tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46593387885055324292024-02-20T12:31:29.554+11:00Solomon SewingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.comBlogger499125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-20624897387804701582014-11-17T12:44:00.000+11:002014-11-17T12:44:58.153+11:00Made for Me - May Houndstooth Skirt<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15807281875" title="Houndstooth skirt under an hour. by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5614/15807281875_5e499cf179_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Houndstooth skirt under an hour."></a></center><br />
Please excuse the grainy instagram picture, I am still playing mega-catchup on the blog. I picked up this houndstooth fabric from <a href="http://www.darncheapfabrics.com.au/">Darn Cheap Fabrics</a> in Glen Huntley, early this year. It wasn't from the $2 table, it was about $$7/m. I used my self-drafted pattern that I made my <a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/a-simple-stretchy-skirt.html">chevron skirt</a> from.<br />
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Whilst the fabric is a stretch, the recovery isn't great. If I was doing it again, I would put elastic in the waistband. It stays up, but gets looser throughout the day. If you are wanting to make yourself a stretchy a-line skirt that has a self-waistband, then definitely go for something that has good recovery. Something with a little lycra or spandex would be ideal. These skirts come together quickly and easily and are a great addition to the wardrobe as they look great and are comfortable to wear. <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-45781118940969632662014-11-13T13:28:00.002+11:002014-11-13T13:29:10.760+11:00Apple Underpants<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15134771423" title="Oh, the cuteness! by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7498/15134771423_5a34278fbe_z.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Oh, the cuteness!"></a></center><br />
Determined to use up every spare scrap of that delicious apple fabric from Amélie's <a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/little-joey-apples.html">Little Joey Dress</a>, I made a couple of pairs of undies for Amélie, using the <a href="https://www.youcanmakethis.com/products/childrens-undies">That*Darn*Kat</a> underwear pattern. I normally would have matched the overlocking with the main fabric colour (red) but for some reason never bothered with these undies. I did the top stitching with a nice red zig-zag stitch, which I think is quite effective. You can see that I only needed a very small amount of pretty fabric to make these otherwise plain undies special. I really did use up all that apple fabric, I was left with only tiny slivers!<br />
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You can see previous undies I made using this pattern <a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/toilet-training.html">here</a>. I love this pattern because the undies provide really good coverage. They are nice, comfortably snug fit around the legs and the crotch, unlike many shop-bought undies. Perfect for sitting cross-legged on the floor for kindy, if you know what I mean. There is no plumber's crack reveal either. If anything, they could be a little shorter in the waist.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-59384772345102551262014-11-10T15:56:00.000+11:002014-11-10T16:45:21.479+11:00Little Joey - Apples<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15567487900" title="Little Joey Text by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7489/15567487900_f240be5d09_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Little Joey Text"></a></center><br />
Some time ago, Toni from <a href="http://makeitperfect.com.au/MIP/Make_It_Perfect_-_Fresh_and_Funky_Designer_Sewing_Patterns.html">Make It Perfect</a> emailed me and asked if I would like to test her new pattern, <a href="http://makeitperfect.com.au/MIP/Joey.html">Little Joey</a>. The dress looked so cute, I said "YES," and immediately ordered fabric from <a href="http://www.craftymamasfabrics.com.au/">Crafty Mamas</a> to put it together with. Crafty Mamas is my go-to shop for high quality stretch fabrics, and this Snow White themed apple fabric came in a <a href="http://www.craftymamasfabrics.com.au/collections/creative-packs">Creative Pack</a> with some coordinating dark grey and red fabric, some ribbon and a cute little bird iron on. I had my eye on that fabric pack already, and I knew that the Little Joey pattern was the perfect excuse for me to buy it. <br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15750762831" title="Make It Perfect - Little Joey pattern by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7516/15750762831_9eb6674211_z.jpg" width="640" height="362" alt="Make It Perfect - Little Joey pattern"></a></center><br />
Little Joey is a cute little jersey dress with a waistband and kangaroo pockets. This particular pattern is for little girls from six months to five years. There is also a <a href="http://makeitperfect.com.au/MIP/Joey.html">Big Joey</a> pattern for your Little Joey's big sister, aged up to about 10, and a <a href="http://makeitperfect.com.au/MIP/Skippy.html">Skippy</a> pattern, perfect for mums on the go. I made the size four pattern and chose to make it with the short sleeves. <br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15589390495" title="Little Joey Apples pocket by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15589390495_c8c9af2fd1_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Little Joey Apples pocket"></a></center><br />
The fabric pack I had purchased only had 50cm of the apple fabric, and I was determined to make the pattern fit, despite the recommendation being for 110cm of main fabric. I think my piece was actually about 55cm or so, and I did make the skirt shorter to get it to fit. Something I did find odd about the pattern was that the bottom corners of the skirt come to a point, instead of being a neat curve. I trimmed these bits off before hemming. I did mention this to Toni in my pattern testing notes, but the final pattern was not changed. <br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15590213252" title="Comfy Joey Dress by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/15590213252_2e21419a1a_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Comfy Joey Dress"></a></center><br />
Whilst I would say that the fabric requirements are generous, I do recommend that you have a bit more than I did and it will be a less stressful exercise, especially if you wish to make a larger size, or long sleeves. Alternately, I could have had a grey bodice and ironed on the bird, but I am glad I persevered with making the apple fabric fit. I used some of the red coordinating fabric from the Creative Pack for the neck and sleeve and waist bands.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15403398087" title="Little Joey back by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/15403398087_a4e10f6aa5_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Little Joey back"></a></center><br />
I think Amélie's favourite feature is the kangaroo pockets, where she can store matchbox cars and all sorts of other treasures. I just can't go past those cute little puffy sleeves. The sleeves were a little bit tricky because there were no notches to match between the sleeves and the armholes, so there was a bit of guesswork involved there. Whilst I still think the Make It Perfect patterns could use a little polish, the pattern was easy to put together and the end result is a cute little dress, perfect for playing in and easy to care for - no ironing! <br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/14968626534" title="Little Joey Pockets by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/14968626534_05f2cc9c28_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Little Joey Pockets"></a></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-9953395706647314412014-10-27T18:48:00.002+11:002014-10-28T08:07:31.530+11:00Holly Sea Princess<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15453460687" title="Holly Sea Princess Cardigan by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Holly Sea Princess Cardigan" height="425" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15453460687_38ef45516f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center><br />
<a href="https://kcwc.herokuapp.com/users/sign_in">Kids' Clothes Week</a> just ended and whilst I didn't do much in the way of sewing for my kids, I did get some knitting done. I spent at least an hour a day for the first four days of the week, and finally completed this Sea Princess cardigan for Amélie. The Sea Princess pattern by Elena Nodel, is available from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sea-princess">Ravelry</a>, and I recently discovered it is also on <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=782896&b=253536&m=29190&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ecraftsy%2Ecom%2Fpattern%2Fknitting%2Fclothing%2Fsea%2Dprincess%2F54310">Craftsy*</a>. <br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/14985864753" title="Holly Sea Princess by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Holly Sea Princess" height="425" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3933/14985864753_fcfd4884d6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center><br />
The pattern comes in sizes from six months through to nine years, and has quite a few options including double or single breasted, different sleeve lengths and shapes, as well as variations on how elaborate the cabling is. I chose long sleeves with the elaborate cables and just one row of buttons. I particularly love the detail on the back. <br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15452529969" title="Holly Sea Princess back by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Holly Sea Princess back" height="426" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3932/15452529969_5570fb5a92_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center><br />
