My, it has been a hard week. Is anyone else out there feeling the same?
International Women’s Day
I’ve been going backwards, distinctively different from my normal sideways, so am in energy conservation mode to try and limit the impact my fatigue has. It means I focus on the things that give me most joy and I direct my little energy to where I’m most happy, which is with my three boys and sewing.
B1, B2 and Me (Bonus Frisbee)
Late yesterday afternoon we ventured out to the local botanical garden which was in full bloom. The weather held that beautiful autumnal feel that was light and breezy and mild, and the bees were busy going about their work.
Moss Skirt and Belcarra Blouse
I made another Belcarra blouse from the Sewaholic collection. Using vintage Liberty fabric that was generously handed down to me from a dear friends mother, I added in some chambray and then stitched a sashiko design using left over from thread in the shape of a tiny pocket.
Tiny Pocket, Belcarra Blouse
The Liberty cotton feels like silk and is so gorgeous. There is no sign of it’s age which I guesstimate is around 30 years. All the Liberty, all the time ladies (and gents)!
Moss Skirt and Belcarra Blouse
I also made my first Moss skirt from Grainline Studio. The fabric is a Japanese spotted linen purchased during the fabric frenzy of September 2014 from the Drapery. This skirt is quite the deviation from my normal long and flowing maxi skirts but I adore it!
Moss Skirt and Belcarra Blouse
My first ever full fly went in with some serious concentration, following this tutorial and instructions on the pattern. I’m not convinced I understood how it all fell into place, but it turned out perfectly. (I’ve no idea how one pocket went in sideways! Fear not it all appears well from the front view, and my hands are not disadvantaged. My sewing isn’t always perfect).
Moss Skirt and Belcarra Blouse – the Inside Story
I was a little cross with myself when the zip tab came off and I found myself stuck in the skirt with only an ungainly way out (over the head with lots of wiggles which provided much amusement to my family. Luckily no one had a camera readily available). The second time I made sure that the zip tab remained securely attached to the zip.
Moss Skirt and Belcarra Blouse
I lined the Moss skirt band and pockets with fabric from the blouse. Everyone should have insides as pretty as the outsides.
Moss Skirt and Belcarra Blouse
There is something special about the shift from dry, overwhelming heat to the gentle playfulness that I feel in Autumn. I feel a collective sigh of relief as the transition of seasons provides a cool change in the southern hemisphere and hints of spring in the north.
Moss Skirt and Belcarra Blouse
Curtsey, and may the bees continue their work without fear of extinction.
The Bee
Pips xxx
Photos by Bruce and Pips, photo bombing by B1 and b2. Shoes purchased from Duck Feet.
the girl in a tea cup 
Super pretty and yay for your fly front! I also am loving the slow turn of the season with slightly chillier early mornings. I’m sure I’ll be back complaining of the cold when it truly hits though 🙂
Jillian, I will always take the cool over the heat. As long as I have my electric blanket! 😉
These are both lovely – I especially like the Moss skirt. In fact, I’m a huge fan of that pattern but have always thought it would never look good on me but maybe I should just suck it up and try it (I’m suddenly reminded of a similar skirt I used to wear and LOVED)
I’m getting a lot better at making my clothes with nice insides – I always feel so much nicer wearing them than ones with ratty insides. And I love that the skirt secretly matches the top!
You should give the Moss skirt a go! I’m always making A-line or fit and flare. This is so out of my comfort zone but sits so well. You should definitely try it. I had to take a couple of centimetres out of the waist band and top yoke to accommodate my smaller waist/bigger butt. I think it looks really flattering on lots of people I’ve seen. And I do love when the skirt matches the top. You don’t get that in RTW! Happy sewing and Dr’ing. xxx
These are both so beautiful and look GREAT on you. I have a bit of an obsession with Liberty fabric and am still in awe that you were lucky enough to have a 30 year old piece. OMG!! I wish we had proper seasons here. It is still stinking hot here. Not a hint of a cool breeze.
Deb, I’ve never been obsessed with anything like I’m obsessed with Liberty. So when this was given to me I nearly had kittens! Hope the weather starts to cool down for you soon. Too much heat is not good. xxx
You flashed your legs in the botanical gardens! 😉 I love how your pictures capture the feel of the changing season, such beautiful light. Perfect setting for your blouse and skirt. Makes me want to sew with liberty again, I still have a piece of the tiny dancer fabric and so far I could not decide what to make with it. I like how you used it paired with other fabric and as the pocket linings. Maybe that´s a good way to start using it! I´ll go to bed now chuckling at the picture (in my head, no camera needed!)of you wiggling out of your skirt 🙂 XX
Dearest Ute, I ended up doing a complete wardrobe change IN the gardens OUT in the open much to my children’s horror! I had two outfits to photograph, so I though I could do a quick change by the fountain. Luckily there remains only one photo to provide evidence of my minxy ways. I kind of like to break up the Liberty sometimes, because it’s just so pretty and you can make it go further that way. And the pockets… Liberty pockets are the best. xxx