Three day sewing fest

Also known as a Bank Holiday to regular people. But to me, this long weekend of glory is the ideal opportunity to tackle my next two projects.

Since my first pair of Ultimate Trousers were such a success (although they need a little tweaking) I am making preparations for the next pair. The black cotton drill arrived earlier in the week and is in the washing machine as we speak.

While all that craziness is going on, I am cutting out and overlocking (oh I am never going to get tired of this!) for the other project on the list: the White Russian sweatshirt from Captial Chic patterns. I also have the Manhattan skirt on my to make list, but I need to have a rummage through my fabric stash first and pick something sexy.

For the sweatshirt I have a lovely navy knit that’s been sitting in the stash for a while, just waiting for the right project. Because this is no ordinary knit. Oh no. This is scuba baby. Basically a cheap woman’s neoprene. My favourite designer of ever Charlie May used a lot of neoprene and similar fabrics in her collection for this Autumn/Winter, and I love the unusual texture and shape it can bring to otherwise ordinary garment shapes, particularly sweatshirts!

Images from Charlie May AW14

So when I saw a navy blue version in Rolls and Rems’ Lewisham branch I had a slight mental explosion and bought four metres of it.

Look at it, so squidgy and awesome! The only issue with is a lack of durability – it pulls and puckers with wear really quickly. But it was really cheap, so I am happy to experiment. And if this make works out I’d be tempted to spring for some more expensive proper neoprene to make a better one.

Last time I admitted to being excited about starting a project, it was a bit of a failure (yes, that post is coming soon I promise). So I really I hope I haven’t just jinxed these makes! Roderick protect me and keep my projects from harm.

Yes the mouse is called Roderick. He is a posh little mouse from Liberty, my constant sewing companion and harshest critic. And apparently he has just been deified. Good job Roderick.