Makin, makin, makin

I've been so busy over the last few months with work, which is very exciting, but hasn't left me with much time to dedicate to one of my favourite hobbies, making. Over the Easter holiday I've had the chance to catch up with some great friends and made an effort to dedicate a whole day - bank holiday Monday - simply to making. And it feels good!

My gorgeous pin cushion - with most of the pins in my skirt!

I haven't managed to get very much done, but made a good start on a beautiful full circle skirt, using a quality black silk purchased at the recent Warner Textile Archive Fair. I wanted to make an oversized, puffy, 1950s-style skirt - but I think I'm going to go a bit shorter - just above the knee.

I used the most simple pattern ever, and one I use a lot to create a full circle skirt with waistband and zip. It's a shop bought pattern, but I decided to throw caution to the wind and added twice the amount of fabric that you're supposed to - rather decadent. This means I have to gather the excess material into that waist band, which is about where I've got up to as I realise I don't have a zip that fits and I can't quite decide on the length, but it's almost there.

It's well and truly the puffiest skirt I've ever seen, and probably doesn't even need the 50s petticoat to give it the feel I wanted. I plan to wear it at the launch party of my new handmade fashion magazine.

I have a lovely, new Janome sewing machine, but for simple projects like this skirt I prefer to use my Nana's old faithful machine. It's just so beautiful and still runs like a dream. 

My Nana's powder blue Singer.

I also made a simple check sash that I'm planning to wear tied in a huge bow over a black dress for work tomorrow... 

This has reminded me just how much I love to make, in fact it's an inherent need, and that I mustn't leave it so long next time. AND I must finish off the skirt asap.