Innocentia

Idekuhandmade Winners

2012-01-25T09:00:00.003+07:00

Congratulation !

Maya Floria Yasmin, you win the Owl Cushion, yay !!

And Nindya Karlina, you get the Baby Owl, congrats !

God heard both of your prayers, I envy you a lot ! :D
I will send a confirmation email for each of you today
Once again, congratulation, lucky girls !

What does handmade mean to you ?

2012-01-24T16:20:00.004+07:00

source

This is a short survey I made with my crafty friends from an FB Group, Indonesian Crafters

Handmade means ....

Self satisfaction (Sarie Padmanegara)

To prove that I can make it, just like a challenge (Citra)

Really made by hand, at least 90% worked by crafty hands not totally by machine. Non uniform, because it is not just "manufactured" (Leidi from Little Mice)

Handmade is purely made by hand, which is unique and original. The end result will reflect us, the maker, the art is..authentics (Yuka)

My way of life..
Handmade = Art
I love art, loving with art..
Detail but not perfectionist.. (Saga Amelia)

Just a hobby - n just for fun (Dyah Saraswati)

Handmade is passion of each crafter, pride and proof for ourself (Chesiria Tattia)

Handmade is a hand-crafted artwork which is made with love and full of precise. Our works will never be the same each other because we create them wholeheartedly (Arinaste Craft)

Handmade for me is my personal expression and happiness, it more refers to hobby... because when I made something, I made something soulful, which resonated what I felt that time, cry with handmade, laugh with handmade, just like a poetry... (Kiki Emeralda)

Handmade is like a finger print, everyone has her/his identity ...(Piena Mustika)

Handmade is like a signature, everyone has her/his characteristics. In a handmade thing, there are passions and loves of its maker. And now, handmade has became my way of life(Indah Apsari)

It is more about inner passion (Dian 'Dini' Kusumawardhani)

My way of life. It is like my soulmate (Dina leonard)

Handmade is my passion. I just can't live without it. My way of life :) (Rika Daniel)

I do what i like and what i love :)... (Malicka)

How about you ? What does handmade means to you ?

Dot and Roscoe Paper Doll by The Black Apple

2012-01-18T16:04:00.007+07:00

Happy Thursday !
In case you can't recognize the style, the gorgeous paper doll above is designed and illustrated by the one and only, my hero, Emily Winfield Martin a.k.a The Black Apple. You can download the paper doll here

Don't forget to visit her etsy shop and another blog Some Girls Wander

You will love all of her paintings, prints, and papery goods. My favorite is "Lilian and Licorice" :

In Bahasa Indonesia, I would say "Unyuuu...." that means "cutee.."

She also has published two books, The Black Apple's Paper Doll Primer and Oddfellow's Orphanage

Do you have any favorite illustrator or artwork that you love so much ?
Please share with me so I can add them to my pinterest

OOT :
The New Year Giveaway from Idekuhandmade ends tomorrow, put a comment there to enter

Reflections and Predictions

2012-01-13T17:11:00.005+07:00

Let's make a recap of what had happened in 2011, and my predictions about 2012, all about sewing !

Looking back at the 2011 sewing scene, what trends stand out in your mind?
I saw many women who return to sewing. I'm glad that sewing is now considered as a hobby for modern woman, not just for our granny
For fabrics, there are many bright and bold colors for fabrics, and birds, a lot of birds

What were some of your favorite things related to sewing this past year?
Fabrics! so many new fabrics designers come with their design

What did you make that you’re most proud of?
Maybe this baby playsuit ?

What sewn projects have you seen this year that you absolutely love?
Every submission in Project Run and Play is adorably sweet, especially this chocolate delivery dress by Katy from No Big Dill :

Do you have a favorite sewing book or pattern from the past year to recommend?
Printing by Hand by Lena Corwin

What are your thoughts about social media? How is it going for you? What do you love or hate?
In 2011, I was so into social media. I tweeted a lot, joined a facebook group of local Indonesian crafter, sold my fabrics on facebook, met new friends. I'm still ok now, ha.. I am an easily distracted person and social media distracted me a lot from my projects.So I make a commitment to make a solid filter about when, where and how should I dig into social media

Did you have a favorite fabric collection or print in 2011?
I had many, but my most favorite is Aviary 2 by Joel Dewberry

Above : my just-arrived fabrics orders, finally I could have plum sparrows from "Aviary 2", it is in top-right

What do you predict for 2012 in the sewing industry?
I'm expecting new well-designed fabrics and patterns to be launched in 2012. I now fall in love with solids and soft linens. Simple and vintage children clothing pattern is more preferable for me, so the solids will fit me a lot.

Can you tell us what to expect from you in 2012? Any big projects or life-changing goals?
I'm expecting my self to be more organized, in both work life and creative side. I had a bad habit to disorganize ideas, so I got stucked with them at 2011. My day job is now taking more of my attentions so I have to do it efficiently so I can do more with my creative side

New Year Giveaway from Idekuhandmade - CLOSED

2012-01-13T08:32:00.008+07:00

Hello everyone, now it's time for a New Year Giveaway !

I bet local crafters from Indonesia might know this fabulous crafty girl. Who else than Puri from Idekuhandmade. If you haven't know her before, she is an Indonesian crafter, she crafts and teachs workshops. Her owl cushions are famous all over the country. We're so lucky that she want to share her story about herself, design philosophy, and some tips and tricks. She loves to share her knowledge

1. Please tell us a bit about yourself, a crafter, a designer, and now a crafty-workshop tutor. How do you maintain your time ?

Saya hanyalah seorang perempuan dengan ambisi melakukan apa yang saya suka tanpa batasan dan ikatan. Senang sekali bisa membuat sesuatu yang ada dalam otak lalu menjadi kenyataan. Cara memantainnya dengan berusaha membagi tiap jenis pekerjaan mulai dari menggambar, membuat pola, menjahit, lalu mengajar sesuai dengan jadwal yang telah saya buat sebelumnya. Karena semua ini hobby, saya melakukannya dengan senang.

2. I always like to ask how, when and where did you start sewing?
Saya belajar menjahit secara otodidak sejak lulus kuliah. Tetapi kalau ditanya sejak kapan saya menyukai dunia craft, saya menyukainya sejak masih TK. Saya selalu gembira sekali di kelas senirupa, menggambar bentuk dengan batang pohon pisang!

3. Please describe your design philosophy in a sentence or two
Sederhana dan mengalir begitu saja. Jujur saja saya tidak terlalu bisa menggambar, tetapi saya hanya membuat bagaimana gambar sederhana itu tadi menjadi lebih hidup.

4. Where do you find your inspirations ?
Dimana-mana selalu ada inspirasi menarik. Bisa langsung melihat dalam kehidupan sehari-hari ataupun bisa dalam dunia maya.

5. You love to make dolls/plushies. Did you have a favorite plushie as a child?
Wah saya punya! Namanya Lissy, dia adalah seekor kelinci betina dengan muka yang sangat konyol dan badan yang panjang.

6. What are the differences between being a crafter and a workshop tutor? How did the challenges differ ?
Semua pada dasarnya sama, namun pada saat menjadi workshop tutor, saya harus bisa membagi ilmu yang saya punya lalu menjelaskannya kepada para peserta. Dan yang paling terpenting adalah bagaimana cara membuat agar peserta tersebut mengerti terhadap materi yang saya berikan.

7. What things do you like to make other than dolls/plushies ? Do you sew for yourself ?
Saya banyak membuat benda-benda lain selain boneka. Seperti yang saya katakan sebelumnya, saya membuat apa yang saya inginkan. Senang sekali rasanya jika di otak saya terbersit bentuk tas, lalu saya membuat tas. Atau jika otak saya terbersit bentuk mainan anak, lalu saya akan segera membuatnya juga. Saya membuat pola lalu menjahitnya sendiri. Setelah saya puas mendapatkan hasilnya, lal pekerjaan ini akan saya teruskan kepada para karyawan sehingga mereka dapat membuatnya lebih banyak.

8. What is your best advice for others who are contemplating changing their dreams into their bliss?
Lakukan apa yang ingin dilakukan. Karena ide hanyalah sebuah 'ide' jika hanya berada di otak saja. Temukan hasrat terbesar tentang apa yang kita sukai lalu lakukan sesuai dengan hasrat tersebut

Love those last paragraphs, Puri !
"Idea" is still an "Idea" if you do nothing to make it real, but it can change your whole world, if you want to "do" it

For celebrating this new year, Idekuhandmade will giveaway some of its latest collections :

- One Owl Cushion
- One Baby Owl

Two readers can win each of them. How to win it ?

Mandatory entry :
Leave me a comment telling me "What is your favorite Idekuhandmade product ?"
==> Don't forget to Put this giveaway button in your sidebar and include your email address <==

Additional entries (optional) :
- Follow Idekuhandmade's Blog ==> +1 point

How to put this giveaway button on your sidebar :
Click, copy and paste this code :

{please state what you do in your comment}

This giveaway is opened internationally from today (January 13) 'till January 20, 2012. Restated, we welcome any entry from around the world ==> NOW CLOSED

Mind boosters for starting this year

2012-01-06T08:22:00.004+07:00

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So, what's your favorite quote ? some words that can pump your heart when you remember it ?

Have a great year !!

Innocentia's 2011 Round Up

2012-01-03T14:55:00.009+07:00

Innocentia's 9 (nine) most-viewed posts in 2011 are :
1. Triangular pouch tutorial
2. Balloon dress tutorial
3. Bibbee dress tutorial
4. Baby top into cute handbag tutorial
5. Leela dress tutorial
6. Hard drive cozy tutorial
7. Baby playsuit sew along
8. Chrysant brooch tutorial
9. Mini Me Shirt PDF tutorial + pattern

And the least post I wrote in 2011 is this "Splurges and Freebies May". I guessed that many people would love that resourceful roundup, but I was wrong

And the most important footstep in my blogging life came in May 2011, when I held my first blogiversary giveaway. There were 156 comments and 200 more entries for this giveaway. And the prizes were all amazing. Hope I can hold a same event this year, with more preparations and more prizes (...send me a message if you want to be one of my blogiversary sponsors this year...)

To end this roundup, I really want to say thank you much for all my blogger friends and readers for your kind comments and supports. Wish you great successes in 2012 !

Bucket Bag and A Triple Birthday

2011-12-30T12:03:00.007+07:00

I'm currently making some of this bucket bag, and have finished some of them. If you had read this post, you would know where I got its pattern. I made the pattern at July and made the bags at December. That's great. At least, I made them, didn't I ? =)) ROTFL

Sewn using this Botanika's Wink Wink from Paula Prass and a dark brown linen as its lining, can you imagine where I should take this bag along with me? to the mall, bookstores, to the picnic ? It was weird because I imagined using it as a baby nursery or craft room decoration *__*

And for "shaun the sheep" plushie in the first photo, I know, that wasn't my kind of style. But I couldn't think of anything connected to wool yarns except "shaun the sheep". I feel so guilty for snatching Zakiyya's doll without asking her first. Her response when seeing that photo was like "Mom, that's my doll" ha ha..

The bag without "shaun the sheep" :

After few weeks of hiatus in blogging and sewing, I realized that I forgot all my promises to you, from this renewed tutorial until bigger sizings for this patterns. Sorry :'(
I'll try my best next year

Last but not least, did I forget to mention that we got a triple birthdays this month ? After Zakiyya's birthday at the end of November, three weeks ago was my birthday, two weeks ago was my boy's birthday, and last monday was my husband's birthday. We celebrated them by going to the beach, sight seeing Mount Krakatau and Mount Anak Krakatau, and by getting nauseas the next day - all day long, all of us
That was not full of fun, but we were all excited. How about you? How did you fill your holiday ?

Note : This post has been added to some of these fab link parties

Myurbey Winners

2011-12-14T13:43:00.005+07:00

I'll make this short and sweet. For all of you who have been waiting for the Myurbey giveaway winners announcement, here they are the winners :

The Sunday Bag goes to

Dilla

And The Cheers Cushion goes to :

Indah Budi Utari

Last, mathryoshka ornaments goes to

Tara

Congratulation, winners
I will send three of you confirmation emails today for asking your home/mailing addresses

And thank you, Ms. Belinda for this great giveaway

Shabby Chic & Kawaii Finds

2011-12-08T13:35:00.006+07:00

Why on earth did I not fall in love with doll house miniatures before ? Especially in tea-set miniatures that I found this week (above). And the shabby fabrics I bought from Goodthings Gallery is a perfect mate for my mini tea set. I'm considering to make four mini floor pillows using the same fabrics. What do you think ?

That cute pink+doily bunny mug above is from Daiso. Are you a fan of "Daiso"? If you're a fan, you must be familiar with its collections of cute and kawaii zakka things and home decors, includes two cute tins below :

So tell me, can you bear those cuteness ? What are your latest treasure finds ?

Sweet Holiday Treats - Giveaways from Myurbey - CLOSED

2011-12-07T11:00:00.007+07:00

I met the awesome Belinda from Myurbey somewhat a year ago in blogging land, and we suddenly became best friends. When I asked my crafty friends to sponsor my giveaways, she's among the first who contacted me. Seriously, if I can enter myself into this giveaway, I will surely do that :D

She loves to be crafty, sandy beaches and Cath Kidston. I want to know her better so aI asked her a couple questions, and she promptly gave me her answers (Thank youuu Belinda...XOXO)

Here are her answers :
1. Tell us a bit about yourself
Hello world ,I'm Belinda. Belinda Regina Visser and I'm 20 years old
Aku anak pertama dari 2 bersaudara ,memilih menjadi full crafter dengan alasan karena dulu tidak diterima pekerjaan karena belum lulus, tapi rasanya pilihan ini justru lebih baik,dan sekarang menjadi Founder and Crafter di Myurbey

2. Apart from creating things, what do you do?
Selain menjadi Crafter di Myurbey ,aku juga menjadi administrasi disana, menjadi tukang antar barang ke JNE, menjadi pengamat, menjadi marketing, menjadi blogger ,menjadi wanita 20th yang gemar mencari hal baru dan Pantai Baru

3. Where does your inspiration come from?
Inspirasi datang dari mana saja, dan inspirasi datang di kertas putih. Ketika mencoret garis dan membuat pola ,disitulah ide dan inspirasi datang. Di kamar adalah salah satu tempat ternyaman di dunia selain Pantai

4. What does handmade mean to you?
Handmade itu jika di ibaratkan adalah Sidik Jari, tidak bisa di pungkiri sidik jari setiap orang specially setiap crafter itu berbeda. Kami mungkin punya konsep yang sama atau ide yang mirip, namun setiap goresan, setiap jahitan, setiap gambaran itu bisa menyimpulan diri orang itu sendiri ,dan keunikannya sendiri

5. Who has been most influential in your craft?
Yang paling berpengaruh tentu saja URBEY (buyer). Mereka yang membuat saya berkembang sampai saat ini .. terima kasih untuk para buyer, followers, dan semua teman-teman ku, keluargaku yang serentak menjadi Fans Myurbey ^.^

6. When did you know you were an artist/maker?
Berawal dari suka membaca majalah dan mengikuti tutorial yang mereka buat, semenjak itu jadi suka buka blog crafter2 local maupun luar, daya tarik tinggi dan aku merasa aku bisa membuat nya plus menjualnya. Dari sana aku tau ,yes I'm crafter :)

7. How would you describe your creative process?
Proses kreatif itu seperti halnya sekolah. Saat masuk sekolah, banyak belajar, banyak PR, ada evaluasi, ada nilai bagus, ada nilai jelek, ada menerima raport dan ada liburan
Karena kreatifitas tidak hanya dilihat dari kita si pembuat, namun orang yang menerima dan menikmati kreatifitas yang sudah kita buat ,dan jika kreativitas kita menjadikan mereka kreatif artinya sudah mission complete ,Take and Give

8. If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be?
Kalau untuk crafter dari luar negeri aku fans berat Cath Kidston, dengan semua karya nya, motifnya, aplikasinya, tokonya yang mendunia, dia sangat menginspirasi dan rasanya ingin tau bagaimana di dalam studionya

Local : banyak banget ,aku bingung mengurutkannya ehhehhehe tapi yang paling aku fav adalah Nest Of Ojanto from Jogjakarta.Aku pengen banget main ke studio nya plus minta ajarin sablon pattern :p

Thank you Belinda for the answers. I'm also a fan of Cath Kidston :)

For all innocentia readers, Myurbey will giveaway some of its latest collections :

- One "Cheers" pillow
- One "Sunday" bag
- and one set of Mathryoshka ornaments
For three lucky readers ! How coll is that ?

How to win it ?

Mandatory entry :
Leave me a comment telling me that you want to enter this giveaway
==> Don't forget to include your email address <==

Additional entries (optional) :
- Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect ==> +1 point
- Follow Myurbey's Blog ==> +1 point
- Like myurbey's facebook ==> +1 point
- Follow Myurbey's twitter ==> +1 point
- Blog, share it on facebook or tweet about this giveaway ==> each +1 point
- Put this giveaway button in your sidebar ==> +1 point

{please state what you do in your comment}

This giveaway is officially CLOSED
Thank you for your participations

Birthday Girl

2011-11-25T23:01:00.010+07:00

(Above and the last photo in this post were taken three weeks before this post -- no blister >_< )

My daughter will turn three this Sunday ! I hope it's not too soon to announce it to everyone. It's so sad that my birthday girl can't celebrate her birthday with a crowd of friends and families. She is required to stay at home while she is infectious to avoid spreading the disease to others. I know, "infectious" is a weird word to describe my own daughter. I hate when it happened, but everyone must pass this phase at least once in their lifetime, I guess

She still gets lesions and blisters from the varicella infection I mentioned at the end of my previous post. I took her to a pediatrician at Tuesday and some of chickenpox/varicella's symptoms on her body has been relieved. Anyway, while she awakes, she will refuse my attempts to cut her nails. She can't prevent herself from scratching, and I'm afraid that the scrathing will cause more infections. She'd been told not to scratch and she agreed. But when she feels the itch, in a funny way, she innocently asks me "Can I scratch it ?" My poor daughter

Oh, did I forget to mention that my nanny's daughter will marry this sunday? Last week, the nanny asked me permission for taking a whole week off. That what made me taking a three days off from my office since wednesday and doing nothing but keeping the children and the house. No sewing or blogging. And my fabrics shop is officially neglected.

