A lil tank blooms into a willow

Off to the seaside I was last weekend and I wanted to make an aptly sewn top to match the event. It was supposed to be hot (so it typically rained for the whole day) . But as with all things I was short on time , so needed something that will only take a few hours.

I picked the tiny pocket tank from Grainline Studios, now before I start on this, I will say that this pattern has now been discontinued and replaced with the Willow top & dress pattern. But for all purposes, this is about the tiny pocket tank so things may have been improved/ updated for the Willow.

I paired it up with Tossed Anchors by Dear Stella. It was hard to choose as we have quite a few different nautical themed fabrics but as this pattern has darts I was conscious of the impact of putting in a dart into a heavy patterned fabric.  I only say this because it was my first time putting in a dart, (yeah, I know- not sure why that took so long) and I really didn't want obvious pattern mash.

These patterns normally accommodate for a B cup, I'm much larger than that- but i'm too afraid to start extending cups and busts, so haven't, I just measured my bust and went from there, which for me worked out fine. ..well not really. More on that in a bit.

This is a super easy pattern, there is only 3 pieces to sew and the construction is almost identical to the Scout tee (but the scout doesn't have any darts). So I knew I had to be careful with my bias binding, but the rest of it was going to be a breeze. Inserting all the armhole bias binding went fine...but I did overstretch it a bit in the neckline..pain!

I still haven't settled on my favourite way to finish off seams, so I had wished I had finished with french seams but I made that decision too late, zig zag it was.

Back to the bust, I've got a bit of a bust, but also a short chest.  With other tops I have made I haven't made any adjustments and this hasn't been much of an issue, but with this one it was. I stupidly didn't think about my short chest (gotta stop sewing in a rush)  so once it was finished it was way too long in the front with  too much boobage on show for my liking as well as really gapey at the back, it sat like something my aunt would wear.

 It was too late for me to do any proper adjustments, so all I could do was what I do with most shop bought tops I buy, I hemmed up the seams at the top (I normally stick them in my bra). This wasn't ideal as they came in at an angle and now my armpits were tight and rubbing. I lowered it a bit and came to a compromise in top and bottom. 

I don't think it's too obvious but next time I make one I'll definitely have to adjust the top half to make it shorter (there's a new thing to learn!) but I threw a blazer over the top and it looked great. It all held together on the rollercoasters and in the non stop rain (I have a cold now boo hoo). I'll tackle the Willow in it's dress form next but I think I'll go for one of our soft chambrays  like the union...although in the bound would be amazing.... 

OK, pocket is a bit square too....

smells like Geraniums

Last week we got our first kids pattern in, yay! I find a lot of children's dress patterns a bit frumpy, a bit ruffled and a bit over the top. The Geranium by Made By Rae patterns is none of that. it's basically the Washi dress in kids version. (and without the elastic shirring!) You could have a matching set if you felt inclined. Beauty of this is you can use so many different fabric's, i love patterns where you can use medium weight quilting cotton- it just opens up the scope of possibility. 

There is 2 different versions in this pattern, it can be made into either a dress or top with three different sleeves versions and three different neckline and the option to make it ruffled or pleated.

I opted for faux capped sleeve. basic neckline and a ruffled skirt , mainly because I've done much gathering and never pleated before and the ruffled sleeves looked a bit beyond my easy, quick Saturday morning frame of mind- and pocket version.everything has to have pockets!

I've made up the biggest size, which is a 5 but it is on the smaller size (I was making it for my skinny minnie) so may need to add extra to the top bodice if need be. I used a meter and a half of the Cats heads in blue by Wee Wander Gallery, the good thing about this fabric is the heads are small enough that I didn't stress out too much about pattern matching. I can be lazy with stuff like that. 

The construction is straight forward, As usual I used the Swedish tracing paper to begin with (used on the GBSB didn't you know) The rest was a breeze, unless you count when I read the pattern wrong and closed the wrong bit of the bodice - (then lost the seam ripper for a full 20 minutes- That made me loose it). Obviously I'm an impatient person and I only ever skim pattern instructions- always resulting in unpicking, (I NEVER learn).

The funny thing about this dress is I thought it wasn't looking great through most of the sew, I thought it was looking a bit bulky and not quite right, but once I pressed it and held it up- as if by magic- it looked fab. Even inserting the buttons gave me no grief. I wanted to put in cute little pencil buttons but they protruded and it's not really the type of dress for that, plus it would just get tangled in hair.

Happy with that, There is a size 6-12 year old version available, I'm trying to get my hands on it locally (and not importing it from the U.S), So hopefully it will appear on our pattern page soon.

