Quelle surprise!

The two-fold surprise in this post:

1) I've been sewing again
2) I'm happy with the result


Inspired by the 'Mexican belt' pattern in Hanna Välitalo's book "Silmukoita, siksakkia ja pala suklaakakkua", I put together this - made from two cotton place-mats cut in half and sewn together, satin from my stash for lining, and velvet ribbon for tying up.




More than Mexican influence, this reminds me of Japanese kimonos...




As it's quite wide and sturdy, it feels almost like a corset when wrapped around your waist - good to keep up one's posture.




For some reason, this project was very hard on my neck and shoulders - I already started to make another one, but just couldn't continue. Working over the table, looking down and pinning fabrics together is not something my neck is willing to co-operate with today. Maybe tomorrow.

This little piggy went to market....

..and bought some very pink linen...

and then she stayed at home and sewed herself a nice summer tunic...

And tuned it up a bit with a discount necklace..

..and she was very happy because she cannot remember when was the last time she had sewed a piece of clothing that she could actually wear in public.