Sewjourn Part 2, tops and skirt....

 Yet another Simplicity 2599, plain with no ruffles or frills.

 And another, this time I added a Peter Pan collar, just at the front.

And a cute pleated skirt.

I used Nicole Mallalieu's A-Line skirt pattern for the yoke, then added pleats and the fake pockets at the front. I really should have ironed it first before taking the photos!

Dresses to come next....

I started my Christmas shopping yesterday, and I think everyone else it Ballarat was doing the same thing.....silly season has well and truly started!

Kathryn.xx

Sewjourn Part 1...

What a wonderful weekend away I had with a fab group of girls at Sewjourn.

Yes, it seems like no time at all since we were all there last time in May.

Where has the year gone?

Lot's of sewing was had, of course, along with plentiful amounts of laughter, eating and drinking!

Sew....on with part 1 of my Sewjourn Sewathon....

This is another option on New Look 6803, the tunic top.

I started this one but didn't get to finish it until yesterday and I am wearing it today, hence it gets first showing.

 I have had this fabric for a couple of years and didn't quite know what to do with it - too much going on for a dress I thought, but this top seems to cope with the pattern.

 It was very easy to make although, I would make some changes if I were to make it again; 

I would put the pockets a bit further down, they seem a bit high,

 I also had to put 'splits' in the side seams as it was a bit tight around my hips.

The front facing actually turns to the front to make a really nice feature, however it was very low cut so I have had to put a few stitches in the lower opening so I don't flash everyone!

It would be nice in a contrasting colour too.

Overall, I am really happy with this top and it is really cool and comfortable. Just right for a spring day.

I am finally designing my wardrobe today, after 3 years with 'make do' hanging and bags of clothes in our WIR, it will be nice to be organised. Any tips for me?

Kathryn. XX

Just a little obsessed by......

TREES!

Yes, I am a little in love with any fabric that features trees. I have lot's of clothing plans for these fabrics which are on their way to me.....

Dress.....(from here)  (A bit Like this one)

Another dress.....(from here)

And another one.  (from here)

I thought this would look amazing with a red cardigan for Christmas!

And it reminded me a little of the scene in Twilight when Edward takes Bella up into the trees.....pathetic aren't I.

And this last one, I will make into a skirt with a black waistband....(from here)

So, there you have it, my obsession with trees and landscape fabric.

I think these will be projects for my Sewjourn trip in November, if I can't keep my hands off them until then that is!!

Kathryn.

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.

What a mess......

I hope everyone is well in blogland, it has been so long since I posted, tut tut.......

 Will you just look at the mess I am in! I just took this photo to show the sewing frenzy I am in getting ready for the Buninyong Makers Market on Saturday! A few new items will be seen including a couple of my latest creations, the 'Bella the Ballerina Dolly'........

 This one was made for a customer to replicate her daughter's dress! How cute.

And this one was snapped up from my MadeIt shop.

I haven't been blogging as much as I used to, I have just been so busy lately.

I also had a lovely weekend away with the crafty gals last weekend to Sewjourn!

I will have to show you the great things I made next week (a skirt, waistcoat and jacket)

Right I had better get back to it......Kathryn. XX

Has it really been that long???

Hello everyone!

Yes, long time no see.

It is lovely to be back and feeling rejuvinated!

I hope you are all well and happy?

I can't believe that I have been away from blogland for so long!
So, what have I been up to......
Well, of course more painting...blah! But it was my sewing room to be done so it wasn't too painful! I am so pleased to have 90% of it done. Just the wardrobe doors to put on and hang the roman blinds I have made - this ruined my back for 4 days; bending over on the floor all day was not a very good idea, don't do it people!

These are the roman blinds I made for the Kitchen. I wanted something a bit cute in here so I used Cath Kidston's Strawberries!

