A Message to all UFO/Stash Busters...

Hello there my fellow UFO/Stash Busters!

I know that a few of you have noticed that my calls for Stash Busting Updates have been a little few and far between recently, some of you even think that I may have stopped the UFO/Stash Busting Project all together, but never fear my lovely readers! The UFO/Stash Busting Project is still go go go and I hope you're all still happy to be involved, but I have decided to change the format of things a bit...

To start off with I decided that a bi-monthly round up (like the Bumper April/May Round Up) is going to be a permanent feature. This means that I will only be making a call for Stash Busting projects or completed UFOs at the end of every two months. I think that this will give us all more time to create beautiful things without being rushed, plus organising the Round Up at the end of every month was proving to be a little bit too much for my schedule :) This way I think everyone will feel happier and more eager to get involved!

Also I've decided that July is going to be UFO/Stash Busting Month here at The Little Red Squirrel and I'm going to put together several posts all about the joys of Stash Busting, how I do it, how to get organised, things like that. I hope that you'll enjoy them and find them useful, is there anything specific that you would like me to blog about with regards to Stash Busting or UFOs? I'd love to hear your thoughts :)

And finally I am also considering setting up a Flickr group for all you UFO/Stash Busters to share both your finished projects and your works in progress, I think this would be a great way for us all to share how we're getting on. Would many of you be up for this?

So there you have it, the UFO/Stash Busting Challenge is definitely still going and, I hope, going strong!

Thank you all for continuing to get involved and I really can't wait to see what you've all been up to :)

Bye for now,

Katie xxx

Wednesday Wonderfuls - #76

* I know this a day late, but I couldn't get to a computer yesterday, at least not one with internet! But here are the wonderfuls, just as wonderful despite being a day late :) *

Hello there lovely readers, I hope you've had a great week, the sun us finally shining here which seems to make everything that little bit better :) I've had a great week myself, filled with baking, sewing, and knitting, so you can probably guess that I'm pretty happy right now!

Images, Clockwise from Top Left:
1. I love pretty packages! 2. My homemade chicken, ham and leek pie - yummy! 3. Thank you so much Cassie!
4. Is that a madeleine I see before me? 5. I've started a sewing journal :) 6. A whole bunch of madeleines!

I blogosphere has also been pretty amazing this week, filled with some great posts. Here are my personal picks from this week:

• Like fruit cobbler? Well here are three yummy ways to make it care of A Beautiful Mess.
• I love a good slip, and here's a brilliant article all about them and why you should love them too from Atomic Redhead.
• This dress is simply stunning, I just had to share it with all of you!
• A great article from Rock n Roll Bride about how sometimes it's ok to be selfish.
• I have serious wardrobe envy right now, just look at these pictures...
• And finally a great tutorial from the Coletterie about how to sew a blind hem

Have a great rest of the week!

Katie xxx

Wednesday Wonderfuls - #75

Hello there lovely readers, Happy Wednesday to you all!

I hope that you've had a great week, its been a bit hectic and crazy with me the past few days, but things seem to be settling down again. We are no longer in London with the show (sob!) we have moved on to Milton Keynes, which isn't the most inspiring place to be, but I'm still close enough to home to spend lots of quality time with my family which is wonderful :) This in turns means I've been able to get some baking done (because I finally have access to all my baking supplies and a decent oven!) which has made me very happy indeed. I've already made flapjacks but I have at least two other recipes in the pipeline to try this week! So happy days :)

Images, Clockwise from Top Left:
1. Sometimes dead flowers are just as pretty :) 2. Frozen Yoghurt! 3. I love embroidery scissors that look like birds :)
4. Ice Cream Cupcake 5. Of course I'm happy - there's cake! 6. I made flapjacks

My sewing has unfortunately taken a bit of a back seat over the past few days, what with the stress of moving venues and the fairly hefty commute I'm now having to do to work, but I hope to rectify that as soon as possible. After all, I need to finish my Book Dress so that I can show it off to all of you! It's looking good so far, I can't wait for you to see it :)

Anyways, enough about me, let's see what the rest of you have best blogging about this week. This are my personal picks of the blogosphere from the past seven days...

