Mimi G Copy - Black Lace Circle Skirt

So some of you may have seen Mimi G rock this little number made from New Look 6314.

Here is Mimi G's version:

Photo from www.MimiGStyle.com

After obsessing about this outfit for a bit I tried to recreate it using By Hand London's Circle Skirt App. I find half circle skirts more flattering and less poofy so opted for that. Plus it uses way less fabric! The pattern is self drafted and consists of 2 half circle skirts. A midi length half circle overlay and a plain black lining skirt underneath just above the knee. Nothing to it!

I fell lucky and found some really high quality embroidered lace on eBay - it was listed as designer remnant and is soooo softy and flowing. The lining is Prada self-lined crepe from Minerva Crafts. If you haven't given this stuff a go yet I'd highly recommend it!

The skirts were left to hang overnight and then trimmed where they had fallen out of shape. The hem of the lace layer was finished with black satin bias tape. I actually really like how that created a band around the bottom.

In an attempt to use some college skills aquired this year and make my tutor proud I sat and handstitched (I never thought I was a handsticth person - total convert) the inside of the waistband down to the lining with a slip sticth. Couple of fastenings on there just to keep it in place.

Pretty pleased with how this turned out - it does gape a bit at the back so unsure how to take it in a fraction now its all sewn up and made from one single piece! (ie no side seams) Any suggestions gratefully received!

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Tortoise Totes! It's Good to be Green

So here it is...Project ClydeArt!

This post is dedicated to the Norfolk Tortoise Club - a non-profit and voluntary group with headquarters in Norfolk UK. The club has over 500 members worldwide and is led by one of the world's leading chelonian experts. They provide a wealth of information for tortoise welfare and have countless little shelled torts that need rehoming. If you're thinking of rehoming or need more info on tortoise/turtle care please do check them out. They helped us out hugely when we took on Clyde.

All these tote shopping bags have been donated to them and are available for sale through the Norfolk Tortoise Club to raise some funds to feed and heat these lovely beasts waiting for a new home. 

So back to the crafty part of this Clyde. It was ridiculous fun...

It all started with this little fella and an urge to do some painting..

 I took a photo and sketched his basic outline and shading. All his distinguishing features.

Once I was happy with the stencil shape I photocopied it onto Reynolds Freezer Paper. I've only ever seen this stuff on eBay and Amazon but apparently Hobbycraft sell it aswell. Readily available in the US though!

Then came the rather meticulous task of cutting out a stencil from the sketch; sharp craft knife and a lot of patience.

Now Freezer Paper is amazing because you place it shiny side down onto fabric and give it an iron - and there it sticks! Held perfectly in place for painting. You just have to let the paint dry before gently peeling it off. The other marvellous bit is that you can re-use your stencil multiple times. Given how tiny some of the parts of this stencil were it held up well for about 8 applications. I placed it onto some canvas/calico fabric tote bags and used So Soft fabric paints by DecoArt. 

 
The paint goes on really well and it quite thick but blendable. 

After drying pop the item in the washing machine at 30 degrees to set it in. All these bags can be washed in the machine on a low heat. The design should stay put for a long time (or so the paint manufacturer informs me!).

 

There we are! Reusable shopping bags for a very good cause :-)

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Stripes or Stripes? - That is the (unsuprisng) question!

Helloooo....I've had flu for what feels like forever and still feeling a bit fragile so here's a simple little post and two simple little skirts today.

You'll be unsuprised to see that yet again this ponte de roma sripe fabric has made an appearance! The best 3 meters I ever bought (it was from Tia Knight). I have my Hemlock, these two skirts, and there was even enough left over to make a pair or summer shorts like my crazy pair. (Although these remain cut out but unsewn...I mean its still snowing outside.) Talk about value for money.

I fancied a stripe skirt for a while and didnt know whether a pleated version or a pencil version was best - so after a little guilt about excess of stripey skirts - made both.

I still dont know which one is best. I'm leaning towards the pencil version as I just feel less girly/more comfortable in it. :-) Im not sure why but pleated skirts seem to make me feel a bit frumpy and weird, although i'm told they dont LOOK that way. And they are better for wearing tights under...which lets be fair accounts for 10 out of 12 months in the UK.

Turns out trying to photograph black and white in poor light is pretty tricky. But you get the idea!

I tried to use the tutorial on MerricksArt for the pleated version - but just winged it and kept pleating until it looked about even. The pencil version is a simple self-drafted skirt from a while back. Not much to tell there!

(I think Clyde made his choice...)

Opinions gratefuly received :-) Feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Bloglovin too :-) xx