My lovely friend, Anna, recently lent me this stylish pattern book, Home Sewn by New Zealand Fashion Museum. It offers 10 patterns from leading New Zealand designers, including Papercut which I was really excited to see. Her skirt has to be my favourite pattern in the entire book. Continue reading
I unfortunately can’t take credit for all these dolls. My friend Kris made four in the time it took me to make one! Her two are on the left and Poppet cried when I took the pink one away from her.
I recently stumbled across the incredible website “Dolly Donations”, which assists those who wish to make dolls for children in need. Continue reading
Just in case you didn’t notice, it’s been 3.5 months since my last post *hanging head in shame*. It’s embarrassing.
I could talk about how busy life is with 2 kids, but Dee still manages to blog despite having 5 kids (her youngest is a newborn!) AND an online shop. She quashes that excuse with absolute poise and grace.
So instead of standing here nervously shifting and avoiding eye contact, I’m going to make amends by posting my latest projects to inspire you again. Hooray!
I’m one of those annoying customers that wants the wonder product that doesn’t exist. The shoes that you can wear to a wedding, but are also suitable for jogging, housework and picnics. The hairstyle that looks good now and also 6 months later when you haven’t had time for another trim. Or the windows computer that doesn’t crash (and then tell you off for not shutting down your computer properly. What’s with that?!).
Versatility is wonderful and yesterday I rediscovered the benefits of owning a deskpad. That’s right. That boring piece of office stationery that goes relatively unnoticed by many. Continue reading
I think I’ve worked out why I love sewing so much. It’s like you get a rush when you actually like the end result (which unfortunately doesn’t always happen) and the recipient loves it just as much, if not more.
When I first set up the Teepee in the garden for Little Man, I just couldn’t take my eyes off him! It was so heart warming to see him in there with his little trucks and soft toys, lost in his own private world. I couldn’t help but watch from the window, my heart soaring. He actually likes it! And I like it! This was a rare moment where the world stopped and I heard a faint chorus of angels singing the perfect theme song for that very moment. Okay, perhaps a slight exaggeration and totally cheesy, but you get the idea. Continue reading
My sewing ventures have been a little “boring” lately. Lots of baby gifts, the likes of which you’ve seen here before. But I do have a new book that I’m loving and the projects are just begging to be made!
There is something about a baby in a hat with ears that makes me just melt. I don’t consider myself a “clucky” kind of person, but this gets me everytime. I mean, really, how can you not smile at that?
She may berate me for it in years to come, but I don’t really care. I think she’s gorgeous. Although I do wish I had used a better setting on the camera for the photo. Ah, we live and learn.
Simply made using an old T-Shirt, some scrap fabric and a touch of ribbon. It’s fantastically quick to sew up, yet looks like you’ve spent a lot of time and effort on it (my favourite type of project!). Continue reading
Aren’t little boys just wonderful? It’s disappointing that mainstream pattern makers haven’t catered for them more.
Fortunately for me, some very talented bloggers have realised the lack of stylish patterns for our little chaps and are coming to the rescue. Continue reading
I don’t know why, but my local thrift stores have decided that they want to charge $4-$6 for items of clothing now. I’m sadly lamenting the days of 50c bargains. At that price, I’d might as well just buy a metre of new fabric (which I can’t resist doing whenever I see a cute print somewhere!). So I’m thinking the cheapest way to upcycle clothing now is to just use what we already have on hand and get a little more creative with it. Which I should be doing already anyway!
So here is my latest project doing just that. A pair of pants for my little man has been on the to-do-list for a long time and I’ve finally found a quick and easy pattern to use too. Continue reading
Anna Maria Horner has filled a definite gap in the market with this gem. A book with 24 sewing projects for the new mum or mum to be.
We are not just talking knitted booties and frumpy mumsie tops, but rather clothing and accessories for both mum and baby that combine both function and fashion. And of course she’s included the ultimate pattern for both a nappy bag or a “man” bag. Love it!
I’m still deciding whether to begin with the reversible toddler pants, adjustable maternity/nursing dress or the decadent house slippers. The photos just make them all seem so wonderful. Oh and did I mention I’m pregnant again?
This book is a brilliant investment for any sewing-capable mum to be or even if you just need ideas for baby shower gifts. It’s gotta be one of the best baby gifts I’ve ever had! A huge thanks to my wonderful, thoughtful Aunty for the pressie xoxo
Handmade Beginnings by Anna Maria Horner. Published by Wiley.com
Related posts: Quick Change Trousers, Mariposa Dress
