Spring Fling Skirt

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.

Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair

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?

Its Been a Productive Week

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

Vintage Smocks

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.