Confined Crafting

 Choosing to ignore the many arguments about whether Samuel Beckett's 'Fail Better' quote is less motivational and more despairing when actually read in it's original context I'm here today to blog about why I find #sewingfails a useful (if still a dispiriting) experience. And why I think making a toile or muslin is a must in dressmaking, especially when trying a new pattern for the first time! This started with an experiment (SCIENCE!) - In the Year That Shall Not Be Named I had planned to get back into sewing more than I have in recent years. I started the year with a brand new sewing machine (my trusty vintage New Home having finally died a death), a plan to take a class a month on something  craft or sewing related and a vague internal promise to actually use up some of my ridiculous sewing fabric stash. I...failed. Classes were cancelled after I only managed the first 3 (Jan-Mar), WFH did not bring bags of time & energy for sewing and from Monday to Friday

The kids and I have been making some Easter cards and gifts. I like to stock up on crafting essentials at The Works , which is cheap and cheerful - perfect when you are crafting with small children who don't take that much care! The easiest option here is to get some blank cards and stickers, then let the kids loose! I really enjoy seeing their creativity when they're allowed this freedom. With a little prompting and discussion, there's often the chance to develop linguistic skills too as they tell you about their drawing or creating. The card on the right, for example, shows the Easter bunny hiding eggs for the birds in a 'winter tree' with no leaves. It was lovely to listen to my 4 year old explaining this story as she drew. I also got the finger painting pads out to try a few ideas. Fingerprint chicks and bunnies were so simple to create and yet look so cute! There's no particular distribution here but you could easily make a scene, using stickers as props. T

 Here's a round-up of free PJ patterns for those joining in the #ConfinedCrafting sew-along at Easter! Various free patterns for PJ short sets at Mood Sewciety Pattern at Trevor Loves Mommy (free if you subscribe to newsletter). Draft a PJ shorts pattern using a pair of your own shorts at Pretty Prudent .  This pattern from Life Sew Savory has POCKETS which I know you all love. Versatile free pattern to download from Patterns for Pirates . PJs without a pattern at DIY Fashion Rebel . Self-drafted pattern with shirred waistband from NoodleHead . Knit fabric lounge wear from iCandy Handmade . Tutorial on making PJ bottoms from an old sheet from Five Marigolds . Very easy pyjama set from Swedish designers The Assembly Line .  Hollywood Glamour from Charm Patterns .  Capri length bottoms, and pockets, from Peppermint Magazine .  A zero-waste design from The Craft of Clothes . Of course this list is not exhaustive, but hopefully some good ideas here to get everyone started!

 I decided to upgrade my needle storage from pincushion to needle book. This feels more secure especially from little cats who think that a needle with some thread left in it is a tasty treat! I used the free template and instructions at  The Domestic Doozie  blog. This would be a great scrap buster project. It only needs 3 small rectangles of fabric, some batting and some felt, and a button and loop of elastic. The book can be as decorated or embellished as you like - each page of felt could be embroidered, for example. I kept it very simple as a real quick make. It took about 30 mins.