And these are the ones I made for the box bay window. Lincraft quoted me $1000 to make roller blinds for the large window and the two very small ones on the side. I nearly died....so I decided to make a Roman blind myself all for $100!!! Please don't look at the state of the windows - that was something I did not get done!

I have also hung pictures all over the place...I'll show you more later. It is looking much more like our home now with a few more finishing touches about.

And we let the builders back to make more mess!!! Finally our retaining wall, back patio and pergola have been done. Hubs wants to do crazy paving all over it. We will be able to sit outside on a beautiful winters day and enjoy the beautiul sunshine we have been having lately.

Besides working around the house, I have also enjoyed a wonderful weekend away at Sewjourn with a lovely bunch of gals, caught up with friends, listened to lots of great music, read books, watched movies, watched endless soccer matches, had lots of family time and just generally enjoyed life.
It feels good to be back.

Kathryn. XX

Just call me "Stretchy"....

After spending the weekend at Sewjourn and some very clever ladies, I was determined to make one of Nikki's stretchy (no pattern, just cut and wing it) tops made in the blink of an eye and for the total sum of $6.00!

So, this is what I whipped up this morning. It took me longer than it took Nikki to make hers but after some adjusting to the size I think it turned out really well.

It looks a bit grey in the photos but it is black with little tiny sparkles through it.
Thanks Nikki, for giving us some tips and tricks and for making us realise that an overlocker should not be something to be frightened of!!
Right, next is the no pattern, just cut and wing it skirt......
Kathryn. XX

"Sewjourn"

What a fantastic weekend we all had here at "Sewjourn".

We enjoyed beautiful weather, a perfect venue, wonderful company and, surprisingly, lots of sewing!

The cottage was fully equipped with everything you would ever need. This is the view from the studio.

The studio.

Settling in.....from left Jodie, Lara and Emma

Rachel's quilt for Maya
Blogless Megan's quilt - amazing or what!

Gorgeous Nikki whipping up clothes for herself and her little one in two seconds flat!

Annie had so many things on the go and she ticked all but one thing off her list of her things to do! Go Annie!

Lara made loads of very cute clothes for her little girls as well as a few things for herself.

And here is the Irish Flower Quilt that I managed to finish (apart from the binding). Thank you Jan (owner) for holding it up. I don't think I will be making another one, but I am really happy with it. I did have a few teething problems with the pattern being "out" slightly. I had to cut down the centre white squares as they were too big. I also managed to finish the stacked coins quilt. I'll have to post a photo tomorrow.

And did I mention how wonderful my "boys" are? Well, this is what was waiting for me on my arrival home. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. I am a really lucky gal.

Thank you to these girls for one of the best weekends ever!!!

From left, Me! Nikki - You Sew Girl, Lara - Thornberry, Annie - Flower Garden, Jodie - Ric Rac, Megan - blogless and Rachel - Four Wise Monkey's

Emma - Scrap Bag (missing from the photo)

Here's to next year!

Kathryn. XX

Just in the nick of time.....

This little cutie arrived yesterday just in time for me to organise all the provisions for the quilt I am making this weekend at the quilting retreat. I was amazed it arrived so quickly from the USA. I ordered it (from here on sale for $16 US!) on Thursday and it arrived on Tuesday. How incredible is that! It is from the Moda Bake Shop by April Cornell and the fabric is called Spring Magic. I think it will be lovely in the "Triple Irish Flower Quilt" I have planned. Lots of pretty pinks and greens and, of course, roses.
This is another quilt on the go from the "Darla" range of fabrics by Tanya Wheelan. I love the brighter pallet of these fabrics.
And here is the Stacked Coins Quilt, I started ages ago from my scraps, pinned and ready to be quilted on the weekend.
And here is something actually finished and in the Etsy shop now....The Princess Cushion- Rose.
I have so many things planned for the weekend, I hope I can get at least one thing finished to show you....in between the laughing, talking and carrying on I expect to be going on....
2 more sleeps....
Kathryn. XX