A little laugh for Christmas

Here is a little something that always makes me laugh.

It is from a show that ran for about 24 years here in Aus and had some really funny segments.

One of them was Red Faces - a "talent" segment with weird and sometimes wonderful acts vying for first prize.

Here is an Australian School's version of the 12 Days of Christmas.

Please note - no animals were harmed in the making of this clip - except for the dead snake - which was already dead (I hope).

What can I say - Aussies have a warped sense of humour.

Put the volume up loud and enjoy

And to all a Very Merry Christmas.

WOW WOW WOW - StyleArc are AMAZING

Guess what!!!!??

I emailed StyleArc to let them know I was giving away a voucher on my blog to thank my readers.

This was their response:

Hi Beverley,

 

Wow! Thanks for your support - that's fantastic!

Here's what we'd like to do... We'll supply the gift voucher. You don't have to buy anything! We love what you've done!

 

All you need to do is send us the winner's name and we'll prepare the gift voucher. We'll email the gift voucher to you and you can forward it to your winner.

Btw... the voucher is really just a code that gets entered at the checkout. It lasts for one year. 

Told you their Customer Service was phenomenal.

So - after I picked myself up off the floor - I thought how great is that!!!

Well I still have the $25 I put aside for the voucher burning a hole in my pocket so ....... drum roll please .... there will be a second draw (or should I say random calculator pick). That way another commentator can experience StyleArc for themselves.

What a happy little Vegemite I am.

So - second drawing

Random number pulled up this for the post

That was this post

http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/two-birds-one-scone.html

This was the post about the PR afternoon tea? Did you comment?

There were 25 comments on this post.

My new friend Random Generator bought up this number

Lucky number 13 is Leonie Picton. Leonie I will be in contact when I arrange the voucher.

Isn't it great that I was able to give away 2 vouchers from StyleArc,

I hope you enjoy the patterns as much as I do.

And the winner is.........

First let me tell you about the draw.....

From about 7:00am this morning I have been copying and pasting comments onto a word document in order to cut them up and draw a winner for the StyleArc voucher..

I spent the time to delete any of my own comments (didn't want to take the time to cut them up)... I got to page 94 and realised that I still had a year's worth of comments to go and thought - hell's bells - there has got to be a better way than killing a bunch of trees, the blades of scissors and my hands and time.

I had seen the random generators on other blogs but thought - nuh - don't have time to work this out - but then I thought of all of the time printing and cutting. Then I thought - well - how will this work as the comment numbers start again for each post and I wasn't going to count through all the comments...

Then I though - well - generate a number for the post and then one for the comment.

So - drum roll for post.......

Out of 112 posts number 68 was drawn.

That post was Taking care of business - Pyramid Giveaway and Liebster Award from January this year.

So - did you comment on this 

These people did

So back to the random generator - 9 comments

Commentator number 3

The gorgeous and eternally funny Anne from Pretty Grievances.

Anne - I will be in touch once I organise the voucher

All in all - using the Random Number Generator was incredibly easy. I am going to use it in future.

Thanks everyone for playing with me.

Blogiversary

Well tomorrow (17th in AUS time) is my second year anniversary for blogging (and a little more time sewing) and I have absolutely loved making world wide friends and especially IRL friends through this little blog.

So - how am I going to celebrate this marvelous milestone.

Well with a gift of course.

Now there are few things in life that gets my goolies - I don't know if this phrase is used outside of OZ but it means gets me riled. I am pretty laid back and happy to let most things flow over me.

Funny - I am more likely to sweat the small stuff than the big. The big stuff - well - you can't really change it and so therefore way out of the circle of influence so I let it go. The small stuff can niggle.

One of the things that really gets my goolies is all the great offers out there "FOR NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY" Banks offer great deals for new customers. Foxtel (cable TV) again - for new customers only etc. Now being a business owner I can understand the need to attract new customers but - hey what about the loyal customers that have been bringing business your way for years... What about me....

