Two Peas

Beetle Bug

2010-05-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

Wow its been far too long between posts but nice to have a break so that I can concentrate on my health and spend time with my family.

A small bit of crafting has taken place. I whipped up this cute little bug from the Softies book for a little girl who turned 1 last week. It was a quick and easy craft project. Gotta love those ones!

(And yep its a crappy pic but I was in a hurry to wrap it and get it out the door to the party)

I am also just about to complete a 5 week camera course. I have been learning how to use my new baby properly. No more AUTO shooting for me. Here are some pics from Saturday's Field trip to the Botanical Gardens. I am loving my saturation button (perhaps a little too much!)

Made...

2010-04-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

Finally back from a small break over Easter and we are now on school holidays. I am so looking forward to not having to pack school lunches every morning and race out the door at 8.30 for two whole weeks. Yay.

I have been doing a little bit of sewing. The weather is turning and winter is on its way. I have been inspired to do some sewing for the little man., thanks to this lovely blog. I used my all time favourite Burda pants pattern and followed Dana's instructions for making flat fronted pockets. To add a little detail I used the wrong side of the fabric for the pockets.
Love them and he does too! The material was a remnant sent from my Grandma who is a seamstress.

I Heart Corsage Tees

2010-03-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

Its birthday season in this house and we seem to have a party on every weekend between now and Easter.

(My little model is still half asleep)

I was inspired by this wonderful blog (isn't she gorgeous. I just love her creations)..and decided to whip up some corsage tees. Quick, easy and super fun. I recycled some old stretch tights and t-shirts that were on their way to vinnies (oops sorry Vinnies). My knit stash is very lacking, so if someone can recommend a nice place to buy knits then I would love to hear it.?I checked out Spotlight on the weekend and they have absolutely nothing. Surprise surprise!

The birthday recipients loved them and thought that I had bought them...gotta love that! Well I did the tees..they are just the stretchy ones from Target. They wash really well and the ones I embellished for the girls last winter are still going strong.

Pirate Ned...

2010-02-28T18:33:00.000-08:00

Another Lazy Day hat from Make it Perfect. Wow..I love this pattern. It makes up pretty fast and it also makes wonderful birthday pressies.

This one is for a special little boy who turned 3 last week and wants to be a pirate when he grows up...

Thank You for the Inspiration

2010-02-28T16:52:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love the Internet for inspiration and those that share wonderful tutorials? I know I do.... THANK YOU

I have been doing a little bit of sewing, mainly just birthday pressies. I have also started back at work..teaching at TAFE and unfortunately I imagined that once the girls started school that I would have so much more time on my hands. Unfortunately this is not the case...

A birthday ruffle shirt. Inspired by the shirts Karen made for her girls.

A drawstring bag filled (I used this tutorial) with goodies from Smiggle and a blank notebook from Typo for the grand price of $5.

A Travelling Art Show Pack..courtesy of this wonderful tutorial, which I amended slightly to fit my stationery

Busy Days...

2010-01-28T21:58:00.000-08:00

Wow its been nearly 6 weeks since my last post. I am really out of the habit of blogging. I am still reading but finding that having 3 kids home on school holidays is just not conducive to blogging.

I busted out the sewing machine the other day and over two days, while the kids watched playschool I whipped up this Lazy Day Hat for the littlest man. He starts his first full day in care next week, when I return to work and I wanted something exciting that he could take to school. I used Ikea fabrics but I have to say that my top stitching, leaves a lot to be desired. What a great pattern. Next to make one for the girls.....

Christmas Pressies..just a little late!

2010-01-08T02:59:00.000-08:00

I still haven't gotten around to posting some of the pressies I made family members for Christmas. How slack of me??

This was the brooch that I made my Nan for Christmas. Two small doilies gathered together, with two vintage buttons stitched into the centre. Easy Peasy..

This is the Charlie Tote that I made my little cousin for Christmas. Her request was that it be big enough to carry stuff for the beach and it not be pink. Done. Super quick and easy. It is reversible but I did a pretty ordinary job of attaching the binding on the inside. I think perhaps because I made the binding out of a light weight cord. Oops..live and learn! I now need to make some of these for me.

The Not So Festive Duds

2009-12-20T20:40:00.000-08:00

The little man was upset when the girls got a new skirt for the festive period (he really wanted one!) ....so I cut into some red and white ticking but I realised that there was far too much white in for my messy boy. So we added some panels of fine baby cord in blue and red, appliqued a t-shirt and we are ready for Santa...Of course my husband thinks they look like American pants..Oops..that wasn't the plan..I just wanted to put some colour into his new duds.

And the winner's are....

2009-12-19T20:28:00.000-08:00

Sarah-Jo and Lynda. Thanks ladies. Email me your postal address to kmaldred@bigpond.com and I will pop your button bracelets in the post.

Something For The Teachers...

2009-12-17T19:04:00.001-08:00

The girls had their last day of preschool yesterday..oh so sad. We were fortunate enough to have an amazing teacher and assistant. The girls have really come out of their shells and we are now ready for big school. I really wanted to gift the teachers something that will remind them of the girls and that didn't involve chocolates and wine. So using this tutorial, I set to work. It involved a 5am start yesterday morning (there is nothing like leaving things to the last minute) but I am happy to say they were ready to deliver to the teachers by 9am. Its an awesome tut..I think next time I might make my strips longer and knot them around the foam for something a little different. They look lovely (if I do say so myself). The teachers were thrilled and I hope that every Christmas they will pull them out and think of my lovely girls ......

And what about this awesome giveaway. Fingers crossed I win something...

And don't forget my giveaway...

Christmas Giveaway

2009-12-14T23:24:00.000-08:00

I am having a giveaway to celebrate Christmas....and to say thanks for following my blog.

I have been busy making a lot of my Chrissy pressies this year including these vintage button bracelets.

And I have made an extra one just for you lovely readers. As you can see from the below photos its a combination of grey, silver, gold and purple buttons.

So all you need to do is leave a comment and tell me your favourite Christmas Tradition, before 7pm on Sunday 20th December and I will randomly draw a winner.

If you want to blog about it..that's okay too. Just let me know in your comment and I will pop you in for another entry.

Merry Christmas

Check back on Sunday night so that the lucky winner can email me their address details and I can put the bracelet in the post first thing Monday morning and hopefully you will have it just in time for Christmas.

Baby Sewing

2009-12-14T13:43:00.000-08:00

Wow...what a whirlwind the last 2 weeks have been - concerts galore including Angelina and The Wiggles, Preschool concerts and afternoon teas for the teachers. We have our last day at Preschool on Thursday, which I am a little sad about but we are also very excited about what next year holds as the girls move into Kindy.

I have been pushing myself to get some sewing done for Christmas presents and all the little baby's that have arrived the last few weeks.

Burp Cloths for Baby E. These have been made from flannel bunny rugs and a yellow cloth nappy that we never used for the littlest man. I made burp cloths for Baby E's big brother 2 years ago and his Mum and Dad loved them. So I thought some updated ones for the newest member of the family would make a great pressie. I used this tutorial for the shape.

