Sandra Loves Sewing: Last quilt for 2015

Sandra Loves Sewing: Last quilt for 2015: Being New Years Eve and of course the last day to 2015, I am posting the last quilt I finished early on Christmas morning. This quilt, was...

Last quilt for 2015

Being New Years Eve and of course the last day to 2015, I am posting the last quilt I finished early on Christmas morning.

This quilt, was a long time in the planning, and yet I still managed to be sewing at the very last minute!  Go figure, I just don't know whey I do this to myself.

I had to finish this urgently as it was a gift to my little cousin for Christmas and I was seeing her on Christmas day.

The dark purple fabric was a hand dyed fabric, floral fabric - quilting fabric, and light green - 100% dressmaking cotton.  All three appeared to have different textures or weight. Some of the blocks may not have moved so much had they been all of the same weight or texture.

Despite some minor problems, I think the quilt turned out quite well.

I notice that I've made 41 posts in 2015.  I'm not into new years resolutions, but I think I'II make my goal to post 52 sewing related posts in 2016.  Have you a new years resolution you'd like to share?

Happy new year everyone.  Stay safe.

Sandra

Handmade needle cases

Going through my sewing stuff at the moment is a journey of discovery. I'm finding things that l had forgotten l had.

I do love practical paraphernalia when it comes to sewing.

Look what I've found, some handmade needle cases.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

Sewing thread storage solution

So, a plastic tub of sewing thread wasn't quite working for me.

While scrounging through the 40% off sale at Spotlight l found that their thread racks were actually 50% off. They were designed to sit on a table, not hanging. I walked away, l thought about it a bit longer, and decided that if l got hubby to attach them together:

I can hang them behind a door.

 Don't you think it looks like lollies in a lolly store?

What colour is missing? My favourite colour of course, red.

This works for me (although l do admit my threads don't fit). I'm hoping that now that l can see all my threads l won't randomly be buying thread l don't need.

Happy sewing everyone.

Happy new year everyone.

Sandra

My sewing machine and l are becoming Zen

All my sewing stuff has been packed away now for a period of time that appears to be forever.  It now has its own space, and so do l.

So, with only a few days to Christmas a bit of madness has struck my world with the urgency to finish gifts. Two down, one large one to go.

Using my Sizzix machine, l used its flower dye to create this appliqué on a couple of hand towels.

I also completely finished this baby quilt.

Well, it's a beginning.

Maybe moving house and doing Christmas lunch was not one of my brightest idea!


Merry Christmas everyone, and if you don't celebrate Christmas, be good to each other.

Happy sewing,
Sandra (LOL)

Sandra Loves Sewing: Feedsack quilt

Sandra Loves Sewing: Feedsack quilt: Some years ago, a friend gave me as a gift a feedsack quilt top. For the most part of the time I've had it, I've kept it stor...

Feedsack quilt

Some years ago, a friend gave me as a gift a feedsack quilt top.

For the most part of the time I've had it, I've kept it stored away in a cupboard.

It is hand stitched.

There are two trains of thought with feed sack quilt tops. One is to just keep it as a quilt top and the other is to put it together to be a finished quilt.

After some years, I think that I'm edging towards putting it together as a finished quilt.  My reasoning is that a quilt needs to be used and enjoyed otherwise it will continue to sit in the cupboard.

I'd be interested in your point of view on this subject.

Happy sewing.

Sandra

Sandra Loves Sewing: Happy retirement

Sandra Loves Sewing: Happy retirement: No, not my retirement! After a colleague and I making 11 baby quilts last year for pregnant colleagues, you'd be excused for thinki...

Happy retirement

No, not my retirement!

After a colleague and I making 11 baby quilts last year for pregnant colleagues, you'd be excused for thinking we'd retired from quilt making.

This quilt top is for a colleague who is retiring at the end of this year.  I put the quilt top together and Ronda will be doing the quilting. The background fabric is printed with names of towns in Australia.

I think it turned out well, the photo perhaps doesn't capture the true look of the quilt top. Let's hope the person who receives this quilt loves it and cherishes it.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

A scathingly brilliant idea .... we thought! Ottobre 2/2006 Design 1 T shirt

Yes, I know, I've gone missing for a while and could well disappear for a little while more after writing this, we're renovating, we're near the end; but, you know how it is, just as we seem to get some momentum, something slows us down.  All this means for me is that my sewing machine and I have very little time together.

My friend Ronda and I came up with this "scathingly brilliant idea" (as Hayley Mills once said in 'The trouble with angels'.

We decided to buy these Tshirts online and would wear them every Friday!  (Sometimes the journey is more fun than the destination).

