Kelly Casanova Weaving Lessons

Kelly

Nappy/ diaper liner or soaker tutorial

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This is so easy you could do it with your eyes closed. I used to use those expensive disposable liners from the supermarket (what are they made from anyway?!) Suddenly something clicked and I started making these. There a 2 methods, one for an overlocker (serger) and one without. The overlocker method is first. You’ll need some flannel (I’ve used an old pair of pyjama pants) and something absorbent (I’m using bamboo here, you can just use a few layers of flannel if you don’t have anything else). Cut 3 rectangles. The size is up to you, my flannel pieces measure 10.5 x 5.5 inches. The absorbent material should be about 9.5 x 4.5 inches.

Sandwich the bamboo between the 2 pieces of flannel, with the right sides facing out. Pin all layers together roughly.

Sew a rectangle in the middle, then another one about an inch in from the edges. Overlock the raw seams and you’re done! How easy was that?!

Now for the second method.
Lay your bamboo (I’ve used 2 layers of bamboo here for extra absorbency) on the wrong side of one piece of flannel and pin roughly. Sew the rectangles as for the first method. Now, turn it over so that the right side of the flannel faces out, then place your other piece of flannel on top of this with right sides together.

Sew a seam right around the edge, leaving one short end open. Turn the liner right sides out.

Fold the raw edges of the open end inwards and pin. Top stitch right around the edges and you’re finished.

I find washing nappies so much easier now that I use these, the liner gets soiled instead of the whole nappy.

Disclaimer: I was joking about having your eyes closed, please keep your eyes open whilst operating sewing machines!!

Tagged

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The lovely Lady Ophelia tagged me with this. Thank you Ophelia!

The rules are:
-Thank the person who gave you the award.
-Post ten honest facts about yourself.
-Pass the award on to seven others.

So, here we go:

1) I am a “Jack of all trades, master of none”. I find it hard to focus on one thing for too long but want to have a go at everything.

2) I am an introvert. I usually avoid social situations.

3) I love God and my religion.

4) I proposed to my husband when I was 17 and he was 16! (He accepted!!)

5) I loathe television, we are a TV free home and intend to stay that way.

6) I’m a “doer”, I like to always have something on the go.

7) I used to work as a singer at weddings, hotels, parties, but the late nights became too much. I still miss singing though.

8) I am driven to be creative, I don’t feel myself when I can’t get to the sketchbook, the sewing machine or just a needle!

9) I’m a pretty plain and ordinary person living a pretty plain and ordinary life, but I know there is great value in what I do (even if I find it hard to remember that at times).

10) Tomorrow is my tenth wedding anniversary! My husband and I are going out for dinner together (accompanied by baby of course) for the first time since our son was born (9 years ago, gasp!!) I’m so excited!

Now, to tag seven others…..

Mia Henry, Willow and Moo, And so, I sew, Mad Quilter, Romi Jade, Sew 2 B Happy and Cherri – Berri.

Miss Madeline

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I’m so happy to finish a sewing project these days and this was a great one to sew. It’s the Miss Madeline Dress pattern, I bought mine here. This is a size 2, but there are an assortment of sizes.
This is my kind of pattern, simple design and construction with maximum effect.


Do you recognise the fabric? I won it on Cherri’s giveaway some time ago. The waistband is a Tanya Whelan fabric. I lined the dress with a pale pink lawn.
My model wasn’t available at the time of writing, I believe she had a tough morning on the catwalk and is sleeping it off. She will be surprised to wake and find this little number waiting for her.

OK, today is absoloutely the last day to enter the giveaway!
The winner will be drawn and notified tomorrow.

Until then…….

The dream

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When I was 13 I had a dream that I would grow up to marry a famous rock star, in fact, in this little fantasy land I was a famous singer too. I could hold my imaginary audience captivated for hours. I can see you smiling, I know I’m not the only one who had that hope! 20 years and a family later I am happily married, and although he may not be famous, he is a star to me and the children.
So, what now?
I still have many dreams but this time around they’re a little more realistic and some may even be achievable.
I dream of living in the country in a big old house with rambling and productive gardens. (There is no drought in my dream!)
I dream of knitting needles and embroidery before a quietly crackling wood stove.
I dream of running a successful design and craft business from home and being able to share my skills with others.
I dream of land where the children can run in freedom and safety.
I dream of many animals, vegetable gardens and quiet, simple and happily productive living.

Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Well, who says dreams can’t come true – I live in hope.

Thanks for reading.

P.S. Last week for the giveaway, it ends on Saturday. I’m so excited to see so many entrants, my brain is buzzing with ideas for a Christmas giveaway now.

Another Antonia top

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Successfully completed!
I know, she looks a little concerned, but she really loves it. This is my second Antonia top and was so much easier than the first now that I’m past the language barrier.

So I thought I’d give some tips if you’re planning to make one.
1. The instructions in English can be found here, pretty much essential if you don’t speak German!

2. I added length to the top as it runs a little short.

3. The sleeves run a little long, you may want to shorten them a bit.

4. I had no success with their way of sewing the neckline, I ended up stretching the neckline in as I normally would. I’ve also found that tacking the neckband onto the neckline first really helps with accuracy.

5. This is a great pattern for using up small amounts of knit, especially if you use the patchwork sleeves option.

6. If you have trouble, go to CraftyMamas for help, I get heaps of help there! (I also bought all the fabric for this top there).

Have a terrific weekend, we’re heading to the farm tomorrow for one of the girl’s (4th) birthday, she’s having a little party with her cousins. See you in a few days!