Kathleen's Sewing

Instructions for New Look 6557 View D

2012-02-02T22:51:00.000+11:00

I received a comment from an "anonymous" this week:

"Hi, I have an odd request - we bought this pattern from a thrift store and then found out the instructions are missing. Is there any way you could post the instructions for dress D? That would be awesome!"

Hi there anonymous, I hope the following pictures help :)

Sorry that the images are huge (and sideways - not sure why they did that!), but I thought you would probably appreciate the detail.

Recycled Shirt Folded Star Potholder

2012-01-29T16:07:00.001+11:00

A few months ago my dear friend, E, sent me a package in the post with some goodies that she was passing on after a de-clutter at home. Among them was this lovely button-up shirt. The story was that she had loved the fabric in the store, but the shirt didn't fit her well, so she just never wore it. I tried it on myself, and it didn't fit me well either! What to do?

Knowing that she loved the fabric, I thought I would make the shirt into something that she could use and enjoy every day.

So, enter my favourite project at the moment - folded star potholder!!

Thankfully she loves it :)

Hayfields Babykin Knitted Dress - finished!

2012-01-22T10:38:00.000+11:00

I've managed to finish off the sleeves of this dress, sew it all together, add buttons and a ribbon.

I added a blue ribbon (because that's all I had lying around). But I imagine when I actually come to use this, a pink ribbon will be required. It's not really a very masculine outfit for a baby boy.

I love that new I'll have something to dress a baby in that my Mum mostly made. I'm sure if she was still around when I have children, she would have been knitting up a storm!

One of Mum's UFOs

2012-01-14T13:52:00.001+11:00

When my Mum passed away almost 7 years ago I automatically inherited all her lovely sewing equiment and stash.

Amongst the 'stash' are a couple of UFOs. This one is a Hayfields Babykin knitted dress.

Who knows what happened that she never finished this. I presume she started to make it for me when I was a baby, but perhaps by the time she had knitted this much I had already grown too big? Or perhaps the weather was getting too warm?

In any case you can see that she has completed the front, back and most of the sleeves.

Hoping to get this finished in the next week or so.

Flight Suits

2012-01-08T16:17:00.000+11:00

In late 2010 we went for a trip to Brisbane to see the F 1-11 farewell at the Amberly Air Base.

We got to sit in the cockpit of one of the planes.

My Dad was able to tell us some great stories from the days when he flew them.

My then 3 year old and 5 year old nephews came along and since then have been interested in planes. For Christmas I made them their very own flight suits.

I used the jumpsuit pattern from McCall's 2335

Then added on some badges to make them look a bit more authentic. Unfortunately I couldn't find any F 1'11 badges, so F-16s had to do.

Plans for 2012

2012-01-01T14:32:00.000+11:00

In short - I have so many!!

From this bundle of solids, I'm thinking a pojaji lunch wrap...

http://thesillyboodilly.blogspot.com/2010/07/pojagi-panel-3.html

From this Kate Spain Terrain jelly roll I'm thinking....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kitbikquilts/4347178135/sizes/z/in/set-72157623635989090/

For my Joel Dewberry Heirloom....

http://camilleroskelley.typepad.com/simplify/2011/09/swoonery.html

I have a large spool of white cotton yarn with which I want to make one of these...

http://stickamera.se/blogg/2009/10/01/swallowtail-shawl/

http://blog.oregonlive.com/knitting/2008/04/interweaves_best_picked_availa.html

http://stickamera.se/blogg/2009/10/01/swallowtail-shawl/

Then I have this blues fat quarter bundle for which I'm thinking of some simple squares for a quilt for my nephew's birthday...

And lastly Pat Bravo's Bazzar Style. Not quite sure what I'll do with these yet. They're almost too pretty to cut up?

2011 in Review

2011-12-31T14:50:00.000+11:00

I love this time of year looking back at the things I have made.

1. Crochet Afghan (2), 2. Timeless Tongan Blue Placemats 2, 3. Owl Embroidery, 4. Blue, Cream & Red Crochet Baby Afghan, 5. Knitted Scarf and Urban Shells Crochet Beannie, 6. Half Double Crochet Baby Beannie, 7. Knitting Needle Roll, 8. Pink Pinwheels Quilt, 9. Quilt for Mary's Birthday, 10. Sideboard Mat, 11. 10 Cable Baby Beannie, 12. Urban Shells Crochet Beannie, 13. Urban Shells Crochet Beannie, 14. Urban Shells Crochet Beannie, 15. Urban Shells Crochet Beannie, 16. Hanging Sewing Tools Tidy, 17. Knitted Mouse, 18. Folded Start Potholder 1, 19. Folded Start Potholder 2 20. Not available

I have to admit that I'm surprised by how much I actually got done on the crafting front this year. I think because there were a number of small (and relatively quick) yarn projects, it looks like more than it really is. I really can't complain. 2011 has seen me sit 4 of the biggest exams of my life while continuing to work full time.

