cuddly dress for Winter.

I found this fabric at a warehouse discount clothing store (similar to DFO). It was two BIG fleece blankets for $30. Its still folded in half in the photo. The quality of fleece reminded me of felted wool and as it sort of clung to itself I didnt really need to even pin it to sew. An added plus was that the edges were hemmed beautifully so no need to finish the neck or those pesky teeny sleeve ends. Yay! I have heaps left over so I guess the girls will be getting one each year in every size. The larger plaid one was for my niece.

I loved this pattern to sew, it was way easy and it sits so well on my slight girls that I think it will quickly become a base pattern for any tops with set-in sleeves and A-line dresses or tops.

Pattern: Heidi and Finn, Jumper dress

Little Red

Here are two little red riding hood capes that I made for my DD's. They absolutely adore them, skipping around the house and wearing them every chance they get.

The lining fabric is what I love the most about it!!! The pattern makes it fully reversable. I think the pattern lends itself to be minky one side and something else the other so when it is reversed it is so cosy against their skin.

Pattern; Little things to sew, O+S
Fabric: Red wool outer (fabric stash). Lining 100% cotton from Kelani Fabric.
The pattern was very easy to follow but next time I will  make sure I transfere all markings. Oops.

A present for a new baby

This is a little craft project for a new baby. I have done these sort of stencilling shapes on canvas using contact as the stencil then peeling it off. Always hand drawn and cut out. This time I used my sillhouette machine. Soo much easier.

attempting applique on a quilt

So here is my attempt at appliqueing for a quilt I am making as a gift for our yet to be born niece. In picture one (Elephant pull toy) I have tried to embrioder around the motif. I have to do this because it is only temporarily stuck down and the fabric will fray. I have put a second picture (the bunny) to show how cute the motifs are before I attack them with my embroidery.

Help! Any ideas on how to finish this off without destroying it or making it impossible to give to anyone elses?

learning to crochet

Wow! I really like crochet! I have been a beginner knitter for about 8 years (yes still a beginner) but had never tried my hand at crochet and only remembered how to do a simple chain stitch from what my Nanna showed me when I was about 8. So armed with a crochet hook and the internet I am giving it a go. I have so far made 3 hats, one given to my niece, one for possum and one for a yet to be born niece. I enjoy it more than knitting and I don't really know why. It seems to grow more quickly or maybe its just harder to make a mistake. However basic these little beanies are, I am getting a lot of enjoyment out of it. Its thereputic crafting. Here is the baby beanie and when I can get my DD's beannie off her I will put it up too.

Kyoko ii

This is a matching Kyoko I made in the alternate colour way for Allie bear. Possum actually asks and loves it when they are dressed the same! I bet that won't last long but while it does it is nice for them to be similar but a touch different.

little brown skirt

I unpacked Possum's hand-me-downs for the winter and found a little mini skirt in amongst the treasures, unfortunately straight mini-skirts don't suit her because she likes to get down on the floor and play or climb about in her cubby and run which is difficult in a mini skirt. Melajoe from EB had made up a gorgeous skirt out of brown cord with a pink skirt and I just fell in love with it. Thanks Melajoe for your inspiration and letting me copy your design!
Put the two together and you get a cute new upcycled skirt. I cut the skirt shorter, changed the buttons, added a ruffle and belt and voila a new skirt that Possum loves and can play in too.