Back to the birthday. I don't order a special cake for her birthday. So, there will be no barbie cake that was ordered for last year's birthday. And there will be no dazzling princess-like dress like the manhattan dress I made for her second birthday anniversary *sobbing*

I've made a plan to make this cute pinafore from Ottobre Summer 2006 :

using this "Parade" print, a best seller (and hard to find) from Sarah Jane's fabric line :

Or maybe a pair of top and skirt using this cute Little Apples from Aneela Hoey ?

But today is Saturday, and the birthday is tomorrow ! I don't have time to sew T_T

My husband said that my daughter is just three years old and she doesn't even know what birthday celebration is, anyway. I agree. What more important for her is my love, attentions, kisses, cuddles, bedtime stories, back-scrubbing, or maybe just a walk to a local grocery shop to buy some snacks ?

I will always love you, my dear

p.s This blog has a new, shorter web address : www.myinnocentia.com
Please bookmark it for your future reference. You can reach my blog using my blogspot address (http://childhood-obsessions.blogspot.com) and will be redirected into my new blog address

MathCraft Series Winner

2011-11-21T09:00:00.002+07:00

And the winner of MathCraft Series from Capungmungil is.....

Congratulation Mrs. Ethie, please send me a confirmation email in two days
And thank you for Mrs. Dini, for being my monthly spotlight this month

Btw, my dearest daughter got varicella infection/chickenpox yesterday. Hope she will be alright with all those itchy rashes T_T

The Blog's 200th Post

2011-11-16T09:52:00.004+07:00

Something happens today. It's my 200th post ! I marked the 100th at December 23, 2010, at this boy's kimono pj's post. The conclusion is I need almost a year to write 100 blog posts

Nothing special today but the delivery of my 7th email newsletter. Read it here and find a surprise !
Unfortunately, it only opens for my subscribers who signed-up before the newsletter was sent

If you want to join my newsletter and be counted in my not-so monthly surprise giveaway, you can sign-up for my newsletter

Back to the number of blog post, how many blog posts that you have written so far ?
is that meaningful for you ?
I also need some helps on being consistent and how to post almost daily, because weekly posting becomes my big constraints nowadays. I mean, if to post weekly is almost impossible, how can I do a daily posting ? Ha.. pesimist *_*
I seriously need some optimistic feedbacks which can give me some guts

Chiao !

Math Craft Stories -by Capungmungil Giveaway -CLOSED

2011-11-09T10:00:00.014+07:00

Tadaaa !! I'm back !

No new project here. Actually, there are. But they are lying in my desk, untouched

But, I have a new monthly spotlight today ^__^

A lovely local business, "Capungmungil" has taken my interest. Cute handmade finger puppets, softbooks, clothbooks, boardbooks, storyboards, handmade prayer rugs, home/nursery decors and many kinds of edutoy. They are all crafted and designed by the lovely Mrs. Dini, my new friend. I know about Capungmungil in a media few months back, and all I can say that this lady is super. She's a lecturer, an architect, a writer, designer and an illustrator. She writes, designs and illustrates all her books.

She specializes in creating and decorating with felt into soft edu toys and home decors. Her creations are unique, cute, colorful, one of a kind. You can ask her to make your order in special design, or "made by order". The toys are sewn by hand and less-glue so they are safe for babies and toddlers

Ms. Dini also recently writes her own craft books Flanel Make Over and Bantal Unik & Lucu. In the books, she tells you how to decorate things from plain and boring into special. I have her books. I'll write a review about them next week .

My favorite is her latest edu-book for toddlers, My Mathcraft Stories. A series which contains 3 board books illustrated in felt : "How High is The Hill", "Let's Count on The Pond", and "Let's Go Travelling". Their felt illustrations introduce toddlers with new visuals and enrichs their senses of touches. Also included in this series, is a felt numeric poster which can be used as the books' bag.

Here is the author with her books (she is lovely, isn't she?) :

And lucky for us, she want to give away the My Mathcraft Stories (contains 3 cute boardbooks in felt illustration : "How High is The Hill", "Let's Count on The Pond", and "Let's Go Travelling") for one lucky innocentia reader !

How to win it ?

Mandatory entry :
Visit www.capungmungil.blogspot.com and put a comment telling me "If you are asked by Ms. Dini to give her inspirations, what's your favorite childhood story / stories ? "
==> Don't forget to include your email address <==

Additional entries (optional) :
- Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect ==> +1 point
- Follow capungmungil's Blog ==> +1 point
- Like capungmungil facebook fans page ==> +1 point
- Blog, share it on facebook or tweet about this giveaway ==> each +1 point
- Put this giveaway button in your sidebar ==> +1 point

{please state what you do in your comment}

This giveaway is officially closed. Thank you for the participants

And, thank you Ms. Dini for this chance.
p. s : I really want to interview her, really. Let's say that it will happen soon. I'm rewriting my monthly plan ^_^

My fabrics are for sale !

2011-11-03T19:56:00.002+07:00

Some of my fabrics collections are now for sale, check my online shop on facebook, Innocentia Fabric Club. Now, I only sell a few stuffs, especially some prints from "Children at Play" by Sarah Jane for Michael Miller.

p.s There are so many tasks with upcoming duedate in my desk now, so I'm afraid I can't sew and update my blog for a week ahead. I'm really sorry. Whatever happens, I'm still a sewing lover at heart

Ammi & Abi Winners Announcement

2011-10-21T12:29:00.006+07:00

The winners are :

Congratulation, Piena. You win the clutch !!

And I must say congratulation too for Happy, 'cause she wins the slingbag

I'll send each of you a confirmation letter

And for all, thanks for participating ^_^
There's another giveaway in November if you still want to try your luck

I still receive giveaway sponsors for March 2012 onwards. If you want to be my giveaway sponsor, book your seat now

Girl Dresses Inspirations

2011-10-19T01:54:00.005+07:00

{No camera = no finished projects' photos, booo.... I want my camera back}
Enjoy these eye candies while I wait for my camera ^_^

Photo sources from corner left - clockwise
1. Village frock 2. 相信溫柔以待 3. Untitled - children clothes on the wire 4. Untitled - grey+brown outfit 5. dresses ! 6. Easter Dress 7. Cherry blossoms galore 8. Party dresses

The not-so-secret-confessions of a sewing mommy

2011-10-16T12:49:00.011+07:00

(I miss my camera. She is being hacked by my husband. Well, at least she travels into many beautiful places. I will envy her when she gets home and shows me many beautiful photos. No camera is also my reason behind this post. A "no-showing-off" post, gee.. Those photos of my sewing machine were taken at April or May this year)

I got some emails which asked me about "how can a (never-sew-before) busy mommy sew ?". Busy here means "busy". That word speaks for itself. A working mommy is busy. A stay-at-home mommy without helper/assistant is soo busy. And a stay-home-mommy with an assistant (or some assistans) is still busy either. Those are the facts

I want to share how I started all of these sewing experiences (which includes a high dose of showing-offs and bragging :D ) I started this journey from a simple motivational question : "can I do that?".
But still, it is really hard to :

1. Stick to my real goal
Mothers sew for themself and for their kids ? Yes, I have seen them everywhere,especially in this blogland. It becomes a trend now. I used to sew for my self, for expressing the ideas that could explode my brain if I didn't actualize them into real things. I don't hate trends, but I don't want to be a total follower of it.

My sewing motivation is "to express my idea and fulfill the needs of my children's clothes with my own hands (as long as I can)"
*showing-off in a blog is a causal effect LOL

2. Dedicate a special time for it
I used to sew in a crazy hours, as you can read in this blog post. Don't go that way! I don't do that every day either. Find your own special time, maybe an hour after the kids has gone to bed, or in reverse, an hour before the kids wake up, maybe ? how about you ?

3. Set Priorities
Again, an excerpt from this post is always setting up a priority list. Will you sew when your kids are sick?
I hope not. I try to stick to the schedule I've made and try to stop when it's time to stop. Some might say there's always be a next time to continue your project. (Note : Trust me, this is a real hard discipline)

4. Realize that there is always a limit
Not every thing can be DIY-ed. Some things still need to be bought from stores. I can not sew my underwears, so I buy them in lingerie stores. I can't manage to sew my children's underwears so buy them in stores, too.

5. Make what is needed
Do you see those cute dresses, tops and skirt in sewing books and magazines ? Can you resist to not making them? I can't. And the result is too much dresses for my girl, and too much shirts for my boy. On the other side, they only have a few basics. They need more basics to be added to their wardrobe. Now I try to sew things that they need No more fun? I still can sew some pretty things sometimes

How about you ? Can you share us how to be a better mommy and a better seamstress at a same time ?

KCWC Day 1-3

2011-10-13T16:02:00.002+07:00

I really want to dedicate a whole hour sewing for kcwc, but I couldn't. My kids are having flus and coughs. When they are sick, they can't sleep well all night long and they tend to wake up every 30 minutes just to check if I am still by their side

Jakarta's weather is pretty confusing lately. I assume that we will face the rainy season at the end of this October. Some huge rains had fallen since the end of September, leaving our body weak, and spreading flus, coughs and fevers everywhere.
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My kids only have a few of warm pajamas for this crazy weather. So I planned to sew them a pajama set each and cozy lounge dress & top in this season's kcwc

This pajama top for my boy hasn't finished yet. It was sewn using "Making Paper Hat" fabric from Sarah Jane that I blogged few weeks ago. I hope I can finish the top & the bottom tonight

Ammi & Abi Giveaway (ends Oct 19, 2011) - CLOSED

2011-10-12T10:30:00.011+07:00

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This October, fill yourlife with colorful colors from "Ammi&Abi", a brain-child of the talented Ms. Sari or "Ammi" and Ari Sulistiyo or "Abi". Ms. Sari generously offers Innocentia two of her beautiful handmade bags. You will see them at the end of this post, so stay calm, and please don't get rush to read the end.

I love Ammi&Abi's strong goal, that is "to make people happy, and to empower people surrounds them, especially housewifes by providing sidejobs". Handmade movement is not just about expressing ourself, but also helping each other. What a superb movement !

These are what Ms. Sari explains about her "Ammi&Abi" :

Starting from a hobby and hands that can not stop to create, here comes "Ammi & Abi", a homemade craft industry which features hand-stitched patchwork embroidery

Why "Ammi & Abi"?
"Ammi and Abi" means "mom & dad". A philosophy of "father & mother" who always give love to all family members is what we hold to produce handmade works with such a loving father & mother's love. Embodying the philosophy, Ammi & Abi products are also for entire family members, from cute t-shirts for the baby, cute bags for the sister, and home decors for mother

Why patchworks ?
Because patchwork comes from fabric remnants, which are wastes. And turning wastes into something beautiful gives us happiness. With attractive designs, colorful colors, and delicate hand-stitching, fabric remnants can bring happiness in our homes

You can find a great array of product range at Ammi & Abi, from pillows, personalized pillow covers, t-shirts, diaper bags, purses for little girls and adults, laptop bags, even phone cases. And they all come in a bright & colorful design

Just check at this birdie pouches & animal purses :

Ultra cute !!!

As what I said in first paragraph, Ammi & Abi will give these pretty clutch and slingbag for two lucky Innocentia's readers

How to win it ?

Mandatory entry :
Just put a comment telling me "What makes you happy ?"
Don't forget to include your email address

Additional entries (optional) :
- Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect ==> +1 point
- Follow Ammi & Abi's Blog ==> +1 point
- Make friend with Ms Sari on Facebook Sari Sulistyo ==> +1 point
- Follow Ammi&Abi on twitter :@sarisulistiyo ==> +1 point
- Blog, share it on facebook or tweet about this giveaway ==> each +1 point
- Put this giveaway button in your sidebar ==> +1 point

{please state what you do in your comment}

This giveaway is open internationally, until October 19, 2011 12 p.m. (Jakarta time). I will announce the winners at October 20, 2011

Goodluck !

Poppy Blossom + Fabric Stiffener Tutorial

2011-10-04T13:03:00.012+07:00

It's time for another brooch !!

After my chrysants silk brooch tutorial last year, I didn't make any brooch, or pin, up to you. Last weekend, I finished my postponed Eid projects, which are a pair of two matching tops for me & my daughter, and a pair of brooches, that is this Poppy bloom, inspired by my hand sketch

I made the brooches in big size (for mom) and small size (for kiddo). The above brooch is the big one, for me

I made it using a tutorial on how to make Poppy flowers in this fabulous book, Fabulous Fabric Flowers. In Indonesia, you can find it in most major bookstores, such as Gramedia. I found this one from Gramedia Grand Indonesia. If you're so willing to have it, but can not find it nearby, you can count on Amazon.com ^_^

The most basic process in making fabric flowers is stiffening process. The process helps to give the fabric a permanent and hard finish, so you can shape it into anything you want. The fabric stiffeners are common in US, but I can't find it anywhere in Indonesia. Or it is because I'm just too lazy to roam craft/hardware stores ? I don't have any idea

Well, in case you have the same problem as mine, here is how I made the fabric stiffener by myself :

1. Fabrics and tools you need to make the poppy flowers, some are : a solid cotton lawn for petals, a matching cotton for the center of the flower. I used an easy-to-find school glue. As long as the glue is clear/colorless, I will say it is okay to use any school/craft glue

2. Mix and dillute one amount of glue + 2 amount of water in a bowl (or plastic case)

3. Dab the glue mixture into your fabric. Let it dry completely

4. After the fabric is dry, it will stiffen. Voila ! You can cut and shape it into anything

I used the brooch to brighten my green linen top. Isn't it pretty ? No ? I'm bragging you, please ^_^

The good news is I will share this green linen top's pattern & tutorial this week. I still have one more tutorial for the itty bitty version, too.

After I made the brooches, I'm seriously addicted to make more and more brooches. Do you have any favorite link about pins / brooches tutorial ? Please share it with me
Many people have started crafting their gifts for holiday season. The links will help me ( and them) a lot

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p.s : I'm currently working on bigger and various patterns for Mini Me Shirt. I will need some pattern testers ! You can expect them to be ready at third week of this October

This Post has been linked up to some of these fab link parties

September Fans of The Month

2011-09-30T12:57:00.008+07:00

(I should have posted about this earlier on September. Better late than never ?)

Since September, I will feature my Blog's Fan of the Month, Twiiter's Follower of The Month and Facebook's Fan of The Month, who will be featured on the blog at the end of each month

Facebook Fan of The Month :

Lindsay Korth
Our amazing friend, Lindsay Korth, from Brazil
The genius behind Lindy Craft and a duo, Lindsay & Issac

Lindsay's blogs :
www.lindsaykorth.blogspot.com
www.lindsayeisaac.blogspot.com
www.lindycrafts.blogspot.com

Twitter Follower of The Month

@IndahApsari
fulltime crafter, love sewing, felt n yellow... :)
http://mochie2felt.blogspot.com

Innocentia Blog's Fan of The Month

Rika Daniel
I am Rika Daniel, live in Riau, Indonesia, this blog is about the things I love so much,children literature,writing,sewing,crafting,traveling,cooking, mammals,and anything fun. I dreamed to be full time crafter (and if I can ask for more, "God, I want to be a children book author :)

How to be the fan of the month ?
Participate in our conversations by putting comments in blog posts, following, replying and retweeting my tweets @lilunsi, being a innocentia facebook's fan and actively joining and sharing the conversations

What will you get ?
- A blog post dedicated to followers of the month (such as this post) which will give you more exposure and links back to your blog, twitter account or facebook account

Calling for Giveaway Sponsors

2011-09-28T12:59:00.011+07:00

In a few days, October will arrive, and it just means another, or lots of opportunity to be featured in this blog, as "Monthly Spotlight" for the next October, and following months

Back in July 2010 I held my first giveaway to gather a sweet prize when I had less than 60 subscribers, so I wonder what can be done with 650+ subscribers?

I am not going to tell you much more for now but if you want to sponsor you will get many links back to your website from this website and from other blogs posting about the monthly contest – plus a warm giddy feeling that you are donating.

To Sponsor :

To sponsor a prize please email me (mama.rafif [AT] gmail [DOT] com) with the prize you are kindly willing to donate along with a link to your website so I can link back to your site and a brief statement about you, your blog or website. For prize ideas see what were donated last time.

Excited? I am

UPDATE :
October - February slots have been booked

I got them in my hands !!

2011-09-26T06:15:00.006+07:00

Have you take a peak at "Children at Play" by Sarah Jane for Michael Miller fabrics ?
Finally, I got them in my hands !!! Kindly histerical *_* yes, surely I am. 'Cause they have been running in my mind for about three months. I'm quite obsessed with this fabric line

I got some prints from "Meadow" and a print from "Playhouse"

And four boyish prints from "Over The fence".

What could I say ? They are all my precious collections now. When I ordered them, there are many projects that popped in my head. But seeing them in reality, they are too pretty to be sewn

I'm planning to make a boy pajama using this aqua "making paper hats" print :

I know I'm repeating this. I really want to sew them into few things, but it's hard to decide which one that will be sacrificed first, gee... There are many inspirations up there at Children at Play's Flickr Pool to look at

Oh, did I forget to mention that Elsie Marley has decided to do another session of Kids Clothes Week Challenge (KCWC) this fall ? Maybe I will use the fabrics to sew some cute children clothes like what I did in KCWC last spring -Day 1, Day 3&4, Day 5-7

There have been more than a hundred of people who signed up for KCWC Fall 2011. If you want to join the fun, go there and leave a comment, don't forget to browse and join Elsie Marley's flickr pool to post your finished projects

Napkitten Pattern's Giveaway Winners

2011-09-22T13:54:00.003+07:00

Sorry for this postponed announcement. So here we go !
the winners are :

Huisei, with her first sewing memories :

I started to sew lat year,around March. I was looking for a new job that time and I found a sewing blog that shared a tutorial on how to sew a tote. I was so 'moved' with the step to step instruction and I make one reversible tote for the first time. From that time onwards, I grew my interest on sewing and continue until now...

