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

Milleta

I have been unsuccessfully looking for a pair of lovely slippers to warm my toes for the past three years (I am incredibly fussy) so when I saw these little Milleta beauties here I snapped them up without a second thought - they are exactly what I have been looking for the whole time and they have hardly left my feet since they arrived a few days ago, yippee!

They are so warm and sturdy layered on top of my thin cotton socks that I literally feel as though I could walk bootless across a glacier in them and not even feel a chill. I love the colours, I love the patterned cuffs, I love the fact that they are one of a kind and lovingly, immaculately made with care by an actual pair of human hands and not a machine, I love the natural hand-spun rough organic yarn, I love that they come from Moldova... I just love love LOVE them! The only problem is that now I want another pair. When I manage to save up some more pennies I might see if she can make me some more with these brilliant little arrows on:

If your feet are cold, I cannot recommend her shop highly enough - you need never fear frostbite again.

Delilah x

Photographs: Milleta

Bridesmaid Dress No. 2

As promised, my bridesmaid dress for my sister's wedding.

We felt like princesses for just one day.

 Beautiful.

Happy Sunday.

Delilah x 

Bridesmaid Dress No. 1

Quite self explanatory I think...simple, elegant, lovely. I had a beautiful bouquet of white roses to carry with it, and of course the magical golden shoes. Love.

The "No.1" part refers to the fact that we will soon begin the search for bridesmaid dresses for my sister's wedding in September, so I shall show you "No. 2" when the time comes. That will be my fourth time as a bridesmaid...I am of the opinion that the anticipation of that day means that the danger of being a bridesmaid thrice has now passed. At least that is how I am choosing to interpret that particular superstition!

Delilah x

There's No Place Like Home

 

I am so utterly in love with my new golden shoes that I felt an overwhelming need to show them to you. I am quite sure they would give even Dorothy's ruby slippers a good run for their money. 

 

 

They are part of my maid of honour outfit for my best friend's wedding next week and I cannot wait to wear them. I will show you my dress too but obviously it is top secret at the moment so must remain hidden for the time being. Suffice to say it is incredibly lovely too.

 

 

Happy Sunday!

Delilah x

 

Brrrrrr

The snow may be melting here but it is still mighty cold outside. At home I am constantly surrounded by three hot water bottles to keep warm and snug but I fear it would look rather odd to strap them to myself outside of the house. And so I knitted myself a super-scarf.

 

 

 

It is the warmest, longest, cuddliest scarf I have ever encountered and it is the perfect thing to act as a buffer against the vicious winter winds that attack me each and every time I step outside. Don't get me wrong, I love winter, but in my opinion one of the very best things about the season is the snuggling opportunities it brings, and my super-scarf is the perfect snuggling-companion for when I am out, and indeed, about.

 

 

 

Whilst I am rather proud of this scarf it would be wrong of me to imply that I am some sort of knitting genius...I can in fact only knit things that are flat, rectangular and of a single colour. I deeply admire people that can knit more taxing things but I simply don't have the patience or the inclination to do them justice. But merrily knitting a long, long, long chunky scarf is one of the most satisfying things in the world.

 

 

It is actually far longer than I intended because I just didn't want to stop knitting. And talking about it is making me want to make another one immediately! But I must get on with my stitching...I will soon have something new to show you.

Happy Thursday!

Delilah x

Practically Perfect

If I could wear anything right now it would be this:

 

Things from here.

Delilah x

"...I don't know when, but just saying it could even make it happen..."

In honour of the fact that something good is going to happen, I shall wear this today so that I am ready for it. 

Dress - Monsoon Fusion; blouse - French Connection; feather capelet - Monsoon; angel wing earrings - What Delilah Did.

Here's to hoping.

Delilah x

(Title lyrics by Kate Bush)