hana louisa

Just do it!

2011-03-24T12:14:00.000+11:00

I just haven't been feeling like myself of late. I'm tired and puffed out, and just haven't felt like doing much at all.

So many half finished projects litter the studio. They're not orders, just things for my little one, or projects/ tutorials I wanted to try out. I just haven't had the heart to sit down and finish them off. Maybe it's the changing of seasons or something, but I just feel 'blah'.

Fleece night dress Miss B wants me so desperately to finish. Neck, sleeves and hemming required.

Charcoal linen pinnie. Printing and buttons required.

Crinkly owl teether. Stitching and turning right side out required.

Lovely nappy wallet. Only a press/ snap stud required.

Peasant dress cut. Sewing required.

As you can see, so many projects that only need a little attention to get them finished. So today, I'm putting on my 'hat of completion' and getting things done! Now that I've said it and put it out there, I'm off to go do it!!

crinkly owl teethers

2011-03-13T14:48:00.000+11:00

Isnt this the cutest baby teether ever!

This little owl was created after stumbling upon this fabulous blog. The tutorial for it is actually here.

I made it quite textural. Grosgrain ribbons, velvet ribbon, corduroy and beautifully soft minky fabric on the back. I might add a bit of satin ribbon next time. In the inside, I used a layer of felt and a layer of very crinkly plastic (from a old pasta packet). I think all babies love the 'crinkly' noise.

The little owl was actually destined to be gifted to my lovely neighbours new baby girl, however, my two children love it so much that they don't want to part with it. So it looks like I'm set to make a few more owls yet. I dont mind though- they are so cute!

wallets for bubs

2011-03-10T21:59:00.000+11:00

The latest nappy wallet.

I think these are great! Super handy. This time I added a swivel clip on the inside. Use it to secure a dummy, your keys or even to clip on to a small coin purse.
I hope someone else thinks they're great too. I might try some in the shop.

play dresses

2011-03-04T15:15:00.000+11:00

These dresses make the best play dresses.

Easy to run, jump, dance, roll, climb, wriggle and play in, they make a great kinder dress. On the cooler days, I layer them up with a long sleeved tee and leggings.

Fabric: Disco flower (Amy Butler)
Dress for my Miss B

Fabric: Antler Damask (Joel Dewberry)
Size 2 for a Miss S.

snooping around

2011-03-02T15:36:00.002+11:00

A bit of fun.

Kirsty is hosting a new meme over at her place today. A bit of snooping through her stuff and others that are playing along. And really, who doesn't love having a snoop through the many wonderful blogs that are out there.

Snooping my sewing room bookshelf.
Books on various crafts, patterns galore ( in magazine boxes), screens for printing, knitting stuff ready for winter scarves, and just to mix it up, some SCUBA diving reference material (an occupation in my previous life).

Have a snoop at who else is playing along today.

busy times

2011-02-26T00:09:00.001+11:00

Many apologies for being around for a while, I have been flat out.

Some things i have been working on.

Red linen pinnie with hand printed bird (robin?).

Corduroy pinnie with hand printed hare.

Still more to come.....

hi ho, hi ho....off to the library we go...

2011-02-14T22:05:00.001+11:00

Here are just a couple of variations of library bag samples I have been working on this week.

1) Simple drawstring bag.

2) Lined drawstring bag- front pocket- contrasting casing.

3) Backpack style with monogram

Miss B automatically thinks that anything with a 'B' on it is hers. Sadly this one is not for her. So I'll have to make another just to keep the peace!

sreenprinting basics

2011-02-12T22:11:00.000+11:00

I've been meaning to try my hand at screen printing for positively ages- seriously....years! You know how you bookmark all those tutorials you really wish to try out and very rarely get to any of them. Well this was in that very list.

So, I don't know what possessed me to try printing tonight, but with glass of red wine in one hand and scalpel in the other, I was more than ready (and probably dangerous too)!

There are so many different types of screen printing for beginners. The freezer paper technique, photo emulsion, or this tutorial-making a screen print from contact paper.

It was super easy to do. The tutorial is well set out and easy to follow.
I was quite impressed with my first attempt. (Except I burnt the fabric in the oven whilst trying to heat set it)!

I'd definitely give it another go. And this time wont forget the fabric in the oven!

little red pinnie

2011-02-07T22:58:00.001+11:00

This lovely little dress is on its way to a new home tomorrow. A custom for Miss A.

I made it using my favourite colour - red- in a very coarse weave fabric ( it looks like a cotton linen blend). The texture of the dress is really beautiful. It's quite heavy and thick, perfect for upcoming Autumn.
I hope it sees lots of wear.

for the love of birds

2011-02-04T22:20:00.002+11:00

I just adore birds. Bird prints, bird fabric, relaxing to the sound of birds (CD), bird watching, bird art, bird jewellery.... bird everything!

So when recently a fellow blogger, Michelle, wrote a post about some artworks done by Matou En Peluche, I had to go and have a look for myself.
And I immediately fell in love with her bird prints.

image credits: matou en peluche

They are absolutely beautiful, aren't they?

