tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48648495077109136262024-02-22T14:06:03.167-08:00Fantail DesignsBridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-89670581668716279142012-11-04T18:31:00.002-08:002012-11-04T18:31:49.416-08:00dividers from scrapbook paper - with birds!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'd been wanting some new dividers for a while, my old ones were pretty tatty at the edges, and the commercial ones are too dull for my taste. I have a massive stack of very cool scrapbooking paper, which aren't strong enough on their own, but I had a bit of a play and with some folding have ended up with these dividers, which are strong and cool looking!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EjqtEvdJB74-pycWOquZBcujW-ZD5UbVaRPeEZednLej_QlAm3PmzC6CXapAUrw5LADYD0z2J0xyPjJCIEuLhOR4HyVrDeu_TY6subm2vIDX8VpOB_aFJPuQz98dXZvvstJslyv_LO74/s1600/DSC_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EjqtEvdJB74-pycWOquZBcujW-ZD5UbVaRPeEZednLej_QlAm3PmzC6CXapAUrw5LADYD0z2J0xyPjJCIEuLhOR4HyVrDeu_TY6subm2vIDX8VpOB_aFJPuQz98dXZvvstJslyv_LO74/s320/DSC_0012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Birds on the back of two of them, although sad that the dude on the left has his head folded under....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2mpSBFHaQt5ur7xYxmLfy2RqrVpy6Z99_P8KXkEpGPleqn0txvaMo3sN2xsIo5Z2JeuDBesYyr9rg3qIFcoOHlEQy2KOMGcYTLDJNKQzZJmAVlqPxQ5bRPYVyDGhvawjzipT4tzoExUj/s1600/DSC_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2mpSBFHaQt5ur7xYxmLfy2RqrVpy6Z99_P8KXkEpGPleqn0txvaMo3sN2xsIo5Z2JeuDBesYyr9rg3qIFcoOHlEQy2KOMGcYTLDJNKQzZJmAVlqPxQ5bRPYVyDGhvawjzipT4tzoExUj/s320/DSC_0013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They are about half a centimetre wider than the diary pages, which was intentional. It gives just a small edge so you can easily flick to a page, but not so wide that they get dog-eared. My filofax goes in my bag and is just lumped in there indelicately so this is a real issue!. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBH76lXUvuU2FNtu8AmsjvyPGZ0Oz6GxOR5qu5bLHPELeFF-lbqccbeKfypgLAEWV8EE4BXRiGeIdHJTIzEDRP_O_ZI6f_C-H1-eSJFXFjMuPJIXdYSuiZpg7sAtQdk97tM_3hk7S3RQO/s1600/DSC_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBH76lXUvuU2FNtu8AmsjvyPGZ0Oz6GxOR5qu5bLHPELeFF-lbqccbeKfypgLAEWV8EE4BXRiGeIdHJTIzEDRP_O_ZI6f_C-H1-eSJFXFjMuPJIXdYSuiZpg7sAtQdk97tM_3hk7S3RQO/s320/DSC_0015.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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The way the pages are folded you end up with a cute little pocket which is handy for all manner of bits and pieces. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXeq3i0xRJm0e-_CtZupZaesMSjDxOF0CU3LmLNNVQ7Xv4t_foNUlFGxBwpYJJfCH1hGSF8GYntA2oVy0MTug6O3LGaThHv-xtEETTlDKhfJY8CeH-XnokLpP5oU-4U3dt3vMiiuWcY7o/s1600/DSC_0016%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXeq3i0xRJm0e-_CtZupZaesMSjDxOF0CU3LmLNNVQ7Xv4t_foNUlFGxBwpYJJfCH1hGSF8GYntA2oVy0MTug6O3LGaThHv-xtEETTlDKhfJY8CeH-XnokLpP5oU-4U3dt3vMiiuWcY7o/s320/DSC_0016%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-28817010328717994012012-10-30T20:25:00.001-07:002012-10-30T20:25:17.657-07:00bright filofax papersI had been using the filofax coloured notepaper, but with my Lamy safari fountain pen it looked like the paper was almost wax coated, and I didn't like it. <div>
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On my hunt for new notepaper (I'm not a fan of DIY-ing) I found KiddyQualia's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KiddyQualia">etsy store</a>. I bought some really nice bright notepapers, and some grid papers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaja_JSGUv0Q2G0MEgz5omBS0uAmsj8MaZLV_Oj_tgz9_BQEyAAqYPHdGfU_5Gkho8sOB1VY_a2dAP822rkOFbD9VEbgN38BJj8mTGeSU27OoUXKHBmksPiCopZvNaBLy_hKo0EtIJL1gB/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaja_JSGUv0Q2G0MEgz5omBS0uAmsj8MaZLV_Oj_tgz9_BQEyAAqYPHdGfU_5Gkho8sOB1VY_a2dAP822rkOFbD9VEbgN38BJj8mTGeSU27OoUXKHBmksPiCopZvNaBLy_hKo0EtIJL1gB/s320/DSC_0005.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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The note papers have a really nice colour range </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpy0RZ4ywOA35FjvgabNJzlsk5ilS1ogHaKkv1Xb_7AYB_tXtZrWUn_aYnoq4xe3gzDCBxVhlKKDtjwheuOLxh4Add3iKqKVw_rM949f_lVxVZbQ0cQucMqdwnVo4qwhulOGeWPcXORkB/s1600/DSC_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpy0RZ4ywOA35FjvgabNJzlsk5ilS1ogHaKkv1Xb_7AYB_tXtZrWUn_aYnoq4xe3gzDCBxVhlKKDtjwheuOLxh4Add3iKqKVw_rM949f_lVxVZbQ0cQucMqdwnVo4qwhulOGeWPcXORkB/s320/DSC_0006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and they work well with my fountain pen! yay!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFKT_m3XW8bRUcfDwhQnr9DDngwUtlTBgrGjPdBCeOaW7hWbvr27ibrX95hewS8mPYSX5YeysotXgB6x5KQETVzmKYGQ7KQzlSWLIJC08xNf7LYREcpuTVEaD6m-4U6t8jcxRauatQxAM/s1600/DSC_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFKT_m3XW8bRUcfDwhQnr9DDngwUtlTBgrGjPdBCeOaW7hWbvr27ibrX95hewS8mPYSX5YeysotXgB6x5KQETVzmKYGQ7KQzlSWLIJC08xNf7LYREcpuTVEaD6m-4U6t8jcxRauatQxAM/s320/DSC_0007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClPu6wOXLgeQ7E3FpvZ8hdPm6pQ78WOfgfJakok66LnAfCFZ7rXA2jK0ROWSrCsw5bLCMkt6hyphenhyphenK7UTKkwGVqXBNxpk8HnNiARpFpSHkNLSMqNOVxd_2N8mJ2fEFBgGSs-6k7xAfmBG6ac/s1600/DSC_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClPu6wOXLgeQ7E3FpvZ8hdPm6pQ78WOfgfJakok66LnAfCFZ7rXA2jK0ROWSrCsw5bLCMkt6hyphenhyphenK7UTKkwGVqXBNxpk8HnNiARpFpSHkNLSMqNOVxd_2N8mJ2fEFBgGSs-6k7xAfmBG6ac/s320/DSC_0009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I see that on her etsy store she is starting to add monthly and weekly view calendar inserts so I'll be checking those out as well</div>
