Week 4, aka a mixed bag

This week was supposed to be all about making a new washable insulated lunch sack for C to use when he starts school next week (Yikes, how did that happen so fast?!). I didn't get quite as far with that project as I'd intended (who knows, I may be rushing to the supermarket on Sunday afternoon and buying a non-washable insulated vinyl one instead) but that's because I got distracted by some other creative projects.

I wove in the ends on some much needed new kitchen dishcloths.

I started working on my little contribution to Lisa's 1000 doilies project, and am finding, despite by minimal crochet experience and the teeny tiny needle and thin thread, that it is a project that is immensely enjoyable and satisfying (as well as very transportable).

And C and I made a Woolbot. He chose the project from Fiona's Hop Skip Jump book, picked out the fabrics from the scrap box, drew the patterns for the robot's front and face, inserted the stuffing and rearranged my pins, while I took care of the cutting and sewing. Not that it was an entirely smooth mother/child crafting exercise, but we both learned something from the experience, and he loves the robot we made. (It was also a damn sight easier to make than a Womble...)

Week 3, aka Red Hot Chilli

Last night, as I finished this, I was listening to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers on the radio, playing live from Sydney, which had just recorded it's hottest day on record, and pondering what the youth of today make of a band I listened to in my youth.
I'm looking forward to wearing it the next hot day we have here.
Or perhaps even a slightly warm one, with a cardi layered over it.

Pattern: Tessuti Lily Linen Dress, size M
Fabric: Some coral/red linen I bought from Tessuti as a remnant some time ago.
Modifications: I didn't have enough fabric, so I had to put a seam up the centre back, couldn't do the 3/4 sleeves, and pieced together bias scraps for the bindings. Inspired and encouraged by Lisa's sleeveless version I went completely sleeveless (in lieu of short cap sleeves), binding the armholes the same way as the neck (but using stay stitching to stabilise the edge instead of the tear away vilene used on the neck).
Thoughts: This is such a simple, effortless dress, with a couple of details that stop it from being dull. Just what I need in my wardrobe now- figure skimming, cool, bright and easy to wear. And with pockets.

Week 2, aka Pyjamarama

This week I shunned anything I could in lieu of pattern sorting, cutting and sewing. So it was a productive week: project list revised, a couple of projects cut out, new patterns purchased and (much inspired by Suzy's efforts) new cotton pyjamas made for both kids.


For A: Two pairs of PJ pants and a kimono style PJ top
Fabric: Some woven striped cotton that has been in my stash for a very long time. Long enough that I can't recall where I got it from, although I can recall I was planning to make myself a striped shirt, but I couldn't quite get over how pink it was. The floral binding on the top and pant hems was scraps of a Spotlight "Japanese Lawn" used for a dress for A about 15 months ago.
Pattern: Top- Habitual Kimono top, size 4T. Pants- Modified length version of a basic toddler pants pattern in my pattern stash, from one of the Japanese pattern books I have (not sure which).
Modifications etc: First time trying out the Habitual top. So easy and simple. I tweaked it by cutting a curve on the underarm. Seamed on the overlocker this was all quick to whip up. The bulk of time was in finishing- floral bindings and threading elastic- I like to use two rows of narrow (8mm) elastic on toddler jammies. There is plenty of room in this set for A to grow (as evidenced by the fact that her brother can fit into the pants!)

For C: finished off PJ pants that were cut out last November at Sewjourn.
Fabric: Pure cotton fabric he picked out at Spotlight in October.
Pattern: Oliver & S Sleepover Pyjamas, Size 7 (altered and simplified).
Modifications etc: The Sleepover pattern is great, even though it was completely dumbed down in this version. I made a full set in November (top and pants) in the same fabric, but with the ghosts up the right way. Had one of those *doh* moments when I realised after cutting out the second pair of pants that the print was upside down, but never mind. Knowing size 7 would be roomy and C doesn't like really baggy pants, I cut the pants narrower than the pattern (which also meant I could get two pairs of pants plus the top from the fabric I had). I also omitted the cuff on this pair knowing that the first pair had enough length for a lot of growth.

Week 1, aka a little sundress

Item: a dress for A
Fabric: recycled from a top I made for myself, using printed cotton lawn I bought from Tessuti in Sydney some years ago before they had a shop in Melbourne
Pattern: a variation on the simple sundress pattern generously offered by habitual, to utilise features of the original top.

A garment a week

Good thing I never got around to writing that "this is the end" post and packing up the blog for good, because I've discovered I want to start blogging again.
I've missed documenting the things I've made in the last year (and longer).
I've missed being able to go back and check the details and decisions made in the making. 
And I want to document a creative challenge that I'm setting myself for the year ahead: To complete a garment a week.
I'm still mulling over the "rules". Does it have to be a garment? Does it have to be sewn? Would dolls clothes or a knitted dishcloth count?
The rules don't really matter.
What I'm really after is that little extra mental prod to encourage me to get on with making some of those many, many things on my mental "to-do" list. Something to bring a little constructive, creative discipline into my life.
A garment (or perhaps item) each week will be a challenge, but I'm up for it.
This week at least.