The Princess & the Monkey

Japanese Handmade Baby Wears Top "R"

2012-02-02T09:00:00.004+11:00

Pattern: "R" from Handmade Baby Wears (there's a link here but I got my copy from Kate when she was de-stashing, thanks Kate!)

Fabric: Far Far Away by Heather Ross

My first attempt at a pattern from this book, and thank goodness for the illustrations which make it possible to follow, cause I sure don't read Japanese. I did make a mistake by forgetting these patterns don't have seam allowances, which was fine for around the body and the hem because Eva doesn't quite fit the sizes in the book, but it made the shoulders a little too narrow. But then you wouldn't have noticed if I didn't just point it out, right? Anyway, lovely lovely top, fits well, and of course beautiful fabric makes it nice and breezy.

Sophie Tunic(s)

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000+11:00

Pattern: Sis Boom Sophie Tunic

Fabric: Heather Ross Mendocino for Eva

Sis Boom Flower Power for Bella's

I've made the adult version of this pattern a few times for myself (the Patricia Tunic), and Ive used this once to make a top for a friend's little one many moons ago, but finally I cut one out for each of the girls. Perfect for our trip away at the end of February for over swimsuits.

Heather Ross Munki Munki Quilt progress

2012-01-31T14:19:00.000+11:00

After the recent move and sorting through all my fabrics and WIPs I'm on a mission to finish a couple of quilts including this Heather Ross one. Progress was made, even past finishing the rows... until I ran out of Kona Cotton Sand fabric for the sashing. I've placed an order for more, and this SHALL be finished soon....

Swimming

2012-01-30T08:00:00.001+11:00

Eva's first summer and yesterday she took to the pool for her first swimming lessons. Just like her big brother, she is a water baby through and through from the moment her little toes hit the water. No tears, lots of kicking and well and truly ready for a nap by the time she was finished.

A-Line Skirt

2012-01-29T08:00:00.000+11:00

Pattern: A-Line Skirt from You Sew Girl

A swap of some needed fabric for one of Nikki's patterns and voila a new skirt for me. Working without an invisible zip foot on my machine, I'm still happy with the outcome, even if I forgot to iron it before photographing.

Bowling Shirt

2012-01-28T00:52:00.000+11:00

Sewing for the boys around here is rare. There are only so many shorts a kid can have, although don't tell him that, every time I take him to the fabric shops I end up coming home with more fabric "PERFECT for shorts Mummy".

I have to admit I have had this pattern a while. "While" being an understatement. Even the fabric was bought back when I first got this pattern, I was shocked when I finally cut it out that the fabric I had bought (intended for the 18/24m size) was enough for the now needed 5/6y size. But here it is, a shirt for my little dude.

Pattern: Bowling Shirt by Scientific Seamstress

Fabric: Probably Spotlight ?? and lined in a navy homespun

What turned out to be an easy enough pattern, the shirt is fully lined and for a short sleeve shirt, I think have the whole body lined may end up being a bit hot, but now that I have made one, I can see where I re-work the pattern to take the lining out without affecting the look at all. Next time. And I definitely won't take as long to make the next one.

Sweet Little Dress

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000+11:00

Pattern: Sweet Little Dress for Babies by Leila & Ben

Fabric: Patty Young Andalucia Mod Blooms

I have used the Sweet Little Dress pattern from Leila & Ben a bunch of times now, previously using my 12m-5T pattern, this one is from their "babies" version. Such a simple and quick pattern, and I decided to not add the elastic to the armholes to give them a little flair. Worn by the little Miss herself today, perfect for doing her little booty shakes she does while standing.

Lanyard iPod pouch

2012-01-26T06:58:00.000+11:00

And new iPod cases for Isabella and Liam. At Christmas Dean got a new iPod and I got a new iPhone after my contract expired (and my phone was deciding who I was and wasn't allowed to receive calls and voicemail from) so the kids got the old ones.

Very rough instruction on how to make these up:

Cut 2 outer fabric, 2 thin batting and 2 lining fabric all measuring 4 1/4 inches wide x 6 3/8 inches high.

Baste the batting to the wrong side of the 2 outer fabric pieces with a 1/4 inch seam (quilt if desired, I used diagonal stripes on Bella's and straight vertical lines on Liam's)

Right sides facing together of the 2 outer fabric pieces, sew using a 1/2 inch seam the two sides and bottom together, leaving the top open

Right sides facing together of the 2 lining fabric pieces, sew using a 1/2 inch seam the two sides and the bottom, but leaving about 2 inch gap in the bottom for turning, the top should also be open

Turn the outer fabric pouch right side out and iron flat, and place inside the lining fabric pouch, right sides facing each other and sew with a 1/2 inch seam around the top.

Turn the right way out using the gap at the bottom of the lining fabric and stitch the gap closed. Stuff the lining pouch inside the outer pouch and iron again, top stitch the top if desired (I didnt).

Then I put a punch and rivet in that the lanyard could clasp through on the back.

I hope that makes sense, it is very basic construction really just a simple lined pouch.

Diaper Pouch

2012-01-25T11:28:00.000+11:00

A lazy morning, the first in a while with everyone in pajamas, nowhere to be, and housework done. Kids happily playing together, Mummy got some time for a spot of sewing.

Pattern: Diaper Pouch by Noodle-Head with a fabric closure instead of webbing

Fabric: Denim and Erin Morris' Park Slope

A new nappy pouch, perfect size for 3 nappies, wipes and a spare dummy for miss Eva using a great tutorial from Noodle Head. I love this blog, there are heaps of great tutorials here, especially the bicycle basket tutorial.

I also made up some iPod covers which I'll blog tomorrow with a very rough tutorial.

Hayman Island (Part 2)

2012-01-24T09:00:00.003+11:00

Part 2 of our Hayman trip... all about the food and our room. It might seem odd photographing all our food, but really the idea behind our long weekend was to enjoy lovely meals just the two of us, lazy lunches by the pool, lovely dinners out, sleep ins and catnaps... you know, basically the things you got to do pre-kids

Our Retreat room

Bath

Dinner at Oriental

Edamame, Duck spring rolls and shrimp skewers on sugar cane

Szechuan Chicken

Breakfast view was very hard to take every morning

Prawn Caesar poolside

Rosemary Fries poolside

Beef carpaccio at La Trattoria

Crab spagetti

Pizza!

