Tilda Old Rose Showcase

So I was kindly invited to join into the Tilda Australia Old Rose Showcase featuring the latest gorgeous range by Tilda  - it is absolutely perfect for smocking, quilting, little girls clothes and any variety of bags.

I chose to smock a bishop dress for a 12 month old baby and team it with ruffled knickers. 

You can use any bishop pattern that you love to make the dress/top - length is entirely up to you mine is a shorter length to show off those lovely ruffled knickers.

If you would like to replicate a similar design you'll need the following

Bishop pattern - these are available in lots of Australian Smocking and Embroidery Magazine which you can find on eBay or Create in Stitch, or Children's Corner also have lovely bishop patterns.

French Val Lace for the sleeves and hem - I used champagne as it was the best colour match to the Lydia Blue Colourway in the Old Rose Fabric Range

Pleat 9 full space rows including one holding row at the top - I use quilting thread when pleating bishops as its a bit more sturdy.   Block your bishop pattern before starting to smock.

Smocking - I used 3 strands throughout 

Lavender  DMC340

Mint - this was from my stash (with no number ,.. oops)  So just to match the leaves.

There are four rows of two step trellis alternating between lavender and mint  making sure you centre the design.

Leaving half a space I then completed a baby wave - 3 cable combination in the lavender.

again leaving half a space I completed 3 rows of two step trellis in mint 

Then combined this with a five step trellis to make hearts and completed 3 rows of this with a half row between each alternating the mint and lavender again.

For the sleeves I pleated 7 half space rows and flattened out the pleats, attached my lace and the smocked the sleeves with a two step trellis with the lavender on the inner diamond and the mint on the outer.   Remove pleating threads.

Once completed remove your pleating threads except for the top holding row as this aids in construction. 

Embroidery - I like to complete mine before sewing up the garment as you have less fabric everywhere.

I used 2 strands for the embroidery except the leaves.

Centre Bullions - 12 wrap bullion loop DMC 3350
Middle Bullions - 12 wraps x 3 DMC 602
Outer Bullions - 12 wraps x 5 DMC 3689 and then I added a further 12 wraps x 3 to the bottom of the rose for a fuller look.

Mint was used for the leaves.

2 petal lazy daisy in DMC 712 with a french knot 745 centre

2 cast on stitch leaves in the lavender

Please see close up for details.

Knickers - I used the Tie Dye Diva Ruffled Bloomers pattern and utilised the Lydia Blue and teamed it with Angel scraps collection in Colour 110008 and 110005 

Thank you to Two Green Zebras for trusting me with the beautiful fabric to make gorgeous garments yet again.

You can find The Old Rose Collection at Utopian Threads, Fabric Pixie and Oz Material Girls along with lots of other quilt stores.

If you'd like to see more yummies made with the Old Rose Fabric, pop on over and visit all the lovely designers in the showcase along with the following hashtags on Instagram #tildaoldrose, #tildaoldroseshowcase, #tildaaustralia, #tildafabrics

DATE	DAY	DESIGNER
27th	Friday	A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR
28th	Saturday	MOLLY AND MAMA
29th	Sunday	RUBY SEW OH
30th	Monday	FRANCES LILLY DESIGNS
1st	Tuesday	ELLIES HANDMADE
2nd	Wednesday	A SWEET LIFE
3rd	Thursday	A LITTLE PATCHWORK
4th	Friday	ARABESQUE SCISSORS
5th	Saturday	LILABELLE LANE
6th	Sunday	KASHZALE HANDMADE COSMETIC BAGS
7th	Monday	PICCOLO STUDIO
8th	Tuesday	PATCHWORK AND ME
9th	Wednesday	PRETTY LITTLE POPPETS
10th	Thursday	JENNY OF ELEFANTZ
11th	Friday	CHERUB'S KISS
12th	Saturday	PETALS AND PATCHES
13th	Sunday	DEER DARLING DOLLS
14th	Monday	THE BIRD HOUSE
15th	Tuesday	AQUA PAISLEY

Hang about Toiletry Bag - Andrie Designs

So way late in my Christmas sewing - aka didn't do any.  But I'm trying to catch up now, though a dodgy hand is slowing me up on that :(

Anyways this one is for Iain.  

