Monday 13 June 2016

Hey Ho, Let's Sew - My Creative Corner




I've got a plan, I announced to Jon on Sunday, thereby scuppering his plan for spending the morning recovering from a boozy late night involving a home-made (by him) Indian feast, footie-lovin' visitors, beer, the England match and an in-depth post match analysis.


My plan? To move Jon's wardrobe from the spare room into our bedroom, shift mine over and create a sewing area within the cleared space. For the past few years I've sewn in the stockroom, having to move rails to use the machine, climbing precariously over vintage clothing to get to patterns & sewing notions stored in boxes on a high shelf inevitably with most of it falling on my head, sending a shower of buttons scattering along the cracks in the floorboards. To pin and cut out a pattern meant moving furniture in the lounge to get floor space large enough (tricky when you mostly make maxi dresses).


The task isn't all for my benefit. With the super duper Kinky Melon storage shed arriving next Monday we'll able to transfer the stock from the house, freeing up the room we stored it in (once the garage) into a music room for Jon. After eleven years he'll finally be able to move his guitars from the bedroom and have space for all the weird and wonderful technical stuff piled up around the house.


Ta-dah! After a few hours of hard labour (Jon's, not mine. I'm under strict take-it-easy orders) we have a sewing corner. I say we as you well know, Jon's a bit of a sewist, too.


Look there's space for a mannequin (from a jumble sale) and everything! Now I can just flick the switch on the machine, plonk myself down on my seat and sew. No more moving rails and boxes out of the way or risking life and limb scaling ladders to reach things and with enough natural light to thread the machine needle without resorting to a torch, reading glasses and a magnifying glass. There's a large enough floor area to pin and cut out patterns, too. 


My stash of buttons, elastic, trims and notions are now all within easy reach of my seat. The Mid-Century glazed cupboard was £2 from a jumble sale, livened up by a coat of sunshine yellow paint from a Wilko tester pot.


The seat was one of fifty vintage lab stools we rescued from a skip outside the local boys' grammar school a few years ago. Although he said we could take them, we insisted on giving the school caretaker some beer money and sold all but two of them to an antique dealer for a decent profit. Jon's sawed a few inches off the height of this one so that I can sit comfortably without putting too much strain on my hip.


I bought this 1970s New Home machine from a jumble sale for a fiver a couple of years ago but initially couldn't get the hang of it. Liz serviced it for me the other day, I've read the instruction manual properly and now I absolutely love it (hence two photos of it in one blog post). The 1950s red Formica drop leaf table was £1.50 from a jumble sale.


We've managed to find space for the fabric stash, too. No more scrabbling under the menswear rail to get at it. Its stored in a Lloyd Loom blanket box, another jumble sale find, which we've reupholstered with a 1940s ticking pillow case (from the same source as the vintage linen, seen HERE.)




After a bit of a cull all my patterns now fit into a couple of vanity cases.


The 1950s bin came from a jumble sale (where else?) and featured a grannified rose design , I scanned a few vintage pattern sleeves from my stash, printed them off , glued them to the bin and trimmed it with pom-poms to Vixify it up a bit.


Bias binding and my ever increasing supply of blingy trims (they keep appearing at the car boot sale and it would be rude to snap them up).


The only coloured threads I have to buy new are white & black, all the rest are found second-hand for pennies.


I've never bought a new zip in my life. Some are found in charity shops & car boots and the rest I salvage from vintage clothes too tatty to sell.


As a vintage seller I need an endless supply of buttons. You'd be amazed how many potential buyers can't sew. Spot a missing button and they'll expect a huge discount to get it professionally replaced. Again, none are bought new, either bought in bulk at car boot sales (usually found stashed away in vintage tins on the house clearance stalls) or salvaged from clapped-out clothing.


I've hung some of my favourite fabric to inspire me. I used the soldier print HERE and the Marimekko HERE. I snapped up the super bold 1960s floral curtain for £2 from a car boot sale a couple of weeks ago, I'm thinking it might be reborn as a high waisted maxi skirt.