Edhini Senastri

Pengalaman jahit craft yang berkesan..yaitu july 2010 lalu. Waktu itu pingin banget kasih hadiah yg personal buat ultah mama tercinta. Akhirnya aq buat tempat kaca mata dari flanel. Berhubung belum bisa jahit dengan mesin, akhirnya aq jahit semua manual dengan tangan dan belajar tusuk feston lagi dari internet :D. Pola juga nyari di google dan aq kembangin sendiri dengan kasih tulisan mumi for 'mommy' :P. Setelah jadi beliau senang sekali, dan akupun jadi jatuh cintahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif dan ketagihan untuk menjahit handmade sampai sekarang :)

Patty C

My first sewing experinece was making a bunny out of muslin - It turned out pretty cute - I put a burgundy dress on her with some ribbons - I hadn't thought about that in years - ;)

Congratulations, girls. I will send my confirmation emails tonight

Cape Ann, from Oliver+S

2011-09-22T04:58:00.007+07:00

Cape Ann, the most anticipated new fabric line from Oliver+S, which will be launched at October 2011 (few weeks left), takes its inspiration from the work of Virginia Lee Burton, founder of the Folly Cove Design Collective and illustrator of such classic children's books as Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel and This Little House.

Cape Ann features hand-drawn illustrations which are simultaneously nostalgic and contemporary and supporting geometric prints inspired by nature. The line includes 24 patterns in quilting cotton and another 24 in a wonderful brushed cotton which has the loft, warmth, and softness of flannel.

The toile print (“Indian Summer”) features Liesl's illustrations of children at play in nature. “Virginia’s Closet” takes ideas for children’s clothing directly from her sketchbooks. The supporting prints include elements from nature (“Ginko Toss,” “Chrysanthemum Swirl,” and “Starburst Mums”) as well as vintage-inspired prints and patterns (“Folly Cove Dots” and “Ticking stripe”). The collection is simultaneously nostalgic and contemporary

The Virginia's Closet's paperdoll print was super darling. Well, at least we know where she got her inspirations from. Her own Oliver+S sewing patterns !

Liesl had some adorable sample garments made up in her booth

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And the finished garments made by Oliver+S' s fall/winter new sewing patterns, oh, I can't resist them

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You can see the whole collection right here (pdf link)

I will surely buy some of this collections. Just fulfilling my greed of fabrics, maybe ? But, don't you think that it will be better if it includes more boyish prints ? My boy certainly will be jealous if he saw her sister wore cute prints like that :D

Napkitten Patterns Giveaway (CLOSED)

2011-09-13T12:15:00.009+07:00

27 Pockets Wallets Sewing Pattern // Accordion Wallet

Another giveaway for you today !
This time is from Napkitten Pattern. I bought the 27 pockets wallet PDF pattern from Napkitten last year and was very surprised by athe pages of the pattern's instructions. It helped me a lot as a novice wallet maker. The wallet was given to someone as a gift, and sadly I had no photo of it, so I can't show you how cute the result was.

Swift Summer Bag // Three Pocketed Quilted Handbag

If you want to know more about Napkitten Pattern, here is what Shannon, the brain behind Napkitten, writes about herself :

When I was 5 years old, I started to make crafts and loved it so much. In my whole family, I had only one fan, my grandma. At that time, I could only make some simple origami, such as bird, boat, pants… Every time when I finished, I would show them to my granny. No matter how ugly they were, my granny always said: ”Wow, how beautiful!!! My granddaughter is the smartest girl.” There was no internet, no blog, no crafts forum then, so my granny was my only audience. Her smile was my only encouragement.

Little by little, I started to learn sewing, crocheting and knitting. I was so glad I could spend boring and hot summer holiday in crafting. At my 12, I became able to crochet hat and sock. At my 14, I became able to sew pants.

Afterwards, I had less and less spare time to make crafts. I had to spend all my time and energy in school and universities to get degrees. Moreover, life is not always happy and beautiful, sometimes full of stress, sometimes full of tears, sometimes full of pains.

Ten years ago, my dear granny left me forever. I cannot stop missing her even now. How sad…

Now everything has been settled down. The happiest thing in my life is that I have such a nice husband to support, understand, and love me. So I regain my peaceful life to wakeup my faraway and happiest memory from my deepest heart. I start to make crafts again. Everyday, I enjoy the designing and creating. It seems I returned to my sunny childhood and I saw my granny’s encouraging smile again.

Pleated Clutch PDF Pattern // All-in-one Clutch

Pretty Felt Wallet // Shoes with adjustable straps

Shannon also opens another another shopshop, Napkitten, where she sells the cutest coin purse ever. And she also write a Blog, where she showcases her customer's creations. And don't forget to visit Napkitten Pattern Flickr pool to see more customer's creations

The prize :
Each one of three lucky readers will win a Napkitten PDF pattern

How to win it?
Mandatory entry :
Just put a comment stating your Napkitten's favorite pattern, and tell me a story of your first sewing memories and what you made that time. I really want to read your story
Don't forget to include your email address

Additional entries (optional) :
- Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect ==> +1 point
- Follow Napkkitten's Blog ==> +1 point
- Blog, share it on facebook or tweet about this giveaway ==> each +1 point
{please state what you do in your comment}

This giveaway is open internationally, until September 20, 2011 12 p.m. (Jakarta time). I will announce the winners at September 21, 2011 ==> this giveaway is officially CLOSED, thank you for all the participants !

Mini Me Pattern & Tutorial is ready !

2011-09-13T03:33:00.009+07:00

Yup ! The pattern of this shirt is ready ! I call it "Mini Me" because it just looks like a miniature of my shirt. You can download the pattern right here and the Mini Me tutorial here Please note that it is for 2 years old girl only. And the most important is you must add 1 cm seam allowance yourself

I'm sewing another Mini Me in solid. Hey, it is not just for plaid !

Any suggestion ? Do I need to make it in bigger sizes ?

p.s : This post has been linked up to some of these fabulous link parties

Your Story, Your Legend

2011-09-09T15:58:00.007+07:00

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Just found this powerful manifesto through Guillaume "Prof. G"'s blog and I immediately want to share it with you. I've printed it and put it on my desk so I can read it every morning.

Visit Prof. G's blog with its incredible tagline "Your Story, Your Legend". He is the author of reDESIGN: reCREATE: Reinvent Yourself and Thrive in the New Economy. (If you haven't read it, read it. I've owned it and I still read it over and over)

Happy Eid Mubarok

2011-09-03T00:48:00.002+07:00

Happy Eid Mubarok for all my moslem friends !

I will not post anything till the end of Eid holiday break,I hope you understand. We have a big family reunion, through a long journey home (we called it "mudik"). I met my parents, sisters and my cute nephew. How about you? I hope you have a great week too

Have a nice weekend!

p.s. the photo was taken at the train that brought us home. The kids were too excited :)

Back to School, a Girl Shirt

2011-08-26T12:22:00.004+07:00

Update : you can download the shirt's pattern (size 2 years) right here

It have not been easy to keep up at my old sewing rythm. I'm afraid that I can't finish our Eid outfit at the scheduled date. I had just finished a pair of plaid shirts, and more projects are still in work-in-process stage

This one is for Zakiyya, was inspired by the Art Camp pattern which was used to make her brother's shirt. Its pattern is still self-drafted. I used the Art Camp model as guide, changed the collar shape into peter-pan collar, changed the pocket style, and added some puffs at the sleeves.

What do you think ? It is a 2T size, and if you want the pattern, I'll share it for you at September (after the Eid holiday break)

Bronze vs. Plaid ?

2011-08-26T12:19:00.004+07:00

I can't stand to show you the finished art-camp shirt. I tried hard to find the green buttons that I want, but the available colors didn't suit my plan. Then I found a set of bronze-like buttons, brought it home, and was surprised by the fact that it matched the shirt so much

After I sewed the buttons onto the shirt, I read all your suggestions about the color of the buttons, and yes, the brown and yellow are the winners. Hmm.. bronze has some brown and yellow in its color, doesn't it?

So tell me, does the shirt look "ok" in bronze buttons ?

C'est Dimanche

2011-08-19T13:52:00.006+07:00

St. Malo // Paris

I'll try to share a weekly sewing inspirations, such as a new line of fabric I love, a rare sewing pattern I adore, or maybe a treasure chest, from all around the world, such as this French pattern shop, C'est Dimanche, a French vintage pattern and fabric shop. It means "it's sunday !" in french

Maybe most of you have known about this fabulous pattern maker, Sister Alma, the one behind C'est Dimanche pattern. She has the cutest pattern for baby, kids, teen and lady, both for boys and girls. Although, all of her patterns come in French, it doesn't matter for me

Enjoy these eye candies !

Sofia // Milano

Palermo // Glasgow

It also carries vintage fabrics, buttons, trims, and notions. What a sweet collection !

To know about the shop further, go to C'est dimanche blog and C'est dimanche Addicts blog

Art Camp Shirt - WIP

2011-08-17T14:59:00.005+07:00

More WIPs for Eid have been in progress. Above shirt just needs some matching buttons to be perfect. Done using Art Camp pattern from Ottobre Summer 2011

Here was the plaid weaved cottons before being sewn. The pink-green-brown one is for Zakiyya's shirt. I think I need 3 yards of it for my self :D

I need your help with this issue : what color do you prefer for the shirt's buttons ? How about green buttons ? or maybe brown ?

p.s : This project has been linkep up to these fabulous link parties

Nourishing

2011-08-10T00:59:00.011+07:00

How are you, guys ?

If anyone asked whether my problem have been solved, I would say that I haven't solved it. But I finally knew what my problem actually is. Thank you, Charlie Gilkey for this great article. You are right. A beautiful flower will not grow in the soil where thistles and thorns grow

If my mind is the soil, and flowers are my creative works, then the flowers need a good soil to grow beautifully, and God's will to let it all happen

For a whole month, I have let my demotivation factors growing as thistles and thorns in my soils. What are they ? They are my fear of rejections and lack of clarity about what I want. I'm frightened by the fear that if I write again, that bad stalker will appear and put an unsolicited comment in my wall. I also feel clueless and don't have any good idea about what my future should be. So demotivated ! I left a whole month doing nothing and got stucked

They grow in my soil and I will not let it happen again. Not nourishing them is a better option. Don't nourish them and let them withered, and cut them down. Prepare the soil by nourishing and enriching it with one or two good fertilizers, so the beautiful flowers can grow. You may think "That's all ? is that easy ?

Charlie Gilkey wrote :

It’s hard to beat a monster who’s fueled by the very energy you’re trying to muster to beat it

I can't force my best creative work to happen, so can't you. My best creative work won't appear if I only want to put a submission into that weekly crafty link parties. I only create a mediocre

Back to that "soil and flowers" analogy, the flowers can grow when they are given good soil, spaces, lights, waters, and (don't forget it) God's will. I try some things new. I read other books whose subjects are not sewing. I open my old sketchbook and try to sketch again. I buy a new set of opaque watercolors and love to use it. I dig my old copic markers and feel sad that most of them can't be used and I've lost many of them. I learn how to make fabric flowers. I'm in a sketchbook online class right now and I'm so glad that I come back to my root.

I like to sew and I'm currently not making any excuses to not sew. But if I can't do it right now, then why should I force to do it ?

I'm glad that I don't have to fight to create. And trust me, I will sew again
How about you ? any further suggestions ? or maybe rejections ?

p.s : Thank you for all of kind emails asking my conditions. I feel great right now and do alot of sketching, as what you can see in this post. I attach some of my latest sketches. And if you don't mind, you can fill a poll about "Do I need to create another blog for my photographs and artworks ?" at the top of my sidebar

Ramadhan Kareem

2011-08-01T11:41:00.002+07:00

For my moslem friends, Happy Ramadhan.. this is the time to get closer and closer to the Almighty, the Great Creator. Ramadhan kareem...

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No sewing things, just photos !

2011-08-01T06:16:00.010+07:00

I haven't sew for a.... month ? Somebody please help me !!
I successfully fell asleep every night since last month (even in the weekends !) and didn't wake up till morning. Is there anybody know how not to fall asleep after 10 p.m ?

Reminder : no sewing thing (again) here, just want to share some photos for Droplets assignment ^_^

Dreamland beach in Bali

For the love of haberdashery

2011-07-29T21:30:00.005+07:00

Haberdashery [hab-er-dash-uh-ree]

–noun, plural -er·ies.
1. a haberdasher's shop.
2. the goods sold there.

While haberdasher [hab-er-dash-er] means
–noun
1. a retail dealer in men's furnishings, as shirts, ties, gloves, socks, and hats.
2. Chiefly British . a dealer in small wares and notions.

In this case, haberdashery means a shop that sells sewing notions, such as buttons, trims, ribbons, yarns, beads, pins, and all that little sewing treasures. Yummy !!

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Khama Khama Notebooks Winners

2011-07-22T17:01:00.005+07:00

Sorry.. I didn't mean to postpone the Khama Khama giveaway winner for so long. I just didn't have time to post the winners this morning. So who are the winners ?
Winners ? Yes, "winners", not "winner" ! Kiara sent me two pink kids toile notebooks, one in large size, and the other in smaller size. What a lucky folks you are !

Here are the winners ...

Congratulation, Ikmalia, you win the large size notebook !

And the small notebook goes to :

Awww, congrats Dweedy !

I will send you confirmation emails soon...

Khama Khama Giveaway (CLOSED)

2011-07-15T12:58:00.005+07:00

I really love Etsy. There are a lot of precious gems there. But sometimes gems are hidden somewhere else, not in Etsy. Maybe in dawanda, multiply, or even facebook ! When you’re browsing around facebook and you come across such stores as Khama Khama and see such lovely little handmade notebooks, it’s so exciting!

I'm the fan of simple covered notebook, but if there any cuteness like these, how can I deny them XD They're just too perfect to slip into my pocket! Just browsing through Kiara Flisha's albums are really made my day

And I also can't resist those buttons. These fabric-covered buttons are handmade with high-quality US and Japanese import fabrics, metal coverable buttons, and flat back bottom (meant to be adhered with glue). These little beauties are perfect for including in your scrapbooks, cards, accessories creation, stationaries or other craft projects.

And now is a turn for a giveaway !

A pink Kids Toile series handmade notebook by Kiara Flisha

You can win it !

Made with 365pgs japan paper, covered with very good quality fabric, and it comes with a charm and also a double side covered button which you can create into a necklace, keychain, or other accessories.

How to win it?
Mandatory entry :
Just put a comment stating your story about your most memorable notebook, for example : Can you tell us how it looked like ? what you used to write on it ? where is it now?
Don't forget to include your email address

Additional entries (optional) :
- Add Kiara Flisha as a friend on facebook
- Follow Kiara Flisha on twitter
- Blog or tweet about this giveaway
{please state what you do in your comment}

This giveaway is open internationally, until July 21, 2011 12 p.m. (Jakarta time). I will announce the winners at July 22, 2011 -- THIS GIVEAWAY IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED

Goodluck everyone !

p.s : This is just a beginning guys, but if you want to win a mystery box full of yummy goodies next week, subscribe to my newsletter using the form in this blog's sidebar or click this link. The giveaway will be announced only via newsletter, so don't miss it !

You've got mail ! (and a survey)

2011-07-14T14:46:00.004+07:00

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Dear friends,

Now this blog have its own "newsletter" ! Please fill up the sign-up form at my sidebar if you want to receive juicy contents every week, free patterns & monthly surprise giveaway and offers created only for my newsletter subscribers

And now time for another sewing thing, I want to do a one question survey. I'm planning to do a sew-along for Balloon Dress next week. I want to know your opinion on topic "how a good sew-along should be?"

Please kindly share your opinion in the comment section

See you tomorrow ! (if you don't want to miss my July giveaway ^_^)

Love at The First Sight

2011-07-13T07:41:00.005+07:00

I'm in love at the first sight with this bag :

The sweet, matching pattern & colors choice is mesmerizing me. Its ruffly accents is also oh-so beaituful !
It is included in this book DIY 144 : Fashion Bag" that was written by Ai You a.k.a Fragrant Lady

This pretty baby doesn't come with its pattern, but I guess I can make it by myself using pattern diagrams in its tutorial. At first I thought it was a small tote bag. Actually it is pretty big. Its measurement is 50 cm x 42 cm (height x width).

Another favorite from the book, the reversible bucket bag. So yummy !

For local crafter, if you want to buy the book, you can check its availability at your nearest Gramedia bookstore

Green, Blue and Purple

2011-07-08T11:31:00.006+07:00

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Currently in love with this set of colors : greeb, blue, and purple. I bought some solid linen fabrics in the same pallete, and one thing that surprised me a lot was when cococita sent me a set of gifts in the same color pallete. What a coincidence !

Blogging : Sharing or Showing-off ?

2011-07-07T11:08:00.014+07:00

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Hello people,

I've been in my new cubicle since monday, and still adapting
Don't know when everything will be back to normal mode (and mood) to work as usual. No blog post, no sewing project has been done in this last ten days

Honestly, I feel really low

There is someone who rants at me

I try not to be not too melancholy nor spread rants too much

This one was started-off from a link (to this blog) I posted on my personal facebook wall. As far as my concern, I've posted something similar like this only twice. First, when I posted about my first giveaway (that was a year ago), and the last one was when I posted my blogiversarry giveaway (I usually upload my children's photos on my facebook wall once or twice a month)

And that "kind" of comments appeared. I didn't realize about them for a week or so, because they were posted as his/her personal statuses. After one month, a kind of comment appear in my personal facebook inbox
The comment submissively stated that I show-off my talents and that was not good, bla bla bla
I am here to tell you that is just not true.

I started blogging as my way to connect to other creative people, and not to show-off. I wonder why there are few people who are still misunderstood.
I do "sewing" as my personal hobby and "blogging" to make connection. I never say "Hey, see me, I'm that great in sewing" No !
I choose blog as a place to seek supports, as much as criticsm

I know I write my blog post in a very lousy English, un-structured grammar and limted vocabullary. You may see huge numbers of typos and wrong grammars all over my blog post. But I don't care. I choose english as my blog language and strive as hard as I can to write a blog post

And some people thought that I show-off my talent? I don't even have a talent on that ! I'm still trying to be better
And hello, as I know who you are, that is surely not a good attitude to put a negative label into someone else's efforts
How a negative thinking person are you ?

I want to know what is a "show-off" post looks like. If there anybody know, please let me know

After all these, it is pretty clear that I should do a better job choosing word and link to post on my personal facebook page. Never ever post a link about my blog on that !

