I’m sorry for my absence over the weekend. I have been busy, busy, busy! Yes, I’ve been doing some crafty stuff too. Late last night (midnight precisely) I decided to turn a ladies cotton shirt into a little top/dress for Miss Zoe. I was inspired by Dana’s Made blog, but didn’t follow her instructions or anything sensible. I just started cutting and sewing. Thank heavens for the overlocker, which made things very fast indeed. I did crazy stuff like try shirring for the 1st time… late at night, and IT WORKED! Sure, it isn’t the neatest job, but I gave it a go, and can now envisage myself knocking up little shirred dresses and tops on a regular basis. Especially for me. I like shirring!

So here is the finished garment.

I think her modelling is just far too cute. Even when she’s eating a cookie.

Last week….Wednesday perhaps? I finished this bag for ME! It is the ‘everything tote’ from the book Weekend Sewing. But altered somewhat, and put together without instructions because I’ve lent the book to a friend. I’m loving this bag. It really does fit EVERYTHING! Change of clothing for girl who ‘might’ wet her pants? check. 5 DVDs to return to the shop?check. 2 kids hats? check. wallet/phone/keys/lipbalm/etc/etc check. AND IT ISN’T EVEN HALF FULL. Who needs green shopping bags when you have one of these? Just throw it all in. Hmmm, how long til it is overflowing with stuff? It looks a bit better in person. truly. The fabric is from Ikea. I added the red buttons.

THEN on Saturday I made a little apron for a birthday boy. I drafted the pattern, altered it, made my own bias binding (for the very first time), lost it, searched for it, found it, finished it. THEN MADE A HOLE IN IT, while applying the snaps. I’ve used the snap press plenty of times without problem. Really! I wonder if his mum is reading this…. yep, that’s what that extra little piece of stripey ribbon is doing. Sorry, no photo. I forgot before we wrapped it. The tutorial on making your own bias by Jona is awesome. Mine turned out great!