A few new bags....

 A few bags I've made lately!

Always madly snapped over at Instagram, where I'm 'becsibbi'. Come and say hi!

First up was this Noodlehead bag, here's the 1st one I made. It's the 241 Tote pattern. I bought the fluoro green denim for a skirt, and ended up with way too much (the pattern told me too, I swear!). I also had a go at fabric printing, a bit of gold on denim, just a bit of fun. It all went so well together with the pink zebra print, a bag was born! (well, I think it does anyway).

 I got the coloured magnetic snap in a swap I did recently, I've never seen coloured ones, so they are getting used up pretty quick!

 It's a great size for a run to the shops (er, I'm not running, just going to) or just carrying a few things. I have a large purse, so it usually does my purse, phone and keys, maybe my diary if I want it full.I left the strap non adjustable due to the thickness of the denim, and it's perfect.

The next one is another Noodlehead pattern, the Super Tote. I had a bundle of fabric I received from a friend last year (Type by Julia Rothman) and thought it would make a perfect work bag. I had 6 fat quarters to use, and the glittery black denim from the stash. Actually, all the bags in this post have been made from the stash!

I wanted to use medium to heavy interfacing, but couldn't find the one I wanted on THE night I wanted to make it (that urge hit me, and I had to get it started!) So I went with heavy cotton duck and fusible wadding. My only regret is not adding some to the strap, it may wear out quicker than the bag!

Front pocket (and coloured magnetic snap!)

 I added the key fob, and the pattern specified pockets and gusset. I love Anna's patterns, and don't need to change anything which is great!

Inside out for a better look...

I've been using it now for about 2 weeks, and it's perfect! Sturdy and functional, but cute too. 

My last bag is part of a sew a long, hosted over here. The pattern is here, and most of the MMQG joined in. I was very late to the start, having quite a few things to finish, and started and stopped for a bit. But then I just got on with it! The pattern is quite overwhelming, and a lot of cutting out! Some people did all the cutting first, then sewed; I was picking fabrics as I went, and found it easier to break it up but cutting and sewing at the same time. It is REALLY heavy, and I haven't even filled it yet! I put purse feet on the bottom, and template plastic in the base to keep it sturdy. I wish I could photograph it better!

  

I loved making the Quilt As You Go panels- no, I lie, I hated it, as I kept measuring wrong, and using the wrong bits, and it took me f%$&ing forever, but I was NOT going to let it beat me! Once the panels were done, it seemed a piece of cake (the panels are completely optional, but the way!)

  All the pockets are lined, and the denim and cotton duck in the middle make it super sturdy. also cheaper than interfacing the whole thing- but as I said earlier, I've been making things from the stash, this bag included. I think I bought the purse feet only. Those 'healthy' stashes come in handy sometimes!

  

The tops of the pockets have gathered elastic, to hold everything in.

Zippered pockets too. An observant friend noticed my matchy matchy fabric and zips- entirely on purpose of course haha. I was a bit upset I had to use the brown and white spot, as I ran out of the other brown print, but had no idea where I got it! so a fill in was needed.

Here's my kid for size comparison. not easy when the kid is 9 turning 10, but she's of average height. I haven't had the chance to use it yet, other than give the cat somewhere to sleep in (and kick out of).

The last make it one I've wanted to do for a while, and one I nearly didn't wear again and eventually photograph! It's the 2nd dress I've made that 'jinxed' me- wearing it for the first time resulted in a near disaster! The first is a longer story, and still hasn't been worn, and this one is more recent. I popped it on 2 weeks ago for a day out- and kind of wrote my car off! As in, had an accident. We're both fine, but of course I blamed my dress. Why not? So today, after getting my new (old) car on Friday, I tried again- phew, success! and bloody nice pics from Brianna too!

 Its The Washi Dress, by Made By Rae. I have a few of her kids patterns, and borrowed this one to try it out- and I'll definitely be buying it! It's as everyone is raving- comfortable, easy and fun! She's also talking about a 'expansion' pack in different versions, which would be great. Oh, Brooch by Curlypops!

I'm a big fan of shirring anyway, but love it in the back here. It's just makes it 'fit' better, if that makes sense. DON'T be scared of shirring, there are plenty of online tutorials, so have a go!

Oh, and having an adult take your pics has seemed to do wonders for me! So is the massive-head-tilt-backwards to remove the chin pose! The was an vintage flannelette sheet I made into a wearable muslin, it's lovely and soft.

Wow, I didnt realise how long this post would be! Phew! Thanks for making it to the end, you deserve a cuppa and a lie down now!

I've been sewing, really!

 So I havent meant to disappear, l've just been too busy making things to blog, really.

I have a few latest finished projects; I can't show you the bunting I made for the school Fun Day yet (2 weeks away) but I was on a roll, so when my girlfriend couldn't find a baby present she liked for her cousin's baby, I offerred to make some. This retro print from Spotlight is just So. Damn. Cute!

I made a Sidekick tote, I bought the pattern a while ago and finally got a chance! Some reclaimed vintage fabric, Hexy fabric by Cam and some 'staches...Cool.

