Moving on...

from the last post as it makes me feel a bit negative. I've nicked this photo from Loz and Dinny of these quilts I made and forgot to photograph. They're pretty wonky (but don't tell Tavish and Arlo) and I discovered that even with a walking foot you have to be really careful when quilting flannel. There's a lot of puckering on the back. I've got some of the fabric left so Arj will be getting one too one of these days. The fabric is All Star by Riley Blake which you can get here. It's perfect for boys.

Uptown Girl

First off, don't forget! There's a giveaway down below. Go enter!

A while ago I made Chloe a version of Make It Perfect's Uptown Girl jacket. Here she is modelling it and her new fringe which she's terribly keen on. She spends a lot of time checking herself out in the mirror these days. Putting lip balm and jewellery on and flouncing about in her Cinderella dress. Unfortunately she doesn't want to wear the jacket, in fact she doesn't want to wear anything I've made her except said Cinderella dress. I made the jacket a little large anyway and I know she'll come round. It just takes a couple of months and all of a sudden it'll be the best thing since sliced bread so any day now I suppose.

So, anyway, if you're wanting to make any lovely little jackets I highly recommend this pattern. It was well written, constructed and fun to make and I've just noticed it comes in larger sizes now too. I'm really happy with how it turned out and the fabric choices. Being reversible makes it more exciting for Chloe too.

Oh, and you can sorta see behind Chloe the toy kitchen Sam and I made in a combined effort. He did most of the work, I did the sewing, purchasing of fittings and "creative direction." It's very strongly based on this pattern but we scaled it up and used MDF instead of cardboard.

Giveaway!

I'd really like your opinion! I have a new product that I've been slowly working on for a while. It's a sewing kit for a waterproof cosmetic bag. The thing is, what with the kids, other work projects, housework, trying to have a bit of a social life, the endless washing, washing, washing, etc, it's taken a while and I've lost any sense of objectivity. I'd love if you could take a look at them here or here and tell me what you think. Even if you just tell me which is your favourite fabric. Everyone who comments will go into a draw for the kit containing their favourite fabric.

The kits contain fabric, vinyl, zipper, pattern and detailed instructions. I've had fun choosing a bunch of cute fabrics designed by Aussies (Danielle Stewart, Aunty Cookie and Melbomba so far) and hand screen printed in Australia. If these work out I'll be looking at increasing the range of fabrics.

I'll draw the winner on Monday the 2nd of August.

PS You can choose the tree print in blue, or the protea print in aubergine if you prefer.

Stuff I love

Rainbow stripes and a combi. Really, what more could you ask for. I have bought this tapestry kit and am happily stitching away through the Tour de France. It's by Granny Knits.

Maybe this one will be next! From Clothkits.

This jacket reproduced from the original 70s Clothkits designs. I'm sure I remember this from my Mum's catalogues when I was little. This is underway for Arj. I'm hoping I'll get it done before the end of winter! Available here. So cute, it even has a tractor and three farm animal prints to make into softies that fit in the pockets.

Checking out fabric both vintage and new on True Up.

The new fabric line from American Jane. Love it. I always love American Jane fabrics. I really seem to be drawn to the clear bright mainly primary colours. Available here.

These Auntie Cookie papercut fabrics. A bargain!

Lino Forest and Find, Make, Do blogs.

One for the project list

What a very cool idea this is. I won't be bothering with the bag but a couple of dolls and a bunch of outfits - what fun! A great excuse to buy yet more fabric.

We're having a great summer. I hope you are too. We've spent a lot of time in the pool, made a lot of trips to the beach and the shack. Been to the NW coast, W coast and E coast and off to the Freycinet peninsula this weekend coming for a quick camping trip. Still not getting nearly enough sleep and not getting to do any work. I'm a bit frustrated cos the ideas are coming thick and fast, I just seem to be in this sort of semi-paralysed state where I can't seem to start anything. I think it's because I know I'll be interupted just as I get going - or is that just an excuse?

Maybe some summer photos soon.

Everytime I blog I feel inspired to keep it up and do it more regularly then I stop again!