I knew I wanted a toiletry bag and I tossed up between this and the Retreat Bag, but in the end, this one has pockets and it can be hung up, so it won. 

As it happened, I was in my local quilt store picking up a piece of fabric required for a project (again overdue) and turned to leave and saw Odicoat.  So of course I had to grab some of it cause I've heard nothing but good things about it. 

I've had this lovely pattern for quite some time.  It came in a three pack which included Hang About Toiletry Bag by Andrie Designs, Grace Travel Satchel by RLR Creations and Tiny Essentials Tote Bag by Little Moo Designs. 

When my daughter and her hubby visit I noticed they didn't have a wet pack to travel with their bathroom items, so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to make one.

I am also trying to downsize my stash, so this is part of it.

The pattern was clear and concise.    Photos and instructions were easy to follow.   I only made one oops and that was the inside of the top cover - mine is upside down - I have made a note on the pattern so I know which way in future that I would put a directional print.  Fortunately since it was covered with mesh you can't really tell. 

I used Odicoat on the entire interior of the zipped part - I didn't use it on the front flap, I felt that was unneccesary.   The Odicoat was easy to apply and sewing up the laminated cotton was not difficult.  I think it was easier to sew than purchased laminated cotton to be honest.  I didn't find it necessary to use a teflon foot, though I did lengthen the stitch length somewhat. 

I found it quite easy to line, though next time I will be a bit more circumspect with sizing.   

I did use a smaller cording, as I prefer the smaller piped look.   I also would probably leave the hanging hook off it next time as I think you could just use the other findings to hang it.   I would also quite probably use foam next time, at least for the base part to give it a bit more oomph.  I used interfacing and fleece Pellon 640 this time, but my interfacing might need a bit more body.   It certainly stands by itself, but I think I'd like it firmer.

Its a relatively quick sew I think for a bag, and I did it over a few days which just a couple of hours each day - I think it would be much faster next time. 

Pattern - Hang About Toiletry Bag by Andrie Designs 
Fabric - Marvel from Stash
Bag Hardware - Betty Box Pleat
Label - Kylie and the Machine

Kwik Sew 3884

These are my go to men's shorts.   Whilst I don't make them with the Cargo pockets or the back welt pockets - I could but neither gentlemen I make them for want them, so it seems kinda pointless.

This pattern is the old style Kwik Sew on the heavier duty paper.  I just trace the size I need and use the traced copy - aside from the pockets, belt loops.  These I cut from the paper.

I haven't made any alterations to the shorts, apart from shortening to suit the height/style required.

They go together perfectly every single time.  The instructions are concise and to the point.  The only thing I change up is the overlocking of some of the seams, as I prefer to overlock them beforehand - ie the front seam and the back seam - I overlock these flat rather than as per the direction.

I also fold up and press the hem seam. 

I change up the waistband and don't fold under on the inside.  I get less bulk and don't miss catching any of the seam.

This pair were specifically for Sarah's partner who loves the Lion King.  Fabric has been languishing for oh I'd say two years.  It went missing for a bit but I found it and well its actually not a long sew, I don't know why I didn't just do it.

Size made was the Large, shortened to suit.  Omitted the welt pockets and the cargo pockets.  I did use plain yellow for waistband lining and pockets - cause they are mega fabric hungry and the rest of the Lion King fabric was destined for a skirt for Sarah, so I had to be conscious of what I used.

Belt loops were added to this pair though I've not added them to any other pair I've made but they were requested for this one so I will.

I want to make a pair for Shane before we head off on holidays as well, but i have about 6 weeks, so that's doable. 

All in all, I would recommend this pattern, it sews up well and they look nice.  

