New project: Cloth Magazine Crochet Spring Scarf

New project alert! I have started crocheting this Spring scarf from the latest issue of Cloth Magazine. I love the wavy effect the pattern creates. This is my first proper crochet item (I started as a knitter) so I'm excited to see how it will turn out. Since being inspired to create the scarf I am craving a denim shirt purchase, aiming to recreate the model's chilled out look.

The Spring 2012 issue of Cloth is packed with fantastic ideas for simple DIY fashion and home projects. You can subscribe for £12 on their website. I have already been leafing through the magazine impatiently wanting to make their Shift dress, inspired by a Chanel creation worn by the gorgeous Michelle Williams to a recent premiere. As I don't have any silky fabrics in my stash some shopping needs to be done before I can start on this one, watch this space!

Emma x

ebay bargains!

I love using ebay, there is no end to the bargains available. I bought this sweet Japanese mini-lunch box and brand new Owl necklace by Accessorize for £1.20 and 99p. The seller was also kind enough to combine on postage. Just shows how one person's random unwanted stuff can be another's treasure. I am loving wearing the Owl necklace. I have a bit of an obsession with all things Owl. I am hoping some wise will rub off!

I am listing some items for sale today, hopefully there are some UK bargain hunters looking for some lovely summery clothes. 

Emma x

Sewing project: Cath Kidston shoulder bag

This Easter I took some extra holiday and as a result have been able to sew in the evenings. Being at home for a while makes such a difference to the time available to sew. I really wanted to complete the Cath Kidston shoulder bag as it has been on my to-do list for so long. 

The most challenging part of the project was sewing the facings and the handle together. The rest came together nicely. I absolutely ruined the fabric provided in the kit for the roleau loop. The strip was so narrow it was difficult to turn inside out, despite 3 attempts. Luckily I had some thick pink cotton tape in my supplies kit and used this to attach the button. I am really pleased with the result. I also decided to add a solid card bottom (recycled from some packaging I already had) to the bag as recommended in the book to give a more structured look. I think it works really well. 

Has anyone got any tips for making a very narrow roleau loop? I think I have met my sewing nemisis!

Emma x

Happy Easter!

Have a fantastic Easter weekend and thanks for reading my blog. Emma x

Instagram!

Instagram for Android is now available and I downloaded it yesterday. I have been playing around with the effects the app produces, my new tree shaped jewellery stand being my guinea pig. I still haven't worked out how to get the photo itself from Instagram to my blog so these are screenshots. I love the effects and I really like the retro feel they give your photos!

As I walked from my car to my apartment this evening I heard and then saw an Owl hooting in the tree. How apt to find a tree of my own waiting in the mailbox. My small items of jewellery will no longer be hanging from the wardrobe door handles, hooray!!!

I have been working on my Cath Kidston bag and will have pictures for you soon. Only one more day until Easter!

Thanks for reading,
Emma x

Looking back...

I recently found an old scrapbook with my favourite outfits. It's funny how my taste and aspirations of what I want to wear are the same as 2009 and 2010. Emma from Glee aka Jayma Mays is a long time style icon. And here are those scrapbook pages...