Sunday, January 31, 2010

A special gift, new fabs and a blind hem!

I had a very special parcel arrive for me on Friday!  I was one of two lucky girls to win a blog-a-versary giveaway on Jo’s blog, Lilly Pilly (formerly Jo from Tas)! 

Jo parcel

What a gorgeously wrapped parcel!  Do you see the little index finger on the right hand side?  My young Rosie has a thing at the moment for putting her finger in every photograph! LOL…  Maybe she’ll grow up to be a hand model?

Jo sewing tote 1

How gorgeous is this sewing tote?  And the “Sweetie” scissor fob is SO cute!  I love the fabrics and absolutely adore it.  The other lucky winner is Kerri, you can check out her special tote here

Jo sewing tote 2

Jo was very innovative with how she chose her winners… she set up a spreadsheet with every comment she has received over the last couple of years and numbered them all – then used the random generator to choose two numbers.  I think Jo deserves a gift for going to all that trouble for her friends… and one day I might just surprise her! *wink*!

Jo in Tas label

And don’t you just love her bespoke labels?!

Thank you Jo!  You’re a real Sweetie!!! :-)

Well, I have been fabric shopping again!  I chose these fabrics for a special project I will be starting this week:

Homespun fabrics

I had a picture in my mind of what I wanted and found the perfect fabrics in my local patchwork store, so I was rapt!  The range is called Flower Sugar, from the Fancy Fabric Collection printed by Lecien.  You can find it here.

Then I visited another store that had a “buy the end of the bolt and get 30% discount” and found this heavy weave in the curtain department:

curtain fabric

There is just enough here to make a bag.  I love looking at fabrics in the home-ware section - you can find cheap, canvas-like fabrics – which I love for bag-making.  However, one thing to remember is that they’re not always of the highest quality, with having a low thread count.  But so long as the seams of your project/s are all reinforced, I think they’re great.  I plan to use this fabric to make this bag designed by Amy Butler, at some point this year. :-)

I’ve just checked out Amy’s website and hadn’t realised she had so many free patterns available for pdf download.  Wow!  If you’d like to share in the fun, check out this link!

Okay, I’ve left the least interesting “item” until last!  I just had to share because I’m so excited!  I have just sewn my first blind hems in order to take up Aaron’s school pants (trousers)! 

Drum roll please…

Blind hem

I know, I know – It’s a riveting photo!!! :-)  But… OH YEAH… I can do anything now!! LOL…

It may have just been my imagination but I could have sworn the trousers spoke to me… they said, well – kind of shouted in alarm, actually:  “Will someone turn the lights on PLEASE?!!!  These blind hems are so good, I just can’t gosh-darn see!!!”

Until next time – Happy sewing!

Hugs! Vikki x

20 comments:

Deb said...

Wahoo, you go girl, I can feel all of those ideas buzzing all around in your head. There's no stopping you.
Well done for blind hemming, I have always thought one day, but never have! I'll just have to pop them in the post to you now if I need them done--lol
hugs Deb

Liz said...

Gorgeous bag that Jo sent, lucky you hey?? Love the fabrics, you could be busy I think, I went to that self same '30%' discount store yesterday and came away with over 10mts for less than $50, bargain!!
Lizzie
XXX

Joy said...

Oh Deb what a great idea ~ into the mail with all my mending!!! Darling Vikki, you might find yourself with all of blogland's alterations coming your way LOL!!!!
Love your gawjus bag from Jo, simply adorable, and what a very appropriate scissor fob for you :o).
Love n hugs,
Joy :o)

Jo in TAS said...

So glad you love it, I enjoy making these little totes, they're so sweet! Good job on the hemming and I resisted the fabric sale, I have way too much already!
Hugs
Jo

Simone de Klerk said...

What a wonderful giveaway for you, Vikki! And the fabrics you got are lovely. Congrats, lovely, on the great hemming (((O:
Have a fabulous week!

Annie Bee said...

Such a lovely bag. Go the blind hem - stunning piece of machinery. Can't wait to see what you do with the fabrics.

Kiwifruit-Shiree said...

what a lovely bag Vikki, you lucky thing you! Well done with the hemming,not my favorite job so you can have mine too!!

Maggey and Jim said...

Yes, the bag is darling.. Loved it and so happy for winner..Really enjoy your blog..
Maggey

Anonymous said...

I love the fabrics you bought aspecially the one with discount. A bag from Amy Buthler is so nice. You won a great give away congratulations, I love the fabric and pattern. Do you know which pattern it is?

Allie said...

Wow what a lovely win, Vikki! Congrats to you! Love the Lecien fabric, oh my can't wait to see what you make with that. Love the bag fabric too - that's also my favorite for bags, is buying in the home dec dept. Good job on the trousers!

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Oh wow Vik... lots of gorgeous eye candy there. Fabulous gift from Jo - how special was that giveaway!!

Love the fabrics (of course) and way to go with the blind hem.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Wow - I *love* Jo's bag!!! Do you know if it is her own pattern or is it from another designer?
Well done on the blind hem...I have never done that!!

Sharon (Stitches on Mars) said...

Congratulations Vikki,

I cannot think of anyone who deserves the label "sweetie" more than you :) and the bag is pretty great too :)
Fabric looks good too :). Can't wait to see the bag you intend making.
Hugs,
Sharon xxoox

Willow Grove - Kez said...

How lucky are we. Jo is a very special girl. I love these sewing caddies. I will get so much use out of them.

And I love your blog. I will be back to check out what you are up to

Cheryl said...

Hi Vikki... how gorgeous is that bag!! Lucky you :-)
And I can't wait to see what you'll create with those pretty fabrics
Cheryl xxxx

Cubby House Crafts said...

Love the tote bag Jo made! And that Amy Butler fabric is just gorgeous! Lisa

Jude said...

A beautiful bag new fabrics and able to sew a blind hem, you are one talented lady.

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Vikki,
Oh dear, I can't see your wedding date?
I'd like to paint something little for you.
Please drop me a line with the finer details and your snail mail address.
Hugs,
Anna

Anonymous said...

Lovely gift , lovely fabrics and great job on the hems !
How funny what your little one did... it happens that my little one does the same ... LOL !

Unknown said...

Wow Jo outdid herself , isn't she amazing ! Love your bag fabric . You are a real superstar now with the blindhems , can I send my boys trousers to you now ?

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