just need some elves

I can't believe it's been almost a month since a last post, time is going too quick. I have been busy, sewing Christmas presents like a woman gone mad. I finally got inspired last week when Melissa had a few ladies over to rummage through a massive pile of fabric she was giving away. I burrowed 'Simple Sewing' by Lotta Jansdotter from a friend. Nothing like new fabric and a book on sewing to get you motivated. I find sewing a difficult craft for me because I am not perfect at it. Far from it actually. But I found this book really good. Easy projects, the patterns are easy to follow and it was a good way for me to get to know my sewing machine. I'll have to post pictures of the finished projects after Christmas, due to them being presents and all.

bogan baby

Matt and I went to...spotlight....the other day and he found this skull flannel material. He wanted me to make a baby blanket out of it. I really shouldn't be encouraging the bogan lifestyle, but here it is. I actually think it's cute, and it will go well with the Motorhead onesy.

in the making

I started making this robe/dressing gown last week. I have wanted to make one since
going to the Mapua Easter Fair and seeing some made with really beautiful fabrics. And then I found this green apple set of sheets at the op shop and I new I had to attempt the robe. I have not used a pattern, which I know is stupid. I seem to just wing it when it comes to sewing, but most of the time it doesn't work out. To my surprise, this did work out. I have lined it with green flannel for those cold nights I will be getting up to tend to baby. And now I just have to ad the finishing touches such as pockets and cuffs. I have to say I am proud of myself.
Another thing I attempted last week was knitting a cable. I always found the idea quite daunting, but actually found it was way easier then it looks. Just a matter of following the instructions. The only problem here was that I knew I was going to run out of wool, so I had to make this poncho shawl thingy very short. Turns out the only thing I like about it are the buttons. Oh well, at least I learned a new knitting skill. I must go and eat a snack now. I have been craving popcorn ever since I walked by the movie theatre yesterday.

One project finished

Here is a quilt that I made for the baby. I still have not finished the one for Matt and I because I can't seem to find that perfect piece of fabric.

This one is made out of vintage fabrics, some I have collected from op shops, some given to me from friends. I used polar fleece for the back, nice and soft.
I actually had time to make this due to the fact that I am a "lady of leisure"(this is what Matt calls it). I have quit my job. So now I hope to enjoy these next few months, taking time to take care of myself and my body, and focus on the things I have wanted to get finished before having a baby. Oh, and spend a little more time blogging then I have been.

Mental health day

This weekend, we had two work Christmas parties. One of them was out of town, so we stayed the night at a hostel in Motueka. We went to their local Sunday market, at which I saw about 20 people from Nelson. And then we spent the day driving to one of my favorite beaches, Pohara. I know summer is coming, cause I have a sunburn and bug bites.


Matt and I still have our Christmas tree from last year, which was planted in a pot that was way to small for it's growing roots. So I have re potted it, and brought it inside to decorate. It is about a foot taller and grown crooked, but it is a Christmas tree just the same. I imagine we will hall this tree around with us until we buy a house where we can plant it.
Something we don't have is decorations. I made this felt tree the other night which I thoroughly enjoyed, reminds me of the good old hand sewing days. I decided to try to sew some felt on to a t-shirt for my niece's Christmas present. A pink and purple (her fav colours) flower.
We have had such a busy week, I have taken a 'mental health day' off work. I plan on getting our Christmas cards ready to send out, I know, just a little procrastination. I've got some other errands to run, but I think I will squeeze in taking the dog to the beach and going to the library.

denial

The other day, I made my very first shirt. No pattern, just kind of winged it. I had one mistake towards the end, a twisted strap, but I unpicked and fixed it. When I was finished, I was so pleased with myself. Isn't it pretty?



Am I in denial? Did I not think to make sure the shirt would actually fit my new puffy self? Well, as you can see, I am sad. That is my best pout, I am not pulling an Angelina Jolie. I will have to take this to a clothes swap and hope someone with a smaller frame enjoys it.

okay, now the crafty bits

This is a "quilt" that I have been working on for Matt and myself. I know, you're thinking I should be making quilts for the baby. Well, this is the first project I have ever used a sewing machine for and I figure making mistakes on things for me is okay. Mistakes oh plenty! The main one being the squares are not all the same size. Please, anyone who knows how to quilt, don't look to closely at this picture. This is very difficult for me because I am a bit of a perfectionist, but this is a learning experience, right? I am learning that all those fancy expensive quilting tools might be a good purchase.