Category Archives: Sewing

Arianna rocks!

Posted by Misty Mom on 01/04/2009 1 comments

It seems to be a known fact that knit fabric is tough to come by. So when I was at Spotlight the last time, and chanced upon the only knit fabric I could afford [am not going to spend too much on material that I am currently useing as practice], I grabbed it. Although I am a little wary about knit fabric as I’ve heard that they are tough to sew, I wasn’t going to give up so easily.

Rockers!
First attempt at actually sewing with a proper pattern from Ottobre 2/2009. A big big BIG thank you to Aida for showing me the ropes. *HUGS*

Baby rocks!
Arianna posing in her new gear! :)

Overall, I did struggle a bit with this particular knit fabric, I think it’s all part and parcel of learning the ropes and getting used to it as well. I still have a load of it left so I might try to sew something else with it. Although it is relatively thin, it does its job at keeping Arianna warm. It was not meant to be a PJ top but due to the rainy weather and the clothes weren’t dry, she wore this to bed and I bet it kept her toasty! ;)

The Stars and the Moon

Posted by Misty Mom on 31/03/2009 1 comments

I’ve been putting off sewing other than cotton for awhile now all because I am a little intimidated by it as well as I’ve heard that it can be tough to sew. On top of that, this coming from my mum who has had upteen years of sewing experience, I find it really daunting! But I am glad that I finally took the plunge and went for it anyway.

Although it was different to sewing cotton or poplin, I didn’t think it was that bad hence, it’s true when people tell me ‘you won’t know for sure till you try’ and I did. :) I’m glad I didn’t put it off any longer. On top of that, it was also my first time trying to use ribbing as well as doing gathers!! For me, these are personal achievements which mean a lot to me since I am a newbie.

I didn’t read the instruction on how to do gathers but instead, I had flashbacks and images in my mind as I reminisce the times when mum used to sew and I remembered bits of this and that, and on how she did it. So I put 2 and 2 together, add a bit of common sense and voila, my gathers came together! :) I am one VERY VERY happy mommy!!!


My latest dress which by far is the one I am most proud of, on a personal level. Only because after 2 failed attempts of making a dress for Arianna, this one finally worked out! [I am hopeless is measuring!!!] Also, this is my first time using ribbing [that red bit around the neck and armhole], first time using knit fabric [stretchy fabric] and most importantly, my gathers actually came through!! So yes, this is really a great achievement for me on a personal level. I am very proud of this dress. :D


Arianna modelling for me. I think she’s gotten used to the idea of me making her try on stuff coz as soon as she sees a new outfit or some piece of cloth that I’m holding, she comes to me and stands relatively long enough for me to see if it fits. Smart girl! ;)

Lil Miss Lady Bug


Can’t say much about this dress except that when I first finished it, it was too loose on Arianna and then I ‘cleverly’ though I’d bring this bit in and that bit in, and then it became too small. *sigh* It’s apparently going to be Pacman’s now. *lol* Poor Arianna, I’m glad the dress above suited her well! :) Now everyone is happy. :D

Here’s some Lavender Love…

Posted by Misty Mom on 24/03/2009 4 comments

What a lovely name to suit this gorgeous flowery poplin fabric I bought in my first ever stash of fabric from Spotlight. But sewing up this dress very nearly did me in!

Lavender Love

Took me many days and night of brain wreck to think of how to put this dress together. To some or perhaps many, this would be some simple 1hr job but OMG, no thanks to my pregnant brain, I just couldn’t figure out how my mum sewed a dress almost like this albeit a very much better one, smocking to be exact. I turned the dress over, inside out and in every direction position except undoing the whole dress of course. But still no luck. In the end, I caved in and did it MY way and this is the outcome.

Looks fine, but won’t fit Arianna. The length is nice, the chest is fine BUT the armhole is way to small. There is no way I am undoing this coz I just wouldn’t know where to start seeing that I’ve sewn the pieces together in a way that I was want to undo it. Here’s hoping mum can come to the rescue. Otherwise, there goes another practice piece.

