Craftee_Welsh_One’s Sewing Exploits – Darling Dress – Floral Chambray

Posted on November 18, 2019 by Trixie Lixie

Megan Neilson Darling Dress – Floral Chambray

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!

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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.

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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!

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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…

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….

Tee
@the_craftee_welsh_one

Craftee_Welsh_One’s Sewing Exploits – Liberty Dominique.

Posted on August 17, 2019 by Trixie Lixie

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

Fancy Frocks at The Museum

Posted on April 19, 2019 by Trixie Lixie

We are delighted to announce that the first ever Fancy Frocks evening will take place on Saturday October 5th at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. It’s going to be a wonderful evening of dancing and socialising with food and drink – and the opportunity to catch up with old sewing friends and make new ones!

Tickets cost £55 per person, but there is a special early bird discount – £50 until June 1st 2019. Fancy Frocks will take place at the National Museum in central Cardiff, a beautiful building (perfect for Instagramming selfies in your me-made frock!) The evening starts at 7pm, and ends at midnight.

Your ticket entitles you to a welcome glass of Prosecco on arrival, a goodie bag full of sewing and crafting goodies, a finger buffet, great music and also entry into the raffle. We have some fab raffle prizes so far, and more are being added every day. We hope this will be the first of many Fancy Frocks evenings (or FfrogiauFfansi if you are Welsh-speaking!)

https://www.trixielixie.co.uk/fancy-frocks-tickets-216-c.asp

We will do a follow up blog post in a few weeks time with all the information you need for visiting Cardiff, where to stay, where to shop (Sewing shopping of course) and highlights of the City.

We can’t wait to see everyone!!!

Just sewing away obsessively…….

Posted on November 2, 2018 by Trixie Lixie

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 I made this month! (July)

Posted on July 30, 2017 by Trixie Lixie

I am not great at posting regularly so I am going to introduce a regular post about what I have been making each month. Hopefully it will result in at least 1 post a month if not more!

My first make was an unusual request from my daughter, and to be honest I still haven’t finished it as I need to work out how to do the back fastener!

She does not have a huge bust so I used a halter neck bikini pattern for this Ikea bag hack, I have lined it with a soft cotton fabric otherwise I think it would chafe a bit! She wants to wear it at a festival she is going to this summer, I am sure it will be a great conversation starter!

My second make of the month was this stripey pair of Thread Theory Comox trunks, although it is a bit fiddly making boxer shorts, I find it very satisfying and it uses up any left over bits of jersey in my stash!

This month we had a few new sewing patterns delivered to Trixie Lixie one was the Washi Dress from Made by Rae which I have heard so much about so I was very keen to give it a go. It was surprisingly easy to make, I was a bit nervous about the shirring elastic but the instructions are clear and easy to follow, so now I am hooked! I love it, its so easy to wear, smart or casual. I made this one using Liberty Travelling threads fabric which is available in our shop.

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Doesn’t the garden look great! I love it when we have loads of flowers in bloom and we can take photos in the garden. Of course I had to make some matching knickers to go with this dress because …………………well what better way to use up the scraps!

Also look at the lovely butterfly that we had in the garden!

In May we went to the Malvern Quilt show and I loved some of the gorgeous quilting and applique that was on display, so this inspired me to have a go at decorating a skirt with some applique, this is a denim Tilly and the Buttons Miette skirt that I have decorated with some Kaffe Fassett flowers and a bit of machine embroidery.

That’s almost all my makes for July, although I also made some samples for our Kids summer sewing classes that will be running during the school holidays, details for these are on the website here!

The classes are to make a pencil case, a book bag, an Applique cushion and sew a simple skirt or pair of shorts.

Anyway, I think that is everything I made in July, I have got a couple of projects started already that will keep me going into August and if this rain keeps up I may make a lot more than I usually do during the summer months, we will have to wait and see!

Sewing Classes

Posted on April 30, 2017 by Trixie Lixie

We have just set up our timetable of Sewing classes to be held at Trixie Lixie during May.

The first class is a very basic introduction to using a sewing machine, Hello Sewing is for anyone who has got a sewing machine but have no idea how to use it, I will show you how to thread the machine, load the bobbin, set the tension and begin to sew. We will go through all the stitches on the machine and make a pot holder. We can provide the sewing machine or you can bring your own. (6th May)

The second class is also a beginners class; Make a patchwork cushion. In this class we will use pre-cut squares from a charm pack to put together a patchwork cushion with a zip closure. (13th May)

Then we are going to run a Shift dress/tunic class over 2 weeks. This is a beginners class, however it is preferable that you already know how to use a sewing machine (or have attended Hello Sewing). This is an easy dress pattern as it doesn’t have a zip or buttons, it is pull over the head, you will learn how to do darts and sleeves. Bring your own pre-washed fabric (2.5m) or choose from our selection. (20th & 27th May)

Space is limited so it is essential that you phone us to book a place on 02920 344464.

We are also starting a Thursday evening Sewing club, you can bring your own project, start a new one with our help, learn how to make your own wardrobe using our machines or bring your own.

