Craftee_Welsh_One’s Sewing Exploits – Darling Dress – Floral Chambray

Megan Neilson Darling Dress – Floral Chambray

72789519_406785033333347_1355808612844306432_n

The first time I visited TrixieLixie, I stroked this fabric [White Floral Printed Chambray] and knew I had to have it, though did not walk away with it that day – big mistake. All I could think about was how nice it would be once made into a dress. I knew exactly which dress pattern I wanted to use too. For weeks all I could think about was getting my hands on this fabric.
My birthday was around the corner and I knew that was the perfect excuse for another visit to get some. I had a plan…. a pattern in mind and the fabric – that’s not normally how it goes, I normally pick a fabric because it’s beautiful and worry about what I will make with it later!

I choose to make the Megan Neilson Darling Ranges dress. I just knew the pattern and fabric were meant to be together. The pattern is so lovely, it’s an easily adaptable modern shirt dress. It has a v-neck, button front, high waistline, multiple sleeve lengths, large pockets and ties at the back to allow it to be worn in a fitted or loose style. Suits me down to the ground.

While there, I spotted some gorgeous buttons that jumped out at me. They are absolutely stunning – I knew they would look amazing on my dress so added them to my pile of goodies. I also picked up the amazing Prym magnetic pin caddy, with it being my birthday, I had to treat myself!

The fabric was amazing to work with and behaved really well – making it a really enjoyable project. It’s nice and light which makes it awesome for the lovely Welsh summer that we have [occasionally!].

I already have my eye on some other fabrics to make different versions!
Until next time…

….

Tee
@the_craftee_welsh_one

Craftee_Welsh_One’s Sewing Exploits – Liberty Dominique.

Hi guys! I’m new here, so let me introduce myself. My name is Tee and I live in a little Welsh Valley approximately 30 minutes away from Cardiff.

When I came across TrixieLixie – I was over the moon to find that there was a fabric shop that catered for my needs (and wants) so close to home! The fact that it stocked lots of independent patterns really excited me! The fabric selection goes without saying…. It is absolutely amazing. The colours, the variety, the amount, just absolutely glorious! I have visited the shop a few times now, and am always filled with the little excited butterflies in my tummy, that’s without stepping foot through the door, it’s just from seeing the shop front and window display! When I go inside, it’s a different feeling altogether, I get so excited I start squealing, literally, with delight. The shop is so quirky and colourful, it will make anyone smile just because everything is set out so beautifully. It’s the little sewing machines on display that totally got me. You really need to visit the shop to see what I mean about how it can make you feel.

I went with the plan of getting some fabric just to have a play with – I had no project in mind really, but took a look at some of the Tilly and the Buttons patterns there and fell in love with Dominique. That went on the table – I used the table as my little basket so I had my hands free the whole time to do plenty of stroking!

I absolutely love the colour pink and really thought I would go for something along those colours, but I went completely a different way and ended up purchasing some of the gorgeous Liberty fabric that I knew would be perfect. It has little speckles of orange and green in it, on a navy and white base with little birdcages as the main design. I fell in love with the print and that was that – it went on the table – along with some other bits and bobs – which I will leave to chat about another time – nothing like keeping you in suspense is there haha!

I thought the fabric would be amazing to work with as the quality is beautiful – I was right, it behaved so well and was so easy to work with. I love it when you get a nice fabric that behaves – it makes the process and end result that little bit more rewarding – it made me do the whole ‘swishing and twirling’ whilst wearing it!

Tilly’s patterns are so lovely to work with – she talks you through everything in lots of detail – the Dominique is a lovely pattern – especially for beginners and is really a nice add on to your wardrobe. It can be dressed up or down and is lovely and cool for the warmer weather. Each time you make it, it will look totally different, depending on what fabric you go for.

I will most definitely be sewing with some of the Liberty fabric from TrixieLixie in future!

Until next time….   Tee

You can follow Tee on instagram @The_Craftee_Welsh_One

Just sewing away obsessively…….

I love sharing my latest makes, but I am a bit of a sewing obsessive, as soon as I finish something I start something new! I am constantly thinking about what I am going to make next! So let me show you what I have been making …………

These are the Sew me something Portia trousers, the fabric is a super soft cotton/linen blend that drapes beautifully. I struggled a bit with the zip on these only to realise that I hadn’t cut out enough facings! Great views of Barrybados in the background! I am also wearing my me made Colette Anise jacket and a huge piece of Liberty silk as a scarf!!

Another recent make is my Deer and Doe Myosotis dress, very comfortable, a great dress for big lunches! I would probably go down a size if I make it again as it is very generous. The fabric is a lush cotton lawn by Lady McElroy available here

I have recently finished a couple of Tilly & the Buttons Cleo pinafores, this one is mine. I made it slightly longer and put the split at the back. I regretted not inserting pockets, although I have been persuaded that front patch pockets will work so watch this space. The denim has a slight stretch so it is really comfortable. I also made a Cleo for my sister, I will try & get a photo of us together in them!

I am also doing a bit of mending after obsessively looking at Japanese mending techniques on Pinterest 😂 does anyone else hate throwing things away! I just love this Sashiko technique!

Anyway, I have got lots of sewing to be getting on with (Tamarack jacket) so I’m off to get on with it!

What’s everyone else making for Valentines day?

I’ve been trying to decide what I might like to make for Valentines this year

It’s a tradition, of sorts, to make something, so I decided to have a look around. It’s pretty straight forward, these days, to find inspiration on places like Pinterest and Instagram. So I started pinning some of my favourites.

