~ Chez Vies ~

Learning by Doing

2012-01-25T13:36:00.002+05:30

Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.

~Vernon Howard

I finished my 2nd quilt this month! yay!! it's something that I was afraid to do. I can't imagine how to quilt in my home sewing machine. I watched lots of you tube tutorial and became more scared ..LOL. Then I just started doing it. And by my second quilt, I can say I manage well, no wonky stitches at the back.

I call this happy quilt because of the colors. I thought I will make a baby quilt with the fabric but ended up make another single quilt. The size is 60x70"

So, here's what I learned:

1. Using this Micro Stitch is really help to hold the quilt together. I won this on one giveaway some 3 years ago !!..

2. Using fleece as a batting is easier than poly-batting, because the fleece doesn't move much/not slippery.

3. I'm rolling up the sandwich while tacking it. I find this easier and once finish I have a nice roll, ready to quilt. I quilt NOT from the middle like one tutorial I read. I started from the side. Maybe this is not the right way, but I managed fine with this method.

and

4. scrappy binding is always a choice. It gives a happier look, I guess..;)

So, here's my happy quilt sitting on the swing:D

I used polkadots at the back. It was a bedsheet actually :). It's difficult to find a wider fabric here, so instead I go for bedsheet which works out cheaper and easier plus I'll get a matching pillow covers ;)

One more look :D

Until then....happy sewing

Being Patient

2012-01-24T17:47:00.001+05:30

“The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.”
Arnold H. Glasgow

Patchwork -and sewing in general- thought me about patience. You simply can not rush or the result will not be to your satisfaction. Believe me, I have done several mistakes in the past. It's not easy. Sometimes I just can not wait to see how it will unfold...how things will be...but then, like Bon Jovi said in one of his songs "Good things come to those who wait" ..:)

This is what I'm doing now:

That's the lay out of my happy quilt :-)...and now I'm still tugging, pulling and squashing....

Hopefully my spondylitis will compromise now.

Until then....happy sewing

Tutorial: Whirlwind Heart

2012-01-23T10:35:00.000+05:30

“For pleasure has no relish unless we share it.”

― Virginia Woolf, The Common Reader: First Series

In my previous post, I mentioned about the block I made for Friendship Quilt. I really enjoyed making that block . The idea I took from Australian Quilting magazine but I did some alteration in size and used pinwheel instead of plain squares and HST .

Here I try to make a little tutorial which I hope will help if you want to make one.

The finish block is 12" x 12"

Since I'm not good with words, I prefer to show you with picture. If you have any question, please do not hesitate to email me.

So here we go, the first step is making the pinwheel.

Second is making the HST and cutting the squares:

and now you're ready to arrange and sew the blocks :

I hope this help if you want to make the whirlwind heart :)

Happy Sewing ^_^

Pobitara Wildlife Sanctuary

2012-01-22T11:32:00.001+05:30

Man's heart away from nature becomes hard. ~Standing Bear

We got an invitation to visit one of our friend's new resort in Pobitara. It's in the outskirt of Guwahati, around 1.5 hrs. Pobitara is Wildlife sanctuary for Elephants and One Horn Rhino, besides the world famous Kaziranga, this is one of the option for people to spend their weekends with nature.

We enjoyed the jungle safari on a jeep, hoping to see the famous one horn Rhino. And after 30 minutes inside the jungle, we got to see around 6 huge rhinos. Too bad I only got my mobile cam, so I can't take a good click.

Spend sometimes in this natural beauty, always can lift up my spirit..

Have a beautiful Sunday

Practice makes perfect

2012-01-19T19:34:00.000+05:30

"Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly"

I came across Susan's blog through one of FB group fro patchwork and quilting. You must read her blog. She shares her grandmother's diary while sharing one block each day. Each block is interesting as the story itself.

This from her earlier post . Today I decided to try one of her block, when I was having my afternoon chai. Hopefully I'll be able to make more, there are few blocks which I'm eager to try.

This one may not be perfect, but I'm happy with how it turned out.

Until then...happy sewing ^_^

Overcoming your fear

2012-01-19T15:16:00.002+05:30

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'

You must do the thing you think you cannot do. "

~ Eleanor Roosevelt ~

I've been too scared to start making a big quilt, until the other day. It seems so hard to do the quilting part on my home machine. I had this king size polyester batting I brought from Indonesia 1.5 years ago. And it was sitting pretty in my wall cupboard waiting to be covered. Finally, the other day I completed one, a very simple design. I did a couple of unpicking, tagging and pulling and almost gave up cos there's always one part which gone wonky at the back. Then my IMQG friend, Tina, told me to "never look back" and I gain my confidence back. It took me two days to complete the quilting part (yay!)

I used scrappy binding there

for the back, I used cheery orange cotton fabric which was supposed to be for salwar kameez (Indian dress). It has continues Indian batik pattern.

Now, can I say I graduated to the big quilting now? :D. I still need to finish my 36 patch QAL :-/

One more shot, inspired my Shruti

until then...Happy Sewing

Warm and Cold and your heart :)

2012-01-11T19:18:00.000+05:30

This winter, it blows warm and cold. One day the temperature will dip as low as 10C and the next day it will be 21C. Well, for me, who grew up in tropical friendly weather Indonesia, to be in 10C is like living in a igloo. The kids are laughing at me, cos I'm bundled up in heaps of clothes plus woolen cap.

I told you in previous post, that I love pinwheel. So now it's done. I don't know why I love working with triangles, I found it very challenging. This pinwheel was supposed to be my second entry for the Indian MQG January's Challenge, but then I couldn't resist the baby blue and pink. I don't know whether it's still qualified as a WARM? what do you think?

Pinwheel table runner

Another one I finished today is my 3rd Quilt Block for my Friendship Quilt. I call it "whirlwind love". The original plan was to collect enough blocks to make mini quilt for wall hanging. But I hope, other participants will make at least 3 blocks so it will be a bigger quilt.

whirlwind love

This one I made based on quilt I saw in magazine. It was just one part of the big quilt. I took the design and instead of plain square at the top left I put pinwheel (again!) there and in the bottom right. It gives quite a effect, doesn't it? It's quite challenging this one, since the mag didn't give the measurement, so I have to count it my self to make it into 12" squares. Hopefully I can make a simple tutorial later on...meanwhile now my mind is onto finishing my almost-forgotten Quilt Along #shame on me#

Until then, Happy Crafting ~_~

Looking Back

2012-01-09T20:02:00.001+05:30

Looking back to the year 2011, here are few collages of what crafts I have completed in 2011.
I may say I had quite a busy days last year. This year, I want to be more serious on doing patcwork and quilting. Didn't I told you that I have joined the Indian Modern Quilt Guild? *yay*...I'm very excited to learn and share with like-minded people. And so far it's been very exciting & enlightning, if I may say..

I bought few felt when I went home in 2010 and start trying doing felt craft when I don't do anything else.

and at times I love making small dresses for my niece or my friend's daughter or make few stuff for my friends:)

or try making other things. I used to love making bag and pouches and I still do have few patterns which I wanted to try making. Hopefully this year I will be able to make them :)

Happy Crafting ^_^

Pinwheel again

2012-01-07T23:19:00.000+05:30

I love pinwheel patchwork.

I got one from my friend for our personal SWAP

Then I made pinwheel placemats for a friend in Indonesia

and now I'm making another pinwheel patchwork...will update the photo once I finished the binding ;)

Until then, have a great crafty weekends ^__*

I love maple leaves

2012-01-06T22:39:00.000+05:30

I always love autumn colors and the January challenge of India MQG is making stuff (patchwork) with WARM SOLID colors. I was chatting with Mbak Hany and told her about the challenge and she showed me one of her new stash. It was pretty fabric with autumn leaves. That what really hit me. I started browsing and found one tutorial on maple leaf block from Country Lane Quilts. Based on that I made this mini quilt.

as a table top

Burnt Orange at the back

a touch of green to show the life of a maple leaf from green to orange..though I'm not sure if it's gone through Red phase ;)

once more

Working with solid colors is quite fun. To mix and match the color is quite a challenge it self. I think in the end, your quilt shows your moods :)

Until then...Happy Crafting :)

Look what I got in the mail

2012-01-04T17:45:00.001+05:30

Look !! Look!!...what I got in the mail today
I bought this from Etsy . I love all the cuteness in the book, I even tried making one pouch

and diary cover for my self

I just can't wait to try one of the pattern...but meanwhile let me finish my maple first *wink wink*

FriendShip Quilt

2012-01-04T14:32:00.000+05:30

These are my blocks for Heart to Heart Friendship Quilt. It's a collaboration work I'm having with few of my Indonesian friends. The quilt will go for auction for charity. The theme was HEART in Pastel. So this is what I come up with. Can't wat to see the end result, since all the participants made very pretty blocks.

Welcome 2012

2011-12-31T19:19:00.000+05:30

and I made gift for my self ^__^ : 2012 Diary with my handmade cover :).

I hope to make a whole lot of good crafty memories in this diary..;)

Happy New Year everyone

christmas gift

2011-12-28T11:40:00.000+05:30

I made these 2 christmas stockings for my friend Agnes. it was a little hurried. In the beginning I thought of making patchwork stockings but I did't get much time. I hope those could cheer her up a bit since she celebrated it away from her family. I'm sorry if it arrived a bit late, Agnes..U know the story..ha ha..Next year must make it a lil early and hopefully can make for my other friends too...:)

My affair with Felt

2011-12-27T21:44:00.000+05:30

I made these specs covers last week. It's easy peasy one. I made it while I'm browsing the net :) Added a bit of embroidery, buttons or applique flowers and voila..3 cute fetl specs covers. Inside I put thick flannel win cheery yellow. I hope I can list these sooner in the SHOP

Cushion Parade

2011-12-25T22:45:00.000+05:30

I was cleaning my fabric stash and found a heap of 1/2 meter fabrics. I love shopping ~~fabric scraps~~ ..well..scratch that..I love fabric shopping. Any day!!

