tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22484727827231985382024-03-13T03:48:08.353+00:00Little Sue DollLittle Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-60675539260232020022020-08-06T16:19:00.000+01:002020-08-06T16:19:37.269+01:00Reviving My Wardrobe With Some Me Made Clothes<div style="text-align: center;">Last summer Mother and I had a lovely shopping trip where I bought lots of lovely new fabric. The idea had been that as I had finally got back to my goal weight I would make lots of new clothes to show off the new trim me. It did not work out like that, I never got round to sewing anything and all that fabric has sat in a box for about a year. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That new trim bod has been expanding since then, slowly at first and rapidly after lockdown hit. I also came to the conclusion that clothes that where formfitting or snug when at goal where not that useful, it didn't take long for clothes to become too small to wear. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So I have decided to make clothes in the next size up, which is much closer to the recommended sizes on the back of commercial patterns. This means that although they are tighter now they will fit better in the in between now and goal weights. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I should probably quantify that the now verses goal sizes are not too different:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bust = 39 to 38 = 1 inch</div><div style="text-align: center;">Waist = 32 - 30 = 2 inch</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hip = 41 to 40 = 1 inch</div><div style="text-align: center;">So the changes won't be an issue, just a little more ease.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It also helps that lots of the styles I have been drawn to lately are not as figure hugging. If I was to describe the new look I am going for in 3 words it would be, Vintage, Librarian, Cottagecore. Think gentle tones, feminine shapes, and a touch of whimsy. I still like a nipped in waist so they will stay but not to the same degree. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So what do I need for this new look:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blouses - I always need more bloused, especially as its my work wardrobe that needs the most help, something cute but that I can both slouch and move in. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Summer Tops - With straps or flouncy sleeves, something light and cool. I think all cotton tops that aren't blouses fall into this category, in winter I will just layer them up with knits. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Straight and A-Line Skirts - Just above the knee, a pocket here and there. A classic skirt at a cute length, an absolute must. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Flared and Gathered Skirts - Its more a vintage staple and Lolita must have, I just couldn't be without them. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Knit wear - Now I can knit its time to make some cute jumpers and cardigans. Though I admit that in the summer warmth they are on the back burner. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Trousers - I can't explain why but I want some vintage inspired voluptuous trousers, think pleated fronts, straight legs and wide flowing hems. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Light dresses - Flowing skirts, blouse like tops or straps, some buttons and trim. I am still working on exactly what I want them to be. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have already made the first blouse and am working on some overalls and I hope to write about them soon. I also hope to write soon about the Haslam system of dresscutting that I plan to give a go soon, I have a copy and have seen a bodice that needs to be made into a blouse. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-83772608101592463932020-07-12T09:13:00.000+01:002020-07-12T09:13:01.429+01:00My First Knitting Project - A Scarf<div style="text-align: center;">This was writen a while back but never posted because it missed a picture or two. Time to catch back up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">So I shared <a href="https://littlesuedoll.blogspot.com/2019/09/learning-to-knit-autumn-bucket-list-no5.html">before</a> how I have been learning how to knit, well now its time for an update. First lets take a moment to faun over this lovely yummy yarn. It's made by a seller on Etsy called AtticSpinDye. The picture below is taken by me, and the colours are so lovely, just as the listing showed. Its so lovely and soft its a joy to work with. </div>
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Being my first project I wanted to do something super simple, learn the rhythm of knitting before trying something too complicated. Too often I see people go straight from nothing to a complicated project and get lost or overwhelmed, from there its so easy to just give up. So I like to start any new craft with a smaller project, something simple that will soon give that feeling or accomplishment and satisfaction. </div>
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So for me the obvious choice was a simple knit back and forward stitch, no purling. You get a lovely stretchy fabric, something new to a crocheter. There are v's on top of bars, on top of v's etc.</div>
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I bought 200g and cast on 50 stitches onto some 5mm bamboo needles, so its turning out to be a big scarf. Its plenty wide, and very long. I did contemplate stopping part way and making a hat but decided a huge scarf was needed. </div>
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I keep it in my work bag and did a few rows at lunch, I find it very relaxing, I look forward to the break from the madness of work to sit quietly and knit. Its almost like a meditation. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now it's all finished and I am really happy with the result. It's lovely to use so soft. </div>
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Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-23575376485272286652019-11-22T12:35:00.002+00:002019-11-22T12:35:23.701+00:00Aloo Tikka Chaat <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week I was brave and tried a new recipe mid week. Normally I wait till a Friday or the weekend to try a new meal but this week I planned it in for mid week, a bit of a risk I know. It all worked out though, I made sure to prep some stuff ahead to take the pressure off. </div>
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The recipe is from the Dishoom cook book that I treated my self a while back, my other half picked it out, he wanted a chickpea curry. OK so this isn't what I would call a curry but it was still good. It's fried potato patties with sweet yogurt, tamarind drizzle, crispy chickpeas, mint and coriander chutney, and pomegranate seeds. Lots of elements, hence the preciously mentioned risk it being mid week. </div>
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I loved it, the other half was not so sure, he liked the potato and chickpeas but hes not a yogurt fan and found the sweetness a bit off. So if I make this again I will make Marsala sauce for his one and do mine mostly to the book. </div>
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All in all I think it was a success, the other half may not have loved it but he ate almost all of it and liked elements that we can adapt. The frame work for a great meal is there. </div>
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In terms of cost its not too bad either:</div>
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Potato = 40p </div>
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Chickpeas (tin) = 55p</div>
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Pomegranate = £1</div>
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Yogurt = 36p</div>
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Butter = 30p</div>
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Oil to fry = 74p</div>
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Spices and other cupboard essentials = 50p</div>
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Herbs = £1.20</div>
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Tamarinds = £1</div>
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Soft dark brown sugar = 26p</div>
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Lime = 30p</div>
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Rice = 6p</div>
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So in total I estimate £5.68 for a meal for two. Not that cheap but I still still have some tamarind drizzle, chilli drizzle, and tamarind chutney left. When I make it again I would miss the mint and coriander chutney, pomegranate, and rice. which would reduce the cost by £2.56 making it £3.15 a person which is quite acceptable. </div>
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Zero waste wise its not too bad. </div>
<br />Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-51824633444153859382019-11-19T15:09:00.001+00:002019-11-19T15:09:21.412+00:00Zero Waste, Frugal Living, & Bullet Journal<div style="text-align: center;">
I know that Zero Waste, Frugal Living, & Bullet Journals may not sound like they go together but let me see if I can explain. </div>
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Although a bullet journal is not zero waste, once you use all the pages you can't reuse them, and probably can't re-purpose them, you probably can recycle them if you break them up. And if we are honest we most likely won't refer back to them. But I know being organised will help me reduce waste and save money. </div>
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In my house the biggest expense after rent is food, we love our food, but the heart breaking truth is that more food than I like gets thrown away. I go to the shop and impulse buy things with half an idea of a meal I will make with it but I don't have a meal plan and by the end of its life I still haven't managed to use it.</div>
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A perfect example is pineapple, I really like pineapple, fresh even more so. So when I see one on offer at the super market I think to my self, if I get it I can cut it up, portion it into boxes and have it for my lunches. Inevitably I get home, get the shopping away and go relax, telling my self I will chop it up later, but I forget, it gets lost in the fridge and goes bad. My most successful fruit is apples, because I can just grab it and go. </div>
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My unplanned buys are not just limited to fruit, I do it with so many foods, and this is where my bullet journal should help. </div>