These little beauties are soon to be lining my hallway.

not just for little girls...

2011-02-01T11:21:00.001+11:00

.... but for mummies too.

I loved everything about Miss B's little red skirt (it's so soft and it hangs beautifully), that I decided I wanted one too.
And with this crazy heatwave (102F or 39c), a skirt is a much, much cooler option.

I had to tweak the pattern a little bit as the skirt was a wee bit short for my pasty looking legs. So I added a bit of length - about 2 inches, and took it in at the waist.
And as it turns out, this has to be the comfiest skirt ever! I will be making many, many more of these in the coming weeks.

Upcycled Twirl Skirt

2011-01-27T22:33:00.001+11:00

A new skirt for Miss B.

The red panels are up-cycled from an old maternity top that was destined for the bin, and I had some matching red stripe fabric to go with it.

The skirt hangs beautifully and is so soft and comfy to wear. I wish I had one for myself......*hmmm* Stay tuned- I'm getting excited and planning that as I type.

Skirt pattern came from Lil Blue Boo and the matching hair clip was also a tutorial from there too.

Again, another happy project completed! I must be on a roll!

Robin Peasant Dress

2011-01-25T10:47:00.001+11:00

The latest dress for Miss B. A simple yet very cute play dress, using Joel Dewberry's Deer Valley fabric collection.
One of my all time favourite fabrics- one because it's red ('ish) and secondly because of all the little birdies throughout the print. I just love birds!
Hopefully Miss B will love it as much too.

Zip It- Zip It Good!

2011-01-24T13:08:00.000+11:00

I get so excited when the postman leaves a package at the door. Today's goodies were some zippers I had purchased from here.

I just love the rainbow of wonderfully bright colours!

Nappy Pouch

2011-01-23T11:53:00.002+11:00

I have been meaning to make a small nappy carrier of some description since Miss B came on the scene- she is now 3 and a bit. And now we have a wee man, I thought it was time to actually get stuck into making one.

My poor sewing machine was not a fan of trying to get through 6 layers of denim in some parts, hence a few messy corners. But all-in-all, I think it turned out pretty good.

I really didn't need to use a pattern, however I couldn't be bothered this weekend with working out sizes and the like, so I used a pattern from Ainslee Fox.

A very quick and easy weekend project, and a great gift idea too.

Mulberry Boat Purse

2011-01-21T15:57:00.000+11:00

Now in the shop.

Boat purse in Joel Dewberry's Ginseng Fabric in Mulberry, lined with a pale yellow cotton fabric.

Lillipop Boat Purse

2011-01-20T12:35:00.000+11:00

With Bert up and running fine, back to work again.

Here is a 'lollipop' boat purse, lined with bright orange spots and a swivel clip on the side. A nice and bright purse for summer!
The purse will be listed in the shop tomorrow.

customer service- where has it gone?

2011-01-20T10:53:00.001+11:00

Bert (my sewing machine) is home safe and well. But driving home from the sewing centre i was fuming, and this is what my brain was turning over:

Dear Sewing Centre Machine Fixer-upperer man,

How about you treat your customers with a little bit of respect.

Just because I came in a bit early, looking a bit disheveled, having the kids in tow and I disturbed you from your morning coffee, is no reason why you cant show someone a little bit of decent, common courtesy. You can also get off you backside and open the door for your customers, especially when you see them struggling at getting the door open while they are carrying a child and a heavy sewing machine, rather than just sitting there and watch them do battle with your door. It might have been ammusing for you, but i was far from impressed.

Secondly, don't treat me like an absolute sewing idiot. I am not a fool when it comes to sewing. I do know how to thread 'my' own machine and I do know how to wind a bobbin on 'my' own machine, and do all of those things you say i think i dont know. Dont tell me that I should learn to thread my machine and use it properly, as I have been sewing for 15 years and never had any threading problems. Please, dont assume I've never sewn before.

And lastly, dont berate me for using a particular thread that you dont sell in your store. I dont need to hear that you think it's '#%*!' and that this thread will stuff my machine up if I'm going to use it. And what's this about using this thread that will void my warranty? You've got to be kidding!

So sewing machine fixer- upperer man, you have made me a little irate this morning. I really dont like to start my day this way. Thank you for ruining a beautiful morning.

*ahhhhh*- that feels so much better out than in! Now to enjoy the rest of the day!

Breakdown

2011-01-19T09:45:00.001+11:00

Can a girl get a break- seriously!

I was all cut and ready for a 'production line' sewing afternoon yesterday, when 'Bert', my beloved Bernina sewing machine, decided he wasn't up for the challenge and gave up.

This is Bert.

All my ideas of getting my online shop up and running on Friday are looking pretty slim, unless the magic sewing machine fix it man gets his part in sooner. *sigh*

On the bright side, at least Bert gets a good once over before being put to hard work!

Boat Purses

2011-01-18T12:16:00.002+11:00

After many busy weeks over the holidays, it's back to it! Sewing that is!

