Pretty in Pink!

Working my way through the backlog of jobs to do ... today was Goat Coats (for baby goats at a mobile petting zoo). LMS is working off a debt (I paid, she pays me back) and is sewing them for me! I love being able to delegate to her, she loves being able to earn money! Win:win.


We took a break about morning tea time and wandered down to our local op-shop. They're having a $1 day. We bought 2 outfits for Miss G (3) LMS bought herself a handbag, and I bought these fantastic boots for her. The boots were $2! Bargain. She is so thrilled!!



AND, just incase you though TBM missed out (as if) he is currently chowing down on fresh, warm banana cake!

Happy Husband has been to a course at the cricket club (something to do with responsible alcohol).

Mrs R

Finishing ...

A big Ta-Da ... finished the tote bag for my friend's birthday present. Came together really well, even though I lost the strap! Had to cut and make a new one which wasn't a problem, just a bit annoying. I attached a magnetic snap on the inside so that it doesn't flop around. The bag seems to be quite big to me, but my friend is 5'11", so she'll be able to use it and not have it drag on the ground (like it does with me!).

Bag outside

Pocket detail

With the pocket, I put an inverted pleat in the front so that it could hold lots, without gaping.

Well, the next plan is to actually clean up after all this lovely making mess ... that's NOT the fun part!

Smiles, Mrs R

Handbag Happiness!

Here is Penny's Handbag ... I sure hope it was worth the 9 month wait! The rings are reused from the handbag she gave me to copy. This model is a little bigger all over so that she can fit more 'stuff' in there. The front tag is a metal bag tag I bought from a fabric store - they were getting rid of them, and I grabbed what I could. They are perfect for making a bag look 'special'. The base is stiffened with a cut down vinyl placemat. I find these to be the best for bags ... they are flexible, wash well, and you can stitch through them. Plus, they are cheap.

The bag in all it's glory! The other side has a zippered pocket.

Pretty Pink insides! And yes, there is a mobile pocket as well!

Mrs R

Procrastination and the solution!

Well, the only solution to procrastination is action (in the RIGHT direction!). I've been procrastinating on a few projects ... and decided that I had best get them done so that I can have a clear conscious and a clearer sewing area!

First to be done is my friend Penny's handbag. I've had this for nearly a year to do - she's a very patient girl. The main thing stopping me was fear, fear that I couldn't make what she wanted, and that I'd fail. The reality of it is that she'll be thrilled regardless of if it's perfect or not, provided it works. It's a black stretch velvet, lined in hot pink satin. OK, they aren't the easiest fabrics to use ... so I put interfacing on the velvet and it's much nicer to work with, the satin is quite thick, so it's not as slippery as I had imagined. Last night I cut it out, today, I did the zips for the pockets. I need to buy a long zip for the top, and then it's go go go!

Here are some pictures of the bag in the various stages of making.

LMS is going to help Penny with her boys tomorrow (kid wrangling), so I'll drop her there, and take my carefully made list to the patchwork shop to get the bits I need to finish a few projects. I'll be able to come home and (potentially) get some things finished off!

Mrs R ...

Nimble Needle!!

Here are the two latest stitcheries - hot out of my embroidery tin (... which means I've finished them!).

This one was great fun - I didn't think I had the skills to do it, but I did!! I used chain stitch, lazy daisy, stem & backstitch ... and it worked. Not sure what it will become ... yet ...

This is the second one I've done using this pattern - this time using some varigated thread that a lovely lady (from Simple Savings Forum) sent me. You can't see the varigations, but they are there, and it really adds interest.

Cricket training tonight, so I'd best get organised and trace off some more embroidery to do ... otherwise, it will be a long and unproductive afternoon!

Smiles, Mrs R

LMS has been sewing!

WOW ... after I said I was going to make Miss G (aged 3) some clothes, LMS wanted in on the action. We went through all the books I had, and settled on this pattern as one that she could do! It's from Enid Gilchrist Three to Six, Clothes for Boys & Girls (4/-).

Had to alter the construction of the bodice to fully faced, rather than muck around with binding and front facings. Much easier (for both of us).

She did a magnificent job ... I am so very impressed. I have to admit that I did all the handsewing ... she didn't want to, and hey, why should she!


At this stage, I pin, she sews & overlocks, and I iron. It's a fabulous partnership!

We (royal we) just need to get the buttons & button holes done and it can be sent up to Perth!

Dress Front

Dress Back

Mrs R (proud mummy)

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery!!

I asked one of my wonderful friends if I could sew for her 3 year old - she said she'd love me too ... Hooray! I miss sewing for little people ...

I was looking over at Tracy's Web-site and fell in love with the dress she has made her daughter. I just HAD to try it as well. So, here it is!! I did modify the instructions a little ... Enid didn't have an overlocker!!


The work in progress. The pattern didn't come from this book, but the sizing adjustments did ... had to take it up a size to fit the little girl.

The major admission is that after thinking "I MUST make sure the butterflies go up the right way" ... yep - cut it out upside down! Tough!!

The full dress ...

The back view

Will post it up to her, and let you know if a) it fits and b) she likes it.

Happy day
Mrs R