Stitch and Bitch round 2....

This past weekend definitely saw me make up for my last week of not much craft of any sort..

I had another “Stitch and bitch” day to attend on Saturday and I thought since I am now the proud owner of a sewing machine, I should really try and sew something other than a straight line on scrap material.  So I decided that I would surprise Craig with a dressing gown (actually the pattern called it a kimono) on his return from fishing.

The Stitch and Bitch was on Saturday and so on Friday lunch time I was in a fluster running round Lincraft trying to find a pattern and material.  I wasn’t really thinking properly and wound up with a grey sweatshirt material which is not really ideal coming into a (hopefully) hot Sydney summer.  Not to worry though – I was viewing this project as a bit of a practice to remind myself how to sew!

So I headed out on Saturday with my pattern and material all cut out and my sewing machine in my Aussie Farmers chilly bag – it was the perfect size.  I was ready to get down to business and had high hopes of finishing my project on the day.  I did have a little bit of trouble interpreting the instructions but luckily the host of the day Nicola is an amazing sewer and was on hand to help with any problems.  She actually caught me a couple of times before I did something really stupid – for example sewing the entire thing with the wrong side of fabric facing out!  Unfortunately she was not quick enough to stop me using a hot iron to press the belt loop, which proceeded to melt onto the iron....we live and learn...

 It was all about the stitching and not so much about the bitching (no one really bitches to be honest) for me this week. I sat myself down in the corner and put my head down and pins in.  I didn’t get to finish it on Saturday but I got far enough that I would be able to complete it on Sunday before Craig got home.



Craig in his (mini)
dressing gown



Skip to Sunday (and forget about the Tri-nations on Saturday night ) and after about 20 minutes of working out how to attach the sleeves,  I got on a roll and managed to finish it.  It wasn’t the neatest of dressing gowns but it was recognisable as one and anyway isn’t it the thought that counts?



So here is a picture of the finished product.  As you can see I may have taken the hem up a tad too much – but Craig has nice legs so he should be happy to show them off! I am quite proud of my effort and looking forward to the next project. Craig has requested that I learn how to make suits... so not going to happen.



Red Throat Emperor
with salad and tartare



As an end note – we now have a freezer full of delicious fish from the fishing trip.  Here is a photo of dinner last night – Red Throat Emperor fish with salad and homemade tartar sauce.  Delicious!!