Love Sundays

Comfy PJ's!!

2010-12-14T14:53:00.001+11:00

Afternoon all, heres some pics of some fresh Pyjamas I made for all three girls last week, as I mentioned in my last post, this was requested by my two eldest as the good quilting cotton is nice on their skin as they suffer from excema, and these wash well and don't 'ball' or anything.

These were all made from fabrics from out of my stash and I already had all but one of the singlets in my stash also which was great. Love being able to make something without buying anything else, even had all the matching threads, although it wouldnt have mattered too much with PJ's. The girls love them.

The patterns I use are from Kwik Sew, Pattern 3126 for Gem's and 3589 for Sacha and Teagan's. I know you could easily draft pj's but I love using patterns!!

I have been busy making another dress, so hopefully have that to show you tomorrow!! Loving this sunshiney weather again, after all the floods!!

Ren xxx

Finished Sample Bag..

2010-12-06T13:32:00.001+11:00

Afternoon all, its been nearly 2 weeks again! Oh well, it is that time of the year, I have been getting organised for the start of building our house and dance rehearsals etc for my 2 eldest girls along with finding a course for myself to enrol in next year, time just slips by!!

I finished this bag for Sackville and Lane, its the Heather Bailey Market Bag. So it is on display in the shop now, hopefully enticing people to take my classes in the new year!!

Above is the bag with the snap fasteners closed at either end, to make it smaller.

And here is the bag with the snap fasteners open, to allow for putting more in it, like my celery shot??

You can make it with or without the fasteners and without the bow as well, I just made this sample complete as a sample for my sewing class.

Hope you are having a nice day, I am about to make new pyjama pants for the 3 girls, upon request of my 2 eldest. They like pj's made out of quilting cotton the most, as they unfortunately suffer from excema and say that the pj's I make are the nicest on their skin, so in that case, I am more than happy to oblige. Love them!!

Ren xxx

My Creative Space

2010-11-25T11:45:00.001+11:00

A little trip to Amitie.....

Some fabrics for a quilt for my brother in law and his lovely wife for their wedding present. They were married back in May this year but I am on to it!! I just couldn't resist these little cupcakes and had to buy an extra metre possible for a little 50's style apron! I havent completely decided on a pattern for their quilt, but wanted it to have a bit of a retro feel, I may do just random squares and rectangle blocks, or some simple pattern.

Some half price prettiness for my stash.

Possible apron for a gift....

And some more Anna Maria Horner Voile, 2 metres, for another top/dress, not sure yet, for me. And I was informed that there is another range of Voile from Anna Maria coming soon.....I'm excited...

I had a busy but lovely couple of days in Melbourne, I went down on Sunday with my two eldest girls as they had an appointment on the Tuesday. So I thought they could have an extra day off and we caught up with some friends on the Sunday and then Amitie, twice on Monday, caught up with Jenny, Gina and Lucy, my girls helped me pick some fabrics out for the quilt and second visit had an icecream from accross the road while I had a little browse, oh what fun!!

Anyhow nearly lunch time now, pop over to Kirsty's for more creative spaces...

Works in Progress

2010-11-16T11:53:00.000+11:00

Today I am finishing off a sample bag for Sackville and Lane. It is one of Heather Bailey's patterns, Saturday Market Bag. I will be teaching how to make this bag at Sackville and Lane in Term 1 and possible term 2 of 2011. I am making it with the bow today, to go in the shop, however I am not usually a 'bow' sort of person so will make another one for me to use in the meantime without the bow.

I have also started putting my quilt top together, I want to have this finished so when I visit Amitie (which I can't wait, it has been too long between visits!!) on Monday morning I can find some fabric for the backing and binding for it. And then I have 2 more quilts to keep working on which I will show you another time.

This little picture was drawn by the talented Gemma over here, quite some time ago, I already had the frame which I painted black and then had someone frame it for me. We have a lot of Parker and 50's, 60's type furniture, so I thought it was well suited.

Have a nice day,

Ren xxx

Aaahhh its Friday...

2010-11-12T16:32:00.001+11:00

We've had a nice day today, Gem and I hanging out. It's quite hot here but rain is now forecast for the weekend so we have to make the most of it. I wore my new skirt today which I finished off last night. It is definitely a bright and summery skirt, had some nice comments which is good as I wasn't sure at first. Photos taken by Gemma, too funny.

I made a quick little Pin Cushion today, literally a 5 minute job. I just cut 2 squares and sewed together, stuffed and stitched 2 cute little buttons bottom and top to finish it off. The fabric and buttons were from an old blog mailout from Amitie, so thought would put to good use.

My girls asked for some summer scarfs the other day so I showed them the fabric below which was given to me from a friend. They are already scarves but we didn't like the gold thread through the edges as shown, so I trimmed it all off and have been rehemming them as Gemma the little poser is wearing below. Perfect. The skirt she is wearing I made a couple of months ago, it is Iro Nano fabric, which is lovely to sew and great for clothes.

We've had a quiet but nice and relaxing day, hope you are all having a nice Friday, I am back home from school pick up, now just waiting for my hubby to come home, to share a nice cold beer with!!

Have a great weekend,

Until then,

Ren xxx

My Creative Space...

2010-11-11T12:13:00.000+11:00

Today I am finishing the lining for the skirt I showed you last week and then laying out a quilt I cut out a couple of months ago and now finally sewing it together.

This will be a fresh throw for one of our couches. I would have done it sooner, however with the warmer weather coming on, I wanted some fresh clothes for summer so they became a priority.

