From The Pink House

Worm love

2012-02-12T20:02:00.002+10:00

A great quick fix made as a gift for a lovely friend...

This is Evelyn Inchworm from Wee Wonderfuls. Fun to make, although I found it a little tricky to get the bumps lined up evenly- at one point she was very twisted looking. Though here she is now, looking nice and stable.

Love her! And can't wait to make more cute toys.

Happy 2012!

2012-01-18T23:33:00.001+10:00

A few of the many things I meant to post in the last year...

Cat from Stitch magazine (Spring 2009) made for a baby gift,

April Showers scarf from the Purl Bee,

and an Oliver + S popover sundress for dolly.

More to come...

The proper stuff.

2011-10-16T21:08:00.000+10:00

You'd think the highlight of my year was making a decent custard. This is the first time I've made one (without custard powder) that hasn't split. Recipe is a hybrid of the two in Nigella's How To Eat and this one. Not as thick as I'm used to, but so much better!

So, I have made the decision it's better to be a once-every-ten-months-blogger than a non-blogger. Of course there's much I should've posted but didn't. In summary of 2011 so far, life has been good and yet still full of challenges, the family is great, and I am back at work full time again (which is okay, thanks to my wonderful husband and Mum picking up where I left off).
Hoping to share more soon,

A.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-24T16:14:00.001+10:00

Wishing you a wonderful time this Christmas!

(Pattern from here).

The Family Piano

2010-12-06T21:59:00.000+10:00

Delivered today and already being pounded by the next generation, oblivious to how badly it needs tuning. So looking forward to making our own Christmas music this year!

Falling through the days..

2010-11-18T21:52:00.000+10:00

... to the point that this poor blog is quite neglected. When I actually do something blogworthy, it's a struggle to capture it. So we have this new strawberry dress for Strawberry (the Oliver + S ice cream dress made entirely from stash materials) which has been around for a week or so, and this is my best shot of it. It's a case of put the dress on her to model, get distracted by a phonecall and other kids, and she's asleep on the couch.

I only just noticed the snotty nose!

Proper shots to follow!

This week, and more quilt shots...

2010-10-30T23:18:00.001+10:00

We have all been a little sick, the kids have watched too much TV, but I finally got up to date with my baby thank you notes, so one less thing to feel guilty about! There is of course some ongoing guilt about my fabric stash, which grew after going to the Craft & Quilt Fair last weekend and Bargain Box Fabrics this week - I keep buying fabric for little girl clothes, it seems, and not even for the clothes she needs. Hoping to have some actually made up soon!

For now, here is the full shot of Strawberry's quilt on the line (on a very sunny day)...

It is actually different (if only in fabric choices) from Mr F's, I think I just need to find something other than the clothesline for showing my quilts in full!

Backing and binding...

Backing again from Spotlight, with Kaffe Fassett spot for the binding. Like Mr F's, this quilt features essentially all colours (for the kids to point out), but with more pinks and girlie prints.

I am quite happy with the quilt overall, and it will look great opposite Mr F's in the soon to be shared big kid's room, but I am certainly still learning a lot with my quilt-making. Looking forward to the next quilt which will be for baby boy's cot- poor little thing has had nothing made for him yet!

Top 5 Music.

2010-10-21T23:33:00.000+10:00

image from here

As prompted by Pip over at Meet me at Mike's, my current 5 favourite albums to play at home:

Anais Mitchell & others- Hadestown (gorgeous folk opera)

Paolo Nutini- Sunny Side Up (young guy sings like an old guy)

Steve Martin- The Crow (yes that Steve Martin, a banjo album!)

Florence and the Machine- Lungs (stunning voice)

Justine Clarke- Songs to Make You Smile (good kiddie songs- Mr F loves it)

All are great!

Quick Fix

2010-10-13T13:11:00.000+10:00

I was wanting the thrill of a one night project, so made this babushka (pattern and face from the Red Thread). Another item for Strawberry's big girl bed! Love the beautiful face and a great way to use some quilt leftovers. And I'm definitely keen for more fast projects now...

Done!

2010-10-10T15:47:00.000+10:00

Finished last night. Full shots to come (when I get a fine day). Can't wait to move Strawberry into her big bed to use it!

My latest excuse!

