Triple Zip Pouch

  I was a bit late to the table with this one, as in I missed the original sew along when it was happening, but found out about a great swap over on Flickr for this cool pouch. I wanted to make one for ages, and this got me motivated!

Of course, I wanted perfection, so I had a wee practice. The first one was for me....and I am pretty happy with it!

It's the perfect purse for my work bag-the zips all open into separate pockets, so I can have tea bags in one, headache tabs in the other, lippy and hand cream in the big one- you get the drift, and in neat little compartments!

 

The 2nd one didn't get as good a review as the first one (which was always mine mwah mwah mwah) but I've kept it for the 'pressie pile'.

 

There's an extra tute to go with the original one for finishing it off, see here

But I still wasn't happy. So I started what I thought would 'the one'

 only to find my zip had been written on! Another present pile add on...

 

And finally I was happy!

This one was stuffed full of goodies and is probably over the ocean right now. I'm excitedly checking my mailbox too. It's so nice knowing someone is making something for me, hopefully as thoughtfully as I did haha. And I know what I'm making for Xmas pressies!

Xmas sewing

So it wasn't a big frenzy of sewing this year, I had a few little things to make, and could easily do them over the Xmas break. The things for me, of course, have all had to wait though :(

I had a Kris Kringle (or Secret Santa) gift to make for my work Xmas party- which I left at home on the night, so my boss ended up getting it, she being the one who handed them all out and got the last one! I based it on this tutorial- really fun and a great scrap buster! Suffice to say my boss was pretty happy with it! (phew!)

 I wanted to make my sister something, and ended up making 2 of them so she could pick the fabric she wanted! I bought this pattern when they had a sale recently, a pdf download, and used my new fave spray glue with it (told you I was obsessed!) The yellow leather wasn't the best choice, a bit too stiff, but the soft blue one was lovely.

 I'll try and get a pic of the back one that she chose next time I see her!

Oh, Henry got some Christmas pants to wear on Christmas Day- they are a 0-3mth size and fit him perfectly in the leg at 2weeks of age! Uh-oh....

This was what "Santa" brought me for Xmas...

Now to stop making things for everyone else and spend some time on me...maybe.

Oh, a sneak peek at Henry's mobile I put together on Boxing Day! I think there will be much better pics when it's up and against the white wall (nudge nudge to the B.I.L to hang it!)

I'll do a 'proper' post then (I've been 'Gramming it a bit, I'm 'becsibbi' over there if you want to find me).

Sewing stuff

There's been a few projects going on this week, bits and pieces and another cushion custom order.

I found these tiny 75mm purses I'd cut out- they're on their way to being finished!

It gave me some inspiration for my doiley project!

a hat was finished too. God, her head grows a lot!

A more serious one

Ok, a 'non'staged' one this time. Glad I made you laugh, though! And Murray wolfed it down, parsley and all! He's the well-behaved child teehee

I got the best pressie yesterday when I got home, my apron from the Great Apron Swap! Michelle made me this amazing apron, it's more like an outfit, and so much hand sewing, it's amazing! The packaging was equally gorgeous, but I forgot to take a pic in my excitement, so have a look here.

Fully lined!

beautiful base fabric

and layers of ruffles, sweet!

Michelle's brief was NOT pink, I find it funny she made this so pink! But I love it, having a bit of a tomboy child, who's favourite colour is blue means I don't see a lot of it.

Had a break from the last of the pencil rolls last night and made these little purses, I followed this tute to do the covered zip ends. It makes them look a bit less messy than my usual purses. I also used some interfacing on both the outer and lining fabric, so they are pretty sturdy.

The piggy/shroom one if for work- as I am change bags a bit, I wanted something I could put all my work stuff in (id lanyard, Paw Paw cream, stamp for good kids etc) that was easy to move bags but not let me forget anything! And of course the top one has my business cards!

I'm having a procrastinating/lazy Wednesday, how about you?

Resolutions or Revelations?

So I'm feeling a bit different. All my favourite blogs and bloggers are posting these great retrospectives of 2009, and plans for 2010, and I'm not. why? It takes too much time!!

I am such a lazy person, photos get uploaded and left in no order; piles get rearranged on the floor; washing up and clothes washing are the only chores down on a regular basis (and I'm not including putting away clean washing in that list!!). I rarely entertain at my house as it would mean I'd have to clean up; sheets get washed when I remember....I think you get the drift.

I do, however, have all these feelings- goals I want to achieve, things I want to do, but I'm working on the theory if it's not written down I don't have to follow through- and no one can hold me to it at the end of the year, myself included!

In 2010, however, I will be

• enjoying my daughters 2nd year at school
• trying to walk my dog more
• be at a handmade market once a month (seller or buying)
• Make something daily!

On that note, by the 2nd of Jan 2010 this is what I've achieved- another new top for Little Miss (mistake noticed by me, can you spot it?)

My new product for my market stall is under production. An emergency trip to my crafty helper found the supervisor hard at work.....

and my prototype was done! (how about that sexy photo? Gotta get me some white cardboard....). It is my 'pocket in a pocket purse', no official name yet. A coin purse with an outside jeans pocket, a wrist strap or clip on it or attach to a bag.

