Something New



I really dislike the sorting and labelling of books and pencils at the start of the year, but tell me the pre-primary kid needs a cushion for nap time and I'm right on to it.

And The Winners Are...

Thanks everyone for your comments.
The winner of the ebook is Julie.
The winner of the hard copy is Waverlee.

Sewing for Girls

So  I thought I would do a quick search for a sewing pattern on Etsy and I was sucked into a big black hole. I'm not sure what I was originally looking for, but I found some fantastic patterns I hope to make the girls before the end of summer.

The One Shoulder Ruffled Dress by Brynnberlee Designs.

 The Summer Sailor Shorts by Brownie Goose

 

The Apron Wrap Dress by Aesthetic Nest.

Destash

The sewing room is a little out of control so I am having a little destash in my etsy shop and on ravelry.

Modern Quilts from the Blogging Universe part 2

I have a physical copy of the book to give away as well as the ebook!! Why did I not think of this yesterday - I'm going to blame the craziness of the summer holidays. So if you have already left a message you are able to win the ebook or the physical copy and if not leave a message now!

Modern Quilts from the Blogging Universe



Modern Quilt from the Blogging Universe is available now!

Today you have the chance, well 19 chances actually to win an ebook of it. All you have to do is leave a message here. There is only one rule, leave your email address so I can easily notify the winner. For more chances to win head to the Martingale blog and see all the other contributors - each one has an ebook copy to give away. To be drawn on the 29th January.

Edited to add: I am giving away a physical copy of the book as well! Why did I not think of this yesterday - I'm going to blame the craziness of the summer holidays. So if you have already left a message you are able to win the ebook or the physical copy and if not leave a message now!

 Here is my contribution. Made from a layer cake, some background fabric and a little extra for the border.

Holidays

Summer seems to be flying by. We spent a week in Albany and we didn't do much but swim, laze around, go to the park and eat. There may have been a small amount of shoe shopping. A pretty perfect summer really.

Now we are home with piles of washing to be done, wasp hives that need to be gotten rid of and fruit trees to net.

Thanks to Susie for the tip off about the great bowls and mugs in Woolworths. Love these patterns and colours.

Summer

It is the middle of summer, holiday time and it has been hot. Lots of lying around in the air conditioning, watching dvds, going to swimming lessons, a bit of cooking and a little craft planning.



Shirt and Shorts

I finished these shorts and shirt for Grace before Christmas, but with all the craziness and the heat I didn't get a chance to photograph them.

The top is the short sleeved version of the Simply Sweet Tunic.  I used some seersucker from Spotlight and it is perfect for the warm weather. The shorts pattern is from Blank Slate Patterns.

I used some denim for the shorts without any stretch which I think was a mistake. The shorts are pretty close fitting and I think using some fabric with stretch would suit them better and be a lot more comfortable. I have bought some more denim with stretch and will make another pair.
Clothes sewing time has been hard to find at the moment, there are swimming lessons everyday, deadlines looming and so much ripening in the garden which is inspiring me to cook and of course there is the hanging out with the girls and enjoying the summer.

Homespun

The latest Homespun is out and my quilt is on the cover! I have only had a chance to have a quick glance through it but noticed lots of familiar names have projects in it.

This quilt seems to have been a WIP for a long time. I originally made this pattern in completely different colours and then I wanted to remake it and write the pattern as I went. I chose some Flea Market Fancy - the original fabrics, that is how long ago I planned it. It did sit for quite some time until Catherine from Homespun asked me to write it up and I am so glad I did as it made me finish it and now I think it is one of my favourite quilts. I can't wait to get it back and to have it on the couch.

Butterick 5743

I have a couple more finishes for 2012. I managed to finish these just before we left for Albany for Christmas. The girls had already chosen the pattern and fabric so it wasn't a big surprise (they are getting a little fussy about what they will wear).

They chose Butterick 5743 and both chose some Prints Charming cotton from Spotlight which made really nice dresses. I attempted an invisible zip in both. I think I need to watch a couple of tutorials on youtube, I can't seem to get the bottom of the zip as neat as I'd like.

I made view B  and made a quick muslin of the top. The size 8 was huge on my girls so I took it in to about the equivalent of a 6 with more taken off the back than the front and I left the length of the bodice as an 8. This pattern takes quite a bit of fabric as the skirt is a circle. It falls really nicely and is perfect for spinning.



2013

Happy New Year! Hope 2013 is your best year yet.
My one regret from 2012 - not finding Olive a tiny matching outfit for last nights 80s party.