2010-10-05T12:46:00.000+10:00

The new baby of the family and an absolute joy. Seriously, I am going to get back to more frequent blogging now that this little guy is approaching six weeks! I have been trying not to beat myself up about not getting things done- my only goal for the first six weeks was to keep all three kids alive. Which I have done rather well. On top of this, there is a nearly finished quilt which should be ready for showing any day now! So glad to be back to stay at home life!

Getting back into it!

2010-06-27T23:23:00.003+10:00

After way too long an absence, I'm relieved to be finally posting something. The last two months have been so hectic, I have barely been able to keep myself in clean clothes (actually, I am still struggling on that front). But, things are now winding down at work, with me going on maternity leave in four weeks! Can't wait.

I have managed a little craft lately, currently knitting this cardigan for Strawberry in the hope she will get some wear out of it while it's still winter. Only have the sleeves to go after this piece, then the dreaded sewing up!

I have to thank Sandra at The Surly Seamstress for helping to pull me out of my non-blogging funk, by setting me some homework with these questions:

Which pattern/vintage style have you been thinking about lately?
My next pattern to make up is this little Oliver+ S dress for Strawberry- aiming to do it for end of winter/spring. I love the yoke and piping detail, and hope to make use of some old buttons I have stashed. And I do love vintage patterns and have a bit of a collection of hand-me-downs and Vogue reprints, but they are all completely impractical for me as I have been either pregnant, breastfeeding or both for years now!

What is one place that you really want to visit that you haven't been to before?
Japan- would love to experience the totally different culture, scenery and hunt down fantastic craft supplies! This is in addition to plans to return to many great places I have already visited!

What are your favourite/least favourite words? These can be connected to sewing or not!
Favourite word: awry- I seem to use this a lot at work.
Least favourite word: gonna- I use this way too much!

If you had to spend 3 consecutive days on the same train, who would you want with you and why?
Not a very creative answer, but my husband. After having to spend several days away from him and the kids recently, I realised just how much he helps me keep my cool, and shares my interests like no one else. It was very healthy for me to be reminded what a great choice I have made!

What's your sewing threshold? As in, what will you let go, and what must you absolutely fix?
I tend to complete my projects, but this does result in the odd item that I would never wear which gets given to a family member or charity shop. As for correcting mistakes, I will unpick to a certain extent, but if after several attempts I don't get a perfect result, I settle for less than perfect and move on. And once it's complete, I never seem to notice the imperfections that once seemed such a big deal anyway.

What's your desert island book/movie and why could you read/watch it over and over?
Love books, but can't commit to a favourite to be reread. My movie would be Cabaret because: a) I love musicals, b) in addition to being a great musical, the plot is also great, and c) Liza just breaks my heart. Here she is on an old t-shirt I can't bring myself to throw out...

What garment/accessory do you wear the most?
Not the above t-shirt. Stretchy wrap dresses with black opaque stockings- none of my current wardrobe is homemade sadly, but it serves a working pregnant lady rather well.

What wouldn't you be caught dead in?
Shoes with ankle straps- no matter how fabulous the shoes, my (otherwise perfectly healthy and strong) legs just cannot carry them off.

So, there you go. I think I should now be setting this as homework for someone else, but I am that far out of the blogging loop, I have no one in mind- feel free to pick it up if you are stopping by as I 'd love to hear your responses.

Lately I...

2010-04-18T13:00:00.001+10:00

... have been quite preoccupied with preparing for what I hope will be my last exams ever, which will all be over in about a month.

... am having fun cutting out a quilt for Strawberry, to (sort of ) match this one I made for Mr F, as they will be sharing a room later this year after the arrival of baby number 3!

... am admiring this beautiful family home (that I first spotted here on the lovely homelove blog) in Inside Out, as well as my growing belly.

... am quite excited over this mermaid doll kit by Louise Elliot, handed down from a friend of Mum's- such cute design and great loud colours!

... feel determined to get back into making lots of things soon!

Autumn love

2010-03-21T21:25:00.000+10:00

Hooray for cooler weather! Despite feeling bogged down with long hours at work and study, and viruses passing back and forth through the family, I managed to get the needles out for some simple, satisfying knitting.

This scarf was a request from my husband, who wanted a multi-coloured stripy scarf with a bit of a 'Paul Smith' look. I don't think this is anywhere near as cool as that sounds- it seems more 'clown' or 'Doctor Who' than Paul Smith, but he tells me he likes it. At least it can be used by the kids if not him. I'm using up yarn (Cleckheaton Country 8ply) from a frogged blanket for Mr F which just was torture to knit. There is actually about $200 worth of brightly coloured wool to be used, so this will make only a small dent in that. I believe there will be more colourful stripy items to come!

You look like gold to me...

2010-02-27T11:54:00.000+10:00

I had been wanting to buy some Koigu Premium Merino for ages, and was lucky enough to get some 40% off online at Purl Soho! In exactly the colour I wanted, despite there being only two colours left by the time I found out about the sale. Intended for this little girl's dress found at the Purl Bee. No urgency to make it as it won't fit Strawberry until next year, maybe not even then. Which is great, as I cannot actually crochet yet! The yarn does seem every bit as beautiful as the descriptions I had read, and the colour is a gorgeous orangey-red. Just delicious!

One year old

2010-02-23T22:09:00.000+10:00

We had our little party for Strawberry's first birthday on the weekend, which was great. Lots of girlie looking treats, flowers and paper dolls on the walls, and more little kids than we have ever had before at a party! Most of whom loved running wild in the backyard.

The cake was inspired by the classic Australian Women's Weekly one, but decorated in a girlie way. I had to use musk sticks as I just love them and wanted an excuse to eat them! Just the classic butter cake with buttercream icing (Women's Weekly recipes of course). I think it's really worth making the cake from scratch rather than a packet mix- it just tastes much better and is still easy.

Can't believe our little girl is one- she still looks like a baby to me- yet she thinks she's a grown-up and says 'bye-bye baby' to older kids!

And no, I didn't end up making her dress- too much deliberating over fabric and pattern choices and too little time in the end. So thank you Esprit DFO for a lovely party frock for our little doll. And thank you to the birthday girl herself- what a joy you are for us!

Well loved

2010-02-14T17:23:00.001+10:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

My lovely husband gave me a waffle iron (no, he doesn't usually get me kitchen appliances but he knew I wanted one) and so we all enjoyed heart-shaped waffles for breakfast. I'm yet to perfect the recipe and technique but still pretty good stuff!

I have spent some of today going through my old toys (pretty much dolls) to see if there is anything suitable for Strawberry. Several of the most special ones are now spotty with rust. I'm torn between whether to keep them or not. Especially as I've kept them this long!

Hannah here is the only example left of a doll I made as a child. I was given this book from Mum when I was in primary school, and loved it. It was about a little girl making dolls and quilts in the 1800s on the Kansas prairie. I also did a doll quilt kit from the same range (still have another one not yet made up) and a Christmas cross-stitch. All very much in keeping with the whole country look popular at the time - I remember tea-dyeing stuff! So maybe the rusty look would be considered okay?

This is the remainder of her little wardrobe. The doll and clothes were all hand sewn- pretty apparent if you look close enough. I love the drawstring on the pantaloons, just the sewing thread!

Last of all are these- Strawberry Shortcake and her cat made from a panel by Mum, a pegasus toy given to me at birth and two Holly Hobbies. All rusty! Maybe this will be the last evidence I have of them or maybe I won't be able to let go. I am tempted to cut up Holly on the left's non-rusty dress for that great 70s patchwork print!

Plodding, and party plans!

2010-02-07T12:58:00.000+10:00

This week I am still feeling a little off and so really am just plodding along, struggling to do anything much outside of work, and feeling like I am falling behind with basic things I have to do- like dropping off dry-cleaning and mending. That said, my husband has been great, the kids remain charming, and I should be feeling a bit brighter soon!

We have hit our run of February birthdays, which will now include Strawberry turning 1! So I have been starting to plan her little party. These invitations by Suzy Ultman I picked up a while back at the GOMA shop, not sure if they'd be used anytime soon, but it turns out Strawberry loves dolls already, so they seemed appropriate. I doubt anyone loves them as much as I do though! Such a cute design with gorgeous envelopes and stickers. Now to plan a cake and party dress!

Happy Australia Day!

2010-01-26T12:38:00.001+10:00

Still feeling sick, but not so sick I couldn't enjoy my husband's damper with butter and golden syrup!

Have a fantastic day!

Cute new/old things.

2010-01-24T17:00:00.001+10:00

Okay, so I have been doing nothing except working the past six days, and now, on my one day off for the week, I am sick. Which should not surprise me as everyone else in the house has their turn with the same thing this past week. Still, I am feeling quite sorry for myself.

These recent arrivals are courtesy of my aunty. The Pippi doll she picked up in Sweden as a Christmas gift for Strawberry, who loves her and calls her 'Ippi'.

And the buttons were long stashed, awaiting some children to be able to use them- a lot are animal shapes, some are sparkly, some pearly and all are fairly small, so ideal for kid's clothes. Some were handed down from my uncle's mother in Sweden, some were on my Mum's and aunty's clothes made by my Grandma. I hope to use lots of them, although (despite my determination not to hoard), I too am sure to hand some down, unused, to my children one day!

Back in the loop, and more Oliver + S things.

2010-01-17T17:31:00.000+10:00

Work this week was actually really good. I was quickly reminded of some of the things I really like about my job, and I seemed to cope okay after a whole year off. Nowhere near as hard as when I returned after my first maternity leave, which was a much shorter period. And the kids are doing great, probably because they are at home with Dad, who is keeping them busy with lots of adventures.

I have done virtually nothing outside of work (lovely husband has really taken care of all the household stress) and have been quite exhausted this weekend, but I have finally got some pictures of little girl clothes I made a while ago.

This dress is actually the Oliver + S swingset tunic lengthened. The fabric was scraps from Mum, previously used for a dress in the 70s. It's an Australian crepe cotton (kind of like wool crepe suiting in texture) which I had never seen anything like. Just gorgeous. It frayed terribly though!

Back view:

In action, front:

And back:

Again, very happy with the pattern and sure to use it again. I made the 6-12 month size, which was perfect for Strawberry- true to the measurements given. I did french seams, which I would not repeat with this style as it ends up a bit bulky under the arms where the facing is. This dress is really not my best sewing- done in a hurry late at night, but still the design holds up well.

Finally, yet another set of puppet show shorts. In lightweight denim from Spotlight. I had been putting off trying flat felled seams, then a lack of the right colour overlocker thread forced me! I just copied the seams on some old baby bloomers and they turned out great. The trickiest part was staggering the seam allowance down the centre (3/8" on one side and 5/8" on the other, then vice versa when topstitching), so the seam ends up perfectly in the middle. Not tricky now I know what to do, and probably less time consuming than getting out my overlocker (let alone getting new thread). And the inside of the shorts is completely smooth- great for a baby.

My favourite little chubby legs!

Now I'm off for my last little bit of kiddy time before the working week starts again...

This year...

2010-01-07T22:32:00.000+10:00

My first post of 2010! A few months ago I actually had no intention of having a blog at this time, then started it on a whim when my husband was off running the Melbourne marathon. And it has been great. I am clearly not the most active blogger, nor much at marketing my blog, but this is motivating me to keep being creative. Which will be all the more important this year, as I go back to full time work at my rather serious job on Monday. I'm half dreading it, half looking forward to getting back in the loop.

So although I'm not into New Years' resolutions, I have been thinking about how I'll keep my creative self sustained. I'm hoping I can keep up at least weekly posting, though I doubt I will be quite as productive with my crafts. One of the best decisions I made in 2009 was to try to keep to high-yield projects, so I get more of the satisfaction of completion. This meant abandoning some projects on which I had already spent too much time, and making simpler things. And letting go of the need for my work to be perfect. I am definitely keeping up this attitude. I will have to if I want to get anything done in between weekday work, after hours rosters, expressing milk and actually spending time with my family!

I am hoping to do some (very basic) art this year, like my calendar drawing above. Just stuff I can do very quickly to get back into it, after too long a break from doing any art regularly. I'm not sure I am even quite the artist I was in high school when I dropped my favourite subject of Senior Art for Physics (yes, everyone else thought it a strange move too), but I would love to get back into the habit of drawing. And I figure this will often be an easier creative thing for me to do than get out my sewing machine/s at the end of a busy day. Again I am planning to avoid fussing and trying to make my work perfect (which should differentiate me from my high school self) and just get lots of little things done. Sounds good in theory- we'll see what comes!

On my clothesline...

2009-12-31T13:55:00.000+10:00

So, I didn't get it done for Christmas, but here is Mr F's quilt done for New Year. I couldn't wait for it to dry before posting some pictures!

I am really happy with it, despite it being far from perfect. This is my third quilt ever, and the largest by far. (The first was a doll quilt kit I made as a girl, and then I've done a very basic cot quilt in squares for Strawberry.)

It's single bed size, 10 x 16 of my quartered nine patch blocks (each measures 5.5 inches once pieced), which makes it a kind of long, narrow single bed quilt- fine as my son still has a safety rail on his bed.

Fabrics are the Minny Muu charm squares, and a heap of other stuff including old scraps, 'good quilting fabrics' from proper quilt shops, and inexpensive quilting and dress fabrics from Spotlight.

Backing and binding are both from Spotlight- the binding stripe is from the non-quilting range. I love that every colour is there for my son to point out, and it's not a traditional 'boy' quilt- I left the pink charm squares in, although the prints are not really that girlie.

After quickly giving up on the idea of free motion quilting, I machine quilted straight lines in a windowpane pattern, cutting my blocks into quarters- easy! And a bit more interesting than stitching in the ditch, I thought.

So, there it is. Can't wait to have my little man use it. I left it on his bed last night to find when he woke up and he ran out of his room this morning having wrapped himself in it!

Hope you have a fantastic New Year- may 2010 bring health, happiness and all the creativity you wish for!

Merry Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T22:09:00.001+10:00

Didn't get to post as intended yesterday, so here I am on Christmas night, after all the festivities are over and my exhausted kids are fast asleep.

Some of my last minute attempts towards a bit more of a home-made Christmas this year- bird ornament pattern from the Purl Bee here- easy, cute and well received by my extended family last night!

And my favourite cookies, made Christmassy with Craisins and white choc chips.

For anyone who may be swinging by, a very merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

No time to stop!

2009-12-17T22:59:00.000+10:00

I am really struggling to promptly take pictures of everything I've been making and doing- it seems I'd rather spend my time making more stuff! I have been quite productive, although not quite on track with my (unrealistic?) goals of having a certain little boy's quilt done for Christmas and making ornaments for gifts.

What I have done...

- baby girl PJs

So this my little Strawberry in her first proper PJs. I used the babushka fabric and a circa 1990 Burda baby magazine pattern- not actually pyjamas, but a tunic/dress and 3/4 pants- the closest I could find to what I wanted. I always intended to make the top, as it looked cute and I thought bias binding trim made things easy. Not so, in this case. I had never used bias binding this way before- I used to just encase the fabric edge and sew one row of stitching, rather than opening it out like in this pattern. But it does look cute. Made my own binding out of a fat quarter I had in the stash.

The pattern was so confusing I actually cut off the shoulder seam allowance! And nearly cried. And then grafted the fabric back together using Vilene like a strip of sticky tape and a tiny zigzag. I then sewed a slightly larger seam allowance and did some topstitching to reinforce- still I have no idea if those shoulder seams are going to hold! Next time I might just ignore the instructions.

Back view

The waistline binding continues round the front. Just modeling here, to be worn properly for the first time on Christmas Eve!

Otherwise...

- made another pair of the Oliver + S shorts in denim (grubby already and in the wash), this time with flat-felled seams, and I managed to work out how to have the crotch seam perfectly centred. Will show soon!

- Oliver + S swingset tunic in progress

- enjoyed visiting the great Asia Pacific Triennial at QAG/GOMA, still plan to visit again.

- saw the Wiggles on Sunday- Mr F paid close attention and stayed very still, and Strawberry clapped until she fell asleep! A great show!

- saw Away We Go (first movie in ages, thank you visiting mother- in-law)and thought it was just lovely.

- really getting into Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill and the Little Hillbillies at the moment- some of the songs make me cry they are so sentimental! The kids however, are not into this album anywhere near as much as I am.

We are off to boiling Rockhampton for some pre Christmas family visiting this weekend, and then it's the mad rush to be ready for Christmas...

This week I...

2009-12-11T14:34:00.001+10:00

... was stupid enough to think I might master free motion quilting in one night,

... had fun choosing these goodies from Threads and More and Gardams ,

... failed to get a good picture of Mr F in the shorts I made him,

... have been ignoring my Christmas baking plans, despite this being left on the bench by my husband,

... have been lamenting my choice of a very confusing Burda pattern for baby's PJs,

... still have had a really happy week!

Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat!

2009-12-06T17:54:00.000+10:00

Okay, so I've never actually eaten goose at Christmas, but this was my sister's and my favourite Christmas carol to sing while putting up the tree.

I'm still amazed we managed to get our tree up on December 1st this year! Or rather, my husband put it up and did the decorating while I whipped up a tree skirt. The poor tree had a naked base for five Christmases until now.

Just a basic design from an old Simplicity pattern in Mum's stash- I did eight different segments in red and white prints with ricrac trim. There are some pretty screenprinted Saffron Craig fabrics in there, bought here.

I almost can't believe I actually let my husband do the decorating- usually I am highly obsessional about this, and spend a lot of time rearranging ornaments throughout December. But it was good to just let go- and he did a fantastic job!

I love that ornaments I would normally relegate to the back of the tree (such as ones I made as a kid), he has put right up front! It's great to see what he thinks are the 'special' ones.

Projects Past

2009-11-27T13:04:00.000+10:00

I've had a busy week catching up with lots of friends with kids. And cleaning- because I have actually had people at my house and didn't want them to be completely disgusted by my standard of living.

I've been plugging away at Mr F's quilt at night, and realising that I probably can't make all the squares meet up perfectly. This really does bother me! I have to keep telling myself, I'm not making it to be judged, it's just for a two year old who won't care.

The quilt will be my main project for a while it seems, so I'm going to have to post some of my past stuff.

I'm actually missing knitting at the moment. Living in Queensland is it is just too hot to knit in the warmer months. Which is most of the year. It's particularly sad as knitting is probably the craft I enjoy most (big call, I know). It's just so portable and something I can do at times during the day around the kids. And baby things are really quick to make up. Like this little set, done in April/ May...

The knitting of the cardigan pieces took me two days, just knitting when I had the chance during the day, and not staying up late at night. When I had a new baby who hardly slept during the day. It was just so satisfying to get something done! Sewing in the middle of the night just does not seem as therapeutic.

The lovely baby quilt is by my Mum, featuring several fabrics used for dresses and skirts for me over the years. Actually, her squares seem to meet up very well!

For the Boy

2009-11-22T23:49:00.000+10:00

It is definitely much more fun to sew for a little girl than a little boy- prettier fabrics and way cuter (and often easier) patterns available. I decided however that I could manage some basic shorts for my son. As Mr F is getting to the toilet training stage, elastic waists are suddenly highly desirable.

These are another pattern from Ottobre 3/2008. Yes, that's the same fabric as baby girl's shorts from last post. No, I don't plan to dress them in their matching shorts at the same time! But, free fabric from Grandma making two pairs of shorts? I won't complain. Easy pattern made more special with topstitching. This was the trickiest part as I had never used topstitching thread before and I followed advice not to backstitch but hand tie all ends underneath. Which was a bit fiddly, but gave a nice result I think.

Mr F himself isn't yet interested in fashion (apart from his plastic fireman's hat which he currently likes to wear even while sleeping). He does however have a bit of interest in quilts, in that he likes to lie on our couch with a very old one draped over him and pretend he's in bed. So, next project is a quilt for him, that he can have on the couch or use on his single bed. The goal is to get it done for Christmas. I had some charm squares in kiddie prints (Minny Muu by Lecien ) to use up, and I've just added basic prints and solids in bright colours, so now I have 360 squares to be sewn up.

So far, I'm doing 9 patch blocks which I think I might then cut into quarters- Mum tells me there is a 'proper name' for this technique but neither of us can recall it. I am definitely excited about doing this quilt in quite a random fashion, and just getting into it. I just want it to be a cute quilt for my little boy, where he can point out colours, and teddy bears, and mice with cheese.

Oh, and the soft dolly kit (by the red thread) is to be made up for baby girl for Christmas, bought from this cute girlie shop in lovely Bulimba.

Baby bottoms!

2009-11-15T15:04:00.000+10:00

I have actually been making things lately (despite the lack of evidence here). My recent favourites have been shorts for my nearly nine month old little girl. They are super quick to make, and as they require such small amounts of fabric I've had the satisfaction of using up some very old stuff.

This Winnie the Pooh print is from when I was a toddler in the 70s! I think I had a reversible pinafore out of this- pretty loud, yes? It's a great kind of lightweight cotton canvas, and I used lightweight denim for the trim. The pattern is the Oliver + S 'puppet show' shorts, minus the pockets. I must admit to being a bit anti licensed prints on kids' clothes, but somehow I'm okay with it when it's old fabric with a story. I also think the quality and designs are so much nicer than the modern day equivalent.

Another pair of shorts from the same pattern...

This shows the pattern better, although I'm sorry the shorts look a bit wrinkled (after a trip to the park). Fabric is a red and white striped cotton twill - which could even be older than the Pooh fabric- from my Grandma's stash.

This is my third project with this pattern. I love the cute pockets and it is really easy. The Oliver + S patterns must be the best I have encountered for describing exactly what to do- no prior sewing knowledge assumed.

Some (minor) challenges...

These shorts are a small make- my girl is a smallish 9 month old and I've made the 18-24 months size which is just a little big on her. The first time I used the pattern I made denim shorts in the 6-12 month size (when she measured at 3 month size) and they were outgrown really quickly. Even made a bit big there's no way she could wear a cloth nappy under them.

It's hard for my machine to get through all the layers of fabric when sewing through the binding on the pockets, so I can't get my topstitching perfect - I think there are 10 layers of fabric at some points!

Finally, there are meant to be gathers at the sides of the legs, but I find my binding strip (cut on the bias) for the legs always ends up too long. So, when I adjust the gathers to fit the binding they are barely detectable (see on the Pooh shorts). With this pair, I just gathered a lot tighter, to the point I thought looked best, then cut the binding to fit- I lopped off about 1.5 inches. And now this pair really do look like the picture on the pattern!

Edit 27/11/2009: I have since checked out the Oliver + S website a bit more thoroughly and found that they have acknowledged the binding length problem in their errata- and it is 1.5 inches too long. They have errata up for a few patterns, so it is worth checking out the site before sewing. They also have forums where you can pose questions- nice service!

These frilly shorts are from Ottobre magazine 3/2008...

front...

...and ruffly back!

Now these are really puffy, and baby hasn't worn them out yet as she looks a bit like a clown in them. That said, I am really happy with how they turned out. Made in one night, really easy, although the Ottobre pattern instructions are minimal. I just end up interpreting the pattern in the way that's easiest for me. I did a regular elastic casing at the top, not stitched down elastic as in the instructions. (Having recently replaced lots of elastic in old baby bloomers, I see the benefit of it being easily removed.) Made in size 74 which is definitely a size too big, but sure to look perfect later in the summer. And plenty of room for a cloth nappy. Fabric from Lincraft, and spotty grosgrain ribbon from my stash of gift wrapping stuff (it is washable).

Next, I must make something for my little boy!

Inspiration

2009-11-08T23:42:00.001+10:00

I had a fantastic time today at the Easton Pearson exhibition at GOMA- sadly the last day of the show. After initially being not particularly desperate to see it (hence leaving it until the last day), I am so glad I went. At one point I nearly cried, I was just so into it.

I don't actually own any Easton Pearson clothing, and don't pay it lots of attention in the shops as often the pieces are not the most flattering shapes for me, and it's usually a very embellished, not super practical look. And it's not generally considered a young woman's label. That said, I knew a lot of the stuff is actually made in Brisbane, which is really rare these days, and a lot of attention is given to handmade finishes.

Anyway, in the gallery setting I was able to have a good look at some of their best pieces, and there were great descriptions of how the items were made. And the clothes were just stunning! Absolute works of art. So I left feeling really inspired, planning to put to use some of their finishes like grosgrain ribbon belts, running stitch embroidery, clothing handpainted after construction, and trims like cotton tape and rick rack. Maybe even frills with fishing line edges.

Being the inexperienced blogger I am, I forgot to take my camera so very sadly no pictures! Do check out their beautiful work though!

Which brings me to another source of inspiration- Charlie and Lola. This is my son's 2nd birthday cake from a few months ago- he is wild about Charlie and Lola, particularly Lola, and at the moment even more so about Lola's friend Morten. Charlie and Lola make an appearance on our TV most days, and I adore Lauren Child's style of illustration. Lately I have been enjoying her Pippi Longstocking (supposedly bought for the kids) late at night. I find myself dreaming of having my little girl dressed entirely in 'patterny' Lola-style outfits made by me. And of my son growing up to be as lovely a big brother as is Charlie- surely seven year old boys are not normally that patient and kind with their nagging little sisters?

More Japanese Love from the Fair

2009-11-03T21:11:00.001+10:00

So, it's been over a week since I actually went to the craft fair, but I had to post my favourite find...

Anne of Green Gables fabric!

