My Perfectly Parisian Patisserie Pyjamas!

Project: My first pair of Pyjamas

Pattern: This 1955 Simplicity 1325 Pattern

Stash Buster? sort of...

Items From Stash: the fabric is a new addition to the stash, I think it counts!

Date Started: June 2012

Date Finished: August 2012

New Techniques Used: excessive use of piping, pattern altering and button embroidery

Wear Again? Every night forever if I can!

Hello lovely readers! So what do you think of my new PJs?! I really do love them, they make the whole process of going to bed altogether more pretty and cute! I know, what a loser, right? :)

Anyways, I first decided that I wanted to make myself some new PJs after my extensive watching of the New Girl (remember how much I love that show?). Zooey Deschanel rocks some seriously cute pyjamas in that show, super cute colours with contrast piping, so I knew I needed to get some of these in my life. And when I found the Simplicity Pattern 1325 on ebay in my size going for a song I knew that it was fate! So now all I needed was some cute fabric...

New Girl was once again my fashion inspiration, and check out my uber cute pattern! 

Now you may or may not recall my fabulous trip to Paris with my Sweetheart earlier this year. Whilst there I visited the amazing fabric shops in Montmartre and discovered this swoonworthy pink toile cotton. It was so whimsical and pretty that I knew that I had found the perfect PJ fabric! And the more that I looked at it the more it reminded me of the colour scheme of the incredible patisserie Laduree that I had been frequenting on my visit (seriously, how many macaroons can one girl eat?!), so I decided that these pyjamas would be based on that scrummy place, a constant reminder of my love of Belle Paris. So of course I had to buy some pale blue cotton for contrast piping details ;)

And yes, before you ask I do keep my Laduree macaroon boxes, and yes these macaroons were bought especially for this shoot, and yes they were delicious :)

The sugar rush was clearly affecting my brain by this point...

This pattern was a real joy to work with, as I have found all 1950s Simplicity patterns are (my 1950s Novelty Print Book dress also used one of these patterns and you all know how much I love that!), but I did have to make a few alterations here and there. I added a bit of extra width and length to the trousers (my behind needs space to breathe!), but the biggest change was altering the shirt to be able to add piping. The original pattern suggested bias biding to be sewn on top of the collar for detail, but I knew I wanted piping and for it to be sewn into the seams, so I had to alter the shirt front pieces and redraft the collar in order to do this. It was pretty complicated but I think you'll agree the finished look is worth it! 

A close up of my piping and hand embroidered buttons

This project is also an example of how I tend to over complicate things for myself. The pattern is fairly simple and technically I could have been finished a lot quicker than I was, except I decided that I had to have contrast piping, which I made myself (bias binding made from blue cotton and then sewed over some cord using a zipper foot) and then had to sew into all the (newly altered) pattern pieces before I could even construct the pyjamas. Oh and then I decided that embroidered buttons were the only way to go. See what I mean about over complicating? :) But in the end I think it's those extra details that make these pyjamas so special, and I really do love them to pieces. 

Is this not just the perfect colour palette?

See? I look like a box of macaroons!

Some people may think I'm a bit mental to have put so much time and effort into a pair of pyjamas that will never leave the house, but I'm a firm believer in feeling good in every aspect of your life, so a little bit of pretty before bedtime goes a long way :) 

Hello, my name is Katie and I have a macaroon addiction...

I hope you like the pyjamas and are at once filled with the urger to dress like confectionary yourselves! Now if you'll excuse me I have some lounging to do :)

Katie xxx

UFO/Stash Busting Project, Bi Monthly Round Up - June/July!

Hello there my lovely Stash Busting friends and welcome to the Bi Monthly Round Up for the UFO/Stash Busting Project! Thank you so much to everyone who has sent in their projects, I love that so many of you want to get involved, and so many new people this time too! I love getting your submissions and seeing what you've been creating, so thank you and congratulations on some gorgeous makes :) So, let's see what beauties have been Stash Busted over the last few months...

Anushka of Anushka Tay

Anushka's Dress

Anushka, I know this is a bit forward, but after reading your blog and seeing your gorgeous projects I think I my have fallen in love with you! Seriously readers, this girl has serious style! YOu must go and check her blog out this second and you will not be disappointed :) Over the past two months Anushka finally completed this lovely UFO dress and also made a ridiculously gorgeous pair of trousers completely from items from her Stash! Well done Anushka and I look forward to reading your blog from now on :)

Cassie of Cassie Stephens

Cassie's Dress

Cassie can always be counted on for a fabulous creation or two, and this round up is no exception! Just take a look at her Presley Poodle dress, isn't it adorable? Plus I think that she gets extra points just because she has sausage dogs on there too :)

Denise of Dottie Doodle

Denise's Dress

This is Denise's first time in the UFO/Stash Busting Project, so welcome Denise! Denise has two UFO projects to share with us, this Vogue Skirt and this rather gorgeous Hazel dress. Doen't she look glamourous in it? :)

Kerry of Kestrel Finds and Makes

Kerry's Throw

I was very excited to receive a UFO/Stash Busting entry from Kerry because I've been reading her blog for a while *secret blog crush!* Welcome Kerry, and I'm totally in love with how you turned a rather lumpy cardigan into a gorgeous throw, I'd love one of these for my house!