WEARING: Phool maxi (belonged to blog reader, Sabine's mum in the 1960s), 1970s framed print (from the lovely Dee, see HERE)

In case you're wondering, this bell sleeve lace maxi was a charity shopped Mexican-made tablecloth a few hours ago!

See you soon.


Linking to Patti and the gang for Visible Monday.

121 comments:

  1. Fab sewing room, we are in the process of turning our spare room into a crafting room, well when my back improves and we actually have a spare weekend Love the lacy maxi dress and the soldier fabric xx

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    1. Hello Twiggy. You'll get there in the end, it only took us 11 years! Hope the back improves soon. x

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  2. This has really inspired me , I am doing out the spare room at the moment and am trying to fit a sewing are in it , My room is almost done out in jumble sale and charity shop finds , After i have done the garden that is , yours is absolutely fab xxx

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    1. Thanks, Shabby! I'm was amazed that I managed to cram so much into a corner that previous housed wardrobe.
      We picked up a wonderfully distressed vintage tea chest from the eco-house around the corner yesterday - an eccentric but lovely chap with a pile interesting bits labelled "Take for free" in his garden. I have more plans afoot! x

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  3. This is really fab, I love how you've got a proper space for everything now! One day I'll have a sewing corner in our dining room, but I'm waiting for Chris to build some shelves first. Love the tablecloth turned into a dress, that is a super bit of upcycling. Hoping your hip improves soon xx

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    1. Shelves take time - as Jon always tell me! Once he's repainted the wall behind the machine (it's been on the to-do list for 18 months) I'm getting some, too! xxx

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  4. Oooooh, sewing room envy! I have to haul everything out, speed sew then put it all back again when I need to get on with something else. My fabric, patterns and notions are scattered which makes sewing a hassle. I long to gave everything in one place. Your room looks fabulous xxx

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    1. Isn't it annoying? I hated having to abandon a project in mid-flow 'cos it was tea time! xxx

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  5. Ooooh lovey, it looks fab! There's nowt like a space of your own is there? I love how it's Vix throughout as well and that's one bloody good machine you've got there. Built like tanks they are. I have an old lab stool too! In fact we rescued a couple, one is going in my Big Shed when I've finished....all the rest were burned! Loving the blingy trims too!
    Happy sewing.
    Loves ya!
    xxxxxx

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    1. It is, I feel like a kid finally getting their own bedroom after years of sharing!!
      I'm loving my machine, it sews like a dream compared to the cheapo Toyota I'd used before. xxx

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  6. What a fab space you have made for yourself, I have house envy!

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    1. Thanks, Gisela! It's like the Forth Bridge, whenever we do something we notice another job that needs doing! xxx

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  7. How lovely to have a sewing room. Everything to hand and in its place. Just what the doctor ordered!

    I've been wondering how your beautiful tops sold? - The ones you made out of a lovely household linen stash?

    Have a very sewified week!!

    xxxx

    Veronica
    vronni60s.blogspot.com

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    1. It's a joy to sew now, Vronni, rather than a chore to whizz through as much as I can before nightfall!
      I had loads of interest & compliments but no sales - sadly. Maybe next time! xxx

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  8. Fantastic!!! You Vixified the space so beautifully, and I am really happy for you - and for Jon! We all need our own room, or at least a corner of a room. Anya is into music lately. She bought a guitar and a keyboard (I gave away mine, along with my sewing machine, a few years ago when I was creating a community, so children would be able to learn). So Anya wanted to have a very simple layout, more room for all her musician's stuff.

    Your creations look wonderful - both interior and the new lace dress. So full of life and love! Very inspiring indeed, I can tell there will be more wonderful sewing projects coming soon!! :) Much love!

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    1. Aren't you the kindest, giving away your sewing machine to benefit others? That's just lovely.
      I'm glad Anya's got her own space to make music. xxx

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  9. You should move to Edsbyn in Sweden. You can live in big houses here where everybody can have their own room, even rooms! But there are not many festivals ...

