Ottobre design sewing patterns

Although I can draw patterns for most things and understand the theory behind it; I tend to use patterns. There are so many out there that you can always find what you want; or something very similar that requires a little tweak.

I recently bought an Ottobre design pattern book for children's fashion. I bought a reduced 2009 book as I had never used them before. I have looked through at the designs and love them. 

They bring out four children's magazines a year and with in each there are ranges for babies, toddlers, children and young teans. They use a mixture of jersey and woven fabrics; and everything looks fresh and vibrant. 

Ottobre also do women's patterns, have a blog and a fabric shop. They are well worth checking out if you are interested in sewing.

Here are some of the design from the 2009 catalogue; I am thinking of making the Winter coat for Gladys this year... I'll let you know how it goes.

Our daily constitutional

Everyday, since my maternity leave started, Gladys and I try to go for a walk. We promenade round the village in her vintage Silver Cross pram which I am still using as I love it so much. Gladys loves sitting up high and seeing everything, and is always asking to go out for a walk.

Now Gladys is walking I want to encourage her to jump in and out of the pram, and use her own two feet as much as possible. This is easy to do if we walk through the park as she can stroll in her random way quite safely - on the pavement I really have to have my wits about me.

Gladys is a good girl who wants to walk next to me and hold my hand the majority of the time - but she has Matthew's fiercely independent streak which I can see defining her character as the days tick by. After much thought, and reading of articles and listening to opinions, I have decided to use baby reins (such a horrid name, I prefer the American term 'walking harness' as it doesn't sound like she has a bit through her teeth), and get her used to them sooner rather than later.

I looked on the internet at the ones available and there were really cute little rucksacks with a strap but they would be uncomfortable for sitting back in the pram, and the old fashioned ones that look like dog leads. I did like the vest style ones but they looked so practical - and I hate things that look practical. So I have made my own.

It is a simple bodice, the outer is heavy duty cotton fabric and the inner lightweight cotton print - meaning it is breathable. There is a grosgrain ribbon double stitched to the front and the bodice buttons down the back. The strap is secured in the middle of the back with a vintage buckle I had in my stash box. So she won't trip when we don't need the strap I can wrap it round her waist and hold in place with the buckle.

We tried it out this afternoon and Gladys was happy, so I was happy. Just gives a little bit of piece of mind for me.

Holiday... and a great shop in Bath

Matt, Gladys and I have just returned from a holiday at Longleat in our caravan. We went with Matthew's parents who also have a caravan and it was a lovely family holiday. We luckily found two pitches next to each other so we could pop in and see each other instantly.

Caravanning is a lovely way to go on holiday with family, you can be near each other but as you have your own 'home' you have that all important space at the beginning and end of the day.

Our little caravan is called Wendy and she is an Eriba Pan Familia. She has a little pop up roof and is lovely and light to tow. Here we are on holiday:

One day we went to Bath and I found this great shop called The Makery. It was a little treasure trove of japanese fabrics and beautiful ribbons and unusual findings. They had a great selection of books too. If I am ever in Bath again it is the first shop I will visit. After enquiring I discovered that they are in the process of setting up an online shop, and also run classes. I will be keeping a close eye on this shop!