Inbetweenies

While slogging through the Chanel jacket, my sewing machine was whinging that she wasn't being used.

What's the point in buying me if you are intending to hand sew everything?
Don't leave me lying on the floor getting covered in bits of thread and frayed boucle tweed! 
That iron is more important to you than I am!
Please use me. I need to feel needed and loved.
If you don't start using me for sewing instead of a foot rest I'm going to blow my bulb!

You know the sort of thing: first they start with the guilt thing, progressing swiftly on to the helpless/ pity scenario and when all else fails, the threats!

I'm a sucker for psychological torment and gave in.

Tweenies - BBC
Pre-school

Inbetweeners - C4
Leaving school

I'm gearing up for SWAP 13 to start just after Christmas; the fabrics are mostly in and the patterns mostly chosen and at least the Chanel is started but weeks away from completion. I've yet more surgery scheduled for the 18th Dec and the doctor told me to have EVERYTHING done for Christmas before this date. I need to sort out a menu, cooking schedule, think about and then buy presents, write cards etc etc etc. and I've left myself one week in which to complete it all! So what does a sewist under pressure do? Why, she goes sewing! And she sews something quick, easy and classifies it as an "Inbetween Project" - not really planned sewing, not intentional - sort of just happens sewing, and it's not a major catastrophe if it doesn't work out.






Bring out the favourite pattern of the year (quite possibly, of any year), Vogue 1247 dig out those little 0.8 and 0.9m of leftovers and put them to good use.

Machine is happy 'cause she's being used and loved and needed and wanted etc. Stash box is happy 'cause those bits that have been hanging around for 2 years or more are finally being sewn. I'm happy 'cause I can do a quick sew and get a new skirt to wear!

This is a real departure from the norm for me - above the knee skirts! 

I was inspired by Art Attack and bought some fancy coloured tights. Burnt orange with navy is slightly strange, but add a colour coordinated scarf, a bangle and all of a sudden it works.


Skirt - navy cotton twill, lengthened 3"
Raw edges inside just zigzagged, not bias bound as per instructions and fits like a glove.

And it doesn't stop there -  While sorting through the stash box I came across some other little bits that I'm now glad I kept because I got two more skirts. 

This fabric was left over from a wrap skirt and top I made about 2 years ago. That skirt never got a lot of wear but I reckon this one will - and I've the added bonus of having a top to match already made.

It is a fairly substanial cotton check in a soft grey paired with teal tights this time. The problem with wearing tights and unlined skirts is the bunching up when you walk. So also uncovered from the stash box were even tinier scraps of lining - kept ostensibly for making pockets. Cut one piece for the lower front and two for the lower back and sew these as you would an underlining - as one. The pockets hang over the top as you can see but it certainly stops the skirt from clinging to your legs and adds an extra layer for cold winter days.

And just to be finished this weekend is an olive green wool with fine orange stripe lined in bright red. this is fabric left over from a pair of Clovers made about this time last year.

I just love sewing stuff.