My year of destashification went well. I didn't work my way through everything that I wanted to, but I will continue to plough away at it.

Next up - can't wait to tell you about all the things I dreaming of making in 2012.

Folded Star Pot Stand #2

2011-12-31T12:41:00.000+11:00

When I asked my Dad and step Mum what they'd like for Christmas, they said they would love some more pot holders for the kitchen. I wanted to make something a bit special, so made a pot stand for using either in the kitchen or on the table when serving something hot.

You can find my previous effort here.
And a tutorial for making these here.

Last year I made them these potholders for Christmas, and apparently they're still going strong :)

Boxing Day Feast & Mousey Finish

2011-12-27T09:52:00.000+11:00

Here is my cute little knitted mouse all finished. I have made these mice before, but since I only learned to crochet recently, I've never had the ears to put on them. I really like the ears! Unforunately I ran out of navy wool and couldn't make his arms - but I think he's pretty cute any way.

You can see my previous version here and the post about the pattern here.

And just had to share our dinner from last night. It was a bit of an all day affair preparing it, but that's just fine because I love doing a bit here and a bit there, then at the end of the day having a lovely dinner.

First up was a green bean salad from Bill's Food. Recipe here.

Then beef chittarnee and tumeric roasted potatoes from The Monday Morning Cooking Club.
If you haven't seen this book, I would thoroughly recommend it. Each recipe is accompanied by a story about the author/cook and it's origins. The book is a collection of recipes put together by a group of Jewish women who live in Sydney. Amazing!

And to finish, simple chocolate tart from Jamie Oliver's The Naked Chef. Really he should re-name this recipe something like "OMG chocolate tart" or "Prepare to Die & Go to Heaven Chocolate Tart" - it's pretty darned good. He has such a great explanation for making a very short and tasty tart shell. I've made this shell a couple of times now and it's fool-proof.

Cheesecake & Pre-shrinking

2011-12-24T15:54:00.000+11:00

First of all I wanted to share this lovely recipe from this book:

I love these kinds of recipe books. There are recipes from lots of different people and each one is accompanied with a little story about it - where it came from, why it's special to this person, etc. I find it makes my cooking experience that much more fun.

Here is my version...

and here it is in the book...

Also been doing some pre-shrinking of my new fabrics. I used to run them on a hot wash in the machine, but kept getting annoyed at all the fraying bits on the edges when I came to cut them up. So I've changed to filling my largest pyrex bowel with boiling water and letting each piece soak for 30 seconds to a minute, then just hanging them up to drip dry. Time consuming, but not as much fraying. Anyone got any quicker non-fraying methods?

Destashification Project 19 - Folded Star Potholder - Finished

2011-12-17T15:16:00.000+11:00

Here is my finished star potholder. I was going to give this away as a Christmas present, however Mr Right fell in love with it and won't part with it.

Oh well, good excuse to make some more!

Folded Star Potholder

2011-12-10T14:09:00.000+11:00

A while ago whilst casually surfing the net I cam across a tutorial for making this totally fab pot holder.

As you can see I'm only part way through, but I love the effect already.

You can see the original Moda Bake Shope recipe here where they make this little beauty:

And some other finished potholders from here:

and here:

Will let you know when I've finished mine :)

New Fabrics :)

2011-12-06T08:23:00.000+11:00

Well, my year of destashification is coming to a close. I have made excellent progress on destashing my stash (I think). Now I've started to accumulate a few small collections of fabric for new projects I've been dreaming of.

Some random $2 fat quarters from GJ's...

A little pack from spotlight - I'm thinking of a pojaji lunch wrap....

Kate Spain Terrain jelly roll...

Joel Dewberry Heirloom in citrine...

Some random blues from Hawthorne threads...

Patricia Bravo Bazaar Style in Oasis colour scheme...

And the lovely flowers I have on the dining table at the moment...

Still got some more de-stashing projects to show you :)

Destash #3 Progress and UFO

2011-11-19T14:00:00.001+11:00

Progress is slow over here at the moment. I have a big deadline looming and hence not much time left over for destashing. Never-the-less I have made a small amount of progress on my destash project number 3 (aka pink pinwheels quilt). I started some straight-line quilting.

On another front I've picked up an old UFO. I started this knitted mouse with sleeping bag some years ago but never got around to finishing it. I have made these mice previously - you can see a finished one from 2007 here.

