Search Results for: sewing

Another Antonia top

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!

Hugabub (drool)

by Kelly 2 Comments

Just got my Hugabub in the mail yesterday, to say that I’m impressed would be an understatement!
It came packed beautifully, had an instructional DVD and even a handwritten card congratulating me on the birth!
After watching the dvd to learn the different wrap styles I tried it out, baby loved it and slept for ages. I did have another baby carrier which I never used because it hurt my back and caesar scar, no such problems with this one, it feels great. Its also made in Australia.
(Just in case you’re wondering, no I don’t work for Hugabubs, I just like to share good products and companies with others!)

I’ve started crafting a little again, still haven’t “driven” the sewing machine as I’m worried I’ll wind up sore, but it won’t be long now, I’m feeling so terrific. I’m making a few small gifts for a kind person (do you know who you are?)
Husband has taken the 2 older children out to IMAX and the Melbourne Museum today, so once I peel myself away from this screen I should be able to fit in some craft time.
Lastnight I found a tapestry kit that my sister gave me (I’m ashamed to say!) about 10 years ago!!! Well, being the waste – hater that I am, I told myself in my night time overtired haze that I will finish it, no matter how long it takes.
Wish me luck, I may need it!

Birthday doll

by Kelly 5 Comments

Its the little one’s 2nd birthday on Monday, so I couldn’t let it pass without making one of her favourite things – a doll! This is one of my little 6 inch dolls and I knitted her a little dress and matching headband out of lovely soft baby yarn.

Just for something different I drew and painted her face on instead of embroidered. Her hair is alpaca and merino wool.

I’m working on a birthday apron too.

I’m starting to feel like I need to cram everything into the next 11 days (yes, 11 days!!!) before the baby arrives. I know I won’t even be able to contemplate sitting at the sewing machine for many weeks. This baby, like all my others will be born by caesarian section and I know by now that the recovery is slow.

The softie giveaway is still on!

A little update

by Kelly 2 Comments

I’ve been on bedrest for a few days with that awful pregnancy muscle pain again that means I can’t stand or sit for long, but lying down is fine. Not terribly practical when you have 3 children and a house to run! Thankfully husband has had a couple of days off work to help so I can rest.

I managed to knit this little fellow in a semi reclining position:). Its hard to find things to do other than reading (no sewing!) Less than 5 weeks to go now, I wish it could be tomorrow…….

Go and check out this fabulous giveaway on the Australian Etsy Blog , so many wonderful prizes to choose from, I’ve entered!

Kid’s clothes

by Kelly 2 Comments

Since I began my sewing journey I’ve always been very nervous about sewing clothes. I did a couple of terms of sewing classes with a professional dressmaker initially, and although I did learn a lot I also found her teaching methods somewhat intimidating – not a great learning environment.
I just finished this top and am so happy with how nice it looks, it has really boosted my confidence.

I used Stella fabric in red from the Crafty Mamas shop (I’ve tried other knits, this is the best to sew with so far) and bought the little cherry iron on applique. It matches the Kaufman cord pants beautifully (also from the CM shop).

My daughter thinks the outfit is great, especially since its another dress she doesn’t have to wear! (Yep, dress hater!)

The best of both worlds

by Kelly 5 Comments

I love sewing soft furnishings, I love sewing dolls – so I combined the two! The doll is 6 inches tall and is designed to slip into the pocket (a place to rest at night and a place to not get lost!)

I had fun making this, its in the Etsy shop now.

Must remind you about the giveaway, there aren’t many entries there yet, and it finishes at the end of the month.

Still haven’t started those pants for dd yet, at least I’ve drafted the pattern! I have a tendency to work on the “fun” things before the “necessary things”! I’m quite sure I’m not the only one?

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

by Kelly Leave a Comment

I’m participating in this after seeing it on Tracy’s blog recently and thought it was a lovely idea. If you want to participate you can go to The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

FOR TODAY 31st of March 2009.

Outside my window…. Warm Autumn sunshine, the children and I just returned from a walk.

I am thinking…. Its lunchtime, thank goodness I got up early this morning and had bread baked before the children rose.

I am thankful for… God’s constant loving care of me and my family.

From the learning rooms… English, Faith and Life, General Knowledge, colours and numbers (thats the children, not me!)

From the kitchen… Home made bread and tomato relish.

I am wearing.. Plain home clothes, long skirt and top.

I am creating… an embroidery, a table runner and a waldorf doll (not all at the same time, though!)

I am going… to try and produce some embroidery patterns to sell.

I am reading.. The “Little House Series”, I’m on the Caroline Years at the moment.

I am hoping… For too many things to write here, “hope springs eternal”.

I am hearing… The chooks clucking softly and the children chattering to one another as they go about their work.

Around the house… things are looking good, we had the carpets cleaned yesterday and what a difference it makes.

One of my favourite things… is to be with my family when we are all happy and well and all seems right with the world.

A few plans for the rest of the week… Homeschooler’s group pet day where my son’s rat will make an appearance, the usual homeschooling and home maintenance and hopefully time for sewing and designing.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing.. Its at the top, sorry I couldn’t move it. Its a painting my Mother gave me for my 10th birthday. It was painted by a very talented artist friend of hers, a Mrs. Jan Barry.

Gorgeous outfit

by Kelly Leave a Comment

Had to share once I saw this little outfit at Heather’s blog its so lovely, I’d love for my girls to have some outfits like that (not sure about the white t-shirt though, it wouldn’t be white for long). I’ve been off sewing for the kids for a while as I find dressmaking so challenging, but I’m itching to get back into it now. I’m attempting a pretty vintage nightie first. One thing that dollmaking has taught me is just how much you can improve when you work at something. I’m too inclined to give things away if I find them hard.
I’ll have to start getting my Crafty Mamas swap ready, its a fun one this month – fill a jar with crafty goodness. I’ve got a few ideas!

Another bear doll

by Kelly 1 Comment

She is being sent as a gift to someone who has been generous to me. I like making these – they’re really cute and feel just right to hold. My 3 year old daughter is giving much encouragement at the moment with her exclamations of “oh Mum, she’s beautiful!” and by hanging around the sewing table to watch and read to me while I work. I even have to appreciate my 19 month old daughter snatching handfuls of wool from the bag and running off with them held to her face – at least she appreciates natural materials!

New fabric

by Kelly Leave a Comment

I love new fabric, oh the possibilities! These will be used for doll’s clothes. I’ve been furiously dollmaking the past few days as sales are better than ever so I’m trying to keep up!

We spent the morning rushing around to appointments and errands, then the afternoon at the beach. There weren’t many people about and the water was beautifully clear. As per usual, I forgot the camera, so no pics.

I’m hoping to fit in some more sewing tonight after the children are in bed, fingers crossed.