Mandy Made

Cameron Baby Sneakers

2012-02-02T10:56:00.001+11:00

Cameron Baby Sneakers # 7, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Made for Ditto Crafts, you can read all about them here.

TTFN

Another Crayon Folio

2012-02-02T10:30:00.000+11:00

Colouring Folio - Bikes

For a friend. I love making these. This one is for a boy.

Colouring Folio - inside

Back to school for us tomorrow, yay. Can't wait to get back into routine. I never realise how much of a routine person I am until school holidays!!

TTFN

Camera Case Wristlet

2012-01-27T10:28:00.001+11:00

Camera Case Wristlet,

originally uploaded by MandyMade.

I've gone a bit crazy buying Keyka Lou's pattern's lately. Last week I bought this one, the Camera Case Wristlet. It came together quickly, but I am use to her patterns now and a lot of the construction is the same. This one will be gifted and I can see quite a few being made this year, either for gifts or to sell. I'm very glad I bought it. Can't wait to try out her latest pattern but have a few other things to sew before then.

TTFN

Not-so-big Backpack

2012-01-25T11:40:00.001+11:00

I needed to make a backpack for Little O for childcare...

Not-so-big backpack pattern by Melissa Frantz
from Stitch Magazine Fall 2010 issue.

....so I did!!

I used a pattern in Stitch Magazine's Fall 2010 issue.

Inside

It was very easy to follow. The pattern didn't have a lining or base but I added them in anyway. I don't like exposed seems, maybe that's why I haven't got into clothes making!!

Back

This is the back. When I was making the back I had a look on the web for photos as there wasn't any in the pattern and I was finding it hard to picture it in my head how do it. I had trouble finding any, so here is mine. It worked out fine, don't know what I was worried about!

Side view

Hmm, you may notice the zip. I made the mistake of buying a zip that went all the way to the tape at the end and then had a huge gap at the pull end. So there is a gap. I may get tricky yet and sew something over it.

The pocket

I love the pocket. The pattern doesn't call for it but I lined it, couldn't help myself.

Taste test

And last but not least, the taste test. It got his approval. The bag ended up bigger than I thought it would. Perfect size for childcare and visiting friends.

I'm really happy with it. All up it took about a day, but would probably be less made in one sewing session without distractions.

I used a fat quarter for the pockets and straps with a little bit over and the jeans are an old pair of the hubby's.

I'll be back into purse making this week. I've been buying more of Keyka Lou's patterns. Just bought the brand new one. Couldn't help myself!!

TTFN

Scrap Basket

2012-01-19T11:35:00.001+11:00

Scrap Basket, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Getting out of control!! I feel a scrappy project coming on. Ideas?

Back to work

2012-01-18T12:33:00.000+11:00

You know, the work that actually pays you for doing something!! It's been just over a year, it had to happen one day. The time has just flown. With going back to work Little O had to start childcare, and you can't do that without a spiffy new hat. So I knocked up this one.

Little O's childcare hat

I love that I can do that now, something is needed, whip it up, yay. I used Nikki's kids hat pattern, he's grown out of the baby hat :-(. I used Kid's Hat Size small, second size brim, brim without binding. I didn't even need to follow the instructions as I went, I've made so many of the baby hat now I just made it like the baby hat, yay.

From the top

I wanted to make some shoes to match but didn't have enough fabric left over, might still make some patchy ones. I'm in the process of making him a backpack but haven't quite got that finished yet.

I'm only working 2 days a week at the moment. I started back on Monday. It was strange going back and I remembered a lot more than I thought I would (I program a bit). It didn't all fall out of my head this time.

Can't wait for school to go back now to keep the other one occupied. It's now got hot in Melbourne, the I'm too tired and hot to do anything kinda hot.

I also made these pleated pouches to go in the Ditto Crafts MadeIt shop.

Pleated pouches Pattern by Keyka Lou

What a week.

TTFN

It's monster making time

2012-01-12T12:09:00.000+11:00

It's school holidays here, in cold wet Melbourne, and keeping the eldest entertained has been a challenge. Santa gave him a Mutant Monster kit, so we opened it up yesterday for his "experiment". It was more of an experiment in his patients!!

AJ and his Mutant Monster

You put a cardboard monster together. It's covered in some kind of chemical I guess. Then you sit it in the dish, put the secret liquid in the bottom then wait.

AJ's Mutant monster - crystals growing after 10 hours

And wait.

AJ's Mutant monster - crystals growing after 24 hours

And wait.

He wants to collect them all!! Not sure what happens now, I guess we wait some more.

I have decided from now on, as "Little A" is nearly 7, I have decided, for the purpose of this blog, to now call him by his initials, AJ, just in case you were wondering where this AJ came from!! Little O will still be known as such ;-).

How are you dealing with the wet cold school holidays? Personally I prefer this weather but can't kick the boy outside for some much needed running around.

TTFN

The missing projects

2012-01-10T12:28:00.000+11:00

Well not missing exactly just from this blog. I missed writing about a few of the projects I've been making, for either friends, family or for Ditto Crafts. I thought about writing individual posts for each but, nah. So here goes.

Little A as Captain America

My eldest did drama last year once a week. At the end of the year he had a performance and his class performed a play "Class for Superheroes". He got to pick whichever superhero he wanted to be so he picked Captain America. The movie wasn't all that big here so I didn't know where he knew him from but found out he's in one of the cartoons he watches. I thought a costume would be no problem, especially with a movie out. Nope, nowhere, couldn't find anything so I had to improvise, and in an afternoon I came up with this. (and no the shoes on the wrong feet were not my idea!!) He did a fantastic job and delivered his lines when he should, we were very proud.

This was the first time I appliquéd onto a t-shirt, I'll be doing more of that!! Easy, don't know what I was afraid of. I made the belt separate but ended up using hemming web to attach it to the t-shirt. The pants are from his superman costume and the arm bands are old socks with the toes cut out. The hat is his winter hat and I just tacked some felt wings and an A onto it. It was soooo hot that day I was surprised he wore it. The shield I made of cardboard stuck onto a toy box lid! The entire outfit is now in the dress up box. I may need to make him a new hat this winter!

Colouring Folios

A friend of mine liked the colouring folio I made in this post and asked if I could make some for her girls. These are the result.

Colouring Folios Inside

Again I made up the pattern, this time making it a bit smaller than last time. I think this is the perfect size. You can see by the handles that I was still making it up as I was making them. Nothing like uniqueness. I'll be making a few more for her, this time for boys.

Teachers gift 2011, Notepad organiser

This was a bit of a last minute gift. I had no idea what to make Little A's teacher. Then I saw that Leah had made up a note pad organiser and thought it would be perfect for his teacher. I used this tutorial.

Notepad organiser, inside

I got Little A to draw a picture of his teacher and I stuck it onto a notepad. She's getting married this year so there was nothing like shameless self promotion and a nudge for her to have some handmade somethings at her wedding, I popped my card in!! I was happy with the result but could not get the white background uncreased. I was tempted to keep this one and make her another, alas no time, plus I have more fabric ;-).

Tall pleated pouch - in "Jane green"

This is the last one I promise. A few months ago my uncle was telling me that his wife had lost her phone pouch, and it was in her favourite green, I can whip one up for her, I said. Well next time I saw him I took all my green fabric with me, I was surprised at how much I had. Lucky for both of us I had "Jane green" and this little pouch was born. She loved it. I love it when a project comes together like this, especially when they are secret projects.

We're there any that I missed?

Now for some new projects. I need to work out a balance now between sewing for me and for Ditto Crafts and I'm returning to work next week after a year at home, that's going to be a bit of a shock. At least I'll be able to get some crochet in on the train trips.

TTFN

Brown paper packages tied up with string

2012-01-09T13:39:00.001+11:00

Brown paper packages tied up with string, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

The Christmas post. I know a bit late. I've been tied up!! We had an interesting Christmas day. Those who live in Melbourne will know what I'm talking about. It was warm and humid, we dashed to my parents (only 5 min drive) in-between down pours. We'd finished lunch and were all laying about with full tummies then the rain started again, then big heavy rain, then hail stones, then hail stones the size of golf balls!! It was so loud we couldn't speak to each other inside, then the mad dash around the house to make sure no water was getting in. We had waterfalls on either side of the house and then it started coming in through my old bedroom. A few things got damp, could have been a lot worse. We found out later that our area was the worst hit, the main street was flooded and the flood basin we live next to was full, never seen that before. It was eventful and one we will always remember. We're just really lucky we didn't have to travel to another house for dinner.

I didn't get many handmade gifts finished this year, oh well.

I did manage to make us all stockings though, and I have some placemats underway, now for next year!!

A year in Review 2011

2012-01-08T16:15:00.001+11:00

Wow, what a year. I've never sewn so much in my life. Might of helped that I was home and that my baby is a sleeper. So here goes. I've made mosaics so the post isn't too photo heavy.

From Jan - Sep

From Sep - Oct

From Oct - Dec

Wow, you can really see my photography style change when you list them like this.

Yep, just a bit. And to top it all off I'm going to list them!!

Softies - 4
Baby - 1 (he he, had to add him)
Baby quilt - 1
Make-up Purse - 1
Crochet Hook Case - 1
Stepping Stones Pillow - 2
Kids Belt - 1
Keychain Clutch large - 2
Keychain Clutch - 4
Pocket Clutch - 7
Kimono Baby Shoes - 3
Cameron Baby Shoes - 7
Mary Jane Baby Shoes - 5
Lots of Pockets Tote - 1
Box Pouch - 2
Kiddo Zipper Pouch - 13
Baby Hat - 5
Honey Cowl - 1
Tall Pleated Clutch - 6
Large Pleated Clutch - 5
Small Pleated Clutch - 2
Curly Worley Wormy Keychains - 12
Crochet Mushroom - 1
Crochet Mouse - 1
Crayon Roll - 4
Pencil Roll - 3
Baby Bibs - 22
Baby Burp Cloths - 9
Baby Change Clutch - 2
Nintendo DS Pouch - 2
Colouring Folio - 3
Fabric Tray - 1
Pencil Case - 3
Lens Cap Pouch - 3
Bunting - 3
Earphone pouch - 2
Captain America Costume - 1
Notepad Organiser - 1
Dummy Clip Straps - 18
Feeding Top - 1
Feeding Cover - 1

Yikes, and that doesn't include all the things I have started and not finished.

We have declared in our household that this year is anti procrastination year!! So hopefully I won't have an unfinished list for next year.

What are your hopes for 2012?

TTFN

Hello 2012

2012-01-08T14:58:00.001+11:00

Photo of me on New Years Eve. I was a beautiful butterfly :-)

What happened to 2011? That went a bit too fast and I didn't even get to blog much. Oh well. Hopefully this year will bring more time. I'll be back with a huge, what I completed in 2011 post, but for now I'll just look back on what I wanted to achieve, sewing wise.

2010's year review post is here in case you want to go back and reminisce, but this is what I wanted to achieve:

Comment more on others blogs - I've been too much of a lurker, I want to change this - Wasn't too good with this, maybe this year will be better!!
Get more involved with quilt or sew alongs - there has been heaps I wished I have joined - I did join one but other things got in the way so its on the back burner!!
Complete the quilts I've started - I've completed a quilt top does that count?
Look into craft markets to have a stall - I want to have something original though so I need to come up with something while working out the pros and cons of having a market stall. - This I did achieve with the lovely Leah and Ditto Crafts was born.
Sew from my stash before shopping - my stash has got out of hand, I want to weigh what I have and maybe 1/2 it, but that also depends on how many projects I'm able to make!! - failed on this one big time!!

