sewpony

Teddy for baby!!

2012-02-26T20:44:00.000+11:00

I finished Baby's bear this week. This is about the limit to my craftiness at the moment with due date lingering and the way too warm weather. My crafty time is mostly now spent sleeping or sprawled out on the couch! But I am pleased I got this guy finished.

I used the same pattern I used for Juliette's bear (cream one below). You can find the pattern here. I bought my mohair, joints and eyes here.

Here is Baby's bear pictured with Juliette's (left) and Isabella's (right). They look like good friends already!

Teddy making progress

2012-02-16T08:56:00.000+11:00

My German mohair finally arrived last week and I have been slowly putting this bear together for our baby. The colour is called coffee cocoa and I am using the same pattern I used to make Juliette's bear. I am hoping they will look pretty different because of colour and the individual character that emerges when making a bear. With only three weeks to go til baby is due, some quiet teddy making on the couch when the kids are asleep is about all the craftiness I can manage at the moment (especially on these hot days!). Although, having said that, I am feeling an unncessary and self inflicted pressure to get the scrappy quilt finished before baby arrives - even though I intend on putting it in the girls' room. We'll see!

I am linking up today with Our Creative Spaces.

A new hat for Issie

2012-02-14T20:51:00.000+11:00

Two days before Issie started kinder I could not find her hat. I considered buying her another one - I could probably find one for about $15 down at my local shops, but then I get the buying vs sewing guilts...."I could make one for nothing as I already have plenty of fabric."

So this little hat was created! It's reversible and Issie loves it because it's pink! I especially like that it has a wide brim to protect her whole face. She proudly wore it to kinder this morning and did not want to take it off!

Details:
Pattern - 'Bouquet' brim hat - Ottobre Summer 3/2011
Fabric - 'Kids with kites' by Holly Holderman (I bought this a while ago and could not fin on the net to list) and 'Star sugar' by Kei fabrics
Notions - Stiffening for brim

Little bear

2012-02-09T12:24:00.000+11:00

I've been eagerly checking the mail box this week awaiting a package to make our baby a cocoa coloured teddy bear. Each time I've opened the letter box and have only found bills and catalogues, boo hoo. In the meantime, I decided to finish off this little bear that I started a while ago with some leftover mohair from my sister's stash. He is about 13cm tall and is very fuzzy and cute! He is sitting on baby's bookshelf and is looking very at home. Apparantly my mohair is waiting for me at the post office so I can collect it tomorrow and get started!

I'm linking up today with Our creative spaces.

This week

2012-02-02T09:46:00.000+11:00

Here are a few things that have been happening this week...

Cuteness in the vegie patch...

Great success in cooking my first ever batch of macarons!!

The last three squares for my evolving scrappy quilt completed...

One gorgeous cream cardi from my beautfiul Mum for our babe...

Five weeks to go!!

Baby projects left to start (and finish):

1 x chocolate brown mohair teddy bear (eagerly awaiting supplies in the mail)
1 x small nappy bag with change mat to keep in the car or pram
2 x appliqued bodysuits
2 x nurses outfits and a doctor's case for the girls to play with as a gift from me when they come to visit me and their new brother or sister in hospital! Isabella is getting right into performing 'check ups' on her little toys and I know she will love a little outfit, some colourful bandaids and some doctors tools to make the play complete!

I'm linking up today with Our Creative Spaces.

Scrappy quilt - Part IV

2012-01-26T08:42:00.000+11:00

I picked up my scrappy quilt again a few days ago and decided to try to get moving with it. The squares have been sitting under my overlocker for the last six months keeping warm! I sorted out six more colour lots aiming to complete 16 squares in total to make a 4 x 4 square quilt.

Some sewing, ironing, cutting, sewing, ironing, cutting later, I finished three more squares. The brown one above and these two below...

So now I have 13 squares done and only three left to go!

This is definitely a children's quilt and I have put too much work into it to give it away, so I think it will be a floor quilt for the girls' bedroom. I'm planning on connecting the squares with white with coloured posts at the intersections. I think scrappy binding is the only thing that will suit - more work but it will hopefully be worth it in the end!!

The original idea for this quilt was from Aneela at Comfort Stitching - I wonder if she ever got hers finished?! I'm linking up today with Our creative spaces.

Brown dress

2012-01-23T12:10:00.000+11:00

I picked this cute brown floral up from Spotlight the other day when I was meant to be shopping for baby quilt wadding. I had seen this line of fabric there and pondered over it a few times but decided against it as it was around $16 per metre. But when I saw it all on the reduced table for $6 per metre I decided it was meant to be (I chopped the selvage off before blogging so am not sure what fabric is called - was by David textiles).

I looked through all my Ottobre patterns for a dress that would suit the fabric but couldn't find one. So I checked out the most awesome blog - Craftiness is not optional, to have a look at Jess' tutorials. I found this sweet dress and drafted the pattern as per Jess' instructions and I think the dress turned out really well. It features some green floral bias binding I made and covered buttons. The neckline features pleats and the sleeves are gathered. There is elastic from the buttons at the front around the back of the waist which allow room to grow.

A nice cheesy grin from Isabella! I think it will be a good 'kinder' dress (Issie starts in a couple of weeks!), as it has good sun coverage and will hide all the dirt!

Baby's quilt!

2012-01-19T20:26:00.001+11:00

I am very pleased with how quickly and nicely this little quilt came together. I cut out the pieces a few months ago and had them stacked in my sewing box for when I had some spare time. I decided to use up scraps of all sorts of colours, alternating with soft white for our bub.

The back is a grey and white spot. I was planning on machine quilting this quilt but since my sister had borrowed my quilting foot, I decided not to wait and to do a tacking stitch with red embroidery thread - I love how it turned out!

The quilt is just a cradle/floor/pram quilt (80 x 80 cm) as I want to spend more time pouring over fabrics once baby is born and we know the sex!! I will most likely be using some of this fabric in the next quilt...

For girl...

For boy...

These fabrics are by Sarah Jane Studios - an awesome illustrator who has turned her hand to fabric design. Cute stuff!

I'm sharing today over at Kootoyoo.

Getting ready for baby

2012-01-15T19:52:00.000+11:00

It's been a while since I've paid some attention to my blog...Christmas, holidays, baby bump growing and a sewing lull (burnt out after too many Christmas gifts?). I thought I would post about some baby preparations. I feel I need to put some of my creativity now into preparing for baby, with only seven-eight weeks to go! Here is where baby will sleep. I painted up some letters and little elephants - both from bunnings, to dress up the wall. Spot the cute new bird hanging from the ceiling.

The little bird is yet another Hop Skip Jump pattern (gee I am getting some mileage out of that book!). It was super easy and fun to make. I made mine from cream linen, cotton scraps for the tail feathers and a teeny bit of orange wool felt for the beak. He is hung with thin fishing wire - which was thin enough to be sewn onto the back of the bird then suspended from the ceiling.

Here is the first garment I have made for baby - a soft grey marle cotton bonnet. Since we don't know the sex, soft grey is calling as the colour of the moment - think I will knit a little cardi from the same cotton. As we will be having an (early) March baby, the weather may not call for bonnets and cardis but baby's do tend to be colder than us big people, don't they? The pattern is from Vintage knits for modern babies by Hadley Fierlinger.

Monkey Man and some bits and pieces

2012-01-01T21:09:00.000+11:00

This is Monkey Man - one of my homemade gifts for Christmas. This one was made for my little nephew, Hamish.

Another Hop Skip Jump pattern. I also made one for my other nephew, sporting navy overalls - but I didn't manage to get a picture in the Christmas mayhem.

Here is a dress I made for Isabella's little friend - also for Christmas. I made the pattern up - just shirring around the top and some little tie straps. I added scalloped lace along the hems and pockets.

Issie unwrapping her Kangaroo and Joey (see post below for details of their creation).

Back from a lovely week in Warrnambool. Beautiful weather. Arrived home to Melbourne yesterday to four days of 35 + degrees - not fun. Thank goodness for air conditioning.

One more gift ticked off the 'to make' list

2011-12-20T21:09:00.000+11:00

Kangaroo and baby Joey are the most recent gifts completed from my 'to make' Christmas list. The awesome pattern is by Hop Skip Jump (from the new book by the same name).

Isabella chose Kangaroo and Joey a few weeks ago when I asked her which lovely friend she would like me to make her for Christmas. I think she has forgotten all about it now, so she should get a nice surprise on Christmas morning. I have been loving Fiona Dalton's new book and this is now the fourth toy I have made. Kangaroo has movable arms and legs and her big tail allows her to sit up all on her own!

