Diary of a Fabric Addict

Happier than a cyclone over warm waters....

2011-02-20T19:24:00.000+08:00

Yes that would be Paul. Before he left for Port Hedland he was adamant, "there will be a cyclone while up I'm there, I bet!!!" And one has just managed to scrape in. As it turns out ex-TC Carlos (soon to be reinstated as TC Carlos) will be off the coast of Port Hedland Tuesday morning, the very day that Paul was due to fly back to Perth *sigh*. So it looks like I'm still in charge of the monkey factory for a few extra days. Paul on the other hand is very happy to be able to say "see, I told you there'd be a cyclone". Port Hedland is currently on Blue Alert and as Paul is in charge up there at the moment its up to him to make sure that all preparations are in place to ensure the safety of the crew. The crew certainly have nothing to worry about - Carlos is just a baby at Category 2 and nothing makes Paul happier than planning and preparation... happier than a cyclone over warm waters even.

What do you do when you can't be there to sooth their tears...

2011-02-19T10:30:00.000+08:00

...you go home and make them something instead so hopefully they will realise that even if you weren't with them you were thinking about them the whole time!!

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On Wednesday I dropped Chloe off at kindy and the penny finally dropped. As much as she loves the painting and drawing and play dough and puzzles and as much as she loves her teachers Mrs H and Mrs B, she's finally realised that I leave. The first few times I think the novelty was enough to win her over but on Wednesday she started crying as I was going. Mrs B, the most beautiful soul on earth, was there immediately with lots of hugs and telling Chloe all the wonderful things they had planned for the day. Because Alex attended this particular kindy last year as well, Chloe knows both Mrs H and Mrs B very well and has a very strong liking for Mrs B so I knew that Mrs B would win her over. Still its not a nice feeling is it, leaving when your little one so desperately wants you.

I already had plans for some lovely fabric but I knew those plans would need to be put into action immediately. With swatch in hand (how lucky was that), it was off to Spotlight for contrast fabrics and thread then home again to start cutting. Later in the day I would be arriving at kindy with a dress for Chloe, I wasn't there during the day but I was thinking about her the whole time...

Its Modkids Kyoko pattern, however if you've been in Perth lately you'll know that the weather has been disgusting - hot, humid, sticky, blah!!!! So I ditched the idea of sleeves and went with a bound, sleeveless look instead much cooler in my opinion. I also thought that being sleeveless she would be able to wear long sleeves underneath when (if!!!) the weather cools down making it quite versatile. So although the Kyoko pattern doesn't show/have a sleeveless version let me assure you it is incredibly easy to do.

The pretty geisha fabric comes from The Fabric Jungle. The inspiration however came from a lovely friend Mel (seriously some of the most beautiful things you will ever see on her blog) who used the fabric in a gorgeous skirt set. The black butterfly fabric was an end of bolt from Spotlight. I was originally going to get something in a soft grey with flowers (you can probably see the black geisha has grey butterflies on her dress in the next picture) but when I saw the black with the butterflies I knew it was meant to be. The selvedge says its by Sugar and Spice Textiles. Made for each other don't you think...

I loved putting this pattern together, so, so easy. From whoa (woe LOL) to go in a matter of hours. The instructions are so clear and well written with lots of photographs. I used french seams so along with the binding its as neat on the inside as it is on the outside.

She had a great day as always, lots of painting (you should see my fridge!!!) and fun and I was waiting there with her new dress and she was all smiles...

My Creative Space - Up close and personal...

2011-02-19T09:47:00.000+08:00

I've missed a few Creative Spaces lately, simply because the start of a new school year is pretty hectic at the best of times. Throw in two children starting new phases of their lives - namely Alex attending his first year of pre-primary at the private school Samuel attends and Chloe attending her first year of kindy at a local state school. So I travel between two school, Chloe's pickup and drop off times normally work brilliantly with the other school except for those first couple of weeks when we deal with the dreaded half days. Alex has done two weeks of half days, Chloe one so on the two days Chloe goes to school I drop everyone off in the morning, I might go and do the shopping or run errands (or like I did on Wednesday go and spend some glorious kid-free time at Spotlight, what a treat!!!), pick Alex up at 12, pick Chloe up at 1.30, then finally pick Samuel up after 3ish. As you can imagine it really wrecks the day. However, Alex finished his last half day yesterday so no more running around like a headless chicken carting kids here, there and everywhere.

Yesterday I also received an ebay auction win... namely this:

This is actually the very first time I've ever been up close and personal with a jelly roll before. I'm not a quilter, as much as I love them, but I've found a BOM which has captured me and so I'm going to give it a try. Its here, Little Miss Shabby - Adventures in Quilting and wow the whole website is bursting with gorgeous colours, stunning quilts and pretty cushion - it makes me want to try them all!!!! The quilt I'm going to try my hand at though is Birdie Stitches, the little birdies just look adorable. I've decided to use Lila Tuellers Eden by Moda (as you can see) and so have been wondering what to use as the backing. At first I was going to use the Dahlias, then I thought about using Paradise but since having got the jelly roll, I'm absolutely loving the dots. If only there was some way of making a removable backing then I'd make a backing in all the different varieties LOL. I'm so looking forward to spending a little time each day embroidering my Birdie Stitches quilt.

To see what everyone else is up close and personal to visit My Creative Space.

My Creative Space

2011-01-27T10:27:00.000+08:00

The boys have taken Daddy to the museum today so someone else has been featuring rather largely in my creative space today. So here is my collaborative assistant taking you on a tour of a couple of the crafty genres we have sampled so far today...

Firstly, to the kitchen for cooking:

One small spoon for cake...

One giant spoon for Chloe-kind!

Next stop, the dining room for a bit of painting fun (and to try out the new Dora art smock)...

Finally we head to the front room for some serious discussion on what sewing project to tackle today...

So what shall we make... a dress, a top, a skirt.... and what colour??? I guess I'll just have to wait for the creative assistant to get back from morning tea...

or maybe, I might just join her!!!!

And do join us at kootoyoo for My Creative Space today...

My Creative Space

2011-01-20T21:12:00.000+08:00

All last year, every Thursday in fact, I would watch as post after post in my reader would pop up saying "My Creative Space". And every Thursday I would want to join in but didn't. How silly is that!!! My excuse to myself always was "I don't have a creative space yet". I can't really use that excuse any more because I do have a creative space now. So one must jump in feet first don't you think.

At the moment I'm giving the sewing machines a rest. My Creative Space currently revolves around this:

I scored this cute little dolls high chair from a swap meet a couple of weekends ago for $3. Granted it was a horrible green/black colour but I'm slowly turning it white. The top picture shows the way it sort of folds in half to become a table and chair. It works in theory but not quite in practise, who ever cut the legs in half didn't do a particularly good job so they are all uneven and it wobbles terribly and the high chair tray is too long so it pushes the chair up when its been flipped over to the back. So I'm going to restore it to its intended purpose as just a high chair. And although its only half painted in these pictures, the whole chair is now white and its been broken down into its various parts ready to be carefully put back together.

Its a slow process though... the chair keeps disappearing. Fortunately I don't have to look too far for it, Chloe will be off somewhere feeding her dolls. They don't seem to be in the least bit concerned about the colour or state of disrepair.

Do pop along and join in My Creative Space, don't be a silly sausage like me and put it off... and off... and off!!!

I have a little secret to share with you...

2011-01-20T07:43:00.000+08:00

I have not one, not two but three children going off to school this year. Granted Chloe will only be at kindy 2 days a week but they will be two full days. Alex will be in pre-primary full time and Samuel of course being in Year 3 this year is also fulltime.

So whats the secret? Secretly, I'm so relieved... yes, relieved. Not happy (although I'm happy that school holidays are almost over and the end of the fighting and whining and carry on), not excited (well maybe a bit LOL) but relieved. Do you know that feeling after a long days work when you get home and sort of fall into your favourite chair cuddling your favourite cushion and at the same time exhaling? That's very much how I imagine my first day home alone to be.

Of course, I fully expect to miss them terribly and I'll definitely miss my little shopping buddy. After all who else will drag me off too Bed, Bath and Table and The Body Shop if not Chloe. But I also think about all the things that I want to do... sewing, cooking, sorting, organising, gardening. Yes they are all things that can be done with kids around, so many people do these very things day in, day out with their own children around and manage marvellously. I'm the sort of person that becomes very focussed on a task though and I find interruptions throw me totally so I guess I'm looking forward to being able to throw myself into things completely for a few hours a day.

But February is going to be a very lonely month this year because not only are the kids heading off to school but hubby is off to site for three weeks as well from the 1st of Feb!!! Gosh, I'm not going to know myself. So one project that I especially want to do while he is away is the Negroni Shirt by Colette Patterns. As an added bonus there is a sew along happening for this shirt which by amazing coincidence also starts on the 1st of Feb. It's fate I tell you!!! So the fabric has been ordered from Fabric Tales and should be winging its way to me as I type and I've got the pattern so now all I have to do is wait patiently for 1 Feb.

I love a sunburnt country...

2011-01-11T16:50:00.000+08:00

I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror -
The wide brown land for me!

Dorothea Mackellar OBE

I feel privileged to live in the country that I do. Its a land of great richness and natural beauty. But it is also a land of stark contrast and the richness and beauty of the land comes at a price. As Dorothea Mackellar penned so many years ago, so it is today, a land of droughts and flooding rains. Here in Western Australia we are experiencing drought conditions and 9 homes have been lost to fire just south of where I used to live and grew up. On the other side of the country, our fellow Australian's in Queensland are being devastated by torrential rains and flash flooding - flooding which is sweeping away everything in its path, cars, houses, livestock, crops and people.

The Australian crafting/sewing/blogging community is as always quick to react when our fellow countrymen are in need and now is no exception. Make It Perfect are currently running an auction event starting on Monday 17th January with all monies being donated to the relief efforts in Queensland. Are you able to donate something to the auction? Maybe your talent is more with the purchasing of items? Even if you can only spare a dollar or two I urge you from the bottom of my heart to donate to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal (and if your donation is $5 or more pop over to Ric-Rac for the raffle she is setting up).

