Coaster Set Envelope (+Template)

Finally, after a long hibernating sewing time !! Sewing coaster sets is what I've been doing all week long. I made them using batik fabric I bought from Dreamesh and some scrap from this dress. The umbrella patterned batiks has been kept in my container for 6 months. Its umbrella pattern is so cute and honestly I don't dare to cut it even an inch :D After a long discussion with my best debate partner (who else? my husband !) I finally cut that treasure. No tears, I swear :D

Enough about the tears, let's talk about the coaster set. I hosted a small gathering with my old friends along with a mini dinner last weekend and had no idea about the souvenirs. few days before the dinner. And after (not so) long searches, I came up with the idea of giving each of them a set of coasters that was enveloped in a small clutch. I made six coasters. Well they turned out kinda pretty, I guess

If you want to make it yourself, I give you this Coaster Set Envelope + Coaster Template. Please remember that it is just a measurement guide, not a ready-to-be-traced pattern

Tutorial ? Lets see if I had an enough free time tonight to write it.

I linked this post into these link parties

ps : I still owe the cardboard hanger template for Mass Manan. Maybe I really need that free time for myself :)

What will you need to sew Playsuit

Week 1 of February, I will be busy sewing this Playsuit :

Based on the poll, we had chosen this cute playsuit to be our first project in the sew-along. From 51 voters, 25 people chose this project. The second and the third place was a real battle between Baby's Dress + Sunhat and Baby's Buble, I thought it was. At the end, the Baby's dress+Sunhat won the second place. For all the poll's participants, thank you so much for the vote :)

Here is the Poll Result link

Some friends asked me what materials/fabrics that she must buy and prepare for the Sew-Along. For the Playsuit, some basic materials are :

- The pattern (patterns are in the bonus CD from the book). You can draft your own pattern. You can also use any baby jumpsuit pattern that you've already had in your file)
- Paper for printing the pattern
- (+/-) 1.5 - 2 m of plain or printed fabrics for outer and lining. From baby cord, chambray, soft jeans into cotton poplin, voile or anything you think it will suit
- 12 buttons, 3/8" or 1 cm diameter
- Basting thread
- Matching sewing thread
- Sewing machine
- Basic sewing kit (pins, needles, iron, etc)

p.s : For Angeliquez, maybe we can make a special sew-along for the Baby's Bubble if there is anyone interested. I am always ready to help hosting the sew-along anytime but next month please. For these few past years, March has been a full-throttle month for me

Important Note : Images and some project descriptions are courtesy of Fiona Bell. "Sewn with Love" is published in North America by Interweave. Please do not take images without permission of the writer/publisher

Sew-Along Week 4 Poll : Bedtime (CLOSED)

Let's make it fast. I have more posts to be edited :) This will end our series of polls and let us prepare for the next sewing missions, that is the SEW ALONG itself !

From left to right :

- Girl Summer Pajamas
- Laundry / Toy Bag
- Classic Boy's Pajamas
- Tooth Fairy Pillow

Girl Summer Pajamas :
Its top is button through and has an A-line shape. The pants is gathered-in at the ankles. Your girls would love to wear this

Laundry / Toy Bag :
It can transform from a laundry bag into a toy bag, even it can be used as a personalised gift wrap or maybe the gift itself

Classic Boy's Pajamas :
"Made up from an original vintage pattern, these lovely pajamas conjure up nostalgic images of fireside cocoa and bedtime stories. They are a timeless shape .."

Tooth Fairy Pillow :
When the tooth fairy comes for a visit, make sure she can find your child's tooth easily in this pillow ^_^

Here you go, I need your help again to vote. Please consider that this vote result will affect the Sew-Along. The most voted project will be chosen for the Sew-Along Week 4 in February.

As usual, I made the poll in two places. You can find it at the end of this post either at my sidebarI open this poll until February 16, 2011. And the Sew-Along Week 2 will start at February 21, 2011. Don't forget to grab the Sew-Along Button at my sidebar :)

Thank you so much for helping me with the polls. I hope you will enjoy the sew along

p.s. : UPDATE : The poll had been closed. The result is here ==> Poll Result

Thank you so much for voting ^_^

Important Note : Images and some project reviews are courtesy of Fiona Bell. "Sewn with Love" is published in North America by Interweave. Please do not take images without permission of the writer/publisher

Sew-Along Week 3 Poll : Parties CLOSED

My blog, I'm so sorry for neglecting you. I couldn't do nothing about sewing or anything about my hobby. This situation may stay few weeks ahead. But I will try my best to do the Sew-Along !! You can count on me on that thing :)

Right now, let's vote again for our third week nominees, here they are :