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Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-91285490351321994472012-04-05T16:39:00.001-07:002012-04-05T16:44:23.244-07:00New Filofax!<p> I set up a system to reward myself for going to the gym, and here is my latest treat, a new Filofax! I got a personal chameleon in aqua from Pens and Leather</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5072/7049143107_b2d636ce23_m.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5072/7049143107_b2d636ce23_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1333669450627.5093" class="alignnone" alt="" width="614" height="460"></a></div><p> </p><p>I'm really liking it, and I'm glad I bought it, it definitely feels like a step up from my metropol. The photos below are probably the best colour representation of the aqua, I've noticed in lots of photos it either looks green or the black stands out while the aqua washes away, but these photos are pretty true to colour.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7049146147_d258f03044_m.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7049146147_d258f03044_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1333669450694.4004" class="alignnone" alt="" width="614" height="460"></a></div><p> The pen ring is smaller then the metropol, and I've been experimenting with different pens to see what works, at the moment I've just got a plain bic but I'm not loving it so I'll keep trying. In the front slots I've got business cards and some stickers that you'll see in my diary pages too. I needed my passport for work the other day and that tucks in nicely in the full length pocket. </p><p> I've used the same dividers that I made for my metropol, and will probably stick with them for a bit until I get bored of them. I blogged about them <a href="http://fantail-designs.blogspot.co.nz/2012/02/new-filofax-new-dividers.html?m=1" target="_self" title="">here</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7049147527_c99def4692_m.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7049147527_c99def4692_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1333669450690.6743" class="alignnone" alt="" width="614" height="460"></a></div><p> I use day per page diary inserts, and I love using washi tape and stickers to decorate the pages. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/6903055086_79f507ce3d_m.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/6903055086_79f507ce3d_b.jpg" id="blogsy-1333669450714.0647" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="614" height="460"></a></div><p> Post it notes currently live in the card holder at the back.</p><p>I'm very happy with my purchase!</p><p> </p><p> </p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-64675880194280385322012-04-03T03:32:00.001-07:002012-04-03T03:32:05.341-07:00Winter coat<p> I've decided to make a winter coat this year, something of a perennial habit for me. I made my first one at a sewing class, and it's great, mostly thanks to a good fabric choice.</p><p>Last year I made another, but a combination of probably the wrong pattern, and definitely the wrong fabric, plus some fitting issues ended up with a wadder. </p><p>So this year I'm going all out, I did a bunch of research on patternreview.com and picked out a pattern that I think will work, simplicity 2812</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridget.macfarlane/7041551791" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7213/7041551791_1417053f7f.jpg" id="blogsy-1333449117114.429" class="alignnone" alt="" width="180" height="240"></a></div><p> </p><p> Decided on a combo of collar (gathered), sleeve (inverted pleat), length (mid thigh), pretty much like the red coat in this picture</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridget.macfarlane/7041552041" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7135/7041552041_88cbe4908a.jpg" id="blogsy-1333449117089.8696" class="alignnone" alt="" width="180" height="240"></a></div><p> </p><p>I even did a muslin of the bodice and made the necessary adjustments </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridget.macfarlane/6895454266" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7210/6895454266_52ceb9b546.jpg" id="blogsy-1333449117048.033" class="alignnone" alt="" width="240" height="180"></a></div><p> </p><p> And this evening I cut out the bodice and interfaced it. Which went well although this black fuzz that is all over everything is a bit ominous...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridget.macfarlane/7041552329" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7121/7041552329_435f4d4896.jpg" id="blogsy-1333449117102.852" class="alignnone" alt="" width="240" height="180"></a></div><p> </p><p> Wish me luck!</p><p> </p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-41589943940404852482012-02-21T00:46:00.001-08:002012-02-21T00:46:28.250-08:00Charlottes quilt<p> This is a quilt for a friends baby girl, baby quilts are such popular gifts</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridget.macfarlane/6915091541" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7052/6915091541_1cf81f5b94.jpg" id="blogsy-1329813971921.8582" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> I use flannel on the inside to make them lighter, and to cut down on costs as quilt batting is very expensive here in NZ. I am working on using my stash fabric, including fabrics that I've been holding onto because I love, so I donated this cute bird fabric to the baby quilt cause.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridget.macfarlane/6915092039" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7044/6915092039_43d5483db9.jpg" id="blogsy-1329813971914.9792" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-57528501278054307602012-02-20T22:00:00.000-08:002012-02-20T22:00:06.914-08:00New Filofax new dividers<p>I really like having pops of colour in my Filofax, and these new dividers do it nicely for me in my new red metropolitan Filofax.</p><p>I made them from a cardstock set I have, that's all about retro stuff, and some of it was such big patterns that it didn't really work, but I picked out the patterns that did.