40s Weekend at Bletchley Park

I have been to Bletchley Park a few times before and every time I go I see something I didn't see before. It was an added bonus this weekend to go with my younger brother, sister and my Dad who hadn't been before.
My children also came and it was great fun for them to see all the extra things for the 40s weekend. In particular the 'military police' who took a shine to them and teased them for their ID cards before letting them pass the gate!

For lots of people the 1940s look is an every day style and for some it will be a chance to dress up in their special original pieces. I adore the 40s look so much but I prefer the 50s as it works for me every day. Here are some of the photos I took from the day

Alan Turing's Teddy Bear

I think for me the fascinating part is the hut where they shows things they actually found during the major revamp such as these bottles and advertisement

It is a fantastic day out and I thoroughly recommend it. The entrance cost includes a season ticket for you to return again for a year at no extra cost (apart from the odd excluded event) The work they did at BP is fascinating and to hear it at the place where it all actually happened is an amazing opportunity. I think even just to stand where once they were, it stays with you too.

Also this week I have been working on one of my bigger sewing projects, an original 1950s style housecoat. Here is my work in progress and the pattern I used. I hope to show you next week the finished piece

1950s Simplicity

Work in progress

Free 1940s Chrysanthemum Felt Flower Pattern

I came across this lovely magazine clipping on Ebay. Now and again after much browsing there are still some gems on the site! I haven't tried this yet but it looks simple to make and it will be a good size too! 

It takes up some small pieces of felt and I am leaning towards making one in teal, purple and black plus an all maroon one. I think instead of wire I will use a modern clip or hair band. 

Let me know how you get on, if you make one before me :) 

Children's Sewing Patterns

I have always kept a collection of children's patterns for my daughter and son but this year I decided to collect quite a few more! This year I would like to expand more on what I make for boys as my son has always been my number one fan and although I wanted to make pretty girly things my daughter wants to be a living Monster High doll not a cute frilly princess haha. 

Here are some of the patterns I have bought previously and more recently. They are cropped to see the design better but if you would like any pattern numbers then please let me know. 

I source a lot of my patterns from Etsy but occasionally get lucky on Ebay as well - the latter I tend to risk them being incomplete etc

This should be at the top of my list really!

I also bought a few more PDF patterns from Tadah such as the Vinties from my previous post and few others from the same Australian designer. I also bought the Candy Castle Swirl dress but I have neglected to even tape that together since printing. 

I like most dressmakers have a to do list to be ashamed but I am going to start working my way through these ideas and my stash as well!