Affogato

Zabaglione

Mushroom burger poolside

Beef burger poolside

Seafood buffet at Azure

So yes, we ate well, we realxed, we swam, read books, and had a lovely time. By the end I was ready to get back to my babies and now looking forward to taking the whole family to Fiji in a few weeks.

Hayman Island (Part 1)

2012-01-23T13:00:00.004+11:00

Last weekend Dean and I headed away for 3 nights at Hayman Island. Without the kids.

It was a blissful time away, perfect to recover from Christmas and moving home again. Beautiful food, cocktails, lazing by the pool, snorkling, and I even read two whole (with more than 10 words and giant colourful pictures on a page) books.

I took so many beautiful shots while we were away, I'll have another post soon with all the delicious food!

Sunday morning

2012-01-22T22:33:00.001+11:00

Last night we went to a 40th and at 10pm a friend casually asked me where she would be able to get a birthday cake for her little ones birthday this morning... umm the local bakeries aren't open on a Sunday! So this morning after being woken by little Miss Eva's giggles at 7am, we baked 18 pink cupcakes.

High in my kitchen cupboard sits a giant pink plastic box, labelled "Party wares", full to the brim of spare straws, cups, cutlery, streamers, plates, and a nice little stash of cupcake cases all in a range of colours, ready for such an emergency bake off/party. So for little Juliet I decided on carnival striped Robert Gordon cupcake cases.

I haven't used the stripe design before, but I have used the Robert Gordon blue gingham cases, and now both times I have been disappointed. While they are designed to be baked in, they really don't withstand the oven very well, discolouring and all the white becoming almost transparent. Lucky it is a pack of 50 so I had plenty left over to all another case to each once they had cooled. I have used the Paper Eskimo ones before and they do seem to hold their colour better, still not perfect, but a much better result.

Little Miss Eva has decided to try standing. Crawling just isn't enough apparently. Oh and Mummy's coffee table is a great chew toy which is great incentive to stand... hmmm cheeky girl.

Colouring In

2012-01-13T09:00:00.002+11:00

Some afternoon crafting with Isabella courtesy of CurlyPops fabulous Colour In Fabric Panels. We have a Robot panel waiting for Liam's artistic skills to be applied then decisions on what to do with them. So far the suggestions include pillows, a bag each, a blanket....

New Craft Room

2012-01-12T09:54:00.001+11:00

Now that The Big Move of 2012 is done with just a few of those "miscellaneous" boxes taunting me with their random junk, yesterday my eyes turned to my new sewing room...

My craft room is pretty tidy, I'm a bit of a "everything in it's own box" type of gal, and that's all around the house. Just ask my poor husband. I don't buy much fabric, and rarely for "stash", hence only 5 small boxes of fabric.

Wanting a new project for on the lounge, I busted into my small scraps box a couple of nights ago. I tend to throw out most of my scraps, so I was limited with what I could do, but decided on using them for a quilt for Eva's little buddy Frankie who is a week older than her as a gift for her first birthday in March. Her Mum has asked me for a quilt since she loves the one I made her little boy a couple of years ago, and not wanting "girlie" and no particular colour in mind, I think this will be perfect.

So I cut a bunch of 7" hexagons, fused them onto 10" squares (Homespun Sand) and have been doing some hand stitching.

So far I love, and I think I have given myself plenty of time so no need to rush!

The obligatory end of 2011 post

2012-01-02T23:51:00.091+11:00

The obligatory post's of 2011 are popping up everywhere. While I do like the finality of having a goodbye 2011 and hello 2012, I'm surrounded in boxes and packing tape all in full gear to start moving house again tonight and tomorrow, so here goes my half-hearted effort...

Little Miss Evangeline arrived and instantly we all fell in love with the last little baby
Isabella started kindergarten
Liam started soccer
New friends seemed to be accumulated by everyone
Sewing, crafting, cooking
Business got busy
Dean started running and lost about 30kg
We finally booked our first holiday since our honeymoon 11 years ago

Those are the biggies, but there were so many highlights and adventures as our new family of 5. Thankfully the downs were definitely outweighed by the good things, but we still had them. We sold our little unit Dean and I first bought when we got married and decided to rent for a while to save more deposit. 9 weeks into our lease, the owner decided to sell the house we were renting so lucky me got to hold 2 open inspections a week for 4 months which was tiresome, we started getting ready to move AGAIN (which is this weekend... eeek), Eva had two lots of surgery, and of course my Mum was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer.

So farewell 2011, you've been good and bad. Now back to that packing because January is going to be a busy way to start 2012. We're moving, passports need to be organised, Dean and I are away to Hayman Island for 3 nights, there's a 40th birthday party with a dress-up theme I need to sort out an outfit for, Eva has 3 specialist appointments at hospital and Isabella is back at school...

And to finish, since my blog IS mainly about sewing, that's how I finished 2011 and began 2012. Hopefully more sewing to come this year!

The last sewing for 2011...

Pattern: Skirt from Anna Marie Horners book Seams to Me.

Fabric: Light weight denim

And the first sewing for 2012...

Pattern: Butterick 5489

Fabric: Japanese lawn from Spotlight

Beach Baby Eva

2011-12-31T01:04:00.000+11:00

There is alot to catch up on. Fabric purchases, new skirts made, babies rocking up on their knees ready to crawl, packing to move (again)... but today, we took time out for a trip to the beach. Now we do live a couple of minutes to the beach so technically we're always there, but this was our first trip this summer to get the kids into the surf and let Eva try out her swimmers and get her podgy little baby feet into the sand for the first time.

She is definitely going to beach baby this little one just like her big brother and sister.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-26T17:42:00.000+11:00

Merry Christmas to all.

Get Creative by Spotlight Kaftan Top

2011-12-22T09:00:00.004+11:00

Pattern: Get Creative by Spotlight Kaftan Top

I had so little faith in this pattern. So little in fact I actually cut the pattern pieces from the pattern itself which I NEVER do instead of tracing off my size onto tracing paper and then cutting. I used a remnant of fabric that has been in my stash before I started sewing and I don't even know WHAT it is. Yes, that little faith. It was a $2 pattern I got from Spotlight the day I bought my machine (yes 4 or 5 years ago) and not even in my "normal" size (for patterns).

Surprisingly I like it! The arms are nice and loose and it sits at just the right length. I would even consider making some more in a light cotton. Who would have thought....