So there you have it. But I was looking after a baby all year too ;-)

So this year. I'll be returning to work 3 days a week soon so not putting to much pressure on myself.

I'll stick with the list above, not a bad list!!
Organise my sewing better, I've got stuff from one end of the house to the other.
Grow Ditto Crafts
Reduce my blog reader list. Not the lovely inspiring blogs but the blogs that repeat and re-blog everyone else's stuff, sorry don't have time for you.
Blog more, cos looking back on the past year is more for me and I have no idea how I made some stuff!!

Think that's it, besides making more time for me, keeping the house tidy, and stop procrastinating!!

TTFN

I've been busy

2011-12-13T22:19:00.001+11:00

...very busy

making a crayon roll

and a pencil roll

I think I'm all rolled out!!

TTFN

Another Camera Lens Cap Pouch

2011-12-10T17:27:00.001+11:00

Camera Lens Cap Pouch #3, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Another camera lens cap pouch. This time for my dad. Besides sewing the velcro too low I was much happier with the result of this one. I made the turning gap down the straight side which made it much easier to finish.

I also made this one to gift but I'm not quite happy with the result. Maybe I'll keep it as a spare!!

Made using this tutorial.

TTFN

Christmas Bunting

2011-12-05T11:04:00.001+11:00

Christmas Bunting, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Is it that time already? Christmas tree is half up and gifts are nearly all bought. I have ideas for wrapping this year, hopefully I'll be able to pull it off. I have a couple of Christmas orders to finish off then on to making for the family. Only 3 weeks left, yikes.

TTFN

Some things for me

2011-11-28T11:48:00.001+11:00

I've been making so much for others lately that I thought I'd make a few small things for me. I'd seen a lens cap pouch ages ago on pinterest so thouht it was about time I made one for me.

I made it using this tutorial. I followed it exactly but found that have the turning gap at the top didn't turn out the best. So next time I'll try it down the side.

It was a bit of pain having to take the strap off the camera to put it on but I coped!! I've used it and it's very handy to have. No more putting the lens cap down and forgetting where!

I also needed a new pouch for my ipod shuffle, and when this tutorial popped up in blog land I had to give it a go. I had a bit of trouble getting it under the foot to top stitch, thus the dodgy top stitching around the zipper. (I was on a roll by that stage so just kept going!!) Very quick and easy, I can see lots of these being gifted this Christmas.

I had another market last week, the last for the year. Now I'm starting to think of gifts for Christmas. I've only got 1 month of maternity leave left then back to work I go.

TTFN

Zac's Nintendo DS Pouch

2011-11-15T11:28:00.001+11:00

Zac's Nintendo DS Pouch, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

I made another one. DS pouch that is. I followed the same tutorial as the last one but altered it a bit more. So it's kinda getting away from the original but I'll keep on giving credit. So what's different this time? Well, I used cotton this time instead of the thick fabric on the last one, so I fully lined the back pocket (didn't feel it necessary with the other). On request by the receivers mum I added a zip to the opening, she's knows her son and was worried that he would fling it around. I kept the velcro closure as well though. I also added 2.5 cm to the height and width as the last one was a tad too small. I was happy with the result. I also appliqued his name on. There is a down side to receiving a gift first as you don't have all the added improvements made to the next. But you can always count on them being one of a kind!!

TTFN

Nintendo DS Pouch based on this tutorial.

Boys Zipper Pouches

2011-11-15T11:09:00.001+11:00

Boys Zipper Pouches, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Birthday's always seem to group together don't they? Well we had 3 boys birthdays on the weekend so I decided to try out Nikki's Super-simple zipped pouch, from her book. It was super simple. There will be more of these. I originally had pencils in mind but Little A wanted to give cars. So they are multi purpose pouches. One of these pouches wont be given until December but I thought I'd knock it off early. I appliqued the names with applique paper (no idea what this is called!!) then hand stitched a running stitch with pearl 8. The denim is a pair of old jeans and has a calico lining. Fun to make, highly recommend making some.

TTFN

Super-simple Zipped Pouch from You Sew, Girl by Nicole Mallalieu.

Edit: Forgot to mention they are 15cm x 20cm. Great size for just about anything you want to take to someones house for a play.

Fabric Tray with electronic tokens

2011-11-14T10:20:00.001+11:00

Fabric Tray with electronic tokens, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

A while ago on pinterest I saw that someone had used tokens for TV and computer time. I had kind of forgotten about it. But one day a couple of weeks ago I realised how much time my 6 year old was spending in front of the box. So we made up these tokens. We grabbed an empty cereal box, I started off by showing him what to draw then he cut them out and drew on the rest. Other tokens also started to appear, bike riding, scooter riding etc. So he was getting the idea. Each token is worth 1/2 hour. We still have to decide if its appropriate for him to watch at the time he wants but he seams to be sticking with the 1/2 hour really well. On Sunday he gets them back if his playroom floor is clear, that has been a bit of a battle!!

I made this fabric tray using noodlehead's tutorial. She also has heaps of links to tray's that are similar. I interfaced the whole lot, but if I make one again (which I will) I'll be just sticking to interfacing just the base. Really quick and easy. I highly recommend making one, or two!!

TTFN

Productive Sewing Day

2011-10-31T11:18:00.000+11:00

I've had a few of these of late, yay. But this one was filled with making stuff up. Little A had a party on Saturday and I had been told that the birthday girl had been given a Nintendo DS. So I decided to make a pouch for it. I pushed the poor new "quilting" sewing machine to it's limits with this one. Very thick seems, need to save up for an industrial machine, would this help?

Nintendo DS Pouch - Front

As we don't have a DS (trying to resist for as long as we can) I had no idea of the size etc, so to google I went. I found a few tutorials but decided on this one.

Nintendo DS Pouch - Inside

I also added a back pocket and a wrist strap. It ended up being very small I thought but apparently it is a snug fit. Yay, I'll be making more of these, but next time I might try slightly bigger.

Nintendo DS Pouch - back

The birthday girls little sister had a birthday close to when Little O was born, so she unfortunately missed out on getting something Mandy Made. So I decided that a 1/2 birthday present might be nice.

Source: 733blog.blogspot.com via Mandy on Pinterest

I had seen this crayon and colouring book on pinterest but unfortunately the link didn't end up sending me to the designer, so using this as inspiration I created my own. (If you do know who made this please let me know.)

Crayon Folio - Front

I'd bought this fabric, back in March I think, for a gift for her so I finally got to use it.

Crayon Folio - Back

I want more but I don't think you can still get it.

Crayon Folio - inside

I'm already re-designing/improving this design in my head. I'll be making some of these for an order I have through Ditto Crafts.

By the way, the 2 pockets matching up fabric was a complete coincidence, couldn't have done that if I'd tried!!

Off to the drawing board for some more crayon folios.

TTFN

Edit: I found the original pattern for the picture shown above from pinterest, it can be found here.

Baby Gift Set

2011-10-25T10:08:00.001+11:00

Baby Gift Set, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Poor neglected little blog. I haven't forgotten about you. The sewing machine has been getting a lot more attention than you lately but you have still been on my mind. I've been making heaps over the past couple of weeks, heaps of bibs, burp cloths and dummy straps. After we had the stall at our school fete we were approached by another school to have a stall at theirs. So we decided to add a few more items to our stock, yes we have stock now!! The market part of the fete wasn't in the best position, not much foot traffic. Oh well, we live and learn.

Have you sold at markets? Which ones tend to be the best?

Off to clean the very neglected house now, spring is nearly over, gotta get the spring cleaning done!

TTFN

PS. Bag pattern by Keyka Lou , shoe pattern by ithinksew, bib, burp cloth, change mat and dummy strap all made up by me.

Crayon Roll

2011-10-15T22:24:00.001+11:00

A couple of weeks ago I needed to make a gift, and quick. My first thought for the gift just wasn't working so I had to go to plan B. I had a few rectangles of fabric already cut out for another project (that just wasn't happening) so the crayon roll was born.

Inside

I just made it up on the spot, ie no pattern. I'd made similar rolls before, so I thought it wouldn't be too hard!

Outside

Well it wasn't hard, but with School holidays and both boys demanding my attention, what should have taken 1/2 hour took about 3. I also should have bought the crayons before sewing the lines. I had big fat crayons in mind. The idea of the flap and the top was so the crayons don't fall out, it either needed to be longer or the roll not as tall. You live and learn.

All rolled up

A nice neat package.

TTFN

More hats

2011-10-12T22:49:00.001+11:00

We're back in the school swing again trying to get back into our normal routine. Daylight saving hasn't helped. I'm happy to say that a week away from the computer did wonders. No desire to read the 1000+ blog posts in my reader and nothing too important in my inbox, nice. I got some amigurami half made, I'll take some pics soon.

Before I left on holidays I did get 2 more hats made. Loving Nikki's pattern. This time I made them reversible and out of cotton. I found the cotton less forgiving, love working with felt!

This one I was asked to make through my new venture Ditto Crafts. It was my first commission. I originally cut the darker grey fabric that was eventually used on the space hat below. It was too dark with the robots and I had the space fabric which it matched perfectly. So another new hat for Little O! Little A is very jealous and wants one of his own. Luckily I have Nikki's kids hat pattern so that will be whipped up soon!!!

Baby's Hat from You Sew, Girl by Nicole Mallalieu.

Lots of sewing to be done in the next few weeks, I have another market, yay.

TTFN

A bloggers dilemma

2011-09-29T10:42:00.000+10:00

Little Amigurumi Mushroom

I've been writing this post in my head for a while now and thought it about time I got it out of my head! I think I have blog overload or blog fatigue, and not just from posting here, from trying to keep up with everyone else's blogs too. I have so many in my reader now that I'm just not reading them, just scrolling down looking at the pretty pictures. I have a few blogs that I definitely read and try to comment on every post but I'm finding it really hard to keep up. And then I think, why am I trying to keep up? It's not my job, I'm not getting paid for this I don't have to do it. So I'm going to go through my reader and unsubscribe a few, which is hard, I'm a hoarder and it's like I've hoarded these subscriptions! It's school holidays here at the moment and I'm going away for a week next week, without a computer! I wonder how many posts will be waiting for me in my Google Reader, will I just mark them all as read? Then I think what if I miss out on something? What am I going to miss out on? It's only a week and it's only someone else's (that I usually don't know) blog!!

So if I'm skipping over blogs, how many are skipping over mine? I know I need to improve my photography, will that make people stop by or is it what I write or what I craft? Am I losing track of why I started this blog in the first place?

It's not just blogs that I'm trying to keep on top of either, it's also facebook and recently I was introduced to pinterest! So I think having a break for a week is going to be good for me, get my head and priorities straight.

So does anyone else share in my dilemma or are you stronger than I?

On another note, these are a few pics of what my mum has been up to lately with the Grandkids. They are so lucky to have an art teacher for a grandma. She got the inspiration and pattern from here. Every time a grandchild comes to play they add a little.

Saucepan Man

The Magic Faraway Tree

Dame Washalot's washing

Dame Washalot's house

Toadstools at the bottom of the tree

So that's it for me on this very wet, cabin fever, kind of school holiday day. Hopefully I'll be able to take some pics of some baby hats I've been making.

TTFN

200th post

2011-09-20T12:27:00.000+10:00

Wow never thought I would get here but I have. 200 posts. Could have got here sooner if I blogged more!!

I'm taking a little break from sewing, after the marathon effort over the last couple of weeks, so I can now catch up on other things that have been a bit neglected. Like blogging and connecting with other people!! (Not to mention house work!)