I should also probably stop reading someone else's facebook status

My Cutie Pies

2011-06-27T08:40:00.012+07:00

Just wanna show you some photos of my cutees :)

Three photos below were taken 2 months ago, in Rafif's playgroup celebration of Kartini Day. Zakiyya has not attended any playgroup yet. She was just there to accompany her brother and to play in its vast playground

This another three was taken at Ragunan Zoo last week

A Snail Mail for Elke

2011-06-24T08:28:00.011+07:00

I joined an e-course, Raining Umbrellas, by Vicki Dvorak, a month ago. It was full of fun and totally refreshened my creative side. And the biggest point is I have a lot of friends from another side of the world.

At the end of the course, Vicki arranged a "handmade gift-exchange". She divided her students into several pairs, and asked each of them to send a handmade gift to another. I was paired with Elke, from Germany. I didn't have any idea of what she likes, except nature, photography and dogs. I was not good at photography, and I couldn't paint dogs, so I guessed that "nature" was my only chance

Then I found a very nice and beautiful fabric lied in my fabric shelf. It was included in this post. I decided to make a handbag similar to this bag, sent it away two weeks ago, and hoped that it would arrive safely in Elke's hands.

And this morning, I opened my facebook, and saw a notification from Elke. I read it and was surprised by the fact that my bag has arrived at Elke's home. This is my bag, in two pictures taken by Elke :

Oh my, she is a talented photographer, isn't she. My bag looks thousand times better in her photograph :D

If you want to make a similar bag, I used this "Dewdrop Handbag PDF Sewing Pattern" from Keyka Lou Patterns as my guide

Keyka Lou is my favorite bag designer. I even collect her patterns. Here are some of my favorites - click each rectangle if you want to know more about it

Image Credits :
Rose-y dewdrop handbag photos by Elke Vogelsang
Keykalou products' photographs by Keyka Lou

This post has been linked up to some of these link parties

Sewing Freebies : Japanese Magazine Scans

2011-06-23T12:34:00.005+07:00

How can I not love those freebies ? Real gems. Found those free scans of japanese sewing & DIY magazines/books at this link

For more japanese magazine scans, find them at jmagazinescans blog or Zasshiko website

A sneak peek of Pochee magazine :

DIY Sweet Girl Clothing :

Act and Change : Tatiana Vidi

2011-06-23T09:43:00.009+07:00

Hi, people who loves sew ! Time to "Act and Change" today ! This time I introduce you to Mrs. Tatiana Vidi, who had written three famous sewing books in Indonesia, in "Asyiknya Menjahit" series. I guess most of my Indonesian readers have known about her. Her amazing sewing books portfolio includes "Pretty in Pink", "Beautiful Blouse", and "Little Black Dress"

I never find any sewing book in Indonesia that has instructions as clear and easy as Tatiana Vidi's. Her instructions can be followed by the most novice seamstress. She didn't include any sewing pattern in her book, though. You must draw and create it yourself. But, by following her instructions, drawing your own pattern is so easy ! She assures that even a beginner can sew a cute dress or blouse under 4 hours

Here is my interview with Mrs. Vidi (that's how I call her) few months ago (I'm so sorry,it is in Bahasa Indonesia ^_^)

1. Sebagian besar pecinta jahit-menjahit di Indonesia pasti sudah mengenal Mbak Tatiana Vidi. Boleh bercerita sedikit tentang hal-hal yang belum diketahui orang tentang Anda ? misalnya tentang cita-cita masa kecil Anda ?

Cita cita masa kecil saya ..... pengeeen banget jadi arsitek, kayanya keren ya duduk gambar di meja yang besar, trus nanti maunya kerja bangun gedung-gedung yang indah.

2. Boleh sharing bagaimana buku Anda bisa diterbitkan oleh Gramedia ?

Awalnya saya memang menerbitkan buku Beautiful Blouse dengan biaya sendiri. Saya cetak 1000 eks lalu saya jual online melalui website saya (sekarang sudah mati) dan sebagai buku panduan murid murid les menjahit saya.

Sepupu saya mantan wartawan yang kemudian menjadi penulis buku masakan, Fajar Ayuningsih banyak membantu saya dalam menerbitkan buku pertama saya, karena dia memang sudah banyak menerbitkan buku melalui Gramedia.
Setelah buku pertama saya cetak edar,memang lebih mudah masuk ke Gramedia. Pihak Gramedia kemudian mengkontrak saya untuk membuat 3 buku .

3. Sebenarnya apa alasan utama yang mendorong Anda untuk menulis buku tentang menjahit ?

Alasan utama karena banyaknya permintaan dari teman teman saya untuk diajari mejahit yang cepat dan langsung bisa pakai untuk diri sendiri. Banyak teman teman saya yang ingin sekali bisa menjhait lalu mereka ikut kursus menjahit, tetapi sudah 2-3 bulan belum bisa bikin baju baru bikin pola kecil kecil dengan skala 1/4, akhirnya mereka bosan.

Kemudian saya mulai mengajar beberapa teman dekat saya dengan cara saya sendiri dan menurut mereka cara saya mengajar amat mudah dan gampang diikuti. Akhirnya saya coba coba bikin buku panduan menjahit step by step yang dilengkapi foto, seperti buku masak yang luar biasa banyak dan bagus bagus itu.

4. Apa tantangan terbesar Anda dalam menulis buku menjahit ?

Tantangan terbesar .... tidak ada buku sejenis yang bisa dipakai sebagai refensi dan untuk di contek !
Jadi saat pertama mau membuat buku tutorial menjahit ini saya benar benar tidak tahu apa yang harus saya tulis. Padahal begitu banyak yang ingin saya kemukakan.
Akhirnya saya beli beberapa buku pola dan buku menjahit. Tetapi buku buku itu tidak ada cara menjahitnya, kebanyakan hanya cara membuat pola. Dan itu juga cukup sulit dipahami kalau hanya dengan membaca saja

Langkah pertama saya adalah memilih model apa yang akan saya buat, setelah itu saya kembangkan polanya menjadi beberapa model. Setelah itu saya membuat pola, dan cara saya membuat pola tidak sama dengan buku buku lainnya. Cara saya lebih mudah dan pasti enak dipakainya.

Selanjutnya langkah yang paling sulit, membuat step by step setiap langkah menjahit. Dengan bantuan teman saya yang baik Adli Novia (nino), kami membuat "kanvas untuk pemotretan" yang sangat membantu dan bisa mendapatkan hasil yang saya inginkan.
Setelah semua bahan bahan dan foto lengkap saya serahkan ke desain grafis Nino untuk dibuatkan bukunya.
Dan hasilnya, buku pertama saya ... Beautiful Blouse

Buku kedua dan ketiga, Little Black Dress dan Pretty in Pink, lebih mudah pembuatannya karena saya sudah mempunyai konsep dan cara membuatnya mengikuti buku pertama

5. Buku anda penuh dengan foto-foto tutorial step by step, wow !! Sebenarnya menghabiskan waktu berapa lama untuk menulis satu buku ?

Untuk satu buku foto step by step nya dengan fotografer profesional bisa memakan waktu 3 hari penuh dari jam 9 sampai jam 9 malam ! Tetapi sebelum pemotretan dengan fotografersaya mencoba dulu setiap langkah dengan kamera pocket saya dan itu bisa memakan waktu sebulan ... hi hi ... Kadang kadang saya ketemu jalan buntu, pengennya nerangin step tertentu, tapi kok fotonya berbicara lain. Jadi memang harus di kerjakan pelan pelan, karena itu tadi, tidak ada buku referensinya

6. Di Indonesia, jarang sekali ditemukan buku menjahit yang simpel, menarik & disertai pola. Menurut Mbak, kriteria buku tutorial menjahit yang baik dan menarik itu apa saja ?

Kalau menurut saya, kriterianya :
1. Bahasanya harus mudah di mengerti terutama untuk para pemula
2. Dilengkapi dengan step by step, dan foto untuk lebih jelasnya. Karena ini kan bentuknya buku, dan menjahit tidak semua orang pernah melakukannya
3. Pola jangan yang terlalu rumit
4. Modelnya juga jangan terlalu kuno. Banyak buku menjahit modelnya sudah tidak uptodate lagi

7. Banyak orang berkata "Menjahit itu susah & butuh waktu". Bagaimana menurut Anda ?

Sebenarnya menjahit tidak susah. Mudah dan menyenangkan menurut saya, kalau ada panduannya yang mudah.
Memang selama ini buku mejahit menerapkan cara-cara yang rumit kalau untuk pemula. Sedangkan kebanyakan wanita hanya ingin bisa yang simpel saja, tidak kebanyakan model

Dengan panduan buku seri "asyiknya menjahit" menjahit tidak lagi susah, tetapi menyenangkan dan membuat teman-teman ingin bikin lagi. Terbukti kalau ikut les menjahit di tempat saya dalam waktu hanya 3-4 jam sudah selesai membuat blus, dan bisa langsung dipakai.
Bisa diintip di FB asyiknya menjahit

8. Buku-buku Anda telah menginspirasi banyak orang di seluruh Indonesia. Apakah harapan dan saran Anda bagi orang-orang yang baru menekuni dunia jahit-menjahit ?

Jangan cepat putus asa, karena menjahit adalah ketrampilan. Semakin sering dicoba maka akan semakin trampil

Thank you Mrs. Vidi for this nice interview. How about you now ? Have you feel thrilled ?

And I almost forget to state that Mrs. Vidi also teach a one-day sewing class. You can contact her using facebook. Or maybe we can ask her to teach us in a sewing meet-up ? That won't free of charge, but that will be fun ! Anyone interested ?

Photographs of the books by Citra
Images on the book are Tatiana Vidi's intellectual properties

Thank you Puriii.....!!

2011-06-21T17:23:00.002+07:00

Finally, I really won something from a giveaway. I won twice from two contests (from Elsa) but never win anything from a randomly-picked giveaway, ha ha ha...

Thank you so much Puriii, for choosing me as one of the winners of your Cute Ruu giveaway

Leela Dresses by Elsa

2011-06-16T10:59:00.004+07:00

Have anyone finished the Leela Dress ?

Elsa from Yellow Life has ! Just look at these adorable pics ! And the surprise was, she made not just one, but two dresses !

If you don't know who is this cute little toddler, she is Dija, Elsa's nephew. She's a famous baby blogger

Here is the first dress : (She used green plaid fabric, green flower fabric, and brown striped fabric)

The second dress is in orange and blue tones :

All of her dresses are reversible, so actually Dija gets four new dresses :D

I love you Dija, and Elsa too *smooocchies*
To see other photoshots, go to Elsa's Yellow Life blog

Image credits : Elsa (Yellow Life)

Sertyan's Balloon Dress

2011-06-15T12:45:00.004+07:00

My friend Sertyan from Malaysia made this gorgeous balloon dress for her little princess, from my tutorial

Can you tell me how cute is she ?

Go over Sertyan's Sewing Corner and check out her Balloon Dress post and photoshot

Image credit : Quek Sertyan (Sertyan's Sewing Corner)

My Pinterest : Colors for Summer

2011-06-10T16:09:00.003+07:00

My latest favorite album on Pinterest : Yellow and Aqua. Just think of making summer clothes for my kids using this gorgeous color pallete. Just click on each picture to arrive at its link source

Color pallete is created using PHOTOCOPA by Colourlovers.com

Leela Dress Part 3 : Assembling and Finishing

2011-06-08T17:27:00.010+07:00

Finally, we arrive at the last part of Leela Dress Sew Along. New readers may follow the previous steps here :
Part 1 : Drafting your own Leela Dress patterns
Part 2 : Cutting

What is next ? Let see... hmm.. we had our pieces been cut. Now prepare your fusible interfacing, and trace the shaded parts of the patterns - I had mentioned them in the last photo of this post

How to trace the fusible interfacing ==> Fold your fusible interfacing right side together, pin them and trace your shaded part on the wrong side. Do not add seam allowance, and cut them. You will have a pair of fusible interfacing.

You must cut 2 pairs of fusible interfacing for two front pieces and another 2 for your back pieces.

Now iron them into their places. If you do it right, you will have these pieces : (It is one pair of front and back pieces - you need to have two pair of those pieces - in my case, that means a pair from blue & green fabric, and another pair from blue and dark pink fabrics)

Meet one pair of your front and back pices. Meet them at the side seams. Pin and sew. Just make sure that the hemlines of those pieces meet :

Repeat previous step for another pair of front and back pieces :

- Turn one pair right side out, so the right side is on the front. Insert it into the other pair, so their right side will meet. Again, make sure their hemlines and sleeves-line meet.
- Pin along the neckline along to sleeve, from front to back or vice versa
- Sew along the seamline continuously (in the picture, you will see some arrows in the green line -- that's how I sew, by following the direction of the arrows)

Backstitch to secure your seams, and trim seam allowance carefully :

Turn your dress right side out. I pressed it by pulling the right side from the bottom of the dress that had not been sewn. Be careful for the corners and press the bodice, oops.. we don't have the bodice, do we ? LOL. I mean the top part of the dress. It is almost done, so be patient :)

Topstitch along the front and back neckline and shoulder at 1/8 inch. You can choose not to topstitch, it is totally up to you. But by top-stitching, we will have a neat piece, so why don't we do it?

How about the hem? Well,it almost become the most forgotten part of this tutorial, luckily it doesn't.
Fold the hem once wrongside-wards along the hemline and press :

Pin along the hemline and topstitch about 1/8 inch from the edge

BUTTONS :

Press the top part once more and prepare your buttonhole maker. Let's make three button holes at each sleeves. You can depend on my photo below if you still confuse where you must make them. I don't have any certain measurements guide for the button hole. I just put the first button hole (the closest one to the neckline) 2 cm from the neckline, and the last one approximately (also) 2 cm from the shoulder

NOTE : You can do this step BEFORE sewing the hemline

And then, sew the buttons !
- the thinner the buttons, the better

Finally, we finish the dress !! XD
If you want to make this dress, what fabric you would like to use ?
Do you have any better idea on how to sew the buttons ? If you have any, please share with us by leaving a comment below

p.s : I would love to feature your finished Leela Dress in this blog. Just let me know what you create, by sending your images via email, leaving your project link in my comment section, or adding it into my flickr pool (if you have any flickr account)

Sponsor Love : Dans La Lune

2011-06-08T14:01:00.007+07:00

Let me postpone my third part of the Leela Dress sew-along and let me introduce you to Dans la lune, my lovely sponsor. Dans la lune is a brain-child of Yasuko, one of my favorite children pattern designer. You can meet Yasuko creation on Dans la lune' online shop and etsy shop

The good news is, she has patterns for boys, how lucky ! She also sells some of her children clothing too. Her design is simple and clean, and so are her color choices on her clothings.

Image source : click at each square

Thank you so much, Dans la lune, for sponsoring Innocentia

Leela Dress Part 2 : Cutting

2011-06-07T08:09:00.012+07:00

So, have you draft your patterns ?
I made mine using tissue paper. They looked just like these : (pardon me for all those crinkles ! LOL

Above : I separated the front from the back. I'm afraid that you won't see them clearly in my previous pattern

Now, take one of your fabric and start pinning the front piece at the wrong side

Note : I pinned the pattern in reverse, I thought you might be confused seeing my picture above

Please consider that I didn't add seam allowances into the patterns, so you must add them yourself. My seam allowances are 1 cm on the side and neckline seams, and 3 cm at the bottom.

You will get a piece of the front. You need to have two front pieces, so you must cut one front piece more. While I used the same fabric for my front pieces, you can use different fabric to add the contrast

Now, let's make the back pieces :

Take another different fabric, and pin the back pattern at the wrong side of the fabric

Just as what we did to front piece, add your seam allowances

I still add 1 cm seam allowance at the side and neckline, and 3 cm seam allowance at the bottom

Perfecto ! You just have to cut one more back piece. Now we have two back pieces. I made them in green and blue fabrics

Too short ? Let's save our energy for tomorrow, cause we'll do many sewing activities :D

Update :
Next Step ==> Part 3 : Assembling & Finishing

Trivia : A friend of mine asked how do I pronounce "Leela". I pronounce it "Lii-la". It is just like "Mila" or "Dhila"

Note : This post has been linked up to some of these link parties

Leela Dress Sew-Along Part 1 : Drafting Patterns

2011-06-06T15:46:00.004+07:00

My life has been in roller-coaster ride these past two weeks, so I really apologize for being late in posting the tutorial for the dress I made for Kids Clothes Week Challenge Day 1. First I got my first blogiversary, then I got news that my father was sick, again, I got moved from my current office, and finally a very bad news about the death of my cousin. Wow, aren't they too much ?

So here she is, the Leela Dress. I've been thought of a cuter name since the Day 1 of KCWC, but I got zero result. When I made a bigger version of the dress, I decided to make it using batik fabrics, and eventually, name "Leela" popped in my head. "Leela" means "playing" in Sanskrit. That name was on my list of baby girl's names when Zakiyya just had been born. And the name sounds so fit because the nature of the dress itself. It is actually a dress made for playing time

First version of the dress :

And the reverse version :

I couldn't take nicer photos of Zakiyya wearing the dress. I gave these photographs to show you how the dress looks like when it is worn. The sleeves form two elephant ears shapes, and they fall nicely, especially when you use light weight fabric.

Supplies :

What you need :
- Three or four different fabrics
- Contrasting fabrics
- Fusible interfacing
- 12 buttons
- Used papers for making patterns. You can also use newspaper, or photocopy papers which are taped together
- Tracing Papers
- Your daughter's dress or shirt for drafting your own patterns
- Scissors, pins, etc

How to Draft your pattern :

Prepare your paper and trace the front and the back neckline. Don't forget to mark the chest

Above : The traced-neckline and chest

Trace the width and length of the dress. Make a line between the chest point to the bottom width of the dress

Now, make the shoulder and sleeves by making a straight line 9 or 10 cm from the neckline, less or more, according how long you want the shoulders should be. Make sure the shoulder line and the length of the dress forms a 90 degrees angle

Make an imaginary point at the angle, and make another straight line between the point and the chest. That will form a raglan sleeve

Put another sheet of paper and trace/mirror the shape of the raglan sleeve and cut the shape

Put the tracing at the top of the sleeve. I merge the patterns using a sticky tape

Draft an extension line 2 cm from the raglan's line

Draft another line 2 cm inwards from upper line of the patterns. Those parts are shaded to indicate places where you will iron the fusible interfacings on.

