Crafty Mermaid

I've been on a bit of a knit spree.  I've made a matching set of Espresso leggings and two Mabel  skirts . I love the kick pleat on the Mabel skirt.  Such a comfy pattern.  Though the fabric doesn't have a lot of recovery so the waistband tends to grow over the day.  I really needed to put an elastic in the waistband. So pleased with all four pieces.  The espresso leggings are such a great pattern (that's my notes with the pattern above!)- you print it out and measure yourself.  Then match up your measurements to the dots on the pattern and viola - you have a personalised pattern!  I left an exposed waist band and deliberately have it sitting on my natural waist - which is ridiculously high.   The second Mabel was a bit clingy so I self lined it.  The fabric is very stretchy so my double stitch on the hem has already popped a few times.  I need to unpick and sew it using a zigzag instead. Fabrics...

I was admiring Wendy's  sewing weights at a few of the Fabric Hoarders meetups.  I used up some of my spare embroidery cotton to prettify them. And whipped up a quick lined cotton bag to store them in.

A few months ago, I was browsing online for a weekend break and discovered this unique option .  Strangely similar to the water room in the movie Dune.  Yes, that is Kapiti Island framed in the window. Its located on Peka Peka Beach and called SoleMer.  Its a recent build by Fritz Eisenhofer.   Because of the cost, we (and two friends) stayed just one night. The master bathroom was stunning. And the pool was a beautifully designed area - but unfortunately not heated (it was FREEZING!).  The heat (or lack thereof) did take from the night away but it was a fun night with friends and we even managed a run on the beach and some outlet shopping in Otaki.  The house is a strange one.  A recent build but with single glazing.  A futuristic feel but no solar panels or other 'new' systems. I wouldn't run back there again but I was so pleased to get the chance to stay in the first place. Obviously I manage...

I am now the far too proud owner of a Janome dc6030. Love, love, love it. (I've been the proud owner for over a month but it took ages to post the photos!) Look at that beauty!  You're in for the unboxing... (they open the container in the store to fill in the warantee info). I bought it at Wellington sewing services. Very generous peeps. Paid for the machine and a walking foot. Got a free invisible zipper foot and scissors.  Can you see it? Woohoo!  (Yes, the stopping every two seconds to take a photo did add to the excitement) Look at all the lovely things :) I still need to read the manual (some things never change).  It's got a rather thrill sensation inducing list of stitch options.  So why this wonderful beast? It's got an automatic one step button hole. The brand has great reviews and this particular model seems to do everything I need at a sensible price. It's a fabric hoarders darling - t...

I've gotten around to cutting out my new ensis tee pattern and hopefully the sewing meetup on Sunday will knock it out of the park.  As usual when you put fabric on the floor it attracts "helpers". This little beast has been in the wars since then. We came home from a restaurant on Sunday to find he had a broken tail. Poor thing. Though strangely wasn't bothered by it; rolling over on his back looking for belly rubs.  We got him into the vet first thing on Monday and he's had a partial tail amputation. Still hiding under the bed as the neck collar which stops him from taking out his stitches is really freaking him out. He keeps walking into things.  I may just have to put some nice fabric on the ground for him to sit on to feel better ( yes, its the same fabric sorting cat ).

I've finished and delivered one wool blanket to a colleague and a new baby girl. I know the colours aren't traditional but I hope my colleague likes it anyway! ;) Four balls of Wool company wool and Attic 24's ripples.  You can see the second ball of light grey is just slightly different to the first :(

Presents for two birthdays and a very grateful thank you gift ;)