Clothes sewing

Clothes sewing!

For husband, a Jalie Men’s top with 2 sleeve option. Really easy to make with really good result. I used black Stella and for the contrast sleeve stripey Hilco, both from Crafty Mamas.

For me, a Diane Kimono dress from Serendipity Studio. I purchased the pattern from Earthgirl Fabrics.

This was sort of a test one – I used inexpensive broadcloth which has turned out a little stiff, but altogether I’m fairly happy with the dress and look forward to making the next one out of a lighter fabric.

You’ll have to excuse my makeupless face 🙂

You can’t see the finer details of the dress here but it has a drawstring waist and crossover bodice. I had some sizing issues (Medium bust, small waist, extra large hips!) so my next one will go down a size in the bodice, the skirt size is just how I like it.

One of the main reasons I took up sewing was to make and repair clothes for my family, so it’s great when I actually have the time (and the fabric!) to do so, it’s really so very satisfying 🙂

A birthday outfit and some more sneakies…

by Kelly 3 Comments

My first girl turns 7 today (whoa, where did that time go?!)

I can’t tell you how difficult it is to make a surprise outfit for someone who is always home when I am, but I managed and it’s beautiful and a perfect fit 🙂

For the dress I used one of my fast becoming favourite patterns – Mareen from Cinderella Zwergen mode. A beautifully easy pattern that is simple in design and showcases special fabrics really well. Oh, and if you like the woodland fabric, it’s Lillestoff available here.

And for the Gossamer Dreams stocking here are some more sneak peeks of my items.

Gossamer Dreams opens on Saturday at 8pm so be sure to mark it on your calendar, there is just so much to choose from this month!

Mareen dress

by Kelly 4 Comments

A new Winter dress for a little one who has just turned 3. The pattern is “Mareen” from Cinderella Zwergen Mode. There are a number of options for different styles dresses or tops. Great pattern, very easy and quick. I do so love a pattern I can just cut and sew without needing to follow the instructions.

The floral print is a beautiful soft velour from Stenzo and the plain co ordinating knit is Indigo from Stella (from the Crafty Mamas shop).

She loves it, and it’s so nice to be able to wear a dress in Winter with warm and comfy fabrics.

Growing outfits

by Kelly 1 Comment

I’m amazed how quickly the children are growing which means sewing clothes requires larger amounts of fabric! Something I love about the Antonia pattern is you can use smaller pieces of feature fabrics teamed up to make the top look really unique.

It’s an easy top to make with a number of options and with some new stripey red and white leggings you have a whole new outfit!

All fabrics from Crafty Mamas.

Working on….

by Kelly 2 Comments

Another Ottobre 301 finished as the cooler weather continues to approach. Aren’t Crafty Mamas fabrics just so gorgeous?! (And for those of you who tell me you can’t sew with knits I say “Oh yes you can!!“

I’m loving the embroidery that I’ve been working on at night. It’s a printed vintage piece that my Mum in Law gave me years ago. The reason I didn’t start it earlier is because it was partially worked already (with very beautiful but old threads). I couldn’t decide what to do.

Initially I tried matching the existing threads, but being of vintage era there was no hope of an accurate match. So I regretfully made the decision to remove the old threads, which came out easily.

I have no regrets now, as the vibrant colours I’m now using are looking so gorgeous and the piece is a joy to stitch.

Today I’ve been working in the laundry (it’s not what you think!!) dyeing some fabrics which I’ll share when they’re ready.

I’m really excited to have ordered some rolls (yes, rolls!) of silk ribbon from the U.S. as well as some new silk paints, so I eagerly await that parcel, I have lots and lots of plans.

I hope you have had a wonderfully blessed week!

A start on winter sewing

by Kelly 2 Comments

I’m right into the winter sewing now that my latest Crafty Mamas order is here and the biting cold weather is a great motivator. For the littlest one I used my trusty Ottobre 301 top pattern. Don’t you love that mushroom print?

I also did a new pair of leggings (Burda pattern) which my girls love to live in. Usually I’d put a skirt over the top, it looks so cute.
I’m a little excited about the cooler weather because I’m right into knitting this year and my skills are improving really fast. The hardest part is waiting on materials purchased online to arrive as sadly there are no wonderful knitting stores near me.

Is the cool weather motivating you to make certain things? A warm quilt or blanket perhaps? Knitted cardies or hats? Do tell!

A pretty dress and a bad back

by Kelly 3 Comments

It’s been a difficult week. Everything was ticking along just fine, and then I injured my back and things fell apart a little. It’s very hard to run a household when you need to spend most of your time lying or sitting. It’s particularly frustrating when you’re a “doing” person, I really dislike not being active.

But, these things happen and I have accepted that rest is best. I’m praying for a complete healing – please pray for me too!

So, the dress. It was mostly finished when I hurt my back so I’ve been able to do the finishing by hand. The pattern is McCall’s M5838 and the fabric (which I love!) is from Spotlight. The pattern was too fussy with too many pieces for my liking, but the end result is pretty good, albeit too large for G – nevermind, she will grow into it 🙂

Now, to the giveaway which was supposed to be drawn during the week! I’m going to extend it until next week in case you didn’t get a chance to enter, please do – it’s a lovely little book.

See you soon, have a blessed weekend.

A little apron

by Kelly 2 Comments

SOLD – THANKYOU NELL!

I hope you’re all having a nice family Sunday as I am. I’ve made a little apron and thought I would offer it for sale here first, ie. I’m too lazy to list it in the shop!

The size is multi fit – here it is modelled by my 6 year old.

And here it is modelled by my 2 year old.

I’m asking for $15 which includes postage within Australia. If you are interested just leave a comment or feel free to contact me via email.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and God bless you all 🙂

Too cheap craft and a princess in a pretty dress

by Kelly 2 Comments

Firstly, the little princess!

In her new summer dress – Miss Madeline pattern and fabric from a swap from ages ago that has been languishing in the cupboard.

I took one of the girls along to the annual Werribee Craft Festival for a look and was pleased to see it looking really well presented and a good variety of crafts on offer. Something that really surprised me though, was the prices many of the stallholders were selling their goods for. So cheap! Too cheap!

Having sold my own crafts I can’t begin to figure out how these people can turn a profit. Which leads me to ask again – what is the difference between art and craft? For me they both run together in beautiful harmony, lending to each other and often indistinguishable. Both require skill, talent, money, time and can be really hard work! So why is craft perceived as something without value, while art pieces are sought after and highly paid for?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, perhaps you have a totally different view?

Happy weekend to you all, it’s a beautiful day here 🙂

So much to love

by Kelly 2 Comments

Some random things that are making me happy at the moment (isn’t Spring wonderful?!)

Abundant roses.

In so many beautiful shades of colour.

Some new tops for me, and about time too! I brought out the trusty Ottobre 303 pattern again. This one is a round neck.

And my first attempt at a v neck which turned out so well I’ll definitely be doing it again.

Life has been such a flurry of sewing, needlework, exercise (yay!), homeschooling, worship, love and art that I rarely seem to be able to share much of it here anymore. I’m enjoying life so much more right now than I have for some time, I’ll have to share more about that with you soon.

Until then, thanks for reading….