Most of my lists end up filled with things to do before I'm allowed to sew:
Like this one:
I like the sense of achievement I get from crossing things off the list. What about you?
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Writing Lists.
Im a list writer. And my lists tend to be physical - like, I write them by hand. Because it's tactile then, I remember it better. Or something.
Most of my lists end up filled with things to do before I'm allowed to sew:
Like this one:
I like the sense of achievement I get from crossing things off the list. What about you?
Most of my lists end up filled with things to do before I'm allowed to sew:
Like this one:
I like the sense of achievement I get from crossing things off the list. What about you?
Friday, May 27, 2011
Christmas Bags
This is yet another un-posted Christmas gifts post.
For a cousin, and two good family friends, (and one for myself) I made 'ninja monkey bags.'
For a cousin, and two good family friends, (and one for myself) I made 'ninja monkey bags.'
All four bags were upcycled, using old sheets and doona (duvet) covers as my fabrics.
And, I think they turned out really well.
I pretty much didn't deviate from the instructions, except I didn't use interfacing - I sewed the pockets on after I had sewn the bag together, so the pockets are sewn through both layers of fabric to give them stability. I also didn't include a button, or velcro closure.
Once again, I basically didn't take any photos of the process, because I was running short of time.
But, here are the after photos for each of the four bags:
My bag:
My cousin's bag:
Family friend's bag:
Other Family Friend's bag:
The bag went with me to the coast, and I have to say, it's becoming one of my favourites.
Christmas tree frame and two birds
It seems that I've had this post sitting unpublished for a while... for five months to be exact. These were two of the Christmas gifts I made last year.
Christmas Tree Frame
When I went and took out private health insurance (I wear glasses, which mean regualr visits to an optometrist, and have a back injury which means semi-regular visits to an osteopath, so it's kinda a no brainer for me to take it out, but, luckily, in Australia, it isn't compulsory, and I can still get medical treatment without it) I was inspired by something hanging in the shop window across from my health insurer. Because it took like over an hour to actually take out isurance, beucase the girl didn't seem to know what she was doing, or was having a bad day, or something, so I had a lot of time to stare out the window. That day was one of the few that I didn't have my camera on me, so sadly I don't have a picutre of the original inspiration.
But, the shop across the way was a framing place, and had frames of varying sizes aranged and hung to form a Christmas Tree shape.
So, taking that as my inspiration, I found a bunch of small frames at thrift stores and dollar shops (you can still see the price stickers on some of them):
painted them:
and hung small ornaments from them:
Then, using a large frame from a thrift store, I backed the whole thing with a red and gold Christmas fabric, and super glued the whole lot in place. I stretched the fabric nice and tight by taping it to the back of the board, and glued this to the frame.
I used LOTS of super glue on this project, but hot glue would possibly have worked better for some of it.
TWO BIRDS FRAME
Onec I had finished the Christmas Tree frame, I had a decent number of frames and ornaments left over, and a few people to still make presents for. So, for some of our family friends who spend every Christmas Eve with us, I made the two birds frame.
Christmas Tree Frame
When I went and took out private health insurance (I wear glasses, which mean regualr visits to an optometrist, and have a back injury which means semi-regular visits to an osteopath, so it's kinda a no brainer for me to take it out, but, luckily, in Australia, it isn't compulsory, and I can still get medical treatment without it) I was inspired by something hanging in the shop window across from my health insurer. Because it took like over an hour to actually take out isurance, beucase the girl didn't seem to know what she was doing, or was having a bad day, or something, so I had a lot of time to stare out the window. That day was one of the few that I didn't have my camera on me, so sadly I don't have a picutre of the original inspiration.
But, the shop across the way was a framing place, and had frames of varying sizes aranged and hung to form a Christmas Tree shape.
So, taking that as my inspiration, I found a bunch of small frames at thrift stores and dollar shops (you can still see the price stickers on some of them):
painted them:
and hung small ornaments from them:
Then, using a large frame from a thrift store, I backed the whole thing with a red and gold Christmas fabric, and super glued the whole lot in place. I stretched the fabric nice and tight by taping it to the back of the board, and glued this to the frame.
I used LOTS of super glue on this project, but hot glue would possibly have worked better for some of it.
TWO BIRDS FRAME
Onec I had finished the Christmas Tree frame, I had a decent number of frames and ornaments left over, and a few people to still make presents for. So, for some of our family friends who spend every Christmas Eve with us, I made the two birds frame.
