blogtober 23rd: missing

Yes, I've been missing the last few days of Blogtoberfest. I have desperately wanted to post, but had computer issues, university assignments, and I decided to change my photo editing software because perhaps the previous software had something to do with the first excuse.

I have returned, I still have lots of assignments to work on and complete. One of which is a big, annoying and incredibly confusing research report that I am sure you don't want to read about. But thankfully life goes on, in a few weeks these subjects will be over and new ones will begin and I am gaining more knowledge about the profession that I will hold one day in the not so distant future.

I did promise to try to de-stash some patterns this month, and with only seven days remaining I really do wonder whether I will get another item sewn up with all of my other commitments. But I do want to start. I have two patterns that I would like to get sewn up in the near future.

Both of these patterns are yet to be opened and I am intent on doing so before the end of the year for both of them.

One is Vogue v8365 (I can't find a link to the pattern anywhere!). I am not really a shorts person generally. I don't know why, but I just think I look weird might be my height. Don't even get me started about how ridiculous I look in 3/4 pants! Anyway, I was looking through my stash of patterns and this one I had prepared with fabric chosen and everything in the folder with it ready to go. So I will divulge the desires of past-Amy and make up these shorts. Probably in view A. Short shorts are always more friendly than ones that finish just above the knee.

The other pattern is the Claire Cami Dress by Serendipity studio. This pattern has five different lengths to choose from from cami, tunic, short dress etc. I will probably (once again) head to the short option. It is getting close to summer.  I'm really looking forward to wearing one of these dresses actually.

Thirdly, and not pictured, I want to make another Anna Mini Dress. I love a good summer mini-dress and I made the longer length last year and I never wore it because it was at a silly length for me (and I made it too big). This pattern is obviously third on the list because I want to finish something I haven't started before first.

Well, its time to go make the lunches...



What photo editing software do you use?
Do you look funny in knee length shorts too?
What is your favourite Summer clothing item?

Blogtober 10th: KCWC day 3

Today is day three of the Kids Clothing Week Challenge (although if you are in the US it is still day two).  I have put my dress sewing plans aside for the week so that I can use my sewing time for the kids challenge. 

I cut out the pieces and set to sewing today. I must admit, I have ditched the instructions completely as I have a slightly different finished product in mind than the original pattern intends. 

I pottered away for about an hour and a half today, making sure that every seam is straight and finished. I also made sure I did understitching in the pockets (not that the pattern asks for it)  to make sure that they sit flat and don't pop out as Mr-O runs around. 

I am even doing double top stitching in lime green to make the shorts have a more professional look.

I am really pleased with how well these are coming together and Mr-O is excited about having some new shorts to wear when the weather warms up. Can we wish it to warm up by sewing shorts and crossing our fingers and begging the sun to come out and defrost us??

I got the shorts almost finished today with only a few little tasks left to go. I will work on them again on Friday morning as I have work all day tomorrow and won't have time to actually sew. I have other kids clothing sewing plans for tomorrow evening, inbetween the reading and studying and general organising of small children. 

Are you playing along with the Kids Clothing Week Challenge?

Are you dropping by for the first time via Blogtoberfest?

Are you wishing for the warm weather to arrive like we are?

Blogtober 8th: planning

I mentioned in my intentions that I want to make things this month. This has been food for thought and today I have been dreaming away at work today about sewing. I have been thinking about wanting to make a dress. I had the fabric in mind, it's been in my stash for a while and I have the notions I need to make it up. When you are serving hundreds of coffees to customers all day, you need something to occupy your mind, or you do go slightly insane.

I have been thinking about this fabric...

I bought this fabric a few years ago wanting to make a skirt that most likely left my mind's focus due to orders that I had or stock I had to make. 

I am thinking that I'd like to make a strapless dress as this is a stretchy fabric, and I want something quick and easy, plus, I am a big strapless dress wearer when the warmer weather visits us.

I have my finished product blurrily hanging in my mind (it was a 8 hour shift okay?!?!). But here is some vague images of what I would like to do...

from here

 

from here 

from here

I hope to make some progress, or finish this project tomorrow. I am pretty single minded and like to finish what I start fairly quickly.

What do you think about when you are at work?

Do you dream up finished projects before you make them?

Are you looking forward to the warm weather as much as I am??

Blogtober 5th: an icy treat

The weather is beginning to warm up here in Melbourne. (Finally!!) And it will soon be the days where children are asking for icy poles every 5 minutes and you just need something cold to cool you down.

I am currently embracing a clean eating lifestyle and eliminating additives and hidden sugars from my food to encourage a healthier me, but I do love a cold treat when the weather turns hot. 

The other week I stumbled across instant icecream somewhere on the internet (don't ask me where, I wasn't paying much attention at the time). This sparked an idea in my head and I decided to try making instant frozen yoghurt. It turned out a treat so I will share of course.

The Ingredients:

Frozen berries (or other kinds of frozen fruit if you prefer) I used about 2.5 cups.

Plain yoghurt. I used about 2 cups ,but it was very fruity, so Id suggest adding a bit more if you want it creamy.

The Method:

Put everything in your blender (or in my case a bowl with a stick mixer).

Then blend it up until it resembles frozen yoghurt.

Then all you have to do is eat it!!

 

I stored mine in the freezer until we ate it later, but you can eat it immediately from the blender if you want. YUM!!

What is your favourite icy treat on hot days?

Have you signed up to blogtoberfest yet??

My Creative Space

This week in my space I have been pottering around making a few things here and there. 

I made a pair of super bright, very cute pj pants from some flannel that I bought from Cam when she was de-stashing ages ago. This fabric was supposed to be turned into baby wipes to sell at the markets with WeePantz. But baby wipes weren't really a top seller and I never got around to making them up. The plan in my fabric choice was seriously to blind someone's eyeballs. The MR HATES orange for some reason unknown to me - good reason to wear it if you ask me!

 

 

They have this cute ribbon on the back. Yes, purposely child-like. My kids can't have all the fun right?? But, alas - I made them a little too small, so they can sit in the sewing room for a little while til Ive lost a few more kilos I think otherwise they will be more like stretch-less flannel leggings... oh I know you want some!

 

I spent some time tracing out this pattern for Miss-R. I know, I know, I said I was going to make her this skirt first, but Miss-R got really excited and chose her fabric for this one so I will make this first for her.

This arrived today too from crafty mamas. After looking through the online preview of the designs the other day I thought there was probably only one or two things I wouldn't like to make for summer once it finally arrives! So I went ahead and bought it... Gotta use up my fabric stash right?!?!

I am also researching for my bag adventure next month, which I am super excited about.

There are lots more crafty peeps sharing their spaces over here - check out their awesomeness :)