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridget.macfarlane/6890371567" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7050/6890371567_4187c06cd1.jpg" id="blogsy-1329803793030.1821" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> The pattern with the alphabet on it goes in the front of my binder and it's a nice cheery touch when I open up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridget.macfarlane/6890371969" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7195/6890371969_8b8a5e0474.jpg" id="blogsy-1329803793056.5256" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p>And lovely little bits of colour down the side!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridget.macfarlane/6890372433" target="_blank" style=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7205/6890372433_14c4d72a2a.jpg" id="blogsy-1329803792984.6868" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p>I used some kikki-k dividers as a template (they were boring grey) but didn't make as many as came in that set, which is why the tabs don't go all the way to the bottom of the paper.</p><p>Would anyone be interested in buying these if I were to put some sets on etsy? I know lots of people make their own but maybe there are people out there that would rather get them pre-made?</p><p> </p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-6778972218202220392012-02-14T23:12:00.001-08:002012-02-14T23:12:20.632-08:00Quick jewellry<p> When I got home from work this evening I was itching to do something with my hands, so decided some quick jewellry was in order.</p><p>Four pairs of earrings</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6879663141" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7052/6879663141_ab6d753360.jpg" id="blogsy-1329289868671.6016" class="clearleft" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a></div><p> </p><p> The pair on the left don't photograph that well, here is a different view</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6879657135" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7202/6879657135_c9256fc0bb.jpg" id="blogsy-1329289868696.5205" class="clearleft" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a></div><p> </p><p> And then a seriously simple necklace to focus on the large bead that I really like</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6879674381" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7054/6879674381_44f39231f2.jpg" id="blogsy-1329289868651.69" class="clearleft" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a></div><p> </p><p> Almost instant gratification!</p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-57888483280326615852012-02-12T23:15:00.001-08:002012-02-12T23:15:55.527-08:00New (to me) Filofax<p> I've been enjoying my faux-Filofax, except for it was a bit small at pocket size, both the paper size and the ring size. So having decided i would go for a personal size, I started online window shopping, and have decided on a personal chameleon in aqua. But it's pricey, and I wanted to make sure that the personal size was right for me, so I found a red metropolitan on trademe (the nz equivalent of eBay) for $15 and I'm really liking it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6867985679" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7036/6867985679_857ffa8dcb.jpg" id="blogsy-1329117319396.3223" class="clearleft" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a></div><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "> I'm using debden-colins day per page diary inserts and a collection of Filofax, debden-Collins and kikki-k other inserts. I'm really liking the kikki-k paper, cotton cream and a nice weight, The medium size kikki-k inserts fit the personal size Filofax. The personal size is working well I think, and I will get the chameleon, it's tied up with my gym rewards system, although if I see one on sale I'll get one and make myself wait!</span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6868019997" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7060/6868019997_9b525cebbb.jpg" id="blogsy-1329117319421.3394" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6867986507" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7188/6867986507_1a2762571e.jpg" id="blogsy-1329117319436.463" class="clearleft" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></p><p>I've fallen hard for washi tape, and I love how it adds a pop of colour to my pages. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6868020483" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7177/6868020483_cd534ce2e4.jpg" id="blogsy-1329117319397.2664" class="clearleft" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a></div><p> </p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-79573198626967471532012-01-19T01:07:00.001-08:002012-01-19T01:07:21.709-08:00Card class number two<p> My second card for my class is based on the perfectly flat cards lesson. As usual I didn't have the supplies they used so a bit of improvisation was in order. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6724660321_a581ef4d35.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6724660321_a581ef4d35_m.jpg" id="blogsy-1326963976958.7998" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="550" height="733"></a></div><p> </p><p>The lesson showed a type of paint spritzer to make the solid colour area but I just used a stamp pad and dabbed it all over, which possibly isn't very good for the stamp pad. The lettering is from a letter set I have, and when I made the mistake and used the wrong letter there was much swearing. It was the very last thing I was doing so there was no way I was going to start again. </p><p>The stamp is one I hand carved myself, which is easier than I thought, and something I think I will do more of.