• If I could use patterned fabric in the same way as the lovely ladies of the Coletterie then I would be a very happy bunny indeed! Just look at this stunning Hazel dress, isn't it just to die for?
• This is a great one for me at the moment with my newly chopped hair, some tips and tricks for hairstyles from the Freelancer's Fashion Blog.
• After reading this post over at Land Girl 1980 I am dreaming of a trip on the Orient Express!
• Let's all make bows together! Thanks to Tasha for this great tutorial :)
• This is one of the best gifts I have ever seen, such a great idea, perfect for when you're a cheeky house guest.
• And finally let's all have mojitos, we deserve it!

Another great week on the blogosphere, I hope you enjoy the rest of yours :)

Katie xxx

The best online source for free Vintage Knitting and Sewing Patterns

Have you ever wished a good online source for free Vintage Knitting and Sewing Pattens? Well you need to look no further my friends!

As you know I'm pretty much addicted to knitting, so imagine my glee when the wonderful blogger Wendy of The Butterfly Balcony made an exciting announcement on her blog this week. Wendy has been dedicating her time over the past few months to collecting free Vintage patterns from the web, be they knitting or sewing patterns, and putting them all together on one handy (and very pretty!) site for all to use. 

This wonderous site is The Vintage Pattern Files!

I had to share this site with you as it looks like it's going to be such an amazing source for all of us vintage home crafters, and you can help to make it even better. Wendy is looking for submissions for the site, so if you have some Vintage sewing or knitting patterns on your blog that you are happy to share with the rest of the blogosphere, then please get in touch with her (you won't regret it, she's lovely!). 

I'll take one of each please!
Image Sources, Left to Right:
One, Two, Three,

Seriously, I am loving The Vintage Pattern Files after giving it a browse, I have already picked three knitting patterns from it that I am dying to try out! Check out The Vintage Pattern Files and share your own Vintage patterns with Wendy too, I really believe that it's going to be the best online source for free Vintage Knitting and Sewing Patterns! 

What's on my Sewing/Knitting table...?

Hi there there lovely readers, I thought it was about time I gave you an update of what projects I've been working on recently. I am very excited about both of these, I can't wait for them to be finished so I can wear them out!

First up is Sewing...

Remember this ridiculously cute 1950s novelty print fabric? The one covered in books? Well I've finally cut into it and I'm stitching together my very first shirtdress! I am so happy that I managed to squeeze a whole dress out of the limited yardage I had available, and the more I work with this pattern the more I fall in love with all it's beautiful details. Here are a few extreme close ups for your viewing pleasure!

Top stitching on the sleeves and yoke

Ridiculously sweet pleat in the back!

Little pocket on the left breast of the bodice

The more I work on this dress the more I love it, it's reminding me just how much I enjoy more structured sewing :) Hopefully I'll get this dress finished by the end of the weekend, I'm itching to get it out on the town! And share the finished article with you, of course :)

Next up is Knitting...

Yes, I couldn't resist, I have started another project from A Stitch in Time, Volume 2. This adorable fair isle sweater is part of a twinset, let's see if i have the patience to make both part of weather I'll just stick with this sweater! It's been a while since I did colour work, most of my recent knitting projects have been more intricate and lacy, so working with colour has been a real joy. I just love to watch the pattern grow from my needles, plus this is knitting up surprisingly fast! Plus the yarn I'm using is a wool/cashmere blend so it's so soft and snuggly that I can't get enough of working with it :) Once again here are a few extreme close ups for you to peruse...

The fair isle pattern, close up

The back of my work, I'm not going to lie, I'm very proud of how neat it looks!

A cheeky armhole shot :)

As yet I have only completed the back of this sweater and have just cast on the front, so I still have a while to go before it is completed, but I can't wait to wear it. Seriously, this yarn is so snuggly I will probably want to live in this sweater forever!

So as you can see I've been pretty busy and thrilled about it :) have you been working on anything fun recently?

