The last week I have been working on some creative projects. They are mostly sewing but not exclusively so.
Last week I mentioned the stands I have for making balloon topiary trees. I recovered these for use at my mother’s 80th birthday celebration last weekend.
Here is one of the completed decorations. I covered the bases with recycled brown paper and the ties were cut from fabric that was once a dress.
Meanwhile, I finally made a top from fabric that I had bought over 2 years ago.
It is quite plain and here is the back view with buttons. I devised the pattern by modifying an existing one for a front-opening shirt with a collar. I made a prototype in calico to check my design before cutting into my expensive embroidered linen fabric.
I think it looks better on me than on a hanger so will post another photo when I can organise a helpful photographer.
Then there is the ever-present mending!
Yesterday I darned small hole in one of The Duke’s woollen sweaters.
This is the view of the darn from the inside and below is the view from the outside.
It is not perfect but the garment is definitely wearable and quite acceptable.
Finally, I patched both pairs of The Duke’s trousers that he wears when painting/gardening and working around the house. I used some double-sided iron-on interfacing to fuse the patch to the wrong side of the fabric. The interfacing is some that is left from my applique supplies.
The outside of the trousers – not pretty but definitely functional.
What do you make or repair?
organised castle 
I love the top. just perfect for the weather there.
I do simple repairs like buttons and new elastic in pyjamas and hems. Can’t stand pants to have hems trailing on the ground like seems to be fashionable. I also do minor alterations, like turning a long pair of pants into shorts, otherwise I don’t do a lot of sewing these days as it seems easier to just nip into the op shop and buy something . My best clothes have come from Op shops.
Another trick I have used with repairs if it is in the right place is to sew a logo or embroidered patch over the spot. This worked well when the boys were younger. While Lincraft sells these patches new I often took them off older clothes and kept them for future use.