Festive singlets and baby bloomers made from linen for Baby E and Baby T. Perfect for the hot days we are having at the moment.

And a little set for Baby C (this one is for my sisters best friend). My take on the Otto Aqua shorts and a little top to match, all in festive colours.

And in other exciting news.. I am flying out to here on the 26th December for a week to visit my sister. I am so excited!!!

Festive Sewing...

2009-12-04T23:22:00.000-08:00

I realised on Friday that we are on the down hill slide to Christmas and the girls had nothing special to wear for our upcoming concerts - Angelina Ballerina and The Wiggles, preschool graduation and Christmas parties. Their wardrobe is bursting at the seams but its nice to spoil them...

3 hours at the machine, including cutting and making my own bias binding and we have two little duck skirts. Prefect for twirling our way through the festive season. The white material is from an Egyptian Cotton Sheet that my sister left behind when she moved OS this year and the aprons, which are attached to the front and back are from Lizzy House's range..Red Letter Day. They looked super cute at the Angelina concert yesterday and I got stopped by two women and asked where could they buy them from...

Work Shirt Tops....

2009-11-19T20:22:00.000-08:00

On one of my op shop visits I happened across two lovely men's shirt - Country Road & Abercrombie & Fitch....they came home with me and are now...

Two little summer tops, perfect for the 39 degree days we have been experiencing.

The girls love them and have nicknamed them.."work shirt tops" as they are just like Dad's work shirts.

The only thing I would change next time is longer sleeves so that they cover the girls shoulders a bit more...

It's nice to be sewing again...

My Last $12....

2009-10-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

I ventured into my local salvos with $12 in my wallet. My last few visits have been really disappointing but today the thrifting Gods were smiling.... For $12 I got.....

A retro looking bedside table that I plan to strip back and put into the girls room

and some gorgeous red and white linen that will turn into some nappy covers for all the little boys that have been born in the last two weeks

What bargains have you found at the Op Shop lately?

I Fear....

2009-10-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

Cushions Covers and Zippers......but I conquered my fear of cushion covers the weekend with this sweet little cover that we whipped up for our special friend Mia. It was so easy and I have lots of plans for updating my lounge with some throw cushions. I used this tut and a free print from the Otto website for the Babushka Doll. She is not perfect but made with lots of love...and I ran out of time to embroider her face, which is probably a good thing knowing how ordinary my hand sewing abilities are.

Happy 5th Birthday Mooska xox

Vroom Vroom Set

2009-10-13T21:21:00.000-07:00

A tiny bit of crafting has been happening in this house. We have just finished school holidays and coupled with a 2 year old that has forgotten how to sleep..there has been no time or energy for much! I have a few things cut out and ready to sew..I am just waiting for the sewing bug to return. I have been buying some fabric online from the US..while our dollar is lovely and strong..its becoming quiet an addiction!

I did manage to finish this little set for my parents to give to my girlfriend that had this little boy back in June. A basic pair of wide legged pants and a little Osh Kosh top picked up for a bargain price..pressies don't get much. better

And in other exciting news....I won this giveaway over at Amanda's blog. I bought the other two prints to go with the series as we are decorating the little man's room in a transport theme. Oh my they are so lovely. My photos don't do them any justice. Thanks Amanda I am thrilled to bits..now to find some white frames and we can hang them on the wall

I am planning to share the giveaway love very soon...with something special!

5...

2009-09-28T22:58:00.000-07:00

Two special little girls in our house turned 5 last week!

Wow 5....we are amazed at how far you have come

You started off as two tiny little scraps, entering the world 11 weeks early

And now we have two beautiful, caring, independent (and at times stubborn) little individuals

You are best friends

You are like little sponges, soaking up new information everyday and learning in leaps and bounds

We are so proud of you both

Happy 5th Birthday

We love you bottle tops...to the moon and back XOXO

The Fairy Queen Cake

The Cupcake Spectacular we shared with friends at the park

Cupcake Toppers - made by the very talented Tammy at Sweet Art Diva .

Thank You Gifts

Another Great Giveaway....

2009-09-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

from Sarah-Jo . I have admired this material for a long time..its lovely. Fingers crossed that I win. Thanks Sarah-Jo.

and this lovely giveaway at Twinkle Star Art. These prints would look lovely in the little man's room!

Spring Fling Skirt

2009-08-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

The kids were invited to a 3rd birthday party on the weekend, by the little girl who lives over the back fence. They have just moved into their house so its nice to get to know some more neighbours.

Having just returned from a week on the beautiful Gold Coast I was feeling pretty unmotivated to sew or do much. But I gathered my strength and dived into my stash. I am loving what I came up with. A double layered twirly skirt, with vintage sheeting on the bottom layer and lovely cupcakes on the top.

We added a treasure pocket (this is what the girls have called them as they are perfect for collecting all sorts of treasures, like shells, sticks and bottle tops!). It came together nicely and I can see myself making some more of these in the near future. I did make the pocket a little on the large size (it was gaping open) but I managed to fix this by adding a button and buttonhole to the pocket. Prefect for Canberra spring weather with a little pair of leggings underneath.

Party Season...

2009-08-09T22:33:00.000-07:00

I was only saying to someone last month that the girls didn't seem to have made that many friends at preschool. There were lots of parties happening and no invites for us (they weren't aware but I was hearing other parents talk about this party and that one..it actually made me sad to think that people were struggling to break through the special bond my girls share).

Well that all changed and we have had two preschool parties in the last two weeks. Yay to new friends!

I am really struggling with what to buy 5 year olds. There is so much commercialised stuff out there! So for our new friend S we made this superheroes cape (I used a tutorial that I found online and now I can't remember where I found it..sorry) and teamed it with a canvas to paint, some acrylic paints and paint brushes and for our other friend S I made a little twirly skirt and appliqued t-shirt and teamed it with 4 pretty butterfly clips and a sparkly lip gloss. I probably spent $20-$25 on each child. Not factoring in fabric (as it was all from my stash) or time. So please share your thoughts with me..Is this enough ??(baring in mind that its from two little people). What else can I do for 5 year old pressies??

And here is a sneak peek at some lounge pants I made for my sisters birthday. Vintage sheets and a lovely vintage linen tablecloth used for the cuffs..mmm comfy. I hope she likes them. The jewellery is from Zaruff in Sydney. You can buy it online. I have one of their hand crafted bracelets, made from semi-precious stones and venetian glass beads. Its chunky but I love it. They often have some great sales and you can pick up some of the jewellery at half price!

Increasing My Fabric Stash

2009-08-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would share some of my fabric bargains that I have managed to score over the last month. Now its time to start planning some summer sewing.......

$2.50 for vintage cotton plisse at a country Op shop. Its a bit sad that when you go home to see your family..you have to have a good trawl through the local Op shops!

