And another Shearwater Kaftan

Only this time it isn't for me but for David, no that is actually not quite right, it is for Dashwood Studios. David asked me a few months back whether I would like to make something with their new collection "September Blue" that debuted in July.

I was delighted to be asked but didn't fancy making a quilt and suggested an item of clothing. And that is how the second Shearwater Kaftan came about. The first one was made from a gorgeous double gauze.

The fabric was wonderful to work with and I loved sewing it (again !). Admittedly it has been ready some months and I don't know how it happened but I forgot to blog about it (shame on me). I sent it off and forgot all about it until had a look through some pictures.

This is such a lovely and easy pattern and I am sure it won't be the last kaftan I have made.

Dashwood Studio give-away

The London Modern Quilt guilt is hosting a great give-away on their blog.

Follow this link and you are in for a chance to win this great fat quater set of 'September Blue'.

A new shopper for me

I almost never use plastic bags for grocery shopping. We never did at home and although Mum and Dad have a bakery and we do give out plastic bags in the shop if customers ask for, we just never use them ourselves. So this is something that comes natural to me.

But cotton bags do eventually wear out and I was in need of a new one. The other day at the Village Haberdashery I spotted this wonderful cotton twill and I knew I wanted to make this bag with it. No other, just this simple number and oh boy am I happy with it.

The bag uses vintage linen that I have from my grandmother and I used the twill not just as a handle but also as decorative straps around it. This does make sewing a little tough but I used my trusted walking foot throughout and that made the process quite easy.

The handles are 17 in long which is perfect to carry the tote in your hands or on your shoulders. It's got boxed corner of course and is lined with 'Annali' from Dashwood studios.