The fabrics I have used are all from my stash, predominantly Flea Market Fancy and Katie Jump Rope, I just loved these fabrics, so fresh and bright, so wish I had more!!

You can check out more creative spaces at Kirsty's.

Have a great day..

Until Then

Ren xxx

Summer Scarf

2010-11-10T20:34:00.000+11:00

This week I have made myself a summer scarf. As seen in the last post I am also making a skirt in this fabric, but won't be wearing the two together of course!!

I just love scarves, even in summer, they always seem to add a little extra to even the simplest outfit. This voile is just perfect for summer as it is nice and light. I have seen a few on various blogs which gave me the idea.

I made mine about 30cm wide and 2 metres long finished after hemming. I sewed a tiny double hem all around no wider than 1/4 inch.

I would love to make a few in some liberty fabrics too!

Hope your all having a lovely evening, I am enjoying the peace, kids in bed, hubby at work dinner and I am just coming down from an emotional week due to organising finance with the bank for the building of our home. All back on track but oh my they gave us a hard time!!! So still all good to start in the New Year, phew!

Until Then

Ren xxx

My Creative Space

2010-11-04T11:43:00.000+11:00

This week I have finished my Anna Maria Horner Evening Empire Dress also made in some of Anna Maria's Voile, which I love. It was the first time I have used one of these patterns but found it really easy to follow.

I made mine in the s/m size, I made it up first in old sheets to make sure the size was good, however when I made it up in the voile with the zip, I realised I need to take in about a centimetre of so off each side of the bodice. I didnt realise this until had gone to far, so popped a little elastic in the back on the inside of the lining and it worked a treat!! I found this happened to someone else too, reading their blog.
Definitely can't wait to make it again though, I am going to try her Tunic soon too.

And here's a sneak peek of my skirt in the yellow version of the above fabric, still have the zip and lining to go.

I have had a challenge of a week, battling the computer, trying to get Flickr up and going and understanding how it all works etc, does my head in. Nothing ever seems straightforward when it comes to computers!!!

But I am getting there, and I have posted my second post in no longer than a week, so getting there.

Off to enjoy the sunshine with Gemma now, and maybe sneak a little sewing in later on.. Enjoy some other creative space's over at Kirsty's.

Ren xx

My Creative Space

2010-10-28T10:50:00.004+11:00

The Union Jack At Home.....

Well its been a really long time once again, but I am still about!! Thought I would share the completed union jack as you can see in progress here. So the above pics are of it at home at Kate and James, who absolutely love it, which gives me one fine warm and fuzzy feeling!!

I have had a busy few months, hence why not blogging, we have been organising our house we want to build which is an amazingly long process, but have finally found some fantastic builders and are due to start in the new year, Yah!! I have started doing some teaching too, I taught a hat class at Sackville and Lane which was a great success and a great confidence builder for me.

Anyhow must go and finish off my Anna Maria Horner dress, will post a pic of it finished soon,
Have a great day and for more creative spaces pop over to Kirsty's place

Until then
Ren xxx

Pretty in Pink...

2010-03-15T13:52:00.006+11:00

I made this dress a couple of weeks ago and about to make some more. Gem doesn't really like clothes that restrict her, so when I saw this pattern made up I went out to buy the pattern, New Look 6882, and is very quick and easy to make up.

And how cute are these....

Found them at Bed, Bath and Table in Melbourne on the weekend, I just couldn't resist!!
Have a great day
Ren x

Creative Space Thursday

2010-03-11T20:16:00.005+11:00

A little late in the day I know but its worth the wait, the top of the Union Jack is finished!! Yah!!!

The plan was to make Kate and James the quilt for their wedding present which it still is, but I was planning on making the top, which has taken longer than anticipated and then have it machine quilted by someone else. But now that I have finished, we feel that it would take away from it to have quilting all over the top so now I was thinking just a machine stitch in the ditch would be better, which means more work for me, bummer (I do say that in jest), I love giving such great gifts but sometimes they take so much more time than I probably realistically have.

Anyhow, its already a late gift so a bit longer won't hurt.

So there you have it, the Union Jack. Check out other creative spaces at Kirsty's.
Have a great weekend, I am off to Melbourne with a girlfriend, again kids free, lucky us, and our husbands are off to a farm with 5 girls!!! How funny. As much as we'll have fun, I still always miss the girls, oh and the hubby.

Have fun
Ren x

My Place and Yours

2010-03-08T18:40:00.004+11:00

Thought I might play My Place and Yours, has just moved to Hello Owl, so pop on over and have a look.

This weeks theme is a Behind The Camera (A self portrait challenge)

So this is me, Renee.......

This pic was taken 2 days ago having a kids free afternoon with one of my closest friends, Rosie who was spending the weekend with us. We were on a winery tour, perfect for catching up, and we were very 'happy' by the time hubby and the kids picked us up at the end of the day!!!

Looking forward to the week ahead, sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for the final house plans to come back to us, so we can hopefully set a start date with our builder.

Loving my husband, loving my kids, husband and I even talking about a 4th, (maybe) and just loving our country lifestyle, coming up to 2 years.

Happy.

May succumb to a wine, even if it is Monday, well it is a public holiday here today!!

Ren x

Nearly There

2010-03-08T18:24:00.002+11:00

Have been busy working on the Union Jack today, a bit more sewing tonight after the kids are in bed and it will be finished, well the top anyhow!! I am going to get this quilted by someone else, not sure how yet, but the top has taken much longer than anticipated, but worth it, we love it. And I hope Kate and James love it just as much!!