Lynne of Sewing Cafe

Lynne's Bag

Lyne has once again had a very productive couple of months, seriously, this woman can sew! First up she recycled lots of jeans into what can only be described as the best floor mat EVER (if I were you Lynne I couldn't bear to tread on it!) and some completely stunning bags made of fabric scraps. I am very envious of your talents, Lynne!

Marisa of Vintage Tagebuch

Marisa's Pyjama Pants

Marisa, I am loving your "giant and comfy" pyjama pants! Congrats on sewing your first ever piece of clothing, it's gorgeous and you should be very proud :)

Melissa of The Hijabi Sews

Melissa's Dress

Melissa is another newbie to the Project, so a big hello to you Melissa! Melissa has completed three UFO/Stash Busting Projects, my personal favourite is this adorable sense and sensibility girls' dress but she also completed these linen placemats and this cute bag. Good going Melissa!

Nicole of Nicole Needles

Nicole's Blouse

Doesn't Nicole look the total Glamour Puss in this picture? This blouse is just one of the UFOs she has recently completed, she's also created a window seat and a stunning scarf! Seriously, she's one classy lady :)

Sabrina of Mala-14

Sabrina's Dress

Sabrina is another girl who's sewing talents never cease to amaze me, I adore this dress she has made (stunning Stash Buster!), and this baby blanket is just too cute! But as always it is her corsetry that makes me swoon :)

Susan of Snippa

Susan's Jacket

Susan, can you make one of these jackets for me please? How beautiful! And Susan has also made a serious dent in her yarn stash with some cute socks and some knitted squares (I'm intrigued to see what they'll turn into!). Another very productive couple of months, well done Susan!

Wendy of The Butterfly Balcony

Wendy's Beach Top

Shut Up Wendy, this top is amazing! As always you have created not one but TWO stunning pieces of Stash Busting goodness! Check out Wendy's beach top and her equally amazing crewel embroidery here, plus there's a how-to as well!

Congratulations again to you all, and thank you again for getting involved!

UFO/Stash Busting for all!

Katie xxx

Calling all Stash Busters, you know what time it is!

It's time for the Bi-Monthly Round Up!

Yes my lovely Stash Busting friends, it's that time again and I want to see what you've been up to! Please e-mail me links to your projects at: 

misskatie (dot) littleredsquirrel (at) gmail (dot) com 

And remember this is for projects completed during BOTH the months of June and July! As always newcomers are always welcome so please don't hesitate to get in touch even if you just want some information or to ask a question! The closing date for submitting projects is  Tuesday July 31st, so get those entries in asap :)

I look forward to seeing what you've been up for the past two months!

Katie xxx


***For more information on the UFO/Stash Busting Project take a look here***

UFO/Stash Busting Month Part 1 - The Amazing Sewing Journal!

Hello there fellow UFO/Stash Busters and welcome to UFO/Stash Busting Month! This month I will be writing a variety of posts all about Stash Busting, how I get motivated and organised etc. I hope you enjoy it!

For my first post I want to share with you one of the best tools I have in my Stash Busting artillery: The Amazing Sewing Journal!

Just a common or garden moleskin notebook, but stuffed with sewing goodness :)

Now I have seen the idea of a sewing journal on quite a few blogs, both Kerry and Tasha keep them, and if you haven't got one you really should! They are so much fun to keep, and although I am a huge fan of keeping track of my projects online (I write a blog after all!) I also love having something to physically hold and write in to get me motivated and inspired :)

However a sewing journal can be so much more than just for record keeping! Let me show you how I use my sewing journal specifically for UFO/Stash Busting purposes...

The Sewing Journal Breakdown!

The page from my Sewing Journal for my recently completed 1950s Novelty Print Book Dress

• The Seasonal Dot - I mark each of my patterns with a different coloured dot depending on which season it would be appropriate to wear the completed garment in (blue = winter project, yellow = summer project, blue+yellow = suitable for all seasons, red = miscellaneous project i.e. lingerie/sleepwear) This means that if I want to find a suitable project from my stash I can just pick one of the appropriate colour. Simple :)
• Pattern Picture - a photocopy of the pattern sleeve
• Fabric Swatch - a yummy swatch of the chosen fabric for this pattern

*** If I have both a pattern picture and a fabric swatch that means that I have both the pattern and the fabric in my stash so this would be a good Stash Busting Project to start, lots of stash busting would be done in completing it! ***

• Completed Dot - When the project is finished it gets one of these smug little green dots. It's a celebratory thing :)
• Pattern and Fabric Details - specific details of the pattern/fabric, where I bought them etc.
• Specific Pattern Details - which variation of the pattern I have decided to do
• Alterations - any alterations done to the pattern for fitting etc.
• Start and Finish Dates - do what they say on the tin! 