IMG_0655

Come and have a look at trixielixiepins/valentines

And please, any suggestions would be fabulous!

I will make a winter coat this year, I will. Honest. Well maybe….

Every year about this time, I think, ‘right then, lets make a nice warm coat’.

Then I dawdle and procrastinate, think well… maybe next week, and before I know it, it’s Spring and I can get on with making those nice fun summer dresses again.

This year, though, it’s going to be different. It’s definitely going to happen.

Firstly I have to choose who I am making this for. My husband is a good bet, he is forgiving and frankly would wear anything. I’ve got a couple of patterns to choose from, the good solid Colette Albion or the trendy Thread Theory Peacoat. We’ve got this nice soft Polyester Heavy Felt that would be up for the job. Mmmm but what about the lining…..

cp2002-albion-01-large-d676699b101ddfe4b4b60db7ebde0dac Goldstream Peacoat 1

Then again, I quite fancy a girlie version of the Albion too or maybe The Grainline Cascade Duffle Coat. We have some nice Boucle fabric, that would be good for the Colette Anise Jacket, or a Victoria Blazer or one of those nice Morris Blazers from Grainline Patterns.

cp2002-albion-08-largeCoatFrontAcp1023-anise-04-large

Some Gabachino Fabric might be perfect for a slightly more lightweight Sewaholic Robson Coat

robson coat 2 Fall+Jordan+Silver

Mind you, I’ve always fancied a Denim version of the Serendipity Jordan Jacket, that would be great for the Spring,

There you go, I’m procrastinating again!

Christmas Gifts for the Creative Soul from ♥ TrixieLixie ♥

We have handpicked a selection of gifts for the person who loves to make and do, be it you or your loved ones.

 THORPE-KNICKS  null  liberty-clasp-package

TrixieLixie Knicker Kits

from £13.50

Moda Charm Packs

£9.95

TrixieLixie Clasp Purse Kits

from £5.50

 fiskars  small-tin-of-buttons-561-p[ekm]288x288[ekm]  liberty-cat

Fiskars Scissors

from £10.00

Small Tin of Buttons

£3.50

Liberty Fabrics

from £3.50 per quarter

IMG_0402 Felix tea towel kit Cat & Mouse sewing kits

Lampshade Making Kits

from £13.50

Sarah Young Tea Towel Kits

£12.00

Cat and Mouse Craft Kit

£19.99

Our Webstore is full to the brim of lovely things to buy for Christmas.

 

 

Liberty Jersey Fabric

With all these wild, new Liberty Jersey Fabrics we’ve got in stock at TrixieLixie, it’s sometimes difficult to know what to make with them all.

liberty-jersey2We have made the Sewaholic Davie Dress ourselves and we know others who are ardent fans of Cake Patterns knit dress range.

knits-1Best-selling Colette do three dress patterns, [Myrtle, Moneta, and Wren] and a skirt pattern [Mabel] that have been designed specifically for jersey and after trying them all we can say they are straightforward and great fun, with a size range that will accommodate everyone.

knits-2

 

Sewaholic gets all sporty

I’m not that sporty. Think of me as that old cat, dozing on the windowsill, but my eyes were opened by the new Vancouver collection of sewing patterns from Sewaholic. It’s not that I don’t like pictures with that much lycra, it’s just that I’ve hardly ever seen sewing patterns that are just made for it. It almost made me jump up out of my comfy armchair [well not quite].

vancouverHang on, I’ve got a sporty daughter and several sporty nieces. I haven’t got any lycra or sports net, but I do have knit fabrics and I fancy the style of the Fraser Sweatshirt.

IMG_8106__44777.1439498270.1280.1280The loose fit of the Seymour Jacket caught my eye, that might just hide my six pack and I have some wild coloured outdoor fabrics that may very well suit the bill.

IMG_7833__17260.1439498685.1280.1280Ok I know I’m not exactly Jessica Ennis, but I might just give some of these a go.

New Moda quilting pre-cuts now in stock

We took delivery of some awesome Moda Jelly Rolls and Charm Packs this week.

jellys-and-charms

 

We’ve always liked ZenChic’s style. Her new signature collection ‘For You‘ has splashes of bright colours popping from calm lighter backgrounds.

Hello Darling‘ is Bonnie and Camille’s cheeriest collection yet, with plenty of beautiful florals, dots, bias stripes and vintage ribbon.

With the ‘Neco‘ collection, Momo is stlll designing fantasy worlds inhabited by cute cats and hedgehogs.

Bunny Hill Design’s ‘Kindred Spirit’ collection was designed as a celebration of life and a testament to women who have fought Breast Cancer. This gorgeous collection has plenty of pinks, as it should.

Typical design by Me and My Sister, ‘Hi De Ho‘ features bright and cheerful colours that have a real retro feel featuring flowers, dragonflies and stripes.

Designed by April Rosenthal, ‘Meadowbloom‘ was designed to be happy, and springy, and all the beautiful vibrant colours that remind us of a huge field of wildflowers.

 

Colourful, bold and contemporary, these pre-cuts would bless any quilting or crafting project.

They are not really for Christmas makes, but I think I’m going to buy myself a couple as Christmas presents.

jelly-rols

 

Pinterest inspiration for Moda Winterberry

Maybe you are thinking that now might be the time to start thinking about some seasonal crafting ideas. Moda Winterberry fabric is a brilliant choice.

We created a Pinterest board to give you a starting point and you can find it here. Or just pop to the website Winterberry fabric page or have a look at our nice Winterberry charm packs.

IMG_0524