Top row - from left to right :
- Silk-Chiffon & Lace Dress
- Full Circle Dress
- Tulip-Shaped Dress

Second row - from left to right :

- Handkerchief-Sleeve Dress
- 1950s Pin-Tuck Dress

Some preview about the projects :

Silk-Chiffon & Lace Dress :
This gorgeous party dress epitomizes a true vintage look, with delicate lace trim being its strong feature

Full-Circle Dress :
"The most appealing part of the original dress was the amazing full-circle skirt, which little girls love to twirl around in"

Tulip-Shaped Dress :
It has netting underskirt that gives a real occasion feel, which makes it perfect for parties and means it could make an enchanting outfit for a flower girl

Handkerchief-Sleeve Dress :
It has the classic vintage "handkerchief" sleeve, which has beautiful detailing in the form of the broderie lace trimming

1950s Pin-Tuck Dress :

It has a classic pin-tuck on the front bodice. It is so pretty when styled as special occasion piece for a party, but it can also be dressed down with ankle socks and canvas boots

I must admit that this round has some equal choices. I can not decide myself which dress to sew. I need your help again to vote. Please consider that this vote result will affect the Sew-Along. The most voted project will be chosen for the Sew-Along Week 3 in February. As usual, I made the poll in two places. You can find it at the end of this post either at my sidebar

I open this poll until February 9, 2011. And the Sew-Along Week 2 will start at February 14, 2011. Don't forget to grab the Sew-Along Button at my sidebar :)

UPDATE : The poll has been closed. You can see the poll result here ==> Poll result

"Sewn with Love" Winner

Congratulation !! Annie, my husband pick you ^_^

Annie's comment :

I need to win this book for many reasons! First, I never and I mean never win anything. Second, I am the grandmother of four gorgeous grandchildren and would love to sew some magnificent outfits for them. Third, my husband and I have been through some devastating times--physically and financially and this book would really give me a boost during these dark days. Please, if you can--please pick me! I promise to love and use the book faithfully!

Annie, I hope you will like the book :)

Important note :
Unfortunately, I can't find any email in your blogger profile. Please respond to this this post within 4 days and send me a comment about your email or email me at : mama.rafif@gmail.com

If I receive no response within four days, I will pick another winner at January 26, 2011


Don't forget to enter Sew-Along Poll
Week 1 == > Vote here
Week 2 ==> Vote here
Or you just look at the top sidebar. My polls are right after the Sew-Along button

Sew-Along Week 2 Poll : Playtime CLOSED

For the second week, we will sew easy to wear dress, skirt & shirts especially made for playtime !! You know, the hush & gush (is that even a word ??), the high and the low, the up and down of our children playtime sometime test out our patience :)

Have you vote for your favorite project for Week 1 ? If not, you can vote here or on my sidebar

Ok, here are my choices for the poll (from left to right) :
- Button-Through Dress
- Classic Shirt (for Boys)
- Dirndl Skirt
- Boy's Short-Sleeved Shirt

Some preview about the projects :

Button-Through Dress :
"This is a great everyday dress, as it can be worn over jeans or leggings to make it more practical and versatile." Personal note from me : its yoke that makes this everyday looks so versatile

Classic Shirt :
"It is a staple piece for any boy's wardrobe and can be worn with T-shirt underneath to remove the formal connotations of a button-through shirt"
Dirndl Skirt :
This classic tiered skirt is constructed from four gathered tiers, is nearly full circle, making it wonderful to twirl around in
Boy's Short-Sleeved Shirt :
This is a boxy shirt with revere collar and short sleeves, perfect for any summer vacation

My usual note :
Ok, please vote now. Please consider that this vote result will affect the Sew-Along. The most rated project will be chosen for the Sew-Along Week 2 in February. This day i made the poll in two places. You can find it at the end of this post either at my sidebar

I open this poll until February 2, 2011. And the Sew-Along Week 2 will start at February 7, 2011. You can grab the Sew-Along Button here :

<a href="http://childhood-obsessions.blogspot.com/search/label/Sewn"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HMXgUViRGR8/TTAERLX6PzI/AAAAAAAABO0/Bp5IzWuRuk4/s800/Sewn%20with%20love.jpg" border="0" alt="Sewn with Love Sew-Along" /></a></center>


Update : Poll has been closed. You can see here for the Poll result

Sew-Along Week 1 Poll : Babies -CLOSED

Please vote for your favourite projects for Sew Along Week 1 (The poll is at the end of this post )

From left to right :
- Baby's Dress & Sun Hat
- Vintage Quilt
- Playsuit
- Baby's Bubble

Some preview about the projects :
Baby's Dress & Sun Hat :
"With its classic-vintage angel sleeves, this is a really pretty dress shape for a baby..."