And what a better way to dispose all these pretty fabrics than turn them into simple cushion covers. I still have few piles to make. I used casement fabric for the back and it's envelope closure..:)

the cupcake story

2011-12-25T20:51:00.000+05:30

I'm not very lucky when it comes to baking a cake. somehow the consistency is never right. so far I only succeeded in baking brownies and caramel cakes.
I have been wanted to have blueberry cupcake for sometimes, and one day I was chatting with my childhood friend in my blackberry and we talked about cooking and baking. i visited her blog and there it is the blueberry cupcake with the recipes. so for the last 2 days I have been baking cupcakes and it turned out soo yummy...

Not Handmade by Me :-)

2011-10-30T11:53:00.001+05:30

I marvel at the vibrant of Indian crafts which available a plenty in the market. I imagines it must have been handmade by some group of people somewhere from fabric scraps and they made it into beautiful vibrant crafts.

One of those are these pretty bags you can collect as many you as want since it's very very cheap. Yet, it's sturdy and lasting. I saw most of the rural people here where I live, used these handmade bags for their daily errands, going to college, etc.

These ones I shop for a dear friend in Indonesia who wants to open a shop and she wanted something Indian with bright colours. I still have more to shop *yay* and believe me I can spend hours in the market LOL..

Let me know if you want one too...:)

Past and current projects

2011-10-28T21:16:00.000+05:30

I made these before I went for holiday. I used vintage Simplicity pattern. The pattern is easy to follow. I did a little change there. First I don't line the yoke. Since the pattern is one size bigger than my actual size so, I simply remove the opening at the back and made it without any opening which was work out fine because the neckline is quite broad for my big head *grin*

Besides, I made additional sleeves here. the original pattern has a ruffled sleeves, which I'm not very fond of.

and for the second one, I omitted the sleeves and it looks cuter *I guess*.

These two tops, is very comforable and roomy, esp during the hottest summer. I made a matching pj pants with the yellow one *sorry no photos*.

Meanwhile I managed to finish the pinwheel placemats (yay)..it took rather long to finish :(

and hopefully by the weekends I can start doing this collaboration project with my dear friend AGNES. She has done these pretty appliques and I will do the rest....And hopefully will be able to finish it within next month *fingers crossed*

the placemat story

2011-10-12T22:04:00.000+05:30

Last week I was browsing youtube for free motion quilting and I tried on what suppose to be a placemat. I did the yellow flower quite sometimes back during those 'sewing-block' days..:D. It was just lying around so I decided to use it as a guinea pig ^__^.

It turned out quite....OK naah...it was bad...especially the back part :(. I was thinking I'll use it as a duster (eewww) and just toss it into my "on going project" bin.

Last night, I wasn't feeling very well, but I'm aching to sew something just to distract my self from my boredom. I saw this one and start cutting. I thought I will make a mug rug with it, but then who needs mug rug when I already got a pretty one from my friend? So instead I decided to make a goggles case. The other half, I thought of making the same goggle case, but after several tossing and turning, I decided to make simple mobile phone case..

So, there you are...with one placemat you can make those things....what about you?

happy crafting ^_^

Pinwheel placemat

2011-10-02T15:17:00.001+05:30

This is the 1st of 6 mats I'm currently doing. The progress is very slow though..and now with the boys having Durga puja vacations, my sewing time will take another backseat.

I hope we can go for a mini holiday to Shillong and if we do, I am planning for fabric shopping spree ;-)

Oh, and my son's teacher was asking me if I will participate in diwali mela in the school. Well....I'm thinking of doing it. Let's see....

Sewing kit wallet

2011-09-24T07:25:00.001+05:30

These are 2 quick projects I've done for ny DH's aunt. She wanted a simple sewing kit wallet for a gift. I made these based on tutorial posted on facebook by my friend:)

It's a good way to use up your scraps :)

One project too many

2011-09-19T23:29:00.000+05:30

I'm the kind of person who likes doing several projects together. I get bored easily if I just doing one project at a time. I know this is very bad, cos then I'll have a lot of unfinished projects. Oh yeah I still do.

I'm currently working on my first big quilt project. I enrolled my self to Amanda Jean's 36 patch Quilt-a Long. Yes, I'm still doing it now.

And in between, I saw this nice quilt called "double nine patch" in a magazine and thought of doing a mini one. And guess what I did it!! *big green*.

Then there are left overs patch from both the QAL and the mini quilt and I made these place mats:

And then, I decided to try the Ohio Star patchwork. So I picked up few fabrics and starts working on it and there it is the table runner.

for this one I used flannel as a batting which is much better than using thin foam which I used in the mini quilt. I should've known better. Anyway, I'm quite happy with these little projects that I've done, tomorrow it's time to get back to the QAL ^_^..

Until then....happy crafting ^__^

36 QAL in progress

2011-08-21T19:50:00.002+05:30

I told you I participated in Amanda Jean's 36 Blocks QAL. So far I have done 16 blocks. 20 Blocks to go which I hope to finish it before Eid ^_^

CRAFTando: The 3rd week of giveaway - 3. Woche von unseren Ge...

2011-08-19T10:05:00.000+05:30

CRAFTando is having giveaway every week for a month!!..what a fun way to celebrate her sewing journey. She gives away fabulous stuff...so why not rush there and submit your entry?? ...I won one already...\^_^/
This is what she gives away THIS WEEK:

and this is what I won last week (yay)

Good Luck folks...

Traditional Scarves/Stoles

2011-08-15T14:50:00.001+05:30

These beauties are the famous handwoven stoles/scarves from Assam in North East India. From cotton, linen to Muga, pat and eri/endi silk which are world famous silk from Assam (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assam_silk). Most of them are in they natural color or dyed using natural dye.

These scarves I handpicked carefully from local weavers. They have the best texture and beautiful traditional designs. Simple yet elegant. If you'd like to purchase them, do contact me or you can visit my Shop cos they will be available there soon..:)

Back from Holiday

2011-08-14T20:02:00.000+05:30

Hello...I hope I dont miss much during my holidays. I really miss reading my blog rolls and admiring great crafts everyone is doing all around the world.

In short, the holidays are quite FUN and hectic. Though we went away for almost a month but the kids were sick for a week, and spent another week for recuperation since we already planned to go to Sumatra. Anyway, all's well that ends well, right? ^_^

I still haven't downloaded all the pics of our trip. Got busy with housework and the boys' school work plus my sewing projects and also Ramadan is on. So all the photos will have to wait ^_*. But, here are few that I love. These beautiful beaches and the durians...yummmmm...can't have enough of it:)

Sewing is always my stress buster, to release tension from too much housework and the hustle bustle of Indian household ^__*. Esp. after long holidays, and I feel like the dust in my house just won't go away and made me wondering my India has so much of dust..;).

I haven't told you about the mini quilt swap that I do with my friend in Indonesia. I made this simple one and hand embroidered it my self.

I took it to Indonesia to send it to her and guess what?? it got LOST in the mail. I just can't believe my self, it's domestic shipping and they LOST it. I felt so terrible, since I got mine. She made this pretty pinwheel quilt using Balinese Batik.

Thus, I decided to make another one for her. I got the idea from Love of Quilting Magazine. It's double nine patch. I had so much fun doing the tiny squares and just finished the quilt top last night. I hope she will like it ^_*

So, that's all this week....I'm glad to be back to my sewing machine...^_^

Happy Sewing

Summer Nightie from One Yard Wonder

2011-06-21T21:09:00.000+05:30

I bought One Yard Wonder book few months back. And so far I have made one Folklore Bag and 2 Summer Nighties. I made this red one first and then showed it to my BFF...

she loved it and asked me to make one for her. This one is very cute and sexy and it's easy to make. The pattern is good and it's easy to follow. If you're lucky enough (no laundry to put out, no toddler to feed or demanding endless request) , it takes about 1 hour to make from scratch.

And I made a matching shorts to wear too. The short pattern I got it from one of my vintage pattern. I will write about it later with more photos & review. I hope my bff will like this ^__^

Happy Sewing

The Little Dresses

2011-06-13T10:07:00.000+05:30

I've been busy making few dresses last week. These are for my DH's cousins DD. She's a chubby cute 2 years old (well, almost). It was lots of fun making this little dresses. I still have few more to make but that can wait until I come back from the holidays...I'm too excited to sew now that I have 3 suitcases to pack (worst part of going for a holiday)

Happy Sewing -__*

Fabric Flowers

2011-06-13T09:49:00.000+05:30

After 2 weeks of making little dresses, yesterday I was browsing the net and found lovely Tutorial on Fabric Flowers. Laurie of Tip Junkie collected few tutorials from across the blogsphere to share with us freely. Thanks a lot Laurie.
There are several fabric flowers tutorial but Multi Petal Flower from Sew Ritzy Titzy I love the most.

If you like ruffled flower, you can try Sew Serendipity's summer flower. I'm yet to try that one. But I'm surely will give it a try. it looks so pretty & better than yoyo...ehm..I love yo yo flower simply because it's easy and fast to make, since I'm always in a hurry :-).

