Forest Path Cape

Liesel and her team at Oliver + S release their patterns on the off season to me. But it tends to work out for a couple of reasons.  Lately I have become a more careful sew-er.  I have really started to appreciate the construction of clothing, and how small techniques can create beautiful garments.  This has largely come from sewing with Liesel's incredible patterns. Anyway this appreciation has slowed me down, but in a good way. 
Also, for some reason, it takes me a little while to grow to love patterns. As I see examples coming through the Flickr group (a place where I spend waay too much time) I get a better feel for the patter, and then start to love it.

The Forest Path Cape was released by Oliver and S in January this year.  There is also a matching adult version called Woodland Stroll.  

To make the cape a little less formal,  I made my version out of navy fleece.

The lining is a cotton sateen remnant I picked up at Spotlight.  I love it.  I love the large print and it is lovely and soft. And those red flowers!

I found the buttons at Spotlight too, but they only had one packet of two. Arrgh.

I source some more online from here.  

I decided that the side button button may not be too practical for my little one.  Instead I simply did a straight line stitch about 3/4 inch from the edge.  

I'm really happy with it, and with the weather cooling down here in the last few days it may be in use soon.  That's if I can get her to wear it.  

The Lone Starburst Finished

I finished up my Lone Starburst and love it.  I found the template here at Six White Horses.  She has made some beautiful examples.  
The fabrics are just some fat quarters I picked up from Spotlight.  The yellow is really quite a mustard yellow and contrasts so well with the purple.

I really enjoyed this first serious attempt at paper piecing.  I was a bit shocked at the wastage from the trimming after piecing a part of the block, but I guess that would improve with more accurate cutting of fabric.  I was a bit haphazard with my cutting. Never been one of my strong suits.  I will definitely make this block again, and attempt lots more paper piecing. 

My plan is to make a pillow but I didn't really want to make a square pillow.  I know this block doesn't really lend itself to a rectangular shape. So I'm not really sure how to proceed. Any suggestions anyone?

Almost a star

I have been trying out paper piecing.  And I'm really quite enjoying it. 
This beautiful star caught my eye on Pinterest.  
This is only my second attempt at paper piecing, so I'm pretty proud actually.  It's amazing how neat and all but perfect it comes out.

Just gotta make 3 more!  Thanks to Anna at Six White Horses for the template!
Oh and you can follow me here on Pinterest, if you like.

Two Tutus for Two

I have been following a little gray's Oliver + S Sewalong.  You should too! This month is the Bias Trimmed Apron
It's not on the list but I thought I would share this anyway.  I made two tutus for a friend's twin girls birthday. (Gees that sounded confusing)
I made a bit of a toned down version.  Not quite as many layers as the pattern called for.
But I think they still turned out very sweet.

I had one folded layer plain and one folded layer all sparkly. Oooo Pretty.

After I finished there was glitter ....everywhere.

But I do love them.  And the glitter was worth it.  I think the purple one was my favourite.
I will definitely give them another whirl.  

Little Things To Sew Along - Penguin Backpack

I got myself a copy Little Things to Sew by Liesl Gibson
I loved it. So many amazing projects. So beautifully photographed, which always wins me over.

My first project from the book was actually the Tutu, but it was the Penguin backpack that was the clincher for me. I had been looking for a backpack pattern for ages and this one looked perfect.

I made the penguin backpack several months ago, for my cousin's little boy for his 2nd birthday. He loved it. It was a great size for him.

This book was actually the first time I had made something from Oliver + S patterns. I since have fallen in love with so many patterns in the range.
The instructions were very thorough. The zip insertion - wow. I would have to say that its the best zip I have ever inserted. I was quietly very proud of myself.

I used a black duckcloth for the body and straps. It was easy to work with, so very soft. Unfortunately not a lot of structure though. I wanted the bag to have some stand up ability. So I actually inserted a piece of rigid plastic in the bottom. I used plastic from the "green" shopping bags. It worked really well because it was rigid but a bit bendy too.

There was lots of great tips and advice to give such a professional finish. Love those webbed feet.

It was here I first fell in love with spots.

I would highly recommend this book. I am really keen to try the messenger bag as well.

Thanks for the sew along Jessica.

Hot Pink Tracksuit pants

I saw the announcement for Elise Marley’s Kids Clothing Week challenge a little while back, and thought to myself that would be a great challenge. Check out all the info here





So I started a day late but with great ambitions.
I had been meaning to try Rae’s baby pant pattern for a very long time. I’d had wanted to make some tracksuit pants for my children. You can never have enough tracksuit pants during winter. Comfy and warm. The littlest one was first up.

She desperately needed clothing for winter. And I had picked up a piece of hot pink tracksuit material from the remanent bin at Spotlight, which was just perfect.

I put a little pocket on the back. A bit wonky, but cute all the same.

I'm trying to get into the practice of topstitching. Always gives a nice finish.

I love the chocolate brown waistband. I get really frustrated with elastic waists. So I thought I would try something different. It turned out to be quite easy to insert.

And the best bit was I got to take my new overlocker for a spin!!! Yay! I love it to pieces. Makes everything just looked so nicely finished. I’m going for a lesson at the shop I got it from next week. So I can get the best out of it.

This will be a go to pattern from now on. Easy and quick.

FYI hot pink is really hard to photograph!

Easter baskets

I made these little easter baskets for our family easter egg hunt. I made them after finding this great site, called Saltly Pineapple and her tutorial for Easter bagskets.(yep, I spelt that right) :)

I love their bright colours.

Guess what I made them out of?

Dish cloths!! A pack of six from the supermarket. I love the waffle fabric.
The kids loved them. And filled them up so quickly.

Very simple great basic design.

I've linked up with Made by You at Skip to My Lou