Lego Box pouch for Billy

A couple of weeks ago I made another box pouch, this time for my cousins now 5 year old. I love this lego fabric, I wish I'd bought more.

This is what I've been busy making.

Lots of tiny shoes

Lots of Pocket Clutches

And a cute little Amigurumi mouse

I think I am now up to date in sharing what I have been making. Next will be for family and friends. It's been a good experience making for a market but I do get a lot more joy out of making for someone in mind. I'm looking forward to taking commissions though, there is a contact and I know where the product will end up.

Until next time.

Happy Sewing

TTFN

Edit: I would also like to thank those that read and comment on my blog, thanks heaps, I wouldn't have got to 200 without you :-).

It's all over

2011-09-19T20:10:00.000+10:00

My very first attempt at selling what I make finally came, and boy was I exhausted by the end of the day. My hat goes off to those who do markets every week. I guess the build up was huge, what shall I make, what would sell, what fabrics should I use, and even after we got home and finally relaxed I felt that I needed to be making something. I sold a few items and got interest from a few people.

My bit of our stall

Now I can finally reveal Ditto Crafts is finally officially up and running and open for business!!

This photo was taken after the gazebo was taken down after the wind picked up. We are literally holding down the fort!

So pop by our new website. Which is very new, so you may need to pop back often as we polish it up a bit.

TTFN

Can't talk, making

2011-09-08T09:16:00.003+10:00

Pleated Pouches and Keychain Clutches, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

I'll be back after the school fete is over, so much to sew so little time left to sew it in. I'm trying to focus on quality over quantity at the moment. If you want to see what I'm making pop over to my flickr page (just click on the photo above).

These are more keychain clutches from the pattern by Keyka Lou and also her Pleated Pouches pattern, these will be great for e-readers, ipods and such.

Have you ever had a stall at your school fete? Any tips?

TTFN

Edit: Also, I've put the We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler on hold for the moment. I'll start that again in a couple of weeks when I can focus on it.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T10:19:00.002+10:00

Curly Worley Wormy Keychains, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Honey Cowl

2011-08-29T17:15:00.002+10:00

Honey Cowl, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

As I am a blogger I cannot show you my face!! My hubby has this theory that if you blog you don't show your face. Which I guess is true, I've only done it a few times and lots of the blogs I read only show partial face! Who wants to see my face?

Finally finished the Honey Cowl. Just in time for the weather to get warmer!! Notice the short sleeves. It took me ages, if I was to make it again (which is very unlikely) I'd use thicker yarn and bigger needles.

TTFN

PS. More details on the Honey Cowl here.

What's next? Hats...

2011-08-29T11:50:00.000+10:00

I love Nikki's book. Just in case I haven't told you already! My next project out of it was the Baby Hat for Little O. Sorry photos a bit blurry, bit hard to photograph an excited 6 month old! Yes he is now 6 months, boy time flies. And doesn't the hat look lovely with bonds wondersuit?!

Baby's Hat from You Sew, Girl by Nicole Mallalieu.

I used a wool felt and some cotton robot fabric. I interfaced everything except for the lining which I used polar fleece for. When I was making it I was worried that it would be too big and he wouldn't be able to wear it this season, but it does fit perfectly.

Baby's Hat from You Sew, Girl by Nicole Mallalieu.

This was made on my new machine, as I was sewing it I kinda wished I had got a more heavy duty machine. The layers did get a bit thick in some parts but it all worked out really well, I didn't sew any fingers or break any needles so that's always a bonus!! Besides that I am happy with the Singer.

Have you made anything from Nikki's book?

TTFN

First bags now shoes

2011-08-29T10:50:00.001+10:00

I made these ages ago and I'm only getting around to writing about them. I stumbled across a very cute kimono shoe on one of the blogs I read (sorry can't remember which one now, need to blog more often). I popped over to the website to have a peak. So then I discovered ithinksew. Very cute patterns I could buy them all but restricted myself to 3 (only made 2 so far)!! The little zipper pouch from the previous post was a free pattern when I bought 3, yay.

Pattern by ithinksew - Michi Kimono-Style Baby Booties Size 1

These are the first ones I made. I don't usually make more than one thing at a time unless I'm doing a production line, and when I do those they are usually all the same. I got myself very confused with the whole left hand right hand opposite thingy, so I sewed the wrong base on the wrong shoe, anyway lots of unpicking recutting and resewing. But they turned out ok. I am definitely going to make these again, I'll just need to be more focused.

Pattern by ithinksew - Cameron Baby Sneakers Size 3

With my second pair I decided to try a larger size, one that should fit Little O.

Pattern by ithinksew - Cameron Baby Sneakers Size 3

Well I got the left hand right hand thing ok but I had lots of trouble fitting the top to the base. So much so I was wondering for top, if the edge of the patten should be the actual sewing line. Anyone else had that problem with this shoe? I made a mistake, as you can see in the picture, I clipped the seams before turning out to see if everything sewed properly. We live and learn.

Pattern by ithinksew - Cameron Baby Sneakers Size 3

So I tried again. This time without interfacing and I sewed exactly on the patterns seam allowance. It turned out better but I still had trouble with the top fitting to the base. The width of the straps also doesn't look as wide as the photo on the pattern. Any clues anyone?

Pattern by ithinksew - Cameron Baby Sneakers Size 3. Modelled by Little O

And these are the shoes in action. They stay on and get lots of comments :-).

Addicted to making bags

2011-08-15T20:30:00.000+10:00

I admit it I love to make bags and purses. I'm always on the lookout for patterns and tutorials. Here are some I've made lately.

Pattern by Keyka Lou - Keychain Clutch

This is the second Keychain Clutch I've made, this time at the normal size (last one was at 150%). It's very cute and just fits my mobile, but it is the wrong shape for that so its now a coin purse. I've sewn a press stud to close instead of velcro, needs a button on the front.

Pattern by Keyka Lou - Lots of Pockets Tote

This is a very cute bag, just big enough for all the essentials. Great bag to go shopping, or take to the craft show as I did. Can't buy more stuff to put in it!! All the fabric is from ikea, great for bags I've decided. Instead of using quilt batting I used some polar fleece with the lining, which gives it a nice padding but made it too think so sew over around the top so I wont be doing that again. I would interface the outside pockets but not the lining. The pockets on the front of the bag are very handy. I attached a magnetic snap to close but I think it needs to be bigger, next time.

Pattern by Keyka Lou - Pocket Clutch

This clutch is very cute. Would be great for a night out, just need to have one! Would fit my mobile and small wallet with cards and notes.

Pattern by Keyka Lou - Keychain Clutch (small is 100% and large is 150%)

Same as the one at the top just increased the pattern size for the larger one. I've made this before. The point for turning the right way round is at the base, when I make this again I will try to have the turning point at the top, it's tricky to make a nice even closing stitch at the base, especially with this type of material. I used a hammer in snap closure this time, which I had no problem with, I expected to as others have said they are tricky.

Pattern by ithinksew - Zipper Pouch

Another pattern maker I discovered is ithinksew. Very cute baby shoes, which I will save for another post. This Zipper Pouch came as a free pattern when you buy other patterns. This little pouch has the zip behind the broken needle incident. It's easy (if you can sew zips) and quick to put together. I made it for Little A's friend who turned 7 on the weekend. I will definitely be making more of these.

Box Pouch

This box pouch came about after I was looking on the net for a small square bag for little girls. There are heaps of tutorials for a box pouch (still looking for a small bag). I started with this tutorial but ended up changing the construction slightly, and put a plastic base in the bottom. I would interface it next time (thought the type of material would be strong enough) though it does stand on it's own very well. I also made this for Little A's friend.

Well that's it for the bags at the moment. I do think I'll be making these for the school fete.

More Keyka Lou pouches waiting to be sewn up

These are some more Keyka Lou pouches waiting to be sewn up. Pleated pouches in 3 sizes and more keychain clutches.

TTFN

The School Fete

2011-08-15T13:22:00.000+10:00

...is not very far away, yikes. Better get sewing!

I've bitten the bullet with another crafty/bloggy/school mum/ ace friend and we've teamed up and become ??? Big reveal soon!! We are breaking out into the world of craft stalls by starting at our school fete. So I've been very busy coming up with stuff I could contribute to the stall. I've been trawling the net and books I have coming up with quick easy projects that of course I can sell. There are quite a few restrictions on some of the patterns I have, mostly, you can make it for personal use and gift giving only, not to sell. Well I could write a very lengthy post about that (and I have in the past) but I wont at this time. So here are a few things I have tested and will definitely make more of for the stall. Please make comments, if you think I'm nuts, that wont sell, or yeah go for it, all feedback welcome :-). If there is anything else you have seen me make in the past and think would be good, let me know.

1. Coffee cuffs, 2. Dad's Mug Rug, 3. Snail, 4. Mum's mothers day purse, 5. Kid's belt, 6. Kid's belt, 7. Keychain Clutch Large - 1, 8. Keychain Clutch - 2, 9. Pocket Clutch - 1, 10. Michi Kimono-Style Baby Booties - 1, 11. Cameron Baby Sneakers - 1, 12. Cameron Baby Sneakers - 2, 13. Lots of Pockets Tote - 1, 14. Keychain Clutch - 1, 15. Box Pouch #1, 16. Zipper Pouch #1

Credit for each of the patterns used is on each photo on my flickr page so click on the links above if you want to know what pattern I have used.

Plus I finally got all my fabric from fabricworm, all of this fabric will be made into stuff for the stall.

Can't wait to finally show off my finished items. But first, need to get on top of this housework thing!

TTFN

Skill Builder Sampler - blocks 5 and 6

2011-08-15T10:39:00.000+10:00

I should be doing housework, I'm not, I would rather be sewing but instead I'm all rugged up in front of the computer waiting for the babe to wake up, so I thought I'd finally update you on blocks 5 and 6 of the Skill Builder Sampler.

Block 5

Even though I think there was the same amount of HST in this block as the last, I thought the trimming would never end. Hopefully I'm getting more accurate in my sewing and I wont have to do the trimming technique for much longer! The block was mostly 12 1/2" by 12 1/2". Getting better with the overall accuracy.

Block 6

This block was easy peasy lemon easy (as my son would say) and came together really quickly, a nice easy block to finish off the second month.

And because I finished on time (finally) I could enter into the draw to win a lovely pack of solids. Guess what, I won, yay. Now that doesn't happen everyday. Shows you have to be in it to win it!!

"We can do it! Skill Builder Sampler" over at Sewn.

Skill Builder Sampler - block 4

2011-08-12T10:32:00.002+10:00

Skill Builder Sampler - block 4, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

I got a bit distracted with other stuff I'm sewing for, mainly the school fete, so the Skill Builder Sampler has been a little neglected. So this is block 4. Lots of sewing and lots of cutting/trimming. Thought the trimming was never going to end, I don't know how people make full size quits of half square triangles! I decided to iron the seams open to see how that went. I think it gave a much better appearance. The new sewing machine helped a bit with the accuracy too, my old 1/4" foot wasn't really! So that's 4 down, 32 to go.

"We can do it! Skill Builder Sampler" over at Sewn.

My new toy

2011-08-12T10:11:00.000+10:00

I've been too busy getting acquainted with my new toy to share anything this week. Last Thursday I got the call that my new sewing machine was ready to be picked up, dilemma do I have time to pick it up before school pickup, should I get the hubby to do it instead, hmm. Jumped in the car, picked up my mum, then went and got it. Yay. Got to school with 10mins to spare. Then I had to wait till the hubby got home before I could get it out of the box. Long couple of hours! So what is it you may ask. The Singer Confidence Quilter.

I had been lusting after the Singer Curvy for a while and just before I went to the show I thought I should check out what else Singer has. They have a machine called the Confidence which looked like it had all the same features as the Curvy, then I spotted the quilter, which, looking at the specs, all that was different was a few less stitches but it included all of the quilting stuff that I would have had to buy anyway, and it was a bit cheaper. It has 96 different stitches which is about 90 more than my old machine so I wasn't too upset with not getting an alphabet like the Curvy had. Anyway, so far so good. I'll write another post on what I think of the machine but it the mean time I will share this with you.

I broke my first needle ever, yes people. I was trying to be clever with the zipper foot and guess what, even new machines don't sew through metal!!

TTFN

Where to start

2011-08-03T22:16:00.002+10:00

Craft show haul!, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

I've been busy, of the sewing kind, and as a result haven't been blogging! So where to start? I'll start with last weekend. A close friend and I got the hubby to drop us off in the city so we could go to the Melb craft and quilt show. It was a glorious day and it felt a bit wrong going inside, but we did. It wasn't as crowded as previous years which was nice. But I would have to say, except for the stalls that I know (Kelani, Nicole Mallalieu and Amitie) everything else was a bit same same. The above was all I bought, oh and a new sewing machine! YAY sooo excited, just waiting for the shop to give me a ring so I can pick it up :-). It was my first day out without the little one so that was a bit strange, but it was nice to be out with one of my best friends again without the kids in toe.

I'm busy making stuff for my school fete at the moment and I'll be back soon with more pics. If you can't wait check out my flickr page.

TTFN.

Another Stepping Stones pillow

2011-07-20T14:28:00.000+10:00

I had known for a long time that my mother in law had a big birthday coming up. But I just couldn't think of what to make her. But in my true style of just a week to go the perfect gift popped into my head and another stepping stones pillow was whipped up!

I say whipped lightly! My MIL's colour and pattern tastes are a bit different to mine which I was struggling with, so off to spotlight I went. With advise from the hubby pink and flowers had to be included, but I had the idea of sewing the boys hands on (like I did for my mum for mothers day) already and I didn't think pink hands for my boys would work!

Luckily spotlight had a fat quarter bundle with the perfect fabrics for me. I added a border to the centre square to add more pink into it. As I only ever use a small amount of batting at a time in my projects I usually buy a packet of it, but the one I usually get wasn't there so I'm testing out a different one. It's polyester not cotton, it has a much higher loft so the end result was a lot more puffy than I'm used to, I also tried quilting in the ditch but it's not for me. On a learning note, I ironed some of the seams the wrong way so the squares didn't quite match up. If I make this pillow again I might try ironing the seams flat and see what a difference that makes.

The back. Another lesson learned, make sure the material is lined up at 0 not 1 when cutting!! Luckily I had some left over to patch up, can you tell?

It's amazing how different another pattern and colour scheme makes to a project. Makes me re-think a lot of quilt patterns that I have seen but been turned off by the materials used.

As I was busy making this pillow I didn't get a chance to make the extra block for the Skill Sampler, oh well, maybe I can catch up.

TTFN

Skill Builder Sampler - block 3

2011-07-10T15:01:00.002+10:00

Skill Builder Sampler - block 3, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

I finished this a week ago and I'm only just getting to blog about it now. School holidays at the moment and computer time has been a bit non existent, you should see the count in my google reader! Though I have had some time to sew and as soon as I get some good light to photograph what I've made, then I'll be back again.

This block appeared to be so easy but ended up smaller than the other 2. I think I will be sashing each of the blocks to make them even in the end. My 1/4 inch foot just isn't so I need to be really careful. I guess that's what this skill builder is all about. I ended up doing the trim method for the HST's which I'm glad I did cos there wasn't much to trim. The next challenge is to design my own block which is going to be hard, there is only so many ways you can do it! I'm trying really hard not to go to the flickr group to see what everyone else is doing so I don't copy, don't think I'll last!

TTFN

Skill Builder Sampler - block 2

2011-06-27T10:22:00.002+10:00

Skill Builder Sampler - block 2, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Ended up about a 1/4" short again. But at least I'm being consistent!!

Can't wait till friday for the next one. If you want to join in too just pop over to Sewn.

Skill Builder Sampler - block 1

2011-06-27T10:20:00.002+10:00

Skill Builder Sampler - block 1, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

I'm joining in on the "We can do it! Skill Builder Sampler" over at Sewn.

I cheated and used a jelly role. Don't worry I regret it, the cutting wasn't good so the patterns ended up looking wonky. I ended up just under 12 1/2" square.

Owl Softie

2011-06-20T10:41:00.002+10:00

Owl Softie, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Note to self: Always take your camera with you or take a photo of the pressy before you rap it!! I had to get the birthday girl to open her present before we left so I could get a photo, on the hubbies iphone!

This little owl is made from one of Saffron Craig's softie panels. I personalised it by adding backstitch around the eyes and beak and added the birthday girls name.

Have a great week.

TTFN

Productive Weekend

2011-06-14T11:12:00.000+10:00

It's amazing how just adding one more day to the weekend you can get so much more done!! We got a few things done around the house which was nice, usually we get a bit overwhelmed with what needs to be done then go out for a coffee!! Well you have to start somewhere. So painting Oliver's room is nearly finished, we can now open the front door (the house needs re-stumping) Dad was handy with a temporary fix of one of the stumps, and the window sills to the boys rooms are now underway to getting fixed, yay.

Aidan has decided that he wants to share a room with Oliver and make the other room a play room. So while he is keen to do this we are going to give it a go. With 6 years difference between them I don't think it will last long but it will be nice for a while.

I was handy on the machine too. Aidan and I finally made his belt.

I gave up on the binding maker, the material just didn't want to go through evenly, I think I need a lesson. So I just used the folding method, seemed to work fine. I need to work on my thread tension, so don't look too closely!!

I also made Keyka Lou's Keychain Clutch.

I got the hubby to enlarge the pattern to 150% so I could fit more in. Well you can definitely fit more in! My phone, keys and maybe the correct size version would fit in. It needs a handle though which I thought it might so I added the extra strap. I'm going to give it a spin at pickup today and see how it goes. I don't like taking my whole handbag just for school pickup but still need the phone etc. so this should do the trick. I also want to try and make one attach to the front baby carrier, hmm I have ideas.

TTFN

Made a few changes

2011-06-07T11:07:00.000+10:00

I've made a few changes to the look of the blog. What do you think? Can you still see Mandy Made in the header? I'm a bit nervous about the font I used, can all browsers see it?

It's freezing in Melbourne today, can't find my fingerless gloves, I'll just have to sit and knit for a while. Or give my little one lots of cuddles.

TTFN

Skill Builder Sampler

2011-06-06T17:55:00.000+10:00

I'm going to participate in my first sew along with Sewn doing the Skill Builder Sampler

Who wants to do it too?

I'm only going to use fabric from my stash, see how that goes. I think I may also quilt as you go, cos I missed that one last year. Who knows I may end up with a quilt or a heap of place matts!!

TTFN

Stepping Stones Pillow

2011-06-06T10:14:00.000+10:00

It's all finished and didn't take all that long to make.

I think I spent more time procrastinating over cutting into the beautiful Saffron Craig fabric.

I'm really happy with it, it's the first time I made flying geese, and everything seemed to fit together nicely. I've had trouble in the past with everything not coming together but I used the edge of my 1/4 inch foot instead of the guard and everything turned out beautifully.

I was going to quilt by hand but I just didn't have the time and coming down with yet another cold, so I shadow quilted in a square from the main square and back stitched over the wings which made them pop out. I machine sewed the binding down then hand stitched it to the back.

So if you have a fat quarter pack laying around that you don't know what to do with I recommend making this pillow, great skill builder and a quick project to commplete.

I gave it to my neice yesterday for her 5th birthday, think she was happy with it ;-)

TTFN

I did it

2011-06-03T20:19:00.000+10:00

I cut the fabric.

Then I sewed it back together again.

Now how to quilt it. Hand or machine? Straight or something else? Please I need help with this.

I got the pattern from here.

TTFN

Crochet Clutch

2011-06-01T10:12:00.000+10:00

I've been wanted something to put all of my crochet needles in for ages and I'd book marked this tutorial by Kim Walus at Moda Bake Shop ages ago, well I finally found the time to make it. The fabric I used was a fat 1/8th bundle from spotlight, perfect size.

The tute was easy to follow, the few things I would change would be to list everything you need at the top, you have to read the whole thing to make sure you have everything, there was some instruction missing from how to attach the inside pocket and hook pocket to the outside, it kind of left you up to your own devises as to how to do this, looking at the photos I didn't do the same as Kim.

I'm happy with how it turned out, it was the first time I'd sewed with plastic so that was interesting. If I was to make another I would leave cutting the top and bottom curves until just before adding the binding, it was a bit messy trying to line everything up after sewing onto the centre piece.

Well I'm off to cut into that fabric I mentioned yesterday, ran out of time! Wish me luck ;-)

TTFN

On the cutting table today

2011-05-31T10:42:00.002+10:00

On the cutting table today, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

....can I do it?

On the needles

2011-05-31T10:37:00.002+10:00

On the needles, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

I came across a honey cowl on ravelry that I just had to try. It's going to be nice and warm. I've been working on it for a few weeks now when I'm waiting for pick ups etc. Hopefully I'll get it finished by the end of winter!! If you want more details on the knitting you can check out my page on ravelry.

TTFN

A belt in the making

2011-05-31T10:15:00.002+10:00

A belt in the making, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

My first project from Nikki's new book will be the kids belt. After very careful consideration of what fabric to use (on Aidan's behalf) we started measuring and cutting. We had to sew two bits together as they weren't long enough!! See how that goes. I tried to use the bias binding maker but I'm having a few problems, it's not very even and keeps slipping a bit. Not sure if its because I have the kind of bias binder maker that you also put fusible tape through, can't see how that would make a difference, any ideas? Oh well, will try again.

TTFN

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-09T11:23:00.000+10:00

Happy Mothers Day for yesterday.

This brekky was made for me by my lovely husband, my fave. We had a nice day mostly at home, I could have stayed in the new slippers and dressing gown I was given all day. We did the extended family gatherings on saturday, which didn't go to plan as we'd been looking forward to. No thanks to a drunk driver early saturday morning, for wiping out the car my sister was driving on the way to a market. She was very lucky and walked away from the accident, not sure what happened to the other driver, or the puddings she was driving to the market. So she and her family unfortunately couldn't be with us. I would like to say a lot more about the drunk driver but wont at the mo, my language might get a bit worse than grr, and I just don't want to lower myself.

This time last year I went to the stitches and craft show with my mum. I bought Nikki's make-up purse pattern and some fabric from amitie with the intension of making a purse for mum last mothers day. Well a year later and I finally did it!! I had two problems stopping me from making the purse, what design to put on it and the zip. I've always been a bit scared of sewing zips, don't know why just have.

When Aidan came home from school the other day, we'd been discussing making something for Grandma for mothers day, he sat down and drew a monster. He's not one for sitting down and doing anything with pencil and paper so you can imagine my surprise when he came up with the above design, complete with dashed lines where the sewing was to go, a name for the monster, Straud, and a whole back story. The back story I wasn't so surprised about, his imagination is enormous. So that was one side of the purse designed, the other I traced around both boys hands, Oliver was a bit harder to do, he still wants to clench his fist. I don't think his hand will fit inside Aidan's for much longer though, he's growing at a rate of knots, 11 weeks now, it's gone so fast.

