The End (Blogtoberfest Day 31)

What fun Blogtoberfest was. I got back to reading some blogs I had missed for a while and I got my list done and dusted. Can't wait for 2012.

Waiting for trick or treaters tonight... 

(Blogtoberfest Day 30)

Always happy

Always smiling

Loves her naps

LOVES her food

LOVES LOVES her milky

We love you "Super Baby Eva"

Simple top (Blogtoberfest Day 29)

A new top for Bella using "Little Honey" voile in Berry from Anna Marie Horner's Little Folks range. This fabric is so beautifully soft, perfect for such a loose simple top. I feared I had sewed it too small around the waist, but it turned out for the best, I like it fitted around Bella's waist, it sits much better. Not a bad job for a Mummy designed and make it up as a I sew-along.... best of all, Bella loves it and it will be perfectly cool for summer.

My Babies (Blogtoberfest Day 28)

Hard to believe there is an extra person in this years Christmas Card pictures. My three little amigos... now if I could just pick which photos to use.

XXVII (Blogtoberfest Day 27)

Not long left until the end of Blogtoberfest. It has gone quick, but then all months seem to go quick now with a kid at school, one at daycare 3 days a week and a new baby to play with.

Today Eva and I went shopping. We came home with half the Country Road baby girl section. I blame her and her tubby tummy for making me buy her new clothes. While there I saw a couple of gorgeous tops for Bella, but at $50 each for basically a rectangle of fabric with a neck cut out I've decided to try give it a go making some myself. I'm about 50% done, and so far it's working well, just the neckline to figure out. Fingers crossed I've saved myself $50 ....

Obligatory blog post picture: My big baby feeding my little baby. 

Dean set this up, reckoned it was time we put the kids to work.

Echino Ni-co Scooter Shorts (Blogtoberfest Day 26)

Front

 Back

I cut these out sooo long ago, I have no idea which pattern I used (or what size they are). I do remember trying to cut and match up the fabric so the scooters joined. The fabric is 1/2 yard of Echino Ni-co Scooter fabric from here and after finding them stashed in my gift box for some reason, with a finished hem and waistband, a pair of groovy shorts all done. I hope they fit otherwise they might be back in the gift box for someone.

Library Bag (Blogtoberfest Day 25)

This morning, Liam and I hit the craft/toy room while Eva napped. I was supposed to be finishing some bits and pieces for a market and he was doing some "cooking". Those plans lasted all of 10 minutes until he found two fat quarters I had stashed away with cars, boats, trucks, helicopters etc. on them.

Next thing I know, we had abandoned our plans, he was sitting on my knee and we were sewing the world's quickest library bag. You know 'cause 4 year olds need instant satisfaction when working on projects.

So two fat quarters, lined in a plain charcoal cotton, quick handles with black webbing and matching rings and a white press stud to close. All ready to hit the library tomorrow...

Wobby (Blogtoberfest Day 24)

Bella woke up this morning and found she had her first wobbly tooth (her bottom right central incisor). There may have been dancing and singing involved. Apparently her school buddies have been telling her all day the best way to get it out. Lucky her best buddy's Mum is a kids dentist, she made sure Bella knew what NOT to do, like twisting it. Bella takes "doctors" very serious.. what they say goes so she let us ALL know that she would NOT be twisting it, but poking it with her tongue a little bit was ok.

Powerhouse (Blogtoberfest Day 23)

Driving in the Big Red car

 Sailing the seas in the SS Feathersword

 Making fruit salad

A morning spent "Wiggl-ing" at the Powerhouse Museum. 

Kyoko Top (Blogtoberfest Day 22)

Pattern: Kyoko by Patty Young

A first attempt at the Kyoko Misses pattern by Patty Young with some left over grey knit. Not sure if I like it or not, I think the knit I chose isn't quite right. I love the look of the top on the pattern cover, so I think I might attempt another one but in cotton.

zzzzzz (Blogtoberfest Day 21)

School canteen for 5 hours straight today.

