Sewing weekend countdown!

Only three more sleeps until the next Burdastyle Sewing Club Perth weekend away - I can't wait!!!
In July last year I went to the first ever sewing weekend away for the club, two days of sewing, eating and hanging out with like minded people: it.was.AWESOME! Unfortunately I missed the second weekend away due to DS coming down with a bout of tonsillitis (Yep mum was needed big time that week), but so far its looking good for this time around *fingers crossed*.

Last time we were in Dwellingup, but just to keep thing interesting we are going to Moondyne Convention Centre for this meet - how serene and awe inspiring does all that countryside look? Perfect place to attempt something creative I think :)

Sooo of course with hardly any time left to pack (I have two small people to look after tomorrow and my "other" day job the next two days after) I am TOTALLY unorganised and unprepared. Seeing as am taking DH's hard-top ute (he gets the mummymobile for the weekend hehehe)  I'm thinking pretty much that I will just chuck whatever in at the last minute, when packing after the kids are in bed- sounds like a plan eh??
I DO know that I will be taking my already-cut-out-and-waiting-to-go April Rhodes Staple Dress. I have heard GREAT things about this pattern on the blogosphere and I'm dying to try it out, this weekend it WILL happen!
No doubt I will have some blurry iPhone pics (and maybe some slightly better proper camera pics) to share with you after the weekend :D....and maybe some finished items too, so stayed tuned!

If you live in Perth (Western Australia) and are interested in fashion/garment sewing check out the Burdastyle Sewing Club Perth, they are a totally nice bunch of sewing people and weekends away like this are truly something special!!

I must say a huge " thank you" to dear hubby who - even though yes technically it IS his job as dad- is looking after the twinlets while I have my weekend away.
Thanks hun,couldn't do it without you! xxx

If I don't catch you before my big sleepover...

Happy sewing!

Kate :)

Instagramming... plus something I made a while ago

 Recently I joined Instagram as part of a social media link-in party run by The Train to Crazy.
 Now I never really knew exactly what Instagram was beforehand, I thought it was just some sort of photo sharing site that people uploaded their pics to and that was it. 
Well I got the first part right you do share your photos BUT there is a whole other side to IG that definitely puts it into  "social media" category. Users comment on each others photo's (normally iPhone pics, though some are uploading from cameras), tag them with various hashtags (which sort of categorize them, a bit like assigning a "subject" heading, in a very loose urban-slang-and-abbreviations way) and participate in Photo Challenges.

For the month of May someone (I'm sorry I'm not sure who) created the #isewphotochallenge with each day having a different sewing related theme to photograph. I joined in and although I am proving to be a slack IG photo challenge participant ( I tend to miss days when we have visitors or kids are sick) I do enjoy taking part and seeing what others contribute to each challenge.

This was my Instagram for Day 2- the theme was "Early Project":

This was the earliest example of my sewing I could find on the day, I know its been around for a while but checking on my Pattern Review gallery told me I made this in 2008! Not bad thats its still around given the amount of wear its had ;)

The actual composite pic above was created through an App called InstaCollage (free edition) which was then uploaded to my Instgram page.
Unlike Instagram I can also use the InstaCollage edited pics here in my blog (if I send them to myself via email) something which I have not yet been able to do with any of my regular Instagram images. 
I'm not sure if Instagram make it deliberately difficult to use your Instagram pics elsewhere (except where they OK you to) but it sure does seem a bit that way.
Intsagram is now owned by facebook, which may explain why it is easy to share pics to facebook but not to other places (like blogger).
There was also been a bit of a user backlash in 2012 when Instagram announced a change in its terms of service which effectively enables them to sell your pictures to third parties. While this is not an issue to me - i doubt any of my pics will ever be of a standard that appeals commercially- it's something to think about if you invest a lot of time and effort into your photography or rely on it to make an income.

