I was just starting the quilting on the doll quilt when clunk, clunk, clunk, the sewing machine comes to a stand still. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't pinpoint what the problem is. So it'll have to go to the repair shop on Monday.
Now I've got the 'sewing machine blues' - boo hoo!
last night, after the children had gone to bed, I got stuck into cutting out my squares for the doll quilt. I'm a total newbie when it comes to the world of rotary cutters and self healing mats. So it took a bit of time for the rotary cutter and I to get acquainted.
Then today, as Miss 2 had her afternoon sleep (thankfully she slept 10 minutes longer than usual) I was able to complete step 1 of the doll quilt tutorial. Hopefully tonight, I'll be able to make a little more progress.
yes it's finally time to take a hard look at the scrap fabric stash and give it a good sort out. I don't like waste and try to do all that I can to reduce my environmental footprint with my crafting as well. So all the scrap fabric is put aside to use in one way or another. Apart from the fabric balls and my crazy patchwork dorothy bag (both still 'work in progress'), I've been on the lookout for some other small projects to use up my scraps. My pattern stash yielded this Kwik sew pattern for pin cushions, which could be great.
I discovered these liberty fabric scraps hiding at the very bottom of the pile. They were a $1 op shop find. These could make up a pretty doll quilt using Sew Mama Sew's doll quilt tutorials and there's enough scraps to make 2 doll quilt panels.
If you have any little project suggestions, I'd love to hear from you.
every year at this time the Pasifika festival and Polyfest cultural secondary school competitions bring a uniquely pacific flavour to Auckland. It's a chance for many Aucklanders to get a real feel for the taste, sights and sounds of the pacific islands. I feel quite nostalgic when I go to these events. Te Vaka's very popular song 'Pate pate' (one of my all time favourites) brings it all together for me. Hope you enjoy the song too.
Pate Pate (Log drum)
LYRICS and Translations
tu la ki luga ke fai malama get up stand up let your feelings be known taimi tenei e fai na hiva the time has come to perform the dance tu la ki luga ke fai malama get up stand up let your intentions be known lue lue malie te gali o na hiva swaying ever so sweetly the message in the dance
aue aue Oh! Oh! tama mimita the boys are very bold aue aue Oh! Oh! teine mimita the girls are very bold aue aue Oh! Oh! hihiva mimita the dancers are very bold aue aue Oh! Oh! kikila mai la fakaakiali atu Watch me now, it’s my turn to show
e a mai tau faiva e a mai “How is the fishing with you, how is it?” (Girl) taku ika e fofou ai au “The fish that I truly long for” (Boy) e a mai tau faiva e a mai “How is the fishing with you, how is it? (Girl)
CHORUS hihiva ki luga hihiva mai ve dance on up, dance just like that hihiva malie ki te pate pate dancing ever so sweetly to the Pate Pate (logdrum)
chant: hiva ki luga hiva ki lalo dance on up, dance on down hiva malie ki te pate pate Dancing ever so sweetly to the rhythms of the log drum
I have a small collection of Enid's pattern books. Now that I've tidied up the sewing/craft room and see that I have some shelf space available, I think I might collect some more.
Enid Gilchrist's pattern books are full of inspiring patterns and ideas. It's not hard to see that her patterns would have been a great resource for mothers during the 1940s to 1970s. Her patterns are easy to follow and draft and are as stylish today as they were when first published. Knowing that the patterns have been used by past mothers to make clothing, toys etc for their families is a very special feeling to.
This morning I dropped off the fabric and a box full of retro and vintage patterns to my local hospice shop. The ladies at the hospice shop are a very friendly bunch and were pleased to get some new stock for their crafts section. Going through my pattern stash brought back lots of happy sewing memories.
This was one of the first patterns that I ever bought. It made up really well in a reddish coral coloured muslin with matching cotton lace. I thought I looked quite stylish at the time wearing this top with my flared jeans.
This wrap around skirt pattern was very easy and made up in next to no time at all. My skirt was made up in a floral printed chambray. Although it looked nice, it wasn't a very practical skirt especially on a breezy day.
