Roll up, roll up!

I've just added some new work to my website.

These illustrations were for a circus themed fashion story in the new summer issue of Small magazine. The brief was very open and I had so much fun on this project.

If you don't know it, Small magazine is a very stylish kids fashion magazine available online. I recommend a look! They have a great blog too.

At the seaside

We were in Bridlington, East Yorkshire for a family do just before easter so decided to stay up there for a week. The weather was lovely so we made the most of the good old British seaside!

There were childhood memories of Bridlington as I lived not far away from the town for several years. And it hasn't changed a bit!

You can just make out the bright beach huts of Scarborough behind Bea engrossed in her favourite holiday activity - digging.

A rescued baby seal at the sealife centre, Scarborough.

The castle on the cliffs at Scarborough.

And a sleepy spring lamb at a petting farm.

Yes, another dress

I'm still on a sewing spree, and its not over yet - I've got a couple more things in mind for Bea's summer wardrobe.

This little dress is McCalls 5835. I found the pattern a bit of a pain and the sizing was very strange but with a bit of adjustment I love the finished item.

I also love the colour and print of this Windham fabric, very pretty!

Hi ho, hi ho...

Its off to a princess themed fancy dress party we go!

And Bea is going as Snow White. I made this dress from scratch - designed it, drew the pattern then sewed it up so I'm pleased it turned out well.

The net is really stiff so the skirt sticks out like a big tutu which looks really cute. I just have to make a big red bow for her hair now to complete the look!

Next month we have a Super Mario party to go to so look out for the costume - its going to be pretty special!

The 'something' has been found!

After deciding this little striped dress needed some kind of ribbon sash I trawled the internet and found this beautiful cotton ribbon on Etsy.

I added a couple of belt loops to hold it in place and tied it in a bow at the back. I'm really happy with the result. A lovely springtime dress!

Umming and Ahhing...

About how to best finish this little striped dress for Bea. It needs...something. I'm thinking a sash or ribbon at the waist and I'm liking the colours in this Cath Kidston fabric in the background with the blue stripes.

What I really need is a leisurely browse round VV Rouleaux or The Cloth House but these days with a buggy and toddler in tow such a trip is unlikely!

A sundress on a sunny day

It felt a bit crazy making this little sundress in February but the sun is out today reminding me that it won't be cold and drizzly forever! I feel inspired now to sew some more pretty dresses for Bea's summer wardrobe.

Alphabet

I did this alphabet ages ago and forgot about it but I just found it behind the sofa and took a photo of it. I think the reason I forgot about it is that it is really big and a complete pain to scan in.

Japanese inspiration

Kokka
Kayo Horaguchi for Kikohara

Daiwabo

I've got a couple of sewing projects in mind at the moment, making summer dresses for Bea, so I have been browsing the internet for fabric. I absolutely love modern Japanese fabrics, especially the more illustrative designs. Some of them, like the Little Red Riding Hood one above manage to tell a whole story. Problem is I can't decide which I like best!

Finished dolly blanket

The little crochet blanket I made for Bea's new dolls pram is finished and now keeping Little Red Riding Hood warm.

I really enjoyed the granny stripe, nice and simple to crochet and watch tv at the same time!

Its just a shame Bea is not a fan of dolls at all and prefers to chuck a few megabloks and Peppa Pig figures in there to push about. Nevermind, I get to play with it when shes asleep!