The buttons are on. Now I’ve just got to finish the ornaments…

A pile of pockets ready to be sewn on and ornaments in a production line …

The ornaments are a machine embroidery design from here. They’ve used velvet as the base whereas I have used felt, so I’m not sure how to cut the edges away (they used a candle and melted the edges, but I’m not sure if that would work with felt). I’ve made 8 so only 16 to go … (I am feeling positive that I will get it done in time).

I’ve decided to make an Advent Calendar - just to put myself under a bit more pressure. I got the idea from here, but it’s developed a mind of it’s own.

Each pocket will have a number embroidered on it. I haven’t quite decided on the position of the pockets yet - the one above is just placed on the quilt.

I’m going to sew buttons onto the tree from which we can hang ornaments (they’ll be stored in the pockets).

The ornaments are going to like this …

The number is on the back of the ornament. There will also be a star, tree and stocking (so six of each type).

I still have all of the pockets and the ornaments to sew as well as quilting the base. So lots to do and not much time.

I’ve made another Notebook-Pencil-Holder.. I’ve altered the pattern a bit - I wanted to fit 12 pencils (rather than 10) and I wanted it to be a bit shorter. Instead of making the main pieces 40 by 28cm, I made them 46 by 25cm.

I used a medium weight interfacing this time and it worked much better. I think I will alter this pattern again to just make a simple pencil roll holder.

I found a tutorial and pattern for a Notebook-Pencil-Holder at One Red Robin and thought I would attempt one to see if it would work as a christmas present for my girls.

The tutorial is excellent - heaps of photos and easy to follow instructions.

I used an ‘iron on’ batting instead of interfacing because that is what I had on hand. It does make it a bit puffy and a bit tricky to sew around the edges. I will use interfacing next time. The fabric is from Amy Butler’s Charm range (I’m not sure if this fabric is available anymore).

The edges look very wobbly in the photo - it doesn’t look as bad in real life.

I found using a walking foot when sewing the pockets made things work a bit better - eliminated all of the puckers. I also used a top stitch needle.

I could only fit nine pencils in mine rather than ten, so I shall alter the measurements to make it wider. Plus I think it’s a bit tall for my book/pencils, so I shall make it a bit smaller and I shall place the ribbon ties in the middle.

So here are my measurements for next time:

Cover and Lining: 42cm by 25cm
Pocket: 42cm by 18cm.

I was surprised at how easy it was to make one of these. Definitely worth a go if you’re considering it.

As P is very keen on dinosaurs and A on princesses, I decided to make them applique T-Shirts. I found the designs at Designs by Juju (I did briefly consider digitising my own designs, but as hers werre exactly what I wanted it seemed more efficient to just buy them - plus she had a buy two sets get two sets free offer!)

 I bought these ones …

Fit for a Princess Applique

Jacobean Floral Applique

Sunbonnet Belles Applique

Dinosaurs Roar Applique

The applique is quite time consuming, but easy to do. I’ve used calico as a base and then sewn them onto the T-Shirts afterwards (that way there isn’t a lot of thread on the inside of the T-Shirt and I don’t have to try to hoop a T-Shirt).

On the weekend I realised that I hadn’t thought of presents for my girls’ teachers.  As school finishes on friday, I don’t have much time. I decided to make the bird christmas tree ornament from this book.

Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t get the belly section to join the body section without puckers.

The timing was pretty much spot-on - it took about four hours to make five of them. I think several in the tree would look fabulous, but I’m not sure if I have the motivation to make any more.

I’ve been working on more T-Shirts…

One of these is an order for my shop and the other are christmas presents - I hope to get some into my shop soon …

I was motivated by the team at SewMamaSew! to attempt an apron from a tea towel. It is part of their 30 Days of Gifts to Sew.

The original idea for the apron is from Randi (i have to say ) - there is a tutorial and everything.

As the T-Towel is enormous (it’s one from Ikea), this is more of an adult apron. I used my bias maker for the first time to make double fold bias tape…

Once I worked out how to use it, I was really pleased with the results - no more bought binding for me.

I finished the summer top. I’m pretty pleased with how it turned  out - the sleeves are a bit dodgy and next time I would make my own bias binding rather than using a shop bought version.