Dot dot dash

If you ever find yourself in Shropshire you could do far worst than visit the wonderful historic town of Shrewsbury. 

With it's beautiful half timbered buildings

interesting features

and niche shops

it is a truly glorious place for an amble.

But today we shall amble not!

We are going to head straight over here.

Watson and Thornton

The most wonderful fabric shop.

Look at this

and this

Then look over here

Inspiration all around!

But my eyes were drawn to this

Fresh white polka dots on crisp cotton poplin

Perfect to make this

The pattern said this would take me one hour.

Only 1 heure!

 Fantastic! Obviously they did not factor me in this.

I had used this pattern several times many years ago so the pieces were already cut. My challenge this time was to try view B - something I had always avoided as it involved sleeves!

I lovingly unrolled my purchase on the kitchen table. It was at this point that I realised the effect of so many spots altogether - it could be a bit disconcerting. (Look back at the fabric photo and move a:your head or b: your computer from side to side very quickly - do you feel a bit nauseous?) Never mind. It wasn't going to take long and surely when it was all together the effect would be minimal. 

I set in my darts

Woohoo!

Then set in my sleeves - several times. 

(It's only thanks to a lovely lady on Youtube that I have any hair left.)

And three days later it was ready.
I tried it on.

The spots were hypnotic. I added a cardigan and some boots. Still a bit concerned about moving around too fast.

Final straw - I asked Little Sis for her opinion.

"Hey mum that's great - it looks just like my uniform at first school!"

She was right. I thought the unruly spots would be the downfall of this project but no  - swap them for checks and it is pretty much what those sisters used to travel to school in every day. 

I can imagine the chatter as I frolic through town in my poplin -

"Mum - why is that lady wearing my school uniform?"

" I don't really know dear, keep away."

So here it will stay. For now. Waiting for me to 'do something else with'.

(Should I cut the top bit off and make a skirt or the bottom bit off and make a top?)

Never mind.

Look who I found staring at me in Ikea today.

How could I resist such a chirpy little chap. 

I've already got grand plans.

I'll let you know if they work out.

Jane x

P.S. thank you for all my birthday wishes - you are a truly lovely bunch. And to my new followers hello and welcome - it's good to have you along!