My Creative Space- Rag Rug

This project has been stuck in the 'almost complete' basket for months, but finally, I got round to finishing  this one off. I am so pleased I did as I just adore the finished look of it and the girls are overjoyed to have it in their bedroom at long last.

It was made using old woolen blankets, platted and then sewn. A long, and at times tedious job but in the end, well worth the effort. It makes the perfect warm play spot for the girls as the weather starts to cool and they begin to play inside more and more. 

My Creative Space- The Dress

So this is the dress I made from that vintage pattern. I made a few alterations from the pattern. Firstly, I removed the pockets and belt. I doubled the height of the cowl neck and reduced the sleeve width. And finally, as I made it out of merino, I opted for a rolled hem. I have to say, I am really happy with how it turned out. A big thanks to Nin for all her advice on altering patterns and a big thanks to Hannah for taking this photo for me!

And in a slightly different creative space topic. I spent last night altering the layout and look of my blog. What do you reckon? Like it? Hate it? How does it work for you?

Flea Market Finds

I saw a beautiful dress a few weeks back and had visions of emulating it for myself. But, I lacked a pattern. Maybe it is just me, but I find it really hard to find sewing patterns for myself. There are tons of cool ones for kids, but for adults... not so much.  After doing a google image search, I happened upon this vintage butternick pattern on etsy, and so, with the click of a button, it was mine.  

I have already made one dress from this pattern, and have plans for a second. I will show you the first dress soon I promise, I just need to find someone to take a photo of me in it. I would ask my husband but he is the worst photographer ever. So it may take me a few days to suss something out.

My Creative Space

I told you a few days ago about those lovely vintage sheets I found. Well, with a little bit of work, I transformed them into 2 equally lovely duvet covers for the girls beds. Whats more, I finally got round to making these vintage sheets, which I bought ages ago, into 2 fitted sheets also. So now my girls are sleeping surrounded by vintage floral loveliness! When Isla saw her new bed linen, she jumped into bed, calling out "New bed Mumma! New bed"- very heartwarming. I think she liked it!

And here is a little funny I thought I would share. On the back of the vintage sheet packet was the original care instructions-

Soak in warm sudsy water using reliable soap or detergent. 

Rinse twice. 

Do not allow drying sheets to flap in the wind. 

Minimum ironing required. 

So now you know my friends, do not let your sheets flap in the wind! 

Flea Market Finds

I found this wee gem recently at our local recycling centre. I must admit it was one of those very rare holy grail kind of thrifting moments where you cannot quite believe your eyes. A lovely vintage horn sewing cabinet in near perfect condition, with a price tag of...... $35! I pretty much did a little happy dance there and then before promptly paying for it before they could change their minds.

More lovely finds to be seen here.

My Creative Space

I have lots of projects on the go at the moment, probably too many. I think I am the kind of person who prefers to finish one or two projects at a time. But none the less, I am enjoying all the creativity. 

I bought a little bracelet kit, I was hoping Holly would be able to make it. But, it is a little too complicated for a three year old so I have been making it for her. Surprise, surprise, she picked the colours pink and red- such a little girl! 

Finishing off a gift for a new baby. I love the cute little tail on this elephant. 

A couple of merino tops for my girls. I had intended on them being dresses but they really are too short. I am still undecided as to if I should cut them shorter into tops or add a contrast band onto the bottom and make them dresses. 

And as always, I have a project on the needles. 

My Creative Space

A belated Mother's Day gift for my Mum. A handmade cotton and fleece scarf with a vintage doily and hand covered button.

Hoping she likes it!

My Creative Space- Merino Dresses

Well after a long hiatus, I finally have my sewing mojo back!

I whipped up these two little merino dresses for my two little girls this week. Perfect, snuggly warm dresses as the weather cools with the approach of winter. 

They were made using this Heidi and Finn pattern. Super easy pattern and even if your a novice sewer, Heidi and Finn patterns are so easy to follow. 

I just love how they have turned out, thinking I may whip up a couple more. 

To Market, To Market

This Saturday, I am doing my very first market (she says as she shakes in her boots!). I will be sharing a table with the lovely Nin from The Wardrobe. I have been working like furry these last few weeks to build up stock. Between us, I think we have a far bit of crafty goodness now to hopefully tempt and enchant a few of you. So if you are in Christchurch this Saturday, pop down and see us.

The Christmas Craft Market 
Outside- Goodbuy Blue Monday
Poplar Lane
Saturday 4th and Saturday 18th December
10am-4pm

Wardrobe Wednesday

This weeks challenge was to wear something 'made by me'. So, I thought I would show off this skirt I made.

I made it earlier this year, when I did a dress making class at Stitch, run by the lovely and talented Nin. It was a very worthwhile class which helped me to hugely improve my dressmaking skills and I would highly recommend it to anyone who lives in Christchurch.

If you like this skirt, I know Nin currently has some similar for sale in her felt shop.

T-shirt: Glassons
Skirt: Made by me
Shoes: Crocs

My Creative Space

This week I am taking part in the Sadie Shirt Sew Along. 

It was really no surprise when I asked Holly which fabric she would like me to make it out of, that the picked the strawberries again. The child really is a strawberry fiend.  

More creativity here. 

My Creative Space

You know it is truly spring when the first strawberries of the season appear. 

The makings of a skirt for a certain little strawberry obsessed girl.

More creativity here. 

My Creative Space

My first ever attempt at shirring and it was surprisingly easy! One of those things that has always looked so daunting so I have steered clear of in the past, how silly of me.

This is going to be a summer top for the little one.

More loveliness here.

A Craft Retreat

Last Friday, I left my crippled husband sitting on the couch with the TV remote, the phone and the heat-pump remote all within hands reach, and happily told him I would see him in two days time, before skipping out the door on my way to the much anticipated craft retreat. I had already sent Holly on her merry way earlier that morning for a 'special holiday at Nan and Pop's house'. So, with the car packed up and the little one strapped in her car seat, we set off to pick up my sister and her wee baby before hitting the road.

As was to be expected, with 2 babies in the car, there were several stops to change nappies and feed. The 2.5 hour trip quickly blew out to 4 hours, not helped by the fact that google maps seemed to keep directing me down a road that did not exist!

So what exactly is a craft retreat I hear you ask? Well let me tell you... If you think school camp- communal hall, bunk beds etc. Then,  take away the bossy teachers.  Add, wine, good food and more sewing machines than you have ever seen in one place and you have a craft retreat!

We had a blast, there was all kinds of crafty goodness going on- sewing, knitting, spinning, quilting, felting, cross stitch, button making... the list goes on. So many skilled and talented ladies.

I managed to achieve a surprisingly good amount, given I had the little one in tow.

I made Holly a new skirt

Isla a new dress

and Both girls an I-spy bag

Now I just have to wait for the next one in 6 months time!

Oh and for those of you who may have wondered. The 2 babies were so worn out by craft camp that they slept the ENTIRE way home. So we made it home in recommended 2.5 hours and no, we did not follow google maps on the return trip.

My Creative Space

Look who I Finally finished!

It has taken me a while, mostly because I was being a bit of a perfectionist on this project, but at last, I have finished my Waldorf doll!

I am so pleased with how she has turned out. Now I am hoping to start a second one so both my girls have a doll for christmas this year. 

More creativity here. 

My Creative Space

I made these two wee poppets for the girls.

Now that I know how to make the Waldorf heads, I am finding it easy to adapt them to all kinds of little dolls. Both of the girls are loving these cuddly little ones.

My big Waldorf doll is almost finished, just a couple of items of clothing left to do. She is looking great, can't wait to see Holly's face when she see's her on christmas morning.

My Creative Space

Truth be told, I have not felt much like crafting this week with all that is going on. I did however finish this little spring marionette doll that I started at a workshop I attended last week. Miss Holly thinks she is pretty amazing so I am thinking, we might just have to make one for each season.

More creativity here.

My Creative Space

My Waldorf doll which I showed you the beginnings of last week is coming along well. I am feeling very pleased with how she is turning out, all that is left to finish on her now is her hair and clothing.

For more creative beauty this week, check here.

My Creative Space

In My creative space today is the beginnings of the waldorf doll I am making as part of Crazy Crafter NZ's Waldorf doll sew along. It doesn't look like much yet but this will form the inside of the head of the doll. The string around the head will form the eye line and the stork will give the neck stability.

Looking forward to sharing more photos of her as she develops.

Waldorf Doll Sew Along 2010

Crazy Crafter NZ is running a Waldorf doll sew along. If, like me, you have always loved the idea of trying to make one, why not pop over and sign up. You can register until the end of July, and is open to anyone, anywhere in the world. August will be spent preparing- ordering materials, finding patterns and such. Sewing will kick off in September. I am thinking this will make a lovely christmas gift for the special little people in your life.
Hope to see a few of you over there.