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    1. Now there's a plan! We could always travel back to the UK for festivals if you don't mind cat sitting. xxx

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  10. Well done! Your space looks so inviting, a place for you to think and sew and imagine possibilities! Thanks for sharing and have a lovely day, xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thanks, Patti! I can think much more clearly now I'm not surrounded by clutter. x

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  11. Absolutely fantastic sewing corner! I would love to have space for one ans I'm inspired to keep an eye out for notions in charity shops. I already get the majority of my patterns that way, or free off the net. Xx

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    1. The notions can make sewing an expensive hobby. It's amazing what you can find in charity shops and car boot sales. The hospice shop was selling zips for 5p each the other day! x

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  12. A seamstress after my own heart! I have slowly taken over the basement so I can sew in cool comfort during our 100 degree days here in Cali.
    Dressform mannequin is on my "thrifting" wish list. I once saw a retro one for $30 and passed it up - kicking myself over and over again.
    I too score thread and zippers for next to nothing. I'll have to do a sewing room reveal in an upcoming post.
    I also have jars of buttons, even one at work, just because I like the looks of them.
    I am surprised you didn't have a dedicated sewing room with all of the repairs/refashions that you do!

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    1. 100 degrees? In my (nearly always cold) Northern European dreams!
      I can't believe you passed that mannequin by, sometimes things seem too good to be true and I can't take them in. xxx

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  13. Wow ! Its all fantastic! Really love the idea for reinventing the bin! And as for the Phool maxi dress you are wearing it is utterly gorgeous! X

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    1. Thanks, Lori! I loved making the bin - I adore the illustrations on vintage pattern covers.
      The Phool dress gets loads of love whenever i go out in it. xxx

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  14. If I could ever get the energy to do a big clean, I would like to see the transformation you are seeing. It is like your home doubled=not just because of the storage shed, but because of the purposefulness of your remaining space. Well done, and glad to hear you will be safer in your sewing expeditions.

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    1. I'm so lucky to have a dynamo like Jon to help me with my mad ideas!
      A home is constantly evolving as our needs and interests change. When we moved in I couldn't sew and now I'm obsessed.xxx

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  15. Love your new sewing spot! I just finished painting my office and remodel so I'm excited! :)

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    1. Can't wait to see your office, Laurie, you've got such fab taste. x

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  16. Aawwww I'm
    Loving the new sewing spaced it looks ace so good to have a space already with everything to hand. Your be on it even more than you are already. It's so good to see you still have your print I will always say she looks just like you. Happy sewing my lovely, see xx

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    1. I always think of you when I look at my lovely lady, Dee! xxx

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  17. Oh does this lift my spirit today!! You have your own little area, and Jon will be having his own studio!! WHOOT!

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    1. Hooray! I'm glad, you've had a horrid few days. xxx

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  18. It's wonderful having a dedicated workspace, I love mine and know how lucky I am to have a whole room with mahoosive windows. Can't wait to get back home to it.
    But not before we see you guys tomorrow. Very excited xxx

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    1. You lucky lady! You need all that space for your super popular workshops so I'll try not to be too envious.
      Can't wait to see you! xxx

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  19. It probably feels amazing to have a designated space for your sewing - I see a lot more creations by Vix in the future.

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    1. It does feel amazing and it didn't take long to achieve either. xxx

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  20. Love your new sewing corner. We just moved and I've had to create a new sewing area myself. It's fun and you can rediscover stuff you'vw forgotten you had! Enjoy!

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    1. Lynn, I was in heaven tipping out buttons and unraveling trims and threads while I reorganised everything, like a kid in a sweet shop. Good luck with yours! x

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  21. I haven't bought a pattern in ages. I see one of your the price was eighty cents. I believe in high school pattern was still under $1.50.

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    1. I've never bought a new one, the vintage ones are not only the best but super cheap in most places, too! xxx

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  22. YAY! How wonderful that you both get your own 'playrooms'! A sewing room for yourself...well Jon too when he has a go at stitching...and a music room for Jon! I've taken over the dining room with all my stuff. I think it's time that I look at some clever storage solution to at least declutter the table! LOVE that lace dress.

