Found my making mojo

Hey everyone! Apologies for yet another hiatus from me! I’ve been concentrating so much on Nine Dots Creative, I’ve got to admit I’ve kinda neglected Linziloop. At the end of 2016 however, I did get back to making, in the way of beanbags! I made one for little loop for her  3rd birthday (I know, where did the time go?!) and I enjoyed getting back to the sewing machine so much that I decided to make a couple more to sell. I’m taking custom orders too, I’ll see how it goes!

I’m also itching to get back into making some clothes for myself. I’ve got so many ideas at the moment, it would be a shame to not make any of them. The fabric stash is alive and well so I’m sure there’s something suitable amongst it all for me to make something to wear.

Anyway, I just though I’d show you some pics of my beanbags and tell you they’re available on Etsy if you would like one. They’re great for kids up to about 11/12 years of age, reversible, washable cover, and can be custom made in any theme you (or your kids!) like.

I really want to pick the Linziloop reigns back up though… I do enjoy the escape from the computer screen when I’m making, and I’ve got a whole studio to myself at the moment (anybody wanna join me!?) so I’ve certainly got the space!

I’d love to hear in the comments what you’ve been up to so far in 2017, and what your plans are for the year! Any new projects you’re starting?!

Hopefully I’ll be back soon with an update on more making 😀

One for the ladies

My first set of block (sloper) patterns for ladies is now available. You can now purchase a tailored skirt block in a full range of sizes (6 to 26) in my Etsy shop, just click here.

Ladies Size 6-26 Tailored Skirt Blocks

With this skirt block you can make your own patterns for a wide variety of skirts from pencil to pleated perfection. A size chart is provided so you can pick the size perfect for you, but if this doesn’t quite suit your needs, I can also create custom skirt blocks. I just need a set of measurements from you and it can be ready in a day!

I’m super excited to see what you creative types might make by starting off with this block. Post your creations in the comments!

Linziloop Patterns

I’m working on an exciting project at the moment, and even though I’m only in the very initial stages, I wanted to share it with you. You may remember that years ago I did a pattern making and garment construction course at Liverpool Community College. Since then I have made various bits of pieces for both myself and Baby Loop.

In that time, I’ve often drawn my own patterns for something because I simply could not find exactly what I wanted as an already existing pattern. I started wondering if maybe I should offer the patterns I make for use by other people. This of course meant I would need to grade them, so I’m currently looking into software that would help me do that, but in the meantime I’ve got to designing! Here is the first illustrations of my first idea – a kids hooded dress pattern!

Hooded-Dress-Mockup-1

I absolutely LOVE hooded dresses, I might even make an adult version. What do you think?! I also have plans for harem trousers, a waistcoat, some skirts and tunics too. I’m really enjoying doing the designs, and I’m drooling over all the different possible fabric combinations I could use!

Would you be interested in testing out my patterns?! Let me know in the comments and I will add you to my email list when I’m ready to send the pattern out!

There must be a combo here…

I have a habit of buying fabric and yarn even when I don’t actually have any particular project in mind for it. I’ve tried to stop doing this as I ended up with a monster of a yarn and fabric stash just sitting there, but sometimes I still just can’t help myself! On a visit to hobbycraft I saw this t-shirt yarn on offer and I couldn’t resist, it’s brilliant colours, the fab texture, surely I can find something to do with it, right?!

T-shirt yarn in greys and turquoise

And then just the other day, I was shopping for fabric to make bandana bibs from and I ended up buying this little lot:

Chevron Fabrics

When I returned home, I realised that the new fabric went really well with the tshirt yarn I had bought, and I’m currently trying to think of some way to combine them… they’re just made for each other!

Tshirt yarn and chevron fabric

Oddsox suggested I look on pinterest for ideas which was a genius suggestion, as was my friend Carries suggestion of edged blankets, although I have a feeling the t-shirt yarn might make doing that rather difficult what with the size of the holes it would need to fit through. So, I ask you oh great blogosphere, what amazing creation could be sewn and crocheted from this combination of materials?!

Fantastic Mr Fabric

A few weeks ago I had a bit of a splurge on fabric. It’s all arrived now so I thought I would take some pictures of my current stash to show you, perhaps you have some ideas for what each fabric would best suit being made into?! I have some thoughts, but I have to admit, I’m not entirely sure of a project for each fabric yet, so open to suggestions!

Bird Cage Fabric

I think this one might be my favourite, it's so bright and unusual!

Bright floral fabric

Another new fabric with such a brilliantly bright pattern featuring great detail and contrast

Circus fabric

This one, I think, might be best suited to something for little girls, or perhaps just the little girl in all ladies!

Bright floral detail fabric

I can see this one making a really great small purse, what do you think?

Green blue butterfly fabric

This one is perfect for Spring with all the lovely butterflies

Stripey green fabric

I think this one is the perfect compliment to the butterfly fabric above. Need to pair the two up somehow.

Silky pink fabric

This one feels amazing, it's got a really silky feel to it, quite luxurious!

Green Floral Fabric

This has quite a small pattern so I'm not entirely sure what it is best suited to (other than a bag, which I have already done with this fabric)

Vintage green orange fabric

I only have a very small piece of this left, I have made a skirt from it already, perhaps I should make a small clutch bag?

Orange vintage fabric

This is another vintage fabric, and another one I'm quite stuck with what to do with!

I’m looking for ideas that aren’t too complicated sewing projects – not because I’m looking for an easy project, but because a lot of this fabric was quite expensive, so I’m thinking the smaller the project, the more acceptable the sale price of the final item may be. I’m struggling to think of ideas that are good for summer too! Brain block! All I can think is bags, purses, cushions and skirts, but I’m reluctant to do those as they seem the obvious choice. Not making life easy for myself am I?!

What do you think of my new fabrics?! I love them all, can’t wait to get started on something, it’s just a matter of what?! I’m sure it’s a bad idea to just start buying fabric with no idea of what you’re going to make with it…oh well! Sometimes you just can’t help yourself can you?

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