Another thing about me is that

 Why do I love StyleArc?

1. There are not many pattern producers that go up to my size so already there is huge lot of pattern alterations just to get it to my size let alone individual alterations
2. The customer service is phenomenal
3. The styles are current and up to date and you can get ANY of their patterns in your size (up to 30) not ones that look like tents
4. There is one size per pattern. Now I know that this is a bone of contention for a lot of people but if there are more than one size I find that I trace the pattern (more work) just in case, where if there is only one size I cut it straight out. 
5. Can I repeat that THEY GO UP TO SIZE 30 FOR EVERY PATTERN
6. They give a free pattern every month with your order

So.... adding my love of StyleArc to my love of my love of blogging and my appreciation for those who read and comment on my blog I am going to give a

to one of the people who comment on my blog. I have calculated that you SHOULD (no responsibility) get one regular pattern plus the month's freebie sent to most places for the $25. If you put it into your cart but not purchase it will tell you the cost. If not - then it should at least cover most anyway.

Now I appreciate all of you who read my blog and *hopefully* enjoy it - and believe me - I lurk on many a blog. However this is for all of those who have IN THE PAST have taken the time and the love and commented on my blog. Yes - this is where the "current customers" rant from earlier comes in to it.

To be in the running all you have to do is have posted a comment on this blog prior to this post date.

This is NOT open to people who comment on this post (although all comments are welcome and who knows what will happen on my 3rd blogiversary).

This is open to all comments prior to this post and every comment will be entered so the more you have commented then the more chance you have of winning.

I will do the massive job of printing out all comments, cutting them up and drawing as soon as I have the time so stay tuned.....

Love and appreciate you all.

Plans are nothing; planning is everything.

In the words of Dwight D. Eisenhower - Plans are nothing; planning is everything - and it is that time of year again - Yes - the Artisans Square SWAP 2014 has hit - and plans are popping up and peculating in the bloggershere and in the chat forums.... 

Now I posted my mighty fine ideas for my 2013 SWAP and only got a short ways through it before the period ended - but not one to be discouraged for long - I have decided to set myself up for failure to join in the fun of planning again - because that is what I love to do. Set patterns to fabric and dream!!! (and sometimes sew).

Mind you, this is the 3rd totally different incarnation of my SWAP since I first read the rules about a month ago so you can see how fickle my mind is - it gets caught up with new patterns and fabrics that waft my way and so the plan changes to accommodate.... *sigh*

I already have my first item (Stone coloured StyleArc Barbara Pants) cut out, but sewing has been put on hold whilst I prepare for Christmas visitors but I do hope to have them sewn up before boxing day as this year's swap is very flexible and allows one item to be sewn up prior (and one item to be purchased and one item to be sewn up before the announcement of the rules).

Now you may well ask how this fits in with my garment of the month for Sarah Liz's challenge. Well the stone coloured Bab Pants were originally going to be the muslin for the mint coloured pants - but now they have been promoted to prima donna item of the month and if I can get them done before boxing day my next item will be a top to go with it.

My big worry (so far) is that the greens don't match (the shorts and top). I don't have either fabric yet - both are winging their way to me as we speak - I told you I was fickle - saw fabric - *needed* fabric - bought fabric - changed plan. I will compare them when I get them and change the fabric for the top if need be.

I am thinking of calling it "Put the lime in the coconut and blueberry shake it all up"

It may have to move over and make way for some Animal Print in January too.

I know some of you are participating in the SWAP. What are your plans?

Sales sales everywhere!!!

Ooh I have been a bad girl....

I have been stalking Butterick 5998 on sewingpatterns.com which is where I purchase most of my patterns (seeing as how expensive they can be in Australia). Alas - the new Buttericks are not showing up there yet - however they had a Simplicity sale - $2.99 so I just had to buy one or two or ten.... Then - guess what - Buttericks went on Sale at the Butterick McCall Vogue site at $2.99. Not only the Buttericks are on Sale, but Vogue and McCalls too - sooo - several more patterns are flying the friendly skies to Aus.