I used iron on applique paper to transfer the design onto the material, then hand sewed around it. I need to learn free motion on the sewing machine. It came together pretty quickly, Aidan was happy with it. He wanted me to make a softie out of the design too but I explained that he drew a more 2D monster and he'd have to draw it again for me to make a 3D object, he just looked at me as if to say, you got this much out of me, now you want more? Oh what to do with a 6 year old.

I needn't have been scared of sewing the zip in. I did have one unpicking incident but apparently even the professionals do that!! I'm happy with how it's turned out. I could have the applique a bit higher up, I'll know for next time.

Oh, and I finally got the crazy nine patch lattice quilt top finished. Now I just have to decide how to back it, quilt it and bind it. May take another year. Hopefully not. Any ideas?

TTFN

If only I knew

2011-05-06T09:29:00.000+10:00

...that you couldn't email me back. I've been blogging for 3 years now, yes April came and went quietly, no big celebrations here, haven't been that consistent with the posts so I thought I'd celebrate 200 posts instead. I have a feeling I may have said the same thing last year too.

Anyway back to the whole 3 years thing. I have also been commenting on others blogs for the same amount of time, it took the lovely Tanya to let me know that she couldn't email me back via the comment I left, that I had a no reply email. Thank you so much Tanya, here I was thinking I'm so small and insignificant that no-one wants to email me back, well I may still be but at least now I know its by choice!! So if you are like me and wondering why other bloggers don't get back to you check your account settings and see if you have email switched on.

Now the reason why I was visiting Tanya's blog (and am now following) is that she received a book that I also got in the mail. The wonderful "You Sew, Girl" by Nicole Mallalieu. It's so ace you have to get your hands on it. When I was flicking through the pages I couldn't work out what I wanted to make first, so I was thinking of working my way through the book. So I read on another blog that Tanya was planning on doing the same thing so popped over to have a look, you should to, then I don't have to go on about it here!!

I need to use up some of my stash, it's getting out of control. My make wish list is getting so long that I don't know where to start!! I'm saving up for a new machine, if that isn't enough incentive to not buy anymore fabric I don't know what is. So from now on I'm only going to purchase stuff that needs to go with the fabric I have, including solids cos I don't have enough of those, I'm just making excuses to spend more money aren't I ;-).

Back soon with some photos, this post was a bit texty.

TTFN

A giveaway...

2011-04-13T20:17:00.000+10:00

....but not from me!!

Margaret over at Konstant Kaos is having a giveaway of a very cute patchwork book which I want (hint hint). Pop over there and have a go at winning yourself.

I'm off to Perth for a week, yay. I have been making this week and will have some shots to show you on my return.

TTFN

Vote for Cam

2011-04-04T20:40:00.000+10:00

Cam of Curly Pops has been nominated for Cosmopolitan Fun Fearless Female Awards 2011, yay, so pop over to her blog and follow the links and go and vote for her. There are other categories you have to vote for too and I hadn't heard of most of the chicks in them (guess I should read Cosmo!!) so they got a pot luck vote, the singers were the hardest to pick, there are a lot of ace chicks out there at the moment. Best of luck Cam.

TTFN

Finally Finished

2011-04-04T14:15:00.000+10:00

Finally it's finished! I started this quilt a year ago when my niece was born, and she would have received it not long after that but unfortunately a whole lot of stuff got in the way. First my machine started doing it's horrible missing stitches thing, then I got pregnant and lost all desire to craft. The pattern is from a free tutorial by Oh Fransonn! on the sew mama sew blog.

I straight line quilted down the solid strips, not really worrying about it being exact (i like the look) then shadow quilted along each of the charm squares. The quilting was all working until I got to the shadow quilting then my machine decided that skipping stitches would be a good idea. I've had it serviced but it still seems to be happening. Could it have something to do with my walking foot? I pushed on and got it finished just in time for Niah's 1st birthday. I love the funky monkey fabric, I have some left over and I'm just working out what I can make with it next.

I loved this pattern it was so easy to follow and came together so quickly. After machine quilting this one I'm looking forward to hand quilting my next, I have ideas of what that will be, something on the lines of aussie designer Kate Conklin. But I should finish this quilt first!! I just have to find where I put it. I've claimed a corner of the lounge room now as a sewing space but all of my sewing "stuff" is still a bit everywhere.

TTFN

First 4 months of Melly and Me's Once Upon a Time BOM

2011-04-04T10:51:00.002+10:00

First 4 months of Melly and Me's Once Upon a Time BOM, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

This is a project I've been working on since May last year, I started the first one at SIT. I've been slowly making my way through the stitcheries, these are the first 4, I'm working on month 7 at the moment. I was convinced I was having a girl so really wanted to get the whole quilt finished. When I found out I was having a boy I didn't slow down but I did try and make it more masculine, working with different colours etc but it still looks like a quilt for a little girl. Oh well, I will just have to complete it for me. It was a good project to work on while pregnant, I had just started month 7 when I went into labour!!

Back soon with a completed project, shock horror!!

TTFN

Introducing the latest Mandy Made

2011-03-06T21:09:00.000+11:00

Please meet Oliver Lee born 2 weeks ago today (3 days old in the photo). He weighed 3.63 kg (8lb) and was 54 cm long. We are so happy to have him finally with us. He's settling in really well and I'm really looking forward to getting to know my new little guy. Now what to make first for him.....

Little Gabby's 1st birthday softies

2011-02-02T13:26:00.001+11:00

Little Gabby's 1st birthday softies, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

We have a very special little girl in our loves, one that wanted to come into this world way too early, about 15 weeks too early. She's doing really well now and is such a happy little girl. So for her 1st birthday I thought and thought about what I could make her. Not being in a making mood on her actual birthday I waited a little while and then luckily came across these 2 softies, well Aidan came up with the snail after he saw me flicking through moda bake shop. She had a celebration on Australia day for her due date so the Kookaburra by Kate Henderson was also a perfect choice.

The snail was designed by Angela Yosten and found on the Moda Bake Shop website. This was a really great softie to sew with Aidan. All it requires are 2 strips from a jelly role, which I had left over from another project. Aidan sewed the 2 pieces together and I took over for the rounded head, he's getting really good with the foot control, not as many racing incidences. We found a pole to turn it inside out then stuffed it with small pieces at a time, this was probably the most time consuming. I hand sewed the role up. The original pattern didn't have eyes but Aidan insisted.

The kookaburra was in the latest Homespun Mag 12.1 and designed by Kate Henderson of Two Little Banshees. I love making Kate's patterns. I made her platypus for Gabby's big sisters 1st birthday. It was quick to make, I took longer choosing the material!!

I finally made a trip out to Gail B's patchwork shop. I've been meaning to for a long time. My friend Leah warned me that I need to have a goal in mind when going there, and when I got there I knew what she meant. So much fabric to choose from, I was in heaven. Unfortunately I took Aidan with me who soon got board and wanted spider man to hide in the fabric, I'll go back, definitely!

Not sure what my next project will be, I've only got a couple of weeks to go till the little one arrives. I've been working on Melly and Me's Once Upon a Time BOM, I think i'll concentrate on that again, hand sewing, yay. Not up to sitting at the machine anymore.

School goes back this Friday so I'll be getting some time to myself, for a couple of weeks at least. The baby's room is still in disarray, converting it from the study/sewing room has proven to be a bigger project than we first thought, at least we have now settled on paint colours, fingers crossed it will be finished but it wont be the end of the world!

Happy Stitching

Mandy

Enjohn the 3 headed monster

2011-01-31T10:19:00.001+11:00

Enjohn the 3 headed monster, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Meet Enjohn the 3 headed monster. It's school holidays at the moment and Aidan was itching to make something, he'd exhausted lego building so turned to my sewing machine. So we looked through all of my softies books. He came across Tri-Plod from "Invasion of the Plush Monsters" by Veronika Alice Gunter. He was designed by Ian Dennis.

We had to enlarge the pattern (one of my pet hates about some of these books) so had to visit dad at work so he could enlarge the pattern. He printed it on a thick card so we could use it as a template, very handy, then a trip to spotlight for the materials. The pattern asked for 1 metre of felt, total over kill, 30cm would have done it, so we now have plenty of red felt to make something else. The blue fuzzy material came as a fat quarter so that was handy, more monsters can be made of that. I think the eyes could have been smaller, it was a bit tricky inserting them, there wasn't a size in the pattern so I had to guess.

This book is supposed to be for beginners, I thought this pattern required more than a beginners knowledge of how to make a softie.

He's been on lots of adventures, especially with the first softie I ever made, Tu Tu, and will go on lots more, until school goes back I think.

Happy Monster making

Mandy

A year in Review 2010

2011-01-30T12:37:00.000+11:00

It was a bit's and pieces year last year, I made all sorts of things from different crafts. I attended Sew It Together and joined the Melbourne Modern Quilt Guild, attended heaps of craft fairs and bought way to much fabric.

I had a bit of a bad health year, not just me, it seemed like all of my family had a bit of a bad year, I won't go into details. Then I got pregnant again, yay. 6 years after being pregnant with Aidan, what can I say, sometimes these things take time!! I thought if I got pregnant again I'd be all about craft and I'd be making heaps, the opposite happened, I completely lost my crafty mojo. Unless something had to be made it was just too hard to think about. So my list of things I wanted to make just didn't get done. Oh well, at least everyone is now healthy and I've finally got my mojo back, some might say it's nesting!!

So last year I declared 2010 as the year for domestic projects, well I guess that is now going to be carried into 2011 on a larger scale as there will be another little person to make stuff for.

I'm going to make another make wish list that I'll keep in my side bar and hopefully cross off this year, but who knows, I may get a baby this time that wont let me get any time to myself, so I'm going to play it by ear.

There are a few things that I want to do though:

Comment more on others blogs - I've been too much of a lurker, I want to change this
Get more involved with quilt or sew alongs - there has been heaps I wished I have joined
Complete the quilts I've started
Look into craft markets to have a stall - I want to have something original though so I need to come up with something while working out the pros and cons of having a market stall.
Sew from my stash before shopping - my stash has got out of hand, I want to weigh what I have and maybe 1/2 it, but that also depends on how many projects I'm able to make!!

Ok so just a few goals for the year, we'll see how we go.

So this year is going to be full of changes with the introduction of new little person in our lives and also not working at my career for 12 months, I think that is going to be the biggest adjustment!!

I know this is a month into 2011 but happy new year and may you get all of your crafty wishes for 2011.

TTFN

Mandy

A late birth present for Eva

2011-01-28T16:56:00.000+11:00

I know it has been a while between posts but I have been very busy building a baby (now 35 weeks) and haven't felt too crash hot about sitting at a sewing machine let alone at the computer to blog about it. Well now I have finished work (since Christmas!!) I've had a bit more energy to sew and sit at the computer so we'll see how we go now.

