New Kid on the Block

This new kid on the block has pipped the Smurf's favourite take-everywhere toy "Bubba" from the top of the favourites list. It's a sure way to make your Mum happy when you favour the toy she made you this week. Good Smurf, good Smurf.

It's even nicer when you spontaneously kiss the new kid on the block while your Mum's taking a photo.

And extra special when Bubba is thrown to the ground in favour of the new kid accompanying you on the grocery shop.

Aunty Cookie fabric panel bought at Finders Keepers. Lined with calico to take away the transparency of the basecloth and backed with blue pin dots from the stash. 5 minutes sewing, 10 minutes stuffing, 5 minutes finishing. Instant gratification.

I'd say it's a winner, don't you agree?

I Love Justine

I forgot to tell you, Justine sent me these a few weeks ago.

Just for.

She's the best.

Love ya work Jus.

PS Mixtape issue 1o will be out early. Yay!

PPS Anyone thinking about Christmas yet? Shutup!

The Emporer's Mum's new clothes

New blouse. I had a conversation with Suzy last week about the joy of graduating from A-Line skirts in ones sewing life. This is fun and I am proud.

The pattern is from Ottobre Issue 2/2008. Not only have I graduated from A-line skirts but I also managed to tweak this pattern from a button front blouse. With puffed sleeves. Puffed sleeves! I had to play with the neckline a little and I think it still needs a bit of work. And maybe some shaping to tame the boobage.

But all in all I'm pretty happy with my first 'real' article of clothing...and it's for me.

Now I think it's time for a trip to Tessuti for some nice fabric and an attempt at the button front blouse.

Emperor's New Clothes

The patterns I cut out a few weeks ago finally became an actual pair of pants. Pants complete with trimmed pockets and proper overlocked seams that were, of course, pinned before being sewn. Thank you Ottobre 2008 (not sure what issue but the pattern was set for tracksuit pants).

The sewing itself happened in fits and starts between the usual chores while the Smurf slept. It was all straight forward but everything that could go wrong did including, but not limited to,

• human stupidity (those pocket trims did some traveling around the pants before settling where they now are)
• two snapped overlocking needles (can't blame the needles though with all that cord bulk I suppose),
• 2 waistbands (human stupidity and poor choice of elastic).

Yet, despite (in spite of) all that I really enjoyed these and am busting to make more now that I've done that whole make friends with the pattern thing.

Most enjoyable though is that the Smurf is wearing them today and has become his own pants appreciation society. It's not easy looking at your pants while walking.

Sharing

Have you seen this book?


It's so beautiful. It's a collage with wool, needle felt, embroidery and applique.


I found it by accident when shopping for a replacement for a book the Smurf ripped a page from (not his hence the shopping trip).


I can't get over how beautiful this is. And the story is sweet too; we're all different and that's okay. And then they dance. Which is something we do lots of in this house too.


And to top it off it's the Smurf's favourite and he didn't even need any prompting, he just loved it too. He tells us he wants to read Bugs most nights before bed.

Smile

Dear Myrtle and Eunice,

I see faces too.

Love Sadieandlance

Commitment to Pinning

Just thought you should know my commitment to pinning is real.

For Heavy Duty Lifting

I've been making pot holders. Quick, easy pot holders. They're quite fun really*


Nice and simple, stash fabric (fabric nerds do you care to enlighten me as to what this is?) lined with wool batting and backed with corduroy to give extra protection against hot pot handles.


I'm a bit of a slap dash sewer who likes the foot-to-the-floor top speed of the machine. I also like short cuts - does anyone else do away with cutting out softie legs and arms and just sew around the pattern piece straight onto two sandwiched uncut pieces of fabric? You don't? Oh.

What's that, you pin and take your time with binding? Not me, I'm a fan of folding pre-prepared binding over and sewing once only. Things came a little undone this time round, hence the first round of holders were gifted at the Craftroom with the caveat of "don't look too close".

Lucky Marina listened and you can't see any evidence of my hastiness laziness in her photo.

(Auntie Cookie fabric backed with, um I can't remember)

But, surprisingly, I actually learned my lesson. While finishing off round 2 I made friends with my pins, look.


And now I'm working hard to to more mid-speed sewing and more pinning. I'm enjoying the slower sewing speed but my hands are a little hole-y.

Ridiculous Fabric Top Hat

hat, originally uploaded by SadieandLance.

I made this hat as part of my rush of excitement when I pimped the stroller. I had been wanting to have a go at a hat for some time. I decided to wing it.

I'd rate my success as 50:50.

Complete success on working out the pieces, construction and actually getting the thing together - you should try too, it's not that hard.

Complete failure on the sizing.

But I'm all sorted for a hilarious hat parade. Lucky.