I knitted the cardigan on my Knit-Pro interchangeable needles from the top down. You knit it all as one piece, so there is no stitching up at the end. It starts below the neckband, and you knit front panel, shoulder, back panel, shoulder, front panel. You keep knitting, back and forth with some increases until you get to the underarm point, where you slip a bunch of stitches off onto a stitch holder for the sleeves, and then join the front and back panels together at the sides. There is a twisty cable that runs down the side "seams" between the front and the back. After you have completed this, and bound off at the bottom, you go back and knit the neckband, and then you knit the remainder of each sleeve in the round. All there is to do after casting off is to tidy up a little under the armpits and weave in all the ends. You can save yourself some trouble by knitting half of those ends in as you go. One of the fun things about knitting on interchangeable needles is that it is easy to try on as you go.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15582333636" title="Sea Princess by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Sea Princess" height="425" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5601/15582333636_46798a218b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center><br />
I used <a href="http://www.bendigowoollenmills.com.au/Product/tabid/55/2328/2328/190712/CLASSIC/Default.aspx">Bendigo Classic 8-ply in Holly</a> to knit this cardigan. It comes in 200g balls, and I used about one and a half balls, leaving me 123g of yarn to knit something else. I might mix it up with some grey and knit some stripy hats. We will see. The yarn is only $12 a ball, so quite a reasonable price for good quality yarn.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15419888628" title="Sea Princess - button by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Sea Princess - button" height="425" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3945/15419888628_02a987d259_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center><br />
When I finished knitting, Amélie and I went to the shop and chose some buttons. I picked up some that were red with teddy bears on them, but she wasn't interested in those. It is clear that she has more sophisticated taste than that. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Affiliate link</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-6242250093090629622014-10-20T12:08:00.000+11:002014-10-20T12:08:38.143+11:00Winter Flat Cap<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15453837392" title="Flatcap by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/15453837392_b54cab06a2.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Flatcap"></a></center><br />
When I made Maxx's coat, I had some leftover fabric, so I made him a matching flat-cap using Nikki's <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=782896&b=253536&m=29190&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ecraftsy%2Ecom%2Fpattern%2Fsewing%2Faccessory%2Fflat%2Dcap%2F54835">"You Sew, Girl! Flat-cap" pattern</a>. I cannot believe it has been almost two years since I made his last <a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/maxxs-flat-cap.html">flat-cap</a>. This one is warmer for winter than the last one.<br />
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Despite the heavier fabric, this hat was much easier to put together than the last one was, and sewed up in no time. I also have a couple of these cut out ready for the boys.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-59300444731277096972014-10-16T09:39:00.000+11:002014-10-16T09:39:44.198+11:00"Well, hellooooo there!"<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/10262694223/" title="Hello! by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Hello!" height="332" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/10262694223_70ec313282.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
said the giraffe, "Please do come in!"<br />
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I've had this post sitting in my drafts for a year, and just now, I saw that my friend Rachel had posted her about the <a href="http://www.thedovenest.com.au/mummy-stuff/whered-baby-go-beetle-quilt-update-blogtoberfest-day-16/">quilt a year on,</a> and thought I should finally share this.<br />
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Some friends and I secretly made our friend Rachel a quilt for her new baby. We started not long after she announced her pregnancy, so whilst she was busy baking a beautiful baby, we were conspiring to make him/her a beautiful quilt. The block above is the one that I made. AJ is the real hero, she put all those very different blocks together and made them into a beautiful quilt.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-16119307701374942412014-10-13T12:13:00.000+11:002014-10-13T12:13:48.657+11:00Poor, Neglected Maxx<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15297679537" title="Albion Coat Profile by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3952/15297679537_dfbc7a9ac5.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Albion Coat Profile"></a><br />
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Maxx always seems to miss out. The truth is that men's clothes tend to require more time and more fabric in less exciting colours. The end result, though, is always worthwhile, and when I do make things for him, he really does appreciate it. If he wasn't into hats though, he wouldn't get much.<br />
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It took me ages to find fabric to make this <a href="http://www.sewsquirrel.com.au/walden-patterns-albion/">Albion coat</a>. I had the pattern in my hands for some time before I was able to find suitable fabric. Having said that, I can't say that it was particularly suitable. The fabric was from Spotlight, and I would suggest that unless you are planning to make a heavy, army style blanket, then maybe bypass it. Maxx assures me that the coat is comfortable, but it is very heavy. Almost 3kg. I can't say I was overly impressed with the range of wool fabric that Spotlight had, considering it was meant to be on sale. There was a total of 6 bolts there, three of which were light grey (two the same with sparkles, the other without), this olive coloured one, a dark green plaid and white. So olive it was, and lucky it's a colour he likes. I was happy to find a matching bemsilk to line it with. The pattern suggests flannel lining, but with fabric this heavy, it would be too much. Plus, bemsilk makes it easy to slip over other clothes.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15297589338" title="Albion Coat Front by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2948/15297589338_7e93b61f79.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Albion Coat Front"></a></center><br />
So, 3kg of coat is quite a bit to be lugging around the sewing machine, but I powered on. Since it was a birthday present, the coat was made mostly in secret, whilst Maxx was at work. I encountered some real difficulty when it came time to sew on the toggles. Large bulky coat needed to be able to be turned around under the harp of my machine, which was quite a squeeze. The weight of the coat threatened to drag my domestic sewing machine right off the table whilst I sewed, so it was hard yakka. There was much unpicking and swearing and in the end I got there, with the help of my trusty fabric glue pen, and my industrial sewing machine (with it's heavy table, and bigger harp) and they look fabulous! The toggles were made by hand, using leather scraps in just the right colour from my stash. I feel that the kits with the black toggle cover things would not have suited. I used a letter D from my big box of biscuit cutters as a template for the toggle covers. I managed to find some cord in just the right colour at <a href="http://www.clegs.com.au/">Clegs</a> in the city when I was there for <a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/3-easy-steps-to-making-better-bags.html">Nikki's Book Launch</a>, and the toggles themselves were from <a href="http://spotlight.com.au/">Spotlight</a>.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15268789840" title="DSC01720 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15268789840_2d8a07271c.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC01720"></a></center><br />
I had originally intended to use buttons to attach the hood and sleeve tabs, but decided that it was unfair to expect my sewing machine to sew buttonholes into that bulky fabric and went with some brassy jeans snaps instead. I added some to the pocket flaps as well, for good measure. As well as being hardwearing, and looking fabulous, the jeans snaps were a much more affordable choice. Many of the buttons that I liked at Spotlight were $6 each. It would have cost me almost $50 for buttons (not including toggles). How ridiculous!<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15481174731" title="DSC01711 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15481174731_d2f71076f2.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC01711"></a></center><br />
Apart from fabric woes, the pattern itself is pretty awesome. There are some great details, and whilst the pattern is quite extensive compared to the regular commercial patterns, there are even more great hints and tips on the <a href="http://www.sewalongs.com/albion">sew-along</a>. I also have the <a href="http://www.sewsquirrel.com.au/walden-patterns-negroni/">Walden Negroni pattern</a> waiting for me to make Maxx a shirt (one day, I promise!) and I must say, they are the most attractively packaged patterns I have ever bought. I should also add that I am super impressed with my service from <a href="http://www.sewsquirrel.com.au/">Sew Squirrel</a> so far, my patterns have been posted to me super-quick. The Negroni pattern was ordered on a Saturday morning, was posted that afternoon and arrived Monday in rural Victoria!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-73718933280403903962014-10-06T11:34:00.000+11:002014-10-06T11:39:30.717+11:00Made for Me - April Batwing Top<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15450104251" title="DSC01437 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/15450104251_4721cc2932.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="DSC01437"></a></center><br />
I originally made New Look 6648, view A in <a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/made-for-me-january.html">January</a>, this time I decided to make view B with the batwing sleeves which is more suitable for the cooler weather. This time the fabric was from the $2 rack at Darn Cheap Fabrics in Glen Huntly. I was lucky to have found it, as the fabric was rolled with the "pretty side" facing inwards. The outer side, with the pretty sparkles was hidden inside the roll.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12762074625" title="DSC01257 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/12762074625_259c23e194.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC01257"></a></center><br />