Above is a gift I finished a while ago (November to be exact) but haven't written about, I wanted to give it to baby Eva first. So before I do a year in review post I thought I better write about this one first. I had ideas of what I wanted to make Eva but none seemed to get made through the bit of a sewing slump I had, until I saw "Once Upon A Time - Girl" in Homespun Mag 11.10, designed by Natalie Lymer of Cinderberry Stitches. It was perfect. I was home sick with a cold so whipped the stitchery up in no time. I had a few problems with the kind of thread that Natalie suggested but just ended up going through my extensive dmc thread stash and used that. I used a jelly roll from spotlight and trimmed it to the correct width, it would have been ok if they sold honey buns as well. Anyway, I found that the material wasn't cut straight at the fold which was very annoying, if you are going to use one of these rolls watch out for this. I also found that my 1/4 inch foot isn't, nothing joined up. I found that the gauge is out but the metal part is ok so from now on I ignore the gauge, very annoying. I'm happy with the finished product and had no problem with the pattern at all, just need a boy to stitch the other one for now!! More close up picks on flckr.

TTFN

Mandy

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-24T17:16:00.002+11:00

Merry Christmas 2010, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Have a great Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year.

TTFN

Mandy

Half-Eaten Gingerbread Man design by Meg Spaeth
Handmade by MandyMade

Gift for Little A's teacher and Big Buddy

Lily's Fabric Toadstool

2010-12-09T17:46:00.002+11:00

Lily's Fabric Toadstool, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Another Christening gift, this one for my other niece. You may remember the toadstool I posted about back in May. Well when thinking about what to make Lily I couldn't go past this fabric toadstool to match the toadstools at her house. The original idea was for Little A to help me make it but it didn't end up that way, he chose the materials but we ran out of time (and maybe patience). It was quick to make and I ended up putting an empty thread spool in the stalk, worked great. I could see a whole forest and maybe some little visitors in the future.

Pattern by Amy Adams from Sewing Calendar 2010. Handmade by MandyMade

Niah's Whale

2010-12-09T17:09:00.002+11:00

Niah's Whale, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

When my niece was born Little A wanted to make something for her. We eventually settled on this whale from the book "Softies". He chose all of the materials, helped cut out the pattern, sat on my knee when sewing it up and helped stuff it. With my guidance he then over sewed the edges. We eventually gave it to her for her Christening a couple of weeks ago.

Pattern "the lookout" by Michelle Valigura from the book "Softies". Handmade by Aidan and MandyMade.

Ewok's on an adventure

2010-12-05T10:48:00.003+11:00

Ewok's on an adventure, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

I made these two little guys for Little A's friends (brothers) for their birthdays in early November. They are Star Wars fans along with their Mum (I made the yoda for her) so now they have their own star wars amigurami. The pattern was a free tutorial found here. I can't believe she gives this tutorial away for free. It was very easy to follow and gave two options for the face, which was handy so I could make two individual ones. Little A is now obsessed with watching the Ewok movie. Lucky I haven't been asked to make one for him.

More stuff made in the last couple of months to come. Now I have the photos off the hubby's camera they will come sooner rather than later. I love the new lens he has on his cannon, perfect shots. I want a new sewing machine before I splash out on new lenses for my camera.

Only 3 weeks of work to go and only 3 weeks to start and finish making stuff for christmas. It's been so muggy in Melbourne that I haven't felt like sewing. Need to crank up the air con.

TTFN

Dad's Mug Rug

2010-11-29T17:10:00.002+11:00

Dad's Mug Rug, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

I'm still here, I haven't totally disappeared!! Just part of my brain seems to have turned to mush. So I haven't been in the mood to write anything. But I have been doing some crafting. Gifts mainly so I can't post pics. I do have some to show though. But I wont do it all at once.

This is my latest. Mug rugs seem to have exploded in blog land and on flickr, so I thought I'd have a go. My Dad had a birthday on the weekend so I thought it a perfect time to make one, or two as it turns out!! I couldn't think of any designs and I've had this fabric for ages, only a small piece, he's into wood, so I thought i'd just have two plain pieces, no piecing to worry about, then quilt so it kinda looks like wood. So this is what I came up with. I made one with a spiral of circles and the other with a spiral of squares, he can use either side. He always puts his mug on a speaker next to the couch with a biscuit or two, now Mum wont have to wipe up after him, just chuck the mug rug into the wash.

So there you have it.

On the baby front, I'm now 26 weeks, 3rd trimester, yay. I had a scan on friday and it's around the 80 percentile so it looks like i'll have another tall one, Little A is currently in the 97th percentile!! Can't really keep calling him Little A. All is going well and I only have 4 weeks of work left, yay, then i'll have lots of time for crafting!!

Until next time

TTFN

PS. For more pics of the mug rug go to my flickr page.

Made a yoda I did

2010-09-01T21:36:00.001+10:00

I recently made this little guy for a friends 40th, star wars fan, can you tell? I've got plans for her kids birthday's this year, shh. I got the pattern from a crochet tutorial by Oh so happy together. Go check her other stuff out.

My mum's been busy again. Another tea cosy, more to come, she's not stopping here.

My Creative Space

2010-08-26T17:03:00.000+10:00

You may be under the impression that I have actually made something this week, or in fact month. But alas no. Not of the crafting variety at any rate. But I have been making something, of the human variety. Yes that's right, I'm 3 months preggers, and I've lost my crafty mojo, please tell me I'll get it back.

I did finish the man scarf I started for the hairy bloke. Sitting still and knitting or crocheting is all I can stomach at the moment, feeling better now though.

For more, crafty, creative spaces head over to kootoyoo

My Creative Space

2010-07-29T16:30:00.000+10:00

Lately my creative space has been all about knitting. I'm making a scarf for the hubby out of a book he gave me for our anniversary, just a small hint I think!! It's the "Men's patchwork scarf" from the book "knitting" by Hikaru Noguchi. I've ended up having to buy heaps more wool than it said in the pattern, and I chose two different types of wool which has kinda worked, it adds to the patchwork appeal! my excuse is I'm still only learning.

My sewing machine has been on the blink. The top thread doesn't seem to be grabbing the bottom thread at even intervals so you get big stitches in between the right size stitches, very annoying. I've more or less taken the whole thing apart and given it a good clean, it's helped a little bit but not perfect. So unless anyone has any more suggestions as to how to fix it, it's going to be off to the doctor with it!!

It didn't help that I went to the craft show on the weekend and goggled over some very lovely machines, can't afford a new one at the mo :-(.

I'm having a weekend away with the girls this weekend so hopefully i'll have more to show next week. I did make a purse a couple of weeks ago but I forgot to take a photo before I gifted it so it'll have to wait.

For more creative spaces pop over to kootoyoo.

Boo

2010-07-11T08:37:00.000+10:00

I'm off to the Melbourne Modern Quilt Guild today. Hopefully I will get some sewing done and be able to show something for a change. Until then....

TTFN

My Creative Space

2010-06-24T17:47:00.003+10:00

Queen Anne Lace Scarf, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

This week....

Queen Anne Lace Scarf free pattern found via Ravelry, but I was inspired by a friend who also made a few. I used Patons Shadow Tweed which I bought a bag of really cheap, and crotchet hook 4.5mm. It's really chunky so I thought this size scarf was best. Whipped it up in an evening. I could add to it if I feel inclined though. I think I'm going to make a rug out of the rest of the wool. We'll see.

More creative spaces over at kootoyoo.

Showcase - My Mum

2010-06-21T12:05:00.000+10:00

There hasn't been too much making going on around of late. I've had deadlines at work and that kinda drains you. So I decided to show some of what my mum has been up to, she's been busy!!

A jacket for my niece made from the pattern Uptown Girl by make it perfect.

Elephants for new baby niece from pattern Parsley and Beet by Ric Rac

I gave mum the book Really Wild Tea Cosies for mothers day and this is what she has made so far from it

and a close up

Well you can now see who I learned from! She's made another elephant since this photo, looks like a herd is gathering.

Lately I've been doing a bit of knitting and crocheting, I need to get the camera out and takes some pics in progress. Hopefully in the school holidays after all the deadlines are finished I might actually get onto the machine again. I hope to have more progress done on my quilts before the next melb modern quilt guild meet.

TTFN

Wordless weekend - a childhood memory

2010-06-20T21:06:00.001+10:00

My childhood memories, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

A bit AWOL

2010-06-17T16:34:00.003+10:00

And I'm not apologising for it, had life stuff to do!!

I did finally finish this though...

I gave it to my neice for her 4th birthday to decorate her new bedroom. There wasn't really any instructions for attaching the material to the frame, like how to fold it so it's nice and neat, so I just folded as best I could and was lucky enough to borrow a staple gun from this lovely lady. You were a life saver. It was lovely to stitch, I'd forgotten how relaxing hand sewing can be.

TTFN

Edit - Kokeshi Friends Stitchery from the book Kaleidoscope by Melanie Hurlston. Handmade by MandyMade

Sew It Together 2010 - The next bit

2010-05-23T21:58:00.000+10:00

The Saturday part of Sew It Together consisted of a whole day of sewing and a dinner. What a hard life hay? Sheridan did a wonderful job organising everything, thank you so much. It all appeared to come together so smoothly, I hope in the background it did too.

It was an early start for me catching the train into the city with my crafty sidekick. We stayed in the city that night so had all our crafty gear with us plus the overnight stuff.

We were greated at the door by lovely Donna with our Saturday goody bag.

Except for the fabric in the middle there that snuck into this photo instead of the friday one, all this stuff was given to all of us, like Christmas really, without the small one climbing all over me. For the full list of sponsors please checkout the SIT website, I don't want to miss anyone.

In the door prize I one a boys pant pattern, which is really cute, but in German, which I can't read. So I may need someones help out there, there may even be a pair of boys pants in it for you.

I had a great time, I didn't talk to as many people as I probably should but listened and watched in a bit of a star stuck moment.

This is what I sewed, yes there was sewing involved!!

I finished off the stitching part of the Kokeshi dolls by Melly and Me, and then started on Melly and Me's block of the month. There were all sorts of crafting going on, and even some of Jodie's softies came out to play.

After all of the excitement of the sewing day most of us headed out to a lovely dinner, where we got to chat to different bloggers and catch up on other things other than sewing!! Imagine that, other stuff happens other than sewing!!

After a very rewarding but exhausting day we headed back to the hotel and collapsed until morning, and a sleep in, yay. Brunch at South Bank and a spot of craft market shopping then headed back home on the train.

I've spent the last week, other than dealing with a cold, trying to take in all that went on that weekend. I can't put it into words, guess you had to be there!! Check out my flickr page (link on my side bar) if you want to see more pics of the day.

TTFN

Sew It Together 2010

2010-05-19T18:33:00.000+10:00

It's time to blog about it. It was fantastic. Had so much fun. I never thought it would come, now it's come and gone. I put so many faces to names and blog names. I wish I took a photo of everyone so I could remember.

Friday Shopping Trip and Drinks at Nikki's

I had to work in the morning of the shopping trip, which is an early start for me, so by the time I got on the bus I was nearly ready to finish the day. Didn't last long though, I was soon into the swing of things and meeting new people. I was a bit shell shocked and shy though so sorry if I didn't get to speak with you, I was taking it all in though.

First stop was Amitie. I've never been to the shop before, only buying from them at shows and being part of their VIP club. I will be going back. There are so many fantastic fabrics in there, and so many for boys, something I've been searching for. The ladies were lovely with afternoon tea waiting for us and a very generous discount, how ace. I bought fabric and hexagon templates. This is me and Leah, my partner in crime, poring over our fabric choices.

Photo Originally uploaded by SusanL

Next up was Patchwork on Central, there I bought an Amy Butler weekender pattern. Back on the bus and off to Ink and Spindle.

I've been wanting to go to their open days for ages but can never make it. So I was very excited. The girls gave us a printing demo and I bought some backing material to make cushions (and finally use up the fabric I bought from them at last years show).
Lastly for the day we ended up at Nikki's studio where she put on bubbly and nibbles for all of us. We also got to see her studio, amazing, and buy a few things too. I forgot to photograph them but I got some bag bits too. I was exhausted ready for bed, looking forward to the big sewing day ahead.

