Revitalised Store Up and Running

It's taken me a while to get back into the swing of things (due to reflux baby) but I'm happy to state that I am finally on the right path again. He's now five months and things are starting to change for the better. He's a catnapper but a happier baby than he was. I still have to think about my day but he's been letting me do a bit of sewing each morning, which has been nice.

Consequently, Entwined Happiness is now back up and running on Made It and I am starting to slowly stock my store with items again. This means my blog link will work again - hurrah!

Here's a few items you might find in-store:

 

Owl Burp Cloth

 Burp Cloth using Michael Miller fabric

 

 Drawstring bag

Hope the Bunny Visited You

Did the Easter Bunny manage to find you yesterday? Hubby and I had a great day between exchanging gifts, spending time with my parents, spending time with his family (including very excited nieces and nephew) and taking our beautiful dog to the park. Here's a few photos from the day.

Hubby's Easter Present

My Present from Hubby

I sooo get my creativity from my mum

Chickens

The rest of my Easter weekend has been spent making use of the Spotlight sale and sewing machine. Here's a glimpse of my new skirt and some softies I've been creating (with and without rattles).

Nicknames in the Workplace

I received an email today from a supplier who used my name's abbreviated form. Maybe it's just me but I feel weird when people I don't know well choose to use my nickname. To me a nickname is something more personal you use for a friend, loved one or someone else close to you. I found it someone inappropriate in the workplace...am I wrong?

Also, for those of you who guessed my project was a pencil skirt with pockets, you were correct. It looks more like this when on but here's the finished product, lying flat.

One of the Pockets

The Front of the Skirt

Guess the Project

The Material

The Pattern

Can you guess what I'm making?

Just in case you've ever wondered what pregnancy looks like in 90 seconds, here's a video I stumbled upon on ninemsn today:
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/8433560/couples-time-lapse-video-captures-pregnancy

My Sewing Skills are Improving

Slowly but gradually my sewing skills are improving. Last Friday was truly fabulous and a great example of this. I stumbled upon a gorgeous dress on sale. It was originally $99 and reduced right down to $20. However, when I tried it on I noticed it had a ripped side seam. This was when I thought of putting my bargaining and sewing skills to the test. After negotiations, I purchased the dress for only $8.03 and fixed the side seam that evening before going out to dinner with friends. Here's the end result - good as new!


With only 10 days of February left, here's an update on February photo a day...

The photo from day 16 is of the first dress I've managed to sew myself. I wore it to a friend's place night and I was impressed that some friends actually thought I bought it - result!

Day 17 is of the watch my sister gave me at Christmas from her travels in America and day 18 of the alcoholic beverage I was consuming at a friend's party, complete with spiderman picture. This brings me to today's shot...

Day 19 (of 29) Challenge - Something You Hate to Do

This one was easy - the dishes. It's always the last thing I feel like doing, especially when it's hot. The lack of dishwasher doesn't help either!

Beach and Drawstring Bags

Yesterday's weather was beautiful, so it seemed only appropriate that we take the dog to the beach for the first time. She thoroughly enjoyed it and was tuckered out on the way home. I don't think she quite knew what to make of the waves though. I think we'll try for an off-leash beach next time.


Whilst the dog was sleeping later on, I decided to use some material I've always wanted to use and make a drawstring bag. As you'll see I still need to buy some cord for the drawstring element but in the meantime I've used ribbon and given the bag two side openings, rather than just the one. I followed this tutorial I found on YouTube.

Who Knew I could Sew a Skirt???

2012 is off to a good start - I finished my first sewn skirt this morning! I MAY have started it on New Years Eve but in my defense, I felt too sick to go out and celebrate with others. My husband and I had a nice meal at home, on our deck instead, complete with a candle and glass of bubbly. Anyway, here's the process I went through.

Learning to use patterns - McCall's 3341 Skirt Pattern
(note missing interfacing here, hmm...)

Learning to make darts

Learning hand basting

The finished product
(yes, I discovered the interfacing was missing and cut appropriately)

How it looks on and precursor photos to that healthy eating resolution

Hope you enjoyed the images, as much as I enjoyed making it. I now have a new work skirt! Now to conquer the next challenge - a dress or shirt???

Sewing my way into a new Hobby

One of my New Years' resolutions for 2012 is to learn how to sew and today marks the beginning of that adventure.

My wonderful husband bought me a Brother sewing machine for Christmas and after reading its instructions, I bought three patterns today and started my sewing with a small pencil case. I didn't do too badly in the end...just need to work out how zippers fit well. I found this wonderful YouTube video that acted as my guide. It doesn't have sound but for those interested, it can be found here. My next ambition is a royal blue work skirt...I might be aiming a bit high but am determined to give it a go with the pattern.