I encountered an interesting problem when laying out the pattern. My fabric was only about 130cm wide, which is wide compared to many woven fabrics, but most stretch fabrics are closer to 150cm. It seems I wasn't the only one who had issues with the width of the fabric. When I made a little post on facebook about it, it turned out that <a href="http://thornberry.wordpress.com/2014/05/13/mccalls-6841-top-and-colette-mabel-skirt/">Lara</a> was also making a (different) top, using the exact same fabric! With the batwing style sleeve, the front and back pattern pieces are quite wide. When I laid this pattern out, I realised it was not going to fit. I decided to cut the sleeves a bit short, and add cuffs to the ends. I made the cuffs the same way that the lower band is made, with gathered seams. <br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/14584579502" title="DSC01438 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14584579502_1dd9923928.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="DSC01438"></a></center><br />
One thing that I do find a bit irritating with the top I made in January, is that even though I made the neck opening narrower and deeper, it is still "a bit flashdance" and falls off my shoulder from time to time. I wanted to avoid this and really brought the neckline in on this top. Then I did my neckband differently to the instructions and mitred the centre front instead of the way the pattern has you do it. I feel I did make the neckband a little short, as it brought in the neckline even more, it is very modest, but being an autumn-winter top, this keeps me warmer - better than having a top that falls off the shoulders when it's freezing outside.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-49877409381554226552014-09-29T15:59:00.000+10:002014-09-29T20:11:14.176+10:00Around the World BloghopHello! I haven't been in here for <i>aaaa</i>ges. My fellow blogger, and crafty associate, <a href="http://badskirt.blogspot.com.au">Amy Badskirt</a> has kindly given me the kick up the bum I needed, and nominated me to participate in a little blog hopping fun. Basically, I answer a few questions about my creative process so that you can get to know me a little better, and then I tag a couple of people and get them to do the same. then we can all get to know each other a little better. If you are interested, you can check out Amy's post <a href="http://badskirt.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/around-world-blog-hop.html">here</a>, and follow back up to the beginning, or you can follow any of the links off to check out the other nominees' answers. You can see who my lucky victims are at the end of this post.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15386467535" title="Delicious Jersey knits by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Delicious Jersey knits" height="332" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15386467535_31c476b053.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<b>What am I working on?</b><br />
My major goal for this year is to make more things for me to wear. So far I have been keeping up fairly well with the target of at least one item per month. I seem to be focussed mainly on stretchy fabrics at the moment. This is not particularly a deliberate thing, it has just happened that way. I find stretch fabrics mostly easy to work with (provided they are of good quality), they generally sew up pretty quickly, have less fitting issues than clothes made from woven fabrics, and (most importantly) are comfortable and easy to wear with no ironing. I have a big stack of things all cut out and ready to be sewn for the boys, a fake croc-skin bag that I really need to finish, and there is also a half-knitted cardigan on the bed-side table that I must get to before Amélie outgrows it.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/15383292851" title="Working on by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Working on" height="332" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2948/15383292851_eceaf667b8.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<b>How does my work differ from others of its genre?</b><br />
This is a really tricky question to answer. I don't set out to be different, I'm just me. I don't think there are any clear rules about what I do and don't like, I either do or I don't. Many of the "rules" I have, I break anyway. <br />
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My tastes are fairly eclectic, but I tend to prefer more saturated colours, rather than pale, pastel colours. Having said that, Amélie's quilt is pretty pale. <br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/8543532044" title="Daisies in the Woods by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Daisies in the Woods" height="320" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8543532044_99839825cc.jpg" width="240" /></a></center><br />
I also have a real thirst for trying something new. I generally don't make the same things over and over, but I have made a heap of Kwik Sew Pajamas. <br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/4478792044" title="Pajama boys by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Pajama boys" height="240" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2791/4478792044_cd1dd1231c_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br />
I don't like busy florals, but I love Heather Ross fabrics that are floral. <br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/5618987438" title="DSCF1217 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF1217" height="320" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5062/5618987438_38385e0137_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></center><br />
So, you see, I break my own rules all the time. If there is enough to like about something, then I can see past the things that I don't like and go with what I do. I guess I am still figuring out who I am. I wonder if I will ever find myself?<br />
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<b>Why do I write/create what I do?</b> <br />
I love to make stuff. I love the thrill of creating something and being able to say I made that, or I did that. I love learning new techniques. I love that my kids feel loved when I make them something that is especially for them. I love that I can make things fit better than they would if I bought them off the rack. I love it when I really get into creating so much that I can switch off everything else and just make... I mostly write about it to keep a record of what I have made and to share with my friends and family. <br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12558156023" title="Redondo Collage by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Redondo Collage" height="181" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/12558156023_957ab836c4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center><br />
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<b>How does my writing/creative process work?</b><br />
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Ok, so in a nutshell,<br />
<ul><li><span style="color: blue;"><i>I see things that I like and want to make,</i></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>I make the stuff, (creating a massive mess in the process)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>I take photos of the finished items</i></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>I write about it.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>I see new things I want to make and the process begins again.</i></span></li>
</ul>Sometimes the steps get mixed around a bit, or intersect with other projects, as I always have more than one on the go at a time, but that is generally how it works. Lately though, things have not been working for me as such. My biggest flaw, the thing that holds me back, is perfectionism. I'm not saying that I am perfect, far from it. It drives me though, and it also holds me back. If I can see something wrong with something, I have trouble letting it go. If I show a friend something I have made and she says that it's perfect, I will show her the stitch that skipped, or the slightly wonky top-stitching and show her that it is not perfect. I have no idea why I impose these standards upon myself, I don't inspect anyone else's work to see if it is perfect. As time has gone on, I have set my standards higher and higher, and now I feel that they are unreachable. The area where this is a problem for my blog, is my photography. Especially now that I am making so much for myself. This is a really big shame, as I love having my blog as a record of the things that I make. I need to learn to let go and just do it.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12762159945" title="Stretchy Skirt by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Stretchy Skirt" height="320" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/12762159945_3343766f3e_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></center><br />
And now it is time to nominate some people to follow in my footsteps and join the blog hop. The rules say I can nominate up to three people to participate; I nominate Karen, from <a href="http://and-so-i-sew.blogspot.com.au/">And so, I sew</a>, Jodie from <a href="http://vintagericrac.blogspot.com.au/">Ric-Rac</a>, and my other friend Karen, from <a href="http://cakes-by-karen.blogspot.com.au/">Cakes By Karen</a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-35893574678727841882014-06-11T17:16:00.002+10:002014-06-11T17:16:54.292+10:00Purse-frame bag<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/14370520334" title="Purse Frame Bag by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2926/14370520334_a9eed4f4fe_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Purse Frame Bag"></a></center><br />
Whilst I have heaps of bags, I felt like I needed something that was a bit more suitable for going out (smaller), that goes with more things. I have always thought that a bag with a purse frame would be cute, but I didn't have a suitable pattern, so I made it using <a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com">Nicole Mallalieu's</a> 200mm Chunky purse pattern....<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/14370133772" title=""You Sew, Girl!" Chunky 200mm Purse Kit by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3873/14370133772_16e7d1eff1_c.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt=""You Sew, Girl!" Chunky 200mm Purse Kit"></a></center><br />
