Yesterday, Krafty Kat and I made our way down from Leicester to meet up with some lurvely stitchers and bloggers in Walthamstow. It's been a year since I last attended something like this, so excitement levels were running high on my part - photographic evidence of this has been kindly provided by Karen ;o) 

The day was meticulously planned by Clare of SEW, Incidentally..., who was the most gracious host – the lady baked us all treats and even had a first aid book to hand! One of the day's highlights was the swap element and to give you an idea of the volume...this is just one pile provided by one participant – I'm looking at you Suzy!


I did very well out of the swap indeed!

Red wool from Michelle / Floral linen from Jane

Knitting magazine from Rachel / 1970s sewing pattern from Suzy / Vintage bias binding from Jane

And I even added to my newly-acquired, yet ever-expanding jersey stash...

I really can't stress enough how cool it is to meet stitchers in the flesh – I hope you all get the opportunity to do so at least once! Being around such lovely, talented and like-minded people is very inspiring. There's also the feeling of being star-struck that you are actually talking to bloggers who you've obsessively followed and admired for some time...and they're not running away scared...much! 

So thank you ladies for making my trip down to London incredibly fun:

Alana - Lazy Stitching 
Camilla
Catherine - Catherine Daze's Blog 
Claire – SEW, Incidentally... 
Jane - Handmade Jane 
Kat - Krafty Kat
Melizza - Pincushion Treats 
Michelle - Naughty Little Epoch 
Rachel - House of Pinheiro 
Rehanon - MissDemeanour 
Suzy - Suzy Patterns 

And the best thing about the train journey? I got to make a start on a double moss stitch scarf that I've been hankering over for months!

Sunday, April 08, 2012

"I, Marie of A Sewing Odyssey, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '12. I endeavour to wear a self-made accessory or item of clothing for at least three days a week for the duration of May 2012."

So I met up with some awesome sewing bloggers in Walthamstow today (more on that tomorrow) and after some bullying encouragement from Zoe, I decided to join Me-Made-May '12 – the only official month of its kind taking place this year! I'm breaking myself in gently as I don't think I have enough self-made clothes that I actually wear to see me through an entire month...but here's hoping I exceed my expectations. I'm very excited to take part as I've always loved seeing people's outfit posts and daydreaming of one day joining in!

Just pop along over to So, Zo...What do you know? if you want to find out more about the challenge and to sign up.

Are you in?
Saturday, April 07, 2012

Sewaholic's Renfrew transformed me from a jersey novice to a huge fan of the stuff. Ever since, I've kept an eye out for suitable patterns and I'm glad I was able to see past McCall's 6435 dog-ugly cover! I love the sweetheart detail (not so much the 90s asymmetrical look though!) and I can never get enough of comfy tops that can be dressed up or down. This pattern was easy to follow and fast to sew up, but it's no Renfrew. Tasia is the master of construction, ensuring the Renfrew is immaculately finished with arm, hem and neck bands. McCall's 6435 just requires hemming these areas, which doesn't give the smoothest or most professional finish. Next time I'm definitely tempted to draft my own bands a la Renfrew.

The neckline definitely doesn't look as finished as the Renfrew and it's a bit wide for my frame too - will have to alter it next time. It also looks like the sleeves are pulling a little in these pics, though they don't feel tight at all! 
Still, I do like how this top looks good worn tucked in or out!

I couldn't decide whether this crazy, tropical flower print was tacky or cool - I love it either way!


So why does making a harmless little top make me a jersey addict, you ask? I blame Clare   wholeheartedly! She suggested I check out a particular stall at Leicester market on a particular day...and OMG! The stall itself is a disaster zone, but boy does the man have jersey. So much jersey...all piled up into a jersey mountain and you have to really dig for the gems. But there are gems...so many gems! I ended up leaving with too many metres (in the double figures), but with it working out to just £1 p/m, who was I to resist?!?

I love these busy prints - the first Aztec-inspired one is crying out to become a maxi dress...oh yes! 