Just need to knit the pillow for the sleeping bag, stuff the mouse and embroider some facial features, and should be done!

Chicken Pot Pie - Ad Hoc at Home

2011-11-13T14:58:00.000+11:00

The first time I saw this recipe was on Confessions of the Pink Obsessed (ps - I totally lover her blog). I then went seaching and found the recipe in full on Sugar & Spice by Celeste (ps - this is when I discovered this awesome blog).

Anyways, this is a very delicious pie. The changes I made were to swap the potato for sweet potato, added some broccoli and changed the pastry to olive oil pasty.

The aftermath...

Not much sewing going on around here - things are crazy busy at the moment. Can't wait 'til things settle down a bit and I can get into some more de-stashing and cooking :)

Blogger's Quilt Festival

2011-10-30T21:06:00.000+11:00

Welcome to my entry for the current Blogger's Quilt Festival. I just love these events - I always find so many talented bloggers to add to my blog list.

I made this quilt last year. It all started when my good friend from Kit-Bik Quilts got me interested in paper piecing and Kaffe Fassett prints - this quilt was a marriage of the two. Whenever I look at this quilt I'm reminded of Sarah.

Destashification Profject #18 Finish - Crochet Baby Afghan

2011-10-29T17:09:00.000+11:00

Here it is all finished! I'm so pleased that I not only got to use up the rest of my light blue yarns, but I also used up a bunch of cream and red from my stash - a very satisfying destash project.

And I wanted to share a little corner of our living room - my beautiful friend, E, gave me these lovely little tea light holders recently. I'm loving using them after dinner while we're relaxing.

Destash #3 - Progress

2011-10-20T14:19:00.000+11:00

I've finally picked up destash project 3 and made some progress.

All the pinwheels are made, and put together...

The borders are on...

All three layers are pinned together, waiting to be quilted...

Nest job is the quilting. I'm wanting to hand quilt it, but with an interesting design because the quilt itself is a bit bland.

I'm thinking a flower design - any suggestions for a good template?

Progress on Destash # 18

2011-10-13T12:50:00.000+11:00

I've officially used all but a very tiny length of the blue yarn! Hooray! BUT - the blanket was really too small to be useful - so time to find some more destashing yarn to make it bigger...

Red and white racing stripes - maybe this will make it go faster?

Destashification Project #18 - Crochet Baby Afghan

2011-10-06T16:55:00.000+11:00

I've started a new destah project with the left-over wool from the scarf and beanie from destash project 4:

It's a plain, square afghan. Unfortunately, now that I've started I don't think I'll have enough wool to make it bit enough. Though in a way that will encourage me to raid my stash of wool and use up some other left-overs.

Destash #17 - Sewing Tools Hanging Tidy

2011-09-25T11:08:00.000+10:00

Whilst flicking through my blog list the other day I saw this fantastic hanging wall organiser by Spotted Stones.

I just knew I had to make one! What a good way to use up a couple of fat quarters in my quest for destashification.

I'm so pleased with the result. Now all my tools are up of my work surface. You can see de-stash 3 still sitting there waiting for more attention (and ignore the pile of papers far left ... soon they will be gone).

Plus - it's spring! Flowers a blooming everywhere and the sun is finally shining.

Small lapse in De-stashification

2011-08-11T15:58:00.000+10:00

I recently came to the realisation the fabric lines don't last forever. For this reason I simply had to invest in a pack of Anna Maria Horner's folksy flannels. You can see them here.

Presents from Grandma

2011-08-03T10:03:00.000+10:00

My Dad turned 70 recently, and over the weekend we went up to Brisbane for his birthday celebration. Here is me at the park juggling the masses of flowers my nephews were collecting for me. They were choosing lots of orange and red ones until little Mr H (aged 3), brought me a pink one announcing that "you're a girl, and girls like pink!" He's such a charmer.

My Dad's Mum passed away in 2010 and one of my Aunts has been carefully going through her things and selecting out things for each of the grandchildren that we might like to have. As you will see she knows me all to well - so I've come back to Melbourne with lots of goodies. She has selected some beautiful little handmade items and a gorgeous broach.

Unfortunately no crafting going on here. But hopefully there will be soon :)

Destafication Project #16 Progress

2011-06-26T16:09:00.000+10:00

After I'd finished the ball of cream merino, I moved on to the matching ball of navy.

Originally I added the navy using a scalloped pattern I saw here.

However, as you can see the corners became all ruffled and wouldn't sit flat. It was all down to the central cream part being made with a 3dc pattern, and the scalloped navy part having a 5dc pattern.

So it all had to come undone, and now I'm continuing the navy with the same simple 3dc pattern.