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I have been trying to meal plan for a long time with mixed levels of success, mostly because I am so inconsistent with my planning and that migraines leave me so drained that I just don't feel able to cook. Which is when we buy takeaway or something microwaveable from the shop round the corner. All of which cost money, more so than me cooking normally, and generates more waste. </div>
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This year my household has had a drop in income and we are now bracing for another in the new year. Our new budget will be much lower than we are used to so I need to save money where ever I can. Meal planning, careful shopping, and a stash of easy ready to go meals will go from nice to necessary.</div>
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I know you are thinking I could meal plan and make shopping lists using an app on my phone, and that is a great option, but for me paper is better, its just how I work. </div>
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So what will I need in my journal to manage my spending and waste: </div>
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A year planned is essential, its a space to write down any and all events for the coming year. If there is a birthday or one of us will be away this will change the meal plan. I can also record dates my parents will be busy as I usually shop with them. Often we want to remember something up coming that is beyond the current month or week so all these can be added too. </div>
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Last time I made a meal plan cheat sheet, it seemed like a great idea when I made it, but I find I very rarely look at it. I have a box of recipe cards that I flick through to pick meals, they have the advantage of having the ingredients listed that I can add them to a shopping list. I can also take the cards to the kitchen so they are ready when its time to cook. </div>
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I am in two minds when it comes to my master shopping list, I didn't use it much, but I know it could be very useful, for example if I know I won't get to a certain shop next week I can check things I get from there to see if I can stock up now.</div>
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I made a recipe log, where I planned to write down any recipes I wanted to try, but a year (ish) later and its still blank. No point in that page. </div>
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Mostly I use weeklies to plan, I create monthlies but don't tend to use them much. For my new journal I will focus on my weeklies, maybe drawing them up in month long batches, but a separate month page feels unnecessary. With more than one week drawn up I can add meals to later weeks when I think of them.</div>
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For a while I added a shopping list to my weeklies but soon found it inconvenient carrying my open journal around the shop. Lately I have been using a note app on my phone with sections for different shops, I think I will rearrange the heading into types as sometimes its hard checking off items that are unsorted. </div>
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Ok, planner is on order, and I have a good idea of what I want in it to help me.</div>
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Outside the planner but still paper I will continue to write up any recipes we try and enjoy. Building a library of cost effective recipes is essential to the plan of reducing costs and waste. </div>
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Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-8866794061539803462019-10-01T18:55:00.000+01:002020-07-12T09:16:29.726+01:00Fruit Pies & Charity Baking<div style="text-align: center;">Another forgotten post, the tidy up continues.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Number 8 on the Autumn Bucket List 2019 is to bake a fruit pie and eat it hot with ice cream. </div>
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We will call this a practice run, I ate it cold with warm custard or microwaved with cold custard, not quite what I put on the bucket list. But it was a good test of the recipe, which was good, but I think the pastry could have done with being a little thicker, and maybe blind baked a little longer too. Tasted OK though. </div>
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I made an apple one and a cherry, bet you can guess which way round they are. I made them as part of the MacMillan Cancer Support Big Coffee Morning. Well ours was more of a coffee lunch, but we still raised £135, which is not too bad. </div>
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I also made 4 batches of cookies, dark chocolate chip, white chocolate chip, apple and cinnamon, and my new recipe, bake-well (cherry and almond). I really like the bake-well ones, I may even share the recipe, its that yum. </div>
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That big showstopper coffee and walnut cake in the middle was made by the Bosses wife, its always popular. The bus tin is full of cheese scones, made by the lady in marketing, and the brownies are from the sarcastic electronics and software engineer (hes a friend). Sadly I wasn't able to get out to Mother's to pick up the gingerbread cake she made but I am sure my Dad Bill helped polish it off. </div>
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Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-51212463797842508062019-09-25T15:30:00.000+01:002019-09-25T15:30:17.210+01:00Week 38 On The Allotment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We didn't feel very well this weekend, I was part way though a 9 day migraine and Bill just didn't have any go left. So we took it a bit easy. </div>
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We removed some leaves with powdery mildew from the courgettes and pumpkins, picked a few more blackberries, some runner beans, 2 small courgettes and some parsnips. </div>
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The runner beans seem to be slowing now, which is understandable now the weather is getting colder and wetter. We have had a pretty good run, so many at points that we where giving them away by the hand full. </div>
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The blackberries are still going mad, there may have been more there this week than any week before, so many there that we left most and only picked the fattest and still came home with a good bag full. </div>
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The giant courgettes we had become used to have ended, it may be the drop in temperature or maybe the powdery mildew I am just not sure. The 2 we got are plenty for us atm. The pumpkins are taking over the space lately, crawling under the courgettes and into the fruit cage. Several small pumpkins are forming, so cute and white. Bill accidentally cut 2 off when trimming the leaves, but they where too cute to compost so we took them home, one each. </div>
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Bill wanted some parsnips so we dug some up. We thought it would be a quick job but our parsnips are getting much bigger, and longer, and harder to dig out. They are so worth the effort though, they are so big, much bigger than I had expected, being new it hadn't occurred to me that they would keep growing, I wonder when they stop. </div>
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Last is a picture of the rain drops on our grapes, they are starting to plump up, not long now. </div>
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<br />Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-70158838694516488142019-09-18T16:16:00.000+01:002019-09-18T16:16:00.986+01:00No Allotment Just Socks<div style="text-align: center;">
Bill wasn't feeling too well this weekend, and I had a migraine on Saturday so we didn't make it to the allotment on Sunday. I am sure everything is fine, we are mostly on top of all the jobs atm so missing one week wont be a problem. </div>
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Instead I spent most of the weekend making my next sock. Taking all I have learnt from my first I have changed to the nicer of the cheap yarns (on the right). I will save the best yarn for the next pair, once I have practised a little more.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSfaea-OrrvmXM4MlElnLHbcnq3Cds5lKAkjq-UglDPY6NoHahoKCBfZFN0X0KxDoBxcNvG095Sn7b5adqxUSdJxq_yJsHXlpDQEcRf8RL9hP3nvaheTsdkMWGVAPaAzCRx4P-CjmiHCv/s1600/DSC_0826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSfaea-OrrvmXM4MlElnLHbcnq3Cds5lKAkjq-UglDPY6NoHahoKCBfZFN0X0KxDoBxcNvG095Sn7b5adqxUSdJxq_yJsHXlpDQEcRf8RL9hP3nvaheTsdkMWGVAPaAzCRx4P-CjmiHCv/s320/DSC_0826.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The yarn I am using is Stylecraft Head Over Heals in colour Ossie. I am loving the colours, although i'm worrying a little that the colour repeat is a little long and I may end up with 2 very different colour socks. </div>
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I have just passed the heal and am working my way up the leg. I never got to the cuff on my last socks so it will be a new challenge, but I am sure I can do it. </div>
Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-55007378345173643122019-09-17T15:27:00.000+01:002019-09-17T15:27:39.869+01:00Learning To Knit & Autumn Bucket List No.5<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been learning to knit, something I tried as a child and failed at. Its one of the only crafts that has stumped me. </div>
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Below is my humble first attempt, its not too bad. I guess when I tried to learn before there wasn't YouTube (shows my age a little maybe) just watching my Mum, and maybe younger me didn't have the patience I have gained with age. Either way this time it wasn't too bad, rather slow to start but I think I am getting there. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRczXSDVJLB2_Du2JFwYLxKqTXik1PF0ejLWrThnWW4cHX8T-wu8xay78Ueetjr8TRsH9Uih7OpKMi12GfHXFreNErv_CXfn5BRzSHXsJRmdZnabcdH0HPTMKzRGJvK-PpSN4UrjhH2u2g/s1600/DSC_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRczXSDVJLB2_Du2JFwYLxKqTXik1PF0ejLWrThnWW4cHX8T-wu8xay78Ueetjr8TRsH9Uih7OpKMi12GfHXFreNErv_CXfn5BRzSHXsJRmdZnabcdH0HPTMKzRGJvK-PpSN4UrjhH2u2g/s320/DSC_0825.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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So not that I have been practising a bit, a little every night for a week I feel ready to try a simple project. Its also a great excuse to buy some lovely hand dyed yarn.</div>
