KCWC Days 6 and 7

Another good couple of days sewing-wise saw me cut out and start this little skirt (Day 6) and finish it all up today (Day 7).

This one is a gift for a party that we are about to head off to.

In the warmer months I made the ruffled skirt as a gift but have switched to this one today as the weather has turned cooler.

This is made in black denim (the same as my bag) and I used some Denyse Schmidt that I have had in my stash for ages as the trim.

A quick modelling shot before we wrapped it up.

Now that I know the bias strips for the edging do not actually need to be biased, (as they are going onto straight pieces not curves), I cut them on the straight grain - thus saving some fabric and also meaning they didn't need several joining points in them.

I am very glad I decided to take part in KCWC as it certainly motivated me!!
Thanks to Elsie Marley for hosting and providing lots of lovely inspiration.

One nightie, two skirts, two little bias-trimmed jackets and a long-sleeved T in a week - not bad going if I say so myself.

If you've been playing along leave me a comment so I can come and find out what you got up to.

KCWC - Day Five

Hooray - a good sewing day.

I have to say that KCWC has really got me inspired to sew again - and trying out some new patterns too, as well as a couple of old favourites.

It has reminded me to get my Otto's out and have a flick through them when I want to make something as there are patterns for many, many garments in there.

A versatile little piece to add to her wardrobe

This is the perfect example - a simple but sweet skirt that could be made in stretch or woven, in winter or summer weight fabric.

I've gone with a lightweight denim and pink trim. I chose to use one colour binding rather than the two shades of one colour shown in the magazine.
I also omitted the extra embellishments as I sometimes find too much like that limits how the item can be worn, so I kept it simple.

A bit out of focus but you get the picture!

This was very easy to make - you start with six rectangles and just bind the edges of two of them then gather them onto the other, waistband, piece.

As Miss G would (and frequently does) say "Easy, Peasy, Lemon Squeezy".

I think there will be a bit of 'skirt as a gift' sewing coming up for Day Six.
Stay tuned!

KCWC - Day Four

Day Four = Epic Fail!!

Day four resulted in me not having even a tiny slice of time to sit at the machine or to cut or even unpick...

So rather than dwell on it I'm going to show you what I plan to get up to today, Day Five.

Cute Ottobre skirt I cut out a few nights back.

It looks like this one will be nice and easy to make, and a bit fun too.

Some of my favourite Patty Young for the bias edging

And on a more practical note - pants for PE (Physical Education) at school.
I couldn't bring myself to buy the terrible ones available in the uniform shop.

And at least I know theses will fit properly.

The fabric is in the wash now so hopefully these will be on the machine tonight.

I wouldn't mind some of these in my size!

Ok - so off I go to slot in thirty minutes now.

Happy sewing!

KCWC - Day Three

Buongiorno!

It's Italian Day!

Dana's circle skirt was perfect for these skirts - quick and easy.

The girls have been learning Italian at school and there is a whole school celebration today that includes dressing up with an Italian theme, a parade and a special Italian lunch of pizza and gelato (which is the bit I think they are most excited about).

These simple skirts have a black elastic waistband and are very fully and twirly, which gives them a 'thumbs up' from the girls.

The circumference of them is huge - they are each 3 metres around the bottom!

They were wearing them with a simple white cotton broderie anglais 'Olivia' shirt by Pink Fig, until the weather turned cold.

Any excuse to do cute hair-do's right??!!

So my KCWC sewing for yesterday was to pull out, trace, cut and sew up these little jackets to give them a bit more warmth over their blouses.

The pattern is design 22 from Ottobre 4/2010.

The actual pattern is lined and has a ribbon at the neck - it's much fancier than these.

I just wanted something that would match their outfits and give them an extra layer so I made them up in white knit (interlock), and going on an idea used in this Noodlehead tutorial, I used pre-made bias binding (that I had on hand) for the neck ties.

