Dancing pants

I still have big ideas about developing some seamstress skills so that I can confidently make clothes for myself and the kids.

I made some Foxy Pants for the wee one to be with a cute fox fabric that I bought at Spotty.

They are reversible, made with the pattern from Anna Maria Horner's book, 'Handmade Beginnings'.

Way back when, I made some from the same pattern for Harvey.

Harvey and I went to our local PWS a few weeks ago and he saw this fabric and wanted to hold the bolt - they are all of his favourite animals at the moment.

I couldn't resist buying some.

I made him some PJ pants from the pattern from my newest book purchase, 'Make it Perfect' by Toni Coward. I really like this pattern, they seemed to come together really easily. 

Harvey particularly loves the 'elphants'!!

I will buy some plain tops and applique some of the animals to go with the dacks.

Another bet each way for the bubba-to-be.

Some pink piggy pants for a girly one and some roary lion ones for a boy flavour.

These were from the free tutorial from the Made by Rae blog.

I finished stripping a few weeks ago. I love how it turned out and I'll definitely be making a different version sometimes down the track. I'm hoping to get some batting and get this quilted before the birth-day but since I'm 37 weeks tomorrow.....we'll see.....

Today I managed to tidy the nursery and changed things around from how we had them for Harvey. I want things to feel different. I've unpacked lots of neutral jumpsuits and have almost got my head around the fact that the baby will be here within days and at most three or four weeks. Eeek!

Harvey seems to have settled into his new room and we're getting used to having a monitor on to listen to his rather hilarious morning chattering.

Time for bed.

And I'd better turn that monitor on now that I thought about it...oops!

Ab x

We can dance, we can dance...

Everybody look at your pants!

The clothes making obsession hasn't ended so it must be a real one.

Some luscious lion pants for my roary lion.

Who has a big* lioney tooth to bite you with.

Finally some real Quick Change Trousers from Handmade Beginnings.

Funky red with robots on one side and boisterous blue with planes on the other. 

They were easy to make and I think they look pretty snazzy.

He'll get lots of wear out of them as I made the 9 month size (he's 7 months) and he's a little dainty for his age.

I will not be dainty for my age if I keep eating lunch dessert like this.

But it was a birthday treat for me.

31 the other day.

It snuck by without fanfare...it seems the stuff that used to be all about me isn't so much any more. Even more shocking, I don't mind!

It's all about the well dressed monster who is currently trying to pull the laptop cord out as I type.

Every time I see this pattern I Swoon.

Last night I decided I had to buy it because I need to make this quilt.

Camille had a sale for Halloween so I splurged a whole $7.49 (big spender, I know!) and now it's on its way to me.

There's going to be some tough decisions regarding what fabric to make the quilt out of....

Sending BIG LOVE to my lovely bloggy and now real-life friend B, who is going through some very tough family stuff.

Ab x

*Be scared, the big tooth is just poking through the skin. Just.

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

Tired eyeballs

I was a productive woman yesterday. There was lots of washing hung to take advantage the breezy, sunny day, some weeding in the garden while the Monster watched from the shade of a brolly, exploring grass for the first time and a walk with our lovely Playgroup buddies.

Last night I was fired up thinking of all the things I could do today - I felt some crafting coming on....

And then I woke up.

Just one of those days where I feel sluggish, a headache has tugged at my temple all day and I feel like it's been a wasted day.  I did manage a short walk to Playgroup and a chat with the other new mums.

I've nearly finished the AMH flannel quilt, just got to finish tying it. I'm loving how soft it is and can highly recommend the flannel for a quilt or even just backing. The Lou Lou Thi line is being released in flannel...might just have to get some.

The little Monster is awake so maybe I can cure what ails me with some smoochy cuddles.

Ab x

Cheap Thrills, Multitasking and a Winner

One boy likes sitting in a box while he sings music from the Blues Brothers (his current obsession) so I thought I mose well put the little boy one in too.

We're all about expensive toys in this house :o)

Today I am trying to get things done.

Sometimes that means doing two things at once. 

If only he could fold while I carry him and the basket to his room.

Something to work on...

Yesterday while I should have been drawing a giveaway winner, I was making butter!

Ever since I watched a Jamie Oliver 30 Minute Meals ep as few months ago I've been hankering to try and make my own. Guess what??? It tastes like real butter. A carton of pure cream in the KitchenAid mixer and about ten minutes later I had butter and buttermilk.

I added a little salt and ta dahhhhh!

Now, that GIVEAWAY winner - Random Generator says Number 1.

Lizzie, that's you!

Email me your snail mail details and a rainbow will be in your letterbox soon.

Thanks for commenting everyone.

Time for lunch and dishes before my 'distracter' wakes.

Have a great, sunshiney day people.

Ab xx

A day Off!!!

I had a day off.

That may not seem like a big deal but, it's the first one I've had in 5 months.!

Mr CP was in charge of Harvey Monster and I had the whole day to do as I pleased (of course interrupted for feeds but then I handed H straight back!) and I spent my day in the sewing room.

It was wonderful!

Does anyone else do the "Ta dahhhh!!!!" reveal of their quilt tops?

I did with this one except it went, "Ta dahhh...ohh crap!"

I'd sewn a row upside down :o(

Unsewed, resewed and

Ta Dahhhhh!!!!! 

I'm machine quilting in the ditch but without the backing on as I want to 'bag' it and then tie the back on.

Something different for me but I think it will work well.

One day away from him is enough.

For now...

Abbe x

Don't forget the GIVEAWAY.

I'll draw it this coming Sunday evening, the 18th Sept.

I sewed!

After posting yesterday I put the computer down, I went into the sewing room and I sewed.

It felt great.

This is the little project that I began in June last year. Anna Maria Horner flannels. They are soooo soft.

It is a very simple quilt since the fabric is so busy - it should never have taken me so long to do!

I've pieced all nine rows and just have to sew them together.

Playgroup this afternoon so that might be tomorrow.

As for His Highness...

'solids'

His first ever meal - pumpkin was the dish of choice.

He doesn't seem overly impressed by this weirdness in his mouth.

But happy as usual.

He made some hilarious faces and I think he managed to swallow a little bit.

The blankets behind him are to push him forward so that he can fit in his highchair. We're all about adapting in order to not let this brace mess with our life too much.

I'm planning on blogging more and therefore there better be a reward for you reading it.

Look out for a GIVEAWAY in September!!!

Abbe ;o)

So good my eyes rolled back in my head

and I ate three serves!!!

Mr CP made the most amazing savoury tart for dinner last night. He used a Jamie Oliver recipe for the pastry and I think made his own recipe for the filling. It was insanely good. He IS MasterChef!

I also bought this book. I love Anna Maria Horner's fabric ranges and I have a copy of her first book so I decided to get this one too (don't get ideas ladies, there isn't a Little CP on the way....I've just been eating three serves of tart!)

I've ordered some Perle thread from Amitie so awaiting that to arrive in the post so I can complete the Purple Wonder.

Sew well,
Ab x