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<img alt="image 0" height="213" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/17607744/r/il/7df3fd/2056438193/il_794xN.2056438193_gt35.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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Number 5 on my Autumn Bucket List is to crochet a jumper or scarf, so why not make it a knitted scarf and buy the lovely yarn in the picture above. The yarn is from a lovely UK seller on Etsy called AtticSpinDye. It was dispatched today and I will be eagerly expecting its arrival by the weekend (fingers crossed). </div>
Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-50212474606234983072019-09-13T15:02:00.000+01:002019-09-13T15:02:04.073+01:00My First Sock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I do like me a new challenge, and with the weather soon to be going cold I decided I wanted to learn how to loom knit socks. Some snugly warm socks, made with some of the beautiful hand dyed yarn that melts my heart on Etsy. </div>
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The first challenge was buying a fine gauge sock loom. I found an amassing one on Etsy, but it was made in america and the shipping was almost as much as the loom, and I couldn't bring my self to spent over £60 on a loom. I had to make do instead with a more commercial one I found on Ebay. </div>
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Part of my difficulty in finding a loom is that I wanted a wood and metal one, most looms are plastic and I am trying to avoid buying plastic where possible. Sadly there where no hand made one on Etsy that where made in the UK or even Europe. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg90KfbBcJ7OHDQZDOqRptU4l7HL0K63rFIf1irD1PY783L7Px9i4eAS-bntVJXrOp1coSkVN71EKYd7gApSJPCcF17UGcn3oj2ALwCXMRInHSOZYiIbQqG-gn71ZLhFfpoTwrf5bhrANw/s1600/DSC_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg90KfbBcJ7OHDQZDOqRptU4l7HL0K63rFIf1irD1PY783L7Px9i4eAS-bntVJXrOp1coSkVN71EKYd7gApSJPCcF17UGcn3oj2ALwCXMRInHSOZYiIbQqG-gn71ZLhFfpoTwrf5bhrANw/s320/DSC_0812.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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But when it arrived I excitedly began my first ever sock. I used a Kitchener cast on which pre-loads the pegs with the threads to close the toe. It turned out really well, watching it slowly emerge from the loom was so fun. </div>
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Along with the hand dyed yarn I bought from Etsy I also bought 2 balls of a cheaper yarn to practice with. The yarn in the pictures was was the scratchier one, so it would be used mostly for learning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoxzJjAWbozc6DK4d3-zix07uO2fOqUOaLGl8SnzmdFYs18_Pbg_8_AJG7HW6LggvyoBNRpYTdWmB0-27jzabqdN1XLSVNR17em1oqzYLVNAd4FihGYHwiEVUgjyzc2IdpBGSdXSA8zfz/s1600/DSC_0824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoxzJjAWbozc6DK4d3-zix07uO2fOqUOaLGl8SnzmdFYs18_Pbg_8_AJG7HW6LggvyoBNRpYTdWmB0-27jzabqdN1XLSVNR17em1oqzYLVNAd4FihGYHwiEVUgjyzc2IdpBGSdXSA8zfz/s320/DSC_0824.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I liked the toe up patterns more, so that is what I used. The pattern actually starts at the foot end of the toe (as apposed to the nail end) works out over the toe and then back. The Kitchener cast on means that when you start working the foot (between the toe and heal) you pick up loops you need to be able to almost drawstring the opening closed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvy6AqtnNKqAlJpV7Y0g6QwKeVpBZLogpj-qVjURkMY9WxqtK17D55t28KUdttORSLu8cQiH-4TqJi4Ab1uJK4CTzz0hkKTF_ibfuO_rfVzOo-4ERmDUDk9vXqzXmrLh2p77Jk7l2dPaZp/s1600/DSC_0823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvy6AqtnNKqAlJpV7Y0g6QwKeVpBZLogpj-qVjURkMY9WxqtK17D55t28KUdttORSLu8cQiH-4TqJi4Ab1uJK4CTzz0hkKTF_ibfuO_rfVzOo-4ERmDUDk9vXqzXmrLh2p77Jk7l2dPaZp/s320/DSC_0823.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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My toe turned out really neat, I'm supper happy with it. The heal on the other hand I dropped a stitch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQmOnA2RzfhNVxYjb9pb9tMr1RgIeDo5ynxqjjqNtykeEBcp3DIapflXd24Dy5MBRN1idwzBcd0-I3KjwjzgWm-q5wZRWZzKbxYWkq07tRv8smx8hUD-olA370_f_7MftLSBt7IqJiCw5/s1600/DSC_0822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQmOnA2RzfhNVxYjb9pb9tMr1RgIeDo5ynxqjjqNtykeEBcp3DIapflXd24Dy5MBRN1idwzBcd0-I3KjwjzgWm-q5wZRWZzKbxYWkq07tRv8smx8hUD-olA370_f_7MftLSBt7IqJiCw5/s320/DSC_0822.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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See that hole with 2 loops held together by a stitch marker, that is my dropped stitch. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pwrrf3RHxu-b-FsKE1z9OG7atU8Dp1uzUXXaW37xCE5yQjepy98ZqZH7iuZ_IB1LGDOWLq2xEc2jfwLpekFu4uV5hk9OmdcaXgCzYMFnRsJxVP003lRCdkMDQWyVs6oKGRH2QGZte4n_/s1600/DSC_0819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pwrrf3RHxu-b-FsKE1z9OG7atU8Dp1uzUXXaW37xCE5yQjepy98ZqZH7iuZ_IB1LGDOWLq2xEc2jfwLpekFu4uV5hk9OmdcaXgCzYMFnRsJxVP003lRCdkMDQWyVs6oKGRH2QGZte4n_/s320/DSC_0819.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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Overall I am pleased with my first sock. Things I learnt</div>
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1) I need to use more pegs. I only used 44 and the resulting sock was tight across the top of my foot. Increase from 44 pegs to 52. Will add just over an inch (7 stitches per inch)</div>
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2) The calculations for the foot length was just right. Will need to recalculate because using more pegs means more rows on the toe and heal sections. </div>
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3) The lift and wrap without lifting. Lifting one loop to wrap and turn is ok, but when you have multiple loops it gets a bit more challenging. I worked our a way of wrapping without lifting, I have no idea what its called though. If you start like you mean to purl (pulling new loop up from below the stitch on the peg) but instead of pulling the old loop/stitch off, push the new loop back and pull the working yarn till it comes out from behind the peg and below the work. </div>
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4) Flat knits are faster but if your working with more than one loop on the peg its safer to do a full knit, that way you can't drop a stitch. </div>
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5) Marking the last stitches of the decrease with a little bit of washi helps keep track. </div>
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6) Keep a piece of paper handy to tally off the rows as you finish to make sure you get 2 socks the same. </div>
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Socks are fun and I am looking froward to making some proper ones. </div>
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Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-36400705249730192672019-09-12T09:17:00.004+01:002019-09-12T09:17:48.029+01:00Weeks 35 & 36 On The Allotment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For a while the pumpkins didn't seem to be doing much. But now they are away, long tendrils are stretching out and at every node is a flower or maybe tiny pumpkin starting to grow. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsqGkuZ7NEYKQbK28ea38kO2KLWJUOwEFE0xevTnK5fhccQL19WN_NKaCJ20coDKjv0yDXVeX1PCnob6NUbpW936mj7Y8D7teuGlQXUzuWlBihA4NkTfLaoWUNK5Y6vxf9i2EKSiPkGxU/s1600/DSC_0801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsqGkuZ7NEYKQbK28ea38kO2KLWJUOwEFE0xevTnK5fhccQL19WN_NKaCJ20coDKjv0yDXVeX1PCnob6NUbpW936mj7Y8D7teuGlQXUzuWlBihA4NkTfLaoWUNK5Y6vxf9i2EKSiPkGxU/s320/DSC_0801.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The picture above was week 35 and below was week 36. They are growing nicely, I am looking forward to trying pumpkin. </div>
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Having lost the outdoor girl we are hoping the pineapple tomatoes do well. So far (touch wood) they have avoided the blight, but we are rapidly running out of the warm days they need to grow. </div>
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We have been building again. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW39rS2EawNB9O0o7xICeDQ-MPZSBFlmg8J07Et9h6W6lLrsOqqo1honKIS2BFva7_5cbpWUDHql1gU_iSsVyqP37OozJ1dSx2D8oKVCJoxKX2mxCCCmm8s7lZimntUvd-bEIxeTO6iqaW/s1600/DSC_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW39rS2EawNB9O0o7xICeDQ-MPZSBFlmg8J07Et9h6W6lLrsOqqo1honKIS2BFva7_5cbpWUDHql1gU_iSsVyqP37OozJ1dSx2D8oKVCJoxKX2mxCCCmm8s7lZimntUvd-bEIxeTO6iqaW/s320/DSC_0797.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
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Using up almost all the remaining large blocks we have built a nice long raised bed. We plan to fill with herbs.</div>
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Other jobs completed include weeding half the fruit cage and taking down the net and temporary netting.</div>
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We also trimmed back the vines to help them focus on ripening the grapes. </div>
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And lastly this is a happy Bill when he found out he had won our carrot competition. Mine got wiped out by slugs :(</div>
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Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-1545234702544363422019-08-29T22:58:00.001+01:002019-08-29T23:00:15.877+01:00Don't wish your life away<div style="text-align: center;">
Many years ago now some one said something that changed my out look, it was such a small comment but one I have kept close. I had said "I can't wait for the weekend" I'm sure that's something many of us feel. But his reply was "don't wish your life away"</div>
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We wish away the hours dreaming of better times and soon days fly by, but we are the worse for it. We do not gain better times but loose the chance for other happy moments.</div>
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Since then I always stop and make sure to say "I'm looking forward to" instead of "I wish it was" , or "I can't wait" . Language is important because the way we speak affects the way we think, if we change the way we speak we can change the way we feel. </div>
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So I am in this moment, and I am excited to experience things in my future, but there is no rush, I am content. </div>
Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-72004617644886400332019-08-27T10:47:00.001+01:002019-08-27T10:47:29.414+01:00Week 34 of 2019 On The Allotments<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh my was it hot this Sunday on the allotment, we arrived all fully of energy and ready to clear some weeds but soon had to cut sort our plans. We did however manage to move the weeds we had pulled and piled up last week and weed some more. </div>