Katie xxx

Wednesday Wonderfuls - #74

Hello there and a happy Wednesday to you all!

It's been a pretty wonderful week at my end, I'm not going to lie. In spite of the weather doing it's best to pretend that it's October I have loved being back in London and spending some quality time with my Sweetheart and my family. I've also been able to get some serious crafting done, so watch this space for some sewing/knitting updates! I can't wait to share these projects with you, and I really can't wait to wear them, they are going to be so cute! And as you know I also got a fabulous new do this week, which I'm still loving, although at the moment I'm rocking the natural look as I haven't had the time to blow dry it all fancy, but I'm enjoying this look even though it's slightly less chic than it was :)

Images, From Left to Right
1. My newest sewing project, 2. My new do, the natural look! 3. My newest knitting project,
4. Me at Brunch, 5. Two drinks, one naughty and one good, both nice :) 6. My Sweetheart at Brunch,
7. My new knitting mag, loving it! 8. Strawberries in Covent Garden, bliss! 9. Happy socks :)

All in all it's been a fab week my end, and I hope you've all been enjoying yourselves too! 

Now let me share with you my picks from the blogosphere this week, guaranteed to brighten up even the bleakest of weeks!

• Tilly has posted a brilliant tutorial this week, how to make a a picnic blanket skirt, and I can't wait to try it myself, seriously, I already have the fabric from my stash lined up and ready to go! Find Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 here.
• As a big fan of the Stitch in Time knitting books I'm very excited about the release of Coronation Knits from the same author. Can I persuade myself to buy yet another pretty knitting book...?
• I need one of these lady ties in my life, aren't they the prettiest thing?!
• Once again the Coletterie has given us an amazing tutorial, this one is about using eyelet borders in your sewing projects. I adore the dress they've made, I'd happily have one of those in my wardrobe :)
• And finally, a little sweet treat for you! How can you possibly resist these cheesecake cones?

That's from me for this week, but join me again soon for some more project updates!

Katie xxx

Rockalily Cuts - My New Haircut and a Salon Review

Hello there lovely readers! you may remember that previous I have shared my Vintage Hair Adventures in this blog, so I thought I'd share with you the time I recently spent at the new his and hers salon, "Rockalily Cuts".

Rockalily Cuts is the baby of the fabulous Ree Ree Rockette. Having been a big fan of Ree Ree's lipsticks for some time (so sad that you can't buy them anymore!) I was excited to see what kind of a salon she would create. I knew it would be a pretty cool pace if it reflected Ree Ree's personal style and I wasn't disappointed!

The salon itself was great, quite minimal but with a very Rock n Roll/Vintage feel. Most of the surfaces were painted a lovely slate grey but there were pops of colour all around with flowers and pictures. I particularly loved the antique dressing tables were you sat to have your hair, it was very original and a welcome change from all those other rather generic hair salons. And of course you can't beat a salon dog! Ellington was absolutely adorable and very friendly, I image he must be a real talking point at Rockalily Cuts on a regular basis! But enough about the actual salon, let me tell you about the haircut!

Ree Ree and Lucie

I had the pleasure of having my hair cut by Lucie Luella and she was brilliant from the very start. Because I have rather unruly curly hair I can be a bit nervous when it comes to getting it cut - I have had quite a few dodgy hair experiences over the years! - but with Lucie and Ree Ree I was definitely in good hands. Before I even arrived at the salon I talked with Ree Ree (via email) about what type of colour I wanted my hair (my first hair-dying experience, eek!) and asked all my silly, nervy questions and she was very reassuring, so by the time I arrived both of them already had a very clear idea of what I wanted. And then for the next three hours Lucie worked her magic, and voila!

My freshly cut and coloured hair!