I know, pics aren't very clear, I have been looking at cameras, so hopefully soon, we will get a new one.

Hope everyone has had a great weekend.

Ren x

Creative Space Thursday

2010-02-25T20:45:00.004+11:00

Ahh the Union Jack, the Union Jack, it goes like this and it goes like that!!!

I have been finally making headway on my Union Jack quilt, which isnt for me but for my hubbys sister Kate and her new husband James who were married last November in a beautiful wedding in which all my 3 gorgeous girls were flower girls. I said to them I would make a quilt for their wedding present, and Kate wondered if maybe I could do something with the Union Jack, as James is English. So I thought that would be fun, and now I am on the right track it is, but earlier!!!!

Matt kindly helped me with developing the pattern, phew, as I am hopeless with angles and things like that, I am sure if I had to I would have worked it out, but oh so much easier to have it done for me!!!

So here is a sneak peek of the 'Jack' so far...

Check out more creative spaces at Kirsty's....

Ren xxx

Creative Space Thursday

2010-02-11T13:03:00.007+11:00

For my last Creative Space Thursday I was planning my Town & Country quilt as you can see here for Sackville & Lane. So here is the finished top apart from the border, which we have since picked along with the binding, so will show you the quilt complete over the next couple of weeks. We were very happy with all the fabrics though, what do you think?

In the past week I have made some more bags, one for myself, below.

And the other for my friend who is then giving to her friend overseas for her birthday.

Thats it for this week, check out some more creative spaces at Kirsty's.

Ren xx

First go at shirring.

2010-02-09T21:21:00.003+11:00

I have been meaning to give shirring a go for quite some time, I always read and see other peoples efforts, and it looks so easy. And you know what, it is. I had a go about a week ago, making this top with some left over fabric that I made a skirt with (still to get a pic). I just loved this fabric, it was about $6.00 a metre from Darn Cheap Fabrics. I want to make some dresses using shirring now for the girls at their request of course so stay tuned.

Hows the pose??!I love my hat!!

Ren x

Alterations...

2010-02-08T17:47:00.003+11:00

As I mentioned a couple of posts back, we are building our house this year, which is very exciting. So as many would know, this all costs lots and so well we have to tighten our belts which is fine, but of course like many I am sure at times, I have been going through a 'I havent got anything to wear phase' or 'clothes dont seem to go with anything, moments'!! So I went through my wardrobe thoroughly, trying different things on with different belts, hats etc and keeping some things and tossing others that just 'dont work fullstop'!! These things are put aside to do a market with my daughters when the weather cools down.

Lots I have rewardrobed, and there was a handful of clothes that I decided to alter. Heres some pics of a couple of the changes..

I didnt like the huge sleeves on this tunic/dress/top, but loved the fabric, so I just cut off the sleeves and re finished the seam. See below, much better.

Below use to be a dress, but finished just above my knees, which I prefer hemlines to sit just on my knees or below, dont like my knees!! So I shortened to become a little casual top.

I also slimlined a pair of casual pants I didnt wear, they were nearly new but were so baggy, I forgot to take a before and after of these, but have worn them heaps since taking them in.

So until next time
Ren x

New quilts for the Girls

2010-02-01T14:50:00.004+11:00

Below is Gemma's new quilt, finished around October last year, phew, all the gelati's I hand pieced and then machine pieced the top together with the sashings. Then I hand quilted this one. I think I started it early 2008, I think, its so easy to lose track on time!! The Gelati quilt is by Judy Newman from Amitie.

The following two quilts I finished at the end of last year for Sacha and Teagan, I was putting these together as seen Here back around June last year. They have a lot of the Katie Jump Rope range which I loved. Sacha's is based on the Kaffe Fasset Wedding Quilt and Teagan's is based on Jenny from Amitie's Hopscotch Quilt, I added pinwheels into it as requested by Teagan.

Sacha's Quilt

Teagan's Quilt

I am still to do the little inscriptions for Sacha and Teagans but all 3 are in full use on the beds now, the girls love them and they are so perfect in this hot weather.
I hope the photos are okay, we are in desperate need of a new camera, waiting waiting....

Until Next time
Ren xx

Creative Space Thursday

2010-01-28T13:39:00.007+11:00

Well after my first post in about 6 months last week, I am back again to post for Creative Space Thursdays this week which is apparently the first one for 2010. So check out other great inspiring spaces over at Kirsty's.

Today I am making a sample quilt of Town & Country designed by Judy from Amitie for Sackville & Lane. If you are ever in Wangaratta make sure you pop in and visit Val and the lovely ladies working there.

This past week I have also been busy making sun hats using the fantastic pattern from Nicole Mallalieu Design. Her patterns are detailed but easy to read and understand, love them.

The girls are thrilled with them which is always a plus!!

So until next time
Ren xx

I'm Back!!!!

2010-01-22T11:29:00.004+11:00

Well its been about 6 months since my last post and oh so much has happened!! So for a brief rundown here we go...We moved about 25km out of Wangaratta with the intention of purchasing 100acres to build. We had the opportunity to also live in the house from the people we were going to purchase the land from so in my last post back in July, we were packing to move. And we did move out there but after a month or so we were already questioning whether it was the right move. Matt and I had always pictured settling into the bush somewhere and just loving it, but although we still love the bush and camping etc, we realised to live on a farm day to day was not what we wanted, we are way to social and actually love having neighbours around us.

