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!!!

Sally and Smith and the Crocadile Dundee Needle

I'm often on the look out for projects suitable for Beginners - something that is easy, uses minimal fabric and other bits and has high impact ........ Introducing Sally and Smith from Jodie's new range of Beginner Sewing Patterns.

I really enjoyed sewing these little guys - it's not often your sewing project actually comes to life - with those teeny weeny button eyes and that coy smile - how can you resist? They are a beautiful shape to hold, and Smith's little legs can be moved to various poses. If you're not familiar with Jodie Ric Rac - you'd be in the minority - she's a Celebrity of the Softie world - and I must boast that I met her in real life earlier this year.

I've never used a Doll Needle before - and man! You call that a needle????

Sorry if these 2 photos cause distress - it is only polyester filling inside after all .. and she can't squeal with pain cause she hasn't got her mouth yet!

Great little pattern with super easy step by step clear sensible instructions!

I'll be cutting out some more of these and sewing them LIVE - this Friday Night (21st Oct) at Blacksmiths Primary School's first ever Night Market - I'd love to see you there! I'll also have some Ric Rac patterns available for sale.

And I just noticed that I have 101 Followers!!! WOW! Nice to meet you all .......

The Weekend Wrap Up

So we start with the ASG Industry Day at the Simplicity Warehouse at Revesby. We had some great guest speakers and the opportunity to purchase patterns, trims, notions and fabrics. Jodie "RicRac" Carlton had us in "stitches" with her stand up comedy routine .... the girl was an absolute hoot and it was just amazing to see the many totally cute and clever little toys in real life that I had seen on her blog over the years. And ... just to warn you - there will be many photographs on this post ....

Jodie in action "And this is a Bernina Sewing Machine, and the machine on the right is an ... an  ....??"

As you can see, Jodie is a legend, and we could all relate to her hilarious anecdotes - especially if you've ever had a teenage son. Her imagination, skill and sense of humour is mind blowing, and I came away with the reminder to practise those pelvic floor exercises!! If you haven't seen Jodie's work before - pop on over for a look -  the patterns for her toys and other projects are also available.

Another speaker was Renee Wedell - a Haute Couture dressmaker with experience in Paris working for Givenchy, Balenciaga and Chanel -  this lady was truly amazing - her skills, her challenges, her life experiences - there is no other way to say it - but, just amazing. She had made clothes for Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy amongst others- it was a pleasure to hear her story.

Balenciaga Dress

 Also, at Simplicity, John Byrnes spoke to us about some new pattern ranges that Simplicity has been developing, basically to encourage new sewists with simpler patterns - so that should be interesting to watch out for. Once again, another truly worthwhile ASG Industry Day.

So, Sunday was the Craft and Quilt Fair at Darling Harbour. My friend Nicole and I helped out on Nicole Mallalieu's stand. It was a great fair - on my quick buzz around I saw a good variety of stalls - and I noticed great interest in yarns. Nikki's stall was consistently busy, and it was great to see some friendly faces and other bloggers.

The items on the top shelf are some of the great projects in Nikki's new book.

 

 

Nikki & Nicole

 

 

 

 

Hands On Printing Activities

The gorgeous Sewing Guild girls roping in new members.

Delicious Yarn Creations

And so, the sock monkeys and I need to get back to the normal routine. Ciao!