Pop-Over Reversible Pinafore

I bought this pattern from Grain and Gusset off Etsy and decided to give it a go. It is very straight forward but very clever too. It was quick to make and I personalised the design a bit by adding the applique to the front. Im going to make another one later out of cherry print material and yellow material. I think I might do a size 4 though. This one fits ok but only just!

Check out my little model as well! She loves it when I get the camera out!

 

Sewing Challenge- January - Make something for myself

Well I have done it! I have completed the skirt that threatened to ruin the first challenge. I made a three tierd skirt for myself based on another skirt I own and like wearing. The original skirt was a black skirt with lining. Easy! I thought....

So I went to Spotlight and found some material that I loved, bought some tracing paper to make a pattern and some white lining...then got sewing! I measured out the original skirt, made a pattern, then cut out the material, including the lining. I spent the rest of the evening making my new skirt, noticing throughout that it didn't feel like my other skirt, much much heavier. Eventually it was finished and I was very proud, I put it on, looked in the mirror and laughed. It was awful! Much too full, heavy, long and daggy. I showed Ben and he said that looks like a granny skirt!...I would have been offended except that he was right!!

So I took it off and threw it over the sewing chair which is where it stayed for two weeks...until I decided to give it another go.

I pulled most of it apart, pulled out the lining as it wasn't needed, the material was heavy enough. I shortened the hem and adjusted the middle tier, ironed the entire thing as flat as I could get it and put it on....and I liked it! and Ben likes it (I think!) I would definilty make this skirt again but only if the material is on sale. The skirt cost about $25 all up. Definilty wouldn't bother with lining again unless the material was thin like the original skirt. So that is challenge one complete!! Yay me!!

More Patterns!!

After writing my sewing list yesterday my mother in law came down for a visit with a big tub of the patterns she used to use for making her kids clothes. My favourite was definitly an Enid Gilchrist sewing book, probably from about the 1950's. I was so excited that despite having a headache and it being ten o'clock I got drafting! I decided to do a bib first so it would be quick. I chose a design with a tie under the arm as well as around the neck. The best part about it all was then being able to alter the pattern to your own design as your were drawing it up. I made it a bit smaller and would probably make it even smaller still. I also made mine so the ties meet the top ties so you only have to tie it once. I didn't have any bias binding so I made mine with two layers, I used an old table cloth for the absorbant side and a nice print for the back. I made the ties out of the print as well. At the end I decided the front was boring so I put a square applique on which is probably going to end up stained with pumpkin but thats ok with me! Overall it was a good first try and filled in an hour!

Got my sewjo back!!

Well I have had a break for a week from sewing. As part of the 12month sewing challenge I am attempting to make myself a skirt. I paid a small fortune for the material I loved at spotlight and made a pattern from a skirt I love to wear, basically a three tierd skirt like I made for Chloe for chritmas except it is lined. I spent an entire evening on it....and I hate it! My lovely material in this style looks like a grandma skirt. Great material, great skirt just not great together!! I think if I modify it a bit and make it shorter and maybe take the lining out it will be alot better...maybe...

so I lost my sewjo. I sew in my bedroom and it is hanging over the chair staring at me everytime I walk in. I still love the material though so its worth trying to get it right...hopefully before the end of summer!!

Then last night I joined the forum nappyadicts and came across a link in the sewing section which lead me to another link and another link, then I found two patterns on Etsy that I am really keen to try. I bought them both and they are in my inbox waiting for me to get a spare minute... One is a pop-on pinafore and the other is a playmat that turns into a toybag. I also found a free tutorial for a carseat cover that I am definilty going to make today or tomorrow.

Unfortunately though I am off to the doc with ANOTHER sinus infection. About 6 in the last 12 months. So I might wait until my head doesn't feel like a brick!!

I also need to make another backpack for my nephew for his birthday. Its my first boy one. I found some great shark print material at spotlight and in the bargain offcuts bin a piece of heavy blue material so I will make it out of that.

Im also really excited about a list of 100 free tutorials that I came across via nappycino...

Im so excited by all of the above (except my skirt!) that I don't know what to do first...

Here is my list:
1. car seat cover
2. Pinafore
3. More babyleggings for a friend....
4. Skirt eeeek!!
5. Backpack
6. Playmat/bag
7. A toy dog for both my girls - mum gave me a pattern from the paper
8. Oh and many things from all the patterns mum let me borrow. I probably need to start thinking about Autumn/winter clothing for Chloe. Mum gave me a great pants pattern.
9. and all the free tutorial stuff!
10. Plus I want an apron...if I can't get the skirt right it might become an apron!!

sewing to sell

I have had a few people contact me and ask if I would be willing to sell some of the things I have made. This is really exciting and Im enjoying doing it, I just have to figure out the best way to go about it. This is the first item I have sold. Its a kinder backpack that is based on the one I made for my daughter with a number of changes so that Im being original. I have added a number of seems through out to make it function as a backpack a bit better, like a seam holding the drawstring evenly in the middle, some tabs to the side so you can adjust the straps and some extra seams across the top for strength and so it looks nice. Its also a bit larger. I also adjusted the pockets on the front so they hold more. Next time im thinking of adding some elastic to each pocket so that it will hold items in a bit better. Im really happy with it and it was exciting to recieve money for something I had made and put it in the post to go to someone that trully appreciates your work.

summer pics

Summer Holidays!!

I love summer and January is my absolute favourite month. I fill it with mini trips away to visit friends and family, trips to the pool and beach and a family holiday down at Cape Patterson in my folks holiday house.

Christmas was spent at The Basin. It was Elyssa's first Chrismas and the first one Chloe really understood so it was so much fun. It was also my nephew Maxs first Christmas, he turned one at the start of January. The best part of Christmas for me was giving everyone the presents I had made. Its interesting to see peoples reactions. Some people are so thrilled that you have made something for them with your own hands, others try to hide their dissapointment. Most were thrilled or not fussed. I wasn't dissapointed by peoples reactions because I see it as there issue. The world has become so materialistic and the things I made would sell for the same cost as the things they probably wanted from the big shops as alot of time, thought and love goes into them. On the other side of it is the delight others have at what you make which inspires you to continue on the creative path.

New Years was very wet so very quiet but we did go for a fun swim in Warrnambool for the afternoon. Chloe still talks about it now so I know she had a great time. Then last week I drove Chloe, Elyssa and myself to mum and dads for a week of fun and relaxation. I caught up with my besties, did alot of shopping and played in the pool and backyard with the girls. Chloe loves going to Nan and Poppas so she had a great time. For the first time she showed signs of baby jealousy though. Sometimes she looked so sad which broke my heart. It must be hard getting used to a new sister.

Elyssa has changed heaps. She is sleeping really well and has started sitting. Loves to stand or lay on her back and butt scuttle around. She is full of smiles, laughs and noises and has started solids which has taken me off guard. I thought I would start slowly but she has other ideas. If Im eating I have to hide in the kitchen or she gets really cross.

Im only half way through january and half way through the fun. I still have a trip to Geelong to catch up with friends planned and a trip away with Ben and the girls to the beach for a week.