I think I should REALLY start sewing!

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Mistyeiz

If you didn’t know or if I have not boasted about it…..Ted bought me a cupboard to store all my fabric so I dont clutter it up in every nook and cranny that I spot at our new house (like what I did in the unit)! I was over the moon when he brought it home – looking all pretty with glass doors and all.

I was looking forward to filling it up with all my pretties and now that I have…..it scares the living daylights out of me!!

I know I am a fabri-holic but it is rather obvious that I have a LOT of fabric (and hidden patterns) spewing out of my eyes. But the scary thing is…THIS is not all of it!! As I was arranging these fabrics, I realise that some were missing. That could only mean one thing – I still have more! >.<

You know how a fabri-holic always says there is no such thing as enough fabric? I think I can say that I have but the WEIRD thing is, with all these fabrics, I still struggle to find fabric combos for my patterns. Yes, I have finally traced out and cut a mountain high of stuff to sew for the kids before winter hits. I’m really hoping to make a major dent in my stash coz quite honestly….this is ridiculous!!!

Now I only need to get orgaznized which is the hardest thing of them all. Time is so precious these days….I try to make time for me but it’s no surprise that it never happens. There’s always something to do, someone to check up on…. *sigh* But never mind, where there is a will…there is a way!

All the colors of the rainbow!

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Mistyeiz

All this time I’ve been doing my T&D, I’ve always soaked the fabric in soda ash before dyeing it so after watching a few vids on youtube where some had actually dyed with dry fabric, I decided to give it a shot.

It’s quite apparent that the reddish ones didnt quite turn out as I expected I think mainly coz it was a little bit tough trying to twist it while dry to get the spiral print. Though if you look REALLY REALLY close, you may notice it! lol

And I am somewhat proud of my SEMI-mandala start pattern. If only I could remember how I did it!!! >.<

And then once I had done those tiny pieces, I thought what the heck, I shall make NEW onesies for Georgina (not that she can wear them in THIS weather!) but this time, I didnt soak it in soda ash and neither was it wet when I tied it up.

So while the colors turned out alright, I didnt expect it to be so ‘messy’ though I have named this my Little Rainbow.

All in all, it wasnt too disappointing….but might give up dyeing for awhile. Looking forward to more test!!

And the testing continues….

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Mistyeiz

I still havent given up! Actually, its more like it’s coz I have the dye all ready to go that I can actually just do it whenever I feel like it. It may sound luxurious but it aint!!

Still in newbie mode but I’m slowly (and painfully) getting there, I reckon!

And so this was meant to be Arianna’s skirt but seeing how the pattern has turned out, I have no idea what to do with this!

Was thinking a picnic blanket or a tablecloth…still havent decided!!

Giving it another shot

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Mistyeiz

After a successful first attempt at T&D (tie & dye), my second attempt was a failure. Apparently the fabric I used wasnt cotton and the lesson here is to always test it to be sure what it is before you dye coz it really is a waste of dye if its not.

Technically, my second attempt left very faint marks on it so the fabric is somewhat ruin. Anyway, last night was attempt #3. I used this jersey fabric Mum brought from Malaysia and while I was putting the dye on, I’m thinking this isnt going to work…..but one can but hope. It’s only 0.5m of fabric so if it works, all good…..else, might have to think up something to make that I can use at home! lol

Will know for sure at midnight tonight.

Attempting Tie & Dye

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Mistyeiz

I’ve always been facinated by the idea behind tie and dye but I never really tried it myself. When Mum was a teacher, she used to teach her students such craft and she even made us dresses with her own handmade prints. She’s very clever like that!

This trip down, her interest in tie and dye got to me! lol So I caved in and got us some Procion dyes from Dharma Trading from the US. As a first time customer, I got meself an organic tshirt to meddle with. Mum had brought some voile down with her from Malaysia but she wasnt sure if it was 100% cotton as thats the best fabric to work with. We obviously learnt the hard way and Mum’s first attempt was disastrous. The dye didnt stick at all! Finally came my turn and I’m so over the moon that it worked!!

