Posted by Fiona on Jun 26, 2009 in
Craft Since the idea of Finishing School popped into my head, I’ve found myself going slightly craft mad, without actually doing anything. I figure if I write about some of the projects I’m hoping to embark upon then I’ll feel compelled to do them, proving that I am worthy of running Finishing School.
Crochet
Scarf by BeautifulBridget on Etsy
Following our wonderful lesson with Catherine I’ve been practising my crochet stitches and trying some more challenging things like crocheting in the round. I’ve still got lots and lots and lots to learn (I feel an improver’s crochet session coming on!) but I just bought a bunch of different sized hooks and hope to pick up some nice chunky yarn to create a simple, but completely satisfying, scarf. I figure this is the sort of project where I’m not going to get frustrated too easily and can just practice maintaining an even tension and size of knot throughout!
Sewing
Japanese craft book from Pompadour on Etsy
The one craft I have some experience of, and indeed equipment for, is sewing. Last year I bought a 50s sewing machine thinking it would change my life and I’d never buy clothes from H&M again. Unfortunately one and a half skirts in, the wrong colour zipper and lack of space left me deflated and I abandoned it. I’ve decided I’m determined to get started again though and to spur me on have bought a Japanese pattern book for inspiration; despite the fact it’s in Japanese. It’s full of beautiful photography and I’m rubbish at following instructions anyway, so I’m sure I’ll be just fine. Simple tunic dresses ahoy! before moving on to some of my vintage patterns.
Photo by treasureup on Flickr
My second sewing project is something a bit different, but one I’m quite excited about. For months and months I’ve been trawling Ebay and Etsy and vintage shops searching for my perfect 30s/40s depression era quilt. I want cute faded feedsack fabric, nothing garish or complicated, just your standard patchwork quilt. Unfortunately, finding something in good condition in my price range has proved nigh on impossible. Not one to be deterred, I thought to myself “How hard can it be!? I can sew in straight lines!” so have stocked up on a loads of 30s feedsack squares (mostly ready cut or started – hurrah!) and with the help of my ever trusty friend Google will be attempting my own. Wish me luck, I definitely need it.
One of my purchases
I should probably also mention that planning for Finishing School part deux is fully underway and I can tell you now it may involve charcoal…
Tags: crochet, sewing
Posted by Fiona on Jun 17, 2009 in
Finishing School 
I want to start with a massive thank you to everyone who came to our first Finishing School, and to everyone that said nice words and encouraged us to go ahead with it. Extra special thanks to Catherine for teaching 15 slightly tipsy women to crochet.
After an afternoon of last minute nerves it was incredible to see the event come together. The staff at the William IV were wonderful, getting us set up and then coming back to take food and drinks orders. As soon as Catherine took over I think we all knew we were in safe hands.
It’s fair to say that we were a group of pretty mixed abilities but whilst very few of us started the night knowing anything about crochet, most of us went away fairly confident we could give it a bash. We started with practicing the main simple stitches, and then the slightly more advanced group (which I definitely wasn’t part of) broke off for an intensive crochet flower making session whilst the rest of us finished our food and wine.
I had an incredible evening, with great company, and was able to take away a new skill (I have since even managed to crochet a slightly wonky flower). I really hope everyone else who attended felt the same way and can definitely confirm that we have another evening up our sleeve for next month, so stick July 14th in your diary!
As always photos and news can also be found on our Facebook group and we’re ready for any and all suggestions about what to do next. (That’s another thank you, thank you for so many great suggestions and offers of help)
Tags: crochet, event
Posted by Fiona on Jun 9, 2009 in
Craft Our first night starts in under 2 hours, and whilst anxiously awaiting its arrival, and in need of last minute courage, I found myself checking out some of the people who are already doing similar things successfully, like The Make Lounge. So off I wandered to their blog, and stumbled upon this guy:
By urone317 on Flickr
As I am also the proud owner of a rather fetching needle felted dinosaur by Felted Friends on Etsy this got me wondering how much you could learn about needle felting in one, tipsy evening after work. I am thinking that google shall become my researching friend next week as we (hopefully!) start to think about workshop number deux! In the meantime, if this has inspired you (and believe me, I’m tempted) The Make Lounge have their own needle felting class coming up very soon.
Posted by Becky on Jun 7, 2009 in
Craft
I promise that I will do my best:
To love learning new things,
To share both wine and my ideas,
To help other people
and
To keep Finishing School fun.*
As our very first Finishing School gets closer Fiona and I have been scooting to-and-fro shopping, trimming, winding, glueing and planning.
Our living-room has turned into craft central. Sitting with a ball of wool in his lap and looking like a confused kitten, housemate Matt was roped in (excuse the pun) to help with the preparation of our lovely crochet materials for use in our session with Catherine Hirst.
Hope to see you soon!
*Shamelessly borrowed from the Brownie Promise. Apologies to Girl Guiding UK.
Posted by Fiona on Jun 1, 2009 in
Finishing School I guess I should start at… well, the start. There are two factors that led to the creation of Finishing School:
1. I know a lot of girls in London. Some from work, some from uni, some via my boyfriend and housemates and some from all manner of other places; but I don’t know many of them very well. A few other people have mentioned they are in a similar position, a phone full of acquaintances but not many friends with whom they could enjoy afternoon tea or a bottle of wine. Conclusion: Making friends in London can be hard.
2. I am also hopeless at crafts. I recently took up sewing and in the 6 months since buying a sewing machine have managed one and a half skirts. “Hopeless, but enamored” might be an even better description. I can spend hours and hours browsing Etsy and marveling at the things others create and I’d much rather spend my money paying them for unique things that no-one else is wearing, than I would for the overpriced, over-worn ware that Topshop has to offer. But I can’t help wondering if it be even better if I had the skills to do some of the simple things myself… Oh, to be able to crochet a vintage-look collar, or make my own feather fascinator!
Combine these two things, add the skills of housemate and super-friend Becky, and Finishing School is born. Who doesn’t like a glass of wine after work on a Tuesday, a bit of a gossip and the chance to learn something new? I mean, really!?