Another Apron
Another Apron
When I saw this fabric, it just screamed ‘you need to make chevrons!’ So I did.
The hardest part of making the chevrons was figuring out how to make the chevrons. Because I couldn’t find any lined paper, I grabbed a sheet of blank paper, and quickly drew some lines on it, then cut it at an angle to see if rotating it would give me chevrons. And I’m really grateful I did, because here’s the answer: if you just cut all of your strips parallel, when you rotate them, the stripes will still be the same way, and won’t give you chevrons.
So, I tried again, this time folding the paper in half before cutting my strips.
This way, it actually worked, and I ended up with fancy chevrons!
I was using an apron I received for Christmas as my pattern, so I measured the widest point. I divided the width by 6 to get the width of my chevrons.
So, I did the same thing to my fabric: folded it in half, marked lines evenly, and cut along them.
Then, taking alternating top and bottom pieces, I sewed them together to get my chevron patterned fabric. I then ironed all the seams open, so the fabric sat flat.
The edges do end up a little uneven though.
I placed my apron-pattern on, and lining up the edges with the edge of a chevron seam, cut out one from the chevron fabric, and one from the polka-dot backing fabric.
I made straps out of the polka dot backing fabric, and sewed them in place. I sewed a hand pleated ruffle of polka dots on the bottom edge.
I added the straps and the double d-ring to create an adjustable neck strap.
Then, I sewed the backing and front together, clipped the curves, turned the apron right sides out, and top stitched around the edges.
Lastly, I added a pocket, using more of the chevron fabric. I decided to continue the line of the chevrons, so that the pocket chevrons actually go in the opposite direction to the chevrons on the main apron.
And a final photo of the apron:
I’m very happy with how this one turned out.
When I saw this fabric, it just screamed ‘you need to make chevrons!’ So I did.
The hardest part of making the chevrons was figuring out how to make the chevrons. Because I couldn’t find any lined paper, I grabbed a sheet of blank paper, and quickly drew some lines on it, then cut it at an angle to see if rotating it would give me chevrons. And I’m really grateful I did, because here’s the answer: if you just cut all of your strips parallel, when you rotate them, the stripes will still be the same way, and won’t give you chevrons.
So, I tried again, this time folding the paper in half before cutting my strips.
This way, it actually worked, and I ended up with fancy chevrons!
I was using an apron I received for Christmas as my pattern, so I measured the widest point. I divided the width by 6 to get the width of my chevrons.
So, I did the same thing to my fabric: folded it in half, marked lines evenly, and cut along them.
Then, taking alternating top and bottom pieces, I sewed them together to get my chevron patterned fabric. I then ironed all the seams open, so the fabric sat flat.
The edges do end up a little uneven though.
I placed my apron-pattern on, and lining up the edges with the edge of a chevron seam, cut out one from the chevron fabric, and one from the polka-dot backing fabric.
I made straps out of the polka dot backing fabric, and sewed them in place. I sewed a hand pleated ruffle of polka dots on the bottom edge.
I added the straps and the double d-ring to create an adjustable neck strap.
Then, I sewed the backing and front together, clipped the curves, turned the apron right sides out, and top stitched around the edges.
Lastly, I added a pocket, using more of the chevron fabric. I decided to continue the line of the chevrons, so that the pocket chevrons actually go in the opposite direction to the chevrons on the main apron.
I’m very happy with how this one turned out.
8 in 28, or giving myself a deadline
I have been realising over the last few weeks, as I put together the 'taking stock' posts, that with a deadline, I sew very effectively. Without a deadline, and i get basically nothing done.
So, in the interests of actually acheiving some sewing, and reducing my stash over the next few weeks, I am seeting myself the 8 in 28 challenge.
Basically, this means I am aiming to finish 8 items in 28 days.
And yes, I do know that means I will need to sew 2 things per week. I can sew a fully lined dress start to finish in a day, so I should be able to acheive this.
I ams etting myself more items that the challenge, to allow for any mishaps along the way, or feeling unispired by something, or, really any other impediment to me actually finishing a set item. Plus, a little bit of choice is always nice, isn't it?
My plan for the challenge:
Item 1: Red Ruffle Skirt
I have a gorgeous red crepe that is just begging to be used. It's a red-red, and has been sitting in my stash for about 9 years. I made a wrap around skit with some of it, but I have a heap left over.
When I saw this skirt inspired by an Anthropologie skirt, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with the rest of the red crepe.