Other shop news.....

Tula Pink announced last week that there will be 3 new additions to her Hardware range, and we are now taking pre orders for these! They are due for release in July- so not too long now. Available will be a pair of 6" scissors, a pair of 4" micro cute scissors and left handed shears.

For all pre order information click on the images below! I'll write a more detailed entry when the stock arrives.

Sewing the Bettine

Howdy!

Well it's May and everyone has been showing off their makes, I've felt so unproductive! So today is all about my single make so far this month (were only halfway through) the Bettine by Tilly and the Buttons patterns.

We have some great budget chambray (£8 a meter!)  in our store and I debated between 3 different patterns to use it with, so I put the question to Instagram- because that's what you do in 2016 right? 

So I put it out there and it came back that I should make the Bettine, which I was glad for as I wanted an easy fast sew (I say fast.. it took a month!) . The only problem I wish I could foresee was that I ate too many biscuits between cutting the pattern and making the pattern.

I traced all my pieces using Swedish Tracing paper, and this is why I do this, as I had to re trace the size again when I messed up the bottom half. 

The bodice came together really easily and quite fast. What I really do want the more dress making I do is an overlocker, my zig zag is ok, but it really needs overlocking.

I did the pocket version , because for me a pocket is essential in all of my clothing. I like walking around looking cool and nonchalant with my hands in my pockets. The first version all came together well, and then I had to put the elastic in...but as you do, I left it, and came back to it a few weeks later (I'm terrible, to be fair the room  sew in was getting moved around so there was stuff everywhere!)

So it's a few weeks later, and I thought best to try on the pieces before I sewn it all together. The top was fine, but I wish I knew what happened (biscuits) to the bottom, because that was snug. As you can see on the picture above (the lines at the bottom are the give away). I didn't want to make the whole front panel again so I just took the back off and made it a size bigger. It worked, it looks a bit hippy. If I make it again, I'll make it less fish tail at the bottom .

This is brilliant for anyone just starting out in sewing world, there are no zips or buttons or anything like that. Although I was slightly flummoxed by how to insert the elastic, I have inserted elastic into skirts before , but for some reason I over complicated he instructions,  this was just down to me being a bit thick. Next I'd like to make this in our polka dot chambray and make it a bit more luxurious. 

In store news

We have lots of new patterns in store including the Sudley and Darling from Megan Nielsen, the Ruby by Made by Rae and our first kids patter the Geranium also Made by Rae. We will get to know them all this week. Until then enjoy the Great British Sewing Bee which kicks off this evening!

We are now on Etsy!

Payment is always a tricky subject and I've been trying to find a way to include Paypal onto our website, which have never been an easy feat. So to get around that we have opened a fabric only store on Etsy! 

For ease, we only ship to the UK from this store. If you still wanted to buy something and you are an international bright young thing, then you will need to continue to purchase through this website.

Wish list makes and cross stitching joy!

Hello again!

This week I've been making lists of stuff I am desperate to make if only there were more hours in the day. These patterns look me over and the yell at me, "C'mon and make me! You know you want to!!" . Yes, very much so lovely patterns is normally my reply. These are what yelling at me the loudest at the moment, and oh boy can they scream!

I've been in love with the House of Wales Plaid, it's everywhere at the moment and I can't  think of a more prefect dress than the Hawthorn for an awesome look. 

But the other thing it would go amazing with is the beautiful Archer

I would also love love love to make this in the shot cotton in bordeaux, it has such an amazing feel and unique look to it, a very chic 70's shirt is to be had.

The most pressing pattern though, is a blazer for spring. I can't decide between the Morris Blazer from Grainline Studio or the Victoria from By Hand London.  I have some wonderful Ponte di roma in black as pictured here and in a marl grey. I think it's just going to have to be one of each.

Cross stitch joy!

Sally from the Crafty Mastermind family hasn't picked up cross stitch for about 20 years. She has started on Emily Peacock & Rob Ryan collaboration  Give Me Work .So to show you all how easy it is to pick up these fab cross stitch set's ,Sally will be keeping us up to date with her progress each week or so, (so no pressure then)

I was given a "Give Me Work " tapestry kit by Emily Peacock last Christmas. The design is specially commissioned exclusively by Rob Ryan, it's very beautiful and detailed. The kit comes beautifully packaged in a gift bag with tapestry, wool, needles and instructions with website links and help online from Emily.

I haven't completed any cross stitch for many years so after a few 'you tube' session refreshers began my kit.

I CANT PUT IT DOWN ,it's very addictive and amazing to be putting on tapestry such a great artists design I'M LOVING IT! I'm particularly enjoying watching the picture come together lots of little details and amazing colours the cross stitch pattern is really easy to follow and even though I have not done a tapestry with wool I am managing really well. 

