Mail

I have had some exciting mail - and I don't really know for sure who they are from. Yep, secret santa swaps.

The is the swap from the EB sewing group - I am so in love with the top piece of fabric - that is so me (graduates from light pink to hot pink at each end). I think I will make that into a skirt. The other pieces will have to sit into the stash until I gain inspiration (I need ideas people). Thank you SS (they even included a gift of hairclips for Jalisa).
This is from the Crafty Mamas handmade swap. I simply cannot believe someone has made this purse - I am in awe of their talent. Thank you for this fantastic gift.

We are on holidays for the next two weeks, so no internet access - I hope I will survive.

Christmas outfits plus some gifts

I have made both versions of the shell top a couple of times already, but since I had to size up and was pressed for time, I decided to add the lining instead of making constrasting bias like I normally would. This is the first time making this skirt, and I was hoping it had a bit of flare like the picture showed. I bought this fabric way back when I was pregnant thinking I would make a jacket...but lately it said it wanted to be a dress or a skirt.

I am happy with the result. The bias skirt is more flared than it looks below, and the rayon/linen is so yummy to work with.I did forget to understitch at the right time, but I managed to fit a little bit in before it got too narrow at the straps.

Jalisa wore her Christmas outfit, so I could finally take a photo. She is a wee bit sick but we had a great night out.

I made a few more origami tissue pouches as part of gifts for my friends. The other half of the gift is some yummy soap from Shellie at Rustic Luxury - jellybean and hazlenut+vanilla.

Pouches open.

And closed.

Waterskiing

We had the most awesome day yesterday. We went waterskiing - first time since March (which is a little unusual for us I suppose). On my first go, I tried to do a bank start (which I haven't successfully done since before I was married due to pregnancy and lack of time to practice). After a couple of attempts I gave up (and did my usual water start). Since we were child-free and had relatively few people with us, I thought I would be brave and try a few things - which of course resulted in a few spills and tumbles.

Next turn I was still sore so opted for a wild tube ride - really fast so that the water bites your butt as you wizz along. I was debated whether I was going to practice my bank start, try to sit the chair up on the disk or go on the wakeboard when we ran out of fuel.

What the great bit about the day was I finally got to drive the boat while towing others, which I have never done (and I have had my lisence for nearly 18months). no pictures - we forgot to take the camera.

Yesterday's creations

I finally got around to getting a new ink cartridge, so I could do the applique on Jalisa's stocking. I was stingy and only used one of the Michael Miller FQs (Santa disco dot). I think the J was placed a little too high, I forgot to make some type of loop and the shape of the stocking looks more like a boot, but I am still happy with it. Since I have no mantel or *nice* place to hang it, I have pegged it to the Christmas tree. I just wish the photo had captured the beautiful lights.

The other thing I made yesterday was some playdough - I thought I had made it way to runny so I left it out to dry while we ran some errands and it came to the right consistency. Next time I am going to add some scent as it so fun for adults to play with to. I made green and purple yesterday, to add to the pinky-red that we brought home from the creche room at church. I am thinking that bright lots of scented playdough would make great gifts for the kids at mum's group and playgroup on their birthdays.

Jalisa is cutting her back teeth, hence the dribble. Oh, and the only cookie cutters I have I put in the dishwasher, so she is using some measuring cups/spoons for now.

Placemats and coasters

Last year I made a stack of pieced coasters so I had a request from my friend Cindy to make her some more using the fabric that I wrapped her hen's night pressie in. I decided to make just plain ones, with a couple of placemats as well. Hope she likes them!

Updated Christmas outfit

I made an outfit for Jay in July (as part of a Christmas in July competition) - the top is a little big so I made an alternative top, plus some bloomers to wear under the red tiered skirt. I needed to keep it fairly simple so that I can finish my other Christmas projects.

Origami with fabric

Sewing mamas has a download for making these really cute origami tissue pouches - it seems like the folds won't work until you have sewn it and turn it right side out. Really nifty. You put your tissues/hankies in the slot, and there is a space for other things too.
After making the above puches, I thought it would be possible to make a wallet with some tiers for cards etc. After two attempts to get the folds and proportions right, I came up with this:

Hmm - you can faintly see the lines where you can put cards, money etc.

Flapper-inspired dress

This is a picture of the *flop* jumpsuit - it is just too short in the length. I will have to make note not to try anything adventurous for Jay when she is not around to be measured. I think I will pass it along to a friend.
The light here this morning is orange...really weird, so an inside photo it is. Bodice is my own draft - the bottom part was inspired a little by a picture that I have in my inspirations folder (the original was a skirt and the technique, from what I can see, is a lot different to how I made my flaps). I think I may need to make some white pants for underneath - should be nice and breezy for our record high temps.

