busy and tired, and not quite ready for Christmas

We have been so busy around here, but I guess who isn't at this time of year. Luke and I were up extra late last night packaging what seemed like hundreds of these biscuits for friends. We also had to put together a wooden kitchen for the girls that came in kit form. It proved to be rather frustrating with limited instructions...luckily, it came together fine in the end.

The girls (with much mummy supervision) have been doing artworks to give out to special people. Oil pastel with watercolour. They look so pretty drying in the sun.

I also finished this shirt for Luke's Mum, the same pattern as one I made earlier in the year but shorter sleeves. There is so much sewing I had wanted to do for the girls for presents, but I can see that its not going to happen, so I will deal with the disappointment and hopefully catch up on sewing in the new year. It's always special to be able to give handmade.

And here are some of Grace's card she made for Luke to give to friends at work. A Christmas tree, Jesus in the manger with animals and the star, Santa (we don't give out presents from Santa at Christmas, but its funny that she still knows who he is and thinks he has something to do with Christmas), and another Christmas tree with presents under it.

We are off for a much needed 2 week break tomorrow, so I wont be around for a while. Actually really looking forward to not sitting in front of the screen daily! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus with family and friends! 

Naomi xo

mini mitt's

I recently stumbled upon this very clever little pattern on this lovely blog.

I must say, my girls thought these were wonderful. 

They were a present for their special friend who shares my name- Naomi.

I am thinking I will have to make a couple of extra pairs for Christmas.

Outer fabric is from one very cute op shop pillowcase. 

Linen on the bottom half.

So if you are looking for a last minute, easy sewing idea for Christmas...these are perfect.

 The only thing I would change is quilting a big rectangle of fabric first, 

and then cutting your glove shapes out of this. 

Much less fiddly. Make sense? 

little bear

Back in my infant and primary school years I use to be mad about hand sewing. For some reason I thought 'hand made' items were literally something sewn or made entirely by hand- no sewing machines please! I wanted to make and sell my hand made things even back then, but started out by making them for friends. 

I remember finding a book in the school library that was full of patterns for miniature bears. One look at that book and I was completely hooked! This little bear was one I pieced together from fake fur that I clipped right back. Even his tiny arms and legs move. I am pretty sure I made him for mum.

I wish I had photos of all the other ones I made. Some I even sewed tiny outfits for and made them beaded necklaces. In the bottom photo he is sitting on Grace's tiny hand, so you can picture his size. I would guess I made him in about yr4-5. I do have a small selection of other soft toys I made as a child, so hopefully I can get some more photos up soon. 

the 'gracie' skirt

Sandi Henderson from Portabello Pixie makes beautiful patterns for little girls 6m-8yrs. One of her patterns we recently purchased was the 'Gracie' pattern- how could we resist! I say 'we' because Grace actually picked it out off the Internet, without even realising it was her name! 

The reason I made the skirt was because I brought her the little top and it needed a bottom to go with it. I had the perfect fabric sitting on the shelf. 

A couple of weeks ago I got a new overlocker as an early birthday present, and was itching to try out the rolled hem on it. Worked a treat and I was so, so impressed at how easy it was! I can see a lot of my sewing being finished off with that rolled hem function.

she danced

She danced, and we were all so proud. It was a wonderful thing to watch her confidence bloom overnight, as she achieved something she said she would never do. Such a special concert. One we will never forget.

gathered market bag

I made this bag last week for my sister in law's birthday. It was my first attempt at making the Gathered Market Bag pattern by Sandi Henderson. I love how the bag turned out! Hopefully if I get the time I might even make one of these for myself. Floral outside and inside fabric is from vintage pillowcases...thanks Claire! I was even brave enough to attempt the optional piping on the outside, and was so glad I bothered to do so. Next time I would make it slightly thicker though.