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6724660025_4991b570ed.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6724660025_4991b570ed.jpg" id="blogsy-1326963976990.6682" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="514" height="685"></a></div><p> A piece of washi tape (my new favourite thing) and I was done!</p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-85966397436858919082012-01-15T01:33:00.001-08:002012-01-15T01:33:41.073-08:00First card for class<p>I've been taking an online cardmaking course, <a href="http://www.onlinecardclasses.com/cleansimple/classinfo/" target="_self" title="">clean and simple cards</a>. </p><p>This is my attempt at the first card, I don't have the punch they used, so I had to cut out the hearts by hand and I don't have any sentiment stamps, but I quite like it anyway!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6699941199" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7155/6699941199_dcb82bef28.jpg" id="blogsy-1326620011861.5447" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-61480763697792377912012-01-07T16:22:00.003-08:002012-01-07T16:22:47.636-08:00Calendar tea towels<div>I love the idea of Spoonflower, even though I have zero graphic design ability. Their weekly design contests are great and it amazes me how many entries the get, people only have a week to complete their design. </div><div><br></div><div>In November they had their annual tea towel calendar contest, and there were some amazing entries. I decided that they would make good Christmas gifts, so ordered a bunch. Spoonflower recommended that they were ordered on the linen-cotton canvas, which I did, and pretty reasonably priced seeing as you only need a fat quarter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6654786049" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7167/6654786049_8f4cdc3683.jpg" id="blogsy-1325982157252.2268" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><div>These are the ones I ordered, plus one more that was speedily hemmed and gifted on the day it arrived. I got two of the grey one and two of the boxy one. Hemming was fiddly but easy really. </div><div><br></div><div>This circle tea towel design is the one that won the contest, and has been gifted to my little sister.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6654787669" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7175/6654787669_bbfaa8cc2e.jpg" id="blogsy-1325982157211.459" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><div>I also ordered a swatch book of spoonflower substrates, and now I want to order all kind of fabrics on the cotton silk substrate - beautiful!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-56141407959830712592012-01-07T16:22:00.001-08:002012-01-07T16:22:28.834-08:00Pretty Filofax dividers<div>After struggling for a while with trying to maintain my schedule and tasks on a combo of my phone, iPad, and work computer, I'm giving a paper based system a go. I've had diaries in the past but have always ended up with bits of paper going everywhere, so I've decided to try a Filofax. Well, to be fair, I don't actually have a true Filofax yet, I've got a debden-Collins (which I think is mostly found in Australia and New Zealand) in the equivalent of pocket size. If it works for me then I'll shell out and get a Filofax, probably a personal chameleon I think. I need to know if it's a good option for me before I spend all that money, they are not cheap, although if it's a good system for you then it seems like it would pay for itself compared to buying a new diary each year. </div><div><br></div><div>Side rant - the prices in NZ compared to the states or the UK. We're used to things costing more here than overseas, but an organiser that costs $69 on the filofax USA site costs $169NZ on the Filofax NZ site, which is the equivalent of $132 US! Nearly twice as much! Why so much more?! Anyway, rant over, I'll find somewhere else to buy it. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm a very visual person, and I like my everyday items to look pretty, so the plain dividers weren't really doing it for me, so I made some new ones, which I like a lot better. </div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6655990849" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7001/6655990849_91351183d5.jpg" id="blogsy-1325981982140.4292" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><div><br></div><div>These are yet to be hole punched, as we don't have a hole punch at home so it'll have to wait until I'm at work. I used the address tabs as a template but I think next time I would use larger/longer tabs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6655909807" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7034/6655909807_6ac29baf46.jpg" id="blogsy-1325982016562.2854" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" align="center"></a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-72105287547669436212012-01-05T18:35:00.000-08:002012-01-05T18:35:17.234-08:00Sewing goals for 20121. Use what I have. I have fabric, I have patterns, I have tools, I need to not buy more stuff. <div>
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2. Fit clothes better. I get so excited about the "sewing things together" bit that I woosh past the fitting part. I need to work on spending more time on fitting to get garments I'm happier with.</div>
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3. Pants. I have a pants pattern, <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/patterns/sewingpatterns.pl?patternid=19784">Vogue 1051</a>, which gets rave reviews and is exactly the kind of pants I like to wear. I have fabric, and I need to get over my fear of the fitting issues on this one. </div>
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<img alt="Photo" height="235" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/vogue/1051/1051.jpg" width="320" />