I guess you can tell that I had to make a few modifications to actually get the bag to look like it does using that pattern. I had to slash and spread the pattern to make it bigger in all directions, except for the frame part. I started sewing up a trial bag before I worked on the real thing, but that has mostly been abandoned. <br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/14185022068" title="Modified purse frame pattern by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3840/14185022068_d7b823960a_c.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Modified purse frame pattern"></a></center><br />
The fabric for this bag came from Darn Cheap Fabrics. I think it was about $15 or $16 per metre? It is a fake leather type fabric with a texture that I think is meant to be a bit like snakeskin. The fabric has a bit of stretch in it. I guess it is designed to make skirts or pants out of? I added some iron on wadding to help give the bag some structure and to remove the stretch. There is also boning added behind the straps to give extra support, and help keep the bag standing up straight and tall and not slouching into a puddle. <br />
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I love the newsprint lining - I think it adds to the vintage feel of the bag. Mostly, bought bags seem to have a dark lining, which I guess is meant to help hide the grime, but I prefer a light-coloured lining, as it helps me to be able to see inside a bag.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/14347147276" title="Purse Frame Bag - look inside! by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3853/14347147276_1688e8f81d.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Purse Frame Bag - look inside!"></a></center><br />
I used the instructions in Nikki's new book <a href="http://www.fishpond.com.au/product_info.php?ref=3068&id=9781607058052&affiliate_banner_id=1" target="_blank">"The Better Bag Maker" </a>to help me make the zipped pocket inside. Normally, I would be going through my pattern stash, looking for which patterns have that set of instructions, or check my notes from the zippers for bags class I attended - but now I have the book, so I can save myself heaps of time by just referring to that. <br />
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The purse also has a nice hard base and cute little round purse feet on the base. Instead of just using it to go out, it seems to have become my everyday bag. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-43159020594944232702014-06-06T14:38:00.000+10:002014-06-06T14:38:06.482+10:00Made for Me - March Dress<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/14345553803" title="March dress by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="March dress" height="640" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2904/14345553803_aaf950affd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center><br />
Ok, so I realise that it is now June and I still haven't showed you the dress I made for myself back in March. I am finding it challenging (on many levels) to take photos of myself, wearing the things I have made. Never mind, I will get over myself and catch up eventually, I am sure... <br />
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Anyway, this dress is made using New Look pattern 6429, view C. As I have a long torso, I attempted to lengthen the top half of the dress. There is a seam across the back that is already above the waistline, that would have looked really funny if I had not. Lengthening the torso was not easy, as there are no shorten/lengthen lines to be able to do so, so there was a bit of fiddling around, and some moving of dots and notches. I am still not sure I really got this right, but it seems to work. <br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/14170080398" title="New Look 6429 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3905/14170080398_1e34075b9f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Look 6429"></a></center><br />
Oh, by the way, this is my mannequin. She has come from my mum's house to stay here. As you can see, she is a bit skinny and it looks like her boobs are in a completely different place to mine, but maybe with some padding, I might be able to sort her out. Or she can just become my clothes horse for modeling my new clothes if I am too shy, or technically challenged to do it myself.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/14302041476" title="DSC01424 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01424" height="640" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2917/14302041476_cacc9030f5_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></center><br />
Another modification I made to this dress was that I replaced the neckline facing with some binding that I cut from the same fabric as the dress. I found the concept of a facing in a stretch dress to be a bit strange. Particularly because that facing is to be interfaced, which would make it not stretchy. When I added the binding, I made sure to stretch it a little tighter across the bust area, where the dress "crosses over". This was to help keep everything inside the dress, where it should be. I have a tendency to burst out of cross-over dresses and tops as time goes by, but this dress is safe at least for long enough for me to go out for dinner. I really do wonder about that facing and if there are advantages to having those parts of the dress stabilised in such a way?<br />
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Overall, I am fairly pleased with this dress. I may even make it again, out of some better fabric. We shall see... Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-26785024861362209342014-05-31T13:40:00.000+10:002014-05-31T13:53:47.606+10:003 Easy Steps to Make Better Bags<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/13378438225" title="Toronto Convertible Tote-backpack by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Toronto Convertible Tote-backpack" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/13378438225_86d7144187_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.fishpond.com.au/product_info.php?ref=3068&id=9781607058052&affiliate_banner_id=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Step one - GET THIS BOOK!</span></a><br />
Step two - read it<br />
Step three - make all the things!!</span><br />
</center><br />
<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/14309628705" title="The Better Bag Maker Book by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="The Better Bag Maker Book" height="332" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/14309628705_e36d564069.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com">Nicole Mallalieu's</a> latest book is hot off the press and oh boy, is it a good book or what?!! The book comes with the patterns you need to make ten different bags graduating from a basic tote at the start, right through to the fancy-schmancy Toronto backpack as you can see above. I made this backpack about a year ago as a pattern test for the book. It is a really versatile bag, as it converts from a handbag style that you can pop under your arm, to a tote so you can fit in a little more shopping, and then, when you've been at the craft show all day and you're running out of hands to carry all your shopping, it can convert to a backpack!<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/13378424895" title="Toronto as a tote by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Toronto as a tote" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/13378424895_73a005d9da_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></center><br />
But ten great bag patterns isn't even the best bit. The part that you will really be loving is the bit right at the start, where Nikki tells all of her best bag-making secrets. Since I started using Nikki's patterns, and learning all her clever tricks, I really feel that my sewing has improved by leaps and bounds. The Better Bag Maker covers quite a lot of the techniques that Nikki uses in her patterns, all in one place. This book tells you how to make professional looking straps, crisp corners and insert zippers like a pro. Nikki shows you how to choose interfacing, as well as how to apply it. You also learn how to install all the yummy metal bits, like magnetic snaps, o-rings and purse feet, that take your bag from homemade to hand made. There are also plenty of different pocket options so that you can make your bespoke bag work the way you want it to. The best part of all this, is that you can use all these great tips on all your other sewing <i>and make everything you do look more professional!<b></b></i><br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/13378417885" title="Toronto as a shoulder bag by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Toronto as a shoulder bag" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/13378417885_1148a96242_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></center><br />
I am so pleased to have this book on my bookshelf, it is a great reference to have and I have already used it to help me install a professional looking zip pocket inside my latest bag, but that's another blogpost!<br />
<div><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-28789549979679421572014-03-29T20:15:00.000+11:002014-03-29T20:15:02.360+11:00Another Shirred Dress<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/13138190425" title="Amélie Shirred Dress by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/13138190425_d8b4494c4a_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Amélie Shirred Dress"></a></center><br />
One of my favourite things to make for Amélie is a shirred dress. They are relatively quick and easy to make, and fit for a long time. A couple of her older ones have been worn as tops as they got too small to be dresses anymore.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/13138289733" title="Shirred dress - full length by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2314/13138289733_75621e9cd5.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Shirred dress - full length"></a></center><br />
You don't need a pattern, just a rectangle of fabric. There is very little wastage as I use the whole width of the fabric and just square it up. This particular dress was extra thrifty as I purchased the fabric (poly-cotton) which was already cheap, on sale and I used (Spotlight) vouchers as well. <br />
