A trio of small things

The first thing I have made is a knitting needle case. I have already made one of these for myself, this one is for my knitting chum. There are many knitting needle cases around but most of them are a roll design. This is like a giant pencil case, 18" long. The fabric is designed by Heather Bailey.

You can see the lining in this picture:

I made this clutch bag to use on my wedding day and its just big enough for my lipstick and compact. I bought the pattern from etsy. Michelle also has  a fantastic blog. 

I am going to make one for my bridesmaid to match her dress. I first saw this pattern being used on this lovely blog.

This little hat demonstrates my new hobby: knitting! I have made it for a work colleague who is expecting her first baby soon. The pattern is by Debbie Bliss using Baby Cashmerino wool. She doesn't know (or isn't telling) the sex of the baby so I chose this soft green and white as it would look lovely on a boy or girl.

I am still working on my second summer top. The body is finished but the cowl neck thingy still needs some tweaking to get it right.

I'm back sewing

Work commitments and planning our wedding have prevented me from sewing much during the past 6 months or so. I have some more time at the moment and I have been inspired by some great blogs out there so the time has come to dust off my sewing machine and whip up a few things. I have a few summer tops in the pipe line. You know the thing: make it in an evening, no complicated fitting and lovely crisp cottons that don't slip all over the place. First up is Simplicity 3692. I love the Built By Wendy patterns and I have her Sew U books still waiting to be used.

I used a blue and white checked cotton. After reading the reviews of this pattern I knew it was going to come out very big, even though I was using a woven and not a knit. I cut a size 6 rather than my usual 8-10 and even then I took it in a little on the waist to give it more shape. I added a self tie belt which is 1.5 inches wide cut the whole width of the fabric. I made view C, adding white lace trim and three white buttons. The photo below is not that great (of me or the top) but it gives you the general idea. I will try to get a better one, and a close up of the trims I have used later.

The next top I have planned is Simplicity 2593, one of the new Cynthia Rowley patterns. have a lovely printed cotton voile to use.