P.S. The Maisy quilt was a huge hit!

Back from the brink...

... of becoming a non-blogger!

Blogging just hasn't been my thing for a little while. I expect I'll continue to come and go a bit. It's pretty hard to get anything done around here! Can't really blog endlessly about getting the kids up and dressed, changing the nappies, feeding Arj, not getting to the housework or the cooking, never mind the sewing endlessly. You (and I) would die of boredom.

To be honest (cos I'm not sure enough Mum's are) I've had some pretty low weeks and felt my emotions getting out of control. I feel like I'm getting past that stage now. Maybe it was hormonal - it seemed to coincide with my hair starting to fall out in a big way (Yay).



I have done a little bit of sewing. A pair of trousers for Arj and the beginnings of a quilt in American Jane's Wee Play fabric. I love them both and they've whetted my appetite for more sewing. Just got to work out how to get the kiddies to enjoy occupying themselves around me while I do it!



We managed to get away for a long weekend to Melbourne a while ago now. Had a lovely time wandering around the shops, botanical gardens and zoo. Had some great food and enjoyed the feel of being in the big smoke. Chloe, Arj and I had a lovely afternoon with Jen (Thanks so much for coming into the city to meet us) while Sam was cringing in the stands at the MCG watching his team disappoint him again!

Oh, yeah, and there's a few things listed on Etsy. Only what I have ready to go - I won't be making to order for a while.

Market finds

I'm copying Gemma and showing off some of my recent Esk Market finds. Chloe and I had some girl time last Sunday. We treated ourselves to pain au chocolats (somewhat perversely Chloe pulled out the chocolate and refused to eat it. Strange girl!) and cinos of choice and then went to the market. Chloe loves to go to the French Bakery stall where she can sample the bread and also to the balloon man. She usually gets him to make her a flower but branched out and went for a fish this time. I got enough bread for the week - they have the best olive bread - the three tiered tin above and the jug. The jug is Arabia from Finland and I love it. My mother-in-law has a couple with different animals. I got down to my last $2 and used it for a bumch of coriander.

The canisters were from a previous Esk market trip.

There is a very small amount of craftiness going on here (not for the shop yet Jen!) which mostly consists of buying stuff for new projects and maybe beginning them if I'm lucky before I move on to the next idea. I'm aiming to finish a few things before I buy anything else. The fabric in the photo above is the Wee Play range by American Jane chooped up ready for the beginnings of a quilt or maybe picnic blanket.

Just had to post this photo. Chloe seems to like the idea of being a model now (well at least, for a couple of minutes and one outfit's worth which means it takes days to get new photos). She loves the close up shot.

I've been busily trying to get a few things that have been in my head for months up and going. Particularly some winter clothes for Chloe which may or may not end up in the shops. I bought some green wool coating on line in the hope that it would be a soft, muted sort of green. This may have been my worst internet buying mistake ever. It's more of a radioactive, toxic waste sort of green. It wasn't the vendors fault. There photo is actually fairly true to colour. I must have just had a moment when my desire to believe was too strong. I'm thinking of buying some blue dye and attempting to make it useable. Anyone got any tips for me??

This is a little box pleat skirt I've been meaning to make for ages. The fabric is a soft babywale cord. Very bright and cheery for dull days. Chloe initially refused even to try it on but loves it now. Lots of colours to look at.





In other news, the latest oft reported saying in our house is "I need to watch Maisy." I'm happy Charlie and Lola are back on in the mornings, cheery 70s theme song and cute fabrics used in the animation. What more could I ask for in a kids show?

Coming Clean

I seem to be putting on a bit of weight around the midriff. Have been for 19 weeks in fact. Due date June 27!

Do please ignore the mess in the background. I have a rotten head cold and it's 37 degrees here. I had a sudden urge to spill the beans (although a few of you already know) and house tidying hasn't been high on my priority list this week.

The cardboard boxes pictured do have a purpose. I want to make this and this. One day.

The dress on the boxes is an op-shop linen blend destined to become small person's dresses. Again, one day.

