What Delilah Did

Let's Tessellate

 
If you visit me here often you probably already know that there are two sides to me: the traditional, period-drama-obsessed Tudor throwback who exists for most of the year; and the modern geo/neon-lover who has a tendency to surface every time the sun shines. When CrossStitcher asked me to design something for their summer issue it was a particularly sunny day, and I think you can probably tell from the picture above which hat won out.

You can find the project in the July issue of CrossStitcher (issue no. 267) which is in the shops now, or available in digital format here from Zinio. You can also see a roundup of some other designs from the issue on the Mr X Stitch blog.

On a related note, if you are familiar with Alt J then you have probably already guessed what I was listening to when I designed these. I took my baby sister (Cassia) to see them recently and somehow managed to get front row balcony tickets, which never happens. Normally I am stuck behind a gaggle of giants, which for a hobbit like me is somewhat problematic. It was my Cassia's first gig and the seats were amazing, the stage design was beautifully simple and stylish, and the band was flawless. A charmed introduction for her I think. Being a total fan-girl she also wore the triangle necklace I made her for Christmas:

Because triangles are our favourite shape...

 Delilah x

The One Where I Start Making My Own Clothes...

   

I promised myself that I will learn proplerly how to make clothes (and knit and crochet...but more on that later). Primarily because I can never find anything that I like and that fits properly - the two seem to be mutually exclusive. Consequently, this week I finished my very first ever dress - wohoo! I grant you my little denim pinafore is quite possibly the simplest design that has ever existed in dressmaking (in fact it looks rather like the sort of thing the BFG would make) but I like simple things and I didn't want to bite off more than I could chew for my first attempt because it would just put me off. So I drew out a rough shape of what I thought might work on some lining paper, made up a toile in some cheap cotton... and it was a hideous sack. Many adjustments and two more toiles later I finally have something entirely wearable. In fact I am wearing it right now, which makes me indescribably proud and happy.

It probably would have been easier to work from a ready-made pattern, but what I wanted was so basic and I knew I would need to alter it so much to fit that it seemed pointless to get one. There aren't any fastenings at all, so once I had the pattern right it was really easy to put together. I mainly wanted to make sure the fit was right and that everything was finished nicely on the inside, and in the process I taught myself how to insert darts into a pattern and how to make and use bias binding for the neckline and armholes. I french seamed everything because I loathe overlocked seams, and I figure if you are going to take the time to do something, you might as well do it properly so that it will last. It looks a little odd on my dress form as she is breastically-challenged, but it fits me beautifully with no puckering or gaping. I actually tried putting one of my bras on her (I wish I was joking). It didn't work. It looked as though I had stuffed socks down her top (which obviously I had). Embarrassing. So I just left it looking all strange and gathered at the front - please ignore that part. It probably would have made more sense for me to show you a photo of me wearing it, but I am not in the habit of plastering pictures of myself all over the internet so I'm afraid you will have to take my word for it.

Anyway, next up something a little more ambitious. Maybe this or this or this.

I am just finishing up sampling colours for the new kits so am on the home stretch now. I can't wait for you to see them. I am so excited about these ones...

Delilah x

For The Love Of Brown Paper

 

My new postcards have arrived and they look AMAZING. I am so pleased with them that I kind of want to go into town and just hand them out to random strangers...but I shan't. From now on I will be putting one in with every kit order so you can see them in the flesh.
I designed them so that you can stitch over the top of the pattern and make them into something nice - such as a birthday card or bookmark - should you so wish. I like multipurpose things.

I got some business cards too. They make me feel almost like a proper grown-up. I sat lopping off all the corners yesterday (because I have a penchant for rounded corners and a special skill for creating unnecessary work for myself).

 

     I don't often divulge my suppliers because I spend an exhausting amount of time searching for them, but I just really want to mention Awesome Merchandise because they were so helpful and did such a brilliant job - if you need things for your own business you should absolutely give them a try.

Delilah x

Clutter City Yuletide Market

Evening all. Just dropping in with a date for your diaries:

I will be selling my wares at Clutter City Yuletide Market in Norwich on Saturday 8th December, so if you are in the area be sure to stop by and say hello. I think this year is going to be an especially good one. I have been working my socks off to get all my kits stocked up for Christmas and I am just putting the finishing touches to some brand spanking new kits that I will be taking with me too... I am not entirely sure how I am going to fit everything in!

Hope to see you there,

Delilah x

Navajo-Fairisle Stocking

Possibly the most excellent stocking you have ever seen? I think it may just be. I don't often go in for self-congratulation but I just love this project!

I made it for this month's CrossStitcher magazine, together with a couple of matching patterns for a tree decoration and some bunting:

They all come in a couple of different colourways and you can find patterns and instructions for the lot in the November issue of CrossStitcher magazine - the one with this cover:

If can't get hold of it nearby, you can get a print copy from here, or a digital copy for the supremely bargainous price of £2.49 from here. Those of you with newfangled i-things can also find it on the Apple Newsstand.