Australia, for all her beauty, richness and rewards, is a harsh and exacting mistress but we as Australians are stronger...

Embracing the new and the old...

2011-01-07T21:47:00.000+08:00

I think half my reluctance to do anything sewing over the past number of months has stemmed mainly from the room I was working in. We call it "The Front Room", its the formal lounge, a lovely room overlooking the lovely park across the road, but it had also become our dumping ground. Not only that, I had my machines on two small coffee tables and was tracing and cutting on the floor. In short, it was neither a comfortable nor creative haven.

Over December though I started having a massive clean up in there. We now have some storage space in the roof which has been a life saver. I had an intuitive and as it turns out accurate guess as to what my Christmas present might be - my wonderful hubby really splashed out and got me a stunning Horn sewing cabinet. I worked like a little Christmas elf sorting that room out so much so that it ended up being the "Christmas Room" with the tree, presents etc etc and we had lots of fun Christmas morning ripping into our presents there (and it also gave me heaps of room to put together my wonderful cabinet and Chloe's new doll house).

There are still a few bits and pieces which we need to get rid of or relocate but for all intents and purposes its now "my room", a little haven that I can retreat to.

Now that this rather large and daunting job is out of the way, I've been able to turn my attention to other things. Obviously the sewing is one thing but amidst all the junk in the room was something that I had purchased a few months ago at a garage sale. It was a lovely Singer sewing machine, working mind you, in its case and I got it for $60. I was quite chuffed with my purchase at the time and intended for the lovely thing to be a display piece in "my room" when it was all ready.

So today I decided to do a bit of research on my little prize. I needed to rethread it for starters because I think the kids might have pulled the thread out and because it didnt come with a manual I had to find that first. As it turns out learning about an old Singer is relatively easy. Singer actually provide serial number identification information online. Because I have the serial number on my machine it was very easy for me to find out that my machine was made in 1952 and it was given its serial number on 1 April along with 40,000 other 201K machines. Yes, as it turns out this machine is a 201K.

So you might say. Well further research shows that this is a pretty decent little machine. In fact, this is how one machine expert, Alex I Askaroff has described the 201K:

"Singer's 201k was undoubtedly the pinnacle of Singer's quality machines. The 201 had arrived on the scene after nearly a century of evolution. It had the very best features of all Singer's models and a price-tag to match.

The Singer 201K has gone down in history as Singer's finest model. Although technology has moved on, quality has not. The Singer 201K simply represents the very best that Singer's could make and was built to last a lifetime. Even today many professional sewers seek out this elusive model as no new machine can come close to this beauty for reliability and stitch quality."

Those are some pretty big standards to live up to, but time and again as I continued my research people consistently were saying the same thing - this was possibly Singer's best machine ever!!! So while I had been quite chuffed with my purchase when I first got it, now I was positively beaming with pride for my gorgeous new/old machine.

Placating the zipper gods

2011-01-06T09:22:00.000+08:00

OK I know I've probably gone on about this way too much now so I promise this will be the last.

I was thinking last night, the reason the zipper gods insist on making us believe that zips are hard to put in is because they feel neglected. Think about it... when was the last time you looked at a garment and said "wow, that's a gorgeous zip"? Never? We see clothing and love the fabric or the buttons or the ribbon/trim/appliqués but the poor old zip just spends its day going up and down, only getting noticed when they aren't working properly.

So today I've found some zips which will make you say "wow, that's a gorgeous zip!".

Both from here

From here

So there you go, zips can be fun and funky as well as being functional.

Let's get ready to rumble!!

2011-01-06T08:39:00.000+08:00

In the LEFT corner, I give you... FAN

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And also in the left corner, I give you... OVERLOCKER

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Both are vying for the coveted position of ... POWER SUPPLY!!!!

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MAY THE BEST ELECTRICAL DEVICE WIN!!!!!

Actually it was no competition really, the overlocker didn't even put up a fight. It was so hot and muggy in the sewing room last night I only contemplated pulling the fan out of the socket for all of about 5 seconds before deciding that the fan wasn't going anywhere. I did however need to finish the edges of my facings before sewing them in and rather than going for a regular overedge stitch I decided to go for something a little more fancy...

You know, its almost a shame to put them inside the dress where no one will see them, they really are quite cute. And I think half the attraction was sitting in front of the fan cutting out those tiny little triangles, at least I looked industrious sitting there keeping cool.

In all fairness to the Birch Invisible Zipper Foot...

2011-01-05T16:05:00.000+08:00

OK, so I had a go at the invisible zipper foot in my last post. The instructions that come with it are appalling. However a quick google this morning and the first blog I checked was here. I should have done that right from the start. So I just wanted to say thank you to Kim of All Things Mum for restoring my sanity and if you too are having trouble working out just what those small diagrams are trying to tell you check out Kim's pictures.

And apologises to the zipper foot, as usual it was operator rather than machinery which was to blame LOL.

Whatever you do... don't anger the zipper gods!!!!

2011-01-05T08:59:00.001+08:00

Do you have an item of clothing that you love more that any other item of clothing you possess?

(Yeah I know, this doesn't seem to have a lot to do with the title of this post, but bear with me, we're getting there, I'm just taking the scenic route!!)

Maybe you have a pair of trackie pants that have lived through and comforted you through every major aspect of your life. Or maybe its a jumper that you swear you are going to be buried in. For me, at around the age of 16, it was a dress that I had made myself. It was nothing particularly special, cheap green cotton and princess seams reaching down to the ankles. It wasn't made particularly well being one of my first sewing experiences but I absolutely adored that dress. But it wasnt just the dress that I adored, it was the way I felt when I was wearing it. Princess seams look particularly good on me (if I do say so myself). Being of the hourglass persuasion the nipped in waist makes the waist look even smaller and it also does a pretty good job of disguising the bigger hips, thighs and bum as well. In short, it made me feel like a princess whenever I wore it.

I was thinking about that dress, wondering just what happened to it and decided that I really needed another one. And after asking Mr Ebay in just the right words I found not one, but two patterns which are almost exactly like my beloved dress, one with a very full skirt and the other not so full in the skirt. And to top it off I also found a princess seam pinafore for winter!!

(Yes I know what you are thinking... what on earth has this got to do with the zipper gods.)

Just before Christmas, the lovely Eternal Creation was selling some of their overstocked fabrics and one in particular I grabbed with the purpose of making the fuller skirt dress. But before I could contemplate cutting into my beloved Eternal Creation fabric, I thought I would do a test run with something else just in case. The only fabric that I had with enough yardage was a very bright peachy coloured quilters cotton that I picked up a Spotlight for about $4 a metre. Figuring that it must have been fate for fabric and pattern to be together, I went to work cutting the other not-quite-so-full dress.

The dress went together like a dream, I kept trying it on with pins in various places because I was just loving it so much. And then, I angered the zipper gods!!

(And finally we get to the point LOL!!)

I happened to make mention on my facebook status that I needed a zipper, in fact here is the conversation:

And this is what angered the zipper gods. I mocked them, said that zippers were easy and as a result they punished me!!!

I decided I was going to use a Birch Invisible Zipper Foot which I picked up a while ago because it looked pretty nifty. Firstly it took ages for me to actually work out how it went on let alone actually sew with it, the instructions which come with it are impossible. And then when it did come time to sew with it I broke no less than 3 needles in 15cm of sewing which must be some sort of record for a 56cm zip. And so after much praying to the zipper gods, putting on the regular zipper foot and doing it the old fashioned way the zip was in place.

So what have I learnt from this:

1. The zipper gods insist on perpetuating the myth that zips are insanely difficult to place.

2. Zips are never, ever easy. Even if you find them easy, never admit to it. Admitting to it will anger the zipper gods (see point 1).

3.This is why everyone says zips are difficult... because they've already had their run-in with the zipper gods and have learnt their lesson. I have now learnt mine. Zipper are notoriously difficult to install! Keep that myth going... it'll keep the zipper gods happy and all your zipper experiences should be happy ones.

Now that my zip is in I've just got facings and hems to complete. Have I gushed yet about how much I love this dress...no... I'll save it for another post because there is lots of gushing to come, I absolutely ADORE this dress already!!

Do you get the feeling that you've forgotten something...

2010-12-30T23:51:00.000+08:00

I can not believe that I almost forgot about this giveaway at Retromummy's blog. All that Flower Sugar goodness!!! But you best get a move along, its being drawn New Year's Eve and thats like... tomorrow!!!!

Some people just don't know when to stop...

2010-11-29T17:01:00.000+08:00

Yep, that would be me actually!! You see its that time of the year again when rehearsals start, mangers get dusted off and the good old donkey has to start carting about a heavily pregnant woman (and I pity the poor donkey, and pregnant woman, doing that in Perth at the moment!!!). Yes its nativity time and as the kids go (or are going to) a private school the lower primary years put on a nativity each year. Pre-primary children are always the angels, probably because they've only been at school a year and are therefore still sweet and innocent. The year 1's traditionally get the "main" roles... last year Samuel was Joseph!!! And in year 2 they are given narration parts and are required to dress up as either shepherds or kings, depending on which class gets which part. I was stoked this year, if it was shepherds I would be recycling last years Joseph costume and if it was kings, well I'm a bellydancer... I've got access to all the riches of the mystical east!!! And the winner was.....

KINGS!!!!

So what has that got to do with anything. Well, upon finding out that kings it is, I immediately started rummaging through the bellydancing costumes to find appropriate kingly attire. One circle skirt, a coin belt, scarf and chain and I was set. The theory was the circle skirt would be popped over the head, slits in the seams would serve as arm holes, a belt around the waist to hold it in, coin belt draped over the shoulder and tied at the waist and a red scarf to act as a cape. This is totally working, except maybe it could just use a little bit more... now where's that...

Can you see where this is going??? You see I knew that I had a length of sari border somewhere that I was saving "just in case". As it turns out this was the "just in case". The border was going to be perfect around the hem of the skirt, except there wasn't quite enough. No problems there, the skirt gets laid out flat on the floor and ends up going on an impromptu diet which involves taking off about a quarter of material from each side. As it turns out this is actually a good thing because there is less material all round on Samuel's small frame and heaps of sari border. So skirt now has a rather flash gold sari border and is looking rather royal indeed, except maybe it just needs a little bit more...