Pattern:  Kwik Sew 3884
Fabric:  Lion King from Stash 
Zip:  Dress Zip 
Alterations:  Left off welt and cargo pockets
Size:  L
Label:  Kylie and the Machine 

Norma Jean Juniors

Well what can I say …. the tween adores these undies.

I made several pairs, sticking with the wide bands primarily as that's what she likes, but I've also given the picot ones a whirl - no pics of those today as she is wearing them. 

Can I say anything bad about - nope, nope, nope. 

Went by measurements, perfectly spot on no adjustments required.

Do they cover the booty - absolutely

Are they comfy - heck yes and child has requested all the pairs - could be cause she has been hanging on to the previous undies that were made by The Climbing Tree which she adores, but are probably now two sizes too small but she wouldn't give them up.  Mama has now been instructed that they are probably too small.

And they have cats, so enough said really.

Small amounts of fabric are required really and you could use your scraps up.   Don't have elastic, just go the wide bands.  Want them for swimmer bottoms - go the narrow bands version and pop in elastic.   Want to send yourself a bit crazy - use FOE …. just joking, but its not my jam for sure. I like the bands.   Want them a bit special - use the picot elastic - you can get awesome soft stuff from Zebra Fabrics 

Now that I can see how much she adores them - I really should get the mama version and make myself some undies too.

I made 3 pairs I think - they are super fast to make, I didn't have any lighter weight cotton lycra but I will grab some from Zebra for the gusset lining, but its not super necessary.   

There will be lots more sets in our future I can see that.   Now I just have to keep bugging Lauren from Sew By Pattern Pieces, that a crop top would be a perfect addition.

Now where can you find them - and whilst you are there grab the Mama version, cause everyone needs pretty knickers.

25111 Norma Jean Juniors 
Single Pattern 15% off release price - 5 days only
Girls Sizes 1-16
15111 Norma Jean Shorties Ladies
"Instructions only" have been updated to match the Girls
Purchase bundle to receive 20% off - 5 days only
Etsy
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SewbyPatternPieces
Craftsy
http://www.craftsy.com/user/8305887/pattern-store
Post to Instagram
Would love to see your lovely Norma Jean Juniors
SewbyPatternPieces
#normajeanshortiespdfpattern

Luxie Lunch Bag

The Luxie Lunch Bag from Emmaline Bags.  I have had this pattern for simply ages and at the end of last year, the littlest miss needed a new lunch bag, as the previous lunch box was too small for what she wanted to take.   We found a Lunch Cube which fitted everything she wanted to take, but finding a lunch bag to fit wasn't as easy.

And then I remembered I had the Luxie.   Having plenty of fabric, foam and procuring some insulbrite from a friend we set about choosing fabric and making the bag.

If you need a sew-a-long you can find it here .  The directions are pretty clear when you read them carefully (read this as I missed a step) and the bag went together pretty well.   Its quite large and easily fits the Lunch cube and also a Nude Yoghurt Mover easily with some room to spare.

I did love the easy cut chart, which enables you to cut all the square/rectangle pieces easily.   Do  make sure your printed pattern piece prints at 100%/actual size (mine didn't oops, and I wondered why my sides didn't fit.)

I used a longer zip than specified but it works fine that way and it seems a bit easier for the cherub to open as well.

I purchased the frames from the gorgeous Kylie at Handbag Hardware but you can find her now at Betty Box Pleat with her always awesome service and helpful advice.

There is a side zipper on the pattern.  I did make it but I'm not really sure what my DD will use it for, other than maybe putting in some lunch money or cutlery, but you could easily omit the zip if you wanted to.

The pieces go together well, the zip casing at the top works well.   There is really nothing not to like about this.  This would also make an awesome sewing case which is what I think I'll make for myself.  Obviously you could do without the insulbrite if you are making it for not food.   Oh and I did line mine with sandwich PUL so its a bit waterproof.   My DD did pick a light coloured fabric and I suspect we will have to wash it more than once throughout the year.    Possibly a dark colour would be better for a lunch box.