This is my haul from friday shopping day. (minus a few fabrics that made it into the satuday photo. The scissors, thread and fabric pack where from The Oz Material girls who were very generous in giving all the shopping girls a give-away, thanks heaps.

I'm going to break this into 2 posts, so I'll be back soon with more.

TTFN

Finally...

2010-05-19T11:32:00.000+10:00

I started and finished my first Nicole Mallalieu bag. I've only had the pattern since mothers day last year!!

Large Satchel, Design by Nicole Mallalieu, Handmade by MandyMade

Print Fabric by Aunty Cookie

I don't know what took me so long. Once I started I found the pattern really easy to follow, I didn't have any problems at all. The only thing I would change if I made this bag again would be the interfacing I used, and add some padding. I wasn't thinking straight and used the interfacing I bought for backing my stitcheries. Oh well, we live and learn. Thanks Nikki for a great pattern.

I will be back soon I promise with all the news from Sew It Together. I'm still recovering!! I now have a cold and no voice, so the energy level just hasn't been up to blogging!! I have been checking out others posts though and de-lerking as much as possible!!

TTFN

Oops I missed it...

2010-05-08T18:04:00.000+10:00

...my two year blogiversary. It was in april, oops. While reading another blog who mentioned 2 years was coming up, I thought I should check when mine will be, oops I missed it. I'm sure i've broken some unwritten rule of bloggers by missing it. I also may be breaking another rule by not having a giveaway. Sorry. I'll save that for my 200th post. If you want to check out my very first post go here.

I went to the Melbourne Stitches and Craft show yesterday. I took my mum and we had heaps of fun. I met heaps of bloggers, so now i can put faces to names, and caught up with some that I met at the last show or during the past year. Even though I've been blogging for 2 years I've only really started the meet and greet in the past year. Just can't wait for Sew It Together next weekend, very excited, can't wait. The show wasn't as big as last year, not as many fabric stalls and craft gadgets that I would have liked. I loved the incubator section though, so much talent there. Each booth was decorated perfectly reflecting the crafter. We didn't get to any talks or labs but we did do some crotchet at the craft bar. I was very restrained in my purchases (saving for SIT), only buying a new subscription to Homespun for myself, and a purse pattern and fabric for my mum for mothers day that she chose (more on that in another post). Mum bought a few patterns and I hope to share what she makes out of those as well.

I finally got to make one of Nikki's bags but I think that deserves a post of it's own, that, and the light is terrible for pictures at the mo.

TTFN

Still here!!

2010-05-02T12:15:00.001+10:00

Don't worry, I'm still here, although you would get the impression that I'd gone walkabout!! Poor neglected blog, and so close to the bloggy spectacular that is Sew It Together!!

I have been making stuff, some secret stuff, some not so. We had a long weekend last weekend so I got to get up north to see my sister on her property. (That sounds rather grand doesn't it!!) It was very relaxing, got to have lots of cuddles with baby niece and ate scones :-). While wandering around we came across some awesome looking toad stools, you can just see the little pixie living under this one can't you?

I've been keeping busy and out of trouble on the train for the past couple of weeks making a gigantic granny square rug for Little A. I finally finished yesterday. I used Lincraft double knitting yarn with 4.5 hook. I used the granny square pattern from Meet Me at Mike's book and I finished the edges with triple crochet. Final measurement 1m square. If anyone needs something crocheted I'm looking for a new train project, just let me know.

I also finally got around to making Little A's school library bag. Only a term late!! I made it the same as this one but it came out skinnier, still fits books though. I bought the material from amitie last year at the craft show, finally got around to using it.

That's it for me today. Off to finally make Nikki's bag so I can take it to show her next week at the stitches and craft show, can't wait, if it's anything like last year, should be ace.

TTFN

Check this out

2010-04-14T17:24:00.000+10:00

I got my very ace name tag today for Sew It Together.

Kelly from Purple Paisley Patch made it for me. She also wrapped it in some lovely fabric to fit in with the colour theme.

I was in a hurry to open it and didn't take a photo so it's not as perfect as when I recieved it. The parcel looks too big for the name tag doesn't it. That's cos she made this for me as well.

Front

Back

How cool is that?

And now my swap partner has received her tag I can reveal what I made.

Sorry Katia I didn't include any other cool snazzy stuff, I'm new at this swap thing, next time.

Something else happened to pop in my mail box this week.

I won mail bag in Homespun magazine. I sent these photos in ages ago and completely forgot about it. Well there you go. But as luck has it, I wont be able to use the prize. It's all this lovely perfumed stuff which, unfortunately, started to give me a migraine as soon as I opened the box :-(, so some very lucky ladies in my life might be getting some lovely gifts soon.

Well I think that is it for a while. I've been doing a bit of crotchet over the school holidays, which I'll take a photo of soon I hope, other than that I have a super secret pressy on the go and all of my other WIP's.

TTFN

He's 5

2010-03-30T17:28:00.000+11:00

Wow I can't believe it, my little man turned 5 on the weekend. Besides now being the boss of everything!! he's a bit in awe of it himself, it took soooo long to get to 5. During the past year he's had these goals that when he turns 5 he can do all sorts of stuff, like watching (what he calls) scary movies. He tried a scary movie out today, maybe when I'm 6 mum!!

So this is the cake, for the first party, with his little friends.

The big man of the house made the cake, his forte, and I decorated it. We hired a number 5 tin from our local, very ace, cake shop. (if only we had a fabric shop this close by too!!). You can buy the cake mix and butter cream icing in tubs there so all we had to do is mix the dye in, messy business but fun. I had been flicking through the Aus Womens weekly birthday cake book, and got inspiration in there for making the cake into a race track. So there you have it. Lot's of cake which didn't really get eaten, brought out Nan's cup cakes a bit too soon I think. There was so much cake we ended up only cutting that for the afternoon too. But I still made this...

If you haven't gathered by now, Little A likes his cars. So I couldn't go past making a VW Beetle cake in the same colour as our beetle. My sister used to own our beetle and when she did I gave her this cake tin, which has now come in useful.

So there you have it. The end result of my creative thoughts of this week.

Now hopefully some sewing this week. Gotta start on the name tag for Sew It Together, time is running out. My to do list is massive!!

TTFN

My Creative Space

2010-03-25T20:43:00.000+11:00

I have nothing to show for my creative space this week, (I could show the same photo as last week but that would be boring!!) It's all in my head and I don't think you want to see that. So in my creative head this week:

Idea's for my new nieces birth present
Little A's birthday cakes for this weekend - he is having 2 parties so 2 cakes are required. He's having a car theme so I'm thinking number 5 with racing track, and we have a VB beetle tin, so that will need to be decorated the same as our beetle.
Decorations for the party, I did have all these grand plans of making stuff but that kinda went out the door, I work full time, what can you do!!
Party games involving cars, any ideas very welcome ;-)
Aidan's birthday present, I was thinking a photo board, got any great tutes? Not going to get that finished by sunday!

So there you have it, I assure you more was going on in my head this week, but this unfortunately, was about it for creativity. Hopefully I'll have photos of the out comes. Wow I've been a mum for nearly 5 years, time has flown.

For more creative spaces head here to kootoyoo.

TTFN

Library Bag for James

2010-03-21T18:37:00.000+11:00

I may have mentioned a few posts ago that I was off to make a library bag for Little A. We'll I ended up making one for my friends son James instead, don't worry, Little A's will be made!!

I ended up making up the pattern, not too difficult. I just used bits and pieces of what I have learnt on bag making over the past year. If anyone is interested in a tutorial please let me know. When I get around to making the next one I'll document it as I go.

I'm going to have to put the crazy nine patch quilt on hold for a bit, my sister gave birth to a daughter yesterday so now I'm busy planning on something special for her. Very exciting :-).

TTFN

Electronics Case

2010-03-21T18:19:00.001+11:00

I made this for my sister for her birthday. I gave her a clutch purse last year, she was being very inventive and using it as a case for her hard drive, so I thought I'd make her another one with a bit more padding!! Again, the pattern is from the Sewing Calendar 2010. This little calendar is coming in very useful for little projects. I quilted it with radiating straight lines from the centre, spiral like, and used a press stud instead of a button. I tried making a button hole with a sample but my machine just wasn't coping, layers were a bit thick I think.

Edit: I also changed the size so it would fit an external hard drive.

The design is by Ayumi Takahashi of Pink Penguin. You can also find the pattern on her website as a tutorial, along with some other lovely looking tutorials which I'm going to have to try.

TTFN

Sewing with Little A

2010-03-21T17:57:00.001+11:00

This was a couple of weeks ago, sorry only getting around to writing it now. It's going to be a bit lengthy, I want to record it all.

Little A had decided one evening that we needed to make something, "with your machine Mummy". I told him we need to plan these things a bit more in advance. So after a few temper outbursts he was happy with the idea of dreaming up a really good idea for what to make. So when we got home from school the next afternoon we decided to make something. A few ideas flew around then I got some books out with patterns. Of course all the patterns he wanted to make from had to be enlarged.

*** side rant *** I really love craft books, but why do they all now have patterns that have to be enlarged? They assume you can get to a photo copier, which i can only do on the off chance at work. It also limits a spontaneous softie making session. Not all books now have patterns that need to be enlarged and I thank them for that, but I don't want to buy a book based on how they have included the patterns. *** ok rant over!! ***

Then I looked through my sewing calendar and found a few things we could make in a couple of hours. I also didn't know how long his attention span was going to last, and I'd have to finish it. But we settled on a little robot pillow.

No patterns as such, just dimensions for squares, excellent. To the material box. Little A chose the fabric he wanted. It happened to be a fabric bundle I'd bought at Spotlight, so everything matched. He chose what colour should go with what part of the robot then we got the iron out and ironed all the material. This was the first time I'd let him use the iron so he was very chuffed ( He was very closely assisted, but even so). Next came the cutting mat and roller cutter. I lined everything up then with my help he rolled the cutter, very proud of himself. We read the instructions again (he's very big on me reading the instructions all the time) then matched the fabric up ready to sew. The pieces were very small so I let him guide the fabric through once, then he was in charge of raising the foot and turning the wheel. After a few seams sewn he decided that using the hole punch for a while would entertain him better. So while he was doing that I sewed the face and some tricky bits. But he came back wanting to do more which was good, cos it was stuffing time. He loves this bit and is often my cheif stuffing holder and getter out of the bag while I stuff softies. But this time it was his turn to stuff, which at times he did with a bit too much vigour but all was ok. I thought I'd be the one sewing the gap closed but no he wanted to do it. So I doubled the thread over, pinched the seams together for him, then he sewed the opening closed, guess he has been paying attention!! I grabbed the camera and the rest is history. Very proud of himself he was and I of him. He even took it to show and tell.

TTFN

My Creative Space

2010-03-18T17:23:00.000+11:00

I've decided to get on the band wagon and post my creative space for this week. I've been a bit absent from my blog of late, life stuff, so I thought this might get me back in.

I'm only working on 2 things at the moment, shock horror, with a million and 1 things in my head wanting to be made. I have started the stitchery from Melly and Me's Kaleidoscope book. It's the first bit of stitchery I've done in a while, after almost 15 years of intense cross stitch (which I haven't done for about 5 years now) it's nice to get back into some hand sewing in the evenings. But I have to say, what has happened to dmc thread? I needed to buy more black and it's not nearly as nice and smooth to stitch with as it used to be. I thought maybe it was because I wasn't stitching on aida cloth, but then I switched to another colour from my old stash, nope, it's so scratchy and the old stuff so smooth. Oh well.

