Sorbetto anyone?

Hello summer people!
With the warmer weather coming on (and going it has to be said) what better time is there for whipping up a quick and cute summer top? There's so much good will in the online sewing community which has meant there are some fabulous free pattern downloads available. One of the better ones comes from Colette in the form of the Sorbetto. Once you've cut out and stick-taped all the pattern pieces together it couldn't be quicker to sew one up.

I had a crack at this recently using some fabric from a thrifted bed sheet and some old bias binding I had lying around. The cost is probably less than 50p! Because the fabric is pretty busy I didn't add any embellishments this time. It's a very simple construction with no zips or buttons and just two bust darts along with the pleat down the front.

What would I do differently I hear you ask? I'd add about 10cm on to the bottom because this is almost too short for me to wear comfortably. I think it would be easy to re-draft this pattern into a dress by adding some length at the bottom and flaring it slightly. There's no end of images on Pinterest, Flickr and the like of variations on this classic design. I might even have another go at a new version tonight!

Summer lovin'

Months of bleak grey skies and constant snow can sometimes make one think summer's don't exist in Scotland. Then you wake up one morning and there's been a definite change. The grass has started growing at a rate of knots and brave little flowers are poking their heads above ground. The last few weeks have meant generally glorious weather and I'm resolved yet again to hold on to the memories of all this loveliness when summer has passed.

As well as enjoying early morning cups of tea in the garden I've finally gotten around to making my doll face cushion. I've had this project in mind for many months now and can't believe I dragged my heels for so long. You could honestly whip this up in one night and I have a sneaky feeling more of these cuties will be popping up around the house in future. This little gal needs a guy to keep her company I think.

If you're in the mood to make one yourself here's some simple steps to follow.

1. Trace a circle using your old school compass (if you still have it) onto a piece of paper making the diameter match your cushion pad. Add a small seam allowance but not too much, you want a nice snug fit. Cut out.
2. Use the paper circle as a pattern to cut out one patterned piece of fabric (this will be the back of your cushion) and one plain piece (this will be the front face).
3. Now using your paper circle, draw on the lips, cheeks and hair with pencil. Cut out each piece and use as a pattern to cut out on your chosen fabrics. I think it's fun to go a bit wild with the hair fabric and choose pinks and reds for the lips and cheeks.
4. Pin the fabric face pieces to your front face circle and using a small zig zag stitch sew them on, sewing right at the edges. You want your stitch to catch the raw edges and enclose them to prevent fraying.
5. Now you need to add some eyes. I drew mine onto the fabric with a fading marker pen. Then I placed the fabric into an embroidery hoop and back-stitched over the top of my outline.
6. Place your finished front face piece right sides together with your backing circle and sew all the way round the edge leaving a big enough gap to insert your cushion pad.
7. Turn inside out, insert the cushion pad and slip stitch the opening closed.
8. Voila and your cushion is done! 
   

Summer school excitement

Crafty Bissums are very excited to be attending this year's Folksy summer school in Sheffield. The program looks really excellent with lots of interactive workshops and presentations from some very inspirational people involved in Britain's craft scene.
Perhaps we'll see some of you there?
xx