Big Brother Washi

Hey hey! So apparently being on maternity leave takes more energy than you would think! I've been sleeping lots, and having baths and painting chests of drawers, and buying copious amounts of small people things, and sleeping! Did I mention sleeping?

Monday was my birthday, which was really lovely. I didn't put loads of pressure on myself because, well I wasn't going to get any of it done so you can't say fairer than that. So my friends came to me, we sat in the yard on a sunny day and I drank No-jito. My new favourite drink. I got lots of lovely pressies, and even made myself a dress! The dress I'm talking about today though is not that dress. 

Remember this logo?

It's kind of creepy right? It's from Big Brother Series 11. Do you remember when Big Brother first started? It was supposed to be sort of a social experiment thing, maybe, and they were all fairly nice people who didn't want to evict each other and kept reminding each other that it was all just a game? Shame that didn't last, though I guess people would have bored of it pretty quickly. So anyway the fabric for my dress really reminds me of these logos:

It's another Washi! Surprise! Ha ha, I know, I'm a broken record but they really are one of the only things I can fit on myself these days... I got big! It's due date on Monday so not long to go, but could be any time really, before or after then. It's weird being off work for this amount of time, I'm well into my third week and I'm starting to fall into old habits like when I was on summer holidays back in the day. You remember that time? You get halfway through and your life starts to slip into a routine? You know what time of day Murder, she wrote starts? Although at the moment all I'm doing is powering through hundreds of episodes of Warehouse 13. Have you seen it? It's on Netflix so it does that dangerous thing of just lining up the next episode and before you know it you've watched five in a day. I wouldn't say it's great TV, but it's very watchable, which is all I'm after right now. Don't want to stretch my brain thanks!

Evidence of my giantness, though this was a few weeks ago so again, imagine me bigger as I write this ha ha. These dresses are really misleading because from the front you don't quite look as big, then you turn to the side, and it's boom! Baby time ha ha. I can't believe I've made no adjustments to fit my belly into these dresses, I'm impressed! 

One change I have made is to add a zip down the front, this is for nursing. Thanks so much for your thoughts on this. I decided that I would start by adding in front access, so I can at least wear something other than pyjamas at home once Spud arrives. Then I went to Mamas & Papas recently for a car seat, and found a jersey dress that I like! That has clever parts for nursing after baby is born. I'm going to copy this for some new makes and will make sure I show you so you can do the same. It's great because it's somewhere between a dress and skirt and top combo... but still comfy! All will become clear I promise.

What do you think of my new background? This is the wall we painted for the nursery, we just used masking tape and emulsion paints and they came out way better than we imagined. The theme in the nursery is rainbow colours, and it's starting to look awesome. Once we have the chest of drawers all finished up and I can get some of the clothes away it's going to look amazing. We ran out of paint so it went on a bit of hiatus for a while. Back to work this afternoon though. 

So yeah, I haven't really said much about this dress but you get the idea right? I feel like I've talked the Washi to death so don't really have anything else to say. I reckon my shirring elastic game is pretty damn awesome now though. I sometimes wonder if I did the Sewing Bee now, how would I fair? I've got way more sewing under my belt, maybe I'd be more comfortable? Have different ideas? Guess I'll never know! See you on the flipside folks, 

Debs 

Ep 6: The Final... The End... The Big Cahuna etc etc

Wow! What a final, it was so nice to be a little bit out of the action this week, to sit back and enjoy the show rather than thinking about what happened to me, and what bits and pieces make up the show.

First off, can I just say, this picture warms the cockles of my heart, we helped each other out so much through the show, but to be in the final in a super stressful situation and yet to give up the time to help out your fellow finalists makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Looking at that top, what a beast! No idea how I would have dealt with this, it's not something I've really done before, the whole minimalistic instruction thing. I'm more of a... watch one thousand youtube videos kind of gal.

Do ya reckon Matt looks a little tired in this picture? My leaving the Bee may have instigated rather a late night... I feel for ya Matt! 

Love the Bromance! Also I love that they are all wearing the same colour top on a fluke... I reckon they were sad I was gone so subconsciously went for a sea of turquoise.. what?! that's totally a thing

I was amazed at the dresses the guys made, avant garde dress is a difficult brief and they all produced something stunning. I'd love to have an excuse to make something so dramatic, but it's difficult to make something like that for work you know? I did however make myself a pinterest board if you're interested in the direction I was going, which appears to be ALL the directions!