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I pulled all the onions, both red and white, and weeded the shallot and red onion bed. While Bill moved the weed pile and weeded the potatoes. Bill also earthed up the potatoes.</div>
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We are a little late earthing up the potatoes but its still worth giving it a go. </div>
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After a break we went blackberry picking along the hedges around the allotment. We got loads, they all got taken to Mums to be frozen until we are ready to make jam.</div>
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In our pursuit of black berries we also went round the hedge into the orchard, noting that some of the trees looked a little under cared for we decided to pop down to the allotment shop and ask about trees. The person in charge of trees wasn't there but the secretary said she would email them for us. fingers crossed we may get some trees.</div>
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By this point it was mid day and very hot so we decided to harvest what we could and head home. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_IedFr97HFq8ewzzOMqgk1UCjXWCzlDLLQpsOEGpf7Xl2H8ZUOkPoi3Da3eakhgdv-NOXQCcp4rWgZ-KXlyCoH6x7VFn1VpzM_WzmbJCP1WmxznsMKkv29hGG_NUo2sgj-FDqiiALOjt/s1600/DSC_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_IedFr97HFq8ewzzOMqgk1UCjXWCzlDLLQpsOEGpf7Xl2H8ZUOkPoi3Da3eakhgdv-NOXQCcp4rWgZ-KXlyCoH6x7VFn1VpzM_WzmbJCP1WmxznsMKkv29hGG_NUo2sgj-FDqiiALOjt/s320/DSC_0785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Check out the size of this courgette, its massive! </div>
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And the rest of them aren't exactly small either, 4 big courgettes. They grow really fast, every week we pick all that are at a usable size, and then almost out of nowhere more giants appear next week. they are definitely being grown again next year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHf6jF1OLgkfbUmtrDZwDxS4KZxfCqqxRotnmKPj5lxqESq2ZSrhX0o427XlBUXmOXFaCmtaM7aM-Q_Z-JZynzAkxF4dH4kR5bU0oqAycEU0xRPqhOzTfwnSWoahaaQ1ZByXNWouLt9ure/s1600/DSC_0787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHf6jF1OLgkfbUmtrDZwDxS4KZxfCqqxRotnmKPj5lxqESq2ZSrhX0o427XlBUXmOXFaCmtaM7aM-Q_Z-JZynzAkxF4dH4kR5bU0oqAycEU0xRPqhOzTfwnSWoahaaQ1ZByXNWouLt9ure/s320/DSC_0787.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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The runner beans didn't disappoint either, admittedly the courgettes are in the bottom of the trug in the picture but we still had several good handfuls. I think we planted a good amount of plants this year, so will be repeating this too.</div>
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So overall a good weekend, the plot is looking pretty good after the 2 weeks of weeding, and we are getting a good qty of thins harvested. Sadly our Outdoor girl tomatoes got a little blight so we removed them off the plot to protect the pineapple ones. </div>
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Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-48518059228269627152019-08-24T19:28:00.001+01:002019-08-24T19:28:48.247+01:00All Those Odd and Ends<div style="text-align: center;">
As I am starting to make more clothes there will be the unavoidable scrap pieces of fabric. Those pieces that are too small to make anything with. That is if I want to use them as panels in something. </div>
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But some of them are just right to make English Paper Piecing (EPP) hexes out of, and they can be sewn together to make pieces bit enough to use. With the scrap pieces being quite small I need a hex that is quite small to match. As it happens I have some 1" hexes from when I made my sewing machine mat, these will be perfect to use up some of those leftover bits. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRnuyC69o33U46dK43ttjat6maUGGprJmV0c6Z9OrX2yf6HYbYfmDNB9bY0MAp44fCcpRfI5sv6H8E-IsjPwF_NLNA2syFKFljr7btKjXOLKLNTNJ9PTOhr84i-ftt_00bK1KW3eVARJ-/s1600/DSC_0773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRnuyC69o33U46dK43ttjat6maUGGprJmV0c6Z9OrX2yf6HYbYfmDNB9bY0MAp44fCcpRfI5sv6H8E-IsjPwF_NLNA2syFKFljr7btKjXOLKLNTNJ9PTOhr84i-ftt_00bK1KW3eVARJ-/s320/DSC_0773.JPG" width="180" /></a><br />
(OK these are pieces left after cutting out the hexes)<br />
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I don't have a great qty of 1" hexes so I will need more, so to recycle another item that would otherwise be waste I am cutting up some card items like old birthday cards and cereal boxes to make more. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsikBqL2V5pYm1yrQsb16sbbXIiTkw9EFpUhY43pl7vbpqcai0xstPzglKY4_en0iHuP6m2aExrjaDGml2fr-3wZtK7_qJuPGJTD_K8ei9UornzaXyEJEL8YD0jzR5cxislr8HyOqORzy/s1600/DSC_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsikBqL2V5pYm1yrQsb16sbbXIiTkw9EFpUhY43pl7vbpqcai0xstPzglKY4_en0iHuP6m2aExrjaDGml2fr-3wZtK7_qJuPGJTD_K8ei9UornzaXyEJEL8YD0jzR5cxislr8HyOqORzy/s320/DSC_0774.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the interest of reducing plastic usage I also needed to learn a new skill. For my previous EPP projects I have used a water soluble glue pen, but they are quite wasteful, so much plastic for so little glue. So I have learnt to sew them onto the card, wasn't that hard. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-eggKl8WuHkX5m-lX-v2INNDHKRQsL4Vfc0rhWSsWFzeHYz63H4NWABg2I_PCSG8OoJW5iJKM0HYJfF3Tqmqvo7w51PeoGpwCgbb5Jt48POE1XF-kkXd1Egq2kGe7Kmx_lC9COKURb3B/s1600/DSC_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-eggKl8WuHkX5m-lX-v2INNDHKRQsL4Vfc0rhWSsWFzeHYz63H4NWABg2I_PCSG8OoJW5iJKM0HYJfF3Tqmqvo7w51PeoGpwCgbb5Jt48POE1XF-kkXd1Egq2kGe7Kmx_lC9COKURb3B/s320/DSC_0779.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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For now I will just make the hexes, build up a stash from all the projects I have planned. Later I can make a bag or a pillow with them, or both, I will most likely have plenty of scraps. </div>
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But what about the last bits of fabric, those pieces so small you can't get a hex out of them. Well they will be cut up into small pieces and used as stuffing, just what that cushion will need. Waste not want not as the old saying goes. I even used a little of it to stuff a quick crochet pumpkin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rGhwnVqXRwscw5Mg7FGLB0nbPAemv9T9pHeLBwUTVY974iOH-XyTHd0mYwxYn7lQ9Ma0g-QaJS42TH78I-AoggJ1TCCEb13Mi9vBjnYJHIV2v0vBn3WjIsrN35b3yo2IYnkZj1Uqf-Jq/s1600/DSC_0778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rGhwnVqXRwscw5Mg7FGLB0nbPAemv9T9pHeLBwUTVY974iOH-XyTHd0mYwxYn7lQ9Ma0g-QaJS42TH78I-AoggJ1TCCEb13Mi9vBjnYJHIV2v0vBn3WjIsrN35b3yo2IYnkZj1Uqf-Jq/s320/DSC_0778.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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I will need wadding for a bag, otherwise the bag will be too floppy, bamboo wadding has a reduced impact on the environment and is easily available for sale (I bought some for un-sponges, see my kitchen scrubbers post). Lastly is fabric to line the inside of the bag, it doesn't need to be all one fabric, so I am sure I can use leftovers. </div>
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That sounds like a plan to me. Thank you for reading. </div>
Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-39426884370886805162019-08-24T18:01:00.002+01:002019-08-24T18:01:25.549+01:00Pastel Wonderland Blanket Finished<div style="text-align: center;">
This week I finished my most technical blanket yet.</div>
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Its from a book called Round And Round The Crochet Hook, By Emily Littlefair. I bought the book mostly for the pattern for this blanket, its such a lovely blanket and who doesn't need a showstopper in there pile of blankets. </div>
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It didn't go completely to plan, I made a mistake early on that meant I was short 1/3 the stitches. The blanket had started to bow and I was feeling kinda down about it, assuming it was my tension or something like that. It wasn't till I counted the repeats that I realized the really issue. </div>
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I was devastated when I realized I basically needed to start over, it wasn't worth unraveling what I had done as the mistake was so early. But when I started again it soon went quickly and I was back to where I had been in no time and most importantly it was lying perfectly flat. </div>
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I had to take a break part way through, partly because I wanted to sew some clothes. and partly because I got sick of the "back loop only" rows, so many of them and they are so slow going. Don't get me wrong, they look great but after a few I gave up and did normal, both loops, stitches. Of course the following row actually needed the front loop of the row I had just skipped them on. I decided to replace the "in front loops of previous round" with a simple spike stitch, much easier and faster.<br />
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After that it was back to a speedy pace. Being off work sick for a couple of days gave me the time I needed to finish it off. So ta da! I'm really happy with it.</div>
Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-23724284460105672462019-08-14T13:04:00.001+01:002019-08-14T13:04:06.935+01:00Dreaming of Autumn - Season Bucket List<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not much of a summer girl, its too hot and I burn too easy. While others joyously run for parks and beaches I cringe thinking about all the extra things I need to survive the heat. </div>
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The smell of sunscreen makes my other half smile with its memories of summer, he has never had to reapply factor 50 every few hours. Its thick oily texture all over my skin, everything sticking to me, sand, dust, small leaves, or dirt, sunscreen does not care. The summer hat, and the inevitable chasing it down the road when the wind steals it, or the parasol and the carrying it though crowds. The bottle of water, because dehydration is a big issue when you suffer with chronic migraines. </div>
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So when autumn comes and others sigh like a lover post coitus, smiling at the memory of the good times had, for me the sign is of relief. The air finally cools, the days shorten, and all becomes more relaxed. With the burning heat gone I dream of evenings in the garden, till chased into the conservatory by a chill. I think of walking and watching the leaves changing colour. I ponder recipes now the kitchen isn't to hot to bake. </div>
