The Burda Style Sewing Handbook

I love to sew, and shall always be very thankful and grateful to those online in various crafty forums and those in my real life who encouraged me to pick up that needle and thread again after many years of not doing so. Sewing has brought me a much needed creative outlet, and although I have gone on to make a little pocket money from my sewing it ultimately shall always be a hobby I love to do, it kind of works around family life and has given me the confidence to make things I would never normally have thought I could have in my wildest dreams.

 I am certainly no sewing guru and there are far more talented sewing peeps out there than me that I look up to and am inspired by and am always flattered that anything I make is liked by others. I am also passionate about other people having a go and I like to spread the word of how much fun sewing can actually be. The crafting world is a vast one, so many books out there and crafting magazines and in a whirlwind of craftiness, it is sometimes hard to know where to begin. I never ever thought attemting to make my own clothes would be something I could do, although I did attempt this Burda Dress for Miss. Poppins I haven't really done too much clothes making since so was eager to have a flick through this book that was sent by GMC Publications for review.... 

  

It is a real weighty book, in many ways. Chapters on getting started, using patters, starting to sew, making skirts, making blouses, making dresses, coats and even bags. Using patterns really isn't my best subject and I certainly need all the help I can get in that field. The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook has five adaptable sewing patterns for a skirt, coat, blouse, dress and a bag included in the back of the book....

         

It can be very empowering making ones own clothes, and I have so many pretty fabrics I think would make lovely little summer skirts or simple shift dresses, but that confidence thing again, it keeps creeping up and biting me on the bum. This book aims to help the reader understand that creating fashionable clothes is much easier than one thinks. It aims to give you the basic building blocks to begin sewing and the tools you need to move beyond the basics to designing and customising your own wardrobe. I love the way the chapters are easily set out....

In the book you shall also find essential information on setting up a studio, using your sewing machine, working with patterns, and the book claims to be the ultimate guide to sewing with style. The book wants to serve as the new bible for sewing enthusiasts and motivated DIYers. I would say some experience in the world of sewing may be advantageous in attempting the patterns in this book, but would also prove a very worthwhile addition to your bookshelf if you are someone who has always wanted to sew but never took the time to learn. You can use this book to bring your ideas to life and the book does say in its introduction that it contains everything a beginner needs to know, from setting up a sewing place and identifying essential tools to making that first skirt. For more advanced sewers, the book provides insight into great techniques, like circular ruffles and challenges you to design your own pattern variations. Each project is rated by skill level, from one to three buttons. One is beginner friendly, while three is for more experienced sewers.

I have found the community website BurdaStyle which was launched in 2007, and for people who love to sew very inspirational and I just love browsing on there. So, I guess the proof is in the pudding and I have begun to make myself a little Burda Style summer skirt, I am kind of guessing it shall have somewhat of my own take on it but shall certainly use the book as my guide and see how we go. And as for using patterns, eeeeeeek wish me luck, I think I am going to need it....

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Thoughts At Easter

Of course they would be happy with just an egg, but I love to pop a little extra treat or two in their Easter bags. Being a savvy bargain hunter I don't spend too much, and I know Master Poppins shall loves his £3.50 ( George at Asda ) Ben10 dressing gown that I found in the sale, and only £5 for Miss Poppins' pretty summer dress ( George at Asda) The Hannah Montana gift bags were only 29p ( Home Bargains ) hopefully Master Popps won't mind too much ;)

As well as popping little notepads and activity books in which shall keep them busy little bees, I have written special little poems for them to let them know how much I love them and can't wait to see their little faces. We told them that we hoped they didn't mind too much, but the shops had all sold out of Easter eggs this year and that unfortunately they shall have to do without. I am so proud of them, they just said "Oh well, never mind, hopefully we shall get one next year". Luckily my family understand and *get* my sense of humour and we shall all have a little giggle when they are handed their little bags on Easter sunday....

 I am feeling a little low at the moment, very thoughtful and spiritually a little wobbly on my feet. I have lost my confidence in life somewhat, although outwardly I may come across as a confident and vivacious individual, inside am feeling quite fragile I guess. I know that confident person is in there, but I think she has decided to have a little holiday, I do hope she comes back one day. It is coming to that time of year where thoughts of Joshua come to the forefront of our minds, he would have been 7 this year and as always I miss him dearly. Of course life goes on, and I am so thankful he came into my life for such a very short time....Having him has taught me so many positive things, like gratitude, love and caring towards others. I am not perfect and sometimes say things in the heat of the moment before I think but generally I do my very best to be kind and gracious to others. You really don't know what trials people are dealing with in life that they perhaps keep hidden to themselves. I do try to take heed of this quote....

So, I just wanted to wish you a very happy and fun-filled Easter, may you be spending it with the ones you love and don't eat all those eggs at once ;)

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Ikea/Cath Kidston Makeover

 I found this lovely child's Poang Chair and footstool from Ikea on Freecycle. The original covers were reasonably in good condition though were faded in areas, and I couldn't wait to spruce them up a little. Master Poppins has chicken pox ( sob sob ) and I thought a perfect time to quickly whip up some new covers, so he can relax and put his feet up whilst I played ( a very tired ) nurse. It also rocks a little so is extra comfy....

I knew the fabric he would like and so reckoned on it being a simple like for like and used the seat and footstool cushions as my pattern template when cutting out my fabric....

The base for the foot stool uses velcro to secure the cushion so I just followed suit in the new cover I made....

As for the main seat cushion itself, it was sort of split into three separate pieces by two seams and I thought it would be just too difficult to get the bulky seat cushion under the sewing machine to do the seams. I opted for one simple slip cover, backed in a cream fabric and which worked just as well....

It was then just a case of slipping the cushion with new cover back over the base for the chair which makes it nice and secure too....

 I just love the Cath Kidston cowboy material and couldn't wait to see it all looking rather cool and funky....

He just loves it....

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