Its in the Bag

If you reside in New Zealand you would be forgiven if you thought this was about some 80's Tv show, when in fact its a pattern review.


For some time now I have been meaning to make some more bags for myself and others, but there never seems to be enough time in the day. So when Jenny from Seamingly Smitten Patterns sent out the call for pattern reviewers for her Fall 2014 pattern tour and giveaway and one of the items happened to include a bag, how could I resist.


The Slouch bag as it is aptly called is suitable for the  beginner sewer, all instructions and fabric requirements are all laid out in an easy to read manner, with lots of images to show you exactly what is required.

Inside the bag

The bag has a magnetic clasp and an external and an internal pocket, lots of room for all those bits and pieces. I made my bag with the extra long strap for across body wearing but it can also be worn on the shoulder. It was quite hard choosing fabrics, only because I had so many to choose from but love this combination of colours. 



This bag could easily be made reversible, just omit the clasp and another option for the strap would be to add a slider so that the strap  can be adjusted. If you like tassels and fringes this option is also included in the instructions. I can see many of these bags in my near future, one for each season perhaps.

If you would like to purchase the pattern follow this link 

If you would like to get 50% of this and other patterns please use the Code: Patterntour50

That offer might have been enough on its own, but there is more. If you are interested in winning some fabric and patterns then enter away below

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Check out the other bloggers in the pattern tour, and dont be slow in entering as the giveaway and discount code ends soon.

Pattern Review - Lesley Flutter Top for Women

I am so excited to be reviewing a pattern as part of the Seamingly Smitten Summer 2014 pattern tour. 

As you may know, most of the sewing I do is for children or items around the home and I have only made one thing for myself recently which was a skirt. 

So I chose to review the  Lesley Flutter Top for Women which would give me a new item for my wardrobe and a different style to what I normally wear.


The pattern instructions where very easy to follow, well laid out and is aimed towards the beginner sewer. 

The pattern caters for a wide range of sizes 0-26 (XS-XXXL) - USA sizes, but does come with a comprehensive sizing chart so you can select which size suits you. 

Petite, Regular and tall hem lengths are included and there is also an option for a contrasting band.

Well written instructions, a heap of photos, a table of fabric requirements, and suggestions for suitable fabrics  - I chose a silky satin,  this pattern is a must have for any pattern collection.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am quite pleased with how the top  turned out and could actually see a number of these in my wardrobe. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

This top is so versatile and roomy that it could be 

teamed with a long-sleeve top to wear in the cooler months.

I must admit to feeling apprehensive about posting photos of myself but thanks to some wonderful feedback here we are.

Pop over to the Seamingly Smitten Etsy page and get 50% off your purchase see coupon for details

You can also enter to win 5 patterns - 3 winners will receive 

their choice of 5 FREE sewing patterns

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Off to the Beach

Following on from my previous post I joined in a sew along with Little Kiwis Closet, to sew the Beachcomber Pinny pattern. 

It appeared to be an easy task  - the pinny was a quick sew but when you are busy with other sewing tasks your time management skills need to be pretty good. 

I did manage to get the pinny made in the required time and its such a cute and easy sew I think that there will be lots more coming out of the sewing room in the near future. 

Little girls who love to collect things will appreciate the big pockets to put all their little treasures in.

The fabric I chose was from the Riley Blake range - Twice as nice and as I love covered buttons or any buttons for that matter, the pinny wouldn't be complete without a couple.

Beachcomber Pinny

BeachComber Pinny

As you can see its been awhile since I have blogged, always too busy and I thought what better way to get back into by doing a sew along - my first one.

 Little Kiwis Closet has released a new pattern called the Beachcomber Pinny, which is different than most normal pinnies, it has a huge pocket in the front to hold all those treasures.

So I have purchased my pattern and have done days 1 through 3

Day 1. Choosing your fabric, size and options. Printing your pattern and cutting

Fabric Choices - Riley Blake Twice as Nice

Day 2. Assemble the pocket overlay
Day 3. Sew linings, side seams and assemble band

I will post more pictures in a day or two -but so far have enjoyed sewing this cute little pinny. If you want to know more check out the link below

Little Kiwis Closet

The End is Nigh

Well the end of the year is fast approaching and my keeping of the blog has been a little hit and miss.

I have been rather busy with custom orders which is fantastic, but this has left me little time for much else.
Christmas themed items didn't get much of a look in but I did get a few requests for Christmas custom orders.

This is one item that I got made as a custom order - a Christmas Tree Skirt.

Tree Skirt

I must admit I had never made one before, and now I am thinking I should make one for myself and whats even better, there is still time.

Another item I made as a custom order was a bunting. This is a Kiwiana themed bunting.

Bunting

As you may know I dabble in a bit of upcycling, these little gift baskets are made from new and used product. The lining fabric is made from quality quilting cotton and the outside fabric is made from upcycled potato sack that may be about 30 years old. The other significance of these sacks, is that they are some my dad had stored in his shed, however I am no longer able to ask him as he passed away about 9 years ago from Motor Neuron disease.

Baskets

I also made a plastic bag holder and a santa sack from The Grinch fabric which are on their way to new homes.Would have loved to have sent more items to new homes so keep me in mind for next Christmas as I am always happy to discuss custom orders.

Since its a tradition here in NZ to go to sales on Boxing day, I will be having a sale on my Uku Chic facebook page for all ready made items in all the albums. Take 25% off listed price from 8am on the 26th December 2013 until 8pm 28th December 2013 - Does not include items listed on Felt or Trademe.

If you want to keep up with what's happening with Uku Chic you can subscribe to this blog as an email - right side of the page.

Have a Merry Christmas
Love Jenny

Fabric Fabric Fabric

I have found with starting up the sewing lark again, that I am surrounded with so many choices -choices of fabric and what styles to create.

So I have a collection of quilting cottons that I can sew the most divine little girls items out of or shorts and shirts for boys that will stand the rigors of rough and tumble play. Then there are the stretch knits for an alternative style of clothing. Last but not least, I have discovered vintage fabrics, and I might be beginning to become a little fanatical over purchasing this type of fabric. I am not sure what the attraction is maybe a reminder of days gone by or the fact that it is a little different.

One of the pieces of vintage fabric I recently purchased was some Sanderson fabric, called Hippity Hoppity. While doing a little research on the fabric I discovered it was from the 50's, that was so amazing that it had survived that long. I was unsure what to do with it but then I got involved with a showcase with the theme "Childrens Playground" and everything needed to be made with vintage fabric. So long story short I made some cushion covers from the Sanderson fabric, backed with some vintage candlewick fabric which I think would look cute in a nursery.

Link to the cushions on my page Uku Chic and if you want to see the showcase pop over to Vintage Playground

Niche

One meaning of niche is "An area of the market specializing in one type of product or service" as defined by the Urban Dictionary.

Often you hear that people have found their niche, I guess I'm not one of those people, not yet anyway. I like to sew a variety of styles and themes, otherwise I think I might get a little bored. Another aspect of creating a variety is the exposure to other ideas, fabrics and even history.

On facebook there are lots of like minded creatives, and one way of getting our "wares" out to a wider audience is to enter a showcase. A showcase is kind of like a market but online and run via a facebook page like CharlyE

There is often a theme and this one is Rockabilly. Now I don't know much about Rockabilly, but have done a little research and came across this interesting article Rockabilly clothing which talks about the styles back in the 1950s and the precursor for what Rockabilly is today.

So the items I decided on for this particular showcase are as follows:

The Elvis Cushion Cover

The Headscarf

Cherry Dress for a child - using a vintage pattern

Selection of Fabric Hair Bows

Thats my take on Rockabilly, like I said I don't know that much about it but I know more than when I started.