I know, the sleeves, instead of just having two slits in the seam for the sleeves I could se the left over sari border and create some proper sleeves instead, now that would look very royal indeed. So little sleeves are added and everything is looking very good, except...

Mmmmmm, yes given that Samuel is shall we say somewhat of a slightly skinny disposition the whole neck/sleeve thing isn't really working quite the way I envisaged. Ooooo but I know, if I take the waist band off , hem the lot and add a few pleats/tucks it'll all fall into place perfectly. And so off we go. The neckline is now made up of a series of box pleats which pulls the sleeves back up onto Samuel's shoulders and they fall beautifully with the satin.

So what started out as a quick slash-the-seams type exercise turned out to be a couple of hours work, but despite that I loved every minute of it. The really scary thing is I keep looking at the costume now and keep thinking, maybe I should add something around the neck just to hide the top of the pleats, or maybe some embroidery would look good on the front panels. Then the more practical side of my brain points out that its probably best to stop before things really get out of hand, it is just for the school nativity...

But still, I know where I've got some rather smashing jewels which would just look awesome, excuse me while I just go fish them out. Afterall the play isn't until Wednesday morning........

Its been a parcel-y kind of day...

2010-11-22T17:25:00.000+08:00

I've had 4 parcels arrive today, delivered by 3 different parcel guys at 4 different times LOL. The last to arrive was something special for Paul which is going to be put together with something else special for Paul to make an absolutely blow-his-mind type something special... but more on that later.

Before that was a delivery from StrawberryNet which was lucky because I was kind of needing the moisturiser!!!

The first two that I received were infinitely more exciting though. The first one came from Japan... to be precise it came from Fabric Tales. I actually found this place when I was looking for printed bias bindings... and some rather cute cherry blossom bias binding might have accidentally arrived today in the package (I got the cream one...)

They also have the lovely echino chelsea double gauze of which I helped myself to a couple of yards. But gosh they have some absolutely gorgeous cottons - the sweetest animal prints, delicate floral, traditional Japanese patterns

Check out these bunnies in their kimonos and tell me they aren't totally irresistible

What I loved most was these stunning reversible double gauzes. I got this pink one...

but the one that I really, really, really wanted (bunnies and cherry blossoms) was gone in the time between finding the site then actually placing my order.

Shipping time was absolutely astonishing - from shipping to receiving was 4 days and that included a weekend!!! I cant get things from the Eastern States in 4 days so I was thrilled to receive this today. All in all, fabrictales.com has received a massive thumbs up from me and I cant wait to add to my collection.

The other package I received today was from Eternal Creation. Here is a bit about Eternal Creation from their website:

After graduating from the East Sydney institute of fashion design in 1994, designer Frances Carrington registered with Australian Volunteers Abroad, hoping to use her skills in a community in Africa. Instead she was sent to India. She was put in charge of the fledgling tailoring department of the Norbulingka Institute in Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in exile. Her job was to teach newly arrived Tibetan refugees the finer points of tailoring and design. She oversaw the growth of the department from 2 to 15 fulltime staff by the end of her stay.
Falling in love with Indian and Tibetan culture, not to mention the fantastic landscape of the Himalayas, she determined that at the end of her tenure she'd find a way to use her skills to continue to benefit the local community in some way. In 1999, armed with a $5000 loan from her father she started Eternal Creation, with the aim of producing quality womens' sleepwear and accessories.
The early days were difficult. Frances started with only 3 tailors, in association with the Gu-Chu-Sum movement of Tibet, an ex-political-prisoners' organisation based in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala. Gu-Chu-Sum's 200-plus members are all former prisoners of conscience, some of whom have endured terrible privation and torture at the hands of the Chinese authorities. The organisation is dedicated to improving the lives of recently arrived political refugees by providing jobs, training, health care and accommodation.
The small tailoring unit slowly grew, employing several ex-prisoners and battling with fierce monsoons, water shortages and frequent blackouts, often simultaneously! One of the biggest challenges was training people who had previously led a pastoral or nomadic existence, to understand the concept of delivery deadlines and international quality standards.
With the birth of her 2 children, Frances found herself naturally gravitating towards designing children's clothes, and sales of her initial childrens' collection quickly proved that there was a market for her classical look, love of colour and immaculate tailoring.
As the sales of Eternal products grew in Australia, the company was faced with a difficult decision - outsource or expand? Outsourcing would bring with it the ethical dilemma faced by many designers: how do you know your designs are being made under fair labour conditions and not subcontracted to other factories that may not meet these standards?
Frances felt that outsourcing production would ultimately end up betraying the original reasons she started the company. So she decided to increase the capacity of the workshop, which would provide more jobs for the local Tibetan and Indian community as well as ensuring that Eternal Creation's trademark high quality standards were maintained. In 2005, Eternal Creation opened the Himalaya Tailoring Centre in lower Dharamsala, and today is one of the largest private employers in the area. Eternal Creation products are sold in over 200 stores in Australia, Europe and Asia.

Now usually I buy stunning clothes for the kids from Eternal Creation, but recently they offered a few of their overstocked fabrics for sale and once again the offer proved irresistible. So here's what I grabbed from them...

So as hard as it might be to believe, I'm now well and truly all parcelled out!!

As the old saying goes...

2010-10-19T22:14:00.000+08:00

the less you do, the less you want to do. That has very much been the case here lately! I wish I was a bear that could curl up somewhere and sleep away the winter. Each winter seems to get harder and harder, is it getting colder or am I just feeling the cold more? I just don't do cold, I don't do dark mornings and did I mention that I don't do cold?

So yes the less you do the less you want to do. However I'm trying really hard to get a little motivation happening. Its so hard though, now that I'm in this rut I don't want to leave, its comfortable, its safe. But life wasn't meant to be lived in a rut.

One good thing to happen over the winter: we have had an area in our roof space fitted out as an attic so now some of the junk that was in the front room aka my sewing room is now stored up in the roof. So as part of Crafty Mamas Sew UP Wednesday I'm doing a bit of a Clean UP Wednesday, I'm going to give the sewing area a right old sort out, anything that is not being used like winter fleeces can be put into the roof space, the mountain of papers that seem to have accumulated in there can be gone through, my Ottos need to be put back where they belong... well you get the idea.

I'm so hoping that the old saying works in reverse and that the more you do the more you want to do will soon be my new motto.

Childhood memories of the op shop variety

2010-02-21T13:04:00.002+08:00

I did pop into one garage sale yesterday however nothing particularly grabbed me so rather than miss out on Flea Market Finds this week I decided to show some op shopping finds from approximately 25 years ago. My Auntie was pregnant with my cousin and she wanted some woollen baby dresses. Pretty, fancy heirloom type baby dresses mind you. So mum used to dig through the baby clothes and would find heaps of ugly, scratchy, out-of-shape items (you know the sort, you probably find the same sort of things yourself) but every now and then she'd find a little treasure...

And sometimes they would need a little work around the neckline where they had began to fray and mum replaced all the buttons and ribbons. Stains were soaked away and they were slowly restored to their former splendour.

So my Auntie used them for her girls and then they were loving stored away until the next generation. When I found out that I was having Chloe, these were among some keepsakes that were passed onto me.

The wonderful thing is, I can remember Mum finding these and restoring them, transforming them from items unwanted into treasured heirlooms. I look forward to a time in the future that I can pass these onto Chloe for her children and tell her the story behind them.

Here's one I prepared earlier...

2010-02-17T12:38:00.000+08:00

I've had this piece on the old embroidery frame for ages. I really got stuck into it but found the other frame so hard to work at that, thus its been neglected for quite some time now. I'm hoping now that its on its new frame I'll feel more inclined to sit down and do a little bit.

The pattern is by Teresa Wentzler and is called Wedding Sampler and this is hopefully what it will one day look like...

I love Teresa's work; incredibly elegant with so much detail. I am a particular fan of the knotwork borders which many of her designs have. I also love the fact that many of her designs have a medieval or fantasy element which being a bit of a history/fantasy buff appeals to me greatly.

This isnt the first TW design that I've tackled. The first one I did was The Storyteller...

(This is the picture from the TW website, not my own piece which I haven't photographed yet)

This was the very first counted cross stitch piece I did ever! Sure in the past I had done a lot of traced embroidery because that is what mum did. I had to teach myself how to do this though. Probably not the best place for a complete beginner to start but my love of the design, the richness of the colours and the all over intricacy won me.

Two other designs which I currently have and will (hopefully) one day get to are the Birth Announcement and the Fantasy Triptych...

Unfortunately TW Designworks is now closed but many of Teresa's wonderful designs are still available through patternsonline.com. I know there are many more that I would love to get.

Just what every blog needs...

2010-02-14T14:55:00.000+08:00

... A Giveaway.

I'm pretty much at the 50 post point now (never thought I would get here to be honest) and I've noticed around Blogland it seems that the 50 post point is a good mark to do a giveaway. I've been incredibly fortunate to be the receiver of a giveaway from Sarah Jo from ideyspidey so I'd like to continue on the bloggy goodness by doing a giveaway too.

But what to give??? If you won a giveaway what would you like it to be? A gift voucher to spend on fabric and notions or something hand pick by moi? Are you into cute little bits and pieces or are you one for stubborn practicality? Would you like to get something made by hand already or something to make up yourself?

Give me some ideas for a giveaway and I'll start getting something organised!!

Some exciting finds todays...

2010-02-14T14:05:00.000+08:00

It's been awhile since I've been op shopping or garage sale shopping. Mum and I used to scour the local op shops together and since she has moved to Darwin it hasn't been quite the same. In fact I had just said that very thing on Crafty Mamas yesterday. So imagine my surprise today when I found that we not only had a garage sale happening in our street but also one just around the corner. It had to be fate right!