Check, yes, choose our colours:  Ronda - blue (there was no purple option) and me - red.

Yes, yes, sizing, checked that.

Ok order.

For two weeks we waited for them to arrive, excitement.  Here is what we received:

All appears well, doesn't it?  Except that there is no ease in the measurements, so either fit too tightly or not at all.

Major disappointment on my part.  I was so looking forward to our Friday attire.

Some weeks passed....my tshirt lived on the back of my chair at work.

Ronda then suggested that we transform our tshirts.  OK, Sandra getting excited again. We searched on Pinterest for ideas to inspire us.

Then finally the big day came where we would transform them. (Still feeling excited and inspired).

We cut.

We even had, Boss the cat drop by to inspect whilst we were working.  I think he gave them the paw of approval and then moved on.

Both Ronda and I used Ottobre 2/2006 Design 1 Tshirt when adding to our Tshirts (great easy to use pattern).

I used a lovely stretch lace to add to my Tshirt.

Mm... verdict?

As my husband said, it looks like you've got an apron over a nice lace top!  Seems fitting since I'm forever dropping food on my tops!

Ronda and I had an enjoyable afternoon filled with much laughter, our scathingly brilliant idea lead us to this point.

I'm sure we'll get some side way looks this week at work when we wear our creations, Ah, big deal, the point here is, that there is more to life than work and work is a means to allow you to do all those things you enjoy.

Until next time (who knows how long that will be), happy sewing.

Take care
Sandra

PS, if you've got some suggestions to make this Tshirt more wearable, or should I say fashionable, I'd be open to your suggestions!

Sandra Loves Sewing: Zig Zag madness

Sandra Loves Sewing: Zig Zag madness: After some contemplation, over many discount sales. I finally decided to buy a Fabi, Sizzix Fabric Cutter. I'd hesitated because,...

Zig Zag madness

After some contemplation, over many discount sales. I finally decided to buy a Fabi, Sizzix Fabric Cutter.

I'd hesitated because, I thought they wasted fabric. Well, yes they do.

I'd also hesitated because, I thought, well, I thought while I was still young enough, I could do these things without assistance, that I should cut fabric with a fabric rotary cutter.

Cutting with a fabric rotary cutter is good, but, cutting triangles of any form can be a pain.

So, I'd been watching and contemplating this cutter every time it came up during discount sales.

The Fabi cutter is not the large sort, but allows me to purchase all those lovely angles I like.  It is easy to use and accurately cuts angles.

So I tested the cutter making this quilt top:

I used some left over monkey fabric from a pair of men's pj's I made in a previous post. Some orange fabric I picked up in a bargain find.

Here is the cutter.

I'm afraid I have to admit, that these cutters save time and effort.

It accurately cuts, much better than manually cutting the triangles with the fabric cutter. Sewing? Well, I also have to admit, it made the job a lot easier.

Have  a good time sewing this week.u

Sandra

PS After much investigation, I have found a newsagency that can get hold of BurdaStyle and Patrones magazines for me.  My sewing life, is almost complete!

Sandra Loves Sewing: Burda magazine where have you gone in Australia?

Sandra Loves Sewing: Burda magazine where have you gone in Australia?: How did this happen? Why can't I get the Burda magazines anymore?  They've been around ever since I can remember. I fell in love...

Burda magazine where have you gone in Australia?

How did this happen?

Why can't I get the Burda magazines anymore?  They've been around ever since I can remember.

I fell in love with Patrones as well, now I can't find that either.

Frustrated, we've gone from spoilt for choice to existing in the backwaters!

I found when I travelled to Europe a few years ago, that unlike here, many sewers in Europe relied more on the magazines rather than the individual patterns from the big companies.

Is this just a plot for us to spend more over here and buy individual patterns?

Then, when I rummage online to subscribe, I can't subscribe to the plus size editions, unless I want them in German.

I am not a happy little sewer as a result of this. Burda magazines have always been a part of my sewing repertoire.

Grrr

Sandra Loves Sewing: Monkey madness

Sandra Loves Sewing: Monkey madness:   Recently I made up a set of men's pajama's.  Criteria was that the fabric be cotton and fun. So why not a quilting cot...

Monkey madness

 

Recently I made up a set of men's pajama's.  Criteria was that the fabric be cotton and fun. So why not a quilting cotton with monkeys?  Men's pajama's need not be boring.

I'd picked up the pattern top, Simplicity 9125, I say pattern top, because when I went to use the bottom pattern, it was not included! Oh well, I did only pay $1 for it, that's OK I wanted the top pattern anyway.