So, for anyone who wondered why things have been pretty quiet at Black Eyed Susie for a while now you know. I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself because last weekend I suddenly realised I was feeling great, lots of energy and brimming with plans. Next day this cold reared it's head.

On another note completely, if a certain person fiddles with the tension on my overlocker one more time I may have a minor breakdown. You'd think I'd have learnt to check before sewing by now, but no, just spent an unenjoyable 10 minutes unpicking.

New duds, New shop!

A couple of new models in my denim dresses and wide leg cords. I'm particularily happy with these fabric combinations and have snaffled one of the dresses for Chloe. It suits her!

These will only be available at Leeloo and should be up on the site this coming Monday. Have a bit of a browse on Leeloo - there is some cool stuff on there. You may recognise some of the makers from Etsy and Made It.

Edited to add: Oops, I'm a bit early with this! Monday the 28th will be when they are available!

Finally

I've been feeling frustrated because I haven't been able to get anything new made for Black Eyed Susie for a while. Finally I made this sweet dress. I love it. I love the contrast of the large dark blue and ivory daisy print with the smaller oval and rectangle red print. OK, some may say it's a bit busy but I just think it's oh so cute!



I want to get Chloe some red tights or leggings and a red polo neck now.



I'm finding photgraphing my clothes difficult now we are in winter. It's really way to cold to put Chloe in a dress (without the leggings etc) and I do want to show the dresses as they can look in summer as well as winter. Also, the spot in my house that I have always used to photgraph the clothes flat just doesn't get enough light even on the brightest day now. So whilst I love the dress, I'm disappointed in the pictures. I need to find some better options.

Pink and Frilly

I was never much of a girly, girl. I always wanted to be out with the boys building cubby houses and that sort of thing. I don't see girly movies or read girly books and, as you can see from Black Eyed Susie Clothes, I don't go in for pink frilliness. So now, have a look at this!

I'm not quite sure what came over me. I saw a bunch of little fairies in town the other day and decided I must make three little tutus for Chloe and her friends. I'm quite enjoying this bit of light relief from my more serious sewing.

The white tulle is leftover from my wedding dress, it's beautiful, soft and shimmery. The pink is new and I'm using satin blanket binding for the waist casing. I also bought the fabric flowers to rip apart and sew little clumps of them on the skirts.

This should get rid of any pink flowery urges for at least a few months.

Go check out the blog of Kristen Doran (producer of stunning handprinted fabric and crafts) to see loads of photos of local shop Cocoon. It's beautiful. You'll also get to see Kristen's beautiful things.

Retro wristlet

Sharon from Shazzasknits asked me to make her a wristlet/pouch to keep her knitting accesories in when she is out and about knitting. So I gave it a go, I'd never made one (and to tell the truth I'm a tiny bit nervous of zippers) but I found this tutorial which was wonderful. I'm really happy with how it turned out. Now I'm thinking of all sorts if things I can do that involve zippers!

Excuse the bad photos - we seemed to struggle to have any daylight that day. I'm so happy the days are lengthening now.

Sharon knits beautiful hats, gloves, socks and baby pants. The hat in this picture is one of hers. So, so cute! I love this green one too.

Accessorising

Every morning Chloe puts on her beads. She just loves them and when she catches sight of herself in a mirror she looks so proud. She also love hats and shoes. Particularly shoes. She is most impressed with her new black boots and will point down at them and say "shooooo."

I have a weakness for cute hair clips so today when she wore her new denim skirt for the first time she had her red beads, red hair clips and black boots to match. She was very pleased!

Red rick rack skirt

Just a quick post before bed. I finally finished a little denim skirt design I've had hanging around for a while. It's very simple and really only required a few more minutes work - but you know how things go.

I'm really thrilled with it. In fact I'm going to put it on Chloe tomorrow and as often as possible. It is just so cute, sometimes the simplest designs are the best I think. And I do love a bit of rick rack.

Chloe has some new black leather boots and they will be perfect together. Can't wait to try it out.

On another issue though, Chloe has some new black leather boots and her poor mummy who has been saying for months that she wants some hasn't even tried any on. Ah, well, she'll look cuter in hers anyway!