Time just gets away

I still have a long list of things to do before Christmas , which is now only 4 days away ARGHHHHHHH, but I'm taking today a bit slow to try and reboot a little.

This time last year I thought it would be great to do a hand made christmas for 2014 and I have to say I'm glad I did but I wish I had started earlier. I am almost done and have all the adult presents finished but, still have a few of Madelines  presents to go.  If you ask anyone around me they will probably say I always put too much on my plate, both figuratively and at meal time, and I have not disappointed this Christmas. I did a quick calculation before and I've made about 19 gifts with one containing 10 little gifts. But anyway that's just me through and through,  once I make a decision throw myself into it 110%.

I will post photos after the presents are opened, so for now you'll just have to take my word for it hehe.

I appologise for not posting for so long, so in case time gets away again, from my family to yours we wish you a very merry holiday season and a bright and cheerful new year :)

Project Run and Play Week 3

 

Yay for week 3. To be honest, I had this week finished before I started week 1, I was just so excited about my idea. It quite often happens though, that I have an idea in my head and the final result just doesn't do it for me, but week 3 is exactly what I wanted.

I wanted to do a jump suit but one that wouldn't be too heavy so my first mission for this week was to find a denim that wasn't too heavy and a trip to the fabric store on my lunch break found it. I was a little concerned about the skulls on an almost 2 year old so I took a photo and bought it home for my husband to look at. He of course loved it so I went back the next day found the fabric where I had hidden it (slap on the wrist) and bought it. Since I was pattern mashing I really didn't know how much I would need so I bought wayyyy to much, but better to have too much than not enough I say!

The patterns I chose to mash were the Pattern Emporium baby harem pants and the Boo! Grace tunic top. I have made both of these patterns a few times and was quite comfortable with them.

 

For the top I used the correct size bodice but made sure that the fabric for the "skirt" of the top I didn't do the WOF as required by the pattern but instead measured the top of the harem pants and made the "skirt" the same width.  Matching up this measurement made sure that it was to poofy at the waist.

 

 

For the harems I added an inch (I think) to the top of the pattern pieces to allow for the two pieces to be attached. A second change I made to the harems was to attach a snaps panel.  Maddie is still in nappies and having to change her nappy without snaps was a nightmare I wanted to avoid. I also added in some seam pockets in pink. The addition of the pink in the pockets, the belt, the back of the bodice and the headband, I think,  made the look a little more girly and 2 year old friendly.

 

 

I really hope you all love it as much as I do. Please leave your comments below, subscribe to keep up to date and head on over to my Facebook page.

 

Take care and enjoy every day.
Lisa xxx

Project Run and Play - Week One

I can't believe it's finally here. I only finished this collection less than 12 hours ago but I finished and got it photographed so it's all good.

 

I really struggled to decide which 80's cartoon character I was going to use but there really was only one true choice... She-ra the Princess of Power!
 

The challenge was to use your chosen character as inspiration for an every day outfit, not a costume. Anyone who follows me would notice that I am more a fan of solid colours so She-ra was perfect with her red, white and gold.
 

As with the last season of PR& P which I used to make my DD's winter wardrobe I am planning on using this season to make her Spring wardrobe.
 

First up I tackled the cardigan. I think I am in love with this fabric for the cardigan. It's a knit base with the sequins added. For some reason my overlocker didn't like the sequins and I snapped 2 needles but I moved to my machine and thankfully that went ok. I used the Peek-a-boo classic sweatshirt pattern as the base but simply cut the front pattern piece as 2 pieces and added about an inch to give room for the seam down the middle. I also had to change how I did the neck because of my overlocker issue. I pretty much made a piece of 2 fold binding and incased the edge in that. I then finished the bottom and front seams off with my double needle on the machine to allow for the stretch.
 

 

 

Next in the machine was the trousers. I used the same pattern I used last season for the yellow pants, baby Ava jeans by Pattern Emporium. I changed them up a little though. I changed them from looking like a jean and didn't do the double top stitched seams. I also did the front pockets the same as last season and did them without the binding. I also hemmed them at a length that sat just on the ankle, I was going to do them a bit shorter but liked this length which I tried them on. I also left the side seam of each leg open for a couple of inches on the bottom, again, to give a different look. The biggest change though was the back pocket. The pattern comes with a tradition jeans back pocket but as I wanted them to look more like a pant instead of a jean I decided to do two placket pockets. They are proper pockets and I love how they look.  I should also mention I used a plain quilting cotton for this pair, instead of drill like last time, to try and make them a bit cooler for spring.

 

Lastly was the top. I really struggled with what style of top to do and then I was looking over some photos from my favourite blog, Lexi Made, and found some inspiration. I used one of the first patterns I ever bought,  the Ruffle jumper Dress by Heidi and Finn as a base for the bodice of the top. I then uses the same technique as in the Boo! Designs Grace Dress and took a rectangle of fabric, gathered it along the top and attached it to the bodice. when I cut the rectangle I cut it on a angle to give a longer in the back shorter in the front look. The pattern uses hidden snaps in the back but I decided to make a detail of the back and went with lady bug buttons.  I admit that these are specifically She-ra related but I think they're cute!