Linens, denim and a spotty drill, along with some buttons and embroidery thread picked up at the YMCA Garage Sale on Saturday

3 clowns also from the YMCA Garage Sale..they were too cute to leave behind

My splurge on fabrics from the US. I highly recommend this shop. Their service is fantastic.

Cottons from my parents local Spotlight..all for $2 a metre.

My spotlight never has anything this good. I just wish I had gotten more!

And some fabric from my local fabric store. They had a sale last month with 25% off quilting cottons for members.

Polka Dot Swap

2009-08-02T23:03:00.000-07:00

Look what arrived in the mail for me last week. Yippee. My Polka Dot Swap Parcel from Bianca. Wow I have been so spoilt. After such a crazy week, it was lovely to sit down and savour all these goodies. Thanks Bianca.

3 lovely pieces of material - spotty velvet, spotty plisse and some gorgeous fabric for the little man

A lovely little bag (which I have had to hide rom the girls) and a covered note pad which already has a permanent home in my hand bag.

For Bianca, I made the Hostess Apron from this pattern . It was my first attempt at an apron and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it came together. I will be definitely making this one again. And a flower brooch, using some of my all time fav fabric and the Prints Charming Pattern I got at the craft show in Sydney. Lots of fun. Thanks to Stacey for all her hard work in organising the swap.

****On another note..is anyone else having trouble uploading images to blogger??******

Ahoy Me Hearties..

2009-07-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

Naff title..I know but I couldn't help myself!!

I am back from some time at my parents on the NSW mid north coast. Ahh..it was lovely. The weather was nice and I was kid free for a few days. Woohoo. Thanks to my lovely husband who held down the fort at home!!

Before I left I made this little outfit for my friend's new baby. After 7 years of heartache they welcomed a little boy 4 weeks ago. I am so happy for them, they totally deserve this little man!

I started off with the Ahoy baby shorts from Ottobre 3/2009 but made a few amendments along the way. I lengthened them, didn't add the seam allowance and added a cuff. Fingers cross they fit. They are made from a lovely blue and white striped linen that I inherited from my Granner's stash and cuffed the hems and waistband in some gorgeous kokka Dancing Rabbits.

And a little pair of reversible cloth shoes. I found this material at Spotlight last year a nice spotty linen and some cotton covered in animals. They are lined with little pigs and a wool flannel that I found at the Op shop. I made size 9-12 months for next winter.

Another Great Pattern from Make it Perfect

2009-07-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

Win it over here. Fingers crossed as this would look lovely on my little man!

I have been busy...

2009-07-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

But can't reveal too much! I finished my swap yesterday for the Polka Dot Swap. I was worried about stepping outside my comfort zones and making something other than kid's clothes..But I did it and I love it...so much that I actually wanted to keep the item for myself (bad..I know). I am happy with the finish and also the colours, as putting colours together makes me nervous. But it worked and I hope my swap partner loves it as much as I do.....

Sneak peaks and all wrapped up and ready to send.......

July is a busy birthday month for us..We have 4 birthdays in a space of a week. I used this tutorial over at MADE to make some crazy quilted birthday cards. Its a great way to use up scraps and it also allowed me to try out some of the fancy stitches on my machine. I used some card stock from an art shop but you could really use heavy folded cardboard. I think I will be making more of these..they were so much fun

Crazy Quilted Birthday Cards

Its my Mum's birthday next week and I made her a Prints Charming Brooch. Its the first time I have done any hand embroidery and as long as you don't look too closely..its not too bad! It was a nice little project that I could complete sitting on the lounge while the kids were tucked up in bed. I hope she likes it. I think it would look great attached to a bag as well.

Prints Charming Brooch

And lastly..how cute is the littlest man in his Tin Whistle Robot Tee. Its hard to get a nice picture of him now..he doesn't sit still for any length of time.

Another Great Giveaway

2009-07-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

Check out this blog and her wonderful giveaway. The owls would look lovely in the girls bedroom. Hop over and join the fun....

Brrrr Its Cold Outside...

2009-07-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have been sending the littlest man off to stay and play in about 4 layers to keep the cold out. He was desperate for a warm jacket. I searched my Otto mags for the perfect pattern and we came up trumps with the Little Ghost Fleece Jacket 6/2007. Its polar fleece fully lined with single jersey (minus the little ghost applique). I made a size 92 and didn't add the seam allowance, thankfully its a perfect fit. It came together so quickly apart from attaching the sleeves together. I came close to throwing the whole thing in the bin..I couldn't get my head around it. I find at times Otto instructions are so lacking. Thankfully my perseverance paid off and he had a warm snuggly jacket to wear to playgroup this morning. The only issue is the button holes. I interfaced the front panel underneath the button holes but they look like they are still going to stretch. I used much larger buttons than intended. I saw these buttons at Spotlight and knew they would be a perfect match. Anyway it just needs to get him through the next couple of months.

Sorry for the crappy photos..my model did not want to participate and its grey and gloomy inside to day

I will be glad when this week is over...

2009-06-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

Gosh what a crappy week. We have been hit by a nasty viral / flu thing that had myself and the other half bed ridden for two days. Thankfully we both didn't get it at once. The girls have tonsillitis and the littlest man seems to have escaped this one. Fingers crossed. I can honestly say I have never felt sicker - 39 deg temps, hot and cold shakes. Nasty. I am back on deck today and at the least the kids will get some decent meals other than fruit, toast, cheese on toast and tinned soup. I was too sick to even have any mothers guilt with what they were eating!!

On a brighter note..for those that haven't already seen, Little Munchkins has a great giveaway over here. I would love to win the Sandbox pants pattern. I have a couple of O+S patterns to try out and even got some lovely material in the mail last week..but more about that when I am feeling better.

And here is another wonderful giveaway...I would love to win one of her Tilda skirts.

Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair

2009-06-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

I left the little people behind for the weekend (with their Dad) and headed off to Sydney. Such perfect timing and planning on my behalf...The Sydney Craft and Quilt Show was on...Yay! So Mum and I hit the fair. There was so much to look at and so many people...

I picked up a cute Big Owl Pattern from Hot Possum and a gorgeous Flower Brooch Kit from the girls at Prints Charming. I really liked the scarf kits they had put together but by the time I decided I wanted one they had sold out! So I had to suffice with some covered button instead. I had planned to buy some fabric but nothing really jumped out and grabbed me. Although their was lots of beautiful liberty and Japanese fabrics but I think I had better use some of my stash first.

I really loved these gorgeous knitted dolls by Annie at ak traditions. I so wish I could knit....
I also like what Jane at Be Be Bold had done with the oliver + s patterns. She had made up most of the patterns in beautiful Japanese fabrics...Oh my. I had to hold on tight to my credit card. I didn't spend too much time looking at the quilts but what I saw was pretty spectacular.

On Sunday my sister and I headed out to the Bondi Markets. Lots of interesting goodies. I got this handful of lovely large vintage buttons.