Cannot resist sweet floral prints - don't you think the second one down has a bit of a 50s look to it?

OoOoOoOoOoh, animal print!!!

And possibly my favourite of the bunch - the very Parisian, scarf print jersey! 
Coincidentally, I walked into New Look on a whim today and saw the bodycon dress on the left. It's made in exactly the same jersey as mine and it's also available in the lighter print too. Does this mean I have famous fabric?

Erm, so yes...do you think this makes me a jersey addict? I don't really think I can live in denial any more, do you?
Friday, April 06, 2012
Well I don't know about you, but March was a whirlwind of sewing activity for me what with OWOP and the Mad Men Dress Challenge! Have you had a chance yet to read Tilly's round-up (I'm so chuffed that I was featured alongside another 6 OWOP bloggers out of a whopping 105 participants) or to drool over Julia's big reveal of all the Mad Men dresses? Swoon!


Anyway, amongst all the March excitement, some lovely bloggers decided that I was worthy of an award or two – how nice is that!?! I was generously given with the Versatile Blogger award by three talented ladies - Sorbet Surprise, Ruffles And Whiskers and The Musings of a Dedicated Housefiancee. Further to the award's rules, pop on over here if you want to know 7 random (and a bit boring) things about me.


I was also lucky enough to win the Sunshine Award, passed onto to me by the very sweet Ginger Makes. For this award, you get to find out some even more random things about me..lucky duckies!

Favourite colour: It's not possible to choose just one! My most favourite are probably purples, greens and blues.
Favourite animal: I like animals, but not enough to have a favourite I'm afraid.
Favourite number: I'm a big fan of the odd numbers, particularly 3 and 5.
Favourite non-alcoholic drink: Possibly a tropical fruit smoothie.
Facebook or Twitter: Both, although I'm much more proficient at using Facebook.
My passion: Stitching!
Getting or giving presents: Both for sure!
Favourite Pattern: I've yet to find it.
Favourite day of the week: Friday and Saturday.
Favourite flower: Is it too weird that I don't have one? I like them all I guess!
Favourite celebrity role model: I wouldn't say I consider any of them role models to be honest, but I do have a few favourites like Zooey Deschanel.

Because I believe that sometimes rules are made to be broken, I just want to pass on some of this kudos to some well-deserving recipients, whose blogs I've only recently discovered. Please don't feel you have to partake in the award rules, but if you want to play along just take your pick of awards ;o)





Oh, how good it feels to exchange awards...what a giving blogland we live it!
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
I’ve been quietly playing along with Tilly’s One Week, One Pattern (OWOP), but couldn’t commit to posting about it each day because of my surprisingly time-consuming, yet incredibly fun Mad Men style files. Instead, I’ve gone for the overkill approach of posting a week’s worth of Renfrew outfits in one go - don’t worry, I washed the repeats mid-week! It's the first time I’ve taken part in anything like this and it’s been a really interesting experience.

Before bombarding you with my photos I must admit that on the Monday and Tuesday I had to change out of my cowl Renfrews due to the freakishly warm weather we’ve been having in the UK. Oh, and I couldn’t resist including a snippet of my boyfriend’s thoughts for each outfit because they were so amusing...you’ll see what I mean as the week progressed! Just to clarify, he’s pretty awesome - as long as I’m happy with what I’m wearing he’s happy - but it was so entertaining to force his honest opinion out of him.








Day 1: Saturday 24 March 

Top – Floral Renfrew 
Jeans – ASOS
Shoes – Office
Necklace – Primark

Boyfriend's opinion: This is his favourite of my Renfrews, so the outfit got a big thumbs up.









Day 2: Sunday 25 March

Top – Purple Renfrew 
Cardigan – Primark
Jeans – Topshop
Shoes - Office

Boyfriend's opinion: Another thumbs up! He's a fan of colourful outfits.









Day 3: Monday 26 March

Skirt – Aubergine Ginger 
Tights – Primark
Shoes – Miss Selfridge

Boyfriend's opinion: Not his favourite outfit ever, but not for any specific reason.