It will hold

• iPhone or similar size phone
• credit/EFTPOS cards and similar
• money
• keys

Perfect for the quick trip to the shops; to fit in your jacket pocket on a night out; to replace all your big bulky purses and bags. I'm pretty excited about it, off to make a few more. Oh, and the call out for jeans pockets will be on soon!

Did someone say chips?

Showing off

I was going to wait until after Xmas, but I figured no one probably reads this anyway, so stuff it, I'm showing off! I finally finished them last night, and have to say they are HOT STUFF!

I won't tell you whose is whose, but here is the one I've nabbed.....this is my favourite fabric EVER! You may remember it from here.... scroll right down the bottom and there is the purple version in Little Miss's quilt.

I am willing to pay for or swap for any of this fabric, I can't get enough!! I love both purple and orange shades, but hey, there may be others...please get in touch and we'll negotiate. I'm desperate for the fix, man....

As you can clearly see from the above statements, Xmas has sent me crazy already. Compulsory in service training 4 days before Xmas? Having to take child with me to this? Having child whingey and tired since school finished and not wanting to be cooperative right now, as is told constantly "Santa will find out", and "Santa may bring you that".

Oy, what a time to stop drinking!!


Oh, almost forgot- I'm featured over here, this lover-ly lady has remembered my little coin purse and included me on her blog. Sweet!

Running out of imaginative titles....

This week this great giveaway arrived from Vic. I was planning to leave it wrapped until Xmas, but the paper got torn a bit in the post...so I had to tear it more, and I'm so glad I did! It is awesome- the fabric is definately going ot be a bag, the recipe file and clutch looked at lots.

She added some cute badges, and

buttons and a plate! Well, saucer, but it is my first one for my vintage plate feature wall I want to start, very special!

I have been sewing a few gifts, which I can't show yet, but also making a few coin ourses, just to work on my zipper technique (oh, and use a few of the buggers up!). How cute is this pocket one, some old jeans (found VERY cheap at the oppys) and lining fabric. A pocket on the outside of your coin purse. Gosh, I feel clever!

Another finished item is this Xmas tee, and long sleeve one I chopped the sleeves off, and hand appiqued the tree on. It is a pattern from an old Handmade, I can't find out which one if anyone wants to know. She loved wearing it to the Carols in the Park last night.

Have to get a wiggle on, my poor friend will be left short if I don't finish (after i've started) the hats for her. Plus I want to see her on Wednesday, i'll look pretty silly turning up without them, hmm, short conversation that day I think!!

Things (like a walk in the park)....

Zips. Ridiculous. I have more zips than I will ever use in a lifetime. All thrifted or free. So I can't say no. Or be accused of spending my money on crap.

Xmas- here are the prep teachers thank you pressies, heaps of fun to make. 5 purses to go....

Another helpful Xmas elf gave me a discount voucher, so this yummy fabric can be made into cool accessories for little Miss, I think. Or me.

Love an op shop sale. BSL at Brunswick had this set of 4 for $10, reduced by 30%- yay! Cleaned up beautifully and under the tree for me!


Boo hoo. My fantastic Clover unpick (they really ARE the best) broke. And painfully hard to find in the shops, back to here for another one.

Now: Off to sew and Listen to this. Mmm, Finn. Happy happy joy joy.

Edit: Normal use of unpick, just the usual bit of seam and SNAP!

An Awesome Saturday

Yay, Saturday the 7th finally rolled around, and I was off to the purse course. Unfortunately it was nada for the babysitting, but it turns out she was quite handy as a photographer...

A bunch of crafty women....

all putting together their first purses with frames. Lots of ironing as usual!

Fueled by coffee and yummy snacks (had to go out and buy the red capsicum dip today!)

Little Miss amused herself by make this incredible likeness of Nikki- in Hama beads.

and I have this snazzy purse to show for it. Fabric from my pal Liesel.

I soooo recommend Nikki's classes, even though you can read the pattern and get great tips and make it at home, having someone to ask 'is this ok?" is just the best. Even better, you go home so inspired to make more and more. Not to mention the fun and good chats. And the studio of products.....Now just to get some frames and Xmas shopping is half done!

blogtoberfest day 10- from the market.

The Yarraville market had a beautiful day for it, unfortunately I came down AGAIN with tonsillitis, so had half a voice at least. Today it is completely gone, much to the amusement of friends and child. A high squeak is not good for discipline!

Anyway, I digress. I set up on my new card table, next to my new double rack (tee shirt sleeves poking in to this photo)

I made some new purses in "Antique Treasures" from Spotlight

a Smurf tote/basket style bag (medium weight non-woven interfacing worked a treat)

and some more retro shopping totes (lined for extra strength).

I picked up a packet of foam beads the other day, wondering if it would amuse little Miss for a few hrs, and look what I got!

I'm wearing it now, too, it's cheering me up in this painful, grumpy state!

PS I have all these products pictured unsold, about to go on my Made It shop, but drop me a line if your interested