Note :
- I includes the front and the back pattern into one sheet. You can make the front and the back parts into two different sheets of paper

The next steps, including how to transfer the patterns and how to cut the fabrics, will be included in Part 2 of this sew-along. See you tomorrow !

Next Steps :
- Part 2 : Cutting
- Part 3 : Assembling & Finishing

This post has been included in some of these fabulous link parties

The Winners

2011-06-06T05:43:00.006+07:00

Congratulation, Belinda ! You are the entry no. 154 and you win !

Entry no. 115. Congratulation, Lola !

The third is Entry No. 102. Congratulation, Diane !

Congratulation, ladies ! You are the winners of my first blogiversary giveaway
I need your email address to confirm your mailing / home address for sending out the prizes. Please come back to me in 3 days, or I will pass the prize to another winner

p.s : The winners were drawn using random.org

Disclaimer : Photo overlays are from pugglypixels.com

Been Moved

2011-05-25T13:40:00.003+07:00

Above : the collage I made for Raining Umbrellas course for theme "Growth"
I've been moved, to another branch of my office. Thanks God, it is still in Jakarta. And it is closer to my home. I've been moved to five places in five years. Employees turnover in my institution is that real fast

People do say "Congratulation ! You've been promoted !"
What ??? I'm not promoted. I just moved to another office with a higher difficulty level. I'm still in the same position. I don't want that higher difficulty level. What I want exactly is what I have now. An office with not-so-high a.k.a. mediocre difficulty level

I couldn't accept my move at first I had about it. I should be more grateful !
But I really like my old office. The people, the place,even my table. I really like them all.

Good bye my friends. I still visit you till the end of June, but I must admit that I really hate to leave

Pheuww, a not-so great change, is still a change anyway. I'm just afraid that I won't have time to sew and blog anymore. So tell me, how do you face an unexpected change in your life ?

Featuring : Cotonnier

2011-05-23T12:52:00.008+07:00

I've really wanted to share about Cotonnier since few weeks ago, but I had to wait until the giveaway is published. Cotonnier is the home for the cutest nursery decors, such as pillows and baby quilts, mini sofas, dolls, nautical theme decorations, and furnitures. You can also visit their brick and mortar stores (or their real stores) in two big shopping malls in Jakarta.

Don't forget to enter my first blogiversary giveaway if you want to win one of their pillows
Here you go, enjoy these eye candies ^^

Image : Mathrioshka Dolls pillow | Baby Quilt Wheel On The Go | Peacock Heart Decor Pillow

Image : Nautical Decor | Decor Pillows | Vintage Sheep | Mini Sofa | Fabric Alphabets

Image : Toddler Bed |Seine Desk | Oval Bread Basket | Large Crib

Image :Linen Owl Dress | Blue Dot Vintage Sheep | Diaper Stacker | Mirror

Image courtsey of Cotonnier

Innocentia First Blogiversary Giveaway - CLOSED

2011-05-23T01:02:00.007+07:00

I will make this short and sweet. This is the giveaway I'd promised you in my previous post. Fortunately I have some fabulous friends who like to help sponsoring this event. So, what's the prize ?

First Winner will win :
1. One "I love mommy" pillow from Cotonnier
2. One pattern of your choice from Little Lizard King Sewing Pattern
3. One handmade notebook from Design by Vitarlenology
4. One passport cover/wallet from Paperpleased

Second Winner will win :
1. One "I love daddy" pillow from Cotonnier
2. One pattern of your choice from Little Lizard King Sewing Pattern
3. One handmade notebook from Design by Vitarlenology
4. One cardholder from Paperpleased

Third Winner will win :
1. One "Toy Cabinet Horse" pillow from Cotonnier
2. One handmade notebook from Design by Vitarlenology
3. One cardholder from Paperpleased

How to win them ?
Leave a comment below stating that you want to be counted in this giveaway and your favorite Little Lizard King sewing pattern - just go to their Etsy shop and choose one pattern you want to pick

Extra entries (one comment for each entry, please)
- Be my blog follower via GFC
- Be my facebook page follower
- Be my twitter follower
- Blog or tweet about this giveaway (if you do that, please give me your link or twitter username)I would be so glad if you want to spread some words about this giveaway

This giveaway is open internationally, until June 5, 2011 12 p.m. (Jakarta time). I will announce the winners at June 6, 2011 - THIS GIVEAWAY IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED

Good luck everyone ^^

Happy Birthday, My Blog

2011-05-21T09:32:00.002+07:00

Happy Birthday, my blog
Yes, you are now one years old
I know I often neglect you and leave you without some notes
or just fill you with unimportant things
I just can't believe that I can move this far,
regarding to my habit of being easily bored and distracted
I owned another blog- the oldest one and another blog
But I ended up neglecting them
And I'm proud that you got some followers,
although some may leave and go, but some may come
so don't worry, I'm sure you will have some friends to go along

Thank you so much for keeping up with me
and making my days up and down for this great one year

I know this is too late, but I really want to post some pictures of gifts I receive from my friends (because I won their giveaways ^_^)

This pretty fabrics are from Elsa and Dija, thank you XD

This beautiful paper lanterns are from Khadija a.k.a zhesuregi from Creative Mind. She celebrated her first blogiversary last April

For those who gave and passed me blog awards, I'm so sorry that I haven't pass any blog awards. I will try to catch up all of them and re-post them.

Note : don't miss my blogiversary giveaway next monday. I got some sponsors from my generous friends (they are my monthly spotlights)

Splurges and Freebies - May

2011-05-20T17:41:00.000+07:00

SPLURGES :
1. Anatomy of Buzz Revisited by Emanuel Rosen
2. Dream Job E-Course by Elsie and Emma from Red Velvet
3. Different: Escaping the Competitive Herd by Youngme Moon
4. Florabella Collection - photoshop actions & textures
5. Simply Hue Designs - for prints and photos you won't forget
6. Paint the moon photography - photoshop actions & textures
7. Oliver + S Little Things to Sew by Liesl Gibson
8. Ottobre Designs Magazine - love that Summer 2011 edition !
9. Garment Designer - pattern drafting software

FREEBIES :
1. 23 Things You Might Not Know About You from Lisa Baldwin @ Zen At Play
2. Celebrating Mom - a free e-book of projects for our moms, by Disney from Ruffles and Stuff
3. The Best of Crafting an MBA -- You must sign up for this, but it's really worth for a free 100 pages e-book !
4. Create Your First Website - a free e-book to create your first website
5. Free photoshop actions and textures from Isabelle Lafrance Photography
6. 50+ Free Must Have Photoshop Brushes collected by Royaltutorial.comPhotoshop Brushes, Actions, Image Stocks, etc :
7. Free Hi-Res Wooden Scrabble Letter Tiles
8. Free Old Sticky Tape Textures
9. Free Hi-Res Wooden Clothespin Images

Other precious free resource from Fuzzimo.com
Free Hi-Res Blank Polaroid Frames
Free Hi-Res Canvas Textures + Seamless

And hush... don't tell anybody, but you can download free demo of Garment Designer here

Act and Change : Carina Gardner

2011-05-18T23:56:00.000+07:00

Let me introduce to my newest favorite designer, Carina Gardner. Carina has a Ph.D. in Design from the University of Minnesota. She has taught Graphic Design Foundations, Typography, Design Theory, and Packaging Design at the University of Minnesota. She left academics in 2008 to design full time and stay at home with her children.

Carina currently designs fabric (Coquette and Lovenest for Northcott), scrapbooking paper, and digital scrapbooking products. Her first line of sewing patterns debutes Spring 2011. She also teaches online Illustrator classes at Jessica Sprague.com. You can find her in her website : http://www.carinagardner.com/

Here are my interviews with Carina ...

1. Please tell us a bit about yourself, a mom, a wife, a Ph.D. in Design, teaching, paper designer, fabric designer, digital scrapbook designer, and now children clothing pattern designer. How do you maintain your time ?

I am usually pretty good at focusing in on what I am doing in the moment. If I'm playing with children, then that's where I am. If I am working on a paper pad, my eyes are glued to my computer screen. If I'm sewing, then Felicity is in my lap helping me. I don't know that I necessarily manage my time well...mostly I'm just putting out the fires that need to be put out the most. I think that is what all mothers are doing. I'm lucky in that my kids are super supportive of my work and spend a lot of time with me in my studio (usually begging for me to sew them baby doll dresses). Being in the crafting industry as a professional and a mom certainly has it's benefits!

2. I always like to ask how, when and where did you start sewing?

I think I was 8. I remember my mom letting me make my own Barbie clothing. I was obsessed with making really big puffy skirts with her scrap fabric. She showed me how to sew a loose stitch and to gather. Heavens knows how many times I broke her machine. My mom always had all sorts of craft projects going on. She hand quilts and she made some of my clothing. Being the oldest of six kids, I was usually along for the ride.

3. Please describe your design philosophy in a sentence or two

Design is about creating something beautiful, lovely, and functional. Design is a happy process that (amazingly enough) also creates happiness.

4. Where do you find your inspirations ?
My two little girls are probably the biggest source of inspiration. I love thinking about the fabric and clothing they could wear. I also draw inspiration from home magazines. I have a growing collection that keeps me up-to-date on color schemes and ideas.

5. Did you have a favorite outfit as a child? Are any of your patterns influenced by your own childhood clothing?

Oh my gosh, I WISH I had clothing like the ones I make now! Most of my childhood was spent in secondhand clothing (believe me it was not VINTAGE:)) and I find it a complete luxury to dress my children as I do. I think that I perhaps make clothing that I would have wanted as a child, but mostly I make clothing that I like my own children to wear.

6. What are the differences between being a paper designer, fabric designer and pattern designer ? How did the challenges differ ?

With fabric, the illustrations are very clean. I spend a lot of time figuring out the details and deciding how I am going to make the illustrations repeat. With paper, I spend more time in building texture. Developing that deep grungy texture is not something they teach you in graphic design school. Being a pattern designer is fun because I get to spend so much time on my sewing machine! It's such a joy to be able to cut, rip, and sew until a garment fits just right. Each job has it's perks, but in really different ways.

And how are they challenging? For me, the third colorway of a fabric line always gives me issues. Getting it to work perfectly with the other two sometimes makes me a little crazy. I tell myself to walk away from the computer and come back. Paper is definitely the lest challenging medium for me only because I have been doing it the longest. I feel really comfortable and like to sit in front of the tv and go to it! Creating sewing patterns is by far the most challenging thing I have done so far. Working in the "3-D" has been an interesting change from fabric and paper. Oh ya, and children models...not the easiest to photograph!!!

7. From your blog, I read stories about your photoshots for the patterns. From your point of view, how important is “image” to a business like yours?

I think when it comes to the patterns, "image" is everything. I work just as hard on the packaging of the sewing patterns as I did on the pattern itself. We had to hold two of the photoshoots twice because we didn't get them right the first time. I think as a sewer, I like to buy a pattern that shows me exactly what I am going to make, but also gives me a warm feeling about what I am about to sew. I like buying a beautiful package and dreaming up the possibilities that the pattern may bring me. I think it is so rewarding to see your child wear something that you have made...and how happy and proud they are to wear it.

8. What things do you like to make other than clothes for your daughter? Do you still sew for yourself ?

I promised Siri I would make her a quilt. Felicity got the flag quilt (a free download on my blog), but I've been putting off making Siri's. I've made all the curtains in my house, and I have spent a lot of time slipcovering over the years.

9. What is your best advice for others who are contemplating changing their dreams into their bliss?

To go after it! That's doesn't mean quitting your day job...but it means finding the things that make you happy and going after those things. Oh, and dream big. If someone had told me I was going to finish a Ph.D. when I was 21, I would have laughed at them (I finished my doctorate when I was 27). Things change so quickly. You might as well dream big, because it would be much worse if you didn't try at all!

Wow ! Thank you so much Carina for sharing your experience, feelings and wisdoms. Don't forget that her new line of children sewing patterns has been launched last April. You can check them here. I can droll at their images for hours LOL

Image credits : Carina Gardner (www.carinagardner.com)

KCWC Day 5 (6, and 7)

2011-05-18T09:29:00.005+07:00

Finally sew something for my boy ! I got this linen blouse's pattern from Ottobre Summmer 2006 that has been in my magazine collections for years. Note : Zakiyya's dress is the Manhattan dress you can see here

Love those details of pockets, pockets flaps and sleeves tabs !

Bye bye KCWC ! I didn't make to pass this Spring 2011 challenge, but I will do my best the next KCWC !

Note : This post has been linked up to some of these link parties

KCWC day 3 & 4

2011-05-15T10:43:00.009+07:00

I'll make this quick. I didn't pass the Day 2 of KCWC because of serious stomach ache a.k.a gastroenteritis. And the illness kept for the whole week :(
I just made three other project for KCWC. Two are a bow top and toddler pants above. And the last is in my next post. Enjoy !

This post has been linked up to some of these link parties

kcwc Spring 2011- Day 1

2011-05-10T02:32:00.008+07:00

Update : I have set up a sew along for this dress. Here is the First Part of the sew-along

I made this cute reversible raglan sleeve dress for a 6 months old baby and kcwc ! Yes, kcwc has finally arrived ! It is Kids Clothes Week Challenge, hosted by Elsie Marley (of course, many of you have known about that ^^).

Above is the original version 's front and back. While below is the reverse side's version. I made it based my original sketches. Its pattern is also self-drafting. I have a plan to share the pattern, but not this week. I will be very busy making 7 clothes for my kids

Which one do you like most ? The original or the reverse version ?

If you want to participate, just put a badge below in your kcwc post. Don't forget to add your kcwc items into Elsie Marley's Flickr Pool

Note : This post has been linked up to some of these fabulous linky parties

Act and Change : Marianne Elliot

2011-05-08T05:11:00.008+07:00

I want to change. And to change we must act. In my journey for changing, I stumbled upon Marianne Elliot's blog. And I'm hooked. Marianne is not just about changing. She declares herself as a "change-maker". She proposes that everyone needs support and confidence to do her/his unique work in the world. Hmm.. totally agree. We all need that support, don't we ?

And, in my mission to be more useful for my society, I really want to write & publish a book. Yes, a book (don't tell me that I'm kidding). I don't know how, so I asked. I asked and asked so much to many competent writers, and Marianne is the first among them who answered my call. Here is her answer about "Choosing between traditional publishing and self-publishing :"

This depends a lot on why you want to publish your writing and what you hope to get out of it. If like me you have a story which you believe is important enough to want it to reach the widest possible audience then you'll make your choices depending on which route is likely to get you the best access to your audience.

If you are a professional writer, and need to make a living from your writing, then you'll be paying careful attention to the financial advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Traditional publishing is unlikely to make you very much money unless you've written a surefire bestseller which a large publishing house is going to want to snap up with a big advance (unlikely in my case and statistically unlikely for most of us). Self-publishing, done right, offers the chance for the author to enjoy more of the profits of her own work. But it also requires her to be a publisher, distributor, publicist and accountant for her own book as well as author.

If your main goal is to complete a personally meaningful creative project, then your criteria may be different again.

Whatever your motivations, the overall changes in the publishing sector which apply to both traditional and self-publishing are probably more significant than the difference between them.

Whether you choose traditional or self-publishing, if you want your book to reach its audience you are going to have to take responsibility for creating and then connecting with that audience. Traditional publishing may offer you certain help along that path - if you sign with a major publishing house they may provide you with a publicist for example - but you are still going to be the most passionate and qualified advocate and salesperson for your book.

Being the author of a published book - whether you follow the traditional or self-publishing route - involves a lot more than writing these days. My best advice is to embrace all aspects of this path. Rather than feeling intimidated by the idea that you have to establish a 'platform', why not enjoy the process of building an online community of people who are excited about what you are writing?

Publishing, whichever route you choose, is about claiming your story: stepping up to the world and saying "What I have to say is worth reading". It's a scary process, and you are going to need lots of support and encouragement along the way so start building your community of support now, find the people who are hungry for the stories you have to share!

And here is her answer on my favorite "three reasons" quest :

Three reasons to start writing

1. Because you love writing. Right? And you love reading, right? We write because we love it. And because even when we hate it, we still love it.

2. Because getting started is good enough. Sometimes even those of us who love writing get stuck. Most of my experience of 'writer's block' can be boiled down to one thing, my inner critic. My inner critic is very quick to tell me that my writing isn't good enough, and will never be good enough. So this is my response: just getting started is good enough.

3. Because there will never be a better time. It's very, very easy to keep putting off our writing while we wait for our children to grow up, our jobs to get better, our homes to get tidied. The perfect time to write never arrives. Start now. Start small. Just start.

Those are amazing statements, Marianne. I will print it and put it on my cubicle, so I can read it day by day.

If you want to know more about Marianne, read her About Me page, and her insights about writing. You must also read this interview by Alexis Grant

Marianne's precious articles on writing :
- How she got her agent
- How to write without writing
- Her agent’s tips for finding an agent
- Why Twitter is a writer’s tearoom
- The Yoga of Writing

To recite what Marianne say "Just start"

Images credit : Marianne Elliot

Finding My Creative Niche

2011-05-08T05:05:00.006+07:00

source : Sewing Things by Simply Hue

I'm with Vicki Dvorak this month to dig my creative inner side. Go ahead her blog Simply Hue, to find out more about her. She wrote a great article in Raining Umbrella about "Finding Your Creative Niche". And as a part of her course, I want to write that up in my own version

KNOW YOURSELF

If I should write a short paragraph about myself, I would write :

"I'm a 7.30 to 5 working woman with two toddlers, who always strive to dig creative inner side. People may misunderstand me as cool and steady, but in opposite I'm adventurous and love

to try new things. I'm easily distracted, eaily un-focusand, and in the need of more time. Maybe 36 hours a day is a great idea."

WHAT CREATIVE ACTIVITIES DID YOU ENJOY AS A CHILD?

As a child, I had many interests. My mom still keeps a picture showing me and my sister made some doodle sketches when I was (maybe) 4 years old. So I guess my first interest as a toddler was

drawing. When I was in kindergarten, I used to spend my afterschool time with my late grandmother, who taught me to color the flour dough with varies food colors. She was a great chef and had bazillion things to try ! I still remember the smell of her freshly-baked bread out from her oven. So nostalgic. And lucky me, she was also a great dress maker ! From her giant fabric remnants, I sew clothes for my doll and patchwork bags for myself. That when I was 6 years old.

WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES?

I have a good sense in colors (some people told me, ha ha). I have so many ideas in my head (just have to find time to do them)

I'm weak at debating and being vocal. And I'm not that good on time management. I'm easily distracted, so instead of writing a new blog post, I just wandering around new blogs, twitter, facebook, anthropologie, etc. I also don't have enough patience to knit even a small sweater for baby. I'm the kind of people who get stuck in a project that 95% finish. Maybe it takes only 5% more to finish it, but I get stuck about it, I usually won't continue the project. Bad habit !

WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS?

I actually have a lot of interest in fine art, but I assume that I don't have enough time. So I change my main interest into sewing, especially in sewing children's clothes and small (and easy) bags. I'm self taught in sewing. I draw a lot of information from books and internet. I really want to enter a sewing school that teach professional sewing skills. That probably will help me a lot.

WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY ABOUT YOU?

(Maybe) They think I'm shy and calm,but in opposite great in art and sewing. (don't you ?)

I love what Vicki wrote about this subject "Although we shouldn't gage our pursuits and interests on other people's opinions of us, calling to mind the positive things that friends and family have said about us over the years can be a good indicator of our gifts and talents. Even the less positive things they've said about us can offer us valuable insight.To summarize, when you look at your background (the activities you enjoyed), your current interests, strengths and weaknesses, and the things that loved ones say about you, you'll have a pretty good idea about the creative activities you should pursue."

Thank you so much Vicki for your precious insight. I guess everybody can answer above questions on their own, so we can all have a pretty good idea about our creative niche

Can you guess what it is ?

2011-05-02T21:55:00.009+07:00

Sorry for being M.I.A lately

My old wireless internet modem was broken, and I couldn't find a time to buy a new one but this afternoon. I made a draft for this post early last Monday, and couldn't publish it 'till today, sigh.. But I'm glad I can write and share without worrying about my internet connection anymore.

Images below are from my last long weekend (did at the same week as my INACRAFT post), taken in Waterboom Cikarang, a great place to hide and relax, with huge amount of Balinese atmospheres. We did some swims, glides and floats, gee...

Children pool area :

Zakiyya, before and after :

Brother and sister played together :

From above :

We finished at 3 p.m. and arrived at home at 4 p.m. It was a fun but sleepy way back home, so I still couldn't believe why my children had so much energy to play again and again in the evening :D

I and my children took our own drawing book, and started to make a lot of "scratches". Haven't I tell you that we all (except my husband) love to draw ?

Rafif made this drawing inspired by a thing he saw on the children's pool. You can see it in the first photo. Can you guess what it is ?

I hope I can share more with you this week. April has gone, and finally I can have some free time, yippeee !!

Splurges & Freebies - May

2011-05-02T11:18:00.013+07:00

Long weekend : INACRAFT 2011

2011-04-26T11:14:00.008+07:00

How was your holiday ? Mine was a bunch of fun and a little bit of shopping experience !

Last week, INACRAFT 2011, the biggest and the largest craft fair in Indonesia was held. I, my husband and my son went there at Friday. We went early in the morning and expected to arrive at Senayan at 10 a.m., when the exhibition gate was opened, but hey... what the heck was that ? A giant queue, no, a giant crowd was in front of the exhibition gate !

So, by holding my son tightly, I and my husband tried hard to enter the gate. And we did it ! (after 15 minutes of hot and crowded queueing). I promise, for the next Inacraft, I will go there solo !

Below are few snapshots from the event, enjoy !

Above : Romantic Cotton's Booth

Above : GDa's Gallery

Above : Cute kid's stooll. Bought some of these ^^

Above : lace craft from Green Craft & Design

From the same booth, I bought a set of lace coaster, lace pin cushion, and a taffeta rose

And I met Puri from Idekuhandmade. Bought two owl cushions for my two little bunnies and her book for myself. Unfortunately, I forgot to take my picture with her !! *regrets*

Here is Zakiyya with her owl cushion

See you on the next InaCraft !

Pattern Testers Required - Lace & Chiffon Handbag (CLOSED)

2011-04-19T04:58:00.006+07:00

Yup ! I need two pattern testers for this fresh-from-the-oven small handbag. If you want to be included, you can put your name on the comment section, with your email address. I will close this requirement at Friday morning, and send the PDF to the two pattern testers.

Does this mean that I will sell this pattern online ? I still don't have the answer

Note : This pattern testing must be finished at next Friday (April 29th, 2011). So I need the pattern testers to commit finishing the handbag at the due date

This post has been linked up to some of these link parties

Act and Change : Jessica Van Den

2011-04-18T16:52:00.004+07:00

Do you see a new tagline ? "Act & Change" is a series of interviews, short interviews or introductions of inspiring people, to make us "act and change", either change ourself or change the world. If you consistenly read my blog, I actually had started this series few weeks ago, by doing an interview with Kay Whitt, and some short interviews with sewing artists (Part 1 and Part 2)

For this intially launched "Act & Change", we have Jessica van Den, who is a seriously creative girl, jewellery designer, business maven, indie-biz motivator, and now she is a zine publisher ! Wow ! She writes regularly on Jessica van Den : Crafting a Business, Epheriell Design Blog, and contributes on Scoutie Girl. She also has her own online store for her Epheriell jewellery line, and Vintette on etsy.

And haven't I mention that she also publishes a zine ? *bespoke* is the name. If you are an Australian crafter and artist, you may familiar with *bespoke* zine. Here is Jess sharing her publishing venture

1. Please share to us, how did you come to an idea to publish *bespoke* zine ?

I was enjoying my blog at EpheriellDesigns.com - but I wanted to do something more. I was inspired by a number of zines I love, including Aussie zine Mixtape, and New Zealand zine Extra Curricular - and I thought 'hey, if they can do it, so can I!'. So, I put the word out through my social networks, and the response was so positive that I went for it!

2. Let's pretend : If *bespoke* is your microphone, what words do you really want to speak out loudly through it ?

That craft is fun, that creativity is vital to a fulfilling life, that vintage should be cherished, and that you CAN make a living from your craft.

{Image courtesy of Jennifer Wu}

3. When you gain so many article submissions, you have to choose and eliminate. How difficult it is ?

Hmm, it can be hard... luckily, since I do 4 issues a year, if I get something fabulous that I can't fit into the current issue I'm working on, I can schedule it for a future issue. But it is difficult to turn people down - especially people I know and have built a relationship with online... who likes saying no to friends?

4. When you're stuck, what is your strongest reason to stay ahead ?

My readers. All of the amazing people who have bought a copy of *bespoke*; who have told me how much they enjoyed it... the thought of bringing a little joy and inspiration into their lives keeps me motivated.

5. Jess, I know you as a multi-talented persona. You are a jewellery designer, an indie-biz motivator, and also an indie zine publisher. How do you manage your time to maintain your magazine publication ?

Being a workaholic probably helps ;) Seriously though, it can get pretty challenging. I'm lucky enough that my husband is at home with me, and he's been taking on more and more work for the business of late. He's now in charge of all the bookkeeping, as well as numerous other tasks, and that frees me up to be able to do more, which is fabulous. I also have a wonderful graphic designer who helps me put *bespoke* together, as I know very little about graphic design! When I decided to start *bespoke* I just went for it, despite not having all the necessary skills, and I've been lucky enough that it's all come together with other people's help. In short, I don't do it all by myself!

{Image Courtesy of Adelle}

6. Do you ever think about "gain or loss" in this project ? Have you ever been worried about financing ?

Absolutely I think about that. *bespoke* is part of my business, and I need to be making a profit on it to make the time I spend on it worthwhile. Getting each issue printed costs a few thousand dollars, so it's a big investment.

7. What is your biggest dream on this project ?

I would love *bespoke* to grow and become well-known throughout the creative and crafty world! I hope it becomes and remains something people are inspired by!

8. It is a casual question. What is your best advice for anyone who want to start a zine ?

Be passionate about your topic - otherwise you might run out of ideas! In this way, it's similar to writing a blog. And go for it! Even if you don't have all the technical skills - jump in and figure it out as you go. Remember to get other people involved - I think involving my community has been the best thing I did with *bespoke*!

***

Thank you so much Jess for the inspiration. Wow ! She is totally a workaholic, isn't she ? I follow her from twitter, and got addicted with her tweets. She builds her community from scratch on social media, and gain so much from it, either friends or sales. How ? Lucky for us, she wants to share her secret with us. "Crafty and Connected" is her first online course for indie business owner, emphasizes on "how to make the world know about you and your business". It will begin at May 2nd, 2011

And The Strawberry Cake Purse goes to....

2011-04-18T16:07:00.001+07:00

Congratulation, Mrs. Fitria ...

I will contact you via email this evening

3 Reasons to Start Learning Sewing (Part 2)

2011-04-15T02:05:00.011+07:00

{Click each contributor's picture and name to get their links}

Finally post the last part of this short interview, doh ! What a great procrastinator I've been.

Thank you for my friends and new friends that wrote comments and emails regarding my previous blog post. If you have a great passion on it, just do it (as long as it is possitive)

And thank you so much for the contributors, for spending a little of your precious time to write your three reasons. Your powerful insights are so meaningful for us

3 Reasons to Start Learning Sewing (Part 1)

2011-04-11T07:48:00.005+07:00

Many of my friends asked me why I started to learn sewing. And I said, I learnt to sew because it is an applicable and wearable art. I used to draw and make sketches, but I couldn't enjoy and wear my art. That was so simple ! Then most of them said "Okay, I will learn it some day" and they wait for a great reason and a huge list of reasons to start learning sewing, like "maybe next time when I have more time". I often hear "I don't have to learn sewing. Clothes are cheap!"

Do we really need numbers of reasons to start learning sewing ? I guess not. So I asked several famous sewing artists to share three (just three !) reasons to start learning sewing. And here some of them (Part 2 will be posted tomorrow morning)

So, what are your reasons ?

Tabitha Emma (and A Giveaway) - CLOSED

2011-04-08T14:53:00.011+07:00

Meet our April's Spotlight ! She is the beautiful & talented Tabitha Emma from Sidney. She runs a website named Tabitha Emma where she shares her stunning portfolio, and her blog, She is the one who did my lovely blog make-over ! It is just what I wanted. I'm glad that I met her. in the net (that what makes me love internet, without it, I couldn't ask her to design my blog !)

She also runs an etsy shop.There you will find cute things, from bunny brooch, pretty art prints, ACEO cards, tea & egg cozies, and some embroidered & gocco printed purses

wood-bunny-brooch i-feel-it wait-by-the-phone tea-cozy Image Map

{ click each image for the source link }

And luckily, she is our giveaway host for this month ! See this Strawberry Cake Purse ?

A lucky reader can win it !

This giveaway is open internationally for Innocentia readers/followers only. Just place a comment below and leave me your email address. This giveaway will closed at next Thursday, April 14, 3.00 p.m. Jakarta time Let's comment & good luck !

Girls

2011-04-06T23:48:00.008+07:00

Source: etsy.com via Dewi on Pinterest

Girls. They won't have enough lace

Source: muchlove-anna.blogspot.com via Dewi on Pinterest

or childlike dreams of royalty

Source: etsy.com via Dewi on Pinterest

a high dose of pastel and pink

Source: etsy.com via Dewi on Pinterest

or maybe a week full of tea parties

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Dewi on Pinterest

or even a closet full of pretty dresses

Gorgeous images above are from my Pinterest Does anyone have a pinterest account ? If yes,

please let me know by putting your pinterest link in the comment section, and I would love to

follow you

Ruffled Halter Dress

2011-04-05T17:22:00.003+07:00

I became a pattern tester last week. And it was sooo fun !! By becoming a pattern tester, I can give some advices to the pattern maker, and eventhough I didn't give her some good advices, at least I could share something to the finished pattern.

Does anybody know what pattern that I tested ?

And I'm so sorry for posting tutorial not too often. I'm trying to be more gently with myself lately, and not waking up at 2.a.m. ^^

Note : This post has been linked up to some of these awesome link parties

Interview with Kay Whitt from Serendipity Studio

2011-04-03T16:28:00.015+07:00

source

Of course, many of you have heard about Kay Whitt. She is the designer behind Serendipity Studio and the author of Sew Serendipity

source

I'm in love with this Mod Jacket from the book

I'm so grateful that she wanted to answer my questions. We talked about how she published her book, her obstacles and her opinion about what a good sewing book should look like. Plus, she is so awesome. Think about it, she answered all of my questions, from people unknown, separated far apart, from another part of this world. No further talk, here she is ...

1. Kay, can you share us about how your book "Sew Serendipity" could be published ?

I was actually approached by F+W Media to publish a book for their KP Books imprint. It involved my putting together a proposal of the designs and overall style of the book. The acquisitions editor presented it to their committee and they approved it. From there, it took about 2 years for the book to be available for purchase. It is a lot of work, as the projects go through design, then the sample sewing, and finally the writing/illustrating. The process is long but worth it! The publisher handles the book design and production with my input, then they send it to print once all of the editorial and author reviews have been completed. One of the nicest things about working with the publisher is their ability to sell the book to large distributors around the world, so the exposure to my work is greater.

2. What is your biggest reason or passion in writing a sewing book ?

It is another way for me to share my designs. Up to this point, I have self-published my patterns one by one. I continue this process for the patterns I produce for Serendipity Studio. I love to sew and share my techniques with others (my passion in life!) and so the book was a perfect way to do that.

3. What is your greatest obstacle ? And how did you overcome it ?

I would say that since I started the company, my biggest obstacle was not knowing how to hand draft the different sizes for my patterns. I do not have a degree in design, therefore I did not have the skills to produce the pieces as I wanted. To overcome this, I purchased pattern drafting software which enables me to create the tissue pieces with all the different sizes for my designs. I started working with it 6 years ago and it has been a learning process ever since. It is still the most challenging part of my work, but something I don't really consider an obstacle, rather a puzzle that gets solved every time I produce a successful design!

4. Have you ever met a rejection upon your idea ?

If you are referring to publishing, no. I have been lucky in that what I have wanted to do has also been the desire of the publisher. We worked through minor differences as the book came together, but that would not be considered rejection.

5. From scratch to finish, how long did you writing and publishing process take ?

From the time the book was proposed until it was ready for purchase, it took about 2 years.

6. According to your opinion, a good sewing book shall consist of :

A good sewing book should cover all of the techniques that the designer regularly uses in an easy-to-understand format. Most people are visual learners, so the more photographs the better. My book has photographed techniques at the beginning as well as hand drawn illustrations throughout the instructions so that readers can easily understand how to put the projects together. Another important component would be for the book to have projects that range in difficulty from easy to challenging. In this way, there is something appealing for the beginner as well as the experienced sewer. Lastly, a sewing book should be accurate. It takes time and effort for an editorial team and the author to work through the instructional text, but it is highly important that they are correct so that the reader will have an easy time making the projects. I think this can "make or break" the success of the book.

7. In explaining how-to : Real Photographs or Sketched/Computerized Diagram ?

I have both in my book. We found it would be better to photograph the general techniques that are used time and again throughout the book, so those are together in one of the introductory chapters. For the project instructions, I drew the illustrations by hand and those were scanned in by the publisher. These were drawn as I sewed the projects to make sure that they truly represented what was going on in that particular step. Having the hand drawn illustrations lends a "sketchbook" feel to the book and was something that the publisher asked me to do after reviewing my proposal that contained some of my sketches. They liked that approach and the quality it brought to the finished book.

Hmm.. 2 years. It was a long long journey to have your book being published, Kay. But it was all worth it. Thank you so much for joining us today Kay

Do not forget to visit Kay's blog and like her facebook page.

From Christine

2011-03-31T03:10:00.004+07:00

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Christine Traub from Germany sent me her triangular purse, sewn based on my Triangular Pouch Tutorial. It is amazing how my triangular pouch has traveled around the world (unfortunately, I haven't). Visit Christine's facebook photo page

Image credit : Triangular purse photos are taken by Christine, edited in Photoshop CS3 by Citra, using Blog-bling Fashion Photo Frames (premium download) Font : MTF Colleen Cursive by Miss Tina

Hooks, Needles & Brushes

2011-03-28T05:37:00.007+07:00

Go to Seema's blog : Hook, Needles & Brushes for Craft Book Review & Giveaway, Pattern Giveaway. She also has some cute amigurumi patterns in her Etsy shop and SSK Craft Shop. Thank you Seema for being my March's spotlight ^^

Note : Calling for new sponsors for April !! Please read my new sponsorship term

Arte and Prosa

2011-03-27T15:46:00.013+07:00

Hi Brazil !
This post is dedicated for this March's monthly spotlight, Arte and Prosa blog from Brazil. It is owned and written by my generous friend, Helck Souza. The blog is written in Portuguese, but translating is easy, just go to Google translate. Formerly a chemical engineer and a writer, Helck now reinvent herself and feel her home at her sewing corner

Image credit : First row : Patchwork cushion for Nicole Second Row Left : Patchwork & Embroidered Cushion Middle : School Bag Right : Jewellery Pouch

p.s : Four free spaces are still available for next April's monthly spotlight. If you want to be featured, please read my sponsorship terms and ask me any question by email

Postcard for Dija

2011-03-23T17:42:00.009+07:00

front (source) edited using Pixlr

"me+mother=endless bond" is original quote by me

back

Link PDF Postcard for Dija

This post is dedicated to Baby Dija who just turns one today. I pretend if she had grown as a mature woman who just had a baby. I hope she can read this postcard when the time she become a mother. I want to encourage her and cherish her motherhood

Note for Ola Elsa : Please print the PDF and cut the front and the back separately, and glue them together, so they turn as postcard

p.s : This post has been linked up to some of these fabulous link parties

Splurges & Freebies

2011-03-22T14:13:00.017+07:00

source : Pink Bike by Firstlightphoto

There's a famous quote :

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.

by Benjamin Franklin

SPLURGES, here means "something valuable, that make you pay some or huge amounts of money to have it"

Sewing Supplies :

E-course

"Art of Action" e-course with Tara Gentile : ongoing
Website Kick Start Course with Tara Gentile starts at April 11, 2011
Unravelling : Ways of Seeing Myself, with Susannah Conway

Blog / Website Makeover

Blog redesign, Banner design & many more by Tabitha Emma
Powered by Pastries Blog Designer Directory
The Darling Tree
S.JoyStudios with Sarah J Bray

Books :

The Creative Advantage Book by Guillaume Wolf
Getting Unstuck, an audiobook by Pema Chodron

E-book

31 Days to Build A Better Blog e-book
The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle Laporte
Blog Post Engineering-UnSEO for Creatives by Dave Doolin
52 More Weeks of Blogging Your Passion by Tara Gentile

FREEBIES :

Makin' Cute Blogs April Showers on blogging tutorial
Pluggy Pixels on blog design
Mellow Mint ==> textures and web design resources
So-Ghislaine ==> free textures, PSD, Photoshop Brushes
Tackorama ==> free font
HG Designs Digital freebies for photographers, scrapbookers and designers
Pixels and Cream => Photoshop brushes, vectors : some free, some not
The Graphics Fairy ==> free vintage images
Sugar and Spice Textures Vintage Book Texture Elements
dafont.com ==> free fonts
Kevin and Amanda ==> fonts, fonts, fonts !
Miss Tina ==> fonts

This list can grow & I need your help. Do you know any good splurge or freebies ? Please tell me, by leaving a comment beneath this post

Sweet Batik Winners

2011-03-14T17:32:00.005+07:00

Above photo is from Handmade Julz

All of you are awesome ! I received 39 entries for Sweet Batik Giveaway. Sweet batik's batik collections are so darn cute, I would be hard to choose if I could enter this giveaway.

