Giving and Receiving Handmade Style

As another Christmas Day draws to a close, I'd like to wish you all the very best for this Festive and Holiday season. I was thrilled to receive this Handmade crocheted rug from my lovely sister in law, Kim .... I've often admired hers, the colour combinations are just lovely ... thanks so much Kim!!!

 Over the past 2 weeks, I've made 16 pairs of Boxer shorts and 25 Screen Printed Tote Bags for gifts ....

 Mostly for the blokes .....

 But some for girls ....

 Also made a couple of iPad covers, the first time I've used these great little Twist Locks ....

 I used the Photo Emulsion screens I made at my recent TAFE course for these bags ...

And finally, one of my paintings for mum - she loved it!!!

And after a big big lunch, I now need a little lie down.

Vogue 1220 and our Soiree

Here is Vogue 1220 - A Donna Karan design in Martin & Savage's KUDOS fabric - 55% Linen, 28% Polyester, 15% Viscose and 2 % Spandex. - hope you're impressed with all that accuracy!

I made a straight Size 12. The fabric estimate requires 2.6m of 150cm wide fabric - I only had 2.25metres of 130cm wide fabric - so I squeezed every last drop out of this  - and I had to cut the belt short and put a join in, and I also had to put a join in the placket. I didn't cut the bias strip for the back neckline raw edge - I just used some satin bias binding. I fused interfacing to the hem facings - glad I did - provides far better structure. I raised the placket positioning about 5 cm higher than suggested so that the neckline wasn't too deep. I also interfaced the inside facing to support the buttons, and I think I should have also interfaced the whole front facing section and also slip stitched it in place as I found it popping out every now and again - I can still do that.

Great design, interesting lines and shape - shame my fabric creased so much - but that's linen! or should I say 55% linen!

Here are a few snaps of our Handmade Sewing Studio's End of Year Celebration at Cozzies Cafe Swansea - lovely night - some raffles and tissue pattern flower decorations .... thanks everyone for coming - fantastic company and great food!

Home Sewn Gifts for Baby

 Sally & Smith Puppies - Pattern by Ric Rac as seen previously

 and a great little travel change mat from Nicole Mallalieu ....

 For this one I used thick towelling ...

 And this one, quilted calico ...

Welcome to the world Chloe and Emmerson!!!