Destashification Project # 16 - Merino Afghan & Great Ocean Road Drive

2011-06-12T10:27:00.000+10:00

Many years ago I bought two balls of merino wool at a Lincraft yarn sale. Until now I haven't felt any inspiration as to what to do with them. I've started another crochet afghan, which will only be small (because I only have two balls of wool).

A couple of weekends ago, Mr Right and I took a drive from Melbourne down along the Great Ocean Road. If you ever have a chance to do this drive, it's well worth it :)

Destashification Project #15 - Finsihed

2011-06-01T17:43:00.000+10:00

Here is my knitting needle holder all finished - I love it! I'm so glad my needles are all organised now.

I had a star left over from the stars quilting project, which is now a cute holder for my Mum's needle gauge.

Destashification Project #15 - Knitting Needle Holder

2011-05-25T12:37:00.000+10:00

Remember this quilt?

This was my Kaffe Fasset paper-pieced diamonds quilt from last year.

I still had lots of material left over, and wanted to make something useful, that I would use fairly regularly so that I could enjoy the fabrics more often.

My knitting needles have been in disarray since forever, and so I decided making a knitting needle wrap would be a a great use of these lovely, bright fabrics.

Here are all my needles sorted into sizes.

So the wrap is it's starting to come together..

Can't wait to have the finished product :)

Blogger's Quilt Festival - Starts Tomorrow!!

2011-05-12T10:34:00.000+10:00

Anyone else super excited??

Destashification Project #14 - Finished

2011-05-11T10:56:00.000+10:00

You may remember these fabrics....

From which I made this Christmas quilt at the end of 2010....

And since I had lots of left-overs, I wanted to make a bright quilt for the lovely little girl of one of my very good friends (you can see her beautiful blog here)...

I decided to do rounded corners, which were easier than I imagined.

I love the bright colours in this quilt - they're so happy!

Day Trip To Daylesford & Hepburn Springs + Progress on Destashification Project #4

2011-05-07T13:18:00.000+10:00

Last weekend I took a lovely drive with my eldest brother, his wife and their gorgeous little boy to Daylesford and Hepburn Springs about an hour from Melbourne.

The drive was so beautiful with all the autumnal colours. The weather was just perfect - not too cold.

And here is my progress on destashification project number 4. I've finished off the scarf and made an urban shells beanie in matching wool. I still have quite a bit of the same wool left over so I'm thinking of making some mittens. I'd really like to make some crochet mittens. Anyone got a favourite pattern they like?

Destashification Project #12 - Navy Urban Shells Beanie

2011-05-02T21:59:00.000+10:00

I think I've done this pattern to death by now - here is my navy version of the urban shells beanie.

All the beanies in a row (except the for the cream one which has gone to a very lovely little girl for her birthday).

Destashification Project #12 - Ten Cable Baby Beanie

2011-04-25T15:06:00.000+10:00

I've finished another of my one-ball-of-wool wonders - ten cable baby beanie. You can find the pattern here.

A crisp Autumn Morning and Destashification Project #11

2011-04-13T09:06:00.000+10:00

It's a crisp morning in Melbourne today after torrential rains yesterday. The sun is out and the garden is looking refreshed.

I've started cutting out New look 6748 in a light jersey I bough from Cleggs in the city last year. I'm planning on making the sleeveless version (I started cutting out when the weather was still a bit warmer) but now I'm considering cutting sleeves for it - we'll see :)

Destashification Project #10 - 2 Pink Beanies

2011-04-09T09:57:00.000+10:00

As I'm sure you've noticed I've been using up by blue wools, but haven't yet touched any of the pinks....

So it was time to delve into my two balls of pretty pinks to make some beanies suitable for little girls.

I've used the urban shells pattern again (because I'm totally in love with it), and made the dark pink wool into a 'child' size and the light pink into the 'baby' size.

Destashification Project #9 - Finished!

2011-03-30T21:49:00.000+11:00

Here is my dusky blue (+ tan edging) urban shells crochet beanie all finished.

I had to add the tan edging because I ran out of blue wool. Now I'm actually quite glad I got to put the contrasting colour on.

Destashification Project #9 - Dusky Blue Urban Shells Beanie

2011-03-27T10:56:00.001+11:00

I've dug out more single ball of wool and made a start on a baby-sized blue urban shells beanie.

Same pattern as the cream one I made a couple of week ago. You can see the pattern on Ravelry here.

Chocolates and Pralines Level 1

2011-03-23T16:18:00.000+11:00

As a parting gift from my old job, my delightful work colleagues gave me a voucher to do a cooking class at Savour in Brunswick. I did the chocolates and pralines level 1 class today and it was absolutely fantastic.

You can see other classes that Savour run here. I would thoroughly recommend them.