There will be more to follow in the next coming weeks on Sally's progress.

Thats all for now, until next time share the love of your makes and tell everyone about our free delivery promotion!

Whats new pussycat?

Well it's been a crazy 6 weeks! A lot of hard work and late nights! I'd like to thank everyone who has visited the shop followed us on the various social media networks and have been generally lovely to us. The feedback has been a-maz-ing!

Now to what new stuff have arrived in the store...  firstly a focus on Victory dressmaking patterns from Canada, modern, cool and chic!

The Anouk is either a dress or skirt for intermediate skills. Its loose fitting sleeveless sweet number with a bow at the back for that extra feminine touch. The blouse has the the option of putting in bishop sleeves for what reminds me of the renaissance look.  The cute panel at the front top off this awesome look. You could pair this up with these brilliant fabrics 

The Chloe is a chic A line shape dress, and isn't it a beaut! Features angled front seams and optional button detailing, along with inseam pockets. The back features princess seams and centre back zipper closure.  Choose between sleeveless or capped sleeves. All you need is a cute jackets and some boots and this look would be perfect!

Fabrics that would work well with this are

The Madeleine is amazing! A big skirt with beautiful deep pockets that you can wear with or without the suspenders . Match it with a striped top or light blouse, which ever way you wear it it will be chic! This feels really Annie Hall / Diane Keaton in the 70's This will help you expand your skills in zip and button inserting. 

Fabrics that would work with this beautiful pattern...

LANDED FABRICS

Stag heads in gold and blue by Enchino made by Kokka

Do you need some new cushions, or a new throw? These lovely Jacquards are massive and would be a feature on your sofa or anywhere else in the house. These will reappear on the blog shortly as there are projects in the works!

My oh my when this beautiful sateen landed it was even better than I could have imagined. It's soft and silky feeling without having the difficult silky element when sewing with it. I would go so well with so many of our patterns like the Bettine, the Scout tee or the tiny pocket top.

Thats all for today peeps! 

Hello and welcome to the world of the Crafty Mastermind!

Here we are!

Its been quite a journey to get here but we are now open! Unbelievably when I first started my tiny blog The Crafty Mastermind, adventures in sewing and sound a  few years back, I never thought in 100 million years I would open a store. No way in this freaking universe. But sometimes the universe kicks you up the arse and gives you a couple of good ideas. 

Other times the internet universe makes you want to cry. This happened when I took a break from quilting and went into the scary world of dressmaking. I found it so frustrating to the point of little tears. I had no idea about all the different kinds of fabric, I didn't know about drape or well ...anything. I loved patterns and wanted to make them so much, but I didn't know what was suitable or what sewing needles I needed or if that thread was ok, and so forth. I was self taught because local classes were expensive, not a bit expensive, like freaking loads.

Armed with a Tilly and the buttons book I went bravely into the world, made quite a few rookie fabric buying mistakes, made a brilliant skirt  and realised this was all so much harder than quilting.  Cue in the good idea.

I'm hoping I have built a website that has made life easier for anyone taking baby steps into the world of sewing , or those of you who go fabric blind going through pages and pages of fabric not knowing if it would even look cool with your project. It's been a labour of love for the greater good. My eyes are tired and I know these patterns better than my closest friends.

Did I mention I have a bit of a fabric obsession too? I wish I could name the periodic table the way I can recall fabric ranges. It's a love affair between me and my fabric . Problem was, the fabric I loved I was having trouble finding in the UK , some of it was from older seasons and some of it I just couldn't find anywhere except overseas. So I've had enough of that!

I've tried to fill my store up with things not necessarily available everywhere, but all freaking awesome. I would use every single one of my fabrics happily. They are the most rockin' fabrics around.

Most importantly, above all we want to be the best in customer service, full stop. You need any sort of help or advice, ask a question, whatever it is we will answer you promptly and without any hassle. You have come to visit our site so your already awesome,we're going to treat you as such. Your a champion!

The aim of this blog is to keep you all updated with what were doing in the shop, sewing projects were creating, announcing new stock that arrives, other exciting things going on or if were just chillin' and dancing. Please sign up to our newsletter ,we wont inundate you, we will keep it to weekly..there or thereabouts. It would be awesome if you also joined us on our various social media sites too like Instagram, Pintrest, Twitter and Facebook. You can also listen to our Spotify playlist & immerse yourself into a virtual shopping experience!

I hope we have brought the cool into sewing. Taking out the twee and making it more rock n roll.

Melissa