tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63159048466495604602024-03-14T02:13:28.805+11:00Clairey SewsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-78053388244870698032013-07-19T21:14:00.000+10:002013-07-19T21:14:29.990+10:00Rainbow HSTs<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Octehl_SVfk/Uekbjokn4zI/AAAAAAAABeU/YBjsJunAB7I/s1600/Harvey1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Octehl_SVfk/Uekbjokn4zI/AAAAAAAABeU/YBjsJunAB7I/s1600/Harvey1.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished quilt. It's pram sized, so wasn't too onerous to sew.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It's been five months since I updated this blog. I'd love to say I've
been sewing, but sadly, my machine has been gathering dust while I deal
with a back injury that means I can barely walk some days, let alone
sew.<br />
<br />
I've done a few little things though - all presents for new babies. Making something special for a new arrival is my favourite kind of sewing.<br />
<br />
This
little pram quilt is for a beautiful baby boy who was born last month. I
knew he was a boy before he was born, but really didn't want to use
typical 'boy' colours. Then I saw <a href="http://www.tiedwitharibbon.com/2012/03/long-long-long-time-ago.html" target="_blank">this quilt</a> on Pinterest and knew I wanted to make something similar.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SFAwrezlI9w/Uekbi5qRjPI/AAAAAAAABeM/F6VD4_TOLyk/s1600/Harvey2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SFAwrezlI9w/Uekbi5qRjPI/AAAAAAAABeM/F6VD4_TOLyk/s1600/Harvey2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand quilting detail. I used DMC thread. My 5 year old loved matching the fabrics to the threads.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I bought a charm pack of Kona Brights and a pack of Kona
Snow. I've only ever bought fabric by the yard before, so it was lovely
not having to cut it all up.<br />
<br />
The half-square triangles
came together in one evening, and I pieced the quilt the next night. The
hand-quilting didn't take as long as I imagined, maybe 4 nights while
watching tv?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1l-iVorTTw/Uekbji14JGI/AAAAAAAABeY/g_o3aYqu9s0/s1600/Harvey3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1l-iVorTTw/Uekbji14JGI/AAAAAAAABeY/g_o3aYqu9s0/s1600/Harvey3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back. I'm so disappointed in my fabric choice. I had imagined a charcoal grey, but settled for this. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was terrified the fabric, thread or binding would run, so I crossed my
fingers and gave it a test wash with a couple of colour catchers.
Nothing ran, thank goodness, and I now feel comfortable that my friend
can chuck it in the wash without having to worry about colour runs.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyoUYeXf2_M/UekbjztnQTI/AAAAAAAABec/X7ao1WL6TGY/s1600/Harvey4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyoUYeXf2_M/UekbjztnQTI/AAAAAAAABec/X7ao1WL6TGY/s1600/Harvey4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty happy with the finished quilt :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I really hope to be back to sewing and blogging regularly soon. I miss it!<br />
<br /><br /><br />
<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-14965773941479464522013-02-26T13:07:00.002+11:002013-02-26T13:07:43.387+11:00A big milestone and a cloth book<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wgj9BgLh7ok/USwNCWDJ7sI/AAAAAAAABbU/Yh-vJaobabc/s1600/FzLingbook01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wgj9BgLh7ok/USwNCWDJ7sI/AAAAAAAABbU/Yh-vJaobabc/s400/FzLingbook01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying her book</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This week, Baby A will reach another milestone. She will clock up one
whole year since she got her hearing aids. It's been such a huge year
for our family, with countless appointments (audiology, ENT, hearing
tests) and hours upon hours upon hours of auditory-verbal therapy, where
she learns to listen and speak with her hearing aids.<br />
<br />
I've
spent heaps of time over the last year trying to find resources to help
Baby A learn to listen and speak. Most parents of deaf and hearing
impaired children will be familiar
with the Ling Sounds, which are seven sounds across the main speech
frequencies that you can use to check that your child is hearing (even
small babies respond to these sounds).<br />
<br />
We practice the
Ling Sounds most days. From a practical point of view Baby A's responses
let us know whether her hearing aids are working, and it's also been
really lovely to watch her move from detecting to identifying and now
imitating those sounds.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTRYmXdmpI0/USwNHvqxUqI/AAAAAAAABbc/SLvzujUsMTo/s1600/FzLingbook04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTRYmXdmpI0/USwNHvqxUqI/AAAAAAAABbc/SLvzujUsMTo/s400/FzLingbook04.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A's Ling Sounds book. The cover illustration is based on her.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I decided to make Baby A some
cards with the Ling Sounds and a picture to represent each sound, to
keep her interested in them. Before too long that idea had merged with
my love of all things crafty and morphed into creating a cloth book.<br />
<br />
I'm
very lucky to have an extremely talented sister-in-law, who is an
illustrator. She managed to turn my ideas into the most beautiful,
colourful illustrations. I used spoonflower to print the fabric, then
sewed it up into a book.<br />
<br />
I'm thrilled with the result, and so is Baby A. She never seems to tire of it.<br />
<br />
I
made a couple of prototypes, but settled on this oversized version. It
uses a whole yard of fabric, but is great for little hands.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5Abfx_n8Y4/USwM3WSVkuI/AAAAAAAABbI/Ah3fwOSW3tc/s1600/FzLingbook03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5Abfx_n8Y4/USwM3WSVkuI/AAAAAAAABbI/Ah3fwOSW3tc/s400/FzLingbook03.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flipping through the pages</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Baby
A is doing so well - I wish I had a crystal ball a year ago. Her
'listening age' is 12 months - which means she has had access to sound
for 12 months. This puts her behind other children her age, who have had
17 months of access to sound, plus a good few months in utero.<br />
<br />
The
average (non hearing impaired) 17 month old has around 15 words. Baby A
has a vocab of nearly 70 words. I'm so proud of her. She has come such a
long way in such a short time and her hearing impairment hasn't held her back at all. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y4PoJlUtx0/USwNc6yFl6I/AAAAAAAABbk/N80em0LTWbU/s1600/FzLingbook07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y4PoJlUtx0/USwNc6yFl6I/AAAAAAAABbk/N80em0LTWbU/s400/FzLingbook07.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Czi4-sq-G1Q/USwNkdtL2vI/AAAAAAAABbs/HR2dJEzLB3w/s1600/FzLingbook12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Czi4-sq-G1Q/USwNkdtL2vI/AAAAAAAABbs/HR2dJEzLB3w/s400/FzLingbook12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister-in-law included so many beautiful details in the illustrations, including this A for baby A on the plane's tail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-20156101130265840872013-01-16T17:03:00.000+11:002013-01-16T17:05:11.273+11:00Two new rompers and more Spoonflower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The photos in this post are appaling - forgive me!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've recently finished a couple of little rompers - one for my darling baby A and one for my cousin's new(ish) baby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've made this pattern before (<a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/everything-old-is-new-again.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/balloon-bubble.html" target="_blank">here</a>), it's KwikSew 3776, and as I've said before, the pattern is great but the instructions are a bit flaky.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I used a fabric I designed myself for Baby A. It's inspired by a printed shopping bag I got a few months ago and fell in love with. It's nothing really special, but it's special to me because I know it makes Baby A's romper truly a one-off. It's trimmed in white cotton lace.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The other romper is made using a pretty double gauze I picked up on sale a few years ago, and trimmed with cream cotton lace.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This project has made me a bit sad, it'll be the last time I make a romper for any of my kids. With Baby A now 16 months she will have well and truly outgrown this pattern by next Summer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kbe-EMjs0Uc/UPY_aPbsAvI/AAAAAAAABaM/nT-5K1qvSZY/s1600/Rompertt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kbe-EMjs0Uc/UPY_aPbsAvI/AAAAAAAABaM/nT-5K1qvSZY/s640/Rompertt1.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby A's romper. Horrible photo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5zvXf5ZQ4I/UPY_aHsiOjI/AAAAAAAABaI/MKVdQC8-6Sg/s1600/Rompertt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5zvXf5ZQ4I/UPY_aHsiOjI/AAAAAAAABaI/MKVdQC8-6Sg/s400/Rompertt3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the fabric, designed by me and printed using Spoonflower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSduQ_NVqCw/UPY_aeMJ_KI/AAAAAAAABaQ/Dv0MOrQe-rc/s1600/Rompertt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSduQ_NVqCw/UPY_aeMJ_KI/AAAAAAAABaQ/Dv0MOrQe-rc/s400/Rompertt2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lace trim detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1BNSB-R2dI/UPY_fKDjhLI/AAAAAAAABag/q0Zqk6o4OvQ/s1600/Rompertt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1BNSB-R2dI/UPY_fKDjhLI/AAAAAAAABag/q0Zqk6o4OvQ/s400/Rompertt4.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two rompers. Check out the difference in size. Baby A was in the small size last year - wah :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FxWmeo7JBk/UPY_fUGv3YI/AAAAAAAABak/w1Ow99Mp1gg/s1600/Rompertt6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FxWmeo7JBk/UPY_fUGv3YI/AAAAAAAABak/w1Ow99Mp1gg/s400/Rompertt6.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicate lace trim on the tiny romper.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hiEo6VQ8z0/UPY_hrGXJ4I/AAAAAAAABa0/ko2u-aVkqpU/s1600/Rompertt7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hiEo6VQ8z0/UPY_hrGXJ4I/AAAAAAAABa0/ko2u-aVkqpU/s400/Rompertt7.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks so pretty on my darling girl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-77109277734161846752013-01-01T21:44:00.000+11:002013-01-01T21:44:04.421+11:00Christmas sewing (and not much else)Hello! It's been a while hasn't it? I've been dealing with a really
bad back and haven't been able to sew (or sit, or walk) much at all.<br />
<br />
But
Christmas is my favourite time of year, and one I associate with sewing
and baking. I wasn't up to any large projects this year, but I was able
to make a couple of handmade Christmas gifts.<br />
<br />
The
first is for my parents and father-in-law. We made them a set of
personalised tea towels. They were super simple - the kids painted with
watercolour onto regular paper, which I then scanned and uploaded to
Spoonflower. <br />
<br />
I had them printed onto a cotton-linen blend, which was kind of pricey, but worthwhile in terms of durability. I
fit four images onto a yard of fabric, and when it arrived I cut and
hemmed. Voila! So simple and very popular on Christmas morning.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mnbwf48YU04/UOK05VUWNoI/AAAAAAAABZQ/-SlnhBjLmN8/s1600/tea+towels2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mnbwf48YU04/UOK05VUWNoI/AAAAAAAABZQ/-SlnhBjLmN8/s640/tea+towels2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three tea-towels from three budding little artists. Even the baby got in on the act!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I
also created a few silhouette tea-towels. I've been wanting to make
silhouettes of the kids for ages, and it was much simpler than I thought
it would be. The silhouettes below were created in photoshop (using the
pen tool) but I've also seen some great tutorials for making them with
paper.<br />
<br />
These were also printed by Spoonflower onto
cotton-linen blend. I have made a lot of fabric with Spoonflower lately,
and will post about it very soon. I'm especially excited about one of
the projects in particular. <br />
<br />
I just adore the
finished product, and have kept a couple of these for myself. Baby A is
growing so fast (she's nearly 16 months) and I really wanted to capture
the last of her sweet baby shape. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-waXGLKzeDrQ/UOK0MZ3BPbI/AAAAAAAABZI/KhlPZxo94Mk/s1600/tea+towels1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-waXGLKzeDrQ/UOK0MZ3BPbI/AAAAAAAABZI/KhlPZxo94Mk/s640/tea+towels1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The silhouettes seem to capture their personalities perfectly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next
up is a gift for my eldest's preschool teacher. I have to admit I
wasn't too sure about the teacher when I first met her, but she has been
fabulous. We were sad to say goodbye on the last day of preschool.<br />
<br />
Miss
E drew a card for her teacher, which I then copied and embroidered onto
some linen, and then stitched into a journal cover. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vgRvaRO274s/UOK1a8xHt-I/AAAAAAAABZY/MdnyXfEQtR8/s1600/teacher1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vgRvaRO274s/UOK1a8xHt-I/AAAAAAAABZY/MdnyXfEQtR8/s640/teacher1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colours are kind of hard to see, E used metallic ink and it reflected the light.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGmPa_k1_ts/UOK2wDFD8qI/AAAAAAAABZo/8VRVopBqFJ8/s1600/teacher2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGmPa_k1_ts/UOK2wDFD8qI/AAAAAAAABZo/8VRVopBqFJ8/s640/teacher2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt8_NSghG4w/UOK4AdxtFAI/AAAAAAAABZ4/JPEdkoDz3D4/s1600/teacher4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt8_NSghG4w/UOK4AdxtFAI/AAAAAAAABZ4/JPEdkoDz3D4/s640/teacher4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss E and her teacher, holding hands under a rainbow. Yep... it's good to be 4 and have such a rosey view of the world.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-81857716087112733862012-09-23T20:40:00.002+10:002012-09-23T20:40:10.749+10:00Something special for a new baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b18BqoX-p9I/UF7g2lj0xhI/AAAAAAAABYc/aoP8RBFYa48/s1600/Lily+quilt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b18BqoX-p9I/UF7g2lj0xhI/AAAAAAAABYc/aoP8RBFYa48/s640/Lily+quilt1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One of my dearest friends had her third baby two weeks ago - a sweet little girl. We happen to have the same family makeup (girl, boy, girl) with the same age gaps, but hers were all born one year later. Couldn't have planned it better if we tried!<br />
<br />
I have sewed for her eldest <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com.au/2010/02/i-blogged-my-last-and-first-attempt-at.html" target="_blank">daughter</a> <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com.au/2010/01/baby-blocks.html" target="_blank">before</a>, and <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com.au/2010/10/sketchbook-hippos.html" target="_blank">her son</a>, but I really wanted to make something special for baby #3. I decided on a quilt early on, but took my time choosing the design. I wanted something pretty and suitable for a baby girl, but not too babyish.<br />
<br />
I was really inspired by a quilt over at <a href="http://freshlypieced.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/juliets-quilt.html" target="_blank">Freshly Pieced</a> (oh how I love it!) and decided to try my own version. If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll know that I am not much of a quilter. My previous efforts have all <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/vintage-sheet-quilt.html" target="_blank">been</a> <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com.au/2010/10/more-bees-for-mum-to-be.html" target="_blank">very</a> <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com.au/2010/06/bumble-bub-quilts.html" target="_blank">basic</a> - strips of squares sewn together with sashing in between. So I was a little nervous about attempting the urban lattice quilt, but it came together surprisingly well! I paper-pieced for the first time, and really loved it. It was easy to do and the results are great - I could never be that precise otherwise. This is one of those quits where precision is really important, otherwise the lattice will look all wonky and you won't get the same effect.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QP1-uDiXj_M/UF7g80hnmRI/AAAAAAAABYk/3falkYCf3GU/s1600/Lily+quilt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QP1-uDiXj_M/UF7g80hnmRI/AAAAAAAABYk/3falkYCf3GU/s640/Lily+quilt2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See?! Paper piecing gives great accuracy. I'm hooked.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I used fabrics from a FQ bundle of Amy Butler's Ginger Bliss collection. I've already bought some (okay, all) of Heather Ross' Nursery Versary collection to make another one. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WlnCoqLXh6Y/UF7hEg-YndI/AAAAAAAABYs/TAa0nZTMxfY/s1600/Lily+quilt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WlnCoqLXh6Y/UF7hEg-YndI/AAAAAAAABYs/TAa0nZTMxfY/s640/Lily+quilt3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The quilting is very simple. I'm really bad at that part, and, I think this design lends itself to simple quilting in order to show off the nice clean lines. And I'm lazy. I simply quilted around the coloured squares.<br />
<br />
The backing is a basic pink and white polka dot from my stash.<br />
<br />
I changed the dimensions of the blocks to suit myself. Each block is 6 inches square, making the quilt 36x36 inches. <br />
<br />
I was sad to part with this little number, I really like it. I hope I can stay motivated enough to make another, to keep, in the not too distant future. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vi6xZE_jlcM/UF7hOQgeQEI/AAAAAAAABY0/OfSeg-h6bVw/s1600/Lily+quilt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vi6xZE_jlcM/UF7hOQgeQEI/AAAAAAAABY0/OfSeg-h6bVw/s640/Lily+quilt4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-19883041224344964322012-09-21T20:19:00.003+10:002012-09-21T20:20:13.118+10:00Liberty playdate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-yRo520CqU/UFw3SAsaNPI/AAAAAAAABX8/8U0zW-uXCMg/s640/1.jpg" width="425" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My baby turned 1 a few weeks ago. Crazy. I can't believe how fast the last year has gone. I really wanted to make her a special little dress to unwrap on the big day, and keep as a memento of how little she is (my older kids have been big, tall babies; Baby A has bucked that trend and is a very petite little thing - such a novelty for me!). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've never sewn the Oliver + S Playdate dress before (although I've been lucky enough to receive one, thanks Nicole!). I think it looks cutest on little girls so I was keen to sew one before Baby A gets too big. It went together beautifully, like all O+S patterns.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The fabric is from Liberty's new quilting cotton range, Bloomsbury Gardens. I bought every print in the aqua/turquoise colourway as I just adore it. The quality of this fabric is just amazing. It has the same smooth and silky qualities as the tana lawn, but obviously in a heavier weight fabric. It's much cheaper than the lawn too which is hugely appealing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I mentioned on this blog a year ago that Baby A is hearing impaired. It's been such a rollercoaster of a year dealing with her hearing loss and all that entails. One year on and I think we have more questions than answers - we still don't have a clear picture of her hearing loss, except that it is worse than we first thought. We've been plowing away at the early intervention since she was 7 weeks old though, and now, at 12 months, Baby A is doing beautifully. She has so many words (more than my kids with normal hearing did at her age) and is coping pretty well with her hearing aids. I still worry about her, but I wish I could travel back in time and tell myself that it's all going to be okay.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OMUI5Tohxw/UFw3Yy22TaI/AAAAAAAABYE/wnFX1j8Bjr8/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OMUI5Tohxw/UFw3Yy22TaI/AAAAAAAABYE/wnFX1j8Bjr8/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carved MOP buttons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ4wPQLT60g/UFw3frYavUI/AAAAAAAABYM/esAJOiifMPM/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ4wPQLT60g/UFw3frYavUI/AAAAAAAABYM/esAJOiifMPM/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday cake test drive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-56120006774469432422012-06-30T22:17:00.003+10:002012-06-30T22:18:01.944+10:00Colette Lady Grey<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_0FqN9UaE4/T-7qwql3jOI/AAAAAAAABXQ/EmdzHqJHHfc/s1600/LadyGrey11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_0FqN9UaE4/T-7qwql3jOI/AAAAAAAABXQ/EmdzHqJHHfc/s320/LadyGrey11.jpg" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last post, I wrote about a few big projects I was working on. Well, one of them is finished at long last!<br />
<br />
It's
my brand new Lady Grey coat, from <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/" target="_blank">Colette Patterns</a>. It's also the first
thing I have ever sewn for myself, and it's a success - woot! I'm a bit
embarrassed to say that I didn't even know this pattern existed until
earlier this year when my friend Karen pinned it. I had been toying with
the idea of sewing for myself for ages, and decided a wrap coat might
be slightly easier to fit, as my measurements are not standard. I
searched for other versions of the Lady Grey coat and fell in love with
it. I also found the <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2010/08/blog-for-better-sewing-sew-along.html" target="_blank">Lady Grey sewalong over at Gertie's fabulous blog</a>. <br />
<br />
After a bit of deliberating I decided to buy some beautiful Marc
Jacobs
wool from the States. It's black with steely blue, purple and off-white
dots. I first found it at Mood for $25 a yard, and after
much searching found a few other suppliers, one of which was Fashion
Fabrics Club which had it at $14 a yard. The postage cost as much as the
wool, but it still wasn't any more expensive than I would have paid for
the same yardage here in Australia.<br />
<br />
I was terrified of stuffing up, so
made a muslin. I cut a size 12 and needed to adjust the gaping lapels,
and took about an inch and a half off the upper back and a little off
the waist. I also lengthened the sleeves. I love the bracelet length,
but I need this coat to be as practical as it is pretty, so I went for
full length. <br />
<br />
For those who aren't familiar with it, Gertie's sewalong takes the
already wonderful Lady Grey pattern, and adds lots of gorgeous
tailoring. To be honest, I thought a tailored garment was just a
well-cut garment. Now I know better! I really enjoyed learning about how
to tailor and am so happy with the end result. It was time consuming
though, with hair canvas basted by hand to the front four panels (it has
princess seams) and then the lapels and collar pad-stitched, also by
hand. I had never heard of pad-stitching before, but it is amazing. It
has given my coat such a gorgeous shape and I couldn't be happier. It
really is like magic watching the lapels and collar form, as Gertie
says, under your fingertips. <br />
<br />
All in all I spent far more on this coat than I would have on a
shop-bought coat. The hair canvas cost an eye-watering $25/metre and
after falling in love with the silk thread used for the padstitching, I
splurged and bought enough to sew the entire coat. So it was an
expensive coat, but it's made to measure and tailored by hand - I
certainly can't get that on the cheap around here. I also got so much
satisfaction out of seeing it come together, and am really proud of the
coat. <br />
<br />
I learnt so much during this experience. Bound buttonholes, pattern
fitting, tailoring and more. It's given me the confidence to try to make
a few more things for myself and reignited my love for sewing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwewgmqGlJc/T-7q4tVh6qI/AAAAAAAABXY/tnj1r8yLaow/s1600/LadyGrey2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwewgmqGlJc/T-7q4tVh6qI/AAAAAAAABXY/tnj1r8yLaow/s320/LadyGrey2.jpg" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the side.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgg39TmFnAg/T-7q9o5LE8I/AAAAAAAABXg/clcW_72jNLA/s1600/LadyGrey3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgg39TmFnAg/T-7q9o5LE8I/AAAAAAAABXg/clcW_72jNLA/s320/LadyGrey3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really wanted to add a label, and when I found this one at <a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/collections/woven-labels" target="_blank">Sublime Stitches</a> I knew I had to have it! You can also see a glimpse of the lining I used too - a lilac to coordinate with the wool.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUtq1Lze7nk/T-7rC-YHyoI/AAAAAAAABXo/0FB3shmK6v8/s1600/LadyGrey5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUtq1Lze7nk/T-7rC-YHyoI/AAAAAAAABXo/0FB3shmK6v8/s320/LadyGrey5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The coat only has two buttons, and one of them is hidden. I love these buttons I found by chance - they have a feathered pattern in a steel blue on black, to match the wool.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnozTVLUc5E/T-7r0FodTqI/AAAAAAAABXw/uEyFYCyG0HQ/s1600/LadyGrey111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnozTVLUc5E/T-7r0FodTqI/AAAAAAAABXw/uEyFYCyG0HQ/s320/LadyGrey111.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the best photo (it was taken as I was attaching the coat to the lining) but here is some of the tailoring I learnt from Gertie's blog. The pad-stitching took forever but was actually pretty enjoyable to sew, and the effect is amazing.It's almost a shame that all those pretty stitches are hidden inside the coat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-51052878861249801102012-05-22T11:53:00.001+10:002012-05-22T11:53:20.656+10:00Vintage sheet quiltLast Friday my son had the mother of all meltdowns. It was huge - the worst of I have ever seen. And of course we were in public. As I carted my kicking, screaming two year old back through the shopping centre, while wrestling the pram and my girls, I felt pretty embarrassed by him. I love him to bits, but at that moment I was NOT proud of him, not at all.<br />
<br />
And that's kind of how I feel about my latest creation. I adore it, but I am really not proud of it. Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. It seemed to fight me every step of the way and in the end I gave up - I just wanted to get the damn thing finished. Anyone who knows me knows that that goes against all of my perfectionist tendencies, but this thing beat me down, like a two year old who has missed his nap and is high on sugar.<br />
<br />
The piecing was okay, but the quilting is atrocious and so, so, wonky. It looks so Becky Home-ecky. Even the binding gave me grief. And there's blood on the back of it people - blood! - from when I skewered my finger while binding it. Oh yes, I can honestly say this one caused blood, sweat and tears.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7jHLCXuH50/T7rt3hma5kI/AAAAAAAABXE/S_fRbP8B9s4/s1600/VS+quilt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7jHLCXuH50/T7rt3hma5kI/AAAAAAAABXE/S_fRbP8B9s4/s640/VS+quilt2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
But I do love it. Look at those pretty fabrics! They make my heart sing. And they're so soft, perfect for its new owner, my sweet baby girl. I used vintage sheet fabric, mainly purchased from Etsy, but I got a few locally too (for 25c - woot!).<br />
<br />
I have a real love affair with vintage sheets (remember <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/everything-old-is-new-again.html" target="_blank">this onesie</a>?) and have a few more projects on the go for Baby A's room.<br />
<br />
So there you have it, despite my lack of blogging I really have been sewing. Most of it is too boring to blog about (PJ pants and highchair covers - yawn) but I have three really big projects on the go that I hope to finish and share with you before too long.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-11Rzx9rYHHU/T7rtwC__J1I/AAAAAAAABW8/aUXv_yGtNkk/s1600/VS+quilt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-11Rzx9rYHHU/T7rtwC__J1I/AAAAAAAABW8/aUXv_yGtNkk/s640/VS+quilt1.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quilt will be used as a playmat, and matches the framed fabric above Baby A's cot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-35381820325960401462012-04-02T14:16:00.003+10:002012-04-02T14:27:39.107+10:00New pinny for winterI've finally managed to get another item ticked off my 'to sew' list. This time it's a little corduroy pinafore for baby A to wear this winter.<br /><br />The pattern is Simplicity 3808 and I was heavily influenced by <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2010/09/fall-jumper-for-clementine/">this version from Made by Rae</a>. In fact I think I prefer her version - love the green and black together! But hey, I had to be at least a little creative so went with violet and cream instead.<br /><br />The fabric is all from Spotlight. I rarely shop there and if I do it's just for basics. But last visit I found their new Japanese cotton lawn, and it's lovely. Nice one Spotlight! I picked up a bit to use for another project, and the scraps made a sweet little facing for this dress.<br /><br />The pattern went together well, it's pretty simple. The sizing seems a bit off to me. This is actually supposed to be a top (tunic) but it's huge. It goes right down to baby A's ankles. It's pretty roomy in the body too but it will see her through winter, and will be good for layering.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WAZgfte8Z64/T3komFkRUPI/AAAAAAAABWw/uy0luyB7S_o/s1600/Cord%2Bpinny3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WAZgfte8Z64/T3komFkRUPI/AAAAAAAABWw/uy0luyB7S_o/s400/Cord%2Bpinny3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726653035972743410" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Tadah! Love the pretty little facings... and I'm quite fond of the piping too.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbSePsg_9Z8/T3kolpSS6WI/AAAAAAAABWc/lbEHFW0_7kk/s1600/Cord%2Bpinny1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbSePsg_9Z8/T3kolpSS6WI/AAAAAAAABWc/lbEHFW0_7kk/s400/Cord%2Bpinny1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726653028381157730" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Bodice detail.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xeJaswfPvAA/T3kol2IY5iI/AAAAAAAABWk/SiB_fDsg6Mk/s1600/Cord%2Bpinny2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xeJaswfPvAA/T3kol2IY5iI/AAAAAAAABWk/SiB_fDsg6Mk/s400/Cord%2Bpinny2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726653031829268002" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I love these buttons, which I picked them up in the craft district in Hong Kong last year</span>.<span style="font-size:85%;"> I think of them as constellation buttons, as there are so many ways to thread them and they remind me of little constellations. I wish I had bought more. They were only a couple of cents each and I'm kicking myself. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-79960334696604941892012-03-12T09:10:00.005+11:002012-03-12T09:32:11.898+11:00More stitchingI have a bit of a thing for Pinterest. It's kind of addictive. I currently have boards full of ideas for things to make in the future.<br /><br />One of them was especially inspiring though: <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/68187381827936240/">this embroidery</a>. Love it! I kept going back to look at it so thought I would have a go at creating one of my own.<br /><br />At the same time I was throwing around ideas for a new Kindle cover, and thought I would combine the cover with the embroidery.<br /><br />I've seen a lot of Kindle covers online and most of them were much fancier than I wanted. A lot of them open like a book, or have an inbuilt stand so you don't actually have to hold your Kindle. I didn't want any of that, part of the beauty of the Kindle for me is its simplicity. All I wanted was a simple slip cover to keep it free from dust, scratches and toddler fingerprints.<br /><br />I embroidered the cover design using three strands of DMC cotton. The entire design is French knots. Hundreds of them! It actually came together reasonably quickly though, and it was pretty relaxing to stitch away in front of the tv at night.<br /><br />I'm pleased with the final product but if I did it again (and I won't!) I would make the font thicker. I would also outline the edge of each letter in a split stitch or back stitch to make it look crisper.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qt3Q9sea7_o/T10lFJDYnQI/AAAAAAAABVs/M3xqNUGq55s/s1600/Kindle%2Bcover1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qt3Q9sea7_o/T10lFJDYnQI/AAAAAAAABVs/M3xqNUGq55s/s400/Kindle%2Bcover1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718767872090086658" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The finished product. I stitched on to the most beautiful <a href="http://www.kelanifabric.com.au/?PSO=236&PSID=AKXSAK11&PSV=Primary&EGPUID=167892">linen from Kelani Fabric</a>. The cover is a simple slip cover lined in a blue and white polka dot. It closes with a velcro tab (was initially a magnetic button but that was too clunky, so I had to get out the seam ripper). </span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow55q-HBZNU/T10lFPYUvdI/AAAAAAAABV0/3yuULRS04as/s1600/Kindle%2Bcover2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow55q-HBZNU/T10lFPYUvdI/AAAAAAAABV0/3yuULRS04as/s400/Kindle%2Bcover2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718767873788526034" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Stitching detail.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5bz2QwvGQk/T10lFc1R6rI/AAAAAAAABWE/7amrv9FXXlM/s1600/Kindle%2Bcover3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5bz2QwvGQk/T10lFc1R6rI/AAAAAAAABWE/7amrv9FXXlM/s400/Kindle%2Bcover3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718767877399636658" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">French knots - this is only my second embroidery so I had to re-learn how to do these. I really recommend the tutorial on <a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/pages/how-to-french-knot">Sublime Stitching</a>.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5rOW-7-zQo/T10lFoc7fUI/AAAAAAAABWQ/KB2Vo2wd0Ao/s1600/Kindle%2Bcover4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5rOW-7-zQo/T10lFoc7fUI/AAAAAAAABWQ/KB2Vo2wd0Ao/s400/Kindle%2Bcover4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718767880518729026" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Same linen as I made my journal cover in. Love the look of them together (yes, I'm a dork). </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-79112898364119929342012-03-08T14:16:00.003+11:002012-03-08T14:31:06.990+11:00More tiny shoesAlmost a whole month since I posted - eek!<br /><br />I have been busy though, lots of crafting and sewing but the things I'm working on are sloooooow. It's satisfying seeing them come together but I've been itching for a quick project to get some instant gratification. So last night I sewed up a couple of pairs of baby shoes for my friend's brand new baby boy.<br /><br />I made a pair of cloth baby sneakers, and some super cute baby boots for Winter.<br /><br />The boots are made using a scrap of Kokka monkeys left over from <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com.au/2010/05/sketchbook-shirt.html">this shirt</a>, and lined with minkee. The sneakers were made using the gorgeous green elephants from Daiwobo, and lined with some orange dots (not so sure about that combination in hindsight).<br /><br />I used two patterns from the fabulous <a href="http://www.ithinksew.com/">I Think Sew</a>: the Cameron sneakers and the Charlie boots. I really recommend these patterns, they're fabulous. I have many more waiting to be made up. I Think Sew also have some gorgeous handbag patterns - the <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/katie-bag.html">bag</a> I made recently was one of their designs.<br /><br />I am especially in love with the boots and have plans to make some for my littlest this Winter. I don't think I'd use minkee lining again though, it was a bit of a nightmare to work with. If I did, I would take off a quarter inch all around, as it stretched a bit and is a bit baggy in the finished boots.<br /><br />So there you have it. I hope to be a bit more regular with my blogging as my many works in progess are finished.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4AP7IjCc54/T1gl7omwCbI/AAAAAAAABVg/Eykq8CSRmcU/s1600/Luke%2Bshoes2.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4AP7IjCc54/T1gl7omwCbI/AAAAAAAABVg/Eykq8CSRmcU/s400/Luke%2Bshoes2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717361433389304242" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Minkee monkeys. Love love love this pattern, so quick and such a cute result. </span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtHlS3t8YIA/T1gl69FguEI/AAAAAAAABVU/NxCYqDmyAj0/s1600/Luke%2Bshoes1.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtHlS3t8YIA/T1gl69FguEI/AAAAAAAABVU/NxCYqDmyAj0/s400/Luke%2Bshoes1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717361421707163714" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Cloth baby sneakers. I think a more neutral lining would have been better, but I'm still happy with them. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-42525123717031718312012-02-11T09:12:00.002+11:002012-02-11T09:19:30.497+11:00Balloon bubbleMore baby sewing! I love sewing for my littlest, it's so quick and cheap, with most things needing only a half yard of fabric.<br /><br />I recently finished making her a new bubble/romper. I used Kwik Sew 3776 (as used <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/everything-old-is-new-again.html">here</a>) as a base, but recut the front bodice and straps as one piece, and added some white piping. I sewed a bigger size too, my wee girl is now five months and growing far too quickly.<br /><br />The fabric is from the gorgeous Children at Play line by Sarah Jane. I really love this line, but have to admit to not initially being too fussed over this particular print. I bought most of the collection online, but when I saw this fabric in my local fabric shop I just had to have it. The colours are fantastic.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8fIG8v5C50/TzWWmccuvSI/AAAAAAAABUw/F3BoD0uOXGw/s1600/balloon%2Bbubble1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8fIG8v5C50/TzWWmccuvSI/AAAAAAAABUw/F3BoD0uOXGw/s400/balloon%2Bbubble1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707633689977863458" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Finished bubble - front view</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvBfxzuPaLw/TzWWmk9DtKI/AAAAAAAABU8/RsICqehsepE/s1600/balloon%2Bbubble2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvBfxzuPaLw/TzWWmk9DtKI/AAAAAAAABU8/RsICqehsepE/s400/balloon%2Bbubble2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707633692260938914" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Bodice detail</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jNGTL2j9iUY/TzWWm5Pt5PI/AAAAAAAABVI/01z8aCJrdYE/s1600/balloon%2Bbubble3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jNGTL2j9iUY/TzWWm5Pt5PI/AAAAAAAABVI/01z8aCJrdYE/s400/balloon%2Bbubble3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707633697707910386" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Back view. I used white snaps to match the piping. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-40572448173655019972012-01-14T19:38:00.003+11:002012-01-14T19:56:49.707+11:00The Katie bagI probably sound like a broken record but I just love, love, love Echino. If I was limited to only buying/sewing with one type of fabric for the rest of my life I'd choose Echino, and die a very happy woman.<br /><br />My little Echino collection is growing rapidly, thanks in part to my little sister who recently found some for $9/metre while in Japan. And although I could stare at it all day long, it's wasted in my sewing cupboard, so I'm trying to use it where I can.<br /><br />I discovered a great little site a while back called <a href="http://www.ithinksew.com/">I Think Sew</a>. She has beautiful patterns - mostly handbags and shoes - and I was drawn to her samples, especially as many of them use Echino.<br /><br />I bought few patterns, including the Katie Bag. I'm not usually a bag sewer but I really liked this one, and thought it would look great made up in some of my favourite fabric. The pattern came together beautifully. It's fairly simple but the result is fantastic. The bag is supposed to have a <a href="http://www.ithinksew.com/ProductDetails.aspx?pgProductID_int=105">belt</a> on it (which I love, it's what drew me to the pattern) but I felt the fabric was too busy for the belt, so included some wooden buttons as a focal point instead.<br /><br />So on to the pictures... I really love the finished product but realise it's not everyone's cup of tea. I actually made this for my sister-in-law but am going to make another for myself.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJijjAJuDkE/TxFACKxgsQI/AAAAAAAABT0/-1vnKC8IbMM/s1600/Echino_Katiebag1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJijjAJuDkE/TxFACKxgsQI/AAAAAAAABT0/-1vnKC8IbMM/s400/Echino_Katiebag1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697405409596322050" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The finished bag - front (looks a bit gaudy in full sun!)</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8e_SHXUIbvk/TxFADHrwcUI/AAAAAAAABUc/anRgn6_wCvo/s1600/Echino_Katiebag5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8e_SHXUIbvk/TxFADHrwcUI/AAAAAAAABUc/anRgn6_wCvo/s400/Echino_Katiebag5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697405425946751298" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Front detail</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8guEhQzFOdM/TxFACf3tYdI/AAAAAAAABUA/b89_h-OGaFI/s1600/Echino_Katiebag2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8guEhQzFOdM/TxFACf3tYdI/AAAAAAAABUA/b89_h-OGaFI/s400/Echino_Katiebag2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697405415259464146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The back - a little bit more pink!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLW1-C4pbnQ/TxFACk0qWlI/AAAAAAAABUI/HO18lWF5gcc/s1600/Echino_Katiebag3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLW1-C4pbnQ/TxFACk0qWlI/AAAAAAAABUI/HO18lWF5gcc/s400/Echino_Katiebag3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697405416588859986" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Lined in a grape coloured cotton canvas with a magnetic closure. I included a small pocket made of the exterior fabric.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mu3gtj_sY8g/TxFAC2-ZwEI/AAAAAAAABUU/mcSmRlf7tEE/s1600/Echino_Katiebag4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mu3gtj_sY8g/TxFAC2-ZwEI/AAAAAAAABUU/mcSmRlf7tEE/s400/Echino_Katiebag4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697405421461553218" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The buttons I included instead of the belt. I stitched these with coordinating cotton. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-32476533577717765052011-12-18T15:57:00.003+11:002011-12-18T16:12:32.277+11:00Christening gown for my babyWe had our baby girl's Christening this morning. It went really well and I feel like I can relax now - so much work for such a little person!<br /><br />Most of that work has been sewing. I made Baby A's Christening gown and while I'm really happy with it, it was a lot of work, especially while juggling a baby, 2yo and 3yo. It's made from satin and lined with silk. I'm looking forward to never working with satin again. That fabric has a mind of its own.<br /><br />The pattern is a modified Oliver + S bubble dress. I didn't sew the bubble, instead opting to lengthen the skirt and lining to create a long dress and pettiskirt. I edged both skirts in a gorgeous tatted lace. The bodice was also finished with the same lace, and I had a ribbon sash at the back.<br /><br />We incorporated a little history with some 100 year old lace sewn into the sash at the back (from Baby A's great grandmother's Christening gown). The buttons were from Baby A's paternal grandmother's stash (she died before Baby A was born and left me her buttons and sewing machine) and I also made little mock bows to cover the buttons. Baby A wore her great-grandmother's 100 year old crocheted bonnet.<br /><br />I also made a little pair of shoes for her. The Ottobre Tepsukka pattern, but with the pintucks omitted.<br /><br />The kicker - I had to do all of this twice, as I also made a dress and shoes for my niece (kind of) who was also Christened today. Early to bed for me tonight!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0d8338O6KrY/Tu1zgRDPSNI/AAAAAAAABSg/Y_WK0jjLYAc/s1600/Baptism1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0d8338O6KrY/Tu1zgRDPSNI/AAAAAAAABSg/Y_WK0jjLYAc/s400/Baptism1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687328902608799954" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The finished dress<br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMU3ZIRODUU/Tu1zgm52iDI/AAAAAAAABSo/_xI_iJ913Rc/s1600/Baptism2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMU3ZIRODUU/Tu1zgm52iDI/AAAAAAAABSo/_xI_iJ913Rc/s400/Baptism2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687328908475009074" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Front bodice. Love those cap sleeves and am looking forward to making the bubble dress in cotton.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GuyTW9QKjP4/Tu1zhOiQwjI/AAAAAAAABTI/hAB2g_FN-E4/s1600/Baptism5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GuyTW9QKjP4/Tu1zhOiQwjI/AAAAAAAABTI/hAB2g_FN-E4/s400/Baptism5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687328919113482802" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Love this lace<br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_DbePdYda7Q/Tu1zhiVWNOI/AAAAAAAABTQ/a_MQRRFSd5Q/s1600/Baptism11.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_DbePdYda7Q/Tu1zhiVWNOI/AAAAAAAABTQ/a_MQRRFSd5Q/s400/Baptism11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687328924428023010" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Mock bows on the back bodice...<br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nySkx3qce2o/Tu1z5wfK36I/AAAAAAAABTc/lMlnoQaRhNM/s1600/Baptism8.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nySkx3qce2o/Tu1z5wfK36I/AAAAAAAABTc/lMlnoQaRhNM/s400/Baptism8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687329340544180130" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">... covering the buttons<br /><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L-irxr9iJKs/Tu1z5zSEs5I/AAAAAAAABTs/GE5GbOPPs3o/s1600/Baptism%2Bresized32.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L-irxr9iJKs/Tu1z5zSEs5I/AAAAAAAABTs/GE5GbOPPs3o/s400/Baptism%2Bresized32.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687329341294556050" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I omitted the pintucks and used the lace instead. Finished with a pearly snap. </span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stgpl_jwms0/Tu1zg_CN8GI/AAAAAAAABS4/K4k1v1OoKcw/s1600/Baptism4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stgpl_jwms0/Tu1zg_CN8GI/AAAAAAAABS4/K4k1v1OoKcw/s400/Baptism4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687328914952548450" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Dresses x2 (headaches x 10)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-69990487296476509572011-12-06T14:37:00.003+11:002011-12-06T14:53:47.961+11:00Everything old is new againI developed a bit of an obsession a few months ago for vintage sheets. The colours and designs really appeal to me - some of them are so ugly they're beautiful!<br /><br />I started collecting them a few months ago and after my baby girl was born started a vintage sheet quilt for her (which I really need to bind). I am particularly in love with one of the designs, from an old pillowcase, so decided to use the leftover fabric to make baby A a little romper for Summer.<br /><br />The pattern is Kwik Sew 3776. The sizing is spot on and it looks cute, but the construction left me scratching my head at times. Next time I will make a few changes to make it a bit neater, both inside and out.<br /><br />All in all I'm happy with it. Baby A looks so cute in it - just like the little ray of sunshine that she is. And at $2 for the pillowcase, it's super cheap an original.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-szkAG8G0XgQ/Tt2RTJGCN8I/AAAAAAAABSU/3l35WsT4Xns/s1600/Romper3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-szkAG8G0XgQ/Tt2RTJGCN8I/AAAAAAAABSU/3l35WsT4Xns/s400/Romper3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682858062856206274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The front. It has a crotch opening for nappy changes.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhLMhb6rFOs/Tt2RSk9TsjI/AAAAAAAABSM/ZUDml8GqE0c/s1600/Romper2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhLMhb6rFOs/Tt2RSk9TsjI/AAAAAAAABSM/ZUDml8GqE0c/s400/Romper2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682858053155926578" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Simple placket at the back.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ibqFFYgNj0/Tt2RScU0mMI/AAAAAAAABR8/FpXnftqrPrs/s1600/Romper1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ibqFFYgNj0/Tt2RScU0mMI/AAAAAAAABR8/FpXnftqrPrs/s400/Romper1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682858050838632642" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Oh how I love these thighs!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-62834045600156628462011-11-09T12:14:00.002+11:002011-11-09T14:45:06.538+11:00Pitter patter of tiny feetI have a bit of an addiction to baby shoes. Baby A owns around eight pairs a the moment <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">that she'll outgrown in a matter of months</span></span>. I can't help it, they're so cute and dainty, even if they're not all that practical.<br /><br />I think I have mentioned before that I had three friends due to give birth around the same time as me. Well, two of them had little girls too, so I decided to share my love of all things cute and dainty by making them some little baby shoes.<br /><br />The pattern is from Ottobre magazine - they're the Tepsukka Slippers. I adore them. They're a MaryJane style but with sweet little pintucks and a curved strap. I used a couple of fabrics that my mum brought back from Japan and plain cotton lining. I adore them! Baby A will be getting several pairs over the next year or so.<br /><br />The construction is fairly simple, although they are teeny tiny, and there are some very small curves to sew. I reduced my stitch length quite a bit to make life easier. This pattern is also intended to be used with corduroy, so I made my pin tucks slightly wider than usual to accommodate the thinner fabric.<br /><br />I also made one friend a matching hat after she commented that she couldn't find a sunhat small enough for her daughter. I used the pattern from the Oliver + S book, <span style="font-style: italic;">Little Things to Sew</span>. The smallest size was still too big, so I reduced it down to 90%, and it worked really well.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zjBWoGJPQXE/TrnUwEb8YuI/AAAAAAAABRI/fSplGX6loUg/s1600/slippers2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zjBWoGJPQXE/TrnUwEb8YuI/AAAAAAAABRI/fSplGX6loUg/s400/slippers2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672799127939605218" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Pair for baby AM. I love the pink lining with the pistachio green outer.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pler1yPiMgk/TrnUwcJO_sI/AAAAAAAABRU/jg7QwioBVws/s1600/slippers11.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pler1yPiMgk/TrnUwcJO_sI/AAAAAAAABRU/jg7QwioBVws/s400/slippers11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672799134303583938" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Pair for baby S. The lining is actually pale blue, this photo is a bit dark.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xf6vvKpFTEA/TrnUv4ivePI/AAAAAAAABQ8/9kWavNqvpDY/s1600/slippers1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xf6vvKpFTEA/TrnUv4ivePI/AAAAAAAABQ8/9kWavNqvpDY/s400/slippers1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672799124746893554" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I made the tucks wider than I usually would to allow for the thinner fabric.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LOzrzmprBlI/TrnUw8c0teI/AAAAAAAABRg/_GSym8HLLY0/s1600/slippers12.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LOzrzmprBlI/TrnUw8c0teI/AAAAAAAABRg/_GSym8HLLY0/s400/slippers12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672799142975682018" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">LTTS hat, reduced to 90%. This gives a circ of 41.5cm, as opposed to 45% (I kept the half inch seam allowance).<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDT0Dx9i1bo/TrnUxC82AEI/AAAAAAAABRs/RiNSr6XdzwY/s1600/slippers13.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDT0Dx9i1bo/TrnUxC82AEI/AAAAAAAABRs/RiNSr6XdzwY/s400/slippers13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672799144720597058" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Hat and shoes set :) The shoes are sz Eu17, which is about a US2 (I think).</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-59538938433994344682011-10-22T15:35:00.003+11:002011-10-22T16:05:36.578+11:00Long time between postsIt's been ages since I've blogged. It's actually been ages since I've connected with the online sewing world, apart from late night browsing on my phone.<br /><br />But I have the best reason, a gorgeous wee six week old baby girl.<br /><br />I can't begin to describe how much I love our little possum. She has filled a gap I didn't know existed, and she fits so beautifully into our family. She looks just like her big sister and is one of of those 'easy' babies I had heard about before but never experienced. My husband has said that if all our babies were like her he'd be keen to have a dozen more (but we won't, as we have also experienced what it's like to have a baby of the non-sleeping, poor-feeding, reflux-medicating variety!).<br /><br />Our tiny wee girl has also been diagnosed with a permanent hearing loss, in both ears. It's been a stressful few weeks but we feel a bit better having some answers now. Her hearing loss is mild, which sounds fairly benign but she will need hearing aids to learn to speak and get by in life.<br /><br />It's not what I want for my little girl and it's not what I'd choose for her - we all only want the best for our kids don't we? But I am not silly - I know many parents face far worse diagnoses than this, and I am really positive about her future. If anything her diagnosis has made me even more grateful for what we have. There have of course been tears and sadness, but we are moving forward and overall we are doing well. Many positives have come out of this too, especially the support I have received from my amazing friends, both online and in real life.<br /><br />I don't share pics of my kids online but trust me when I say she's a little cutie. Dark hair, fat little cheeks, big blue eyes and a rosebud mouth. She's soft and gentle and always has a smile for me. She really just melts my heart.<br /><br />I could go on all day, but won't, as this is a sewing blog. I only started sewing when my oldest child (another daughter) was 2 years old, so I have never had the pleasure of sewing for a baby girl all of my own. That's about to change! I have a few projects on the go and many more patterns earmarked to make for baby A over the coming months.<br /><br />For now, I'm going to share an outfit I made for my 3.5 year old daughter a few days before giving birth. It's the family reunion blouse and puppet show shorts, both from Oliver + S.<br /><br />I've made the shorts before but this was the first time I've sewn the blouse. As you would expect from O+S it's a great little pattern that is cleverly put together. I sewed it using a French floral fabric I got from my local fabric store a year or so ago. It's finished with my favourite pierced wooden buttons and coordinating lilac embroidery thread.<br /><br />The shorts pattern is a favourite. It is out of print now but O+S have recently released it as a downloadable pattern - hurrah! If you take a look at the O+S Flickr group, some versions of these shorts don't have much gathering around the leg opening. Early versions of this pattern had a mistake in the leg binding - the errata is on the O+S website. If you own this pattern I really recommend checking it to see if it's affected by the mistake, as the leg gathers are just so cute and really add something to the shorts.<br /><br />That's all for now. I hope to be back blogging regularly soon with some sewing for our tiniest family member.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHfqothIg8c/TqJJIKM3fpI/AAAAAAAABQY/0F010ck_xIc/s1600/Music%2Bbox1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHfqothIg8c/TqJJIKM3fpI/AAAAAAAABQY/0F010ck_xIc/s400/Music%2Bbox1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666171685711609490" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The finished outfit.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-0tqkzieK4/TqJJIfpq4fI/AAAAAAAABQk/Y7V3y7X3h5M/s1600/Music%2Bbox2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-0tqkzieK4/TqJJIfpq4fI/AAAAAAAABQk/Y7V3y7X3h5M/s400/Music%2Bbox2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666171691469562354" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Tab and pintuck detail. I threaded the buttons with lilac floss. </span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0WHzHzjJMM/TqJJIqloNcI/AAAAAAAABQ0/ycNLqYrd0BQ/s1600/Music%2Bbox3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0WHzHzjJMM/TqJJIqloNcI/AAAAAAAABQ0/ycNLqYrd0BQ/s400/Music%2Bbox3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666171694405400002" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I used the same buttons down the back.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-37209219632146665232011-08-31T13:23:00.006+10:002012-02-12T08:31:04.957+11:00Happy birthday baby!My wee boy turns two on Friday and I can't believe it! It really does feel like he was born a few months ago. I'm feeling it even more acutely with the impending arrival of his little brother or sister in a few weeks.... I think he is too. Last night after his bath I wrapped him up in his towel and gave him a big cuddle. He rested his head on my cheek and said 'I'm mama's baby'. Eek! I think we are in for a few interesting months ahead.<br /><br />I really wanted to make my little guy something special for his birthday. I wasn't sure about his initial request for a 'cookie monster dress', but I let him choose some cute Kokka cars fabric from my stash which he just adores, and decided to turn them into some shorts for him. He hasn't seen these finished yet, but got very excited when he saw me sewing up the fabric. He should love them.<br /><br />They're pretty much the same as the <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com/2011/08/nesting-getting-head-start-on-summer.html">helicopter shorts</a> I made recently. O+S Sketchbook pattern, without the pleat, with a flat front, and two rows of topstitching on both sides of the fly, up the rise, on the pockets and up the outer seam. A few minor alterations that gave me the casual look I was after.<br /><br />I also wanted to make him a shirt, and as usual turned to my O+S Sketchbook shirt pattern. I've made this several times now and am always looking for ways to make it a bit different. In the past I have <span style="text-decoration: underline;">monogrammed</span> and also <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com/2010/10/sketchbook-hippos.html">embroidered</a> the pocket. This time I decided to applique a little dinosaur peeking out from under the pocket, as my wee guy loves dinosaurs, and I was keen to avoid using a dinosaur print (I love novelty prints, but need to draw the line somewhere!).<br /><br />I sketched the dinosaur freehand onto some vliesofix then blanket-stitched it by hand onto the shirt. The eye is satin-stitched. All in all it only took about 20 minutes and I really like the lift it gives the shirt.<br /><br />I also used the spotty fabric I used for the dinosaur on the inside of both plackets and the underside of the collar. It's not immediately obvious but peeps out hen the shirt is being worn.<br /><br />All in all I'm happy with this shirt. The fabric was a bit of a nightmare though. It's lovely to look at - a very fine striped aqua and white cotton, but it's very, very crisp and creases so easily.<br /><br />I'm wrapping these up for the little guy to open on Friday. Happy birthday baby!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LDP-8Q4uYHI/Tl2tj1fTN2I/AAAAAAAABPw/lbq43zg8UBg/s1600/Dino%2Bcars1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LDP-8Q4uYHI/Tl2tj1fTN2I/AAAAAAAABPw/lbq43zg8UBg/s400/Dino%2Bcars1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646860338957858658" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Dark and blurry sorry, but here's the finished shirt.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31jaDRep5eg/Tl2tkMSkJAI/AAAAAAAABP4/HyaiVzdlkpU/s1600/Dino%2Bcars2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31jaDRep5eg/Tl2tkMSkJAI/AAAAAAAABP4/HyaiVzdlkpU/s400/Dino%2Bcars2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646860345078457346" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Dino detail! T should love this.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3MWslxk_-G4/Tl2tkWLnNCI/AAAAAAAABQA/IYcuYICCHz8/s1600/Dino%2Bcars3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3MWslxk_-G4/Tl2tkWLnNCI/AAAAAAAABQA/IYcuYICCHz8/s400/Dino%2Bcars3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646860347733652514" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The inner plackets and under-collar both have the same spotty fabric I used for the dinosaur, to tie everything together.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7lnupFlpIw/Tl2tkT7kUII/AAAAAAAABQI/dbFOIBWRuGw/s1600/Dino%2Bcars4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7lnupFlpIw/Tl2tkT7kUII/AAAAAAAABQI/dbFOIBWRuGw/s400/Dino%2Bcars4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646860347129483394" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">T's brm-brm shorts.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq1YkpRMFxU/Tl2tko9gc4I/AAAAAAAABQQ/eNeF1qiPjK8/s1600/Dino%2Bcars5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq1YkpRMFxU/Tl2tko9gc4I/AAAAAAAABQQ/eNeF1qiPjK8/s400/Dino%2Bcars5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646860352774763394" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I did two lines of top-stitching on both sides of the fly, pockets and outer seam (plus the rise, which you can't see here).</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-88318719915272803012011-08-27T22:37:00.006+10:002011-08-27T23:11:36.761+10:00Japanese jumpropeA year or so ago my mum bought back a whole heap of fabric from a trip to Japan. One of these fabrics was a $4, 1.1 metre remnant that I fell in love with instantly. It was a lilac-grey linen and cotton blend with little bunches of deep pink and red flowers and strawberries scattered all over it. I knew as soon as I saw it that it would eventually become an Oliver + S jump rope dress.
<br />
<br />I made view B of the jump rope <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com/2010/09/jump-rope.html">last Summer</a> and it was hugely popular with Sweetpea and me! In fact I think that dress may be one of the most favourite things I have ever sewn.
<br />
<br />This year I sewed up a size 4, which has a fair bit of growing room for the rest of the season. I also added a wee bit of length for my beanpole.
<br />
<br />The plackets, sleeve tabs and pocket trims are made up in a hot pink pure linen. Gorgeous fabric but it has a life of its own and slipped all over the place when trying to sew it.
<br />
<br />Not much more to say about this - love the pattern and love the fabric, so am pretty happy with this dress. I am still sewing & nesting like mad, and now have two new baby girls to sew for ASAP before my own baby arrives in (hopefully not less than) three weeks.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X29tgSkqNJY/TljoaZhyaRI/AAAAAAAABPQ/styAQ1Hmr7g/s1600/Jumprope%2Bfloral%2B11e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X29tgSkqNJY/TljoaZhyaRI/AAAAAAAABPQ/styAQ1Hmr7g/s400/Jumprope%2Bfloral%2B11e.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645517673135761682" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Sorry for the shocking photo... here's the dress!</span>
<br />
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ceQzCdxRGJg/TljrvoDT-kI/AAAAAAAABPY/WQbmvVbTtmg/s1600/Jumprope%2Bfloral%2B12.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ceQzCdxRGJg/TljrvoDT-kI/AAAAAAAABPY/WQbmvVbTtmg/s400/Jumprope%2Bfloral%2B12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645521336346606146" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">MOP buttons (which I think are a little too big?) and pink topstitching on the collar.</span>
<br />
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BONlLaXsNz0/TljrviT8CDI/AAAAAAAABPg/3FFsQNBNfeA/s1600/Jumprope%2Bfloral%2B13.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BONlLaXsNz0/TljrviT8CDI/AAAAAAAABPg/3FFsQNBNfeA/s400/Jumprope%2Bfloral%2B13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645521334805727282" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I think the pockets really make the dress.</span>
<br />
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mnyyz6WodQw/Tljrv8Dj9EI/AAAAAAAABPo/SALaONjk8tE/s1600/Jumprope%2Bfloral%2B14.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mnyyz6WodQw/Tljrv8Dj9EI/AAAAAAAABPo/SALaONjk8tE/s400/Jumprope%2Bfloral%2B14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645521341716362306" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">My mum is fab: she watched the kids for me a few weeks back, and when i came home she had folded a flower hairclip out of the dress scraps. </span>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-65446780649088468542011-08-23T12:54:00.005+10:002012-02-12T08:31:26.625+11:00Otto shortsOne of the hardest things about sewing for boys is the lack of variety. There's just so more choice when it comes to patterns and fabrics for girls. Having said that though, there's a lot of brilliant stuff out there and I can usually find inspiration on other blogs or Flickr.<br /><br />I'm still trying to get most of my Summer sewing done and that includes lots of shorts for my little guy, who wears little else over Summer. I have a few patterns, but am reluctant to buy more as they're all just variations on a theme. That's why I like Ottobre magazine so much, lots of boy patterns every issue that I probably wouldn't purchase individually, but really appreciate.<br /><br />These shorts are from Ottobre 3/11. I like the way they're a bit shorter than most of the other patterns out there, and the little cuff detail is something a bit different (to be honest I wasn't sure about it, but was itching to do something 'new', and I really like the end result).<br /><br />This is only my second Ottobre attempt. On one hand it's kind of refreshing to have minimal instructions - there's certainly no hand-holding! On the other hand the finish isn't quite as polished as you'd get with say an Oliver + S pattern. I learnt a few new tricks making these though - constructing the waistband without having to thread through elastic on a safety pin was a revelation... sooooo much easier than the way I usually do it!<br /><br />I sewed them in navy and white seersucker with red topstitching. There's a lot of topstitching in this pattern - two rows on most seams. I love topstitching though, although using such an obvious colour made me a bit more cautious than usual. The seersucker was from my stash (leftover from <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com/2010/11/monogramed-shirt-for-baby-z.html">this shirt</a>) - if I had purchased fabric for these I would have gone with a broader stripe, but I'm trying to chew through my fabric stash at the moment.<br /><br />I made these in a 92 and they fit beautifully on my big, little boy.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oIrFGFkqrFg/TlMYoJTROMI/AAAAAAAABOw/Gku71xodGIw/s1600/Otto%2Bstriped%2Bshorts2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oIrFGFkqrFg/TlMYoJTROMI/AAAAAAAABOw/Gku71xodGIw/s400/Otto%2Bstriped%2Bshorts2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643881835995936962" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The finished shorts. They've got patch pockets with a little flap, faux fly and a little crossover cuff detail.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RixXgGgRFUY/TlMYoK-tG_I/AAAAAAAABOo/jhRa-ffsKKw/s1600/Otto%2Bstriped%2Bshorts1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RixXgGgRFUY/TlMYoK-tG_I/AAAAAAAABOo/jhRa-ffsKKw/s400/Otto%2Bstriped%2Bshorts1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643881836446555122" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">*sigh*. This is the best photo I could get of my little guy wearing them. You are growing up too fast mister.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TFciaLOxiNo/TlMYoSgkiNI/AAAAAAAABO4/dZ6zhdYDAow/s1600/Otto%2Bstriped%2Bshorts3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TFciaLOxiNo/TlMYoSgkiNI/AAAAAAAABO4/dZ6zhdYDAow/s400/Otto%2Bstriped%2Bshorts3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643881838467647698" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The fly with bar-tacks.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2r77YlKWZhs/TlMYoXnRM_I/AAAAAAAABPA/JGUwDL3iieE/s1600/Otto%2Bstriped%2Bshorts5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2r77YlKWZhs/TlMYoXnRM_I/AAAAAAAABPA/JGUwDL3iieE/s400/Otto%2Bstriped%2Bshorts5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643881839837918194" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Cuff detail. Didn't like this initially but do now.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLE9Xcnr8lU/TlMYorX_q9I/AAAAAAAABPI/ms1RlfitjAo/s1600/Otto%2Bstriped%2Bshorts4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLE9Xcnr8lU/TlMYorX_q9I/AAAAAAAABPI/ms1RlfitjAo/s400/Otto%2Bstriped%2Bshorts4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643881845142563794" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Pocket detail. I like the diagonal buttonholes, and chose red and white contrast buttons.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-77859707135389232212011-08-20T19:48:00.004+10:002011-08-20T20:04:48.839+10:00Popover squirrel dressI've been sewing Oliver + S for as long as I've been sewing, yet it's taken me until now to sew the (free) <a href="http://www.oliverands.com/blog/2009/08/popover-sundress-free-downloadable-pattern.html">popover sundress</a> pattern. Why? I have no idea. I think i just run out of time each Summer, and there is usually a new whizz-bang pattern that takes priority over this one.
<br />
<br />This year I have made a head start on the kids' Summer sewing, and was recently given some gorgeous Echino fabric that suits this pattern perfectly.
<br />
<br />I matched the Echino with some linen scraps I had left from old projects, and trimmed the yoke and hem with some cotton lace I had left over from making a friend's bridal garter a few months back.
<br />
<br />I added a little squirrel pocket to complement the dress. I wish I could take credit for this idea, but I cannot - I took the idea from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlegirlpearl">this</a> Etsy store. Making the pocket was easy. I traced a squirrel clipart directly onto the linen from the computer screen, then fused another layer of linen to the back using vliesofix. I then sewing around the edge using a very short zig zag stitch, clipped around the edges and straight stitched it onto the dress.
<br />
<br />This is such a sweet pattern and so quick to sew up. I hope to make a few more, as it suits our hot Summers.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gByFEQUjnf4/Tk-Fk2HSdvI/AAAAAAAABOA/ewuXWgapLX8/s1600/Squirrel%2Bdress1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gByFEQUjnf4/Tk-Fk2HSdvI/AAAAAAAABOA/ewuXWgapLX8/s400/Squirrel%2Bdress1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642875726166390514" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The finished dress. Size 4 with extra length. It's a little roomy, but will be nice and cool to wear.</span>
<br />
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRZ6XNls69Y/Tk-FlN4PHXI/AAAAAAAABOQ/qd0RmqcLCyU/s1600/Squirrel%2Bdress13.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRZ6XNls69Y/Tk-FlN4PHXI/AAAAAAAABOQ/qd0RmqcLCyU/s400/Squirrel%2Bdress13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642875732545707378" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I love the Echino with the linen and lace. If you haven't seen this fabric in real life, it's a much softer purple than it looks here.</span>
<br />
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dWmDOLGVGmk/Tk-FlVvscuI/AAAAAAAABOg/tx6LlmFFgZ4/s1600/Squirrel%2Bdress15.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dWmDOLGVGmk/Tk-FlVvscuI/AAAAAAAABOg/tx6LlmFFgZ4/s400/Squirrel%2Bdress15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642875734657364706" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Lacy hem.</span>
<br />
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9SWxX2H7rQ/Tk-FlQXxQAI/AAAAAAAABOY/kKaFvHhQ0Ho/s1600/Squirrel%2Bdress14.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9SWxX2H7rQ/Tk-FlQXxQAI/AAAAAAAABOY/kKaFvHhQ0Ho/s400/Squirrel%2Bdress14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642875733214838786" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Squirrel pocket</span>
<br />
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FebF2Nr7YUE/Tk-FlJkF_SI/AAAAAAAABOI/sTqfh2KGDb0/s1600/Squirrel%2Bdress12.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FebF2Nr7YUE/Tk-FlJkF_SI/AAAAAAAABOI/sTqfh2KGDb0/s400/Squirrel%2Bdress12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642875731387481378" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Pockets are always a hit with my wee girl.</span>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-20492093235828503912011-08-13T19:59:00.003+10:002011-08-13T20:13:00.240+10:00Nesting, getting a head start on Summer and stash bustingI've been sewing so much lately, churning out clothes for the kids daily. Part of it must be nesting, part of it is getting a head start on their Summer wardrobes before baby #3 comes along next month, and part of it is stash busting (I have a LOT of fabric on its way to me and need the room! I also have lots of one yard cuts that I need to use before the kids get too big).
<br />
<br />These little shorts are one of my favourite recent pieces, I adore them, and so does my little boy.
<br />
<br />The fabric is Echino (my mum loves Echino as much as I do and is always picking up bits and pieces for me, this one is no exception) and the pattern is the Oliver + S sketchbook shorts.
<br />
<br />I have made this pattern once <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com/2010/10/sketchbook-hippos.html">before</a>, but am much happier with this attempt. This time I made a few alterations:
<br /><ul><li>omitted the pleat to make them more casual</li><li>top-stitched the edge of the fake fly and added an extra row of top-stitching to the curve of the fly
<br /></li><li>top-stitched the rise from the bottom of the fly to the back waistband (again, to make then more casual)</li><li>added a bartack to the fly.</li></ul>I also gave them a flat front this time, with the elastic only at the back and sides. I added a button to the top of the fly (after finding my mother-in-laws old button box - treasure!).
<br />
<br />All in all, I love them, and when I next make these shorts will make the same alterations.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCWdSDG_Fv4/TkZMHfPHUJI/AAAAAAAABN4/i3VFrg-SwDA/s1600/Echino%2Bshorts4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCWdSDG_Fv4/TkZMHfPHUJI/AAAAAAAABN4/i3VFrg-SwDA/s400/Echino%2Bshorts4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640279274855813266" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The finished shorts. I really like them with the flat fronted waistband and without the pleats.</span>
<br />
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vb0QfhxN5WQ/TkZMG45sZOI/AAAAAAAABNo/bPgiX14Uqts/s1600/Echino%2Bshorts2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vb0QfhxN5WQ/TkZMG45sZOI/AAAAAAAABNo/bPgiX14Uqts/s400/Echino%2Bshorts2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640279264565421282" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Fly details, you can just see the extra top-stitching either side and bartack.</span>
<br />
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_VEAaTXPH0/TkZMHPA-P5I/AAAAAAAABNw/gDPTk9_VSy4/s1600/Echino%2Bshorts3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_VEAaTXPH0/TkZMHPA-P5I/AAAAAAAABNw/gDPTk9_VSy4/s400/Echino%2Bshorts3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640279270501531538" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The back: rise top-stitched all the way along the seam.</span>
<br />
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7cI1tV-THw/TkZMG9A231I/AAAAAAAABNg/ae7XqBuok8M/s1600/Echino%2Bshorts1e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7cI1tV-THw/TkZMG9A231I/AAAAAAAABNg/ae7XqBuok8M/s400/Echino%2Bshorts1e.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640279265669209938" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">My wee guy modelling them. These are a sz 2 for a very tall almost two-year old. They fit beautifully at the moment. We're not going to get more than a season's wear out of these :-(</span>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-61609478980729462492011-07-26T21:35:00.004+10:002011-07-26T21:59:47.756+10:00My very first Ottobre creationI mentioned in my last post that I've finally got brave enough to attempt sewing at knit. As part of this process I discovered that sewing with knit is actually fine, but there are some elements of it that make me want to beat my head against the wall. Like attaching rib binding... that's enough to cause a nice big bruise on my forehead.<br /><br />I am about 7 weeks away from meeting my new baby, and thought I would get some practice making a little onesie. I chose a pattern from Ottobre 3/2011 (I think it's called Peppermint) to make for my colleague's new baby girl - I made a larger size to fit her in the Summer.<br /><br />The actual pattern is very simple. The body of the onesie is all one piece, so the only tricky bit was to attach the binding. According to Otto, the binding should be cut to about 70% of the edge length and then stretched on. But when I tested this on a scrap of the fabric it was a hot mess.<br /><br />After getting some great advice from a few good sewing friends (hello girls, you know who you are!) I felt confident enough to attack the binding. I cut a huge strip of binding and stretched as I sewed - a little less on the straight bits and much more around the legs and arms. I also found using my walking foot was a big help.<br /><br />When I was finished I was pretty pleased with the results. But when I went to fold the binding over and attach it to the other side, it seemed to stretch again... and I don't know why! I unpicked a few times and tried everything, but still couldn't get the result I was after.<br /><br />After a few hours I decided enough was enough, and just finished the damn thing, imperfections and all. It looks okay laying flat on the table, but I suspect the neckline is too big, and maybe the legs. I also made the binding too thin, so that the snaps kind of overlap it. And the icing on the cake is that the paint flaked off some of the snaps as I was hammering them in. So I don't think this little onesie will meet it's intended recipient, I am too embarrassed and will make something else instead. If I end up having a girl I will see what it's like on her and she *may* wear it.<br /><br />I am not completely turned off sewing this type of thing. It's certainly a learning experience and though I have a lot left to learn, I felt I picked up a few new skills. I'm going to attempt a few envelope tees next, as I hope they'll be a bit easier and more forgiving than a onesie like this.<br /><br />I have also rediscovered Ottobre magazine during this process and am totally inspired. I have been busy tracing out lots of (mainly woven) patterns so I can get a head start on my kids' Summer sewing before this baby comes along.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oSVMe1E3IbA/Ti6n_K7DHyI/AAAAAAAABNA/iR3xYD_ANgE/s1600/Onesie1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oSVMe1E3IbA/Ti6n_K7DHyI/AAAAAAAABNA/iR3xYD_ANgE/s400/Onesie1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633624887592689442" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The finished onesie. See how narrow the binding is? I wish I had made it wider so that the snaps fit better.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mv4tTcncWPw/Ti6n_g8NFLI/AAAAAAAABNQ/DNGFn4VMUdU/s1600/Onesie3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mv4tTcncWPw/Ti6n_g8NFLI/AAAAAAAABNQ/DNGFn4VMUdU/s400/Onesie3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633624893503116466" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The wrap-around style is really cute, but made it hard to gauge how much to stretch the binding, especially around the legs (as it wasn't simply a matter of using the same length binding for the legs).<br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3rxlsdUtVE/Ti6n_ekzhRI/AAAAAAAABNI/geThcQHLaSA/s1600/Onesie2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3rxlsdUtVE/Ti6n_ekzhRI/AAAAAAAABNI/geThcQHLaSA/s400/Onesie2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633624892868101394" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Hammered in the snaps and the paint flaked off to reveal a rusty snap! GAH!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-74964011541706354282011-07-22T14:35:00.004+10:002012-02-12T08:31:43.326+11:00The Urban HoodieI first bought the pattern for the Urban Unisex Hoodie (from Heidi and Finn) about a year ago now I guess. I loved it as soon as I saw it but have put off sewing it as I've never sewn with knit before.<br /><br />A couple of weeks ago I bit the bullet and started two new knit projects, one of which is the hoodie, and the other I will blog about soon. And what do you know, sewing with knit isn't hard at all... unless we're talking attaching rib binding, which I'm not... in this post.<br /><br />This is a great little pattern. It's a fairly simple shape and it unisex, which is a bonus in our house. I sewed this version using a couple of cheap remnants - a blue interlock and a black and grey striped rib knit.<br /><br />I have read a few reviews saying that the sizing runs small in this pattern, especially around and under the arms. With that in mind I halved the seam allowance and it makes for a really nice fit on my little boy.<br /><br />The only thing I didn't like about this pattern was that fact that the lining and main fabric at the bottom of the hoodie is stitched together before the band is attached. It makes it kind of clunky to sew. Apart from that, I really recommend this pattern and will be making more for my kids.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WWdTydq-TPI/Tij_X51ENXI/AAAAAAAABMo/kPV0hUx_v7I/s1600/Urbanhoodie1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WWdTydq-TPI/Tij_X51ENXI/AAAAAAAABMo/kPV0hUx_v7I/s400/Urbanhoodie1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632032120152274290" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The finished hoodie. I wish I had stretched the bottom band on as I'd sewn it. I will next time.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CUbA45D5bzc/Tij_YKnhpTI/AAAAAAAABM4/x93n3QNY8Pc/s1600/Urbanhoodie31.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CUbA45D5bzc/Tij_YKnhpTI/AAAAAAAABM4/x93n3QNY8Pc/s400/Urbanhoodie31.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632032124658885938" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">This is the best modelling shot I could get, but you can get a pretty good idea of the fit and general look of the top here.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nzzkv1DoJnc/Tij_XwbaIvI/AAAAAAAABMw/UrVW3DSQIMQ/s1600/Urbanhoodie2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nzzkv1DoJnc/Tij_XwbaIvI/AAAAAAAABMw/UrVW3DSQIMQ/s400/Urbanhoodie2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632032117628740338" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">View from behind. I love the blue poking out from the hood. I also love that my wee boy is hugging his teddy and sucking his thumb here. At nearly two my baby thinks he is a big boy now and getting so independent. It's nice to see him slip back to baby mode once in a while!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315904846649560460.post-28020145938824194232011-07-04T19:48:00.004+10:002012-02-12T08:32:01.528+11:00The tea party playsuitNothing inspires me to sew like a friend having a baby. Baby E was born eleven days ago and is just delicious - super chubby cheeks and loads of thick, dark hair. Cluck cluck!<br /><br />I decided to make him a tea party playsuit, by Oliver + S. My motives were largely selfish - I wanted to try it out as I've never sewn one before, and I already had most of the pattern pieces traced and cut from <a href="http://claireysews.blogspot.com/2010/07/tea-party-sundress.html">making the tea party sundress last year</a>. I am nothing if not lazy!<br /><br />This is a size 6-12 months, so intended for baby E to wear this coming (Australian) Summer. I used some of my stash of Kokka robots for the bodice, and a really lovely, super light, striped linen for the shorts. The bodice is also lined in the linen. The linen had a beautiful drape, but was so hard to work with. I swear it was alive... it just moved - my seams were all a bit uneven because of it. In the end I overlocked each piece before sewing, which gave it some stability and meant I didn't have to finish the seams post-production (again, lazy!). The piping is one of the many green Kona solids, and while I was initially worried it was too bright, I like the pop of colour it gives the playsuit.<br /><br />Construction was straightforward. I used snaptape for the crotch and am pretty happy with the way it turned out. It seems kind of bulky against the light linen but I'm sure with a cute little nappied baby bum in there it will be fine. In any case the snaptape was so much easier than worrying about whether regular snaps are aligned properly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdkUy1knmJM/ThGNliayXdI/AAAAAAAABMQ/peqKHwL6aOg/s1600/Playsuit2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdkUy1knmJM/ThGNliayXdI/AAAAAAAABMQ/peqKHwL6aOg/s400/Playsuit2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625433085596294610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The finished product. The left left looks wonky here but it was just the breeze - I promise :)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6eHMa_2Sbk/ThGNll_i8bI/AAAAAAAABMI/09c5Hh5cap8/s1600/Playsuit1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6eHMa_2Sbk/ThGNll_i8bI/AAAAAAAABMI/09c5Hh5cap8/s400/Playsuit1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625433086555779506" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The bodice is lined in the same linen as the shorts, which gives a very clean finish to the inside.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sb8_xXtd1Yc/ThGNlwBjISI/AAAAAAAABMY/T5DY4ndu8NI/s1600/Playsuit3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sb8_xXtd1Yc/ThGNlwBjISI/AAAAAAAABMY/T5DY4ndu8NI/s400/Playsuit3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625433089248534818" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Bodice detail.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AlbPp6BAVf4/ThGSh8ReW7I/AAAAAAAABMg/hcUo425uVao/s1600/Playsuit41.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AlbPp6BAVf4/ThGSh8ReW7I/AAAAAAAABMg/hcUo425uVao/s400/Playsuit41.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625438521375218610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The buttons, hand stitched with green floss. My initial linen covered buttons were a disaster (you could see the aluminium button through the linen on my first attempt, then when I interfaced it it wouldn't snap in on the second attempt). I didn't remember I had these buttons until I was fishing through my button box. I bought them on a trip to Hong Kong last month for the lovely Nicole, who was searching for them. If you ever are in Hong Kong, go and visit Sham Shui Po. It's home to the craft district and is absolute heaven - so many treasures at very cheap prices.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5