Happy Easter/ Have a lovely Sunday

Good morning all!

Just a short show and tell for today as its a family day for me, as I am sure it is for many of you too whether you celebrate Easter or not.

Last night I managed to put together a little tunic for Bug to go with her cardigan and while its no where near perfect I am happy with it for a first attempt, especially since I didn't use a pattern and I managed to include a zip. Go me!

I managed to take some photos but as you can see the little lady was less than cooperative so they are very rough shots!

Enjoy your day and thank you for the visit, Gem xxx

Squish Easter Dino Pants

So this year in an effort to develop my skills as much as possible, I have set myself a list of challenges.

This week I wanted to make each of the kids something handmade to wear on Easter Sunday for when my Mum and Stepdad are coming over for a meal.

(Well actually they are bringing the meal to us because my Mum is an awesome cook whereas I am not!)

You can see the start of Bugs outfit here. This is the refashioned cardigan. I still have part 2 to create so watch this space.

For Squish I made these skinny dino pants.

I created a simple pattern using an existing pair of his trousers.

I do promise to show you how I made these, and my PR&P sew along entry, but it probably won't happen until next week now as along with Easter outfits I have my week 2 entry for PR&P to complete by Monday as well.

To wear with these trousers I'm thinking of making a little appliquéd Tshirt too, what do you think?

I love receiving comments and make an effort to reply to everyone so please feel free to say hello while you are here.

Thanks readers, Gem xxx

Pin Cushion Swap

Recently I have gone a little swap/ challenge/ competition mad in a bid to motivate myself and increase my skills. I find it stops me sitting at my machine for an hour debating about what to make which is something I'm extremely guilty of. More than once poor Sadie (my machine) has been put to bed having not made a thing.

Anyway I digress. Recently the lovely Lisa at Sweet Little Pretties organised a pincushion swap which I took part in.

I opted to make my pin cushion for an international swappee so I didn't include pins in the mail (I wasn't sure if I was allowed) so here is what I sent.

My swappee mentioned she liked purples so purples she got. I hope she likes it. I also hope it doesn't collapse on its journey!

Are you taking part in any swaps? What motivates you? I'd love to hear.

Take care and thank you, always, for the visit, Gem xxx

Stage 1 of something new. . .

This evening I started something that I have never done before but have seen lots in Blogland and that's reconstructing a garment. I have wanted to try it for a while but have jut never had the confidence.

This only the beginning of a project I have planned out.

So what do you think of it so far?

He will 'Rule The World' Project Run & Play Week 1

It's finally here! The first day of Project Run and Plays All-Stars and I've decided to sew along!

Go here to find out all about the All-Stars including what it means, who is competing and also who the judges are.

I must admit the prospect of a sew along has me excited, nervous, motivated and scared all in equal measure. Although I'm obviously not an 'All-Star' most of the main players are idols of mine and by sewing along and joining linky parties they may well see my work. . . Will it be good enough??

It's run over 4 weeks, each week having its own theme. The brief for week 1 is Inspired by Art---Choose an artist, art movement, or artwork and create a children's look inspired by your choice.

I chose Banksy. I love his graffiti art and have a book or 2 showing it off. I went for the Monkeys Ruling the World design and this is how I interpreted it.

To make the trousers I simply chose this funky sock monkey print jersey interlock and created a template using an existing pair of Squishes trousers and cut them out twice. Then I overlocked the edges, sewed up the middle seam on both legs and putting right sides together I placed one leg inside the other, sewed the waist to crotch seams and pulled through. After hemming the bottom of each leg and doing the elastic casing at the waist I was finished. What do you think?

**I fully intended to do a picture tutorial for this but got so excited I forgot to photograph each step - rookie blogger mistake. I will provide details before the end of this week in a fresh post.**

The hat was super easy. Find a hat you like the shape of and that fits well, make a template then simply cut from fabric, overlock and then stitch together. I left the bottom of it with just the overlooking stitch as I like the way it looked but you don't have too.

I would have liked to make the Tshirt from scratch but time wasn't my friend so instead I used a vest that my little one already owned. I used a fabric pen for the writing and hand stitched a little monkey face badge on.

I hope you like the look as much as I enjoyed making it. Go check put the All-Stars and come join in the sew along.

I've already started my work for week 2 so see you next Monday when I will show it off!

Thank you for reading, Gem xxx

Happiness

Even though Bug was more than happy with my last offering I decided I best make her something pretty which she could actually leave the house in, so last night I set about creating something else. 

I have made this in the hope that Spring will arrive soon!

The top is a long sleeve T-shirt from Next which unfortunately got grease marks on it one day at 2 to 3 Group so I decided to appliqué some hearts on it. This was simple enough. 

For the skirt I then followed the same tutorial from this post. I chose to make of 2 tiered rather than 3 and voila Bug now has a whole new outfit! 

Now I need to get my thinking cap on and create something for Squish.