So till today, I dare say that my weaknesses in all the sewing I’ve done is slowing adding up :

  • hardly imaginative or creative
  • measuring skill to die for [NOT!]
  • armhole failure

The only bit that I dare say is good about my attitude is that I am not giving up that easily as I would with other handicraft. Sewing has since become somewhat of an obsession which I highly doubt could be bad unless I forget that I actually live in a REAL world. For suffice to say that when I’m sewing, I’m in my own world and I think I’ve reached the stage where I can actually admit that sewing is therapeutic. Or perhaps on the other hand, its a great way to stick to a diet coz I almost always forget to take my meals!!! :P

The madness continues!

Posted by Misty Mom on 17/03/2009 5 comments

It was a slight disappointment that I didn’t get to go to Spotlight on Monday coz Ted was tired and I really did understand but he made up for it and took me this morning! ;) Such a good husband….

And on top of that, I had almost 1.5 hours of alone time browsing and looking for stuff on my own! That was super priceless coz I really can’t think or stay focused when I have 2 people tagging along behind me – it’s SO stressful! Ted had taken Arianna with him to go get more memory for his laptop and left me at Spotlight. It was awesome!

And the icing on the cake was the fact that I had spent a lot less than I had initially expected. :D I guess I had forgotten to take into consideration the 20% off everything including sales items and I’m one who normally goes for clearance and sales items. Why pay more when you can get it less right? ;) Must be that stray Scottish blood in me la…. *lol* And here is the damage done this time :

New fabric
I’m absolutely loving that red Cat fabric but I don’t know what to do with it yet. In fact, I’m not even sure I got enough of all the fabric as I remember my mum telling me that it’s best to buy more than less. Hence, I bought 2m of each fabric and am keeping my fingers crossed that it will be enough for whatever future patterns I plan to make.

The only reason that it took so long to get some of my stuff was because #1. This was the first time I was buying ribbing and I had no idea what they looked like and it took the 3rd saleslady to take me to the exact spot where they were and I swear I could have boxed myself in the ear! But if only I knew what they looked like all rolled up, it would have made my life a lot easier. I had passed that aisle a million and one times and never knew. Aiyooo! #2. Actually finding a sales person to ask where I could get tracing paper and was eventually told by the same 3rd person that I had to ask for it at the counter. So I ended up buying 4m of tracing paper which cost AU1.50/m just in case. I didn’t think it was that expensive and it will hopefully last for awhile.

Other stuff I bought was more elastic but different width size and lace to spruce up some of the simple ideas I have in mind. Since I have not tried making any dresses for Arianna, I plan to try one pretty soon and a little bit of lace might make it look nicer. :)

As for patterns, I had gone insane lately and got me a whole pile of pattern books! *lol* Yes, I know I may have gone overboard thanks to this really bad habit of mine which is taking things to the extreme too fast. But I don’t think it was a big mistake at all seeing that I got 3 books from eBay and only really forked out more moolah for something which was definitely worth it! [Thanks Aida for the recommendation!]

Pattern books
Needless to say that I didn’t mind spending my money on Ottobre – it is SO worth it that I am thinking about getting the other edition that Aida suggested to me too!! :D Anyway, have not started anything today but will start tracing out some patterns tomorrow and begin something new. Yiippeee!!

O, on another note….this is just for fun really, I have started a new site to post all my sewing adventures and projects called Stitch By Stitch. Feel free to link me up and gimme some traffic love! :D

Still in the PJs mood

Posted by Misty Mom on 11/03/2009 None comments

Needless to say, I’m still in the jammies mood and have been busy churning up another pair of jammies for Arianna. I swear the first time I was making those cotton bear jammies for Arianna, Pacman was just kicking away as if unhappy about it but since then, I’ve completed 2 sleeping bags and a pair of booties for her so she really has nothing to complain about! *lol*

Anyway, here’s the finished product :

Little Duckies flannel PJs
The jammies…

Big heart buttons
The buttons….after I sewed them on, I realised that it was just TOO pink!