I used another pattern for the short, Kwik Sew 1432, I've used this before.

Both sewing pattern sew up easily.

I like picking up sewing patterns at second hand stores, particularly the old ones.  I like the graphics on the front of the patterns and the styles.

I back doing patchwork and quilting now, what have you been up to?

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

Sandra Loves Sewing: The value of handmade gifts. My thoughts for toda...

Sandra Loves Sewing: The value of handmade gifts. My thoughts for toda...: I like to give a hand made gift.  I also like to receive them. Do all people appreciate a hand made gift?  I hate to say it, I don't t...

The value of handmade gifts. My thoughts for today.

I like to give a hand made gift.  I also like to receive them.

Do all people appreciate a hand made gift?  I hate to say it, I don't think so.

I know when I have made a gift or have received a gift that is handmade, that a lot of time and effort has gone into that gift.

It starts with the thought process. That person has taken the time to think of you and then think of a gift that would suit who you are.  The colours, the tones, there is pleasure in the thoughts of creation.

The maker then takes the time to shop for the materials to create that gift and purchase it.

The maker then takes hours, if not days, weeks or months to create that gift.  This is time out of their day that they have spent on your gift rather than socialising or doing something else important to them.

So imagine the disappointment when comments come your way that a handmade gift is a cheap option?  Guess what, no more handmade gifts for you, it is cheaper to purchase one, you know, the one made in China.

(PS I have not had these comments lately, this is an old gripe, I just limit who I make handmade items)

Just food for thought.  I think it's important to be selective with whom you sew gifts for.  That's been my lesson in life.

Happy sewing.

Sandra

Sandra Loves Sewing: What fabric do you find scary?

Sandra Loves Sewing: What fabric do you find scary?: Well, after tonight, it's one more sleep until we get a two week term break. My thoughts immediately turn to the next sewing pro...

What fabric do you find scary?

Well, after tonight, it's one more sleep until we get a two week term break.

My thoughts immediately turn to the next sewing project (actually, my thoughts are never too far away from sewing).

Today I got thinking, "what fabrics do people find scary?"

My favourite fabric and fabrics of choice are usually natural fibres:  cottons, silks (dupion in particular) and wool. I love the way they feel, cut and sew.  I do love velvet as well, all my bridesmaid dresses were made in a red velvet.

After that I don't mind mixed fibre fabrics.

I am not a purist when it comes to patchwork and will make quilts using polycottons (I hear you gasp).

Of late, I have taken a journey into stretch fabrics.  I admit, I don't have a love of this fabric, however, as I use it more and more I have begun to understand how to manipulate it more effectively.

Even velvet doesn't put me off, a good velvet mat and a teflon foot and off you go.

I'd never really found a particular fabric scary.  I usually take on a fabric and don't think about it. Until one day, one fabric totally defeated me.

Silk chiffon, it was like trying to tame a tiger.  I still don't think I'm over the whole experience.

If you laid it out one way, it went another.  If I cut it straight, it seemed to be off.  I don't like that feeling of defeat, so next time I will wash it first and starch it, dry it and try cutting it.  Of late I've taken to washing fabrics that shouldn't be placed in a washing machine, so why not try it on this one. I will try to tackle it again.  Even if you do scare me Silk Chiffon, you will not win!

So, what fabric do you find scary?

Sandra

Sandra Loves Sewing: Lidiya's Little Girls Bag

Sandra Loves Sewing: Lidiya's Little Girls Bag: We will be attending the concert of the Australian Girls Choir concert tomorrow.  Our friend's little girl Lidiya is performing. This ...

Sandra Loves Sewing: Sherri. Ottobre Design Woman. Autumn/Winter 2010 ...

Sandra Loves Sewing: Sherri. Ottobre Design Woman. Autumn/Winter 2010 ...: This project would have been finished sooner, had work and renovating not got in the way!  That's just the way it is at the moment. I gu...

Sherri. Ottobre Design Woman. Autumn/Winter 2010 Style 15

This project would have been finished sooner, had work and renovating not got in the way!  That's just the way it is at the moment. I guess it's not about the race to finish clothing; but, the journey to the end.

As I've expressed in the past, my need is to improve my winter wardrobe. 

I liked the coat, Sherri, Style 15 in Ottobre Design Woman. Autumn/Winter 2010.

I sat on it a while before following through wondering how it would look on me. Finally, I cut it from a black wool fabric with white specks through it.

My lining is a cat motif fabric that I purchased from the Alannah Hill outlet shop in Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia. (Secretly, I want to purchase a whole roll of this, but lack of space at the moment prevents me from doing so.) Aren't the cats cute?

