Skirt Refashion

This refashion was more like a total rebuild. After thinking I could just alter the hem, I still wasn’t happy and I eventually unpicked all the seams and made a whole new skirt from the pieces.

Rain Coat Refashion

It’s been raining here lately. A lot.

Fortunately, our house has remained flood free and Poppet loved watching the lightening flashes with us. Little Guy just tolerated it.

The torrents of water served to get me motivated though. After getting drenched through while doing groceries, I was inspired to attempt this jacket refashion. Again.

Floral Dress Updated

A very belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

A Happy Easter too. Just getting in early ’cause obviously I’m terrible at this kind of thing. Hope you’ve all had incredible holidays though.

Life has taken over from blogging lately as we’ve been loving this amazing summer. Plenty of beach time, lots of family fun and enough house painting to last, well, 10 years.

Amidst it all, I managed to find a bit of time to update this little floral number. It wasn’t so little when I first got it but after a nip tuck it’s looking much more 2013.

Dolly Donations

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.

Old for New

 The top on the left had been such a favourite of mine. It flattered, disguised flaws and was gorgeous to wear. It seems I wore it too much though and the fabric began to disintegrate. Farewell dear friend.

Upcycle: Jeans to Quilt

16 pairs of jeans and lots of fabric scraps = an heirloom quilt for Poppets first birthday!  

Book Rave: Minxy Vintage

My Christmas present from Hubby finally arrived today.  That’s right, just in time for Valentines Day.  It’s not that he’s been particularly slack, mind you.  This book was only released on 2nd Feb, so I had to wait.  Patiently.

Restyle

Sometimes a refashion is as simple as a restyle.  Changing the way something is worn.  And the changes don’t need to be major either.

Refashion Fail

*sigh*.  Well, another valuable sewing lesson learned.  Fortunately (or should that be unfortunately?), the only thing lost was my time and a little sanity.

The idea was to take an old pair of Hubby’s pants and by keeping the existing fly and button, create a cool pair of pants for our Little Man.  Would’ve been a quick way to convert pants, that’s for sure.

The problem is, that the fly required for a grown man is, quite obviously, larger than that required by a 2 year old.  Duh.  So the finished product was hugely bulky in the crotch and made my gorgeous toddler look … um, let’s just say, extremely well endowed.  It was weird.

The other issue was that I had to force Little Man into them so many times to try get the right fit, that now whenever he sees them, a look of sheer determination comes over his face and there is no chance of me ever getting him into them again.  Hence the photo of the pants lying flat rather than lovingly modeled.

So I’m totally over these pants.  Don’t want to look at them ever again.  Hello rubbish bin.

However, This Mama Makes Stuff has a fantastic tutorial (intermediate level) in making slim slacks for boys and she gets around that crotch issue well.  It does involve recreating the pants a little more than I had hoped, but the end result is totally wearable so well worth the extra time.

I haven’t made these yet, but next time I refashion pants for my lad, this will be my go-to.

Japan, I love you

I’ve always had a weakness for anything Japanese.  The language, food, culture … I love it all!

So when I found Kimoyes, I hardly knew where to start.  So many gorgeous kimono fabrics … my heart melted and I felt like a kid in a chocolate factory!  Oh, if I could ever work in a store like that … I’d never want to go home!

The fabrics look even more divine in person and the service was amazing.  Within a couple of hours of placing my order I had received an email saying the fabric was in the post.  They often have good sales too, so it’s worth subscribing to their mailing list to make sure you don’t miss out.

Now I need to decide what to do with my gems.  I’m thinking belts to wear with skirts or dresses, but there’s enough there for a couple of purses too.  I’m almost too in awe of the fabric to chop it, but will keep reminding myself that I can always order more once it’s gone.

Now, if only I could grow a bonsai.  Would you believe I recently under-watered a cactus and killed it?!