Here is the first boat purse for 2011.
Unfortunately, I'll be keeping this little baby for myself, however, I'll be making another to list in the shop on Friday.
The fabric used for this one is Amy Butler's August Fileds Collection- Bright Buds in Morning Mist. A favourite of mine.

Other boat purses are in progress, and will be listed in the shop on Friday. Below are some of the colour combinations of those making their way to the shop.

holidays

2011-01-14T10:38:00.000+11:00

I'm now back from an unexpected break.

Stay tuned in, as next week i'll have all sorts of goodies sewn up and possible a few in the new shop too.

fabric friday

2010-12-31T07:00:00.004+11:00

The latest to be added to the fabric collection.

Surely there is a place to go for curing a fabric addiction. Fabric Anonymous anyone?

Again fabric sourced from Hawthorne Threads.

it's the small things

2010-12-23T12:03:00.001+11:00

Hand made gifts are usually appreciated so much more than a store bought item- or so i think.
Therefore I like to try and make gifts that will be enjoyed, and used, rather than stashed away at the back of a cupboard somewhere. I know this little purse is going to a home where it will be much loved.

I really love the fabric I used in this one. I used a heavy upholstery weight denim on the top and Anna Maria Horners Garden Party fabric for the bottom.

So this cute little purse is making its way off to its new home today- filled with lovely little goodies.

waiting in queue

2010-12-22T22:41:00.002+11:00

More little zippered pouches sitting in the line of production.

And still waiting on the hardware to finish the others.
Please, pretty please, be arriving tomorrow so i can have these finished for Christmas!
*fingers crossed*

production line

2010-12-20T10:18:00.001+11:00

With Christmas looming, my sewing room has turned into a production line.

These little zippered pouches are waiting patiently for some hardware to arrive in the post before i can finish them off.

Then I will be frantically sewing, filling them with goodies and wrapping them ready for their new owners.

peasant dress

2010-12-15T14:52:00.002+11:00

This cute little dress has been a long time coming.
If memory serves me right, it was cut out about two months ago and has been waiting very patiently on the sewing bench. Much needed attention was given to it this morning, and hey- presto- Miss B has a new lightweight, summer frock.

A very easy dress to make- great for day care. So, many more dresses are on the to do list.

prototype

2010-12-12T22:51:00.000+11:00

This is my latest project.

Covering a friends much loved child sized couch. I just love this chair. It's so cute!

Here it is before.

And here it is with it's prototype cover on.

Not entirely happy with my construction. I will make a few tweaks here and there next time.
Now just to find the right fabric for the finished product.

Tutorial Roadtest- Kanzashi Flowers

2010-12-06T22:37:00.004+11:00

I LOVE to read crafty blogs. I could sit here all day wasting the day away by flitting from blog to blog, just to see what crafty bloggers are up to. And after much perusing, it seems a lot of people are making these Kanzashi flowers.

What's the fuss i thought to myself. But little did i know.....

So i gave it a go too.

I used this tute from 'little sweet hearts' for my Kanzashi flower making exercise. It was so simple to follow. And quick to do ask well. Please do try it out.

And Ta-Da......

My flower turned out pretty good- i think.

And here are some petals for the next, smaller, flower.

But these things should come with a warning-

Kanzashi flower making is extremely addictive!

Now i know..... too late!

fabric friday

2010-12-03T14:17:00.000+11:00

The latest addition to the fabric collection is this lovely, stripey fat quarter bundle.

photo credit: whimsie dots

These fabrics are reclaimed bed linens and come from Whimsie Dots.
I stumbled across Whimsie Dots after looking at and loving this quilt made with some of her fabric at Red Pepper Quilts. It's a must see! Check it out.

So many wonderful creations are planned for my stripey bundle. Stay tuned...

dress for a sad day

2010-11-29T10:35:00.001+11:00

Granpa passed away.

Suitable dress to say goodbye could not be found.

A small pinnie made instead; with satin trim and removable matching flower and hair clip.

*sniff*

bags for kidlets

2010-11-20T01:00:00.001+11:00

And the birthday rush continues.

Goody/ library bags for Master R and Master C- filled with matchbox cars, colouring books, pencils and playdough.

They were a hit!

(One thing i must do is learn how to take better pics)!

fabric friday

2010-11-19T10:44:00.000+11:00

My latest additions to the stash comes from Hawthorne Threads. I just loooove the meadowsweet fabric collection by Sandi Henderson (last three images).

For couch cushions, a dress for 'miss b' and a custom order.

birthday bags

2010-11-08T21:59:00.000+11:00

The round of birthday madness begins! What to do for presents????

Fill a bag with goodies- that's what!

Kids just love lugging all their little treasures around with them. And what better than in this cute little-person sized bag. Or use it as the name suggests, a library bag.

A custom bag for Master Z.

Girls Pinnie Vairations

2010-03-02T19:45:00.013+11:00

Coarse linen with pocket.

Corduroy with screen printed hare

Cotton/linen blend with screen printed robin

Suiting w/ satin trim with matching flower clip