« Sarouel » completed and approved

I have just completed my first sewing project !!!!!!

The famous “sarouel” from the Timeless patterns for Kids (Astrid Le Provost).

The pattern was really simple and ideal for beginners.

But beware of the elastic ! I personally let it go twice before sewing it and at 10.30 pm, it was quite frustrating.

My family and friends are amazed by this first work and my daughter, Charlotte, is looking forward to wearing it on the beach this summer.

Cheering up a black sweater

When I discovered the Coletterie, a super vintage girly blog, I instantly wanted to make this felt flower for myself.

It is ideal for cheering up a classic black jumper and give it a fresh, spring look.

All I need now is a good place to find colorful felt.

Any ideas?

Strolling around the Marché St Pierre in Paris

I suddenly realised that I have never told you about my journey to the Marché Saint Pierre (in Paris, France).

It was raining cats and dogs but it didn’t stop me.

Equipped with an umbrella and a map made just for me by a regular visitor (my dear Laurence), I went out of the metro station and headed to the Place Saint Pierre, near Montmartre. I came across several tiny shops and finally dived into an Ali Baba’s cave, the Tissus Reine (Reine’s fabrics). There were literally hundreds and hundreds of fabrics!!! OMG, Where should I start?

I was feeling a little bit lost among all those regular shoppers… Take it easy, Suzon. Just act as an expert and touch, appraise the quality of the fabrics. There were so many I fancied!!!! But I tried to focus my attention on my future projects.

I went up to the haberdashery section and then left the Tissus Reine to explore the other shops.

Next stop: coupons Saint-Pierre… where you can find cheap and nice fabrics but you have to really search for them = 2 remnants found.

I looked at my watch…. Already….. I was going to be late to my appointment!

One last round at Dreyfus’ next door… and a magnificent fabric, found at the quilting section.

Phew!!! Mission accomplished.

I can’t wait to  go back there…..

Nice design

One of my English colleagues will not leave home without HER mug…. Très chic!!!!!

A nice source of inspiration for this sunny and warm morning.

Knitting – first yarn over

I am now making the tunic with the smock neckline (from Astrid Le Provost – pattern available on Citronille).

I really like the nice picot hem!

It’s my chance to try the yarn over technique for the first time.

So I pick up my Knitting Encyclopedia, take a deep breath and let’s go girl!

I am pretty proud of the result.

2nd sweater!!!

The same knitting pattern (children’s tunic sweater in age 4 from Astrid Le Provost), but this time with a superwashable wool from Fonty – “tempête” color (available on the Citronille website).

Cutting out my « sarouel »

I don’t know why but I was a little bit scared by this part of the work. I procrastinated and finally made it. 

I tested two ways:

A - Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut around it

B - Draw a line with a special pencil around the pattern and then cut

I preferred option B because I don’t have a table big enough to do it standing… and consequently I have to cut on the floor.

Now, I just need to follow the assembly instructions, tack and stitch!

Ravelry…

I have just joined the lively Ravelry community!!!! and downloaded the February Lady Sweater from Pamela Wynne. So that I can start knitting for myself, and not just for my daughters!

First pattern

I have just drawn my first pattern on paper!!!!!

You can see here the middle part of the famous “sarouel” I am going to try pretty soon now.

I was lacking only a ruler but I’ll soon fix that.

Do you have tips to share on how to draw a pattern?

Getting started with my sewing machine

Tonight is the night… I have taken my sewing machine out of the closet !!!! 

and here are my very first stitches.

I was rather proud of myself so I started stitching the shoulders on the Lilette pattern from Citronille.

I think I am going to study my Sewing Encyclopedia tomorrow….

Buying fabric for the first time (at Lil Weasel’s)

I was pretty excited when I pushed the door of the Lil Weasel store (passage du Grand Cerf – Montorgueil area – in Paris, France) to buy my very first fabrics !

Basic and plain fabrics to start with… for my first attempts. I certainly won’t resist buying Liberty fabrics when I am more at ease with my sewing machine.

I am going to use the bluish poplin for a tiny summer strapped top and the purple cotton for a “sarouel” (a pair of baggy trousers worn in North Africa).

I found those patterns in Astrid Le Provost’s book – Les intemporels pour enfants (Timeless patterns for kids).

First sewing class

Mylène kindly welcomed me for my very first sewing class.

In short:
- "taming of the sewing machine (how to thread it right) with help from the instruction manual from time to time

- "practicing" using a pattern for a doll's dress (Lilette from Citronille), perfectly made by Mylene and her nimble fingers.

I returned home happy, self-confident and with homework ;-)))

The second dress to sew!!!!!!