My mother made me the view 3 dress for a church social when I was a teenager. The skirt had huge pink swirls on a white background with a lacy bodice and sleeves. I thought it was the prettiest dress ever. It was such a popular style that I remember being a bridesmaid for 2 weddings wearing this same styled dress. Love those flirty sleeves.
Parting with patterns was nowhere near as hard as the fabric stash. There was over 30 plus years worth of pattern collecting to rationalise. It didn't take long (quite a few patterns were either 'stuck in a time warp' or 'not age appropriate') and I'm very pleased that it's done.
Yesterday I filled the whole bottom half of the shelving with fabric... lots and lots of fabric. This morning at 6.30am, I got onto the job of rationalising the stash. There was a sea of fabric around my feet and I'd no idea what to keep and what to part with. Working methodically, I've been able to part with quite a bit of fabric (now all bagged) ready to deliver to the hospice shop tomorrow. Yikes, the photo is a little blurry, sorry.
today was the day for tidying up. The craft/sewing room has been a mess for days with stuff now being piled up on the floor. So this morning with children in tow, I went shopping and bought some second hand shelving. It took 2 trips and the help of Miss 12 and Mr 10 to get the shelves into place. Then it was sorting through all the fabric. I didn't realise until today that I had so much fabric stashed away. I'm even embarassed to admit that there's lots of material that I couldn't even remember buying (sigh!)
Anyway, it looks like the weekend might be swallowed up by my 'attempt' to rationalise this rather large fabric collection.
As for my other stuff, Miss 2's dress is finished and ready to wear, the cushions are cut but not sewn and the curtains are hemmed and ready to be hung. I'm waiting for dear hubby to put up the new curtain rails. Miss 10's sewing requests are on hold, as she can't decide about her tops or her dress for the school social. And the A+O pants, I haven't even touched them this week.
the courier pulls up the driveway this morning catching me unawares. It's 7.30am and I'm still in my pyjamas desperately trying to tame Miss 2's wild hair and urging the older 2 children to get ready for school. It's our usual school morning chaos!
The parcel was quickly unwrapped by the 3 children to reveal 2 repro Barbie sets. Who sent them? I have absolutely no idea. So whoever you are, thank you very much!
today's post brought me a friend's lovely gift of two wonderful vintage doll knitting patterns. I'm really excited to finally have the knitted dresses and cape pattern. Sadly, doll knitting will have to go on the wait list until I've finished my current projects.
I'm adding the finishing touches of hemming and buttons to Miss 2's dress. Then it's on to completing the hems on the curtains.Next is making the cushions and then onto Miss 10's tops.
is the beautiful 'Time to say goodbye' sung Sarah Brightman & Andrea Bocelli. So turn up the volume, get your hairbrush, wooden spoon or whatever ready and give those high notes the best you've got...
it seems as if not too many people these days bother with mending. Probably because we value our time so much that we'd rather be doing something else and maybe because it's just easier to replace than repair. I'm determined to make mending a habit, rather than think of it as a boring and uninteresting activity that I've got to try and avoid for as long as possible.
So the mending basket came out today and I got to work. Hemming, fixing tears in pants and replacing lots of buttons seemed to be a consistent thing this time round. The worst part is digging through the button jar trying to find a similar button without success and then ending up by having to replace the lot.
Dear hubby's work clothes are always in need of repair. Meanwhile Mr 10 is equally hard on his clothes. On top of that, the children are growing like bean poles. So every bit of wear that they can get out of their clothes is a bonus. For now, I'm as pleased as punch that I've finished all the mending.
all of a sudden I have lots and lots of sewing to do and 'sew' little time to do it. Here's a quick run down of what needs doing by the weekend:
1) Miss 2 needs her dress finished for church this Sunday.
2) Miss 12 needs a couple of tops to go with the new jeans that we bought last weekend.
3) Miss 12 has a school social coming up and wants me to make a start on her dress.
3) Mr 10 has several shirts and pants that need mending.
4) Dear hubby has clothes that need mending.