First stop was the sale around the corner. Not only did they have the most magnificent wicker bassinette that I have ever seen in my whole life (which I totally would have bought expect for the fact that its probably not suitable for a 3yo) but hiding at the back they had this charming embroidery stand. I do have an embroidery stand already but its a cheap, ugly, pine monstrosity which is uncomfortable to sit and work at. This gorgeous little thing is a hand made beauty but most of all its compact and compliments our home perfectly. I was thrilled with it and the lovely lady that sold it to me is thrilled that its going to a good home.

At the garage sale in our street I was most disappointed to arrive and find a transaction already under way for a lovely bookcase. Oh well, these things happen. I was going through the clothes that they had and found this lovely pink top which I think with a little work should make a perfectly sparkly fairy princess dress for my resident fairy princess.

I'm so happy with my finds today, what a great reintroduction to the world of preloved treasures. If you'd like to see some other really beautiful preloved treasures step over to Her Library Adventures and check out some of the other Flea Market Finds.

Delightful blog giveaway.

2010-02-11T12:48:00.000+08:00

Let me tell you about a gorgeous blog giveaway high on the "awwwwwww" factor.

The Handmaden is giving away a truly divine doll called Lil' Mim. She is simply lovely!!! Just look at that sweet face, so simple yet so fetching. Why not pop over and enter the giveaway as well.

And ACTION...!!!

2010-01-16T10:22:00.000+08:00

I couldnt resist a few action shots of Chloe in her new dress, my model however had other plans for those brief five minutes this morning and thus didnt really have her heart in the whole project.

And thats it, shoot is now officially over, model is returning to her abode.

Pattern Alteration in ONE easy step...

2010-01-15T07:20:00.000+08:00

Step One: Alter entire mind set!

All my life I've thought of sewing as something quite difficult, incredibly frustrating and probably not worth the effort. The basis for this sewing outlook started for me at the tender age of 5 with "The White Dress". Mum decided to make a white pinafore dress for a special occasion when I was about 5. From what I can remember it had a fairly simply bodice, waist band, skirt and a side zipper. While I dont clearly remember the dress in great detail, I can quite clearly remember the frustration and angst it caused Mum, not to mention getting called over every 5 minutes to try the damn thing on (well it felt like every 5 minutes anyway). I dont remember her making any of our clothes after that, the machine only came out for mending.

That was my first experience with home sewing (and it wasnt even me doing the sewing) and its shaped my sewing life. Fortunately as I complete projects I'm finding it easier to shake the ghosts of sewing past and as I do so I've come to find that yes while sewing can be frustrating and sometimes difficult it can also be particularly rewarding and often times far more simple that expected, not to mention you get to hoard incredibly gorgeous fabric. That last one, I'm really good at!!!!

So here goes... step one: alter entire mind set...

When I received my yard of Minny Muu's Tiny Strawberries from Sew, Mama, Sew, Paul was home and the first thing he asked was "so what are you going to do with it?" Now I had every intention of hoarding it away as I do but it doesn't go down too well when you say you are adding it to the stockpile. So I kind of evasively said I didnt really know yet. As it turns out that doesnt go down too well either because he immediately said "why did you buy it then?" (Well derrr dear... although that probably wouldnt have gone down well at all LOL). "Because it was cute" was my reply and cue male eye roll. Anyway, I was determine to make something immediately just so I could say "see, see, I've done something with it".

As I said, I had no idea what I was going to do with it but I knew it was going to have to be something simple to compliment the fabric. A flick through my Japanese pattern book gave me the idea to do simple pleats in the front but I wanted two pleats not just the one pleat dress which is in the book. A flick through my Ottos provided further inspiration in the form of this:

It was exactly what I wanted... well except for the glaringly obvious fact that its a winter dress which lets face it would be absolute overkill in an Australian summer and not really the best way to use such a soft light fabric.

In the past I would have thrown up my hands in despair and gone for the Japanese dress even though it wasnt exactly what I wanted. This time I really thought about what I was doing, similar projects I had done in the past, how the dress was constructed and if it would be possible to alter it the way I wanted. My recent experience with the Button Top and Cherub dress made me realise that I could very easily remove the sleeves and simply line the bodice (which would be a plus considering that the fabric is very light). However the dress in the picture has a zipper and not being confident to do the lining and zipper I decided that the zipper simply had to go. With no zipper in the back I didn't need two separate back pieces for the skirt and so I cut it out as one just like the front. How I was going to keep the whole lot together at the back with no zipper was a complete mystery and it wasnt until I was top stitching that I had my light bulb moment and finally decided to do one simple ribbon at the top to compliment what would eventually be on the front.

Once I had it clear in my head exactly how I was going to construct this it all went together so very easily. In fact, the hardest thing about the whole dress was the agonising decision on whether or not I should add the ric rac trim to the neckline and hem. Fortunately a quick poll at Crafty Mamas and the overwhelming majority voted that ric rac was the way to go.

(Actually I'll amend that, the hardest thing about this whole project was trying to find the red thread to stitch the ric rac on with. I found the bobbin no trouble but it took ages to find the cotton and I knew I had used it to sew on the ribbon at the front and I was determine not to buy another because I knew I had some. Anyway I finally found it... lets just say, dont leave cotton reels out where new kittens might get hold of them otherwise they could end up in a completely different place from where you left them such as oh I dont know in amongst all your shoes in your wardrobe maybe.)

So there we go, more sewing ghosts banished. Its nice to know that I am competent enough to make alterations if necessary and not just tiny alterations either. That just because a pattern says "this is what I am" it doesnt mean that is exactly what it has to be. I'm absolutely thrilled with the way the dress has turned out. Its perfect, exactly what I wanted!!!

PATTERN INSPIRATION: Ottobre 4/2005 Pattern 1 Baby's Dress with modifications (Size 98cm)
FABRIC: Minny Muu Tiny Strawberries Natural from Sew, Mama, Sew
TRIM: Red French Baby Ric Rac from Ribbons Galore

When is a quilt cover not a quilt cover...?

2010-01-14T14:04:00.003+08:00

When its a cute little Button Top and Ruffle Pants of course.

When I first saw this quilt cover on Ezibuy, I knew I absolutely had to have it and I knew immediately that it would not be used as intended ie as a quilt cover. The great thing about the Ezibuy quilt covers is you get a lovely top print, you get a lovely coordinating back print (and you get a lot of both), the quality is really good and you can often get them at around 40% off if you wait for them to go on sale... and thats what I did.

So I had my super cute material, I needed a fun pattern to go with it and I decided to do the Button Top and Ruffled Pants from Ottobre 3/2008 again. The pattern really suits this material dont you think. All the ruffles have such a fun look to them and the two materials compliment each other perfectly, as you would expect.

So next time you are looking for some coordinating fabric for that next project, try a quilt cover. In fact just as soon as this one goes on sale I think I might have to get it... for me this time.

(Pics are coming... just waiting for the camera battery to recharge *sigh*, why do these things always run out when you are in the middle of something).

And here we go... you'll have to forgive us for its rather crumpled state, Madam had quite literally just woken up from her nap, yes pigtails and all.

Just on a side note, I couldnt even use the pattern pieces I had already cut out from my first set. My dear daughter decided to grow 5cm between October and December meaning she needed the 98cm rather than the 92cm. What a ratbag!!!!

Customer Service Announcement

2010-01-12T10:05:00.000+08:00

I've set my commenting to Anonymous because I like to feel that it allows more people to particpate. But please be aware that if you post any sort of "advertising" in your comment I will immediately delete your comment. That specifically means you Ms videosof womengivingbirth.com (or whatever the hell it was) but includes anyone who thinks they can use my blog as their dumping ground. If you have a blog that you want to link to then sign in and leave your message, I love to visit other blogs and chances are really high that I'll become one of your followers.

Woohoo, my Jap.anese pattern books have arrived...

2009-12-19T12:05:00.002+08:00

...and I'm in love!!!

I will admit right at the outset to being a teensy bit concerned that they took so long to get here. Afterall, they were sent out on 30 Nov. But taking into account that little festival called Christmas and the fact that an awful lot of stuff is getting sent out of Hong Kong these days I'm guessing that they got here as quickly as they could. And bless the cotton socks of my incredibly overworked parcel delivery guy who delivered them this morning (yes thats right, a Saturday morning, isnt he the best!!!).

They are so perfect, gorgeous in their simplicity, just like the patterns inside. Can you believe they even have sweet little dust jackets. I cant wait to try out one of the patterns, despite being in Ja.panese, they do look fairly easy to piece together.

Simple yet elegant... *sigh*

Thanks for the reminder Tracy I meant to get photos, but with the holidays and all... well you know how it is. So here they are: Simple Chic and Girly Style Wardrobe

Baby Nay grows up (I'm a wee bit excited about this one)...

2009-12-07T13:17:00.000+08:00

OK its fair to say that I have a bit of a Baby Nay obsession. I love the designs, kind of traditional but with a modern twist and many have a definite Asian influence. Anyways, The Fabric Fairy has quite a nice array of Baby Nay and I've recently bought quite a bit of the Petit Fleur Stretch Poplin. The only thing is when I bought it I only saw the design. True to form I didnt actually read what it was, just did the usual "that looks nice" and into the shopping cart it goes. In fact, when I finally received it I gave it a bit of a glance "yes that really is quite nice" and into the stash it goes. It wasnt until a few weeks later that I actually got it out and really touched it (and this is after I put in an order for a bit more). At that point I'm thinking "hey cool, this stretches". Yes I know, sad isnt it.

So here I am with my beautiful stretchy Baby Nay and thinking what am I going to do with this. Because its a stretch it is quite a bit thicker than the usual poplin I work with and felt it was possibly a little thick for something for Chloe. And given that there are only two girls in this house guess who gets a new Baby Nay outfit - yes me!!!! And thats pretty damn exciting let me tell you.

But what to make? I dont actually have a lot of patterns for me. I've started getting the Ottobre womens magazines but having only just one winter one didnt help. Flicking through the kids patterns however I came across a lovely summer top I've been wanting to try for ages.

