Handmaiden

Looking Forward and a Little Backward Too

A new year has begun and I am excited about what it brings.

Having transitioned from Singapore last year to be living full time in Melbourne has been great. But still more moves are in sight this year with us having to move houses. But what fun. On the checklist is a dedicated studio/sewing room for me. I cant wait.

But just looking back for the moment I have had fun quilting, sewing and crafting

 

My passion for all things Japanese continued

Some jewellery making too

and of course food, glorious food

I am sure there will be more of all this in 2010.

Happy New Year

Sharon
 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Denim Kaisia Skirt

The Kaisa denim skirt hasn't beaten me. Finally finished for my neice.

An inner panel hides the zip and the outer panel has 6 buttonholes. I have used some beautiful Japanese cotton for the featured yoke pockets and inner flap that came from Kimono House. I love the covered buttons too. You can buy the kits from Nikki

and the back features the same cotton fabric

Another present completed

Sharon

  

Temari Balls

Have just completed a small workshop at Kimono House on how to make Temari Balls. Really perfect for Christmas. If you love embroidery you will love doing this. I have made them in Christmas colours but you could do it in any colour. The base balls covered in cotton come in black or white.

I had a preference for black but I also love the white base

Sharon

 

 

Invisible Zips

I completed my first invisible zip today. It was much easier than I thought. I can't think of doing it any other way now....it's such a professional finish.

And this is the finished skirt. I am so pleased with it. Only 4 pattern pieces. An A-line Burda pattern 8090 with 4 pleats front and back.

I did not add the detailing around the hip or the band on the bottom instead just kept it plain and loving it.

Sharon

 
 

Spring Treasures

I know it feels more like Summer at the moment but today I did a wonderful class at Kimono House to make this beautiful Cherry Blossom Handstitched Spring Treasure............I wonder what treasure I will keep in it?

And these other treasures are now on my list..........perfect to hold a small gift or maybe some jewellery. I am thinking of putting some lavendar in mine and keeping it with my lingerie.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the milder weather

Sharon
 
 

Classic Shirt and Wrap Dress

I have finally finished my classic shirt for Spring. This is the second one I have made. I love the neckline and the standup collar. This is New Look 6598 and have a look at my first shirt made for winter.

I have been meaning to post about my wrap dress as well....New Look 6429. This is my winter version of my Classic Summer Wrap Dress. it is really versatile and lends itself to layering under and over.

Check out my Top Tips for Sewing Jersey

Sharon

Bitty Booties

.......so cute.

I started these last week

 

 

Now in the present box

Sharon

 

Pop Garden Napkins

I made these reversible napkins for a gift. Gorgeous Heather Bailey Pop Garden fabric bringing some sunshine into the kitchen.

You can use my tutorial here

Sharon

 

Classic Shirt Pattern

 First of all thanks for all your well wishes and warm welcome back to Melbourne. It is very welcoming to know that there is this craft community out there that has embraced my tooing and froing from Singapore this past year. I am enjoying the cooler weather although I have been wearing a tshirt in the kitchen when the winter sun streams in. It had been so hot in Singapore these last 2 months its good not to have to sleep with the aircon on.

I was able to complete my To Do List except for my chenilling class before I left Singapore but thats ok, I think I did pretty good in the time available with everything going on in my life around our move. 

So here is my final project -  New Look shirt pattern 6598  and I have made it in silk that I bought from Kis It Better  at $5 metre ( part of Darn Cheap Fabrics) . A classic fitted shirt with stand up collar. I altered the pattern pieces to take into account my short waist measurements. Long sleeves for winter and I used fusible webbing to hem the sleeves and body. I thought it might cause a stiffness to the hem but it didn't. I love these colours they are so on trend for winter and go well with all my silver jewellery.

  

I love the collar and the neckline, it is very flattering. I used a light weight interfacing on both collar pieces.

To finish I used self cover buttons and you can see my buttonholes here

 

Will be wearing it in Melbourne this week  today. I am meeting my mother for lunch and am keen to show it off. Have a wonderful day I certainly am.

Sharon

Swinging Mod

Ok, my to do list is coming to an end, I am so pleased I had time to finish this Mod Bag  for my neice. This really looks like a swinging 60's bag with this fabric.

 

 

I know she will love it......a 16th birthday present later in the year. We can be a pigeon pair!

Sharon