Drawstring bags

2011-12-21T15:04:00.000+11:00

Pattern: Lined Lined Drawstring Bag from In Color Order

Three little lined drawstring bags, one for each of my little munchkins toys for our trip away. I think I might try her laundry bag tutorial too, I dont have a pillowcase lying but I do have just the right fabric. Then I want to find a good passport holder tutorial or come us with something where I can hold all FIVE (sheesh, there are that many of us?) passports in one spot around my neck, easy to grab as we attempt customs.

Lisette Portfolio Dress

2011-12-21T09:00:00.001+11:00

Pattern: Lisette Portfolio Dress (Simplicity 2245)

Fabric: Satin backed Shantung from Spotlight

After too long sitting in a pile awaiting just it's hem, finally done. I love the loose fit and would love it in a top, but I think the gathering, pockets and sleeves just work better on the dress versions.

Day Two

2011-12-20T14:52:00.000+11:00

Day Two of the holidays.

PJs day

Playing with lego

Christmas crafts

Playing with the Christmas Tree train

Quick sewing projects

and a Lazy afternoon watching Harry Potter

Begining of the holidays

2011-12-18T22:45:00.000+11:00

School holidays have officially begun. Playdates. Sleep ins. No school pickup and drop off twice a day.

Bella and her buddy

So the last couple of nights, Liam has been heading to bed and Bella has been allowed to stay up a bit later to have some fun crafting with Mummy. The last term at school Bella has got an amazing love and interest in reading, so last night we made book marks, one for her and some for her Nannies. Tonight we played with some Shrinky Dinks.

We love school holidays

new camera

2011-12-16T17:45:00.000+11:00

The last couple of weeks have been chaos. The parties (Christmas and birthday), end of school, end of soccer, end of dancing, school masses, school assemblies, school carols, etc etc etc. Luckily I've had pretty much all the Christmas shopping done for months because I don't know when I would have gotten around to it. Of course in the midst of all this the washing machine, vaccum and camera all decided to die within a week of each other. Seriously like Christmas isn't expensive enough as it is. Only upside, at least there are good sales on.

So this morning, Eva and I went shopping and came home with a fancy Canon EOS 600D camera with all sorts of bells and whistles that I have NO idea how to work. I'm happy with these first shots taken of my baby and I'm sure I'll have it all sorted out by the time Dean and I escape for 3 nights to Hayman all by ourselves in 4 weeks (not that Im counting!).

Mind you I have NO idea how I am going to leave her for 3 nights considering she's only ever been away from me for a couple of hours.

I also shot some photos of our garden which is growing like crazy. Luckily my kids all love vegies because we have lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber on a constant supply and moment!

September

Crochet Doily Rugs at Finders Keepers

2011-11-29T09:00:00.000+11:00

My new crochet rugs are heading off to Finders Keepers this weekend. If you want one, go see Kristen, she's peddling these babies at her stall.

Finders Keepers

Friday 2nd December 6pm-10pm

Saturday 3rd December 10am-5pm

Carriageworks 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh

If any are left, I'll be popping them up for sale and also offering custom orders too.

Busy

2011-11-28T23:23:00.000+11:00

...making bibs for the eating and drooling machine...

...enjoying moments with my babies...

...having fun at Deans work's annual family day where they hired out Luna Park for the day...

...my first market, sharing a stall with my crafty friend Kristen...

...Liam's end of year daycare concert...

...someone lost her first tooth...

...made a friend's little boy a birthday cake and cupcakes for his Super Hero 4th birthday party...

...oh and made a "Super Baby Eva" outfit for the party...

All that in a week. No wonder I'm tired.

Market #1

2011-11-23T20:44:00.000+11:00

My first market is this Friday. To say I'm FREAKING OUT is an understatement. Do I have enough of a range, do I have enough of each "thing", have I priced everything right, will people even like what I have made... how do people do this market thing for a living??

Luckily I am in the safe hands of marketer extrodinares Kristen and Mel. How did I let them talk me into this... I'm going to be bald by the time the market starts.

So if you are in Sydney and looking for goodies for Christmas, I'll be here cowering in a corner Friday night sharing a table with Kristen.

hospital

2011-11-18T22:56:00.000+11:00

5 days in hospital and 2 rounds of surgery, finally, my little poppet had her operation after 2 false starts. She had a super speedy recovery, waking up and demolishing her first bottle in 4 days and her first meal in 5 days. You would never know she was in any pain, always a big smile on her face and non stop babbling which everyone thought was hilarious. After surgery, she woke up blowing me bubbles before her eyes even opened, not a tear or a cry. One dose of panadol was all she had after surgery, even though she was supposed to have a morphine drip. Little champion.

We escaped hospital 2 days earlier than we should have due to her quick recovery and if I never sleep in a chair again I will be a happy Mummy.

The End (Blogtoberfest Day 31)

2011-10-31T22:56:00.000+11:00

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)

2011-10-30T15:52:00.000+11:00

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)

2011-10-29T14:45:00.000+11:00

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)

2011-10-28T22:04:00.000+11:00

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)

2011-10-27T20:11:00.000+11:00

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)

2011-10-26T15:59:00.001+11:00

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)

2011-10-25T13:37:00.000+11:00

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)

2011-10-24T17:50:00.000+11:00

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)

2011-10-23T15:23:00.000+11:00

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)

2011-10-22T21:39:00.000+11:00

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)

2011-10-21T16:16:00.000+11:00

School canteen for 5 hours straight today.

Going out with the girls tonight.

Sleeping at table highly probable.

Send caffine.

Tova (Blogtoberfest Day 20)

2011-10-20T13:39:00.000+11:00

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)

2011-10-19T14:20:00.000+11:00

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)

2011-10-18T19:09:00.000+11:00

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)

2011-10-17T17:29:00.001+11:00

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)

2011-10-16T15:45:00.001+11:00

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)

2011-10-15T08:00:00.000+11:00

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)

2011-10-14T13:06:00.000+11:00

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)

2011-10-13T10:14:00.001+11:00

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)

2011-10-12T08:00:00.000+11:00

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)

2011-10-11T08:00:00.004+11:00

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)

2011-10-10T08:00:00.002+11:00

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)

2011-10-09T08:00:00.011+11:00

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

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

Amy Butler Dress (Blogtoberfest Day 8)

2011-10-08T08:00:00.004+11:00

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)

2011-10-07T08:00:00.000+11:00

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?

Eva's Hat (Blogtoberfest Day 6)

2011-10-06T08:00:00.001+11:00

Reversible Bucket Hat (the inside is denim) using a fat quarter cut very strategically just right for Miss Eva.

