getting back on the bike

I'll be returning soon.

There's been a lot of speed bumps and wobbles along the way, but all looks good for a smooth ride now.

Stay tuned....

Just do it!

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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.