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In spring I made a gift box for my friends with a spring bucket list. I got a little over excited and put too many thing on this list. But I think it would be nice to make another season bucket list, just much shorter. 10 things to do this autumn. OK, lets see:</div>
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1) Go for a walk when the leaves change colour. A simple start but I do love a walk, even better if its a woods walk with my partner.</div>
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2) Find a new comfort recipe, soup, stew, or casserole. Its going to be getting cold and coming home to warm comfort food feels so good.</div>
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3) Sew broad beans that will slumber over winter and return in spring with lots of beans. </div>
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4) Make a wreath or garland, something with all the colours of the season do brighten my home.</div>
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5) Crochet a jumper or scarf. Got to be ready for winter.</div>
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6) Make apple and cinnamon jam while apples are in season. Love this reduced sugar recipe, save some for the winter months.</div>
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7) Toast marshmallows over an open fire. It might be a candle but if I can I'd like to do it over some logs in the barbecue.<br />
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8) Bake a fruit pie and eat it hot with ice cream, oh yum.<br />
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9) Have a scary movie night, might be on my own (scheduling is hard), but nuzzled into blankets with a warm drink and snacks.<br />
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10) Bake autumn leaf gingerbread biscuits, icing optional.<br />
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So that's 10 things to do in 3 months, September, October, and November. I can manage that, especially as many are food related, I do love my food. Just got to wait till autumn starts now *checks date impatiently*<br />
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Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-10635781256336090532019-08-13T13:30:00.001+01:002019-08-13T13:30:27.660+01:00Allotment Planning for 2020 <div style="text-align: center;">
OK I know its only summer 2019 and that planning 2020's allotment schedule may be a bit yearly but when you get a little inspiration its best to go with it. </div>
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Now is when we start to see what did and what didn't work. For instance we can see our leeks are looking good and strong, so what we did this year works well and should be repeated next year. The spring onions however here a complete flop, so we are not doing them next year.</div>
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I like to have a plan folder where every crop has its own sheet (A5) so I can keep a record of what we planted, when, and how it did. All of which I can use to improve our yield each year. </div>
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Above is the unfinished sheet for salad tomatoes. I make a note of the required spacing so when we go to plant we get it just right. Each year I learn more and can add to the notes. And most importantly is the timings table, when to sow, plant and when we expect to harvest. Plant too yearly any the young plant struggles, too late and you wont get a harvest, its all very important. </div>
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Bill also likes to go a little mad in spring and sow everything at once, which can work but also means lots of plants need planting out at once, which can make for some knackering weekends. So if we have a plan we can spread the task and know everything will get done. </div>
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As I said, I know I am doing all this a bit early but there is noting left to plant atm and due to unexpected events we didn't get everything in this year. So I am finding my focus drawn to planning next year, how can we make next year even better;</div>
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Repeat this years planting for leeks, more space for them, i.e. plant more.</div>
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Shallots are great, they went in at the right time this year and split well, but either weather or pests took their tops off. Up the watering next year, id like to say "Hopefully it wont be as warm" but global warming is real. Maybe some bird scarers, and keep up with the bird feeders so they leave my onions alone. </div>
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The same is true of the onions, we also need to buy enough sets next year. We had planned to sew half a block from seeds but they didn't work out and we where left with only half a block of white. </div>
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The first early potatoes where amassing this year, the second early no so much. We did the first early in bags and the second in the ground. We didn't manage to earth up the seconds, which may have contributed to the low yield, as the earth got to hard to break up. If it happens next year we should water them when we arrive and come back to them or use compost. We haven't harvested the main crop yet. </div>
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Starting the parsnips in loo rolls got them off to a good start but the tubes haven't broken down as fast as we would like. The did however grow well and are a good size already, we harvested a couple early. Next year we will start them and the carrots in tall paper pots.</div>
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The carrots are not doing badly, its just there is so few of them. As mentioned above starting them in paper pots may help. </div>
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The Brussels sprouts got eaten on site despite the slug pellets, might have been birds, cover them and other brassicas as soon as they go out. </div>
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The corn died as soon as it went out, most likely due to its extended stay in the grow house and not being hardened off properly. </div>
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The runner beans are going well, one wigwam with net out straight away makes for happy plants and a sensible amount of beans.</div>
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The autumn sown broad bean plants where much bigger then their spring sown counterparts even though we got them in later than recommended. Plant them in autumn this year (for next year) as soon as is practical. </div>
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The tomatoes are struggling, they went out too late. Mulching them with grass clipping seems to help but we are running out of time before the cold closes in and they die. </div>
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Watering is an issue, install bottle drips on all thirsty plants like tomatoes and courgettes.</div>
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Speaking of courgettes, they are doing well. Next year plant them out in a mound of compost again.</div>
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Sowing spinach in a slim tray and planting out in clumps worked, until it bolted, see watering. Repeat next year and do the same with loose lettuce. these 2 may end up being tucked in around other crops rather than having a dedicated space. </div>
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the headed lettuce was too crowded next to the loose lettuce, plant in paper pots next year to ensure good spacing when planting out so that we can get some good heads.</div>
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I think that covers it, every year we learn more, both about the plants and about our plot. Every year we have done a little better than the one before so I am expecting next year to be the best on yet, fingers crossed. </div>
Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-66341215669908720482019-08-07T10:32:00.000+01:002019-08-07T10:32:09.376+01:00The Pursuit of Happiness<div style="text-align: center;">
Happiness, that thing we all seek, consciously or not. </div>
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John Lennon once said:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">“When I was 5 years </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">old</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">up</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">. I wrote down 'happy'. They told me I didn't understand the assignment, and I told them they didn't understand life.”</span></div>
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That quote has stuck with me, no matter what else we want from life, we want to be happy, our goals are merely ways we think we can achieve it. </div>
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We all find happiness from different things, some its little things like meeting a puppy while walking, having some drinks with friends, or making something you can share. Some only focus on the big things, buying a car or house, the joy of their wedding day, or the excitement of going on holiday.</div>
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So what makes me happy;</div>
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Crisp springs morning when its still cold and damp but sunny. Tea and cake with my friends. Coming home to a tidy house. The smell of tomato plants (I know its an odd one). Taking pictures of nature. Crochet, sewing, and all the other crafts I do. Learning new skills. Sowing seeds and watching them grow. Baking and cooking. A place for everything and everything in its place. Living in balance with the world around me (that includes being more sustainable and less damaging to the world). Cats (my cat Hugo especially). Walking in the woods with my partner. Picnics. </div>
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Wow, that's a longer list than I expected, whats on your list? </div>
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By writing down all the things that make us happy we can see clearly the things we should do more of. I like taking pictures of nature, but I almost never do it, so I should find time to do it more. If a tidy house makes me happy why don't I put more effort in to keeping it tidy. </div>
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I kon-marie'ed my wardrobe and it felt good, I am now slowly going through my craft stash before expanding the process outside my room. The idea of deciding to keep something based on if it made me happy was a surprising revelation. The idea of your home containing thing that make you happy, surrounding yourself with positive things was lovely. </div>
