I found it at the Library

Found this book ‘Simple Softies’ when browsing the online catalogue for the library and just had to have a look:


All the softies inside are from blogs all over the internet.  There are some real cute one’s in here.  There are so many talented people out there.  Here are a few that I liked:





The book provides the patterns for all these cute little softies and clear instructions on how to assemble  each one.
Wouldn’t these be a great handmade gift.  So why not check if you library has a copy today!!!
Happy Reading!!!

Link Party Likes #11

 

Last week I finally managed to get in front of the sewing machine.  It was so great to finally make something again.  I had a lovely lady ask for a bib and burp set made these lovely owl prints:

It was also my birthday on Friday and my wonderful husband bought the Simplicity Bias Tape Machine that I have been wanting for ages:

So I had to go to my local spotlight and stock up on all of this:

I also had the pleasure of testing a pattern for Sumo Sweet Stuff.  Just loved making these dresses for my girl’s.  Very easy to follow instructions so keep an eye out for this one:

I’m also part of a charity drive for Dress a Girl Around the World so will post some pictures of the dresses when they are finished.  It’s a great cause and if you love sewing why not take part.

But for now here are a few things I found and loved on the Link Up Party’s last week:

Sew much ado has shared this maxi dress tutorial.  Going to give this one a go as I would like to make a few dresses for myself this summer:

Katie J. Gibson show’s how to make a nursing blanket:

Etcetorize made her own version of a victoria secret dress:

Everyday Art, again love what Emily comes up with:

 

Got to love the owl craze that is going on at the moment. Here is another take on the owl craze by Off My Hook:

Love this 3 Stitch Summer Dress over at A Law Students Journey:

 

And last but not lest, why not refashion your old t-shirts into something new just like over at Just Down the Hall has:

I’m off to sit in front of my sewing machine.  Happy Sewing!!!!!!

Found it at the Library

I don’t know many ladies out there who don’t love buying bags just as much as they love buying shoes.

And if you love sewing and Amy Butler fabric then why not check this book out.  Lisa Lam has provided the complete guide to sewing your own bags in her book The Bag Making Bible: The Complete Guide to Sewing and Customizing Your Own Unique Bags.  Wow there are some lovely bags in here to make and the fabric, well who doesn’t love Amy Butler fabrics.

The book contains step by step illustrations on how to make each handbag.  It has 8 great sections comprising of getting started, choosing fabrics, structure and reinforcement, linings, closures, handles and straps, pockets and edgings and trimmings.  That’s right it has everything covered.
Here is a taste of what you can make:









What are you waiting for, head on out to the library. 

Happy Reading!!!!

Bacon, Mushroom and Red Wine Risotto

I love risotto’s but I hate making them myself as they take for ever and after standing over the stove for around 25mins the consistency is never right.
So when I recently discovered that you can make risotto in your pressure cooker and it only takes 10 mins, well I have been sickening my family with it over the past 2 weeks.
I have made 3 different risottos, my favourite one so far being a bacon, mushroom and red wine risotto.  I found the recipe in the July issue of Burkes Backyard and  I just converted the recipe so that I could cook it in the pressure cooker.
Here’s how you do it:

Ingredient

• 11/2 cup arborio rice
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 cup slice mushrooms
• 2 rashers bacon diced
• 1 onion diced
• 1 clove garlic crushed
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/2 parmesan shaved

1. heat oil in pressure cooker and cook onion, mushroom, bacon and garlic for about 2 mins or until the onion looks clear.
2. add rice and red wine and stir until the red wine has has been absorbed.
3. now add the stock (make sure you use boiling water if using powdered stock).
4. secure lid and bring cooker to high pressure, cook for 7 mins.
5. remove from heat and remove lid once the pressure has all been released
6. stir through parmesan cheese and serve

This can be served as 2 main meals or 4 side dishes.  If you have a bit of liquid still in the pot, just let it stand for about 5 mins to absorb.
MMmmm I can taste it now yummy.
Happy Cooking!!!!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

 

Look what came in the mail for me today.  It’s my birthday on Friday and I treated myself to this ruffle foot for my machine about 3 weeks ago. 

It’s a bargain, I only paid $19.99 from the US.  Can’t wait to use it. HHHmmm what can I sew….

What have you treated yourself to lately?

Happy Sewing!!!!

Technorati Tags: ruffle foot,sewing,machine,attachment

Link Party Likes #10

I am dying to get in front of my sewing machine but my 3 munchkins are keeping me very busy these days.  I have been given the opportunity to test out a new pattern by Sumo Sweet Stuff that I am excited about and I’m also taking part in a charity drive for Dress a Girl Around the World that is being driven by Renee Webb from the group The Sewing Library on Facebook.
So I was finally able to catch-up on all the fantastic blogs I follow and have a look at all the wonderful creations that have been shared on a few link up parties.
Here are a few that I loved and wanted to share:
Jamie over at Scattered Thoughts from a Crafty Mom shares this great tutorial for a pillowcase dress.  Just loved the bright colours:

Don’t throw out those all t-shirts, turned them into something new, like this dress by Melissa from It’s Sew for You:

She also made this colourful dress for her daughter:

Bec from Small Birdie has shared this ruffle skirt tutorial on The 36th Avenue.  Just love this little skirt.  Will have to go through my stash and make one for my little Gracie:

Vixen Made shows how to make these great leg warmers for girls out of stockings:

How about this cute Owl pillow by PoppySeed Fabrics:

Oh and I’m loving the skirts that Camille from All About Mommies has made for her 2 girls.  Don’t you just love the fabric she used:

And aren’t these just adorable, these shoes can be found over at Everyday Art:

And I think it’s about time that I made something for myself.  Here’s a great tutorial over at Sweet Lemonayde:

Now I really need to get myself in front of the old sewing machine.  Please head on over and checkout all these fantastic blogs.
Have a great day!!!!

PS.  all photos are from the relative sites

Found it at the Library

Found this lovely embrodiery book by Mandy Shaw 'Stitch with Love' at the library recently.  Think it might have to go on my 'Wanted' list:

As the book states on the front there are 11 well and easy to follow illustrated stitches and 20 beautifully photographed and easy to sew projects.  There is a project for everything and everyone from things for the home, for you to wear and even something for the family pet. So take a look for yourself:

This book has given me a few ideas and when I get around to making them I will definately share with you all. 

What book have you borrowed from your library recently?

Happy Reading!!!!

Upcycled Dress to Skirt

I recently cleaned out my girl's wardrobe and draws of all their clothes that are too small.  Grace decided that she was going to go through the pile and pull out all her favorite dresses and try and hide which made the light bulb above my head light up and ask her if she would like me to make them into skirts, which she replyed 'YES' with a big squeal.

So off to the sewing machine for my sewing fix (haven't been at the machine much due to the little man wanting my attention more lol).  Oh and Jorja wanted one too, so here are the dresses before:

Grace's dresses

and Jorja's

And now they are skirts.  Please excuse the messy children lol:

What have you upcycled lately?

Happy Sewing