So after a serious lunch with Matt one day, we decided to pull out, luckily we hadnt signed anything and the people we were buying from hadnt started the subdivision so all worked out okay, although a bit stressful for us working it all out!! And then we had to move again, the second time in 3 MONTHS!!! With 3 kids and now a dog, we already had the cat.

But all has worked out okay in fact, fantastically now. We have down the complete turnaround and started looking at blocks we were looking at when we first moved here in a little town called Oxley, which is much closer to Wangaratta and has a great little community with lots of neighbours, a great restaurant and little corner milk bar the kids can ride to and wineries close by.

SO we have bought an acre and a half there, all settled before xmas, so it is all ours, yah!! And we are putting the finishing touches on our house plans at the moment and have signed with a builder to start building in a few months.

So in all this time of madness and emotional rollercoasters we had a busy time in Oct/Nov also with 60th's 80th, wedding, hens/bucks, moving, all in a space of 7 weeks!! So hence the way lack of blogging. But I have been managing sewing in between all this madness and so will start putting more pics up over the next few days.

Below are pics of the quilt I made for Matt's dad, Tony for his 60th birthday back in October 2009. He loved it which is great, so hard making quilts as gifts but I made it in colours to suit their bedroom in the beach house and it went perfectly.

So stay tuned for some more pics over the weekend, I haved finished new quilts for all my 3 girls, more bags, flower girl dresses and I am off now to finish Gemma's sunhat...
Until then, Ren xx

Should be Packing, but no I am sewing!!

2009-07-14T12:30:00.003+10:00

This quilt is dads, which is the Savile Row which you can see here, finally finished quilting and now putting the binding on , with just an inscription to do on the back, phew, for some reason this one has taken me a while.

And the above 2 pics, are of Teagans soon to be quilt, based on Jenny from Amitie's Hopscotch Quilt, but I have added a row of pinwheels around the centre blocks upon Teagans request as Sacha's quilt has pinwheels too!! So I have decided to have a late one tonight and get Teagans quilt top put together, I would still like to put a border around it to make it bigger, so stay tuned..

Might sneak in a box of packing now, and oh, I have an assignment to finish off too, might get an extension on that one!!
Until Next time
Ren xx

Have been sewing, just not posting!!

2009-07-13T20:11:00.004+10:00

Cant believe its been nearly a month again, I have been sewing though, its just so much has been going on lately, its hard to find time to sit and post. We are buying land about 15km out of Wangaratta, and although we are not building for another year or so, the people we are buying the land from are letting us house sit their house in the mean time as they wont be living up here again for some time. So, we are packing and moving again, only just after doing it 12 months ago. We are very excited but it still takes a lot of energy etc amongst all the other day to day things. And so here are some things I have been sewing, a bag for Matts Mum for her birthday, out of fabric I bought from Ballarat Patchwork. I loved it so much, I jumped online and bought 3 metres of it!!! Nutcase, but I loved it.

And I have just about finished the first block, of Amities block of the month, all hand stitched which I have loved doing as this quilt is for moi!

And finally, a little package from amitie, some fabric for being a VIP, which I think I will make a little craft bag out of to keep some of my threads and things.

Have been busy trying to finish the tops for Sacha and Teagans new quilts too so will post some more pics of those hopefully later in the week

Bye for now
Ren xx

Amitie's Block of The Month

2009-06-16T12:48:00.004+10:00

Last week I received my first Block of the Month from Amitie. I have never done one of these before, but could not resist this one as it just looks gorgeous. It is hand pieced, so will trace my templates out later today and start cutting out tonight. I have been so busy making quilts for everyone else lately, this one is a good one to squeeze in for Moi!!!

And below is an easy one I did as a sample for Sackville and Lane in Wangaratta. It is a large log cabin, all in spots, quite a retro bright look, we made it as a cot size. I have made another quilt top for Sackville and Lane, but will have to get a pic of it.

Creative Space Thursday

2009-06-04T20:55:00.005+10:00

Here I am Thursday evening, handstitching madly on the couch the last 5 stars to finish off Sacha's new quilt top, once the stars and pinwheels are finished and sewn together, I will pick some fabric for a border, maybe around 4 to 5 inches wide. The quilt finished will be approx 2 x 1.8 mtrs, I think!! Cant wait to see it come together.
Will upload some pics of Teagans new one after the weekend, Teagans is in similar fabrics but a different pattern. Many of the fabrics are from the Katie jump Rope and the Flea Market Fancy range from Denise Schmidt.

Check out more creative spaces over at Kirsty's.
Hope you like my new logo, I am in the process of ordering fabric labels at the moment, cant wait.
Until next time
Ren x

Off to Melbourne....

2009-05-17T20:56:00.006+10:00

Just a quick post, very excited, off to Melbourne tomorrow evening after I finish work. Matt is taking Tuesday off to look after Gemma and drop girls off to school etc. And I am stocking up on some fabrics, cant wait!!!

Heres a pic of the bag I made my mum on the weekend, its her birthday this coming Wednesday and I am going to meet her for breakfast before I drive home.

This is a pencil case I made with some leftover fabrics for me to keep my memory stick and pencils/pens (of Course) to take to tafe.

And just to finish off, some fabrics I have been collecting from op shops, I would like to make a picnic quilt made of vintage fabrics, and some quilts to take camping out of vintage fabrics so have been collecting. Will may be mix with some fresh new ones but not too many. And with the camping quilts, will double the wadding I think to make really warm.