I've recently got myself a massive Olfa cutting mat and an Olfa rotary cutter with guide arm. Boy did this make tracing and cutting a breeze. The material sewed up like a dream, it was so nice to work with. And I even had some really nice buttons which compliment it perfectly sitting there waiting to be used (I had actually bought the buttons for Chloe's cherub outfit but decided to go with the clear ones instead).

All in all I was thrilled with the pattern, I was thrilled with the fabric and I'm certainly thrilled with the results. I might even have to make myself some more bits and pieces

Fabric: Petit Fleur by Baby Nay from The Fabric Fairy
Pattern: Pattern 39 from Issue 2/2005 Ottobre Design

Handmaden Giveaway... its a beauty!!!

2009-11-28T17:53:00.000+08:00

I seriously urge you to pop over to THE HANDMADEN. To celebrate her 300th post and just in time for Christmas, The Handmaden is giving away a $50 voucher in conjuction with Corrie from Retro Mummy. How exciting!!! I will totally envy the winner of this one... Corrie specializes in cute Japanese imports, because lets face the Japanese have cute all sewn up.

It's always nice to have visitors...

2009-11-25T11:42:00.000+08:00

...but it's also nice to get back into the old routine as well. There is something comforting about routine.

Back in Sept/Oct we had my SIL and her husband with us for 3 weeks. No sooner did they leave than we started getting ready for FIL and MILs arrival. They have just left (less than a week ago now) and we are starting to get back into the old routines of school runs and shopping. And no sooner will we be back into that routine and it will all be over for the year. Samuel finishes school on 4 Dec - YIPPEE!!!! I'm really looking forward to the school holidays.

This morning I only had Chloe with me, Samuel was at school and Alex at Kindy so I took the opportunity to have a browse around Spotlight. I ended up getting some awesome bargains. Remember the lovely red quilting fabric I used in Chloe's Cherub Outfit - $4 per metre (how typical hey!!!) so I grabbed a metre, I've still got lots of Cherub fabric so I thought I may as well. I even managed to pick up so really nice fabrics for the boys just for a change.

One range that I specifically went in to look at was the new Provincial range. I ended up getting the butterflies and the green scroll featured in the apron. Spotlight are certainly getting a better range of fabrics lately, you just have to look for them.

I've also had a bit of a spend up at Crafty Mamas recently. After seeing this to die for fabric over at Tas' blog, there was no way I was going to say no when I saw it for sale again at Crafty Mamas. And just while we are on the subject of Tas' blog, she was also the driving force behind my first foray into yesasia.com In fact, I ended up getting the Simply Chic one that Tas got plus one called Girly Style Wardrobe. I've also got another 20 books on my wish list for future purchase. And if hubby says anything I'm just going to say "Tas made me do it!!!!"

The Cherub Collection Pics

2009-10-26T15:44:00.000+08:00

Its been all go here!!

2009-10-26T12:11:00.000+08:00

Sorry I've been out of touch in blog land for such a long time - what with various technical difficulties, holidays and visiting rellies its been almost impossible to get near a computer.

At the end of September my wonderful sister-in-law and her husband arrived from the UK. Its always so lovely to have them stay with us and despite the fact that they were in Australia for 3 weeks it seemed to be over much, much to fast.

While they were here we decided to incorporate a family holiday into their holiday which saw all 7 of us head up to Darwin where we stayed with Mum for 10 days. Given that our rellies hadn't been to Darwin before, we did the whole tourist shebang!!! This included (but was not limited to) the Jumping Crocodile cruise, Crocosaurus Cove, Beatrice Hill, Fogg Dam, city centre, museum, wharf etc etc. Paul even took them to Katherine for the day (the kids and I stayed at home in the pool on this day, the 3 hour drive wasnt appealing). We managed to cram something in to every day we were there. Needless to say, by the time we got back we needed a holiday to get over the holiday LOL.

Of course with the end of the school holidays that wasnt to be. It was very quickly back into the old routine.

Just before we left for Darwin I was madly sewing up a few bits and pieces for Chloe. You've already seen the first part of the outfit here, its the little Button Top from Ottobre. But before we left I wanted to make a few other pieces to make a complete set... so I also made the Tie-Back tunic/dress and the Ruffle Back pants from that same issue. I did get started on the Daisy pants as well but in the end just ran out of time before we left (as it turns out it was probably too warm up in Darwin for her to wear those anyway).

So what I've ended up with is a gorgeous mix and match set. The little pants are perfect as a nappy cover under the dress or teamed with the top are just right for those super hot Perth days. The longer pants are going to be great for evenings out when something just a tiny bit longer is needed.

The tunic/dress is a bit longer than the one in the magazine. I added the appropriate hem lengths when cutting but when the time came to do the actual hem I decided to go with a rolled hem instead. The poplin is quite thin and if I had have done a proper hem it would have ended up with a noticable white band around the bottom which was not something I wanted. (All right, all right I admit it... the rolled hem was sheer laziness and it was only after I did it that I thought about the whole white band around the bottom thing.) The rolled hem suits the dress perfectly and the length is just right as well.

And did I mention how easily these all came together. I was thrilled!!! While the ties on the back of the dress look somewhat complicated, they are actually quite easy and the ruffle pants absolutely flew together. I even did my first waist band the "Otto way" and I was really happy with the results.

I'm still yet to finish the pants. Post holiday clean ups and a big 7 year old birthday party have meant sewing time (like computer time) has been non-existant. But from what I've accomplished so far it looks like these pants are going to be just as cute and just as easy as the rest of the outfit pieces.

Pics are on the way...

Found a new blog today... with a competition

2009-09-10T16:19:00.000+08:00

I was browsing Cherri-Berri's blog, checking out her daughters' gorgeous new PJs when I found a link to another blog there. This took me to Idey Spidey. Not only does she (that is Sarah Jo of Idey Spidey) have the most stunning fabric to give away, but the clothes she has sewn for her kids are absolutely gorgeous.

Baby Nay... where the love began

2009-09-09T18:51:00.000+08:00

Like many of the fabrics in my stash, the Baby Nay has a bit of a story behind it. It began about 18 months ago when I bought this fitted nappy for Chloe from Hyena Cart

As soon as I saw it I knew that I absolutely had to have it no matter what. But at the same time I also thought that an outfit in the same material would make for an divine nappy set. And so with just the words "Baby Nay" to work with I set about trying to find the elusive fabric. And after many a fail attempt I finally did get my hands on some at Show Me The Fabric (and check this out, they still have 1 yard left here).

So yippe, I had 3 yards of the stuff. The very first thing I did was send off some to Zig Zag Wraps to get a lovely nappy cover made but after that the rest of it sat in the stash. This wasnt because I didnt want to use it, it was simply because I couldnt find the right pattern for it. And so Chloe grew out of the nappy cover and then the nappy and still no outfit.

But as soon as I saw the pattern in the Ottobre magazine I knew that was the outfit which Baby Nay was to become.

The contrast material is a quilting fabric from Spotlight. Ottobre use a gingham in theirs and I did start out looking at the ginghams but they had none of the really rich reds or pretty pinks like this. I did find a ticking which had the right red but being ticking it was quite bland, just the stripe, I definitely wanted something more striking but thought I could always come back to the ticking if nothing else presented itself. I only took a look at the quilting fabric as a very last resort, just in case and I'm so glad I did because this pretty material looks like it was made to go with the Baby Nay. The colours are a perfect match.

So the only thing left to do now is add some buttons to the back. I did buy some pink ones from Spotlight but they just arent right. They did have some really striking red foil type ones but they were so tiny. Might have to check out some different stores and see what I can find.

Ottobre Button Top in Baby Nay

2009-09-09T16:20:00.000+08:00

I'll have to provide the full run down shortly...

A few things that I've learnt lately...

2009-09-09T11:17:00.000+08:00

I'm currently working on this outfit for madam from Ottobre magazine 3/2008 and in doing so I've learnt a few valuable lesson. Actually I'll amend that, I've had a few lessons re-enforced that I should already know.

1. When it comes to doing rolled hems especially around curves, slow and steady really does win the race!!!

2. Pinning before sewing is not necessarily the slower way to do things, particularly when you have to unpick twice before thinking "gee maybe I'll pin this and then sew".

3. When it comes to doing gathers, two rows of stitching is definitely better than one.

4. If your topstitching looks fantastic on the front... something must be wrong at the back (in this case the lining was caught up and wonky).

5. That a little extra time and effort really does produce great results.

I'm really happy with how this is coming together so far despite some of the moments I've had with it. I cant wait to show it off.

Little Munchkins Giveaway

2009-09-04T14:11:00.000+08:00

The absolutely lovely Novy of Little Munchkins has an absolutely lovely giveaway happening at the moment.

"Up for grabs is a brand new unopened Claire pattern from Sandi Henderson of Portabellopixie fame. The pattern starts from size 6-12 months through 8 years. More details about the pattern here."

I cant urge you enough to check out the Little Munchkins, Novy's sewing and fabric choices is simply to die for. Head over for the giveaway, stay for all the sewy goodness.

http://littlemunchkins.blogspot.com/2009/09/giveaway-time.html

A minute to stop and think...

2009-08-27T12:55:00.001+08:00

Dad has recently taken up a new position in Angola. As a family, we've been very lucky with Dad's job. Being in the oil industry has given Dad (and as a extension us) the opportunity to see some absolutely fascinating parts of the world.

Dad's new job is in Angola. He's just arrived home today after being there for his first 6 week stint (which will become 4 weeks from now on). The very first thing he said to me was "life is cheap over there". He didn't mean the cost of living but quite literally life, human life is regarded with very little value. The cost of living is in fact particularly expensive according to him which would explain the sea of slums that exist there.

Now I'm no stranger to what slums are like. Living in Sarawak we saw them on a daily basis. In fact a large open expanse (which was to become a new housing estate) was all that separated our house from a near by slum area. I woke up each morning and could see it from my bedroom window. I've walked through slums, I've played along side the children who live there, I've even preached in slums. But to imagine 1 million people living in such a situation escapes even me. 1 million people??? Its incomprehensible. But that is the sort of situation that exists in Angola (and in so very many other parts of the world unfortunately). Dad has to go out with a guard and a driver for safety. Occasionally he has to drive through a "No Go Zone". Its a slum with over a million people which is avoided by westerners because of the threat of violence. As Dad said, "these people see westerners as rich and they are right, after all we have clothes, most of them dont. Young children, even young women have nothing to wear. The older women dont have anywhere to wash their things other than a dirty river and as you drive past you see hundreds of women on the bank washing the clothes. You wonder how they manage to get things clean, but they do".

