Rawrrrrr!

By now we all know that I'm not the best at regular blogging. Still, to my utmost surprise I made it to the list of Top 100 Dressmaking Blogs and Websites for Dressmakers, Tailors and Custom Sewers. There are so many amazing and bloggers listed there so go and have a look if you need some sewing inspiration. The super talented Leimomi, a fellow member part of WSBN (Wellington Sewing Bloggers Network) is listed there as well - well done us!

So to celebrate I decided to write a blog post! How very fitting, right? The subject is not too exciting though - my millionth version of Astoria top with altered neckline and short sleeves.  I also extended it by about 15 cm so I could wear it with jeans. I don't think I will ever stop sewing Astorias, it's one of these patterns that just keep giving!

The best part of this T-shirt is that it's covered in dinosaurs! The fabric can be found at good old Spotlight. Unfortunately the fabric quality leaves much to be desired. It will probably not last long but I am going to enjoy every minute of wearing it!

Also, since I don't post here too often you can follow me on Instagram and see all the sewing, cooking, travelling and other silly-billy things!

I HEART Cardamome

The moment I finished my first Cardamome dress I knew it wouldn't be my last. I like the unusual lines of the dress and the fact that it has loose fit but the shirring keeps it close to my waist - very comfortable and flattering.

The fabric is one of my souvenirs from September trip around the North Island. The last stop was in Masterton where I bought this lovely navy rayon covered in hearts. It was a pleasure to sew with it! Even cutting wasn't a problem. I decided to use piping again, this time white so it matches the hearts. The dress quickly became my "to go dress" when I have no idea what to wear!

The photos were taken at our WBSN Christmas Picnic. It was perfect - weather was lovely, food was yummy and the company as amazing as always ;) We also had our ornament swap and I received the most beautiful cross-stitched kiwi! Handmade swaps with WSBN ladies are always amazing because everyone is so crafty and clever!

 

And my beautiful hand made ornament. Isn't it lovely?

Dia de los Muertos meets Hello Kitty

A few months ago I took part in a gift exchange with some WSBN ladies. The theme was everything Autumn including celebrations traditionally associated with that season - Halloween and Dia de los Muertos. There were two conditions - the gifts had to be handmade and the cost of materials shouldn't exceed more than $10.

I got to make a gift for Trees and she loves Hello Kitty and everything creepy so it was very easy to decide what I want to make. When looking through my stash of crafty things I found  forgotten soutache braids. I don't think this technique is widely known here in NZ - at least I never came across any soutache jewellery here. Below are examples of my makes. It might seem complicated but it's not. The braids are sewn together and beads and stones added to create beautiful pieces.

I had a "hate phase" creating my Hello Kitty. After I finished the white base I really disliked it and I was even considering to quit. But since I didn't have any other ideas I had no other choice but finish it. After adding the flowers and the bow it finally started looking right and I kept adding beads and embroidery elements. I added a brooch fastening and backed it up with a piece of suede. It's also been sprayed with "weather guard" to protect it from stains and water.

In the end I am happy with the results. And as far as I know Trees liked it and that's the most important thing :)

High Tea with WSBN

One of the first things I learnt about WSBN ladies was that they are a group of foodies - myself included ;) It seems we like eating almost as much as sewing! This time our excuse was Penny who lives in Auckland and owns the biggest indie pattern online store in New Zealand - Dresses & Me. She came to Wellington and we just had to show her local fabric stores and have some yummy food.

The Fabric Warehouse

I have a huge crush on Zara's Watson jacket!!!

Helping Kellie find the right fabric to match the lace

After shopping for couple of hours we went to Kilbirnie. Surprisingly this was my first high tea. I wasn't sure what to expect but I'm always keen on new things. And it was lovely! We went to a place called The Little Teapot - all 19 of us! There was yummy tea and even yummier sandwiches and cupcakes and the chocolate mousse was to die for! And look at the teapot cosies! It won't be my last high tea as the girls promised me they will take me around to all the places that serve high tea in Wellington. I can't wait!

I also managed to get some photos taken of my new dress - I will blog about it within next few days :)