Creative Maker Supply Case

And DD also needed something for some of her pens and pencils and wanted to fit her ruler in as well.  So I had the Creative Maker Supply Case from Sew Sweetness and I had bought some awesome zips from Who Says Sew - OMG these are awesome.   Buy them in a length, cut to size, add a zipper pull or two and away you go - they are nylon so super easy to cut and use and I bought the size 5 for ease of use thanks to help from other ladies in the Sew Sweetness Group.

This one is the sparkly rainbow one and my DD is in love!!!

There are lots of awesome zipper pulls as well - this one is the butterfly but there are hearts and all sorts of yumminess!!!!

Now onto the pattern - it goes together well - I didn't have enough Soft and Stable :( so mine is a titch floppy and it really needs the oomph of some fleece or soft and stable.  I just used some Pellon and some Peltex but its really not quite enough. 

I'd like to add a zipper pocket next time I make one I think, but that will take a little bit of forethought. 

Everything else went together well.  The markings for the elastic are great.  I should have used a white marker so it was easier to keep my line of elastic straight, but otherwise it was good.   I need to work a little on my corners, but that's more the fact that I don't have a free arm and well I left it till two days before school went back lol!!

Would I make it again - ABSOLUTELY!!!  I quite love it.   I also have the Ultimate Art Organiser and I think I might try that next, but I need to stock up on Soft and Stable or similar before I start. 

Welcome to 2018

I'm pretty sure I lost November and December and goodly part of January somewhere but lets get 2018 started.

Here is my #18for2018

1.  Concentrate on fitness and general health

2.  Get a big project finished with the house

3.  Get the vegetable garden up and running properly

4.  Remember to blog my endeavours

5.  Remember to keep my Goodreads updated.

6.  Spend more time just doing fun stuff.

7.  Catch up with friends more often.

8.  Take a proper holiday

9.  Meal plan

10. Schedule sewing gift time

11.  Update my website

12.  Take better photos

13.  Update the photos in the house

14.  Learn to make proper gelato

15.  Finish a UFO a month

16.  Sort my stash

17.  Remember its okay to say no.
18.  Use my cookbooks

Pearlie Dress

Pearlie Dress from https://peachpatterns.com and One Thimble.

Need a birthday gift?

Need it in a hurry?

This is it - easily put together, mix and match, it comes with a pocket, but i didn't add that.  

Its seriously adorable and super easy to make.   The instructions and clear and concise and well did I tell you it was adorable?  

Use up those odd bits of fabric, make it all the same fabric, so many variations.  

I made the dress length in a size 1, but there is a peplum available as well.  Thinking the DD needs a couple for summer.  Would be awesome in winter over leggings or jeans.  Its just a go to little dress. 

I teamed it up with a knotted headband, again super easy to make and just adds a little bit of something extra. 

Craftinator Pouch

This cute little pouch is from Little Moo Designs

It is cute and functional and you can jazz it up or down as it suits.  Whilst the pattern does come with a clear vinyl panel, it would work just as well with a patterned fabric. 

I chose to make it with quilted square - please note I am NOT a quilter, having only made 3 in my life, though I hope to remedy that down the track.   So I guesstimated what I would need to do - it didn't work out too badly except the gusset panel as I forgot to allow for joining two strips - so there are three for the gusset, but its still cute. 

The pattern instructions are clear and measurements are available both in metric and imperial - I used imperial.

Mine is without piping, as I felt I would have enough bulk with the quilted pieces etc.  I plan on making another without the foam and I'll use piping for that.

I was kindly given a new foam interfacing to try out by Kylie from Handbag Hardware and as far as I can tell it performed just the same as Soft and Stable.

For myself I did find it a tad bulky with the foam - it doesn't mention trimming away the foam, but I might possibly judiciously change where I use the foam.  Whilst it's great with the foam and does stand by itself, I'm not sure I prefer that.  I do love the vinyl window and I think I'll make a few for sewing projects.   I would love a bigger size as a full smocked dress wouldn't fit in the size as is, but it is perfect for the smocked front of a baby dress or similar. 

