April 30, 2012

Back to it.

DSC_7252b


It's been a long time since a little bit of hooking around here.  Thanks to morning sickness kicking in 12 months ago, I packed the crochet away and couldn't look at it until now.  I'm sure many of you know what that's like - there are still so many things I can't look at or enjoy related to that time...the theme song from Fireman Sam just makes me want to throw up - ABC kids saved the day but it was on every morning at 630...Shudder.

Finally, I've got the bug to pick it up again, and I'm starting on a nice easy project to refresh my skills. I'm pretty new to crochet anyway so this is all good practise!  And I'm taking the punt by using the good yarn instead of the dodgy on the first project.  Some lovely squishy soft Malabrigo Worsted in a very girly shade of pink.  Yes, I'm giving her what she really wants.  :)

April 19, 2012

Love this Vintage...

Two piece dress set from one of my favourite vintage etsy stores - ThrushVintage.

[+]

If I wasn't so darn long in the waist I would be really tempted by this one.  Love!



April 16, 2012

Mini Art Tote

A tiny little tote for a lovely little girl. 

Mini Art Tote

Totally little person sized and a really great idea for a 3 year old birthday gift.   I added a snap closure, some wadding and some special things inside of course.

 Tutorial here.





April 13, 2012

Fizzy colour

Bicarb + vinegar + food colour + dropper = cheap, easy preschooler fun.



When the novelty wears off add a little bubble mixture to the Bicarb and mix the lot together.  
Hours of easy entertainment.

[ideas via madebyrae and playschool]

April 3, 2012

This girl.

She's only been here a little while but I don't know how we ever did without her.

10 weeks 

 That is all.






April 2, 2012

Noodlehead Envelope Clutch pattern review

With two upcoming weddings to attend, I finally found time for a little bit of sewing for me!  Last weekend I completed Anna's latest pattern release - the Envelope Clutch.  I've been dying to have a crack at this clutch, and of course, I was not disappointed.  This is another fantastic pattern from Anna, and I really enjoyed the process of putting it together. 

The envelope clutch pdf pattern comes complete with full scale printable pattern pieces, and heaps of options for you to create the clutch that's just right for you - small or large, two flap options, with or without wrist band, piping or shoulder strap, internal pocket and card holders as well as instructions for turning this into an iPad case.  You can completely customise this little lovely into whatever clutch takes your fancy.

Envelope Clutch

I chose to use a black and white geometric print for the exterior and some grey for interior. I'm hoping this will mean I'll get a fair bit of wear out of it. 

Envelope Clutch

Due to my fabric choice, I chose to omit the topstitching on the clutch flap, as I preferred the smooth finish instead of the contrast of thread against black and white exterior.  I also selected the option of inserting an interior pocket and card holder and adding some piping to the front flap.  This was my first go at piping but because I was so desperate to get sewing and complete the clutch, I tried to get away with using my zipper foot instead of a piping foot which I didn't have - not a great idea.  It turned out OK in the end but was annoying and fiddly to complete neatly.  Note to self:  follow Anna's instructions and purchase a piping foot for next time.

Envelope Clutch

Envelope Clutch

I've made myself a promise to use as many stash fabrics as I can this year, so instead of purchasing canvas as is called for in the pattern, I thought I'd have a go at using some unused thrifted denim that I had been hoarding for ages.  It worked great, and I gives the clutch a nice heavy feel in the hand.  I also added in some fusible wadding to the exterior pieces as I was worried the bag would not be stiff enough using the denim instead of canvas.  The result was great, and I love that my clutch is a teeny bit soft and plump in the hand.


Envelope Clutch

Envelope Clutch

Now that I've got my accessories sorted it's off to the closet to work out the rest of the outfit!  Ideas and suggestions welcome.  I'm thinking colour block green top and black pencil skirt + opaques with heels?

Envelope Clutch

Envelope Clutch

All in all this is definitely a pattern worth the purchase - well written, clear instructions that are easy to follow.   You can find it here along with all of Anna's other great bag patterns