Recycling!

 I always have a real issue deciding what to wear. Ask anyone, my sisters, my mum, my housemates, they'll all agree. This morning was a particularly bad example. I don't think anyone quite knows what to wear at this time of year; it's so hot in the sun, but I live by the sea and the breeze makes it unbearably cold in the shade and in the evenings. So I tend to wear a summery top, jeans and have a handy hoody. Until Summer, when I crack the shorts out. So, this morning I had one of those 'I-don't-have-any-clothes' moments. I was digging through my wardrobe and all my drawers and I was SO bored of everything and actually didn't really like a lot of it. 

And then I found this!

 I bought this when I was about 15 in H&M, which was definitely ages ago. The only reason it still fits is because it's 95% elastic.. It's not, but it may as well be. Anyway. I think it's suitably frumpy. It's too long, shapeless, and a little bit see-through, so can't be worn for much other than the beach.

HOWEVER. I have carried out my first alterations! I definitely haven't done it how it's supposed to be done and I'm not sure whether it's success is all a massive fluke, but we shall see...

I literally just chopped off the bottom and hemmed it. I put it on and measured how long I wanted it to be. (I had to be extra careful not to lean forward at all so that it was accurate). I started to measure at regular intervals and put little pin markers in, but there is SO much fabric because of the gathering at the chest that it all got a little confusing, and I have to admit to just going at it with the scissors without much more measuring. I managed to cut it in a straight line by using the straight line of the hem as a guide. If anyone can reveal how this might be done with a little more finesse, please do fill me in.

 I'm so proud. :-) I feel like it's a completely new top, like I've been shopping. Only for free! I'm going to wear it so much more and it's not taking up unnecessary space in my drawers. I feel quite the sense of achievement!

I want to make something with all the left over fabric.. any ideas? I think it may just end up going into some sort of cushion cover or blanket..

Until the next time!

Antique rescue...

I'm half way through my dissertation and am thus celebrating with a blog post. It's only natural.

Now, I've never really been one for antiques; I really enjoy looking at something aesthetically  pleasing and to my tastes, and I definitely know what I like, but the thought of trawling through shops and markets to organically find my own? It fills me with dread and, I hate to admit, boredom. I liken it to Primark - I see people wearing things from Primark that I LOVE, but cannot think of anything worse than actually entering a Primark store and digging about in the heaps of screwed up clothes. That's how I feel about antiques.

However! My parents came home from decorating my Nanny's old flat, with this...

 

I love it! And it looks so good in our conservatory. It is a little bit used, the mosaic is falling off all over the place. I think because it's so old and it's been sat in the same room for SO long. We're going to try and fix it up and restore it to it's former glory. I get a little bit sad when I see little cluster of broken off pieces and, I am embarrassed to admit, I do remember quite clearly picking the little pieces off and discarding them behind the sofa. I was very young and knew no better of course. 

I shall update on the progress of the little Indian table!

A little light reading..

When I almost certainly should be writing my dissertation, (there are but three weeks until the deadline) I am writing you a book review.

I know that not a lot of people are into the cheerleader thing, so I'm telling you about Cheer! Inside the Secret World of College Cheerleaders by Kate Torgovnick, because I don't think it can fail in converting you.

I'm aware that it sounds incredibly pre-teen and a little bit Sleepover Club and, at first glance, it looks a bit like that too. But I absolutely promise that for someone completely unaware of the cheerleading world, this book is so informative and fascinating. 

It follows three American college squads in a year; they face try-outs, practices, injuries and national competitions. Having had the most annoying, painful and recurring injury EVER, I found the injuries part particularly juicy.

It's really interesting to compare cheerleading in America to here, people choose which university to go to over there depending on their cheerleading squad, and winning really matters to them. 

The book is SO insightful and written in such a way that you instantly warm to the cheerleaders, they are all completely likeable, something that will hopefully start to dispel the stereotype!

So, if you're looking for something different to read and want a glimpse into a world you never knew existed, you should definitely read Cheer.

Get it here.