Linda Powell Pattern Cutting

Part of settling in my new home, I still finding myself needing to take stuff to the charity shop. Mainly it’s the British heart foundation because they also take ‘clean rags’ the offcuts and scraps of fabric from my freelance cutting and sewing work. Once there, no matter how many books I have passed on to friends etc. I always take a quick look at the book shelves. What a treat this book has been. Took it straight to the coffee shop next door to start reading it. Richard E Grant a pocketful of happiness and his life and love with his wife Joan Washington. Fabulously funny and sad. Already have someone waiting to read it. Soo heartfelt.

There were two jumpers needing necklines but….the blue of the previous post and a black. This black tube had been stitched onto the neckline. Careful cutting left the machining in place so didn’t need to turn a hem. The cut raw edge of the tube tucked stitched to make the crown. I’ll keep it for when the cooler weather comes, as it will.

‘Can you cut this collar off?’ Initial cut followed a line just visible in the pattern around the neck. It was then tried on to check the shape. In this case the CF was lowered 5cm and the CB tidied down less than 1cm. First oversee the edge in ordinary sewing thread. This tidies the edge and restricts unnecessary stretching. Finally an almost invisible back prick stitch. Then v little pressing. Opens up the neck and works better over T or shirt. better than leaving a jumper being unloved in the wardrobe.

Soft covers. It started with the bed head pic2. In the store screen pic the bedstead was described as linen - more pale grey! Was not sending it back. Not bought fabric in years , always try to make use of fabric i have. Soo, had a spare mattress cover that i cut in half to be the padding pic3 inside. The outer fabric was saved from a spare sofa cover that never got used. The spotty fabric in pic 1 started life as a sei of blinds rescued from a skip. Thanks Because the pattern looked better draped on the bias, I made it work but would not recommend it on furniture. Still got the back piece to finish tomorrow but happy with the way it looks. Some might recognise the chair when I’d covered it in velvet to represent a throne in my little downsizing art exhibition. Love it.

These fabulous wool Joseph trousers were given to me. And they feel great on. But they needed adjustment at waist pic2 and hem , all straight forward. But look close at the front there are a few tiny holes!! I know it’s possible to patch but after some thought…,..why? Decided to just enjoy wearing them as they are. Good to be back working in my studio

Early morning light in my studio this morning. A good space to work and here I am back on scrubs.

Finally. Home. Still lots of boxes to empty. I have a lot of help. Feels good.

Travelling on the tube to my son’s house in south London. Deeply engrossed in my book as I stood bt the door. I didn’t notice the guy reading over my shoulder. ‘What’s the book’?? I turned the book to show him. ‘dark’ Is it possible to have a deep conversation between 2 stops on the tube about art music commercialisation and making a living?

Home or at least at the weekend. The end is in sight. This carpet bag was a present from my youngest sister. Many many years ago. It got pulled out of the boxes and now has pride of place to carry my mat for Pilates. And just look beautiful against the Jaipur pink of the hall. Thanks

An added benefit to being at my friends house has been to read her books. Love this cook book by Amelia Christie-miller. Can’t wait to get my own copy and try some of the recipes out.