The seasonal dot together with the pattern picture and fabric swatch really help me when it comes to planning what project I will be starting next. I like to start projects that I know will make a proper dent in my Stash, so whenever I have both a pattern and some fabric for a project I enter their details in my Sewing Journal. So when it comes to starting a new project I turn to my journal and pick a project that I know is appropriate to wear for the time I am making it (that's where the seasonal dot comes in!) and away I go! It works for me, and it means I keep track of how many planned projects I have on the go at any one time - a great way to stop just buying patterns and fabric at random and hoping for the best!

This means that most of the pages in my Sewing Journal look a bit like this:

So there you have it, The Amazing Sewing Journal! Having this with me has really helped me to get motivated and organised, I hope it helps inspire you all too in your Stash Busting Adventures :)

And just to whet your appetites, here's another page from my sewing journal, a little taste of my newest Stash Busting Project...

Bye for now! 

Katie xxx


P.S. Don't forget to join the UFO/Stash Busting Flickr Group!

UFO/Stash Busting Project - we now have a Flickr group!

Hello there fellow UFO/Stash Busters! I just wanted to let you know that I've (finally!) set up a Flickr group for us all! At last we have a place to easily share our progress and our projects :)

Head over here and join up, let's start adding pictures asap! I can't wait to see what you've all been up to!

Katie xxx

My 1950s Novelty Print Book Dress!

Project: 1950s Novelty Print Book Dress

Pattern: Simplicity 5124, bought here

Stash Buster? yes, this fabric has been waiting for some love for a while!

Items From Stash: actual 1950s novelty print dress fabric *swoon*, vintage belt buckle

Date Started: March 2012

Date Finished: June 2012

New Techniques Used: none

Wear Again? yes please and as soon as possible!

 Thank you all so much for your lovely comments on my sneak peak of this dress, I think it's safe to say that you like it just as much as I do! But here she is in all her detailed glory for your viewing pleasure :)

This is my first time using a vintage shirt-waist dress pattern and I must admit that I was nervous at first. As I started cutting out the pieces I was worried that the finished dress would end up quite frumpy, after all it doesn't actually show much flesh, but it turns out that I couldn't have been more wrong! This dress is the perfect example of how a well made, figure hugging yet modest dress can feel super sexy - I definitely do when I'm wearing it! I feel like I'm channelling my inner Joan, so of course I couldn't be happier :)

I did very few alterations to this dress, apart from adding a couple of inches to the hips (for my ample posterior!) and taking a few inches from the length I left it just as it was, and it fits me like a glove. I'm particularly in love with the pleat details on the back and the little matching fabric belt I made with a vintage buckle that was a gift from a wonderful friend (thank you Harriet!).

I think you can safely say that I am a complete shirt dress convert and I definitely foresee lots more of these in my sewing future. They're a little bit more fiddly than your average dress, but my goodness they're gorgeous when they're done! And they're great for prancing around and posing in...

... which I think you can see I did!

Bye for now lovely readers!

Katie xxx

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

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

Show me your Stash Busting from April AND May!

Well readers, it's time that time again, it's the call for the UFO/Stash Busting Monthly Round Up!

Remember that this month's Round Up is for both April and May, so feel free to send me pictures of anything you have Stash Busted from both of these months. I'm really looking forward to seeing what you've been up to!

Remember as always this is a open call for submissions, so even if you have never submitted anything before feel free to get involved! If you want to know more details about the UFO/Stash Busting Project then check out this post, it's never too late to join in!

So without further ado, here's what you have to do to submit any UFO/Stash Busting projects for The April/May Round Up:

**If you have a blog send me a link to a post (or posts!) about any UFOs or Stash Busting Projects you have completed this month/s. Pictures are a must, we all want to see the lovelies you have created!**

**If you don't have a blog, never fear, you can still be included too! Drop me an e-mail we'll find a way to get some pictures of your creations up on the blog if you want to share them :)**

**Obviously completed projects are preferred but if you've got a fascinating work in progress to share then that's great too. Also if you've created any tutorials to use up your stash then I would love to include those too!**

**The closing date for all submissions is May 30th**

So, if you feel like being included then please do drop me a line! Either leave me a comment on this post or email me at 

misskatie.littleredsquirrel@gmail.com

I look forward to seeing all your projects!

Katie xxx

A Message to All Stash Busters...

Well hello there lovely readers and fellow Stash Busters! I hope you are all well and staying dry (the heavens have recently decided to constantly open in the UK, and there's supposed to be a drought??). I just wanted to check in and give you an update on this month's UFO/Stash Busting Project.

You may or may not have noticed that I haven't made my usual call for UFO/Stash Busting Projects this month, and this is because I have decided not to hold the Monthly Round Up this month. Things have been very busy at my end for a while, both with work and family, so I didn't feel that I could give the Round Up the time that it deserves. I love collecting all your beautiful projects together and I only ever want to do it properly and in the way that you all deserve. So this month's Round Up will be replaced by a bumper Round Up at the end of May for both April and May, and I think that will be pretty exciting :)

So for all my lovely readers who have been working away at their UFOs and their Stash Busting, never fear! We'll have a big celebration at the end of next month, so keep going with those projects :)