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But what if we expand it into out time, not just our positions. If what we own is important to happiness then surely how we spend our free time is too. We can't avoid doing many of the things that leave us less happy, but with the time remaining we should try and spend it on happy things. </div>
Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-86280390603450927792019-08-05T14:09:00.002+01:002019-08-05T14:09:12.724+01:00Soft Fruit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This Sunday on the allotment was all about soft fruit, not intentionally though. </div>
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On the way to the allotment we decided that we would spend the morning building a pineberry bed. We originally planned to have it half strawberry and half pineberry but with access to a few good pick your owns near by and nowhere that sold pineberries it made sense to go all out on the amazing tasting white berry.</div>
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A few months back now I took delivery of a large quantity of six inch square timber lengths, some free off cuts. I though they would be perfect for a nice big pineberry bed. </div>
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The area we wanted the bed was on a slope, like all of our plot, so working from the lowest corner we dug out a trench to put the first layer in. The first row on the furthest corner is almost completely underground, but it will give is a good strong base that will last a really long time. </div>
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We didn't have any nails to fix it all in place but we layered the block 3 high. The lengths are all a little random which made us chuckle when we kept finding just the right size piece. We only had trouble with one corner and had to cut a knobbly bit off one piece.</div>
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Next week we will return with nails to secure it, then dig out the inside and return all the earth we took out for the trenches. Then all we need is some compost, black plastic (we have plenty in the shed) and of course some pineberry plants. We want to plant them by the end of September if possible to give them time to settle in before winter, though we do have some straw to tuck them in when it gets cold</div>
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The soft fruit then continued with picking black berries. The hedge around the allotments is full or brambles, a mixed blessing, that try to invade the plot but they also give us a free crop. Being in the corner means we have two sides of the plot bordered with blackberries. The bottom, east side, didn't have much ready this week but there was tones on the way as you can see in the picture above. </div>
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The right of the plot, south, was a little further ahead and had plenty, especially when I went round the other side and picked the ones in the orchard. You can only pick fruit from trees you rent in the orchard but the blackberries are fair game to who ever gets there first. </div>
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Our last soft fruit, at least I think its classed as a soft fruit, is the grapes which are having a great time. The first year on this plot we got around 2 grapes, not bunches, just 2 grapes. This year however it looks like we might get quite a lot of fruit, yum.</div>
Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-56037069715916964072019-07-31T14:46:00.000+01:002019-07-31T14:46:36.149+01:00Kitchen Scrubbers <div style="text-align: center;">
The kitchen sponges I have been using for my whole life are properly plastic, I can't check online because the Tesco site doesn't state a material. But even if they are not plastic they are still wasteful. They come in a plastic film that can't be recycled and when they get icky they are thrown in the bin to go into landfill. Surely we can do better. </div>
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I have seen Non-sponges or un-sponges for sale on some zero waste online stores, they don't look to complicated. I even found a little tutorial for making some (i forgot to save the link though), so lets have a go. </div>
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The sponge is made up of 3 layers;</div>
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1) A scrubbing layer, I am using some cut up terry towels, I bought new one only because I want to keep using all the current ones I have.</div>
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2) Some wadding, from what I had been reading bamboo is the best option because has naturally antibacterial properties.</div>
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3) Lastly it needs a top, I am using some cute fabric scraps as it doesn't need to have any particular properties beyond surviving a hot laundry cycle.</div>
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I layered them with wadding on the bottom, then towel, then the cute scrap piece. The scrap piece is right side down, I did a silly and stitched the first one right side up and had to unpick it all.</div>
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Then I stitched most of the way round leaving one of the long sides 1/3 open as in the picture above.</div>
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Clip the corners and turn.</div>
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Hand Sew the opening closed.</div>
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Lastly a quick top stitch to keep it sitting flat and make it look nice and its done.</div>
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I am rather pleased with how they turned out. They look nice, soak up a nice amount of liquid, and where cheap and easy to make. </div>
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So how much do they cost;</div>
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I bought 6 towels for £5.29, and one towel makes 10 scrubbers. So that is 9p per sponge.</div>
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The wadding was £3.75 for 50 x 110cm, I got 5 across the 50cm and should get 7 along the 110cm. So thats 11p. </div>
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The scrap fabric I consider as a zero cost, its being recycled from old projects. </div>
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So the total cost per sponge is 20p. The ones from Tesco are £1.20 for 4, which I would cut in half, so they are 15p each. So they are 5p more, take a little of my time to make, but once they are washed they start saving money. I know that there is the cost of more laundry but I still think I will be saving money from this change.</div>
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From a reducing waste point of view, there is some packaging involved in me getting the towels and wadding, it was sadly not recyclable, but it is a one off compared to repeated waste of the old sponges. The loose threads and unusable pieces of fabric have been added to the stuffing jar with all the other threads, ends and yarn tails to be used for toy or pillow stuffing.</div>
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What do you think? </div>
Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-64195939334882186092019-07-30T21:55:00.000+01:002019-07-30T21:55:52.695+01:00Space Pug Skirt and Top<div style="text-align: center;">
I found this amassing fabric on ebay, Pugs in space suit standing on the moon with space ships and stars. How could I resist, its just too cute. So I bought 2 meters and planned to work out what I could make when it arrived. </div>
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<img height="320" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0069/8138/6325/products/20190417-081023_1024x1024@2x.jpg?v=1558131453" width="320" /></div>
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Isn't it so so cute. </div>
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Looking through my pattern stash I found a skirt that needed 1 meter ( New Look 6843, view E) and a top that said it used 1.3 meters (Simplicity 1699, view B). Commercial patterns are often a little generous about how much fabric you need so I thought it was worth testing, even if it didn't all fit I could make just the skirt and used the rest as an accent material on a top. </div>
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I to make a muslin/mock-up to check the fit using some old bed sheet that I kept for this purpose, no point buying fabric to make something you are only going to half make and wear for 5 min. </div>
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As you can see its fits well. I can move comfortably in it. I didn't mock the bottom peplum, its flared enough to fit over my hips. I am shortening the peplum though so I held a tape measure against where the peplum would be sewn to check its length and it looked fine. </div>
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Then came the test, laying the pieces out on the fabric, was it all going to fit? And the answer is yes, with a little fabric to spare. Sigh of relief, the plan will work. Then came the bit that always makes me nervous, cutting. Once its cut you cant turn back, it will never be that big perfect piece again. </div>
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The lighting wasn't great when I took this picture at 9pm, but all the bits are cut out. I still need to add markings but soon I will be sewing it all up. Updates to follow. </div>
Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-11430570019986934062019-07-29T18:34:00.001+01:002019-07-29T18:34:27.203+01:00Flouncy Floral Blouse <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The wardrobe makeover has begun, I have fabric and a desire to sew. </div>
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The first item completed was technically a skirt I started a while back, but I am still tweaking the length of the elastic in the back of the waist band to make it fit as I want. So lets talk about the my new blouse which is complete. </div>
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Above is a picture from the magazine that the pattern is from, I bought the pattern second hand on Ebay though. It looked such a light and breeze summer top. Perfect for keeping cool on a hot summer day, and I don't like the heat. I had bought some fabric to make an apron but when it arrived it was much thinner then expected, not really suitable for an apron, but it would work wonderfully for this blouse.<br />
