Thursday, February 25, 2010

Surpise Package versus Midweek Slump

A little while ago a friend of mine had a baby boy. I decided to sew him an outfit and set about making it the other day. It was to be a raglan sleeve top and corduroy dungarees. Simple, I thought....
It's not very often that things get the better of me, I'm rather stubborn, ( also I usually get bored first) but these two did. I made several mistakes on the top and the corduroy I was making the dungarees from kept coming apart at the seams (possibly something to do with the overlocker?)...so I gave up... I took a break from clothes making and made this for him.....


It is only a quilt top, so far, but I just had to get away from garment making for a bit. Hopefully later I will put the batting in and the back on. I'll try and get the quilting done and binding on before too long or I might get bored with it! Each piece was 6 inches square before sewing. I'm hoping it will be a good size for a car seat or pram.



Before I hit this 'wall' in making clothes, I made the girls these....




They are made using Onion 20022. I love them. They fit the girls really well. Astrid recommended the pattern to me, she has made loads of things with this pattern.

Anyway on to some other news... I have been stalking the Postman recently. You see I won a giveaway on Nancy Langdon's blog Fledge. Nancy is the woman behind the Studio Tantrum name and has recently co-written this book with Sabine Pollehn of Farbenmix patterns, ribbons etc.

So, what happened is, my name was picked out as the recipient of a "Surprise Package"...so here is the surprise in all it's glory.................

Oh, you'd like to see inside would you?.....








I thought you might............

8 pieces of wonderful ribbon and a label. Each of the ribbons are held with the cutest little clothes peg flower...........

A beautiful piece of fabric, I presume it is cotton,.... I may keep it for myself!

Some cute little ducks......

Nine patterns, thats right 9! Including the El Porto bag. I had just seen Nicole's version of and had spoken to Maeve about making her one for a possible trip next month.


A beautiful Studio Tantrum card..
Even Nancy's writing looks creative!



And last but not least...The Book...

I remember back to when I started sewing, a year ago, I began to browse the internet for ideas. I stumbled upon Nicole's site Dots'n'stripes and discovered a whole world of patterns and fabric I didn't know existed. A friend had introduced me to Ottobre around the same time, so I knew about that, but I recall looking at Farbenmix and Studio Tantrum, with all the wonderfully colourful clothes they produced and thinking that they would be waaaay beyond anything I'd be able to make, way too complex. But here I am a year on and despite the occasional slump, I am confident enough to try most patterns and nearly always very pleased with the results.

I am so looking foward to making new things with these patterns that Nancy has sent me, so thank you Nancy for the prize and the inspiration.

11 comments:

Nicole said...

Oh Millie, you are SO lucky!!! What a surprise package, I knew the book was in it, but 9 patterns and all those ribbons.... now I want to see loads of new clothes for your kids ;-)

said...

Congratulations! My Mom has this book as well (twice) and gave one to me. Unfortunately I left it at hers, so I'm still curious what is in it...

Have fun and enjoy the new accessoiries.

Angela said...

That is such an amazing package - if anything will get you over your block, that will:) I have ordered the book, and it's taking aaaages to come - hopefully next week.

Cindy said...

What a wonderful surprise package, loaded with goodies! I'm jealous!!:)

Millie said...

I'm sorry to have made so many people jealous!

Nicole- You have your own fabric shop! We're the ones who should be jealous!!!! I am loving the book, I hope yours arrive soon. I'll try my best with the clothes...

Nina- You lucky thing getting one of the books, they seem to be hot property right now. I'm sure you'll love it when you get it again from your mother. It's very inspiring.

SewMentalMama- I hope yours arrives soon too. I'm sure you'll create some great things. I have the quilt to finish and then I can't wait to get started on the El Porto bag.

Beachgirl- It is a wonderful package, so many lovely things and I am ever so grateful to Nancy for them.

Jen said...

I'm jealous, too. I bet with those ribbons, the patterns, and the book you're going to be making some gorgeous things for your girls. 9 patterns! Wow! Based on my emails with her about the hat patterns I had a feeling that Nancy was a very generous person, and I see I was right. Enjoy all your beautiful goodies!

Millie said...

Jen she sure is a very generous lady. I had read about the hat patterns on your blog before I won the giveaway. That was very kind of her to do that for you and your project.
I hope that I can put everything to good use. The book is so inspiring, I had my mother here for dinner this evening and she loved it too. Thanks for stopping by.

michal said...

you really are so lucky!
I have the book and loving it so much :-)
Can;t wait to see what you do with all these patterns!
and the pants you should - so cute!

Millie said...

Thanks Michal, I am really loving the book. I know it's not for everyone but I find it very inspiring.

Gill said...

What a magnificent prize, I'm more than a little green with envy over those trims. But, I have the book at least. Thanks for your kind comments on my efforts, I look foward to seing what you make up as well.

Millie said...

Thanks Gillybean. I am slowly working my way through it all. Not using but just getting used to it all. I have made my first project from the book, just have to make the second one. This is what happens when you have twins! The trims are wonderful but I have to force myself to use them!
Thanks for stopping by.

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