Sewing classes

Ive been teaching a friend to sew.
She doesn't really need much teaching actually, she's pretty good.
In fact she's already attempting things Im not sure Im good enough to sew!

In return she's teaching me to knit.
Perfect weather to knit at the moment.

Ive knitted both girls a neck warmer to wear to school.

Pretty quick and easy.
And now on the needles Ive got myself a larger cowl in 2 different colours of the softest Italian merino wool.
Hope it turns out!

What I like most about knitting is that you have to sit!!
With 3 kids I usually dont get much time to sit.
But its been "sit and knit" here for a few weeks!!

I borrowed every good knitting and sewing book from the local library today.
Plenty of inspiration to flick through over the weekend.

Prettiest purple

Im in a bit of a Blogging Funk!
Not really got anything to say.
Nothing much to share.
Just plodding along.
Same old thing.

But, Master J hid my iPad from me on Tuesday night.
On purpose.
I didnt think he was that smart!
Normally I would read some blogs or surf Pinterest in the evening, but I had a headache, so I went to bed early with a book.

So Wednesday comes along.
Drop 2 kids off at school.
One home with me.
"Im just going to check my emails"

The iPad was not in its usual spot.
I knew Master J had used it last because he was making a video of this Lego figures.
Searched his room.
Nothing.

Searched all the usual hiding spots in the office (My Mate regularly hides it from Me too, says its the denegration of society and families!!)
Whatever!!!!!
Send My Mate a text asking where he hid the iPad.
He said, "He hadnt seen it"

Well this sent me into a searching frenzy!
I turned the place upside down.
I was like an addict looking for money for my next hit.
It was embarrassing!!
Im hooked.

Anyway.....it was'nt until 9pm when Master J returned from Cub Scouts, that he burst into laughter and told me where it was.
He thought he was quite hilarious!!
Me.....not so much!!
It was funny, and perhaps he is smarter than he looks??

It is my time waster.
But I really enjoy it too.
So many ideas, just wish I could get them all out of my head and into reality.
I am a bit of a dreamer, not so much a do-er(is that a word?)

Im dreaming of a farm.
A more simple life, with fresh air, veggie patch, chickens and an orchard.
I watched 20 episodes of Gourmet Farmer!
That might have something to do with it!!

Enough rambling, I did make something today.
This pretty purple top is going to a special little girl this Sunday, for her Birthday.

Sun Shade

Have you seen this on Pinterest?

Ive made one for our Beach Holiday.





Im using 2 old tent poles to support it.
4.5m Ikea fabric includes enough fabric to make a nifty drawstring bag to carry it in.


I'll take a photo of it in action on Bondi Beach!!

My Creative Space

Miss S is invited to a Birthday Party next week.
I asked the girls Mother what she would like, and she asked for one of my doily t-shirts.
I only had one doily left from my last op-shop trip, I must be due for another one soon to re-stock!!

So I made the little girl a pink doily top, with some pink and clear/white buttons.
I really like it.
Im sure she will too.
And she needs something to wear it with ,so a little skirt was in order too.

Playing along with other crafty types here.

Ballet Costume Complete

I was not rostered on to work on Sunday,so we had friends over for lunch.
After they left, My Mate had a quiet lay down in the playroom for a snooze, the kids were happily playing outside, so I popped into the sewing room to do a bit more on the ballet costume.
2 glasses of champagne under my belt helped things along......

With no interuptions I got it finished in no time.



Saturday, after 0830 swimming lessons,we rushed into the city to see the Christmas Pagaent.
We have been every year and the kids love it.
Me, well not so much, but I still remember how much I loved it as a child and I try to remember that.
So, we were late because of swimming and couldnt find a carpark.
"Anyone want to go home and watch it on TV??"
A resounding "NO" from the back seat.
We walked 4 blocks, were 1/2 an hour late, and way up the back...but we were there!!
Popped the oldest 2 up on kind of awning of a building to get a birdseye view.
Miss E was happy to draw on the road with chalk until Santa came along.
Master J in charge of the camera up on the awning.

Ballet costume embarrasment

So, the leotard came together quite quickly and looked great.
Thought Id just get it checked by the dressmakers befor I finished it off.
Lucky...

I had 2 of the back panels on the wrong way!!
I was so embarrased!
They reassured me that they had each done this before, and a quick unpick and re-sew and it would be all better.
I have done just that and am happy to report that it fits much better now.

On a side note,
I pinned this swimsuit on Pinterest a while ago.
I love its shape and of course I love anything red.
And it looks really good on this body that has not birthed 3 kids!!

So, when I saw this at Kmart for $19 well......I couldnt resist.

My creative space

Found this really cute "Little Indian" print at Spotlight this week.

Used some to embellish a onsie for a friends new little girl.
And a T-shirt for Miss E.

Have nearly finished the leotard I started yesterday.
It came together pretty quickly, will just get it checked by the dressmakers on Saturday to make sure its up to scratch.

Playing along today with Our Creative Spaces and Tea Rose Home.