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I carefully traced the pattern, because I never like cutting a pattern in case I want/need to make a different size later. How heart breaking would it be to make the final item and it not be the right size, so I trace and mock new patterns, especially if I have never made anything by the designer/company before.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiNsfSfuqXwXN0Q61I-noeZ5NDCj2SURp17sKf-J-7JMNTFTtBB9RmtmquvS66JEeanRoAf2RQMSFIxkv785iBeyKji_xDzXjurYmiAiASQy1SxiFP6S-VTYNMzqx4gJXv3gSanTMVaUB/s1600/DSC_0618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiNsfSfuqXwXN0Q61I-noeZ5NDCj2SURp17sKf-J-7JMNTFTtBB9RmtmquvS66JEeanRoAf2RQMSFIxkv785iBeyKji_xDzXjurYmiAiASQy1SxiFP6S-VTYNMzqx4gJXv3gSanTMVaUB/s320/DSC_0618.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Some one likes to help (that's not this bloused pattern btw, if you are curious).<br />
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I didn't get any pictures of the sewing either, partly because the light in my room isn't great for pictures but also because I forgot / wasn't thinking about posting about it. It was a relatively easy pattern to make, and didn't take long to do. I added a facing rather than the bias the pattern called for. I managed to sew the facing to the wrong side on my first attempt, but otherwise it went smoothly.<br />
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Please excuse the messy room and me in my pajama bottoms.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSBEtF9W6oLinrxg-11_xzBXK3tPqrIMIRLPQmBdQO0TNtZKKtjYQqCBrHHYsIhfJKRqGSvQbBhH7tUiiFM_8QbHSYK2knppAH5Gw_G80sdKZrGjgMH0QpeJXQ5wuTQj0F7r9tbfXmp_D/s1600/DSCPDC_0002_BURST20190729181004496_COVER.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSBEtF9W6oLinrxg-11_xzBXK3tPqrIMIRLPQmBdQO0TNtZKKtjYQqCBrHHYsIhfJKRqGSvQbBhH7tUiiFM_8QbHSYK2knppAH5Gw_G80sdKZrGjgMH0QpeJXQ5wuTQj0F7r9tbfXmp_D/s320/DSCPDC_0002_BURST20190729181004496_COVER.JPG" width="180" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUlR8mltJpgbV9wq5nnNLf4rFSA8zrUiTdgxcLOVdjcbEi0C-oWDQZrr1ZrrlM-DM2kJGL6T3dlK-OU2Rvj8sXtbkGzNSM9JKpzCoAm5ZemXMyA83lHc4F1e_ugD-z77-ac6FjweuqYcX/s1600/DSCPDC_0000_BURST20190729181004496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUlR8mltJpgbV9wq5nnNLf4rFSA8zrUiTdgxcLOVdjcbEi0C-oWDQZrr1ZrrlM-DM2kJGL6T3dlK-OU2Rvj8sXtbkGzNSM9JKpzCoAm5ZemXMyA83lHc4F1e_ugD-z77-ac6FjweuqYcX/s320/DSCPDC_0000_BURST20190729181004496.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gY4UIuEFZFsIpw0CVDCBh32_Qku5-is595-yZ2MCOw4b4x9KU95lVyDo0kxymE6xXJ4VD1G6mu5k5hIB9c3GgNoHUFURVOOdTlckOfhJxvEqSMf5gY-35C5vvM9jYOgL5ubXlpS4ncG2/s1600/DSC_0700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gY4UIuEFZFsIpw0CVDCBh32_Qku5-is595-yZ2MCOw4b4x9KU95lVyDo0kxymE6xXJ4VD1G6mu5k5hIB9c3GgNoHUFURVOOdTlckOfhJxvEqSMf5gY-35C5vvM9jYOgL5ubXlpS4ncG2/s320/DSC_0700.JPG" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6UUScRWjNmdBox5dc1U0Bums1FCZLddKskMEcOtFT0jrDCEdEBJFTHHoiDQf5oqMMdMoN_fawbxl_J6o_M85VbdXVpfpzNMFx4ItVIl-bOUO-2q0tp3rkKMXB_5hV1PkgQrGEHAMAU-U/s1600/DSC_0699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6UUScRWjNmdBox5dc1U0Bums1FCZLddKskMEcOtFT0jrDCEdEBJFTHHoiDQf5oqMMdMoN_fawbxl_J6o_M85VbdXVpfpzNMFx4ItVIl-bOUO-2q0tp3rkKMXB_5hV1PkgQrGEHAMAU-U/s320/DSC_0699.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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The finished item turned out well, its not fitted, which is my preference, but its intended to be worn with a skirt or other bottom to pull it in at the waist. I love the voluminous sleeves and the fabric works really well for it. Its first wearing was on a Saturday morning weekly shopping trip, the weather was not great so I didn't get any pictures then, the above picture was taken when it had come out the wash and been ironed.<br />
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What do you think?<br />
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Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-66496889110616610152019-07-25T16:30:00.002+01:002019-07-25T16:30:55.069+01:00Wardrobe Style<div style="text-align: center;">
I have had a while to think and explore what kind of style I want for my wardrobe. I have been pinning and saving lots of outfits and clothes that I like. I don't really know what to call this style, or even if all the things I like fit into one title, so maybe I need a list of Likes and Dislikes;</div>
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All pictures shamelessly stolen, if they are yours, 1, I love your work, and 2, please comment to claim.</div>
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Likes;</h3>
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Tailoring/fitted items, I like my defined waist and want to show it off. </div>
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<img alt="All Things Lovely In This Fall / Winter Outfit. Definitely Must Have One." height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/22/25/d7/2225d7d1ccdc4cbcc1a6fce68a0f3c78.jpg" width="134" /> <img alt=" " height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/22/7a/9d/227a9de086f7f486c30906edbac95a02.jpg" width="150" /> </div>
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Cardigans, you can't go wrong with a cardigan, small and cute or big and chunky, no house cardigans, you know the ones.</div>
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<img alt="Yellow knit with white dress" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/c1/b9/23/c1b923828d091b273ac4444a54483946.jpg" width="137" /> <img alt="Cardigan with 1930s original star buttons ð«âï¸âï¸ #1930s #1940s #vintagefashion #vintage #vintagestyle #slowfashion" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/7d/98/89/7d9889732b354443f99c5acabd1408c4.jpg" width="160" /> <img alt=".¸¸.â¢*¨*â¢xo, Princessâ¡â¢*¨*â¢.¸¸." height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/84/15/c5/8415c54fcce607c50477ea2895e07800.jpg" width="162" /></div>
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Jumpers</div>
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<img alt=" " height="130" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/88/d8/a8/88d8a8f6081a44882e779658d8b34bd0.jpg" width="200" /> <img alt="via My Darling Rainbow http://mydarlingrainbow.tumblr.com" height="138" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/f0/1d/2b/f01d2bcf1a4f9489de3e9020a88fa20f.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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Long socks and tights, I like the shape of my legs, but often not the look of the skin, </div>
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<img alt="Hey, I found this really awesome Etsy listing at https://www.etsy.com/listing/171008797/powder-winter-fishnet-lace-boot-socks" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/df/29/48/df294892abe1a35a1337ed4732fd428a.jpg" width="136" /> <img alt="KawaiiBox.com ⤠The Cutest Subscription Box" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/9d/f7/34/9df7340c5fbef95cf936840066f11503.jpg" width="133" /><br />
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Big skirts, the kind you need a petticoat for, think 50's and Lolita</div>
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<img alt=" " height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/6c/0a/de/6c0adeed58a9d1c484ecedaa839afe6a.jpg" width="133" /> <img alt="Sweet Yourself Skirt in Blueberry, #ModCloth" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/48/b2/eb/48b2ebbe88db3d075def718a0915e062.jpg" width="140" /><br />
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Short Skirts, above the knee but not too short, still want to be modest.</div>
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<img alt="Tights 21" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/33/01/d7/3301d77311c39482921abbbb1e2c6573.jpg" width="131" /> <img alt="LunasAngelâ¡" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/7e/d3/47/7ed347a54941338533d33c3355f82d90.jpg" width="200" /></div>
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Smart jackets</div>
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<img alt="blouse under the blazer! Joie 'Mehire' Blazer | Nordstrom" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/f4/8a/06/f48a0673ff14de46c263ad047611cce3.jpg" width="130" /><img alt="Mint jacket + polka dots + gold accessories" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/cd/16/27/cd1627713c63b111ad9816e360ad18e5.jpg" width="133" /> <img alt="Hermione Corfield. Katherine Hooke. Gabrielle "Gabbe" Givens. Fallen. Oscuros." height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ea/45/c8/ea45c8771380903b24c03eb30308f753.jpg" width="150" /><br />
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Blouses<br />
<img alt="feminine lace inset blouse with button front and peter pan collar:" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/71/65/d0/7165d013aabf49e60839857e6669dba1.jpg" width="156" /> <img alt="vintage dress" height="126" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/0f/b6/3e/0fb63eb1054e3800c055b6b3f2c5cdd0.jpg" width="200" /> <img alt="Polka dots and peplum, a perfect match from @stopstaringclothing! ð" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ce/4b/94/ce4b9400cd19d97346a0ced06211b426.jpg" width="160" /><br />
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Pastel tones, pinks and greens and blues, all soft and soothing.<br />
<img alt=" " height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/a3/7b/95/a37b957d54370669c7ab359b00fd6dfe.jpg" width="133" /> <img alt="pastel pink + blue" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ca/be/aa/cabeaa6dd29cb29273d0e3b21065feb4.jpg" width="132" /> <img alt="Mint tea length dress #retro #vintage #50s.." height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/48/d3/ea/48d3ea2f5410c86d1df364d0c2ef7337.jpg" width="103" /><br />
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Floral patterns, its so pretty. I am also liking other patterns, but floral captures the mood of what I want the best.<br />
<img alt="Vintage Dress Tumblr Party Dress For 50 Yr Old" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/86/ff/7d/86ff7d8b5cadfc0ca2302724947a020e.jpg" width="133" /> <img alt="Floral maxi linen dress floral prom dress linen dress | Etsy" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/be/e1/b6/bee1b6f4b1f0bc78f9055684d39fe91c.jpg" width="133" /><br />
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Fancy Collars</div>
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<img alt=" " height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/e5/d7/f1/e5d7f190d2d352b9e17ed77820983e18.jpg" width="200" /> <img alt="That Collar...plus blue, polka dots, and crochet trim" height="133" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/04/8b/0c/048b0cb113d574001731850841535d8a.jpg" width="200" /> <img alt="Pearl Princess blouse" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/dd/37/63/dd3763a04c90b71f2d5a72d63edcde42.jpg" width="133" /></div>
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Lace and Buttons, I love lace and buttons.<br />