And not only Anne of Green Gables fabric, but manga style Anne of Green Gables fabric! Apparently not usually found out of Japan. Mum even bought a kit featuring this and another Anne fabric (to be made up for baby girl). I was so excited I then spent that night trawling the web for Japanese Anne of Green Gables stuff. It looks like the fabric range is based on this 1979 anime series. This one was my favourite clip, with an English dub. So cute! Although Diana seems very young to be getting drunk (even accidentally). It looks like you can't get DVDs of this in English, otherwise it would certainly be on my Christmas wish list.

Japanese Love from the Fair

2009-10-28T12:54:00.001+10:00

It seems all can do at present is show you stuff I've bought. Mum, my sister and I (plus baby girl in tow) went to the Brisbane Craft and Quilt Fair on the weekend and all left with super cute supplies.

My favourites included the Japanese fabrics at Be Be Bold, where I picked up these beauties...

The top fabric is to be put away for a dress for baby when she's a little older- it's a beautiful soft textured cotton. And the Babushkas on plisse will (I hope) soon be summer PJs for her! Having a little girl has just been the greatest excuse to by all manner of things cute and girlie. More to follow!

Procrastinating

2009-10-21T10:44:00.000+10:00

I realise I have started this blog at a time when I'm meant to be working on something else- namely a rather large assignment related to my work (even though I'm actually on maternity leave, it seems I can never truly escape from my job). So, there will be no new projects to show for at least a couple of weeks.

So, some stuff I have made recently- little shirred dresses for my little girl. Hanging here they look like doll's clothes! I had never done shirring before and found it so satisfying-each dress was made in a nap or two. I just cut a rectangle 40 x 80 cm (just under two times her chest measurement in width) which worked out perfectly for my eight month old, with room to grow. Straps were cut out of the fabric remaining to the side, so you only need the length of the dress (plus an inch or so for hems).

The dress on the left is made of Heather Ross Mendocino fabric bought from here, leftover from a quilt I made. This fabric has the most beautiful texture, not really like quilting cotton but more like a nice fine dress poplin. And the other dress is made from a cute cherry print Mum got at Spotlight I think, with some long hoarded broderie anglaise lace for trim.

I could just keep making these and avoid my slightly trickier projects! Better still, I could return to working on my assignment. Oh, to be free of the guilt!

The new Lincraft!

2009-10-12T22:20:00.000+10:00

We were so excited about Lincraft opening at Toombul today, Mum and I headed out with the kids to check it out.

We weren't alone in our excitement, judging by the crowd at the pattern books (all patterns are half price) and long queues. Between the two of us we managed to placate the kids enough to have a good look- it helped that McDonalds is right opposite the store!

It's so good to have a suburban Lincraft nearby as I am often disappointed at Spotlight- inadequate restocking (most visits there is some basic item on my list that they just don't have) and awful crowds. I think the fading Toombul might be revived now, although I hope Lincraft in the city doesn't suffer- it's the only fabric store in Brisbane city now.

As for the stock, I'm not sure if the fabric selection is as extensive as the city, and the yarns are mostly Lincraft brand (which Mum tells me is quite good though) so Spotlight will still be seeing me. And I've accepted I just have to go to Indooroopilly (Sckafs and Gardams) for really good dressmaking fabrics these days.

Now, what I got...

above fabrics for baby girl clothes, patterns (little girl's dress, skirt for me) and thread for my new overlocker. So I was pretty restrained, although then spent more on kid's stuff on sale at DJs.

Next entry I have to show you something I've actually made...

Well hello there.

2009-10-11T00:20:00.000+10:00

So this is my blog.

After getting so much joy from other people's blogs I figured why not? I stumbled across the wonderful world of craft blogs while looking for tips and inspiration for my projects and have felt a little guilty lurking and not giving anything back. Maybe someone will want to see my stuff?

So, I plan to log my work here and that, in theory, should provide plenty of posts. I hope to be showing you lots of sewing for me and my kids (maybe even some clothes for some long naked dolls), some patchwork, quilting, embroidery, knitting (only in the cooler months here in Brisbane) and (maybe if I write it it means it will come true) crochet when I learn it. And of course stuff I find inspiring. And maybe some biscuit baking, which I also love.

I don't even have a camera at the moment as my husband has taken it away for the weekend, so for this post I have scanned an old pattern of my Mum's. I have no intention of making this up anytime soon but I do adore it so- especially that collar!

Welcome and hope you enjoy!