The Giggles Teddy

The Lincraft Giggles Teddy Bear

Here is a photo of the pink bear made and referenced to in earlier post.

So much fun to make and a joy to have my junior child help with the stuffing!

Amy Butler Birdie Sling

The Sling

I have long wanted to try and make a bag and bought the Amy Butler Birdie Sling pattern about 3 years ago at the Craft Fair.  This year I managed to get the recommended fabric from Fabric.com and a few days over January saw the start of it.  Only in the last few days have I finished it and I am really happy with the outcome.  The pattern was very user friendly.

The only thing I wouldn't do again is use the same wadding for the lining.  I think the one I chose was a bit too thick resulting in a more quilted finish that I would normally like.  Next time I intend to use something less bulky.

I bought enough fabric to make 4 bags with different patterns so I look forward to finishing the rest and gifting them.

Shorted Out

Girls pyjama shorts

I wanted a quick and easy pattern to make a pair of pj shorts for my eldest and came across the following website: PJ Shorts tutorial http://lieslmade.wordpress. com/2010/10/06/pj-shorts-tutorial-with-pattern/ by Lieslmade.

The printout pattern was very easy to cut out and put together. There were instructions for french seams, however I wanted a quick sewing experience and just overlocked and hemmed. Not having had much experience with elastic I searched the internet again to find some solid instructions and to find the right amount to cut and feel it has gathered nicely.

Boys shorts

The junior boy required new shorts and I found Burda Start2 9793 and made pattern C. I had old material sitting the cupboard intending for a business shirt, but it was cut into for this project.

As far as patterns go I enjoyed this one, it wasn't challenging at all and the stitching turned out better than I thought given that I hadn't sewn in quite a while. (I made these before the pjs to get some confidence back!)

The only problem arose when it was time for the elastic (a bit of a mental barrier for me) and I only had some old elastic in the cupboard. It seems to be too rigid for this pair of shorts and after finishing them, I realised I needed to buy new non-roll elastic and replace it. However, I tried them on the junior boy first and they were a bit tight and unforgiving so he will not wear them at all - not even with nice new elastic in them.