Nu further talk, the first winner of is :

Congratulation to Jesy :

Jesy will receive her favorite batik that is #120 from Sweet Batik

And the second winner is :

Entry no 14 ==> Andriani Retno, congratulation dear. You will receive a jewellery set from Sweet Batik

Jesy and Andriani, please send me your full names and addresses via email to : mama.rafif@gmail.com within 3 days. I will also try to contact you and wait until March 17,2011. If you don't contact me within those days, I will pick another winner

Ladybug Bag : A Baby Top Refashion

2011-03-10T07:37:00.009+07:00

This is my latest re-fashion project, Ladybug Bag. You know me for some re-fashioning projects, usually from adult clothes into toddler clothes. Few days ago, I wanted to try different re-fashion. I tried to repurpose a baby top/shirt into a mini tote bag.

Above was how the baby top looked like. It was once Zakiyya's top. Its size was 9-12 months, and of course it didn't fit her anymore. It has cute pink-yellow-green ladybug pattern, and I could not stand to change it into a cute mini tote bag

What you need :
- An unused baby top (a cotton top is better)
- Batting (if needed)
- Cotton fabric for lining and handle
- Matching threads

How to make :

1.If your baby top has any back button, take it off and sew together the button placket

2. Trace the baby top front and back into a batting or fusible batting (if needed). You can make the bodice without batting. It is totally up to you. I prefer using batting because it will give my bag more shape and structure that I need

3. Lining :

- Trace the pattern of front and back bodice into pattern paper. Use the pattern to make the bag's lining. I made the lining's side seams and bottom seams smaller than the bag bodice. I add a 3/8 seam allowance at neckline

- With wrong side together, sew the lining at shoulder seams, side seams and bottom seam. Leave the sleeves un-stitched, zigzag raw edge

4. Join the lining and bodice :
- Insert the lining into the bag's bodice, wrong side together.

- Make sure the lining's seam allowance is folded inside, and then pin the bodice and lining together at neckline. At this point, I still leave the sleeves unstitched

- Topstitch along the neckline

5. Bag Handles
- Cut two strips of fabric, each measurement is 6 x 44 cm

- Fold the strip at half lengthwise, then fold its seam allowance 1 cm. Meet them at wrong side. Topstitch along the edge. Do the same with another strip of fabric

- Pin each edge of a bag handle at 5 cm from shoulder seam, right beside the front neckline. Do the same method with another bag handle

Off you go, mini tote bag ! I used it to bring my prayer set to office, and got many compliments. Everyone did not believe that it was made from my daughter's baby top.

p.s I link this post into some of these famous link parties

Sweet Batik Interview & Giveaway CLOSED

2011-03-07T00:19:00.006+07:00

I proudly presents my interview with my dearest duo, Dina & Nissa from "Sweet Batik". They're Indonesians and they make cute things with batik ! I'm glad that they want to answer my questions, despite their busy life and tight schedule as moms. Read more and you will find some good business and batik tips. And further more, they will host a giveaway for Innocentia readers, and that's what I call super exciting !!

For an intro, let me introduce them thru' their company profile :

"We at Sweet Batik commit to bring you the best materials we can find and offer you a great craftsmanship on our products. We offer fresh & modern products using Indonesian Batik fabrics as the main materials, especially for kids, women/mothers, accessories & home decor. We do our best to go directly to the source whenever possible, bypassing middleman so we can deliver the best value to our customers.

With a big dream to spread the beauty Indonesian Batik worldwide, we also have another big dream which is to create as much as working opportunities for women in small villages where we live. We really honor good work ethic; include Fair Trade practice for our workers. We trained and hired low-income women (especially mothers) who live around our workshop, so that they can be independent and have extra income to support their family. Finding decent jobs are sometimes hard in Indonesia especially that offer flexible hours for mothers, so we’re so happy that we can give this opportunity for them. Besides, we’re also a WAHM moms too anyway ^_^

We're happy to offer you a unique collections which most of them are available in limited designs, include many one-of-a-kind (OOAK) items, because we understand that you're a unique & special person.

We also believe that it is very necessary to support our earth by using recycled materials,include finding promotional & packaging materials that are Eco-friendly. We’d like to work together with non-profit organizations, through auctions, sales, etc. And we try our best to educate & share buyers on the importance of reuse & green healthy living. "

I knew what they say it's true, especially about the difficulties to find decent jobs for low educated/low income SAHMs in Indonesia, so I bet they are not kidding when they declare their motto : "handmade.moms-owned.social responsible.fair trade wages.earth care"

I am also in love with them because they use "Batik", in sweet and cute ways (that's why they called themself as "Sweet Batik"). Just look at their photo ! They make sweet things using the sweetest batik combinations I've ever seen :

No further talk, here is my (not so) long-distance interview with Dina & Nissa :

{Me} You two are great friends and great partners. Can you tell us when and how did you two meet ?
{Sweet Batik = SB} We met online in the year of 2007 at one of Indonesian business Yahoogroup
{Me} Why did you decide to start a business ?
{SB} Beside being full time moms, we also wish to do other positive activities which we can express ourselves, be independent, and off course something that can give extra income too. And the most important part is to create jobs for others, especially for mothers like us.

{Me} What made you choose partnership ? Why not became a solo ?
{SB} By having a partner, we can feel the difference to do things much better & faster. Each of us has different talents, so each of us can "cover" things that we don't know about.

{Me} Is there any separation of function between you and your partner ?
{SB} Yes, we have different function doing the business at Sweet Batik . Basically, we both have the same hobby, which are crafting and looking at beautiful things over the internet. At Sweet Batik, Dina is working manage and design the website/blog, design the promotion needs (business card, tags, etc.), international corresmarketing, promotion, and also help out doing a small production. Meanwhile, Nissa is mainly dealing with production (from buying the fabrics, accessories, etc.), help to manage Multiply site, and handle payment & shipping. Even we both have different tasks, we always manage to consult each others before we make any final decisions.

{Me} You two are so enviable ! You have a great business and at the same time each of you has a great family. How can you do that ? How do you manage your life ?
{SB} To be honest, it's not that easy. Unlike most people in Indonesia, we both don't have a maid and/or both maid & babysitter. What we do basically is to make every minute that available to work (mostly after put the kids to sleep and finish household chores). Sometimes we have to work while the kids are still awake, for example when they're busy coloring, we can check our Facebook Page or make a couple accessories. There are so much work that we'd like to accomplish, but we just have to accept what we did at the end of the day.

{Me} Now about you label "Sweet Batik" I love your products ! And I'm glad that you use Indonesia's famous traditional fabrics, "Batik". Instead of using other fabrics, why you use batik in your products ?
{SB} Because we're very proud with the richness of Indonesian Batik fabrics and we also wish to make Indonesian Batik widely known worldwide. The kind of Batik that we use is hand-stamped and hand-dyed, which means in its process using men labor, not machine, in this case more jobs are being created from Batik industry itself.

{Me} There are many kinds of batik in Indonesia. What is your most favorite batik pattern ?
{SB} We're pretty much like pastel & bright colors on Batik fabrics. Most of the Batik fabrics that we use made in West Java.

{Me} Can you give us any suggestion how to choose a high quality batik ?
{SB} Everyone has different taste on choosing "high quality" on Batik fabric. Some people prefer the design & color on the Batik itself over the the type of cotton fabric that they use. Some people prefer on one method/process over the other, such as hand-drawned or hand-stamped, or even machine printed. For us, we prefer more modern look design on bright & pastel colors made with high quality cotton fabric. In our case, we chose hand-stamped Batik process.

{Me} I'm not a batik collector, but if I want to be a collector, can you give suggestion about the best way to take care of my batik ?
{SB} People in the old days using Soap Nut to wash their Batik fabrics. The good thing is, Soap Nut is actually "the new" green natural detergent product, so is now widely available outside Indonesia. But, you can always use regular soap/detergent to wash Batik fabric. It always best to soak them before first use; and hand-washed are prefereable.

Thank you so much Dina & Nissa for the inspiration. I know it's hard to be both mom & business owner, they're though and they are kind of my girl. If you would like to know more about them & to see their new designs that will be coming or other options that are available you can follow their blog at: http://blog.sweetbatik.com/ or follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sweetbatiks

Now about the giveaway, first lucky reader will win their Batik Collection (cotton, size: 210 x 115 cm or 86.614 x 45.275 inch / 2.405 x 1.257 yard), and second winner will win their jewellery set (a set of ring, scrunchie and brooch)

Sweet Batik has 187 batik collections, and here are 12 (twelve) of them :

How to win ? Just Like Sweet Batik on Facebook and leave a comment on this post telling me that you like them and stating what is your favorite batik pattern (stated by number). Don't forget to leave me your email address

Extra entries :

- Follow Sweet Batik's Blog (+1 extra entry)
- Follow Sweet Batik on Twitter (+1 extra entry)
(don't forget to leave me a comment after you do each of them)

This giveaway is open internationally, from today until Monday, March 14, 2011 ==> The Giveaway is now closed. The winner will be drawn tomorrow morning. Thank your for whom has participated

Be My Sponsor

2011-03-04T02:30:00.006+07:00

Dear my fellow readers,

I have some empty spaces in my sidebar. From my older post, you will now that I had them from my previous de-cluttering project. I love simplicity, but I hate emptiness. So I invite you, bloggers, etsy shops, businesses, handmade artisans, designers and more, to fill up my empty sponsor space

For your info, my blog traffic is currently around 350-450 hits on my blog a day, with 600 - 850 pageviews a day, with a high of 2,716 views in one day last January. I received 25,084 pageviews only on February. I gain readers from around the world, especially North America and Europe.

If you ask me about my pricing. I will say "zero" dollar. Yes, because of my love with handmade world and regarding the fact that my blog is now accounted to be "small" blog, I offer you a "free spot" for a whole month ! I will start a new set at the beginning of a new month. Each set contains 8 (eight) sponsor space, 125 x 125 pixels each. "A new set" here means a previously listed sponsor can not be listed at next month's sponsorship list. It's a rolling list, so I can make sure that everyone have an equal chance. What you should pay me then ? Nothing ! It's free. I never know when I change my mind, so you should better hurry.

So you've been listed. And you got many hits from my blog. And you want to be my sponsor again`..
I happily support and promote handmade artists and handmade suppliers from around the world, so I welcome any sponsorship trades for blogs/sites which have a comparable volume of readership. I also welcome any blog swap / guest post.

Now you want to be forever in my sidebar ...
I happily appreciate any request to host a giveaway, as long as what you will give away is still handmade and design-related... and you will stay forever in my sidebar. I try to give a time spare time from one giveaway to another, so I will keep up my giveaway post into maximum two giveaways each month.

If you have any question, feel free to email me at mama.rafif@gmail.com

Ready, Set... Priorities

2011-03-03T13:26:00.003+07:00

One day my colleague asked me some questions, "Citra, how could you do that ? Being a busy worker and a blogger at the same time ?" That time, I answered "Well....", I had not even have another word came out of my mouth when he asked more, "Why did you choose to blog about sewing ? Why didn't you blog about taxes or audit practice, which had been your expertise for years?" I was speechless. I only said "I like auditing but I'm in love with sewing". That was all I said, *gee..* I wish I can turn back that time and provide a better answer for him

If I meet him again, I will say "No, I am not a worker and a blogger "at the same time"."

We are surrounded by "multi-tasking" jargon. A computer that can hold more tasks than other computers is considered to be the best computer. Media sends us images that a modern woman is a multi-tasker. I'm not agree with that. I, and many other women, have three major functions, as a mom, a wife and a worker. In my opinion, I can not do these functions at the same time. I must prioritize. If I try to do them at the same time, I will surely feel being pulled out in three directions. And that won't be good for my physical body and my inner self.

Here is a sample of my daily routine :

I usually wake up early in 2 a.m in early morning. I do some of my office projects (if there any) or sew if I want to sew, write or blog if I have nothing to do. I finish at 4.30 a.m, take a shower, and pray. My daughter usually wakes up at 5 a.m. While paying her my attention, I continue to tidy up my bag and clothes, cook if I want to cook, open all the doors and windows. My son accompanies me at 5.30 and asks his milk.

What else? Hm.. my house cleaner comes at 6 a.m. and I must ask my husband to take a shower quickly, or we must be late. My nanny comes at 6.15, and she will be busy keeping my kids for not crying when I and my husband go. Then we both go to office at 6.30 a.m.
Our office hour start at 7.30 a.m. let me tell you that I must not be late, or they (my bosses, of course) will cut my salary. Not much, I think, but I hate being cut XD

I work in my office until 5 p.m. I get my 60 minutes break at noon. That time I can continue my blogging world. And when the time to work has come, I must be disconnected T_T

I know I must prioritize. Everytime I have an idea to be realized, I always set my schedule and prepare the supplies. When everything have been prepared, and suddenly my daughter calls, I know I must set them aside for a while. I love my family and I won't let them go because of my egos.

This is a photo of my dearest son and daughter, taken at my latest maternity leave, January 2009. My babies has grown up as toddlers. My oldest son is preparing to take his kindergarten this July, and my 2 years old daughter can sing "Indonesia Raya" (our national song). When we're together, I want to spend my precious time with them only, and doesn't want to be disturbed

How about you ? I always put my envious and jealous face when I see a SAHM blog, especially craft blog. I always ask myself "how can she make so many crafts" ? But I know my priorities, and I'm glad I have my own way

ps : This post was written in an afternoon break. I stole a minute for myself LOL

Sewn with Love : My Dirndl Skirt

2011-02-27T05:10:00.005+07:00

(It took me more time to post another Sewn with Love Sew Along. Have I told you that I always blame my tight schedule & full time work days ? If I haven't, I will blame them again LOL)

"Dirndl" originally came in form a dress worn by native Germany and Austria. This Dirndl Skirt maybe was designed by following the original shape of Dirndl's skirt. The skirt's size comes from 18-24 months until 7-8 years. I chose the smallest size for my daughter, and after it had finished, I saw that it was too big for her. Maybe it will fit better in my niece

About the materials :
The book suggests us to prepare 2 yards of plain chambray. I had some chambrays in green (that was used for making playsuit). If I used it again, you and I would be bored so I wouldn't use it again. I decided to use a quilt cotton (it is Bubble Cocoa from Arianna by Benartex) And later I found that my quilt cotton was to stiff and heavy for this kind of skirt. For size 18-24 months, I only needed 1 yard of fabric. You will also need 30 cms elastic (3 cm wide) and some ribbons or trims

Sewing The Skirt's Tiers :

1. From the pattern, I had five long strips of fabric. Four of them for skirt's tiers and one strip for skirt's waistband. I named the tiers from top, so the tier's following order from top is Tier 1 - Tier 2 - Tier 3 - Tier 4 (bottom tier).
For each strip, I joined its end onto another end, the pinned and stitched it the along its seamline. Then I sew two rows of gathering stitches around the top of each tiers, leaving long threas at each end. I pulled the gathering stitches and made sure the top of Tier 4 (bottom tier) had the same width as the bottom of Tier 3. I did the same method for Tier 3, Tier 2 and Tier 1.

2. I lined up the top of Tier 4 with the bottom of Tier 3, right side together. I pinned and sew the along the seamline, with 3/8 inches seam allowance

3. The I folded the Tier 3 put, and pressed the seams.

4. I did the same method (picture #2 and #3) to attach Tier 2 into Tier 3, and Tier 1 into Tier 2. I pressed all the seams and overlock any raw edge.

Waistband :

1. Like what I did to tiers, I stitched a waistband end onto another end, and press the seams open.

2. I folded and pressed the waistband in half lengthwise and its seam allowances

3. I pinned the right side of the waistband into the wrong side of skirt

4. After turned out the skirt, I attached and sew one edge of elastic into wrong side of the the waistband. Had a safety pin on another edge of elastic, I folded the waistband to the right side of the skirt, pressed it along half lengthwise and made sure the waistband's seam allowance had been folded inside.

5. I made a top-stitching along the bottom line of the waistband, and left three inches unstitched so I had enough room to pull out the elastic using the safety pin I had mentioned before. I pulled out the elastic and stitched it in its place (you can see the elasticized part of the waistband clearly at its pattern). I locked it by sewing the unstitched waistband's bottom edge and topstitching waistband's top edge.

