I used to do more then just sew..

Before I began my obsessive sewing journey I was studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts. Art and creating, making, imagining has always been a part of my day to day life. It has been a while for most of these activities... But I used to sculpt;

Make dolls;

Paint (sometimes with a politically geared agenda);

 And come up with unique, sweet characters to brighten up desks. 

I will do some more posts on more of my work as none of this is current or in my preferred style of fine lines, delicate features and water colours. I hope to find some more time to create not sew. 

The Caroline Dress by Welcome to the mouse house

This week I sewed up the Caroline dress  by Welcome to the Mouse House after seeing a few and making a split second decision. 

 This gorgeous pattern easily sews up professional and well finished dresses complete with princess seams on the front and back. Bonus: it is designed for someone 5'5" (my size).

It is not at all a fast sew but it is a rewarding one that you can get plenty of wear out of. I cannot wait to sew more but cannot decide on fabrics. There is also an option for 3/4 sleeves and long sleeves which I really want to sew up.

The pictured dress is a quilting weight cotton and sits beautifully and holds well and is lined in cotton lawn which is lovely against the skin.

Go get yours here OR buy this dress here.*

*After sewing this dress up I had hoped my other half might like it but unfortunately it was a miss. Which is okay - but if she doesn't like it I decided I won't wear it enough. So someone please take it off my hands and give it lots of love. 

The Alder Skirt by Imagine Gnats

I was lucky enough recently to pattern test for Imagine Gnats' Alder Skirt.

This is such a great and straight forward pattern. The angles in the pattern means I can just fold the pieces down to size instead of tracing everything - that is also incidentally my favourite thing about raglan tees. My favourite feature of this skirt is the pockets - so easy to install and very handy for all of the things we need to carry around.

Having a short torso with longer legs I found the skirt fit me better as a high waisted skirt - very easy just needs tighter elastic in the back. As a shortie (5'5") I had to remove 3" off the length to have it sit in the right spot. I love how you can play with contrast fabrics in the pockets and the waist band and the great details of top stitching. 

 Go get your copy today HERE.

Improvisational Pleating and a baby geranium dress.

I was pretty excited to sew up this dress for An from Straight Grains competition, admittedly I was more excited to get squishy cuddles from this one and her big sister!  

I used the Geranium Dress  pattern in size 0-3m for my little 6 week old niece. As this is an improv pleating exercise I used the method Faux Seams - you can find the tutorial here.

I love how this turned out and will definitely be using it more! I already have 3 more in the pipeline for the next size up.

The rest of the information:
Very sweet tiny mother of pearl buttons down the back.
Top of the bodice is a quilting cotton in a pumpkin colour - lined in some orange floral that I am not sure of a name.
Skirt piece is Cloud 9 organic floral from their Garden range. 

The pants are organic jersey knit in 'Gelato'. Pattern found here.

And now for some other cute baby photos!

 Her squishy cheeks are coming in. 

 Behind the scenes: Spit up and a big yawn.

 But seriously, this face?

I mean seriously! 

And a kiss from the big sister.

Thanks for stopping by!