On the sewing front I finished a little vintage vest for the little man. It was a kwik sew pattern that I found at the op shop some time ago. The only problem was that the size 2 was way too small in length.so I added an extra 2 inches on and top stitched it for detail. You can barely tell. I struggled with attaching the ribbing to the v neck. The instructions weren't really specific. It took several un pickings before I finally realised what I was doing wrong. (Some times I think my brain is mushy after 3 kids). It looks so cute on. I will definitely be making more. I just need to find some better sources for knit material.Spotlight and Lincraft are pretty hit and miss and the last two knits I have bought from Spotlight have had small holes in them! Has anyone got any ideas where I can buy quality knit from?

I Heart Tilda

2009-06-03T21:03:00.001-07:00

Finally something sew worthy to blog about. Last night I finished the Tilda T-shirt dresses for the girls from Otto 6/2007. I love them. It was such a lovely thick knit to work with and so much easier to sew than the knit I used in my first attempt. I also used a ballpoint stretch needle this time and I think its made a world of difference. It was the first time I have banded a neckline. I was worried about this..but it was so easy. I was too lazy to set up the machine with a twin needle so I just top-stitched around the neckline twice. The girls loved these so much that they had to wear them today to preschool. Fingers crossed that they don't come home covered in paint.

Do you ever have Groundhog Days??

2009-05-25T16:03:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am having Groundhog Days..over and over, with my washing. Its endless and every day feels the same - washing, folding, putting away and its time to do it all over again...Agghh!! My wish is to have someone come in and do all the washing, folding and putting away. Lets hope we win the lottery soon!!

So no sewing. Everyone has been sick with a nasty cold. We are starting to feel a little better so fingers crossed that I can be a bit more productive this week.

I have had some lucky finds at the op shop over the last two weeks. So I thought I would share

Nearly 2m of lovely polished cotton, a new book that I am really enjoying, lots of buttons for the stash and a little pinafore pattern that is a size one that I am going to have a go at grading up for the girls

This wonderful book. Its is so detailed and so helpful and it was only $2 from the Slavos

And the best find of all - an antique cabinet for the hallway. Sorry about the crappy photo. It needs restoring, locks replaced but in the meantime it is great to have some more sturdy storage

The Thing I Love About...

2009-05-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

There is not much sewing happening this week as the kids are sniffly, coughing and a bit clingy. I think our first winter colds are just around the corner. I did manage to finish off a little 1st birthday pressie over the weekend. Its from the latest Otto - the "toffee tunic". It came together nicely. I was a bit stretched for time and was worried about getting it done. But the thing I love about Otto is that it looks detailed but its often so quick to do. The little capped sleeves with elastic are just gorgeous. I think it will be great for winter with a long sleeved t-shirt underneath. Wide legged pants are made from a slubby (is that a word?)denim with a contrasting pocket. And one day I will learn how to take decent photos!!!

make it perfect giveaway

2009-05-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

I would love to win this pattern. The girls are desperate for a winter jacket and I love the fact that this one is reversible. Hop over and have a look. If I don't win I will be buying this as soon as it hits my local fabric shop. Thanks Toni

Happy Days

2009-05-10T02:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to all those special Mum's out there. I hope your day was as fun as ours;

a special breakfast with the kids and a voucher for 1/1/2 hr Spa Package
a relaxing lunch with a couple of glasses of wine, with 2 other special mums (and no kids!)..pure bliss
meeting the Dads and kids at the park for a play, teddy bears picnic and in the littlest man's case..a swim (fall) in the lake
a flat tyre :(

xoxo

Meet Wally....

2009-05-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

Wally the Whale that is...... a bit of fun for the littlest man. Soft cord from spotlight (hmmm I still think they look a little like pj pants) and a target t-shirt appliqued with Wally. Perfect for the chilly days we are having.....

Trying to get my model to stay still is virtually impossible these days..

And this one...just because he is cute!!

Look at this great giveaway

2009-05-05T23:37:00.000-07:00

I would so love this ring.....doesn't it just sum up what "busy mums need to do!". If you want to be in the running just blog about the giveaway and pop over and leave a comment. Too easy. Kristie's jewellery is lovely!! Here is the link Missie Krissie Giveaway

Winter Sewing

2009-04-22T17:24:00.000-07:00

The machine has been whirring away. I took the opportunity while the girls were on school holidays to sew them some winter clothes. Its been nice not to have to rush out the door to school and swimming. We have a quiet two weeks just hanging around, catching up with friends and sewing....

The girls picked some cord on a recent trip to spotlight. Its is so soft. I really wanted to buy some Michael Kaufman Cool Cords but it worked out to be about $17 a metre (maybe when the dollar improves), with postage included. I was a bit worried that the pants looked too much like pj pants. But we had lots of lovely comments when we wore them shopping during the week.

Two little appliqued tees. The tees are from target. They have a little bit of stretch, which I like. I appliqued some wool felt under each image just to give them a bit of a 3D look.

I also managed to make two twirly skirts from this tutorial. Wow it was so easy. I will be making more of these. It was a great way to use up some cord scraps. Its resulted in lots of twirling....

And some baby sewing for little Lily who is now 7 months old. Oops I am a bit late but the little reversible slippers won't fit until she is 9 month. I also appliqued a little lightweight spencer (they live in Cairns) using the wool felt behind the image.

I venterued into the unkown...

2009-04-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

...And came out with a knit top, that I am pretty chuffed with. Its the Muksis top from Otto 1/2009.

It was challenging to say the least. Why you ask?

The knit was super fine and kept rolling at the edges.

I put a small hole in the sleeve with the overlocker, hence the strategically placed stars.

I couldn't quiet get the tension right on the wrong side.

I used a straight stitch as advised by the otto instructions but have a feeling that perhaps I should have used a small zig zag??

The sleeves are meant to have a large cuff but I couldn't attach it by stretching the sleeve and cuff around the machine table. Does that make sense? So I bound them and added some elastic. I think next time I will just taper the sleeve and bind or hem the edges.

But overall I am happy with it. It fits and I love the fabric. I will keep persevering until I conquer knits, as there are some great patterns around.

So if anyone has anymore tips on sewing with knits, then please send them my way.

Mail Swap

2009-04-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

Well its all happening in the Two Peas household. The girls have been busy completing their mail swap.

They (and me too) have had so much fun. Its been a race to get to the mail box each morning to see if there are any letters addressed to them. We have received a few and its been excitement plus - we love the drawings, stickers & buttons and its be lovely getting a photo of the child that has sent the letter (wish I had thought of that one!). Of course they want more..and are nagging me about when the postman is coming back. Thank you Christie. Its been a wonderful project.

So look out for some letters from us. We only decorated the back of each envelope but if the girls had had their way then the posty would have been delivering some brightly coloured envelopes!!!

Birthday Time...