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Do you have any easy things that you like to make over and over for your kids? Particularly pattern-free things? <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-47042340758192854052014-03-18T13:45:00.001+11:002014-03-18T13:45:40.704+11:00Embroidery Design Websites<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/13053712705/" title="Stitching out the Deer by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/13053712705_da6f6ee5bf_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Stitching out the Deer"></a></center><br />
When I first bought my embroidery machine, I had no idea where to get embroidery designs. I had the disc of designs that came with my machine and Mum hooked me up with Embroidery Library, Anne the Gran, Secrets of and Sue Box. I still buy most of my designs from Embroidery Library, and think that Sue Box is the most exquisite embroidery designer I have seen (just watch one of her free designs stitch out, I guarantee you will be impressed). Since then I have gathered a list of links to other embroidery designs. Some of them I probably will never purchase from, but they all have their own style and it is always nice to have a list of sites to browse when you are looking for something a bit different. <br />
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Here is a list of websites where you can buy embroidery designs. It's in no way conclusive. I will probably come back and add some to the list and maybe even do a few little reviews and link from here. Let's consider it a jumping off point;<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.anjariegerdesign.com/embroidery-designs.html">Anja Rieger Design</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.annthegran.com/">Ann The Gran</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.astitchahalf.com/">A Stitch and a Half</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.designsbyjuju.com/default.aspx">Designs By Juju</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.divasdoodles.com/shop/">Divas Doodles</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/default.aspx">Embroidery Library</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://shop.emioli.de/">EmiOli Design</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://fivestarfonts.com/index.php?route=common/home">Five Star Fonts Embroidery</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.ggdesignsembroidery.com/index.php">GG Designs Embroidery</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.huups.de/39202120/home">Huups</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.kunterbuntdesign.de/">Kunterbunt Design</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.newfoundapplique.com/">Newfound Applique</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.nobbieneezkids.com/">Nobbie Neez Kids</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.secretsof.com/">Secrets of Machine Embroidery</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://stitchontime.com/osc/index.php?osCsid=c9635c4ab26007f6c7817eee88c84919">Stitch On Time</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.suebox.com/">Sue Box Creations</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://tinimi.eu/index.php?cat=c2_Stickdateien-Stickdateien.html">Tinimi</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.urbanthreads.com/">Urban Threads</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://zaubermasche.de/shop/index.php?cPath=173_178">Zaubermasche</a></b><br />
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Have you bought any designs from the above websites? What was your experience like? Do you have a favourite site that I haven't listed? I would love it if you could link me up with any blog posts that you may have done that show machine embroidery that is from these (or other) websites.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-30155571448728630752014-03-11T18:06:00.000+11:002014-03-31T14:00:04.120+11:00Doe, A Deer<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/13053405493/" title="Doe, a Deer by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Doe, a Deer" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/13053405493_0a0c8a749a_z.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></center><br />
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From the moment I saw them, I knew I had to have <a href="http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/Products.aspx?Catalog=Emblibrary&ProductID=X9387" target="_blank">this embroidery design pack</a> from Embroidery Library. The embroidery pack is called Springtime Frolicking Friends and comes in three different sizes. I chose to go with the medium size which I think is quite large, as it turns out. It's the perfect design to pretty up a cheap, plain t-shirt. The design pack has the deer featured with a bunch of other little forest friends, including a rabbit and a skunk (remind you of anyone?). The design I used stitched out beautifully, without any problems.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/13053592484/" title="A female deer by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="A female deer" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/13053592484_ed806d0ccc_z.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></center><br />
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I hooped the t-shirt and the stabiliser together - I used a cut-away stabiliser, rather than a tear-away. The tricky part for me, was trying to keep the rest of the t-shirt out of the way, which I did using safety pins, bulldog clips and Clover Wonder Clips. The t-shirt I used was a size 3, I don't think I would attempt to do this on a smaller t-shirt, it was really quite fiddly, but I got it to work.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/13053712705/" title="Stitching out the Deer by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Stitching out the Deer" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/13053712705_da6f6ee5bf_z.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></center><br />
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Have you got an embroidery machine? Purchased any good designs lately? Any suggestions as to easier ways to hoop up a small child's t-shirt?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-47932947026491733262014-03-09T08:35:00.000+11:002014-03-31T14:09:54.926+11:00Win a Craftsy Class!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">This competition is now closed</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<center>
<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=445452&u=782896&m=29190&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img alt="Craftsy Logo" border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/29190/craftsy-logo.png" /></a></center>
<br />
I was recently asked if I would like to host a giveaway on my blog for Craftsy. Of course I would! I enjoy giving awesome prizes to my readers and I've done a few Craftsy Classes and I love them.<br />
<br />
Craftsy is an online facility that provides hundreds of different classes in heaps of craft categories including (just to name a few)<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/13002000953/" title="Craftsy topics by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img alt="Craftsy topics" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/13002000953_480d34c22f_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></center>
The interactive classes are presented in video format with downloadable notes and patterns, and you can discuss the class with your classmates, upload images of your finished work and even ask your tutor questions. Some of the tutors include Camille Roskelley, Sandra Betzina, Leah Day and Angela Wolf. The classes are there forever, for you to come back to and you can do them at your own pace at a time that suits you.<br />
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It costs nothing to join Craftsy. You might also be interested in checking out some of their <b>free</b> mini <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=782896&b=253536&m=29190&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ecraftsy%2Ecom%2Fclasses%2Fsewing%2Ffree%3F%5Fct%3Dsbqii%2Dwqbbuho%2Dikrdql%26%5Fctp%3Dsewing%2Ffree">sewing</a>, <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=782896&b=253536&m=29190&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ecraftsy%2Ecom%2Fclasses%2Fquilting%2Ffree%3F%5Fct%3Dsbqii%2Dwqbbuho%2Dikrdql%26%5Fctp%3Dquilting%2Ffree">quilting</a> or <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=782896&b=253536&m=29190&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ecraftsy%2Ecom%2Fclasses%2Fphotography%2Ffree%3F%5Fct%3Dsbqii%2Dwqbbuho%2Dikrdql%26%5Fctp%3Dphotography%2Ffree">photography</a> classes. The free classes are not quite as extensive as the paid classes, but will help to give you an idea of how it all works. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Would you like to win a Craftsy class? </span></b><br />
<br />
Entering is really easy,<br />
<b>just click on the link below</b> <br />
and enter your details. <br />
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<b><div style="background: #FA5902; border-radius: 10px; border: 1px solid grey; padding: 10px; width: 300px;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sorry</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This competition is now closed</span></div>
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The competition will remain open until the 30th of March. </center>
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The prize is a Craftsy Class of your choice, up to the value of $59.99. </center>
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Craftsy will draw the winner and </center>
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I will announce the winner, here on the blog in April.<br />
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</div>
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Have you taken any Craftsy Classes? <br />
Which classes have you taken?<br />