Item 2: Green and Black Skirt
The skirt below was always meant to be a shell, so I figure I should actually make the skirt that I was making the shell for.
Item 3: Pink and Black piped Dress
I've found pinterest, and I now spend what could be considered too much time on it. But, I have been inspired by this dress (from an etsy seller, and now sold, plus it's vintage, so I don't feel so bad about using it as inspiration - I think I might even try to replicate the neckline. I mainly don't feel bad about it because it's not something that I could buy now, and even if I could buy it, none of the proceeds would be going to the designer or maker).
Item 4: Tara Dress
After seeing the Tara Dress Frock by Friday at grosgrain, I have a gorgeous fabric that I think would make a lovely Tara dress
Item 6: Duro Dress
Inspired by seeing the Duro Dress on a dress a day, (she has a lot of duro posts. This is just one of them,) I bought the pattern. Which was 4 months ago now. So, I think I should make it.
Item 7: 1950s wrap dress
This is another dress I was inspired by a dress a day to try, using Butterick 1952, a retro pattern reprint.
Item 8: Button overskirt and cream underskirts
This one is just cute. I love the way that the coloured underskirts peek out from under the dark denim.
Item 9: Black and red wool skirt
I don't have a specific image in mind, maybe an A-line skirt?
Item 10: 3 cushion covers
I don't have a pretty picture of the cushion cover for you, but really, they are cushions. Squares of fabric with a zip in the back.
Item 11: baby cord leaf skirt with underskirts
Again, from pinterest, like this one:
I have all of the fabric and notions to complete all these items except the piping and contrast fabric for the pink and black piped dress. So, I should manage to get some good stash busting out of this :)
So, in the interests of actually acheiving some sewing, and reducing my stash over the next few weeks, I am seeting myself the 8 in 28 challenge.
Basically, this means I am aiming to finish 8 items in 28 days.
And yes, I do know that means I will need to sew 2 things per week. I can sew a fully lined dress start to finish in a day, so I should be able to acheive this.
I ams etting myself more items that the challenge, to allow for any mishaps along the way, or feeling unispired by something, or, really any other impediment to me actually finishing a set item. Plus, a little bit of choice is always nice, isn't it?
My plan for the challenge:
Item 1: Red Ruffle Skirt
I have a gorgeous red crepe that is just begging to be used. It's a red-red, and has been sitting in my stash for about 9 years. I made a wrap around skit with some of it, but I have a heap left over.
When I saw this skirt inspired by an Anthropologie skirt, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with the rest of the red crepe.
 |
| Source |
Item 2: Green and Black Skirt
The skirt below was always meant to be a shell, so I figure I should actually make the skirt that I was making the shell for.
Item 3: Pink and Black piped Dress
I've found pinterest, and I now spend what could be considered too much time on it. But, I have been inspired by this dress (from an etsy seller, and now sold, plus it's vintage, so I don't feel so bad about using it as inspiration - I think I might even try to replicate the neckline. I mainly don't feel bad about it because it's not something that I could buy now, and even if I could buy it, none of the proceeds would be going to the designer or maker).
 |
| Source via pinterest |
After seeing the Tara Dress Frock by Friday at grosgrain, I have a gorgeous fabric that I think would make a lovely Tara dress
 |
| Source |
Item 5: Tara Top
Also inspired by the Tara dress, I'd like to make a Tara Top.
Item 6: Duro Dress
Inspired by seeing the Duro Dress on a dress a day, (she has a lot of duro posts. This is just one of them,) I bought the pattern. Which was 4 months ago now. So, I think I should make it.
 |
| Source |
Item 7: 1950s wrap dress
This is another dress I was inspired by a dress a day to try, using Butterick 1952, a retro pattern reprint.
| Source via a dress a day |
Item 8: Button overskirt and cream underskirts
This one is just cute. I love the way that the coloured underskirts peek out from under the dark denim.
Item 9: Black and red wool skirt
I don't have a specific image in mind, maybe an A-line skirt?
Item 10: 3 cushion covers
I don't have a pretty picture of the cushion cover for you, but really, they are cushions. Squares of fabric with a zip in the back.