What do you think? I'm pretty enamoured with it myself! I think Lucie did an utterly superb job and this is really the happiest I have been with my hair for a very long time. My whole experience at Rockalily Cuts was amazing, Lucie was very attentive (recutting my hair a little shorter at my request) and gave me the exact hair colour I wanted (I must admit I mentioned Joan from Mad Men :) ) and Ree Ree was a great host, we all chatted away very comfortably for the majority of the time I was there! I didn't feel the usual stuffing-salon feeling during my visit, but rather that my hair was being done by a friend who I was meeting for coffee and a chat. It was wonderful. Basically I left Rockalily cuts with a great big smile on my face and a fabulous new do, you can't really do much better can you?! And the best thing is that this hair style has really lasted, here is four days after the cut and it's still going strong!

The "Do" four days later :)

I'm a very happy bunny right now! So if you have the time (if not you should just MAKE time!) head over to Rockalily Cuts for the perfect haircut and a perfect time, believe me you won't regret it!

*All Rockalily images taken from their website*

UFO/Stash Busting Project, BUMPER Monthly Round Up - April/May!

Hello my lovely readers!

I am finally playing catch up with the UFO/Stash Busting Project and all the projects of my wonderful Stash Busters. I'm sorry this has taken so long to make an appearance on my blog (I'm blaming technical difficulties and too much travel!) but I know you won't be disappointed with what I have to share with you :)

Thank you so much to everyone who keeps participating with this project, I am loving everything you've created, big huge congratulations to you all! So without further ado let's see what everyone has been up to over the last couple of months...

Cassie of Cassie Stephens

Cassie's Shadowboxes

First up we have a rather unconventional Stash Buster (but still a stunner!) from Casey. She created these beautiful ceramic dresses a while ago but didn't know quite what to do with them, but now they have found their perfect home: in shadowboxes! Aren't they gorgeous? A lovely Stash Busting idea!

Ginger of Ginger Makes

Ginger's Yellow Dress

This is Ginger's first time taking part in the UFO/Stash Busting Project, so a big hello and welcome to her! And as for this ridiculously beautiful UFO you have completed, I am totally in love! Congratulations and I hope you take part in the project for many months to come :)

Alyssa of Hems to Dolls

Alyssa's Sorbetto

Now Alyssa has been crazy busy over the last couple of months. She has created 4 versions (yes, that's FOUR) of the lovely sorbetto top, make a kindle cover, a new pair of pyjamas, a tshirt and a blouse! Well done Alyssa, you should be proud, and everything you have made is gorgeous :)

Liz of Liz Makes It

Liz's Socks

Liz has been on a serious knitting streak (and you all know how much I love knitting!), check out her jumpers, shrug and socks, I want them all please! What beautiful colours you have used Liz!

Luna of Vintage Tagebuch

Luna's Bag

Luna is another newbie, submitting her first UFO/Stash Buster for the Project this month. Welcome Luna, it's lovely to have you here :) And as for the UFO, well I adore this beautiful bag, and the embroidery details are stunning. I look forward to seeing what you create next, Luna :)

Nicole of Nicole Needles

Nicole's Baby Jumper

The cutest project award definitely goes to Nicole for this baby cardigan, isn't it adorable?! I'm glad you got this finished Nicole and that there was still a baby available to enjoy it :)

Sabrina of Mala-14

Sabrina's Sweater Embellishment

Sabrina is another one who's been up to a lot UFO/Stash Busting recently! Pictured above is my personal favourite, some gorgeous sweater embellishment, but she has also completed a corset and some lovely jeans. Can I just have a copy of everything in your wardrobe Sabrina?!

Snippa of Snippa Snippets

Snippa's Black Dress

Snippa has been busy too, with this stunning Black Dress UFO now finished, but if you check out her link you will also find refashioned skirts (one into a top, one into a yoga bag), a stash busting skirt and some jeans turned into armchair covers! Phew! Your projects are so innovative and imaginative Snippa, I love them all!

Wendy of The Butterfly Balcony

Wendy's Cushion Cover

And last but not least we have the lovely Wendy who seems to have been seeing the world through rose tinted glasses recently, that is to say everything she has made is pink! Follow Wendy's Link to see a whole host of pink projects, all Stash Busters of UFOS, and the best part is she shows you how to make your own too! Thank you for yet another collection of beautiful projects Wendy!