*I was lack of words when I wrote thi, so pardon me if this post is kinda boring :D*

Important note : Please respect the writer
The skirt's design and Some texts are copyrighted, by Their Nibs (2010)

Sewn with Love - Playsuit Day 4 (Last Day)

2011-02-20T02:52:00.010+07:00

This was last day of the playsuit sew-along. I finished the playsuit almost two weeks ago, and procastinated in editing the photos and the post. The playsuit consumed four days using my novice sewing experience. In the meantime, I just realized that I had 100.000 more hits since few days ago. Congratulation, my blog ! You just put another great step stone. Ooops, no further talk, here we go :

Attaching Bottom's Cuffs :

1. I took the playsuit's bottom, and made two gathering stitches next to button plackets / button extensions. They were gently gathered up until the width of cuff pieces

2. I aligned one right side of the cuff (that had been folded in half lengthwise and pressed) into wrong side of the bottom's leg, and sewed it using 5 mm seam allowance

3.I took the folded side of the cuff to the right side of the bottom. I pinned it in its place and top-stitched "around" the cuff. "Around" here means along the four edges of the cuff. I did the same for another leg

Sewing The Bodice :

1. I prepared my bodice and its lining, and then sewed each of them at the shoulder seams and side seams

2. I met the bodice and the lining at the wrong side, fitted them, pinned and then sewed them around the neckline

3. Had the bodice turned and pressed, I then prepared the armholes. I fold the armholes' seam allowance inside and pressed them. This task quite challenged me, especially when it came to align the folded edge of the bodice and the lining. After I felt they were aligned, I pinned, basted them, and finally topstitched the atmholes real close to their edges. Pheuww... a hard work

Joining The Bottom and The Bodice :

1. I got a bottom and bodice prepared for the next step

2. I made two gathering stitches at the top edge of the bottom, started next to button placket. I didn't follow the book's instruction this time. The book says to line up the bottom and the bodice at the right side. I did it at the wrong side (from the lining). I stitched along the seams with 5 mm seam allowance, started "next to" button placket. I did not forgot to fold the seam allowance of bottom's button placket first. I did a zigzag stitch around the raw edge. I flipped it outside, and folded the seam allowance of the bodice. After pressed it nicely, and I pinned it around the joint

3. {The button placket was the trickiest task} I folded the bodice's button plackets inside, after folded in each of their seam allowance. Met the bodice button placket with the bottom's button placket. The next step was topstitching the seams that joined the the bodice and the bottom's button placket. Please be aware that you should topstitch the bottom of the button placktes together where they overlapped

4. {This picture will show you how I did it (from the wrong side). I'm afraid that my bubbling wwon't explain the exact steps} Started at bottom of one button placket, I topstitched the the button placket, up to the neckline, and down to the another button placket

Making buttonholes and Attaching Buttons :

1. At the front part of the playsuit bottom's button extension, I made seven "horizontal" buttonholes. The first was on the middle of the extension just beneath the center front seam. Made one at each cuff, and made other four spaced between the first buttonholes and the cuffs' buttonholes {The picture told you better than my words}

2. I sewed seven buttons to the corresponding position

3. I made five "vertical" buttons, place three of them at the bodice button placket and two others at the bottom button placket

Pheuw, I'm glad that I had finished this playsuit sew-along post. How about you ?

For all of you who haven't read the playsuit sew along's previous days, I've collected them into one page "Sewn with Love Sew Along". I hope this can help

Update :

Some of my friends asked me my original opinions about the book and the pattern. I tell you that I'm not that good at critizing something, so I won't write any criticism. I just share my experince *wink

The book has a good order, and some great chapters. I enjoy reading them. My point here is that the book is more suitable for intermediate seamstress, because its instructions are mostly written, and there are not enough step-by-step illustrations for a (very) beginner seamstress

Pattern sizes are not included in the book, so I must opened the enclosed CD. Thank God, the publisher give us a varies number of sizes. Babies's patterns start from 0-3 months until 12-18 months, and older style's patterns range from 18-24 months until 7-8 years. And all of them are packed in organized folders. I didn't have any difficulties to open and choose my size. Of course I need a computer to open the CD, but hey, everyone can access computers now, so I think that's not a big point

The seam allowance is included, yes, included !! It is mostly 5 mm wide, and it help me a lot. The downside is, there are no "Top" sign that indicate top side of a pattern. I needed some good guessings in this thing, and the grainlines guidance helped me a lot. But if you have ever work with some patterns before, it won't be a big trouble for you

That's my point of view

Is there anything else ? Do you want to add something, or add some criticism ? Don't worry, you can write any criticism here, because I believe that criticism is good

Tata for now *smoochies*

Note : I link this post into some of these link parties

Decluttering My Blog Layout

2011-02-18T15:47:00.010+07:00

A very talented person told me to set this intention in my mind from this second "I am like a sponge that soaks in knowledge & inspiration but wrings out only productive action". Productive action is the key. I'm still summarizing my goals for this year, and having some difficult time to choose what I shall do first in my blogging world.

I chose to start the year with an ordinary month in January, and to fill February with sew-alongs. And while doing them, I tried to examine my blog structure, and what ??? a very messy messy sidebar (in my opinion) and unstructured menus. My sidebar was fat, I mean, too long. I put too much informations there. The menus didn't represent my true self. So I decided to give my blog some organizations. I want my blog looks clean and neat

So, what I did with my Sidebar ?

I've ever tried to make a 3 columns blog, but I ended dislike it. So I stick with a 2 columns blog, and had some hard times to choose sidebar widgets that were fit to my style. I changed most of my sidebar widgets few days ago, and here are what I did :

- Added "Search This Blog" widget in the top of my sidebar

- Slimmed my Categories (Label) into 4 Popular Categories

- Added "Recent Post" widget, so the reader can find my latest post easily

- Slimmed up "Blog Archive" into a drop-down widget

- Deleted "Blog Roll" ==> I will add it into "Link Love" Menu (that I have not created yet)

- Deleted my favorites links, from "Creative Connections" until "Indonesian Bloggers" (maybe I made 5 or more links widgets) ==> I will add it into "Link Love" Menu (that I have not created yet)

- Rearrange the widgets. I'm the master of an always changing sidebar, so you may find my sidebar composition change time after time. But mostly, I love my current sidebar composition :

1. A search widget
2. Popular Categories
3. Links to find me elsewhere
4. Recent post
5. Blog Archive
6. Current Sew Along Button & Grab Button Box
7. Giveaway sponsor buttons
8. List of my friends (GFC & Facebook)
9. Subscription form (RSS)
10. Bloglovin subscription
11. Blog & SEO statistics
12. Copyright & license

Blog Header :

I don't have enough budget to pay talented blog designer out there to create my blog header. So I make some experiments with digital scrapbook kit that I have collected. I'm still a beginner, so here is what I come up with :

My previous blog header was in bright colors,now I want to make it more pale, and I also add a transparent scallop background (from blogger.com) to create a pale layout.
Comparing it with my old header, which one you like most ?

Remember this ? My old blog header :

Blog Menus :

I wrote a (not completely) new "About Me" page and found it not enough describing my passions, so maybe I will write a new one.
And I added my photo !! (yay !!) Still feel embarrased, but I think I must add my photo in anyway XD This was taken in Ragunan Zoo, with pelicans pool as its background

The "Tutorials" page now comes back. I had made a same page few months back, but I deleted it. Now I have enough confidence to add it again

I also add a "Sponsor A giveaway" page, so if there is anyone who is interested in helping me doing this, she can find the way to contact me

Having some done, changed and deleted, now feel that my blog's pageload is even more faster ! No delays and un-opened image like what I experienced before

So, what changes you made onto your blog lately ?

ps : I add this photo as a bonus. I wanted to add each family member photograph in "ABOUT ME" page, but I canceled that plan because the page would be so noisy if I added them all :)

Did I Try Too Hard ?

2011-02-16T04:53:00.010+07:00

{Spoiler : This is just a personal note about my blogging activity. Some are teary, some need to be laughed. Do not take it personally}

I am bad at blogging. Hmm.. after neglecting this blog for a week and did not post any warning for my readers that I would leave this blog unattended for (at least) a week, I know that I'm not so good at blogging. I have some drafts for sew-along, a request for a pattern, and a draft for an interview which are in my-to-do list, waiting to be accomplished. And sadly, I don't feel guilty to do this. Maybe it is just my (baaad) habit.

I must confess. My bad habit is, if I feel that I have tried so hard to write any good (perhaps, in my opinion)post, and there are not much responses into it (there are responses, but they're not as much as I want), I will run away and leave them behind. I was too excited... and I was wrong. Maybe I just tried too hard.

I wrote this post as my own therapy. I don't want to judge myself, actually. But if I must count my mistakes to change my not so good behaviour, I will do that no matter what you might say. Be prepare to laugh as hard as you can :D I must finish this post in 30 minutes, so I will make it fast. Let me examine my own blog :

Most Viewed Content in February : Triangular Pouch + Patterns = 1600 views in February
The pouch was made in a night and its tutorial followed the next day. I didn't even think that some of you would like it. It was just a simple pouch, whose triangular shape was inspired by a purse that caught my eyes long time ago. And the tutorial was written in a hurry, in a very early morning, just before the dawn, in a notepad !! This post was viewed 1600 times in February and has been viewed 20.000 times (and counting) since October 2010. It had been posted on CraftGossip.com and WhipUp.net. Some of you even had made the pouch. Maybe it was a hit. I was lucky

Let me compare it with my latest post : Sewn with Love - Playsuit Day 3 : Bottom Pieces = only 20 views in February
I thought hard before I decided to do the sew along, I even gave away the book to make some of you excited. I measured and counted. I thought you would be excited just like me. And then ? I only got 4 comments and 20 comments. Actually, I don't really need comments. But this one quite made me shocked. After those post, I felt like I was going to give up

What I have learned from those stories :
After my triangular pouch became hit, I was obsessed to do the same thing. And I tried so hard to do that. The result were : flat, no expressions, confusing, no clear direction, meaningless, no deep thinking, and show-off posts. Need an example ? "Hi friends, I have made this bla bla bla, using bla bla bla. It is so bla bla bla, and I bla bla bla it !!" Check mate ! Too much "bla" caused my post became BLAH ^_^

What's wrong with those post ? If you asked me a week ago, I would not know the answer. But now, after contemplating a whole week , I will answer that the reason is I was not content. I could not make you feel engaged. I chased the numbers and quantity of my post, but not the quality. I had tried too hard. I felt like running alone. And it was not fun at all.

A week ago, my laptop crashed. God has pushed me to sit down and think for a long time how good I want to be. And God, let me proclaim now that I want to be content, to make my post more meaningful, embracing and engaging my readers. I want them to feel enriched after reading my post. Point

ps :
- Thank you so much Jessica van Den and Tara Gentile to help me open my mind. And Paul Arden to serve me delicious meals for my brain

- I will continue the sew-along, only in a new format. Not in a day-by-day posting mode, but maybe in a more brief post at the end of each week

- A little more note (because I can't abandon them, they are sweet persons who keep me inspired)
This is my new favorite fabrics from May May Shop. It needs a long time to arrive in front of my door.

What will I make it into ? A dress, a bag, a wallet ? I'm still indecisive. It is so pretty XD

Handmade covered buttons and a postcard I received from Fiona Leow as a gift :

And my finished playsuit photo :

See you !!

Sewn with Love - Playsuit Day 3 : Bottom Pieces

2011-02-08T08:51:00.009+07:00

I had finished the Playsuit, but didn't have time to post the sew along. "Sorry" won't work, so let's pass this foreword and jump to the point
(Because I forgot to put numbers on my photo collages, I will write all step-by-steps in clockwise order )

So, after finishing the Day 1 and Day 2, what will we do next ?

Joining Front Bottom Piece :

With the right side together, sew the front bottom piece at the center front

Joining Back Bottom Piece :

- Prepare your back bottom pieces. Beware that the button plackets are on the top-side
Fold the seam allowance of the button plackets (5 mm wide) to the wrong side and press using irons. Clip the corner, fold the button placket, and press. Do this same steps for another back piece

- Place the left back piece in front of the right one, then pin them together
- Before sewing the center seam, make sure the pinned back piece and front piece have an equal measurement on the top
- Sew the center back seam, beginning below the button placket

Joining The Front and The Back Bottom Piece : (no pic, sorry)

- With right side together, sew the bottoms at the side seams
- Press all the seams and finish the raw edges with zig zag

Making Bottom Button Extensions and Cuffs :

- Fold the seam allowances ( 5 mm ) to the wrong side and press them in half lengthwise
Do this for the cuffs. You will have 2 bottom button extensions and 2 cuffs

Joining Bottom Button Extensions :

- Take the bottom piece. Put the front side facing up. Pin or baste one bottom button extension into the bottom parts, and then stitch and press

- Flip the folded edge to the wrong side of the playsuit. Enclose the raw edge within the fold. And then pin or baste.

- Topstitch the wrong side of the button extension

- To secure, topstitch along the outer edge of the bottom extension

- Do this for the other side of the bottoms

Day 3 finished here, pheuww...

Editing pictures and writing the step-by-step really take our time, don't they

Day 4 will be posted soon

Dirndl..Dirndl.. in The Swing

2011-02-04T13:34:00.004+07:00

I happily announce Poll Result for the Second Week : Playtime, and the winner is Button-Through Dress. It seems that must of us vote for the girly things (boys things surely needed a lot of fans here). But I have to change my plan, folks. As some of you may notice, Emily from The Handmade Experiment is having a Button Through Dress Sew Along. So I will not sew the dress. Instead, Dirndl Skirt as second most voted project is that what I will sew. I'm sorry, but I'm not going to disappoint Emily, as she is the first who initiate the Button-Through Dress sew along

Playsuit Sew-Along Day 2 : Bows and Pockets

2011-02-04T08:19:00.005+07:00

There was something wrong with my sewing machine in Wednesday. I checked, checked and double-checked most of its spareparts during Thursday, and came up to conclusion that maybe my sewing machine just miss me *just kidding* Actually, she just needed more oil. But that was enough to postpone my schedule

And yesterday, Bluebellbunny wrote to comment that she love this project but her only problem is that she can't seem to get that book here though except second hand and really expensive. I knew it is expensive. But, hey maybe I have a good news for you. Anne from Craft Gossip wrote here that she plans to do giveaway for this book in the next few days. Isn't that awesome ?

For those who miss the first part of the Sew-Along, you can read it here, and for those who are keeping up with me we will start to sew the bows and the pockets. Here is my story ..

Making the bows :

1. From the patterns, I had 4 fabrics for the bows. I divided them into two pairs, met each of them in wrong side. And then basted and stitch along the seamline, leaving an inch opened for turning out the fabrics. The book says that we need to baste before machine stitching. Pin or baste, it is up to you. Sometimes, I prefer pinning, but for this project I tried basting the fabric. And it gave me a very neat finish. I like it !

2. I turned out the right side, pressed and top-stitched the bows. I made the bow fasteners, by folding their seam allowances to the wrong side, and pressing it using iron

3,4,5 I pinned one end of the bow fasteners at the center of the back of the bows and basted. I tied it around the center to gather the bow. Pinned the end to the back, and blind-stitched it.

6. I got two cute bows !

Making The Pockets (part one)

1. To prevent the fabric from unravelling, I made a zig-zag stitch along the edge of the pocket and its lining. I joined them at the top seamline at the right side, and then stitched along the seamline

2. For trimming, I cut it at the center of the pocket. And be careful for accidentally cutting the seams ( I almost did it !!)

3 & 4 I turned the lining into the right side. Neat the center crease, and press. Picture no 3 shows how the pocket should look like from the front. And picture no.4 shows us its look from the back

Making The Pockets (part two)

(Almost done, yay !!) Ok, here I went again ..

1. I folded the pocket's seam allowance to the wrong side, pressed and basted it

2. This was how it should look like from the front

3. And this was my favorite part : I put the bow and the center of the pocket, and top stitched the vertical edge of the bow-fastener. Ahh, what a super cute pocket !!

4. Have you transfer the pocket placement on your pattern to your front bottom pieces ? I had. Now I just had to put the pocket into the bottom pieces. Pin or baste, and the (as usually) topstitch. And you will have two nice pockets hanging in your bottom pieces

Pheuww, enough for today. Actually, I have not edit the rest of the pictures I had taken last night (editing is more time-consuming for me now ^_^) Questions and critiques are welcome

Playsuit Sew-Along Day 1 : Printing Pattern & Cutting Fabrics

2011-02-02T04:57:00.014+07:00

I'm still alive XD !

You may think what an odd opening words for a post. What had happend to me was such a miracle. Before we begin, let's hear my story, the drama queen :)
I went to Sukabumi, a beautiful city in West Java for a job, at Tuesday. And OMG, I'm really glad I'm still alive today. Because, yesterday I even thought that if I did not die because of a car crash, then I would die because of heart attack. That crazy driver and crazy turns really drove me nuts and made me scared to death. Can't you believe that he drove the car at 120 km per hour, in a climbing mountain road, full of 90 degrees turns and big bus and trucks ?? Insane ...

Ok, enough bout my story. How 's everyone going ? I hope I have some friends to sew-along with me this week! I had a very limited time to buy new supllies, so I ended up with this chambray and flowery cotton. Plus order some fabric-covered mini-buttons for the button plackets

Ok, let's open the enclosed CD from the book and open the folder Playsuit. You will some sizes from 0-3 months to 12-18 months. I chose the last size, keeping up a plan to send this playsuit for the first birthday of a lovely-girl. Hmmm... how is she ? Keep wondering :D

Print the patterns. I printed them in an inkjet printer, using letter-sized papers. They are in 12 pages :

Wee... the photo below is so scary ! I took it at 1 a.m, the light is so low (so sorry about it). I taped the patterns together, grouping some that need were need to be in a group, and let some un-taped

Cut the pattern. Don't forget to mark the up and the down of the patterns. The writer didn't include it, so I needed some good guessings. Here were all the patterns. I had put them in vertical positions that seemed right for me

Sometimes, it is better to have a PDF CD enclosed in a book. And in this book, I found them useful, and sometimes are not. The postive is, I didn't have to trace the tissue paper. And for me, it was really helpful. The minus is, I had to put the separated pattern pieces in a correct manner, and sometimes it didn't work very well. Or maybe I just printed them in a wrong scale, I did not know. There were some stretched patterns. Just like the top bodice patterns (it is the top-left pattern piece, in photo below)

Trace them into the fabrics. Trace..trace.. and done ! I used the flowery cotton for the bodice linings and the bows

Bottoms pieces :

Bodice pieces :

Pockets, bows, and cuffs :

This is where we're stopping for today. See you tomorrow for some more

Don't forget to vote for Week 2 Project in my Sidebar or here The vote will end tonight, and tomorrow I will announce it

p.s. We will be busier in the next round :)

Have a great day !

UPDATE :
Day 2 - Bows & Pocket
Day 3 - Bottoms