Going out with the girls tonight.

Sleeping at table highly probable.

Send caffine.

Tova (Blogtoberfest Day 20)

Pattern: Tova by Wiksten

Fabric: Linen from Spotlight

My Tova muslin is all finished, cut and sewn last night. As I hoped, it's a great pattern and I can see lots of these appearing in the wardrobe after I take a fabric buying trip maybe to Tessuti for some "nice" fabric. The pattern is over here, but I must have fluked the timing of my order because you can now only pre-order for shipment in late November.

So, my list is done! Next up some more Mary Janes for my very first market.

The List

Hospital gowns for Eva

Nightie for Eva

Amy Butler Dress from Little Stitches for Little Ones for Eva

Strapless Shorty Jumpsuit from One Yard Wonders for Bella

Tova Shirt by Wiksten

Oliver & S Puppet Show Blouse for Eva

Oliver & S Puppet Show Shorts for Eva

Lisette 2245 Portolio Tunic for me

Storing Thread and Bobbins (Blogtoberfest Day 19)

The more I sew the more shades of pinks, blues and greens appear. So far I have stored my threads in one container and my bobbins in another couple, and while it works well, when it comes to finding the 'right' shade of a colour, it can be a pain. 

I'm amazed there aren't more options on the market for storing thread and bobbins together. I did find a large container (below) from Spotlight that had nice long rods but when I got it home, found the rod was too thick for a bobbin. Such a simple thing that they could have thought of when designing it? 

So some googling and I found these at Craftainers. Ordered Tuesday morning and arrived on my doorstep today, definitely cannot complain about the service.

So after soccer this morning, Liam and I had some fun putting the rods all in and then he matched up the bobbins to the threads. Now when I need a colour, I can grab the matching spool and bobbin in one go.

Tuesday (Blogtoberfest Day 18)

A morning spent playing games with Liam while the baby napped

followed by stalking the post man who finally delivered my Tova pattern, just as I have only the hem to finish on my Portfolio dress. Perfect timing.

Guess what I'll be cutting into tomorrow....

Strapless Shorty Jumpsuit (Blogtoberfest Day 17)

Pattern: Strapless Shorty Jumpsuit from One Yard Wonders

A super simple pattern for the last day in the kcwc from the One Yard Wonders book. Only one pattern piece, and Bella loves the strapless top, but next I think I might try and alter to include some straps. I may even try modify this one because Bella does love the pretty purple flower fabric. I've also finished the nightie for Eva on my list, but picture to come. Finally, while I wait for the Tova pattern to arrive, I have started on my Portfolio dress in the grey shantung.

The List

Hospital gowns for Eva

Nightie for Eva

Amy Butler Dress from Little Stitches for Little Ones for Eva

Strapless Shorty Jumpsuit from One Yard Wonders for Bella

Tova Shirt by Wiksten

Oliver & S Puppet Show Blouse for Eva

Oliver & S Puppet Show Shorts for Eva

Lisette 2245 Portolio Tunic for me

Puppet Show Shorts (Blogtoberfest Day 16)

Yesterday I sat down to steal my hour sewing for kcwc, pulling out the pieces for the Oliver & S Puppet Show shorts for Eva I had cut the previous day. Then it came to sewing on the waistband. The one rectangular piece of fabric for the waistband. The one piece I couldn't find. And I had thrown out the measly scraps of the fabric I had left. Fail.

So I pulled out the tracing paper and my Lisette Portfolio pattern from my list, ready to make up in the green linen I had bought. Pieces traced, fabric obtained, I laid out all the pieces on the fabric, then realised I had bought the fabric requirements for the short top. Not the tunic or the dress. Fail.

Then I left the sewing room.