I love the cat motif fabric so much, I almost think that this should be the outer layer and not the inner one - but then, I could rightfully be accused of being a 'mad cat lady' (but we don't have any real cats at the moment in our household).  I like the lining on a jacket or coat to express a playfulness, be it a burst of colour or a fun motif.  There is nothing better than the compliment or smile that lining brings to someone else.

It kind of works with the lining as the outer layer, don't worry, this is the coat inside out!

What I loved about this pattern was the ease at which it comes together. I have sewed for a very long time and never tried to do an encased lining.  Love it, love it, love it  -  no hand sewing!

So here it is the right way around:

Ottobre, you've done it again, I love the fit for a larger woman.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

Ottobre Design Woman Autumn/Winter 5/2013 Style 3

I've made this top before, out of a linen.  It wasn't a recommended fabric, but I did it anyway.

After an opportunity shop adventure with my friend Joanne, I found a lovely red viscose fabric that I thought would be ideal for this pattern.  Now, don't turn up your nose at venturing into an opportunity shop (second hand store). I used to, I no longer do.

You see, I discovered that, like me, many people would donate good quality 'stuff' to charities. I know when mum and dad died and we were clearing the house for sale, that we knew we couldn't keep everything and donated a lot of good quality gear to them. So, if we donate quality 'stuff', then other people do as well. Plus, these places exist to sell second hand items and use the money to help people less fortunate.

What I tend to find is, that most family members, when they see that their loved one has passed on, will quickly dismiss sewing gear, fabric and patterns and either throw them out or give them to a second hand store.

So, here are the photos of the Leo Bohemian blouse in linen:

Here it is out of this red printed viscose:

Conclusion? It works better in the recommended fabric.

We live and learn.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

Sandra Loves Sewing: Ottobre and Melbourne Black

Sandra Loves Sewing: Ottobre and Melbourne Black: In Melbourne, Australia; it is customary to wear black. Sometimes I go along with this, however, mostly I like a splash of colour amo...

Ottobre and Melbourne Black

In Melbourne, Australia; it is customary to wear black.

Sometimes I go along with this, however, mostly I like a splash of colour amongst the drab of Winter.

A couple of years ago I had a clear out of my Winter wardrobe, So, I had a need to replenish the wardrobe for this season.

So, I began with remaking this Ottobre Design 2/2014 Style 10:

 I used these nifty zips on the sleeves:

 And these buttons on the front:

I also made this Ottobre Design, Autumn Winter 5/2013 Style 4 again (mm, may need a slip underneath):

Still not too sure of this design, but, I added a necklace:

Paired it with the blazer:

I also made a skirt, also jersey, but this time I used a drafted A Line skirt pattern that I like to use.  I didn't add seam allowance as the original pattern is for a woven fabric.

Now, I need to get moving on adding some colour to my wardrobe.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

Sandra Loves Sewing: Irish Chain quilt

Sandra Loves Sewing: Irish Chain quilt: I have ventured back to quilting to make a special boy a quilt for his birthday.  I hope that he likes it. I began learning to quilt ...

Irish Chain quilt

I have ventured back to quilting to make a special boy a quilt for his birthday.  I hope that he likes it.

I began learning to quilt on this design, and haven't made it for a while, so it was a treat to make it again.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

Simplicity 2371

Excuse the fact that I didn't iron the dress before I took a photo.  Just was too eager to capture me.

This Simplicity pattern, is simple, but effective and comfortable to wear.

The fabric is a cotton print purchased from Spotlight.  It is a copy of an aboriginal print.

It looks like I purposely put the stripe of blue to one side.  However, truth be told, the fabric was narrow so, there was no room for error, nor any room to fussy cut the design.  So, I had to let it all just happen, and to my surprise it all matched up in the end.

I have found that sometimes it's best not to over think something and just go with the flow.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

Ottobre Autumn/Winter 2013. Style 4 Raglan Sleeve Friday Evening

I'm not a big fan of stretch fabric. I find it a bit uncontrollable when cutting.

However, I am very pleased with this dress. With only three pieces to cut to put together and a fabric I bought at a sale at Rathdowne Remnants, this dress cost me $14.50. As I said I am pleased with the result. Fit is good to.  The only adjustment I made to the pattern was to add length in the bodice to suit my measurements.

So, here it is:

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

Sandra Loves Sewing: National Trust Annual Vintage Clothing Sale

Sandra Loves Sewing: National Trust Annual Vintage Clothing Sale: On the weekend just past, yes the same weekend as the Australian Grand Prix, that National Trust holds it's Annual Vintage Clothing Sale...