 I finished off a quilt, 'borrowing' 2 tutrorials along the way. Yay for learning stuff! My challenege to myself this year is 'out of my comfort zone' haha. I made a Churn Dash block and did some zig zag/ honeycomb quilting, both from Crazy Mom Quilts blog.

  I haven't gotten very far on my 'clothes for me' list. My very favourite 'house frock', a shirred strapless number was starting to fall down a lot. I thought I'd lost some boobage, but not all of it- the elastic had pretty much corroded! So it's all unstuck and unpicked ready to re-shir.

Have been spending lots of lovely time with the little man Henry. It's so great having non-sleep deprived time with a tiny newborn haha. And someone who isnt picky about what I sew him!

  

And my little protege- I was able to take her with me last weekend to a Sit n Sew day at the MMQG. I got a lot done- no, not much actually, managed to forget to bring things home, and had a chat about anything and everything- that's half the fun of a sewing day though. All eyes were on this kid (speaking of eyes- no glass in the glasses, just a cool look) as she qhipped up a jelly roll quilt top. Jelly roll from Spotlight with a few 'quilt shop' solids thrown in.

It's the curviest straight line quilt I've seen....but god damn if she didn't sew every seam! And was worried it was a bit boring, so didn't flinch when I suggested chopping it up again...

 I'd seen this and wanted to try it. I'm going to 'help' it lay flat, and she's insisting on quilting it herself...I fully believe her too! There were some mighty impressed adults at GJ's on Saturday (myself included)!

Told you I'd been busy!

Blogtoberfest Day 13 and 14

I'm not apologising today for running the 2 days together- cos i feel it was a whole weekend's worth! And today's jobs of lots of washing aren't blog worthy, really! So back to  yesterday...

Our Spring Sewing Retreat at GJ's fabrics was fan-bloody-tastic! a great bunch of people, excellent organisation, and a great guest speaker! Not to mention the day ran from 9am until 10pm! 

Rita was a great guest speaker, it was such a thrill to meet her, and I was definitely a little star struck! Especially when she wanted to watch me do some quilting! Eeek! She gave us a chat about how she started, and some show and tell of her amazing quilts.

She'd even made a little quilt up to show us her binding technique. We all wanted to absorb that technique and skill I think!

Eye candy galore!

there was also food. And plenty of it! I'm a bit puzzled that I wasn't very hungry, I managed a good serve of lunch, some snacking at arvo tea, then yummy gourmet pizza's for dinner, with salad- there was a lot left over too! Next time I'll take a doggy bag container....

Someone went snuck off and got some bubbles too, which def kept us giggling and stitching along!

I managed a quarter of my custom quilt quilting... 

and took my Dresden quilt along to pick the centre flower fabric. I'm pretty happy with it!

Back tomorrow with more pics from the day!

A busy week

Well, I can hardly blame having nothing to do, can I? it's been pretty busy, and lots of crafting so here goes the latest.....

oh, warning, lots of pics! But not necessarily in the right order, which should prove a bit fun!

Here is the new doggy coat, for my cold little friend. Cute, huh?

Yep, made out of 2 acrylic, old jumpers, and I just traced it off an old one that he tore off! (A bit girly, maybe?)

have bought some great chenille pieces, this person is still having a sale, a great seller too.

I swapped some chenille with Selina, too, isn't it all gorgeous (I assume you are all nodding, yes, Bec, it's great).

Saturday of this long weekend saw me at the Sister's Market, little Miss in tow and getting a bit excited when we saw these- my pencil rolls on the Lark stand! Cool!

We also popped into The Olive Grove, and picked up a little cat for her, and a brooch for me. What an amazing store, all handmade and original, check it out!

we also got Little Miss a pair of arm warmers at the Sisters Market (see, told you I'd keep you on your toes!). Little Miss picked them out herself, and wore them until they got too hot, so cute. So now we both have a pair!

Oh, here's me on a Saturday night- DVD on and sewing away on Little Miss's new quilt. You like the honesty, right?

Saturday I headed along to the MMQG, where my machine had a spack attack and decided to not work. So I dropped it off to sewing machine hospital on the way home, and yep, the timing is out and it needs a service. Which has gone up in price from 6 mths ago. Brother! (No, still loyal Janome fan, do like a certain Bernina though). I did meet this machine, though, which is a lot cheaper and so cute to boot!

So I'm using my back up machine, the one I learnt on, my mum's old one. Freaky, can't even find a good description online!

The holiday Monday was spent with 2 little 6.5yr olds at the movies- very funny, and great closure! Can't get bored after 4 of these movies, something new each time, so definitely do it. #D was great, but if you have a child (like mine) who takes the glasses off, then complains about a headache, save the $3!

Food- have been watching Masterchef, and cooked soup this week. But i wanted to leave you with my child's dinner choice tonight- chosen at the supermarket, she requested chips too, but we already had them at lunch, so fish and salad it was! I'm pretty lucky....

Have a great week!