2009-04-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

Well it was my birthday on Monday..Happy Birthday to me. Which also meant it was my twin sisters birthday. I decided to go all handmade for her pressie and I am now well on my way to meeting my handmade target for all birthdays so far this year. She requested two things - lounge pants and also an Amy Butler Sling. I will start with the good things first...The lounge pants. They were made from a thrifted actil sheet. Not sure if it was vintage but it is lovely... dandelions (or poppers as the girls call them) and I cuffed them with something that was in my stash. They are super comfy and the pattern was made by cutting up a pair of old flanny Susan pj's.

(Do you like my new labels?)

The Amy Butler Sling, almost needs its own post. I am not happy with the finished result (maybe its just me being fussy). I picked some nice AB fabric from here. (Great service by the way). I originally decided to use the AB for the bands and bag handle. But when it arrived it was very blue..so blue it almost glows in the dark. Thankfully I had some Lecien spots in my stash that I thought my tone it all down a bit. The bag came together quickly but when I turned it out..I really disliked all the colours together. So I unpicked and re-cut a new handle from some fabric that was in the stash..ahh much better. But the interfacing bubbled on the inside band (maybe my iron was too hot???) and the band seemed to have stretched (I did cut the fabric on the grain but I didn't wash it but I am new to this, so not sure why?). You can't really notice it unless you look closely but I am disappointed all the same :(o

The orginal band (left) and the final band

The finished sling. It looks good from the distance!

I kept the AB fabric on the internal pockets. See what I mean about it glowing in the dark?

I tweaked things ever so slightly. I added a magnetic clasp (so easy, I was really scared about this one) and in one of the large pockets I sewed in a pocket that will fit her mobile phone.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER xoxo

Kids Mail Swap

2009-03-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

The girls are participating in this fantastic Kid's Mail Swap that Christie has organised. There has been lots of drawing happening in this house the last few days. So much that we are off to the shop for more supplies today. Its very exciting and I know they will be over the moon when their first letter arrives.

Handmade Fairies

2009-03-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

The girls had a Fairy Birthday party to go to yesterday morning. On Saturday night I pulled out their dress-ups only to find that there fairy wings were in a sorry state (you know the ones - stocking stretched over wire. They never seem to stay looking nice in this house for long!) So I raided the stash and thanks to mum I had a little bit of donated fairy fabric, left over from a doona cover she made my little sister about 15 years ago.

So 20 minutes later.... Two bits of interfaced fabric x 2, sewn right sides together, turned out and topstitched ..Wahla...the girls have new fairy wings. I just wrapped a piece of bias binding around the middle and hand stitched it to a plain T-shirt. PERFECT..Although a little handmade looking compared to all the other fairies at the party.

A Whole Lot of Pink

2009-03-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

...this outfit is gorgeous (if I do say myself) and if I could get away with dressing the little man in pink then I certainly wouldn't be giving it to a special little girl, for her 2nd Birthday tomorrow. There is a lot of pink but she is a pink girl and looks lovely in all shades...

I finally mastered the pockets in the pants that I had a real disaster with on the din-o-door outfit. The tunic top is from the latest otto mag - Kukkopilli raglan sleeve tunic top or bird whistle top. I omitted the applique as I didn't really like it.

I have used this fabric before and I have lots left over. Iam trying to use what's in my stash, although I am tempted to visit Spotlight this weekend. I got a voucher in the mail today for spend $100, get $40 off. WooHoo and I think the kids need some cord for winter.

Now off to start some winter sewing for the kids and some birthday sewing for my twin sister..(I am running out of time )

No Sewing..but some new Inspiration

2009-03-12T23:29:00.000-07:00

Still no sewing..apart from some library bags for the girls(But I suppose that counts). The sleep deprivation and the sickness continues in this house. Blah..Blah ..Blah. Although last night everyone sletp in their own bed. Its amazing what a decent nights sleep does for the soul and the sewjo. Today I traced a couple of things off from Ottobre for a little ones 2nd Birthday next week. So fingers crossed that the sleep continues and I may get some sewing done this weekend. Yay.

I decided to visit Spotlight last week for some inspiration (excuse the crappy photos). I really want to try sewing knit fabrics. I scored the mother load in knit fabrics. I think it was last years knits but they were all reduced to $7 per metre. I just love a good bargain! So I am hoping that some new fabric in the stash will get me motivated to do some winter sewing for the kids.

Some lovely knits for winter sewing - lots of chocolate brown. I hope this will look okay on little girls?

And some bright summer cottons that I think I will use to make the Siiri Pinafore from the latest Otto

Dino-O-Door Set

2009-02-24T14:10:00.000-08:00

A special little man turned two and had his party on the weekend. I whipped up this little Dinosaur set as he loves them...calls them din-o-doors! They are the "Taku" linen pants from the latest Ottobre (minus the square pockets). They are quiet a slim fit. I hope they fit over his little nappy bum. I will definitely add an extra cm to the seam allowance when I make them up again. I decided to get tricky and draw up my own pockets ( I even made my own bias binding). What a nightmare. The front pockets looked great laid out on the cord but of course I forgot to add extra to the top to take into account the top casing. Ahhh...this is why you shouldn't sew while sleep deprived. So they turned into patches instead. Anyway it looks cute, topped off with a bonds skivvy. Perfect for winter.

I saw this post by Bek and thought that this is me. Life seems to be a constant cycle of washing, cooking, cleaning up, getting kids out the door, grocery shopping, working.... There is no time. We are also seriously sleep deprived. The girls are both waking, every night and Archie seems to have joined in. (I can't remember the last time we had a full nights sleep)...Ahh sometimes I just wish we had family we could palm them off to for half a day, so that we could have some time together. I keep telling myself it will get easier and its just the sleep deprivation talking. It looks like my shifts will be cut as they have employed 3 new staff so at least I should get some more family time on weekends and maybe even a sleep in. I can live in hope.

So Sad...

2009-02-09T13:34:00.000-08:00

The devastation from the VIC fires is heartbreaking. So many people have lost everything and so many lives taken.
We lived through the Canberra fires in 2003. The row of houses in front of us were burnt to the ground. We were lucky. Its brought back some very unpleasant memories. I don't think I have ever been so scared in all my life. Things happened so quickly. Watching a fire on a distant hill, racing back to the house, packing what we could and driving through the dark streets to escape. I will never forget the noise or the wind or the fear in the pit of my stomach.
It is heartbreaking to watch and to hear their stories. So I am being grateful for everything I have - my gorgeous family, my little house, our possessions.
We have donated to the Red Cross and I will also be joining this amazing girl and lots of other wonderful crafty bloggers and sewing some handmade goodies for the kids that have lost everything.

Pacman Lounge Set

2009-02-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

I was just checking through some photos and realised I had forgotten to share these. I made my SIL in the UK some lounge pants for her birthday in early January. I used a retro sheet that I picked up at the Salvos (it reminded me of pacman). They actually look nothing like pacman but for some reason they conjure up pacman memories. And I finished them off with new yellow gingham on the cuff and by embellishing a singlet with covered buttons and yo-yos. I followed this tutorial. The yo-yos were so easy. I can't believe I waited so long to attempt them!! They are super comfy (if there is such a word).