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That's all! There will inevitably be some quilts, but my focus is really on the clothes sewing and I'm looking to make improvements in that area</div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-11343720648589771082012-01-03T00:36:00.001-08:002012-01-03T00:36:39.910-08:00Salme kimono top<div>I love using patterns from independent designers, it feels so much more personal. So when I found <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Salmepatterns?ref=ss_profile%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20?ref=ss_items" target="_self" title="">Salme patterns</a> on etsy, I grabbed a couple. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68413969/pdf-sewing-pattern-kimono-top" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_170x135.296589257.jpg" id="blogsy-1325579778669.1943" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="220" height="175"></a></div><div>This pattern is the kimono top, and I gave it a go with a wearable muslin. I had a mystery fabric from the remnants bin at my local fabric store ($5 - bargain!) that I think is probably a cotton silk blend. I have a gorgeous vintage silk in a delicate green with a lovely large-ish floral pattern on it, that I didnt want to experiment with but that I think would be good for this pattern. </div><div><br></div><div>the pattern comes as a PDF, and it was only 12 pages to tape together so I was good to go pretty quickly. With five pieces (front, back, back facing, front facing and sleeve cuff) it cut out quickly, and I was away laughing. </div><div><br></div><div>I found the instructions on the pattern pretty good, although if you were a true beginner there were some bits that might trip you up, mostly about finishing. I completely made a hash of the neckline and it never quite sat the same (totally user error, not the patterns fault at all) but apart from that it went together easily. As a rule I don't love facings, so depending on fabric choice I would consider doing bias binding at the neck, but the facings are well drafted. </div><div><br></div><div>All up it probably took me two hours, although that included the neck error so next time it would go together faster. Here's the photo of my finished top, totally wearable for a muslin I think!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6626653187" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7007/6626653187_96bfdd2d6f.jpg" id="blogsy-1325579778703.4253" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a></div><div>Bigups to Salme patterns I think they've done a great job, and I'd encourage people to check out the patterns</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-57359665924954408102011-12-29T23:57:00.001-08:002011-12-29T23:57:32.733-08:00A productive day<div>After what seemed like an impossible run of good weather over our Christmas break, it poured with rain today. Which was ok, it had been pretty hot so it was nice to break that up, and I had some sewing I wanted to tackle. And it worked out well, I got most of the bodice done for simplicity 2403</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6599049353" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7174/6599049353_81a862b7a3.jpg" id="blogsy-1325231586318.4976" class="aligncenter" width="375" height="500" alt=""></a></div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6599049857" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7023/6599049857_cc89df0991.jpg" id="blogsy-1325231655490.0984" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" align="center" alt=""></a></div><div>And finished the piecing on this baby quilt, then basted and quilted it, so I've only got the binding to do. One of my goals for the new year is use more of my fabric and pattern stash. For my quilting fabric stash I think that is mostly about using fabric that I've been hoarding because I really like it. So this baby quilt got this pink birds fabric for the backing that I really like, and I'm glad I did!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/32415932@N07/6599050451" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7168/6599050451_ae89b23ebe.jpg" id="blogsy-1325231828754.2449" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" align="center"></a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-63790630931496889452011-12-25T01:44:00.001-08:002011-12-25T01:44:43.323-08:00Sewing plan for the next quarter <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>I'm on holiday for the next week and a half, and am planning to do a bit of sewing. I decided to make a plan of what to sew in the next couple of months. I need a mix of summer clothes, and some work clothes, as my current work wardrobe is a bit casual for my new job. </p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4yLnUGcuIXtqrW1_C8TQJoUTT2zkjqNErSoVFCoqQMMw-WxzaGZs9zhfx1GGdm9JOl1o6VGxRRPHb9N5TtmyLLAlBPhM6B42Fk1MVoPfbP1n4uxSJCN9WJCBYzhUrSsxDNlWagqU0pmP/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>I bought this simple top pattern from a new independent company I found on Etsy called <a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/Salmepatterns?ref=seller_info' target='_self'>Salme</a>. I made a wearable muslin the other day and really like it so I'll be making at least one more. </p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><a href='http://www.etsy.com/listing/89024629/pdf-sewing-pattern-loose-fitting-pleated' target='_blank'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtBkoYeaPLgLDAiyG7mEVQ1CMbVoSw2YKS5BpmE3derUOtyVIe9SPT7YqgnfhK3X2yWVNQtlSciyX0KM55LKXm4jBFlA-BKJjiB_cyPFaUT9XWBhNA0Kg09LU7DWnd9FBKe7XpadcqozD/'></a></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>I also have this pleated tee from Salme which I plan to make in a green silk</p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>This Cynthia Rowley dress is cut out in Anna Maria Horner voile so hopefully that will be easy to finish off.