This was my speedy entrance to the Final, you can't tell, but in order to get this shot I had to stand on a box, girl be short! ha ha

Matt won!! I mean his dress was fricking awesome, right? And he's such a wonderful person, it would have been great if anyone won but MATT WON! Wooooooo!

Episode Five: *Plays tiny violin*

Aloha readers! I know, this is a bit late... seeing as we now know who won, but it's been a bit of a crazy week! We all went to the knit and stitch show at the weekend and it was massively surreal. People hugged me! Madness!

However unfortunate the outcome, *single tear*, I really enjoyed week 5. I was dreading the episode a little to be honest, you just don't know how the edit's going to come out at the end of the day, and that's a very scary prospect especially when you've had a disaster to contend with. This was my most emotional episode so far, with wild laughter through the alteration, to unfortunate sad times after *zipgate*, which I'm hoping will catch on as a phrase. 

I could not believe I was in the semi final,, the idea would just not sink in to my brain. People kept asking, what's it like to be in the semi final? And I'd laugh and I'd laugh... hence this:

But it all began with the lace skirt, which I actually wasn't as daunted by as I'd made a hundred New Look 6128 as long-time readers of the blog will know. You can see my first one here. Ha ha look at all that hair! That was a while ago can you tell?

I got third in the lace skirt, third!! I was so flipping happy with that, and Matt got his first first! Look at his happy face, I imagine him saying 'Get in' at this stage.

Claudia was very pleased with my choice of a lace top for lace day, 'cause I is psychic n that init. This is me definitely not saying 'Claudia likes me, Claudia LIKES me'

The wetsuit challenge was the most hilarious thing I have ever done in my life, it was a brilliant afternoon. I had so much fun, I mean seriously how could you not have the time of your life when you turn round and see this going on behind you?! I saw some fabric immediately, that I then hustled off with like I was a burglar.

Apparently laughing through the entire challenge was my secret weapon, plus a bit of an idea of making a bodycon dress. I totally won! This is my winning face.

Thanks Mike for the awesome Vine! You are a genius of the video making world.

Aw, look at Claudia's face! Yeah... let's skim over this... Deborah 0 Zips 1

A few sappy words, The Sewing Bee was one of the favourite things I've ever done! I had a blast, and I know you're probably fed up of hearing this, but these guys are honestly some of the best people I've ever met. To sew in a room full of lovely people cannot be beat! So if anyone can think of a job where I would get paid to sit in a room full of my friends and sew... I'm in!

Also if you are thinking about giving sewing a go after the series, and are a little unsure, get stuck in! Make mistakes, use the seam ripper, throw your fabric in the corner. You will never look back, I promise the pride of of your first wobbly success will keep you sewing until you do something mad, like a wedding dress... or a sewing bee!

Episode Four: Kilts, cults and corsets... ok so there are no cults in this but GBSB is it's own cult right?

Howdyyy

Bit late with this weeks post, life blah, blah, boring stuff etc. Who loved structure week?! I sure did, that corset pattern is a work of art. If the one in the book is the same, I will make it again in a second just for the sheer joy of sewing it together. CL did an amazing job with the patterns in the show, all power to her! No bad feelings about the waistcoat pattern @ThriftyStitcher ;-)

I must admit I've been somewhat of a swot so far on the Bee, using silk organza for my chiffon blouse, and hair canvas for my kilt, one of my fave camera men used to whisper swot at me as he walked past ha ha! Patrick was not interested in my sucking up, but May appreciated, just as she apparently appreciated my corset (at this stage anyway) Ta da, ta da, ta daaa!

Neil won the corset challenge, which happens to be a bit of a theme in this episode, so I don't feel bad for having said 'Neil always wins, Matt came second yaaaay'. I love this picture, 'cause it looks like I'm attempting to push a KitKat into Matt's mouth, I promise this was not a poor attempt at sabotage....

Oooh look at these women! This looks very uncomfortable, this image reminds me of the Ugly Sisters for some reason. Which can't be a good thing, clearly being ugly is not what they were going for. I wore an under corset for my wedding, which I did not make at the time (though maybe I would now), and my Mum definitely had to let me out of it a bit so I could have my dinner. Even then all the food sat somewhere in the chest area. I can't even imagine what it must have felt like to wear these all the time.

Phwoar! Look at Ryan's alteration dress, It's so gorgeous! And those elastic sides, saaucy!

