My busy December

My friend at work wanted a present for her godson and so I said I could do a ball for him. She then decided that it would need a bell inside.

So I made this cute ball and threw in a dummy chain too as I had ordered the clips to make some for my own nephew.

Obviously the ball is completely hand-sewn which is a nice change of pace usually but not when there are more presents to make. Especially when you get carried away..

Just look at those doll clothes - adorable. And so satisfying, you could start and finish within an hour and have like a whole dress done! Addictive. I just kept making more and more items. It was great as well to use up some scraps from real dress making or old clothes.

After some fitting issues (ahem see facebook for more on that) Tiny Tears finally got fitted out with a pair of jeans. Skinny just wasn't your style. To complete the look I made a little drawstring bag to store them all in.

Other last minute presents included the aforementioned dummy chains...

And finally a mini skirt for my sister in law...

Since she only came over for the holidays on the Friday this needed to be fitted and finished the weekend before Christmas. I am so proud I matched up that centre seam!

Splurge Part 2

I can't believe I haven't blogged about this dress yet because I think it is the most professionally finished item I have ever made!

It was for my niece who was 1 year old in November. 

Look at that buttonhole - professional or what?!

The adorable fabric was bought in Sweden which adds to the quirkiness of it all.

The dress closes at each side with a button and elastic to get it over the child's head.

Now on to something my own size! This is the Hot Patterns 1070 Weekender Monaco Top & Dress pattern (why always such a mouthful?). I made it in a brown marl wool mix and lined with a stretchy satin.

I made the belt with the ends done in the lining fabric just to lift it a bit. I think it turned out ok for a first go. Although the sizing was good (unusual for me!) the look wasn't really what I was expecting. I think the knit was a bit heavy for that. But it is perfectly wearable and got a compliment on one of its first outings! yea!

And finally something for my sister's birthday.

This is the tote from the Sew Mama Sew! website.

This bit wasn't as hard as it looked!

It didn't turn out as big as I had thought it would but it is still a handy bag to have around.

She also got the infinity scarf that I have featured on facebook.