 

I am really happy with how it all came together,  especially since I have to sew at night and estimate for etc as my DD is asleep.
 

Thank you everyone for coming over for a look.  Please take care xxx

Lisa
 

Ps: all the links are for blogs that I follow and for patterns I have purchased myself.

 

 

 

 

 

16 weeks until Christmas!!!!!!

I've forgotten my book this morning so I thought, to make my train journey to work go a little quicker, I would up date everyone on what's been happening. The more I think about it though the mire I realise that the answer to that question is not much lol. My DD doesn't allow for much sewing during the day at the moment as she's a bit clingy and wants me to play with her all the time, which,  to be honest,  I am happy to do because she won't always want to play with me. So night time sewing it is and I've been so tired lately that even that's been a struggle. BUT it's that time of year again and Project Run and Play is kicking off again and there are some fun weeks ahead. I have already finished my item for week 3 so best attack week 1 tonight, in my defence I have the fabric I just haven't sewn it yet. A little sneaky peak of week 3 :)

I had better get going as we are about to pull into my station but I will be back with my week 1 entry so stay tuned!! 

Busy Busy Busy

Good morning everyone.  Life has been a little hectic around here lately and to be honest, I lost my sew-jo for a little while there.  But ironically having an fall on the way home from work one day and having a forced day off while Maddie was in day care was a blessing in disguise.  It gave me a day to potter around and sew for pleasure rather than having to rush. 

So I thought I would do a photo dump of the things I have made recently but haven’t had the chance to share just yet.  Some of the photos aren’t great, my now almost 2 year old moves too quick for action photos now.  So without further a do here are the projects which have kept me busy lately….

 

 

There are more things but I can’t share them yet as they are Christmas presents.  Yes Christmas, it really isn’t that far away you know and since I am doing a handmade Christmas this year, I have had to start early. 

I can hear a little miss stirring so I have to go.  If you have any questions, please post them below and I will do my best to answer :o)

Please take care and see you again soon xxx

 



Custom Poster

When I put love and time into an item, whether its clothing for littlies or accessories every time I list something for sale or send out a custom order it’s like sending a little bit of myself out there into the world and its scary. 

When showcase items don’t sell or I don’t get feedback on a custom it’s a little disheartening, like there is something about me personally that isn’t liked.  So earlier tonight I decided to put out into the universe another little part of me.  I have always liked doing desktop publishing and digital design.  I always design the invites and all the bits and pieces for Maddie’s events and really enjoy it. 

I might start doing this design stuff a little more and would love to hear from anyone here who reads this if there is anything specific you want to see. 

So, without any further delay here it is, my first digital design up for grabs, I hope you like it…..

The poster is 100% customisable and is something you can keep and enjoy for a lifetime. 

Please let me know what you think.

Stay healthy and enjoy every day xxx

Something a little different

Evening everyone,

Things have changed a bit for me this year, I have had a bit of a light bulb moment you might say and have decided that to allow me to get in some quality time with my Bubba who is growing to big far, far, far to quickly, I will mostly just do showcases for awhile. (that is a really long sentence and my OCD doesn't like that much but moving on)  And while this does give me more time, it also allows me to try things that are out of my comfort zone and may take a little longer. 
 

The most recent item I completed was for the Muddy Ruffles Fabric Addiction Australian pattern designers showcase.  This little beautiful creation was my entry...

 

I'm normally quite pickey about the things I make and quite often get frustrated by the smallest of things.  But with the horseicorn (as I have called her), I am so happy with how she turned out.  I was a little unsure at the beginning whether she was going to be everything I wanted, but I can safely say, if she doesn't sell I won't be upset ;o)  The pattern is from Whimsey Woo and allows for so much individualisation.
 

I wanted her to be ultra girly which is why I used different fabrics, all with the same pink base but with different patterns.  Into the mane I also put in a white eyelet fabric that just breaks it up a bit.  This same eyelet fabric is on the outside of the ears.

I think I will defiantly be making some more. 

For the noseband I wanted to do something a little fancy smashey so did a little braid thing, don't ask me what its called, I have no idea.  I've just been doing it since I was in school with no idea where I learnt it hehe. 

The rosette is the same fabrics used in the main, with the addition of a layer of tuel (not sure of the spelling on that one) for something a little different.  It is also removable so it can also be worn as a broach. 

 

 

Thank you for reading and take care xxx

A new friend

It's been a busy couple of weeks here since Easter and I haven't had a chance to talk about the new little friend I made Maddie. 

This little bundle of cuteness, the Wendy Doll, was my first foray into proper hair wig on a doll.  It was an interesting process but one I am definitely going to be repeating, very very soon (hint hint).  This cute little girl stands about 12 inches tall and has jointed knees and elbows and little feet that help her adorable little shoes say on. 

It doesn't show up very well in the photo but the wool I used for the hair has silver strands in it which is what drew me to it, also it was on sale so double bonus!  the fabric I used for the dress I picked for two reasons.  The first, I love it and have a lot of it in my stash but luckily I had a scrap big enough and secondly I have a showcase coming up that I am thinking about making a doll for so wanted to try it out on a smaller scale.  I have to say I still love it and think it was a success. 