Delilah x

Shop Update + Free Tutorial

Evening all!

I have returned from my looong awaited holiday (I will bore you with pictures later...) and am delighted to tell you that the patterns for my little Navajo characters are now available in the shop.

To go with them I have made a free tutorial which you can download here.

You could of course just display them in hoops or frames, but if you are feeling a little more adventurous the tutorial will show you how to make the patterns into mini heat pads to keep you warm and toasty as the nights draw in. I have the little wolf warming my lap as I write this and I am quite enamoured with him. They would make lovely presents too I think if you have busy hands and a little time to spare.

Do let me know how you get on with them - I always love to see what you come up with.

Delilah x

Pearl Lowe's Vintage Home + Exciting News!

Afternoon all!

I would like to begin by saying a tremendous thank you to all of you for the many, many orders that have helped me to purchase the shiny new laptop that I am currently writing this post on... I have been completely bowled over by the reaction and cannot tell you what a help it has been in this less-than-desirable technology-induced ordeal. You are all incredible!

So back to business: have you seen Pearl Lowe's new blog? I was delighted to be able to work with them on an upcoming project and they have written a lovely post about me here. The project itself is a secret at the moment (yes, another one - sorry!) but I promise to tell you more when I can.

And on the subject of secrets, I can finally divulge arguably the biggest of them all...

My first book will be published next year!!!

Exciting, no?! It is the reason things have been so quiet around here for the last few months and it has been just about killing me to keep it a secret, so I am beyond relieved to be able to tell you all at last. I have been locked away working on a What Delilah Did book for Collins & Brown since Christmas and although the release date is an awfully long way off, I hope it will be worth the wait. I can't say any more until nearer the time, but hopefully it will be something to look forward to! I still have another month or so to work on it, but after that I should be in a position to make lots of new patterns and lovely things for the shop, which I am really looking forward to.

Anyway, I suppose I had better get back to it...

Delilah x

The One With The Very Belated Christmas Present...

Being busy with work is wonderful but it does have its downside - namely that I never get time to do anything else! Which is why I only recently finished making this embarassingly late Christmas CD for a friend.

In my defense I did actually make the CD itself before Christmas but stitching the case and designing the insert took somewhat longer... The patterns for the initials on the front of the case are from the birthday issue of CrossStitcher - aren't they just lovely? They look so elegant in cream against the brown linen I think.

And on the back of the case I stitched a little stag in a really pale greyish-blueish-greenish thread, because I never tire of stags and they are not too girly for a boy I think. I spent far too long on the insert, but the finished result was worth every second I think. I quite wanted to keep it for myself actually! I listed all of the songs and the reasons for choosing them, and then added a few of the beautiful images from this wonderful website to illustrate it. I was informed by my friend that it was well and truly worth the wait.

The most awful thing though is that this is not the last belated Christmas present that I had left to give - my sister and brother-in-law are still awaiting gigantic circus letters for their wall, though to be honest at this rate I will be surprised if they are finished by Christmas 2012! They did have to request the most time consuming patterns I have ever made... I don't suppose any of you know how to make my Time Turner work yet do you?

Delilah x

So Long 2011...

Since all of my cards have now been given I am finally able to show them to you - just before Christmas is officially over (which is on New Year's Eve in my book). I like these cards so much I am tempted to make more of them to send again next year! I don't think my obsession with deer will ever end.

I actually intended to send these instead:

I made them after seeing this tutorial earlier in the year, but although the first few were beautiful, the soft rubber of the stamp pretty much disintegrated after that so I had to think of something else as I had a lot of cards to make.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Mine was peaceful and lovely. While 2011 has not been kind to many, for me it has been the year that I finally found my direction and as such I will be a little sad to see it go. I approached it with optimism because 11 is my lucky number, and my frame of mind seems to have worked wonders. I can't deny I am excited to see what comes next though - I have just one more month to get through before I cut my hours at work to concentrate on my stitching. Terrifying, but also a dream come true. And hopefully it means I will be able to enjoy a few little luxuries such as sleep and seeing my friends again.

And so... goodbye 2011, may 2012 be twice as wonderful.

Happy New Year!

Delilah x

Christmas Starts Here!

My orders have been posted out, the tree is up and the office has closed for the next five days - I can finally let my Christmas begin! No better feeling.

One day I shall have a real tree, but until then I have made my inherited tree look as pretty as I can and for now it will do me very nicely. However we have had to cover the lower branches with washing up liquid to try and Maggie-proof it and she has already made a start on the light cables - she is an absolute menace!

Aside from the naughty cat though it feels so beautifully calm here now that I have packed away my little factory operation for a few days. I am planning to do only lovely things for the next few days: baking, seeing friends and family, and stitching up some orders and new designs (which I suppose is technically work but I don't think it counts because right now it is a treat just to sit down!).

A massive thank you to all of you that have made this season so busy for me, I am truly exhausted but have loved every second of it. And I just can't wait to share my new things with you! Not long now...

Delilah x