A superhero start to the year
January 11, 2012
My mantra last week was “start as you mean to go on”. I dusted off the machine (yes, it really was dusty) and despite the craft study not being fully operational got stuck into some sewing. Only straight line sewing, granted, but sewing that made the big kid beam from ear to ear. Nothing gets my boys going more than superheros, so mighty masked doona cover and pillow case it was. I luuurve this fabric – gorgeous detail close up and reminds me of a comic book from a distance. It’s called supahero, designed by Susanne Firmenich on spoonflower. She also has a very nice Fox and friends collection on there too which I would be tempted by if I wasn’t on a mission to reduce the stash this month.
Botanika charm clutch
October 3, 2011
The gorgeous Botanika by Paula Prass arrived and this weekend I managed to steal enough time to finish the charm clutch. Oh it feels nice to have dusted of the machine and finished something!
I’d definitely recommend the pattern although next time I’d use a heavier fabric to avoid the multiple layers of fusible interfacing.
Vintage Tuesday: Mad Menesque patterns
February 2, 2010
Last weeks post, Vintage Tuesday: Mad Men Fashion, was met with such enthusiasm that I did a little extra research into vintage patterns available online. Well I can tell you that the interweb is brimming with vintage sewing patterns. While big companies like Vogue and Butterick have stunning reproduction patterns (well hello Joan Holloway) I also came across a couple of great blogs (Stylista – thanks Bridget!, Sew Retro) that led me to a world of free vintage patterns. This is by no means a definitive list but here are a few that I found…
Well hello Joan Holloway: (Butterick retro B6582)
Dear Mrs Draper: Free 1950s Daydress pattern by the V&A
Ahhh… my favourite museum in the whole world. Found via the sensational “sew retro” a gold mine of vintage freebies.
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The essential headband: Free headband tutorial
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The Jet Set: Free Vintage style bathing suit pattern
Normally I’d call it a cossie, being a Sydney girl, but this really is a bathing suit. A little gem over at Burda.
Sunday Dinner: Free Vintage Petal Apron Pattern
Introducing Vintage Tuesday
January 12, 2010
Last year I mentioned that I have a dream to start up a vintage craft library. It’s quite the lofty dream but I have to say that over the past few months I have been collecting little vintage gems from op-shops. Patterns and books for knitting, crochet, sewing and anything else that catches my eye are snapped up at bargain prices and added to the little bower bird nest that I’ve started.
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To keep me on this path I’ve decided that 2010 is the year of Vintage Tuesday. Every Tuesday I’ll be posting up gorgeous, hilarious and nostalgic patterns for you to ooogle. Play along if you like, send me your vintage treats and I’ll feature them or just sit back and have a giggle.
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So to start here’s a book from the 70s called “Things to make for Children” which features a tee-pee (classic)…
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… a very cool bunny beanbag (I may just make this one)…
… and the most ridiculous rain cover for a pram I have ever seen. Check out the look on that poor bubbas face! Hilarious. Crafting gone wrong.
More Vintage Library posts:
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Mobile progress: Twiglets
May 9, 2009
Last weekend we went out hunting for twigs at Shelley Beach for the owl mobile. I didn’t find and driftwood (which was my secret hope) but I did find a lovely stick (have just re-read this… can a stick be lovely? ummm… hello… it’s a stick) big enough to saw into pieces. This is a whole new realm for me, actually using sandpaper and a saw for crafting, but I have to say I’ve really gotten into it. Doesn’t hurt that it’s a gorgeous autumn day to bask in the sunshine and craft. I had to use all of my guide camp skills to lash the twigs together – another first for my crafting. All in all this is my favourite project of the year so far.
Look at all those lovely tag monsters!
February 20, 2009
Just a little selection of the lovely Tag Monsters created from the pattern I put out there a couple of months back. It’s so cool seeing people actually use the pattern!If you’ve made one too send me a pic and I’ll feature it here.
My monsters for Victoria are coming along, hopefully I’ll get some more stitching done tonight.
UPDATE: Here’s another gorgeous set from whosies modified to be rice cooker monsters…
Hello. My name is Claire. I have a sock toy addiction. It began two years ago when I was pregnant and nesting. At first I dismissed it. I hadn't sewn in years. "Craft Schmaft" I said. Well it seems this crafty thing is here to stay. This blog brings you the delights of making sock softies, fabric finds and crafty inspiration from round the interweb.