The middle pic, is a lot more orange than it shows, but I love it, they were old curtains.
Anyhow must go and finish packing and wrap mums present
Have a great week
Ren x

Birthdays...

2009-05-11T20:07:00.006+10:00

We have had 3 birthdays in a space of about 4 weeks. Sacha and Teagan turned 7 on Friday and had a wonderful couple of days. They got lots of lovely presents and had a great little party with some of their friends in the park. I made a birthday cake for them, a horse was their request but they were happy with one cake this year. Usually I have always made round cakes, banana or chocolate with sprinkles on top. Then last year I made them a cake each in the shape of a 6 in different colours.

Then this year with a help of a friend I made a Dora cake for Gemma so then Sacha and Teagan wanted something a little more special for them, so heres a pic of the horse cake I made. Not perfect but hey it looks like a horse, I did forget the mouth, or teeth or something but still it came out better than I expected.

And check out the ribbons I used for the reins, the lovely little parcel which arrived in the post from Amitie a week or so, was some pretty ribbons, to be used in a crafty challenge, well probably not the crafty challenge expected but they came in very handy on Saturday morning!!!

And heres the Dora cake made with a lot more help, for little Gemma who turned 3 on April 6, and well, she was one excited little girl...

This last photo is of Gemma racing to the door to greet her first guest!!! How cute is she!

Creative Space Thursday

2009-04-23T14:40:00.004+10:00

Hi all
Today I am making a bag like this one but with a differnt patterned panel. So will finish it later on today as getting close to school pick up now.

I am also popping in the post for baby Grace who is about 5 months now, a bunting, still want to make her a little quilt, but only time for the bunting for the minute. Hope she likes it.

Must keep going
Until then
Ren xx

Whatcha Wearing Wednesday

2009-04-22T10:13:00.004+10:00

Love it love it love it!!! Made this skirt over the weekend, and finished it off yesterday whilst Gemma played beautifully with her doll around me, dont you love those sort of arvo's where the kids are happy to play around you whilst you do what you want to do.
Anyway back to the skirt, I just love it, am very happy with it, its a New Look pattern, 6625, dont know if its an old pattern # though, as couldnt find a link for it. But its a soft denim bought from Amitie and I covered the buttons for it which match the contrasting facing on the inside, which I forgot to photograph.

And of course Gemma has to get in on the act, mind you she has just undressed now and into the dress ups!! I'm still in my skirt though! Heres one more piccie before I go...

So check out more WWW's at Fi's Blog
Have a great day
Ren x

A bag for my dear friend....

2009-04-21T10:41:00.005+10:00

Hi all,
I am back, again!! I have been saying this for a few rather spaced apart blogs now, but this time I am back. Have had such a lull lately, but since our nice break at Easter camping on the banks of the beautiful Murray River (still beautiful despite being so sadly low on the water front, but still one of my most favourite places) I have been refreshed and sewing madly again! AND I feel better for it! So below is a bag I made back at the start of March for my close friend Trudy for her 40th which was one wild weekend let me tell you. Matt and I flew to Adelaide for 3 nights for it whilst our 3 little ones had a little beach holiday in Blairgowrie with their grandparents. I also gave her a necklace from the wonderful Lauren at Bauble and Bead which she loved and wore on the night of her 'actual' party, there was more partying leading up to the key night too!!!!

Even a pic of the inside of the bag!!

And the little bag I made for myself, to keep all my bits and pieces together within my bag, if you know what I mean!!

Off to finish off a skirt I am making now, will be back....sooon.....

Until then
Ren x

Whatcha Wearing Wednesday

2009-03-25T12:09:00.003+11:00

Back again, after a little blog break, today with Whatcha Wearing Wednesday, check others out over at Fi's. I am wearing a half circle skirt I made a little while back. The shoes were a bargain of $10.00 in Townsville a couple of years back, which you cant really see well,, should have taken a close up. And the necklace I have had for years now, one of those Sportsgirl sale items, that I saw this morning and thought it would brighten up my outfit!!

And of course, Gemma had to get in on the act, dress ups today, looking gorgeous as usual.

Have been flitting around the past few weeks, sort of sewing, sort of not accomplishing anything, nearly back into it again. Miss my nights at Amitie, with Jenny and Judy so I go home after a night of sewing and seeing what everyone else is doing, and feeling motivated!! Did some hand quilting last night so nearly back into it again.

Still not that good with photos and knowing how to use blogspot properly, does my head in!! And is flicker better than picasso, any suggestions????
And when people make comments how do you reply direct to their email, these small things make me feel slightly dumb sometimes, bloody computers, love/hate relationship they are!!
Anyway thats my vent, probably venting to no one but worth a try!!

Ren xx,

Whatcha Wearing Wednesday

2009-02-25T14:51:00.004+11:00

Just checking out a few blogs before picking up the kids from school and realised it was Whatcha wearing Wednesday and thought I would take a quick pic. I am wearing a top I made before xmas and some comfy cool cargoey pants and my good ol reliable thongs.

Have been for a nice walk with a new friend this morning followed by a nice coffee and cake, as you do and have basically had a really nice day. Have finished 3 out of my 4 bags for Amitie. Matt kindly dropped them off for me as he is in Melb today and picked up some bits of fabric for me. I printed off some pics of what I wanted for a bag I want to make for a friend. Then I had some fabric for a bunting for a friends baby, so I gave Matt that and said get Jenny and Judy to help you coordinate a few more bits to match. What a good man he is considering I have been driving him up the wall the past few days!!!