I made my set from a grey wool I bought from Rathdowne Remnants. The pouch is made from 100% wool felt and sewn in place with a blanket stitch. The floral print is from my stash - I've forgotten what it's called. The buttons are vintage - I was excited to find four of a kind from my button box!

I have a few more things to complete by Christmas eve - but most will have to wait to be revealed after Christmas so that they are a surprise (mostly for the Mums of the recipients as I don't think 3-7 year olds are very good at navigating blogs!)

Angel

2011-12-17T19:53:00.000+11:00

My lovely friend Karen called me yesterday saying she was super excited to have a go at making some Christmas angels as gifts for family. We made a crafty/kiddy play date and I said I'd have a think of how to put one together. Karen said she had been inspired by Waldorf angels she had seen on the net, so with that look in mind I started drawing, then couldn't stop...one red headed little angel made for the top of our tree!

She was constructed from these materials:

Nylon stocking piece for head (stuffed with polyfill)
Wool mohair threaded hair
Recycled weetbix box body covered in blue wool and cream linen
Pliable wire wings and halo

She looks pretty sweet on top of our tree...

Basil the bunny

2011-12-08T08:53:00.001+11:00

Here is my latest softie - Basil the bunny. Pattern is again by Hop Skip Jump from her new book. I am making a softie each for the girls for Christmas. This one is for Juliette.

He is made from a mauve/grey wool blend I bought from Rathdowne Remnants and he features a very sweet wool pom pom tail!

I'm linking up today with Kootoyoo.

Oh Christmas tree!

2011-12-01T07:59:00.000+11:00

I was looking forward to making one of these matchbox advent calendars after seeing my sister's handmade one last Christmas.

Most of the advent calendars you see in the shops are tacky and include no meaningful message about Christmas.

This calendar took a couple of afternoon sessions to make - but was something Issie and I could (mostly) do together while Juliette slept. Inside each box is a little message or drawing which include: nice things to do; simplified religious story of christmas and also how our extended family celebrates each year.

If you want to make your own matchbox advent calendar, here is what you will need:

25 empty matchboxes (super cheap in bulk if you buy no name). I wet the empty matches before disposing of them;
1/2 metre of brown paper;
6-8 x 20cm pieces of ribbon/lace;
Assorted small buttons;
Glitter;
I also used damask printed card for the trunk of the tree (number 24);
Regular and craft glue to decorate boxes;
Blue tac to fix boxes to wall;
Star for top of tree.

Can you believe it's already the first of December? The years just seem to fly by.

I'm linking up today with Our Creative Spaces at Kootoyoo.

Another sweet Poppy doll off to a good home!

2011-11-28T21:14:00.001+11:00

I have made another of these gorgeous dolls for a friend's daughter for christmas...

The pattern is again by Hop Skip Jump. I have used it five times now - you can see the other four here. I was inspired by this doll in particular.

My fabrics are from a few different sources. The grey wool is from Rathdowne Remnants, The black wool is from The Fabric Store in Fitzroy and the red spotted cotton is recycled and also features in this jacket I made a few months back. You can buy the pattern from Fiona's blog at Hop Skip Jump (am I her number one fan?!)

Here is a (not so clear) shot of her in her underwear - the clothes are as much fun to make as the doll.

Some new softies

2011-11-17T08:20:00.001+11:00

My sister bought me a lovely gift for my birthday this week - Fiona Dalton's soft toy making book 'Hop Skip Jump'.

I knew it was coming out in late October but hadn't had a chance to check it out. Hop Skip Jump (the blog) was my introduction to blogs when my sister showed me a couple of years ago. I'd never heard of a blog at the time but her's was one I checked regularly as I loved her style of toys and the materials she used. I have made quite a few of her toys now and have had lots of fun with her new book already.

This is 'Charlie' the cat (using the 'Archie' pattern). Isabella needed a bit of help naming him appropriately as she thought 'loopy' and 'catty' were good names! He was going to be for a new bub (a friend's not yet born) but Isabella looked at him and said, "but I don't have a cat Mummy..." so of course, Charlie is now sleeping soundly next to her at night! I adapted the pattern to incorporate string joints on the legs so he can sit on his own. I bought the wool for Charlie here.

I also made 'Eddy' the mouse for another friend who just had a baby girl...

He is made from a recycled wool skirt - also used to make this little deer.

Here is the original Archie...

And Eddy...

A few of the other gorgeous toys in Fiona's book...

I'm sharing today at Kootoyoo.

Big lady skirt becomes little girl nightie

2011-11-15T19:57:00.002+11:00

Another summer nightie for Isabella. This one I recycled from a very large skirt I rescued when tigying up our playgroup dress up basket - there's no way a little kid could walk in this thing without tripping up...

so I thought I'd put it to better use!

Isabella was particularly difficult to photograph (she is usually very obliging) for this 'shoot'. I took 20 or so photos but the best ones were of her up top and of her photographing the paparazzi!

I made the pattern up and the sleeves sort of 'evolved' but I think they work. Isabella loves wearing her new nighties to bed and she looks lovely and floaty and ready for sleepy land when she trots off to bed.

This moment

2011-11-12T15:01:00.000+11:00

{this moment} - A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Linking up today for the first time with soule mama.

Some 'shortie pyjamas'

2011-11-11T21:39:00.000+11:00

I loved wearing what my sisters and I called 'shortie pyjamas' when I was a little girl. Bloomer shorts with a shirt - mostly handmade by my Mum. Here is a variation on the shortie pyjama theme with an appliqued bonds singlet with matching shorts for Juliette.

They were quick to make and I just cut a tile from the fabric and used vialene to secure it to the singlet. I then used a fine zig zag to outline the applique. I will defiinitely be making a few more sets for the girls for summer.

Little deers spring dress number 3

2011-11-10T09:11:00.001+11:00

I finally got around to making the third of my little deers spring dresses. This one is also made with a gorgeous cotton print by Denyse Schmidt - I am calling this print 'cottage garden' (as no name was given on selvage). I made this one up in a size 4 for my little niece for christmas - hence no pics of it being worn.

I have also just wrapped up my first order from the dress selection and it is ready to post and with another order in the cutting stages, I realised last night that five little girls will be wearing these dresses on christmas day - what a sweet thought.

You can buy the 'cottage garden' little deers dress here!

Also sharing today over at Kootoyoo - full of crafty goodness.

A mini pinnie

2011-11-03T07:47:00.003+11:00

Here is my latest little deers creation. A vintage style 'mini pinnie'!!

The pinnie is made from 'peggy pique' cotton which has a waffly/seer sucker feel. Made from a Butterick pattern (see post below), it is fully lined with cream cotton. It has cute little double apron pockets at the front.

Bloomers to match to keep a girl honest!

I can make this set to order and is available in sizes 2 and 3. You can buy it here!

I'm sharing today over at Kootoyoo.

The cutest little dress ever!!

2011-10-31T20:26:00.000+11:00

I have had a lucky streak with vintage patterns over the past week. I picked this gorgeous one up at my local oppy for 50 cents! It is printed in size 2 so is a little too big for Juliette now but I couldn't resist getting some pics of her in it. Plan on wrapping it up for her for christmas (eighteen month olds don't have very good long term memories!).

The fabric is from the Everything but the kitchen sink range and was also a bargain...I visited Darn Cheap Fabrics in Heidelberg last week after my ultrasound and found this sunny yellow print. I planned on buying 20 cm for my baby quilt at $7 per metre. The woman pulled the fabric off the end of the roll and gave me what was left (about a 1.2 metres) for the price of 20cm - about $1.50!! So all up this gorgeous dress cost $2.00 (plus a lot of time - pattern had no instructions and needed some adjusting). Plus I still have plenty of leftovers to feature in the baby quilt and other little projects.

My next sewing project is from another vintage pattern I borrowed from my lovely next door neighbour. It's about thirty years old. Stay tuned...

I'm joining up today with Her Library Adventures to share my vintage finds.

Hoot hoot!

2011-10-27T08:43:00.000+11:00

I made this little owl for a friend of my Mum's whose son has just had his first baby. I wanted to make an owl so did a bit of an internet search of owl pics and put this pattern together. He is made from blue wool with wool felt wings and cotton eyes and legs. He is simple but nice and cuddly and safe for a baby with no buttons or hard bits!

Our strawberry patch is the healthiest looking thing in our garden at the moment - inspected every day for ripe ones. We have to get to them before the birds do. I'm going to use them as inspiration for a painted picture on the end of Isabella's doll cradle that I am doing up.

And this is the beginning of my new baby's quilt. I am eager and am sure to have it finished well in advance before baby comes. It is only going to be cradle size as we don't know the sex yet and I want to make a cot size one once I know what colour scheme I am going to go with.

Other projects on the go ....

A vintage look smock top and bloomers (x2)
Finishing Isabella's dolly cradle
This little deers dress for a lovely customer
Baby quilt
Plus many more buzzing in my mind to begin!

I'm sharing today over at Kootoyoo.

Flea market finds

2011-10-25T14:15:00.000+11:00

I love going bargain hunting and have had some success recently at a school fete and little second hand market. The above little tambourine and buzzy bee were a dollar each from the fete as were these three sweet tops I picked up for Isabella.

My favourite find though was this awesome retro flour sifter. It reminds me of one Mum used to have (but must have thrown out! - Why would she do that?). Anyway, now I have my own. Found this at Wesley Hill market in Castlemaine on a recent weekend away. Light, fluffy cakes here I come!

I'm linking up today with Her Library Adventures - a new blog I have discovered.

Japanese nightie

2011-10-22T20:42:00.000+11:00

With the days and nights warming up I have realised Isabella has nothing but flanelette pj's which are getting to be a bit warm. So I decided to make her some summer nighties. I loved wearing nighties as a little girl and still remember a couple of them.

This is the first of her nighties. Very feminine and light to wear.

The pattern comes from this gorgeous book I borrowed from my sister...

Gorgeous patterns, but the only problem is, the instructions are all in Japanese!

Luckily, the pattern was fairly straight forward and I was able to piece everything together without instructions (it also helped that my sister had made a few of these dresses and I was able to look at one of hers as a guide).

The white cotton has a light floral pattern on it (also white). Both fabrics are from Spotlight. Total cost was about $5!!

Isabella's quilt finished!!!!

2011-10-20T08:44:00.001+11:00

I can proudly say I have finally finished Isabella's 'big girl' quilt!!!! Hooray!! I started this quilt just before Christmas last year and have slowly been putting it together.

I free form quilted it on my machine - my first attempt. Although this was labourious and hard on the forearms, it was worth it in the end! The texture of the quilt is lovely and the stippled look really suits the design.

The quilt design is by Sarah Fielke from The Last Piece. The fabrics are a mix of designers which I spent much time choosing from several suppliers in the States.

I made 7 metres of 'scrappy' binding (using up leftover pieces from the quilt) to edge the quilt.

I actually ended up doing some unpicking and lengethening of the quilt as I was not happy with the length (annoying but necessary after I had spent so much time on it - would not want to look at it for the next ten years and not be completely happy with it).

The quilt looks lovely on Isabella's recycled bed (that her Daddy put together for her 3rd birthday).

You can read more about this quilt and watch how it came together by clicking on "Isabella's quilt" in my tag section.

So now that this one is finally finished, I can move onto my next quilting project....something for this little person...

I'm officially halfway through today! We won't find out the sex so a unisex little cradle quilt to begin with I think, then when baby arrives I can have some fun with choosing fabrics for a cot quilt.

I'm sharing today over at Kootoyoo.

A bunny and a revamped chair

2011-10-15T22:22:00.000+11:00

I made this cute 'Jack Rabbit' bunny last week. I did not have a recipient in mind, although I have two good friends who are having babies in the next six weeks. But, after I finished him, I decided that the girls could keep him and I could always make another one!

The pattern is by Hop Skip Jump. She makes the best toys!

Here he is unclothed (ooh) and sitting on a bright yellow chair that used to look like this...

We found this chair at an op shop years ago - I liked the shape and intended on sanding and painting it...two years later, it was still dropping flakes of white paint in our bedroom and I finally pulled it out and revamped it.

Now it sits proudly in Issie's room 'adorned' by her baby quilt and some of her softies! Love the bright blue carpet in the corner of the pic - our current house is a rental and we can't change it!!

Now I am off to finally finish Issie's quilt (don't mind the failed pledge I made) - I will not be blogging again until I am posting up finished pics of it...

Sweet swing top

2011-10-13T08:03:00.000+11:00

I whipped this little swing top up yesterday morning while Issie watched Sesame Street! Its a great pattern - simple but very sweet. I had bought the lovely grey wool from Rathdowne Remnants to make a softie and had plenty left so made another of these tops.

It is lined with one of my favourite prints Star Sugar by Dei Fabrics. The top is reversible.

I have decided to stock this in my little deers shop. You can buy it here! It will be available in size 0-3 and is made to order.

I am linking up today with Kootoyoo.

A little pair of jeans - a tutorial

2011-09-29T07:51:00.000+10:00

I just whipped up this little pair of jeans for Juliette out of some left over denim I had. I was inspired by this really cute pair I found on flickr and found the perfect green and white striped jersey here to match.

Here is how to make them!

You will need:

Your child's length from waist to ankle (plus hems) in denim
15 cm ribbing or stretch jersey
Matching thread ( I just used regular thread although the top stitching would look more effective had a gone out and purchased top stitching thread - I was just lazy and wanted to use what I had).

Step 1: Find a pair of pants that fit your child and turn them inside out. Place one leg inside the other and position on top of folded denim (back shown first). Trace around shape with chalk - making sure you pull pants down to fabric around crotch area so as to get the correct shape. Allow for 1-1.5 seam allowance and hems. Don't trace right up to top of waistline as this will be added when you attach the stripe. I added a bit of lenght to these pants too as they are getting a bit small for Juliette.

Your traced outline should look something like this...

Step 2: Flip pants over and repeat process for front of pants (ensure tracing and cutting on folded layers of denim so you end up with two of front and two of back).

Step 3: When put on top of each other, difference in back and front legs should look something like this (back is underneath)...

Press leg pieces and set aside

Step 4: Cut two pocket shapes - I chose rectangles with a rounded bottom. My rectangles were 13 cm in width by 15 cm in length before seams. Overlock or zig zag around edges and press side and bottom edge under 1cm.

Step 5: Turn pocket top down approx 2 cm and sew two rows of top stitching approximately 6mm apart.

Step 6: Also top stitch around sides and bottom of pocket 1cm away from edge and pin both pockets into a position roughly like this.

Step 7: Top stitch pockets to pants approx 1-2 mm from pocket edge.

Step 8: Pin front and back of pants right sides together along side seam. Sew.

Step 9: Overlock or zig zag this seam, then open pants up and overlock or zig zag bottom edge.

Step 10: Pin and sew along inside leg seams and turn one pant leg right side out.

Step 11: Place right side out pant leg inside other pant leg and pin around crotch edge. Sew and neaten this seam. Press.

Step 12: Cut jersey/ribbing piece. Decide on desired band width, then double and allow 2-3 cm for seams. Measure your child's waist and subtract approx 5cm from this length to work out your length of fabric. (Juliette was 50cm waist so I cut a piece 45 cm long and approx 20cm wide).

Step 13: Double over width wise right sides together and stitch along edge seam. Turn right side out and fold halfway down so wrong sides are facing.

Step 14: Place a pin at each quarter of ribbing piece then match these pins up with front, side and back seams (ensure seam in ribbing matches up with back seam). Pin to pants - it will look wobbly but ribbing will stretch as you sew. Sew along waistline and neaten ( I also top stitched along denim 1mm from ribbing).

Step 15: Hem jeans 1.5 cm from bottom edge (not pictured). Press again and you have a cute little pair of jeans!!

I'm sharing today over at Kootoyoo.

Mamma bear

2011-09-26T21:34:00.000+10:00

Mamma bear was the first softie I made a few years ago when I was a softie making virgin. I didn't now a lot about the best materials to use for softies then and made her from acrylic felt. Over the years, she became very 'bitty'. I also had a bit of a softie making urge this week so here is my new and improved version! The pattern comes from the original Softies book (published by Penguin) which I was given by two of my good friends after Isabella was born. It is such a great book - the best one I've come across so far for making cute softies. I like most of the patterns and have made six of the softies for my girls and for friends.

This Mamma bear is made from a recycled wool jacket (bought from the op shop for $7), which has morphed itself into five soft toys so far, including this donkey and this yellow dressed Poppy doll. Her body is also from an op shop find - leftovers from the lining of this jacket. I love recycling!! Her eyes and nose are suede (no bittiness there!). Her apron is fun to make - even the smallest scrap will do. My girls are fighting over her already....might have to make another one!

little deers spring dress number 2

2011-09-24T20:25:00.001+10:00

Here is my second little deers spring dress. This time in the red floral.

I love them and they are a delight to make and see come together. I am excited to hopefully be selling some in my shop...

I scaled down the pattern to include sizes 1 and 2. Juliette is pictured here in a size 1 - it still has some length in it but she is on the smaller size for her age and it should last her right through to autumn next year.

You can check out the pattern and fabric details in post below!

little deers spring dress!

2011-09-22T07:29:00.000+10:00

I am excited to have made this dress for Issie and to now put this lovely spring piece into my little deers shop.