I flipping loved making that kilt, I'm not sure the colours came out that well on screen, but the purple of the fabric toned with the grey is so beautiful, who would have thought my kilt would be subtle! I originally bought this fabric to practise with, looking at a light green wool that had trees on it. I ordered a sample, but when it arrived, I wasn't convinced it would be thick enough, and I'd grown very fond of this lovely purple and grey fabric so I went for it!

Claudia doing the 'kilt purr', another technical term. 

This is Patrick calling my kilt 'fantastic'. Fantastic!! Flipping heck, I nearly died on the spot, that is some compliment from Patrick. I am still very proud of this kilt, it's one of the best things I've ever made, and I enjoyed it so much. I cut my own leather for the kilt buckles, and taught myself a massive amount in a very short period of time in order to make it *proud face*. 

This is one of my fave episodes so far, but also one of the saddest, losing people always left such a hole in our little gang. People leaving was terrible, and losing two made it very quiet, especially two such fantastic peeps. 

Amanda - this fantastic vintage lover can be found on her blog here

Ryan - I can't wait for him to start showing us what he's been up to at St. Martins, watch out on his twitter for these amazing creations @ryan_walklett 

What I didn't do in my last post was an homage to everyone's favourite giant-haired, green loving lady Neela. Read all about her awesome makes here. 

Only two days til the sem-final, I'm in the semi-final whaaat?

Great British Sewing Bee Ep 3: Flibberty Gibbets

Last night was my favourite episode so far, I know I didn't exactly shine in the first two challenges... :-S but honestly, I found the whole experience of the Bee so flipping fun it didn't bother me in the slightest ha ha.

I loved working with the old fashioned machine, though the button on the pedal is teeny tiny! I wish I could have taken off my shoes as I felt I was always slipping off the button which slowed me down. What I found odd was that it refused to go through the layers of binding + dense cotton. Now I've heard lots of claims that these machines will sew through anything, so I reckon in hindsight I had the wrong kind of needle for the types of material.



The machine would just stop occasionally, which as you can imagine would not have helped me achieve eating those tiny sandwiches in my new dress for lunchtime. All props to any woman who managed to make this dress well and go out for a mid-day cocktail, probably whilst doing the washing, baking a cake, and with a baby on one hip.

'Hey Ryan, How ya doin?' 

'Just poppin some buttons on,' 

'Just poppin some buttons on! Good, excellent' *Cries inside*

I love the walk-away dress, and I'm so glad there is now a version for real bodies available in the new Great British Sewing Bee book. I've heard some terrible tales of fitting this dress, but I know that CL will have pulled a blinder with the drafting. I cant wait to get my hands on the book! There are some challenges I cant wait to have another go at, I promise I'll let you know how I fair with a little bit more time on my hands. Though I'm tempted to challenge myself to try and complete in the time... is that madness? Yes, Debbie, yes it is madness.

Who else wants to see Barbara, Pat and Jean do a Sewing Bee Challenge? They would wipe the floor with the lot of us I'm pretty sure. The collective sewing knowledge in that room is enough to make your eyes bleed with jealousy.

Also, I want to live in Lorna's house, why are all her house plants alive?! Why don't they all look brown, broken and murdered like mine? I mean look at that lampshade for heavens sake, how does one manage to have a glamorous lampshade? By being Lorna that's how, I'm going to steal into Lorna's suitcase so she can take me cruising, her life is the best.

On a final note.... Oh! Flibberty Gibbets!

Episode Two: Peacock-off, Waiscoat-gate and trip to the Copacabana

Well, another fantastic episode of GBSB! Kids week was hilarious, not only the mad panic of the waistcoat challenge, but also the madness that is having nine hyper-active adults paired with 9 hyper-active kids... and fancy dress put in the mix! Me and Neela had a blast trying on her green wig:

Lets start with first things first though shall we? A tailored waistcoat?! For a child? Mr. T believes that all waistcoats should be banned on kids as they make them look like tiny snooker players. Then again if your child is a tiny snooker player then maybe this challenge was for you? This was a bit of a nightmare for me, I was flummoxed by the pages and pages of instructions, and being up against the clock (and yes... being distracted by chatting) made it even more difficult. But I got there in the end, though perhaps not quite to the desired standard.

This is my terrified face. It says, why would you bother putting a welt pocket in a waistcoat? Do you have a tiny pocket watch to keep safe?!

