Bagmaking: Dolled Up Train/Vanity Case in Zebra and Cherries! Plus: frocks, days out, and clearouts!

Its still the summer holidays. I'm still not getting much done, however I can show you my most recent completion.
This is a really lovely pattern, but quite hard work. Its the larger train case from DiedelbugHandmade, and as I was commissioned a very long time ago to make a vanity case for an old friend, I decided this would be the pattern I would use.

The spec was basically zebra, pink and cherries for a teenage girl.
It was supposed to be just a 'box' rather than a 'two piece' but I could not resist making this pattern.
The lid has space for brushes etc, and then the bottom has a clear zipped pocket, then space for larger items like hairdryer/bottles/tongs and so on.

The pattern is very clear, but there is a LOT of cutting out to be done. My machine struggled around the edges where foam interfacing met foam interfacing.

Overall though I can't quite believe it went together so well. You just need to follow it slowly, step by step, and it does come together. 

One day, I will make one for me!

In other news: Noah had his first taster session at the olympic gym. He loved it, but sadly they are only on in the school holidays, for a few sessions, so next time probably October.

I had a wardrobe clearout. 6 bags of clothing gone. This is what my wardrobe looked like after the cull. Too many dresses for the tiny space on the left. 

So I took out that bar on the right and re-arranged. Ta-da!!

We visited Burghley House and the beautiful grounds. This coincided with a family fun day, so the boys got to do activities, followed by the Gardens of Surprise (water gardens)

I bought some dresses. Because its August LOL.

This Hell Bunny is very cute.  Please note - I had just come back from aqua aerobics so Im' not looking my best. Also, our bedroom has since been cleaned :)

This Lindy Bop May dress sadly didn't fit at all. Bodice too long. I'm holding down the sleeves here as otherwise they sit an inch above my shoulders. Also skirt is a bit A-line - I'd prefer more fabric. Too much work to fix. Went back. Love this fabric, although I do own 4.5 metres of it so one day I'll make my own :)

I purchased items in the collectif sale. Two Fairy dresses for our hols, and a Dietrich swing coat. (work toilet shots - nice)

I love Collectif, as their dresses are generally very flattering, although I had to take some little tucks in at the neckline to stop it gaping. I also reduced the bodice  length by 2 inches on the pineapple dress. Haven't got around to doing the atomic flamingo mods yet!

Love this coat. I've been wanting for ages. Well its my birthday this month so, y'know, why not!

I completely changed my mind about what I'm wearing to mother in laws wedding. It will now be this:

Its the atomic flamingo design- but this is Dolores style (the one with cap sleeves which I modified a while back because they were TOO TIGHT) The sourpuss bag is one I won from Audrey Stars Boutique/British Belles. The shrug was ebay. The shoes MohedaToffeln. I have since bought a slim belt which I may or may not wear :)

Other news:

I sold the tent! 

I bought (another) paddling pool! 

The Punto failed its MOT (boo hiss) and the Peugeot required over a grands worth of work (faints) but otherwise - its going well!!