Vintage Quilt :
This classic hexagonal quilt will be perfect for a special baby

Playsuit :
The inspiration for this playsuit came from a garment Fiona found in Paris few years back. The attention to detail shown by little bows on the pockets is indicative of how the French go that little bit further with styling touches

Baby's Bubble :
A bestseller in Their Nibs for the past few years, this is a gorgeous piece for newborns and toddlers.

Arent' they all gorgeous ? If I have more and more time, surely I will sew them all :)

Ok, please vote now. Please consider that this vote result will affect the Sew-Along. The most rated project will be chosen for the Sew-Along Week 1 in February.

I open this poll until January 27, 2011. And the Sew-Along Week 1 will start at Feb 1, 2011. And please, do not forget to enter my "Sewn with Love" giveaway . It will end this Thursday, January 20, 2011

Happy voting !

- THE POLL HAS BEEN CLOSED AT JANUARY 27, 2011

"Sewn with Love" Giveaway

"Sewn with Love" by Fiona Bell, published by Interweave, was brought to me on early December 2010. I had preordered the book since August 2010. The release date was delayed from the intial release date, and that made me almost delaying the purchase. Fortunately, I didn't. When I first opened the parcel packaging, I knew I would love this book so much.

This is a book full of classic patterns for childrens, 25 paterns exactly, ranging from Babies, playtime suits, beautiful party dresses, and some cute pajamas for bedtime. Their sizes range from 0-3 month to 7-8 years. These are exactly the kinds of clothes I like to make for the baby shower, and for my boy and my girl to wear. Their style are classic and have a hint of vintage. Fiona also write a chapter about Vintage style and some hints on how to achieve the vintage look.

About the Author (taken from Amazon.com) :

Fiona Bell is a former junior buyer at Topman and several major international department stores, including Laura Ashley. In 2003, Fiona opened Their Nibs, a children’s shop and label with clothes, accessories, and homeware, all produced in the distinctive signature prints and vintage style. Fiona’s couture sewing expertise and eye for fashion have allowed her to bring her range of gorgeous clothes to online retailers and in various stores and boutiques around the world, including Mothercare, John Lewis, Harrods, Bon Marche, and Avoca. She lives in London, England.

Above : Their Nibs store in London
source

Some preview from the book :

Baby's Bubble from Chapter "Babies"

Cover of Chapter Parties - where you can find the most beautiful vintage style party dresses for girls



Cover of Chapter "Bedtime"



Cover of Chapter "Playtime"

The first good news is, I proclaim the next February as "Sewn with Love" Sew Along Month. That means I will post the sew along for a whole month. Of course I won't make all the projects, therefore I will divide the whole month into four parts. Each part will hold for a week. Here is the breakdown :

- First week, I will sew a baby project ==> Vote your favorite Babies projects here
- Second week : a playtime top/skirt/pant ==> Vote your favorite Babies projects here
- Third week is for a party dress
- Fourth week is for a bedtime's project

I admit that it's difficult to choose a project for each week, so I need your help to choose it. For four days starts from tomorrow, I will post some projects to choose. And it's your job to fill the polls. I need your help, please ... *begging*

Here is the sew along button (in case if you need it ^_^) Don't forget to put a comment if you interested in the sew along. I hope many of you are participated

(Please link it to my blog)

And the second good news is (something you should have known from the title of this post) I will giveaway a copy of "Sewn with Love" for a lucky reader. Just put a comment "why you need to win this book".

I will leave this giveaway open until Thursday 20, 2011. I welcome any entry from around the world. One comment for one person.The winner will be drawn by my husband (trying to use another method instead of random.org ^_^) and will be announced at Friday 21, 2011. Good luck !!

Recycled Cardboard Hanger

Hi ! I am so sorry for being hiatus for a week without leaving any notice. I just finished some marathon meetings for ensuring my outcome for 4 months ahead, and tidied up my annual schedule for my team. I haven't sew for almost two week, therefore I don't have any sewing tutorial to offer. But do not worry, tomorrow morning I will announce something special. So, don't forget to check out my new post tomorrow morning :)

So, is there anything (instead of sewing tutorial) that I offer you today? There it is. A DIY Recycled Cardboard Hanger. I always search for cute yet simple hangers to show off my creations, but I haven't find them anywhere. Yes, I've found some cute hangers. But hey, they are too pricey. Many of them are made from woods or wooden panels (and of course, they are pricey !!). Others are adult size. And they don't match my style and my need to find small hangers for baby/toddler clothes

What you need :

- Cardboard (from unused box -- shoe box, toys box,etc)
Some stores refer it as carton board. Just make sure that it flat and thick enough to hang small clothes. A 2 mm thickness or more is fine. If you can't find a 2 mm, you can cut it in 2 parts and glue them together