My first attempt. This is the spiral method.

I’m planning on getting more shite tshirts to test out with so will have to go shopping one of these days but in the mean time, I think I’m going to test with the kids singlets! lol

New Conceptions – Baby Essentials

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Mistyeiz

I can finally get this baby set modeled!! Actually, I very nearly missed having Georgina wear this. I thought I had made it in the 6 mths size but apparently not! lol Either that or I made a mistake in taking the measurements. I got this pattern in a destash so it was a good score. I sewed this way before she was born because I knew that I’d be busy with the moving and such. And even though I have loads of hand-me-downs, it’s only right that a NEW baby gets something NEW too.

All decked out in her new gear (Even has a Handmade tag sewn to her beanie!)

And because she was in a good mood, she decided that she wanted to give me a flying kick! lol

Still unpacking from our move and (Ted and) I made a deal with myself that I can only start sewing once all the unpacking is done – I so need to get a move on things!!

Missing those days

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Mistyeiz

Since Georgina came along, I havent really got myself back. As in I’ve not been able to organize my time so that I will have time to sew or do any craft. And this is with Mum around!! Lord knows what is going to happen when Mum goes home. :/

Anyway, was sitting down for a rest and was reminiscing the time we went on holidays to Holland in 2002 with Mum and Sis and how much fun it was! It was my first time overseas and very exciting. It was also the first time I had ever an online chat friend face to face. His name was Gert Dibbet. I’ve since lost touch but it would be nice to look him up again. Anyway, while we were there, we went to my cousin’s band, Exit31 gigs and they were FAB!!!

Then again, being ANOTHER first time – it was something I wont forget! lol It’s only now I realise how much equipment bands need to lug around and how important it is to have ‘hardy’ stuff like the
gallien krueger backline 600 which is suppose to be tough.

Aaahhh…..those were the days. Now, it’s just mostly nappies, laundry and cooking. >.< But what makes it all worthwhile is the hugs, kisses, smiles and I love yous.

The horsey shoulder bag – Free Otto bag pattern

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Mistyeiz

FINALLY I can blog about this shoulder bag!! Talk about patience is a virtue…. (this has been drummed into my kids, even Brandon knows this!). I made this for Sis for Christmas but since she lives a fair bit away and had missed out on this since my parcel arrived late, she got the thrilled of opening Christmas pressies late.

Made from quilter’s cotton and in Sis’s absolute fav animal, I hope this shoulder bag will come in handy.

I got this pattern online from Ottobre’s website and it’s free for all. Simple to put together and fast too. Thinking of modifying it a bit to have a flap next time. But only time will tell if this idea will ever come to be. lol For now, I’m just glad that Sis likes it. A lot.

My wee little model

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Mistyeiz

If you didn’t know, I’ve been busy….busy baking this squishy little bun!

Meet my Georgina, born 25/1/2013 @ 9.59am, 3.45kg after a somewhat short and aggressive 3+ hours of labour (which is not unusual for me!).

She is 6 days old here sporting the floral beanie and mittens I made just about a week before she made her appearance.

Goodbye….

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Mistyeiz

…..for now, at least. 2 days ago, I finally got up enough strength to put my sewing machine and overlocker away. It was painful to do and it certainly feels weird not seeing my babies aligned beautifully on my dining table.

With my babies stored away, I only have a few bits and pieces of fabric and my habby to put away before I can truly say that ALL my sewing stuff has been packed and ready for the move. No, we haven’t really found a place to move into yet but Ted and I are of the opinion that life would be much easier if we packed away what we are not using regularly (even though I could still be sewing RIGHT NOW) so that packing up will be less when the time comes, hence, less stress.

So since 2 days ago, I have been having some minor craft withdrawal symptoms. lol I could not just not do anything so I have decided to start knitting something. Decided on a Milo from Tikki and since it’s for beginners and easy to knit, I’m hoping it wont be an abandoned project! lol Wish me luck as I begin my first Milo today!