Sew Darn Tired

Well it is Boxing Day evening now.  Little one is asleep after a late, late night last night.  We had a big day at my sister and brother-in-law's place.  Three little boy cousins going crazy!  It was forecast for a big wet yesterday, and while the ground was soaking it didn't rain much yesterday (actually the water wasn't going anywhere-after weeks of rain everything is just full!)  This reminds me of 1974... the year Cyclone Tracy tore through Darwin.  I was due to start high school after the school holidays.  I remember it rained like this for weeks on end and we had huge floods and Darwin was flattened... literally. Brisbane CBD flooded. The street where I lived (and my parents still live) is three blocks from the river and it was flooded, of course.  Kids rode their bikes through it and went swimming but from a family of 5 young girls, we were not allowed.  Good thing too... spiders and snakes floating around along with everythi...

Well my very good friend P is having her 50th birthday party this Saturday night at her house.  She is very much the collector of fine wines and champagnes and she has chosen very carefully for her special night.  So, of course I have nothing to wear and I am making a dress that I cut out about 6 months ago (trying to get prepared for summer by sewing it in winter - ha that didn't happen!).  This is due to laziness more than anything as a) it is quite a simple pattern with no real fitting necessary and b) I hate cutting out patterns. This is the pattern... bought for 20c from the local jumble sale at the church up the road.. nice and simple and suits the olive green satin I bought from same sale for $3.  That's the 4 gore skirt made and just hanging waiting for me to sew up the top. The printed fabric above is Swiss cotton (made in Japan- what does that mean) I bought from Lincraft about 18 months ago for $6 per metre and the other is a stretch twill that I...

Well I just saw this on another blog and I like it! So true!

I normally get my Burda magazines from the local library as I don't see them around often to buy. I only have one that I have bought and I still haven't made anything from it.  Imagine my surprise when I got February 2010 issue on Wednesday and saw this..... In particular the coat on the right.  Why am I surprised? Because in April 2009 I made this coat.... ...The one on the right... and it looks like this.... It looks much more pink in my photo but the fabric is exactly the same as in the Burda photo!  That is my beautiful boy and we were at my friend's wedding in Auckland.  It was a beautiful day and we stayed 2 weeks in their home while they went on their honeymoon to Raratonga (I think it was). I rushed the end of it so I need to redo the sleeve ends.  It is not a lined coat pattern (actually it has one of those annoying half lining, so I tried lining it myself and it's just only ok.  I did not know of sewing blogs back then so I had not ...

This is the Burda pattern used for my black dress (view B the white dress - the other is skirt and jacket).  It has a delicate tulip skirt and the pleating of the front is kind of unusual.  I have done it and it looks like the outside and inside views on the instructions but I have a feeling it isn't quite right so tomorrow when I am less tired I will look again.  It seems to have one of the pleats kind of off grain so that's what makes me think that. I mean that when I hold the skirt up it looks off. So my camera is now downloading and I took some photos of the partly made dress and large paisley and it's hard to see but the row of dots around that small paisley is also part of the larger paisley and it reaches about 20 cm long. As I said the pattern is woven in so it has a lot of stretch.  Having said all that I am pleased with how it looks so far which is made up bodice (no side seams done yet) and made up front and back skirt.  This is supposed to be fully...

Well it seems I can sew still! I have been busy this last week cutting out pattern pieces; some with fabric some not yet.  I planned to cut out an easy Burda skirt and a simple simplicity top but of course I completely changed my mind and thought I should make a black dress. I have had this black paisley fabric for at least 15 years.  It's a beautiful cotton and the pattern is woven in, not printed.  (when Apple call back and fix my camera download problem later I will post a photo of it).  I bought this fabric for about $2 from the designer place I have mentioned before - they sell off their stuff so cheaply but it is fabulous quality . I have been waiting for a pattern that would work with this fabric as the paisley is quite large; say 10-15cm.  I have thought about lots of stuff but suddenly on Sunday it came to me ... Burda 7488(seems like when Apple also reinstall everything I'll also be able to scan the pattern envelope so you can see what I am sewing). ...

Well, now I've done it.  Tilly at  http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/  has started a Crafty Christmas Club   for those who are making Christmas gifts.  So I have added her button to my blog ...well I plan to make some pj's for some not to be mentioned, some house slippers for my son's Japanese piano teacher and maybe a bag for the teacher's present.  I'm not going to stress too much or put too much pressure on myself either as I want to enjoy making them and not feel bad if I don't get it all done .... but, if I don't commit somewhere I fear I may not do anything either. Tafe has finished last Thursday but then my son came down with chicken pox and is home.  We haven't gone out since Saturday and he is getting bored.  I also had to get two lots of  important court documents done and handed into the court and along with my last two weeks of tafe, it has been a very stressful time. Docs in today so I feel better. I also have some curtain...

