BUSY!

It's been a busy and hectic couple of weeks and I'm still recovering. We had our baby's first birthday party over the weekend (a little belated). It was immense fun but pretty full on with also organising both sides of our family accommodation and transportation and entertainment as they are all from out of town.
Everyone had a fab time, however, and the hired bubble machine and monkey cake hubby and I decorated were great hits.
So, still catching up on washing and putting things back in their rightful places etc.

But, have also had a reasonably productive time when I have got to the sewing machine. I flagged continuing the woollen chicks I was making - the fabric was fraying left, right and centre and was going to take a LOT of work to make it successful.
My aunty also found a neat pattern for a mobile which I have started to make up in felt.

I have also had a breakthrough with making my bags without having to top stitch to construct it! So excited, will finish the newest one off today and put up a photo.
In other news, it's been raining most days here so I'm busy trying to entertain two busy boys.

hit the Jackpot!

So, so excited. On a whim I cheekily asked my neighbour (who is an upholsterer) if I could take the remnants of fabric he has been throwing out of late off his hands.
An enthusiastic 'Yes, by all means!' followed, then he dug out bags and bags of stuff that is too small for him to use. He has given heaps away to playgroups and kindys etc but they are now inundated with the scraps so he's had to throw them out.
He also feels we waste so much so was very encouraging when I told him what I plan to do with the scraps and that as far as possible I want to use remnants rather than buying more new fabric.
I only took one bag out of 4 for now as only have such a tiny house to store it in.
First load is in the washing machine to clean it up from the (storage) dust.

Beautiful fabrics, rich textures, lovely colours and patterns and hardwearing (as it's upholstering fabric). Watch this space, there will soon be more stuff coming.
I am particularly excited about using some to make an autumnal-hued bag and some bright pink faux suede which I think will make a smashing elephant.

Slowly rolling...

I enjoyed watching 'You got mail' while I cut out the laminated soft toy patterns. I have selected 6 to begin work on and am very excited about the prospect.
Have also recieved a lot of support from friends leaving messages on facebook encouraging me to go for this.
Nice when it's not just family giving you big ups.
So, by the end of the weekend, hope to have completed 2 soft toys and have a second bag underway so I can try and crack my construction problems.
Methinks I need one of those rolling cutter things to cut the fabric.
Guess I might be taking a trip to Spotlight sometime.

Hot off the press (sewing machine that is)

Just completed my first bag for possible sale. It was an exercise in being meticulous to say the least. I wanted to note down how long it took to construct including ironing, sewing, cutting out etc so I can give an accurate time allotment to making them (and also make sure it's a fair price).

But, my goodness, some of the construction was a bit of a brain teaser! As I am putting a lining in the base as well as the sling handle, it's a bit tricky to work out how to put the two parts together and hide the seams. I attempted it twice and still ended up with some crooked/overlapping sewing on the inside of the bag (see photo below). So, I'm offering the bag at a discounted price of $25 because of the irregularities in the stitch quality on one seam. If you're interested in purchasing it, please contact me. Or if you want to place an order - I do have a selection of colours and fabric choices you can look over.

I'm excited though, first one out of the way and I know I can do it!! Hoping the motivation continues...