Decal trays

This isn't too late to post is it? It's STILL December, right? Ok good. Then let me share with you a little project I wrote that was posted a few weeks ago on the Spoonflower blog.

You may already know that Spoonflower have added wall decals and wallpaper to their collection. In fact, a while back I used the decal material to cover some glass vases and I'm still loving them. But when I fancy a change, I can simply peel back the decal material and swap it for another. No mess, no stress.

Anyway, I used exactly the same principal for this large white tray I picked up at Target. I covered it with a couple of Christmass-y designs by designer Penny Candy (check her out ~ I love her colorful, fresh designs) and used it as a festive tray on my table over the holidays.

I'm currently getting ready to peel off the decals, ready for something a little more 2013 ~ I'm just not sure what yet. I think I'll live with the Christmas designs for a while longer, until I decide.

Anyway, you can go and read the full write-up over at Spoonflower by clicking HERE.

December New Year's Resolution

And here's my final project in my year-long sewing series! I used the Yoke Dress pattern by Salme Patterns, and I LOVE it. The pattern is simple and beautiful and I used a lovely soft gray wool from JoAnns. The yoke is a sparkly organza -actually it's a bit scratchy but it looks so pretty I couldn't resist it! It's a dress I could wear for New Year's Eve and with babysitters in town (my lovely parents) I think I'm actually going to get the chance to wear this next week to celebrate the new year!

Go on over to the Fiskars site to read more about it by clicking HERE.

This dress completes a year of sewing projects (in actual fact, I've completed more than just these 12) but I have to say that I've learnt so much!! I feel pretty confident at giving most patterns a go, having picked up some great tips and techniques along the way. Hats off to the independent pattern designers who offer fantastic support, tutorials, advice and photos on their blogs/websites. Having sewn so many independently designed patterns, I'm pretty reluctant to go back to sewing commercial patterns. They seem so badly written to me.

Now, of course I don't want to let all my new-found sewing skills go to waste, so I'm excited to tell you that I'm already planning not one, but TWO new crafting/sewing series for Fiskars during 2013. First, I plan on sewing one item of children's clothing each month which I'm pretty excited about. Kids' clothes are particularly fun to make because they are so small! Cutting out the fabric usually takes no time and there are so many great independent designers that I'm looking forward to getting my hands on some fun new patterns.
Second, I'm going to make one handmade gift a month ~ not using sewing skills but general crafting techniques. I plan to try new things and I hope to learn plenty of new skills along the way.

I hope you'll stick with me ~ I wonder where we'll end up next?!?!?

In the meantime, happy and healthy 2013 to you all!

November New Year's Resolution Project

Phew! I'm a little bit aware that  I have some catching up to do on my blog! Eeek ~ where DOES the time go?
We bought a lovely big old house a few weeks ago and moved in just a couple of weeks before Christmas, so recently a lot of time has been taking up with packing and unpacking (or I should say, thinking about unpacking. Thinking about unpacking is exhausting...) Then came Christmas, which is hardly a time to put your feet up, is it?

Anyway, I did want to catch you up with my final two New Year's Resolution projects that I completed for Fiskars and make a lovely 12 month set of photos down the side of my blog. Didn't want to leave it hanging on October without the last two projects added on, did I?

Anyway, here's is November's project ~ a faux fur gilet (or vest, as I'm becoming accustomed to calling it). Whilst the fur was surprisingly easy to sew, I did resort to wearing a face mask when cutting it up. If you get that stuff tickling your nose, it's a nightmare, believe me! If you don't have face masks hanging around the house (I do, but I'm aware that normal families may not), then cover your nose and mouth with a t-shirt or scarf. You'll thank me. And you're welcome.

Also, be sure to have a hoover at the ready. Or vacuum. Or whatever you call it. That stuff gets everywhere.

I like my vest, though if I'd lined it, I'd like it even more. I made quite a few adjustments to my original pattern by taking in the seams to be more fitted, and I had nothing to then base a lining pattern on. The original pattern I drew was basically redundant because I'd made so many changes. I guess that's why a muslin comes in handy ~ to get the correct fit before you sew your real fabric ~ but what do you use as a muslin for a FAKE FUR vest???

Anyway, I will soon share my December project with you ~ it's probably my favorite!

Thanks for still reading despite my absence recently :o)