Which class would you like to try if you win?<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*This post contains affiliate links.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-76149058842595127622014-03-01T10:21:00.000+11:002014-03-01T10:21:37.739+11:00A Simple Stretchy Skirt<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12762159945/" title="Stretchy Skirt by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/12762159945_3343766f3e_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Stretchy Skirt"></a></center><br />
This is by far the most comfortable item in my wardrobe at the moment. Actually, if I am honest, it is not making it to the wardrobe and is perpetually in the wear-wash-dry-wear cycle. The fabric has been in my stash for quite some time. I am not really sure how it got there, I am pretty sure it was given to me, so free fabric. I have known for some time that it was going to be a skirt and when I first laid my eyes on the <a href="http://icandy-handmade.com/2012/07/tutorial-and-pattern-everyday-skirt.html">Everyday Skirt Tutorial, by iCandy Handmade</a>. I knew it was going to be THAT skirt.<br />
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I had a few reservations about the straight bottom edge on the skirt in the tutorial, though. I think if you are making a skirt with horizontal lines, then a straight edge along the bottom is probably not a bad look. But when you are making an A-line skirt, those bottom corners are just a little bit funny to me. I don't mean to criticize the tutorial. I think it is a fabulous tutorial, and the skirt looks great on, it is just me being a bit fussy.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12807009584/" title="Stretchy Skirt close up by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/12807009584_4c266a0ebe_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Stretchy Skirt close up"></a></center><br />
So, rather than set about drafting myself a pattern for the skirt, I thought I would take a short cut and use a skirt pattern that I already have drafted myself from the book "<a href="http://www.fishpond.com.au/product_info.php?ref=3068&id=9781580176255&affiliate_banner_id=1">Sew What Skirts</a>". I traced my original pattern, adjusting the length to allow for the bigger waistband,and put a diagonal line across the pattern to line up the stripes on to get the chevron effect. Even though I could have used the same pattern for the back as I did for the front, I traced a second pattern piece to make it easier for me to lay out my pattern pieces on my fabric and ensure it was all going to fit. When I cut the skirt out, I very carefully folded my fabric in half, lining up the stripes, and instead of placing the centre front/back on the fold, I added seam allowance, and cut it out fully .<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12762141395/" title="Stretchy A-line skirt by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3667/12762141395_21732d51f6_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Stretchy A-line skirt"></a></center><br />
Of course, this skirt pattern was going to be too big. Far too big. I knew this, but it was bigger(er?) than I thought it was going to be. In the end, I just kept shaving fabric off the edges until I was happy with the fit. I would sew it, try it on, cut off my seams and re-sew it until the fit was right. Trial and Error. Once I was happy with the fit of the skirt, I set about making the waistband.<br />
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I didn't have enough fabric to make the full-sized yoga band in the pattern, so I cut myself a waistband that was half the width, and then cut it horizontally to make a front and back waistband - so my waistband is half the height of the waistband in the tutorial. I ended up cutting a fair bit from the sides of the waistband, in much the same way I did with the skirt. I then also trimmed this several times until I felt that it was tight enough to support the weight of the skirt. This was based on instinct, so I am unsure how I could tell someone else how to make that judgement, other than to try it and know that you can always pull it apart and sew it back together until you are happy with it. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12762268803/" title="Stretchy Chevron Striped Skirt by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/12762268803_a036a2cc69_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Stretchy Chevron Striped Skirt"></a></center><br />
Have I mentioned how much I LOVE this skirt? Seriously, I want half a dozen of these. Not only is it comfortable, but I don't even need to iron it. When the weather turns cold I will wear it with tights. I was on tenterhooks the first time I washed it as I couldn't remember ever pre-washing the fabric before I made it, but it all turned out fine <i>(phew!)</i>. I do need to organise myself to trace the skirt off to make a more accurate pattern for the next skirt. I do think the ideal size is going to vary according to the fabric and how much stretch it has and how heavy it is too, so probably will still need to do a fair bit of trial and error.<br />
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My goal this year is to make at least one item for me each month. This was my "Made For Me - February" item. In case you missed it, you can see my January item <a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/made-for-me-january.html">here</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-14220297885298721792014-02-27T13:07:00.000+11:002014-02-27T13:07:38.956+11:00The Twirliest Twirly Skirt<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12558156023/" title="Redondo Collage by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/12558156023_957ab836c4_z.jpg" width="640" height="181" alt="Redondo Collage"></a></center><br />
I was disappointed when I bought the book "<a href="http://www.fishpond.com.au/affiliate_show_banner.php?ref=3068&affiliate_pbanner_id=19692616">Sewing Clothes Kids Love</a>" and realised that this pattern was not included. Sure, there is a great picture of a rainbow Redondo in one of the first few pages, but sadly, no pattern. <i>It is still a great book, though - I promise!</i> So, when Lisa of Crafty Mamas, linked to <a href="http://www.craftymamas.com.au/studiotantrum-redondo.html">this pattern in her shop</a> from Facebook a couple of weeks ago, I was sold. It was probably less than two minutes after she posted the link, that I was checking out my purchase on Paypal. This was one of those patterns that I had wanted for a while. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12768547023/" title="Redondo Hem Detail by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/12768547023_2e4c1705dd_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Redondo Hem Detail"></a></center><br />
Once I had the pattern in my hot little hands, I went stash diving and found some of this West 22nd Floral Delight, that I purchased from Spotlight about five years ago. I just managed to squeeze this skirt out of what I had with barely a scrap to spare. I popped into my LQS and found some ric-rac trim to add to the edges, using this great little <a href="http://weallsew.com/2014/01/22/how-to-sew-decorative-floating-rickrack-trim-and-insertion/">tutorial</a>. There is quite a bit of hem to trim, about five metres all up. I used the blind hem on my sewing machine and it was pretty slow going, but I love the final result.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12556711313/" title="DSC01175 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/12556711313_70764cfafd_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="DSC01175"></a></center><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-51890349786902963122014-02-25T15:22:00.000+11:002014-02-25T15:22:29.212+11:00Made For Me - January<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12739922874/" title="New Look 6648 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/12739922874_5f7b030b4e_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="New Look 6648"></a></center><br />
One of my little resolutions this year is to make at least one item for myself every month. My January "Made For Me" is this sparkly blue top. This fabric caught my eye when I was shopping at Spotlight before Christmas. Between it being on clearance, and having a special Spotlight save $40 voucher, the fabric for this top only cost about $5 or $6. <br />
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The fabric sat around for a while, waiting for the right pattern to come along. I knew I needed a knit pattern, but not a close fitting one. I really don't think that stretched out sparkles would be very flattering for me! One night, I was doing a bit of a search around and came across this pattern; <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-2387-misses-knit-tops.aspx">New Look 6648</a> and decided that it was "THE ONE".<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12762074625/" title="DSC01257 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/12762074625_259c23e194_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC01257"></a><br />
</center><br />
I kind of liked that it was down-loadable, but was concerned about some of the terms and conditions associated with downloading it, and asked some of my friends on facebook if they had ever purchased a digital New Look pattern. It turns out that no-one had, but one of my friends, Susan from <a href="http://thebrissmiths.blogspot.com.au/">The Brissmiths</a> had the paper-pattern that she hadn't used, so I bought it from her.<br />
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A common problem I have with fitting is my long torso. Generally, patterns really only get bigger from size to size in the horizontal direction and there is very little difference in the vertical direction. Many patterns have a shorten/lengthen line for those who have a shorter or longer than average torso. This pattern does not have such a line. Concerned about the opening of the sleeves, I didn't really want to add any extra to opening edge of the sleeves, so I added the extra length to the bottom part, below the sleeve. After wearing the top, it could just as easily been slashed higher up, through the sleeve area and would have been fine.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12739607283/" title="New Look 6648 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/12739607283_8f139c630c_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="New Look 6648"></a></center><br />
I also had another issue, and that is the chest measurement on the largest size was not quite big enough either. There is a lot of ease in the pattern, so it probably would have been okay, but I slashed and spread in the other direction too, outside of the neckline area, before the sleeves. <br />