I was reading  www.thelaststitch.blogspot.com  and Johanna mentioned a site   www.luxirare.com  which I went and had a look at.  The stuff this girl makes is nothing short of amazing... really fantastic stuff and very innovative but it got me thinking something I have often thought of.  When people value more expensive goods like clothes, bags, shoes etc and dismiss the cheaper chain store type stuff (more what I can afford) they forget that someone  still makes it.  Some poor person more than likely, who works for nearly nothing, to make available what we consider basic things ... the clothes we wear, the shoes we love etc... Unless people are buying real hand made items or top end goods, someone is probably getting exploited making this stuff.   I have never been comfortable with this and so steer clear of designer stuff (not that I can afford it but I wouldn't anyway), brand labels and merchandised kids stuff.  I try to instil in ...

Ok, so this isn't the most exciting thing you'll see for sure, but at last I have sewn something!  Two nights ago at 10pm I realised I would just be too hot to wear my winter pj's another night and so I cut out a pair of cotton knit sleep shorts! I have had this fabric in my stash for probably 15 years, always with the thought of making pj's but never got round to it.  (This is a shocking photo but something in my camera is not allowing me to download photos and so I take it with the built in camera in my imac!) It's not a great job but really I have been so busy that even if I had the inclination to go and buy some pj's, I couldn't. And I don't have that inclination at all.                                                                                       ...

Well... the blog, not the patterns.  Had you there!  You thought "oh my goodness... she has actually done some sewing!" ... but it's not to be!  I do like New Look Patterns though! Kristy from www.loweryourpresserfoot.blogspot.com  has mentioned this humble blog in reference to clever names.  That's probably why I have noticed many more people looking (with the cute map thingy on the bottom). I'm sure that's from the remarks in Kristy's blog.  (Wow did you see that three dot burda coat!!..) Too bad more sewing hasn't been done lately although sew darn tired is how I am feeling mostly lately. My son is on school holidays this week and next, but I only have this week off from tafe (doh.. didn't work that one out soon enough!) and we have friends from New Zealand coming next week with their baby! My son will have a 2 night sleepover with his cousin (they have a big, big place with every mechanical thing known to boys so not sure he will notice I...

Remember a while ago, my first post I think, I said I had acquired some patterns at the local church jumble sale?  Well as I don't have time to do any sewing until probably November (when Tafe finishes) I thought I would show you some of the patterns I got for a song...20 cents each in fact! I bought quite a few and they were all 50's and 60's patterns; none cut and all size 16 with 36" bust.  It must have been someone who was a  hoarder  lover of patterns but had no time to make them ... know how that feels!  I haven't had time to look at the measurements even and have never made a vintage pattern (except in the real 70's when I started sewing - it wasn't vintage then!) so I don't know what sizing I need.  Even though I learned in a Fashion Design course many years ago how to adjust and fit patterns, I haven't done it for ever and am pretty lazy  time poor . I am pretty short waisted so maybe I'll do that small adjustment and see how I go! ...

I said I would post some photos from the 70's party we went to last week.. and here some are.  The photo above is the group I went with... I am second from left.  That is an original polyester 70's dress and was very comfortable to wear.  You can see the lighted up Story Bridge in the background.  This is out the front of the Alchemy Restaurant where the party was held in honour of the owner/chef Brad Jolly who turned 40 and the restaurant which turned 4. Not a bad view ... the food is also "sublime" as my osteopath quoted last week.  The food was fabulous, the French champagne went down well and the staff were incredible! Have a look at their website ... www.alchemyrestaurant.com.au     Brad has worked with some amazing and inspiring people one of them being Jamie Oliver! Brad and Ang! (really!) owners of Alchemy General dancing! My sister and I Paid entertainment! Getting into the mood! More mood getting! The girls with more ...

Do you remember the 70's? Yes I do too... late 70's finished high school and set upon the world.  I was more into alternative/punk/new wave pop type music but also found myself boppin' to disco too.  Well, I'm so excited ... tomorrow night I and my guest (sister - one of the 4 I have) are going to Alchemy Restaurant's 4th  and owner Brad Jolly's 40th birthday bash!  It is a Studio 54 theme... 70's great!!!  My sister came over with heaps of 70's gear that looks fantastic.  A whole suitcase full, no less! We have tried many on and had a good laugh but the one I liked on my sister was the red plastic short shorts, with the black,really large net top with sequins and big 70's sleeves, fish net tights with red boots with two white stripes up the side.  She won't wear it to the party but I think it looks great! I will wear an original Prestige dress - black off shoulder number with a halter tie coming from the centre- front (don't know what thi...

The Naiad Frock Grosgrain Giveaway - being Greek shouldn't I win this??? Really this gown is etherial...  Lucky whoever wins this!  Sorry .. I don't know why this photo isn't showing (see, told you I was a computer illiterate!) but have a look at the link.. it's a fantastic dress.