In the Noodlehead tutorial they leave all the edges unfinished but I couldn't bring myself to do that, so the sleeve and bottom hems are rolled on the overlocker, there's elastic at the wrists to give it a frill and the front edge was sewn with a twin stretch needle.

The accessorised with cute hair ribbons on plaits and buns and a tambourine with matching ribbons.

So what does day four hold....

Ciao!

KCWC - Day two

Ok - day two - nothing very exciting to show - I unpicked and finished the top as shown below.

Now I think it's a little too short for my tall lovely girl and so know I should unpick that hem (AGAIN!!!) and add a pink and white striped band on the bottom for extra length *sigh*.

Finally found some jeans this kid is happy to wear - hooray!!

I also spent some time tracing and cutting a sweet little skirt from Ottobre, just going to be made in denim.

I haven't had a chance to sew it up yet and it's not going to happen tonight as there is something else on my agenda now.

There's a theme day happening at school tomorrow - can you guess what it is from these skirts (which will be worn with a white puff-sleeved top and black shoes and green, white and red ribbons in their hair and on a tambourine!??).

I've realised that with a weather forecast of 18 degrees and rain tomorrow the girls are not going to be warm enough so I am going to make some very basic bias-trimmed jackets to go over the top.

Probably just in stretch so I don't have to fiddle with them too much.

So for today I traced that pattern and also another cute Otto skirt - while we had family here and we all chatted and watched the footy, so I was social and productive (I asked them first if they minded and no-one did!).

This pic is just because I love finding my kids sharing special moments like this.

Miss A reads very competently and is often asked for a story (she's taking my job!!), I think she read the small kid about eight today.

And lastly, today is a public holiday here in Australia.

In celebrating ANZAC Day we remember those who fought and gave their lives for the freedom and lifestyle that we enjoy today.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Lest we Forget.

KCWC - Day one

Well here in Australia it is technically day two - but I thought I'd show you what I got up to on day one first.

I had to break the time down into small 'bites' but in the end had more than an hour to sew - because I am a night owl!

So here's what I got up to...

Oops - needs ironing again, it was shoved in a bag so I could unpick poolside!!

This is a Big Basic Tee from Make It Perfect, it's view A - the slim fit top, done with contrasting sleeves and neck binding.

You can see that I have unpicked the hem - I wasn't happy with it.

I realised as I went to sew the sleeve hems and body hem that I had broken my last twin stretch needle, so chose a stretch zig zag stitch on my machine instead to complete them.

But the stretch stitch warped the shape of the lower hem - making it a little wobbly and it was going to annoy me, so I unpicked it and will re-sew it tonight.

The mushroom is an iron-on velour from Crafty Mama's.
These are dead-easy to put on, give a professional look to a simple garment and Lisa is expanding the range all the time so there are always great things to choose from - for girls or boys.

They are as varied as a retro camera, geckos, truck tyre tracks, deer, stars, jungle animals, crowns, hearts, birds and cute little hedgehogs.

Today has been tough for fitting in sewing.
I've managed the unpicking (no fun!!) - and that might be it for today.

Tomorrow is a public holiday - so despite family plans I hope to get at least an hour in.
Wish me luck!

PS - if you are looking at this on a reader pop over and check out my new header and blog design, with a new font, clean, fresh and simple.

Jumping the gun

I'm jumping the gun a little on the Elsie Marley KCWC.

I got this easy little number cut out and ready to go last night, so just had to put it together.

Of course Pepsi had to be in on the action...

Miss G is nightie mad and rather than have a war with her each night to get her to wear PJ's, I decided to make her a few new nighties that I actually don't mind putting on her!

Taking modelling tips from her 16 year old cousin

She's currently been wearing old versions of this pattern I made for her sisters about 3 years ago so I knew the size would be spot on.

It's a very basic pattern - New Look 6641- nightie with the sleeve from the PJ's of view D - she likes a puffed sleeve.