Congratulations again to everyone who submitted your fabulous projects, I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with for next month!

Bye for now

Katie xxx

Wednesday Wonderfuls - #73

Hello there my lovely readers!

What a busy week I've had, it's been crazy, filled with Jubilee madness and lots of happiness as I'm back in London for a little while. I'm so thrilled to be home, I've missed the magic of old London town!

Images, Clockwise from Top Left:
1. Me and my Union Jack Cake, 2. Everyone wanted a slice!, 3. My freshly baked Queen's Pudding,
4. A sneak peak of my new hair, 5. A very patriotic scone, 6. Even my show is celebrating the Jubilee :)

This week we celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee here in the UK, 60 years on the throne, can you believe it? I have a lot of time for the Queen, so I had a lovely time celebrating this events with topical baking (a union jack Victoria Sponge and Mrs Beeton's Queen's Pudding!), spending time with my family and a red, white and blue outfit :) I hope that my UK readers all enjoyed their two bank holidays, had some marvellous street parties, ate lots of cake and generally had a marvellous time!

In other news I visited the fabulous new salon, Rockalily Cuts, run by the wonderful Ree Ree Rockette, and left with a very new look. I have ended up a hair colour that would rival Christina Hendricks and I couldn't be happier about it! I will share more details and pictures later, but for now let me just say that I had a wonderful time and I am very much enjoying my new look.

But enough about me, let's get on to what all you lovely bloggers have been writing about this week, it's time for this week's Wonderfuls!

• You all know how much I love embroidery, so check out this post from the Coletterie for inspiration for embroidered accents on clothes. I have so many ideas for future projects now!
• Speaking of embroidery, I have fallen in love with this free Narwhal embroidery pattern. Now I just need to find something to stitch him onto...
• The lovely Casey of Elegant Musings is starting a Pattern Grading Course! I cannot wait to take part in this, Casey is always so clear and concise with her tutorials, I'm sure this course is going to be brilliant :)
• I am head over heels in love with this stunning suit that Johanna made. I don't suppose you have a spare knocking about do you Johanna? 
• Cassie Stephens, you know I admired you for a long time, but you have now found a place on my extreme wall of cool. This Empire Strikes Back dress may be the best thing I  have ever seen :)
• And finally, a few sweet treats for you. First up, how about some cocktail inspired popsicles for this supposed-to-be Summer? But if it's still grey where you are (i.e. the whole of England!) then how about some of these toasted marshmallow squares? Guaranteed to brighten your day :)

And that's it for another week of Wonderfuls! I hope the rest of your wek is filled with adventures and I'll see you back here again soon.

Katie xxx

Me Made May - The Final Week

Well, here we are, it's the end of Me Made May and here are my final three outfits. It's been great fun, but it's also been a real challenge, not to mention the effort it takes taking photos everyday! But I have loved it, and I hope you've enjoyed the pictures :) Anyways, here they are, the final three shots:

Day Twenty Nine

Top: Made by Me

The sun had finally come out by the time I took this photo, so wearing this top was a bit of no brainer! I love this top so much, it's so different to the norm, it always gets noticed :) A perfect summer outfit for a perfect summer day.

Day Thirty

Shrug: Made by Me, Dress: Made by Me

The sun was still shining, so the legs came out! Once again it's my favourite red dress, always a winner. I still find it funny that this is the first dress that I ever sewed and yet I still wear it all the time. It just goes to show that when you make something you love it will last you :)

 Day Thirty One

Cardigan: Made by Me

Forgive the wet hair look, I just had one second to snap this picture before heading out for a full day of work! Anyways, for my last day of Me Made May I decided to wear one of my favourite outfits of the month (Day Two) to celebrate how much fun I've had. Plus I got to wear my cardigan, and you know how much I love my cardigan :) 

So there you have it, my first ever Me Made May is completed! This month has really shown me how happy I am about wearing my hand-made clothes, and how I really would never go back to buying things from the high street. This is the way it's going to be for me from now on, and I couldn't be happier about it :)

If you want to see more of my Me Made May photos check these out:

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four