I fell in love with this pattern (Simplicity 2909) when I saw it on Sew Tessuti blog a few weeks ago. I eagerly went down to Spotlight to find the pattern and get started. To my disappointment, the pattern was out of print! Why would they stop printing such a cute design?? I searched online for almost an hour and finally found it on ebay... Yay!

The dress features a sweet bib with simple lace and navy ric rac trim. This trim also frames the pockets and hem. The sleeves hang delicately over the shoulder. The back features an elasticated piece to allow room for growth and a little tie. The dress is available in sizes 1-5 (made to order) and you can buy them in my little deers shop!! The design will also be available in a shirt style - which is simply a shorter version (still with pockets and hem trim).

I am just finishing off another one now for Juliette in the red floral below, which I will post in my shop soon. I will also make the dress in the cottage garden colourway pictured. The fabrics are all my Denyse Schmidt and are super sweet and perfectly feminine - I love them all!

Red floral Cottage garden

For more creative inspiration, check out Kootoyoo.

(NB: The names I have given the fabrics are not the designer's - no name on selvage).

Fabric covered lantern - a tutorial

2011-09-20T09:05:00.000+10:00

I saw this idea in a magazine recently and thought it was cool and that I would give it a go.

You will need:

Paper lantern (mine has a small globe in the base which is battery operated). I picked mine up from a Chinese variety store
Scraps of fabric
Craft glue

Step 1: Begin by carefully removing the top ring from the lantern.

Step 2: Measure lantern from top to bottom and cut pieces of scraps in eliptical shapes to fit. I used pinking shears but you could just use regular scissors if covering in cotton as the pieces are unlikely to fray.

Cut 3: Apply craft glue liberally to back of scraps and stick onto lantern - you will need to stretch lantern out as you go so that the fabric sits as flat as possible while drying. Overlap fabric pieces as you go so lantern is not showing through.

Cut 4: measure base circle and cut a piece of fabric the same circumference about 1.5 cm wide. Cut across circle at any point so that you end up with a 'c' shape.

Step 5: Wrap circle around base fo lantern and overlap ends so that circle sits flat against lantern. This will cover up the raw ends of the scraps underneath.

Step 6: Carefully fit top piece back onto lantern also (no pic).

And here is the your lantern! I tried taking some pics of it at night with light on but the photos didn't look any good - the lantern did though! Very pretty.

Ottobre skirt

2011-09-14T20:13:00.001+10:00

I have been wanting to make this skirt for a while and finally got around to starting it this week. Many hours later, it is complete and pretty cute! I had to adjust it a bit as the size that suited Isabella was still too big. I also added a tie made from one of the frill fabrics.

Isabella loves to dance! Her usual uniform is a pink tutu but I think I can persuade her to wear this skirt as it has good frills on it!

How's the pose?!!

Project details:
Fabric - red denim (an offcut from my sis), floral prints from my scrap box (lower frill is Sara Morgan Toy Box ... again!, can't remember where I got the upper frill fabric)
Pattern - Ottobre Spring 2011
Bits and bobs - 10 cm zip, button, interfacing for waistband

I'm sharing today at Kootoyoo.

Muscle tee!

2011-09-10T10:15:00.000+10:00

A little stretchy muscle top I whipped up for Juliette. I hadn't intended it to be a firm fit but I was working with scraps so this is all I had fabric for. The top was a little short so I added a wide ribbing at the bottom.

One of these kids is doing their own thing...

Made from some scraps from some bathers I made the girls over summer. I just traced this from another of Juliette's tops and adjusted the neckline. I think this will be a handy one to wear in the water too. The stripe is from Spotlight and the top is edged with pink ribbing.

Two little tops - a tutorial

2011-09-08T08:54:00.000+10:00

The girls are in need of some short sleeve tops now that the weather is warming up and I picked up these ones at Big W for about $6 each. I let Isabella choose the colour, so of course they are pink! I decided to dress them up with some cute applique and so here is a little tutorial on how to 'transform' a cheap little cotton t-shirt into a sweet and colourful top.

You will need:

Cotton t-shirt
Scraps of fabric
Double sided fusible vilene (you can purchase this at Spotlight)
Embroidery thread and small button

Before...

After...

Step 1: Draw your design on scrap paper to establish sizing and placement of your applique.

Step 2: Cut ironed pieces of scrap fabrics in rough shapes of your applique to minimise wasting vilene.

Step 3: Iron fabric pieces onto vialene (furry side against fabric, paper side against ironing board).

Step 4: Turn vialene over and draw shapes on paper side. Ensure non-symmetrical shapes are drawn in reverse.

Step 5: Using a pair of small sharp scissors, cut around your drawn shapes. I used pinking shears for my flower shapes. Do not remove paper yet.

Step 6: Using 'fray stoppa', run a line of product around all the edges of the cut shapes (except where pinking shears were used). Wait approximately one hour for fray stoppa to dry. If you iron on when tacky, a white film will appear around edges.

Step 7: Peel paper from all pieces. Place shapes on t-shirt and iron on.

Step 8: Top stitch around the outside of each shape, approx. 2mm in from edge. I leave my needle in the fabric and lift the foot only when turning corners and to ease around curves.

Bird detail....

Flower detail...

After...Voila!

Juliette's is a simpler design using only pinking shears so no drying time.

These tops were lots of fun to make and would make a great little gift!

I'm sharing today over at Kootoyoo.

And it was all yellow!

2011-09-04T14:16:00.001+10:00

Finally something to put on my blog! I have not felt overly motivated to sew recently (apart from a few items for little deers). But yesterday I had that feeling that I just wanted to make something! So a little dress for Juliette was in order.

I have made this pattern up three times now. It is from the first Ottobre magazine (3/2009) I ordered - the 'threeway dress'. It is such a simple and effective pattern, I'm sure it won't be the last time I'll use it. I scaled the pattern down to fit Juliette.

I used one of my favourite fabrics from my stash - a Sarah Morgan Toy Box number again (pattern # 7068 - could not find on the net to link to as it must have sold out from most stockists). I teamed it with a simple yellow and white stripe I found at Spotlight. My hubby was pretty impressed to see his littlest girl come to give him a cuddle this morning for Father's Day in this sweet little dress!

Spring is coming...

2011-08-11T13:29:00.000+10:00

I have definitely had enough of winter for this year. Too many rainy days spent indoors with two kids to entertain. A few sunny days recently have started to dry up the backyard and remind me that the warmer weather is on its way. Yay!

I made this little peasant top for Isabella from a gorgeous litle orange print which is from Sara Morgan's Toy Box collection. I made the pattern up and added a linen bib piece which is stitched with orange emboidery thread and accented with three mismatched orange buttons.

I'm sharing today over at Kootoyoo.

My junebug dress

2011-07-27T20:28:00.001+10:00

I haven't posted on my blog for a while as I have been making a few things for buyers from my shop (fun) and working on my husband's tax (not fun). So I am excited to post this dress that I made for Isabella. We are in the middle of a wet and cold winter but when I saw this dress on my favourite blog I couldn't resist joining in with her sew along. The blog owner, Jess, is an amazing sewer - she makes up her own patterns and then posts tutorials on how to make lots of her creations. If you enjoy sewing for little girls, you need to check out her blog!

I found this cotton print at Darn Cheap Fabrics in Heidelberg. And yes, it was darn cheap! Their quilting cottons are only $7.50 per metre - cheapest I've seen. It has been a bit too cold to get Issie in the dress yet and I think it will fit her better later in the year as I upsized the pattern to fit her for summer.

I'm sharing today over at Kootoyoo.

How to make sweet little baby cards

2011-07-13T13:07:00.001+10:00

1. Cut 10 x 10 cm square and iron;
2. Begin kite fold (iron as you go);
3. Fold both ends in to centre;

4. Fasten mini safety pin through all layers and you will end up with an incy wincy little nappy that looks like this!

Nappy is approx. 5.5 x 3.5 cm

5. Using craft glue, adhere nappy to piece of nice card ( I used 10 x 20 cm piece to produce 10 x 10 cm square card) and finish off with writing.

Cute hey?! Each card took about five minutes and costs next to nothing to make. I made one for our friends who just had a baby boy Charlie. I also made him this...

A little softie made from a sock and some scraps! I put a little bell inside too so that it jingles when it's shaken.

I'm sharing today at Kootoyoo.

An interview

2011-07-11T09:03:00.000+10:00

I have been asked by Jill at Creating my way to success if I would like to feature on her blog as part of her weekly interviews she does with people who enjoy craft of one kind or another.

What do you create?

I create all sorts of things, but the things I most enjoy making are clothes for my children and as gifts, soft toys and quilts. I also love to rug up on the couch in the winter time with some knitting needles, wool and a cup of tea.