I did bind the seams - and whilst there is a note of how big to cut the bias and where to use it - the pattern doesn't actually tell you how to use it - so I just went with what I thought was right - I did trim 1 cm of the 2 inch wide bias as that's what worked for me. 

Overall I love it - it will make super presents - of which this was <3 -="" a="" an="" and="" as="" can="" denim="" didn="" embellish="" emblibrary="" embroidery.="" embroidery="" font="" for="" from="" great.="" have="" i="" interface="" interfacing="" it="" nbsp="" on="" panels="" t="" the="" use="" used="" ve="" with="" worked="" you="">

Fabric - denim and quilting cottons fro stash

Embroidery Design - Emblibrary

Foam provided by Handbag Hardware

Mesh purchased from Handbag Hardware

Vinyl tabs from Spotlight. 

Zipper from Stash. 

Clear Vinyl from Clark Rubber

Playproof Dungarees

From Serger Pepper as featured in One Thimble Issue 10 which you can find here.

So walking around town as you do over the school holidays and shopping with the youngest miss whilst others were in an Escape Room which was rated above her age, we browsed some stores whilst helping the DD2 BF find some work pants. 

Little miss stumbled across overalls, dungarees, whatever you want to call them.   Oh I like these, can you make some for me - I don't like this fabric, but you have some right?

Ummmm fabric, hmmm, just a bit I think (and laughed and laughed and laughed).

I am trying very hard to not buy new fabric …. shhhh I might have come home with some Stenzo from Zebra Fabrics over the holidays, but other than that I have been very frugal in my purchasing - aka - none unless absolutely necessary for an order as I try and downsize my somewhat considerable stash. 

I have also been doing some thinking on needs v wants and then that started me thinking I had an opshop purchase from 3 years ago that would make these perfectly.

Fast forward to after I traced the pattern and then realised I didn't have enough of the op shop skirt to make the size I needed. 

So raided stash as you do and found a piece of denim that is dark purple/blue on one side and pink on the other, but its like shot silk really - that's the only way I can explain it.   Dug through the stash some more found a small piece of unicorn fabric for linings etc.   How to spice it up a little.  Add in an embroidery I have from Embroidery Library .  I really do love this one and have used it more than once.   This time I crossed my fingers that my gold and silver thread made the distance.  Thankfully it did.

So you can make things work if you think outside the box - that plain and boring fabric can be brought to life with embroidery, appliqué or embellishment.   That small piece of fabric that's now not big enough for a pair of shorts, make a perfect choice for lining.   Use what you have, as nice as it is to have a large stash, start using it - you never know what is around the corner.   Enjoy what you do -embrace that you can make do and make things special for those that you love in life.

Now onto the pattern. 

The sizing was great - I made the straight 10 no adjustments.  K measured spot on the hip of 30 inches.  I did as instructed and checked the back yoke piece and knew from earlier measuring it would fit.   The pattern does go from a 2 - 16 and there are different front bib/pocket options as well.  Two different lengths of the pants, but you can easily adjust this to suit.  These ones have a roll up hem, but again you could easily adapt this to suit.   I went with buttons and buttonholes, but I think some pull through tied straps would look great too but I'd probably add length to the straps if I did this.

The instructions were good, I had no issues - there are notches and how to's throughout the pattern.  I did topstitch more than was stipulated, but that's a way to bring your own to a garment, just changing a few details. 

We went with the straight pattern, with no elastic at the waist, as we wanted a more unstructured outfit.  I used the denim for the waistband and pockets, but inverted so it was pink.  I changed up the straps by lining them and stitching around and turning versus the instructions per the magazine.   The pockets are a good size. 

What would I change - nothing really - I will next time and I'm sure I'll make another pair, do the Hong Kong seams on the inside and outside leg as currently the raw overlocking is bugging me a bit, but that's my fault for not forward thinking and being a bit lazy.

Why did I go the short legs - well I think we are missing winter altogether in Brisbane and I thought she'd hardly get any wear from the long leg version. 

