Virtual Meet - My turn, plus Giveaway!

Well it's me now - the last to make a contribution.  I think you all know something of me from my 'about me' blurb and my Sew Weekly days plus the couple of meet-ups I've been to.  It's been great to find out bit more about everyone else - made up for the disappointment of not getting to a meet!  I'm still juggling the sewing and knitting - I'm more than half way through my knitting qualification now.  I'm trying to sew, but keep getting put off by things.  I have a terrible cold at the moment (or it might be the onset of hayfever which I get at this time of year).  There's also a lot of training at work, which I'm happy about but will keep me occupied for a lot of the time.  Anyway, I will try!

So, what would I have eaten/drank?  Well, I love Italian food, which is my downfall really for piling on pounds!  I'm trying to be a bit health conscious myself at the moment, but for something special such as a meet maybe a Margharita Pizza or a Lasagne or something a bit more exotic than that.  I'd try and be a bit virtuous and have a Diet Coke or perhaps push the boat out and have a typically English Pimm's and Lemonade!

What would I have worn?  Probably my favourite shirtdress - see picture - sorry it's not a newer photo but I'm full of cold - which I think is the best thing I've made so far.  The pattern just went together so beautifully and fits so well (I was lucky in winning it from Magpie Mimi).

Me and my other favourite occupation!

What have I bought recently?  I treated myself to the Colette Parfait because it looks so versatile in that it can be made into summer and winter garments.

I'm a bit behind everyone else who seem to be making the Laurel.  I've found a summer print to make Parfait with but also plan on a cord or wool version.  I've also bought some wool coating fabric which I already have the pattern for (see below).

I found Parfait and the coating fabric on the same day in London, about 100 yards apart!  The pattern came from Raystitch in Islington and the fabric from a little shop on the same road which was having a retirement sale (it was a big bargain!)   

Raystitch - photo from the Ray-Stitch website, as I forgot to take my camera!

Raystitch has a great cafe by the way with delicious coffee and there's also a teaching room where classes can be booked.

Have I anything to swap?  Well yes, but I'm giving first dibs to all the other Virtual Meet participants.  There are some children's patterns which I know I'll never use.  Then a skirt and a top pattern.  Would anyone like them?  Is there anything you could use Judy in exchange for the pattern of yours that I like?

I also have a giveaway, as I've now exceeded 20,000 hits - all through this series!  I was going to do one at 20,000 anyway but am sooner than I thought.  I have 2 metres of this bird and stripe print fabric - it's a kind of furnishing weight but soft enough to make into garments too.  Just leave a comment and I'll draw someone at random.  Good luck!

Well, all that's left is to say thanks so much to everyone for taking part in the meet.  It turned out to be a better idea than I thought and made me quite emotional sometimes!  Hope you've all enjoyed it equally and maybe there'll be another one next year!