41 yesterday - that is a record high for November. Today is predicted at 29, so much nicer.

The other purses

The other three were done production line style, so they only took a few minutes each. I have all these ideas now for making wallets for everthing, but I need to build up my scrap stash first. Or maybe I just need to bite the bullet and cut into some FQs that I am hoarding.

A wedding photo + a teeny project

Cindy came around to scan some photos to show Mick...pity I could only work out the borrowed scanner today. We ended up taking a photo of the photo but I thought I would post this picture for Sam to look at. BTW she made her top and skirt and it looked fabbo.

This is the first of a few coin purses that I want to make for my nieces. I changed the pattern this morning so that the part folding down lines up properly with the rest.

What do you do with porridge?

You rub it into your hair and face of course. I have promised to make Jay some playdough so she doesn't have to play with her food. She is really testing my patience as of late.

Peacock bag finished

I wonder if it is just me, but why do two images come up when I only did one?

Anyway, I finally got around to finishing the peacok bag that I started so long ago...all it needed was some handles. I decided not to line it - truthfully I could not be bothered to measure the original to find out the demensions.

Note to self - do not try to skimp on fabric for handles...you end up using more when you discover the thinner handles are out of proportion with the rest of the bag.

Really comfy capris

I wore these part of the day when they were on partially finished. I used a cotton elastane, so they are comfortable like jammies but look much better than that. Same Burda pattern, this time with cuffs.

Cotton beige capris

When it comes to clothes for myself, simplicity is the key. I was going to add mother of pearl buttons vertically near the side seams close to the hem but I realised that it would look for *flash* for me to wear at work.

Here is one pair of capris that I have been working on...the other is waiting for a thread change on the overlocker. My favourite yoke style, side zippered pants, this time in capri length.

What to do

What is the best thing to do when stuck in a sewing rut? Not that I am really, since I have been working on the teepee. I just don't feel like creating and designing new appliques etc and have no idea when I will not feel like this.

Matchy matchy

I have this old advertisement ripped from a magazine in my sewing room that I based this photo on...the original had an old man and his wife dressed in outfits from the same material standing next to a fence at the beach...my updated version shows a father and daughter matchy matchy.

Some FQs I bought

Santa disco dots, Holiday ball, Holiday forest and Holiday ornaments. Love them...they may be used this Christmas...who knows.

Yesterday my long-time friend Cindy married her American beau Mick. We had the best rain we have had in a very long time, which started again right when we started taking photos outside.

Lets see, we travelled in old FJ Holdens to the church in the pouring rain, only stopping the once when a windscreen washer fell off! (At least it wasn't a flat tire). I made it done the aisle carrying a beautifl, if heavy, bunch of native flowers, all without tripping or laughing.

By the end of the cemermony, it had stopped raining and we made our way to Peppers where the photos were to be taken. The bride got a bit annoyed at the guests who followed the wedding party and watched over the photo session. Peppers was an ideal choice for photos though, as it overlooked a beautiful valley with a river, winding road and various farms.

It was absolutely freezing though, and I nearly fell into the rock pool twice, as my heels got caught in the many holes in the wooden planks. The canapes were delicious, the speeches very good. I was really happy that people laughed at my speech lots. There were lots of good and fun songs to dance to and I had a chance to dance with Wayne to the lovey-dovey ones and with Anna and some others to the fun ones...felt like I was back at high school at a dance.

I was extremely sad when I rang up to say goodnight to Jay and she had already gone to sleep...first time away overnight and I found it very hard. It was also hard when Cindy and Mick were saying goodbye - I cried again. It was the best wedding I have ever been to.

Kwik Sew top

I love the fabric that this is made from, a lovely soft rayon elastane. I think it turned out pretty good.

We had a great night last night (Cindy's hens night). We gorged ourselves on food (but we never got to the main course for some reason), played some games, opened presents. When Jay went down to sleep, a few of us decided to go out and suprise the groom who was at the outback spectacular with this family and friends.

Mick decided to play a trick on his friends and walked in holding Anna's hand and they were all shocked. It turned out to be a fun coupla hours. We requested a song to be played but they mixed it up and sang a song from Dirty Dancing...after they made them play an adult version of heads, shoulders, knees and toes!

The band also thought that we were all from the USA, so he kept singing all these Australian songs...

Update and Christmas orders

I have updated the store - a few different things (overalls, peasant tops and a dress are or should be on sale).

I am going to offer to do Christmas bloomers, white with your choice of Christmas image (tree, angel, star etc) for $13 a pop...just let me know if you are interested. These are great for under all those Christmas outfits.