Anyway must run, check out what others are wearing over at Fi's Blog.Ren x

Creative Space Thursday

2009-02-19T13:12:00.007+11:00

I have been busy making some bags for Jenny at Amitie this week. 2 down, 2 more to go!! And today putting myself together a 'Time Management Plan'In my head anyhow!!! I know compared to some I do achieve a reasonable amount each day but on the flip side I stuff around a lot too!! I wonder where the day goes sometimes. It would be less stressful if I just sat on my but and watched TV all day BUT certainly not as rewarding I am sure. One big thing I need to do is limit my time on the computer. So have decided, a quick blog entry a couple of times a week, say a Monday, then a thursday, and may be a really quick one on a Wednesday if I am wearing something worth posting for Fi's 'Whatcha Wearing Wednesdays!' Have a quick look on Facebook ONCE a week and my emails, once a day, say when cooking dinner as computer is in living area. And when finished what I need to do on Computer, actually TURN it off, so I am not always looking at things. At the end of the day, I am not overly obsessed by it all, its just habit. Well thats how I picture it anyhow!!

Heres my Amy Butler dress, completed, hope the pics are okay, took them my self, and when taking the pic of the neckline, I was stretching my neck up so the doublechin thing didnt happen.

And above is my first ever pin cushion, I made from Joelle Hoverson's Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts. It was a gift, but when I have finished these bags, I need to make some Pin cushions for myself, very handy.

Check out other creative spaces over at Kirsty's.

Ren xx

2009-02-12T21:55:00.004+11:00

Well what can you say..I havent posted this week because I dont know what to say, it has been absolutely horrible what has happened, and what all those thousands of people have been through, I cant even imagine and feel so helpless to help, but I will be able to help by shopping at coles tomorrow, giving my children $$$ to take to school for a casual clothes fundraiser tomorrow to all go to the Bushfire fund. And I have picked out some quilts to donate to pass on to someone in need. If we all give something, it will make a difference. Cant post a photo of ones I have chosen until Matt gets home with the camera.
I look at my kids and know how lucky I am, we are, but my heart feels so sad and heavy for all those who have lost their loved ones through the fires this week. We are thinking of you...
Renee xxxx

Creative Space Thursday

2009-02-05T13:35:00.006+11:00

Well, I havent completed anything this week, but have been hand piecing madly Sachas QUilt which I gave a peek at I think in the last week or 2. Below is another 'Creative Space' I love sitting up in bed quilting or hand piecing which is what I do at the moment, as in this hot hot weather, I just cant be quilting a thick quilt!! Obviously this creative space may have other uses other than a comfy space to quilt but thats if I still have energy after all that sewing and no little visitors come in for cuddle!!!

We had a great night at the wedding last Sat night in Melbourne, Matt and I danced the night away and I loved my dress and the clutch went well with it.

And today in this nearly 40 degree heat, I have been baking another cake, banana today and some muffins for girls school lunches. And last week tried Kirsty's recipes for her muffins, which the kids loved, so thank you for that fine recipe, Kirsty. Check out Kirstys Blog for more 'Creative Spaces Thursday'.

Until next time
Ren xxx

Just an extra note, I think I mislead you in an earlier post that I made the actual dress that I wore to the wedding, I am actually making a dress which I have mentioned but it wasnt this particular one, although I would like to make one just like it as I absolutely loved the style. This one was actually a 'Review' one that I picked up in a sale when I wasnt looking of course, and I just loved the fabric and it even had tulle underneath it!!
xxx

Creative Space Thursday

2009-01-29T16:55:00.007+11:00

Woo Hoo, I finished my clutch, I am very happy with it and it goes well with my dress. I am looking forward to the wedding this Saturday, dont think I will be needing the jacket though! The clutch was quite simple to make, Nicole's patterns have plenty of information and easy to follow which is great.

My top below just needs some topstitching and to be hemmed tonight so I can wear to work tomorrow with my newly made skirt. And then I will finish my Amy Butler dress. I have been hand piecing a quilt which I previewed last week. So am getting my sewing mojo back. The quilts will be rolling in again and looking forward to a quick visit and stock up at Amitie this Saturday pre wedding. The things we do!!

Below is some fabric which arrived in the post this week, I will be using some of it for a bunting for a friend who had her first baby last November, little Grace, and I just love this fabric.

And this was us last weekend, a very relaxing weekend I must say.

Hope everyone is managing to stay reasonably cool, we are off to the pool now for a quick pre dinner swim. Make sure you check out other creative spaces at Kootoyoo
Until then
Ren xxx

Creative Space Thursday

2009-01-22T13:34:00.004+11:00

Well since last Thursday I havent completed everything I intended to, but did get one skirt completed, not very exciting, but a black lined half circle skirt. I like the pattern and so will be making some more in brighter colours but sometimes we
just need a couple of plain coloured things in the wardrobe. Not the best photo, but my photographers are 6!!
Will keep working on the top and dress. But first am making a clutch to wear with a dress to a wedding next week. Bought the pattern for the clutch here at Nicole Mallalieu Design and heres a pic of my dress etc that I will be wearing and the spotted fabric that I am about to cut out and transform into the clutch!!

Will be taking the following away camping tomorrow for some handstitching by the river....
See you after the Long Weekend, woo hoo
Ren xxx

What your wearin Wednesday!!