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Upon researching other people's experiences, I found that a lot of people found the neckline a bit too wide. I brought mine in about an inch on each side. When I had it half-sewed together, I tried it on, and found the width of the adjusted neckline to be great, but decided that the boat-neckline style was not for me and scooped out the front a little. In the end, the whole length of the neckline was about the same, it was just narrower and scoopier. I ignored all the markings on the original pattern piece for the neck-binding and just quartered and pinned. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12739468145/" title="New Look 6648 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5498/12739468145_3da1c728cb_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="New Look 6648"></a></center><br />
Something interesting I noticed with the pattern is the lower band. In the instructions (and on the pattern piece), I noticed that it indicated the grain going across ways, rather than up and down - so the greatest degree of stretch would have been in the vertical direction, rather than the usual, horizontal direction. I found this a bit odd. From my observations, many other people who had made this top had made it with stripes and it was clear that they had not followed the pattern instructions, so neither did I.<br />
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So in summary, I took my pattern, I slashed and spread it horizontally, and vertically. I cut my lower band against the grain indicated in the instructions, totally changed the neckline and voila, I have a top that I LOVE!!! It still does look like the picture on the front though :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-60355353497344231292014-02-23T16:35:00.000+11:002014-02-23T16:35:20.437+11:00Back To School<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12534579993/" title="Noah's Art Smock by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3703/12534579993_1896dc6141_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Noah's Art Smock"></a></center><br />
Noah started school this year, and I must say that he has taken to it like a duck to water. Only he isn't water-proof. Or paint proof. So I made him this art smock. I used the <a href="http://dontlooknow.typepad.com/dont_look_now/2008/09/kids-art-smock-pattern.html">"Don't Look Now" art smock pattern</a>, just as I did <a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/all-smocked-up.html">last year for Liam</a>. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12711898554/" title="Pencil - pencil case by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3768/12711898554_3c2114d4fb_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Pencil - pencil case"></a></center><br />
This year, Liam was able to use the same Art Smock, but he needed a new pencil case. To start off with, I made this pencil case, using this <a href="http://www.gwennypenny.com/2011/08/pencil-pouch-tutorial.html">cute tutorial from Gwenny Penny</a>. Whilst it is a cute pencil case, it is far too small for Liam's needs... <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12534476525/" title="Liam's Pencil Case by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/12534476525_aa13293c44_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Liam's Pencil Case"></a></center><br />
...so I made him another one in a more suitable size. I didn't use a tutorial for this one, and pretty much made it up as I went along. There is plenty of room inside this one for all his pencils and textas.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12534975554/" title="Pencil Case - front zipper by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7430/12534975554_00b9320608_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Pencil Case - front zipper"></a></center><br />
The pencil case features an extra pocket on the side for all those little bits and pieces, such as his eraser, sharpener and his black-lead pencils for writing, whereas all his coloured pencils and textas can go inside the larger section. I think it would be nice to have a go at upsizing the other pencil case for Noah for next year when he needs a pencil case. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12534494625/" title="Pencil Case - inside by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/12534494625_41d39e0435_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Pencil Case - inside"></a></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-25834353578753435002014-02-17T15:37:00.001+11:002014-02-17T15:55:46.506+11:00Sneaky Peeks and a Skinny Stash<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12535522274/" title="DSC00579 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/12535522274_3e7ac226fa_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC00579"></a></center><br />
You may not know this, but one of my favourite pattern designers, Nikki (Nicole Mallalieu of <a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/">You Sew, Girl!</a>), has a new book coming out really soon. This will be her second book. Yes, she is THAT good. I did some pattern testing for the book last year, and I am not sure if I am able to show the full, finished bags, but above and below are some sneaky peeks for you (shh!).<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12535164943/" title="DSC00580 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2888/12535164943_c14502a1e6_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC00580"></a></center><br />
The book is called The Better Bag Maker and from the small amount that I have seen, it will be jam-packed full of snazzy tricks to get a great finish to make beautiful hand-made (as opposed to "home-made") bags. It doesn't get released until May, but you can pre-order it now at a lower price from <a href="http://www.fishpond.com.au/product_info.php?ref=3068&id=9781607058052&affiliate_banner_id=1" target="_blank">Fishpond*</a> or from Amazon and I am sure, many other great retailers. I will try and remember to come back and show some photos of the full finished bags once the book has been released, if I can tear myself away from it long enough to make a blog post.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.fishpond.com.au/product_info.php?ref=3068&id=9781607058052&affiliate_banner_id=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.fishpond.com.au/affiliate_show_banner.php?ref=3068&affiliate_pbanner_id=73640399" border="0" alt="The Better Bag Maker"></a></center><br />
To create these wonderful bags, I used at least 12 FQs of fabric. I had to estimate as I didn't keep track, and sometimes fabric can get hidden inside pockets and these bags had plenty of pockets! Since these were made last year, they contribute to the SYST challenge. I also used approximately 3 FQs to make Amélie's Gingham Puppet Show Shorts. In addition to this, I gave away approximately 8 FQs of pale pink fleecy to my mum so she could make some things for my niece. It had been sitting in my stash for a while and I don't really do pastel colours. My friend, Amy (<a href="http://badskirt.blogspot.com.au/">Badskirt</a>) gave me some a metre of crazy fish fabric as well, so that adds 4 FQs back into the stash.<br />
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<center><a href="http://ajsantics.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/sew-your-stash-thin-2013.html"><img src="http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m16/amandajade0/sewyourstashthin5.jpg" width="200" /></a></center><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>MY FINAL SYST 13 RESULTS!:</b> <br />
in = 144, out = 293, total = -149</span><br />
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In conclusion, I used more than double the fabric to what was added to my collection. My stash is over 35m of fabric thinner than it was 12 months ago. Whilst the totals weren't mega-huge, a lot of rather small things were made. A lot of what was added to my stash was given to me too, so my over-all spend was really quite low. I am really happy with the results, but it might be a while before I pay so much close attention to how much fabric I am using/stashing. I think I would rather just get down to it and sew, sew, sew! <br />
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My goal for this year is to sew more things for myself, at least one item a month, which I am keeping to so far, but that is another blog post!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-45294998005100446642014-02-15T19:20:00.000+11:002014-02-15T19:20:24.628+11:00Gingham Puppet Show Shorts<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12534526553/" title="Gingham Puppet Show Shorts by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/12534526553_6e29d8d57b_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Gingham Puppet Show Shorts"></a><br />
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I made these shorts back before Christmas, to go with Amélie's "<a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/hollywood-cherise.html">Hollywood Cherise</a>", but have struggled to get a photo of them on her. They get worn heaps, sometimes with the dress and sometimes with a t-shirt. The pattern is the Oliver + S Puppet Show Tunic and shorts pattern, which I think is possibly the cutest shorts pattern ever. You can get the pattern as a digital download from <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS002PS.html">here</a>. <br />
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You can see other items I have made using the pattern <a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/little-red-riding-hood-puppet-show.html">here,</a> <a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/2011/04/paper-dolls-lady-bugs-unicorns.html">here,</a> and <a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/2009/11/my-creative-space.html">here</a>. I also did a little tutorial to get that perfect placement of the pockets which you can see <a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/puppet-show-shorts-pocket-placement.html">over here</a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-26145289049516285042014-01-20T12:36:00.000+11:002014-01-20T12:36:59.499+11:00Old Fashioned Lemon Cordial<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/12041975996/" title="Lemon Cordial by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/12041975996_a3b28c87ea_z.jpg" width="639" height="640" alt="Lemon Cordial"></a></center><br />
If you are looking for something to quench your thirst over summer, then look no further than this delicious, mouth-watering lemon cordial. A little goes a long way, and this makes about three litres of cordial just like Grandma used to make.<br />
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2kg sugar<br />
Grated rind and juice of six lemons<br />
1 Tablespoon Tartaric Acid<br />
1 Tablespoon Epsom Salts<br />
2 Tablespoons Citric Acid<br />
6 cups boiling water.<br />
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Place all the dry ingredients into a large bowl, saucepan or basin. <br />
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Add the lemon juice and rind. Don't worry too much about pips and pulp, these will all be strained out later. <br />
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Pour over boiling water and stir until dissolved.<br />
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Strain the cordial and place into clean, sterilised bottles. I use a big soup ladle to scoop the hot syrup (through a sieve) into a jug, to reduce the risk of a hot, sticky mess. The liquid is then easily poured into bottles via a funnel.<br />
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The cordial needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Dilute it to taste, with water or soda water to serve. Remember, a little goes a really long way, this is quite a strong cordial so you don't need very much.<br />
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For a change, try it with oranges instead of lemons, or combine different citrus fruits for your own yummy cordial flavours.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-20242140707801803682014-01-16T12:38:00.000+11:002014-01-16T13:00:57.901+11:00Woodland Sailor Shorts<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/11938921263/" title="Woodland Sailor Shorts and t-shirt by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/11938921263_b249eddcc0.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Woodland Sailor Shorts and t-shirt"></a></center><br />
I made these CUTE shorts for Amélie, back at the end of November. The fabric is Woodland Fairies by Natalie Lymer of Cinderberry Stitches for Lecien. I have had this in my stash for a little while, waiting for the right project to come along and here it is. The pattern I used is the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/97709785/sailor-shorts-sailor-shorts-pdf-sewing?ref=shop_home_active_9">Sailor Shorts</a> pattern from the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/PeekabooPatternShop?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop</a> on Etsy. If you've never shopped on Etsy before, you can use <a href="http://etsy.me/1m7yoUN">this link</a> to get $5 off your first purchase. In the interests of full disclosure, if two people use this link, I also get $10 off my next Etsy purchase. You must be new to Etsy for the link to work.<br />
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If you are making these shorts, I would recommend going up a size to usual, especially if your child is still in nappies. Amélie is not wearing a nappy in these pictures, but when she was wearing one, it poked out the top at the back. I am not sure if the "T" in the sizes actually means they are sized for a nappy or not, but Amélie still wears mostly size two pants, and these were very snug with the nappy on. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/11938652495/" title="Woodland Sailor Shorts by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/11938652495_fbe9057752.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Woodland Sailor Shorts"></a></center><br />
I feel that the construction of the band across the front (the short waistband) was more complicated than necessary. The seam allowances are all encased, which means there is more bulk than necessary in those edges that are just going to be covered with bias binding anyway. A pattern piece with the curved edges and button holes marked would be preferable to instructions where you cut a rectangle and add the curves yourself. If the top edge was open, rather than folded, there would be no messing about with trying to catch an edge in your topstitching. Much quicker, less bulk and no curve clipping (not that there is any mention of curve-clipping!). I would also suggest some interfacing be applied to this waistband, especially since there are button-holes. In addition to this, some dots to indicate the position of buttons on the front would be nice as would notches in some of the seams.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/11938635615/" title="Woodland Sailor Shorts and t-shirt 2 by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/11938635615_a2c8f6705e.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Woodland Sailor Shorts and t-shirt 2"></a></center><br />
Having said all of that, these really are a cute little pair of shorts and it was still a pretty good pattern with great instructions and clear photos at each step. I would still recommend this pattern and I am sure to buy more from this designer. I did an extra little alteration myself, by adding adjustable buttonhole elastic to the waistband. Instead of stopping at the side seams (the elastic in the pattern only goes across the back), I put some buttonholes in the ends of the long waistband (hidden behind the front, short waistband) and threaded the elastic right the way around, making the shorts adjustable. I did this mainly because I was making size three and thought they might need to be adjusted tighter for Amélie. <br />
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If you want to make these shorts, and you haven't used bias binding before, the picot edged bias is really easy to use. The picot edge keeps that fold in the middle, so catching the edge of the bias on the back when you topstitch on the front is far easier than with regular bias, particularly around the curves.<br />
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Oh, I nearly forgot to mention the t-shirt she is wearing! It was a $2 plain t-shirt from K-Mart that I appliquéd with a heart shape from my scraps using a little Steam a Seam, some cut away on the back and a machine blanket stitch. It only took me a few minutes and now she has a cute t-shirt to match her shorts.<br />
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<center><a href="http://ajsantics.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/sew-your-stash-thin-2013.html"><img src="http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m16/amandajade0/sewyourstashthin5.jpg" width="200" /></a></center><br />
I used about half a metre of fabric to make these shorts, so two fat quarters of fabric, <span style="color: magenta;">SYST13 Running totals: in = 140, out = 270, total = -130</span><br />
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Have you ever purchased a pattern from Etsy? Any you recommend?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659338788505532429.post-4063439546260405492014-01-14T11:30:00.000+11:002014-01-14T11:30:01.597+11:00Hollywood Cherise<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/11771442384/" title="Hollywood Cherise - Amélie by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/11771442384_86bc5a8696.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Hollywood Cherise - Amélie"></a></center><br />
The Hollywood Cherise features in the <a href="http://www.ottobredesign.com/lehdet_js/2012_3/index.html?fi">Summer 3/2012 issue of Ottobre</a>. The main part of the dress is gathered onto a yoke and as the little cap sleeves are part of the rest of the dress, there are no sleeves to sew, making this a quick dress to put together. I made this gingham version for Amélie around the end of November or start of December. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/11771271663/" title="Hollywood Cherise - front by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/11771271663_5db49fedf3.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Hollywood Cherise - front"></a></center><br />
I omitted the pockets from the pattern.The instructions suggest cutting them on the bias, but I had trouble maintaining the nice square shape when I did that, so ditched them altogether. Most likely they would only end up full of sand at this time of year, anyway. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/11771298213/" title="Hollywood Cherise - bike by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/11771298213_5fdfe4b280.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Hollywood Cherise - bike"></a></center><br />
As you can see from the photos, it is a comfortable dress to wear. Amélie has no trouble playing in it, and it is perfectly breezy for a hot, summer day. It can also be made shorter, if you like, so it can be worn with pants or shorts as a tunic, rather than the full-length dress. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37752637@N02/11771065445/" title="Hollywood Cherise - back by Liam's Mummy, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/11771065445_f70b16b203.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Hollywood Cherise - back"></a></center><br />
The final detail was the pearl snaps I added to the back of the dress. Easy to do up and undo, and a perfect compliment to the classic red gingham fabric I used. I love this pattern, and Amélie seems to love wearing it, so I might revisit it some time with some different fabrics.<br />
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<center><a href="http://ajsantics.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/sew-your-stash-thin-2013.html"><img src="http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m16/amandajade0/sewyourstashthin5.jpg" width="200" /></a></center><br />
The Hollywood Cerise used about three fat quarters of fabric from my stash. The Christmas Tree Skirt in the <a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/a-christmas-tree-skirt.html">previous blog post</a> used approximately 10 FQs of fabric, but I bought six FQs of fabric and used the rest from my stash. I also purchased 15 FQs of fabric to make myself a top and a further 12 FQs to make Maxx a shirt. <i>Why, oh why does this feel like a major confession?!</i> <span style="color: magenta;">SYST13 Running totals: in = 140, out = 268, total = -128</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04240613771053698106noreply@blogger.com4