So a quick stop to Spotlight this morning, an extra 10cm of fabric for Eva's shorts, some grey satin backed shantung (which I dont think I have sewed with before, hope it works) to make my dress and we are back on track. Seriously living 5mins from the new Spotlight is both brilliant and very very dangerous.

Pattern: Oliver & S Puppet Show Shorts

The List

Hospital gowns for Eva

Nightie for Eva

Amy Butler Dress from Little Stitches for Little Ones for Eva

Strapless Shorty Jumpsuit from One Yard Wonders for Bella

Tova Shirt by Wiksten

Oliver & S Puppet Show Blouse for Eva

Oliver & S Puppet Show Shorts for Eva

Lisette 2245 Portolio Tunic for me

Red Mary Janes (Blogtoberfest Day 15)

Yesterday, Eva wore her cute Red Riding Hood Mary Janes to school for pickup of Bella. One of Bella's buddies, who she also went to daycare with, has a little sister just older than Eva and her Mummy was oohing and ahhing over Eva's shoes so I thought I would make sweet little Juliet a pair of her own during Eva's afternoon nap. Lucky I have more of this gingham left, I think Eva may just need a pair of these too.

Red Riding Hood Mary Janes (Blogtoberfest Day 14)

Day 4 of kcwc and I snuck an hour this morning when Eva and I got home from the school drop off to make a gorgeous pair of Mary Janes while she napped.

Poor baby has a case of the "Cameron" feet. Considering her Nanny works in a shoe shop, she has a shelf of gorgeous Nike, Puma, Osh Kosh shoes all waiting for her to wear them, but nope, her little tiny feet don't fit in any of them yet. Sure she fits size 9-12 months in clothes, but her little tootsies still don't fit the 0-3 month size, so some Mummy made shoes it is.

Pattern: Mary Janes from My Sweet Little etsy shop

Fabric: Red Riding Hood, a gift from the lovely Bianca

Oliver & S Puppet Show Tunic (Blogtoberfest Day 13)

Last week, Oliver & S released the very popular OOP Puppet Show Tunic Dress & Shorts pattern in PDF format. I have the printed version in size 2-5y which I have used time and time again for Bella. Two dresses,  a blouse (back in Blogtoberfest 2008), shorts here (kcwc 2010), more shorts, and even more shorts (Blogtoberfest 2008 again).

The extra construction details such as the lining and little finishes on the sleeves make beautiful finished outfits. Just going back through my blog archive to find the links for above, made me realise just how many of their patterns I have made in the past.

• Puppet Show Tunic, Dress and Shorts
• Hopscotch skirt, Knit top and Dress
• Music Box Dress
• Ice Cream Dress
• Tea Party Sundress
• Jump Rope Dress
• Playdate Dress
• School Days Jacket

Phew after looking at their website and writing it all down, I seem to have a bit of an Oliver & S collection going! Anyway I snapped up the size 0-24m Puppet Show pattern for Eva and for kcwc Day 3, I finished her the tunic top in a 6-12m size.

How cute! I know she'll be getting a bunch more of these as tops and dresses, and since I think all my other Oliver & S patterns are the 2-5y size, I may need to get some of the smaller ones of my favourites.

The List

Hospital gowns for Eva

Nightie for Eva

Amy Butler Dress from Little Stitches for Little Ones for Eva

Strapless Shorty Jumpsuit from One Yard Wonders for Bella

Tova Shirt by Wiksten

Oliver & S Puppet Show Blouse for Eva
Oliver & S Puppet Show Shorts for Eva

Lisette 2245 Portolio Tunic for me

Shopping (Blogtoberfest Day 12)

New purchases for finishing off items on The List

Now to choose which one to start with....

Eva's Hospital Gown (Blogtoberfest Day 11/KCWC Day 1)

This week is Kids Clothing Week Challenge and since I'm attacking my List this week anyway, I thought I might as well join along. 

So starting with Eva's new hospital gown for day one...

A mummy-designed kimono wrap nightie for Eva for her upcoming stay in hospital in November. With the snaps on the sleeves, now I will be able to change her without having to wait on nurses to disconnect and connect the IV or have them wake her CONSTANTLY to examine her tummy.

Next up, I have printed off the Oliver & S Puppet Show blouse and shorts pattern, got my fabrics sorted and ready to go....

The List

Hospital gowns for Eva

Nightie for Eva

Amy Butler Dress from Little Stitches for Little Ones for Eva

Strapless Shorty Jumpsuit from One Yard Wonders for Bella

Tova Shirt by Wiksten

Oliver & S Puppet Show Blouse and Shorts for Eva

Lisette 2245 Portolio Tunic for me

Masterchef Live 2011 (Blogtoberfest Day 10)

Strangest looking cows you ever did see

 Making cupcakes with Anna Gare from Junior Masterchef

Masterpieces with about 12 different layers of sprinkles and icing

Bella and Liam LOVED Masterchef Live. Personally I was a bit disappointed at the lack of chairs for each of the shows and the eating areas. We had to eat our lunch standing and spent most of the time standing in queues, but still didn't get to sit and watch anything. We managed to get a good standing spot to watch Gary cook, but had to carry the kids so they could see over everyone. Luckily while it seems everyone was watching Gary we did a quick bolt before it ended and got over to the Junior section and the kids got straight in to make cupcakes. The organisers REALLY need to re-think there jamming so may stalls in sacrificing seats for people who have paid $30 a ticket to SEE something.

Fave Foods: Oat and Raisin Cookies (Blogtoberfest Day 9)

 

Oat and Sultana Cookies
Original recipe here
Makes 18

Ingredients

125g butter
1 cup (220g) caster sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 egg
¼ cup (60ml) milk
1 cup (150g) plain (all-purpose) flour
1 cup self-raising (self-rising) flour
½ cup (45g) rolled oats
1 cup (150g) sultanas


Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (355ºF). Line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper.
2. Place the butter, sugar, cinnamon, egg, milk and both flours into a food processor and process until a soft dough forms. 
3. Stir through the oats and raisins. 
4. Shape 2 tablespoons of dough into flat rounds and place on baking trays. 
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden. Cool on trays.

Amy Butler Dress (Blogtoberfest Day 8)

This week my dearest has been working back at work late and going in very early while they do an important project. So while I have the house to myself while the little ones are off in bed, I've been hitting the list.

Pattern: Jumper from Little Stitches for Little Ones for Eva

Fabric: Lotus by Amy Butler

Some beautiful flowers that came home with Dean early in the week

The List

Hospital gowns for Eva

Nightie for Eva

Amy Butler Dress from Little Stitches for Little Ones for Eva

Strapless Shorty Jumpsuit from One Yard Wonders for Bella

Tova Shirt by Wiksten

Oliver & S Puppet Show Blouse and Shorts for Eva

Lisette 2245 Portolio Tunic for me

The List (Blogtoberfest Day 7)

Sneaking an hour here or there to get some crafting done, I've been making a list. List of things I would like to try, things that we need around the house, things to replace outfits that Miss Eva is growing too fast out of, things for everyone for summer.

Hospital gowns for Miss Eva's upcoming operation

Nightie for Eva

Amy Butler Dress from Little Stitches for Little Ones for Eva

Strapless Shorty Jumpsuit from One Yard Wonders for Bella

Tova Shirt by Wiksten : pattern ordered and on it's way

Oliver & S Puppet Show Blouse and Shorts for Eva : Impossible to find since it went out of print (I have the 2-5y version) but when I read yesterday that Oliver & S have re-released the pattern in PDF form I snapped up the 0-24mnth version for Eva

Lisette 2245 Portolio Tunic

I also had a dress on my list which I tackled last night, photos coming soon... Now if I could just get to Spotlight to re-stock on white thread then I could start on my list. Ten spools of shades of blue but not an inch of white thread anywhere....

Do you have a list?