I've finished all of the crazy nine patch squares, yay, and I've even trimmed them. Now I'm just a bit undecided as to how to put it together. There are a lot of patterns in the fabric and put together it's a bit too intense so I think I might border each with white. I'll post some mock ups soon.

And just to finish off, Little A's create space.

For more creative space go visit kootoyoo.

TTFN

It's all gone

2010-03-14T21:28:00.001+11:00

World's Greatest Shave yesterday was a great success. Thanks to everyone who donated.

Before

After

For more in-between photos go to Mark's Flickr

TTFN

Patchwork Ball No 2

2010-03-07T17:46:00.001+11:00

Another Patchwork Ball, this time for the cousin of the first ball I made. Confused, I am, it's my cousins daughter so does that make her my second cousin? And the first was given to my other cousins son. Anyway, I fussy cut the fabric again from a very cute fabric I found at a local material shop, Darn Cheap Fabrics. It didn't come together quite as nicely this time, I think it stretched a bit when sewing together, it was also very hot the day I decided to put it together. So there you go, another one done. I highly recommend this pattern for a relatively quick to make and useful gift for a 1 year old.
TTFN

Anna Maria Horner's For Kicks Patchwork Ball from Seams to Me. Handmade by MandyMade

First squares done

2010-03-06T15:58:00.000+11:00

I have now completed 18 squares for the crazy nine patch quilt I mentioned.I'm making this. These are the first nine.

Too Chrismissy? What do you think? I'm going to have white squares in-between the lattice.
I've been having a few problems lining up the (not so) squares. I'm trying a few different things to try and make them join up better. Any hints? It's also been really hard to cut through 9 layers of fabric (more when there is a join) so I've stuck some masking tape to my cutting matt and I'm lining them up and cutting that way with only a few layers at a time.

I was lucky enough to receive Denyse Schmidt's Book for my birthday so I've been reading that from cover to cover on my train trips. Now to decide which one to make first. I love them all but need to take baby steps!!

Off to make a school library bag for Little A. It's already a month late so I better get a move on.

TTFN

Thank you

2010-03-03T20:44:00.002+11:00

originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes. I had a lovely weekend filled with friends and family and lots of ace pressies . Don't worry I will blog more soon when I get more of a moment. Please check out my flickr if you would like to see what I've been up to. More sewing than blogging, more housework than sewing, shock horror!!

TTFN

Edit: Sorry forgot to mention, these flowers were picked by Little A (with permission) from his Nan's garden for me, how sweet :-).

What a Lovely Surprise

2010-02-23T17:01:00.000+11:00

I love getting parcels in the post. It doesn't happen that often, and when you don't expect them they are even better!! I have a birthday coming up, but didn't even think that a gift would be inside, so I opened it early (well Little A did), how cheeky of me. The pressy is from the lovely Brooke, she is responsible for getting me back into crafting, I just now have to get her into blogging, she makes some amazing stuff. The material is from amitie and the card, isn't it just perfect, is from maggiedolly.

On the weekend I started cutting out 20cm squares to make this, the Crazy Nine-Patch Lattice Quilt by Oh, Fransson. I'm making it in red and white with a splash of green, so hopefully it wont look too christmassy. It's going to clash with my couch but oh well!!

I'll have some photos to put up soon so you can see for yourself.

Until next time.

TTFN

Oh dear

2010-02-19T21:43:00.000+11:00

I just made my very first online fabric purchase. This may be a good beginning or a very bad expensive one!! I shopped here. At least I shopped in Aus and bought some aussie designed fabric too. Have you discovered Saffron Craig? I just have :-).

Help the hairy bloke please

2010-02-18T20:35:00.002+11:00

Shave for a cure, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

The bloke of the house is shaving, yay you might say. But he is shaving for a great course, and not to let me know what he actually looks like underneath!! He's been quite hairy for quite a few years now, the boy wont know him!!

He's taking part in the Leukaemia Foundation World's Greatest Shave this year. Both the hair AND the beard goes. Wow.

Take a look at his Profile Page by clicking this link: here

I'd like you to support him by making a secure online donation using your credit card.

- Every hour of every day, at least one person in Australia is diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma.
- Every two hours, someone loses their life to blood cancer.

Please help us raise as much as we can for the Leukaemia Foundation. Their vital work provides patients with practical support during their long and tough treatment, as well as funding important research.

Thanks for your support!

Note: stats taken from the WGS website.

Charging Basket

2010-02-12T14:46:00.003+11:00

Charging Basket, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Another project on the wish list done, and it serves as another domestic project too. Unfortunately I've had some time on my hands this week, long story, so I've been able to get a bit of sewing done. It relaxes me and when I have a finished project, I feel good inside, can't beat that.

This one is another free tutorial from Oh! Fransson, the Charging Basket. It could be very tricky to make but her instructions are fantastic, so clear, and guides you through every step. I had a flat fat from my stash (spotlight splurge) and some matching red and I used calico instead of linen. After cutting the main square for the outside I didn't have the correct size for the centre, so I just adjusted the red outside it to fit. It got to the stippling bit, which I was looking forward to as I've never done it and thought this would be a great project to have a go, only to realise that my machine doesn't have a darning foot, thought it did, oh well. So I just sewed wavy lines instead (see below). Great project to make, highly recommend it.

TTFN

Pincushion organiser

2010-02-07T14:59:00.002+11:00

Pincushion organiser, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

I finally did it, I made Oh! Fransson's Pincushion organiser (also over at Sew Mama Sew). It's been on the to do list for ages. I had some time this week so, it got made. It was easy to make, mainly due to the excellent tutorial Elizabeth put together. I think I over stuffed the pincushion bit, getting the rice bag in was tough. If I make another I think I would put some interfacing in the pouch to make it a bit more sturdy.

I'm still not sure of the colours I've used but they are growing on me. I used 3 flat fats out of a 5 pack of coordinating fabric from spotlight.

TTFN

Grocery Bag Dispenser

2010-02-05T13:59:00.003+11:00

Grocery Bag Dispenser, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

Another domestic project complete. Now all my plastic bags are off the floor of the laundry and neatly tucked away in my new plastic bag dispenser!! I ended up using the tutorial from Rachel Griffith at p.s i quilt. The tutorial is also on the moda blog. I used 2 fabrics instead of multi. It was hard enough deciding on these. I don't know if you can read the text but it's all about saving the planet with recycling etc. The fabric is all from my stash and originally from spotlight. I quilted it with straight lines offset from the seam joins.

The thing about this tutorial is that it taught me why it's good to iron the seems one way. When piecing it together all of the joins lined up perfectly. Definitely sold me on doing this now, I have usually always ironed them flat. I used the basting spray again for making the quilt sandwich. I think I've emptied the can. This was only the second project I used it on, thought it would last much longer than that, it's not like I over did it either. Oh well.

Back later with my another finished project.

TTFN

2010 - The year of domestic projects

2010-01-28T18:56:00.000+11:00

That is what I have decided this year will be. I have so many things around the house that would benefit from a little crafty touch. I don't think I made anything last year for our house. My hubby and son gave me a book for Christmas, the Crafty Minx by Kelly Doust, this is what started it all off. There are so many little handy projects for around the house in there.

When I moved out of home I bought one of those plastic peg baskets you can buy at the super market. Well, 12 years later, the thing has finally decided to fall apart and disintegrate. So the crafty minx came in handy straight away. All I did was use a tea towel that already had binding so I didn't do that bit, and I couldn't decide on an applique so I didn't do that either. Doesn't matter, it's doing it's job!! But I did add a button because the tea towel already had a loop on it, and I think the tea towel may have been a bit shorter than the one in the book so it gapped heaps when the pegs are all in. This was actually my first project for 2010 but I only just got around to photographing it!!

Keeping the little one entertained over the school holidays has been a bit of a challenge. There are only so many play-dates you can go on!! And with the anticipation of a big one tomorrow we made muffins to keep him entertained. Now I'm not that known for my kitchen skills so the old packet mix was the go. Also, that is all the bench space we have in our kitchen so co-cooking isn't usually practiced. Need a kitchen reno, then I'll become the domestic goddess!!

Of course licking the bowl is the best bit.

Now on my to do list, make an apron for little A, he gets so grumpy when he has to use the painting one!!

I'm child free tonight so my next domestic project is a shopping bag dispenser. I've found two great tutorials on the net, I now just have to decide on which one, this or this? Or do you know of another?

TTFN

Sewing Calendar 2010

2010-01-26T20:16:00.002+11:00

Sewing Calendar 2010, originally uploaded by MandyMade.

I bought this calendar just after new year. I wasn't going to buy a calendar this year, just use the computer ones. I buy one every year then never use it, so I thought I'd stick a nice picture on a wall with the computer print out underneath. Then I came across this calendar. It has a new project to make every couple of days, and flicking through it, I decided there was more in there that I would make than not, more than books usually, so I bought it.

Being in the southern hemisphere all of the projects are kind of out of sync for us, so I started with one in June. I made these head bands for a friends little girl who turned 3 this month. For one I stuck with how it told you to make it, I found it really tricky to do and ended up with it being bulky where the elastic gets sewn in. So for the second I sewed them together with the seam allowance then turned them, ironed, topped stitched and sewed the elastic in. Much better result for me, I'm too much of a perfectionist to handle the way it told me to do it!!

I then made this mini oven mitt for another friends son's 4th birthday this month. It was the first time I quilted this way. I just picked a spot to start then let the machine sew the line it wanted. It was small enough to do it this way, complete accident that the lines joined in the middle like that, gotta love that walking foot. I stuck to the pattern this time, the only difference being how I attched the wrist cuff, which wasn't too far off from the pattern.

I have started making the pin cushion pear, more on that another time.

TTFN

Back from holidays

2010-01-26T18:10:00.000+11:00

I'm back from holidays and have no crafting to show for it!! Well I did do a little bit, the applique on Little A's library bag was coming off so I added some blanket stitch, which I didn't do at first cos I didn't want it to look too country craft!! But in the end I had to do it, doesn't look too bad. I don't recommend this retro adding though, did my fingers in.

I was going to do some hand stitching but I didn't get my act together before I left (I wanted to do the Melly and Me stitchery from their book). I took a heap of material with me but I didn't want to start something just for the sake of it, I don't seem to finish them if started that way. So I had a nice relax anyway. Missed the sewing machine though!!

When I got home, switched on the computer (which I didn't miss) only to find 420 blog entries to read in Google Reader, wow you people have been busy while I was lazing about, that also teaches me to have so many blogs to read. Now do I skim through them all, mark them as read or spend the next few weeks reading??!!

TTFN

Chrissy pressy for Mum

2010-01-14T12:09:00.002+11:00

Chrissy pressy for Mum
Originally uploaded by MandyMade

Ok this is the last post that should have been done last year!!

I made Little Miss Millicent for my mum for Christmas. It was from a Christmas homespun issue from the year before. I wanted to make it then but had a long list before it. Even though there is a lot of tiny detail in it, it was easy to make and didn't take too long. I had to make it in-between other commitments so it seemed to take longer than it should have!! I love working with felt and hope to be making more like this, even though I have made this year, year of the practical projects, I still want to squeeze a few decorative in here and there!!

TTFN

Little Miss Millicent, pattern from Homespun Mag 9.11, design by Louise Hatchard, handmade by MandyMade.