Felt strawberries

I had a lump (benign!) removed from my abdomen a few weeks ago. It was supposed to be simple day surgery but after an overnight stay in hospital, a minor infection and my DD reopening the wound by accidentally jumping on it, what was meant to take a week to recover from has taken three.
So all my big plans for what I would get accomplished in October kinda went out the window but hey at least I have my health and am back on track now :)

The only sewing/craft related thing I had really managed to get into while recovering was a start on these felt strawberries which I found on Lit'l Brown Bird's Passion Blog (there is a free pattern that you can download!). Originally planned on making like five for my kids but then I thought it would be nice to make some for a couple of my kids friends and then I thought "Hey wouldn't it be great if they had like a PUNNET each of felt strawberries to play with and I can box them up and give them to them for Christmas wrapped up like real strawberries..."
So now I have THIRTY freaking felt strawberries cut out and waiting to be sewn up AND embroidered AND stuffed ...and did I mention by hand?

At least being hand sewing I have been able to get through a lot of them while lying on the lounge. Had to reacquaint myself with how to do french knots for the seeds but seeming as I am doing so many of them have decided to change it to a simple running stitch as its heaps faster (for me anyway).
I figure they still look like seeds and the kids probably won't even notice...

Am planning on making up a whole range of felt food for the kidlets but I think next time might be more restrained when it comes to quantity ;)

WARNING! SOFTIES UNDER CONSTRUCTION...

When looking for a cute free pattern for my first go at softies I came across these guys (by Jodie from Ric -Rac) on Softie Making- aren't they adorable? :)

Jodie is a very creative and talented craftster who makes the most fantastic elephant and robot softies (plus a variety of other drool-worthy items) that have me green with envy at her talent!

She has very kindly posted the pattern - and helpful tutorial - free here on her blog, for any would be recreational softie makers :) 

P.S. While you are visiting Ric-Rac check out the amazing Selvedge Frock  - its truly a work of art!

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 :)

Funtastic Freebies at Fitzpatterns!!!!

I thought I would share this website as I know there are alot of people out there who are looking for "free" clothing patterns:

http://www.fitzpatterns.com/

I first stumbled across fitzpatterns a couple of years ago and spent alot of time madly printing off their freebie patterns. I have yet to actually make them up BUT it is on my list of things to do, if I still fit into the size I printed that is.....

It's good to see, given the current debate on Burdastyle forums about some of their patterns no longer being completely open source, that this particular website -which has free patterns- is still going.
That said I don't think the patterns collection have been added to much recently, as they seem pretty much the same as when I first visited 2 years ago. In total there are 9 free patterns, which include -among others-a shrug, batwing tee and knickerbockers.
Fitzpatterns also has a range of pay to print patterns which are available for very reasonable amounts.

The patterns are aimed more at the hip-young-thing market I think, making it ideal for the teen/ young sewer. There are however still a few pieces on there that are probably addable to most peoples wardrobes, regardless of age :)

I am hoping to make up 2211 DANA A-line wrap skirt as my first project, it looks super comfy and I love the pouch pocket on the front.

Please make sure you read the Conditions of use prior to downloading patterns.

If anyone makes one of these up please let me know as I would love to see it :)

Cute free apron pattern!

***PLEASE NOTE : this pattern sheet is no longer available through the Spotlight website mentioned below. If  you are interested in making this  particular apron please email me and I will try to help you  :) Otherwise this post here might help if you want instructions to make something similar :) Kate Nov 2009 ***
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After scooting down to Spotlight today not only did I come back with the requisite black lining for my Kwik Sew skirt, but I picked up one of their freebie pattern sheets that they have hanging up all over in the fabric sections.

Now normally I don't bother with the free pattern sheets as they usually involve quilting, which is not a pastime of mine, but this one was too cute to resist:

Now is it just me or does this remind you a bit of the Simplicity 3752 pattern? I really like the look of Simplicity's frilled half-apron, so I would probably make this one up without the bib.

You can download this Spotlight pattern sheet, and other projects, for FREE from their website here (the apron sheet is under "Sewing Centre Projects").

Just browsing......

While looking for a pattern link on Kwik Sew for my latest pattern review, I noticed that they have released a few new patterns that I haven't seen before (I went through a phase of looking at their catalogue all the time when I realised how easy -for me- their patterns were to make).

It seems Kwik Sew has finally realised that sewers want to make clothes that look trendy and modern, not just crafty 1990's style stuff.

I quite like the View B of this dress pattern,it reminda me a bit of the Duro dress that was quite big a year os so ago. These pants look like they could be flattering on my figure, with their wide flared leg and higher waistline. Check out the long sleeved version of this jacket, it reminds me of something more typically seen in Burda WOF magazine , with its unusual collar and use of drawstrings .

For newbie sewers (and those who still want to check up on their technique) Simplicity have a "Sewing Buddy" option on their website, where you can download a video (onto your computer and/or ipod) showing how to make New Look pattern 6826. The pattern styling would probably appeal to teen /young adult sewers as well - making it a great way to get the next generation sewing!

Finally Katherine of Bloom's Fabric Obsession has created some wonderful bathers and has very kindly given links a most fantastic online FREE online swimwear pattern school. It's filled with heaps of useful information, written by a swimwear designer/manufacturer and store owner Stuart. You can also download free templates for bathers but make sure you read ALL the handy information on measuring and FAQ's first!

Browsing around...

Hey folks!

I have had visitors lately up here in the top end, AND have started a new full-time job in one of my local libraries (join one today!).

Therefore not having much time to actually make anything myself I give you the best of my net-surfing over the past few days:

First up is Stacy Sews (http://www.stacysews.com/) I have to admit this was the first sewing blog I read that I felt related to people in my age group. Stacy sews stuff that is trendy, useful and up to date. Also now her talented daughter -Taylor- has taken up the sewing bug (and doing it really well!)

Also every Thursday Stacy posts a bunch of useful sewing related links AND she contributes to the Burdastyle website- just more good reasons why you should read the Stacysews blog.

Next up is Burdastyle - brought to you by the fantastic people who publish Burda World Of Fashion magazine. If you sew and haven't already found this website then please go there NOW! It has the most fantastic FREE fashion patterns- all drafted beautifully! Plus you can see what others have made (with and without patterns) and participate in a whole new realm of discussions, competitions and exchange of fashion ideas....

If you haven't heard of Burdastyle and you are into dressmaking/couture/fashion sewing, then please beg, borrow or buy (remember karma always comes back to you) a copy of the Burda World of Fashion Magazine.

If you are not sure what this is about check out the pattern reviews on sewing.patternreview.com- it will give you an idea of what type of patterns are available in this wonderful magazine. Also there is a website here that you can directly order the magazine from- plus they offer a few FREE downloadable fashion patterns from back issues!

If you live in Western Australia, Town of Vincent public library did have the Burda WOF available for loan (and inter- library loan) as part of their collection. I am not sure if they still carry this title but for the price of a few minutes of your time (to join the library) I am sure it is worth a look if you want to check this magazine out in proper paper format.

Finally : Fehr Trade. What can I say but that you have got to admire a girl who can take IKEA shower curtains and see in them a dress suitable for the Glastonbury Festival. The author of Fehr Trade- Melissa-lives on a HOUSEBOAT (former floating hotel) - how cool is that? Plus she holds fashion shows of her work-truly an inspiring experience for the stuck at home sewer.
Happy holidays everyone!!!