National Trust Annual Vintage Clothing Sale

On the weekend just past, yes the same weekend as the Australian Grand Prix, that National Trust holds it's Annual Vintage Clothing Sale at Como House in Melbourne.


It's not just clothing, it's fabrics; haberdashery; fabrics; linen's; jewellery; hats; and other odds and ends. The money raised goes towards the conservation and display of the Trust's historic Costume Collection.


Mark this weekend in your diary for next year; and if you're clearing out a house of your parent's stuff and don't have somewhere worthy to donate them to, then donate them to the Trust for this sale. The money goes towards a worthy cause. The quality of fabrics is to die for.  Here is just a little of what I purchased on this occasion.

Happy sewing everyone.
Sandra

mm...fabric cake

Yesterday was my birthday.

l just wanted to share with you a fabric gift l received today from my friend Ronda.

A cake made of fabric, what a delight for any sewing enthusiast.

No calories, no worrying about increased sugar levels...just pure delight!

Thanks Ronda.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra Loves Sewing: Ottobre Spring/Summer 2/2014

Sandra Loves Sewing: Ottobre Spring/Summer 2/2014: I guess you can always notice when I've gone back to work, my posts are less frequent.  Well, one has to work to fund my sewing habit! ...

Ottobre Spring/Summer 2/2014

I guess you can always notice when I've gone back to work, my posts are less frequent.  Well, one has to work to fund my sewing habit!

A colleague at work gave me a piece of poly cotton fabric that she purchased from India. At first I thought it may become a skirt; but, I just wasn't feeling it.

I'd been wanting to make Style 15 from Ottobre Spring/Summer 2/2014 (in the magazine it is made out of linen):

Here it is made out of the gifted fabric:

Like everything I like about Ottobre, it comes together easily and fits well. Only thing is, I think I need to make a pair of pants to go under it!

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

Sandra Loves Sewing: How does colour affect your choice of fabric?

Sandra Loves Sewing: How does colour affect your choice of fabric?: l was sewing last night. Nothing unusual about that really. But, whilst sewing l pondered on colour. My favourite colour is red. I love a...

How does colour affect your choice of fabric?

l was sewing last night. Nothing unusual about that really. But, whilst sewing l pondered on colour.

My favourite colour is red. I love a red evening dress, and usually make one for Christmas. This year l didn't, l found a RTW outfit that looked good and was reasonably priced.

lf l were a fashion designer my last outfit in my collection would be reminiscent of Valentino and always be red, red, red!

How does this affect my overall choice in fabric? My eye is, l am afraid drawn to red, however l do try and make sure my entire wardrobe isn't red. If l am wearing a black outfit l like a bright jacket or coat (contrary to Melbourne, Australia dress code of black). On a gloomy day l like something bright and cheerful to brighten the mood. On a summers day, l like bright colours that make me feel cool.

The choice of fabric is about whimsy most times and usually reflects my mood. Hence the very large fabric stash.

Curious, how do you choose your fabric? I'd like to know.

Happy sewing.

Sandra Loves Sewing: Ottobre...I love you

Sandra Loves Sewing: Ottobre...I love you: Over a year ago I was introduced to the magazine Ottobre Design.  I love this magazine because I like the fit of the outfits once they are c...

Ottobre...I love you

Over a year ago I was introduced to the magazine Ottobre Design.  I love this magazine because I like the fit of the outfits once they are complete.

I now subscribe to this magazine, but lately I have been 'exploring' back issues.  I purchased Ottobre Design spring/summer 2/2007 as I liked design 10 Wraparound dress.  However, there are three things I didn't like about what was in the magazine (sorry Ottobre):  the fabric choice, the tie around the waistline and the sleeves:

I must apologise for the poor photo, I had to use my mobile phone and not my camera (I've misplaced the cord to the camera).

So I decided that there could be three possible changes that could be made to give this dress three possible looks.  For today I will show you two different changes I have made.

In my first dress made from a retro inspired print, I have shortened the sleeve (approximately 10 cms from the underarm and squared off) and kept the tie in the same fabric as the rest of the dress, yes it has the collar (but you can barely see it in the picture):

For the second dress (again in green) I did not put a collar on it and again used the shortened sleeve and ties in the same colour as the rest of the dress.  I used a beautiful Japanese cotton voile that I purchased on one of my fabric adventures:

I am happy with the results.  The third style I will make (when we near winter) is a long sleeve version, however the sleeves will be a straight sleeve version.

I've decided to make a half slip to go under these dresses (as wrap around dresses always seem to swing around open in the wind).  I will share that with you next time.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra