Getting started on the summer wardrobe...

Actually, I'm finishing off last years summer wardrobe attempt first, then getting started. I'm on 2 weeks annual leave at the moment for the school holidays (in the middle right now). The first 3 days were slow as the Little Miss came down with a virus/bug of some sort, and spent 3 days on the couch. she's still not 100% but starting to get back into her activities she'd planned. You would think I got a lot done in those 3 days, but no. being nurse/Mummy came first, but the house is looking pretty tidy for a change!

I decided to be completely selfish and only sew things for me! I didn't even know about this when I decided! But I had a backlog of stuff I'd cut out and never gotten too, or started and not finished (known as UFO's or 'unfinished objects' in the sewing world). I'd also made a few things recently that needed adjusting, in particular waistbands (taking in, which is always nicer than letting out!). Boring jobs though.

This particular maxi dress was cut out and started last year- as in last summer. I've made it before, too. Don't know whats happened to that dress, possibly tossed during a non fitting stage. I think there was another dress out of it, but I don't have that one anymore either! Anyhow, it's now spring, nearly summer again. I cut it out as per measurements, a size 18 apparently, and it was mahoosive on me! I had to check and remake the bodice- I'd gotten the fabric quite cheap at Spotlight and bought more than I needed, luckily.

I took the chance on the sunny afternoon this afternoon for a dress up- not realising it was so windy! No, not pregnant, just look it!

Ooh, the moon glow! It was a long, dark winter hehe.

  I'm not 100% happy with how it fits around the boobies, but I think it will depend on the bra I'm wearing with it. Which on hot, at home days will probably be none anyway! I don't think it's too sheer for a voile, either, but if anyone comments when I'm wearing it I can whip up a lining.

 Oh, WORST PHOTO EVER alert. Can you tell Miss 9 was grumpy and tired and didn't want to take pics? She neglected to tell me I look like He-man from the back! Grrrr....

 And I am nearly all prepared for spring with a pedicure yesterday, and haircut today. It's getting shorter and shorter, I think...

  

So once I'd gotten that UFO out of the way, I started on a new purchase (once again ignoring the precut pile hehe). I wasn't 100% sold on this style on me from the original pics, but once I saw lots of different versions I thought I'd give it a try. I even had this op shopped rayon-ey stuff to try it on. Horrid but like able at the same time!

 It looks terrible on the hanger- but like all of Tasia's pattern, amazing when on!

Even a quick check late at night got me excited!

Yep, Murray agrees. Always in for a photo bomb, that dog!

 

It feels so good on! I didn't retie the straps, which is why the bra straps are showing I think, because the other try on times this didn't happen. I didn't put the zip in, as I read that many people didn't and it still went on easy, which is true. But then I didn't know how to finish the blousy bit at the back, I'll be hunting for a tutorial on that bit, or working on it a bit better next time.

It's going to be a 'wear with caution' on a windy day! Must remember clean knickers that day hehe. I had enough fabric to make the maxi length, but the fabric wasn't wide enough, so I have a little left over, maybe a tank top for summer or something.

And the cute shoes with this frock- my fave platforms I picked up years ago op shopping with Ms Curlypops! They're getting me excited about warmer weather- I just wish the warmer weather was excited enough to stick around longer than 3 days!

My totally Selfish Sewing was of course interrupted by Henry needing a new hat- a quick one was whipped up from Nikki's book, as his head is finally big enough! Some more of the unknown mystery fabric that just goes well as anything, with a cute Spotlight print. I'll be adding straps once I measure it on him to get the placement right. Totally cute!

Flat Cap

I kept forgetting to blog this one, and Carmel reminded me today! Cam made one too, and a few others I don't think have blogged it yet.

It's available as a instant download, which I've found is a great quick way to get a pattern! No trawling the shops/ordering online and waiting for postage. 

This took me a few hours, mainly fabric choice being the hardest decision, of course! Not having made one of these hats before, or worn one really, I went with a medium/heavy denim- in hindsight, not the best fabric! It all worked fine- eventually! But I love how it turned out, so worth persisting with a heavier fabric. Just throw on your walking foot and use a denim needle.

This pattern also uses my fave new obsession- this stuff is the bomb! I've used the Birch brand one before, and it was really smelly and sticky- this is the opposite. I even basted all of Henry's quilt with it- inside! Amazing stuff.

Anyway, back to the hat! 

  

She's such a better looking model than me!

The lining was a repurposed shirt from the stash. A bit of poly/cotton/rayon-ey stuff, worked perfectly.

 Thanks for the challenge and all the tips I learnt with this one, Nikki!

Sewing stuff

There's been a few projects going on this week, bits and pieces and another cushion custom order.

I found these tiny 75mm purses I'd cut out- they're on their way to being finished!

It gave me some inspiration for my doiley project!

a hat was finished too. God, her head grows a lot!

The Hat

So I finally made this pattern up.....

 and Curlypops added some brooches

it was worn all day

so I guessed she liked it!

And an early Easter present (as in waking her before I went to bed on Good Friday to

show her my skills haha)

the cat literally ripped it out of my hands!

Happy Easter everyone!

More good stuff happening Part 2

A good news story happened to me last week, not big enough for the news....hang on, there are lots of crap news stories added in as 'filler', this could make it in haha.

I purchased this necklace in the Xmas sales from an online store, and waited...and waited... and when it finally arrived- black! Tarnished. Unwearable. I was so sad; after getting the kid the same designer necklace (as in the person who made it, not an commercially made designer)

I emailed the store, and didn't get much help; so I finally emailed the designer herself, and how amazing is this;

she sent me a cleaning cloth, and as I'd requested to buy a larger size necklace (my fault for not measuring the chain originally when I bought it online) she sent that along as well. Complimentary! So I could 'love my necklace again'! (and the cute doily was an added bonus!)

Oh, I do, so very much, the cloth worked a treat, and I even got out the little beading pliers and moved the name disc over to it, so I can wear them together, being now and even huger fan of Victoria Mason! That's customer service, in a nutshell; the moral for me is buy straight form the designer; the money goes straight to them, and if there are problems, a lot easier to fix!

I haven't taken it off! (oh, the dirty necklace will be cleaned up and kept for Little Miss, I plane on getting her another pendant to put on it).

 I recently found a hat in an op shop (can't find the pic anywhere!) and found a similar pattern, can't wait to make it up!

I finished of a little bag for a penguin obsessed friend of the Little Miss, for her b'day party yesterday- filled it with home made hair ties, it was a real hit!

Off to finish off another creative weekend! Hope your week is good.

Sunshine...moonlight...good times...boogie!

It's been busy, I've gone back a bit as I found some pics I forgot to post!

I have made a new lunch bag pattern, to fit the Nudie food movers, and the Tupperware long lunch box. I have heard the Nudie one's break quickly, but the kid still wanted to be the same as the other kids, so I'll wait and see...

I made a lemon meringue pie last week for a catch up, and this week as well, when I headed over to Tinniegirl's today. Twice I forgot to take a pic before I cut into it! Here's an action shot....

I have semi- caught up on the BOM from Amitie. I have a few blocks to do at S.I.T....

 

I gave away another pressie today, making me all happy and smiley. Can't wait to see it on it's bed! My 2 favorite bloggy friends have a little bit of me to say thanks for being there for me!

I made myself a slouch bag yesterday, I had to try it, and I do declare it fabulous!

I co ordinated it all around the zip, seriously.

And found the perfect pocket fabric. I forgot about another slouch bag I got to fondle today...

The Little Miss and I picked this up at the oppy yesterday, and she sure does wear it well. I'm wanting to make her a couple, anyone know of a pattern for this style? Thanks in advance!

And a reminder to love yourself a bit tomorrow! I used to get very depressed I never got spoilt on Valentine's Day (none good enough to remember, that is) but now I see it as a chance to spoil myself, and not have to buy a gift and exchange it for a potentially crap one! Silver linings, peeps...



Few, that'll do me, I think! Have a happy crafting week everyone!

hat time

We're still hanging out with my friend this week, they leave tomorrow! But we've snuck in visits when we can, and today met up and had lunch with the kids, and a big outing to the park.

The kid's bought their hats I made them for Xmas pressies. They got 2 comments in the hotel lobby! (positive, of course!)

The barely took them off, and the Dino one is a BIG hit! For a busy 2.5yr to run around all day and not take it off must mean it's pretty comfy!

Better give them some business cards to hand out! (email orders welcome, of course!)

As promised!

Wow, nearly forgot! But I'm sure I can a whole week, and have my blog-jo back at the moment anyway!

Last nights I made the girl a new school hat. I'm sick of official school hats that don't even cover their faces! The only problem was trying it on....actually, no problem at all. Deep sleep is so much fun! My gorgeous child asked for some business cards to take to school this morning, she's getting used to being asked where she gets things from! Aren't I lucky?

And my new tunic is ready, I'm likely to be wearing it Saturday (I say likely as it still needs buttons and buttonholes. Grrr).

And tonight's feature 'beccasauras' product? My pencil rolls! Now, I can't take credit for these, my pattern was originally from Pink Chalk Studios and was found in this book. I've  (i even asked for permission to make them and sell!)

Another great shot and luv-er-ly place to get them is here. I'm about to make a big fresh batch, so if you'd like to order one with your choice of outside fabric, give me a holler!

hot

Wow, how's the heat? I know, it's hot, why does everyone ask that question? Nothing else to do today but sew in front of the fan. These are the beauties I came up with...

strike a pose...

this little pattern turned out great, size 7 in vintage sizes, I've already had a request for an adult sized one. AND she picked the fabric/sheet. Noice.

I made this one first for her friend that came for a play date. She's very slim, I realised mine is very average size! Once Little Miss saw Miss T with one, she wanted one...mwah mwah mwah, my evil plan worked.

And finally got the hat brim right, she again picked the fabric, unfortunately it wasn't quite finished before she went out today, never mind.

Coordinating lining of course.

I'd love to do a recap, or pics etc, but it's too bloody hot in the study, so this will have to do

HAPPY NEW YEAR

SEE YOU IN 2010

Edit: due to disgusting temperatures, all items made without the use of an iron!