Item 11: baby cord leaf skirt with underskirts
Again, from pinterest, like this one:
taking Stock - Week 5
Finished Projects 2011
* Autumn leaf table runner Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Purple tea-with-the-debutants dress Work Clothing
* Ruffle dress Work Clothing
* Olive dress Work Clothing
* Maroon Skirt Work Clothing
* White damask skirt Work Clothing
* White Damask blazer Work Clothing
* Magenta stretch dress Work Clothing
* Green stretch dress Work Clothing
* Apron for Nerilee Gifts
* Apron for Robyn Gifts
* Oopsie the Octopus Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Circles Table Runner Gifts (Tarof Family)
* A5 art book bag Gifts (Tarof Family)
* 1950s Apron Gifts (Tarof Family)
* 4 x Baby bibs Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Kyles’ art book messenger bag Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Adam’s art book messenger bag Christmas 2010
* Wild West dress for stomp Home Clothing
What I accomplished this week (Friday to Thursday)
* Embroidery practice Gifts
Projects on the go
* Pleated skirt with teal and black design Work Clothing
* Blazer with teal and black design Work Clothing
* 1 (or is it 2?) x cushions House Stuff
Future Projects with fabric already purchased
* 52 weeks of quilt blocks quilt Christmas 2011
* 2 x Blue cushions House Stuff
* Black damask dress Work Clothing
* Pink and black damask dress Work Clothing
* Hearts dress (fabric) Home Clothing
* Hearts dress (quilt cover) Home Clothing
* Teal dress Work Clothing
* Tara top – floral quilting fabric Home Clothing
* Tara dress – pink quilting fabric, Home Clothing
* Ying Yang gathered top Home / Work Clothing
* Red ruffle skirt Home / Work Clothing
* Blue corset with quilting fabric Home Clothing
* Refashion of pink tops from Big W Home Clothing
* Refashion of black patterned dress from Big W Home Clothing
* Refashion of purple patterned dresses from Big W Home Clothing
* Underskirts / petticoats for summer dresses Home / Work Clothing
* Hot pink drill dress Home Clothing
* Hot pink check dress with pleats to create pink waist Home Clothing
* Red and Black Wool Skirt Home / Work clothing
Future Project Ideas
* Shorts for pole Home Clothing
* Olive jacket/ coat Home / Work Clothing
* Slips to keep me warm under summer dresses Home / Work Clothing
* Duro Dress / top Home / Work Clothing
* Over-The-Head 1950s reproduction pattern dress Home / Work Clothing
* Bag thing to cover and carry my baby sewing machine Sewing Gadgets
* bias tape skirt Home Clothing
Fabrics in my stash
As I slowly go through my stash, I will keep updating this list. Because honestly, I have no idea what is in my stash at the moment. These are just the things in the box I can get to.
* Purple/red/blue knitted fabric
* Fan fabric
* Striped (white base) terry towelling – polycotton – 1.5m, 150cm wide
* Fish (white base) terry towelling – polycotton – scraps
* White/Cream stretch fabric – 100% cotton – 2m, 150cm wide
* Hearts in straight line (white base) stretch fabric – 100% cotton – 1.5m, 150cm wide
* Hearts (white base) stretch fabric – 100% cotton – 1m, 150cm wide
* Green leaves fabric – 100% cotton – 1m, 115 wide
* Green and white Michael miller dandy damask – 100% cotton – 3 yards, 150cm wide
* Red with blue and white whales fabric – 100% cotton – 1.5m, 150cm wide
* Navy blue acrylic felt – .6m, 80cm wide
* Rose pink stretch drill - Cotton lycra - 4.9m, 150cm wide
* Rose bed sheets
* Black satin bed sheets
* green micheal miller fabric
* japanese leaf fabric
* leaf baby cord
Stash Busting Ideas
* Top with purple/red/blue knitted fabric Home / Work Clothing
* Tara dress with hearts fabric for nightgown? Home Clothing
* Autumn leaf table runner Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Purple tea-with-the-debutants dress Work Clothing
* Ruffle dress Work Clothing
* Olive dress Work Clothing
* Maroon Skirt Work Clothing
* White damask skirt Work Clothing
* White Damask blazer Work Clothing
* Magenta stretch dress Work Clothing
* Green stretch dress Work Clothing
* Apron for Nerilee Gifts
* Apron for Robyn Gifts
* Oopsie the Octopus Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Circles Table Runner Gifts (Tarof Family)
* A5 art book bag Gifts (Tarof Family)
* 1950s Apron Gifts (Tarof Family)
* 4 x Baby bibs Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Kyles’ art book messenger bag Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Adam’s art book messenger bag Christmas 2010
* Wild West dress for stomp Home Clothing
What I accomplished this week (Friday to Thursday)
* Embroidery practice Gifts
Projects on the go
* Pleated skirt with teal and black design Work Clothing
* Blazer with teal and black design Work Clothing
* 1 (or is it 2?) x cushions House Stuff
Future Projects with fabric already purchased
* 52 weeks of quilt blocks quilt Christmas 2011
* 2 x Blue cushions House Stuff
* Black damask dress Work Clothing
* Pink and black damask dress Work Clothing
