I have recently got into sewing and making things in general. I hand sew, and have also got one of those mini-sewing machines for about $30 (no room for a proper machine, and also wanted to see how into it really am) - it is great for just simple joining things together, I am pretty impressed with it actually. I hadn't used a machine since high school, but was inspired to by my sister in UK so got a intro lesson at a place in Melbourne for Christmas where you can also book machines to use which reminded me of the basics.
My main love is upcycling/recycling things. I am really quite rubbish at following patterns so I just make it up as go along. I also dislike making the same thing twice.
This is probably my favourite creation - some flares made out of an old top of mine for DD.
(This picture is on a facebook page I have just for craft/sewing/upcycling stuff so that can share with anyone easily)
I have also found a few blogs, books etc -
Crafting a Green World by Heidi Boyd- is about making things out of recycled materials (some sewing, but also knitting and other things) - I really like this book!
A blog called Made for Baby has some patterns on it for old T-Shirts etc, and one called Made By Rae
( will check the links guidelines and then post some links)
Arcadia - Really interested to see the backpack
Shanti - I second the library as a great source of sewing books, our library also loans out magazines and there are sewing and knitting ones as well as Better Homes and Gardens you can borrow.
Oh and in my ticker pick my DD is wearing one of my very quick creations!!
I also sew, but mine tends to be different as it is mostly costume for our medieval and viking hobby. I have done the odd bit of everyday clothing sewing as well.
Sounds great. I'm a bit of a hobby sewer (dont think that's spelt right..it looks like something else..lol) but haven't had a chance to do anything since DD was born. Before she was born I made a ton of burp cloths with the intention of selling them but didn't have any interest.
I have quite a few projects on the go though- a patchwork puppy (must finish it cause I know DD would love it), a pillow case I was doing for my little brother (has been in progress for a couple of years ) which is just calico and I'm hand appliquing lizards onto it. Will look pretty cool when it eventually does get finished.
I've also done a few little teddy bears, some stuffed with polyfill and some with split peas to make them like bean bags. And I started embroidering a heap of cushion covers, just have to cut out fabric for the back so I can sew them together.
Must get all my photos of my projects together. Right now though I want to make some door snakes, have the fabric just need to get some filling and cut out/sew them. Hopefully before winter is over
I got a new machine for christmas and have hardly had a chance to sew as I was working two jobs and had no time But now I am slowing down with work I am going to jump on this weekend.
I have a mountain of material, I found an awesome website in the US that sells absolutely stunning fabrics and has great specials and postage was really cheap and quick and with the exchange rate it was definitely value for money!!
I have a few projects on the go:
Quite for my nephew, I have to finish the quilting and do the border.
Bibs with sleeves for DD and some friends, they have a waterproof backing and sleeves, and really pretty fabrics at the front. My own pattern
NICU gowns for our local hospital, I made 56 last year and donated them for christmas, this year I am hoping to make 100. I have created my own pattern
Flanellette Sheets for DD, I picked up some gorgeous fabric from Spotlight for $3 a m on sale over summer!
I have about 6 nappies cut out ready to sew, but I need to buy more fabric for boosters, so this project is on hold as I think I should be using the fabric I have before buying more.
I also make little bags to hold ventolin, spacers and spare puffers for Daycare/Kindy, a few friends have asked if I can mkae them for them as well, they are personalised with names and are fully lined
Plus a pile of patterns ready to make clothes for DD, she needs track pants for daycare and I do need to go to spotlight and buy some more trackie material
If anyone has photos of what you have done I would love to see it!
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) which is just calico and I'm hand appliquing lizards onto it. Will look pretty cool when it eventually does get finished.
But now I am slowing down with work I am going to jump on this weekend.
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