Why do you create?

I love creating things - it is a real soulful pleasure. When I sew and am enjoying what I am making, I get a real buzz out of watching a piece come together and I love giving things I have made as gifts. The recipients know there has been love and time spent thinking about that person whilst its being made. I also love that sewing allows you to be creative and come up with new ideas and (usually) save money!

Do you sell your creations. If so, where and is it profitable?

I have just opened my own madeit store and launched my children's label 'little deers'. Most of my items are made to order from size 0-5. I have a winter collection in my store at the moment which includes denim and velvet pinafores, corduroy pinafore tops, long sleeved applique tops, scarves, corduroy skirts and pants and my own original design softies. To answer the latter part of the question...watch this space!

What mistakes have you made/lessons have you learnt along the way?

Toddlers and sewing machines don't mix! Since my eldest daughter stopped having her afternoon nap I have had to limit the majority of my sewing to evenings when both girls are in bed. I have to be mindful to still make time for just chatting and relaxing with my hubby at night too.

What is your idea of success and have you achieved it?

I think success is doing what makes you happy. Happiness is really what everyone is looking for in some form. I think if you can be happy and try to make others happy today you are making the most out of life. So, yes, I have achieved success because I am happy.

Where to next?

I would like to stay moderately busy with little deers and keep enjoying home life and looking after my two little girls. The future hopefully holds another child, perhaps a move to the country, return to primary school teaching and lots more happy times!

Velvet dress

2011-07-07T07:58:00.001+10:00

I made this little velvet dress a while back now. I found the mushroom pink velvet cotton at Rathdowne Remnants and thought it would be perfect in one of my little deers pinafores. Velvet is hard to find and the colour is really sweet and unusual.

This dress is for sale in my madeit shop in sizes 0-5. It features a sweet appliqued deer, covered buttons and a lined bodice. It's super soft and nice and warm. All my clothes are made to order but I obviously have made one of each item which are for the girls and family. I think Isabella will christen this little pinafore today on our brunch date with friends!

I'm sharing today over at Kootoyoo.

My softies

2011-07-05T19:50:00.000+10:00

These softies are my own creation and evolved from this softie I made for Softies for the children of Christchurch. They are all made from 100 % wool and designer print cottons. Their faces are made from linen and they feature suede noses and sweet little freckles. They are for sale in my little deers madeit shop!

I love making these softies - each one is unique and very loveable!

Jet pilot (and a giveaway winner)

2011-07-04T08:42:00.000+10:00

This is my favourite baby hat pattern. I have knitted four now and this last one I upsized to fit Juliette. I combined two 4ply wools to create this mottled pink.

Perfect for our little 'Jet' as the button fastening stops her from pulling it off. When deciding on Juliette's name before she was born, we wondered whether she would have a nickname as it is not an easy name to shorten. When Juliette arrived, Isabella promptly began calling her 'Jet' as she couldn't then pronounce her full name. So 'Jet' has stuck and here she is in her little pilot hat.

The pattern was pilfered from my Mum's enormous collection and originally belonged to my Grandma - love the old patterns!

The winner of the sherbet pips scarf giveaway was JO. A non-blogger follower who entered via comments at my madeit shop. Well done Jo! Hope you enjoy :)

little deers launch and GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-06-30T08:08:00.002+10:00

Today is a big day for me...I am finally 'launching' my label little deers here on my blog.

Here is my little spiel in the profile of my madeit shop:

Little deers is a new and fresh label created by me, Suz. I have two little dears of my own and love making them clothes, quilts and toys. I decided to create little deers so that I could make beautiful and fun clothes for other children too. I love fabric, creating and sharing the thrill of others enjoying the things I have made.

Little deers has been about two months in the making and has been eagerly awaited by me after take three on my labels! I intend on making a collection for each season and am excited to reveal my winter collection.

Here is a little snapshot of little deers current winter collection...

I am selling on madeit and will also take custom orders through my blog.

To celebrate this 'momentous' day, I am having my first GIVEAWAY!!! I am giving away one of these gorgeous little deers scarves...

'For him' scarf features sherbet pips cotton prints and is lined with red anti-pill fleece.

'For her' scarf features sherbet pips and vintage spot and is lined with red anti-pill fleece.

These scarves are suitable for sizes 1-4 years.

Here's how to enter:

1. Follow my blog

2. Go to my madeit shop and let me know in the comments section which item is your favourite and why

3. Tell me which scarf you would like and how best to contact you!

I will draw the competition on Sunday (evening) 3rd July and will post the winner on Monday 4th July.

There will be more items going into my shop over the next few days.

I am sharing today over at Kootoyoo (If you noticed, sorry for linking twice - wasn't happy with first thumbnail I uploaded but couldn't work out how to delete!).

P.S. If any madeit shop owners know how to create a blog button to link to shop could you please let me know? Thank you.

Waiting...

2011-06-19T22:04:00.001+10:00

Following my 'big announcement' about my label and madeit shop opening on 16th June, I am still waiting.... The company who are making my labels have got it wrong for the second time and printed my labels on bright yellow! The man I have been dealing with decided to make his own decision on what colour the background should be when the colour I requested was not available....Hmmm....not a clever idea. So I now have 500 labels that I cannot use and none that I can!

Here is a little snapshot of some of the garments that I will be selling (no dates being set - have learnt from that mistake!).

Meanwhile, while I wait, I am steaming along with Isabella's quilt and think I will definitely be on track for having it ready for (and most likely before) her birthday at the end of July.

Winter jacket

2011-06-16T08:58:00.002+10:00

Since my labels did not arrive in the post yesterday, I was unable to 'launch' my little label today and my madeit store as I had hoped. This was a little disappointing, but every cloud has a silver lining...it meant that I didn't have to go hell for leather yesterday getting the final pics up and stitching the labels on everything, and it also gave me some sewing time to work on a winter jacket for Isabella.

We spent the long weekend in Anglesea at my Uncle and Aunty's holiday house which we are lucky to be able to use a few times a year. They are very generous in letting us stay and I made some cushion covers for the house recently as a little thankyou. My Aunty then gave me a 'thankyou for the thankyou' and gave me this great 'Make It Perfect' pattern. I was keen to make it but was unsure of the fabrics to use. The Anglesea op shop came up with the goods! I picked up a piece of wool blanketing and some super sweet red and white spotted voile/cotton, for a total of $7.00 and I am so happy with how it looks! I think it will be super warm and will fit Issie this year and hopefully next too. Then of course, Juliette will be able to wear it in a couple of years time!

As for my label, I am hoping to open the shop in the next few days and will certainly let my blog readers know!!

Project details:
Pattern - 'Make it Perfect' Uptown girl pattern, size 3.
Fabric - 120 cm of apricot wool; 120 cm red spotted voile/cotton
Bits and bobs - recycled red button

I'm sharing today over at Kootoyoo.

Isabella's quilt Part III

2011-06-09T08:45:00.001+10:00

It has been a while since I posted about Isabella's quilt. I was expecting the machine quilting to be oh so quick compared to hand quilting, but I was wrong! I am free form machine quilting and it is taking me forever! I can only do it for about half an hour at a time before my forearms ache. That said, it is looking impressive. I just need to be diligent and try to do some regularly. I love the feel of the quilt, all bumpy and tactile...

I have just thought of a deadline for the quilt - this will keep me inspired to get it done... Issie turns three next month so I hereby pledge to have her quilt completed by her third birthday!

If you would like to see quilt inspiration and progress, go to Part I and Part II.

I am sharing today over at Kootoyoo.

Some exciting news!!!!

2011-06-05T21:02:00.000+10:00

I have some exciting news.......in less than two weeks I will be 'launching' my little children's label. The name I will not yet reveal - you will have to wait and see....

I love making things for my girls and also for gifts for family and friends and the idea to start selling hatched about five or six weeks ago over dinner with friends. It is something that I have casually considered in the past, but now the time is right and I have decided to go for it!

I will be selling on line through a madeit store (not yet open). I will be selling children's clothing (size 0-5) which will be a mix of made to order, one of a kind as well as some original design softies. I will also take custom orders. My store will open on Thursday 16th June. You will be able to shop directly through my madeit store which will also be linked up to my blog.

Here is a sneak peek of some of my new supplies.......

I am hoping to create a collection for each season, so my first collection is for winter and includes yummy corduroy, denim and wool with gorgeous designer print cottons. If you are not already a follower on blog please sign up as I will be having a GIVEAWAY on my launch date.

Stay tuned and thanks for your support!!

A gift from Grandma

2011-06-03T21:30:00.001+10:00

This is what greeted us on our doorstop after a trip out this morning. I wasn't expecting a parcel but then recognised that old familiar handwriting...a gift from Grandma!