Day 4: Tuesday 27 March

Dress – Topshop
Tights – H&M
Shoes – Office
Belt - Primark

Boyfriend's opinion: He was unsure of the summery dress layered over the wintry top.








Day 5: Wednesday 28 March

Cardigan - Primark
Skirt – Western Ginger 
Tights – Primark
Shoes – Topshop

Boyfriend's opinion: “It's like you're a 50 year old in the 1940s about to call the kids in for dinner.”







Day 6: Thursday 29 March

Skirt – Primark
Tights – Primark
Shoes – Primark
Necklace – Primark

Boyfriend's opinion: “It looks like you're wearing a fat girl's school skirt high up on your waist.”








Day 7: Friday 30 March

Cardigan – Primark
Jeans – ASOS
Shoes – River Island

Boyfriend's opinion: “Hmm, it looks like you're off to the gym, but not when you've got your cardigan on.”





Six things I learned from taking part in OWOP:
  • I adore the Renfrew pattern and my mind is overflowing with future versions. I’m not so keen on the cowl detail for myself though, so these are likely to be scoop and V-neck from now on.
  • I would love to have more me-made clothes that match. Instead of always being drawn to prints, it would be good to sew with some plainer fabrics now and again or to even sew a capsule wardrobe...although I wouldn’t know where to begin with the latter! 
  • I like to ‘pose’ with my hand on my hip...a lot! Maybe it’s an insecurity thing, but I don’t have a quick remedy for this I’m afraid, so you’ll have to learn to deal with it ;o)
  • I’m lazy when it comes to accessorising – I must work on this.
  • I really, really need to do more with my hair! I’ve been growing it out for that precise reason, but I’m still as rubbish with it as ever. 
Did you take part in OWOP and if so, was it as fun and educational for you too? 

If you're joining Karen for end-of-OWOP-cocktails tonight, I hope you have a blast!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Unless you've been hiding under a rock, or have been avoiding my blog for the last month, you'll know all about Julia Bobbin's Mad Men Dress Challenge - chances are you're even taking part! Today, I'm super excited to  finally reveal my dress, which is inspired by Jane's character.

Please let's not play the 'who wore it better' game! I did go for more neutral make-up like Jane, but I much prefer myself with a brighter lipstick...

I'm such a sap, but when I finished this dress I burst into tears! I've had a pretty bad record of fitting dresses to date, (evidenced here) so I was unbelievably relieved and overwhelmed that it actually fit well!


What?!? I'm just hanging out with my dress, admiring my awesome neckline ties!

I used Simplicity 4905 to recreate Jane's look and it was a dream to work with – all notches lined up perfectly and instructions were clear. I made my regular adjustments, taking an inch off the bodice to fit my short torso and ½ an inch off the armhole seam and sleeves for for my narrow shoulders. 

Despite wanting to do Jane's dress justice, I also wanted to end up with a dress I'd wear, so I opted for a fuller skirt than hers. This is the part I'm most proud of, because instead of using the pattern's gathered skirt pieces, I decided to draft my own circle skirt and it actually worked. Hurray!

Still riding on a jersey high from my recent Renfrew addiction, I opted for it again. It's the best decision I could have made - my jersey was thick yet ridiculously forgiving to work with, I didn't have to worry about finishing seams and I got a great fit without a single button or zip in sight! Better still, it was £4 a metre, meaning this dress cost less than £10!



Isn't the colour pretty? I opted for a darker blue than Jane's to suit my complexion better. Also, I only decided to omit the button front after I cut my fabric out, so I sewed it all down instead. It looks quite neat though and it's mostly hidden by the ties to be honest!

The back darts are flattering and I'm glad I added a sweet little touch to the hem, 
it makes me smile...

I couldn't help myself - here's one last Jane vs Marie shot ;o)

There's already been an array of beautiful Mad Men themed dresses popping up all over the blogosphere, but do make sure to stop by Julia Bobbin's blog on 1 April for her big reveal of all the dresses!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Copyright © 2018 A Stitching Odyssey