I made this skirt a few months ago for my partners dads’ wife or sort of my mother in law except we are not married. Not easy to explain is it?
Anyway, I made it for a friend, Sonia.

Sonia really loved the tutti frutti skirt I made last year for a friends little girl and wanted a grown up version. Sonia used to be a dancer and was really keen on having a  ballerina skirt for herself.
I was a bit worried a tutu might look a bit “meringuish” so decided on just two layers of tulle and an underskirt.

To start with I used pinterest to get a story board together and emailed it through to her. What a great tool! No time wasted.
http://pinterest.com/anniemollison/tulle-skirts-for-sonia/

She didn’t want the gathering to start from the waist as she was worried it would make her look a bit on the frumpy side. Mind you she has nothing to worry about.
Keeping that in mind I decided to use Vogue pattern V8295 version E which has a yoke and flares from the hip. I self drafted the lining.

I decided on using Ponti for the yoke from my ever faithful Tessuti Fabric store as it is easy to work with and is very flattering on the body. It also means no zip required, woo hoo!!
I lined it in a single knit and used one layer of black bridal tulle and one layer of the flocked tulle.

The skirt turned out great and looks fab on. I had to get a few shots before handing it over as her Birthday present. I have worn it in these pics in a vintage style. It is such a versatile piece. I think it would look fantastic with heels and a corset.

Sonia was delighted.

Goyte

I love having the radio on when I’m sewing. I really find my concentration is better and I seem to make less mistakes as it gives me a sense of calmness.

I tune into PBS sometimes and really enjoyed last Sunday afternoons Flight 1067 to Africa. It’s traditional and contemporary African music. 

Goyte’s “Somebody that I used to know” came on a few days ago when I was sewing and I loved it. It’s the perfect sewing song. 

I’d love to know what’s your favorite tune or playlist to sew to?

I wasn’t sold on Pinterest when it was first introduced as I thought nothing could be better than magazine cuttings and a cork board, but lately it’s become a very useful tool.
I still use the cork board because I think it looks cool and I am a very hands on type of person as all sewers are.

Lately I’ve had a few projects like Tessuti awards, a sewing project for a friend (tulle skirt photo to come) and my sons birthday party. It’s so easy, just sit at your computer and google , check blogs, go to sites you love and pin. You end up with a fantastic looking story board which you can link back to very easily.

My partner Tony has fantastic taste in design and architecture. He got me onto Pinterest and I’m glad I listened to him this time…

Anyway, check out his boards if you are into design and architecture.

I’d love to see your Pinterest board. Leave a link in the comments.

                                                      
                                                        http://pinterest.com/anniemollison/
                                        

It’s always hard to find fun and funky stuff for boys.
There is plenty of great fabric but the patterns are very basic and daggy.
You need to use your imagination alot!

I picked up some polar fleece from Spotlight a while ago which I thought was kind of cute. It has a black background with different coloured skulls printed on it.

I used Kwik Sew pattern 2537 as the main body and drafted the hood using an old hoodie Ollie already has.

Spotlight also had some great stretch binding which I bound the hood, hem and sleeves with. I added a nice sized chunky zipper.

It turned out ok.  Lots of colour and fun.

funny

I decided (a while ago) I wanted to learn how to embroider. I found a great little book with some fun embroidery patterns from Sublime Stitching.  I found a couple of “space” theme patterns which seem like a lot of fun.

I had a heap of denim in the stash which I thought would be perfect as it has a fair bit of stability. The denim was from Darn Cheap fabrics as was cheap about $5 a meter and I barely needed half a meter.

I had fun learning. It wasn’t that hard and quite relaxing actually. I’ve never really been keen on hand stitching but I think I’ve had a turn around.

Anyway, I decided to make them into pockets for a pair of jeans for my youngest son.
I already had a pattern from Tie Dye Diva  which I have already made up in a check and they turned out really nice.

The front seemed a bit boring so I added some bias binding which I’m not sure I really like now but too late for that. I top stitched in red and green to add some colour and fun.

These pics are of Nooj when we went for a little stroll to our local beach in St Kilda.
He loves them which is all you can ask for.

Add caption

Pictures are by Tony

I joined sew weekly  a few weeks ago and the upcoming challenge was to sew something blue. I just so happen to have a gorgeous blue spot double knit which I have been wanting to sew into a 40’s /50’s style dress. I picked up the fabric from Tessuti who featured my dress on their blog here.

side tucks

  The red polka dot dress is just gorgeous from Stop Staring. 

Vogue V1192

Pictures by tony

A friends little boy celebrated his first birthday today.

Since getting my sewing mojo back and having the kids away for three days at Grandpa and Baba’s I had the perfect opportunity to sew something for him.

Luka the Birthday Boy. Happy Birthday!