And we're off!

On a bright (but cold) Saturday morning, our little sewing and knitting group was born! Everyone who attended (thanks to Marilyn, Vicky and Janet) agreed the room is simply purr-fect; spacious, good light, warm and relaxed. Who could ask for anything more?

After setting up, I decided to finish that 'hanging-around-for-ages-project' which plagues us all; so Burda jumpsuit 119 finally came out of the bag for completion. No sooner had my foot pressed down on the pedal than I was joined by the groups' first enthusiast. Maggs the 'chirpy knitter' promptly set out the tea and coffee and we we're officially open!
I was joined over the course of the day by two other lovely ladies and gentleman who popped in to offer the group three used sewing machines free-of-charge. The generosity of local people has been overwhelming. Anyone got a tissue? Something in my eye......

Some of the day's projects....

Vicky makes a start on Simplicity 2281 (View B) in black crepe

Ironing the pattern...

Jan finishes off a chunky snood in grey wool.

Maggs The Chirpy Knitter handles 60 stitches on four needles.

Found! Half finished shift dress in box donated

by lovely-lovely-lou. Seams are mismatched but shape is fab!

Digging for treasure in box of donated fabrics.

We had a good gossip and got down to some nice crafting over a couple of hours. Lovely Lou's donated fabrics went down particularly well, with some ladies taking pieces away to make scarves, lavender pillows and muslins for other dresses (see pink/black retro shift dress with killer princess seams).

Red Kitty will be investigating the kind offer of three sewing machines for the group, apparently they belonged to a late local resident who loved sewing.  If they work we can set them out for future attendees, which would be a fitting tribute to the owner. 

Hoping next week will be as good and more people make it down (hint-hint). As a drop-in session it's a great way to while away an hour or two....:)

What's that? A picture of moi? 

Of course I won't be revealing my secret identity anytime soon (you'll have to come to the group to unmask me, ha-ha!), but here is my Burda jumpsuit finished later at home. 

Ciao for now. RKx

Catford chic

An oxymoron? If anyone has been to Catford, the word 'chic' is not one which immediately springs to mind unless you add the words '-ken shop' to the end.

Red Kitty rather fancies that glamour, good taste and a Chanel-like style exists in Catford. If only in the minds of some residents (like me). A few weeks ago I started putting together a 'Look Book' for the group, to show which patterns pay homage to which designers. I sharpened my kitty claws and began cutting out pictures from all over the web. Not as many knitting fashions as I'd like, but they're coming. It's just that when I see a ball of wool I go crazy (wink)!

Sample page from the 'Look Book'

Classic 'Chanel' jacket re-interpreted by McCalls & Vogue

Catwalk maxi-style available via Burdastyle

Free hand knitting patterns on the web.

(Don't you love the vintage sweater? Meeow!)

The cutest baby dress Red Kitty has ever seen!

Red Kitty hasn't picked up knitting needles in nearly 30 years (eek!), so if any knitters are coming along a quick tutorial WILL be needed and I will happily join in and try not to make a scarf. x

The cat's pyjama's

The south London sewing and knitting community are the cat's pyjama's. Fact!
No sooner had the group been granted our little funding than we received offers of help.

Red Kitty's imaginary tail curled in delight when local resident Mary Curtis offered to loan us her 'Diana' dressform for the group to use. Of course, we will take good care of it and it should be a real bonus for everyone who wants to alter garments.

'Diana' dressform, on loan from local Catford resident

I was feeling rather overwhelmed; a good purring session and catnap would have been in order if the email hadn't 'pinged' with another amazing offer.

The kind owner of lovely-lovely-lou.co.uk, asked Red Kitty to take 5 boxes of unwanted fabrics off her hands. Meeow! I fired up the Catmobile (yes, cat references will be profuse on this blog....FOREVER) and went round with a Cheshire grin (see, it's so easy to do, why avoid it?). And look! From strips to samples and from one yard to several metres, there are lots and LOTS of fabrics!
lovely-lovely-lou.co.uk create 1950's-inspired feminine dresses that flatter all women. And these remnants are testament to how good the quality is. She also does commissions and bridal.

3 of 5 boxes of fabulous off-cuts and full yards

donated by lovely-lovely-lou.co.uk

Black sheer polka-dot.

Are you thinking the one shoulder of McCalls 6466?

Disco metallic to red taffeta

Just think of the trims, underskirts, sleeves, bags, clutch purses, dresses and scarves this lot will make!

I think I need a lie-down and a saucer of milk, it's almost too much.

We're here!

You read right. Catford is chic -  in fact downright sassy because we have a new sewing/knitting group - woo hoo! Funded by Lewisham Council and run by Red Kitty (local enthusiast) it aims to bring sewing and knitting FUN back to SE6!

Big thanks to the Catford South Assembly/Lewisham Council for providing funding.

Want to come along? We'd LOVE to see you! We meet most Saturdays (except 3rd Sat of every month) from 11am - 5.30pm. Email catfordsewing@yahoo.com for more details.

Oh, and did I forget to mention? It's FREE!

RKx