Creativity unleashed!

I have never been a 'knitter'. Wool (or 'yarn' as I am learning to call it) and myself have never really been on speaking terms with each other, let alone being friends. Despite many efforts on my mothers part to teach me knitting, I just never 'got it'. Or I wasn't interested enough to persevere. I can do a basic plain stitch, so long as someone else casts on /casts off and if I drop a stitch I'm totally lost.  :- /

But things are changing around here. Whether its moving to a new village where the population are wonderfully creative that has done it, I'm not sure, but something has ignited my creative spark once again.

I recently began sewing again at a sewing group, and have made bags with linings and a couple of pairs of school trousers - 2 things I just couldn't get my head around previously. I now know how to read a pattern (they really are written in English!) and next project on my table is a patchwork quilt.

But now...... the craft which has taken me truly by surprise - crochet!

I attended a couple of workshops recently which were provided by my children's school at our regular coffee morning, to learn beginners crochet. 'Why not?' I thought, after doing my half hour reading with the kindergarten class I was free those mornings. The teacher was a local woman who was very good at instructing total beginners (all of us!) and patient too. Although she did say that we would be crocheting beanies by our 2nd week, which I almost laughed out loud at! (beanies = woolly hats, for those non-aussies!)

But guess what? After learning a few different stitches (and unravelling a few test squares!) I was amazed to find that I actually can do it. And while an expert would find more than a couple of faults, I might even go so far to say I am pretty good at it! Well, its only my 2nd week and my first project.

So here is my beanie so far, in its raw state -

My first crochet!

The yarn is acrylic, (it was easier to buy at the time) although wool would be better. But I love the colour! I need to join the ends to make the back seam, and gather in the top to make it hat-shaped. Not entirely convinced it will look perfect but to be honest I am just amazed I have managed to do this far. (BTW- those plastic bread tie/ring things make great stitch savers!)

Meantime, I decided to revise my lessons and try some squares, commonly known as 'granny squares' (which to me is almost enough to put anyone under 60 off) but nonetheless onwards I went ...... I made these last night while half watching TV --

For these I am just using odd balls of wool and acrylic I picked up in vinnies, a big bag for a dollar - ideal for practising I thought. Although I am realising that lots of the balls (or is it skeins?) I have are just too fine and end up looking a bit spindly and straggly, (like the dark blue above). I definitely prefer the thicker yarn.

Wow, listen to me, talking like a real knitter! Or is crochet-er? Crochet-ist? Crochet-atier??? !!!!!

Next step is to get myself an aluminium hook and some proper wool. Not sure what I'll be making but I'm enjoying just creating for now.

Anyone else left in the world apart from myself who can't do these can find fabulous instructions with short videos at Meet Me At Mikes blog -(scroll down the right-hand side)
Pip shows step by step, very s-l-o-w-l-y so you can follow along in real time. It really helped me as I had forgotten how to get around a corner!

And since starting crochet (and consequently having my self-esteem boosted) I have even been thinking about trying knitting again. You know mam, I might even get that scarf going again- the one you started me on 5 years ago!

:-)

Christmas crafting

Here are just a few of the many things now adorning our home......!

Our children made these beautiful snowflakes at preschool. They were laminated and given pretty Christmas ribbons, and then given to us at the preschool party last weekend to take home.

Our advent calender with a difference ~ instead of taking gifts out of pockets, the idea is to add a gift to the tree each day. All the decorations are numbered up to 24, and a little piece of velcro makes it easy for little ones to attach them. I really liked the idea of giving to the tree, rather than getting a cheap chocolate or plastic toy. They are happy to takes turns each day too, and good at keeping track of whose day it is!

I bought the panel from ebay, added padding, bit of quiliting with spare fabric on the back, and then the kids and I got to work adding lots of glitter to 'highlight' toys and candles etc. Actually by the end, almost everything has glitter on it! The joys of being 4 :-)

I made this cushion from a panel I bought on ebay too. The photo doesn't show it well but I padded the front and quilted a little around the borders. I backed it with red corduroy and a matching strip across the back.

And these ones for the grown-ups.... I bought a huge panel with 2 cushion fronts and 3 stockings on it from.... yep, you guessed it -ebay! The whole panel only cost me $2 and I think the cushions have come out great! I backed them with some lovely upholstery fabric from my stash, one gold and one cream. I have never done anything padded like this before, so it was a great experiment. I kept it simple and just sewed around the borders and star lines to make it appear quilted. There are beautiful gold angels and words to carols around the centre, I love them. 

Our home is becoming so colouful and Christmassy with kids decorations on the tree and on the walls and doors. Less than 2 weeks to go which is just as well, we are running out of room!

My new (old) sewing table

I've been meaning to blog this for over a week, but chicks seem to be dominating everything at the moment! I found this table by chance at an op shop last week, it was sitting outside, shouting out to me! Apparently it had just been donated, it certainly wasn't there the week before when I called in. At just $30 I bought it straight away, luckily hubby was with me to do the heavy lifting :-)

Its an old Janome table, same brand as my sewing machine, and its really sturdy! Lovely solid timber except for the veneer on the drawer fronts, with only a few marks on it, great condition for an old table I think.