Sew Serendipity's Summer flower

Until then....Happy Sewing ^__*

Tutorial: banded scrub hat, chemo hat, hijab inner or whatever you call it -__*

2011-06-11T10:54:00.002+05:30

I have been meaning to make this hat to wear with my hijab. I bought several hats made of Lycra (synthetic) but it's too slippery. I always prefer the cotton one, anyway. I used to make these hats back when I was in high school.

So, now I'd like to share the tutorial. it's simple and fast to make. So, here we go:

What you need:
1. One rectangular fabric 7" x 22"
2. One rectangular fabric 7" x 9" (you can make it longer if you like it a bit bouncy) - cut oval shape at one end
3. One strip of fabric 4" x 32" (this is what I use, you can make the band less/more broad though)
4. 1/4" elastic - 9"

How to do it:

1. Pin the small rectangular fabric to the big one (right side facing). Put the oval one in the middle of the big rectangular one. I usually pin the the middle, and both ends and adjust the in-between fabric accordingly. Otherwise you can baste the oval part a little bit for ease while maneuvering the middle one.

2. Stitch all the way around and you'll get something like this:

3. make an elastic casing in the bottom part by folding inside around 1". Stitch.

4. Insert the elastic. When the elastic reach the end of the casing, stitch it in place and then continue inserting until it reach the other end and stitch it in place. You will get something like this.

5. Now fold & iron the band.Attach it to the other end of the hat beginning from the middle part. Pin all the way. Start by sewing from inside of one end of the hat. Turn the fabric around and sew it close from the end of the band, all the way to the other end.

6. Voila...you're done..:)

Link back if you use this tutorial..I'd love to see how your one turn out ...:)
I hope it's clear enough... if you have any questions simply TWEET me -__*.

Happy Sewing & have a lovely weekends

Applique Table Runner

2011-05-10T16:22:00.000+05:30

This table runner finished few days back, together with the red dress in my previous post. I used cotswool fabric which I bought last winter. I love the tartan cotswool and I got quite a few small pieces from my regular shop.

I used polycotton lining which is very soft. It was the only fabric I had which matched the main runner..:D.

Now, thinking of making cushion covers to match. I guess my mom would love this ^__^

Until then...Happy Sewing

Trial Dress

2011-05-09T17:10:00.000+05:30

This is actually pattern trial :D. I got few custom on baby dresses so I decided to make a trial version first. And here's the first result...

Peterpan collar with rickrack

Button down closures at the back

White ribbon with rickrack at the bottom

and now I'm in the middle of the second trial...

So this week is gonna be a busy week for me...

Happy Sewing

Cotton fabric

2011-05-08T21:36:00.002+05:30

I just back from nearby market and found this old shop and he sells lits of yummy fabric....yay...
Hmm now have to find the time to sew them....

Midnite sewing

2011-05-08T21:35:00.002+05:30

Lately I just couldnt sleep at nite. After dinner at about 10 pm (yup, Indian have late dinner) sleep is just avoiding me. So what to do? I started doing my sewing after dinner when the kids are already asleep. It was kind of peaceful..and I like it.
So here' s what I did today. I'm quite happy with the collar..it turned out well..:-D .

Blog Award

2011-05-07T18:07:00.006+05:30

I got this award from lovely Janelle from of Pinks and Fairy Tales last month. Thanks a lot Janelle. She lives in the beautiful Phillipines with her daughter Andrea. She made lovely stuff. You should check her tutorials and you'd agree with me.
Ok, so here's the rule for the versatile blogger award:
1. Thanks the person who gave you the award. So, THANK YOU again Janelle for the award. You really lift up my spirit..^__^
2. Tell us 7 things about your selves:so here we go:* I'm Indonesian who now married and settled in India for the last 9 years* I'm a lawyer by education* I'd love to travel the world, well maybe someday* I love BON JOVI and have all his albums* I mad about FABRICS and have collected quite a lot. * I work better when my studio is in a mess..lol..* My current wishlist is I-Pad (who doesn't?) but then it's too expensive here in India
3. Share the award with 15 blogs you just discovered.
Ahh..this is what I love..I spend so much time blog walking and doesnt even check my own blog sometimes. Hence I came to know about the award quite late (shame on me)..Sorry Janelle..>__<. There are just too many bloggers out there who are more creative than me. My apology I just could not name 15 of them, but here are few Indonesian bloggers whose work I love to share with you :). I don't know them personally and I just stumble upon their blog recently:
1. Hayano handmade
2. Sew Stories
3. Cemprut
So that's all...and I hope you really have a lovely crafty weekends...^___^
Warm regards from India

Fabulous Giveaway : FairyFace Designs: My Big Scrappy Giveaway

2011-04-29T19:36:00.001+05:30

Check out this fabulous giveaway..lots of pretty scrap which you can turn them into fab patchwork...so what are you waiting for? go and submit your entry :

FairyFace Designs: My Big Scrappy Giveaway

Meanwhile I'm doing something with my check fabric. Will show it in later post...now I got some sewing to do....

Good Luck & Have a nice crafty weekends ^____^

My Red and Blue

2011-04-22T21:58:00.002+05:30

I've been shopping too many fabric and make very few projects. God, I wish I had more than 24 hours >.<. Sometimes I wish I had 10 hands like Goddess Durga, so that I can be more productive. Sometimes I wonder how those creative people can be so productive and create beautiful stuff. I guess I have to loosen up a bit. Let me tell you, I have this 'bad' habit, every morning unless my house is cleaned (swept, mopped, dusted) properly I can't have my bath. I knowwww...but this is INDIA...dust is part of your daily life..lol. And no..no vacuum for me, it has to be wet mopping. So by the time, I finished with house cleaning routine it's almost 11 am... Anyway, enough rambling....I guess I have to start live up to what my fridge magnet said "Both of us can't look good, it's either me or my house" lol... So, on one of those days when I decided not too bother so much about the dust, I can actually a bit productive...and here's what I made..

Not so bad I guess....what do you think? Actually I was supposed to make placemats with these blue & red fabric, but then when I started, I decided making something else. And I'm quite happy with it...I mean, I don't need placemats anyway...:)

Now I'm eager to go back to my janome and..let's see what I will end up making....

Thanks for dropping by....Happy Crafting ^_^

Zipper Pouches

2011-04-04T16:16:00.004+05:30

I made these lovely pouches few days back. Got the fabric last week from my visit to nearby hill station and just couldn't resisit it. I thought of making a bigger bag, let's see...

and I was going through my fabrand fic piles ound this gorgeous pink flowers fabrics. So I thought making another pouch with it.

Let me know what you think...thanks for stopping by & have a great crafty day ^__^

Mini hair clips

2011-03-12T09:34:00.001+05:30

Made these cute hairclips last night for my friends. I'll be meeting them for the first time and thought of giving their kids something handmade. I wanted to make pouches or something like that...but the neck n shoulder just won't compromise. I hope they will like them....<3

Have a nice crafty weekends @-}--

Today morning...

2011-02-23T09:20:00.001+05:30

The sun shines brightly, no trace of yesterdays gloom. Say goodbye to DH and my eyes caught this pretty yellow flower among the clovers.

Happy Wednesday <3

Hello 2011

2011-01-19T11:49:00.001+05:30

Helloo.....this is my first post in 2011 and one of my resolution this year is MORE SEWING and less Facebook-ing....LOL..And another resolution is to learn Photography. I've been learning from the net since last month and I think I did improve abit. Please visit my photos at my Flickr album and let me know what you think...

OK, so this is my first project..Folklore Bag from One Yard Wonders. I made this as a birthday preset for my dear friend, Agnes.

So, here it is...with Longer handle than the original pattern

and zipper closure instead of magnetic snap. Finally I made it. I was really want to try zipper and after one technical error finally I did it...YAY!

This is the inside pocket....the bag is roomy enough to carry your necessities even water bottle :). It's just perfect size.

Side View. I use this interface. It gives a good & smooth finish, eventhough stitching is it a bit painful ...LOL. I mean it's not iron-on so I sort of got to hang on to it while stitching. Well, I can always stay-stitch it but just tooo lazy to do all those....Especially when attaching the zipper, handle & bag. Finally I did handstitching first then I did the machine...but all in all, I'm quite happy with how it turned out...I hope she will too...*fingerscrossed*

Thanks for dropping by....happy crafting ^_^

Happy New Year

2010-12-27T13:38:00.000+05:30

The Gift

2010-12-20T22:17:00.005+05:30

I finished making x-mas gift for my friend today. I wish I could make more and send to as many friends as I could. Though I don't celebrate x-mas, but it's always a pleasure to make x-mas gift for my friends. Well, I usually send cards but this time I decided I'll make a proper handmade x-mas gifts so this particular friend of mine can celebrate x-mas properly ^_*

I made X-mas tree decorations (I hope she buys one already) or otherwise she can hang them on her wall..

She loves Korean/Japanese craft, so I thought these simple embroideries will delight her....if I can be a bit narcissistic here, I love the Santa plush. It's really cute.

I used chain stitch and buttonhole stitch for the 'belt'. The only drawback was I didn't have x-mas green embroidery floss and I didn't get the time to go to the shop & get one...

Anyway, I hope she likes them...and I hope they can cheer her up a bit...:D

The Santa Embroidery is now available in PDF in my SCRIBD.

Merry Christmas & Joyful New Year everyone....