Ballet Costume

Miss S has been doing ballet for 3 years.
They have a large concert at the end of the year.
Ive made her costumes each year, and although it is the busiest time of the year, I really do enjoy it.
We are given our fabric and a rough pattern of the leotard to trace onto brown paper.


Each year I say have we got a set of instructions....(insert crickets)
No, we will just get on with it shall we!!!

So I pick the dressmakers brains and madly take notes.
Lets hope it looks something like everyone elses when Im done.
We've got a month the make it, but Im getting started now just in case.
Its a "star" costume.
Navy satin leotard, 3 layer navy net skirt with a jersey overlay with gold stars outlined in sequins.
Should look great on stage.

Yellow skirt

I was given this dress, a hand-me-down.

Fine on its own, but it was screaming to be cut up into two skirts.
I love the pleated detail along the bottom of the skirt.

I cut the skirt section off at the gather.
Cut off the buttons and cut out the side seams.
It yielded 2m x 60cm of fabric, 2 pockets and 8 buttons.

I sewed gathered skirts as per usual.



2 skirts for free. Gotta love that!

More fabric and lace

Ive mentioned my Mum's, partner's, Mother Marion before. Well she has moved into a Nursing Home and wanted me to have all of her sewing stuff.

She wants it to go to someone who will make use of it, and will appreciate it.

So Mum dropped over a huge box and a basket full of ribbons, lace and fabric.

I was going through it today and have found quite a few things I will be able to use.
Loving the lace to pretty up a simple skirt for the girls.

Ill have to find my sewing Mojo.....been much more cooking going on here lately.
Then again...I am much better at cooking than sewing.
Perhaps I should stick with my strengths.

We are off to see the Smurfs at the Drive-in tonight!!!
The kids are so excited....but I dont think they even know what the drive-in is!
Got the snacks packed.

Ive got a funny drive-in story, but dont have time to write it now as Im off to school pick-up.
Will share it with you tomorrow.

Quick re-fashion

Its hardly a very exciting re-fashion!!
And I have to admit I have been wearing this shirt for a while without any buttons!!
(with a tank underneath!!)
Was just too lazy to sew them on again.
But today, I rummaged through my glorious button stash and found the 3 perfect buttons.
Red being my favourite colour.
All set to go now, feels like a new shirt.

Vintage lace top

Im only just appreciating how hard it is to take a photo of yourself!
Ran outside to catch the sun for the few short seconds it was out today.

The 4 year old who is home with me today was not much help, so I resorted to the old mirror trick.

The vintage lace is so fine and delicate, I hope they dont rip to shreds in my washing machine.

I like how the top turned out.

Please excuse the ironing board in the back ground!

Might just have to show My Mate this photo to prove something got done around here today!!

Linking in with Tea Rose Home.

Vintage Lace Top

My Mothers Partners Mother......got it.....Marion is a real sweetie. Ive kind of adopted her as my Grandmother (because I have none living) and she is great at all crafts, knitting, crochet, painting, sewing,needlework..the list goes on.

Any way, she recently gave me a bag of beautiful vintage lace.

6 different kinds, and I had just the project in mind.

I have seen this on the net...but alas cant find where now!!

So I shall say that this is not my original idea...until I find the source.

Im going to sew the lace in strips along a white top for Me.

I think the preliminary layout looks alright. Will move then around to find the best placement and sew with a zig zag to allow for some stretch.

Also, for a bit of colour, I have seen lots of crafts on the net using paint chips.

A quick trip th the local Hardware store (pretending to buy something).

And I came home with these.

Not sure what to make yet!

Maybe use them with the Butterfly punch to make gift cards at the least.

Still thinking.

Poncho and pasta

Now theres an unlikely combination for you.
Made this Poncho for Miss E to wear to Kindy next term.
Pattern from "Making childrens clothes" by Emma Hardy, same book I used for the Peasant top last week. Really easy and quick to sew. I used a cream polar fleece I had in the stash and a pink cotton for the lining.

I dont know about your kids, but mine never want to wear jackets, and get hot quickly when running around. So I thought the Poncho would let the required air in but also keep thier chests warm ( I sound like a Nanna)

This was Dinner last night. Not a styled photo, just how it was in the bowl!!

But it does taste yummy, and everyone here loves it....which is always a bonus!!

Spaghetti Carbonara
From Super food ideas Magazine

2 tsp olive oil

200g mild panchetta sliced
3 garlic cloves

2 egg yolks

2eggs

1/2 cup thickened cream

75g parmesan cheese grated

Spaghetti

Put enough spaghetti for your family into a pot of boiling water.

Heat oil in a frypan, add panchetta and garlic.

Fry stirring until panchetta is crisp.

Drain on paper towel.

Whisk together eggs, egg yolks, cream and most of the parmesan in a bowl. Season with pepper.

When pasta is cooked, drain, remove from the heat.

Add egg mixture and panchetta, toss until well combined.

Serve straight away with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and salad.

Playing along at Our creative spaces, Tea Rose Home and This Chick cooks, and Lady behind the curtain.