Dad has three students who share his religion and Dad is going to be taking back literature for them. As we've just booked flights to Darwin, I've decided I'm going to be taking up lots of clothes that the kids no longer wear, so that Dad can take them to Angola and distribute them (with the help of his three students) to the families in the congregation there that need them. I'd also like to try and make up a few little bits and pieces, maybe some pencil or crayon rolls, maybe one a month or so for him to take over there as well.

Dad's seen a lot in his travels but his voice today more than anything conveyed just how appalled he is that our fellow human beings have to live in such poverty.

A day without coffee...

2009-08-26T12:01:00.000+08:00

is still probably livable but I'm not going to take any chances.

In all the excitement, stress, angst etc of this morning (including but no limited to fabric glue not sticking feet on costume properly, not being able to find the face paint when it was specifically left on the bench last night (thanks darling - NOT!!!!) and little Miss being a right little so-and-so), I forgot to have my morning coffee. After the assembly this morning, it was a quick dash over to kindy to drop off Alex and then home. I was going to make a coffee then but got side tracked and now here we are at noon and still no coffee.

So I'm now going to go and change the situation. Afterall, it probably wouldnt be a good idea to take chances today after the way my day has been going.

Making his Fabric Addict debut, I give you....

2009-08-26T10:25:00.000+08:00

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Hang on, not that one, this one...

(He's been on his tummy crawling around all morning LOL).

He thinks its wonderful!!!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Preview 1

2009-08-25T12:56:00.000+08:00

Just for the added suspense, I'm saving the full dress rehearsal for tomorrow, but here's a sneak peak at what I've got so far.

(if you look at the cover of the book, the VHC (thanks K!!!) has blue and red spikes so I've used some wool to give my caterpillar a fuzzy look.

Two words...

2009-08-24T13:45:00.000+08:00

which appear to be rather innocent on their own, but put together they strike fear into the hearts of many a mum, me being one of them - BOOK WEEK!!!

Now there are probably thousands of mums out there that think, no probs we'll just go to the dress up closest and pull out something appropriate but for some reason dress ups arent a big thing around here. Samuel and Alex arent fussed and heaven forbid I put some sort of fairy costume on madam, it would end up black in 5 minutes flat I swear.

Last year wasnt a problem. Good old Aunty Helen gave Samuel a Harry Potter costume and after a quick lightning blot addition with a makeup pencil we had a pretty good Harry Potter. However according to the rule (which were made up on the spot by a certain 6 year old), you cant go as the same thing twice *sigh*

OK so this has been at the back of my mind for about 3 weeks now and it would seem that just like back in my days of English Lit essays, procrastination is my friend. For some unknown reason it hit my last night - The Very Hungry Caterpillar!!! Its a classic tale and a green tracksuit with a red hood should fit the bill, no problems.

If is a very sad fact of life that green tracksuits dont come with red hoods. Its also a sad fact of life that behaviour of two children will decrease in direct proportion to the increased urgency of the errand you are undertaking. Such is life. Fortunately the green tracksuit situation was easily fixed, although tracking one down proved a little harder.

I managed to find a tracksuit top at Big W. Given that its the tale end of winter, it was being thrown out for $5. So as you can imagine I wasnt going to argue when it rang up at the cash register for $3 BONUS!!!

Kmart yielded nothing in the bottoms department but Target had some albeit in sizes 14 and 16. Still that was all we had to work with and at another bargain price (this time $6.88 down from $15.99) I figured we'd just chop them up.

So green tracksuit safely bought (plus 2 pairs of shoes and a bonus free handbag - yes it was my lucky day, then again something had to make up for the two little devils I had with me), a trip to Spotlight got me some cheap red fleece for the hood, blue and black felt for the antennae and feet and some milliners elastic to create that chubby caterpillar look.

Ottobre 1/2004 pattern 14 had the perfect hood pattern which was quickly traced off, cut out and attached. The antennae have been cut out, stuffed and are waiting to be attached and I'm currently running the elastic through at intervals in order to create the caterpillar bands. Then its onto the feet and then the pants. Slap on a bit of red face paint Wednesday morning and I reckon we'll have a fairly passable Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Its coming together so quickly and easily that I'm very much afraid something is going to go wrong, probably something along the lines of "I dont want to be a caterpillar" on Wednesday morning (I did make sure he was ok with the caterpillar idea but 6 year old minds are subject to change without warning).

Look forward to providing the first dress rehearsal once Mr 6 is home from school.

S.A.D. makes me sad

2009-08-20T12:00:00.000+08:00

I know, I know, SAD is something that you would normally associate with a country shrouded in darkness for half the year, not a country like Australia. Although its not prevalent here, its still estimated that 1 in 300 Australians experience "winter blues" to some extent.

Beyond Blue has this to say about Seasonal Affective Disorder:

Seasonal Affective Disorder - More than the Winter Blues

It's not unusual for people to dread the passing of summer and the onset of winter. Balmy nights spent outdoors are replaced by colder, darker evenings which force people to spend more time indoors.

For some people however, disliking winter can be much more than simply missing warm weather and summer activities. Winter can become a severely debilitating and isolating time as they try to manage symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - but is it depression?

Associate Professor Michael Baigent, Clinical Advisor to beyondblue says SAD is a depressive illness that has a seasonal pattern. It's characterised by mood disturbances that begin in winter and subside when the season ends. It's usually diagnosed after the person has had the same symptoms during winter for a couple of years.

"The behaviour associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder is quite different from the mood changes a lot of people feel because of the change of season and the disruptions to their summer lifestyle. With SAD, the depression symptoms are more about 'slowing down'. People sleep more, eat more and usually crave carbohydrates which leads to weight gain. They'll have a lot less energy and won't want to spend time with others. SAD has a cluster of symptoms that makes the person look like they are going into 'hibernation'," Dr Baigent said.

The cause of the disorder is believed to be a lack of exposure to light. There is a much higher prevalence of SAD in countries with shorter days and longer periods of darkness such as Finland, Alaska and northern parts of Russia.

The pineal gland, located in the middle of the brain responds to darkness by secreting melatonin which regulates daily biorhythms including the sleep/wake cycle. It's believed that when this is out of balance, SAD can occur.

"It's important for people to get up in the morning and get some exposure to sunlight, ideally before 8am. Dawn and morning light is believed to be integral in regulating our biorhythms. Combining this with exercise is really important. If people feel this is not helping they should go to their doctor for more advice," Dr Baigent said.

On the whole I dont have too much of a problem with SAD. I try to spend time outside everyday but when its cold and uncomfortable outside its not really something you want to do. I also find that by about July my body has simply had enough and hibernation mode really takes over. I find it incredibly difficult to do just about anything. I find that even after a good nights sleep I'm still tired. And lets not talk about weight gain shall we...

So this is why I've had a month off so to speak. As spring gradually starts to take over I'm finding that my enthusiasm is once again on the up, starting in the garden (how could it not with all the beautiful spring blossoms starting to come out) but now progressing to inside activities too. And nothing beats waking up to daylight, absolutely nothing!!!

Modern day warfare...

2009-07-10T06:00:00.000+08:00

I've got heaps to do and with school holidays on at the moment its just that little bit harder to get things done. But I've found recently that my greatest obstacle is hubby... or more accurately, hubby's latest project. I've recently inspired hubby to start researching his family tree, a project which he's jumped into with a great deal of gusto. In a previous life (ie the one I had before children) my line of work was in archaeology and here lies my inner turmoil of late.

I'll be at the kitchen bench cutting, or at the sewing machine/overlocker etc and I'll hear... "Honey, come and look at this". And I just know whats going to happen. The inner archaeologist will sudden emerge and the pull of the past will once again light up inside me. And despite the fact that I know full well that an entire evening of sewing will be lost, I'm helpless to resist.

I'm currently sewing up a gift for Mrs M@sk from Behind the M@sk. The only problem is, she's finshed cooking up her little projects... and I havent finished sewing up mine. Fortunately, knowing that new babies tend to end up with more clothes than they can possibly wear in a year (let alone the 2 to 3 months that they actually fit into them if you're lucky), I've gone for two outfits for next autumn/winter in the 6-12 month size range.

So now all I've got to do is entertain 3 children on school holidays in the midst of a massive though early spring clean/house overhaul, while trying to find the time/energy to sew all the while smothering the inner archaeologist who sits in the background awaiting those golden words "hey honey, check out this headstone!!!" with gleeful anticipation.

Not too hard at all...right??!!!

2009-06-26T16:24:00.000+08:00

And a few more cause I can

And just while we are at it, I can't help but have a little gloat. I was at the school fence this afternoon waiting for class to finish and two mums walked past and asked where I bought her gorgeous outfit. I was pretty stoked to be able to say well actually I made it!!!

Its O+S but unlike any we've seen before Cap't

2009-06-26T16:03:00.000+08:00

I would like to introduce you to the Mock Wrap Swing Top and Pants set formerly known as the O+S Bedtime Story PJs (with cameo appearance by Uptown Girl Jacket).

After I made my first set of O+S pjs (which I still havent blogged, but I promise it is coming) the pants reminded me of a really comfy yoga type lounge pant, in fact the whole thing did. So I worked on the idea that by sewing up both seams you could make a nice tracksuit. Now this works well in theory... it doesnt work quite so well in practise.

First thing I should have thought of. My first pair of O+S were made up in knit which is of course nice and stretchy, this velveteen isnt strechy. Also the ties help to give the pjs a bit more room. Suffice to say, once I'd done the side seams nothing short of removing body parts was going to get Miss C into that top. Back to the drawing board.

Once at the drawing board I decided to put a panel in the back. This actually gives the top a really nice swing look and gives the extra room needed to get a head, arms and torso all in all at the same time which is quite an important feature of any shirt I'm sure you would agree.