There aren't many clothing patterns around that scare me, I will give anything a go but to be honest Dolls scare the beegeebes out of me. I struggled a little with some of the actual sewing, specifically getting the feet at the right angle, but with a bit of persistence, I got there. It's definitely not a problem with the pattern or Sarah's instructions but more to do with the fact I've only made 3 dolls before in my whole life and I'm a prefectionist. I love pushing myself amd dolls do that for me. 

This is the third Dolls and Daydreams doll I have made and like all Dolls and Daydreams patterns, the instructions are easy to follow and gives an adorable result even on the first try.  The others I have made and will be making again soon are the Ballerina and the Tiny Tot doll.  These two are still my favourite but I'm wondering what all these patterns would be like combined, hmmmm :o)

 

 

I have been thinking lately that I want to make more dolls, I love seeing them come to life as I had stitch their faces, so special.  So stay tuned for more special dolls to come in the very, very near future. 

 

Thank you for coming and spending some time here with me and Maddies dolls. 

Happy Easter

I was up early helping the Easter bunny and while everyone else is still asleep I thought I would quickly pop in and wish everyone a very happy Easter. No matter what you are up to today make some time to hug the ones you love and tell them xxx

Project Run and Play Week 4....

So here we are at Week 4 of Project Run and Play.  I have been looking forward to this week but also struggled.  The theme you see was Signature Style.  It sounds easy but I was surprised at how hard it actually was.  To try and sum up your personal style in an outfit was a challenge but one I loved. 

So what is my style I hear you ask... well after much thinking I decided that my style was tailored and clean lines while still be playful and colourful.  I went through all my patterns (and there are A LOT) and decided on a jacket and jeans and a long sleeved t-shirt for the cooler days. 

 

 

I love things that are simple colours so that the design can stand out and be noticed.  We'll attack the Jacket first.  The pattern is the Prudence Crop Jacket.  This was the first time I had made the pattern and I am so happy with how it came out.  It is often the case that for a first time pattern you have an idea in your head but it just doesn't come together, but with this it all came together nicely.  I used a navy drill and white binding for the pipping. The jacket is fully lined with a soft white cotton.  I was tempted to put a big red button on it but thought that for this collection it might clash a bit with the yellow so I went for white instead.

 

 

 

The jeans pattern, Ava baby Jeans by Pattern Emporium, I have had since it was released and have been dying to make it.  Again I went for a drill but this time in a nice bright, sunshine yellow.  I was going to use a denim but for such a small size, I thought a denim would be too heavy.  The drill gives them the weight to sit properly while not being too heavy.  The pattern puts a binding around the pockets but i decided I wanted a cleaner finish so did the pockets in a more traditional style.  the inside of the pockets is a simple spotty cotton and pulls it all together.  

 

 

The t-shirt didn't come together until the last minute.  I didn't want a plain long sleeved t-shirt that you could pick up for $5 at kmart, I wanted something with some detail.  I haven't done a lot of work with Jersey so putting pleats into it was a bit scary to start with but I changed the needle in my machine and just went for it.  I used the PJ top pattern from last week and just extended the arms and body to account for the ribbing that I wasn't putting in.  Again, I am super happy with the result. 

 





I had a bit of a grumpy model but here are some action shots I managed to get. 

 

 

This is quite possibly my favourite thing I have ever made and I hope you all like it too. 

 

Lisa xxx

Project Run and Play Week 3

 

So the aim for this week on Project Run and Play was to create your own fabric.  I contemplated sending a design off for professional printing but I didn't think that was in true feel of this week, so off to Spotlight I went in search of stamps. 

This week was a lot of firsts for me, first time sewing with knits, first time sewing with a double needle and the second time (ok not a first but close) sewing with fleece.  I struggled with the design for this week but that was until I decided to do PJ's and a matching dressing gown. 

 

The PJ's is the lovely Alex & Anna Winter PJ's pattern Peek-A-Boo pattern shop.  Like I said earlier this was the first time I have sewn with knits but the pattern was great and I am super happy with the results.  Once I got them on Maddie I did a little dance, she just looked so super cute.  When it was time to take them off and put her back in shorts and t-shirt (its been really quite warm here in Brisbane today), she screamed the house down. 

 

I decided that before I started to sew all the pieces together was the best time to stamp them.  I had a few stamps to choose between and a few different colours.  When I first had this idea I was going to do lines of white flowers and a random purple mushroom in each line but unfortunately the white just didn't show up so I had to change my mind and went with random purple mushrooms instead. 

 

I didn't get a photos of the dressing gown from top to bottom, well I did but the camera didn't focus properly so it was blurry so the one below is the only one, not on Maddie, that I have.  The photo does show nicely though the twin needle stitching on the tie. 

I think the PJ's and dressing gown have the seal of approval from the one person who counts more than any other.  I wish I could make an adult pair because they would be just so comfortable. 

 

So that is my Week 3 Project Run and Play entry.  I hope you all like it and I will definitely be making more PJ's in the future.