Its Been a Productive Week

2009-02-01T18:18:00.000-08:00

Its been so hot here...we have been hibernating in our lovely airconditioned house. So last week while the kids played, I managed to get a little birthday present finished for my niece Ruby who turns 5 on Friday. As we speak this parcel of goodies is winging its way to the UK. (I know her mum checks this blog but I am sort of hoping that she doesn't have time this week). Jane, we need some photos of her in her new outfits.

Umbrella Girl - Lounge Set. I stencilled the little girl onto the plain tee. I am not overly happy as some areas smudged. But it looks cute. I used a vintage cotton for the pants and cuffed them with some new fabric that was in the stash. I love how these two fabrics came together. I am thinking that I need some of these for me :)

Siiri Pinafore Dress - my first pattern from my new otto subscription. I love it. It came together quickly. I made the 110 size but didn't add the seam allowance. Its a perfect fit on my girls and I know Rubes is a similar size. It will look great over jeans and with a long sleeved tee or tights and a skirt. I will definetley be making the girls one of these for winter. The only area I am not happy with is the loop. Thankfully the big button hides it!. Its also the last of the cupcake material.

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY SWEET RUBES xoxo

For the Cutest 3 Year Old I Know

2009-01-22T13:32:00.000-08:00

The girls had a party to go to on the weekend. I whipped up this outfit for the little 3 year old. Her mum says she loves it..hasn't taken it off!! It's such a lovely, easy pattern but I think I have done it to death...time to move on!

Here are the girls in their little dresses I made them for Christmas...enjoying the teacup ride at the play centre

In other exciting news. My first Ottobre subscription arrived yesterday (thanks Mum). Wow its is so good. There are some great patterns for little boys. I just need the little man's legs to grow a bit longer and lots of wonderful knit patterns (time to conquer my fear). I can't wait to get started.

I am a Winner....

2009-01-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

(photo courtesy of Quilthome.com as I couldn't get my camera to photograph the colours correctly)

I am a winner, over at Tikiboo. Kathryn sent me some gorgeous Amy Butler fabric from the Lotus collection. Its lovely and perfect for some new baby pressies I have in mind. Thank You :)

Happy NYE..bye bye 2008

2008-12-30T13:51:00.000-08:00

I am back and need to backtrack a bit as I completely ran out of time to post my handmade Christmas gifts. I haven't been well and decided to take a little break and just enjoy some time with the family.

Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope your day was special. Ours was - family, too much food and lots of excitement!. It was the first year that the girls actually understood what Christmas was about and it was such a joy to watch the excitement on their faces when opening their pressies.

Amy Butler Birdie Sling. This is my first ever bag and I was extremely happy with the finished result. It was so easy! I will be making this up for me next, with a few slight changes!

Lining of my Amy Butler Sling - I just used a plain drill

Cupcake and Icy pole dresses for the girls. You can't half tell that I love this pattern?

Short longs for the little one - orange stripes and vintage smurfs

I saw these tote-able towels over at And so, I sew and I knew they would be prefect for my girls and also my cousins. I made a few changes as I found it really hard to sandwich the towel between two pieces of material. (I think I was running out of patience and energy - thank god for Mum's help). So I just sewed a rectangle of material onto the top side of the towel, with a hem turned under on all 4 sides. Before sewing all they way round I pinned in the shoulder strap and a small strap. Too easy! Thanks for the inspiration Karen.

Vintage boxers for my cousin

A reindeer Christmas shirt for the little one

Phew.....all done. And on that note Happy New Year. My new years resolution is to be a more consistent blogger. I am enjoying blogging and the inspiration from other amazing crafters is fantastic. So THANK YOU

Christmas Crafting...slowly

2008-12-09T19:55:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas crafting is happening here..just very slowly. Life is busy and coupled with sleepless nights it just doesn't help the creativity and motivation!!! But we will get there.

I finished my Christmas wreath last night by following this tutorial by Katy. Its fantastic. So quick and easy. I can't believe I put it off for so long.

And some Christmas pj's for the kids. For the girls I used vintage sheets that I bought from the op shop during the year. They look great and feel so comfy. And the little man's pair is made from some car fabric that I picked up at Spotlight during my last visit.

Christmas Crafting

2008-11-25T13:15:00.000-08:00

We made a start on our Christmas crafting yesterday. We had a great time. Thankfully I chose to set it up outside as we had paint from one end to the other (literally). We made some Christmas paper with a roll of brown paper, potato stamps, stencils, red and green paint and glitter. They girls want to use it to wrap their aunties pressies!! Its a bit rustic but I am sure it will look great under the Christmas tree.

Our Work In Progress

I also got an email today to say that Issue 5 of LMNOP was out. I love this little mag. There are some great Christmas Ideas in this issue. If you haven't seen it pop over to LMNOP and subscribe. You won't be disappointed.

I have been also doing some tea dying, just by following these instructions. Its for a pressie on my Christmas list. Its worked wonderfully and hopefully I can share the finished product soon.

M.I.A.

2008-11-24T17:56:00.000-08:00

It feels like ages since my last post (I feel like I am becoming a crafting fraud). This working gig is hard going. I was originally only meant to work two weekends a month but there is a real shortage of staff so its been every weekend and this will continue until Christmas (can't complain too much as the money is good). I just hope I can get through my Christmas list. I have been doing lots of cutting out (this is my least favourite thing) with the hope that I will get through things faster, if they are all ready to go.

I have managed a few little things between work, sick kids with gastro and a missing daddy for a few days!!!

Cupcake bloomers for a little girl in the US to wear next summer (modelled by the little man as I was a bit worried they were too small. Just don't tell Dad!)

A Ladybug and Butterfly shift for a little girls 4th Birthday - she is mad about creepie crawlies!

A taggy giraffe that I am working on. I have re done him and made him a bit more boxy (he was too difficult to turn). I think he will make a nice pressie for all the bubs that have been born lately.

Wet Washing...

2008-11-10T20:42:00.000-08:00

Hanging on the line.. I love looking out my kitchen window and seeing my newly washed fabrics blowing in the wind. I ventured out to spotlight yesterday (my final trip until after Christmas). It was chaos. So busy..but hopefully I have everything I need. Its only 7 weeks till Christmas and its time to start working on my big To Do list. I scored some great fabrics on the bargain table. Beautiful cotton that feels like a linen. Reduced to $3 a metre. It came home with me and will turn into something for the girls for Christmas

Giveaway at Tollipop

2008-11-05T21:19:00.000-08:00

OMG look at this fantastic giveaway at Tollipop . I hope I win, her illustrations are gorgeous and I can picture them hanging in the girls room!

Gathered Shorts

2008-10-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

A cute pic of them together....

Cheeky girls wiggling their bums when I asked them to turn around

Front view with Miss A looking like she has Harry High Pants!! I don't normally tuck their t-shirts in but this was hiding a big stain leftover from lunch.