Destashification Project #8 - Finished!

2011-03-19T10:19:00.000+11:00

I love a great finish and I love how this project has turned out.

I had seen other people doing this embroidery in a single colour here, but decided that I wanted to make mine as bright and vibrant as possible.

What have you embroidered?

Destashification Project #8

2011-03-16T14:27:00.000+11:00

My Mr Right is having a birthday. He usually doesn't want anything flash for his birthday, but I always like to make him something beautiful and special.

I usually make him a quilt of some description, but thought this year it would be nice to make a nice embroidery for him.

I saw this lovely pattern when searching for inspiration and knew I had to make it.

Will keep you posted on my progress...

Destashification Project #7 - Finished!

2011-03-12T09:49:00.000+11:00

Here is my first urban shells beanie all finished.

I have to say that this beanie was a joy to make. I love the shell pattern - it's so pretty. And, it's the perfect sized project for one ball of wool. I've got many random single balls of wool so I've decided to make my de-stash project number 7 to use up as many single balls of wool as possible - and I'm so in love with this pattern I think it will be a major contender for them all!

Destashification Project #7 - Shell Beanie

2011-03-04T22:01:00.001+11:00

Here is the beginnings of my crochet Urban Shells Beanie in adult size (though I think because I'm using finer wool it will end up toddler-sized).

You can download this pattern for free from here as a Ravelry download.

The pattern is very easy to follow and once you get going you can make plenty of progress relatively quickly :)

Destashification Project # 6 - Crochet Beanie Finished!!

2011-02-26T08:32:00.000+11:00

Here is my first crochet beanie. When I was starting I wasn't sure if it was working out, but in the end it did. I used this online tutorial to get me started.

It turned out smaller than I intended - but I think it would be fine as a newborn size.

Destahification Project #6 - Crochet Beanie

2011-02-19T10:22:00.000+11:00

Now that I'm hooked on crochet, I thought it was time to try a different project from granny-square-ing.

My new challenge - beanies!!

I had some left-over yarn from making this mouse and sleeping bag a few years ago.

Here is my progress so far - not quite sure if it's working yet or not.....

Destashification Project #5 - Sideboard Mat

2011-02-13T08:59:00.001+11:00

You may remember this quilt which I made to match with our new sofas last year.

We have a sideboard in our living room which many years ago I made a runner to cover the top of it so it wouldn't get scratched. Lately it's just been looking tired and with the blue stripes, no longer matches with our green theme.

So this brings me to my de-stash project 5 - a new mat for the sideboard (using my left-overs from the quilt of course).

I'm so pleased with the result. Because the mat is so much smaller it really shows off the beautiful wood of the sideboard.

Destashification Project #2 Crochet Baby Blanket Finished!!

2011-02-05T14:46:00.000+11:00

My first real crochet project is complete!

I'm excited for several reasons. The first is that I have finally made this beautiful yarn into something I love and know I will use in the future. And the second is that I finally learned to crochet :) I'm hooked (no pun intended).

Destashification Prject #2 Progress

2011-02-01T22:57:00.000+11:00

My crochet baby blanket is almost done!

Just one ball of wool to go...

Destashification Project #3 Progress - Pink Pinwheels

2011-01-26T11:43:00.000+11:00

Here are the first of my pink pinwheels.

Will keep you posted on my progress :)

Destashification Project #3

2011-01-24T21:59:00.000+11:00

These lovely leftovers are from a dress my Mum made me to attend my Aunt's wedding in 1990 and the plain pink from a night dress I made a few years ago.

(yikes for crazy posing!!)

They're going to be a pinwheel quilt once I'm done with them!

Hot Air Balloon Landing - in my street!!

2011-01-20T08:20:00.000+11:00

Recently I was pottering about getting ready to go to work and I could hear this strange noise outside..... Intermittently there was a shhhhhhhhhhrrrrrrrrr sound. I couldn't see anything when I looked out the window, and went back to what I was doing.

Then all of a sudden this is what descended right in front of our house!

Of course nobody believed it was possible at work - they all thought I had the DTs.

More on my continuing destashification soon ....

Skirt Tote

2011-01-18T08:20:00.000+11:00

A lovely friend from work had a skirt which really didn't fit her well but she loved the fabric so just couldn't part with it.

So I thought it would look great as a tote :)

Now she can 'wear it' anytime :)

Driving Holiday

2011-01-12T23:40:00.001+11:00

If you're ever in Victoria and would like a great 3 day, 2 night drive - I would definitely recommend the Great Alpine Road Circuit.

Ned Kelly sculpture in Beechworth

Hotel in Beechworth

Snow on Mt Hotham

(yes you read right - SNOW in December!!)