The top has 2 hinged 'arms' which fold outward, really smoothly, 4 drawers and a little flip out bit at the front, maybe for pins etc? Strangely reminds me of the old school desks we used to use in England (minus the inkwells- yes, I really am that old!) I don't know how old it is, I'm thinking maybe 70's because of the veneer?
I emailed Janome asking for any info such as how I might be able to fit a new machine to it, but no replies :( 
I do know that they don't even make tables now though.

Of course, these impulse buys are not always thought through perfectly .... mmmm.... I assumed I would be able to fit my machine in the space but unfortunately not.....

I think it would have once had it's own machine fitted, and thanks to some knowledgable folk over at ALS I am told there would have been 2 hinges at the back holding the machine in, and it would have folded down into the table. No way that can happen with my machine, firstly its the wrong size for the hole and secondly modern machines are way heavier than the old ones.

I am thinking maybe just filling the top in with a board so my machine can just sit on the top, that way I can still open the top parts up to spread fabric out etc. Or even easier, just stick it on the top like this !!

But still, I am very happy with it. I think it's a great old table and just what I need. Now, I just need to actually DO some sewing to justify my investment!

September's sewing

Time for a sewing update I think... here are a few things I made last month.

A couple more aprons for 2 little boys (brothers so I made matching but different trim) ....

A new bag for myself - smaller than a tote bag but like a large handbag/shoulderbag. It's the first bag I've ever made and just made it up and figured it our as I went along. I put a little pocket inside for my phone, and that used up every scrap of this fabric- perfect!

The fabric is a lovely thick and strong woven cotten, from my little stash I received from freecycle a while back.

I am really happy with it, fits all my bits and pieces as well as snacks or drink bottles for the kids in it.

Total cost- nil (except time and brain-strain!)

Feeling so pleased about making my everyday bag, I made a shopper/tote bag the following week, which was very easy in comparison!

The fabric is actually a lovely old pillowcase I picked up in Vinnies (charity shop) for 50c. I have bought a few different ones for various projects, no-one seems to buy them (maybe don't like second hand bed linen?) but all you need is to think outside the square ...." now, what else could I make this into?" !!!

I cut open the flap and then sewed it to the open end, then folded it in on itself to become self-lining. This also makes it stronger as the cotton isn't very thick. I 'boxed' the corners so its wider at the bottom rather than 2 flat sides. No pocket in this one, and the handles are just unbleached calico from my stash.

I just love the fabric, I thought it was very Spring! Have used this one heaps already too.

Total cost - 50c.

I didn't get as many projects done as I would have liked this month, what with other less interesting things to do (general life stuff!), trying to get on top of building plans so we can get them into council (still working on them-groan), learning about incubating eggs, a boomerang-migraine that just kept coming back every few days, and then sick kids this week :(

Anyway, I'm happy with the few things I did make. And my pile of 'waiting to be mended/ altered/ created' pile sits happily waiting......

:-)

Fantastic Freecycle Fabric Freebie

Ooooh, did I get the score of the week recently! Picked up an enormous amount of fabric on freecycle on Saturday that was up for grabs. I wasn't even the first to ask, but after the first 2 people offered didn't show (quite annoying when you are giving stuff away) I was offered the lot.

There is a lot of 70's style knit fabric in every colour you can think of, as well as other jersey knits, lots of cottons, linens, satins, and even some thick boucle-style fabric. There are over 50 pieces, and apart from a few smaller pieces (under 1 metre) most are large enough to make clothing or large craft items, some up to 4 metres long!

This is such a brilliant lot for a novice sewing enthusiast like me! I have made a few items of childrens clothes recently, but still learning along the way and always wondering what I will try next. So great for practising my skills and trying out a few different things.

Here are some of my favourite prints ....



















If you haven't joined freecycle in your area yet ....... why not? There are freecycle groups all over the globe, and if you haven't one near you - start one! Its a great way to give away unwanted (but decent) stuff that might otherwise go to landfill (and to pick up stuff too!) I've given away heaps from kids toys they've outgrown, to backyard ponds, and picked up some great things at times too. You know what they say - "one man's trash is another man's treasure" !

http://www.freecycle.org/

Oh, and today I made my first SALE! (Completely unintended, but welcome all the same!) One of the childrens aprons I made recently was spotted by my friends sister-in-law, who loved it and asked me to make one for her daughter. For money! For those who make their living doing this, it may seem trivial, but it was such a confidence boost for me. And the validation that someone else is prepared to pay for something I have made was a real pleasant surprise.


And finally I will leave you with this .................