Pattern: Nicole Mallalieu's You SEW Girl! book

Fave Foods: Cinnamon Rolls v2 (Blogtoberfest Day 5)

2011-10-05T08:00:00.000+11:00

I've made Cinnamon rolls in the past, and they were good. Really good. Made in the breadmaker, taking all the time out of it, and pretty much all the mess of numerous bowls.

But for a lazy afternoon after visiting the Art Gallery Monday morning, I decided to go the "long route" a la The Pioneer Woman.

Recipe here

The verdict?

they were good but very heavy unlike my more dry original bread-maker ones

the kids refused to eat them because they were too sweet

and I made the mistake of letting Dean in the kitchen while I was making them, so he saw just how much butter and sugar went into these babies, he refused to eat them. (and I only used about half the recipe amounts)

I have ALOT of cinnamon rolls to eat by myself. Lucky one tin went straight in the freezer, so next morning tea I am invited to, you know what to expect.

Blogtoberfest: Missed it by that much

2011-10-04T21:29:00.001+11:00

Seriously how could I miss that October meant Blogtoberfest? I think that means:

A: The year is going too quick
B: I am obviously WAY behind in reading my 'regular' peeps blog posts (it didn't dawn on my until I started seeing lots of posts in my blog reading starting with "Day 3".... derrr)

So I'm giving myself a late pass, and starting anyway. Technically I have posts in my drafts that I have written over the past three days, so maybe I can use that as my excuse.

Excuses, excuses.
A productive couple of days infront of the sewing machine and cutting out patterns, I'm planning on kicking my craftiness into overdrive for (what's left of) October.

Liam's Dr Seuss 4th Birthday

2011-09-25T23:08:00.002+10:00

This weekend my little man had his first big party. All his friends from daycare came, we had family, and close friends all emerge on a Dr Seuss filled house...

From top left: Little bottles filled with Liam's favourite Banana Milkshakes or Strawberry Milkshake

"One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish Happy Birthday Liam Fish" custom water bottles

"Beezlenut Tree Blossoms" (homemade popcorn)

fruit kebabs

"Who-Pudding" (red jelly)

chocolate covered marshmellows

"Green eggs" (spearmint leaves), "Pelf Eggs" (Raspberry licorice bullets) and "Ruffle-necked sala-ma-goox eggs" (raspberry lollies)

cardboard origami thank you boxes containing crayons and Dr Seuss coloring-in and games

and "Rare Who Roast Beast Pies" (party pies) and "Frankenfurter Roasts" (sausage rolls)

The Cat's Hat cake

Naomi from Hello Naomi made the custom cookies which were a massive hit

and of course party games galore. Pin the hat on the cat, pass the parcel and musical statues... he had a constant smile on his little face and Mummy may have enjoyed setting us his party as much as he enjoyed it!.

Sources:

Cookies from Hello Naomi

Little bottles, bamboo spoons from The Little Big Company

Blue striped straws, polka dot cones from Little Red Chick

Custom labelled water bottles from Brewtopia

Fave Foods: Muesli Slice

2011-09-14T10:28:00.001+10:00

We tried a new recipe this week, Muesli Slice. The little ones around here love dried fruit and like some muesli bars (mainly the Be Natural brand ones), but nearly all the bars I have found have nuts in them, which aren't cool for a nut-free school. We have tried a few recipes before, but none of us like the ones that use vegetable oil as the binder, so here is a new one using melted butter, honey and sugar instead.

Muesli Slice

Original recipe here

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup crushed weetbix
3/4 cup chopped dried apricots
3/4 cup chopped dried dates
3/4 cup sultanas
250g butter, chopped
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup honey

Method

Preheat oven to 160°C (fan-forced). Grease and line a 3cm-deep, 18cm x 28cm slice pan. Line with baking paper, leaving a 2cm overhang on long sides.
Combine oats, coconut, weetbix, apricots, dates and sultanas in a bowl.
Combine butter, sugar and honey in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until butter has melted and sugar dissolved. Bring to the boil then reduce heat to low and simmer until the mixture thickens slightly (about 3 to 4 minutes)
Add butter mixture to oat mixture and stir to combine.
Spread mixture into prepared pan. Bake until golden (which for me took about 45 minutes), starting to check after 30 minutes.
Cool completely in pan. Cover. Refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours until set.

Coming Soon

2011-09-13T08:00:00.000+10:00

Crocheted rug made for my babes...

and supplies just arrived to make more thanks to encouragement from my lovely Craft Group peeps.... coming soon

Fave Foods: Orange and Almond Cake

2011-09-12T14:13:00.000+10:00

Recipe Source: Souvlaki for the Soul

Delicious moist Orange and Almond Cake from the Souvlaki for the Soul blog, all ready for this afternoon's tea, minus the chef's mandatory taste test slice for morning tea, enjoyed with coffee while recovering from one of "those" mornings. Let's just say it involved a car, a set of keys and something being locked inside the other leaving me and two girls twiddling our thumbs waiting for Daddy to return from the city so someone could get to school. Anyone who knows me knows I loathe being late, and this morning, we were all dressed, bags packed and ready to leave 30mins before we needed to. So much for that.

Anyway, cake makes everything feel better and this is such a simple cake, with only 5 ingredients and highly recommended. Just a warning, you need to boil up the oranges in advance, so you will need to start prep in advance.

Sunday

2011-09-11T21:22:00.000+10:00

A beautiful Spring day in Sydney today, spent enjoying the sun and our new big backyard, constructing a raised herb garden and planting vegetables chosen by the kids

And after a lovely morning in the sun, I'm attacking these three long-outstanding quilts I had in a pile hiding in the cupboard, dragging them out to see their progress.

I'm going to start with the Heather Ross squared one at the top, since it's almost done (and since this photo the last blocks sewn together), then the Far Far Away quilt after I cut some more squares and finally the Paintbox which I plan to be my first Queen sized quilt.... scary. Many many squares to cut on that baby.

Saturday

2011-09-03T15:10:00.000+10:00

Today I should have been packing Eva and my bags for her trip into hospital for a week. We should have been starting her fasting for her surgery on Monday. I should have been finishing dinners for the freezer for the family for a week. I should have been checking off my list to make sure my Mother-in-Law who was coming to care for Liam and Bella had everything she needed, knew where everyone needed to be etc.