<img alt="Little Treasures: Mori Girl Fashion Inspiration-It even has a DIY section!" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/6b/07/81/6b0781f681cbd2eab88ee970d630e4f3.jpg" width="157" /> <img alt="girlyme: â Gunne Sax dress 1970s (by Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10) â" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/05/e2/9c/05e29c4dcc6a51e950b7f462df073313.jpg" width="112" /><br />
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Its all about the little details, the little bits that make you smile.</div>
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<img alt="sleeves and cuffs #6- petal" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/af/ba/9e/afba9e0e332eb5152e7d988cc658b133.jpg" width="132" /> <img alt="romântico :: renda, laço e estampa floral vintage <3" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/16/79/1f/16791f9437c96ff80272c539ddbe68a1.jpg" width="160" /> <img alt="Princess Highway Flawlessly Folksy Embroidered Cardigan Cream | ModCloth" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/1c/0f/50/1c0f5023e2be98371f896849622e91eb.jpg" width="140" /> <img alt="Pretty" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/87/17/8a/87178a9047d6dc7a3761b23024c6f469.jpg" width="114" /></div>
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I am even up for trying some shorts, not had them in a very long time. </div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Dislikes;</h3>
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Oversized tops.</div>
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Synthetic fabrics, wont always be able to avoid when if I am buying ready made clothes, but I can sew in only the good stuff. </div>
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Trousers that don't reach your feet.</div>
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Leggings, they are a pet hate, big no.<br />
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Sequins and Studs, well maybe one or two sequins on a collar if its part of some embroidery but not lots.<br />
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Animal prints, leave them for the animals,<br />
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Logos, names, or other text. I am not a billboard to advertise on.<br />
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--- X ---<br />
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Can you feel the style yet? Its a bit smart casual, a bit cute, a bit modest and a bit fun. There is a touch of the old, but with a little youth and freshness. A bit librarian like, modest and quiet. Its a little sexy in the tailoring, but still feels innocent.<br />
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For me clothes are not just an expression of who I am, but a way to find joy. The feel of the fabric, running your fingers over a row of buttons, running your finger down a seam and seeing how it contours your body. Its all about the feel, and feeling happy. Making clothes makes me feel proud, I achieved something, I created. Then later when you wear something home made there is the memory of the time spent making, the calm and the quiet. </div>
Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-32172673905150176712019-07-24T11:43:00.000+01:002019-07-24T12:53:08.942+01:00A Day Out With Mummy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It has been so long since I last bought or made any clothes. I konmari'ed my clothes when I got my new wardrobe (my old one was collapsing) but other than underwear I have only added a handful of items to my wardrobe in the last few years. Actually thinking about it, I think almost all the clothes I have got in the last few years have been gifts. </div>
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So I saved up and was gifted some money that I am using to update my look. I have been looking at patterns, fabric, Instagram, and Pinterest and thinking about what items I want to complement and expand my wardrobe. </div>
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To help motivate my self to get back down to my goal weight (I am a gold member of weight watchers/wellness that works) I said that when I reached it I would treat my self to a day out shopping with my Mummy. I worked really hard and made it by my target date so bought some train tickets to Brighton and we where set. </div>
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If you are reading my blog you have probably noticed I am a bit of an over planner, and this trip was no exception. I even checked the distance from the train station to the shops to be more confident that Mums scooter would make it (0.6 miles, and it did last all day).</div>
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I found 3 fabric shops near the main shopping area, making sure mum could ride right up to them. We only ended up going to 2 of them, mostly because I went a bit mad in the first one. Fabric family was our first stop, and it is lovely. I bought 11 pieces of fabric for me and one for Mummy. They had so much lovely fabric we are thinking of going back, but not till I use most if not all of the fabric I currently have. </div>
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My planning failed on the place I hoped to have tea, its closed on the day we went, so we ended up at costa, the tea was nice, the raspberry and almond slice was lovely. Then we went to some clothes shops to but some already made clothes. It seemed we picked a good time to go as all the shops where having sales, we picked up some good bargains. </div>
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We where having so much fun that we where quite surprised when we found it was nearly 5pm and had to head to the train station. Mummy was all tired on the train ride home, but it was nice to have some time just the 2 of us. </div>
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I think I need to save up and have another day out like this again with Mummy.</div>
Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-72281376155488914652019-07-24T09:28:00.001+01:002019-07-24T12:52:45.746+01:00Reducing Waste - Mouthwash<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the things, I suspect, that puts people off changing to more sustainable options is the belief that it will cost more. And it's fair to say that for many of us that is true, money is tight, and an Instagram worthy zero waste life is a lot to buy into all at once. But it's still worth looking into ways, little changes we can make, to reduce waste and live more a more sustainable life style.</div>
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Mouthwash may be a way to both reduce waste and save money.</div>
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<img alt="Listerine Stay White Mouthwash 500Ml" height="320" src="https://digitalcontent.api.tesco.com/v1/media/ghs/snapshotimagehandler_1016083322.jpeg?h=540&w=540" width="320" /></div>
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A bottle of Listerine costs £4.50 for 500ml. But it you are trying to save money you will probably wait for it to be reduced and buy a couple, so let's use the half price offer that Tesco have on at the time of me writing this.</div>
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A 500ml bottle of Listerine is £2.25 and contains 25 x 20ml uses. So each use costs £2.25 / 25 = 9p</div>
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<img alt="MOUTHWASH TABLETS - Wild Thyme - Georganics Oral Care" height="320" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0985/6480/products/MT-WT_300x.jpeg?v=1559708463" width="320" /></div>
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Georganics UK sell a bottle of 180 mouthwash tablets for £8.90. 1 tablet per use, so the cost per use is £8.90 / 180 = 5p (rounded up to nearest penny).</div>
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So you would save 4p every time you use it, and by the end of the bottle you will have saved £7.20. </div>
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I know it costs more up front, and there are far too many who only just have enough to buy what they need now, but if you have the ability to buy it, you will save in the long run.</div>
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That said tesco also offer a super cheap option at 9p / 100ml which would be just under 2p per use. The large bottle of tablets from georganics is £15.90 for 720 tablets which works out at just over 2p per use. </div>
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On the reducing waste front, Georganics is packaged more sustainable. The jar is glass and the lid metal, both of which can be widely recycled. Or you can reuse the jar for something else, I will let your creativity come up with some ideas there though.</div>
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Wow that was a lot of talking about mouthwash, am I always this dull? 😋</div>
Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2248472782723198538.post-8910442355044778332019-07-23T14:26:00.003+01:002019-07-23T14:26:47.193+01:00Reducing Waste - Produce In Plastic Bags<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm a sucker for a deal, and those bags of veg are so easy and cheap. But they come home, get chucked in the fridge or a cupboard where they sweat in the plastic bag and before I can eat them all they have gone bad. It's a horrible feeling throwing away food. </div>
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So what can I do about it?</div>
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<img alt="image 1 of Redmere Farms Carrots 1Kg" height="320" src="https://digitalcontent.api.tesco.com/v1/media/ghs/snapshotimagehandler_1751148676.jpeg?h=540&w=540" width="320" /></div>
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There are 2 issues here that I want to correct, the first is the plastic packaging and the second is the waste of food going bad before I can eat it. The solution for me is to buy less and buy it loose, no more buying family (i.e. 4+ peoples worth) size packs, there is only 2 of us. </div>
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<img height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71GcZhkgdML._SL1500_.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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To help put this plan into action I treated my self to some produce bags. They are reusable, machine washable and should last years. I went to the greengrocer and bought just what needed. Its lovely seeing all the fruit and veg sitting in wooden boxes without all the plastic, and being able to picking out the items you want.<br />
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Another nice site is my fridge veg draw, its not over stuffed and full of plastic bags, just some fresh veg waiting to be cooked into something yummy. </div>
Little Sue Dollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916003092332342568noreply@blogger.com0