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    1. Hi Sue! I thought you'd have had a studio with your super amazingly professional creations. You definitely need your own playroom, too! xxx

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  23. Well you deserve a sewing room, I can't imagine how you managed to turn all those crop tops out from a corner of a stock room! Your new room looks full of inspiration, light and suitable equipment! I would like to see 'the music room' too! I like the dress you're wearing today - Phool was my favourite stuff in my younger days. I am going to venture further afield on a chazza hunt next week - about time I explored what's out there waiting to be snapped up myself. Betty x

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    1. I just hope I don't get sewist's block with all the space I've got now!!
      Good luck with the hunt, I lovely exploring chazzas further afield. xxx

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  24. Your sewing corner is fabulous, Vix. I have my mum's 1960s sewing machine, which I'm still having to learn how to use, but no space to put it up permanently. I'm loving how it's all from chazzas, flea markets, jumble sales and the occasional skip. Well done! I'm already thinking how to incorporate a sewing corner of my own ... xxx

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    1. I'm excited that next time I pull a dress out of my wardrobe only to discover that it needs mending I can repair it immediately without having to go downstairs, set up the machine and find somewhere to sit!
      It took a while to get to grips with my machine, even the threading is different to what I was used to but luckily it came with the original manual and I've a clever and very patient friend. xxx

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  25. Your (joint) organisation skills are absolutely formidable - look at that order, but above all, look at how stylishly great your new sewing room is. Very impressive. And even more satisfying that everything is recycled from jumble sales and skips. Love it.

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    1. Thanks, Rosalind. it does give me a kick when I can say that not only has the fabric been repurposed but also the zip, the trimming and the thread I sewed it with. Recycling rocks! x

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  26. wonderful sewing space!!!!
    absolutely gorgeous! and i know about - the last years before we bought the house a had to sew under conditions like your previous ones too. in the end - i refused to sew....
    but now - paradise :-) i have lots of stuff & notions from 2.hands too - but i like my thread new - because the old ones use to break to often in my industrial fast sewing machine - which i rescued on her way to the waste yard.
    happy sewing - sistah´!!!
    xxxxxxx

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    1. There's been times when the previous conditions defeated me and I've thrown a right tantrum!!
      Those industrial machines are tough old beasts, I can understand why you need new thread. xxx

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  29. I'd pay a generous admittance fee to wander around your house for a few hours! I love these photos of its interior. Your move appears to be a brilliant one... Your ideas for storage are so clever.

    OK. I was gone last week and just caught up. What's the latest on your hip. SO sympathetic. (Won't go into all the reasons.)

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    1. Thanks Rebecca, it's already making a huge difference, I feel inspired every time I look at the corner!
      They can't fit me in for an X-ray until next Tuesday evening, hours before we're supposed to leave for Glastonbury but at least I'm back on two feet - not the fastest two feet in the world but that must be a sign it's inflamed rather than dislocated as I can sleep through the night again . I've got a stick and the drugs are helping. Hope yours is okay. xxx

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    2. A stick you say- I had an immediate vision of a Vixified stick adorned with pompoms at the very least....
      Glad you've got one decorated or not. Take care and thx as always for the blog. So enjoy these xx

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    3. Hello JP - thanks for popping in!
      My stick is metallic purple with a horribly loud floral print. I decided that if I've got to use one it may as well be one worth looking at (pompoms...now there's a thought!) xxx

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  30. Wow, it looks great! Now there really will be no stopping you ... ! x

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  31. it all looks so cool. i wish i had your sewing talent. i can sew a straight line - barely. i keep my machine in the basement so i have to trudge it upstairs and set it on the kitchen table to sew anything. no wonder i don't sew much. loooooove that vintage tablecoth turned dress. brilliant! xo

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    1. My stitching has definitely improved since I switched over to the vintage machine, the feed is so powerful that I hardly have to guide the fabric through the machine! xxx

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  32. Perfect! I love your Vixified bin and I swear we had those exact lab stools at my school. Hope you're feeling a bit better. x

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  33. You are a GENIUS with turning that tablecloth into a dress!

