Author Archives: jaydogdesigns

Collage of my lovely Jaydog

I have a fabric collage in my sewing room that my late mother-in-law brought home from one of her cruises. I don’t know which country it originates but it was from somewhere exotic as it depicts hummingbirds hovering over flowers. I look at it often and wonder where it has travelled from. It was thisContinue reading “Collage of my lovely Jaydog”

Campervan Cushion Cover Capers

When a friend asked whether I could make cushion covers for his campervan I thought sure no problem. Little did I realise there were many large and small foam pads to cover with metres of fabric and new skills to be learnt. Never one to shy away from a challenge, I started with YouTube, watchingContinue reading “Campervan Cushion Cover Capers”

Finishing what you started

In the past I used to flit from one project to another. Perhaps the first wasn’t turning out as expected or didn’t fit properly. Disappointed, I would put it to one side and start another project. I think that was my inexperience and not knowing how to tailor a garment or work around problems findingContinue reading “Finishing what you started”

Is it a dress or a pinafore?

I had been thinking about making a corduroy pinafore for a while and as luck would have it I found the perfect pattern in my recently subscribed to Simply Sewing magazine (https://www.gathered.how/magazines-simply-sewing/). The Carnaby dress by Nina Lee (https://www.ninalee.co.uk/shop/carnaby-dress/) can be used as a dress with or without sleeves or as a pinafore to wearContinue reading “Is it a dress or a pinafore?”

Make Do and Mend

Make Do and Mend was a pamphlet issued by the British Ministry of Information in the midst of WWII. My father was of this era and he was a clever craftsman who could turn hand to most trades. A college tutor for most of his life, he was a patient and quiet man who rarely raised his voice.Continue reading “Make Do and Mend”

When is a dress not a dress? When its a blouse!

I love a challenge and to create a completely different garment from the one you started with takes imagination and courage. Once you made the cut, you are in to it whether you like it or not. My most recent garment upcycle is a blouse from a dress. My neighbour had recently retired from theContinue reading “When is a dress not a dress? When its a blouse!”

Does it come in large?

A friend of a friend was given a mens extra large soft shell jacket as part of her uniform. Not being XL herself she wanted it tailored to fit her and seeing the jacket it on her I thought, “This is going to be a challenge”. The sleeves were too long and baggy, the shouldersContinue reading “Does it come in large?”

Jay Dog’s Dressing Gown

It has been a very muddy winter. Jay has had more wash downs this year than ever before however this happens when he gets home, in the meantime there’s a muddy wet dog in the boot of the car surrounded by wet muddy towels. It’s annoying to have the drying towel dragging in the mudContinue reading “Jay Dog’s Dressing Gown”

Easter Bunnies in Abundance

I’m making Easter Bunnies and Cheeky Chicks. Shhh, don’t tell the grandchildren. It’s a surprise to be posted along with their Easter eggs. I am using a pattern from Simply Sewing magazine featuring a free rabbit sewing pattern by Jo Carter (https://www.gathered.how/sewing-and-quilting/sewing/how-to-sew-a-bunny-toy-softie/). I have plenty of fabric scraps left over from previous sewing projects andContinue reading “Easter Bunnies in Abundance”