4) The lounge curtains need to be shortened and ready to be hung this weekend.
5) The lounge suite needs new cushions.
and I'm not even going to start talking about all the 'other' sewing that I have on the go. Just thinking about this makes me feel tired, makes me want to scream aaahhh
A quick visit to Spotlight this afternoon, had me having a mini splurge on some $4 per metre sale fabric. I just couldn't resist such cute prints. As I was taking a photo of the fabric, I noticed that I have something of a colour theme going on of red/white/blue. More fabric destined for the ever growing (also groaning) stash.
Whenever I'm shopping at Spotlight, I always make sure to check out their free crafting patterns. They're a great source of inspiration. Today I picked up 4 quilting patterns and a vintage inspired pinny pattern.
There's also heaps of free crafts, knitting and sewing project patterns on the Spotlight website.
One of my 2009 goals was to try gocco printing. I've finally found a print gocco kit on ebay that didn't cost me a fortune. Luckily this kit is ex Australia so postage is more affordable. Most of the second hand kits ex Japan charge crippling postage charges of nearly $70-$80 US to ship to New Zealand. The current USD=NZD exchange rate is terrible at around 49c/50c US for $1 NZD. Not very encouraging for us Kiwis. So I used up the last of my US currency in my Paypal account buying up gocco supplies to keep me going for a while.
The kit and supplies are due to arrive within the week. So while I'm waiting, I'm drawing some designs for cards and checking out some tutorials, like celestefrittata and visiting the gocco flickr group plus getting stuck into cutting out my A+O pants.
is 'C S Lewis song' by Brooke Fraser. Her songs have a haunting, soulful quality...
Lyrics
"C.S. Lewis Song"
If I find in myself desires nothing in this world can satisfy, I can only conclude that I was not made for here If the flessh that I fight is at best only light and momentary, then of course I'll feel nude when to where I'm destined I'm compared
[CHORUS] Speak to me in the light of the dawn Mercy comes with the morning I will sigh and with all creation groan as I wait for hope to come for me
Am I lost or just found? On the straight or on the roundabout of the wrong way? is this a soul that stirs in me, is it breaking free, wanting to come alive? Cos my comfort would prefer for me to be numb An avoid the impending birth of who I was born to become
[CHORUS]
[BRIDGE] For we, we are not long here Our time is but a breath, so we better breathe it And I, I was made to live, I was made to love, I was made to know you Hope is coming for me Hope, He's coming
I've always had an interest in the 1950s hard plastic walking dolls. Especially in the New Zealand made Pedigree walkie talkies. On my wishlist for the longest time was the bent knee walker doll which are becoming harder and harder to find now. Luckily last year, I discovered this poor doll. Of course, she was in need of repair. There's no way that I could afford an original, pristine doll although in hindsight, if I add up how much she's cost me to fix up, I probably could lol! She was missing a lower leg, had sparse hair, no eyelashes and as you can see, was very age and play worn. I met the doll's owner who told me that she'd received this doll as a childhood birthday gift. Sadly she was parting with it as she didn't have the money to fix it and no daughters or nieces to pass it on to.
It took a year before I got her back (long boring story about doll hospital delays). With a vintage doll like this, I personally prefer the 'improved' look rather than the 'make it look like new' look. After all, she's over 50 years old. I'm sure you'll agree that she looks a lot better now than when she first arrived.
She's due a new outfit. I'd love to knit her a vintage styled set like the pale blue pattern in the photo. She'll also need a name (I'm open to suggestions) and some nicer photos too. I'll get onto those all very soon!
Mr 10 battled a cold today to participate in his school's swim sports. He was happy to finish 1st in the 50 metre breaststroke. Miss 2 and I cheered him on from a warm sunny spot as it was cold and windy today. After the races were over, we headed straight home.