* Hearts dress (fabric) Home Clothing
* Hearts dress (quilt cover) Home Clothing
* Teal dress Work Clothing
* Tara top – floral quilting fabric Home Clothing
* Tara dress – pink quilting fabric, Home Clothing
* Ying Yang gathered top Home / Work Clothing
* Red ruffle skirt Home / Work Clothing
* Blue corset with quilting fabric Home Clothing
* Refashion of pink tops from Big W Home Clothing
* Refashion of black patterned dress from Big W Home Clothing
* Refashion of purple patterned dresses from Big W Home Clothing
* Underskirts / petticoats for summer dresses Home / Work Clothing
* Hot pink drill dress Home Clothing
* Hot pink check dress with pleats to create pink waist Home Clothing
* Red and Black Wool Skirt Home / Work clothing
Future Project Ideas
* Shorts for pole Home Clothing
* Olive jacket/ coat Home / Work Clothing
* Slips to keep me warm under summer dresses Home / Work Clothing
* Duro Dress / top Home / Work Clothing
* Over-The-Head 1950s reproduction pattern dress Home / Work Clothing
* Bag thing to cover and carry my baby sewing machine Sewing Gadgets
* bias tape skirt Home Clothing
Fabrics in my stash
As I slowly go through my stash, I will keep updating this list. Because honestly, I have no idea what is in my stash at the moment. These are just the things in the box I can get to.
* Purple/red/blue knitted fabric
* Fan fabric
* Striped (white base) terry towelling – polycotton – 1.5m, 150cm wide
* Fish (white base) terry towelling – polycotton – scraps
* White/Cream stretch fabric – 100% cotton – 2m, 150cm wide
* Hearts in straight line (white base) stretch fabric – 100% cotton – 1.5m, 150cm wide
* Hearts (white base) stretch fabric – 100% cotton – 1m, 150cm wide
* Green leaves fabric – 100% cotton – 1m, 115 wide
* Green and white Michael miller dandy damask – 100% cotton – 3 yards, 150cm wide
* Red with blue and white whales fabric – 100% cotton – 1.5m, 150cm wide
* Navy blue acrylic felt – .6m, 80cm wide
* Rose pink stretch drill - Cotton lycra - 4.9m, 150cm wide
* Rose bed sheets
* Black satin bed sheets
* green micheal miller fabric
* japanese leaf fabric
* leaf baby cord
Stash Busting Ideas
* Top with purple/red/blue knitted fabric Home / Work Clothing
* Tara dress with hearts fabric for nightgown? Home Clothing
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Taking Stock - week 3 and 4
Finished Projects 2011
* Autumn leaf table runner Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Purple tea-with-the-debutants dress Work Clothing
* Ruffle dress Work Clothing
* Olive dress Work Clothing
* Maroon Skirt Work Clothing
* White damask skirt Work Clothing
* White Damask blazer Work Clothing
* Magenta stretch dress Work Clothing
* Green stretch dress Work Clothing
* Apron for Nerilee Gifts
* Apron for Robyn Gifts
* Oopsie the Octopus Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Circles Table Runner Gifts (Tarof Family)
* A5 art book bag Gifts (Tarof Family)
* 1950s Apron Gifts (Tarof Family)
* 4 x Baby bibs Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Kyles’ art book messenger bag Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Adam’s art book messenger bag Christmas 2010
What I accomplished this week (Friday to Thursday)
*Draft pattern for wild west Dress for Stomp (week 3) Home Clothing
*Sew wild west dress for stomp (week 4) Home Clothing
Projects on the go
* Pleated skirt with teal and black design Work Clothing
* Blazer with teal and black design Work Clothing
* 1 (or is it 2?) x cushions House Stuff
Future Projects with fabric already purchased
* 52 weeks of quilt blocks quilt Christmas 2011
* 2 x Blue cushions House Stuff
* Black damask dress Work Clothing
* Pink and black damask dress Work Clothing
* Hearts dress (fabric) Home Clothing
* Hearts dress (quilt cover) Home Clothing
* Teal dress Work Clothing
* Tara top – floral quilting fabric Home Clothing
* Tara dress – pink quilting fabric, Home Clothing
* Ying Yang gathered top Home / Work Clothing
* Red ruffle skirt Home / Work Clothing
* Blue corset with quilting fabric Home Clothing
* Refashion of pink tops from Big W Home Clothing
* Refashion of black patterned dress from Big W Home Clothing
* Refashion of purple patterned dresses from Big W Home Clothing
* Underskirts / petticoats for summer dresses Home / Work Clothing
* Hot pink drill dress Home Clothing
* Hot pink check dress with pleats to create pink waist Home Clothing
Future Project Ideas
* Shorts for pole Home Clothing
* Olive jacket/ coat Home / Work Clothing
* Slips to keep me warm under summer dresses Home / Work Clothing
* Duro Dress / top Home / Work Clothing
* Over-The-Head 1950s reproduction pattern dress Home / Work Clothing
* Bag thing to cover and carry my baby sewing machine Sewing Gadgets
Fabrics in my stash
As I slowly go through my stash, I will keep updating this list. Because honestly, I have no idea what is in my stash at the moment. These are just the things in the box I can get to.