Lucky the holidays are coming up soon - It is going to be a true sewcation for me. Sister and BIL are coming for a visit but apart from that I will be sewing up a storm.

I have decided that the last week in December will be dedicated to UFOs and fixits so that I can start 2014 fresh. Then I started thinking about it - I have 4 items that need fixing and at least 5 UFOs.... hmmm - maybe more than a week. This will be after I finish my planned item for December's One Garment Per Month Challenge of course.

What will you be doing over Christmas?

On my post about my Pia Top I mentioned that I thought Suzanne Gray may be right about sewing sleeves in instead of doing them flat from hem of top to hem  of wrist and I had a couple of questions regarding that.

Now - I may be wrong but I feel that the sleeves would be more defined if it is sewn in (sorry - I can never get the right terminology)

The photos highlighted it for me - but then again - maybe it is just that the armhole is too low.

 

 

To me - it looks like the curve of the uninterrupted seam.. Anyway - I will do some experimental sewing with the next Pia and see if it makes a difference.

Next post I hope to have the StyleArc Barb pants done.

Stalking the Plus Sized Pattern Pyramid??

Well if you are you are in for a real treat.

It now resides with 3 bloggers that I know of so the chances of winning are BIG..

Check out these blogs

Sewing with Cats - Have your comment in by 30th November to be in to win Alison's loot.

Bea's Sewing Adventure - Bea's draw finishes on 1st December so get in to have a shot.

Chris Lucas - Chris has another PS Pyramid drawn on 1st December on her blog.

This is a great opportunity to get your mitts on a pattern you don't have and also to spread the plus sized love!

New Buttericks and December One Garment a Month Plans

I don't normally do new pattern release posts. A lot of the people I follow do them and I just enjoy their posts - however there is a dress pattern I. MUST. HAVE. MUST. HAVE. MUST. HAVE. MUST. HAVE (better stop before they come and take me away ho ho he he ha ha)

Look at the lines

I even know what I am going to do with it........ (imaging dreamy face with a thought bubble)

Now on to December Plans for the Sarah Liz Make a Garment a Month Challenge.

I actually finished 2 garments in November - my tea dress (official challenge garment) which still needs a few tweaks and the StyleArc Pleated Pia top.

My December plans also include StyleArc (what else!!)

I purchased some of the Mint coloured Bengaline from StyleArc which will be transformed by the magic of sewing (hopefully) into the StyleArc Barb Pants

That is my official Garment for December. I also want to make (time permitting) a tunic top and depending on what colour the mint bengaline looks in life (Aus Post has it in their custody at the moment) the tunic will either be in white linen or in a gorgeous blue chiffon I purchased from Denver Fabrics about 2 years ago.

Till the end of November I will be finishing off some pillow cases for Rhonda's wonderful drive.

Have a good one.

Pleasing peerless Pleated Pia

I LOVE my new StyleArc Pleated Pia top. It is just lovely and I am so happy with how the neckline ended up and really like the "scoop" shape of the neckline.

Here it is on Babs

Close up of neckline

The pleats kind of get swallowed up by the fabric - but they are there.

I purchased the fabric from Sawyer Brook's online. It is called eco tourist and if you look closely at the pattern you can see why.

I can't decide if it looks like a whole lot of amoebas:

Or some hot mud springs

But whatever - it looks alive - organic. It is lighter weight than I was expecting. It is a viscose / elastane jersey knit. It will be great for our summer but I would have liked a bit more substance to it. Maybe that is my ignorance over what a viscose / elastane jersey knit is. It does feel nice on. I shall make more Pia's I am sure.

Here it is on.

BTW - thanks for all of the nice comments on my haircut. Unfortunately the rain has got to it and it has gone FRIZZ.

