Apple of my father's eye

Buying or making my father a birthday present is always a bit tricky, as he's one of those chaps that will just get himself something if he needs it!

Luckily this year I had a tip-off from my mother, telling me that what he really needed was a tea-cosy for his new pillarbox red Stump tea pot. Armed with some precise measurements I started knitting in earnest from a moss stitch pattern cozy.

It didn't take long to do once I was in the flow, and the leaf was a lot easier than I thought. The stem is done with french knitting.

Thankfully the birthday boy liked it too - and now his tea stays warm through the winter nights!

1950's for the younger generation!

Recently a friend of mine asked if he could employ my services for his daughters 13th birthday present of a handmade dress. He wanted her to choose the design and the fabric, and plenty of space for it to be let out as she inevitably shoots up over the next couple of years!

The new teen in question is really into her rockabilly style so I dug out some of my 50's patterns and she chose the one I'd made for myself back in January (as seen here.)

In terms of design it was perfect for modifying for the young lady's needs: I turned the neck straps into a tie halter for easy adjustment, and the gathers on the bustline and the sweetheart line over the lining panel give it just the right amount of femininity without being too revealing for a 13 year old!

I made the dress with 1 inch seam allowances and a 4 inch hem that should keep her in it for a good while yet! I've never made anything for someone quite so little so I had to measure her every single dimension but it fits really well, and with the petticoat underneath she looks ready to rock and roll!