What am I up too?

Hello all

Sorry it's been so quiet the last couple of days but I was on a self imposed sewing ban until I could resit my Driving Theory Test, it was the only way I could guarantee I would study for it!  So last night I sat it and passed so here I am!

So what am I working on??

So for Project 2014 I treated myself to a lush Ohhh Lulu Grace Knickers pattern and some plum, frilly material.  What do you think?  Have you read the Ohhh Lulu blog?  If you love lingerie you should give it a read.  The lady Sarah who is the brains behind the blog and the brand makes some wonderful creations! 

I've had my knitting needles out this week and been making another Lacey Ladder scarf for a gift for my step mother.  I had hoped it would be posted by now however a sick Bug has put paid to that plan.  Don't you just hate this time of year for all the horrible illnesses on the go?

How beautiful are the colours in this version? I really hope she likes it! 

Another Project 2014 task I have on the go is harvesting this little lot, donated by a wonderful friend, for buttons and fabric for making new things to wear!  Ooh it's so exciting! 

Thank you for baring with me and dropping by, Gem xx

Oh my Blythe . . . .

Hello all 

For this week I am on a self imposed sewing ban as I need to study for my driving theory test so I thought I'd introduce you to one of my other passions - Blythe Dolls!

For all original pictures and sources please check out my Blythe board on Pinterest. You will find me under Gem Smith.

What are your passions? Hobby wise I mean not family and friends.  Perhaps you like to read, visit galleries, play tennis, please feel free to share.

I've got to go back to studying now but enjoy the pics, thank you for reading, Gem xxx

Thursday morning thinking.

Good morning all!

I'm up this morning with ideas for refashioning on my mind!  I have a project in mind for both Bug and Squish and one for me too!  I'm supposed to be taking a sewing holiday until next week as I have my theory test for driving to get through first but cutting out doesn't count does it??  Hopefully I can get some of it done in the next couple of days.

Last week I finished this project:

But I can't show you the end result til it's in situ so to speak, but here's another sneaky peak.

As of yesterday I now have 2 Facebook pages running alongside the blog.  One is  purely for Project 2014 and the other is for Bug and Squish.  Come and join me!

  

Also did you know you can add Bug & Squish to your BlogLovin roll?

In other news I've got my knitting out again and am gift making! Not for Christmas this time, just because!  I hope my recipient likes what I've made.

Well best go for now I've got a driving lesson to get ready for.

Enjoy your day everyone and thanks for stopping by, Gem xx

Ride 'em cowgirl!

Hey all!

Today I am postie stalking, waiting for a parcel of yummy Riley Blake Sasparilla!  Do you know it at all?  Here it is!

This is already earmarked for a project which I have to say doesn't always happen when I buy fabric, a lot of things I buy, have delivered, look at, stroke then either fold and pop in my stash cupboard or eventually make something with it months later. I'm somewhat of a hoarder.  Anyway, I digress, this fabric is going to become a long sleeves peasant dress for Bugs Christmas and possibly a pair of either lightweight trousers for Squish or pj bottoms, depending how the mood takes me.   At the moment I am all about the trims too so I guess I'll have to go shopping for some!! Oh *sigh* that is such a hardship for me (insert winky face).

So have you started getting prepared for Christmas? 

Thanks for popping in by, Gem xxx

A sneaky extra post . . . .

Can you guess what I am working on?  Come and join my Facebook page for Project 2014 and make your guess! 

Changes are afoot!

As a little girl I always imagined that I would become one of those really well turned out women with a beautiful home.

A' la Bree Van De Kamp (image borrowed from http://modthesims.info/d/215791)

I figured I would have my own, very definite style and would look well groomed and polished all the time.  

The reality is that while in my early twenties I looked 'nice' a lot of the time and 'scrubbed up well' for nights out, I have never been very good at choosing clothes that suit me or sticking to a beauty routine.  

Fast forward to 2010 when I was pregnant and gave birth to my first child, Bug, and things just got worse! I call 2010-2013 my dark years for appearance because quite frankly I look terrible the majority of the time however I have recognised this and things are a changing folks!  

In preparation for my Project 2014 (you can read about this here) I have taken a long hard look at myself, saught advice and researched into the wee small hours and have come up with a plan for my new look which will become 'my look'.  

I'm thinking modern vintage!  I love the way our ladies of the  40s and 50s looked and I hope to channel that in the way I look and in the clothes I make however what I don't want is to look 'made up' or like I'm in fancy dress.  It's a fine line people.  

So in that vein expect to see lots of sewing and new makes in the coming weeks as I prepare for 1/1/14!

So tell me, do you have a look or do you just wing it and hope for the best?

Feel free to comment, I love a good chat

Thanks for visiting, Gem xxx

Feeling inspired!

Hello all

Recap: this arrived on Saturday

I'm just going to dive in and tell you that I have spent this whole weekend, after receiving my fabulous book,going through Gerties blog with a fine tooth comb! I LOVE THIS BLOG!! If you don't already read her, click on the link and start! Seriously!  I fear I may have turned into a slight 'Gertie Fanatic' but I believe you will become as hooked as me if you jut click the link!!  I actually went back to the beginning of her blog, read EVERYTHING and, rather helpfully I think, I pinned A LOT of her tips and tutorials on my Pinterest to make life a little easier for myself and of course you! 

See?

Here's the board and I'm Gem smith on there so hopefully you'll find me :) 

Ok raving over for just now, all be back later!

Thanks for the visit, Gem xx