Kelly Casanova Weaving Lessons

Sewing

Second dyed silk blankie

by 5 Comments

Well, we made it home in one piece, it’s funny that you go away “for a break” but for parents of young children there really is no break, just a change of scenery. No matter, the change of scenery was welcome.
So… here is my second silk blanket for daughter aged 4. I find dyeing so captivating, the whole process – from mixing your colours to unveiling the prize at the end.
This time I dyed the flannel backing too, a beautiful lime green which is her favourite colour.
Tomorrow I’ll be starting the promised Lil’ Mim giveaway so I hope you’ll be back to enter!

An empty space (sniffle..)

by 3 Comments

X marks the spot on my work table which is the home of my faithful Janome. As you can see, nobody is home today, nor tomorrow, not the next day either. In fact, this space will be empty for a whole week! A week of listless glances in this direction as I wander past. A week of concocting projects I can cut out in readiness for her return.
Perhaps it’s a good thing she jammed and is “in the shop” (in the middle of a doll order I might add!) Perhaps I might finally catch up on all those assignments I owe my tutor, perhaps I’ll clean out those cupboards that need it.
I don’t think I realised how integral the sewing machine has become to my life, what a great release it is to be able to sit and sew. The lady at the sewing centre said “Oh well, you can have a rest from it for this week” to which I replied “It is my rest!!”

Hooray! Some sewing to show you!

by 9 Comments


Not one top finished, but two! I started with the Miss Madeline dress pattern for the top half then altered the bottom half (winged it, basically!) This one had to be “green and purple – my favourite colours!”


This one is the Miss Madeline pattern again, only shortened to make a long top instead of a dress. I prettied it up with some hand applique and embroidery.

A close up of the applique and embroidery. Both of the tops are made from Stella knit fabric which I purchased from Crafty Mamas.
I love making clothes for my girls, I find bought tops are cut way too short for little girls these days and pants are cut too low. I want my girls to look stylish but modest.

New hopes and a sneak preview…

by 7 Comments

I’m hoping to accomplish my first (ever!) pattern release this year. I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time. If it goes well it will be the first of many. So, some clues…
                             Little bestockinged feet…
Pretty little dresses….
And chubby little arms….
Have you guessed yet? I know, it’s not hard to figure out!
I’m really excited about this project, the prototype has come up better than expected so I couldn’t be happier with it.
For me this is also a challenge for this year to stop being so afraid of failure, which often stifles me and prevents me from doing what I really want to do.
Now to get down to some serious pattern writing………

Dyed baby blanket.

by 3 Comments

Wow, did I love making this! Would you believe I only used 3 colours on this and ended up with this gorgeous kaleidoscope of colour. This baby blanket is for my little one for Christmas.

I dyed the silk and then used a hot pink flannel for the backing. Naturally, the other little girls want one each now!

by 2 Comments

Thank you all for your supportive comments and emails yesterday. After I posted it here I thought I may have been overly sensitive and over reacting, but I see from your responses that you understand. Thanks again.

So, what do you do to improve the day when you’re not feeling great? You sew, of course! My little one even indulged me yesterday afternoon by sleeping for 4 hours straight! I made her a bib and some much needed nappy covers (she insists on growing so fast!)

I continued the stitchery project I’ve been working on (yes, you’ll get to see it when I’m done šŸ™‚

And I made some shorts for little half pint. I love this fabric, it’s so cheery. Unfortunately she wasn’t so cheery when I took this photo (missed her afternoon sleep).


Who needs a pool when you have a bucket? I’ll admit it’s not quite as fun, but it sure is a lot cheaper.
We’re heading to the farm tomorrow to visit my husband’s parents so I won’t be around for a few days. See you when we get back.
God bless.

https://kellycasanovaweavinglessons.com/2009/11/thank-you-all-for-your-supportive.html

From flaw to feature.

by 7 Comments

I still make a lot of mistakes when sewing, mostly through lack of focus or simply experimenting. The great thing is when you discover that not every mistake is a disaster and the unpicker does not neccessarily have to be your constant companion. Such a handy tool, but gee I HATE UNPICKING!!
I need some more bibs for very vomity baby and thought I could use some fabric leftovers and make it up as I go along. All went well until I attached the binding and found it was way too thick and looked funny.


I spent ages making that binding in the first place, so the thought of replacing did not appeal. So, I ran a zig zag stitch around the inside of the straight stitch and voila! It anchored the inside of the binding down and balanced out the look.
Now I just need to figure out how to use my new snaps press and I can make a bunch more šŸ™‚

WIP frenzy!

by 3 Comments

An art journal cover that I’m practicing hand quilting on (and I really need the practice!)

Peg dolls that are painted but as yet unclothed, I’m trying to figure the best way to dress them without interfering with the attached arms. Hopefully I’ll have a tute up for these soon too šŸ™‚

A pair of shorts for one of the girls from recycled clothing.


And, last but not least, a sewing table that is an absoloute disaster zone!!
That’s what you get for working on too many projects at once!