Sewing machine is still alive!

It's been a while since I have had the time to do any new sewing, but last night and today I leapt on the brief window of opportunity that I have to sew over the coming weeks.

It felt great to get some things done that have been on my mind for ages. Gifts, new items for sale (not yet in the shop) etc. The sewing itself is great for me though. It's not just sewing an item, the end result. It's the whole process for me, an excited meditation of sorts. I sort out problems, think of solutions and bliss out.

It's the process of sewing itself, and other forms of creating. Maybe you're not a sewer or a crafter, but I think many people have a hobby like this. Maybe for you it's reading, running or gardening. Maybe it's dancing, singing or cooking. The feeling is the same. Tell me, what's your hobby?

Mini-eco's Printable Sewing Cards for Kids

mini-eco has posted a free printable to help those with curious children. If your kids love crafting with you, this would be a great way for them to stay occupied while you do your thing, learn a new skill and create something lovely. Check out these cuties - mini-eco's printable sewing cards, with a great tutorial to accompany them.

Hooded Towel

Once there was a little kid who had a brother who had a hooded towel. The kid wanted one too.

So I fixed that problem! Now both little kids have hooded towels with removable, snap off hoods.

It was quite easy to do - I used 2 towels I found on sale for $4 each and a strip of cotton canvas my mother gave me from a past project for decoration. The fabric has dinosaurs on it so is just perfect.

One towel is the portion that covers the body, I cut part of the other one to make the hood. I saw a tutorial for this project online a while ago, but I didn't use one. Basically I just looked at the existing towel we had and        copied the design.

Funky Belts

Check out this awesome belt tutorial from Elsie Marley. I made two of these tonight for kids aged 2 and 4 and they just adore them.

Always great to see things you make being appreciated by little ones, they are so honest and expressive you know they mean it when they tell you they love something!

I did make a variation which I believe makes them even better. I love her version - great, especially if you have an awesome fabric that you want to use. This time, I wanted to speed up the process though, and make them a little 'rockstar' as the 4 year old just loves his 'rockstar style'.

The simple change I made was using cotton webbing instead of sewing fabric and interfacing etc. I really love the end result! Better non phone pictures coming soon. Meanwhile, if you need a belt to keep your little guy or gal's pants up, give this tute a try!

Fluid Dress

How cool is this 'Fluid Dress' from CasualProfanity.com???


Fluid Dress from Charlie Bucket on Vimeo.

Win a Tempest Ahoy Dino Hat!

If you head over to Charlie Moo's, you can enter for the chance to win a Tempest Ahoy Dino Hat! Good luck!

Make sure you check out the rest of the site too, owner Joanne is just great and has lots of interesting things to say and sell!

White Lotus Cooks

I can't quite remember how it happened, but somehow on Monday night, I discovered White Lotus Cooks.

Image: White Lotus Cooks

Please do yourself a favour and visit her site...wonderful recipes, gorgeous food pics and rich story telling behind each one.