A belated birthday present for Juliette. Mum knits all her grandchildren something each birthday, but a trip to Bali with Dad meant Juliette's came a little late. But not too late! They fit her perfectly and the weather is just right for this snuggly little jumper and sweet socks!

With a red nose to match!

The jumper is from one of Mum's old vintage pattern books and is knitted up in Alpaca/wool blend from Bendigo, while the socks are merino wool.

Tea anyone?

2011-06-02T08:31:00.000+10:00

I had lots of fun making this sweet little tea cosy for Stefan. His beloved brewing cup broke the other day so we fished out a little teapot we had and he asked if I could please find time in my busy line of projects to make him a cosy. Well, I must say, I am pleased with the result - and so is he!

Russian Caravan in the afternoon when Stefan comes home from work is a daily ritual now. Two turns to the right, one to the left, then pour! Me, I prefer milky Earl Grey...

I was inspired by a cute book I picked up from my library called, pretty little cozies.

I'm sharing today over at Kootoyoo.

Rainy day smock - a tutorial

2011-05-30T14:28:00.001+10:00

You will need:

Approx length of smock if using wide fabric or twice length if fabric is 90cm wide (my smock was recycled from a small cot sheet found at the op shop).
5mm elastic
10cm of hook and loop velcro

Directions:

Step 1.

Draft a pattern - mine is drafted for a 3 year old. You could make it bigger or smaller by adding or subtracting a cm or so all around to go up or down a size (no need to be exact as this is a very free fitting pattern).

Step 2.

Cut out pattern pieces as indicated on pattern. Your pieces will look something like this...

Step 3.

With right sides together, sew arm and back together at raglan seam (I have just overlocked to save time).

Step 4.

Repeat all around until your smock looks like this... (back attaches to sleeve to front to sleeve to back)

Step 5.

Take a little break... Hmmm...comfy concrete!

Step 6.

Neaten end of sleeves with overlocker or zig zag, then with right sides together sew underarm seams on both sides.

Step 7.

Neaten around neckline and bottom hem with overlocker or zig zag stitch.

Step 8.

Turn neckline under 1 cm to allow for elastic. Do the same for the sleeves (not pictured). Allow opening in sleeves for elastic to be pushed through.

Step 9.

Use a safety pin to secure the elastic and thread through the neck casing.

Step 10.

Sew one end of elastic casing to secure before gathering up and securing other side. Thread elastic through sleeve casings also, secure elastic and close openings (not pictured). Thread elastic through wrist seams, secure and sew up openings (not pictured).

Step 11.

hem back openings and bottom hem (not pictured).

Step 12.

Attach two pieces of hook and loop velcro to back edge - making sure hook is attached to right side and loop to underside (or vice versa). Match position of velcro with both sides before sewing.

Press and hang and you have finished! Great for rainy day play.

Stripey!

2011-05-26T08:22:00.002+10:00

A stipey number made by me and photographed on a sunny autumn morning...

Hilarious! Isabella has kindly posed for me for some pics!! Love the poses.

This top is great to wear as it has a large neck opening which is concealed with the overlapping shoulder seams.

Project details:

Pattern - Ottobre 3/2011, Anchor T - shirt, (sleeves lengthened), cover pattern

Fabric - Stripey jersey from Rathdowne Remnants

I'm sharing today over at Kootoyoo.

Scrappy quilt Part III

2011-05-25T14:09:00.000+10:00

I have made three more scrappy squares since my last scrappy quilt post...

I now have a total of ten squares (nine pictured as Juliette stood on one with her muddy shoes at the last minute!)...

I think I will aim for a four by four square quilt and will use white cotton strips between the squares. I think it will live on our couch and be used for cold winter evenings. Check out the inspiration for this quilt by clicking on 'scrappy quilt along' button on right of my blog.

Little bunting

2011-05-22T20:24:00.000+10:00

Every little boy and girls' room needs a bunting! I made this one with scraps from my sewing stash and some yellow ribbon. I love using my pinking shears (when they are sharp!). Because these flags are sheared there was no need for sewing until attaching them to the ribbon. The bunting is double sided so that it can hang from the roof too. (Note: if you have pinking shears and need them sharpened - Spotlight provide this service once a fortnight for $8 - handy!)

Here is Juliette getting cosy beneath the bunting in Isabella's room. She loves climbing up on this chair and cuddling whoever is close by.

This is one of my favourite flags - an Amy Butler print.

Since I had the camera out, I snuck in this photo of Stefan and Issie - Daddy is teaching Isabella about corn and they are checking on the spring onions and spinach. We were watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution the other night and couldn't believe that some 17 year olds in America didn't know that milk came from cows or that eggs came from chooks - they must have missed out on all this!

Vintage smock shirt

2011-05-19T16:44:00.013+10:00

I have been thinking of making this shirt for a while now...

I used this vintage pattern of Mum's that looks like it's been a round since the 70's. I'm sure she whipped up a few for us (four girls to sew for plus two boys!). I love the fabric too. The shirt took me a couple of hours as the gathering around the yolk is tricky and the yolk is handstitched on the inside. I think I will make it again though - maybe the sleeveless version. I love the style.

Isabella insisted on pushing Minnie in her pram to playgroup this morning, so we took some pics along the way!

Project Details:

Pattern - Style 1106

Fabric - American Independence by Sara Morgan

Bits and Bobs - Three cream vintage buttons, elastic for wristbands

I'm sharing today over at Kootoyoo.

Buttons...just because

2011-05-15T20:11:00.000+10:00

Just took these photos for fun this morning. My button stash is getting quite impressive and Issie and I managed to line these all up and take some pics before Juliette woke to destroy them!

I love butttons...and I love these little pics of Juliette in Hoochie Coochie this morning - making herself comfortable on a sweet pink chair! Ooh, I could just eat her up!! (As Grandma would say...)

Heart shaped

2011-05-11T20:15:00.000+10:00

This sweet heart shaped cushion was inspired by my sister Jac - a fellow sewer and crafter. I felt Isabella was in need of her signature cushion and I was right...it now comes to bed with her along with her faithful Minnie.

I made an inner casing which I stuffed with polyfill then made a separate heart shaped pillow case and left an opening which has an invisible zip to close.

Heart pictured here with Isabella's knitted bear I made her when she was a bub - a pattern by Debbie Bliss. These heart cushions make a great gift for little girls - just the right size for good winter cuddles!

Something for me!

2011-05-07T15:42:00.001+10:00

I've been doing a bit of knitting lately...

This little beanie was super quick as I combined an 8ply (cherry mohair) and 4ply cream baby wool to create a textured 12 ply yarn which knitted up nice and fast! The pattern was very simple - knit, knit all the way and just decrease at the crown. My sister has a glut of buttons which she inherited from a friend who used to work at a haberdashery store - so I used one from her stash to decorate the front. Stefan is also pleased that I managed to squeeze a couple of beanies in for him! Gotta keep your man happy.

Happy Birthday Juliette!

2011-05-02T19:21:00.000+10:00

Today my little darling Juliette turned one! She is looking so grown up with her little piggies!

This is her 'birthday dress'. Details are below.

We had a lovely morning tea with some friends...

Here is the little top she is wearing in the first shot - a little stretch knit with button shoulder.

Dress details:
Pattern - Self drafted

Fabric - 50 cm grey corduroy and pink Sara Morgan Toy Box print

Bits and bobs - 3 pink square buttons from Spotlight

Happy Birthday!!

Little donkey

2011-04-30T15:56:00.001+10:00

I made this little donkey last year for my neice Marlee but forgot to take a photo of it. I saw Marlee over easter and little donkey surreptitiously found his way into Isabella's bag! So a good chance for me to photograph...

The pattern is from the original Softies book which I have used many, many times and love. The designer is My little mochi. His body is made from a recycled wool coat. His muzzle is linen and the pink print is one of my favourite fabrics, but I cannot find out what it is called. I bought it a couple of years ago from Patchwork on Central Park. If anyone knows the name of the print - please let me know!

The print was also used to make these sweet little shoes that now sit on Isabella's dresser. I made them for her when she was a wee little one and they are absolutely tiny!

A little pic of me with the girls last night in their 'Royal attire'!

Old school

2011-04-28T08:44:00.001+10:00

I made this little pinafore for Isabella last night. The fabric reminds me of the winter tunic I used to wear in primary school!

I used the "Tropical blend" pattern from the latest Ottobre magazine but adapted the hemline and added the bias binding.

We took some photos this morning. I enticed Isabella outside to look at the mist...but she decided it was called mischief and kept saying, "Look at the mischief!"

Most of my photos looked like the one above, a regular game of running away from Mummy!

