Artful Blogging

I've sewn for as long as I can remember...many years ago, when I was a child, it was my way of discovering and fulfilling my creative side...and, of course, as a way of keeping my teddies and Sindy dolls well dressed! ;-)) Jumble sale finds were cut up and fashioned into miniature outfits for them, or dress-up clothes for myself.
When I became a Mum for the first time, finances were very tight and my sewing ability became a way to keep my babies in pretty clothes. It was always surprising to me what could be run-up out of an old floral cotton pillowcase and a simple dress pattern during the few hours whilst baby napped - (Yes, my little girls really did wear pillowcase dresses! - with matching frilly knickers!)
Today, sewing is still a passion of mine, but its generally a way to keep the house looking good rather than myself. Curtains, cushions and useful accessories can be found throughout the house, all made from recycled vintage fabrics. I am a jeans and sweater kind of a girl and don't usually give clothes much of a thought, so when I read about Natasha's 'Revamp it' Challenge on her blog earlier in the year, I thought it would be fun to give it a go - It was indeed going to be a challenge for me, as it had been a long time since I had given an item of clothing a second thought. (My revamped piece can be seen here)

(Before)

(After)

The fact that the nylon nightdress that I worked on has now ended up in 'Artful Blogging' magazine (Nov/Dec/Jan 2010 edition) is unbelievable to me...I created my make-over purely for fun, with the aim of achieving something that one of my girls could wear to a themed party or for a school play.

Now that it is considered 'artful', I can only smile...

I would like to thank Natasha again for organising the challenge and for submitting the details to 'Somerset Studio'. And to congratulate her, not only for this, but another article that she has in the same magazine! (That's her lovely prom gown painting on the front cover too!)

Thanks, to Stampington & Company as well, for sending me a complimentary copy of the mag. It is a beautifully put together magazine, the like of which we would struggle to find in the UK. There are pages and pages of articles, photographs and inspiration, rather than pages and pages of advertisements! A refreshing change...and all printed on quality paper, making it more like a book than a magazine. An added bonus is that you can flick through and spot people that you 'know' in the world of Blogging, as well as discovering new talent.

I shall be curling up on the sofa tonight with my copy...I may even consider looking through my wardrobe and giving that a bit more thought than it would normally receive! But don't worry, I'm not about to start sewing roses, buttons and tulle to all my sweater necklines!

Enjoy your evening too,

Niki x