Please note that we will be on holidays from Friday 22/012/06 to 8/01/07, so the store will be closed. You may continue to browse, but any orders placed during that period will not be process until after that time. Custom orders for Christmas will need to be placed before Friday, November 17th at the latest. This will allow us ample time to source materials and make the garments for you.

Oi - the other outfit

Jalisa wore the other outfit to church last night - the matching hat was a hit too. The hat is an Ottobre one, the one you can download off their site.
It is hard taking photos of Jalisa, she moves faster than I can get the camera ready. I need more practice.

Big day

Our new tent (double dome with three rooms and the awning is being order, and the store is selling it at $80 less than the RRP. So yay, more money for shadecloth. Next we drove down to the coast, along the old highway to pay for the rest of our camping holiday. Fish and chips in the breeze. Shopping for chairs and other assorted items in the AC (two deck chairs and two others chair +stools - mine hot pink - among some other stuff). We then visited DH's grandma and came home.

I am so excited about the new tent, we are so hoping camping will be much better this year with our improvements (bigger tent, more shade, better chairs).

Another outfit completed

I have just finished the other outfit, though I have to wait to post a pic because a)Jalisa is asleep and b) the camera batteries need recharging. We have some spare, not sure if they are charged on not.

This arvo I think I might work on another bag - with my peacock on it. Or maybe I will get sidetracked, who knows.

Shop Update

This photo would not show up in my previous post, so it gets a post of its own. Watermelon set, size 1 is perfect for Summer. Don't forget the free post ends next Tuesday.

One outfit for Jay and the quiz

Back Front
You can't see that the dots on the fabric have circles (not always centred) in them, so I created a couple of simple appliques for the pants. The hat actually belongs to the other outfit, but it was sunny so and it coordinates nicely.

Jalisa has developed some nasty looking bruises from the fall, the poor mite. And she woke up wet and hungry (read - grumpy) after a 3.5 hour nap, hence the red nose effect from crying


Secret Santa Quiz (for eb buddy)

I have not copied and pasted, so answers may vary.
1. What's your favorite colour?

I like pinks but I also like jewel colours.

2. What's your favorite item to sew?

Skirts, tees and peasant tops

3. What items other people have made would you have loved to have done yourself?

cloth nappies/covers

4. What takes your fancy in the notions world? Rik Rack? Ribbons?

Love Pom Pom (Ball) fringe and mother of pearl buttons.

5. What is your fabric weakness?

Sale fabric and anything by Micheal Miller

6. What's one thing you haven't tried but would like to?

Handbags with separate handles, fabric dying

7. Are there any patterns that you like in particular?

Ottobre, burda and kwiksew

8. For how long have you been sewing?

more than half my life.

9. What size are your kids?

Jalisa is a 1.

10. Do you like quick projects or projects that take a little longer to finish?

Both. Quick are refreshing. Long projects give me satisfaction.

11. What do you hope to do with your sewing in the future?Selling/Sell more/keep as hobby etc/Design....?

See how my biz goes. My future will contain sewing in it. I would love study design or teach a class or write a sewing book.

12. What is your favourite time of year?

Autumn and Spring when it is neither hot nor cold

13. What is your favorite type of fabric?

Silk, rayon knit, cotton.

14. What is you least favourite fabric to sew with?

Polyester silkies

15. Do you have any christmas traditions?

We always see the Christmas lights, always go camping at Christmas but come home Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

16. What frustrates you about sewing?

when you can't buy some other the stuff that they have in the US (or for a resonable price) or when you can't find what you want at a price you want to pay.

17. What 'style' do you dress your children in/ which shop clothes do you try to imitate?

I don't dress Jalisa to a shop - I make whatever I like and that is usually many styles.

Today

It seems funny now but my adventure yesterday caused a lot of stressed. A wheel went missing on my shopping trolley and as I stopped to get one of the last things I needed, the trolley fell over, with Jalisa hitting her head on the way down. After many tears and screams and a ride in the ambulance, it turns out that the only thing wrong is that I have to redo my shopping.

Spent the rest of the day surfing the internet, cutting and sewing (watched a bit of tv and loaded the dishwasher too). Jalisa's summer outfits are partially completed, so no photos until they are done.

Restrained and proud

Usually I am the one in line with a shopping trolley full of fabric. I only got 2 metres at a total of $12...I was looking for some fairly undistintive looking fabrics to pair with ones I have at home - the plan for these is to make Jay some more shirred tops or dresses and coordinating pants and/or hats with some funky applique.