Since reading sewing blogs, I have learned that I don't have to rush off and buy what I think I need.  (not that I really do that anyway...even if I could afford it, I don't think I would). There is much inspiration in sewing-blog world... for example have a look here, http://kbenco.blogspot.com/2010/06/purple-parka-almost-jalie-2008.html  why buy a $400 or more, goretex jacket... why not just make it.  Three months ago, I would never have considered it but now... why not.  But I'm not making a gortex jacket (I bought one for $400 when I went to live in Auckland..you really need it there) but in Brisbane, it's good for a rainy or windy day  or rainy and windy day, and with a fleece is ok for winter... one is enough, though. But I would make one for my son.  Same with  http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/2010/08/cycling-jersey.html  if there is a pattern you can make it; if there isn't a pattern you can try and make it! So in the last few months I hav...

I'd like to welcome all (ok, all 5) of my followers. I feel really honoured and I won't deceive myself that it isn't the enticement of a giveaway - I'm not really that interesting, but never the less here you all are. This will encourage me to a) blog more and b) make it more interesting. It's different when you think you are writing to yourself!  Well, added to this is excitement, I see tonight that Kristy of  www.loweryourpresserfoot.blogger.com  fame has also become a follower of moi!!!! (I'm feeling just a little bit Miss Piggy now) I follow Kristy's work and wonder how she (or many actually) find the time for sewing and everything else women/mother's have to do. Just for the record: I love the new red skirt Kristy! Red goes marvellously well with grey! I have some photos I want to load soon (like the sunglasses I want to give away, and the dress I finished) but I have lots of study to do too and a legal matter that hopefully will finish on Thursda...

As if being a single parent (with only one day off a week) of a six year old active boy isn't enough, I have just started my Tafe course in Marketing this week ... one week down and 18 to go!  I am overwhelmed with how much work we have to do and getting a bit crazy with 'how will I ever do it all'.  I also make kindergarten sheet sets for a local kindy (kindergarten) and I have my usual home/mother stuff to do.  My son now has some before school care, park play and friend look after, and my Mum picks him up on Thursdays. Phew! However, I am determined that this will work out.  I will probably only do sewing in minimal bursts for a number of weeks- kind of tension release.  I have to master simple computer things that most people have no trouble doing - like spreadsheets etc.  I was a travel agent for the last 12 years of my paid working life (that ended 6 years ago) and I used travel programmes and CRS's (computer reservation systems - indeed I know 3 of...

Ever wondered why we are called seamSTRESS's ... it occurred to me just now! There is always stress when you sew.  I remember once, I was making a beautiful red satin long evening gown for New Year's Eve, when my cousin invited my then boyfriend and I to Tattersalls (an exclusive men only - unless invited - club in the city).   I sewed for days and it was going well until I caught a panel of the dress in the overlocker and put a 'v' nick into it ..... it is still unfinished!  I cried and cried and cried; then got a hold of myself and went out and bought a dress on New Year's Eve afternoon.  A beautiful black, beaded all over dress that was only $99.  I still have the dress and had the neck changed from a scoop neckline to a square about 8 years ago. The beaded dress has it's own story too!  When I worked in travel, my old travel manager worked for a children's cancer charity and was having a Ball to raise money. Said Ball was in Rockhampton, which is abou...

I fear my two favorite blogs are having an out and out verbal!! Here   and here (well written punch up that is).  I happen to agree with both.  I don't think think that Peter should be canning Dan's style ... me thinks he has nice style and looks like a "nice young man" Heavens, it looks like he tries to appease the great Selfish one by either learning to knit (in the photo) or he is actually teaching HER to knit!! But of course, Peter has his own style and doesn't need a "style icon".  It is nice to be a follower or emulate another's style - however there are few amongst us who could a) sew so well in such a short time b) whip up things for self and model-about-town cousin and c) lets face it; look good in a sheet that is made into skirt, shirt or dress!!! So....... how to mollify the situation????? Not sure ... either way they are both entertaining (even though they actually may not feel the joy) but make no mistake .. each has their own real ...

The Streamer Frock Grosgrain Giveaway  Have you seen this amazing dress that is being given away (if I made something that original and fantastic I would wear it every day and try to elicit compliments and approval).  What a generous soul!  Have a look here and look further into this blog is is really inspiring and really fun.

Well here I am!  This is my first post ever and up until about 6 weeks ago I had never even looked at a blog let alone known about sewing blogs!  Since then I have done nearly no sewing but have looked at an awful lot!  I am inspired by the amazing work people, not only put into their sewing but also into their blogs ... the hints, the help, the giveaways (I've even won one! from Kusine.com recently) and the laughs have been amazing.  What a wonderful world.  I am going to try to start a little sewing group in our area after seeing a beautiful, tall Kiwi woman (that's a New Zealander for those not in the southern hemisphere) picking up a Burda magazine in the library.  On deeper discussions she was not the one marking the pages so there are at least three of us using them.  (Then I discover her son and my son are at the same tae kwon do school so we see each other and talk sewing and kids at least twice a week.)  My friend also sews (her blog is W...