Saturday 11 December 2010

Felt Christmas Cookies

Aren't these just adorable?

I just have to make some for Wren & Mr Bump's new cubbyhouse - I think I'll put them on a plate in the fridge as an extra little surprise.

Just grab your cookie cutters and get sewing!

{tutorial here}

Wednesday 8 December 2010

Christmas Stockings

This tutorial shows you many different looks you can easily achieve, with one simple pattern.

I like the one in the centre...

{tutorial and pattern here}

Sunday 5 December 2010

Felt Mitten Tree Ornaments

More cute little tree ornaments for you to make for Chrissy!

{instructions here}

Thursday 2 December 2010

Country Christmas Tree Hangers

Some cute little hanging decorations for the tree, or leave the hanger off and stuff with lavender for a drawer sachet.

If you don't like the country look, just choose a fabric with a more modern pattern!

{tutorial & templates here}

Tuesday 30 November 2010

Not just another pretty purse

Super gorgeous, and totally functional too!

Inside is a phone pocket, a zippered space for smaller bits & pieces and a key fob (I can never find mine in my bag).

{pattern and tutorial here}

~ Sabra has put her pattern in a separate file, so read her lovely post, leave a nice comment and click on the picture (shown here) to access her clever pattern.

Sunday 28 November 2010

Gorgeous Doorstop

We definitely need two of these at our house, one for the front door and one for the back door.

Now I just have to find the fabric to use!

{tutorial here}

Thursday 25 November 2010

Patchwork Wristlet Changepurse

Adorable little pocket purse that would come in handy for anyone.

{tutorial here}

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Skirt with Hidden Elasticised Waist

Elasticised waists are the most comfortable thing evah, but they're not the most attractive look in the world, now are they?

Must try this one...

{tutorial here}

Saturday 20 November 2010

Turn a Round Tablecloth into a Skirt!


I don't know how many times I've seen a tablecloth and thought the pattern was wasted under the plates & spills.

Thank you wipster, I love this idea!
I'm going right out now to buy me a new tablecloth skirt  :D

{tutorial here}

Wednesday 17 November 2010

Baby Kimono

Wren just turned ten, which was a bit of a shock to the system, I can tell you.

So I no longer have babies, but I can start planning what my grandchildren will wear, can't I??

{link to pdf tutorial here}

Sunday 14 November 2010

Skirt to Dress Tutorial


Take one oversize skirt, work some sewing magic and hey presto!
Cute dress conversion! 

Looks a bit tricky, but if you have the experience it would be good to try.

{tutorial here}

Thursday 11 November 2010

Back-To-School Pleated Skirt

Can't fit into your old school skirt anymore?

Don't worry, as the solution is at hand...

Seriously though, this pattern is for kids sizes (I'll keep looking, though).

{tutorial here}

Monday 8 November 2010

Ladies Raglan Top

Love this top!
It's so different, and it certainly doesn't look like it was made at home.

Some stretch sewing involved, but it doesn't look too hard...

{tutorial here}

Friday 5 November 2010

Lickety Split Bag

Love the vibrant fabrics used in these bags.

Their 'messy' look really suits the casual style of the bags' design.


{pattern here}

Tuesday 2 November 2010

Girl's Balloon Dress

I have to admit that I've always thought the bubble skirt (or ballon skirt) is the stupidest look on the planet, for a woman.


But isn't this little girl's dress just the cutest?

{pattern here}

Saturday 30 October 2010

Buttercup Bag

Super-smart handbag, isn't it?

Once I've had a bit more practice with the new machine, this is going on my list!

{pattern here}

Wednesday 27 October 2010

Ruby Sailor Shorts

Smart ladies' shorts.

Use medium weight materials such as denim, drill, stretch twill.

{pattern here}

Sunday 24 October 2010

Paperbag Dress

Love the name of this dress pattern!

It just sounds like fun to wear :D


{pattern here}

Friday 22 October 2010

Haunted Halloween Bat Mobile

Not the Bat-mobile, but a hanging mobile with bats on it...

Very cute :)

{tutorial here}

Thursday 21 October 2010

Saturday 2 October 2010

Make a summery dress from a vintage pillowcase

These dresses are gorgeous.

Definitely making one for Wren this year. - if it's a little short, she can use it as a nightie!

Make sure you use one of those old pillowcases with lace around the edge - it's the perfect touch!


{pattern available here}

Monday 23 August 2010

Mimi Kirchner Felt Doll

Beautiful, hand sewn felt dolls, that would make a lovely gift for a doll-lover of any age.

{pattern here}

Saturday 21 August 2010

Adorable Fabric House


Add some small pebbles to the filling and this would make a fun doorstop!

Show off your embroidery skills while you’re at it, filling the window-box with your favourite flowers.

Make sure you don’t over-stuff your house, or it will become a ball with a chimney…

{tutorial here}

Thursday 19 August 2010

Diaper Clutch

Americans call them diapers, but we call them nappies.

Not sure where the different names came from.
It's weird, isn't it?

{pattern here}

Tuesday 17 August 2010

Oh-Oh the Owl Softie Cushion

Super-cute owl cushion freebie pattern from One Red Robin.

I have to say, he seems to have a really sad face...

{pattern here}

Sunday 15 August 2010

Cutie Pouch

Simple little zippered change purse that you can attach your keyring to.

{pattern here}

Friday 13 August 2010

Change Table Pad Cover

Make a cover for your baby's change table padding that will go with the rest of the nursery.

{pattern here}

Monday 9 August 2010

Water Bottle Carrier

Love this idea.

The perfect way to tote your water bottle on walks or at the shops, or wherever.

Nice fabrics, too.

{pattern/tutorial here}

Saturday 7 August 2010

Felt Toadstools

Aren't these just inexpressively cute?

I just have to have a go at making some - although what I'll do with them afterwards, I have yet to work out...

{pattern here}

Thursday 5 August 2010

Ms. Lipsie the pocketgirl

An adorable little money purse that any little (or big) girl would love to keep her spare change in.

This is something that I must make - it will make me smile every time I go to my handbag!

{pattern here}

Sunday 1 August 2010

Fabric Dish Insulator

A great way to keep dishes warm and stop hands getting burnt at the table.

{pattern here}

Friday 30 July 2010

Stuffed Cat

Amy Butlers's free pattern for a stuffed cat toy or pillow.

It's called the Cozy Kitten, and as you can see it's extremely cute!

{pattern here}

Wednesday 28 July 2010

Kimono for Baby Alive

Great pattern and instructions to make a Japanese kimono for your little one's Baby Alive doll.

Soooooo cute!

{pattern here}

Monday 26 July 2010

Saturday 24 July 2010

Foot Pouf or Cushion?

Love this pouf!
It's so colourful :)

It looks like you could also use the pattern to make cushions, too.

{pattern here}

Thursday 22 July 2010

Drink Can Wrap

This is a great idea to keep your drinks cold and stop them slipping in your hand on a hot Summer's day.

Looks super-simple, too.

{pattern here}

Sunday 18 July 2010

Humpty Dumpty Doll

This gorgeous Humpty Dumpty has removable arms and legs, so your littlie can help the King's horses & men to put him back together!

What a fantastic idea :D

{pattern here}

Friday 16 July 2010

Tractor Bib

Another fab pattern from Moda fabrics.

Just for your little farmer!

{pattern here}

Wednesday 14 July 2010

DIY Belt Cover Tutorial

Isn't this the best idea?

Take any belt or strap and make a hundred different covers for it!

This is another one for my must-do list.

{tutorial here}

Monday 12 July 2010

Picnic Blanket with carrying case

Amy Butler's designs are beautiful, and this free pattern is right up my alley (since I'm such a cheapskate).

Made with laminated fabric, your blanket will last for years.

{pattern here}

Saturday 10 July 2010

Clutch Purse


Classic clutch purse pattern from the About.com crew.

{pattern here}

Thursday 8 July 2010

Oversized Owl Handbag

I've just got to have one of these bags!

I'm so sick of boring, black vinyl (leather just isn't in our budget & I would never spend that much on a handbag anyways) bags with no personality, and never the right sort of pocketspaces.

Except mine will be blue, and I have just the fabric in my storage box. Just gotta unpack it... um...

{pattern here}

Tuesday 6 July 2010

Playroom Floor Cushions

I love these cushiony-seat-things-with-handles!
They're so practical for kids to drag around the place

Now all we need is to build a playroom to put them in.
(our house is s.m.a.l.l.)

{pattern & tute here}

Sunday 4 July 2010

The Sewing Machine is finally Out Of Storage!!

At last!

After two years in it's box, I've found the time and the space to unpack my sewing machine, and I'm sooo happy.  :D

Made some heat packs today, with rice filling & we're all soooo cosy and warm.

Look forwards to much more updating of this blog from now on ;)

Fabric Pinwheels

Sandra Henderson's site is absolutely gorgeous.

And her patterns!

I am in love :)

{pinwheels sewing pattern here}

Wednesday 24 March 2010

A-Line Skirt

Stylish a line skirt pattern that looks good from all angles.

{pattern here}

Saturday 20 March 2010

Repurposed Towel - Toy Cat

Find a new use for your old towels, by making this lovely stuffed cat.

Embroider a loving message for your favourite little person onto it's tummy!

{pattern here}

Tuesday 16 March 2010

Girls Pillowcase Dress

Simple repurposing at its' most effective.


Use patterned sheets, or add your own decorative embroidery and applique.

{free sewing pattern here}

Edit: link updated

Friday 12 March 2010

Apron Top

Simple stylish ladies' top, perfect to make from repurposed materials such as sheets or t-shirts.

Add some hand-embroidery for a super-special look.

{pattern here}

Monday 8 March 2010

Felt Choc Chip Cookies

More play food for your childs' cubby house or picnic basket.
Or just a joke for a dieting friend.

Also make other types of biscuits by sewing on tiny seed beads (hundreds & thousands), a shiny red button (cherry) or small long beads (sprinkles).

{pattern here}

Thursday 4 March 2010

Napkins to Pillows

How many times have you been in your local op shop (thrift store for you US readers), and found a pile of lovely fabric napkins that you just can't think of a use for?

This free pattern from Moda Fabrics shows you how to make a simple cushion from cloth napkins.  - Adobe acrobat pdf file

{pattern here}