Pattern was provided to me by One Thimble, but all comments and thoughts are my own and were in no way influenced by being provided the pattern.  

Menu planning

Do you know when you get into a food rut?  Ive been there the last year or so.   Even the baking has taken a back seat.  Yeh i know 😓

But in the last month or so, I have started to go through my countless magazines and cookbooks to try and expand our tastebuds and not do the same 3 meat and veg, stirfry, salads, etc.  

This week we are having

Lemon chicken - Taste June 15  - To die for delicious!  Winner!!

Indonesian Braised pork - Taste July 17 - Kids didn't love it - but Shane and I did yummy!!

Green Curry Meatballs - Taste Nov 16 - Remember not to use too much green curry paste, but otherwise delicious!!

Souvlaki Lamb with cranberry (couldn't get redcurrant) - Taste Nov 16 - Was okay.

Mozzerella stuffed meatballs - Taste July 17 - Yummy yummy yummy!!

We do either hamburgers or tacos mostly on Friday nights along with a family movie.  

Im thinking that one of the meals will make more than we can eat and somthat will do another night, or I'll wing it.

Things that make things easier for me is that I'm not going eek whats for dinner, our food budget is good and we are eating more vegetables, we already eat alot but more is better.  

Im trying to remember to take pics and will review the recipes later in the week. 

Celebrations

A gorgeous gown in imperial batiste in white with Swiss Lace edging and insertion.

This pattern is for an 18mth size, so I rejigged the measurements and patterns quite a bit to suit the smaller size.  I think the originals was more likely to be a size 5 given the look of it and the child.

Over 1000 individual embroidery stitches including lots of bullion roses in two shades of pink, with bullion daisies and french knots, lazy daisy leaves in leaf green and stems in back stitch, they were suppose to be stem stitch but I liked the look of the back stitch better.   Roses were left off the collar being a smaller size. 

150 individual tucks and countless hours of smocking and embroidery combined.  

The dress is fully lined with an inbuilt petticoat as the imperial batiste is very sheer, but beautifully to work with and slightly less crushy than cotton batiste. 

Beanie Knits

I have lots of single skeins of hand dyed wool by some gorgeous makers.   So I've decided to just use them.  No use just sitting there.  Even if it means just giving them all away. 

I made these two for Amy and Iain.

Rainbow Trout from Pekapeka - using Evoke Yarns from Yarn Cafe in Turkish Delight DK weight.

It makes up super quick and its an easy pattern for me to remember.

and then I made Stormy Waters from Anodiomena's Designs .  I adore Elena's creations.  Elena is currently battling cancer and if you'd like to support her she has a Go Fund me Page and her patterns are on sale until 5 May in her Ravelry store.  Please support her if you can.

I can't find the colour way for the blue one, but it was also from Evoke Yarns I think. 

Spring Tests for Petite Stitchery

We were happy to test two from the newest line from Petite Stitchery

First up is the Periwinkle Top and Dress.  The pattern comes with different skirt options and is a quick and easy make especially in the top version.

I would recommend trying the straps for size before sewing them in if you have a child that is tall.  My DD is only slender but quite tall, so for us I made the 7 width, 10 length, with strap length of 12.  She is really looking forward to spring/summer when i can make a dress length.   

For now we did a top which as it turns out is perfect for climbing trees at the Sunshine Coast. 

We also tested the Box Pleat Skirt which is my daughters favourite at the moment.  She adores the watermelon version.

This cute little skirt has box pleats and a neat waistbands, add pockets if you like and belt loops.  It comes with an invisible zip.  But is easily transformed to use a standard zip.  Which is what I did on the watermelon version as I was out of invisible ones.   

I did adjust the watermelon skirt slightly as I bound the bottom edge and its probably a teeny bit shorter than it should be, but my DD adores it and its her most favourite thing in the cupboard at the moment. 

It was a relatively quick sew as well, once you have made the pleats and came together nicely. 

And we also made a heavier pinwale cord version.