2009-01-21T19:06:00.003+11:00

Happy to see at Fi's Blog that What you are wearing Wednesday is still going. Heres what I wore today before and after going to the pool, since it was 38 degrees again or something like that. Didnt get a pick of the bathers though. This dress I dont think I have worn for about a year, but bought it the year before at a second hand store in Carnegie, Koornang Road, for about $3, got to love that!! Just had to take in the sides about 1cm or 2 and perfecto! Must get back into my thrift shopping again, been a bit slack but after wearing this dress today I am motivated again.
See you tomorrow for 'Creative Space', lets hope some creativity comes after I finish off my wine!!
Ren xxx

Creative Space Thursday, my space

2009-01-15T08:51:00.003+11:00

Here is my creative space, all tidied and ready to go. The desk to the left has fabric sitting there for a dress and skirt all ready to cut up and make. Gemmas gelati quilt is sitting there underneath, which I have already been quilting again this week. The desk to the right has a top already cut out and ready to put together. And dads Savile Row is finally basted, ready to quilt, Matt helped me do that earlier in the week. I am on a mission to make some new clothes, as I started my new job this week so always nice to have some fresh things to wear. After clothes made I am full swing back into my quilting and bits and pieces.

I love having lots of pics of Matt and the girls around me and I particularly like these black and whites, mum has taken..
So stay tuned, hopefully next post there will be some finished products on display!!
Ren xx

What your wearing Wednesday

2009-01-14T23:33:00.002+11:00

Not sure if we are still doing 'What your wearing wednesday' from over at Fi's and I think I have missed a few weeks but here we are today, Phew, a nice 43 Degrees, very hot so a pretty dagsville, lets just be comfortable, no bra sort of day!! The dress is one I picked up in Elsternwick maybe last summer I think and the bag I made a couple of months before xmas from Anna Maria Horners Drawing Room Fabric which I love.

And well the girls feel that if they are taking pics of me to put on my blog, they would like to be a part of the action as well!! Hows the oversized sunnies, hysterical, they love them!! Funny. And the red shoes Gem has on are also oversized, they are Sachas, couldnt find all the thongs. Later in the day we were all in bathers and IN the pool!
Ren xx

Rest time...

2009-01-02T19:43:00.008+11:00

Thought I would write up a post even though I havent really done any sewing for a few weeks. Its nice to have a break though. Firstly Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. We have been camping for Xmas at a place called Frys Hut in Mansfield Nat Park and Pineapple Flat for the first night in Alpine Nat Park. A very beautiful spot.
We spent NYE with some of our new friends in Wangaratta which was great fun. And in between have just potted around home with the kids which has been really nice and enjoying having Matt home too.
Before Xmas I was offered a job I had been interviewed for which is for 2 days a week, working administration for Childrens Services Dept for the Wangaratta council which I am thrilled about.
So a great start already to 2009, we are very excited as we also hope to buy 5 or so acres to build our house on this year too.
And theres lots of sewing plans too!! Which I will get into after our little trip this week to Melbourne/Blairgowrie, although I will take some hand quilting with me to hopefully to work on amongst the socialising and drinking which then causes the sewing to take a back seat!!!

As you can see we even put up the Christmas tree, so santa can still find us!!! Hope everyone is having fun and I will be back in a week when we are back from the Melbourne trip!!
Until Then, Ren xx

A rainy day....

2008-12-12T19:56:00.004+11:00

Ahh back after a couple of days. Today it has pretty much rained all day, after explaining how sunny it is usually everyday here in Wang in my last post, it is now raining. Oh well. So today Gemma and I were home all day and whilst playing dolls etc made a few hair ties with covered buttons as I have seen on a few other blogs of late and with yo yos.

And below is another smock type top that I made with some pretty fabric from Lincraft when I was in Melbourne, I think it was $9.95 a metre, got to love that.

Have some more tops to make over the next few days then a dress with fabric I bought from Amitie, I am making the dress from one of the Amy Butler patterns which I have made twice before already, once as a tunic and another as a dress out of quite flimsy fabric.

I have so much I want to do at the moment I just need to stop thinking about it all and do it, need to get my quilts all back on the go, finish quilting Gem's gelati, start quilting dads, and finish piecing Sacha and Teagans new quilts!! And the list goes on....But off to have a wine with Matt now, so will be interesting to see how much I get done tonight!! Tomorrow will be productive I can feel it!

Until then,
Ren

What your wearing Wednesday

2008-12-10T12:14:00.005+11:00

Here I am again for What your wearing Wednesday...And its another sunny day in Wangaratta again!! Thats one of the things we love up here the weather is so much more consistent than Melbourne! Basically its sunny one day and well, sunny the next!! The only problem with that is that it really is consistently 'beer' weather everyday!

This is a skirt I made a few months ago, its another simplicity pattern, I like it but I think I need to alter the size slightly, I feel slightly frumpy in it, but love the fabric, its comfortable at least. And below is Gemma joining in the Wednesday fun as well. She is wearing a little skirt I made, a top from Cotton on for kids I bought on the weekend and some very well worn boots from Grandpa Neil given to her for her birthday back in April. Her bag made from Ikea pillowcase I bought in an op shop for 50cents.

And below is one of the twins, Sacha who was awarded a principle award in school assembly this morning for 'her positive attitude towards writing'. I was rapt for her because Teagan received one last term so now they both have one before the end of the year is out. Phew!