Lakes Entrance

Mornington Peninsula

Destashification Project 2

2011-01-10T17:00:00.000+11:00

I had this lovely aqua wool for a long time. It was originally in a jumper that my mum knitted, and then unravelled some years later. It's been sitting in my stash and I've been too afraid to knit it up into a jumper for myself as I tend to wear things out pretty quickly. I really wanted something that would last and be a bit special.

So I am crochet-ing it up into a baby-sized blanket (for future use of course).

I've got another 4 balls of wool to use up - can't wait until it's all finished!!

Timeless Tongan Blues Placemats Finished

2011-01-07T07:54:00.000+11:00

I'm so happy with these placemats. I'm almost too scared to use them in case I spill some awful tomato sauce or something else equally staining.

I've added white borders, then I had enough navy to make binding for two, then I have to make white binding for the other too.

Destashification Project 1 - Timeless Tongan Blue Placemats

2011-01-04T08:23:00.001+11:00

You may remember this quilt I made last year. I had a number of scraps left over - only tiny pieces - but I love the fabrics too much to just throw them out. Hence - placemats...

Next job will be some borders and binding :)

New Years' Resolution - Destashification

2011-01-01T10:32:00.000+11:00

My major sewing goal for 2011 is to sew up most, if not all, of my stash fabrics and yarns.

I find that new fabrics are a weakness and I get very excited about new fabrics and yarns, but then I have all this lovely fabric and yarn, some of which was handed down to me from my mother, that just never gets anything done with it.

Yarn stash - more than 90% of it is from my mum.

Fabric stash - again, a lot of it from mum.

Quilting fabric stash - all my own doing.

My first step was to sort it all into groups to see what will go well together.

Next step - get into making it all into lovely projects - will keep you posted on my progress!!

What is your sewing/crafting new years' resolution?

2010 Review

2010-12-30T19:36:00.000+11:00

Christmas Tree Wrap-Up

2010-12-29T20:26:00.000+11:00

Mr Right and I have not had a proper Christmas tree as yet, but I've been dreaming of a simple, wooden tree that could be easily assembled and then dismantled and stored during the year. Something not too bushy so that it shows off all our lovely ornaments.

Well - it's happened!! I did the design several months ago, then Mr Right designed a base for it to stand up in (I didn't think that far ahead) and he made it all up from me (thank you Bunnings for all the great supplies)

Next post I'll be wrapping up 2010 and revealing my ultimate sewing goals for next year.

Colourful Potholders

2010-12-27T18:07:00.000+11:00

Last time I visited my Dad I saw that his potholders were looking a bit tired, so I decided that I would make him some nice new potholders for Christmas. I think they turned out rather spiffingly (is that a word?)

Christmas Quilt for Mr Right

2010-12-25T19:33:00.000+11:00

I love to make a Christmas quilt for Mr Right each year. This year I wanted to try something a bit different. I've been drooling over the wonderful designs over at Don't Look Now for some time, so this seemed like a good opportunity to try one of her patterns.

Pentagon Baby Ball

2010-12-23T22:46:00.000+11:00

I made this little soft ball for my friends' beautiful baby girl from some Kaffe fasset scraps.

You can see the pattern here.

Christmas Ornaments 6

2010-12-22T07:56:00.000+11:00

Here is my final installment on my handmade Christmas ornaments. Now all we have to organise is the tree!!

Christmas Ornaments 5

2010-12-20T22:01:00.000+11:00

Christmas Ornaments 4

2010-12-16T22:41:00.000+11:00

Two of my favourite so far :)

Christmas Ornaments 3

2010-12-12T22:35:00.000+11:00

Some more felt embroidered ornaments for our tree :)

Christmas Ornaments 2

2010-12-09T22:21:00.000+11:00

Some more ornaments for the tree :)

Christmas ornaments 1

2010-12-06T22:49:00.000+11:00

I just love making Christmas ornaments - they're always just a bit special when they're handmade.

More to come soon :)

Mrs Perkins Number Two Finished!

2010-12-05T10:52:00.000+11:00

Here is the second Mrs Perkins for nephew number 2 :) Hi favourite colour is orange.

Hope they like them :)

Mrs Perkins number one finished!

2010-11-28T18:32:00.000+11:00

Here she (he) is - my blue Mrs Perkins. Next project - the orange Mrs Perkins

Practicing Crochet

2010-11-24T08:35:00.000+11:00

I've wanting to learn to crochet for several years now. My step-mum bought me some yarn and a hook an gave me a great lesson about a year ago. I find very un-co at the time, and haven't touched it since. The I decided I just had to practice.

So here is my first effort at a granny square.

I've already started a second one!

