new eye candy

Thank you, thank you so much for your lovely comments. They mean so much to me. This journey that Ant and I are on is exciting and scary at the same time, but I am cherishing every moment of it. Knowing that a wee person, who already has it's own personality, it's own looks and it's own feelings is growing steadily inside my tummy fills us with great joy.

Writing the above has already cheered me up. I was intending to start this post with a rant, as I'm still getting tired a fair bit which also brings on the miseries. But so what if my second trimester 'energy boost' hasn't hit me yet, so what if I'm running out of clothes to wear. The boost may never happen and I've started cutting out a new top in black stretch knit cotton. Easy. I've also just read this post, the blog of which I've been following for a while and find it very inspirational.

So the above 2 bags are commissions I finished yesterday. They took a little longer than usual as I had to keep reminding myself of what to do next, I'm that bad. Decisions are also a challenge, and I've charged Ant with the job of making them. Bless 'im.

So, more eye candy - yes? A parcel arrived in the post yesterday, the book I had pre-ordered (when the exchange rate was a lot more attractive and then wasn't by the time it was charged to the credit card, but we'll let that pass) a couple of months ago is now in my hot little hands. I've mentioned before how much I enjoy Posie Gets Cozy, and her book is filled with lovely ideas for creating keepsakes.

I do like the idea of resurrecting the art of the silhouette and making it funkier.

Baby stuff, well what do you know, I might just have a need for that.

But wait, there's more.

My parents have just returned from (another) trip to Japan. This time it also incorporated a visit to my youngest brother who is working over there (Tifa's daddy). What better opportunity than to ask Mum to buy me a couple of Japanese magazines.

Lace must be making a comeback. Nice.

Drool....
This mag is a Poachee one. I don't know it's proper name because it's in Japanese, but it's got the most gorgeous patterns in it.

And very maternity friendly too. Hee hee hee....

So I now have the creative juices literally flowing out of me in a steady stream. Bring on the energy boost!!

new clothes for summer

A little while ago Ann and I bought the same fabric from our respective Spotlight stores and then mused at what our interpretations would produce. I had decided to do an overshirt type top for summer. I've used this pattern before and especially like the added touch of the pintucks on the front. This time I've made it longer so I can also wear it as a dress with footless tights, should look alright.

So why do I need a loose fitting top? Why, to accommodate the developing baby bump!

This is our first, so it's very exciting and a bit daunting at the same time. Also because of my age (39) there are more risks to consider, however I had my 13 week scan on Monday morning and everything appears to be 'normal'. I've been feeling pretty good too, only a bit of nausea in the afternoons and evening, and getting tired a lot of course. I'm looking forward to the second trimester happy hormones and energy boost, so here's hoping there'll be a lot more creativity coming from my sewing room.

so where were we?

I've been really pre-occupied of late, I can't say why at the moment but all shall be revealed in due course.

So it was one of my sisters' birthday the other day and she always likes a bag from me. I've already given her one of my backpacks and I've been wanting to get back into satchels -
This one has a cute Japanese fabric on the flap, and also has a clear plastic cover (a la Nicola Cerini love her bags!). I've since made one for myself using some yummy yummy Cicada Studio fabric, and still have to take a photo of.October, November and December are mad months as far as birthdays go, so I can't even think about Christmas presents until early December (grrr!). This little purse was made for my friend Rosie's birthday, the pattern is from Amy Karols book Bend the Rules Sewing. It's a handy little book for making gifts I've found.
It has 2 pouches inside which are big enough for a credit card and a couple of folded up notes. Perfect for when you're going out on the town and don't want to take your entire purse. The aqua print is from one of those talented Melbourne girls.
Ant's work received a couple of boxes delivered from a new supplier who also distributes McCalls and Butterick patterns. However it was rather surprising when said boxes didn't have the usual bubble wrap (or similar), and instead used dressmaking patterns! So of course they saved them for me, and I spent an entire evening sorting, ironing and refolding each sheet. I haven't quite finished but it seems most of the patterns are complete. Some are so not my size (or just not me) and what I was thinking of doing is posting photos of them here and if anyone wants them I'll send them - free! Aren't I nice? I didn't pay anything for them so why should I charge, and besides, I had my 100th post the other day and didn't offer a giveaway. Was that bad blogger etiquette?

Have a good weekend all. Here's hoping I won't be so slack next week......

sew choice

My apologies for being so tardy on the blog front. I had a nasty little head cold all last week which really knocked the stuffing out of me. I've never had so many colds in one year, should have gotten stuck into the vitamin C early on.....

So anyway, I found out about this English mag through the Prints Charming blog and the website allowed for pre-ordering using Paypal. The opportunity seemed too good to refuse. So I was naturally expecting a Prints Charming item in the issue, and was very impressed to see it made the front cover. Although more goodies were to be had, a the flick of a page....

Alicia Paulson is amazing, terribly creative and writes a beautiful blog about life, pets and crafty stuff. So it was a lovely surprise to see her featured also.

More Prints Charming goodness.

And even an article about Amy Butler! Awesome...

This little scamp is a great idea, designed to make use of left over fabric scraps - perfect!

I think it's wonderful that they're showcasing crafty talent from all over the world. My only hope is that this magazine will continue to live up to the standard it has set, and I look forward to seeing what the next issue will be like.

Show Day

Yesterday was a local public holiday for the Launceston Show. However I went the opposite direction to my sisters home near Chudleigh, collecting Mum along the way.

We spent a pleasant, and almost bohemian afternoon sitting on old quilts and some of Tara's cushions on the sunny side of the verandah. Sipping tea and indulging in some home made treats (Tara makes a mean pavlova).

I took my knitting. I'm not far from finishing Ant's pullover thank goodness. I don't do big projects very often, I tend to gravitate towards gloves, beanies and socks - I love knitting socks on four needles.

I'm typing this while Tifa is playing with an old ball of wool she pinched from my knitting basket. She's managed to tangle the yarn around almost every chair leg in the room.

And hey, guess what? You'll never guess ..... but we're off to Bruny Island this weekend - what a surprise! Sorry, it's just a fact of life this time of year and I need to get over it. Don't get me wrong, I love the place to bits - it's just the travelling that gets to me.

because I can't help myself

A few weeks ago the lovely Ann posted about the spring fabrics she bought to make some clothes, and I recognised the fabric above as being available in my local Spotlight store also. I suggested that I buy a few metres as well and then we could compare the results. I'm thinking a nice long over-shirty type top, with pin tucks down the front and a bit of shaping at the waist. I have a pattern I can easily adapt to do this so I might just give it a try.

Something like the above would be nice for spring/summer too. I can't remember where I came across this magazine, may have been A Little Goodness's shop the other day but has sold since.

So what are you going to make for the season that you're in?

friday fluff

Going to Melbourne this weekend to see the chappy above, yay!! It was a fairly last minute decision to go and are only staying one night, but it should be a jolly good time provided we don't get caught up with any Grand Final after parties.

Although I do have to say this - carn the Cats!!