Monthly update!

Despite all good intentions I find myself blogging again a month after my last blog entry. My creativity and willingness to step into the 'sewing room' (aka the dining room) was sapped for a while. Melbourne weather is non existent. Its been replaced by balmy, sultry days and humid nights which is sapping all my energy. Or sapped... a return to Melbourne's cool days and cold nights has once again rejuvenated my body and my energy has (somewhat) returned due to a good nights sleep.

So here are some projects that have been completed, are to be completed or have yet to be started. My aim is for the end of the week. Im hoping the cooler weather continues.

First up, I came across this cool tute for a mail organiser on a blog called Noodleheads and set about spending a little money at the local mega craft place. On returning home with all the supplies I needed, I found my staple gun wasnt working (actually it will never work again... the handle just dropped off). This was a major grrrr moment as I'd been planning to make an organiser for a friend celebrating her birthday today. What to do.... and then I spotted this equally cool tute for a clutch bag. As the tute says, more time is spent selecting fabric and cutting it. Assembly is pretty easy. Here is the finished clutch.

I dont think the gathering is so obvious on my clutch. Might just be the colours or pattern of the fabric. I'll definately be making a few of these for the present stash. They are pretty easy and cute.

Here is the mail organiser, minus everything except the backing fabric (which is only just hanging on with adhesive spray). Back to mega craft place this week to buy another staple gun.

Also on the cards this week is putting the finishing touches to this sun hat.

Im going to have to get Miss A to model this hat. Its so cute on.

And finishing attaching the crown to the brim for this sun hat as well as some binding.

When all that is done (with some luck and help from my super mum), this fabric and tulle will make a water fairy and tinkerbell costume for my girls who are going to a birthday this sunday. Ive got my fingers, arms and legs crossed hoping that they will turn out.

And to top things off, a present for the birthday girl who's birthday we'll be celebrating on Sunday!

Lastly, I recently took advantage of a sale on Vogue and McCalls patterns online. In Australia, buying paper patterns is ridiculously expensive. Ofcourse, shipping was a factor for these but all up, i spent less per pattern than I would have if I'd bought them from a retail outlet here. I deliberately decided to buy lots of dress patterns. I dont often wear dresses because I can never find anything that 1. I like and 2. fit me nicely. So, inspired by bloggers like Lisa, Im taking the plunge into adult dress making. Wish me luck!

Another year begins

Well a Merry christmas and happy new year to you all. Its been a pretty hectic December and im not sure where the month went. It was definately a sprint to the Christmas / new year break and I'm still wondering when it happened and where it all went. Ive had my hubby home for two weeks and its been fantastic. Even though I dont get a holiday from my job, having an extra pair of hands around certainly has made it easier.

On the creative front, I didnt get as much as I wanted done (yes this is a familiar story). Despite knowing exactly what i wanted to make and for whom, best intentions arent the only thing you need with Christmas barrelling toward you. I did manage a few things though:



some very simple handmade christmas cards made with paper I picked up in Japan years ago.



A couple of travel document pouches for my mum in law (pictured) and uncle in law (for some reason I didnt photograph) who are both avid travellers (and who happened to be me and hubby's kris kringles). Included in the pouches were some vouchers. In retrospect, I should have added a little description as Uncle Charles was alittle confused by it :) On a side note, these were the first zips ive ever done, and they were not hard at all!! (you were right Tab).
If you'd like to make one, the tute can be found Here




Some gift voucher pockets (only one photographed... im not sure why i'd forgotten to photograph all of them) which could be used for carrying around anything (think lippy, perfume etc). I used the tute found here for the gift card below and then thought that it was a waste of fabric (and my time) if you couldnt use it again so I created the pocket version (above).



I also managed to make these notebook with colouring pencils for a friend's two little girls (well she has three but the third is alittle small for colouring). I monogramed them and made each notebook with the girl's favourite colour.


I also made dresses for my girls for christmas day and i'll include a pic in the next post. I need my hubby's computer for photos and he's busy killing bad guys :)

Lastly, here are some pics of my little girls on christmas morning. Santa had hidden a present each in their room. The remaining presents were left under the tree. The girls got a kick out of leaving some choccie biscuits and a carrot for santa and the reindeer only to find crumbs in the morning. So cute!


The morning started very early with Miss G finding her present from santa hidden under her bed. And what did he bring her?... her very own sewing machine (which I have only just worked out how to thread.. the bobbin was really difficult to work out!).


Miss G had jumped into Miss A's bed with the present santa had left. I dont think these smiles stopped all day!


Later in the day at Grandma's house, woody and buzz dress-up clothes were the biggest hit. Here is a pic of woody and buzz having a cuddle.

Hoping 2011 is the best ever year for you and your family.