Japanese goodness.....

These are the trusty Japanese instructions!!! Included was this little of gem of wisdom......

"The handmade things
give me spaceing mith the mistise"

Extraordinarily helpful that was.....

This was my finished version!!!....

Which looked pretty much like this I think!!

Aiko came back from Japan last week with these 3 gorgeous Japanese pattern books.

and this stash of wonderful fabric! Just gorgeous!


I don't think I did too badly really and I have realised again how much I have taught myself in such a short time about sewing. I was able to nut out things for myself and put it together with no cries of "help"!!!!!

As usual the binding around the arms was a bit dodgy but otherwise this sweet top will be a little summer nighty top for Izzy and I might make some matching shorties or bloomers for her. She is a HOT sleeper who gets blood noses frequently at night, so I'm always looking at ways to keep her cool!


I managed to get her to try it on and it looks SO cuteI will definitely make a few more for her! It looks super sweet on her, plus very cool for these already hot days we are having!

Giveaway!

Henny Penny from MoederKip is having a wonderful giveaway after her recent 7 projects in 7 days!
I would love to win the Bjarne, as my poor J man misses out a bit in the sewing department!!

Check it out HERE!!

Apron swap!

In September I was part of an apron swap on Crafty Mamas!
It was my first time being involved in a swap and I was very nervous about my lack of sewing ability, in the end I made 2 aprons for my partner - hopefully this made up for my ability!

I receieved this gorgeous, bright and beautiful apron from Cherri! Isn't it just gorgeous!

Just in receiving it, I have learnt alot about finer details, the pleats in the bodice are gorgeous! The bow (which can snap on or off!) is cute as and the general way it was made is just lovely!
Thanks Cherri!! It has pride of place hanging on a clip on my fridge so I can grab it easily and people always comment!

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/11/handmade-dress-patterns-guest-giveaway.html

These are just the most divine dresses and I would love to make one for Izzy! I LOVE the beautiful buble skirt on the Miss Lily! TOOOOO cute!

Loving the learning journey....

The waist band is stuffed, took me 3 attempts!

The hem needs something (as I couldn't find a nice lace) maybe some white ric rak?

The pockets are skewed even though I have made them lots for the tunic top...

BUT

I have loved learning through this process! I made buttonholes for the first time ever AND I didn't call mum to work it out, but sat and read the instruction manual (shock horror!) I love that I have 3 more of these cut out ready to go as I know they will be infinitely better as I learn as I go!

Can't wait for my gorgwah girl to arrive home so she can try it on!

On a side note, Al has for around 12 years been telling me to get a hobby, I have one now and am obsessed and totally in love with making things!! Sewing rocks...and yes I'm a craft nerd now.

Peace out.

Another tunic!

This is from Ottobre 1/2009 #14 again! I love Otto! and I love this tunic, so versatile and just looks so gorgeous! I made some more errors in the casing and the elastic casing is a PITA - not sure I will ever be able to sew, stretch elastic and around corners all at once!!!

Sorry about the million photos of the same dress too - she's just so cute!!