SO thats it for now, off to finish another top and some mice tails for the girls end of year concert tomorrow night, the preps are singing 'little bunny foo foo' a very cute song if you have heard it. I am going to try and do a post at least twice a week from now on.
Until then, Ren

What your wearing Wednesday

2008-12-03T10:10:00.008+11:00

Thought I would join in Fi's What you are wearing Wednesday, just to put myself out there!! So heres what I am wearing today..Dont mind the face I am pulling at one of the kids, they were taking the photos!!

This top I only finished on Monday, it is the Simplicity pattern 4589 which I have made with the sleeves before but this was the first one like this which I really like and will be making more for summer or winter over a long sleeve top. I lined this one though, because the fabric was very see through.

Just received some patterns in the post yesterday, I bought both the adult and kids hat patterns from nicoleM Design so will be visiting Amitie on Friday for some fabric for those amongst other things, I have my list ready!!

And heres a couple of piccies of another quilt I made at the end of last year I think?? The one thing I havent done with my own quilts is label them, I do for the ones I give away but not my own or the girls so after xmas I have to go on a labelling mission for a week!!! The following quilt was a pattern I picked up from Material Obssession in Sydney and fabric mainly from Amitie of course!!

The Front

The Back

And some more pj's for Gemma. I bought these pj pants last week from Sussan for $10 for myself and when I went to wear them that night I didnt like them but thought they would be cute for Gem so cut them up to get some shorty and long pj's for her..

More and more I have been buying less and making more which is good, the more I wander into shops to buy something I can never find anything because I always come away thinking I could make something nicer and more suited to myself for cheaper and better quality. Might even be able to take the 'Handmade Pledge' soon!!!

Anyway thats all folks for today...
Ren

Some things I've Made

2008-11-27T13:33:00.006+11:00

Just thought I would take some pics of quilts I have made. This one I made mmm maybe 2002 in one of my first classes with Judy Newman from Amitie. It has a lot of Amy Butler fabrics in it.

The following one I made last year, it is an Ardvaark pattern, I used the same pattern to make my mum in laws quilt for her 60th and so made a smaller one for myself because I liked the pattern so much.

And then some cushions....

Over the next week, will take some more pics of clothes I have made and some of my Work in Progress, theres always a few of them...

Summer PJ's

2008-11-26T11:12:00.006+11:00

Hi all, I finished some pj's for the girls yesterday, which were proudly worn to bed last night, which is always good. The fabric is that seersucker type fabric I think you call it bought recently from Amitie I think because I make so much for the girls now, they dont always show their excitement but yesterday they did.

Havent got around to basting dads quilt yet but no hurry now his birthday has passed, will try for christmas. I am going to make some tops for myself over the next few days...something for me now.

2008-11-23T19:50:00.010+11:00

Have now finished the top and back of dads quilt, my mitred corners on the quilt top working out perfectly, if I say so myself!! And used up all my leftovers in the back which I think turned out quite well.

Over the past week or so have I have finished some buntings for some baby presents. My hubby's cousins have both recently had their first babies.

And tomorrow will finish some summer PJ's for the girls with some fabric I bought from Amitie the other week. And some new tops for myself so will keep you updated.

Dads Quilt

2008-11-17T20:30:00.010+11:00

Back again, with a current 'work in progress' a quilt for my dad. It is following Judy's Savile Row Pattern from Amitie Textiles, however I have altered it slightly and made it smaller as dad wants it as a throw for when he is reading on the couch.

And after spending some quality time at Amitie last Thursday when in Melbourne for the Amy Butler evening, I bought the fabric needed to complete it.

So with the kids at school and childcare tomorrow, my one day of the week all to myself, ooohhhh, I am going to try and finish the front and back so that I can put it together and get quilting. Dad is thinking he will have it this coming weekend for his birthday, he will be getting a polo from Rivers intstead!!!
Before I go heres a piccie of my sewing room/our bedroom in its current state this evening, have done some sewing earlier, but now trying to understand how to use this blog, I think I need to enlist some help!! Since moving to Wang, we now have a smaller house for now, I was very lucky to have my own sewing room in Caulfield and hope one day I will again but I should count myself lucky now that our bedroom is rather large and there is room for not one but 2 tables for all my sewing. And that Matt is ever so obliging!!

So until next time..

Finally, my first post!!

2008-11-16T20:55:00.002+11:00

Okay, I am finally doing it, starting my blog. It has been registered for some time now and I have been reading everybody elses craft blogs for probably a couple of years now and I have just been procrastinating starting my own blog. Dont know why but it has seemed a nerve racking experience to do so, out of all the things in life to be nervous about. But here I am, nervous no longer. I went to see Amy Butler last Thursday night and after sewing/quilting for over 7 years now, I was re inspired after seeing Amy. She was fantastic and here is a pic of us on the night and here I am starting my blog.

My name is Renee, I am married to my lurvely hubby, Matt and we have 3 girls, twins Sacha and Teagan and little Gemma who is 2 1/2. We have recently left our hometown of Melbourne to settle in the north eastern town of Wangaratta. So in between all the things that keep us busy, I love to sew, I have quilted many quilts over the years now, for ourselves and for gifts. And more and more have been making clothes and other bits and pieces, cushions, buntings and the list goes on.

So now I have taken the first step into the blog world, over the next few weeks, I will update you on many of my past projects now completed and my current ones. And learn how to set up my blog, so it wont look very exciting just yet but I am on my way..
See you soon..