    Love your new sewing area. Jon is great at organizing. I'm very impressed. The only thing my husband can organize is his own closet.

    I'm sending healing vibes for your hip.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Thanks, Suzanne! Now that's one thing Jon can't organise, his clothes are all over the place - he's got more than me. xxx

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  34. What a fab transformation into a new sewing space and I loved seeing all your vintage notions in jars....very organized. My craft room currently looks like I've been a victim of a robbery! Are you going to apply for Sewing Bee next year then? You should you know, you'd be brilliant at the alteration challenge. Does your machine weigh a ton? Mine is a similar vintage and that's what puts me off using it...I need a space like you where it doesn't have to be put away. Unlike you I still haven't refurbed my Lloyd Loom ottoman. That frock is my favourite. x

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    1. Sewing Bee seems to be getting harder - I get nervous just watching some of the challenges.
      The sewing machine is blinkin' heavy but it's really great to use, don't know why it took me so long! xxx

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  35. Wow! You have the sewing room from Heaven. I love how it is so organised and you have so much that is eye candy for inspiration. All those lovely vintage sewing notions. I love your sewing machine, do you know I have two modern ones and they are bottom of the list for me to sew with these days. You can't beat a vintage machine, all metal inside and would probably sew through leather like it was silk. I have the "Vogue" sewing book and the McCall's. The vintage ones are best for techniques. Xx

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    1. The old books seem to explain things so much more clearly than watching some You Tube tutorial, don't they?
      I'm loving my old machine, he's such a stead old chap! xxx

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  36. having a dedicated sewing area is wonderful! I'm so happy I finally found a new desk(with 6 drawers for storage) to replace the broken down thing I had. Not having to drag everything out when you need to do a minor repair is a joy. As for cutting things out, I take it to work and use the huge cutting table. I never cut anything on the floor, my back would rebel.

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    1. I'd love a cutting table, that would be loads better than kneeling on the floor and getting stuck! xxx

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  37. See, that's one of the things I admire about you; you've always got a plan and it doesn't seem to take an eternity from conception to completion. It's taken me about a year to get around to painting a chest of drawers. Wish I had some of your get up and go. There'll be nothing stopping you now you've got easy access to your machine. Whizz kid! Xxxx

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    1. I'm definitely more of a doer than a thinker, probably explains why not everything goes to plan!! xxx

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  38. Oh my gosh, send a storage shed or two my way! I haven't had a crafting space in almost three years. When I saw the stuff piling up in the room I kept a small space free for my desk so I could at least make some jewelry... but then the husband took it over with all his dirty manly gun repair crap. *Sigh* I'm moving in with you. Be there next week. Have me a lacy dress ready.

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    1. Gah! Men! See a space and they'll grow into it, like Koi carp! I can't believe I managed to get a space big enough for all my stuff just by moving a wardrobe. xxx

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  39. I LOVE this post! What an inspiration you are. Your new dedicated sewing area is wonderful. I love all the vintage notions. You're a champ, for sure!

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    1. I'm obsessed with vintage notions and get ridiculously excited when I find some Birmingham-made 1940s hooks and eyes or some thread on a wooden spool! I found one of those old labeling systems when I was tidying so now all my pots have sticky labels with things like "Pompoms" and "Trimmings" stuck on them! xxx

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  40. I am so happy you have a dedicated sewing area. Mine is in our spare room and I love to be able to have things laid out to restart a project when the mood strikes. I absolutely love the lace dress. Not only are you an amazingly cool and gorgeous woman, you are so multitalented too. Enjoy your designated sewing space, can't wait to see what you create. Cheers, Michele

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    1. Hi Michele! I'm so excited that I don't have to rush through a project any more, that I can take my own sweet time and just leave everything set up for when I feel the need to sew. xxx

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  41. Love the stylish sewing corner. Isn't it wonderful to get to your sewing machine without all the obstacles? Looking forward to seeing more wonderful blogs!

    happy thrifting ;)

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    1. Its such a joy to just be able to sit and sew - I almost don't want to go out chazzing! xxx

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  42. People can't sew on buttons? Ay caramba. Your sewing area looks super.