* Purple/red/blue knitted fabric
* Fan fabric
* Striped (white base) terry towelling – polycotton – 1.5m, 150cm wide
* Fish (white base) terry towelling – polycotton – scraps
* White/Cream stretch fabric – 100% cotton – 2m, 150cm wide
* Hearts in straight line (white base) stretch fabric – 100% cotton – 1.5m, 150cm wide
* Hearts (white base) stretch fabric – 100% cotton – 1m, 150cm wide
* Green leaves fabric – 100% cotton – 1m, 115 wide
* Green and white Michael miller dandy damask – 100% cotton – 3 yards, 150cm wide
* Red with blue and white whales fabric – 100% cotton – 1.5m, 150cm wide
* Navy blue acrylic felt – .6m, 80cm wide
* Rose pink stretch drill - Cotton lycra - 4.9m, 150cm wide
* Rose bed sheets
* Black satin bed sheets
* green micheal miller fabric
* japanese leaf fabric
* leaf baby cord
Stash Busting Ideas
* Top with purple/red/blue knitted fabric Home / Work Clothing
* Tara dress with hearts fabric for nightgown? Home Clothing
* Autumn leaf table runner Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Purple tea-with-the-debutants dress Work Clothing
* Ruffle dress Work Clothing
* Olive dress Work Clothing
* Maroon Skirt Work Clothing
* White damask skirt Work Clothing
* White Damask blazer Work Clothing
* Magenta stretch dress Work Clothing
* Green stretch dress Work Clothing
* Apron for Nerilee Gifts
* Apron for Robyn Gifts
* Oopsie the Octopus Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Circles Table Runner Gifts (Tarof Family)
* A5 art book bag Gifts (Tarof Family)
* 1950s Apron Gifts (Tarof Family)
* 4 x Baby bibs Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Kyles’ art book messenger bag Gifts (Tarof Family)
* Adam’s art book messenger bag Christmas 2010
What I accomplished this week (Friday to Thursday)
*Draft pattern for wild west Dress for Stomp (week 3) Home Clothing
*Sew wild west dress for stomp (week 4) Home Clothing
Projects on the go
* Pleated skirt with teal and black design Work Clothing
* Blazer with teal and black design Work Clothing
* 1 (or is it 2?) x cushions House Stuff
Future Projects with fabric already purchased
* 52 weeks of quilt blocks quilt Christmas 2011
* 2 x Blue cushions House Stuff
* Black damask dress Work Clothing
* Pink and black damask dress Work Clothing
* Hearts dress (fabric) Home Clothing
* Hearts dress (quilt cover) Home Clothing
* Teal dress Work Clothing
* Tara top – floral quilting fabric Home Clothing
* Tara dress – pink quilting fabric, Home Clothing
* Ying Yang gathered top Home / Work Clothing
* Red ruffle skirt Home / Work Clothing
* Blue corset with quilting fabric Home Clothing
* Refashion of pink tops from Big W Home Clothing
* Refashion of black patterned dress from Big W Home Clothing
* Refashion of purple patterned dresses from Big W Home Clothing
* Underskirts / petticoats for summer dresses Home / Work Clothing
* Hot pink drill dress Home Clothing
* Hot pink check dress with pleats to create pink waist Home Clothing
Future Project Ideas
* Shorts for pole Home Clothing
* Olive jacket/ coat Home / Work Clothing
* Slips to keep me warm under summer dresses Home / Work Clothing
* Duro Dress / top Home / Work Clothing
* Over-The-Head 1950s reproduction pattern dress Home / Work Clothing
* Bag thing to cover and carry my baby sewing machine Sewing Gadgets
Fabrics in my stash
As I slowly go through my stash, I will keep updating this list. Because honestly, I have no idea what is in my stash at the moment. These are just the things in the box I can get to.