DIY Labels

2010-12-13T13:00:00.000+05:30

I got this Iron-on Transfer paper which I always wanted to have from my BIL in Indonesia. I've been wanting to try the fabric label like I saw in Patchwork Pottery's Tutorial few months back. Finally, yesterday I got the chance to try it after my DH bought me a canon pixma ink jet printer...Thank you so much, dear..:). The printer worked wonderfully. In fact, I tried both using my friend, Agnes' design and I tried the plain letter one.

I love the colored ones (though I should have made it bigger). It turned out very clear and I iron it on a plain cotton fabric and know what..after I cut it, the fabric don't fray...yay!!!..

Second one, I used the plain letters "chez vies" and I iron it on grosgrain ribbon. The mistake I made here is I cut the strips too narrow. Well the letter perfectly fit in the middle part of the ribbon but I should have cut it about 1' wide. Lesson learnt!

Another lesson I learn is that while ironing, DO NOT move your iron (like when you're ironing). Just press it firmly on the design. Otherwise it will smudge.

Now let's get down making something and start using those labels...:)

Happy Crafting

Trial from Wee Wonderfuls

2010-12-11T22:25:00.002+05:30

Just a quick post of few things I have done recently. In my previous post I told you about the Wee Wonderfuls book that I recently bought. My son happened to see it and immediately wanted me to make the inchworm. When I showed my son, he was very happy and said 'Thank you mama, you're great'..I was like 'wow'!! hehehehhee

I didn't have black button for the eyes, as a replacement I used 'bindi' (a small dot worn on the forehead by women in India). It's a 'stick-on' type of bindi and made of felt ^_^....

Here it is..the image from the book and the one that I made. The book is very useful with clear step by step photos, clear written instructions and ready to use patterns. This is what I like best...I mean, I hate to resize patterns!!

So there she is again.....

Now, I'm setting out to make few more for my younger son and my dear friend

Happy Crafting

The Sky

2010-12-09T22:37:00.000+05:30

I love watching the sky from my porch. Especially during the monsoon season and at sun set. The sky sometimes bright blue and suddenly black cloud appear as if ready to grab you. These photos I took in August 2010. More photos are in my FLICKR

This is the West View. I can see the sun flickr behind the dark cloud like a promise of good day.

This is the South View...where the sky is still blue and scattered white clouds. The birds are rushing home.

Happy Crafting ^_^

Chai Time

2010-12-08T19:50:00.000+05:30

I love sipping a steaming hot chai in the cold winter afternoon. With my fave Indian sweets. This is what I have today: A cup of Indian Chai, Dil Kush (happy heart) sweet and Fruit Cake..yummm...

Today is one of those gloomy days when the sun just refused to shine. But that didn't dither my boy from riding his cycle. While watching him, I'm doing some hand-sewing work which is progressing very SLOW...:(. Gotta finish those quickly...

oh and I want to show you my newest books. There is this fab online store here in India which selling all books (Indian or Foreign) at a very reasonable price - FLIPKART - and free shipping too. I've been several time buying books from them but this is the first time I bought foreign publication books. I always wanted to buy that ONE WONDER YARDS....though most of the stuff is available online but you know I still love flipping through books or magazines instead of staring at my laptop :D. And the second one is is WEE WONDERFULS....don't they make cutest dolls??? Will definitely try making them. Plus 2 books on SUNBONNET SUE ...they are simply wonderful!!!...
And one FELT CRAFT book from Indonesian crafter which I bought from Indonesia (I wrote about it in my Prev. Post)

I still have few books in my list ^_^

Happy Crafting

Bakram or Interface

2010-12-08T10:13:00.000+05:30

Last month I bought this cotton interface. It's fabric-y type and it's the one used to interface man's coat.

We don't have fancy craft supply store here. My supply store is referred by everyone as 'butam dukan' or button shop. The shop keeps everything you need for crafting, ONLY you have to know the INDIAN terms for it ^_^. Such as Bakram for Interface, Pasting for fusible interface, huta for thread, etc.

Today finally I got time to try using it...and I LOVE it. It gives a soft yet sturdy finish to the pouch. And cushy too...and most of all, it's easy on my sewing machine n easy to turn the fabric.

Outer Fabric is Indian Block Print Cotton and the inner fabric is white with blue polkadots (will upload the inner photo later :-D )

what do you think?

If you need the similar fabric it's available at INDYACRAFTS.

Thanks for dropping by & Happy Crafting ^_^

OOAK Pillow Covers

2010-12-07T22:57:00.000+05:30

I have this pin-tuck cotton fabric for sometimes and always wondering what will I do with it. Now it turned out to be a very pretty pillow covers. The fabric is just enough for 2 simple pillows with envelope style closure. No Zipper no Velcro :). What do you think?

These pillows are now available at CHEZVIES. Be sure you check them out before they're gone ^_^

Happy Crafting

From The Holiday

2010-12-05T07:46:00.000+05:30

I came back from Indonesia over a month back and I got some exciting experience this time.

#1. I met an Indonesian Crafter, Dini. She lives in my hometown in Malang - East Java. It was through FB that we became familiar with each other. So, one day she told me she'd come and visit me. I was all excited.

She gave me her lovely crocheted bookmarks. They are so beautiful that I don't think I will be able to use it without spoiling it. Thanks a lot Dini...we should meet again next time..

Aren't they lovely? *_*

# 2. I met another Indonesian crafter who is very talented, Eka Yunita. I know her from Facebook and have been (secretly) admiring her works. She's into Felt Crafts and Applique/Patchwork and Quilting. All her quilts are hand-quilted. She's teaching Crafts in few places I guess. For more information you can visit her BLOG.

the bottom right one is my favorite. It's depiction of Indonesian wayang (puppet). All the detail works are so fabulous.

She published few craft books in Indonesia too and I bought one (before I met her). I found her shop quite coincident. I was roaming around the mall near the hotel, looking for a craft supply shop and when I saw her shop I was very thrilled. I asked the girl who sat there, and she told me the shop belong to Eka Yunita. I was so excited cos I want to buy the quilting stuff and I'd love to meet her in person. We met the following Tuesday. I thought of going to visit her again but somehow it didn't work out. Hopefully, we'll meet again next time...^_^

# 3. I got a bunch of other crafts supplies, buttons and ribbons, and few fabrics too. I admit I have huge collections of fabric and some of them are available at the SHOP. My friend, Agnes, said I'm crazy...well, what can a girl do when those lovely prints fabrics screaming at her?? You know what I mean??

This is how my cupboard looks like after I rolled (wrapped) them into a cardboard. I should've done this before. I got the cardboards from my regular shop, they're selling fabric from trousers/suit. It's quite long (30") so, I cut them into 2 and wrap my fabric neatly. I must get few more next week.

So, that's it. Now I better get back to work :). Thanks for stopping by...

Happy Crafting

The Dolls Story

2010-12-04T21:32:00.002+05:30

I made all these dolls out of curiosity. Saw the pattern in the Japanese book and decided to make one for my DH's cousins DD. I used casement fabric. It turned out quite cute..don't you think? I hope the little Z likes it...(off the record: according to her mom, she's a bit tomboyish out going little girl who speaks multi lingual - Hindi, English & Assamese...well yes, she's definitely adorable^_^ )

Catty...the Japanese ..^_^

And these matroyshka dolls I made based on Tutorial by's Ali from SnipSnapHappy

Instead of using Felt I'm using fabric. It's a bit tricky when doing the face part but it gets easier later..believe me. As you can see, the red ones the raw edges are obvious and the pink one it's smoother. I used buttonhole stitch in the pink one and I put fusible web to make it stiffer and to avoid fraying.

Now they belong to one Amercian girl who came to visit us on Eid :)

I will surely make again. Now my sons want one dinosaurs doll which they see in my new books. Will blog about the books later...^_^

Cheers and Happy Crafting

Give me some sunshine

2010-10-02T23:49:00.000+05:30

"Give me some sunshine

Give me some rains

Give me another chance

I wanna grow up once again"

(Can't stop humming this song from Amir Khan's 3 Idiots....)

This what I completed yesterday. I used a smaller size hexies (1") and did the simple butterfly embroidery there. This one is so cheerful with lime green and yellow combination. Inside I put white cotton with pastel color polkadots. yeah..It's yummy pouch..:D

(detail pictures are in my FLICKR)

I still wanna do few more small patchwork/hexies project but I got some packing to do....wohoooo...I'm going to my home country for holiday...Yay!!..

OK, time to do a serious packing now...I hope I made enough for my friends back home...^^

have a great crafty weekends everyone...

My first Hexies

2010-10-01T00:59:00.000+05:30

It's just a quick update. These last few days I've been sort of 'addicted' to making hexagons. I spent a loong time browsing & blogwalking and admiring all the lovelies hexies on the net. Finally I found one this this tutorial by GOLDILOKS.See, I did the 'tacking' at each corner of the folds and it saves me sometime to do the thread cutting..:D.

So far here's what I have made...I don't know yet what to make out of these...LOL. But I'm glad I didn't throw away all those fabric scraps.

and here's my first hexies pouch. I'm so in love with nanikist in flickr, how she combined the polkadots and she inspired me to make this pouch. I put side pocket inside to keep the cards and cash. The pouch is padded with thin pellon and the lining is interfaced for sturdiness.

I'm going to make few more little hexies and hopefully can finish few stuff before I go for holiday ^_^

Thanks for stopping by & Have a nice carfty days

TUTORIAL: MOBILE PHONE POUCH with POCKET

2010-09-25T23:41:00.000+05:30

I love making this easy peasy mobile pouch. It’s great gift and it needs only a little bit of scraps and time

So, now here we go:

First of all, measure you mobile phone from sides to side and ADD 1 inch (or you can add a little more if you’re unsure/newbie)

Mine was 3” x 5 “ (4” x 6” with seam included).