Made with some of my very lovely stretch fabric - which I intend to use for tops too - it's too nice just for sleepwear.

KCWC - I'm in!

For the last few years I have considered joining in at Elsie Marley when the Kids Clothes Week Challenge is on but have not for various reasons.

Well this year I am in.

I had thought you had to try and make a garment a day for a week and thought that was too much.
Then I saw Wendy's post a few weeks back and it made me realise you just have to commit to SEWING (or tracing, cutting, pinning etc) for an hour a day.

Our girls are in need of a few new things as they have got so tall, so I am thinking that I will get into some basic long-sleeved T's, some denim skirts and a few nighties.

Nothing very exciting, or super-pretty like making summer dresses - but necessary all the same.

Lara and I had a lovely time on Wednesday night flicking through my Ottobre collection ear-marking things we both want to make for our girls.
It made us both realise that there are heaps of great patterns right there at our fingertips.

So join in if you think you can set aside an hour each day (or night!). By the end of the week you should have a little something to show for your work.

Can't get enough...

of this song.

As a Tim Finn/Crowded House fan this version of Distant Sun from gorgeous Kiwi vocalist, Brooke Fraser is on high rotation on my iPhone.

In fact there are a few fabulous women on this album hard to go past; Clare Bowditch, Holly Throsby and Missy Higgins to name a few.

What's on high rotation at your place?

Crossing to "the dark side"

This is a really pic heavy post - you have been warned!!

Here's something you probably never expected to see on my blog - yep - my small (almost invisible) helpers are holding up a - gasp - QUILT!!

But don't be too shocked yet - it wasn't all my handiwork...

I think I need to work on my quilt photographing skills...

What happened was this -  one gorgeous adopted to Melbourne girl - Cath - told us she was returning to Sydney.

We wanted to send her off with a fitting reminder of her time in Melbourne and thank her for her friendship and becoming an integral part of our craft group - along with her Mum, Louise whenever she was visiting.

oops - that stray thread looks so obvious now.    Love these owls from Wendy's stash

So a plot was hatched.
You can read the back story and see the work in progress shots here on Wendy's blog.

Suffice to say we wanted a group project we were all involved in, together, and a quilt seemed like the best solution.

My second ever quilt block - I made a tiny, tiny one for Helen's birthday quilt that arrived too late to be included!!

The block we did is called Wonky Star - the Master suggested it and her apprentice played along while the two quilting 'virgins' shuddered in fear!!!

Cath's favourite colours - green and pink with a hint of grey for balance.

You may recognise the floral pattern below as what I used for Miss A's art smock - Cath commented she loved it so we used what was left as part of the backing.

The strip through the middle is shown below...

Part of this fabric, depicting some of the places (good coffee shops!) and experiences (horse and carriage ride) Cath has enjoyed in Melbourne was used on her card too.

This was part of one of Spotlight's recent ranges

It was really thanks to Wendy that I was heard to utter "it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be!" - I think Wendy celebrated a quiet victory when she heard this!!

Isn't it pretty!

The best part though was Cath's reaction, excuse the lousy low-light restaurant pics...

She couldn't quite believe her eyes...

I think she likes it!

Try explaining 'happy tears' to a six year old!!

Here are the culprits - Virgin 1, the Master, Virgin 2 and the Apprentice!!

We will miss you Cath - and I do hope that every time you snuggle under this quilt you think of us and that both things make you feel warm.

She thought we were all very sneaky!!

I took a label-making tip from Helen - and used some ink-jet printable fabric to print a label that I created in the Mac program Pages.

Just so she doesn't forget us!

Sheridan once used what I jokingly called the "Q-word" when I asked what to do with some left over Minky I had.

So she and Donna (among others I am sure!) were both pretty surprised at my involvement in this project.

So there you have it - I crossed over to 'The dark side' for the sake of friendship - and (don't tell Wendy) but I actually quite enjoyed it!

