Little Patterns.

I've recently discovered sewing. Due in huge part to the gorgeous variety of fabrics available and the neverending amount of fantastic vintage ones at my local op shops. So, having been gifted with a rather awesome sewing machine and lots of encouragement from the sewers I know, I have bought some great epatterns from some very talented people on Etsy. For those not in the know about these things, epatterns are the best way I've found to buy cute, original designs with tutorials for the beginner. All you do is choose your pattern, pay (a very small price I have to say) and then print as per emailed instructions. It couldn't be easier! I've already whipped up little trousers (so easy I've made pairs for friends' children) and a rather fab reversible dress which I made out of an old denim skirt and scraps of quilting fabric! I'm going to try to use as much repurposed fabric as I can, partly because there's so much cool stuff out there but mainly because I think why waste it? I think the Holy Grail for me is funky vintage linen in a good state.
A far cry from 3 broken sewing machines in Grade 11 Home-Ec...now I just have to find the time to squeeze in more making :)

Photos, Fantastic Photos!

So,
Ollie had his cross-country this morning at school and was overjoyed to not come last. In fact, his last week of training (sweaty, wheezy wii jogging) netted him 6th last. A massive achievement for my decidedly unsporty little guy! Big celebrations tonight with a special occassion spag bog! Hoorah!!
Yesterday I completed some more jewellery for madeit and here are some pics I took today.
They are mainly bracelets inspired by my collecting loads of odd beads. All of which I loved but had no idea what to do with until now. I liked the way they all looked when they were grouped together in the bead boxes - complimenting and clashing, loads of random energy - so I put them onto wire and wired them onto rolo chain, a bit of soldering, add a clasp and voila!
Also some lovely lemon quartz dropping from long silver hooks and a very funky yellow wooden cube necklace with silver balls. Not sure how I'm going to part with that one...love it like a child!