Modelling
Arianna modelling for me, thank goodness she was in a rather good mood or forget it!

I found that so far, my weakness is getting the sleeves right. First time, it was sleeveless so I escaped, then I sewed 2 sleeping bags and surprisingly, instead of getting better, I seem to be getting worst at it! And with these jammies, the armhole is just dreadful! I will have to re-do them again although the pants fits her fine. Told you I’m a pants expert. ;) I’m not sure if perhaps my pattern is wrongly cut or what, I can’t really say but these are not patterns from the book but my own cut so I believe it’s coz I made them, I am not seeing what is wrong.

In any case, I am looking forward to a whole stack of pattern books coming in the mail hopefully this week so I can start cracking! ;) But I must say that I need other fabric to work with la, I’m kind of sick of flannel….and I’m wondering what to sew using Poplin!!! I’m just SO boring right? I need some imagination and creativity la….

Slowly but surely

Posted by Misty Mom on 07/03/2009 2 comments

Yes, I dare say that I am considered an addict to sewing! *lol* The thing is, I don’t have that many fabrics to play with and also hardly any patterns to try out so I decided to buy an online downloable pattern from Sewing Patterns just to see how it works out coz they weren’t THAT expensive. I paid $5 for 4 infant patterns and although everything was printed out ok, it is SUCH a hassle, in my opinion to assemble the pages. Damn leceh! So I am actually putting it off for now until I have to motivation to get down and dirty my hands with glue and what nots. That will be the last I ever get it online like that but on the flip side, I have taken Aida’s advice and spent a bit more moolah on an Ottobre magazine, particularly the 1/2009 edition and I hope to get it in the mail soon. But that too would require me to trace out the pattern but I think that it better than glueing this and that, here and there.

Today, I decided to do something really simple since everyone swears that it is and well, it was. :) Only thing was that since I improvised [as usual] what with using flannel and all, it didn’t quite turn out nicely. :(

Animal print booties
My first time sewing booties and definitely needs more work!! Meant for 6 – 9 mth but I think not these ones….

'I love Daddy/Mummy' print sleeping bag
Another attempt at sewing a sleeping bag and this time I made it bigger and sewed buttons on instead of the snap fasterners coz I figured out how to use the buttonhole function on my machine. I think I’m getting better at this. :D

Finally, Arianna posing in her new PJs. Gosh, this girl is getting harder to snap shots of!
PJ model
Yes, she does have Mummy’s wild hair!! *lol*

Busy, busy, busy!

Posted by Misty Mom on 01/03/2009 3 comments

Since I started sewing, I dare say that it has become an addiction. I think many will not believe that Wordscraper and TV have taken a backseat! *lol* Some say that sewing in theraputic but I don’t feel that way – I personally get this drive to complete the project so that I can move on to another piece. And that is what is keeping me focus and interested. Before this I had dabbled in many other craft interest like crochet and knitting but these are things that take a VERY long time and omg, you have to be super precise with how many stitches need to go where and the number of stitches they have. I think my brain cells will die trying to remember them all! :P

But sewing…aaah, I think I have finally found a place where I can totally zone out the world around me. :) Anyway, these are the last 2 pieces that I’ve completed :

Bear print PJ top
This is the other half of the set which I had posted the other day. I used to think that sewing button holes were easy-peasy and seeing how neat my mum’s are, I thought I could pull it off as well. Thank goodness for those buttons – my button holes were horrendous!! Really have to figure out how to use that sewing button hole function on my machine. Might pop by the sewing centre on Monday when we go do our weekly shopping.

Animal print sleeping bag
Animal print sleeping bag – This one has a story behind it. It was initially suppose to be a baby gown. Where the bottom is supposed to be open but somehow I had miscalculated and well, didn’t really have any ribbings for the cuffs and collar so I had to improvise and ended up with this. [Yes, you're right about those eyelet thingys, Aida. They are utterly useless!!!] I used snap fasteners which you have to manually sew on since I suck at sewing button holes! *lol* This is flannel so will come in handy when autumn and winter comes. I just hope Pacman can fit in it, otherwise I take it as a practise piece.

