The Bombshell Meetup and what's next...

What a fantastic meet up it was! It was so awesome to meet these 5 gorgeous ladies and spend some time drinking cocktails in a gorgeous venue. Honestly, it was awesome! Much was said about it in Karen's blog, Jane's blog,  Roisin's blog and Amy's blog...go read! I'll leave you with a group photo, which you probably have seen already. The barman had to go really, really back to get us all on the frame as I decided to take my SLR camera with a 50mm lens. That means lots of space is needed for group or full body shots. And the venue was gorgeous but too dark for photos. And I hate flash! So not many photos from my part!

So now that the Bombshell is finished, what's next? 

The focus of the next month or so will be pattern making. I'm starting the 2nd part of the course and want to really crack on with some design ideas and practice the basic dart manipulations already learned on the 1st part. I want to feel confident tackling more advanced manipulations. This means finished projects might be scarce in the next few months. 

I have a cape in the final stages, all it needs is some heavy duty snaps sewn on. I will be able to share this with you at some point. I am also going to have another go at sewing little things. Now I don't particularly like sewing little things but maybe having quick, dirty and easy sewing projects to break off the pattern work might make it more enjoyable.

On my blog I will be starting a regular knitting feature and finally sort my photography tips posts...stay tuned! Oh, and my Book review that was due this last Sunday? It will be up next week.

Wool Flannel Quest Day

What a great Saturday I had! As previously mentioned here, I decided to hit the finest central London fabric shops in search of some wool flannel fabric. I got some of that but my favourite part was meeting up with three fantastic bloggers. Here they are in front of MacCulloch and Wallis:

Left to right we have Justine from Polkadot Pebble, Lauren from Tea and Crumpets and Tors from Girl Meets Wolf.

MacCulloch and Wallis was our first shop and it was also the one where I did all my shopping (more on that further down). Apparently the shop assistants have a bit of a reputation and I was cautioned against using the word muslin or toile. But my experience was very pleasant, staff was courteous and helpful. Maybe I got them on a good day, it was sunny after all! I loved all three floors, there is so much fabrics and haberdashery is easy to get overwhelmed. I had a shopping list with me and it helped. Saying that I might have to go back soon as their bias binding, ribbons and trimmings choice is just amazing. My favourite shop of the day and a must to visit, I think.
After a light lunch we went to Liberty. It was my first time there and what can I say! What a fantastic department store and a cute fabric and habby section! The fabric is gorgeous, most of it a bit too flowery for me (love to look at but would not wear). Interesting discovery for me, is the fact they also sell woollens and jerseys. I always hear about lawns and poplins. Pricey, very pricey!

Justine looking works of art.

We then proceeded to walk the famous Berwick Street! The silk shops where gorgeous and I saw types of fabric I never had before, Some very peculiar stuff too! My favourite there was the Cloth House, one in each end of the street.

The decoration is outstanding and the fabric choice vast. In both shops there are rooms after rooms with fabric displayed beautifully. Prices again are very central London but if you can afford it and you're looking for quality it's a good choice.
It was brilliant having company to rummage through these shops, I didn't really have much of a plan but I think we all enjoyed the day. We ended up in a coffee shop having a good rest and great talk.
Now the whole reason I went to London was to buy my wool flannel and I did buy it, amongst other things.

It doesn't look much but let me tell you, it feels gorgeous. I have to be brave to cut into it now. I have been reading about pre treating and washing and considering a cold hand wash with Eucalan. Anyone else tried this with wool fabrics? Any other recommended method? I also bought some other supplies as I'm starting a patternaking course beginning of October.
Finally I could not resist this lovely book, it's beautiful!