One button is better than three though right? I mean, gives a bit more room for party rings at lunchtime. I'm not really into kids clothes, but I did very much enjoy making my tiny bolero, and looking at everyone's amazing seemingly Copacabana themed re-fashions. Must have been all that yellow, made everyone think of holidays on the beach.

The third challenge was my favourite of the lot, it was a brilliant day, and I was a proud member of #teampeacock.  How we all came up with making birds completely separately to each other I have no idea! I didn't look too happy about it though did I?

You're making WHAT Matt?! Ha ha ha... reminds me of a certain squirrel...

I was so sorry to see Alex go, we motivated each other through the waistcoat challenge, I think we both felt like throwing in the towel once or twice. I'm so glad that the show portrayed her as she truly is, a fastidious sewer who believes in perfection in all things. What you didn't get much of a chance to see were her strong beliefs in sustainability. She has taught me a lot through her knowledge, if you want to learn more, check out her awesome blog: www.sewrendipity.com  

And a final note.... Go Team Peacock!

GBSB Episode One: Pigs, Parks and Grimacing

Sooo did you watch the Bee last night? It was very strange seeing myself on the telly. I watched it with my Nanna and Grangy, Grandma and Grandad, my parents and the in-laws. It was really nice! I'd had an absolutely manic day at work with a huge event that I'd organised, so was shattered, and filled with nervous energy (and mum-made Chilli). I loved watching the show, and seeing what the other sewers were up to, I tended to speak to those people closest to me when in challenge mode as I was much too frantic to 'work the room'. I'm probably going to have to watch it again though as I was far too busy giving everyone the inside scoop than watching the show.

Love Claudia's eye make-up fringe combo - I reckon she'd rock the Cleopatra look

I was wondering how my accent would sound on the TV, but it turns out I had my 'phone voice' on so instead of sounding like my Nan, I sounded like I was auditioning to be a 1950s air hostess.

Me and Terence 'casually' walking around a Levenshulme park, as ya do.... apparently dressed entirely in blue that day.

I loved seeing everyone's back stories! I feel like this is different from last years series, didn't they concentrate on one person per episode last year? I like this way better though, as we get a little bit of an insight into my pals as we go along.

I was so sad to see Annie go! I didn't even notice her taking a lie down on the day! But I know exactly how she felt, I wanted a lie down myself. She was really fun, and we didn't have nearly enough time to get to know her.   However, we've had plenty of time to catch up, and I can safely say Annie is an absolute winner in my book.

I had to include this, what a cracking grimace! I don't think she thought I'd finish those trousers did she?

Lots of you have asked me about the pattern and fabric that I used on the show. Unfortunately I'm not allowed to divulge brands due to it being a BBC show, apologies. However, previous readers of the blog may have seen something similar, and I know that lots of people/ websites have tracked down the fabric used. Check out #GBSB on twitter for some hints and tips.

I'll be tweeting and chatting throughout the show again next week, I hope I'll see you there. Thank you again to everyone for your support and dress love! You've all been amazing :-)

Deborah

Sewing at speed, Me and the Great British Sewing Bee

Soo... have any of you seen the teaser trailer for the new series of the Great British Sewing Bee? Anyone beady eyed enough to spot a familiar face?

Look, it's me! Making a strange grunting noise and attempting to sew at a million miles per hour. I was so high on adrenaline throughout the entirety that I fully expect any time I'm on screen to be basically a series of incoherent grunts and giggles, TV gold!

Eep! This has been a long time in the making, I originally filmed the Great British Sewing Bee right after the last show aired in 2014. So it must have been April? I've been sitting on my hands waiting to tell you all for so long, trying to keep friends and family from telling the world whilst simultaneously wanting to jump up and down and have a dance about it.

The recruiting was a completely whirlwind affair with trips up and down to London. But I have to say it has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I have made best friends for life. We talk basically every day, about work, sewing, knitting, family, and of course our nerves about the show airing.

I can't wait to sit down with a cup of tea and watch my friends sew and chat, and panic. It's going to be a blast! I hope you'll join me in a blow by blow on twitter, at #GBSB, I'm @DFabricate,

I'll try and post some periodical blogs about what's happened in that weeks episode, but I will also be spending a lot of time jumping up and down whilst trying to work my full time job. Please bear with me.

For any of you who don't yet know, there will be  a catch up episode for the Class of 2014 on Wednesday, 8pm, BBC2. I for one can't wait to see what everyone in the last series has been up to.

Series 3 will begin on Thursday 5th February, 8pm BBC2. See you then!! *Aaaaarrrrggghhhh*