Sick kiddies

This week we have had sick kiddies and have moved my toddler moved into her big bed so I haven't managed much sewing or blogging, sorry everyone.

I have started week 2 on Project Run and Play but not got much further. I had intended to do the whole sew along within the time constraints but unfortunately it's not looking likely at the moment.

This is my week 2 entry so far (incomplete but getting there).



I had no Riley Blake chevrons but I did have a Riley Blake jelly roll which I cut up to create chevrons.



The triangles were too small though so in the end, as I was making such a mess, I started again with a non Riley Blake fabric and attempted to make a dinosaur dress dress for Bug with chevrons included.

It will be finished soon and I will get Bug to model for you.

Sorry again for it not being ready and thanks for visiting, Gen xxx

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