- Heavy-duty cutter or scissors

- Spray paint or acrylics paint (but I prefer spray paint for a smooth result)

- Paper glue (if needed)

- Cardpaper (or any kind of paper) for hanger's template

For decorations, you also need (optional) :
- Brushes (if you choose to paint the hanger using brush, or to draw any delicate decoration)

- Rubber stamp (if you chose to stamp the hanger's decoration)

- Stencil (if you choose to stencil the hanger's decoration)

- Any options are endless, you can choose any tool to decorate your hanger according to your basic design)

How to make :

- Draw your hanger design in cardpaper or copy paper
(If you need my template, just put comment saying that you need it, I will post it in my later post)

- Cut the template

- Trace the template into the cardboard, and cut it. Tadaa !! your plain hanger is done

- If you love colors, paint your hanger. I prefer plain hanger because it can make my clothes shout out loud

I made three versions : a plain one, pink version for my girl, and blue version for my boy. They turned out so cute, especially the pink and blue hanger. Maybe I should pick a pair of pink and blue hanger and put them into a frame. I think it will be a great decor for my toddler's room. How about you ? do you have any suggestions on how to make DIY hanger ? Please tell me, because I need to steal your idea ^_^

My last note, if you made something based on this post, you can add them into my Flickr Pool

I link up this post into these link parties

Audrey Kawasaki

"Mayakashi"　まやかし deception by Audrey Kawasaki
12"x12" oil and graphite on wood.
Source

Just found her via Stumble Upon, and I must admit that she is so amazing. Due to sewing datelines, I almost forget about my other hobby : painting. And here comes Audrey Kawasaki to enligthen me.

From her bio : "The themes in Audrey Kawasaki's work are contradictions within themselves. Her work is both innocent and erotic. Each subject is attractive yet disturbing. Audrey's precise technical style is at once influenced by both manga comics and Art Nouveau. Her sharp graphic imagery is combined with the natural grain of the wood panels she paints on, bringing an unexpected warmth to enigmatic subject matter."

At first, I thought "wow !! How did she make all that grainy & woody effects on her paintings?" And then I'm more excited when I read that she doesn't paint on ordinary canvas. She paints on wood panels. This painting technique makes every of her paintings has a dreamy and airy

Flutter Away by Audrey Kawasaki
oil and graphite on wood panel 16"x19"
Hi-Fructose 5th Anniversary Group show @ Copro Gallery, 2010
Source : here and here

Source

She also makes felt dolls !! Not just ordinary felt dolls, because she mixes the felt with painted canvas to make the dolls' face & hands. I think they are a little bit creepy and weird for the first time, but stunning and exceptional artworks must be once considered as weird, aren't they?

Felt Dolls by Audrey Kawasaki
Source

And the best regret is that I missed this wooden brooch !! Arrghh

Source

If you want to know more about her, you can visit these links :
Audrey Kawasaki's official website : www.audrey-kawasaki.com
Audrey's journal : Okonomide (http://i-seldom-do.livejournal.com/)
Another Audrey;s journal : Kimagure Gaki (http://baibai-matane.livejournal.com/)
Audrey Kawasaki's Twitter Account : http://twitter.com/audreykawasaki/

My Top 10 Posts of 2010 & A Thank You Note

I'm new to blogging, but I'll post my Top 10 Post of 2010 anyway, geee.. It has not been late, has it ? Ok, countdown from #10 to #1 starts now...

#10

Tunic for Eid

This is a toddler's tunic I made for my girl. You can make it for boys too, cause it is unisex actually

#9

A Failed Baby Kimono Shoe

#8

Vitamin C Drewdrop Handbag

#7

T-Shirt Refashion : Scallop Apliqued Toddler Shirt

#6

Kimono Shoes For A Baby Shower

#5

Smocking Part of A Dress into Headband

#4

External Hard Disk Cover Tutorial

#3

Bibbee Dress Tutorial

#2

Basic Balloon Dress + Patterns

and #1 is ....

Triangular Pouch Tutorial

Wow !! 2010 had been a wonderful year of my life. I started blogging at May, and couldn't think of any reason behind blogging other than to post my crafty trials, tutorial finds, amateur tutorials, favorite freebies, and maybe some of my daily challenges. But it had gone more than that. I got many new friends. Lots and lots of them came from far far away countries, and lots & lots are my close neighbours. And they are all so creative !! I'm glad that I didn't neglected this blog :)

So, dear friends, thank you so much for being with me in the past year. I hope we all can be friend forever (at least in this blogosphere), and I hope we can fill this new year by sharing many creative projects, instead of neglecting our blog

Last note, Zakiyya wants to say "Thank you" too....