A bag bag

For my sister-in-law's birthday I whipped up the "Plastic Bag Bag Thingamy" (not it's real name) from the original Meet me at Mikes book. It's so much more attractive than our bag bag thingamy if I say so myself.

(Tee hee, see the little baby?)

Among other things, a cushion

I have been a little makey crazy lately. Trying to tick as much of the crafty list as possible before Miss Baby makes her appearance. I plan to post everything eventually to make a little record of my nesting projects, but in the meantime, here is a cushion I have been planning to make for about 12 months.

It is an oppy table cloth that had a little stain in the middle, and backed with soft black denim from spotlight. I made it an "envelope back" or something so I didn't have to attach any closures. This cush will be used in the baby's room, but later will fit right into the lounge room.

I really like how it turned out- reminds me of Tiny Happy creations which I love.

I'm not going to lie and say I managed this cush with no mistakes. I did make a little error that took about as long to fix (hello 10 minutes of unpicking) as to make the cover itself. But that is just me and sewing and I am trying to come to terms with that!

I am also coming to terms with my preggo induced carpel tunnel syndrome that makes crochet off limits, and unpicking seams rather painful actually. It also makes hand sewing my binding on my quilt kind of off limits too... but I am so determined to finish it anyway. 5 minutes at a time if necessary! (And if I machine sew anything I will have to try SUPER hard not to make any mistakes!)

Op shop chic

I am now officially up to date with my wedding presents! I haven't sent these to the recipients yet, so hopefully they don't check my blog too often... I am a now or never sort of blogger I guess!

Op shopped doilies on black cotton drill with Ikea backing fabric = place mats. I quite like them myself.

It is good to see the sun out today. I ended up with a "mini flu"* this week, spending all of yesterday in bed listening to the rain- which would have been lovely if it wasn't for feeling completely shattered! I think I am on the mend today- at least I am out of bed and am thinking about doing my hair. Both good signs of improvement.

* I refuse to call it the flu as I went to the trouble of having a flu shot a few months ago

"Quilting" for the Blondie

This is my favourite kind of quilt to make. It's the 3rd time I have made one, and the 1st time I get to keep it in the house (on Jemima's bed). Hooray!

Obviously it is just fat quarters sewn together, then with a vintage chenille backing and tied together (using this tutorial again). This is about the only kind of patchwork I can manage. I don't have what I suppose is a true quilter's temperament. I want my quilt done now!

I bought a fat quarter pack from the Fat Quarter Shop before the bottom fell out of the AUD (what's up with that?) They are Lecien Old New Collection 30s, which are really sweet.

The chenille bedspread was from ebay, and I am trying to get my hands on a white one for Caleb's quilt, but it is proving difficult. Who knew vintage chenille bedspreads were such a sought after item?

The kids will move into Caleb's room a few months before bebe makes her arrival, so these new bedspreads are in honour of that. Much to do!

Just one wedding behind

I went to another lovely wedding on the weekend and brought a gift, but not for the current bride and groom- for a bride and groom who got married about a month or two ago.

This project first appeared here. Four placemats and coasters made from mostly recycled materials and scraps. I quite like the way they came together, and could really do with some placemats for our place. I'm not very good at making the same thing over again in quick succession, so I know it won't be for a while.

So now to think up a present for the bride and groom of more recent times...

PJs and Cush

How was your Christmas? Good I trust. With Chris' family bash on Boxing Day, and our church service on Christmas Eve, we had the most laid back Christmas in my adult memory. We weren't due anywhere on Christmas day until about 3pm which meant a lazy day. We had BBQ burgers in the backyard which was awesome!

This was the gift I made for Chris. He really loves TV. We all do. As much as it frustrates me sometimes.

Chris gave me an overlocker! I have to admit there have already been some dark times with this overlocker. Honestly, now I have successfully threaded it I feel like I could be a brain surgeon. I spent a good number of hours reading the manual, watching the DVD and mucking around with scraps until I got a workable stitch. I suspect the tension still isn't quite right, it looks a bit sloppy, but it does come with a free lesson, so sometime in January I will get onto that. It has been great I must admit to stretch my brain a little and learn a new skill, and I look forward to lots of makey with my new machine.

This afternoon I made Jemima a nightie using my new overlocker and good ole sewing machine (how lovely and simple she seems after struggling with the serger). I used the same pattern as with this dress. I just used the 4 thread overlock stitch rather than muck around with rolled hems at this stage.

Must get back to some more relaxing. 'tis the season after all.

Bath Mats Revisted

The last time I made bath mats, they became pot holders. I simplified the process somewhat and now I have 2 new (but old) bath mats made from 2 old boring bath mats and scraps from the stash. I tied them together with my cotton yarn every 10-15 cm or so.

Need a couple more to allow for washing days, but since we have bought no new towels since we got married (adult sized ones) I have plenty of old towels to work with... and need excuses to get new ones.