Instead, Dean stole Eva and took her for a walk in her pram to enjoy the sun, Liam and Bella are out on the back patio playing Hullabaloo, and I've just finished making Macaroons. A last minute cancellation by the hospital has pushed Eva's surgery back so her surgeon can instead look after an emergency case.

While I was annoyed that her surgery had been postponed at the very last minute for the second time, I was happy to have an unexpected week at home. Until I found out the Mother-in-Law is still coming, you know because she ignored my instructions to make sure she booked a flight that could be moved if something happened. She's here for a week. The whole week. Starting in about 2 hours time.

Now excuse me while I escape for coffee with a girlfriend before the week begins and devour a plate full of macaroons.

August

2011-09-02T17:25:00.000+10:00

August has been busy...

Miss Eva started solids

Daddy had a birthday

For Daddy's birthday, Eva decided to start snoozing from 7.30 to 7am every night

Bella had Book Week at school and went dressed as Dashi the Octonaut from The Octonauts and the Whale Shark

I crocheted a cardigan for Eva in a much bigger size than the last Cecily to accomodate her growing girth using some beautiful Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Tea Rose color (raveled here)

Eva started rolling (from both tummy and back on the same day, thank you very much)

I went to Mathilda's market and bought some fabric

I made Eva a dress (Burda 9712) and also myself a dress, but that's in the wash after I wore it the moment I finished making it.

Yep August was busy, and with little Liam's 4th birthday and a birthday extravaganza planned plus the Mother-in-Law here for a week, September is sure to be just as crazy.

Dear blog

2011-08-23T12:58:00.000+10:00

Dear blog,

Sorry you have been neglected for a month. I have thought of you often, but the time to do come see you has not been happening. It's been a crazy 4 weeks.

Baby Eva was in hospital for a few days to only be booted out a couple of hours before her scheduled surgery when she developed a fever.
We sold our home and moved.
The week after we moved, Dean went away for a week on a work trip to Hong Kong and Singapore.
I am up to week 7 in a walking cast, making everything SLOW.
There is the routine of school run twice a day, daycare three times a week, soccer, gymnastics, swimming, weekly physio appointments, re-booking hospital visits for Eva, planning birthday parties and being a full-time PA for my very social kids.

Life is busy, I miss sewing and crafting. There are some random crocheted squares, a couple of finished Book Week outfits and a crocheted rug all lying around waiting to be photographed... soon. The crafting mojo is there, and hopefully, after a hectic month, I can use it and get myself into my new "Craft Room" and start getting some projects happening... soon.

Eva, almost 5 months

I may not have cleaned....

2011-07-17T17:35:00.000+10:00

I may not have cleaned in the last 2 weeks (it's not THAT bad, Dean has been cleaning, but it is "man style") but thanks to the dodgy ankle, I have attacked the yarn stash. I must admit I don't have much of a "stash" since I normally only buy skeins for specific projects, but I had a few balls left over from projects, plus a couple odd balls here and there.

So the last week on the lounge has translated into

Pattern: Bloom by Georgie Hallam for Eva

Yarn: Bendigo Luxury 8 ply in Stone

raveled here

Pattern: Missy Strawberry by Salihan Crafts

Yarn: (now discontinued) Panda Zoomy

raveled here

Pattern: Baby Shrug by Debbie Bliss for Eva

Yarn: Just under one skein of Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted in Glazed Carrot

raveled here

Pattern: Cheri Hat from Peachy Knits for Eva

Yarn: Morris Pure in Sooty

Modified by adding the extra band and secured with two silver buttons

raveled here

Pattern: Cherub Cheeks Beanie by Amanda Tipton for Eva

Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted in Sauterne

raveled here

There is also a Mobius Cowl for me, but photographing that means hobbling into the bedroom to take a photo which just sounds like too much effort for a Sunday afternoon. So all up, pretty good, huh! The next burst of projects using the stash balls I'm thinking of making

- Another Cecily Baby Sweater for Eva with some Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Tea Rose
- Turn A Square for Dean with a half ball of Bendigo Classic 8 Ply in Smoke and Cotton 8 Ply in Noir
- Rib-a-Roni for Liam with some leftover Bendigo Luxury 10 Ply in Lake

- Like Sleeves for Baby with Bendigo Classic 5 Ply in Smoke

- Swirl Hat for Bella with Bendigo Luxury 4 Ply in Blossom
- Wilhelmina's Baby Sweater for Eva in stripes of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Barnyard Red and Dusty Sage

And that my dear friends will be almost my whole stash gone. No doubt my Mum will probably steal a couple of the non-hat projects, but that's ok, I'm sure I have enough to keep my busy until next winter.

So at least there has been an upside to being lounge ridden for a couple of weeks. Tomorrow I start physio, let's hope he's nice.

Three Months Old

2011-07-13T13:05:00.000+10:00

stop

2011-07-11T19:00:00.000+10:00

10 minutes into the school holidays the concrete path and I had an argument.

The concrete won.

I have now been on crutches and a new shoe for a week and a half with still another week to go, spending all my days ankle up, painkillers in reach and working on some knitting and crochet. At least my crochet ripple blanket is progressing, cause the isn't much else happening in the way of housework or crafting.

persistent or down right stubborn?

2011-06-30T06:47:00.000+10:00

Day 1. Late evening.

I was sleepy, but determined to make something. Mistake #1

Cutting went well, all pieces for Simplicity 2922 dress version with flat sleeves ready to go, I decided to keep going and see if I could finish it to wear tomorrow. Mistake #2

Shoulder seams, done. Perfect.

Neck band sewn on back to front. Mistake #3. (Note to self, should have given up here)

Neck band facing attached. Realise bobbin not catching thread properly. Mistake #4. Unpick, retread and do again.

Overlock back seam. Realise one of the threads had snapped back at the beginning. Mistake #5. Unpick, retread and do again.

Seriously, you'd think I would have given up by now. Nope.

Sew side seam. Success.

Overlock side seam while not paying attention to hungry overlocker munching away on fabric that has accidently folded under. Mistake #6. Giant hole in bottom now making dress a tunic.

Attach neck band to dress. Realise bobbin not catching thread properly again. Mistake #7. Unpick, retread and do again.

Then I gave up for the night, threw the should have been a dress but now a short tunic, into the corner and went to bed, about an hour later than I should have, surprised I didn't somehow sew myself to the fabric.

Day 2

New day, new start.

Get the zip out I bought. Why is it black??? I was supposed to get white. Mistake #8.