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    1. Shocking, isn't it? I overheard a girl asking another stallholder for a 75% discount as a hook from a hook and eye at the top of a dress was missing and she'd have to pay to get it replaced professionally! xxx

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  43. I LOVE your sewing corner. Mine's a complete mess at the monet, but you've inspired me to spruce it up a bit. You look fab in that dress, with your tiny waistline ♥ xx

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    1. I'm glad its inspired you to sort your out, Yvonne. It makes a massive difference! I can take my time and think about it properly rather than rush through a project! xxx

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  44. What a lovely lace dress you've created, Vix! What next, a Kinky Melon bridal fashions corner? I mean this suggestion seriously, y'know. A friend purchased a short white lace dress cheaply, then she and her sisters spent hours hand-sewing pearls on it as a loving gift to the bride.

    Whatever happened to the home economics classes of my girlhood? One couldn't escape Middle-School (ages 12 to 13) without making café curtains or a shift nightie! I've co-workers with college degrees who can't manage a blanket-stitch (or tack down a hook).

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    1. Thanks, Beth! I shortened it in the end, it did look a bit too bridal and I don't want to look like Miss Haversham!
      What a wonderful gift for the bride. I can't imagine how much work went into hand-sewing all those pearls. I had an afternoon of replacing buttons recently and that nearly sent me daft.
      Isn't it awful that people can't handle the basics? What happens if they pull a button off their only clean shirt rushing to work, go out topless? xxx

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  45. P.S. About those cutting table comments above... A gentleman I know created a hinged panel (hooks on top, pretty brass chains on the side) that's a framed chalk board on the outside, then drops down to provide a workspace as needed. He got the idea from a kiddie's project for a gameboard.

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    1. I've just read your comment out to Jon and he loves the idea. Thank you. It may well be the next project! x

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  46. happy to see that you have a wonderful new space to create your magic. I'm always amazed by what you can do in a few hours. A constant inspiration!!

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    1. I feel like a professional now. I sat up there this morning, happily sewing away with the radio on and the rain beating down on the windows. xxx

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  47. Ahh, a Vix-it-up sewing space! Long overdue. How wonderful it is to have it at the ready at a moment's notice and not to have to clean it all up afterward either. Liking that lace tablecloth dress in progress too. I raised my "cutting table" by putting old coffee cans under each leg. Now it's the perfect height so I don't have to endure back aches. Happy Sewing!

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    1. Great idea about the coffee cans, Pao! Its so good to have a proper space, Jon will be a sewing widower if he's not careful. xxx

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  48. How lovely to have a dedicated sewing area, I'm still working on it here. Great for Jon that he gets a music room too, a win-win reorganisation of Kinky Towers! Loving that lace maxi tablecloth and the £2 curtain is making me jealous!

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    1. Squeeze a sewing corner in while you still can, wish we'd done it years ago!
      The car boots have been great this year, shame we've only managed a handful, if they don't clash with work then it's raining. xxx

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  49. What a lovely sewing space, I bet it's so nice to have everything all set out so you can just go and sew whenever you need to. My machine isn't difficult to get out/set up but sometimes I wish I had a dedicated space as it would make life a lot easier and I'd get more done! x

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    1. It does make things loads easier, I can nip up during a break in the footie to sew something. I've managed a dress between two matches! x

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  50. I love to see how organised everything looks ready for you to create magic. Good of Jon to do so. My mother used to tell us stories in the summer evenings while sorting out her sewing box.She was a good story teller and her sewing box her treasure box.
    Mil besos for the heat
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  51. What a lovely space you and Jon have created for your sewing! I'm very envious of your creation room, and wish I had the space in my little apartment devoted to crafty bits and making things (it would probably encourage me to try to make things, and perhaps even sew!). If you have to set everything up and then hide it away after every session it takes the fun out of it.

