, can’t wait. Regards,  Will.

 called into the big fabric shop in the city to find out what was happening to my machine which is in for repair and I almost made it out without buying any fabric…but this was near the door and I felt I had no choice, so I bought two shirt lengths. The vehicle print is for me.  Am I too old to be wearing such patterns? Yes. Do I care? No. They are my favourite, pure cotton, I shall wash the fabric if it ever stops raining.  I’ll be making the ‘rustic’ one first for someone else. I didn’t want to start the dressing gown yet, so this is a nice distraction. Back to beading today with better needles…It’s such a full life. Regards,  Will.

Please visit my site at;  william-sews.com I posted an article a while ago about my attempts at bead weaving; I used to do it years ago and it was fun way back then, but didn’t work out the last time I tried it – I now realise that I was using the wrong beads, I was using large beads that varied in size and the wristband I was attempting to make was a mess…BUT I have found seed beads and they are working out well. I’m going to make a chevron pattern with several colours. I bought Collapsible Eye needles because I thought they would be easy to thread but they bend very easily and are difficult to run through the beads. I shall persevere with them until I can buy proper beading needles. I bought a lot of beads from a local charity shop before the lock down, so I have tonnes in great colours. This was my first attempt with larger beads…not therapeutic at all. I made a lot of bracelets and hat bands years ago, it can be a pleasant winter pastime. Back to the beads,  Regards, ...

My Blog;  william-sews.com I’m going to make a dressing gown or robe and will use a 1947 vintage pattern. I won’t be starting it for a while because I have to buy the fabric and that means a trip to the city. Anyway; I have made quite a few garments using old patterns from the 1930s to the 1960s but not for a few years and I had forgotten how unhelpful they are, very plain with no seamlines and no real markings. I’m going to make the gown on the left, with buttons.  It’s interesting to see the price pre-decimal; 2/3 – Two shillings and threepence, unfortunately the old patterns only have one size in the packet and this is possibly slightly too small for me – I’ll check the pieces, should be easy to take it up a size. Three dots means ‘Cut on fold’ Not much in the way of instructions No marked seamlines or instructions The pattern piece identified by a punched letter. This will have a 5/8″ seam allowance but I’ll just use my usual 1cm seam instead. In the mean...