End of day 2, tunic thrown back in the corner.

Day 3

Armed with new zipper, sew zipper to back and manage to sew last remaining seams and hems without incident.

I'm still wondering why I persisted finishing the tunic, especially considering the fabric cost a grand total of $4.80, but surprisingly, after all the swearing under my breath, I'm happy with the outcome, it fits well, and there is no evidence of the number of mistakes I made while making it...

Let's hope the Portfolio dress by Lisette that I have to make next is a bit less mistake-ridden.

craft fair 2011

2011-06-29T06:00:00.000+10:00

While the big kds headed to the Powerhouse on Sunday, Eva and I hit the Craft Fair for a spot of shopping. Doing a fair bit of damage to the bank account in a couple of short hours...

Iron on transfers by Motif Creations

From top; Nikki's new book signed by the lady herself, Kelani fabric, Make it Perfect's Uptown Girl pattern from Kelani and two skeins of Zpagetti

Bits galore from Saffron Craig including a cat softie pack, Beetle Bugs red for Liam, Gingko Blossoms red and Dandelions pink for pants for Eva, and five half meter mixed pieces of the new Imaginary Flowers range with some Beetle Bugs in gorgeous deep purple and green tones.

snickerdoodles

2011-06-28T13:22:00.006+10:00

Yesterday, up before the crack of dawn, Eva, Dean and I headed to the Sydney Children's Hospital for surgery and tests to be done under anesthetic. It's hard to explain to a 3 month old why she can't have her bottle she so desperately wants, but thank goodness she got into theater early so was only upset for a short time.

recovering under the Ripple blanket Mummy finally pulled back out of the knitting WIP box

Surgery done, a super quick recovery meaning we could come home yesterday afternoon and now hopefully one last batch of surgery in four weeks. Just like her big sister who had the same surgery at 12 months old, by last night, she was happy, smiling last night and back to her bubbly self.

So after a big day yesterday, I proclaimed today a stay home day. A day to put all the washing away, let Eva recuperate in her own bed, finish some pants for Eva, and even do some baking with my little Masterchef Liam.

"is it done yet?, is it done yet?, is it done yet?"...

I think the only reason he likes cooking is so he can eat the batter...

finally, a nice big batch of Snickerdoodles for our afternoon tea.

peach.pickles

2011-06-27T08:00:00.000+10:00

Pattern: Pickles Leg Warmers

Yarn: Lincraft Amalfi in Peach Mix

Raveled here

I can't claim productivity on these guys, I found them stashed at the bottom of my yarn box, finished a looong time ago for Isabella and they were just waiting the ends to be sewn in. Now they are out, ends gone and worn this cold winter morning.

fun

2011-06-25T15:07:00.007+10:00

we've been busy this week...

graduating Term 2 of Soccajoey's... check out the video of him today, my little Beckham want to be...

going to our 1st school sports carnival followed by a Magic Show at school,

and an afternoon at a(nother) birthday party today followed by doing some artwork for Poppy's birthday this week.

Tomorrow, Dean is taking the crazy two to the Powerhouse Museum while Eva and I cruise the Craft and Quilt Fair, then it's home to get ready for little Eva's hospital visit on Monday.

Tuesday I plan on sitting down. All day.

ruffled

2011-06-25T08:00:00.000+10:00

1 lonely ball of Lion Brand Ruffles

1 simple scarf pattern

1 bucket load of patience with the yarn

1 evening of knitting

1 new Ravelled project

1 less ball of yarn in my stash

cheeky

2011-06-24T08:00:00.000+10:00

All wrapped in bed, getting ready for a nap, but at 12 weeks old, Miss Eva, the cheeky little muffin, has worked out how to rock the cradle by pushing her legs up and down to make her beautiful ball that hangs above her shake back and forth. Oh the giggles when she sees it moving!. (Customised "Evangeline" ball from my lovely friend Helen at Ensparkle, too pretty to be packed away until Christmas)

(oh the concentration to get that little ball to move)

She's also a "sometimes" dummy girl. Sometimes we like it. Sometimes we don't. On the occasion she does want it to go to sleep, she sucks like crazy and just as she is about to nod off, spits it out of her mouth at such a force that it flies across her cradle, to be lost in the foot of her blankets. Cheeky I tell 'ya. So a new dummy holder cortesy of some ribbon, snaps, and a safety pin to keep her dummy attached to the blanket so we can find it.

Lucky she's cute... cheeky girl.

coastal.breeze

2011-06-23T08:17:00.000+10:00

Pattern: Make it Perfect Coastal Breeze

Fabric: Jersey from Remnant Warehouse

j.by.k

2011-06-22T08:00:00.002+10:00

Pattern: Stylish Dress Book 2 dress J
Fabric: Japanese cotton from Spotlight

The pretty pictures and dresses in the Stylish Dress Book 2 completely made me buy it, ignoring common sense since I am unable to read Japanese, I don't fit any of the sizes and a distinct lack of know-how in re-sizing patterns.

Luckily I have a lovely friend in Ms Kristen who has made this dress just a few times before (six!). On Monday she let Eva and I invade her lounge room to borrow her modified pattern and now I have my version own version of "J".

hotties

2011-06-21T11:21:00.005+10:00

Our entries into The Hottie Challenge are in the post, making their way to CurlyPop's house today. When I signed up for the challenge I decided that I would involve the kids, using the experience to explain why we fundraise for medical research and in particular the heart lung transplant program, so here are our three entries...

Liam's penguin, complete with flapping wings and felt-y feet

Bella's delicious cupcake

and my "Hot" hottie cover

After seeing some of the fabulous covers that Cam has been highlighting over on her blog, I'm not sure mine are quite up to the standard of some entries, but the kids loved them, so I'm hoping someone else might too.

6

2011-06-20T17:03:00.002+10:00

Happy 6th Birthday Princess

playdates

2011-06-17T10:18:00.007+10:00

There's a party on this weekend.

A certain little one is turning 6 on Sunday.
Matching Oliver & S Playdate dresses for her and her sister as requested, pressed and ready to wear.

2008's Oliver & S Tea Party dress for her Tea Party, 2009's Princess Burda 2480 for her dress up party and 2010's Oliver & S Jump Rope dress

mistake.rib.school.scarf

2011-06-16T08:49:00.000+10:00

pattern: mistake rib school scarf (ravelled)
yarn: Lincraft Cosy Wool in the school color's navy

Mistake Rib School Scarf

Two strands DK/8 ply held together

5mm needles

Cast on 36 stitches
* K2, P2 * repeat between ** until end of row, end with a P1
Repeat row until desired length and cast off.

