New things for the shop....

My shop has been pretty quiet over the past year, I have scaled back and been doing more for my husbands business. But over the past few weeks I have managed to sew and make a few things for the shop in time for Christmas.

Including..........

Handmade Polymer clay beaded necklaces....

 Awake/Asleep Matryoshka Dolls with quilt and pillow......

 Note book covers.....

 Jazzed up hand towels......

 Handbag Doorstops.....

And some more Christmas Stockings and lots more!

All can be found here.

Kathryn. xx



Leave it to the Professionals.....

Recently, I bought this for an upcoming holiday.

Now that I've hit 40, I feel like I want to be a bit 'modest' when it comes to swimwear.

I'm sure a lot of you still have the confidence of youth and just bare it all, but as for me I just don't want everyone and sundry spying my orange peel......Plus, that whole pinup 1950's vibe is so up my alley.

 

Image courtesy of Red Dolly Swimwear on Etsy

The swimsuit I purchased is just amazing; Heather makes everything to order and it fits like a glove.

She even made the costumes for a Glee Episode, how cool is that! (see the second pic in the listing)

I was so in love with it that I wanted another, but the budget only stretches so far, so, I made a swimskirt to go with a tankini that I already have in black.

It is made from a scuba stretch from Lincraft.

But, there was no way I was going to model this for blogland!!! Ha ha.

 



I'll leave the swimsuit modelling to the pro's.

Kathryn. xx

Clearing out and Up-cycling.....

I'm having a HUGE clearout of my wardrobe (GASP!) because tomorrow we are finally having our fitted wardrobes installed in our Walk in Robe! I have been living out of those red, blue and white stripey bags for 3 years and am well and truly over it. I'm sure I won't know myself by tomorrow night, being able to see everything and put it in its place.

Anyway, whilst clearing out I came across my Burberry scarf that I bought on ebay years ago. When I bought it I thought it was an absolute bargain at 11 pounds, then when I opened the package I realised why......it had little moth holes through the middle which the seller neglected to disclose in the listing. Poop.

 I have been reluctant to wear it because of this so decided to do something a bit radical.......

I turned it into a cushion!!!  I cut out the middle, sewed it, stuffed it, et voila!

It will be a nice addition to our bedroom which is this shade of blue, how perfect is that!

What have you up-cycled lately?

Kathryn. xx

Fabric silhouette portraits DIY

Recently I was asked to do a set of fabric silhouette portraits for a wedding gift.

They are really easy to make yourself and I've made plenty for friends and family.

Here is a step by step 'HOW TO'

You will need:

black fabric, a contrasting backing fabric, canvas frame, vliesofix -applique paper, scissors, pencil, iron, staple gun, felt, glue and ribbon to hang

1. Take a close up photo of your subject, fully side on.

2.Print out your image at your desired size - this will depend on the size of your canvas.

3. tape your image to a window REVERSE side facing you.

4. Trace your image with the sticky side of the vliesofix facing the image.

5. Iron your image onto the wrong side of your black fabric.

6. Cut out your image; TIP: add little wisps of hair to add interest.

7. Iron your backing fabric then iron your image onto the backing fabric.

8. Hold your silhouette in place and staple to the reverse of the frame.

9. Cut a piece of felt to fit the back of your canvas, glue it on around the edges.

10. Add a hanger to the back; I stapled a length across the frame, tucking under the edges to prevent fraying.

So, there you are, easy peasy. What a great gift idea- perfect for Christmas too!

Kathryn. XX

'You Sew Girl' A-Line skirt.......

This week I finally had the chance to sew up Nikki's A-Line Skirt (You can buy yourself a copy here) 

 I made the shorter version in some beautiful Rachel Ashwell heavy weight fabric that I have had in my cupboard for about 6 years. I haven't dared cut into it before now!

 It is the perfect fit and feels really great on; perfect for us women with a defined waistline.

 Nikki's instructions are incredibly detailed and easy to read and follow, with helpful photos too. This pattern is one that I can see myself using over and over again.

'Thanks Nikki!', and Thanks Rachel Ashwell!

Kathryn. xx

Funky cushions....

 I've actually done some sewing for the shop over the last few days.

Miracle of miracles my back is slowly coming good.

As soon as I saw these fabrics I knew they'd be great for cushions to spruce up anyone's tired decor.

They can all be found here in my Etsy shop.

Have a great day, Kathryn. xx

I made a skirt....

 Yep, I made a skirt and I love it.

I used 'New Look 6594' and tweaked it for me.

 I used some of my gorgeous new 'tree' themed fabric from this post, I only had 1 yard, so I cut it in half and used each half for a front and back piece, then added the black linen along the bottom for a bit more length.

Then gathered it all up and added the waistband (which I made shorter).

I love the colours in this fabric, something a bit brighter for winter don't you think?

Now, onto the dresses....

Kathryn. xx

Tunics....

Here are a couple of tunics that I made at Sewjourn last weekend (see previous post)

 I used one of Rachel's patterns from Ottobre which was actually a 'Top' pattern.

I made it wider in the centre front to make my gathers/pleats for a bit of interest, and just made the hem longer and a bit wider. I think they both turned out really well. I wasn't sure about the slinky fabric in the photo above, but once made it feels great.

 Rachel gave me this textured black knit fabric (gee, I'm a free loader aren't I?)

She didn't like it, I really liked it. But it turned out much harder to work with than I imagined. I had to unpick the arm and neck bindings umpteen times to get the fit right.

But, overall I am very happy with it, you can see the texture in the pic above.

Kathryn.

Simplicity 2599....

Last weekend was the getaway with the girls to 'Sewjourn'

Once again we all had a brilliant time and I survived the whole weekend without a headache, miracle of miracles. (usually due to lack of sleep and the sewing frenzy that occurs for 2 days straight!)

This is one of the articles of clothing that I made. 

 It is Simplicity 2599 in view E (without the bow on the side). Lara made this one at our Sewjourn getaway last November and I loved it so much that I bought the pattern.

It was a simple pattern with easy instructions and I love the way it has turned out.

 The instructions said to turn under the seam allowance on the ruffle to neaten the edge, but I like the rolled hem on the overlocker better. And, with the satin-y fabric it was much easier too.

And a couple of vintage Mother of Pearl buttons to the back for a bit more interest than just a covered button.

I love it, and I know I will get lots of wear out of this top in the warmer months.

More clothes to come, Kathryn. xx



Sewjourning clothes......

As promised (last week) here are my garments that I made at Sewjourn.

 Lined waistcoat, (Simplicity 4079, view F)

 Skirt, modified and ruffle added at the back (McCalls 3406).

This is a standard skirt pattern I use and play around with.

 And this jacket, can you believe it is made from Polar Fleece? It is so warm and cosy and I have it on today. From Simplicity 4032 view D. I think, when I make it again, I will adjust the buttons so that they are about an inch and a half lower.

Anyway, these were my projects whilst away at Sewjourn.

I had fun and I have worn each piece a few times already.

(and I have had so many comments on the jacket too!)

Hope you have a great weekend, Kathryn.

An Aussie bag for a Canadian lass....

I've had a few commissions lately and this was one of them. A friend wanted to gift her Canadian cousin-in-law with something 'Made in Australia', whilst she is out here visiting and exploring this land of ours, and she thought of me. And, I thought this "Ink and Spindle" 'Birch Forest'  fabric would be great. Even though it is probably a northern hemisphere theme, it is designed and printed here in Australia!

So, the Aussie bag was made and is ready to give tonight on the Canadian Lass's arrival.

Hope she likes it.

Kathryn. XX

Grown up cushions....

I have decided to make a lot more homewares for us 'grown up girls' this year.

And I have just listed a few in my Etsy shop this morning. You can find them here if you are interested.

Look forward to some more designs for your home coming soon!
Oh, and check out the 'Christmas SALE' section of the shop too, everything must go!

Kathryn. XX

Viking evolution....part 2

 Thanks for your comments yesterday on the first Viking!

After looking at it, yes, the face wasn't big enough, so........

after adding more hair and a few more accessories, here is the bigger, rougher, meaner version.

Lock up your daughters......

Kathryn. XX

Made It......

'Our Shabby Cottage' is now on MadeIt.

I'm still not too sure about this site yet; the site itself is very slow (but they have assured me they are working on it!) I find it a bit frustrating and I do wonder if potential buyers are put off by how slow it is. I have high speed broadband so it's not my end.....Oh, well only time will tell but I really wanted some presence here in OZ.

Also the winner of the 'Brooch Cushion Kit' is Lee from Artfulee Designed. Congrats Lee, Kerryanne will pop your prize in the post to you. Thanks to everyone who popped by and said 'hi' and commented on both Kerryanne's and my blog! It is always nice to meet new blogging friends.

Sunny and 18 degrees here today, better find a t-shirt......Kathryn. XX

Brooch Cushion Tutorial 'Simply Christmas'

Today is the day for my guest post tutorial over at Kerryanne's for 'Simply Christmas'.

Make this pretty brooch cushion for yourself or someone you love with only two fat quarters of fabric and a few pretty embellishments.

As part of the festivities we will be having a giveaway too.

My gift to you is a full kit and intructions (you will need fibrefill to fill it) to make the identical brooch cushion featured here. (without the brooches)

All you need to do, to win, is leave a comment here, then, pop over to Kerryanne's blog and leave a comment on the tutorial post. Easy peasy!

I also have 4 (make that 3 now) other kits for sale for $25+pp which includes everything needed to make the cushion above. (Just email me for details or leave a comment in the comments that you would like one, be quick though!)

You have until midnight on Tuesday 19th October to enter and the winner will be announced on Wednesday.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy the tutorial!

Kathryn. XX
For those of you who have commented on the post below, that's fine! I wasn't quick enough getting this post ready in time!!!!

Disappearing.....

How on earth do the days disappear so quickly? Holidays are over, kids are back at school and I spent nearly all of yesterday trying to get the house cleaned and in order. Mountains of washing was done, groceries bought, bolognaise in the slow cooker, bathrooms cleaned, floor mopped, ah the list just goes on and on......

And this is what my hubby gave me to keep me going, oh bless! He is getting a bit creative with his froth these days!
And, some new fabrics turned up from Etsy. I bought these to make some more Pussikins!
Girls this time.
I love Matryoshkas and I could not resist these Matryoshka cats! How cute!
Purchased from here.
And, I have begun my tutorial for my paticipation in the 'Simply Christmas' fun over at Shabby Art Boutique.
I have been given the task of showing you a pretty and feminine gift to make!
If you haven't been over to see what Kerryanne has planned for us all, please do. It's all about getting back to basics for Christmas, forget commercial buying, buy handmade or make it yourself! Kerryanne has lots of talented bloggers involved in this over the next 12 weeks of Christmas - check her sidebar to see who's who.

Get organised, get creating, get cooking and have fun in the lead up to Christmas!
Now, how many hours are left today?
Kathryn. XX