On My Needles

2010-11-20T20:50:00.000+11:00

This scarf has been on the needles for some time in fact. Because the yarn is quite fine, and the needles quite this, progress is slow. Nevertheless it is steady progress and every now and then I get a burst of enthusiasm.

Will keep you posted on my progress :) What's on your needles?

New Project - Mrs Perkins

2010-11-17T21:47:00.000+11:00

Now that my diamonds project is out of the way - on to the next project. I'm going to be visiting two of my nephews in a couple of weeks' time. Last time I saw them I took them some Melly & Me Dilberts. This time I'm going to make them some Mrs Perkins :) You can see the pattern here.

Kaffe 6 Point Diamonds - Finished!!

2010-11-15T21:47:00.000+11:00

Its all done now - and I'm so happy with it :)

Kaffe 6 Point Diamonds Progress

2010-11-13T17:30:00.000+11:00

Binding going on :)

Kaffe 6 Point Diamonds Progress

2010-11-11T21:44:00.005+11:00

Next job towards the finish line - backing...

I used some of each fabric used in the top.

Getting closer :)

Kaffe 6 Point Diamonds Progress

2010-11-08T22:09:00.006+11:00

My next big decision for this quilt was a border. It was a tough decision. I tried each of the prints and nothing seemed right. So eventually I hit on using 4 colours together!!

Next job - backing...

Kaffe 6 Point Diamonds Progress

2010-11-05T21:32:00.004+11:00

Can you guess what I've been up to?

Handmade Glass Earrings

2010-11-04T09:45:00.004+11:00

A few years ago my beautiful cousin Jessie made these gorgeous earrings. Not only did she put them together, she also handmade the glass beads!

Isn't she clever?

I wore them to work the other day and got some enthusiastic comments :)

Blogger's Quilt Festival 2010

2010-11-02T13:59:00.008+11:00

I made this quilt only recently, but have decided to enter it in my first eve Blogger's Quilt Festival over at Amy's Creative Side.

The pattern is based on Anna Maria Horner's Folk Dance Quilt.

And the fabrics were in a Timeless Tongan Blues fat quarter pack from Hancock's of Paducah.

Kaffe 6 Point Diamonds Progress

2010-10-31T13:41:00.007+11:00

This was the view from my sewing room window yesterday - rain, rain and more rain.

But not to worry, I made some good progress on my 6 point diamonds whilst enjoying the likes of Mamma Mia, How to Make an American Quilt, and Ghost.

I can smell the finish....

More Fabrics from GJs

2010-10-28T21:49:00.002+11:00

I spied these gorgeous brights at GJ's the other day.

Now I just have to decide what I'm going to do with them!!

Kaffe 6 Point Diamonds Progress

2010-10-24T09:25:00.005+11:00

I've started piecing all the stars together - I'm starting to get quite excited, but there's a long way to go!

Vogue 6119

2010-10-20T21:54:00.006+11:00

I came across this pattern some years ago in an op shop in Wynnum (bayside suburb in Brisbane). I instantly fell in love the the short-sleeved version.

The fabric is navy linen/polyester from The Fabric Shop in Fitzroy (Melbourne).

Kaffe 6 Point Diamonds Progress

2010-10-17T11:43:00.004+11:00

Here are the last two flowers....

And all laid out ready to piece together!!

Kaffe 6 Point Diamonds Progress

2010-10-12T21:40:00.003+11:00

This is the last fabric now, then on to assembly!

6 Point Diamonds Motivation....

2010-10-10T14:45:00.001+11:00

1. Seven Stars, 2. English paper pieced stars, 3. Travel Quilt #3, 4. 6 point diamonds

Happy Birthday Little Man

2010-10-09T10:41:00.006+11:00

A very special little nephew turns 5 today!

Cannot believe how the years have flown. He is in Brisbane, and I am in Melbourne :( So even though I can't see him today, he's on my mind.

I made a little fabric birthday card and hopefully it gets there in time.

And with the lights out....

Kaffe 6 Point Diamonds Progress

2010-10-07T08:05:00.006+11:00

I promise I'm getting close to the end of this marathon.

There is just one fabric let to make into diamonds/flowers then it will be on to make white filling diamonds and putting the whole thing together!

Kaffe 6 Point Diamonds Progress

2010-10-06T08:35:00.001+11:00

More diamonds - getting close now :)

Farewell

2010-10-01T18:15:00.003+10:00

Today our family farewelled our beautiful matriarch - Marjorie - my grandmother.

It was a lovely send-off for a lovely lady, and nice to catch up with family from the far reaches of the country.