Ready to wrap around Bella's neck and snuggle nice and warm, well once I have sewn her name tag on, cause this kid looses EVERYTHING at school.

winter.patricia

2011-06-15T09:00:00.001+10:00

Pattern: another Patricia tunic by Sis Boom
Fabric: Timeless Treasures from The Remnant Warehouse

My fourth Patricia tunic, but in a winter cotton instead of the summer weight and colours I've used before and a couple other changes:

facing placed inside
28 1/2" body length
16" arm length
reduced sleeves by 2" for a more fitted sleeve
removed the side slits

baby.yeti

2011-06-14T10:20:00.000+10:00

Pattern: Baby Yeti by Berroco Design Team (ravelled)

Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly Snowflake Chunky in 631

Size: 0-6 months and sleeveless

half.granny.shawl

2011-06-13T09:33:00.000+10:00

pattern: half granny square shawl (ravelled)
yarn: Araucania Ranco Solid in 486 Khaki

lazy.monday

2011-06-13T08:52:00.002+10:00

baked oatmeal
ABC for Kids
knitting on the lounge
planning sewing projects
keeping warm under blankets
enjoying an extra long weekend

Mug Rug #1

2011-06-08T14:40:00.004+10:00

Ok so I totally didn't get what the deal was with "mug rugs". I've seen them popping up all over blogs and flickr lately, even swaps happening, they are just a large coaster, right?

But now I kind of get it... a little "something" for a gift, my first test at making a dresden circle (if that's what it's even called) and an instant sewing fix, cut and sewn in one night.

I made this rug up using some Denyse Schmidt fabric from Spotlight as well as some linen and matching red homespun. An added a hand embroidered "TEA" and quilted in semi circles, all ready to be gift wrapped.

After some flickr browsing I came across some amazing "mug rugs", and I think the appeal to them is like "doll quilts" which I've also never made, it's a chance to try some different quilting skills, use up pieces of fabric, all without having a bunch of quilts laying around.

Sparkly Party Skirt

2011-06-06T21:35:00.007+10:00

A simple skirt in super sparkly salmon coloured organza fabric and lined with satin, both from The Remnant Warehouse made to wear at a birthday party of one of her new Kindergarten friends. The Remnant Warehouse have a great range of fabrics including dance fabrics, it's like a kids heaven in there with all the sequins, satins, furs, bright colours etc.

the party included a pony who did tricks then all the girls got a pony ride, hair done and makeup... I hope they aren't expecting anything fancy for Isabella's birthday this month in comparison...

(Note to self, must remember to take camera with me to parties not reply on bad-quality-iphone)

Make It Perfect Kid's Vest

2011-06-06T19:00:00.006+10:00

Pattern: Kid's Vest from Make it Perfect book

Made for the Monkey boy, a super warm vest with grey drill for the outside and a cute spooky halloween print for the interior. (Why do we have Halloween fabric in Spotlight in Australia in June?).

I wish I had realised that this would turn out to be completely reversible, I would have found a reversible open end zip. Oh well, next time... The fit is great, plenty of room for warm winter tops underneath, and with only a couple pattern pieces I had it cut out and sewn all in one evening once the babes were all in bed.

I've been on a crafting spree in the evenings, making the most of Miss Eva now sleeping through the night, this week as well as the vest I have made an Oliver & S Playdate dress, Make It Perfect Coastal Breeze dress, finishing knitting Bella's school scarf, and just have the hem to do on a cute dress for Eva. All just waiting to be photographed and blogged.

Next up on the cutting table, some matching cargo pants for Liam from the Make it Perfect book.

Saturday fun

2011-06-04T17:01:00.006+10:00

This morning after swimming lessons were done, all six of us piled into the car... yes you read that right SIX.

The cat needed a trip to the vet.

So we sacrificed our arms to the claws of death, squeezed KC's furry butt into the tiny carrier, and proceeded to be meowed at the whole drive there. I'm sure she was trying to make a deal "If I promise not to vomit ever again will you take me home PLEASEEEE"

Restrained family members arrived safely

Isabella and Liam marveled at a dog the size of a horse who came in just after us and KC amused herself doing laps of the carrier to see if there might have been a way out that she hadn't found in the past 14 years.

Quick checkup, blood test and a couple of needles later, with no change from $250 (cats should be on the Medicare Safety Net with the rest of the family... expensive little things) we made it home. Cat traumatised from the experience and sulking under the bed for the rest of the afternoon, a sick feeling Bella plonking on the lounge to watch Octonauts on repeat,

and Liam and I built a giant train track around the lounge room

Weekends with the family are awesome.... now to abandon them for the evening and go out for dinner with a girlfriend!

New Supplies

2011-06-03T09:47:00.006+10:00

Lincraft Cozy Wool in Navy almost transformed into a warm school scarf

Morris Pure 10ply in 1005 (Sooty) wound up in a ball and waiting for me to choose a beanie for it to become just for me
Araucania Ranco Solid in 486 (Khaki) curling it's way into a Half Granny Shawl inspired by seeing one being made at Craft Group (Ravelry link)
Heirloom Cotton 8ply in 688 (Salmon)
and Snuggly Snowflake in 631 (White) for a Baby Yeti jumper to keep Eva warm during Winter (Ravelry link)

Oliver & S Playdate dress pattern
Denyse Schmidt Picnics and Fairgrounds fabrics, courtesy of the new Spotlight that opened yesterday 10mins from home.
The yellow was picked by Bella for party dresses for her and Eva.

Now excuse me while I stare at my new supplies a bit longer deciding which to tackle finishing first....

Simplicity 2586

2011-06-02T18:01:00.004+10:00

Pattern: Simplicity 2586 version A minus the ruffle.

I love the fabric, even though it was supposed to be my test version, and while the dress is really really comfortable there's something about the way it sits. Too much like a sack without a belt, but a belt just won't sit right, I think I'll try adding some of those belt loops to the side seams and see how it sits.

It is really comfortable though, and has plenty of room for a "just ate 2 course seafood lunch" tummy as tested today when my Mum & Dad took me out for my birthday where Eva wore her new cardigan and charmed all the waitresses and waiters with her little grin and giggles ...