Gone to the dogs

Over the Easter break we headed off to spend some time with my parents, and part of our visit included a day trip to the Victorian Utility Sheep Dog Trials.

Mum had forewarned me that the set up was not exactly like that of the sheep dog trials in Babe, but a bit more rustic!

There were lots of lovely (and very active!) dogs there, including a number who look like Pepsi, the much-loved constant companion of Miss G as seen below.

Getting to know the real live 'Pepsi'

This puppy is generally clutched under her arm most days

There were races with dogs that ran so fast they were over in a flash, 

Great fun to watch but near impossible to photograph!

There were cute and inquisitive little pups watching on,

She was itching to be out there

There were lots of new canine friends to be made,

And there was dog high-jump that had to be seen to be believed, complete with 'catchers' in case they didn't make it up.

No chance of keeping this fella in a suburban backyard!

And of course all the usual dog behaviour!

I was trying to get a pic of the Border Collie and found I had this when I reviewed my photos!

We also saw dogs herding sheep in and out of pens and paddocks and wanted to stay for the duck herding but rolling black clouds and a lack of appropriate cold-weather gear saw us hit the road again.

Fresh country air and plenty of running around worked wonders for three small city girls, with the youngest electing to put herself to bed after dinner!

'Our fave' is my fave

I'm linking up with Jodie over at The Haby Goddess today with 'Make, Grow, Thrift'.

Those who know me will realise that I am not so great at the second two things - though we are working on the 'grow' element with our vegetable garden and fruit trees, so I am joining in with a 'make' item.

I love the draped effect at the front.

I actually made this top a good month or so ago but hadn't had the chance to get a pic and blog it - so I got 'the guy who lives here' to snap a couple of shots for me today.

It's a free pattern - the 'Our Fave' top from the Tessuti blog.

Hmmm - wish he'd told me to turn that sleeve seam under a little...

Lara had made it before and I tried it on at NCB at least a year ago, then it just sat on my 'to do' list for ages, til I got all that lovely stretch fabric.

Ready for take off!

Here's the shape when your arms are out.

While being so big and loose it is probably not the most flattering of tops, it is such a comfortable top to throw on and wear.
Also, in my opinion, looks that bit more dressed up than a T-shirt with jeans.

I have a few more projects planned for this stretch fabric - hope you're not going to get sick of it!

Head on over to Jodie's to share the 'Make, Grow, Thrift' love.

Happy Easter

From all my rabbits to yours

Small and sometimes pesky...

Come on you knew there was one more 'wascally wabbit' in my garden (to quote Elmer Fudd!).

I didn't just take these pics to amuse myself (though they do!).
We used them on gift tags for chocolate rabbit lollypops that each of the girls game their classmates.

Oh, and yes, this rabbit has fairy wings...

In the wild

I've said it before but...

I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!!

I've missed having all three of these little lovelies around all the time - so we took the chance to spend some time together doing something we love, visiting the Werribee Open Range Zoo

In with the herd

We went on the bus tour in the new open vehicle so you got an extra close-up view of everything, including this tiny guy below.

This tiny antelope was only days old

There were giraffes, rhinos and zebra on show, this was only a young giraffe.

He has the right of way!

One gorgeous tall and lanky critter (Miss A) watching another!

As is always the way, we learned lots on the tour, kids and adults alike.

Did you know baby zebra are born with brown stripes and as they mature they become black - see this little fella below - his back end is not yet mature!

Miss G suggested they name him Rose

And it's not often you'd allow your own 'cubs' to get this close to a massive lion!

It's amazing the confidence a very thick pane of glass gives you...

They really are majestic beasts.

One of three lions lounging around 

There were also gorillas, monkeys, hippos, camels and to top it all off - an African drummer could be heard throughout the park as you wandered around.

Now this guy had rhythm!

And you can see that perhaps these little chicks miss each other when they aren't together too.