Inside of the bag

Well my mates on EB remarked that they need to see pics of ths inside of my lovely bag so here they are.



I have had three comments on the bag from people who didn't know I had made it myself so it obviously looks good.

I also started a knitted teddy for Jot a couple of weeks ago which is now complete. It is a little lopsided but I don't think she minds much.



Well off to wrap up a birthday pressie for one of Jots friends - I was going to make something but have run out of time oh well next year.

Bye for now
Jotsmum

Its been a while

Well after a great visit from my parents, going back to work and various bouts of sickness for various family members I am back on track (well not exactly but I can fool myself can't I?)

It was Jots first birthday last Tuesday and I can't believe how fast the last year has gone. We are having a small get together tomorrow morning which will be nice and she got lots of nice presents.

When I look back on the last year (which has been tough) it has been interesting to me that I found my sewjo when life was looking its toughest and since have found the courage to start (and finish) projects both with my sewing machine and knitting (which I only learnt in 08). So while my beautiful baby girl grows so do I.

So on to my most recent triumphs. I attempted a watermelon hat for Jot (typically I get it finished as Spring arrives but hopefully she will still be able to get some use from it next year) which is nearly finished as I can't seem to find the black wool I bought to use for the seeds - typical :). It was the first time I have used round needles (and love them) and the first time I had used double pointed needles and even the first time I had decreaed stitches. A lot of firsts and given all of that I am fairly happy with the result. It has given me confidence in knitting hats so I am on the case now for a Christmas present of two.

Secondly as I retruned to work I decided to make myself a bag to cheer me up. It has taken three weeks to complete thanks to various bouts of illness that have laid R and I (& Jot) low over that period. I used upholstery fabric and I think it looks great but it was a nightmare to sew. Next time I will use less substantial fabric. Another idea for Christmas presents.

So now I am working on a knitted teddy for Jot (a trial run) and have yet to decide on my next sewing project although I have signed up for a Kids stocking filler swap on Essential Baby (EB) which is for our beginners sewers group. More info to follow.

Now for pictures I don't know what I have done but you will have to look at the next post (no idea why they won't appear in this one)

Have a good weekend

Jotsmum

Retro Mummy

I love retro mummy, shame I am on a self imposed fabric ban (do patterns count?) Anyway nip over to her blog as she has a giveaway at the moment and while there while away some time at the store

Going MIA

Well as the title suggests I will be going missing in action as my parents arrive from the UK bright and early tomorrow morning and I doubt I will have much time to sew or post in the next two weeks.

So before I go I will let you know I managed to finish my mums b'day pressie (a knitting needle roll she requested) which she will be getting early as her B'day isn't till end September. I have one gripe in that I put the ribbon too high up and it once the top flap has been folded over it doesn't sit quite right to wrap the ribbon. Too late now to correct it.

My machine has now gone into hiding :( as I think M & D are going to want to eat at the dining table while they are here. I had forgotton how much stuff comes with sewing.

Well I have also started on a knitting project a watermelon beanie the lovely ladies at the CWA helped me start it off as this is my first project on circular needles (and with more than one stitch) but I am now on a roll and will hopefully be able to finish it and post it once my parents are off to NZ to see my sis.

So I am off and will return in a few weeks.

Bye

Jotsmum

Jot is off to Childcare

Yes my little girl is off to Childcare tomorrow for a whole day. Not sure how I feel about it to be honest. Looking forward to my day off yet worried about how she will go. Just as well we have three days practice before I go back to work.

Anyway I made her a bag for Childcare. Not quite as good as I had hoped but it is only the drawstring which is dodgy and I can swap that out if it really bugs me over the next few weeks. So here are pictures.

I have a better idea of the knitting needle roll now and I also have ideas for three other Christmas gifts so I guess I should write a list :).

I ordered a couple of Oliver & S patterns yesterday from Belle & Vintage. That I have been eyeing off for a while as they were on special. Can't wait for them to arrive so I can make them for Jot. She is going to look great and it will do wonders for my sewing skills.

I have to get three more things done this weekend before I have to put the machine away for a while. My parents are coming to visit and I think they might want to eat at the Dining Room table :). Hopefully I will manage it and be back early next week to post pictures of the finished articles.

Take care

Jots Mum

Christmas Presents

I know I know it is only August but in my defence I want to get all Christmas presents handmade this year and then have to get them sent to the UK to deliver in time for Christmas I have to get started now.

So my first two are made.

I made these notebook and pencil holders for my niece and nephew. I found the tutorial on One Red Robin. I had to tweek it a bit as I found the ribbon too girly for a boy so I used a button and elastic instead. I also sewed the pockets for the pencils before I put the thing together as I didn't like the lines visible on the front.



I have also knitted a scarf fro my Dad but I can't seem to get a good picture of it.

Next on the list is a knitting needle roll which I am going to make first in a cheap fabric for me and then a proper one for my mum.

I am also writing a tutorial - just to see if I can do it - so watch this space as It will be here sometime soon.

Will return to let you know more soon.

Take care

Jots Mum