This is what I meant Andrea - I should have looked at some instructions before making another bag...I just did a square bottom bag from memory and couldn't visualise how to make it square at the top. This is how.
I took this photo yesterday. Jalisa cracks me up with the stuff that she does. I have no idea where she got the safety glasses, but she loves wearing them.
This is what we did this morning. DH was doing some work on BIL's loader and we went to watch...sorta. This arvo we have a BBQ at nephew's new piece of land, then my friend is popping in after work and after church tonight we are going over to another friend's to play board games. I am tired already.

Fun friday

On our list of things to buy for camping at Christmas 06/07, we had written bags for clothes. I suppose we wrote that as we did not have enough room in Wayne's camping bag for his clothes plus mine as well as Jalisa's. We needed more, lots more. So this bag is my trial.

I was going to put a zipper at the top, which restricted the size but decided not to as I couldn't visualise what I needed to do. The fabric is leftover from my curtains which I have not made into computer/overlocker covers, as intended. (Hmm, I do seem to write I will do something, forget and then do something else...I am just forgetful or change my mind!)

I then thought I would make another bag, but started with an embellishment. I actually drew this bird a while back, and inspired by Ingrid's birdie softies and applique tee, got out the drawing, vliesfix and assorted remnants and did the applique in a really simple way (i.e stitch the outline) seeing as it will go as a patch on the outside of a bag and thus won't be washed too much.


I did manage to do the dishes, a load of laundry and tidy/vacuum the house. I will be mowing when DH gets home, so glad I slipped in a bit of sewing.

100 posts

Pretty busy day with working (argh, I dislike relief working for the teacher that goes to half a dozen classes - it feels like you don't make any difference). I decided to stop in at an op shop and bought an adult smock pattern, some buttons (yay, they had loads of them) and a book on having a second child.

Fabric store next, as it is just a walk under the trainline and across the road form the op shop. I decided to treat myself to a kwik sew pattern, as they were 25% off. Plus I picked up a US flag printed fabric to make a bag for a present for Cindy who is getting married next month and moving to the US and some white poplin to make more bloomers for Aquaberry.

I thought this pattern would be good as a dress - it was a toss up between a few patterns, since I haven't bought a new pattern in ages (years now I think) but did not want to go overboard with buying. I have some rayon elastane that I might use soon.

Butterfly overalls

I love this butterfly print - it was a bargain buy at SL last year. Jalisa had a pair of bib overalls in it last yearat 6 months - I started to make this pair intending to sell it last year but did not end up finishing it until this year and now it will fit Jalisa. I have used this print also to make up samples of new patterns that I have drafted, so it feels like an old friend.

Worked on a couple of things yeaterday. One girl's outfit needs some buttons (still need to buy those) and some boys shorts needs the elastic in them.

Advent inspiration

I think it was Cass that mentioned advent calenders over on EB...I thought I would see what the web had to offer in terms of inspiration. This one came from a chain store but I actually like it. Each day you hang a decoration on the tree. This would be a fun thing to do with Jalisa each day. Yes, I like the concept and if I get around to making a calender, I think I want it to contain a decoration rather than chocolate.

Just a lazy day.

Another lazy weekend in the leadup to Christmas...kinda. We went over to SIL's so DH could help set up for their outdoor movie-night tonight. Tomorrow I teach Sunday school and then over to friend's house for makeup and hair trial. But can laze this arvo when I have my materials for tomorrow morning prepared.

Progress report

I think I ended up cutting out three tees and 3 singlets, all in the white except for a striped singlet. I have been making appliques to make them different, but I like them plain too as I pair them with overalls.


This is a couple of the other appliques that I have started/finished but have to make up the tees/singlets. I feel very productive sewing wise today, and it is still early.

Friday the 13th?

Last night we ended up going out to the shops, dressed in our around the house gear. We only had to pick up a couple of things (plastic dinner mat, Windex) and ended up purchasing Jalisa’s Christmas presents and a couple of books and this.


I have never had place to stow all of my sewing gear, apart from an old cosmetics case - I just hadn’t bothered to look around for something cheaper than the “sewing boxes” covered in *not my style* fabric prints. I saw some really cute pink boxes but they were way too big. I ended up picking out a large, flat food continer but then we saw these tackle boxes. Yes, it's a kids fishing tackle box!


It is big enough to hold my rotary cutter and scissors but small enough to fit in the space where I like to have my stuff. And it’s pink, my favourite colour.

Today I am planning to do lots of sewing for Jalisa...she needs some tees and singlets so I hope I don't get side-tracked.

On another note, I am so proud of Jalisa - she found this puzzle in all my teaching stuff and it obsessed with it and she knows where all the pieces go. So proud.