Reflections

Patchwork 'Diamond' Bag

Having shared my Patchwork Apron, I realised that I hadn't shared my second sewing project in a number of years and that was this cute Patchwork Diamond Bag. Thanks Lisa for taking us step-by-step through the process of making it!

This is the first piece of patchwork I have done since I created a Pot Mitt at Secondary School - *grin* - and let me tell you that was quite some time ago - *grin*

I know it's not perfect - I've learnt quite a few things whilst working on this little project BUT I'm quite pleased with how it's come out!

Aren't these buttons I've added to the handles cute? I'm thinking they'd be great on a Scrapbooking page or Greeting Card too! *grin*

Patchwork Apron - Moda Fabric

Well - it's finally finished! All the handsewing of the binding on my Patchwork Apron is done - I'm so thrilled with how this has come out!

I love the colours and patterns of the Moda fabric - now I just have to get up the courage to wear the actual thing and not leave it hanging on the hook in the kitchen - *grin*

I actually did my binding a completely different way than I was supposed to - oops - BUT I love the result - it's nice and fitting to the actual edge of the apron!

Now I'll be able to move onto my next sewing project . . . another little something for me - but you'll just have to wait and see!

Sewing - Moda Fabric

Since I missed our local sewing day when we went to Phillip Island AND I'm going to miss the next one as well, Nic very kindly invited me out to her place yesterday so that I could make a start on our current project.

I haven't taken any photos of it as yet, but I will share the gorgeous Moda Charm Fabric that I'm using - co-incidently, Mel and I are using the same one so it will be interesting to see how different our finished items look because we've chosen completely different co-ordinating fabrics to go with the Charm Fabric!

As soon as I saw this pack with it's lovely earthy blues, greens and browns, I new it was just perfect! Thanks again Nic for the invitation and help yesterday . . . I'm so looking forward to finishing off this project and putting it to use!

Sewing - It's a Bag!

Do you remember this *sneak peak* I shared last week? Remember I said I'd been sewing . . .

Well - here is the finished product and I have to say that I am quite pleased with the results!

The top has a casing which allows you to either leave the bag open or draw the strings in to close it it up!

I saw Melissa's finished bag yesterday and I love how, despite us sitting side-by-side at the sewing day last week and using the same directions, our bags are totally unique . . . her bag was a gorgeous butterfly print in dark red that she then teamed up with a bright yellow plain print! Melissa also added some of the butterfly print to her casing and used the same fabric for her handles too - it looks fantastic! I love both of those ideas!

As you can see from the close-up image below, the bag itself has a thin wading inside it (and in the handles too) and it certainly gives it a great feel. I tried it out yesterday at the School Swimming Carnival and despite everything I had in it, it sat on my shoulder quite comfortably and held everything I needed too!

It may not be 100% perfectly sewn but I love how this bag has come out! Another sewing day has been planned for next month and I'm really looking forward to going to that day as well.

What are you making I hear you ask . . . well - it's going to be another bag BUT of a completely different design and style! I can't wait! I just need to organise some fabric before then!  

Giffard Sewing Day

Whilst I'm always hand sewing on my papercrafting projects and many of you know I love embroidery and cross-stitch too, you may not know that I have dabbled in some machine sewing over the years as well. With friends who sew and having seen some of their gorgeous creations AND then having seen many more creative ideas online, I think sewing is something I'd like to do a little more of once again!

With that in mind, when my dear friend Lisa initiated a monthly sewing day in her rural community not far from here, I decided to pack up my machine and head on over for a fun day of sewing!

There were only a few of us this time around, BUT we had a great day and whilst I haven't quite finished my project as yet, I'd love to share this *sneak peak* with you! Yes . . . it's blue!

Thanks Lisa for initiating the sewing day AND also thanks Michelle for sharing the instructions for the 'bag' with us all too! I can't wait to finish it off - maybe over the weekend?

On the homefront, well - this weekend is tipped to be a wet one with the weather coming in from the east - not quite what you'd expect for this time of year and with it still being Sumnmer BUT we aren't about to complain . . . we love the rain - it's great to top up the main tank and then have it overflow into the new one! I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens!

Lily Lane

Today 3 girlfriends and I took a drive to Lily Lane which isn't far from here!

So, what is Lily Lane I hear you ask? Well . . . it's a gorgeous Fabric shop!

OK, next question . . . what were you doing there? Well . . . how about you stop by tomorrow and I'll tell you all about it - *grin* - I will tell you though, that we're all really looking forward to getting creative! Don't you just love secrets - *grin*

In other news, I've been doing a bit of sorting out in the boys bedroom - *sigh* - what a never-ending job it seems to be . . . I've decided to bundle up the baby/toddler things that we want to keep and pack them into some of those big rectangular plastic tubs and get them stored out in the shed. There's only so much room in the house and it's just not possible to keep everything in here! At least if I tackle some of this whilst the boys are at school, I seem to make much more progress than when they are here 'helping' me!