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

  

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

 
 

BurdaStyle Free Patterns

I have been checking out BurdaStyle's free patterns

I had chosen the skirt pattern Kaisa. It's one of  Nikkishell's favourite, she's made 3. I found it very easy to download and piece together and used the multi-size options to make it for the right size. But then once I started following the pattern instructions my joy turned to disappointment. I had to re-read and then read again to understand the instructions. The instructions were all written with the tinniest of visuals to try and understand. The hardest part was the piecing together of the yoke and facings. At one point I wished I had bought a pattern and not gone for the free option - you know what they say "you only get what you pay for". I took it to the BurdaStyle Club  that I go to at Tessuti and the girls urged me to keep on going.

So I have perservered and worked on it slowly so I dont make any mistakes. So I am showing you work in progress. I have basted the side seams ready for a fitting on my neice before I can go any further. I have put in a trouser zip and the outer panel which has been lined with Japanese cotton will have 6 buttonholes. This panel will make the pockets and you can see the side yokes in the same Japanese cotton.

 

So to be done are the facings on the waistband/yolk, then the buttonholes and heming. Phew. Now that I have made it once it would be alot easier but don't think I would recommend this, however it does look very good in the flesh so I am looking forward to doing the fitting and seeing what my neice thinks. Stay tuned

Sharon

Beautiful Baby Quilt

At last I have finished my first baby quilt. Soon to be on its way to London for my nephew's baby. A Koka square in the middle, backed with an orange fabric and acqua binding and hand quilted with an orange Perle 8 thread.

I downloaded this Speedy Baby Quilt pattern from Quilttaffy

Sharon
 

Tessuti Spring Time

  I bought this beautiful Italian cotton fabric from Tessuti with plans to make a skirt. I haven't found a pattern yet, but I am looking around.

Any pattern suggestions gratefully accepted

Sharon

Diamonds Are Forever

It's been a long journey but finally I have finished my diamond quilt inspired by a Kaffe Fassett pattern and made using my favourite Amy Butler Mid West Modern fabrics. Hand quilted along the diamonds using cream perle 8

You can see more photos here

Now I just want to stand back and look at it

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

Speedy Baby Quilt

I have been keen to start a baby quilt and went to Amitie last week to choose some fabrics.The feature square will be the front circus material from Kokka of Japan and then I have picked up the colours from this fabric for the borders and charm squares.

 

I downloaded this Speedy Baby Quilt pattern from Quilttaffy

Sharon

Fabrics to Inspire - Kelani Fabric

Another Quickpost. I have just received the August newsletter of Fabrics to Inspire - Kelani Fabric.Lots of lovely Japanese prints for me to think about. I need to buy some children's fabric for a babies quilt and there is alot to inspire here.

Have a wonderful weekend. I am entertaining, planning to watch Carlton win and walking in this wonderful weather. Maybe I will get some hand quilting done as well

Have a good one

Sharon