Not much sewing happening at the moment. I am feeling exhausted and just hanging out for a trip to the coast tomorrow to have some time with family and 2 very good friends and their families. But I did get inspired by a little pair of shorts I saw over at Ten In the Bed . They are by Monstar and I thought they would be just perfect for summer. Here is my version. A little fuller but the girls love them, which is always a bonus.

Fisherman's Shorts

2008-10-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

Archie has a cute pair of knit pj pants that I love. Unfortunately they were getting too small. I decided to draw up a pattern for some summer shorts. They turned out bigger than I expected (the girls also fit into them!). Which probably means he will get 2 years wear out of them. They are made from a pair of fisherman's pants that my sister bought back from Thailand last year (yay love recycling). The pants were great for straight after my pregnancy but now I am getting some shape back they are not overly flattering. I used a front seam from the pants as a front seam for the shorts and I have to say..I love them!! Perfect for chasing bubbles in the back yard....

Pink Cupcakes

2008-10-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

Amongst the tonsillitis, snotty noses and ear infections..I did get some birthday sewing done for our special friend. I was inspired by a little dress that the girls were given by my aunty when they were 12 months old. It was cute but just didn't get much wear as they were crawling when it fitted. The girls and I ventured out to spotlight prior to the party and I asked them to pick some material. They chose...pink cupcakes. Not normally my choice but I think it turned out cute. I haven't heard yet if it fits or if the little girl likes it...which is rather disappointing! The girls also chose some materail for themselves that they want a dress made out of..so I must get organised. The last week has flown by and with all the lurgies in the house nothing much happened. I have big plans to make them some clothes for playschool now that its warming up, hopefully this week.

More Op Shopping

2008-10-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

We are back from visiting the family in Regional NSW. It was a big trip and it took me a week to recover. I am currently having a little sewing (blog) break. The kids are on holidays so we are just enjoying some time together and getting out and about in this lovely, hot spring weather. I did manage to visit a couple of op shops up north and picked up two more vintage sheets (at $1.50 each) that I will use to make the girls some summer pj's or lounge pants and a gorgeous basket that will be used to hold my ribbons and buttons. Love it! I will get back into sewing this weekend as we have a party to attend on Tuesday and I plan to make the party girl a little dress. The girls helped me pick some cupcake material yesterday for her dress and lets just say its very pink!

Here is the quilt that my Mum made Nan for her 80th. Its not a great photo but she printed out photos of the family. Nan was thrilled and plans to hang it on the wall above her bed for the summer months. Its a really thick flannel. I wish I had the patience to learn how to quilt!

How we love Fridays....

2008-09-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

On Fridays Master A and I drop the girls at playschool and head off to the fresh food markets to get our bags of fresh fruit & veg for the coming week. I love Fridays as it means the weekend is near and we get to take in the sights and sounds of the market, while sitting in the sun and enjoying our morning coffee! If Master A is in a good mood after the markets we often head to the op shop. Their is an op shop near the market - a Salvos Warehouse and I often do well. Well last Friday was no exception and we got this fantastic haul of fabric......

From the top, a knitted jumper for Master A for next winter, grey wide wale cord about 3m, brown denim about 3m, a gorgeous aqua blue vintage sheet that I can see making the girls some summer pj's and a single bed vintage smurf sheet..all for $9.50

There will be no op shopping or sitting in the sun this Friday as we are driving north to spend some special time with my family and help Great Nanna Shirley celebrate her 80th Birthday.

Spring time Pants

2008-09-14T23:13:00.001-07:00

I finally finished these pants during the week. They are perfect for our spring time weather. I used a CREAM Japanese linen and the girls picked a favourite material for the cuffs. The linen is gorgeous but just not very practical for climbing tress and playing in the dirt!! But I love them. Simple, quick and we had a lot of comments from our playgroup friends when we wore them on Thursday.

Birthday Sewing...

2008-09-14T22:25:00.001-07:00

The girls turned 4 today so I have been busy with some birthday sewing.

Hobby horses which have been named Peoples & Billy. I used this pattern here with just a few slight variations as my hand sewing is terrible. As a result everything was done on the machine. The horses were a big hit with the girls.

And birthday Kimonos from the habitual pattern once again but I made the binding wider, lengthened the sleeves and shortened the width on the front panels as the girls are quiet small across the chest. I am really happy with how they turned out.

Polka Dot Blouse

2008-09-03T22:39:00.000-07:00

More Ottobre....this time the polka dot blouse from Spring 1/2008. I love it. It is a great fit. Its the perfect blouse for Canberra spring weather. The girls wanted to wear them today and of course its freezing. So we just layered with a long sleeved t-shirt underneath. I might make up a summer version and shorten the sleeves to just above the elbow. And rather than make the embellishment I added buttons. I have a thing for buttons at the moment....

Rainy Sunday = Habitual Kimono

2008-09-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

A bit slow posting these photos. Sunday was cold, wet and miserable..perfect for some sewing. While Daddy napped on the lounge and the kids played..I whipped this kimono up for Master A. The pattern can be found over here at Habitual .

The pattern is very easy and I have two more cut out for the girls. This is my all time favourite fabric - Peas & Carrots by America Jane. I think it will make a great Christmas top with a pair of denim shorts. My model wasn't really in the mood. Too busy playing with his toys. I think I will finish the top off with a couple of little buttons. I hope this won't look too girly??

Party Dresses

2008-08-28T04:32:00.000-07:00

Just excuse the scruffy hair and daggy tracksuits. We were not long home from a busy morning at playgroup

Last year the girls really wanted me to make them a party dress to wear for their birthday. Master A was only a month old so the sewing machine was on an extended holiday. This year when they asked again I was determined to make them something special. We seem to start a 4 month roll of birthday parties and special occasions, including Great Nanna Shirley's 80th next month. So the girls picked their fabric and when I got my first Ottobre Magazine I immediately found their party dress - the Jigsaw Pinnafore. They were incredibly easy to sew together, only a couple of hours and that was for 2 dresses. The cutting out took a little longer but only because I had to really think about what colours were going where!!! but I am delighted with them. They look so cute. I did have to take them in 3.5cm on either side. They were really wide. So I am not sure if this is standard with all Ottobre patterns or just this one?? I just need to find a white or cream long sleeved top to go under them as its still a bit chilly down here. This may prove challenging given that all the shops now have their summer stock out.

We Have Been Spoilt....

2008-08-28T04:07:00.000-07:00

I won a giveaway last week on Leanne's blog Homemade Rainbows. The package arrived today and the girls and I couldn't wait to open it. It was full of goodies....

Beautiful vintage linens and buttons and some of her fabulous Yo-Yos

Handmade soap (which smells gorgeous) & paper, some seeds for my garden, two cloth birds (which the girls quickly claimed for themselves), a fabric garland and a booked called Rainbow Food which is all about eating by colour.

Leanne, thank you for your wonderful generosity. If you haven't discovered Leanne's blog then pop over and have a look. She has a garden I can only dream about and chooks!!