* Purple/red/blue knitted fabric
* Fan fabric
* Striped (white base) terry towelling – polycotton – 1.5m, 150cm wide
* Fish (white base) terry towelling – polycotton – scraps
* White/Cream stretch fabric – 100% cotton – 2m, 150cm wide
* Hearts in straight line (white base) stretch fabric – 100% cotton – 1.5m, 150cm wide
* Hearts (white base) stretch fabric – 100% cotton – 1m, 150cm wide
* Green leaves fabric – 100% cotton – 1m, 115 wide
* Green and white Michael miller dandy damask – 100% cotton – 3 yards, 150cm wide
* Red with blue and white whales fabric – 100% cotton – 1.5m, 150cm wide
* Navy blue acrylic felt – .6m, 80cm wide
* Rose pink stretch drill - Cotton lycra - 4.9m, 150cm wide
* Rose bed sheets
* Black satin bed sheets
* green micheal miller fabric
* japanese leaf fabric
* leaf baby cord
Stash Busting Ideas
* Top with purple/red/blue knitted fabric Home / Work Clothing
* Tara dress with hearts fabric for nightgown? Home Clothing
Monday, May 9, 2011
The T Family Gifts.
One of my best friends lives in Canada, over the other side of the world from where I live in Australia. I stayed with her and her family when I visited Canada in 2008, and now I like to send gifts to them each holiday season. In keeping with my theme for last year, I was trying to make hand made gifts for her and her family. Because of shipping times, this means that really, I should have finished all of the gifts in early November to get there in time for the holiday seasons. But, this year for one reason and another, I got super busy, and actually didn't manage to finish these gifts until last weekend. Yes, in April for all of you playing along at home. Now before you go "oh my god, could you be any later," I have to confess that they aren't actually Christmas gifts, they are Hanukah gifts. And Hanukah was in early December last year. The gifts were all cut, and in various stages of started, just none of them were complete.
Sigh.
But, with the arrival of a brand new, baby T a few weeks ago, I got a second wind for these gifts, and managed to finish them all. I'm posting them on Tuesday.
So, Jenny, if you are reading this, please stop now, so that in a few weeks, you get a nice surprise :)
For the first time ever, I included labels on everything I made. These labels aren’t perfect, but I like the effect they gave on each of the gifts. I used an orange fabric pen on calico to create labels like this one:
As I finished each project, I would put it on the ironing board. By the time I was completely finished, my ironing board looked like this. I just love this shot.
J's Sketch notebook bag.
I had originally planned to make a journal cover similar to the ones here. I had a gorgeous purple wool chosen, and a button, but I got sidetracked. And then I saw this bag pattern at vivatveritas from guest blogger nette, and I knew that I had to make that instead. I still wanted to incorporate the idea of an sketch book, I added a pocket on the inside of the bag, just big enough to slip an A5 sketch book into.
The bag is made from black and white paisley cotton (I love the fabric, and could never bring myself to part with this remnant, so this was a perfect way to use the remnant), lined with a purple polycotton, and decorated with three fabric flowers, made from glittery crystal organza. I put my label on the inside, behind the pocket.
K and A’s gifts.
Sketch book messenger bag.
I had originally planned, and cut and started sewing, a journal cover similar to the one here, but I just wasn’t feeling it. I still wanted to give the sketch book. I remembered seeing a tutorial for a messenger bag here at mmmcrafts, so using that as a base, I made a navy blue felt messenger bag, lined with red whale fabric, with an internal pocket to hold the sketch book. I used press studs to close the flap, hand sewn to a double layer of felt, and then zig-zag stitched to the bag. I sewed my label to the inside of the front flap, and was really pleased with the effect on the front of the flap.
Although not part of the T Family, A is another one of my good friends, who happens to live in England. I try to send him a holiday gift every year. He also got a felt messenger bag.