</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4crO8WSZuazLfFdPY8ouknfN0TrMmC2Mu29-jgcAflVQEpmA5sCd0VSj1m4OkkXMKnDRytrPgZ0Yr0untVS_s6lO0nRM_cjKN4AMtj5X5EkoLg7cM-yTsBCNF8eXxa2LfmlvirxJII0P/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Next on my list is a project runway dress 2403, in a brown linen</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqNDBT_MecjlIDwLeoEp1BDl2BBM1q5HCzmu-aKWwBdUdA14dpEKgDb6AXG97xlzIQWk8xNYEeLNq4mfmzIVF1mjCA86EjY06kZr9xmm7rjrRdAotGH1Lkwtei4o3I2CV4L7ZSjluiKM9/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>I'm trying to work up the courage to make this vogue dress even thought the pattern pieces look very complicated</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDe8cpw13jAQW8DDZ8M51o_l-dOlI6fPrnn649tszSrVuT1jcRj13AjzNAHHHNyZNVRmYeHcLLYKAn_WXiUfd-bOWZIgfL5qSPNYDbijOGK1GAABGHPd3Z9_mF9iJTfkJXu_nOuH-Mos2A/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>the other independent pattern company I recently discovered is Victory Patterns and I bought the <a href='http://www.victorypatterns.com/products/ava/' target='_self'>Ava</a> and <a href='http://www.victorypatterns.com/products/chloe/' target='_self'>Chloe</a>, and plan to make the chloe in something suitable for work. </p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ5c4Y1jIJkqKdfoZxV836cEuVLOpWezTpsgE0jBWJ5W-KWjV3CcqZTfdx81kXg2iiNA8PpIF-Ir8gIyJSIVKhp4QhumiNjDe0Suou1tQEuW7gBZoqKvsBPOP-_qsExg5g81DtVsXRLx5/'></div></p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-56804996390352157112011-11-26T23:53:00.001-08:002011-11-26T23:53:24.310-08:00ruffly skirt <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>I was perusing one of the slightly weirder fabric stores, and found this ruffly fabric on sale. it caught my eye and I grabbed a meter and a half and decided what I would do with it later.</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pdCC7-4c7AVXNP718ovtUXSE3_VW7021SAVEB3H1EIxRVfZN3oMA8O1E4VBmWpsKSSgNQhf5FRvDlW2BevyPmDVymr-d42weAjdKZ2tqUs5YiC0y52_gq5Ea7Lfn5-ar6bbk9lVDBYDr/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>At home searching on the Internet and I found that the ruffly fabric is big! I fond a bunch of ideas, mostly for skirts, and went with this one from <a href='http://www.vanessachristenson.com/2011/09/v-and-co-how-to-sewing-with-ruffle.html' target='_self'>v & co blog</a>. I didn't use the same fullness at the waist and hip that she did, as I was concerned that it would make me look huuuuuge.</p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-odYc6CszNEtVs0uaPsblXN-wT9qno9noxtsIcLA76vnhJWOO-bsWx0RAOP1E-D-ZwR_f0ox-wZ7dp0p9Usyn8VdnQvQTAWk9TK7S0I4MTQLHm2-atswinFzQJYXnavcsr23FoEDbW7_/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>My ruffle fabric seemed to be a bit see through so I lined it with some spare slinky knit I had.</p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-153990341432070562011-11-20T01:15:00.001-08:002011-11-20T01:15:03.648-08:00Bird encounter <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>Since I've started blogging I've been carrying my camera with me. Although my blog is really about sewing etc, I like the idea of carrying the camera in the hope that it would make me more aware of things I'm looking at. And today it paid off!<br><br>As I parked at the pub to meet a friend, I noticed a <a href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tui_(bird)' target='_self'>Tui</a> on a flax bush right in front of my car. It used to be really rare to see Tuis anywhere but some pretty intense bush regeneration has made them a lot more common. <br></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lDRIzWabZn0dgG0Sp57T3zVpGDiODPxZYj2_YHXjPVvRq1I9XaK-Z8K-PDniFmyFm-RE7yYPbTP4ChizE1ndbgH0fwhYxIV20BOSbJ-ykLXgW2oYxXu8WNuDpIfWMUwYHKfw28SdPzA3/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>And this is as close as I've ever been, but it's the season when the flax flowers are in bloom and the Tui's are gorging on the pollen.</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDdq5WI0ADCLyVZ-tdRbcQFEm_6iqUkKJtILx3WrJcnUy8dg8IBOn-O9L5RrMOBWvFa4PC7YUXgGqISdBugVqUrie1ngUWKsMLZcuJ3VLeTC-eOzMoxcumttUl3i1U97lUYtJSLH8tDHH/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>I'm sad that the photos are a bit dark, but I'm pretty happy to have got some good photos. </p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-1036444777310726922011-11-18T21:50:00.001-08:002011-11-18T21:50:30.313-08:00What frustration looks like... <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>So I was merrily sewing away and was thinking my new blouse was looking pretty sweet. It's the <a href='http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/jj' target='_self'>JJ blouse</a>.<br></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUm06VSYi0YJQhGKD-v7jCsxhBUbQu6ar-4L6ij-NSReFBmzbjaIPJT581pKO4J6VKYeLmbzif8CFk3N3DknCSPrbBKlYAC03qPCDWaSbn0-0Cd-kkfr93m2rjlMNf45UQBTsIX-NBPkzw/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>I was serving the sleeve seam, and was almost all the way round, when I caught a fold of fabric. Yip and there it is, I've knifed a hole in my sleeve. Gutted. Many swear words were said and I've decided to stop sewing and watch DVDs instead. </p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNayezMHOgyI4RT8zt0pLNc853VrM6ZiJ18rRcTLGoUqB-yFAM5V1HAs0nEUMU8y2spLfFj4WQJQ-1QuFq0s3Ix81ExJtTjQDr4ViwuVtGNghF-Quz1yxAOyE1LUR1iAmmS5UKbW7SXxb/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>Aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!</p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-5544841607140931702011-11-11T22:14:00.001-08:002011-11-11T22:14:52.073-08:00Faux milk glass <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>Our house is a 1940's deco-ish house, although there aren't many deco features which is sad. One of the features is a fairly grungy tiled fire place with a simple wood surround. A medium term project for me is to make the fireplace over, and I decided to start with some nice decoration for the mantel.