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    1. Beth's idea of a wall-mounted, drop down games board could be a plan. Jon's going to try and knock something similar up when the festival season slows down. xxx

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  52. That looks like such a nice spot to sew at-I wish you many happy hours creating your masterpieces.

    I had to laugh at the idea of someone wanting a discount to replace a button. I believe you, but good heavens that's pathetic. I find many items in the thrifts that I'm certain were donated because they needed a zipper, or a hem tacked-up. This is what happens when you stop teaching home economics (I'm making my cranky old lady face).

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    1. I get some great footwear which I often think is donated because the heels need repairing, which our cobbler charges £2.95 to replace. Chucking a pair of £300 boots 'cos you can't be arsed to repair them is insane. xxx

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  53. People have no idea what a workout sewing is. And in your case it sounds like it was almost Olympian! So happy that you now have a creative corner. Virginia Woolf said that a woman needs a room of her own which is very good advice. Though don't you go swimming with rocks in your pockets. Hey Ho!

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    1. She was a wise woman was Ms Woolf. I don't need to go swimming, I could step outside the front door and drown with the mad rainfall we've had over the past week! xxx

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  54. What a fabulous creative space! All the jars of buttons and things, and coloured threads and zips...like a lolly shop of creativity. (Are you going to wear the (former) Mexican made tablecloth sometime soon?) Enjoy your new space, look after that hip.

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    1. Hello Elizabeth! I love vintage sewing notions, so pretty to look at, I thought that they deserved to be on display.
      I made myself a dress very similar a couple of years ago but whenever I find a lace tablecloth I make more, they're a hot seller at festivals. xxx

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  55. I love reading about people's rooms and your is no exception to the rule. You've inspired me to tidy up my sewing area, which has now had to double up as an office too. I've promised to make Monkeychild a summer outfit and the way I'm going summer will be finished before I even make a start on it! xxx

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    1. Maybe you should make Monkeychild a dress from a PVC raincoat like they did on this week's Sewing Bee - with the weather we're having it would get loads of wear! xxx

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  56. Vix, I love your new sewing corner. Your Simplicity patterns look very tempting. :) It's wonderful to hear that Jon is sewing too! No doubt you're the coolest sewing duo on this planet! Have a lovely weekend!

    Anne-Marie xxx

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    1. Hello Anne-Marie! I love old sewing patterns, don't you? I can look at them for hours!!
      Have a fabulous weekend. xxx

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  57. You had a great idea, your sewing deserves adequate space (and that nothing can fall on your ingenious head!), I see these beautiful things and so creative ... buttons, patterns, and so nice to be able give freedom to your creativity! Eventually these football Europeans have a positive implication for our passions!

    Serena

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    1. The football commentary on the radio, a space to call my own and free reign to invent - I'm in heaven! xxx

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  58. How marvelously exciting! Your new sewing space is all kinds of lovely. I really like the various storage containers for all of your beautiful vintage notions.

    Oodles of hugs & fab Friday wishes,
    ♥ Jessica

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    1. I'm still excited, a week later! xxx

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  59. Such a wicked space and so well organised!! Your will be super creative in your new spot, both of you that is!!

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    1. That's if Jon can get a look-in, I've been a permanent fixture up there all week! x

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  60. Having your own space makes everything so much easier in terms of sewing! If it's difficult to get your own space and you have to sew on the kitchen table is much more difficult!! I love your space Vix - I think my favourite thing is your bin - your machine is pretty cute too though ;)

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  61. I love your new sewing space. I have caught the sewing bug again after 30-odd years away from machines (school). I have been hand sewing zips and minor repairs but bought a vintage (1894) treadle Singer (great fun, fab cabinet but need practice) and a 1958 Singer 201K in a charity shop (£35 and a total bargain for the Rolls Royce of Singers) and am embarking on Big Projects. I need to keep myself in check and not try to sew too many difficult things at first. I want to make some trousers but am settling into making handbags for now. I loved cleaning up the machines but now it's time to get down to business. JFDI!

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix