Emma's Sewing Journey!

"Name this dress"

2011-07-08T04:13:00.000-07:00

This is the EmmaLovesToSew new style dress for this summer, it will not replace the 'old' style 'Gnomeville' dress but will be an addition to the range :)......This dress will be available at the Toowoomba Mummy Tree Markets July 31st.............

Can you help give this gorgeous dress a name???? All you need to do is think of an orginal, catchy name for the dress and email your name suggestion to-EmmaLofaro79@gmail.com (make sure you email me not comment here) I will pick the top 3 which I will publish on my blog and everyone can vote, the name with the most votes win....What do you win??? This gorgeous new dress for half price.....Price will be $35 (size 1-4, sizes 5+ will be $38) + postage, depending on size this dress will post for around $2 in an envelope. So not only will be amoung the first to get this new dress but you get the chance to get it a bargain price too....
You have till Monday 11th at 8pm to email me your name suggestion, I will then post the top 3 to be voted on..........
Remember this dress is not available to buy yet and will only be available at the Toowoomba market for now..

A massive big thank you to Kirsty Hellmech Photography for the gorgeous photo.

1000 "liker' $1 outfit Celebration giveaway WINNER!!!

2011-04-29T02:35:00.000-07:00

Take 2 :).........................The winner according to Random Org..........................IS..............................DRUM ROLL.................................................KRISTY P...........................Can you send me an email at emmalofaro79@gmail.com to claim :)...Congrats :)

1000 "liker' $1 outfit Celebration giveaway!

2011-04-14T02:04:00.000-07:00

As a special Thank you and a celebration for reaching 1000 'likers' on my FB page 'EmmaLovesToSew' I am offering 1 outfit to the value of $30 to one lucky person for just $1 + post........If it is over the value of $30 you pay the difference.....I usually post in the express post satchels for $8.40 or if the outfit can be folded down small I use the large envelopes that I can post for anything from $2-$5....I will post the cheapest way I can.....

All you need to do is leave a comment her on my blog on this post and random org will draw out a name :)

Entries close on Thursday 20th April at 12.00 noon (QLD time).....I will draw the winner sometime Thursday night and announce on my blog here!

Outfit will need to be ordered within 4 weeks!!!!

The winner needs to be aware that there may be around a 2 week delay before I can start the outfit, but this will depend on my orders.........

EB Kids Clothing Swap-What we received!!!!!!

2011-03-30T23:29:00.000-07:00

For the EB kids clothing swap we received this cute outfit for Dominic. From the sneak peaks this is from Brazen.........We got a reversible knit hoodie and denim pants, they are both fantastic love it Thank you :)

And for AJ we got a fleece dino hoodie and cord pants with lots of pockets for treasures :) (I dont' know this is from yet :( He put it on and was pretending to be a dinosaur lol!!!!

Reading the card he got with his outfit :)

Pretending to be a dinosaur!

EB Kids Clothing Swap-What I made!!!!!

2011-03-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Today is the EB kids clothing swap opening day..........How exciting!!! and this is what I made for the swap......I put in both my boys so they would receive an outfit each so in return I had to sew 2 outfits!

I sewed for Carolyn (Mumto4Monkeys) little girl.....I made the outfit a size bigger so it would fit her next summer....I made her a ruffle top and 3/4 pants with double frill and done a fancy topstitch.........I really hope it fits her next summer and you guys like it!!!!!!

And my other outfit was for Fin (Ednaboo) Who doesn't have a blog.............

I made a pair of long denim pants with cuffs, front pockets and fake fly with the RB all star2 fabric, and a fleece hoodie, The pattern for the hoodie was to do the hood in the fleece too but I changed it to 'funk' it up a little lol...I hope your boy likes it Fin!!!

Can't wait to see the outfits on!!!

EB Kids Clothing Swap Sneek Peak (outfit #2)

2011-03-14T00:14:00.000-07:00

A sneak peak at my EB kids clothing swap outfit #2

piece1

Piece 2

Big reveal on March 31st :)

EB Kids Clothing Swap Sneek Peak

2011-03-10T23:23:00.000-08:00

So here is a tiny sneak peak at the outfit I am sewing for the EB kids clothing swap, I only have a week left and still have another outfit to go yet, oh and finish this one off, as usual I have left it till the last minute :(

I hope my recipient will like it and hope they like my fabric choices!!!!!! Now this is the nerve wreaking part!!!!

Car rolls!

2010-12-21T21:05:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, I have been MIA...So sorry!!!!!!! Should make it a news year resolution to blog more!!!!

Last minute Christmas gifts for my two boys....Car Caddie/roll........

Fits 6 matchbox cars in......

2 different fabrics so they don't fight (hopefully) and one rolled up!

EB kids Clothing Swap-What I received!!!!

2010-09-09T18:24:00.000-07:00

EB kids clothing swap outfit #2 was received for my 18 month old Dominic from Claire (Clairebell)....

Claire is such an awesome sewer, I really don't know why she is in the beginners sewers group LOL!!!!!

Dominic received a gorgeous pair of shorts with pockets and snaps and an appliqued T and a hat... I said I liked to dress him in green so the outfit is green elephants and is a cotton canvas fabric, great for boys clothes.........

Dominic is fascinated with the snaps and keeps playing with them lol!!!

he is soo cheeky.

The hat fits perfectly...

Thank you so much Claire it greatly appreciated and we love it and the fabric choice is perfect too.......I now want to get the blue elephants to make an outfit for his older brother!

EB kids Clothing Swap-What I received!!!!

2010-09-06T04:37:00.000-07:00

For the EB kids clothing swap I received my first parcel for my nearly 3 year old AJ......I was so excited to find out it was from Anna or Sewbusymumma.......
AJ received a pair of gorgeous shorts with appliquéd top and a crayon roll and 2 bertie beetle chocolates which he shared with his younger brother!!!

Ok some pics!!!!!!!

When AJ put on his outfit he said "Mummy, I 'lobe' this" lol so Anna it is a winner lol!!!! Thank you so much we love it!!!!!!!!!

EB Kids Clothing Swap Sneak Peak #2

2010-08-18T01:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peak at swap piece #2!!

And the winner is...........................

2010-08-08T04:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry to keep you all waiting, First I couldn't sign in to my blog and then my son fell over and hit his head so I was comforting him..........
The winner is..............Nikki, who has said she likes the skulls pencil roll.......If you could email me Nikki with your address I will post it out to you! You can use the contact tab on FB!!!
Thanks to everyone who left a comment!!!!

EB Kids Clothing Swap Sneak Peak!

2010-08-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peak at Outfit #1....Sorry not a good photo and you can't see much but I don't want to give anything away!!!! LOL!!!!

Expandable Bag!

2010-08-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

And Finally here it is the Expandable pack it in tote bag, I made for myself.......I reduced the pattern to 85% as I am quite short and small so thought the full size maybe be too big for me, this is an ok size and fits all the junk I need to cart around......

With the ties undone

With the ties done up.

The inside! (sorry dodgy pic)

Celabration time...Giveaway anyone??????

2010-08-05T03:46:00.000-07:00

EmmaLovesToSew! is celebrating reaching 300 'likers' on FB in just over 3 months.........Due to new facebook rules I cannot run give-aways on my business page so I have to run it here on my blog...

So as my way of saying Thank you to everyone that has joined my FB page so far I am going to giveaway one of my pencil rolls (could also be used for textas)....The winner can choose any one from the ones pictured below.

For your chance to win just leave a comment on this post and tell me which one you would choose and why..... I will draw a random winner at 9pm AEST Sunday night the 8th August 2010...So get in quick and leave your comment.....

My pencil roll has a flap to cover the pencils so none fall out when rolled up......

These are great for gifts or to put in your handbag when out and about to keep kids amused.....Valued at $20

Test!

2010-08-04T22:12:00.001-07:00

Testing, Testing, Testing... 1, 2, 3

Hello!

2010-08-04T17:01:00.001-07:00

Star Cord Ruffle Pants!!!!!

2010-04-19T03:49:00.000-07:00

Pink Cord Star Ruffle pants for a 1 year old birthday prezzie........

Little bird applique....I am so proud of this applique, it took longer than just the basic appliques but looks so much nicer........

Sorry not sure why the pics are sideways?????

2010, 12 months Sewing Challenges! A Softie

2010-04-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

Ok I am here to confess......I have cheated with my challenge for March the Softie.....I made a friend a softie for her little boy for a Christening present in Feb, I didn't need to make another softie and my boys have heaps already, so I am putting Phoebe Elephant down as my March Challenge a softie even though it was done in Feb....Sorry ladies!!!!!!

My first Quilt top finished!

2010-04-05T00:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!!!!!

2010-04-02T23:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to everyone that reads my blog-
Now for some last minute easter sewing...LOL...Those that have been reading my blog for awhile will know by now that I leave things to the last minute!!!!!!!
So I decided on Tuesday 5 days before Easter to make Easter baskets, plenty of time you say, well thing is I had to find a pattern and I had to get material, which is hard in my tiny town..........
So here are the baskets finally done.............

One each for my boys (the bottom blue and green ones) and the other two are for my neice and nephew (hense the name been covered LOL)

The picture and name has been machine embroidered with my embroidery machine!!!!!

The lining.

Full of chocolates YUMMY!!!!!

Oh the ones for my boys are empty still as they will put them on the table tonight before bed for the Easter Bunny.......

Oh and I have also 'killed two birds with one stone' I have not only made a gift for 4 people for Easter but also completed the April Challenge of something with Lining!!!!! YAH!!!!!

EB Birthday FQ Swap!

2010-04-02T23:18:00.000-07:00

On EB in the Beginners Sewing Group we are having a Birthday FQ swap, seeing as my birthday is in March I was the second person to receive FQ's.

These two are from Sunshinedays, Yes she sent me two (naughty girl!!) Well she sent more but you will have to wait till the end of this post for that!!!!

These three are from Pennywiggle, I like the stars so might get some more of these for the border of the quilt.

And all these are from yosemitesam, Blessedrwe, cecily, Aimee, Wilderness, Jen and Jotsmum..........

These are also from Sunshinedays.... Thank you so much I have enjoyed our chats too, and you always have the right advice for me xxxxx

Thank you to everyone who is in the FQ swap AJ is going to have one awesome looking I-Spy quilt!

2010-03-19T00:36:00.000-07:00

*WARNING-THIS IS THE FIRST QUILT I HAVE EVERY ATTEMPTED TO SEW, PLEASE BE AWARE IT ISN'T PERFECT, BUT IS MADE WITH SO MUCH LOVE!!!!!

Step 4 now complete finally!!!! LOL!!!

To see my progress here are the other steps-

And now Step 4

Ok so as I said before this is my FIRST quilt and I stuffed up but oh well I wasn't going to start again.....I did the green and tan around the wrong way, but it still looks ok, and we learn from our mistakes....I really don't know why I did it this way......

Ok so now it still needs a 4" border around the edges but it is big enough for the SB as is, so now to decide if I do the border or not??? I don't want to make the quilt to big!!! But think it will look better with the border!!! Maybe I could do a smaller border like 3" or 2"?????????

AJ are you out there what do you suggest???????

On the single bed!

Doggy pants for a 1 year old!

2010-03-19T00:10:00.000-07:00

A friend at that I go to playgroup and swimming with her little boy has just turned 1 yesterday, so I made him a little pair of pants (lined with fleece) and an appliquéd long sleeve top......
I had to use my walking foot (Thanks Pennywiggle for the tip) on these pants as the material is a drill and with the fleece lining it was so hard to sew.....

Presant for a new bub!!!!

2010-03-18T23:55:00.000-07:00

A friend of ours had a new baby girl so seeing I have two boys I couldn't resist but make something girly, so I made these gorgeous little bloomers with an appliquéd little onesie......

These bloomers are fairly quick to make and oh so cute...I made a larger size as it is getting cooler her now so hopefully they will fit her next summer!!!!

EB Colour Swap....What I received!!

2010-03-11T20:32:00.000-08:00

On EB we had a colour theme swap....Where we nominate a colour and our partner brought us $30 worth of sewing related objects for us!!!!

For this swap my partner was the generous Bec (Becanne).........
So what I received??????

Look at his flannel isn't it cute??? Now what is inside this flannel (By the way Bec, great wrapping paper!!!)

Whoops sorry photo wrong way around!!! Some blue and green border rocket fabric!

Some more rocket fabric, one has blast off and numbers the other has words all over about the moon etc

Some brown cord and Bec even thought to put all matching threads in too for all the materials, which is great as I will just wake up and think oh I will make ...... with that material and go to sew and have no cottons!!!!

And lastly it was my birthday on Tuesday so Bec even thought to put a little prezzie in just for me....A lovely FQ and a massive big button that has lovely little birds on it So cute!!!!!

Thank you so much Bec for such a wonderful parcel of goodies....Now to think what to make with it all...

EB Colour Swap...What I sent!

2010-03-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

For the Colour Theme Swap I had to buy for Shelly (Pinksjt79) and she listed that she would like something girly for her gorgeous little girl....I thought great I get to do some girly shopping cause with 2 boys I don't get to do much girly shopping!!!!
So this is what I got-

The goods all wrapped up ready to send with the little handmade tag I made!

All the goodies nicely packed away (although I bet they aren't like this when they arrive!!!)

All the goodies (except not the mat LOL!)

A close up of the fabric and trim

A close up of the buttons (sorry a bit blurry) I loved the owls they are just so cute....

Shelly I hope you liked it all and can use it all.....I just loved the pink tape measure trim and have some in the gold but have no reason to buy the pink but I do now!!!!!! Can't wait to see what you make with it all!!!!

Funky pants for Dominic!

2010-03-10T00:07:00.000-08:00

I don't often make things for Dominic as he is growing to quick...I usually make clothes for AJ cause I figure Dominic can wear them after and that way they get worn more often.......I got some lovely fabric from FabricShoppe so made a funky pair of pants for Dominic! I used the CarlaC easy fit pants pattern.

I lined the inside with a piece of white polar fleece I had in my stash....It wasn't quite big enough so had to join two pieces together so there is a seam down oneside, but it is on the inside so no one will ever know!!!!

They will be so nice and warm for winter!!!!

Indygo Junction PJ's for me!!!!!

2010-03-03T01:46:00.000-08:00

When my 4 year old trusty Undercoverwear PJ's got a big rip in the butt, it was time for new PJ's, I searched Targets for the last few months and nothing caught my eye, so when Sunshinedays showed me this Indygo Junction PJ pattern I just had to make myself a pair.....

A big massive Thank you to Sunshinedays-Well you know what for love!!!!

EB New Year Swap-What I receiced!

2010-02-21T23:55:00.000-08:00

This is what I received for the EB New Year Swap from the talented Romi......Thanks Romi I love it all......

A camera case, a door stop (I haven't added the rice yet) some lovely material, a wooden heart and a lovely card!!!!!!

The Keykalou camera case

And the door stop that I need to add rice too!!!!

Thanks again Romi I love it all!!!!

EB New year Swap- What I made!!!!

2010-02-13T22:37:00.000-08:00

On EB we had a New Year Sewing Swap that was to be opened on Valentines Day....For the swap I got Nikoll (Queenlatina) and I made her a thread catcher pin cushion.......

I embroidered her name on the front.

I made myself one too.

All wrapped ready to go!

Hope you like it Nikoll and get plenty of use out of it!!!! I have used mine heaps already.

A nice suprise in the mail!!!!!

2010-02-13T22:05:00.000-08:00

The other day when arriving home there was a large yellow envelope hanging out my mailbox, I got it out and looked at it and assumed it was my swap item from EB.....So I left it and didn't open it as opening day was to be today Valentines Day.......But I was thinking about it and thinking no my swap partners name isn't Bec.....Then it dawned on me that is was Bec off EB that I had been chatting too about the swap and she was asking my advice on her fabric choices for her swap partner.......She was sending me a pattern......But I felt the envelope and it was too big and soft to be pattern. So I ripped open the envelope and on top was my pattern and then there was a little parcel all nicely wrapped in silver paper with a nice bow...Sorry no pics, I couldn't wait to find out what was inside....
Inside was a nice little surprise for AJ........