Isabella loves the dress as she loves anything with pockets. These have a bit of novelty factor too as they are circle shaped. I am looking forward to making a few more winter items for the girls' wardrobe. I have made a sweet corduroy dress for Juliette but I can't post it yet because it is for her first birthday next week - time is flying by!

Details:
Fabric - 70 cm wool/viscose blend (from Spotlight), 40 cm printed cotton
Pattern - Tropical blend dress from Ottobre 3/2011
Bits and bobs - 2 covering buttons

Scrappy quilt Part II

2011-04-25T10:31:00.001+10:00

Here are the latest square for my scrappy quilt. They are lots of fun to make and I now have a total of eight squares. I probably still have 16 or so squares left depending on how ambititious I decide to be...

Purple

Brown

Orange

Red

We have spent a lovely few days at home in Warrnambool with Mum and Dad and the fam over easter. Isabella and Juliette have had a great time playing with their cousins and the rest of the family. I managed to get to the local quilting shop and to their closing down sale to replenish my 'scraps'...

Here are a few of my favourites.

I am excited and impressed by the selection of quilting fabrics at Spotlight at the moment too. They currently stock Sarah Morgan Toy Box fabrics (top right of this selection). Very cute fabrics.

Juliette loves getting hold of my fabrics and making a mess!

Scrappy quilt Part I

2011-04-21T08:09:00.001+10:00

I know I should not be starting another quilt when I haven't yet finished Isabella's, but I couldn't resist! I saw a post on Comfort Stitching which looked too much fun to pass up! So I have joined in with her 'Quilt a long' (button is on right side of my page). I'm not sure where this quilt is going to belong but I know I won't be able to give it away so possibly on our spare bed.

Blue

Green

Yellow

Pink

My colours yet to make will be red, orange, purple and brown. I haven't worked out how many squares I will need to make in total yet but probably about 25...eek! My craftiness is being somewhat curbed by Isabella's resistance to her afternoon sleeps...hence why I stayed up very late last night constructing these fun squares! I can't get too distracted with this project though as I am going well with Issie's quilt. I am almost finished the hand tacking and will then be doing my first free form machine quilting!

You can find out how to put a square together on Aneela's blog. Thanks Jules for finding her blog and introducing me to her talents!

How to make...A drawer runner/book store

2011-04-18T22:00:00.003+10:00

I had seen an idea similar to this where a 'runner' would sit underneath a bed's mattress and then panels would sit either side of the bed with pockets to store books/ night light and teddies. I thought I would combine this idea with a drawer runner for Isabella's room. This runner is 30cm by 180cm. Here is how to make it...

Materials:

Scraps of assorted cotton prints (30 cm height and various widths)
90 cm of calico or plain print (for reverse)
Scraps of printed cotton for pockets
Ribbon or embelishments for pockets
Adhesive velcro dots (hook and loop)

Method:

1. Measure the desired length and width or your runner.

2. Cut scraps of prints and plain to fit these measurements. I cut various pieces of print and calico at 30 cm height to make up 180 cm in length (remember to allow for seam allowances).

3. Sew pieces together with 1 cm seams. Iron flat (opening seams while ironing). No need to zig zag or overlock seams as they will all be hidden.

I varied the prints over the width of the chest of drawers but then used calico at each end.

4. Cut two pieces of calico (30 x 92 cm) and sew together to create a 30 x 180 cm length. Press seams. You sill end up with two pieces of the runner - the plain calico will be the backing.

5. Cut pockets at various sizes to be placed on plain calico ends to store books and bits and pieces. Add any embelishments you like, finish raw edges and stitch down tops of pockets. Fold and press remaining three sides under 1 cm.

6. Pin folded edges to runner where you would like them to be sewn.

7. Sew 1-2mm from edge around pockets. Make sure you backstitch beginning and ending of seam securely as the pockets will be carrying weight.

8. With right sides facing, pin and sew runner top and backing together, leaving a 20 cm opening to turn inside out.

9. Turn runner the right way around and press (also press opening edges under).

10. Top stitch around entire runner (this will also sew closed the opening).

11. I placed some adhesive velcro dots on under side of runner and on drawers to ensure runner will stay in place (no pic).

Finito!!

Side one

Side two

Isabella testing it out...Sorry for cheesy smile - this is what happens when I ask her to smile for the camera!

How to make...A pram liner

2011-04-15T20:43:00.002+10:00

I have finally managed to post another sewing tutorial and to finish my second pram liner to complete the set for our double pram (Juliette is only 11 months old so it's only 11 months late!). This is a good 'beginner' project for people learning to sew that also incorporates some technical elements (button holes and bias edging). So here it is...

Materials:

- Approximately 40 cm (depending on width of your pram seat) of three fabrics - outer layer, inner layer and under layer;

- Approximately 1.5 metres of 20mm width bias binding

1. You will need to take some measurements of your pram insert. You need the overall 'length' of your pram liner and the width. The length is calculated by adding the seat height to the seat depth. You will also need to measure the position of the upper straps (there are two pair on my pram) and the bottom seat strap, as these will require button holes to allow the straps through.

2. Cut three layers of fabric in a rounded rectangle according to your measurements. The three layers I have used are a printed curtain fabric for the outside (something durable is good), a polar fleece inner layer and a spotted cotton under layer.

3. Pin the three layers together with the right sides of the outer and under layer facing outwards (the polar fleece will be sandwiched in between).

4. Mark the position for the button holes with taylor's chalk. Using a ruler, also chalk lines for top stitching or 'quilting' the liner. I stitched a centre line which runs vertically and four horizonal lines divided between the length of the liner.

5. Get your sewing machine ready. Set stitch length to a long stitch as it is sewing through three layers. It is also a good idea to lessen the foot pressure (check your manual on how to do this). This will allow the layers to move more freely as they are being sewn. Top stitch across the chalked lines and remove pins.

6. Set machine for button hole stitching and use button hole foot. Sew button holes. These will be long button holes to allow for straps. I went over mine twice to make them stronger.

7. Folding button hole seams in half, cut centre to allow scissors to snip length of each hole.

8. Open up the bias binding and sew along fold - allowing 1 cm from liner edge. Sew around perimeter of liner and overlap binding where the ends meet.

9. Turn liner over and fold binding over to reach the seam you have just sewn. Keeping the edge of the binding lined up with this seam, sew approximately 1 mm in from this seam around the perimeter of the binding.

10. Press your liner and you are all done!!

It's a green thing

2011-04-14T07:38:00.001+10:00

This is 'Esmeralda' the latest softie I have made. She will be given to Juliette in a few weeks time for her first birthday. She was inspired by her cousin, Coccinelle who jumped in a post bag today over to Christchurch to join her friends through Leonie at Kiwi at Heart.

I managed to get a photo of them together before they said their goodbyes...

The body fabric of Esmeralda is this gorgeous and quaint floral fabric I bought at Fragrant Cottage a sweet quilting store in my hometown of Warrnambool. Unfortunately, after 25 years in business, the shop is closing down. On the bright side, this fabric was on sale. There will be 50 % off everything in the store by the time I get home for easter so I am looking forward to some time in there on my own, child free! Her face and arms are made from wool felt. Linen and pink suede face detail.

I feel like I am neglecting Juliette a bit on this blog as most of the clothes I have posted have been for her big sister. This is mainly because Juliette is still wearing gifts and hand me downs and is not in as much need for clothes as Isabella ( although I am planning on making her a few things for her birthday). So here is a cute snap of her wearing a little green cardi made with love by her Grandma. Love the change in season and the need for the winter woolies!

Polka dots

2011-04-11T20:45:00.000+10:00

I loved this shirt so much that I made another one...

Isabella is becoming quite the little model and happily obliges when I pull out the camera! Snapped here on the way to mother's group in Edinburgh gardens.

Details:

Pattern - Ottobre 1/2010

Fabric - 60 cm of cream with black polka dots from Rathdowne Remnants

Bits and bobs - 5 small black buttons, vyalene for button tab and collar interfacing, elastic for sleeves

Isabella's quilt Part II

2011-04-09T10:41:00.000+10:00

I have been steaming along with Isabella's quilt. I am really happy with how all the colours are coming together. I probably have an hour or two left of sewing the quilt top and then I will be up to putting it all together! I have decided I will do free form machine quilting on the quilt top and have been reading up on how to use a free form foot as I have not used one before. If any quilters out there have any tips on using one or on which type of thread works best, please let me know!

You may be interested in seeing Isabella's quilt Part I to see where I got the inspiration for this project.

Cherrie on a tree swing

2011-04-07T08:52:00.001+10:00

I've just finished and framed this little needlework project. It's called "Cherrie on a tree swing".