I’m not sure what to sew next but I think I should try my hand again with this gown thingy. Wish me luck, but I think I’ll end up with another sleeping bag…..seem to prefer it somehow. :)

And the journey begins

Posted by Misty Mom on 23/02/2009 10 comments

I can officially say that my journey into sewing land has begun. Let me add that I thought it would have been so embarassing if I had called up my the service centre and complain that my brand new machine wasn’t working!! So what happened? Well, the moment we got back from Spotlight, this really huge fabric and craft place just 10 minutes away [YAYNESS!!], I started straight away! Of course, I made sure Arianna was asleep for the afternoon before I started meddling with the machine.

I knew how to thread the needle, spin a bobbin and use the dials, and that was good enough for me. So I thought I was all go. I had already cut up the fabric to sew Arianna a pair of long pants coz I washed all the fabric which I just bought because that’s what most people seem to do, or so I think anyway. And while waiting for the load, I got ready to sew and the needle just kept jumping and jumping!! I was crossed and upset as I was so geared up but wasn’t going to give in that easily. So I re-threaded it, changed the bobbin and did almost everything I could think of when SUDDENLY, as I looked up, I noticed that I had not threaded it the RIGHT way! Aiyooo……how stupid is that?? I missed threading through one bit and once that was fixed, I was good to go and tadaa….

PJ pants
Would have finished this is in about 1 hr if I had managed to fix my machine. Planning to do up a matching top as well but have no idea about the pattern yet….will have to draw up something, any ideas if I should have a buttoned top or a pull over?? This is cotton so I might have to stick with the buttoned top…

And I’m sure Aida of all people is waiting to see the damage but I have to warn you before hand that it’s not that fantastic la. But to me, I thought it was a big deal!!

Damage #1
Damage 1 – my first ever ‘stash’ of material. *lol* To be honest, I went totally blank, as normal when I first stepped in. I didn’t know what I wanted to sew or what I was looking for. Mostly, I was going for the stuff that was on sale so the most expensive material here, from memory is AU6/m. Others were between AU2 – AU5. I bought more flannelette becoz autumn is coming up and it may get chilly so am planning more PJs for Arianna and Pacman. Planning on sewing some newborn gowns for Pacman.

Damage #2
My so-called start up sewing kit. :) Just some knick knacks to get me started. I wouldn’t say that they were expensive but almost AU1:RM1 for some of the things. But Mum will be hauling over more knick knacks for me when she comes. [Aida, are those the snap fasterners u were looking for? If so, I can send u some...Mum will be bringing me a whole load!]

Will have to get a plastic container that comes with a cover to store these things or else, some sticky fingers will find their way into this box, I’m sure!! O, and I am super happy with my machine because it is so Q U I E T. And it didn’t bother Arianna one bit either. I was finishing up her pants while she watched TV and although she must have been wondering what I was doing, she wasn’t bothered by it at all and another consolation is that, I can even sew in the middle of the night coz after Ted came home from work last night at about 11.30pm or so, I ran the machine for him to see if it was quiet enough and he was so surprised too! :) So, yes….I is very teh happy!!

My new fav hangout – SPOTLIGHT!! But can’t go so often la or we’ll be bankcrupt!! *lol* Can’t wait to take my Mum there, I know she will go nuts, absolutely nuts!!

Fuhyoo, gone hi-tech!

Posted by Misty Mom on 28/01/2009 5 comments

Yiippeee….I took the plunge and bought a sewing machine!! :)

Janome DC3050
Specifications
50 Stitch Patterns
2 Digit LED Stitch Pattern Indicator
Auto-lock
Lock-A-Matic Stitch
Adjustable Stitch Width from 0 to 7 mm
Adjustable Stitch Length from 0 to 5 mm
Buttonhole System: One-step Sensor Type Automatic 3 Styles
External Feed Balancing Dial
SFS (Superior Feed System)
Box Feed System
Drop Feed System
Automatic Tension
Horizontal Thread Delivery
Lay-in Threading with Numbered Paths
2 Different Sized Thread Caps
Built-in Needle Threader
One Hand Thread Cutter
Snap-On Feet
Conveniently Located Reverse Button
Electronic Foot Control
Speed Control Lever
Failsafe Device: Electronic Beep
Jam Proof, Magnetic, Top Loading, Full Rotary Bobbin System
Auto Declutch Bobbin Winding
See Through Bobbin Cover with One Touch Release Button
Extra High Presser Foot Life for Extra Clearance
15 Needle Positions
Free Arm Removable Accessory Tray
Needle Stop “Up”
Memorized Needle Up/Down Key
Retractable Carrying Handle
Machine Weight: 18.2 lbs (8.2 kg)
Front Position Halogen Lightbulb
DC Motor
Sculpture Stitch (2 Lengths)
Bi-directional Blanket Stitch
24 Heirloom Stitches
6 Satin Decorative Stitches
Star Stitch

Sounds really dahsyat right? Well, I think it is. I did try it out and was quite happy about how it was working. It was the last one and it was one of the models which was selling like hot cakes when it first arrived in December. It was also going to AU399, same as the one I previously mentioned but this is computerised and well, has more functions than I could use in a lifetime! So I am really looking forward to sewing my own doona covers, bedsheets, curtains, tableclothe…you name it, I’ll try it! :)

This is Ted’s Valentine’s Day pressie to me and I’m so happy he asked me if he could buy it for me instead of getting me a surprise pressie coz this was definitely a better idea! See, it’s not all that bad when you ask someone what they want as a pressie, that way, both parties win. You get something you want and the person who bought it will be happy that he/she got you something that you wanted! :)

Ps. This was the model which was being used as the demo model and I did ask for a bargain but apparently, they don’t entertain any bargains. She did mention that many people ask and they should coz who knows right? So since I couldn’t get any discount from them, I won’t bother asking for any freebies la. Quite apparent I won’t be getting anything! *lol* But I’m just happy with this purchase. Just can’t wait to get to work now!!! *dancing dancing dancing*

Busy little bee

Posted by Misty Mom on 16/12/2008 2 comments

It’s been awhile since I last updated this blog. I’m still complaining about Streamyx but mostly it is because I have been spending most of my time learning up the tricks of the trade from Mum. Yup, I’ve been busy sewing. :) I’m still far, far, far from perfect but I am quite confident that I can reach the height I am aiming for. But all in due time and time is certainly not a friend at the moment.

Suddenly I realise that Christmas is around the corner and Ted is flying out from Sydney tomorrow!!! As much as I am excited to see him as we do miss him dreadfully, it also marks the daountdown of my return to Sydney. :( 10 days from Ted’s arrival is when we fly back and that leaves me very little time to learn up as much as possible. So while I have the sewing bug in me, I’m going to have to make the best of it.

So far, I’ve only managed to complete a patchwork blanket which was intended to replace Arianna’s busuk black Jetstar blanket but sadly, she has taken no notice of it. Hence, it’s officially Pacman’s.

It’s an easy-peasy project I completed in just 2 days simply because I already had the scrap material all cut up. It was supposed to be used for another blanket but was left incomplete so I took over and got this done. Many thought that it was a quilt but it’s not as I didn’t put any sponge behind the patchwork so it’s just a patchwork blanket.

My first attempt of sewing a pair of long pants for Arianna turned out to be funny looking! *lol*

When she first wore it, it reminded me of a clown so I’ve dubbed it Arianna’s clown pants. When Sis saw in on FB, she called it MC Hammer pants! So I’m not sure anymore what it is but hopefully it will do its job at keeping her warm during autumn next year. I made it longer [hence the folded up bit at her ankles] and the thigh/bum is bigger too.

I’ll have to mend the pattern for this as the result of this was due to my wrongly calculated pattern. I’m pretty sure I can do better next time. :) I’ve also just completed another little project for when we go to Parkroyal but will need to get Arianna to pose in it for me first before I put it up. :)

Now back to the sewing machine!