Take 2 on the Overalls

2008-08-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well I re-visited the overall pattern and with a few modifications...came out with this! They look super cute on the little man. The only thing I didn't do was make them long enough. So with the cuff rolled up they are a wee bit short. Next time I will get it right. Archie has a little friend that is turning one this week so I think I will have at a go at a pair for him... The material on the cuff, lining and pockets is an off cut from Granner's stash. She sent it down with the view to me using it for the girls but it was a lovely wool and it was screaming out to be used for Archie. I was going to save it and use it next winter for a cute pair of pants but when I opened it up I found that it had moth holes. Thankfully there is enough left for another pair of overalls.

Some Christmas Shopping...

2008-08-20T04:09:00.000-07:00

We are just getting over Master A's birthday and I am already thinking about Christmas (how sad!). I have just sent off an email to order the Animal Skittle Game from Poppet in the Post. How cute are they?? I can just picture him bowling the ball down the hallway and I know it will make for a noisy game on the wooden floorboards.

Dino Aqua Shorts

2008-08-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

I have just finished my first Ottobre pattern and I have the say that....I am really happy with them. Its the Aqua shorts from Summer 3/2008. They look super cute on the little man. I just hope that it warms up and he gets to wear them before he grows out of them as I forgot to add a seam allowance to the elastic casing. Oops! And I appliqued a stretchy bonds t-shirts with an extra dino...(excuse the crappy photos. I think I need to play with the settings on the camera as its taking grainy photos)

I get It!

2008-08-11T21:58:00.000-07:00

I finally succumbed and ordered two Ottobre Magazines and they arrived in the post on Monday. Now I get what all the fuss is about. The designs are fantastic and the detail is amazing...where to start. Well I have nearly finished a pair of shorts for Master A - the Aqua shorts and I have a list a mile long to start on for the girls, including:

Jigsaw Puzzle Pinafore
Desert Pants
Polka dot blouse

And the list goes on...Now I just need to get some kid free time. I am also hoping that Ottobre will help me overcome my fear of sewing knits. Surely it can't be that hard. Right??

A Sewing Fraud???

2008-08-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

Some days I feel like a crafting fraud...nothing gets done around the house but the basics ie washing and entertaining the kids. But I have been sewing and I am really happy with the outcome. I drew up a pattern off a pair of overalls that Master A had grown out of but extended the legs and also the body. I will make a few changes next time - square off the front bib, make the straps a little wider and perhaps make them square. The other thing I worked out that you shouldn't do is sew when you are sleep deprived. I stuffed up the cuff and I didn't have the energy to fix it. So I added a little tab detail and it looks sweet. The material is a fine cord that I picked up at the op shop. I love cord on little kids. It washes well and looks fantastic

Some Sewing...

2008-05-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

Wow I have become really slack with posting on this blog! I must try a bit harder. There hasn't been much time to craft in this house since the girls have returned to school. I was trying to do something every day but that seems to have flown out the window. I thought that having two mornings a week to myself would allow a bit more time to sew..but I am actually busier now than if the girls were at home.

Some flannelette wraps and adorable reversible cloth booties for little Charli who entered this world on the 21st April.

They are made from old kimono material, with a soft pink baby cord for the sole and lined with a retro print cotton voile.

Amy Butler Lounge pants for Mum - Happy Mothers Day Mum. For the trim I stitched on a contrasting cross grain ribbon and I elasticised the waist rather than put in a draw string. Mum was happy with the fit. I think I would prefer the waist to sit a little lower on my hips so I will have to work on the pattern.

We had a visit from Nanny last week and she was busy on the machine. She finished these jackets for the girls from this pattern

I have had the pattern for close to 2 years but we struggled to find some quilted cotton. I searched online and we asked at various fabric stores but no one knew what we were talking about. Then someone donated some to the fabric stash which was perfect. Nan made the bias binding and just lined the sleeves so that they can be turned back. Cute and very warm for the chilly Canberra weather we are having at the moment.

Vintage Smocks

2008-04-07T02:03:00.000-07:00

I tried out a vintage smock pattern that I found with some patterns that came from Nan last year. I am really happy with how they turned out. It was my first time applying bias binding and I found it a bit fiddly on the first smock. I think I will make my own binding next time. These smocks are great for an extra layer of warmth for the girls when they go to school, its been chilly the last two weeks. We also made our little friend Amy one for her birthday. I love the fabric - it's the blue and red floral. I was so tempted to keep it but luckily there is enough left over to do one more for one of the girls.

Gum Drop Pillows

2008-03-29T02:49:00.000-07:00

Here are the Amy Butler Gum Drop Pillows that I made for one of my sisters for Christmas. She loved them and I was really happy with how they turned out. As much as I love Amy Butler Fabric I decided against making them up in some of her gorgeous prints in case I stuffed it up. The cutting out was tedious but the sewing together was a real snack. I filled them with bean bag beans rather than poly fill. I have since bought myself some fabric as my lounge room is crying out for some of these. Now to find time to whip them up!

Not Much Sewing!

2008-03-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

My models in the fairy skirts

Archie's shoes - Michael Miller Cowboys and Lightning Bugs.

Well there has not been a great deal achieved in the sewing department. Unfortunately sick and snotty kids equates to a tired and sleep deprived mum.

But I did manage to make Archie a pair of reversible cloth shoes except they are too small. So I will need to tweak the pattern and make him a bigger pair for winter. I also managed to get 2 fairy skirts sewn for playgroup. 2 more to go and then 4 capes, which I need to find a tutorial for. The dress up box at Playgroup is looking very sad so I offered to make some simple skirts.

A Spot of Sewing and a Visit to Spotlight

2008-02-24T18:26:00.000-08:00

(All packaged up in the gift bags made by Mum. Thanks Mum)

One of our little friends turned 1 yesterday so I whipped him up a little pair of pants and embellished a little t-shirt for him. I am sure he will look super cute in it. His mum loved it, so that's always a good start! I used some cord from my stash and the cuffs and pockets are made from the surfy material I picked up at the YMCA garage sale last week.

I also ventured out to Spotlight in the afternoon. The service in my local Spotlight is terrible. The queues are long and most of the staff are cranky but I did get some nice stuff. Just after Christmas I inherited some gorgeous cottons from Granner's (My Grandma) stash that will make cute winter pants. So I found some great Japanese Linen that will make cuffs and pockets. And some nice cottons that will line some Vintage Pinafores I plan on making for the markets. Alecia and I are off to Here at the end of March, so its time to get sewing!

Garage Sale

2008-02-14T01:24:00.000-08:00

Vintage linen & recycled surfy material

Garage Sale Goodies

We went Here last weekend. We got some great goodies - books, material, vintage patterns, dress up beads for the girls and clothes. Unfortunately I didn't get much time to sort through their vintage linen and material (Its hard to do with a wriggling baby on one hip). But the next one is on the 15th March so we will be heading back and early this time!

I also found a great book that took me back to my childhood. It was one that my Nan and Pop used to read to me "There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly." And the girls love it!