I started this top on Saturday at Tessuti's Sewing Day but was having trouble with the neckband. I always have trouble with the neckband. The fabric is quite a fine knit and it kept getting swallowed by the feed dogs (hungry little critters they were). After unpicking it 3 times I decided to have a break from it and I finished it successfully last night by using my walking foot.

Can I say that the walking foot is never coming off my machine. If ever I have to do a zip or a button I will have to buy a new machine. I love the walking foot. I purchased it for a sewing workshop on knits that I attended (it was on the required equipment list) but really didn't get it until yesterday when it fed this fine knit through like it was linen. That foot was certainly made for walking. Love it.

And the Pia - as you can see in the title - I didn't have any successful me made tees in my wardrobe. I can't count the StyleArc Creative Cate as it doesn't have a neckband and the sleeves are cut on the front and back. Not really a tee and very easy peasy. That is why I am calling the Pia peerless - so far.

Adjustments to Pattern:

- Purchased one a size too small and added 2 cms to each side seam = 8 cms in total. That way the shoulders and arms fit better. It is still a bit big in these areas but it could be the soft knit used too. Found out about different knits the hard way!

You can just see the 2 cms added to the side of the sleeve to match the 2 cms I add to the side of the pattern. I then grade that down to zero about half way down the sleeve.

- Added 2 inches in length to cover tum tum.

- Cut some off the sleeve length. Next time I will another inch or so on the sleeve. I don't like short sleeves and not keen on long. I like 3/4 sleeves.

- I made the neckband a tad wider - about 1 cm.

No other adjustments (which is really great for someone my size).

Overall - very happy.

Things I learnt during this project:

- Even if your fabric is a very fine knit - using interfacing on the neckband is not a good idea if you want to stretch it between the quarters!

- Every good sewing machine deserves feet - and a walking foot is worth the money. I am going to check out if I can get one for the Elna Overlocker....

- Suzanne Gray says you should always sew a sleeve in and not sew it in one go from the hem to cuff. I am starting to think she may be on to something there.

Review on Pattern Review

Next post will be details on the tea dress.                                                                                                                                                         .  

Sit and Sew at Tessuti's Sew Inn

Well what a day yesterday was. Seven dedicated sewists landed on the doorstep of Tessuti Fabrics in Surry Hills (at their invitation - thanks Dilliander for organising it with Tessutis) for a wonderful day of sitting, sewing and chatting and of course - fabric shopping!!!

Above are Kristy on left, moi in middle, Sharon on the end with Wendy at the cutting table. Velosewer and Margaret are missing in action from the photo - probably roaming the aisles drooling at the fabric - I know that is what I was doing in a Zombie like trance when I first arrived). Dilliander (from Pattern Review - and winner of Tessuti's gridlock competition) took the photo.

It was a great set up - no need to lug our machines as Tessuti's had Berninas set up for us and a couple of overlockers. This is the area where they normally hold classes. They will be putting up next year's classes soon and I am hoping to join the "bring your own project" class. It was amazing how many customers came over to check us out and see what was going on - and asking us for advice!

The stunning Colette from Tessuti Fabrics made us feel more than welcome. Check out the blog she and Lisa write about Tessuti, their fabrics and patterns. We really couldn't have had a better hostess. She was on hand to help if there were any questions about the machines, showed us where we could get tea and coffee, chatted to us about our sewing and offered us a lovely on the day discount.... as if the fabric wasn't tempting enough..... and yes *sigh* a couple of gorgeous pieces came home with me. (And I know I wasn't the only one from our group who had a little splurge or two) I really had to restrain myself. Their fabric is of such a fine quality. This is what I purchased.

On the top is a most exquisite 100% silk chiffon with a self stripe. Underneath is an amazing faux suede. I say amazing as it feels so much like suede I can't believe it isn't. It has a wonderful weight to it and was initially going to be a skirt - however there was a bit left on the roll so Colette threw that in too so I am thinking my TNT dress may get another edition.