I think I'm coming down with a cold too! (sneeze!)
when I was sewing for myself years ago, I was working in an office. To stand out in a sea of dark suits, I made my own tailored suits. At the time, I had the most beautiful fabric stash, thanks to Barker & Pollock Queen Street where I worked part time when I was studying. I had a lovely size 12 body with a perky bust and no fitting issues. Everything I made for myself fitted me beautifully. 20 years on things have changed alot. Time, 3 pregnancies and extended breastfeeding have contributed to my change in figure. Now I have a fuller and rounder tummy, hips, thighs and a butt...
For the a+o pants I referred to this book in my sewing books collection by Pati Palmer. Years ago, I learnt to pattern draft & adjust using the flat pattern work method. This usually gets me close enough and then I start to pin and fit from there. The measuring and number work can be confusing & bothersome and the results aren't always precise. That's the way I've always done it. The plesch/palmer method is worth learning, the fit is great and as for getting a good fit in the crotch area, it's the best I've seen. So with my pattern adjustments complete, I'm cutting my test pants this weekend. I've also set aside some fabric to practice my back welt pockets.
For general fitting issues, Sandra Betzina's 'Fast Fit' is a good reference book. She deals with a range of body shape fitting issues and solutions using a flat pattern adjustment method. I've found this book to be a handy reference when sewing for others.
The a+o pants are still very much a work in progress. I'll post another update soon.
todays crafting task has been cutting out lots and lots of segments to make fabric balls to go to the South Auckland wool programme. I used the purlbee pattern/tutorial to make the smaller ball. I'm trying to use up at least 1 bag of fabric scraps to make these balls.
I went grocery shopping this morning and saw an old school desk put out for the inorganic rubbish collection. You should see our street. Piles of inorganic rubbish heaped up in front of houses. The rubbish collection usually happens in our district every 2 years. This year we've got the weekend to get the rubbish out and then the pickups start on Monday.
It's an odd phenomena... the rubbish goes out, the hunters and collectors come, find, gather and go... and the left over stuff goes to the landfill.
listening to 'Out of the moon' by Goldenhorse as I sew...
Lyrics
Out of the moon you come You will desert me but at first we're one I ride beside you through the armies of the sun What is it you are, are you a dream
What of the time we have To be together in this air we breathe You say forever but I know you've gotta go What is it you are, are you a dream
I could tell you that I'm always gonna miss you I could tell you that I'll never be the same You won't even hear me
What's the point in crying What's the point in hurting In the shadow of the day When I'm with you I don't remember anyway
I could tell you that I'm always gonna miss you I could tell you that I'll never be the same You won't even hear me
What's the point in crying What's the point in hurting In the shadow of the day When I'm with you I don't remember anyway
Back to the moon you go Is there a reason I can never know You made my tears come and my blood run all the time What is it you are, are you a dream? Are you a dream? Are you a dream?
this pattern just arrived in this morning's post. I couldn't find it in New Zealand so I had to resort to buying it online. I'm trying to convince myself that it wasn't an impulse buy. As I really like the idea of a smock top without the full, maternity look. It could possibly look great teamed up with my 'in progress' Alice and Olivia pants (due for an update post very soon!) If not, then the pattern is destined to spend it's days languishing in my pattern stash lol!
Cream butter and sugar. Add beaten egg, flour and vanilla essence. Mix well and then press out onto well greased slice tray. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 160 degrees until pale golden colour. Cool.
step 2 - filling
1 cup white sugar
1 cup water
juice and grated rind 2 medium size lemons
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons custard powder
2 tablespoons cornflower
Put sugar, water and juice plus rind of lemons in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Seperately mix the milk, custard powder and cornflour to a smooth paste. Stir the 2 mixtures together using a wire whisk and then slowly bring to the boil. Boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and pour over the shortcake.
step 3 - marshmallow
2 tablespoons gelatine
1 cup boiling water
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon essence
1 cup icing sugar
Dissolve the gelatine in water in a medium-large saucepan. Add sugar, boil for 8 minutes and then cool. Add the lemon essence and icing sugar and beat until thick and creamy. Then pour at once over the filling and leave to set. Cut when cold.
ps:this is a tangy, very lemony tasting slice. If you want less of a lemon taste then use the juice/rind of 1-1 1/2 lemons in filling and 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of lemon essence in the marshmallow. Enjoy!
well I'm working steadily on making baby beanies for the South Auckland wool programme. Just finished one and have started another. I like to use acrylic/wool mix for charity knitting. Obviously, it's cheaper to buy, easier to knit and look after.