Burda 7978 Slippers

2010-09-26T13:07:00.008+10:00

I've been wanting to update my slippers for some time. I did get some groovy ones a couple of years ago, but they had a funny synthetic lining that seemed to make my feet sweat uncontrollably whenever I wore them.

So I finally got around to using my Burda 7978 pattern.

I used one of my nice $2 fat quarters from GJs fabrics and I'm very pleased with the result. I have insulated the soles and upper with bamboo/cotton batting so they're nice and warm.

Very simple to make :) I also found this 'Alice" patten on the Burda fashion webiste - looks very similar and it's download-able for only $2!

Kaffe 6 Point Diamonds Progress

2010-09-19T15:38:00.003+10:00

More diamonds!! Only 2 more fabrics to go!!

Whirlygig Quilts

2010-09-13T21:15:00.007+10:00

Here are my green whirlygig quilts all bound and finished.

This one is about 24" by 17".

The other two are smaller....

I've put them to use as sewing machine mats :)

Kaffe 6 Point Diamonds Progress

2010-09-11T11:11:00.002+10:00

More Kaffe diamonds - getting there......

Kaffe 6 Point Diamonds Progress

2010-09-07T21:58:00.000+10:00

More Kaffe 6 point diamond blocks - getting there - slowly ...

Spring Anyone?

2010-09-05T13:31:00.024+10:00

The other morning i awoke to a lovely sunrise in one direction....

And a rainbow in the other :)

The signs of spring seem to be everywhere at the moment...

I'm loving the colours in my Kaffe 6 point diamonds - reminding me of the blooms I see out and about :)

Green Whirlygigs Quilt + Whirlygig Tutorial

2010-08-31T22:18:00.015+10:00

New project - woohoo!!

I've had these greens from the pre-cut table at GJs for a few months now. I've been um-ing and ah-ing as to what to do with them! I finally decided on whirlygigs :)

These whirlygigs started out as 3" squares. I then measured halfway, then a 1/4" to either side of half way at the top and bottom, draw a line in-between, and cut. To make this process easier I made the 3" squares then cut a paper template and stuck it to the back of my cutting ruler.

Then sew 4 white bits to 4 green bits as if you're making squares again. It's a bit hard to see, but I've offset the ends just a little, so that when you open out the seams the edges are straight.

Press seams towards the darker colour to hide them.

Trim the long side of your new 'squares' (which are now actually rectangles) to make proper squares. In this case trimming them back to 2 and a half in sides.

Now you have 2 1/2" squares...

They go together like this...

Sew two together at a time and press - again press the seams towards the darker colour to hide them.

Now when you put the two halves together the middle seams should be pointing in opposite directions. This way you can push the seams together to get good alignment.

Now you should have a whirlygig with 5" sides (left hand block), but I found they're a bit ratty and hard to get perfect, so I've trimmed mine back to 4" sides (right hand block) by placing the 2" mark on my ruler down the centre seam and trimming off the excess (1/2'' on each side).

Sew together :)

Groovy Glow in the Dark 3 year-old Birthday Card

2010-08-29T11:11:00.008+10:00

A very special nephew turned 3 just recently, and I couldn't resist making a special birthday 'card' for him.

The animal template are from A Very Merry Aussie Christmas quilt, blogged about here, from this great Brisbane designer.

And when you turn out the lights...

Love their eyes looking out in glow in the dark goodness. The glow in the dark bits are made with left-over iron-on from this project in February.

There is another nephew birthday coming up in a couple of months - will have to think of something groovy for him too :)

Wildflower Pincushion

2010-08-27T17:55:00.007+10:00

I just live this cute wildflower pincushion design by Anna Maria Horner.

You can find the pattern here.

You can see other people's gorgeous versions on flikr:

1. flower pincushion Anna Maria Horner pattern, 2. Wild Flower Pin Cushion, 3. more wild flower pincushions, 4. wildflower pincushion, 5. for.jennifer, 6. background, 7. Pincushion with tiny hand stitched patchwork., 8. Wildflower Pincushion, 9. wildflower pincushion, 10. for.joelle, 11. DSC_0256, 12. Wild Flower Pin Cushion, 13. FlowerPincushionwithSinger2, 14. flower pincushion Anna Maria Horner pattern, 15. Close up of tiny patchwork on flower pincushion, 16. flower pincushion (again)

Quiltstory & Fabric Project

2010-08-24T22:17:00.003+10:00

When I saw Quiltstory's post on pretty fabrics, I couldn't resist.

Here is my total progress so far on my Kaffe 6 point diamonds project.

Kwik Sew Handbag 3248

2010-08-24T22:10:00.004+10:00

I've made this handbag pattern before. This time it is for my lovely sister-in-law, S.

It's reversible!

You can get the pattern for free here.