Me made May catch up

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Trixie Lixie

It’s almost May and another Me-Made-May is fast approaching so I thought I would re-post my first ever Me-Made-May! I always have so much fun doing it and can’t wait for this May so that I can do it all again, any suggestions for my theme this year? Last year it was Where am I, there wasn’t much of a theme to the first one, it just evolved!

Me-Made-May 2014

Although it says day 19 on this image it was in fact only day 18, I got a bit confused! Being on a pirate ship probably didn’t help! I am wearing a Colette Ceylon Dress that I made a few years ago, #mmm2014 has really encouraged me to wear a lot of outfits that have been sitting in the back of my wardrobe!

So this is actually day 19 and I look as if I am having a great time on the waltzers but actually fair ground rides absolutely terrify me! I am wearing a Simple Sew A-line skirt which is exactly that – a very simple sew and the pattern for £7.50 is also a very good price, the fabric is from the Moda Honky Tonk range which I love! My Blouse is the Sewaholic Belcarra that I have mentioned in previous posts.

Party on! My gorgeous Mortmain dress that I am loving at the moment, I make dresses all the time and then hardly wear them so it’s great to get the opportunity to show them off at the moment and I must continue to wear them when #mmm2014 finishes!

On day 21 I did actually go and see Joe Brown in concert, he was GREAT and those of you who know me will realise that I am actually playing that ukulele (although not actually with Joe!) as it is something I like to do when I am not sewing! This By Hand London Anna dress has got to be my favourite make of the month, I love it!

This has got to be one of my favorite photo’s of the month, I didn’ know what animal it was going to be Mr LLM just said today you are going to the zoo! The dress is a self drafted jersy knit using some of the funky jersey fabric we have in stock at the moment and the leggings are Cake Espresso’s.

I am really enjoying sewing with knit fabrics at the moment, I treated myself to a copy of the new Colette book ‘Sewing with knits’ and it has given me the confidence to try lots of knit patterns, including this Colette Moneta dress, if you have got a serger you can make this really quickly! More lush jersey fabric!

It was a gorgeous day today so I am wearing shorts, these are just a pair of cut-off jeans but I really want to make some Thurlow shorts for the summer, and the top is my stripey Sewaholic Renfrew, another quick and easy jersey make.

We went away for the week end so I appear to be camping in a tiny tent here, but actually we stayed in a caravan, it was pretty cold in the evenings though so I was really gratefull for my Sewaholic Tofino trousers and hand knitted Rowan wool bobble hat and jumper!

I feel like Alice in Wonderland in this shot! Rocking my A-Line skirt as mentioned earlier and yet another jersey top, this time a Cake Cabrita.

On day 27 I was serving pints for Manet, enormous pints! I love this gingham Belcarra blouse!

Somehow I ended up in the fridge today! Its a good job that I have got a hand knitted hat on to keep my head warm! I am also wearing my Black Sewaholic Thurlow trousers and a Colette Jasmine blouse, this is one of the blouse’s that is available to buy as a kit from the website.

Well thats me all up to date, only a few more days to go, it’s been great fun!

Ginger jeans & Lots of Linden sweatshirts

Posted on April 15, 2017 by Trixie Lixie

About this time last year I made my first pair of Ginger Jeans, you can see that post here. So I decided I needed a new pair in a slightly darker denim, it took me a lot longer this time but that is because I have been busy that I am struggling to find the time to sew. These Jeans were cut out in January, the pockets were done in February and I managed to finish them in March and now I am finally blogging about them!

In between making the jeans however I have managed to knock out a few Grainline Linden Sweatshirts this has got to be the easiest pattern ever! I made 2 in one evening! The one that I am wearing above and then a quick black & grey one, it’s also a great way to use up any scraps, the black and grey one is made from left over fabric that I had in my stash!

I used my trusty overlocker to make these tops and also my coverstitch machine that I was still struggling with initially, I am pleased to say that now that I have a clear foot on it and can therefore see what I am doing, I am getting much better results.

I made a third Linden using some of the gorgeous new flowery jersey we have just had in to the shop combined with some black.

If you haven’t had a go at making a pair of jeans yet I would strongly recommend you give it a go, they are not as hard as you think and there are so many helpful tutorials online that cover everything from inserting the fly zip to getting a good fit that you can’t really go wrong.

Happy Sewing!

What’s everyone else making for Valentines day?

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Trixie Lixie

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.

Come and have a look at trixielixiepins/valentines

And please, any suggestions would be fabulous!

Show us your knickers!

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Trixie Lixie

We are giving away a huge knicker making bundle to someone who shares with us their knicker making exploits.

During the cold months, wile away some time making a pair of your very own knickers.

All you need to do is post a picture online of your bestest knickers made with a TrixieLixie knicker pattern. Use the hashtag ‪#‎trixielixieknickers‬ so we can find it and we will randomly select a winner on the 1st March 2016.

We will give extra prizes for interesting hacks and general invention

There are lots of knicker kits to choose from, including the new Liberty Art fabric range.