Cheap Gutermann thread !!!!!

Look what I found at Kmart Northlands today in the haberdashery section:

Gutermann thread on clearance! The 100 metres was reduced to $1.50 a spool and the 250 metres was $2.50 each. It looks like Kmart are deleting and/or cutting back on their sewing lines.
Normally I only buy Gutermann thread if : a) the budget stretches to it or its a *really* special project AND b) I can't find anything cheaper to match my fabric, but at this price I thought "what the heck" and really stocked up :) Just call it an early Christmas present to myself!
I'm not sure how long they will have the thread for (the case was half-filled so I would say its just remainders) but it may be worth taking a trip soonish if you are in need of good thread.

Surfing the [craft] web

One day, when I am more motivated and have heaps of money for supplies, I would love to make crafty items and sell them over the internet.
I hope, however, that I never NEVER make ANYTHING that could end up on here:

http://www.regretsy.com/

A website devoted to the weird, strange or just plain ugly items that  some people try to sell on Etsy (site is not affliated with Etsy in any way).

The amazing thing is some of the items featured have actually sold!

** Warning some of the crafted items are of an extremely hideous or "out there" nature so don't view if you are  easily offended or have kiddies around :)  Kate**

Another cute ruffled free apron pattern

In an earlier post I mentioned a cute ruffled apron pattern sheet that Spotlight had to download for free on their website. Unfortunately they have since removed it from their website :( 
Luckily I came across this post by Morgan of One more Moore, which gives instructions for a very similar half-apron. If you really liked the Spotlight version I am sure you could easily cut a rectangle and straps to measure for the bib :)
I'm planning to make one of these ruffled aprons up myself (one day...) as they are just so darn cute! Who doesn't like ruffles?

If aprons are really your "thing" you can find more free patterns and instruction on the websites below:

http://craftstew.com/sewing/38-free-apron-patterns

http://tipnut.com/free-apron-patterns-tutorials/

http://phyllisdobbs.info/free-apron-pattern-designed-with-meow-meow-cat-fabrics/

http://7layerstudio.typepad.com/7_layer_studio/2009/11/tutorial-for-empirewaisted-apron.html

You might also want to check out my earlier apron-making attempts :)

Kwik Sew 2978

Finally I have finished my first baby outfit *YAY* !

I brought this Kwik Sew pattern after reading all the wonderful reviews for it on Pattern Review and let me say it definitely lives up to all the hype:)

In true Kwik Sew fashion the pattern was fast and easy to sew. The hat was soo simple I was able to whip it together in about 15 minutes after cutting out ( it would make a great beginner's project on its own).

The hardest part of the whole pattern was sewing the cuffs "on the round" for the size extra small cardigan. The 6 mm (1/4" ) seams were also a bit tricky but they gave a nice finish :)

The pattern asks for baby snaps- I used ones with a pearl finish from Lincraft. They come with a little tool that you use with a hammer to fix the snaps in place. This was a bit fiddly and I had to redo the top snap 3 times when it failed the open/shut test (the snap came apart). If I it looks like I'll be applying a lot of these in the future, I might end up investing in this press, as pointed out to me by Kristy from Lower Your Presser Foot. I'm not sure if the press only does plastic snaps but if so I think I could live with that for the amount of time it would save.

You can read my full review of this pattern here.

I made soup!

Super-healthy soup too! I put in carrot, celery, swede, onion, potato, green beans, butter beans, fennel bulb, chickpeas, corn, zuchinni and tinned organic tomatoes. How good is that for the babies?

 Not earth shattering (or sewing related) I know, but not bad for someone who can't open the fridge or pantry - at the moment- without wanting to hurl  :)

I finally have a sewing space again!

Last weekend DH sorted out the spare room/sewing room/ nursery so that I have somewhere to sew, at least until the twins arrive :)

So now I have somewhere to sew.....

....and somewhere to pinup and cut out fabrics and patterns (excuse all the fabrics piled up I didn't "tidy" for the pic) ......

...... as long as I can ignore this pile of junk (which has nowhere else to go) behind me LOL.

Well at least it's an improvement on using the kitchen bench :)