Push it

Wayne was so excited drawing some applique pictures for me - all machinery so far. He was going for a cartoon rather than realistic type look. I like how it turned out - I hope it washes okay because I only used a short straight stitch around all the bits.
As you can see, I did the applique on a woven before sewing on to the ready made tee - I thought it would be way to tricky trying to sew all the little bits on the shirt. In the future I will go back to making my own shirts I think, at least if I am going to do anything other than a very basic one.

I love ottobre patterns

Jalisa wore one of her new Christmas outfits to a BBQ on the weekend, and I realised that in my attempt to keep it a secret from her, I never took any photos for the blog. Anyway, her she is wearing her "genie" pants and floral peasant top.

The top is made from a Robert Kaufman seersucker (from www.fashionablefabrics.com). The pants are made using Ottobre 2/2005 # 14. I used elastic at the bottom instead of the drawstrings. You actually can't see all the panels in the pants - each leg has four panels at the front and two at the back, with double topstitching along each seam. The length is a little long for "capri" pants but she should grow into them. Also, they are a little baggy for my skinny minnie -even though I used a size down for the width. Still, a very nice pattern and Jalisa actually said Wow, cool when she opened them up.
And I ahave finally done some sewing for the first time this year. I made 4 pairs of these shorts for Scott, two in the blue and two in a grey marle knit. Pattern is Ottobre 1/2007 #2 (leggings, but I cut them down to size). I have to say they are a perfect fit for over his cloth nappies, as you can see. They will be great for around the house - and I have something to add to my sewing journal - yay.

Time for some photos

Felt like it has been a while since I have posted some photos of the kids.


This is Wayne and Scott at the beach - we ended up going back down after our holiday, just so we could have a swim at the beach, pool and go to the fair.
Jalisa used to hate sand last year, but can't get enough of it at the moment. She had to go and play in it again while we packed up.

Jalisa asked if Scott could watch Playschool with her.

Wayne just has to take photos of the kids sitting in the boat. His smile makes me melt.

Getting to know you

If you want to, fill out this quiz in your own blog, so that I can get to know you a bit more (it might help with future swaps).

Describe your dress style: Fairly casual. I like to wear practical shorts/pants/denim for being Mum and when I am working but I love to wear dress and skirts. Tees/knit tops and cardigans and jackets in Winter. I would like to have a more creative look but I just don't like dealing with ironing etc for everyday wear.

Favourite colours: To wear, black, pink, white, silver, grey, green.

Colours you dislike: Many muted, burnt or fluro colours

Favourite prints:Pinstripes, some florals, paisley, some geometrics - I really like black and white prints

Prints you hate: gingham

What type of fabrics do you like to sew with and or wear (for yourself): Cotton, wool, rayon, linen and silk - can be mixed with spandex. Polyester is only good as polar fleece.

Do you like all different styles in your wardrobe or do you stick with the same basic styles in different colours: At the moment I have a lot of staples but years ago I had a lot of variety...I prefer a mixture though.


Favourite colours for your kids: white, brown, purple, pink, green for Jalisa, blue and white on Scott
Colours you dislike on your children: Same as me - I just don't really like those types of colours.
Favourite prints: Polka dots, retro inspired, flowers, stripes
Prints you hate: teddy bears
What kind of fabrics do you like to sew with: Cotton

Things that kids say

I have discovered that it is just embarrassing taking your nearly 3 year old child around to the showers/toilets. Jalisa managed to say some pretty funny things while there with me a voice loud enough for the whole park to hear.

Not only the usual what are those and what's that sound, but there are your baby feeders. I have baby feeders, but mine are small and yours are big. Probably the worst- its dangerous having a shower with you (so I got some shampoo in her eyes).

Create 08

As our camping holiday turned out the way it had (raining every day, gale force winds) we spent more time at our tent than normal. I usally write lots of list of the things I want to make but this time I mainly had it in my head.

My main goal for 2008 is handmade gifts for everyone plus all clothes for myself and the children. Now, this has pretty much been done in 2007 but there is now an extra family memeber (so less time and more clothes to make) plus I really want to do the things that I say I will do.

The secret will be to be more organized.
☺ Make up list of present ideas for each anticipated child’s birthday.
☺ Draft up patterns and store in folder with instructions.
☺ Keep an eye out for sale fabrics (or priced at the right price) that will be suitable to make into gifts.
☺ Make up gifts (in batches) when feeling like sewing but want to do something different.

I also plan to keep a record of all sewing activity, and store in a folder (as well as in my blog). You know, a sketch of the design, swatches of fabric, any adjustments, care instructions etc. That way, I can look at how much I have done in the year and refer to any tips that I have left myself. This folder will be ongoing thoughout the years.

Quick Christmas present

It really is a good thing that these were quick to do - I haven't been this stressed in a long time.


I am just having constant headaches and can't concentrate on anything, and have a million things to do.

A star is born

Okay, so it probably isn't a big for anyone outside of the family, but to me it is super exciting. Scott played Jesus in our church's annual Christmas concert. Here he is:
He was a professional and was settled for all appearances (twice on stage over two nights) and there were a lot of people who thought he must have been a doll! Big thanks to Katie and Ryan (I think) who looked after him well.

And here is Scott relaxing at home. He likes to have his arms out now, but still swaddled. Can't believe he is 3 months next week. Time is going much too fast.

Just some pondering

Over a couple of days, between feeds, nappy changes and the general motherhood-things that we do each day, I was thinking about my fabric stash and how it wasn't really meeting my needs.

My stash is mostly built on fabrics that I liked; were (mostly) on sale; and I had a plan for - mainly clothes for me and the kids. But with more and more invites to birthday parties and the like I am beginning to think that my stash needs a little more substance suitable for gifting.

Shopping is one activity that I don't really enjoy and I would much rather whip up a little handmade creation then spend the same amount of time and energy going to the shops and choosing a present.

So I need to remember to stock up on canvas for aprons (placemats, tea towels, bags), muslin and flannelette (wraps, jammie pants), cute prints (everything from hats, baby overalls, shirred tops and knitting needle/crochet hook/pencil rolls) plus everything else that I forgot and can't think of at the moment.

Candy cane stripes with a touch of reindeer...

I swear that I don't normally dress my children in ridiculous outfits just to take a photo but this hat was too cute and I wanted to get one with the other part of his Christmas outfit.

Isn't he a doll?