The design is by Aneela Hoey from Comfort Stitching. Her blog is gorgeous and I love all the things she has made. Her line of fabric Sherbert Pips is released this month. Think I will have to get my hands on some!

My button

2011-03-31T22:04:00.003+11:00

I am having a go at making a sewpony button...(a glass of wine, 5 pieces of chocolate, a baby cuddle, nappy change and drink and a bad french movie later...) it worked! I have no idea about code and computers so it took me a while!! I would love anyone who is interested to add it to their blog and to let me know!

Meet Coccinelle the softie

2011-03-30T12:47:00.000+11:00

Meet "Coccinelle" my latest little softie. I found a sweet button on a blog the other day that is essentially a toy drive for children affected by the earthquake in Christchurch. The incentive is being organised by a blogger in New Zealand. You can check her out here. I set to work at 9.40 pm to design and make a softie!

An hour and half later Coccinelle was born!

She is made from brown wool and scraps from my scrap basket. Her face is linen. I incorporated the selvage from the body fabric onto the pocket as it was too sweet to throw out! Thus her name, Coccinelle.

Pictured here getting a hug from Juliette in her favourite spot in the house - on the bookshelf!

Hopefully the first of many hugs from a special child across the seas.

If you are interested in being involved, just click on the softies button on the right side of my page.

My quilts

2011-03-28T11:33:00.001+11:00

Quilt number 1: The ten year itch

This was my first ever quilt. It keeps us warm in the winter time. It was a pull out over winter project which I started when I was nineteen. Fast forward ten years and I finished it! Talk about losing motivation. It is machine pieced and hand quilted (225 squares). These are not colours I would choose today but it still has a nice 'country/homemade' feel to it.

Quilt number 2: Isabella's baby quilt

I started this quilt when I was only nine weeks pregnant with Isabella. Pattern is my own and fabrics are from Patchwork on Central Park. She has outgrown it now as she has progressed to a bed. But it sits folded on her chair in the corner of her room. Machine pieced and hand quilted.

Quilt number 3: Juliette's baby quilt

This quilt was also started while I was pregnant (and didn't know the sex). I chose the colour scheme of orange, green and brown as I thought this was pretty safe. Pattern is from Homespun magazine and fabrics are from Patchwork on Central Park. Machine pieced and hand quilted.

Quilt number 4: Indianna's baby quilt

This quilt was made for my friend Karen's baby - Indianna. It is my first attempt at machine quilting. Pattern is from Quilts Baby book and fabrics are from various places!

Quilts to come: Isabella's bed quilt, ...?

Petite beret

2011-03-26T12:51:00.001+11:00

I finished this delightful little beret last night for Isabella. She has grown out of all her hats and I was keen to make something from the beautfiul book my friend Allie gave me for my birthday. It's called "Vintage knits for Modern Babies" by Hadley Fierlinger. Sizes go up to 3 years. I omitted the cord and added a pom pom to my creation.

The wool I found at good ol' Big W of all places! It's 70 % wool and 30 % soybean and very soft. Sizing wise, Isabella is over 2 1/2 now and it is a perfect fit for her, but I think it may be a bit baggy on a 1 year old.

Details:

Pattern - Petite Beret from Vintage Knits for Modern Babies (one size only 1-3 years)

Wool - 50g ball of Rockbank (wool/soybean blend)

Needles - 3.75 mm

Little birdie

2011-03-25T21:36:00.003+11:00

This little dress is still one of my favourites. I made it for Isabella's second birthday last year and it has recently come back to me (after being worn by two other lovely little girls since). It was quite a small fit for her when she was two so will probably be just right for Juliette this winter. It was an ultra easy dress to make and has worn really well.

Details:

Pattern - traced from another pinafore; bird design is original

Fabric - 60 cm of green velveteen corduroy, 30 cm floral print facing, scraps for applique

Bits and bobs - double sided fusible vyalene, two buttons, small button for bird's eye

Poppy doll number four

2011-03-24T07:37:00.001+11:00

I have now made four "Poppy" dolls (by Hop Skip Jump). The latest doll on the right is for a friend's baby and is pictured here with her friends at the Collingwood children's farm.

Jemima was made with a creamy yellow wool I purchased from Rathdowne Remnants. Her hair is a chocolate brown velvet and her cheeks are made with suede. I made her little dress and bloomers from some leftovers from Indianna's quilt. The dress skirt is made of calico with a purple ribbon trim. These dolls have been so much fun to make. It is a joy to see their little faces come together and to make their sweet outfits, but most of all to know they will be loved and cherished by some special little girls.

A book bag

2011-03-21T08:39:00.005+11:00

Here is my latest sewing project. A book bag for Isabella to take to the library and fill with goodness. I accidently bought too much calico recently and was wondering what I should do with it. I also made one for Isabella's little friend for her second birthday. The letters are fused in place with double sided vyalene (spelling?) and then I used a small and tight zig zag around the outside. The exterior is calico and the interior is a mauve striped cotton. Two layers are necessary to make sure the bag is strong enough. I also double stitched around the top of the bag to reinforce the straps.

The little orange spotted patch is a small pocket for Mummy's library card. I always find that I am fumbling around at the library counter with toddler, baby, pram, books and then I am fossicking through my bag trying to find the card. The finished bag is approximately 35 x 45 cm.

Blue button top

2011-03-19T16:55:00.001+11:00

My 'pensive' little 2 1/2 year old reading an empty notebook...and wearing a little t-shirt I recycled. I chopped up a top of mine as I couldn't remove the stain from under the collar. Usually it would go straight to the rag bag, but now that I have 'blog brain' I thought, "I could recycle it!"

I just used another of Isabella'stops and traced around it. I didn't take the sleeves in, but gathered them at the top. They were still too big, thus the cute button tucks. The existing top of mine is pictured below. I love recycling!

Note: this post is also just an excuse to put this picture of Isabella up because I love it.

Pre blog creations montage

2011-03-18T07:43:00.001+11:00

Here are some of the things I created prior to beginning my blog. Thanks must go to my darling models, Isabella, Juliette and Issie's best friend, Alia.

A new outfit

2011-03-16T14:35:00.002+11:00

I have been doing lots of sewing this week and having fun making Isabella some new clothes as her wardrobe is beginning to look depleted of clothes for the cooler months ahead. A run around in the garden this morning provided me with some good photo opportunities.

The pants are made of stretch velvet/corduroy while the top is made of a stretch wool jersey. Although I made the pants to Isabella's height specification they are still a little big so I fashioned a belt of some cream strap and two little red D rings! I used a detailed red stitch across the strapping to add a bit of interest to the belt. This pic also shows the pocket detail on the pants.

They were fun to make and I think I will keep my eye out for some stretch denim for Issie's next pair of jeans.

Pants details:
Pattern - "Clarabella", Ottobre, 6/2010
Fabric - 60 cm of navy stretch velveteen cord, cotton floral print for pocket inserts (both from Spotlight)
Bits and bobs - silver jeans button, 10mm zip, linen ribbon for back pocket detail

Top details:
Pattern - Traced from existing top
Fabric - 50 cm stretch woolen jersey (from Rathdowne Remnants), 20 cm navy ribbing

Belt details:
60 cm of 25mm cream strapping and 2 red D rings (both from Spotlight)

Isabella's quilt Part I

2011-03-14T16:40:00.000+11:00

No, I didn't make this...it's the beautiful pattern and inspiration I am using for Isabella's 'big girl quilt'. It was designed and made by Sarah Fielke from The Last Piece. My sister found the pattern and we both fell in love with it and are both in the very early stages of making quilts for our daughters. I have selected all my fabrics and used the basic light/medium/dark colour combinations as Sarah's quilt, but I think the overall look will be very different.

Here is how Issie's quilt looks so far...

These are the contrasting triangles (when cut) that make up the 'flying geese' that are the main pattern winding through the quilt.

This is the centre fabric of the flying geese.

These are the larger squares in the quilt.

Left fabric is the border while right fabric is the backing.

So now that I've shown it to the world, I have committed myself to get moving with getting it finished!

Watch this space...

Dress a girl around the world

2011-03-11T10:26:00.002+11:00

I stumbled across this great cause last week and decided I could make time among my continuous stream of sewing projects for some charity. Dress a girl around the world is a campaign run by Hope 4 Women International. They have delivered 18, 714 dresses so far to needy girls in 36 countries. All the details and patterns for making the dresses are on the dress a girl website. I also found a very worthwhile blog -Kristy posts an assortment of charities that people can sew for.

My pillowcase dress is not strictly a pillowcase dress as I had no cute pillowcases to convert. I used some leftover fabric from a pair of pj's I made my sister and made my own bias binding from the same fabric as the bottom trim. It's a very simple design - one for beginners.