A super hero cape with AJ name on it.

And it is reversible

Thank you so much to Bec for the unexpected gift and the lovely card that was attached you wrote so really kind words......Bec your sewing is fantastic too so neat and the materials are just great too!!!!
Thank you-Oh and I will 'pay it forward'......So all my EB buddies watch your post as I have someone special to thank.......

Undies for AJ.

2010-02-13T21:16:00.000-08:00

Little undies for AJ........
Thanks to Sunshinedays for pointing in the right direction and telling me about these cute little undies.......I used this tute.
They really are quick and easy to make........

AJ with his little undies on, I had to tell him to put his hands on his head as he was playing with what is inside the undies!!!!!

Make It Perfect Giveaway!

2010-02-09T03:29:00.000-08:00

Check out this give away at Make It Perfect!
This cute Kaftan would be great to chuck on over my swimmers after DS1's swimming lesson!

CarlaC Raglan Top!

2010-02-08T23:16:00.000-08:00

This is my Feb Challenge the CarlC Raglan top!! It was so quick and easy to make.......I am not sure I like it though, the colours that is!!!!!
Oh well could always make matching pants and use a PJ's......

With contrasting sleeves! You can't see it too well in the photo but there is blue in the main material and the sleeves do match it, but for some reason it looks different in the photo!!!!

AJ with the top on!

AJ pants!!

2010-02-07T19:59:00.000-08:00

I made these jeans for AJ with some Sesame street Fabric I got....He loves Elmo at the moment. They are the Carla C easy fit pants pattern and are so easy to make!!!!

Front

Back

And on the cheeky AJ. They are baggy but that is the style I like!!!!

Phoebe Elephant!

2010-02-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

I made this Elephant to put with a Christening Present for a friends baby!!

I was to lazy to do the eyes so I just brought some sew on googly eyes instead.

I also embroidered the blanket on the elephant with the date and on the other side is the boys name, so it can be kept as a keepsake!

Bloomers for Dominic!

2010-02-05T20:56:00.000-08:00

Little bloomers/nappy covers! I the first pair I made with the diggers on them were too big for Dominic so I had to make another pair with little dinosaurs they fit him perfect!

Downtown boy jacket

2010-01-25T17:12:00.000-08:00

Ok this is going to be a quick post as while the photos were uploading my iphone fell in water so I am not happy at the moment!!!!!
These are the two Downtown Boy Jackets that have taken up all my spare time the last 3 days, it was a huge marathon effort. As I made the two at the same time I had to make 4 jackets to get the two......And cause I don't read the instructions properly and was doing them while tired I had a heap of unpicking to do!!!!!!
So here they are, The green one for Dominic and the blue for AJ.........Oh and the good thing used all materials from my stash the only thing I had to buy was the zippers........Instead of using pellon in between the layers I used Flannelette, I had bits in my stash that were too small to make PJs out of so used it on the jackets, great way to use up scraps!!!!!

The jackets are a little big on the boys as I made a size bigger than what they are in, as I always seem to make things and they only wear a couple of times and them grown out of it, so I thought make them bigger and they will get more wear out of them!!!!!

EB New Year Sewing Swap Sneak Peak!!!!

2010-01-20T23:00:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished the EB New Year Sewing Swap....So here is a couple of sneak peaks for you!!!!! I couldn't choose which sneak peak to use so I used both!!!!!!

Opening Day is Valentines Day (Feb 14th) so stay tuned to see the full finished product and to see what I receive!!!!!!

A Christening Presant for a Little boy!!!!

2010-01-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine got her little boy Christened a few weeks ago and we were unable to go. She messaged me on Sunday wanting to get togerher so our boys could play.....ARGH I remembered the Christening and that I hadn't got him a presant yet so I have madly been sewing on Monday and Tuesday to do these couple of outfits.

A pair of jeans and an appliqued top. I drew up the jeans pattern just using a pair of Dominics pants and then I just added pockets and cuffs as I went.....It was just a make and see what looks good thing!

The pockets at the back.

An Elephant appliqued on the top. This is my first attempt (well second but the first was a disaster so I would like to forget that time LOL) so I think I did well this time!!!! It helps to read the sewing machine manual and find out there is actually a special foot for applique!!

And this little outfit I actually got the idea from Melly (hope you don't mind Melly!!) She made this little bloomers for a presant for someone a few weeks ago, when I saw them I thought they would be great for my little man Dominic as he is always just getting around in singlet and nappy so I thought it would be nice to make these for him to put over his nappy. So I got the pattern but yet to make Dominic any yet!!!

Little Bloomers...They are oh sooo cute and easy to make! I got this material from in my town but it was expensive it was $24/m OMG (she also had 20% off) but AJ saw it and loved it cause it has lemo (Elmo) so I got have a metre and made these shorts and I will make AJ a pair of jeans with the cuffs and pockets out of this material.

Now this applique didn't come out as nice, the machine chewed up the fabric on the point in two spots leaving a hole. Of course I only purchased one little top so couldn't do another so I tried to darn the holes closed but still noticable.....I will still give it and just explain what happened and my friend can just put it on her little boy around the house!!!!

And the blog award goes to...........(DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!)

2010-01-15T22:07:00.000-08:00

ME!

I'm a Happy recipient of the blog award and I didn't even know these were around. But will be happy to accept and glad to see someone loves my blog.. lol. It's good to know that when I feel I am wasting so much time trying to get my blog just right (and pulling my hair out as I have no clue what I am doing) somewhere out there someone appricates it. (I hope there is more than just one LOL).

Thanks to the lovely, talented and someone who has become a good internet friend of mine Nikoll for the award.

So in accepting this award, l must copy and paste and

1. Name 5 things l love and

2. Present the award to 5 other bloggers who l think are fabulous.

5 things l love.

1. My family

2. My friends

3. Sewing

4. EB (cause of all the wonderful people I have met through EB)

5. Coca Cola

Now for 5 bloggers who l would love to pass the award on to are.

1. Pennywiggle-Someone who is so kind and helpful, she has dedicated so much time to helping me with my blog so it is thanks to her that my blog is looking the way it does.......

2.Vik-Someone else who is kind and helpful, she has done a few trips to Spotlight for me to get me my supplies and post off to me, she is always there for me to complain and whinge too!!!

3. Mel-Another who has done trips to Spotlight to stock up for me and post to me and answeres my zillion questions when she is soo busy herself.
4. Melb-For just being a lovely person, so kind and friendly........And cause I love her blog, it is looking great

(Oh no last one REALLY???? I have so many more people I want to give it too!!!!)

5.Jen-So helpful when I have sewing questions on EB, and her blog always inspires me to sew as she is the fastest sewer around!!

2010, 12 months Sewing Challenges! Something for ME!

2010-01-13T01:13:00.000-08:00

For the first month of the 2010, 12 Sewing Challenges is to sew something for ME, so I had some material left over from another top I had made a while ago so decided to give the spring ruffle top another go (as the first one I made was a little tight across the top and sitted a little funny, making me look pregnant!). The material I used this time is a softer material (I used quilters cotton last time.

I am happy with how this one came out, but like the last one it still made me look pregnant........I will just blame the style of top!!!

Also this is my first sewing for 2010.
And this is the first thing on my list of 52 things to do for ME!!!!

52 Things this year for YOURSELF!

2010-01-12T04:07:00.000-08:00

Ok Ok you talked me into it (you know who you are LOL).
Pennywiggle from EB had a 'dare' on her blog, to do 1 self aimed thing a week just for YOUESELF, and she was trying to talk me into joining her with her dare so I have desided to give it ago!!!!!

So I now dare YOU to take the Challenge with us! Come on give it a go, you know you want to.

"1 self aimed thing a week, they don't need to be big and expensive, they can be as simple as taking 30mins to read a book, taking 10 mins to have a cuppa and a bikky or they can also be as big as you like, going out all day, getting a massage, taking a holiday.

I don't care how big or how small but they have to be for yourself or for your relationship with your partner, cannot be for the kids or the family!!! It's all about doing 52 things to recharge and please US, the mothers/wives/daughters/sisters/lovers."

A last minute Christmas gift!

2009-12-26T22:56:00.000-08:00

Nothing like some last minute sewing.....And when I say last minute I mean last minute........
On Christmas morning when the boys were opening there prezzies DH asked me if I had gotten anything for J, J and Z his cousins kids. I hadn't as I told him the week before who I got prezzies for and was there anyone I missed, his reply NO......I then asked him again on the Tuesday before Christmas to be sure...Still the answere was NO noone else!!!!!!!!!! So on Christmas morning I was in a panic searching the house for gifts.....I had a car stashed away for Dominic for his 1st birthday so that would be ok for Z, I had a rattle in the packet still in my nappy cake stash, so perfect for J as he is only a few months old....But nothing for the other J....As we wouldn't be seeing the 2 J's till dinner DH said not to worry we would go to his Aunty for lunch and maybe AJ would get something we could regift......Well AJ ended up opening everything and the things he didn't unwrap were too good to regift.........
We came home and the boys had a sleep and I jumped on the net and done a quick search of something I could quickly whip up, I found this tute for a crayon roll, so I quickly searched my stash and whipped one up, so from searching for a tute to wrapping the prezzie was less than an hour, so I started at 4pm and we were out the door at 5pm.....Not bad!!!!!
I said to DH 'Aren't you lucky I can sew?' otherwise we would of had nothing to give to J........
The only thing was I didn't even have a colouring in book to put with it, only a blank artist book, I felt so scrungy, So I told the mother that it wasn't much, and she said no that was perfect as he doesn't like to colour but loves to draw......I don't know if she just told me that to be nice or if she ment it but he did sit for ages drawing in the book and he carried the crayon roll around all night never put it down, so that is good!!!!

The crayon roll all rolled up with the book.
Out flat before adding the crayons.

And with the crayons.

A giveaway at Izzy and Ivy's designs!

2009-12-26T15:23:00.000-08:00

Check out this great giveaway at Izzy and Ivy's designs. 3 people will win a set of 6 of there new patterns WOW.........Closes 28 December so you better be quick!

Art Cases for Christmas

2009-12-22T17:13:00.000-08:00

A last minute Christmas prezzie thought.......I was googling the other night and I found a free tutorial for these Art Cases and thought wow they would be great to make and add to my neice and nephews gifts........Well nearly a week later they are finished and I think I could of done a whole lot better on them but as I am running out of time I was really rushing!!!!!!!
Firstly, I didn't have pre-quilted fabric, so I quilted some fabric myself, that is what took so long.....If I had the pre-quilted fabric they would of been so quick!!!!!!! If and that is a big if I was to make some more and quilt the fabric myself I think I would quilt the fabric and then cut out all the bits for the art case, not cut out and quilt all the bits.....It took too long and then my art case came out smaller than it should of too.........

Both Art Cases closed.
The sides look like they are crooked but I asure you they aren't it is just the pic, or the way they are sitting as they don't look like that really, well at least I hope they are straight LOL!!!

Both opened.

Hope they like them and use them.........I have noticed lately that when we go out they like to take a book and pencils to colour in when bored so hopefully they will take these out instead....

I might have to make another by the looks as AJ has taken off with the car one.............

EB Secret Santa Swap-What I made.

2009-12-20T20:03:00.000-08:00

I got Aimee to sew for in the EB Secret Santa Swap.
I made her a sewing bag and a jar pin cushion and a Christmas Dove. I also put in a unpicker (cause if Aimee is like me then she will never have to many!) and little tape measure in the jar..........

The embroidered label inside the bag!

The bag opened up!

And all the next pictures are just the embroidery I done on all the sides!

The bag looks lopsided in the pics but I think it was just the way I stuffed it! LOL!!

The Jar pin cushion.....It was supposed to be made with a baby food jar but I thought it would be safer made with a plastic bottle and the unpicker won't fit in the baby food jar.

The Christmas Dove!

EB Secret Santa Swap-What I Received!

2009-12-20T14:23:00.000-08:00

For the EB 'Crafty' Secret Santa Swap I received a lovely little package from Santa?????? (LOL! The person didn't reveal themselves, I wish they had of so I can thank them personally....HINT HINT).... The goods all wrapped up nicely in 2 pieces of fabric with a nice gift tag.......
Inside is-A case for my iphone to stop it getting scratched and dropped etc like I do. The other goody is I know, something to do with coffee???? I am so sorry I don't know exactly, I have seen someone else in another swap receive one but it was never really revealed what it is used for???? I feel so dumb!!

My iphone tucked nicely in the case.

Thank you soooo much to my SS, hopefully you will reveal yourself so I can thank you!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2009-12-18T14:02:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and I hope Santa comes to you all!!!
You know I was told Christmas was on Friday, OH NO!! I thought it was Sunday, I have 2 days less to finish making the Christmas presants I have to make!! Well I guess I should get of the computer and go start some sewing LOL!

PJ Bags/Holders for the Boys.

2009-12-16T15:05:00.000-08:00

These are for my 2 boys for Christmas, PJ bags (they have a zip under there belly with a little bag inside to hold there PJ's). An Elephant and a Dog.
The Elephant for Dominic, his ears are the same one is just flopped back to show the contrast underneath.

Ok his ear seems to have flopped back in every photo but I promise his ears are the same both sides.

And the Thomas Dog for my 'Train' made 2 year old AJ.

I am quite sure that this Dog will be called 'Puppy' just as he nicknamed the Cat I made for the Swap 'Catty'.

Christmas Shoes!!!

2009-12-16T14:53:00.000-08:00

A little pair of Christmas shoes for my little man to go with his Christmas Playsuit!!!
These are quick and easy to make. I had to make 2 pairs as the first didn't fit him, the second pair were a lot quicker to make.

Christmas Headband.

2009-12-16T14:41:00.000-08:00

We have a Christmas Party to go to on Friday night, so thought I would whip up this Christmas Headband for myself to wear, and then I can wear it on Christmas Day.

Me with it on. Sorry for the doggy pic was trying to take the pic myself in a mirror LOL!

Fantastic Giveaway!

2009-12-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

Everything Your Mama Made and More are having a FANTASTIC giveaway and I have everything crossed that I win!!!!!!!

"The giveaway bundle includes instructions for making Personalized Name Pillows, Peasant Tops/Dresses, and Easy Fit Pants including both patterns sized for (6m – 12) and (Teen/Adult). Between all of those, items can be made for both boys, girls, men and women. All 3 of the clothing patterns are by CarlaC who makes some of the best eBooks I have used! Each pattern bundle that is being given away retails for $36.80." (Taken from website!)

Make sure you check out the website it has hundreds of great patterns/eBooks that you buy & download instantly! So take a second & go check them out! Ok you may need more than a second as there is heaps and they are great.....My wishlist is now huge!!!!!!!

Spring Ruffle Top

2009-12-05T13:24:00.000-08:00

We had a 21st and 30th to go to all in the one night, and since having the two boys I have not lost the 'baby weight' yet, and don't think I ever will, so I had no clothes to wear......So I decided I would make myself a top to wear.....
So a few days before the parties I was running around trying to find material etc, and this is what I came up with at last minute.

It is the Spring Ruffle Top.
A close up of me with the top on.

Me with the top on...DH was picking on me as he was taking the photo so for some reason I wasn't standing up straight, I think I was laughing and told him to wait for the pic but he took it anyway and being male wouldn't take another as that was 'good' enough!!!!

I was a bit worried while making the top as I tried it on several times and it made me look 'pregnant' but when I finished it I spent some time fiddling with it and I ended up tapering the sides in a bit I still looked a little 'pregnant' but oh well who cares at least I had a top to wear, turning up in just a bra is not a good look.........LOL!!!

EB Secret Santa Swap Sneek Peak...

2009-12-02T23:09:00.000-08:00

We are having a Secret Santa Swap on EB. I finished sewing my item a couple of weeks ago, but finally got around to wrapping it today ready to post, so thought I would do a sneek peak!!!

So here is the 'item' all wrapped ready to post.

But what is the item you ask??? Well here is a peek, but it is a sneeky peak as it is a 'secret' remember?

Opening is the 21st December so stay tuned to see the above in full and see what I receive!!!!

A 21st Prezzie

2009-12-01T20:59:00.000-08:00

We got invited to DH's cousins 21st on Sat night and I was stuck as to what to get her, then I remembered the pattern for the Overnight Tote I had and have been wanting to try for donkies, so I also has some material that I thought would be perfect........
Then I thought what can I make to go with it, So Vik suggested I make a cosmetic roll for cosmetic brushes and while I was looking for a tute I found a tute for a pyramid purse and had to try it out too..........

So the tote bag, cosmetic roll and pyramid purse all together!!!

The overnight tote

The cosmetic roll opened with the brushes and a mirror. The last slot is empty and a little larger than the other slots but I thought it would perfect to put lipstick in????

The pyramid purse.

I hope she likes it!!!!!!

Christmas Playsuit Giveaway Winner!!!!!

2009-11-28T22:35:00.000-08:00

I have finally drawn the lucky winner of the Christmas Playsuit, I know 2 days late, but it is my son AJ's 2nd Birthday today and we had a BBQ last night so have visitors here all weekend!!! Sorry!!!!
Anyway the lucky winner is AJ from AJ Antics for her adorable little man Aden, I am sure he will look just sooo cute AJ, make sure you blog pics for us to see!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you to all who entered and thank you for all you kind comments too!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Bunting!!!!

2009-11-28T21:58:00.000-08:00

Today is AJ's 2nd Birthday (happy birthday to my darling special little boy, Mummy loves you!) and I wanted to make a bunting for his special birthday BBQ last night with family and friends!!!!!
So here is some pics, it was so hard to photograph, but here it is................

Thanks to the gorgeous Vik for the idea, links and advice she gave to me while I was making the bunting so I could get it perfect........Vik it was your lovely bunting you made that inspired me to give it a go!!!!!! So thank you!!!!!!

This is the tutorial I followed, and it was an easy tutorial to follow and make sure you check out the rest of this blog too it is a great blog!!!!!!!!!!

Giveaway, Giveaway, Giveaways everywhere!!!!!!!

2009-11-24T20:49:00.000-08:00

Another wonderful giveaway at Handmade Kids It is such a BIG giveaway too with two wonderful packs one for the boys and one for the girls....Of course I have gone in for the boys pack as you all know I have 2 darling boys so we would get so much use from the boys pack!!!!!
Hope I win!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!

Giveaway!!!!!!!

2009-11-24T13:58:00.000-08:00

Look at this great giveaway from Retro Mummy Isn't it adorable fabric!!!!!!
Lets hope I win LOL!!!!!

Quilt-A-Long.......Panel Quilt-Step 3, Completed!!!!

2009-11-16T21:55:00.000-08:00

*WARNING-THIS IS THE FIRST QUILT I HAVE EVERY ATTEMPTED TO SEW, PLEASE BE AWARE IT ISN'T PERFECT, BUT IS MADE WITH SO MUCH LOVE!!!!!

Ok step 3 is now complete too-It didn't take me as long as I thought as I have now learned to tack first saves a heap of unpicking later!!!!!! So I am thinking the green around the tan squares may be a little bright???? But we will see once the rest of the quilt is done!!!!! But kids like bright right??????????
Also quilting is sooo much easier with the 1/4" foot!!! I think I may of mentioned that in the last post but just wanted to mention it again...........

Anyway let me know what you think so far!!!!!!!

Quilt-A-Long....Panel Quilt-Step 2 completed!!!

2009-11-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

I have finally completed step 2- Yes I know it took me forever!!!!! But I was having trouble with the completed squares matching for the next step, so I showed it someone and apparently I had done it all wrong!!!! So I had to unpick all 18 squares and get a 1/4" foot so I have been waiting for that to arrive, and I must say that is the best twenty odd dollars I have spent......So here are take 2 of the squares now all completed................
If you are interested in the first step you can find it here.
Stay tuned hopefully step 3 won't take me too long to complete!!!!!!!!!!

A Christmas Giveaway!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-12T15:25:00.000-08:00

I made this Oliver + S Playsuit for my son but it was too small for him..........So I thought I would spread the Christmas cheer and have a giveaway.......So leave a comment here for your chance to win this playsuit for you child to wear at Christmas time!!!!!!!
It is a size 6-12 months but my son is 8.5 months and weighs 8kg and it fits him now but only just so by Christmas it won't..........
It has 3 press studs between the legs for easy nappy changes.......

For one entry leave a comment here and for two entries just post about this giveaway on your blog (just make sure when you leave a comment you let me know if you are going to post on your blog too otherwise I might miss your extra entry) I will draw a winner on 27 November.......Please leave a way for me to contact you so I am able to post out the outfit to the lucky winner quickly so you have it in plenty of time for Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also I have taken a lot of time and effort to sew this outfit but please remember I am only a beginner sewer so it won't be perfect!!!!!!!

Australian Residents only please to enter as I don't think it would make it overseas in time anyway!!!!!!!!!!! SORRY!!!!!!!

2 Christmas Outfits!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

I made two outfits for my two boys last week for Christmas...........
The first (well this is the second the first one was too small) is the Oliver + S Playsuit for Dominic. HMMM Not much else I can say about it really.............Dominic modelling the playsuit!!!!!

The second is the Little Explorer Overalls for AJ.........I really like these nice and bright!!!!!!!!

And AJ with them on......He is getting to the age now where he doesn't want to co-operate now and he was just in one of them moods!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait for Christmas now so they can wear them!!!!!!

Black Pants!!!!!

2009-11-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago we had a 50th Anniversary to go to and AJ has grown so fast he had no pants to wear only Jeans!!! So I thought I would 'whip' up a pair for him........
I found a pattern in the Ottobre spring 09 Magazine-They are the 'Taku" pants without the pockets......I made them all up and thought, HHHMM they don't look like the picture in the magazine, mine are to straight and in the picture they are more of a baggy pant.....Anyway they only 'JUST' fitted AJ and were really tight around his nappy.....But he wore them on the night!!!!!!!!!!
A few days later I read I was supposed to add seam allowance to the pattern!!!! Deer Dumb A#$ me....That will teach me for making things in a hurry and not reading the instructions properly!!!!!!!!!! AJ modelling the pants.......See how they are tight at the front over his nappy!!!!! But on the night the top he wore covered it!!!! LOL!!!!!!!

Not to worry I know for next time now!!!!!!!!!!

A Package!!!!!!YAH!!!!!

2009-11-06T14:16:00.000-08:00

I had a package turn up last week and it was from the VERY VERY VERY VERY Lovely Vik (my personal shopper LOL!!!!) she so kindly went to Spotlight for me and stocked up on some sewing goodies for me!!!!!! Thank you so much Vik, I really appricate it. Without you I wouldn't be sewing!!!!!!!!!!
In that lovely huge package was fleece to make my boys a PJ bag (except I am going to make a dog and elephant not a cat like pictured) like I made Vik's daughter for the swap, some denim, a pen, a square quilters ruler and some interfacing!!!!

AJ thinks the Thomas material is his new 'train bank' (blanket).....He drags this material everywhere with him at the moment, he will be heartbroken when I start cutting into it!!!!! Hopefully I can cut it so that there will be enough for a blanket for him!!!!!!

Again Vik Thank you so much for the time and effort you took to get these things for me, I really do appricate it and don't know what I would do without you!!!!!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxx

2009-10-30T00:36:00.000-07:00

Mel (Orange~Limes) was out shopping the other day and she remembered that I was chasing some cupcake fabric a while ago she she texted me (I had totally forgotten that I had given her my number LOL) and asked did I want some still, I had already gotten some on Etsy, but then she told me how much it was and it was only $2.50/m I think it was??? So I just had to have some for my stash you never know when I will need it LOL!!! At that price who would say no LOL!!!!!! I think I already have plans for some of it!!!! Something for my niece for Christmas (if I get enough time) maybe a texta roll.......
Anyway while she was there she kindly got me some blue cotton with fire engines on it and also a light cotton drill with embroidered airplanes on it, this will make a cute pair of overalls for DS's....
Thank you sooo very much Mel for thinking of me, I really really appricate it..........I don't know what I would do without all the friendly girls in the EB Beginners Sewing group!!!!!!!!

Beginners Sewers Swap Piece 2!!! What I received.

2009-10-30T00:14:00.000-07:00

The other item I received was for DS2 Dominic 8 months. Mel (Orange-~Limes) and it is a lovely drawstring bag.......
And inside the bag is these 3 very very cute balls, aren't they just soooo cute???????

And Dominic with his goodies.........He is sooo happy with them........

Thank you so much Mel for all you time and effort in creating this gift for Dominic!!!!!!

Beginners Sewers Swap Piece 1!!! What I received.

2009-10-29T23:56:00.000-07:00

Yah I finially got to town this afternoon to pick up my parcels......The first parcel was from the nice and wonderful Mel, who sewed for AJ who is 2 at the end of November. First can I just say it was nicely wrapped with chrissy paper and a beautiful bow but I opened it when I was still in town as I was just soooo excited and reading about everyone else opening theres today I couldn't wait to get home to take a pic so sorry.....
But Please meet Mr Electron......He is sooo cute, no cute isn't the word, tough looking???? He is just adorable and perfect.............Thank you so much Mel for all you hard work in sewing Mr Electron............

AJ is yet to meet Mr Electron as he stayed with Daddy while I went to town and when I came back he went to sleep so here is a pic of AJ sleeping with Mr Electron... LOL!!!!!!!

Thanks again Mel, we appricate your hard work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So when is the next swap???? I think I am seriously addicted to swaps..............

Beginners Sewers Swap Piece 2! 'What I made'

2009-10-29T23:24:00.000-07:00

The second person I had to sew for was Jotsmum for her little girl J 1 year old. She put her likes/dislikes down as- "she likes putting things in an out of any container, and clothes pegs
books and anything that belongs to Mummy" So I thought about it for a while and thought HMMM a fabric basket of some sort and some blocks so she can put them in and out of the basket......

So I googled and googled and found a tute for this basket and these blocks.......

The inside of the basket.........A little hint if anyone reading this is going to make one, the tute calls for closed cell foam and as I live in a small country town there is no place here to get foam so I got an exercise mat from Crazy Clarks the thin blue ones, and cut that up!!!!LOL!!!!

My first attempt at this basket came out way too small my second attempt came out way too big (and is now being used in my sewing room) so this was third time lucky......

Beginners Sewers Swap Piece 1! 'What I made'

2009-10-29T16:16:00.000-07:00

On EB in our 'little group' we had a 'christmas swap' and I opted to sew for 2 people and receive 2 items.....One of my people to sew for was Vik for her little girl M (I promise it was totally random, and I was just in fits of laughter when I drew her name out for me to sew for!!!)
Vik had M's likes/dislikes down as-"pink, pink lol. She does love pink but loves all other colours too.
She loves animals, especially cats, I've often thought of making her a soft toy kitty. She's one of those kids that actually plays with stuffed toys. She loves pretty dresses and will not wear pants (but this is a toy swap right). I know she would love felt food ie eggs, bacon, strawberries etc. I've also thought about making her a fabric hopscotch game or some kind of game with beanbags that she can throw onto matching colour squares or something?? Really truly whatever is made I know she will love, she is that kind of kid! Just like the last swap I'm trying to give my person lots of ideas "
So as soon as I read this I knew I wanted to make a cat of some sort, but I thought I would like to make something that is not just a soft toy but something useful too.....So I spent days and days googling and couldn't find anything then on ebay I came across a pattern for a huge pillow in different animals like of course a cat, dog, elephant, dinosaur, cow, panda and a bear. It is pattern Simplicity #8932 . So I thought I would try and alter the pattern to add a zip underneath and make it into a PJ bag!!!!!!!!!!!!
So please meet 'Catty' as DS1 AJ named her........ Catty is made of pink spotty polar fleece.
I am not happy with the 'smirk' (as Vik has called it) on Catty, it has come out wonky.........

The top of Catty.......

The zippered part I added to make it into a PJ bag........It could of been a little bigger I think, but it was the first one I made so I am quite pleased with it anyway........

Ok now, AJ claimed Catty as his for a while so following is a photo of AJ and Dominic with Catty...

And This is Catty with a ball watching TV, this is how AJ positioned Catty while he played......

And this is a very sad pic, this is AJ saying goodbye to Catty just before I packed her up to be posted off to Vik & M.............I packed her away after he went to bed, the next morning he got up and went into my sewing room where catty was staying and was calling 'Catty, Catty' and when no Catty come out to play there were tears...........So we at this house were sad to see Catty to go but I am hoping M will Catty just as much as we did........

I have plans to make a dog and elephant into PJ bags for the boys for Christmas so lets hope I get it done!!!!!!!

Gotta love a giveaway!!!!

2009-10-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

Romi s having a great giveaway (what I wouldn't give to win this one). It is for a gift voucher to be spent at Buyster Lighting. This is such a great and generous giveaway...........Make sure you check it out and enter!!!!!

A giveaway!!! Yah love these!!!!!

2009-10-27T21:07:00.001-07:00

Here is a great giveaway from fabricshoppe make sure you check out there blog.....I have purchased material from her Etsy store also and she has great service too............

A top for me!!!!!

2009-10-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

I got the pattern and material for this top ages ago and I started it straight away, but I ran in to trouble with the ribbon on the sleeves and had to unpick it all so I sat it aside for awhile, but then I needed a top for a party I had so decided to get it out and finish it off....I am not 100% happy with it (I know I know I am never happy with things I sew) as the you can see on the ribbon where it has been unpicked. But it was dark at the party and noone noticed LOL!!!!!!!!
So I will make this top again if only to prove to myself that I can do it with out a massive amount of unpicking!!!!LOL!!!!
Simplicity It's so easy (yer right) ladies top pattern #2646
A close up of the front and the ribbon......

And half of me modelling it....this was taken at midnight when we got home as we were running late so couldn't take it before LOL!!!!

Another Etsy purcase!!!!!

2009-10-20T23:08:00.000-07:00

My latest Etsy purchase....I was searching for some cute Christmas fabric and came across a seller haveing a big sale as she is closing up shop so had to get extras to fill up the satchel...HAHAHAAHAHA
Isn't this cute jungle fabric.....

The Christmas fabric.....

Now these are cute the froggies and crabs (sorry came out a little blurry don't know why!)

And some floral print, not sure what I will do with this one!!!!!!

Sorry pics aren't the best (I really should learn to use the camera better, but hay I am a sewer not a photographer LOL!!!!!!!)

A 50th Wedding Anniversary Prezzie!!!!!!

2009-10-20T00:26:00.000-07:00

I made this pouch holder thingy for a gift voucher for a 50th wedding anniversary presant....I just wanted to make it look a little bit nicer than just giving a gift voucher........I am proud of myself as no pattern used...I know I know it was easy but I just can't work without patterns.....I also embroidered on the front with my embroidery machine......

The inside of the pouch...I done button holes to hold the corners of the cards in...(although on came out crooked, but oh well)

They aren't the best pics sorry!!!!

Quilt-a-long....Panel Quilt-Step 1 Completed!!! YAH!!!

2009-10-14T00:15:00.000-07:00

As some of you might remember I put a call out for help to do my first quilt, and the lovely AJ put her hand up to help me. Even though she is super busy with her own sewing and her new bub (by the way he is super gorgeous too, check out her blog so many cute pics on there!!!!) she is puting up step by step instructions on her blog for me to follow!!!!!!!!!

So here is step 1 all completed!!! Yah for me!!!!!
So I started with this panel and fabric.
Then I also purchase some more fabric to match.
So step 1 I took of the green border (as the panel was a tad too small) and couldn't get green to match so went with a yellow border, I am happy with the yellow makes it nice and bright!!!!!!!!
Then added the brown stip top and bottom.........Step 1 complete......

It took me a while to pluck up the courage to actually start it as I didn't want to ruin the fabrics, but when I actually started it I was sewing so slow to get it straight and working up a sweat too.....Because as you can see where the yellow border is there is a thin black border I wanted to keep the black border between the panel and yellow (why you ask??? I really don't know just wanted too LOL!!!!!) so as it was so thin it was really hard to sew to get it on the edge of the black.....
Anyway stay tuned for step 2, I have started it but it is a little harder and time consuming so hopefully soon.............

My first card swap!!!!!!!

2009-10-06T23:19:00.000-07:00

I participated in a card swap on EB for the first time (I have done a few sewing swaps and had so much fun..)
It was the September Christmas Card Swap, and the technique was tri fold card, I found a tute on the net for this Tri-Shutter Card and just loved the look of the card, so thought I would try it!!!!!!!
A close up of the card.... The merry christmas in the middle is embossed.
I didn't have enough of one paper so had to some half light blue and some dark blue.......

I am quite happy with how these turned out seeing it was the first time making these.....

Little Explorer Shorts...........

2009-10-06T01:57:00.000-07:00

I got myself a new Overlocker a couple of weeks ago and haven't tried it yet so thought today I would whip up a pair of shorts............
DS1 Modelling the shorts....

Finally finished my QAYG bag!!!!!!!

2009-10-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished my Quilt-As-You-Go (QAYG) bag, to store all my sewing accessories in.......I started this bag awhile ago and it is just 2 different size hexagons (1 being the cherries on the outside and a bigger hexagon being the pink on the inside) and they are ment to be hand sewen together, as I hate handsewing I couldn't imagine hand sewing all the 7 hexagons so I cheated and machine stitched them all..................
The bag open...................

A tour of my sewing/computer room........

2009-09-23T00:52:00.000-07:00

Ok this is my sewing/computer room........I just cleaned it up yesterday making way for my new overlocker.......Ok there is probley a little more cleaning to do but it will do for now, it is better than what is was LOL!!!!!!
As you first walk in the door straight ahead under the window is my Horn sewing cabinet with my Janome sewing machine and my Brother pooh bear embroidery machine (that I still have arguments with we aren't quite on speaking terms at the moment LOL) and where the green cutting mat is, that is where my new overlocker will be sitting when it comes home on Saturday!!! Yah for me!!!!!!! Where you see the brother machine on the edge of the cabinet, just to the right is a built in robe!!!!
Then I have my ironing board set up for ironing seams, interfacing etc.....But I don't iron clothes LOL!!!!!!!

Opposite my sewing cabinet, and behind the door is the computer cabinet...Ok it may need a little clean up and the pile of bills against the wall need to be filed.....

And the built in cupboard I have some material hanging and some in the shelves folded as I didn't have any more hanging room.......Down the bottom is my scrapbooking stuff and on the other side of the hanging area is shelves but is just storing Non-sewing junk..........

A presant for a sweet little boy!!!!

2009-09-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine that live on the Gold Coast had a sweet little boy 3 weeks ago, and I made these little explorer overalls a while ago but just needed to get some self cover buttons to finish them (thanks Lincraft, if I had of got that order that was placed on the 20th July I would of been able to finish them!!!!!!) so yesterday I had to buy some more and finish these off.....(they look familiar you say??? Yes I made the exact same pair a while ago in a size bigger for a Christening presant!! I love the little explorer overalls, they are so cute.)
And the cards I made to go with the presants. The pink one is for the little boys big sister who turned 2. I made here this dress......

A close up of the embossing I done on the card...........

I hope they like it!!!!!

Amelia Top!!!

2009-09-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

I decided it was time to make myself something so here is a top that I saw on Vik's blog and it looked so great I just had to make myself one!!!!!!!!
The fabric is Sandi Henderson vintage cherries, I received 1m free from Bella and Vintage for ordering 4 O+S patterns in there sale. So not bad for a free top!!!!!!
Me modelling the top!!!! The bottom piece is a little tight around my bum unfortuntly!!!!!!!

Also thanks Vik for the tip on using hair clips for the bias around the arm holes, it worked a treat!!!!!!

Popover Sundress by Oliver + S

2009-09-02T22:12:00.000-07:00

It's a friends little girls 2nd birthday on Monday.....And to be honest I had forgotten till yesterday when Mel was looking at making something for a two year old. Jen suggested the O+S popover sundress free pattern so I thought I would give it a go too.....Jen said it was an easy pattern to make and it was, but it took me a lot longer than everyone else to make it as I changed it a little.........

So the dress......I made it with a light weight denim and sunflower fabric I found hidden.....I have no little girl fabrics...........But I don't think it came out too bad at all, I am quite happy with my efforts for once........LOL!!!!!!!!
I added yellow ric rac to the yoke, and blue ric rac as a border around the bottom sunflower fabric........

A close up of the yoke and yellow ric rac...

And my labels arrived today just in time....Well I did have to do a little unpicking to put them on but oh well.....Doesn't it look so professional now!! LOL!!!!

I have had a few people ask where I got hte lables from so I thought I would add in a link here.

I got them from Charm woven lables.

My boys and there new toy!!!!!!

2009-08-31T16:32:00.000-07:00

My In-laws brought this 'New Holland' pedal tractor (trac-ter as AJ calls it) and AJ thought all his Christmas's had come at once last night when they brought it down for him!!!!!
AJ trying to ride his Tractor, he can't reach the pedals yet!

AJ pushing Mummy on the tractor!

AJ being a nude poser!!! He has just had a bath and he was trying to avoid getting dressed by climbing up on the back of the lounge!!!!

AARRGGHH!!!!! Where does the time go???? Dominic is now 6 months old and won't be long and he will be crawling....He loves to get on the floor and try to play with his big brother!!!!

Dominic playing with the little tractor!

My First Quilt!!!

2009-08-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

Ok I am going to attempt my first quilt, well my second if you class this small cot quilt as a quilt????
You may remember a few weeks ago I put out a call for help on designing a SB quilt for my DS using the fabric my SIL gave me!! Well Novy came to my rescue and found a heap of designs on Flickr for me, then I tried to do up a design for myself and couldn't get the measurements right. So a lovely lovely lady, AJ from EB came to my rescue and offered to draw one up for me and and help me on the way.......AAWW how nice of her!!!! So she is putting up the steps (this is strp 1) on her blog for me to follow so if you want to join me in making my first quilt, you can!!!!!!!!

So this is what I started with.

And I purchased these two fabrics to go with it.....(I know I know the green is a christmas fabric, but I loved the gold on the green and it was the only green that matched really well...)

So now here is all the fabrics together.........(I don't know why my pics keep going on the side like this but it is annoying me!!!!)

All I need to get is one more fabric for the outside border but I couldn't find anything suitable so thought I can get that later....

A huge big thank you AJ for offering to help me out with this I really appricate it...........I hope I can pull it off now......

Ok I will post my progress along the way so stayed tune...........

Another order all wrapped up nicely!!!!

2009-08-25T21:03:00.000-07:00

I feel like it is Christmas or my Birthday, with all these orders coming and all wrapped up so nicely!!!!
This order is from Patchwork with Busyfingers And it is a pattern for a Dilly Bag, made from quilt as you go Hexagons!!!!! I am going to use the bag as a sewing bag to keep all my bits and pieces in!!!!!!!!!

And I must say super fast postage too!!!!!!

More fabric to add to my stash!!!!

2009-08-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

A lovely lady from EB sent me this stash of fabric she had sitting around........
Ok there is all types in there, so I should be right with fabric for a while now (I hope!!!LOL!!!)

And yet another shopping trip!!!!!

2009-08-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

Yes another shopping trip yesterday, my SIL needed to go to Toowoomba which is nearly 2 hours from where I live so I went with her and another visit to SL was in order......
This time I got some pink fabric for a trimming on a top I want to make, some dinosaur fabric, some denim, and this nice purple fabric to make the shirt in the pattern for ME!!!! and a fabric pen and pencil.........
(OH Blogger why are you putting my pic on the side?????)
So two visits to Spotlight in the space of 3 days not bad.....But I am a little dissapointed with there range and messyness of the store and half the things I needed couldn't get. I think I will just stick with my online ordering!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My shopping trip!!!!!

2009-08-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

What's a girl to do when Hubby goes to the V8's???? Go shopping of course!!!!!!!!! As nearly everyone knows I live in a small country town with not a lot of options for material etc......So DH decided he would go with my Dad to the V8 supercars at Willowbank and my dads partner took me shopping to SL and Bargain Box in Ipswich..........
So this is what I got at SL- Some airplane fabric, animal fabric, 2 lots of linen light blue and brown, The red is a furnishing fabric to make a back pack out of and some knit with cars all over.
And some Nemo fabric in dark blue and a magnetic pin cushion, and a sewing/knitting gauge.

And from Bargain Box I got some fish fabric and cockatoo fabric, as DS is fasinated with them. My MIL has a Cockatoo named Charlie now everytime we see a bird any bird it is Charlie......He saw the fabric and said "Charlie" eyes all lit up, too cute!!!!

And some more Nemo in a light blue from Bargain Box.

Now what to make with all this new fabric????????

YAH a parcel of patterns from Bella and vintage!

2009-08-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

Yah my order from Bella and vintage arrived today (I ordered it Thursday and she posted Friday and arrived on Tuesday so not bad at all) and look at how it is wrapped, so nice it was like getting a presant not an order and it had a nice flower on the front and a card in an envelope. So nice. I couldn't wait to get into it but I managed to get a photo first LOL!!!!!
I got 4 Oliver + S patterns, and 1m of Sandi Henderson Vintage Cherries for free for ordering the 4 patterns. So I got the O+S Bedtime story PJ's in both sizes so sizes 6m-3T and 4-8, and the O+S teaparty sundress, bloomers & Playsuit in size 2T-5 (I only want the playsuit pattern, and I wanted the smaller size but none left so I will try and make it smaller???) and the O+S Sailboat top skirt and pants pattern in size 4-8. So all that for $52.00 including registered post.

I think I will make myself the overnight tote with this fabric......Not bad when all I need to buy is a zip and some lining fabric, which I think a nice hot pink would look great..........

YAH! A Giveaway!!!!

2009-08-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

I have stumbled upon another giveaway I am yet to win one but I think youve gotta be in it to win it and eventually I have to win don't I.............
Romi is having a giveaway on her blog which ends today so be quick and get in!!!!!!
Also make sure you check out her Etsy Store Omigosh she has lots of gorgeous goodies.....

A top for ME!!!!!!!

2009-08-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

Finally I have TRIED to sew something for ME!!!!! I made this top yesterday out of some stretch material I have had in the cupboard for ages (and I mean ages like 3 years) that I picked up at Vinnies I think it was around $4.00 and there is enough left to make another top........ I had a little trouble with the ribbing around the neck and am not happy with it. See how it is puckered at the bottom, it is ment to sit nice and straight. Oh well I will make another one day....

And me modelling it.... OMG I look like I am still preg...I didn't realise I looked that bad, I had better do something about that!!!!!! How embarrassing........
And of course the sleeves are to long for my short arms but that's the story of my life.......

Help me design a quilt for DS using this tractor fabric!!!!!

2009-08-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

My SIL kindly gave me this Tractor panel and three pieces of matching fabric....Now I need help to find/design a pattern to turn it into a quilt cover for DS............I was thinking of getting some plain green and maybe yellow to break it up a little and was wanting to embroider on one plain square at the bottom his name and birthdate etc to personlize it and then it will be a keepsake for him........So any hints, tips, patterns etc would be greatly appricated........I have no idea without a pattern to follow........

House warming prezzies for my SIL's!!!!

2009-08-08T23:55:00.000-07:00

Ok both my SIL's moved a week apart of each other one built a new house right next door to us, and the other brought a 'second hand house' in town.........So I was thinking of making an apron, oven mitt set for one SIL for her birthday but then decided I had to get them both something for their housewarming prezzies so decided to do 2 sets one for each!!!!!!!!!!
These took a little longer than anticiapated, and I had a little trouble with the bias binding on the oven mitts (I made the bias binding with a bias maker and now I am addicted to making bias tape, but I HATE HATE sewing it on).....I guess I am just being a little fussy as one of my SIL's her MIL owns the patchworking shop in town and is a 'real' sewer so I am really nervous....But it is thought (and effort) that counts right??????

The first set is cupcakes on chocolate brown and the apron is reversible so cupcakes with chocolate brown pocket on side and chocolate with cupcake pocket the other. I have also added a hand towel made of the chocolate brown with a cupcake boarder, and it attaches with velcro. I saw an apron once with the hand towel attached and thought what a great idea as I know I am always looking for something to wipe my wet hands on!!!!!!!!!! Then there is an oven mitt and also a little personalized fridge magnet with ....... Kitchen "Happy is the home that welcomes a friend" embroidered on it................

The second set is the same but done with Hot red chillies on black.........

The reverse of the aprons....I don't know why it keeps putting the photo on the side????

A close up of the half the oven mitts (LOL!!)

I scanned these magnets so not a good pic sorry!!! The brown one has got the red binding all the way around but it folded under and I only just realised.......

I'm not very happy with how the magnets come out (I might not put them in the prezzie yet!!) and I am also not happy with how the bias binding came out on the oven mitts at the back, but I spent 1/2 a day yesterday unpicking the bias binding and got it a little better but it will just have to do as it is doing my head in and if I keep fiddling I will end up ruining it anyway....So tonight I just have some hand sewing to do on the oven mitt to fix a few little bits that I am not happy with and try hide some of

Puppy dog tracksuit!!!!

2009-07-29T23:54:00.001-07:00

This is the dreaded puppy dog tracksuit that I made for DS2..........I made it all and was so happy with how it turned out....Until I tried it on DS, well it wouldn't go over his head LOL!!!!!! I guess it was my fault for altering the pattern hay!!!!!!!! But after 2 hours of unpicking, sewing, unpicking etc, I have finally added a zip to the back of it, and now it fits!!!!!!!! It isn't the best sewing as I had so much unpicking etc, but it is at the back so hopefully not to many people will notice...At least he can wear it now and it won't go in the bin, as it nearly did so many times......
Puppy dog tracksuit...........

And the tracksuit on DS2, it is a little bit too big on him, but at least it will last a little longer.......... The brown tracksuit material is part of the yucky colour materials that my mum got me ages ago, but it doesn't look to bad now!!!!!!The puppy dog material is part of the stash that Vikki got me!!!!!!!

And finally the top to match the pants!!!!!

2009-07-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

Ok I have finally finished the tracksuit top to match the pants. I was waiting on ribbing and my lovely MIL got me some on Monday!!!!! I had a little trouble with the Ribbing as the size the pattern was telling me was way too small and would never go over DS head!!! So after a bit of measuring of DS and some other jumpers he had I finally finished it late last night!!!!

The top!!!

The set together!!!!

DH still says it looks like PJ's.

Pants for AJ.......

2009-07-26T00:49:00.000-07:00

I made these pants for AJ and lined them with so tracksuit material so they are nice and warm........Mum got me some tracksuit material from the op shop a while ago but she got so ugly colours and it has been sitting in the cupboard for ages and everytime I see her she asks have I used it yet 'No' so now I can say yes.....She probley won't be happy that I only used it for lining but hey I used it..............

AJ modelling his pants....Sorry he insisted on showing his belly button!!!!!!!!!!!He is facinated by it and keeps checking it is still there!!!!!LOL!!!!!

And a close up of the pants, I made a size 3 and lucky I did as they fit really good. AJ is only in size 1 though, must be a small pattern......I have found this since I have started sewing, patterns seem to be smaller than sizes you buy in the shops!!!!!!!!

These were supposed to be nice bright trackpants, just different from your normal everyday boring plain ones. But I showed DH and he didn't say much, then after bathing AJ DH called out to me and said "Honey which way do the pants go there is no tag?" I said "what are you doing? AJ just had a bath he need PJ's on!" DH "These are PJ's aren't they" Me "Well they are now!!!" So I suppose they will be PJ's now!!!!!!!!!!

Keep on eye out for the top to go with the pants...........

Testing!!!!!

2009-07-25T01:29:00.000-07:00

Testing!!!!
Sorry just testing out my signature!!!
Do you like???????????