So there we have it Swing Top tracksuit from O+S... I bet they didn't even know it existed.

Doesnt she look sweet... its all a charade I tell you!!!

Thats it people, shoots over, I'm going back to my trailer!!!!!

Head over to Little Munchkins...

2009-06-22T11:41:00.000+08:00

...firstly because her sewing is simply incredible. Her attention to detail is superb and her fabric and colour choices are a delight to the eye.

Secondly because she is currently giving away 2 O+S patterns, one for boys and one for girls.

So pop by the Little Munchkins blog, post a comment, then hang around and soak up some crafty goodness there.

Uptown Girl Debrief

2009-06-19T10:25:00.000+08:00

YAY its finished!!!! I've kinda been taking it slowly, just doing bits and pieces in the evening as I never seem to have enough time during the day. Its a great pattern and very, very easy but as it turns out I have some issues (like I dont know that already LOL).

I'm 99.9% sure that my issues stem from the pellon. I got it from Spotlight and they gave me 640 pellon whereas the pellon specified on the pattern is 630. I didnt realise this until well into it so I carried on regardless. Its made quite a bulky coat probably more than is necessary for a Perth winter. It looks great though!!

The first issue is a sizing one. As far as it goes the sizing is excellent however there isnt enough room in the back. I'm confident that this is because of the bulky pellon though NOT a problem with the pattern. Because I dont plan to use pellon in my next one it shouldnt be an issue next time.

The second issue I had was with finishing the sleeves. Boy is that fiddly to do at the end. Because they are fairly narrow for little arms the sleeve doesnt fit around the free arm of the machine. I took one look at those sleeves and then let laziness be my guide - I bound them with some of the gosgrain ribbon that I've used to embellish the front. Personally I think the bound hem looks awesome and I shall be doing that in the future as well. I'm also extremely happy with the ribbon embellishment in the front. I've found that as I get more confident with my sewing I'm willing to divert from the pattern a bit more and make the items uniquely my own.

Speaking of making items uniquely my own... I firmly believe that Uptown isnt just for girls. Stay tuned!!!!

(PS, it seems that not only is my middle name stubborn, but its also indesicive!!!! You might remember that I ordered ricrac to use on the jacket. Well I decided against that and went for the gosgrain instead. I'm really pleased I did because it looks great. What do you think?)

Pattern: Uptown Girl Jacket by Make It Perfect
Fabric: Crafty Mamas

Stubborn is my middle name

2009-06-14T13:27:00.000+08:00

I bet you're thinking "gee does this woman actually do any sewing or does she simply talk about it a lot?" Believe me, you are quite justified in thinking that. The sad fact of the matter is, I do talk the talk more than I sew the sew (or something like that). Take for example my recent "challenge". For some reason once it was "out there", I just couldnt do it. Its like I have this internal resistance device and it triggers once I have to do something. I can do just about anything on a whim or a fancy but once I have to do something the internal resistance device takes over and says nup, I'm not doing it because I have to do it. So I've come to the rather rapid conclusion the challenges are probably counter-productive for me and I'm best left to whim and fancy.

Thats not to say that I haven't done anything lately. I've actually tackled a few things. Firstly, I finished off a scarf that I started for Samuel last year. I'm not the greatest knitter in the world, not by a huge way, but slow and steady finally won the race. I love the result so much that I decided to make one for myself and guess what... start to finish 48 hours!!!! Awesome!!!!! This one was a little bit tricky as well (probably not for seasoned professionals obviously, but 'twas for me) because I put in a small gap to allow one end of the scarf through. I absolutely love it!!!!

Next thing that I tackled was the Olive r + S Pyjamas. I'm going to do a separate write up for these as I've got to get to Spotlight in order to get more white cotton to finish the hems but suffice to say I think they've come up a treat.

And last but by no means least, I've started cutting out the Make It Perfect Uptown Girl Jacket. I've decided (last minute as always) that red ric rac is definitely called for and so a quick stop by Ribbons Galore fixed that up, ric rac now in transit. Gotta love the internet for (almost) instant gratification.

I also found some absolutely gorgeous fabric at Spotlight which will soon become Uptown Girl Jacket #2. I'm thinking that this time rather than using the pellon, I'll use Procare lining to make a waterproof type raincoat. Still tossing up this idea but just for sneaky peaks here it is (and it was such a bargain - $5/metre)....

Love getting mail...

2009-06-04T21:13:00.000+08:00

and this one was full of snuggles...

I have to admit that I did almost died when I read the postage - US$51 eekkkkkkk, but totally worth it.3 metres of buttery goodness, so thick, so soft, so warm. Forget PJs, this one is all mine *sigh*

And in news just to hand...

2009-05-14T13:20:00.000+08:00

I've just received my Uptown Girl Pattern from Kelani. How quick was that!!!! I also got the Oliver + S Sunday Brunch pattern.

Still blown away by how quickly they got here... left me quite speechless I tell you.

Someone must have heard my despair

2009-05-14T10:24:00.000+08:00

OK so after complaining about the lack of lovely fleece in Spotlight yesterday, I can only assume that someone at Mill Direct Textiles (the home of Malden Mills) heard my sulking and came to the rescue, for what should I find this morning other than an email in my inbox from MDT saying they had 35% off their recycled fleece. HOW COOL IS THAT!!!! And I refuse to think for a second that this sale had been planned from quite sometime, it suits my egocentricity much better to believe that they are doing this just for me LOL.

Anyway, as I was saying they have 35% off recycled fleece. What is recycled fleece I hear you say. Well no its fleece that they have sourced from the local op shop (or worse still the local tip) but according to MDT:

Recycled fleece is brand new fleece, made in the United States, straight from Polartec® LLC. The difference is that its content includes items from recycle bins, such as your discarded milk jugs and manufacturing by-products of the required content. The resulting molten polyester is purified, and spun into yarn.

Polartec® LLC is the world leader in eco-friendly recycled content synthetic fabric and has been developing recycled fleece since 1993.

In 2007 advances in recycled fiber options and quality allowed Polartec® LLC to release a new greatly expanded line of recycled fabrics. With recent yarn technologies the possibilities to expand and improve are endless.

Isnt that cool, empty milk bottles to fluffy, snuggly fleece, what will they think of next? And recycled fleece appeals greatly to my greener side. Off to place an order...

PS if you've never handled MDT fleece you seriously dont know what you are missing. When I say snuggly, I mean its super snuggly. And the feel of it is indescribable, its like silk in fleece clothing or is that fleece in silk clothing, get some and decide for yourself.

Spotlight was disappointing... (but check out the cute tute)

2009-05-13T11:17:00.000+08:00

but its all we have to work with so we soldier on regardless.

Now of my four items I got a grand total of none. Yep, huge effort on my part. But that does not mean we left empty handed because I'm pretty sure that there is some sort of sewing law which states "thou shalt walk through the valley of pretty fabrics and thou shalt beholden fabrics. And she that beholden fabrics shall never be left wanting but for gold and will never leave the valley with empty hands"... or something to that effect anyway.

So yellow fleece, the only yellow fleece they had was baby poo colour, so not what I was wanting. I need bright yellow. The bright yellow they had was in polar fleece but I dont want polar fleece. To be honest I would love to get my hands on some bright yellow Malden Mills. Shall have to scout around some nappy stores.

Curtain stuff, well I'm decided to recycle the curtain bits and pieces already there. As Bob would say, reduce, reuse, recycle. Go Bob!!!!

Girly stuff for new found patterns. Once again, specifics already in mind. Hat, dress, jacket and I've got a fabric already here which I love and want to use for this but it needs a co-ordinating fabric and I was thinking a burgandy velvet or velour or something and guess who didnt take a swatch of the fabric I already have.

Lastly buckles, well I didnt expect to get anything even remotely resembling what I want so not in the least bit disappointed about this one.

I did get some blue mottled cord (I have this thing about cord, love the stuff!!!) and some bracelets for this extremely cute (and easy!!!) little purse/bag (Zofia of Crafty Mamas found this one so I'm passing it on too). Chloe loves putting things in bags so we got 6 bracelets for 3 bags which she can fill up to her hearts content.

Out and about

2009-05-12T11:19:00.000+08:00

Anyone with a few little ones running around the place will well know just how difficult it can be getting out and about. Even though I try about go out while Samuel is at school, Alex and Chloe seem to have the innate ability to tag team - you go that way and I'll head this way. Add to that Chloe is rapidly approaching 2 and she's getting a head start on the terrible twos. It seems like she has gone from divine, angelic blonde angel to hellish, demonic blonde devil in just a matter of weeks. What happened to my sweet little petal *cry*

Anyway, I never seem to get a chance to head to Spotlight. Way too tempting for little fingers and trying to supervise two sets of little fingers leaves no time to actually look at anything. So from now on I've made a date with myself. Every Wednesday morning is going to be Spotlight morning. Samuel will obviously be at school, Alex will be at Kindy and Chloe can tag along with me. I've even got my shopping list ready in anticipation:

1. yellow fleece. Samuel wants some AIO pyjamas (the kind with feet). Actually if you ask him he'll tell you that he neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeds pyjamas with feet. And they have to be yellow. At least we have specifics to work with. Which is good because I can see them already completed in my mind. I know exactly what I want them to look like.

2. curtain materials for Pimp my Windows, pretty self explanatory really.

3. girly stuff. Last night I was going through a box of patterns and found some gorgeous girly winter patterns which I had totally forgotten about *kick in the bum*. So I'm really looking forward to having a look for a few girly bits and pieces so I can use a few of these patterns. Fortunately most of them are size 1-4 so still have a fair bit of use out of them for little miss.

4. overalls. Last visit I found some sensational striped cord and I've decided that its going to make so seriously funky overalls for Alex. Firstly I need to find the right patterns and I want some nice buckles. Not holding my breath that I'll find anything tomorrow, I think this is going to be something I'll have to look online for but you never know. If you dont look, you'll never find.

And on that rather philosophical note... it'll be happy shopping for me tomorrow.

Competition time!!!!