R&D
I was at a bit of a loss for what to do for R&D until I saw this table runner at moda bakeshop. Using that as my inspiration, I created a felt backed circles table runner. The fabrics are a combination of things I had in my stash and things that were in my scraps bag. I used a gold embroidery thread to sew everything down.
C&L
When I saw this project on craftgossip, I just knew I had to make it. Again, I used the original instructions from Fawnda from firefliesandjellybeans more as inspiration than anything else. I sewed each leaf to the polar fleece backing by stitching the veins using gold thread.
Baby T
I didn’t know the sex of the baby, (I’m not sure if R&D didn’t know, or if they just didn’t post it on facebook), but it meant that I had to make a nice, gender neutral gift. In the end, I went with two things. The first is more practical, 4 terry towelling bib. I used the pattern here from liaspace. The second gift was more fun, a stuffed octopus toy using the pattern here for oppsie the octopus on moda bakeshop.
J's Birthday
The last gift in the parcel was a birthday gift. Again, I was inspired when craftgossip posted a link here for a free pattern download from bramcost publications for this awesome 1953 party apron which now isn’t free, but is only $3.99, I knew it was perfect for J. And really, who doesn’t need a fun, flirty, 1950s apron?
So, happy holidays T family!
Sigh.
But, with the arrival of a brand new, baby T a few weeks ago, I got a second wind for these gifts, and managed to finish them all. I'm posting them on Tuesday.
So, Jenny, if you are reading this, please stop now, so that in a few weeks, you get a nice surprise :)
For the first time ever, I included labels on everything I made. These labels aren’t perfect, but I like the effect they gave on each of the gifts. I used an orange fabric pen on calico to create labels like this one:
As I finished each project, I would put it on the ironing board. By the time I was completely finished, my ironing board looked like this. I just love this shot.
J's Sketch notebook bag.
I had originally planned to make a journal cover similar to the ones here. I had a gorgeous purple wool chosen, and a button, but I got sidetracked. And then I saw this bag pattern at vivatveritas from guest blogger nette, and I knew that I had to make that instead. I still wanted to incorporate the idea of an sketch book, I added a pocket on the inside of the bag, just big enough to slip an A5 sketch book into.
The bag is made from black and white paisley cotton (I love the fabric, and could never bring myself to part with this remnant, so this was a perfect way to use the remnant), lined with a purple polycotton, and decorated with three fabric flowers, made from glittery crystal organza. I put my label on the inside, behind the pocket.
K and A’s gifts.
Sketch book messenger bag.
I had originally planned, and cut and started sewing, a journal cover similar to the one here, but I just wasn’t feeling it. I still wanted to give the sketch book. I remembered seeing a tutorial for a messenger bag here at mmmcrafts, so using that as a base, I made a navy blue felt messenger bag, lined with red whale fabric, with an internal pocket to hold the sketch book. I used press studs to close the flap, hand sewn to a double layer of felt, and then zig-zag stitched to the bag. I sewed my label to the inside of the front flap, and was really pleased with the effect on the front of the flap.
Although not part of the T Family, A is another one of my good friends, who happens to live in England. I try to send him a holiday gift every year. He also got a felt messenger bag.
R&D
I was at a bit of a loss for what to do for R&D until I saw this table runner at moda bakeshop. Using that as my inspiration, I created a felt backed circles table runner. The fabrics are a combination of things I had in my stash and things that were in my scraps bag. I used a gold embroidery thread to sew everything down.
C&L
When I saw this project on craftgossip, I just knew I had to make it. Again, I used the original instructions from Fawnda from firefliesandjellybeans more as inspiration than anything else. I sewed each leaf to the polar fleece backing by stitching the veins using gold thread.
Baby T
I didn’t know the sex of the baby, (I’m not sure if R&D didn’t know, or if they just didn’t post it on facebook), but it meant that I had to make a nice, gender neutral gift. In the end, I went with two things. The first is more practical, 4 terry towelling bib. I used the pattern here from liaspace. The second gift was more fun, a stuffed octopus toy using the pattern here for oppsie the octopus on moda bakeshop.
J's Birthday
The last gift in the parcel was a birthday gift. Again, I was inspired when craftgossip posted a link here for a free pattern download from bramcost publications for this awesome 1953 party apron which now isn’t free, but is only $3.99, I knew it was perfect for J. And really, who doesn’t need a fun, flirty, 1950s apron?
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