Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Blue Onsie Kwik Sew 3712


I decided to make a 'Onesie' an 'all in one' PJ for my son. I was kindly lent an adult size onesie Kwik Sew pattern 3712. We are lacking pattern shops in Wellington since the demise of Arthur Toyes, and Spotlight rarely have the pattern I'm looking for. Mr J was only 9 at the time of making so it was quite a bit of pattern grading down that I had to do.  I made this out of a blue polar fleece I bought about 3 years ago. This become my priority sewing in a bid to reduce the size (Volume not number) of my stash. 


I really wanted to use fastners/domes on the front for ease of access but wasn't sure they would stay together through two layers of polar fleece, so used buttons instead. Should have added a zipper. Firstly the material was too thick for my flash new machine to make decent button holes. I had to cut and hand bind the button holes.  Then I also forgot the ease of pulling up a zipper compared to doing up 8 buttons. 

It's been worn all winter this year, so I'd count that as a success.

Monday, September 28, 2015

Pop up shop dangers

This is why belonging to a bloggers sewing group is not good for me.  You get early knowledge of sales. This one was too good to pass up, even though I was trying to reduce the size of my stash (space it takes up, not number of pieces).  Levana is a wonderful textiles shop in Levin and they had a pop up sale in Wellington.  


Rather like a clear Santa Sack but material not toys
Along with some fabric for me I added to each order a few extra meters of each fabric under the "Someone from Fabric Hoarders will be able to make use of it" excuse.  I've just started making use of it now and the fabrics are lovely to work with. 

Monday, September 21, 2015

Pasley pants in vivid orange

My friend the crafty mermaid put me on to these pants so after buying my first PDF pattern I made a brown pair in size 5. They had a pinstripe but no pockets and fitted perfectly. Which meant he outgrew them in a couple of months.
Original size 5 boys with pinstripe.
I've now made a second pair. This time size 7 which meant they are roomy round the waist but way to long.
Very close to the true orange brightness that they are
This is also my first trouser pocket. 
Check out the Rocket pocket linings
 Hopefully Mr F won't grow out of his love of orange anytime soon. 

Friday, September 11, 2015

Sewing retreat Fabric Hoarders 2015

I was lucky enough to attend another retreat with my 'Once a month sewing group'- the Fabric Hoarders. It was held near Otaki on the Kapiti Coast. 

View across the Otaki River
It is about 7km off the main road close to the Otaki river. I went for a morning walk and it was beautiful.  Riverslea Retreat is a vegetarian retreat with lots of local and organic food on offer. It was catered which, once we had all agreed the selections, meant no cooking- and even better no dishes! 

We had a smaller number than last time so we could have the fire on in the main lounge where we had the machines set up.  That left good space in the other areas for irons, and cutting tables and most importantly the drinks and nibbles area.  

I worked on my second quilt Bright Quilt and started a dress for a friends wedding.

Added in with the sewing was a some shopping at the local shops and lots of laughter with friends and its easy to see why this is one of my favorite things to do.


Friday, September 4, 2015

Green Knitted Pixie Hat

I've moved on from scarfs to hats. I love this hat and the pattern was easy to follow. Unfortunately Mr F has decided his head gets too hot with a hat and only wears it with bribery. Me saying "But you look sooo cute" doesn't motivate either! 

Blue and Green wool hat.

Who can resist that cheey grin!