A Sunday afternoon picnic.

Sam xox

Pot holders.

I have been thinking a lot lately about trying my hand at making a pot holder.

This booklet has a number of different patterns that I have been playing with the idea of making. The booklet contains patterns for a number of different styled pot holders, plus a variety of embroidery options. The instructions are a little tricky to decipher in some of the patterns though. The (apparent) complexity of some of the patterns has put me off a little, as I just worry that my crochet skills are not good enough (I am a total beginner).

This is where EmmaLamb comes in...

~ from here ~

Aren't they the most beautiful things you've ever seen?!? The detail is brilliant and the colour combinations are perfect. I wish I had skills like this. I also love how they can be used as a decorative feature on a wall.

My favourite would definitely be Bessie...

~ from here ~

Emma has a beautiful Etsy store and also an inspiring blog.

A lovely discovery...

Sam xox

Etsy eye candy.

Sharing some images of patterns I am loving on Etsy at the moment.

~ From here ~

~ From here ~

~ From here ~

~ From here ~

~ From here ~

Hope you found these as inspiring as I did. Roll on summer I say!

Sam xox

Sorbetto top #1.

I am now on the Sorbetto bandwagon! I have been wanting to sew this pattern for months now, but somehow during the move we managed to lose the cord that connected the printer to the computer. During a clean out of some boxes that had fish tank equipment in it, we found the cord (go figure). Which meant that I was finally able to print out this pattern. It is available for free from Colette Patterns here.

As we are quickly heading into the warmer months here, I wanted to start sewing summer clothes. Another motivating factor is that I desperately need new clothes for work. I have a combination of 8 tops and 5 bottoms that I have been mixing and matching for work for the past year. This means they are always in the weekly washing cycle and thus have really started to wear out. I want to make as much of my work wardrobe as I can, but as my work outfits need to be more on the practical side, I have been hesitant to sew clothes that require too much in the way of complicated technique - translation - I need clothes made quickly and cheaply so that when they get ruined I won't be too heart broken (my work can sometimes get messy!).

The Sorbetto fit the bill perfectly! For this top I used some of the fabric I purchased on the weekend. It is a simple cotton fabric, that I think is an imitation of Liberty of London prints. The pattern really didn't use a lot of fabric, and was a breeze to make. Seriously. Anyone could make this top. So if you've been thinking about beginning sewing, why not give this top a try?

~ In 'real life' the left side of the hem does not stick out like it does in the photo.

Perhaps my angle was skewed? ~

I only made a few small changes to this pattern. I added almost 2" to the length of the top, as I found that my muslin hem sat a bit to high for my liking! I also enlarged the arm holes slightly to make the top more comfortable in the hotter months.

I have a funny feeling this will be the first top of many from this pattern.

Have any of you given this pattern a try yet? What did you think of it?

Sam xox

Thrifty finds.

I wanted to share a few of my thrifty finds with you. These were all found in a tiny Presbyterian charity shop up the street from where I work.

~ Cuff bangle and red beads sitting on 2 meters of vintage fabric ~

~ Over-sized blue and white polka dot vintage blouse ~

~ White pencil skirt ~

I was thrilled that I actually managed to find an entire outfit in one thrift store! The blouse looks great tucked in to the skirt, and the red beads and cuff bangle are the perfect accessories. Best part? The entire outfit cost under $9!

What do you think I should make with the fabric?

Sam xox

Un personne, un weekend.

My weekend was lovely. I had the house to myself and had absolutely no plans. Here's what I did with all my free time...

~ The housework got done ~

~ The washing was put out to dry ~

* I did not make this quilt.

~ Some magazines were borrowed from the library ~

~ An old woolen picnic blanket found a new home ~

~ The most amazing vintage store was discovered ~

~ Some vintage items may have been brought home from said store ~

~ Spring sewing preparations were made ~

~ Spring sewing began ~

* * * * * * *

I also did an 11km walk and a spot of gardening. I am now feeling very refreshed and don't want to go back to work tomorrow.

How was your weekend?

Sam xox

French knickers.

Remember this book I wrote about a few weeks ago?

Here is my first creation from the book, these french knickers...

I had purchased this lace some time ago on Etsy, and it finally arrived. The lace is a cream and light green 6.5" wide stretch lace. I used the french knickers pattern supplied in the book and the result was great. The only change I am going to make is to adjust the shape of the crotch piece, but other than that the pattern was perfect!

And I think they go splendidly with the 1920's chemise-inspired top I made a while back using this tutorial.

Sam xox

The first signs of spring.

As the weather continues to get warmer here,

blossoms and new life begin to appear...

~ The last of my winter bulbs ~

~ Tiny lemons beginning to grow on my tree ~

~ Lots of colourful faces ~

~ A nesting dove in our backyard ~

~ The doves first attempt at making a nest ~

Sam xox

And the winner is.

Comment number 5! Katy Cameron congratulations on winning this beautiful slip. I will have the pattern in the post to you this week.

Sam xox

Thrifty finds and a giveaway reminder.

This week during my lunch breaks I have been exploring the local op shops. It has been a nice surprise to find that these op shops are a lot cheaper than the ones in Sydney. You can find many more sheets and pillow cases which have the potential to be upcycled (I have already began planning my Christmas craft projects).

Here are my goodies from this weeks visits...

~ A set of cream and mustard striped pillow cases for our spare bed ~

$1 for the pair.

~ An extra large mens grey hand-knitted jumper. Too big for Jamie.

Am considering making some cushion covers from it. ~

$1.

~ Gorgeous pink petticoat ~

50c.

~ Pair of vintage champagne glasses ~

$2 for the pair.

Have any of you ever cut up a knitted jumper and made cushions from it? What is the best way to do it to ensure the wool doesn't unravel?

Don't forget the giveaway ends soon!

Sam xox