Cecily Baby Sweater

2011-06-02T08:00:00.002+10:00

Pattern: Cecily Baby Sweater (Ravelry link) size 3-6months

Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Barn Red from Tangled Yarns

A sweet baby cardigan, a perfect fit for Eva at 2 months using the 3-6 month pattern (made seamless). Raveled here

She won't get more than a month or so wear out of it at the rate she is growing, so once I finished a couple of other projects on the go (a Baby Yeti jumper and a school scarf for Bella) I'll be getting out the beautiful Tea Rose color of the same yarn I have and making another a few sizes up.

32

2011-06-01T12:18:00.004+10:00

Yesterday I turned 32 and spent the day with 2 of my 3 favourite little people. We just hung out at home, watching a DVD, knitting, drinking cups of Chai and keeping out of the rain.

The afternoon went downhill since I had to take Eva to her specialist appointment and the only time we could get was 4pm, so a 6 hour round trip later with all children in tow made for a Mummy with a very very sore head. But all the kids went straight to bed, I ate a lovely husband-cooked-dinner with a glass of champagne, broke out a new sewing pattern and spent the evening doing crafty stuff instead of working.

As I went to bed, Dean asked if I thought I would be married and have 3 kids by the time I was 32 when I was in my 20s, I told him that I had hoped I would but didn't know if I would be that lucky to have everything go to my "plan". Turns out I am.

"Dolly" Ottobre 6/2008

2011-05-31T09:38:00.004+10:00

Pattern: "Dolly" dress from Ottobre 6/2008

Better shots of the dress Miss Eva wore yesterday. A simple style, and after omitting the zipper for a simple press stud instead and using the overlocker, a very quick project.

Handmade

2011-05-30T16:05:00.005+10:00

Today, Eva and I stepped out to Craft Group, and on the way home I realised we were showcasing "homemade/handmade" in a big way!

I wore my new top that I finished last night, Simplicty 2599. A great pattern with a really comfortable fit.

I rugged up in the cold weather with my Nimbus cardigan over the top, which I knitted last winter in Sirdar Denim Ultra

and topped with my Elizabeth beanie (ravelry link) in Bendigo Rustic also made last year.

Eva wore her "Dolly" dress from Ottobre 6/2008 that I made last night

also...

Eva's pants were a gift from one of our neighbours which a friend had made
she briefly wore the beanie I crocheted for her (this kid HATES hats and shakes her head until they fall off)
she was wrapped up warm in her handmade blanket
and wore one of her embroidered bibs
we carried our homemade brownies in my Kristen Doran bag with Granny Square brooch
I worked on a knitted scarf for Bella for school and helped Kristen with some crochet

and of course Eva is a very special piece of homemade! We certainly had all of my crafting endeavors put to good use today, and with a stop at the craft shop today, I'm on to the next project tonight...

Happy Baby

2011-05-29T14:48:00.004+10:00

Don't let your brother near you if he has a book of stickers and you can't defend yourself yet.

She thought it was hilarious, but then this little munchkin is either asleep, feeding or smiling. Such a happy little girl and whenever she hears her brother or sister talking, she has the biggest smile on her face and tries to join in talking.

Hopefully our little one stays this happy over the next month, she has a few doctor and specialist appointments as well as a day in hospital under anesthetic coming up. Her big sister had one of the same procedures when she was 10months old, so while we do know what we are in for, having Eva being only 2 months old and all this talk of medicine and surgery etc. isn't much fun.

Two Months Old

2011-05-24T15:59:00.007+10:00

full of smiles and the occasional giggle

Simplicity 2586

2011-05-17T17:10:00.004+10:00

Pattern: Simplicity 2586
Fabric: Cotton from Lincraft

Worn all day today, definitely comfortable. On this version, the only modification to the pattern was that I used facings on the sleeve and bottom instead of a standard hem, but when I make it again I would drop the waist down just a little bit and make the bust a tad smaller so that it wasn't so wide at the neck. Last thing I might make the matching tie belt since I have plenty of fabric left, and not quite enough to make anything else.

A day at home

2011-05-17T08:08:00.001+10:00

On a self imposed "no leaving the house between school drop off and school pickup" day yesterday, while Eva had one of her lovely long naps in her bed I cut into some new Dr Seuss flannel from etsy and made Bella and Liam some new winter PJ pants.

Fabric: Dr Seuss Flannel

Pattern: Burda 9766

For me, I finished a dress, Simplicity 2360 with some very soft cotton fabric in a lovely grey. A first for me, I even made a muslin for this dress last week to check the sizing after buying $55 worth of fabric to make the "real thing" which is a big step for me. It's all finished, just needs to be photographed. It's perfect for what is becoming my winter staple.. dress with leggings and boots and a nice big cardigan.

Other dresses that made my shortlist were the Simplicty 2586 pattern after seeing this version from Little Betty blog (although I have far too little faith in my sewing to splurge on Liberty fabric) and the Burda 02/2011 dress which I would love to make in a dark navy.

Today after Bella heads to school, I am taking Liam and Eva shopping and I think on my shopping list might be another dress pattern... I feel another day at home coming up soon for some more sewing.

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-08T18:17:00.004+10:00

Happy Mothers Day to all the Mum's and Mum's to be.

We spent the glorious Sydney day at my parents for a Roast after a morning with breakfast in bed (Green Eggs in Ham in honor of Liam's current favourite book), lovely handmade presents from Bella and Liam, the last Tiffany & Co initial for my necklace from Eva, and a gorgeous Oroton handbag from the whole family. Very spoilt by my gorgeous kids and husband.

The Owl and the Pussycat

2011-05-03T13:26:00.004+10:00

My little Eva has her very first artwork, a Heather Ross limited edition The Owl and the Pussycat print.

The pile of Eva's quilts behind the print will eventually be increased by one last one, a Far Far Away II lattice quilt I started a long long time ago.

Easter

2011-04-30T16:59:00.000+10:00

School went back this week after our very first school holidays plus with the long long long Easter weekend at the end made for a busy couple of weeks ...

Ten Pin Bowling, Rio the movie, meeting Jimmy Giggle, trips to Zumbo, a little bit of crafting for me and also some crafting by Isabella for the school Easter Bonnet parade ...

there have been trips to the park ...

a visit to the Royal Easter Show with our Godson and his family for rides, showbags and lots of animals ...

Easter weekend spent at Nanny and Poppy's with an egg hunt ...

playdates with the neighbours ...

and spending lots of time together enjoying Daddy's time off work, which sadly ends on Monday. A very busy, fun Easter holidays.