I also found some polar fleece in my stash, to make some baby cuddle rugs for the wool programme babies as well. My plan is to cut my fleece into single square metres, applique a corner of the rug and then crochet an edging right round. I hope that I can make it as easy as it sounds.
"To make a wish come true, whisper it to a Butterfly. Upon these wings it will be taken to heaven and granted, for they are the messengers of the Great Spirit."
Today is Miss 2's birthday! She's been looking forward to eating cake, yummy! To celebrate, we're off to Butterfly Creek.
There's lots to see, like the pretty butterflies, creepy bugs, cute farm animals, ride the train, have lunch and play in the playground.
This little butterfly was happy to pose for it's photo, and waited paitently while I got the camera ready. Afterwards, Miss 2 was ready to head home for a nap.
Photos removed for safety reasons due to cyber stalking!
Today is Miss 2's birthday! She's been looking forward to eating cake, yummy! To celebrate, we're off to Butterfly Creek.
There's lots to see, like the pretty butterflies, creepy bugs, cute farm animals, ride the train, have lunch and play in the playground.
This little butterfly was happy to pose for it's photo, and waited paitently while I got the camera ready. Afterwards, Miss 2 was ready to head home for a nap.
I've been struggling with inspiration for my doll sewing. It's been at a stand still for a few months now. Last week out of the blue, 3 bjd items sold in my etsy shop and that got me looking for a little inspiration. I found it with this miniature dressmakers mannequin. It stands at 70cm tall and is an exact replica of the full size dress form. I've called it 'Betty' and it sits on my work table, draped in fabric. It's ideal for playing around and working out whether the scale of the fabric is suitable.
Looking around, I think it'll be time to tidy up in the craft room very soon. Dear hubby still hasn't finished the room and I may have to resort to hiring a builder and painter to get it done.
today Miss almost 2 and I spent the day, again chasing the shade (it was 24 degrees)and cheering on Miss 12 who won the Year 8 girls 100 metres and 200 metres sprint finals. I'm very proud of Miss 12. She loves to run and enjoys running in bare feet. While the other girls were talking themselves up, she remained quietly confident.
And so of course, not even the teeniest bit of crafting happened today.
Thanks for letting me share my 'proud mummy' moment.
today Miss almost 2 and I spent the day, again chasing the shade (it was 24 degrees)and cheering on Miss 12 who won the Year 8 girls 100 metres and 200 metres sprint finals. I'm very proud of Miss 12. She loves to run and enjoys running in bare feet. While the other girls were talking themselves up, she remained quietly confident.
And so of course, not even the teeniest bit of crafting happened today.
Thanks for letting me share my 'proud mummy' moment.
18 February 1989, dear hubby and I, said 'I do' and embarked on our adventure together. I remember when this photo was taken, I was feeling both scared and excited and very keen to get on with married life.
20 years on, we take a breath, glance back briefly and do a tally up of the years and then keep going forward, always forward...
18 February 1989, dear hubby and I, said 'I do' and embarked on our adventure together. I remember when this photo was taken, I was feeling both scared and excited and very keen to get on with married life.
20 years on, we take a breath, glance back briefly and do a tally up of the years and then keep going forward, always forward...
my latest craft finds are these 5 amazing crochet birds patterns from Annie's Attic. They're from 1983, so I guess that makes them 'retro'? I've never seen anything like them before. In case you're wondering, I bought them just because I liked the idea of them... however, I can't see myself making them. The owls in particular are gorgeous. I'm always amazed at how creative and talented crafters are, to make up patterns to share with the rest of the crafting community. Hope to do that myself one day.
Not much else on today. It's another hot day at 24 degrees, so I'm in the shade with Miss almost 2 keeping cool! It's my 20th wedding anniversary tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to celebrating it with my dear hubby and children. See you tomorrow!