2009-05-12T10:35:00.000+08:00

Have you seen "Make it Perfect"? If not, here's your chance to A. check out some fabulous patterns and B. possibly win one of those fabulous patterns.

I like them because they are fresh and funky without being fiddly. I find some pattern seem to be a bit over done. "Make it Perfect" aren't like that. Sensible, dependable with an added dash of funk. I like it!!!!

Now you can win the Uptown Girl Pattern as part of a giveaway.

Now if only it came in Mummy size... speaking of which, I'm getting a Summer Fling.

Good luck, have fun and dont blame me for credit card abuse LOL.

Oops... have ended up buying Uptown Girl anyway LOL so I now know for sure I have one on the way. Knowing my luck I'll end up winning this one too. Wouldnt that just be typical.

OPERATION: Pimp my Windows - Intro

2009-05-05T12:58:00.000+08:00

I love my house. I love everything about my house except one or two minor elements which I'm slowly correcting. One such element is the curtains in our bedroom.

Now when I think master bedroom I think elegance, sophistication, decadence. But in keeping with the style of the house (which is a federation style) I've opted to go for a slightly medieval style. But at the moment the curtains are letting down the whole effect. Thus begins Pimp my Windows.

The bed linen is Dorchester from Australian Heritage Linen. As soon as I saw it, I knew that was what I was looking for. It reminded me of the bedroom we stayed in at Clearwell Castle where my SIL was married in 2006.

So stunning bed linen - check, obviously the curtains are the next thing to tackle. Only problem is trying to get material to match. At first I was thinking of getting another sheet set and using the material but given that they are a little on the pricey side I left it for a while.

Then in December 2007 (well I did say it was a project with a long history) Spotlight were doing there regular Xmas markdowns. I had the most incredible luck getting a curtain set in a very, very similar navy jacquard. I was stoked!!!! However, there was only one set and they were for very narrow windows. In order to make these fit the windows, the one set of curtains would have to be sewn together which of course means I only had enough for one window. DAMN (but oh so typical)!!!!! I bought the curtains anyway, just in case.

Next I turn to my good pal Ebay and I wasnt disappointed but once again it was simply a matter of patience. Around December 2008 another set of these exact same curtains went up for auction. So it took another 12 months, but finally I had two pair of matching curtains.

What with one thing or another its now May 2009 and I still dont have the curtains up hence I've decided to make Pimp my Windows my main project for this month.

You name it, April's got it...

2009-05-05T11:51:00.000+08:00

... birthdays, school holidays, public holidays, lurgies and all the rest. And as April draws to a close we begin to farewell those balmy autumn days (at least we should be) and so outdoor activities which need to be completed take precedence. Thus Operation Shed Move has taken over much of this month. April it seems is the month where routine is sent to live out in the chook pen for a month and chaos reigns supreme.

However all good (???) things must come to an end and routine is once again invited, nay begged to return. May is going to see the commencement of "Pimp my Windows" a little project with a long history. I cant wait to get started, I've been looking forward to this for a couple of years now!!!!

Ideas needed...

2009-04-03T08:28:00.000+08:00

Last one for today. I bought this gorgeous fabric last year. It is a piece of recycled kimono. I got it from kimoYES (kimo-no, kimo-yes, it took me a while to work it out) and its a sleeve from a child's kimono. The colours are so beautiful and vibrant. But its small, so it wont ever be a whole garment but will only end up being used for embellishments.

So does anyone have any ideas? I'm thinking maybe a pair of jeans for Chloe with the fabric peaking through in places. Possibly a short sleeve top with this material as the sleeves. I just dont know yet.

Just had to share...

2009-04-03T08:20:00.001+08:00

this gorgeous material...

First off, no I did not make this. The dress is by Catimini, but isnt the material in the skirt just to die for. I absolutely love it and it fits Chloe like it was made for her. Very soft and silky, it just flows.

The skirt and jumper is all one piece and the skirt has the most beautiful box pleats. I can guarantee this will get a good wearing this winter.

Finally, a satisfied customer...

2009-04-03T08:13:00.000+08:00

I tried the Safari shirt on Alex yesterday. Expecting his usual reaction I was quite surprised that he didn't make any fuss. Maybe he didn't realise it was made by mummy.

What do you think, he looks rather impressed right?

You have GOT to check this out....

2009-04-01T10:55:00.000+08:00

These cushions are soooooo beautiful

Stunning cushions

I'm in love seriously. I cant even begin to imagine the amount of work that goes into these.

There is also a little giveaway associated with the cushions so might be worth having a look-see just for that alone.

Safari anyone???

2009-04-01T10:10:00.000+08:00

Yesterday I said that I was going to make finishing a couple of items I found a priority. Well last night I finished one of them. Its a shirt that I was making for Samuel but it looks like Alex might end up scoring this one too. Oops, probably not a good idea to finish things for the kids after they've outgrown them.

I probably started this about 18 months ago (yes truly it was that long ago). Its quite interesting to see how far I've progressed. I've noticed things, mostly with the overlocking, that I'm not quite happy with. Some very small areas on the inside havent been finished quite right but hey they are on the inside and its great to see that I'm get much fussier as I get better. I still love how it turned out though, it looks awesome. I love the epaulettes on the shoulders.

So without further ado...

Boys shirt: Ottobre 2/2005 Pattern 25
Fabric: Spotlight

Chocolate Frogs

2009-04-01T09:22:00.000+08:00

In the world of frogs, one frogs stands out in a league of his own... the chocolate frog. Freddo truly is the king of the frog world and boy is he yummy (especially the strawberry ones, my favourite).

When I saw this fabric at Spotlight I initially thought about making shorts for both boys but the idea didnt really grab hold and I set it aside for a while. Recently I pulled out my winter fabric stash and found a long forgotten piece of chocolate cord and inspiration hit me because frogs really do look better with chocolate.

There is also plenty of the cord to make another pair of pants so I'm going to do the opposite effect, chocolate pants with the frog trims for Samuel.

Alex isnt particularly impressed by the pants at this stage but just wait til he sees the jacket that I'm dreaming up to go with them...

Pants Pattern: Ottobre 3/2005 Pattern 15
Materials: SpotlightThe back yoke isnt really this crooked, its just from where they were hanging on the line .

I've not done a waist band like this one before. Usually I just make the casing then thread the elastic through once its on. This one the elastic is attached to the casing then the casing is attached. It was fiddly and to be honest seemed like more work than the way I usually do it.

One silly thing I did (there is always something), I made the pant measurements in 104 but the length in 98 . But I should have moved the patch and knee pocket to reflect the 98 length but I left it at the 104 measurement hence the patch is a lot lower than it should be. Doh!!!!

A good tidy can be bad for your ego...

2009-03-31T18:23:00.000+08:00

I was giving my fabric tubs a clean up today, pulling fabric out, seeing what I had, what I needed etc etc. Low and behold I found two things that that are as yet unfinished - a gorgeous little boys shirt which needs a hem and an equally gorgeous pair of boys overalls minus cuffs and buttons. So I think I've identified my problem - HEMS. I really, really, really hate doing hems - HATE IT I tell you!!!! And I think I can blame my mother for this. Mum always used to insist that hems be done by hand and I hate sewing by hand (unless I'm embroidering) hence my passionate dislike for hemming. And even now that I simply whizz the bottom of a garment through the sewing machine my dislike for hemming continues.

This week however I am going to finish these two projects. Also I've finished washing up Alex's pants which I finished on the weekend so as soon as they are dry I'll be able to blog those too, so watch this space for chocolate frogs (mmmmm yummy!!!).

Its only taken 7 months...

2009-03-29T14:33:00.000+08:00

I'm actually going to start with the second project I finished today because it was in fact a project started about 7 months ago. This particular outfit was going to be a present for my cousin's daughter but I ended up slightly stuffing up the neckline. As a result it got put away and forgotten about until I pulled it out today and thought I better finish it off.

As it turns out I am really pleased with the results. I found the neckline of the top quite tricky when I did it the first time round (7 months ago) but for some unknown reason didnt have too many issues with it today. I absolutely love the lettuce leaf edging (or is it cabbage leaf???) and considering its the very first time I've tried it, I'm stoked with how it turned out. The tshirt ended up being quite easy to make but the ruffled sleeves make it look far more complicated.

The pants were also very easy to make (and I love the material, so summery). I did slightly stuff up one pocket but thats only because I'm a twit sometimes not because the pattern was in anyway complicated.

Top Pattern: Ottobre 3/2007 Pattern 4
Pants Pattern: Ottobre 3/2007 Pattern 3
Material: Spotlight

Excuses, excuses

2009-03-29T14:21:00.000+08:00

Before I go into how virtuous I've been this weekend with sewing I feel very strongly that I should explain why I've been so incredibly tardy in updating this blog. Yes so far there has been just one measly post on a blog that was supposed to be fuelling my desire to sew more.

You see, I've had a "job", a sewing "job". Unlike regular sewing, a sewing "job" is not exciting and its definitely not something that you want to do. But its there... its always there. And everytime you look at the sewing machine, the guilt from not having completed the "job" is overwhelming.

What was the job you ask??? Chair covers. Paul wanted some chair covers to keep our lounge chairs from getting too stained from the kids. And in the end I got the "job" done but it was fiddly, long and I'm really disappointed with how they turned out. They do however do the job they were intended for so at the end of the day I guess they were a success.

Since the job has been completed I once again feel that I can sit in front of the sewing machine without feeling guilty. I've also set up a little corner in the front room with both the sewing machine and overlocker out and plugged in so whenever I want 10 minutes of sewing time I can just sit down without having to worry about getting everything out and then packing it all away again.

So on to my productive weekend.

A love of fabric

2008-08-21T11:48:00.000+08:00

I love fabric. Bolts and bolts of colour and texture with promises of beauty, creativity, fun and sometimes just a little bit of frustration. I love to daydream about what wonderful garments could be created but I find that more often than not these daydreams never make it any further than the idea stage. So I'm hoping that maybe keeping a journal of my projects will entice me to take those bolts of colour and texture and create some wonderful items. Also obviously the more you do something the better you get and what better way of watching your skills grow than by documenting it.