<br><br>I'd seen a couple of cool images on pinterest formula glass, which was the sort of look I was after. But a couple of things thwarted that plan, in that I don't have much of a budget for my make over and milk glass can be pricey, and it's really difficult to find milk glass in NZ as its really an American product. </p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtL08ovZofukeJWs_oOgVZu9uAWvctMlkKX2gPDxqyZTH56wlHLuvy2z6lmAUUZaUC9zGiNgVt7imKeCnRwTsfzxkmZL2tZsaXOF5D1Qa_k53yYPjX0OhGHoAY4fSnznQvT-45DmKdaqo/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/185466843/' target='_self'>Image from Pinterest </a>(I tried to work out how to embed it but I'm a bit hopeless like that)<br><br>But then after more Pinterest cruising I found <a href='http://ruffledblog.com/diy-faux-milkglass-centerpieces/' target='_self'>this tutorial</a> for making faux milk glass! Genius!</p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>So a trip to the store at the landfill where I found 8 pieces of glassware for $5, a can of glossy white spray paint, a quick stop at the local sallies store where I found a couple of extra pieces for a dollar each, some latex gloves, and I was away laughing. <br><br>I still have a few pieces left to do, but here's the result so far, I love it!<br></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplelKk2mgUblsz4_fx1YWlOfUOmNqXUpqL64EOcNZfi9XHC1-kQGKNQWeyCut8Ml4Y_YJZTLnrYd_qLv2SG7gRlQnV8Re8proGWPteg_1jWLK3AdCLUZBqo1Ikx4TlllxM_9UyUswhiVh/' ></img></div></p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-23428066507703989072011-10-28T00:58:00.001-07:002011-10-28T00:58:13.052-07:00Thrift store cuteness <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>Let me just preface this by saying I didn't take a before photo. Sadness. I still haven't gotten blogging or even really documenting my sewing into my brain and so it didn't even occur to me until I had finished. Blogging fail.</p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>So this is my cute new skirt, that I made from a skirt that I found at a thrift store. It was $18 which if you live in the states or other places that seem to have great thrifting may seem expensive. Here is NZ, everything is expensive, even the thrifting.<br><br></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWvuP1QoUIFyMdBhgSh17kh6BX6SniXiIQhdwpJvFAT3-09xYAUjIrL0mxyY9661QtBuZyoq5EXJEireBGMlUZjXx1jWYQ1CBeYikhLHcxxVErraR2WkXhLpGT3BwitL4y0yVbG7J_mNv/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>Anyhoo, the skirt was from a company called <a href='http://www.eastex.co.uk/index.php' target='_self'>Eastex</a>. It was wool with a touch of polyester, which I actually like for reducing the itch factor. It was a straight skirt that came about mid calf on me, with a very nipped in waist. I don't really like the mid calf length (some women pull it off wonderfully, sadly I'm not one of them). The larger (or smaller depending on how you look at it was the nipped in waist, which is definitely not my shape, and sadly when it was done up it was making a good effort at arranging my internal organs. </p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>So a remake (upcycle? Refashion? these terms all seem a bit clunky to me) was in order. I played round with just chopping the top off and moving the zip down to get a wide enough waist, but decided that it wasn't going to be flattering. So I used my a-line skirt block, unstitched the side seams and recut both panels. The zip and the lining were both still in good order so I used those also.<br><br></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDY20nERTtiEdl27SQx3-DoZlKH1NPYyp0VTbhJAh5jdVrguVoS-sRSXeubG4NTMXEwtRUCClJ17hDooqkZNFTBUDKV1p6A0VfoCNZrzctc_BSaCWZEY3u9dTtzwHgS1t_Di_V22nOdsm/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>I had this grand idea that this skirt would match this cute vintage blazer that I have but sadly the colors are just a little bit wrong. Never mind! This photo of the skirt is much truer to colour</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1p2mPyF_gPU12UlFhOJEqzaSxwYXO1ieTFIBE0GuzLMjFKmVHPNjcxuo332CsoXkgJEsGKgpfYy9gFriXAciQ6sW03ho_S4oELAzHhy8xawo_tZvKUTBVj6lJCRsHS9LLcj3L0MsspHz/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>And I think it's really cute! Not too itchy, and a nice work skirt that will go with lots. A bit sad that I made it right at the end of winter, so it not get much use til next year, but I'm happy with it nonetheless. </p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-67931384100958385132011-10-17T23:55:00.001-07:002011-10-17T23:55:54.715-07:00My lovely new machine <p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnWsn5ipIaOAyvscLwCa-ZPc6J5VyKdsUP5dJA991aLQs5AFdsDQOPT-OxUDW9DTh9H2LWZxDI5Urs_WAHbJzmByb8_S_reG7V-1KmknZZSRHRjuTsFr6tguWk_Yq1fGkdZJMnWR_MwWd/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>Well, new old machine. I bought this machine off trademe, which is the nz equivalent of eBay. I'd looked for a while, and most of the machines were seized up, or the people selling them didn't know if they went or not. Or the slightly scary "it goes but you get little electric shocks from it". Hmmmm. <br><br>After a bit of research I decided I wanted an electric machine (vs hand crank or treadle), a model that took standard needles, and, as I don't have room for a table, a desk top model. <br><br>Most people online can't tell you the model number when they're selling, but judging from the pictures I had a fair idea this was from the 201 series. And when it arrived it was confirmed, it's a 201k!<br><br>And reading about this machine online afterwards, it's pretty amazing. This was a top of the line machine, and one site showed an example of a lady who spent the equivalent of 27 of her weeks wages on her machine! <br><br>One of the other things I wanted in a machine was a case, and I was particularly interested in these curved wood cases, and I got one!<br><br></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>A tune up with my slightly odd but lovely sewing machine repair man and it is going great guns! I Iove the heaviness of the machine, and it stitches a lovely straight stitch. It hates cheap thread and protested loudly and with much jamming when I tried to feed it to it! </p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Oay3vFaeHwyHyKeIPfkVJiNfyeNnuuMx1yEENF2mJAn6uDl8IH-0yKg567tCOlbYrB21rIR3GKFnJwbJqeLLoASJRHeUj-Jd5MZD5NQigcYuIF2EphsVnGdfAWh1Kh5erB8RRD_2NUFq/' ></img></div></p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-25937461605350601692011-10-12T01:47:00.001-07:002011-10-12T01:47:43.694-07:00Rusty baby quilt <p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunSMz5F6NW3bc2X_kh_AqldAXeTp8IgFz5UHzyh9Ex76-mBEZT3uYEwTvzPinMoRp9u_7s-a0kG_L0pvSesJD0qhTR60QGS7z7-VyjHzlZvwqHWQFgsn95xICGsBNXcs7uMjJPEYCK8cd/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>This is a baby quilt I made for my cousins baby. I love <a href='http://craftnectar.com/2010/07/29/wheezy-rider-and-the-deep-breath-quilt-pattern/' target='_self'>this pattern</a> from Craft Nectar, it's great for using scraps without making it look too scrappy. I think sometimes scrappy quilts can end up looking like a colour mangle, but this pattern has a lot of negative space, and I find it more pleasing to look at. <br><br>The rust coloured fabric is actually a cotton lawn from spotlight, which I picked for the colour, with the added side benefit of being half the price of the quilting fabric. Instead of using batting on the inside, I used flannelette, which makes a nice summer weight quilt.<br><br>I wanted to use this quilt to test out pebble quilting, but after some solid procrastination I ended up with only two days to baste, quilt, bind and wash it so I fell back on stipple quilting. Next time...<br></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qNCtn7l_4njongidEJNRhut3ysELUmGFZamJhwAUkJAQv77lFxIK4Yiv4YFEJB9fCyO33IOiAIwgJSD9jxqczHiu8UEHR1STntCRVDez53FnIm-R5B-XZ8Axxsi6GXMFOzlPRsnStqoQ/' ></img></div></p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-76896782850087585242011-10-08T00:42:00.001-07:002011-10-08T00:42:28.725-07:00What's with the bird? <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>Assuming that I've managed to not be technologically useless, you'll see a bird in my header. It's a fantail, like the blog name. State the obvious, why not. It's a NZ native bird, that hangs out in the leafy part of trees and flits about. It really does fan it's tail out like that when it flies. There's nothing particularly deep or poignant about why I have the fantail, I just really like it. I do like having a NZ native hanging out up there, identity and all that.<br><br>I had this idea that it would be fun to start an etsy shop and sell things I'd made. It's not really, and in the end I took it down, which was not really a huge loss for the online handmade community, there were only a couple items, and I decided it was more rewarding to just gift them. Baby quilts mostly, and people love getting a quilt when they get a quilt for their small baby, that I decided that was a better reward. <br><br>But what I am toying with is the idea of getting some labels printed with that logo, to add to items I've made.<br><br>On second thoughts let's assume I am technologically useless, and let's see if I can add the picture of my fantail here<br><br></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Xq4fSk8F3eM1YzTYhT_QE_8Dc6aSr47v97e2u6T4kl3S7_Nb9pv-t3xA0sqm8tCDCZr2HAQMipnNVddhyooZHKzW1efFVQVa0UEA4LSirziCIbLPuBq3gfuHiqpPjpa5KfsHQGMY2TUG/' ></img></div></p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4864849507710913626.post-63388144517289382332011-10-06T01:04:00.000-07:002011-10-06T01:04:39.532-07:00To challenge myself?I have tried blogging before. And failed. Yes I know, there is no right way or wrong way to blog. But lets be fair, if you stop blogging I think that counts as a blogging fail. So why this new crack again?
I completed some psychometric testing for a new job over the weekend, which included a personality assessment. Quite apart from what I think about the ability to assess personality with an online assessment, it did pose some questions for me. Quite apart from the 130 questions it did literally pose for me...
I had a sense as I went through the questions that I came off very clinical, detached and uncreative. And part of this is that I was relating a lot of my answers to my current work experience, in a health/contracting/management role, which requires a level of rules governed behavior and evidence based thinking. And this was reinforced in a very supportive and positive way when the consultant from the recruitment company rang me to go through the result. It's a great trait for the job I've applied for, but it did hit me a little bit.
I sew, I quilt, I embroider, I give a great home made gift. I have ideas. I want to design sewing patterns. I want to change my quilting to be more natural. And yet I don't describe myself as creative. And I think part of this is that I'm not contributing. I devour blogs, I love interest, I follow cool people on twitter. But I'm not putting my ideas and thinking out there. So I'm going to.
It may not be the prettiest blog, I don't have a spiffy camera, and photos are likely to be taken with my point 'n shoot or my iPad. But I want to see if I can push myself to post once a week with at least one photo, and to try and talk about my creative process.
Props to Bridget from bake at 350 who just posted this down to earth and sensible post about her thoughts on starting a blog. I don't decorate cookies and I just like her site, yay for blogging!Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504080788090835285noreply@blogger.com0