Thanks for stopping by, Gem xxx 

On reflection ......

Last week I showed you a WIP, do you remember?

I was following a fantastically easy 3 -Tiered Skirt Pattern from Simple Simon & Co. This tutorial is so well written just don't attempt it on very little sleep or leave your material lying around with a toddler and a permanent ink pen and you'll be fine!!

A catalogue of issues including: the pen incident, a wonky bobbin and a hole (or two) when unpicking the sewing done with said wonky bobbin resulted in a 2 tiered, very short mess which landed itself in my scrap bin!! It was what I would refer to as 'an epic fail!'

However this morning a certain Bug went investigating and found something exciting in the scrap box . . . . And loves it!! She has bounced and twirled about in it all morning! So on reflection not a fail at all!! ( please excuse the odd socks, photo and jeans combo, she picked it out herself, a bit Carrie Bradshaw perhaps?)

I can't wait to try this tutorial again and next time, get it right!

Thank you for the visit and I'd love to see your versions of this skirt! Gem xx

Crafty Bums Sewing Group Mug Rug Swap

As you get to know me you will discover that I am a blog and Facebook Group addict.

One of my favourites is the Crafty Bums Sewing Group. It's run by some wonderful ladies who you can 'meet' on their blog here.

Through Crafty Bums we have started doing swaps. The first one, a Mug Rug swap, was coordinated by Clare from Funky Elephant who is also one of the original Crafty Bums.

For my recipient I made a reversible rug out of some of my favourite stash fabric.

In return I received the beautiful, elephant creation you see above. This was made by a lovely woman called Imelda.  Didn't she do an amazing job?

When I started writing this post I asked some fellow Crafty Bums if I could show their offerings too and here are some of them.

(From left to right from top) 1) by Smee from www.oh-sew-true.blogspot.co.uk 2) by Clare Lander 3) by Lauren Sullivan 4) by Cheryl Newbery fromhttp://thecraftwhoreuk.blogspot.co.uk 5) by Tina Robertson 6) by Zoe Sheridan)

Thank you for allowing me to share your work ladies, they are all beautiful.

Thanks for stopping by Gem xxx

WIP - I WILL finish it this week!

Sometimes I start making something and get so far, put it away and then completely forget about it! Do you do that?

This is one of those projects but I'm determined to do it this week! So watch this space!

It WILL be a three tiered skirt to make up part of Bugs Springtime wardrobe.

Tell me about your WIPs and thank you for stopping by, Gem xx

Monkey Mei Tai Mayhem!

In the last week I have discovered the joy of baby wearing!



It all started due to a need to find a way to get out and about with Bug and Squish. Since Squish has arrived Bug has regressed somewhat and isn't walking about the way she did before. Initially I thought a double buggy would solve the problem even more so after a successful first trip out to the local Supermarket. However the next day my little girl decided a double buggy wasn't not her ideal mode of transport and the wee man obviously agreed as he screamed my house down when I put him in it too. *sigh* So with the buggy gathering dust (it's for sale by the way) I had to find another option and baby wearing was it!

I already had a Moby which I bought when girl child was a small but she was never that interested and preferred the pram so I dug that out and guess what? The boy now loves it!

He didnt to begin with mind you, but I think that was due to him sensing my lack of confidence with it. With a little help from a friend, Jemma, from The Moray Sling Library we are now both alot happier with it.  You can find them at www.facebook.com/MoraySlingLibrary

This week we have borrowed 2 other carriers as they have a great rental scheme.

We are trying out the Monkey Mei Tai for my 2.5 year old and the Osha Aqua Fade in a 6 which can be used for either.



We've had a great day today playing about with them. I would love to hear about your baby wearing experiences so feel free to commen below.

Thanks for reading, Gem xx

Mothers Day

My first Mothers Day as a mama of 2 has been eventful so far. Hubby let me sleep in for a bit after taking care of night feeds and made me yummy egg butties for breakfast. He knows the way to my heart for sure!

He followed it up with chocolate chip cookies to go with fresh coffee. Unfortunately that didn't go quite to plan so I ended up with this as he didn't realise a tray was needed to cook the dough on.

Gave us a good laugh!

Happy Mothers Day to all the UK mums out there, hope its a good one, Gem  xx

Somewhere to rest her weary legs

I have a to do list about a mile long, that I keep adding to!

A couple of weeks back Bugs Great Grandfather brought round a chair for her to sit at the table with and as soon as I saw it I thought project!

I intend to sand it down, paint it and recover the seat so watch this space.

What projects do you have on your list? What's next?

Thank you for stopping by, Gem xx

Hello all

My name is Gem and I am a mummy of 2. This blog is named after them, using their nicknames obviously.  Bug is my daughter, she's 2 and Squish is my son, our newest arrival, who is 7 weeks old. As well as being a mummy I enjoy a wide range of crafting and that's what I hope to share here :) Im no photographer though so please don't be offended by my amateur offerings. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy!