Obsessed much?

So lovelies, you know how I have a little bit of an obsession passion for the whole world of patchwork and quilting? It's subtle, I know.

I've always wanted to be able to make clothes but to be honest it scares me.

Those flimsy patterns, darts, yokes (you've got to be yoking!), stretch fabric eeeeeek!

It all seems....hard.

I'm always astounded when successful seamstresses say that they are daunted buy patch working and quilting but I guess I know how they feel but in reverse.

But burning desires can't be quieted for long.

I started making this skirt quite some time ago but I was waylaid by a baby and a fear that the tum would never be the same (it won't be but it isn't too bad - anyone else got a floppy belly button post baby???) but I'm motivated to finish it for the summer.

Obviously there was the PJ pants the other week. 

Then I decided that it was time to make something for my muse.

I used AMH's 'Quick Change Trousers' for the shape and came up with these cords.

I think they'll be quite baggy because they are supposed to be double layer.

I added the 'flange' at the 'yoke' just for a bit of fun.

When you don't know the rules, it's easy to go out on a limb :o)

I just need to add some elastic and feed up the model.

Since Saturday when I made the blue cords I've been a little...lets say enthusiastic.

Dare I say when I woke during the night, bubs sound asleep, I was thinking of making clothes.

  First chance I got I headed to the oppy with the little guy.

$3.50 later I have some patterns to play with.

No, I won't be making him frocks, as tempting as it is, I'll be trying all sorts of patterns to expand my knowledge and skills. Plus who knows, one day there could be a girl muse.

My muse and 'studio' assistant.

Lucky me!

Any suggestions on patterns or things you think I should try making?

Tips and tricks and direction will be happily accepted.

Ab x

Luscious Dancing Legs

My little munchkin has done the very best thing he could and has grown!

After nine weeks in the brace for his hip displasia, he has had a reprieve.

He gets the days off to be footloose and fancy free! 

The joint seems tight so he tends to hold his legs (looks like a seagull :o), particularly the left one which is the bung one, up as if he is still wearing the brace. With each day it seems to becoming more loose though.

There is lots of backwards, pre-crawling going on.

We're going to have to batten the hatches and make this place kid friendly soon.

Eeeeeek!!!!

Gosh I love him.

Me x

Fox Hunting

                                                              Outfoxed by Lizzie House
                                                 I think I'll be buying some of this pretty soon.

<>

<>Harvey is a Fox.

By that I don't mean good looking (though of course he is) I mean his surname is Fox.

So I've been hunting foxes.

Fortunately foxes seem to be the new owl.

I purchased the fun Fox Trails by Doohikey Designs. The whole range. I just love, love, love the argyle print!

Purchased here.



This great print is from a range called Anika by Monaluna.

It's on the list to buy.

 This one is by Anda on Spoonflower

There's quite a few choices on Spoonflower but at $11 a fat quarter or $18 per yard I don't think the budget will stretch to many of them.

I was just going to make something out of the Fox Trails range but now there seem to be so many fabrics featuring foxes, I think I might start collecting.

The kid can't have too many quilts, can he?

Do you know of any other foxy fabrics?

Let me know, please!

Abbe x



Finishes (finally!!!)

I've gone back and looked at old photos and finally found that I bought this Anna Maria Horner Flannel in February 2010. I started cutting out the quilt in June 2010 and now I have finally finished! Woohoooooo!!!

Simple squares, finished 7.5 inches.

I quilted the top to the batting, in the ditch.

Then I 'bagged' or pillowcased it to add the back.

I tied the back on at all the corners where the blocks meet.

It's a simple but gorgeously soft quilt. I think I've already said it but I would definitely recommend this flannel, it's gorgeous.

Another finish, just completed this morning while my assistant looked on.

My first Amy Butler bag.

I'm not completely happy with it. I read all the instructions about ten times and I went slowly, step-by-step which is a bit unlike me but I still found it hard. I think the pattern is a bit out but I fudged my way through.

I checked the AB website at Bianca's suggestion and there were corrections to an awful lot of Ms Butler's patterns. It surprises me that there can be so many mistakes, especially from someone who I consider to be at a high/professional level.

And because I can't resist showing off my bestest craft ever... 

Yep, that's just a little bit of cheek ;o)

Ab x

Read

I'm a big reader. I always have been. Dad was great in taking us to the library every month and I would get the 10 book maximum each time and I'd churn through them all. One of my first jobs when I have moved house has been to check out (pardon the pun) the new local library. I love to read as much as I love to craft.

What do you read? Who is your favourite author? Has a book changed your life? Do you ever read a book more than once?

I'll try most genres but I tend to fall back to the chick lit, drama or historical drama style of writing. I love authors such as Jodie Picoult, Maeve Binchy, Marian Keyes, Katie Fford, Bryce Courtney, Isla Evans...the list goes on....

Do you buy books or borrow them?

What book or author do you recommend that I read?

I can't wait to see your answers.

Ab aka Bookworm!

Not bananas in pajamas!

Abbe in pajamas!

I bought this fabric years ago with the intention to make jarmy pants.

I used another pair as a pattern of sorts and came up with these.

It's a lovely cream, pink and brown pin stripped, soft cotton (that wrinkles lots!) and I think they are pretty cool.

I had a good rat through my fabric tubs and found several things I had forgotten about. I'd love to have my stash on show one day. I think it would have me making more from it that way.

I might have to request a set of custom built shelves by Mr CP.

Happy Grand Final day (Aussie Rules Football).

I am not much of a footy supporter but I am a supporter of party food so that's what we're having.

Hello 'Party Pies', sausage rolls, jelly, lollies and fairy bread!

Of course some Harvey pics.

The Mexican standoff. Harvey versus Annabell.

Thanks God the dog doesn't come inside! 

There's no more room on me :o)

Have a great weekend,

Ab xx