So do I like Instagram? Yes. I wish I could access my pictures a bit more easily in other programs once they have been "instagrammed", maybe this is a future (user pays?) option they have in the works. I am a bit wary of spending too much of my time on this one site - it can be a bit of a time waster if you tend to like social media, lots of bloggers post pics to their IG page more often than to their blogs or facebook pages so its easy to get distracted by someones latest W.I.P pic. Still for what it is it is fun. I've met some new and interesting sewists/crafters on their and maybe found out a bit more about some of the bloggers I've already a follower of (in a good way not a creepy-stalkerish way!)

If you want to check out what I've been up to on Instagram go to :

http://instagram.com/sewingforsanity

'Til next time
Happy Sewing/Instagramming (if you IG) !!!

Kate :)

Op-shoppery: Recent fabric pickings (part 2)

The same op shop yielded quite a bounty on another day. The roll of grey is lining fabric, $8 for the roll but a bargain considering it costs at least $5/metre new. The pink fabric was also $8 for the roll. I think its some type of 1990's parasilk type synthetic. It has a matte finish and a crisp hand so I think would be great for a 1950's style dress: 

The pale mint green fabric is actually silk - 7 metres for $1 as it has several large stains, but at that price I can cut around them! Question is what to make with it as it very fine and floaty. Would it tear when wet? Have to do some testing...

The last fabric is a soft cotton-y dress fabric with an interesting faux stitched hibiscus print :

(yes I Instagrammed this one)

 Skirt or shirt maybe?

Oh and I nearly forgot! Either a very large hanky or smallish scarf? Regardless... am digging this graphic print:

 

All up quite a good haul for two separate half hour visits to my local Oppy ;)

Happy sewing/thrifting!!!

Kate :)

Op-shoppery: Recent fabric pickings (part 1)

Just some of the goodies recent thrift store visits have uncovered. First up a bag of fabric pieces plus a knit pattern for tees:

  

I'm not sure how i feel about the striped fabric, hoping it may be usable for maybe a bucket hat or perhaps pants for DS but not sure about the colours on him. I love the flower print for it's retro style.

Not in love with the train print but am pretty sure DS will be!

 

There isn't quite enough of the train fabric for a full child's garment but I figure a pocket or two (or maybe a hood lining?) can be squeezed out.

It's turning to colder weather here in Oz and suddenly fleece fabric - in any form- is starting to look good...

 Pays to be overprepared in the winter clothing stakes when you have two very mess-making three year olds running around ;)

Pocket pleats

I've been playing around with pockets recently, as part of a project I'm currently working on. Decided it would be really neat to do a double pleat (one pleat on top of another- not sure if that the correct terminology) pocket for a change and after sewing the seamlines realised that actually pressing the pleats flat and open would be a bit harder than I thought. 
The solution I came up with? A metal ruler (which was luckily the right size for the big pleat) and a wooden skewer (much thinner than the small pleat but the only thing I could find) to help me get the pleats straight and centered on top of each other while pressing.

 Now.... I thought I was really clever with this. Coming up with the idea of inserting something into the pleat to aid with pressing- how smart am I? 
Then what do I see while wandering through Spotlight the other day (I was there ONLY to get thread but who can resist a wander)? These Clover Loop Pressing Bars- (sorry I forgot to take a pic in store so hence the link, no I'm not flogging anything or getting paid a commission on Clover products!).
 Ok so I'm not the sewing gadget genius I thought I was - lucky I didn't take a patent out on the whole ruler/skewer combo-  but how useful would the rod set be for pressing open fiddly pleats and casings?
I'm guessing if you had a handy metalworker in the family you could maybe press ("press" - get it haha! sorry lame punning...) them into making some similar rods up for you in a suitable metal? Not sure what would be the best metal to use, something that wouldn't rust or warp with heat for starters.
In the meantime I will be making use of my metal ruler and bamboo skewers until a really awesome sale offer comes up. Or until I get over pleats and move on to a different pocket detail ;)
Anyway...