(shamelessly taken from Judi at ALS) -

Reasons To Buy More Fabric

It insulates the cupboard where it is kept.
It keeps the economy moving. It is my duty to support the cotton farmers, textile mills and fabric shops.
It is less expensive and more fun than psychiatric care.
I’m participating in a contest – the one who dies with the most fabric wins.
It keeps without refrigeration, you don’t have to cook to enjoy it, and you’ll never have to feed it, change it, wipe its nose or walk it.
Because I’m worth it.
Like dust, it’s good for protecting previous empty spaces in the house.
Like the ironing board, the laundry basket and the dining room table.
It’s not immoral, illegal or fattening.
It calms the nerves, gratifies the soul and makes me feel good.
Because it’s on sale.

(or freecycle!!)

:-)

Simple Kids Apron

I recently decided to try making some kids' kitchen aprons, partly because my own children love to help baking and partly because all of their friends are turning 4 around now and I thought they would make nice, and different, gifts for them. (Its not easy to knowing who has what toys and books already!)

Well I just finished my first one last night, (just in time for a party today!) and I was really happy with it. I bought some cute cotton drill fabrics through the week, a little bit retro, a little bit funky, but definitely cute for a couple of little party girls! Some purple 70's style flowers, and some bright flowers, and some bright bias binding to match each in purple and orange.

I cut the 'pattern' from an old shirt and just kept sizing it to my daughter until it was right. No hemming of the apron, just wide bias binding around all sides with one piece continuous from back tie to neck loop to the other back tie. Add a little pocket to the front with the bias border and hey presto!

In with the apron went a little wooden spoon with a pink satin bow, so the birthday girl can have her own spoon too! I'm happy to say it was well received, and I felt good that I had hand-made something and given one less plastic, over-packaged present!

The bright flowers will become an apron before next weekend's party, then my own kiddies turn (with some Thomas fabric for my son he is very happy with!)

:-)

Little Pink Dress

I'm pleased to report I finally finished Miss A's dress. If I had made it non-stop it probably would have taken me 2 hours max, but grabbing 10 mins here and there made it stretch over a couple of weeks!


She had a little pink fleece dress about 2 years ago that I loved, (but way too small now) so I decided to trace around that for a pattern and give it a go, like a true amateur!



We picked some bright furry-fleece from Spotlight, matching thread and off I went. I found the fleece really easy to work with, (once I figured out which way I had to cut for the stretch) and very forgiving of little mistakes due to the thick pile!

The photo doesn't show any detail, but I did zig-zag stitch on all seams, and a patch pocket with purple pattern stitch across the top. I am planning to get a little applique for the pocket to take the 'plain-ness' off a little.



I used less than half the metre I bought, so cost roughly around $3-$4. But more importantly, I am pleased my machine is getting some use, proud I have been able to make something, and that it looks good! Miss A loves it, (it feels like a teddy!) and it's great for the colder weather already.



Next project is for my son, and a bit more ambitious for me - a sleeveless vest. Hopefully I will get it done before the end of winter!

Loving Vinnies .....!

I'm loving Vinnies at the moment- so many bargains recently! And I always seem to find exactly what I need at just the right time....

I recently picked up some great bargain clothes, a beautiful Australian Heritage Cookbook for $2 (combines food and Colonial art- 2 of my favourite things!) and a cute salt and pepper set for $1 - for shaking cinnamon and chocolate on my coffees....mmmm....)

The day my husbands watch strap finally shredded itself to a fine string I walked in and found brand new Rip Curl leather straps for $5- complete with watch tools!

And then I found these .........

Now I'm not usually an embroidery-fan, but you know when something just jumps out at you? I do really like native flowers, and here were 3 kits - flannel flower, Sturts desert pea, and banksia, AND 3 frames specifically for them. At $2 each, how could I leave them there?



Obviously someone was having a crafty clear-out, as I also found an embroidery frame (although until that day I didn't know there was such a thing!) with instructions for $5.


So home they are, and I have started on the Sturts Desert Pea. The kits have all instructions and threads so even I can have a go!



Once I started I had some vague memories of doing embroidery at primary school, and I remember enjoying it!
Well, it was some 20-odd years ago so I'm a bit rusty. Anyway, at the moment its looking like this ----

If they turn out ok I will post pics here, if not -I'll put them on a distant wall !

Lazy Days skirt

So now I'm really discovering my inner-domestic-goddess!

I've seen this skirt pattern in a few places- first on aussies living simply (my second home!) and then on a couple of blogs ... so I thought I'd dust off the sewing machine give it a go.

The pattern is online from Oliver + S - click here for the link and its so simple even I managed it. (I did have a couple of unpicking/re-sewing moments but I have trouble doing straight lines!!)

The fabric I have had for ages (see? hoarding bits of stuff really does come in handy!) I knew I would do something with it some day. Its a really pretty pink cotton with rosebuds, very girly! Bought some bright pink ribbon for the bottom edge, (just over 1 metre) and some new elastic - total cost would be around $2. Not bad eh?

My daughter (3) loves it - said "I'm really happy about that skirt mummy!" so got the ultimate seal of approval.

Now we just need some warm days again .....