I was initially drawn to the silk as I was lucky enough to get in quick and get some of the paprika coloured stretch bengaline from StyleArc before it sold out (yes - it went in the blink of an eye) and I wanted some fabric to match the Barb pants I am going to make with the Bengaline. Then I saw the suede and I was in LURVE. So these items have been re-homed in my stash until my skills are up to using them....

I managed to finish a Style Arc Fay skirt and half of a Style Arc Pia top at Tessuti's and am hoping to finish the top today (if I can drag myself away from stroking the suede!!)

BTW - Anne over at Pretty Grievances has announced Jungle January mark 2 ... how exciting. Purr Purr. I did look at a beautiful peach leopard silk at Tessuti's. Glad I hadn't heard the announcement before going as I am not sure I could have resisted it had I known..

What are you up to today?

Two birds - one scone

I suppose that title only works if you pronounce Scone as in Stone not as in gone. I know in the US a scone is somewhat different to what it is here in Oz.... Down under it is something to have with jam and cream and tea.

When the fabulous Velosewer announced that there was going to be a high tea to mark Pattern Review's 12th birthday then I thought - time for a tea dress! So combining the Make one Garment a Month Challenge with High Tea I came up with the below dress which was still being hemmed (I use the term loosely as I only used steam a seam and no stitches - I am now in love with the stuff) an hour before I arrived at Parramatta at Adora Handmade Chocolates.

I must say the last High Tea I attended cost over AUS$100 and we didn't get much more for our money than we did for our AUS $15 at Adora, It was however at the Ritz Carlton in London. Andora was delicious with not a scone in sight.

I decided to pair Simplicity 1586 with a lovely floral sateen that I purchased as a end of roll from Spotties for next to nix a couple of years ago. After all - doesn't a tea party call for flowers? This is my November garment for the challenge that the lovely Sarah Liz is hosting (Yes I made it this month - does that classify as a pun - made it!!!?? as in got it done!) This is the first step in my Princess Seamed TNT dress.

The cardi I wore with it was made in September but not blogged about as it was really just a copy of a favoured RTW cover that was wearing out. You can see the originial here. I just used Style Arc Abby as a base but didn't use the "collar" waterfall and made it less "flaired".

It brought a smile to my face to see a table of 10 women all wearing lovely self made clothes.Gorgeous. The power of the sewing machine. A lot of the sewists there are part of my ASG sewing group and it was great to see them all frocked up. It was also wonderful to meet others. It was great to chat to Lena Merin of The Sewing Space who's gelatin method is legendary and who's blog is full of great tutorials. She is in the midst of creating more patterns. I have been following for ages but never had the pleasure of meeting her before. I was lucky enough to sit next to Janelle of Sew Hopeful - a lovely lady who's bright and cheerful personality was a delight. It will be great to read her blog now that I know her. It was also wonderful to meet Ryn who doesn't have a blog and had heard about the get together through Pattern Review.

There was a specially made cake for us - which was a "smash cake" where you smash it and inside are chocolates. Most appropriate for a chocolate shop.

And here is Velosewer wielding the hammer of THOR and cracking the cake (guess what I watched last night :-)

Thanks once again to Velosewer for arranging a great afternoon. If you missed it, pop over to see her review of the day.

I will review my dress once I get a picture of it without the cardi so that I can catalogue the changes I need to make for the next version. They are hidden under the cardi.

Whatever you are doing - where-ever you are - have a great day / night.

Chasing the plus sized pyramid??

The pyramid has landed over at SeamsStraightforward. The lovely Fiona says she has so many patterns to add to the already bursting at the seams (no pun intended) pyramid that if she gets enough entries she may even send out 2 packages..... wow. I have already put my name in the pot (wouldn't it be funny if it came back here where it started!!)

I think there might be another one making the rounds somewhere too but I have lost track.....

So - if you are stalking the pyramid head on over to SeamsStraightforward and leave a comment. You have until the 9th November. Lots of nice goodies in the box.

In other news ...... an update on my one garment per month challenge - I have 3 half done garments. If I put them all together I have one and a half garments..... does this count? Hoping to finish one of them soon.....

Scary September Wrap Up

Well here it is - October already - and I am a little late with my wrap up. This is because I have had visitors. My sister and her friend came down to stay for a while and therefore there has been yak yak yak instead of sew / write etc. This is also why I may not have been able to visit your blog and leave comments. Too many late nights with too many glasses of vino. It was great showing off my wardrobe of me sewn garments (I think it time to invest in some of those choice little "made by me" labels ........  :-) :-)

Below is a update of all of the scary jumpers who have made progress (or discussed progress) since the last update. Please check out the links below to see more of their items. Once again I have only included jumpers who have made the leap.

Nothy Lane from Aft Agley is still working on her lovely roll collar coat - she wants a little bit more time and I am more than happy to report on her finished item later.

Becki-c from Beccabeckstuff has done this simply stunning Marfy blouse as part of her wardrobe - isn't it DIVINE

Louise from No23 has finished her wardrobe and entered the PR wardrobe contest. If you are a member of PR you can vote for it here  until the 10th October- I certainly did - it is sure worth a vote - let's get behind our group. What a great wardrobe.

Sue from Quiltsewsewsue has completed another item for her wardrobe - a lovely pearl cardigan. Just what is needed for our Spring.

Juliet from The Crazy Gypsy Chronicles made her first indie pattern the Colette Chantilly as pledged - isn't it gorgeous. Check out the link above to see her very funny post about it including a mad dash to sew the SAME teal fabric as a lot of other sewists. See their results here

The gorgeous Kat from the Engineer's Other life conquered her fear of prints - and doesn't she look great in them.

JuliN from the Happy Homemaker Redux has made progress on her corset - see her grommets below. (I've always wanted to use the word grommet)

Valerie from Valerie's own sewing blog has done many posts on her pants block. Her recent post tells how she used the pants block to make a very lovely very summery pair of cotton cargos. Check out her blog

Lynn from You Sew Girl did pledge to do a fitted woven blouse. Now - she didn't do that but I am including her as her absolutely fab coat is certainly fitted and woven and deserves a show off. Beautiful.

What a great effort from everyone! If I have missed anyone - let me know.

Now I am not going to embarrass those of us who didn't do our items for Scary Sept - except for one - me - yes that is right - I failed - I didn't do my zip or my top - *sigh* I am crawling into the corner in shame........

It seems that whenever I make plans I fail in the execution. I love making plans though. I keep telling myself - don't plan - but it is sooo much fun. My sewing is much better and more productive when I go with my mojoflo - what attracts me that weekend..... I have the attention span of a goldfish *sigh*

I have really enjoyed Scary September - even though my jump was a dismal failure - I so enjoyed watching my fellow sewists conquer their fears in such a formidable way. Well done you!

I may just take Nothy Lane up on her suggestion to make this an annual event! I am going to leave the blogroll up for another week or so if you want to check out the scary jumpers.

So what's my next plan (yes - there is that four letter word)! I have joined in with SarahLiz on her one garment a month challenge... There is one rule that I may well flout.... picking a pattern and blogging the plans. I think I will just go with my mojoflo.

One thing I do want to complete is the fractured knit cardi that I picked for my scary September... I am going to change the pattern though - that is where I fell over. I was inspired by the workshop we did (but unfortunately it was the last weekend of the month so learnt the skills a bit late for Scary September).... I am totally in love with the below jacket that the incredible Suzanne Gray (sewing teacher extraordinaire!) made. This was my inspiration. To think that she made this out of a racer back tourist t-shirt. I often see tourist (or other tees) that won't fit me. Now I have a solution. This is magnificent. (And Paris is a favourite city of mine)

I have the zip (thanks for all of the suggestions for places to buy) and ONE DAY I will do it. (Well - more than one day LOL)

Have a great day.

Scary September - toward the home stretch.

Well we are coming to the last week of Scary September with some great results from fearless jumpers.

Here is an update:

Nothy Lane from Aft Agley has progressed on a lovely faux suede four button jacket. Love the colour and lushness of the jacket. Check out her progress here

Becki-C from Beccabeck Stuff has completed a beautiful feminine Marfy blouse as item 2 for her wardrobe.
Have a closer look at her site.

Lynda from Lynda's sewing and SWAPs has put a toe in the waters of Scary September. I say put a toe in as she is doing bras - which to her isn't very scary (TERRIFYING to me) but finds fit a bit of a problem. So she has inadvertently joined. She is making great progress on her bra - check it out on her site.

Sarah Liz from Sarah Liz Sew Style has been a busy girl  - dare I say it  - serging ahead  - with yet more challenges for herself.

The next one she conquered was using the sure-fit system to self draft a skirt.. and the results are great. Love that skirt.

Another thing Sarah Liz is working on is learning all of the changes needed to take any pant pattern and use a pant block to make them fit her. Here is a peek..

Check out the rest of her progress on her blog.

Valerie from Valerie's own sewing blog is straight off the blocks (Doh) with her pants block. She is onto part 3 and using a flexible curve measure to measure the crotch of RTW jeans to help her get the best fit. I would love to show a pic but the option to copy pics on her blog is disabled. Please go over here to check out her progress. If you are interested in doing a pants block you will find it fascinating.

I have only done updates for those who have sewing to show on their blogs. If I have missed you - please let me know.

As for me...... the originator of Scary September ..... very scared indeed. I did a trial and it didn't work - forgot to lower the bust - did do an FBA but not a LBA (Lower bust adjustment). So I thought I would give it a rest and do a StyleArc dress - Slip on Suzie - and that didn't work either - may be salvageable or may be a wadder - don't know yet. Sewing mojo scared right out the door. Oh well - next Saturday is my sewing guild day where I do the class so I am hoping the mojo comes back by then.

Scary September - half way point

Time for an update with our Fearless Jumpers.

First past the post (to completely finish her challenge) is Sarah Liz who has completed her trendy patterned pants. Aren't they fab?

Sarah has set herself a new challenge for Scary September. Check it out here. And also - join in her one garment a month challenge if you are game. I jumped in but only if there is a promise of no whipping for failures......


Nothy Lane from Aft Agley has also finished one of her button downs and it is a stunning pink ruffled shirt. Check out more on her progress here

Louise from No 23 has finished her second wardrobe garment. She has identified sewing a bra for scary September after she finishes her mini wardrobe - but sewing a mini wardrobe in itself is such as challenge....

Check out her great skirt (below) in more detail and other plans here.

Becki from Beccabeckstuff is facing some frustration with her pants in the mini wardrobe challenge. Read all about it here

Shawnta from Shawntasews has kickstarted her impressive scary list by sewing with French Seams. Have a closer look here

Whilst waiting for corset supplies to arrive, JuliN from the Happy Homemaker has been practicing her skills. Have a look

As for moi?????

Well a bit of a hiccup. I made a humongous error on my FBA for the Katherine Tilton pattern - I now have to retrace it and start again for that piece so it is sitting dejected on the dining table until I can face it again.. *sigh*. On a positive note I have received the ordered zip. Thank you to everyone who gave me info on where to get them. I decided to go with diamante. Go figure - talk about stepping out of the comfort zone. I ordered one in black and one in white as I wasn't sure what would go better. They are pretty stunning.

If I have missed you - I apologise. Please let me know.

On another note - for all the Aussie people who read my blog - or even non-Aussies who are interested in the Land Down Under....... Check out the blog that TwoToast from SpottyDogSocialClub has put together to journal her visit to Oz... I must admit a fascination of visitor's impressions of Australia. Does that make me gauche? Anyway - I am loving it. Follow along here if you want and have a look at Oz through someone else's eyes.