Happy sewing/pressing/pleating :)

Kate :)

 

Twenty something questions with......Alviana of Popolok Design

Proudly presenting the second interview in my series “Twenty something questions with...” :
 Alviana of Sewn by Alviana and Popolok Design. 

Alviana and her muse: daughter Bella

 If you have been following my blog for a while you would have recognised the name as I have tested not one – but three - pattern’s for Popolok Design in the past 4 months. Popolok Design is Alviana’s relatively new venture but her blog Sewn by Alviana has been around for quite a while, I first met Alviana on the sewing blogosphere in my pre-children days. Back then Alviana was a copious maker of garments and she has put that energy into now creating very unique designs for babies and children, releasing on average about 1 new pattern every 2.5 months. 
As well as designing patterns Alviana work’s full time and is mother to the adorable little Bella – what a woman!

Without further ado here are Alviana’s answers to the list of questions I sent her (thank’s for answering Alviana- you are one very busy lady!) :

Sewing For Sanity: Approximately how long have you been sewing for/ at what age did you learn to sew?

Alviana: I remember I started sewing my doll's clothes when I was about 10 years old. Then I made a few clothes during my teen years. Stopped for a while, when I was away from home studying. Then resumed back in 2007, the year I found out about sewing patterns. Then, I was unstoppable :) 

Sewing For Sanity: How did you learn to sew? (Are you self taught/learnt at school/learnt through private lessons/taught by a relative / a combination of these?)(If self taught what resources did you mostly use? Internet/books/instructional DVDs...?)
Alviana: I never take any formal classes. I believe everything I know now is self-taught. But I did learn a few sewing techniques from my other relatives. My mother did some sewing when I was young, but just simple projects like curtain, pillow case and some of our clothes. The Internet (blog tutorial/videos), sewing patterns and books are my main resources.


Sewing For Sanity:  What was the first machine that you sewed on? Was it yours or borrowed? If borrowed what was the first machine you owned?
Alviana: My mother's Singer sewing machine, I can't remember what model.


Sewing For Sanity: What machine(s) do you currently sew with?
Alviana: Singer Confidence 7465.

Sewing For Sanity: How often do you sew (daily/weekly/monthly etc)?
Alviana: Currently, I try to sew about 3 to 4 times a week. Which is about 10 minutes to 2 hours per one time. 

Sewing For Sanity: Do you have your own sewing room/studio?
Alviana: Yes, a temporary studio. This will be our daughter’s room in the future when she’s ready to have her own room. Meanwhile, we are still co-sleeping. And the room is still my sewing room. 



Sewing For Sanity: Is there anything (besides sewing machines and overlockers) that you use on a regular basis for sewing / blogging and could not live without?
Alviana: My fabric, sewing patterns & books are my precious collection.

 Sewing For Sanity: Sewing blogs and websites- are there any that you frequent regularly? Any that have helped you become a better sewer? 
Alviana: Sewing.patternreview.com has helped me a lot. I don’t have a specific blogs that I visit frequently. When I have time to surf for leisure, I just Google what I want and end up at any random blogs. 

Sewing For Sanity: Are you part of any sewing groups/networks?
Alviana: Sewing.patternreview.com but I am not as active as before since I haven’t made any clothing for me recently.

I have a Malaysian sewing buddies facebook group - we share everything about our latest projects. I do wish I join more network and groups, but hardly find the time to maintain my participation.  
Burda-style site seems like a great network I'd like to join.

Sewing For Sanity: How do you find combining sewing/blogging and family? How do you carve out time to write/create?
Alviana: Since having my child, I can only find time to sew late at night after she'd asleep. I usually write and blog from my office if I’m not busy, other than that is family time.  

Sewing For Sanity: Best sewing tip(s) you have picked up?
Alviana: Currently, the best tips I have is to baste the centre back seam first before stitching the centred zipper, then unpick the basting after. I really like this technique and I used to be really intimidated with zipper’s before. 

Sewing For Sanity: Craft/sewing books – any favourite titles you’d like to share?
Alviana: My favourite book among all I have: Bridal Gowns: How to Make the Wedding Dress of Your Dreams
 
Sewing For Sanity: Sewing patterns – any particular pattern house/magazine/website you prefer or tend to sew from more?

Alviana: I really do like the patterns from BurdaStyle magazine.

Sewing For Sanity: Favourite item/projects to sew? 
Alviana: Dresses, mine and for my girl
 
Sewing For Sanity: Favourite fabric/materials to sew with (if any)?
Alviana: Cotton is my favourite fabric to sew. But among all of fabrics in the world, I love satin the most.  

Sewing For Sanity: Most challenging thing you have ever sewn? 
Alviana: Our handmade baby carrier (SSC). Took me about 6 months to finish it.

Sewing For Sanity: What would you sew more of if you had the time?
Alviana: Wedding and formal dresses. I just love this kind of projects. 

Sewing For Sanity: Worst project ever (if you have one)?
Alviana: All of my UFOs.  


Sewing For Sanity: Do you have U.F.O’s (unfinished objects)?
Alviana: Oh God, yes. Countless objects. Mostly are my self-drafted clothing, home-deco projects, and refashion trials. There's a clump in the corner in my studio dedicated for them, which annoys me so much. 


Sewing For Sanity: Best time of day for you to sew?
Alviana: Late at night, when the baby’s asleep and house chores are done. 


Sewing For Sanity: Anything you would be keen to acquire sewing wise if you won lotto?
Alviana: I will invest and having my own sewing supplies shop with enormous stock of fabric and notions. I will also quit my job and dedicate my life for my family and sewing.  


Sewing For Sanity: Things you won’t sew?
Alviana: Clothing for other people which I don't have the heart or passion to do it. And there's so many people out there will ask you to sew this and that for them once they know you can sew.  


Sewing For Sanity: Sewing for others – yes/no? 
Alviana: Certain people, certain projects, certain times. Which is very few. 

 

Sewing For Sanity: Has sewing taken you anywhere unexpected (that you did not expect it to)?  
Alviana: Yes, before blogging I always kept my sewing hobby to myself because I used to feel making handmade clothing is embarrassing. But, after I found out about sewing patterns and blogs, I realized that it can actually be a cool hobby to have. I start blogging, and unexpectedly gaining many inspiring readers and friendly friends. And now having my own pattern line is one of my proudest life achievements which I never expect to have. 


Sewing For Sanity: Did you start sewing as a "hobby"/"recreational" pastime?  Do you still see it as being this way in your life? If not how do you see it now? 
Alviana: Like many other sewists, it was started as a hobby. And gradually making it as a part-time activity for our side income. I see it as my part time job right now and put a lot of my passion and love into it, until I didnt really care if I making any profit or not. 

Alviana is currently in the process of testing her latest pattern for Popolok Design, which will be available to buy in the near future.
All other Popolok Design Patterns (including the three I tested: The Lulu, The Cece and The Novo) are available for sale via electronic PDF download from: 
 
Popolok Design Etsy shop 

You Can Make This

Fairytale Frocks & Lollypops

Popolok Design's Facebook Store (for Malaysia)

 

Pattern test taster

School holiday's are on here at the moment, which means I have two weeks off work- time to sew yay!!! First up on my list is a women's clothing pattern I'm testing for Sew Much Ado. I can't show you any of the actual garment design until the official release date but here's a sneak peek of the two fabrics I'm planning on using:

   

The floral print has a grey background to it so I'm praying feverishly hoping that the silver will tie in nicely with it. 

Oh yeah and I'm combining a knit with woven for this one!

Intrigued? Stay tuned, all will be revealed....later ;)

Til then...

Happy sewing!

Kate :)