Now the FUN part:

1. Get your scrap and do the following

a. CUT 2 pcs ( 4” X 6”) of each MAIN FABRIC, LINING, INTERFACE & BATTING

b. Cut 1 pcs of (4” x 4”) of MAIN, LINING & INTERFACE (for pocket)

c. Cut 1 elastic cord according to your desire

d. Cut 2 decorative ribbon for the side loops

2. Iron the Interface to the MAIN fabric

3. Let’s do the pocket now.

Put the MAIN the LINING (right sides facing) and stitch along the TOP part (1/4”). Turn it around, press nicely and top stitch it.

4. Put the pocket to the bottom front part of the MAIN fabric and stay stitch around the sides the bottom.

5. Attach/Stay stitch the elastic cord and the ribbon to the back part of the MAIN fabric

6. Now arrange: MAIN (right sides face up), LINING (Right sides face down) & Batting,.

7. Now sew along the TOP part (3/8”).

8. Open the seam (I put the batting with the LINING which is actually NOT ADVISABLE), put the LINING & the MAIN (with batting) Together, good sides facing. Match the seam & carefully PIN it.

I usually pin this part first and then pin the rest .

Once you satisfied, start stitch it around, START from the SIDES of the LINING fabric (do reverse stitch when start and end your stitch). Leave around 2” gap (when making small pouches I love to leave the gap a bit more at the sides. It’s easier to maneuver it later.

9. You’re almost there….Cut the corners and make a small snip at the corners) and now you turn it around. Ok it’s a bit difficult but you’ll manage…there you go…do a little bit of poking on each corner. It will look more of less like this..

10. Stitch close the opening and push the lining part inside the main part. Do a little more poking and when you satisfied, stitch down the top edge. This is how I usually do it.

11. Attach the button and now your mobile pouch is ready.

You can put long cord on the loop or detachable strap.

(*TIPS: while doing No. 8, I usually stitch the lining a bit smaller than the main part. It gives a better finish for bags & pouches).

I hope this is clear enough, do email me if you have any question(s) ^_^

Have a nice CRAFTY weekends

Tutorial: Placemats in a Jiffy

2010-09-18T23:19:00.000+05:30

My sons badly need a new set of placemats. I want something in dark and bright color plus easy to wash & dry. So I rummaged through my fabric stash and found this dark blue fabric with cartoon character and I took out my fave red gingham. The red gingham is cotton Ssnthetic mix and the blue one is pure cotton.

and here's how I made it:

1. Cut the Main (Blue) fabric as desired. Mine is: 17" x 14"

Cut the backing fabric (red gingham) approx. 1 " more of the main fabric (on all sides) => 19" x 16"

2. Place the main fabric on the backing (wrong sides facing) and fold in the remaining inches. Pin all around.

3. Sew sew sew...zzzggggzzggg...

4. Voila you're done...

Now your lil one can have one or two of her/his favorite cartoon too...^_^

Have a great CRAFTY weekends

It's been a long time

2010-09-05T22:41:00.001+05:30

It's been more than a month I haven't updated my blog. I've been quite busy in the past months. I've made few dresses for my friend's DD and making few pouches too.

I bought few back issues of craft magazines (handmade & country craft) from Australia and quite excited to make few items there...it's simply mind blowing ...

here's the pouches

and the dresses

and here's my WIP this week

Thanks for stopping by...Happy Crafting ^_^

Birthday Dress For Anisha

2010-07-13T18:21:00.000+05:30

Just a quick post...My best friend, Wulan, last minute asked me to make a birthday dress for her little princess, Anisha. There was hardly any time. Until Saturday night we were still discussing what will suit her best and what fabric are available with me right now. Sometimes back, on a wimp, I bought few yards of Dupioni Silks. I bought few colors and one of them in this maroonish wine color, which is go gorgeous and soft. It's polished dupiony silk. It shines beautifully.
And I had 1 yard left of crepe silk fabric in off white. I thought that'd be a good combo. Wulan is really easy to work with..and thanks alot for TRUSTING me, dearest. This is the first time I attemped making a party dress.
I had only 2 - 3 days to finish and as luck would have it, I have all the material ready, including the poly cotton lining fabric. Wulan wanted something that will be comfortable to wear on Anisha's birthday party. You know India is very hot during the summer, even with the AC on. So, we thought this will be great cos we don't want to make the little lady cranky cos the dress is uncomfotable.

We thought of adding a netty pettycoat to make it fuller, but it turn out okay without one. First, because there was nation-wide strike in India so going fabric shopping was out of the question, secondly, to find a matching coloir will be another hard task. Luckily, the silk fabric is 42" wide.

I sewn tiny faux pearls around the neck & sleeves, and added a bunch of small ribbon flowers in the sash.

and there's the little princess...isn't she cute???

Oh and I made one more dress for Anisha too..here it is

NOTE: Dupioni Silk still available at my ETSY SHOP

So, that's all ...until then...happy crafting

#1 Block and a little update

2010-06-21T17:06:00.000+05:30

Last week has been a little slow on sewing side. And now the summer holidays is around the corner so I have to think of how to keep my energetic sons busy. I enroll them into a summer camp sort of things, so that will keep them amused for sometimes.

Meanwhile, I managed to finish my (yet again) table runner. Yup, the zig zag quilt one. I was thinking of giving a white border (sash?), but it wasn't look good so I opened it again and decided not to give any border. Instead I chose red polkadots as a backing & binding. What do you think?

There was a little bit binding left and one morning I made this pencil holder out of Fox can..now it looked more decent, don't you think?

So, now the #1 block of the BLACK & WHITE Quilt Along of Crafty gemini....(sorry my progress is very very slow). What do you think? It's fun to work with and can't wait to finish the next block. I have to play hide and seek with my little one since he always after my precious rotary cutter..:P

Thank you for stopping by....happy crafting

Blue Knotted Dress and everything else

2010-06-14T22:44:00.001+05:30

I've been a bit busy recently. Not so much of sewing though. I still have the Red zig zag runner to finish. However I was so excited with my new toy..Olfa rotary cutter which I finally bought from Yvette at Etsy. She's so nice to double wrap it without any additional charge.

I found this nice blog of Crafty Gemini where she gives video tutorial on sewing. Recently Vanessa started a Black & White Quilt A Long . I'm going to participate (yay!), since I've been wanting to make quilt for my sons. I hope I can finish it. It's going to be my first big quilt. So here what I've got:

And one more thing, I made this knotted dress for my friend's niece. Got the fabric from one of my regular shop. It's the last 1.5 yards fabric. I love the color, it's perfect for summer. I was thinking of yellow solid for the strap but I didn't have it in stock so I went ahead with the blue one instead.

End of this week, my sons mid term assessment will start, so all the sewing craft related will be put on the back seat for awhile...until then...Happy Crafting

Hour Glass Table Runner

2010-06-03T15:32:00.002+05:30

Yup, it’s done. Yesterday I just couldn’t stop my self to finish it. I settled for burnt orange backing and I used thin foam as a batting (still no luck with the batting, the company I wrote to only take bulk orders ). For the binding, I was thinking of a lime green fabric, but I didn’t have it in stock and I went for the 2nd best, the green polkadots. I guess it’s not look bad..don’t you think?

I pieced the squares using my DIY Quilting Rulers. Well, I must say I’m quite happy with it. I guess I will make a bigger one:).
This one I quilted by machine. I was thinking of doing free motion but not sure how will I do it since I don’t have a proper shoe for that. I think I will do small quilt (maybe a pot holder?) and will use it as a practice piece for my free motion.

I ‘found’ this nice corner in my SIL’s drawing room where it has a perfect lighting in the afternoon

Now, I already thinking of another runner project to try, but I got to finish few custom orders and I saw SKIRT WEEK at Crafterhours. I don’t know whether I will be able to make one but I really want to try. As it is I got several fabrics which I thought I’ll make skirts. PLUS…check out the PRIZES…..Hmmm…let’s see….

Until then……happy crafting

WIP Wednesday: Hour Glass Table Runner

2010-06-02T09:39:00.000+05:30

I hate to unpick stitches:(. This orange squares have gone through a lot. I love the fabric and wanted to make table runner. First I just put the squares together and put a solid white in the middle, but it didn't look good. And since i hate unpicking it, I thought of doing some applique works on the solid or some hand embroidery. Again it was not good.

So I decided to unpick (yay) n make hour glass squares instead. N been playing with layout ideas the whole afternoon. Can't wait to finish it.

This is what's I've done so far. The backing fabric is from one if my Tunic.

Happy Crafting everyone..:)

Some more patchwork

2010-05-29T16:41:00.000+05:30

These are 2 more patchwork projects I have finished recently.

Pinwheel table runner

hand quilted, this one now available at the SHOP

Triangle Pouch is sort of hold-all pouch. The size is very generous, great to hold all your craft tools

Still remember the Handmade Label Tutorial? I'm getting better..;)

Ok Ladies, now time to take those restless kiddos out...catch you later..have a great weekends

Tutorial: Make your own flowing skirt

2010-05-26T21:08:00.001+05:30

I remembered when I just passed college and was looking for a job. One day I got a letter for interview in another city very far from my place. I was frantically trying to put together my clothes but what I really needed was missing. Yes, A SKIRT. I had this blazer but with no matching skirt. I spent half day mall hopping with no result. So I decided to buy a fabric and made my self a SKIRT. And off I went for the interview.

So, if you happened to be in the same situation like I had but with novice skill of sewing, what would you do? Exactly make a skirt for yourself...:D. Here's the simplest way to make your self that flowing flirting skirt. Ok, shall we start now...

What you need:

* 1.5 meters of fabric (if you want the flowing flirting one, try crepe or poly cotton fabric)
* Sewing notions: scissors, pin, newspaper, measuring tape, pencil, thread, etc and of course a sewing machine:)
* elastic

How to:

1. Measure your HIP + 2" (for wiggle room) + 1 " (seam)
. My result is 44" and divided that by 4 = 11"
2. Decide the SKIRT LENGTH + 2" (waist band) + 2" (hem) , mine is 28" total
3. Measure the length from your WAIST to your HIP, mine is 9" + 2" (for waist band) => HIP LINE

Now let's make the pattern (see Photo for guidance)

1. A - B                       : HIP
2. A - A' and B - B' :   HIP LINE.
3. A - C : Skirt Length (seam included)
4. C - D'                      : HIP + 2"
5. D' - D                      : 1" , draw the line from C to D

6. FOLD the ready pattern into 4, and cut the mark line approx. 1.5" from the HIP line. (this will give that flowing look).

7. Now your pattern is ready. Put the STRAIGHT SIDE on the FOLD, and spread the cut-off part 1" - 1.5" apart. Pin nicely while doing it. If you satisfied, cut your fabric (cut 2 x)
It will look like this.:

SEWING:

1. Sew the sides right side facing each other. If you are using crepe or other synthetic fabric, you may consider using french seam (sew 1/4" wrong side facing, turn the fabric around and stitch 1/4 " with the right side facing).

2. Fold the Waist Band and stitch, leave 1.5" open to insert the elastic.

3. Insert the elastic and stitch the opening.

4. Stitch the hem and Voila your skirt is ready.

I hope it's clear enough, email me if you have any questions:)

Happy Sewing

DIY Quilting Rulers and a runner

2010-05-20T16:39:00.001+05:30

I made my own DIY quilter's ruler. All these time whenever I want to do some patchwork projects I measure the fabric manually, mark it, draw the line and cut it. It takes such a long time which sometimes discourage me. I've been searching for one here in my town and asking my friends who lived in the bigger city but couldn't find it. So I tried many methods like using a card board but the problem is you can't see through it and sometimes it's end up all wonky :P.

So, I made my own from a thick transparent plastic cover from my old diary.

I carefully measure it 5" x 5" and cut it. Then I mark the grid 1/2" apart and voila my quilting ruler is ready.

Though I' m still using the pencil & scissor but at least it makes my work faster LOL. I know I could buy the rotary cutter from the net, but again I'm not sure whether it's allowed or not by the India Post. And searching though Ebay India is also NIL...:S.

And here's what I made :

I used South Indian handwoven cotton. I love the south Indian cotton cos it has bright & deep colors. I collected quite few pieces and been wanting to do something with it. It's a simple one with no batting (which is another problem for me cos I don't find any retailer...considering Indian quilt is so popular). I used a thicker handwoven fabric for the backing. It has stripes with mix color thread which suit the top.

And now I'm working on a pinwheel design. I think it's going to be another runner maybe I'll use flannel for the batting. What say, ladies?

my patchwork pillows

2010-05-15T07:53:00.001+05:30

Just a quick post, since my laptop battery is running out...yeah, again our electricity supply's gone dead for the last 36 hours...eeerrrgghhhhh..Thank God for the mobile modem..:P

Anyway, sometimes back I stumbled upon this lovely tutorial at Bright and Blithe about 9 disappearing patch.

There's more tutorial HERE and HERE

It looks so easy and finally I got a chance to try it cos my sofa badly needs cushion covers and I don't want to buy the usual one from the shop. So here what I came up with

Thanks Gina for sharing such a lovely Tutorial:)

Mother's Day

2010-05-12T19:05:00.003+05:30

It’s a bit late to post but I haven’t got time to write this earlier. Last Friday, both my sons told me that they got a surprise for me and said “but Miss said to give it to you on Sunday”. As a good encouraging Mom, I gasped and said “really..wow..I’m curious now”. They laughed away and insisted only to show me on Sunday and told me not to peek they school bag (Well, actually I saw it while I was checking their school diaries). The next day, they couldn’t keep the ‘little secret’ much longer, they came to me and showed me the handmade cards they made in school for mother’s day occasion and told me “This is the secret but I will only give it to you tomorrow, ok”. I stifled a laugh and said “Wow, beautiful cards darling…thank you” J

And here’s what they gave me (on Sunday) with a kiss and “Happy Mother’s Day” chorus:

I went through my elder son’s school work sheet and there’s this sentences explaining about MOTHER and FATHER. It went something like this:

Father works hard and earns for the family.

Father buys stuff for the whole family

Mother looks after the house and takes care of the children

Mother cooks good and tasty food for the family.

And there’s one line said “Sometimes mother works to earn for the family too”.

I think who ever wrote those forgot that we live in the 21^st century now where women are equally capable (if not more) than men. In the sense that a working MOM works twice harder, since she has to do the looking after of the house, husband, kids, in-laws, etc. Well, maybe from the (India) traditional point of view, that is true, since lots of people I meet still thinking along those line. But isn’t it time now to ‘introduce’ a different approach of teaching these young minds the concept of FATHER and MOTHER?

I read this interesting story in Mother and Baby magazine by Baisali Chatterjee, about how she pined for a daughter and instead she got only boys. She wrote something interesting, quoted from the article:

“We keep bemoaning the fact that while the previous generation, especially our Moms, did a great job in bringing us girls up, they forgot to erase the “God complex” from the little boys’ minds. So, while they raised us, their daughters, to believe that we were no less than men and could scale the highest mount and swim the deepest seas..they forgot to impart that bit of wisdom to their sons. Suddenly a whole generation of men was left unable to cope with these strong-willed, free spirited, independence-happy, beautiful brilliant women, who were breaking down the walls, scaling corporate ladders and achieving many firsts. These men were left feeling defenseless that their arcane methods of “taming the shrew” would no long no longer hold them in a good stead. So, while our moms were teaching us to be the best that we could possibly be, they neglected to share this new bit of philosophy with our brothers”

“Of course I will teach my boys karate and kick boxing. But I’ll also teach them the art of whipping up a perfect Irish Cream Souffle. I’ll endures hours of Bruce Lee’s and spaghetti westerns, but by Georgina, I’m gonna teach them how to sit through a chick flick. When they tell a girl they’re going to call, they better mean it. If a female of the species beats their pants off in the game of chess or even of one-on-one basket ball, they should know that it’s a TALENT to be ADMIRED and NOT an effort to be patronizingly, dismissively praised. They have to learn that news of their sweeties’ success should be met, not with condescending pats on the back BUT with heartfelt roars of approval, a bottle of well-deserved bubbly and a toast for her future triumphs”

I couldn’t agree more. I have 2 boys myself and it seems I have lots of work to do if the school work sheet is anything to go by. ^_^

And this is what I made on Mother's Day....I know it's not much LOL but everyone enjoyed the pan crust

What I've been up to

2010-05-02T16:24:00.003+05:30

yeah...what I've been up to? Well..nothing so exciting actually. I told you I slammed my thumb in the car's door when I went to the capital. And somehow it was so badly slammed, after a week of throbbing pain, it turned absolutely black and after a month (now) the new one started to come out and pushing the damaged one out The bad news is the other side of the nail is still sticking there stubbornly so I just cut off the one which already dangling. Now my thumb looks sooooo U*G*L*Y...but then I'm free from bandages and can work normally or so to say.

And as usual internet connection is always the constant problem. During these pre monsoon months we experienced lots of rain and storm, which of course - as expected - in turn the phone cable got tangled or I dunno somewhere and my connection just went DEAD. I have to depend on my DH's mercy...yup, he got one of those mobile modem. So practically I got 2-3 hours a day to spend on the net. Which is NOT enough...LOL..what with that Facebook ing and (virtual) farming..:)).

Anyway, it's blessing in disguise in a way..cos I can get few sewing done. Few dresses for lil ones, few custom order tunics/dresses, and will now start some patchwork projects with those fabric remnants from the dresses. Some of them will be available in my SHOP

thanks for stopping by

Tutorial: Fabric Covered Brooch make over

2010-04-09T11:35:00.001+05:30

I love fabric covered button/brooches. It makes a pretty embellishment to anything I make, such as bags, pouches, dresses, etc. Too bad I could not find a button kit here in my town. Usually I bought them when I go back to my hometown, which is in Indonesia.

I remembered I used to 'make over' my metal brooches with what ever cover fancy me back when I was in high school. So, the other day I bought these Hannah Montana brooches and start working on it. Here's what I do:

1. All you need is: Ready made brooches, needle & thread, fabric and a mini screw driver (the flat one - what's it called?)

2. Carefully pick out the back of the brooches with the screw driver. It may dent a bit but you can easily put it back again. Take out the original paper cover.

3. Cut the fabric according to the diameter of the brooch and add a few millimeters for seam.

4. Hand stitch the edge of the fabric just like when you're making a Yo Yo, and put the top metal brooch inside the fabric. Pull the thread until the fabric is nicely covered. Secure the thread.

5. Put the back part of the brooch and gently push it in.

6. Voila! Your fabric covered brooch is ready.

This is so much fun. Cos when you're bored with one, you can always change it and your option is endless.

Happy Crafting ^_^

Time to organize my self

2010-04-07T09:51:00.001+05:30

I just came back from the capital and while we were there we made a quick visit to see the wonder of the world. TAJ MAHAL. It's really breathtakingly pretty and to see all those delicately carved marble mausoleum is really something. If you ever visit Taj Mahal make sure you get a good guide who knows the history properly. Like the one we had.

We visited The Agra Fort too. Here something that really amaze me was how those emperors and empress lived in those time..one thing for sure..they know how to live in style :D. There was in particular room where the wall was made with a hollow in the middle. those hollow was filled with cold water during the summer months (which is very horribly hot in Agra) and filled with hot water in winter to make the rooms comfortable.
There was this room where emperor Shah Jahan spent his last years, where it has (I believed) a scented mini fountain to make the room cooler in the summer months.

Well, I won't bore you with my stories..:D. If you'd like to see few photos of Taj Mahal, I have it in my Flickr.

Today the kiddos have gone to school, holidays are over and I got a little me time in the morning till they come back. It's sort of weird when suddenly the house become quiet early in the morning and I was like 'what do I do now'..:D I guess I miss my little one now.

Anyway, I can get my self organized now. I will do most of my sewing work in the morning and hopefully once it falls into routine I can get few more things done.

Yes, it's nice to have a little bit me time...:)

Fabulous Giveaway...HURRY submit your entry :)

2010-04-01T23:22:00.000+05:30

I just submit my entry for this fab giveaway at MODISH VINTAGE. She gives away beautiful VINTAGE TIN and a BUNDLE of VINTAGE FABRICS...why way..go and submit yours too..it's closed on the 2nd of April.

and check out her ETSY SHOP too...she has the cutest stuff there..my favorite is the sewing machine pen holder

happy crafting ^_^

So many things have happened

2010-03-22T18:27:00.001+05:30

Yes, for the last 2 weeks or so, lots of things happening. Nothing dramatic though. It’s just the weather is getting so weird and we still not getting any rain. It’s very dry and now summer seems to come a tad early.
First the kids had cough and cold and fever. And the I got it too..and how I hated it:D. After a dose of antibiotic finally the cough gone. And then the kids are having end-term holidays for 3 weeks, which mean, less crafting time but it’s nice time to bond with them. I know I’m going to miss them once the school starts next month.

Second one, my younger son had his circumcision done. And as much as I tried to make him sit still was never successful. He’s such an active and restless boy. Finally after 4 days and lots of time of changing the dressing, the doctor gave up and let him without the bandage. And he was quite happy. Day 5th I let him play outside for awhile and he pleaded to let him ride his bicycle..:D. I told him gently that if he waits for few more days he will be able to ride his bike with no problem, otherwise again I will have to take him to the hospital in case something happened.
Third one, my internet connection was bad for the last 4-5 day :(

BUT, there are lots of FUN things happened too….
#1: I WON the giveaway hosted by Eva in her BLOG. And she’s such a generous soul. With her beautiful pendant she sent me a whole bag of cute stuff..earrings, pendant, turtle beads, etc. Just take a look at these:

#2: I joined SWAPBOT last month and been enjoying the experience of receiving snail mail. I used to love sending letters and I had few pen pals. It was nice…the post man was the only one I was waiting after school, in case he brought letters for me. But with this internet era, I guess sending just a letter seems unthinkable..why sending letters when there’s email..:)

I was participated in the COIN PURSE SWAP and sending my handmade coin purse to 2 girls in Australian and the Netherlands. And then there was Big fat Envelope #1 where I made one applique tote bag. The #2 Big Fat Envelope swap is going on now if you’d like to join. I joined Fabric Square Swap too..I’m still waiting for my 2 swap fabric to arrive though.

I have received:

I have sent these with little knick knacks too (not in the photo):

I recently sent Spring Embroidery Swap. I made this cute embroidery and I really hope my partner will like it…:)

oh one more thing I finished the Elephant Pouch, here it is:

I guess that’s all ….tomorrow I’ll be off to the capital for my passport renewal and a little vacation with the family…until then…HAPPY CRAFTING ^_^

When in Rome, do as Romans do

2010-03-10T12:39:00.001+05:30

When in Rome, do as the Romans do...that's how the saying goes. Unfortunately, it doesn't apply to some people. My sister recently went to Melbourne for some work. The 1st few days she was so excited about it. After 2 weeks, she told me she missed Jakarta already. I asked her why? She said all is nice here, but somehow I feel I don't belong here. She feels comfortable in her own territory. Among 4 of us (my sisters n my self), I guess I'm the only one who dare to venture out further. Maybe I got it from my father. He always dared us, whether it was as simple as riding a bicycle or to let me go and work faraway from home and eventually married and settled in India.

My MIL, used to tell people that I'm courageous. Well, maybe I am. Grew up in a nuclear family and working in big cities, I finally chose to settle and live with joint family in this nook (if I can say so) of India which even some Indians don't even realize that it is part of India..pun intended :d. I

If you asked me how do I manage? I don't know..but I guess God has sent me here on a mission which I'm yet to discover. Well, life after all is a never ending adventures and discoveries.

Just a rambling thought...

Red Jumper

2010-03-04T18:50:00.001+05:30

Last winter I bought this lovely red and black checked cotswool fabric and I made this red jumper from vintage pattern McCalls 2070

and here’s what I made…I just could not capture the right color though. It’s supposed to be darkish bright red and black. I made little adjustment in the shoulder length and I put slit on the sides.

I guess I can make a summer dress with this pattern…hmm….

Unleash the artist in them

2010-03-03T09:19:00.001+05:30

Both my self & DH never stop the boys from scribbling on the wall. Well, in the beginning we tried to, but ultimately it’s become unstoppable, if I may say..:)

Their grandmother even bought them a blackboard but they seem happier to scribble on the wall. We don’t have a clean wall in the house now..:D.

View Full Album

One day, the younger one dragged me and showed me “mama, look this is A, R, E” . I asked who wrote it, he said “I did”. Well, here I thought he didn’t know his ABC :D. Well, the wall has become a practice board now.

The big one is into drawing and painting. He can spend the whole afternoon drawing and coloring and painting. I always run out of coloring book. Some of them I preserve. He likes to tell stories while drawing to his little brother.

View Full Album

And since both of them are mad about Ben 10 (Alien Force),

the big one even draw one Alien and told me that I have to make him this kind of T-shirt

happy wednesday ^_^

Take everyday as it comes

2010-03-02T12:03:00.001+05:30

Sometimes, before retiring at nihgt my head is full of plan for the next day. I will finish this project, will try this recipe, will clean the cupboard, etc. But very often the morning brings surprises. One of the boys suddenly has fever and cough or the other one fussy about breakfast and literally we have to drag him out of the house so he won't miss the school bus. The younger one will run around and refuse to take his bath cos he hates his current school. The electricity come and go, and sometimes it's not there for the most part of the day which mean, no recipe trial, no sewing, and no internet.

So, nowadays, I stopped making plans. I will take everyday as it comes. Even sundays, which usually my crafting time since DH will look after the kids.

Last night I managed to finish the elephant. I took the design from one of ondori book. I guess orange polkadot fabric will make a cute combination. I seem to work with lots of orange these past few days...:D

A slightly wonky journal cover

2010-02-28T19:39:00.003+05:30

I've seen Ros of Bloom and blossom's Tutorial about journal cover the other day, so I decided to make one today. I have this journal from one of my DH's client..as usual, it has a rather unattractive cover. I've been meaning to make one for along time until I found such a great & clear tutorial. Then why wonky? The journal original cover was made of card board. I should have anticipated that cardboard is thicker and stiffer. So just to fit it into the cover, I had to cut the side of the original cover a bit..LOL

I used Cotton Khadi (it has a linen finish look...I love it) for the plain one and pure cotton for the orange one.

a bit wonky :-S

and at the back I put my own handmade fabric label. I have the Tutorial HERE.

***EDITED***

I went through Bloom's Tutorial again and I guess I should not stitch the edge. So again I made for my bigger journal which has spiral binding and here's the result:

Fabric: Red Casement
Decoration: Assamese Traditional Saree Ribbon

With polkadots inside ;)

Thanks for stopping by..happy crafting

Handmade Label - Tutorial EDITED

2010-02-21T21:45:00.003+05:30

I have been wanted to have my label made but I could not find any shop here in my town. I tried once using interface fabric and print it out but I guess it won't last.

The other day I suddenly thought about this handmade label. The photos may not be sufficient enough, but I will try to update it later.

INGREDIENTS:

1. Fabric pen
2. Gingham fabric tape (or any fabric scrap will do)
3. Plain fabric (prewashed and well ironed)
4. Button
5. Contrast color thread

How To:

1. Cut the plain fabric & the gingham according to your desired length/width
2. Fold the plain fabric on all side and place it exactly in the middle of the gingham

3. Pin in place and stitch a running stitch all over or you can sew it (I think it will be easier to machine stitch:D )

4. Write your (brand) name on the plain fabric carefully

5. Attach the button and voila, your handmade label is ready

You can even make the label to match your handmade stuff (bags, clothes, etc) by using the scrap of the same fabric as the base and can add button as a spare button (if your handmade has one)

I put one on my journal cover :D

What do you think? Do let me know if you make one too...:)

happy crafting

Why do you Blog?

2010-02-21T18:44:00.002+05:30

One friend of mine asked me "Why do I blog"...yes why? When I started this 3 years back, it was just a curiosity. Blog was the in thing back then. Internet has always been my daily activity, whether it's just for playing games, reading articles or just chatting with friends.

Then I found out about Crafters. I was so excited since I love to be creative my self, be it simple sewing or even glass painting. I visited crafters almost everyday, from here I come across lots of crafty blogs which in the end lead me to have my own blog, here in Blogger. Then it led me from one to another and I stumbled upon Etsy. Believe me, I was so guffawed when I found about Etsy. It's always been my dream to have an online business of my own? Why? cos I can sell (and buy) things without having to leave my children.

So, now why do I blog?
1. To connect with the same minded creative people around the world.

2. To share with others - I hope by showing handmade tuff, I can inspire other people :D. Beside that I love Swapping, whether it's personal swap or through swap bot (I recently join). I love all handmade stuff. For me, when it's handmade, it's special.

3. To learn from others - I'm very grateful for people who shared their tutorial in heir blog. I can not mention all of them, but you can find most of them in my blog roll. I never made a bag in my life, and because reading all those tutorial, now I can easily make simple bags/totes/pouches. Isn't that great?

What about Advertisement? well, certainly blog is a good medium to advertise what you sell, but in the end of the day, when someone leave a nice and encouraging comments you feel most happiest person in the world, aren't you? Well, I am ^_^

What about you? Why do you blog? ^_^

More Birthday Gift

2010-02-20T20:20:00.005+05:30

"Lain Sendiri" by D. Yustisia

One of my dear friend sent me these pretty things for my Birthday. Again she's someone whom I met online in my other blog. When it comes to paper craft, Dian is very talented and her ideas are original. She lives in West Haven right now with her husband and 3 children. This time she sent me her handmade card, which is very pretty and I simply love it. I love Red and she sent me the red flower card with ribbon. She wrote her message in France (we both love Paris). You should really visit her blog to see her creation, from card, origami to diorama for he son, which is fabulous.

We swap several time in the past. Since she knows I love sewing and fabric, she sent me these beautiful fat quarter *squeel*. I love love love them..thanks a ton, Dian

As if those are not enough, she so generously sent me other stuff too. #1 Stickers, stencil & cute erasers..as usual the erasers not in the pic, cos the boys already snatched them away ^_^. And the stencils are really cute. I was thinking of making tote bag with one of the design ;). #2. Ribbons and sewing knickknack. She sent along the mini doll kit, yup that one in the middle :D I just couldn't wait to make it. So, after lunch today I spent a good 1 hour to assemble that cutie pie. 1 hour? your heard me..:D This is because I don't have glue gun or other glue suitable for the project. Tried using the fabric glue but it won't stick, so I just hand stitched everything and somehow managed to finish it without any mishap:D. Isn't she cute?

I'm moving the Shop and having a Sale

2010-02-19T20:34:00.004+05:30

I've been thinking about this for sometimes now. I want to sort of streamlining my shop. When I signed up with Etsy some 2 years back, I was using (abbreviation of) my name. Then much later when I decided to start selling, I'm using the same account for the Shop which later on it become a little bit confusion.

So for that reason, from next month I will be selling from the new shop, Chez Vies in Etsy.

The moving will take sometimes because I want to do it right this time. I have several new stuff made and ready for listing while I'm giving a SALE on the current listing in the Old Shop. Do come and visit my shop and hopefully you will like one thing or two there ;).

Selling on Etsy has been a great experience for me, from how to get the right photo to how to deal with after sales service, which include one item reported lost and I have to refund all the money.

My weakness is in photography. I never could get the right angle or lighting. But I guess I'm improved a bit now. The Etsy community's Forum is really a great, it's where I learn most of the things about running an online shop. I also like the Storque, oh yes...once the kids go to school and I'm not in the mood of doing anything and just want to relax while catching up with my friends on Facebook, I'm making round reading the storque articles. It really lift up my spirit:)

I guess that's all. I get to go cos my son already begging me to let him play games in the computer since it's Friday. Yup, games only on Friday & Saturday night...

See you around & have a great crafty weekends

Birthday & Best Girlfriends

2010-02-18T21:14:00.004+05:30

Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends. -- Cindy Lew

Today I received these from my dear friends...whom both of them I met online. One I have met very briefly and the other one I haven't met. But we (the 3 of us) regularly talk on the phone and YM. And early this month being my birthday, both of them send me a present....the pink Indian kurta/tunic with a matching churidar (Indian slim fit pants)..which I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE and fit me perfectly. The color is so pretty and one of my fave and the chudi of course it fits me. I love anything Indian..though I realize that only after I married Mr. R ha ha..Thank you girlssss...you're the best. And yes it's 34...not 32 anymore =))

And of course the Handmade part:

# 1. the Ben 10 doll which my sons adore so much and luckily when the parcel arrived the younger one was fast asleep, otherwise they will fight over it...I know there are 2, but still they never satisfied without being argumentative about it..LOL.

inni minni mainamo...

I'll take this one

#2. The sarubobo pin cushion. I must say here that Agnes is very good in making all these..plush doll, et al. You should see her dragon to believe it and I literally trying to convince her to start selling online. I really hope she will do very soon. look at the saruboo, isn't it cute?

#3. The Birthday card....it's very pretty...simple but it sort of represent the 3 of us..(ok, there are 4 flowers there..*kidding*).
What I mean is, the 3 of us - Wulan, Agnes and my self - always trying to be creative in spite of all our limitation i.e time. Sewing & craft is what bound us together. We share links of tute, sharing ideas what can be made, how to make them, which fabric, how to deal with the post office people or even how to haggling with the fabricwalla (shop owner) in India..:) . Mind you, both of them never know how to sew until few months back.

Girls, I hope our friendship will last forever no matter where you are...you're always have special place in my heart...I love you both, dearly...^_^..

Ok, now let's do 'brainstorming" part again...

For The Boys : Ben 10 T-shirt & Pj pants

2010-02-17T19:00:00.001+05:30

I read this nice blog at Vegbee's. So I remember I made these recently for the boys.

My elder one recently wanted to wear Ben 10 t-shirts...not the one with the one with the Ben 10 character on it like the one available in the market. He even drew the shirt for me (not that I'm already aware what he wanted ;)). Then I came across this Blog but she used fabric paint. So instead of using fabric paint, I bought white t-shirt & black bias tape and voila..the Ben 10 t-shirt. Well, since it's difficult to cover the neck hole with the bias tape, I did the second best, put the black tape under the collar part. He's very happy with the result and wearing it everyday...literally. I guess I will make another one for him..:).

I know, the middle black stripe should be a little broader, but I was kind of in a hurry what with him waiting impatiently next to me...:)

This one for the lil brother. He loved the blue fabric. He saw it one day and told me, "mama make me pj from this one". I thought he didn't mean it until 2 days later he asked me again whether I have made it. So quickly I did it and I did a little patchwork too. And he's simply love them (thanks God)..:)

A make a month in 2010

2010-02-16T15:30:00.002+05:30

I stumbled upon this blog today. It's a great idea, I mean just like Helen, I too like to stack fabrics, trims, button and sewing-what-nots. I also stacked lots of magazines from embroidery, sewing, beads craft, crochet, knitting etc. Until one day my DH asked what I'm going to do with all those stuff :D

That was the moment when I decided to have an online supply shop, not so much for the money but mainly to share what I love most with crafty people around the world, eventhoough inside of me I hate to sell them hahahaha...

I mean, with 2 small children I won't be able as productive as I would like to be, but sometimes when I browse the market and see beautiful fabric or trims, ideas just popped into my head which in the end of course those beauties will remain in my trunk (trunk? yeah you got it right..trunk:D).

Anyway, this make a month thing will surely challenge me to start making things will all those stacks. And if you are like me come and join their Flickr Group too and let's have fun together.

Little Girl Tote

2010-02-07T21:35:00.001+05:30

I made these last week. I love the color combination a lot. I added pompom lace (you can get it here) there too and of course the yo yos simply make it brighter. I add a little detachable pouchette.

Yeehaw - it's patchwork bag

2010-02-01T22:43:00.001+05:30

The last few months me and my friends, we're having such fun playing Farmville in facebook. At one time, we were like competing in hatching eggs...and it was lots of fun. Since for her birthday I decided to make this patchwork bag...yup..it's chicken...yay...The patchwork template I got from Australia's Country Patchwork and craft.

First Attempt: Folded Coin Pouch

2010-01-24T20:44:00.003+05:30

This is what I made today. It's a folded coin pouch. I have a small version of this which I bought sometime back and I decided to try make a bigger version, and it's EASY. If anyone need a tutorial for this one just let me know ^_^.

When folded front view

Folded Side View

When open

One mistake I made, I forgot to attach the velcro while sewing up the sides, hence it's handstitched :D

Suzanne Great Big Giveaway (and Sale)

2010-01-19T21:23:00.002+05:30

Go and check this :Suzanne’s Great Big Giveaway (and sale)

She has beautiful fabrics at her shop which are for sale...so what are you waiting for? ^_*

My Quickie PJ Pants

2009-12-30T20:37:00.004+05:30

Today I went to the nearby market and found this cute flannel. It's bright red with teddy print on it. It's just too cute to pass. As it is I need one flannel PJ this winter:D.

While the kids are playing, I got down to work and voila...my new PJ..:D

I was using my own tutorial for this one..:)

I still need to make the top one though...and thinking tunic style will be the most confortable..:D

Just hoping I'll have a little bit time again next week...:D

Thanks for stopping by..& have a great crafty day ^^

Unfinished Project(s)

2009-12-26T22:38:00.001+05:30

I started this cross stitch project few years back. It’s still lying in my “unfinished project box”..:D It was kind of ambitious project. I took it from one old embroidery book and it supposed to be 6 seater table cloth (wow..I know). The picture given in the book is so pretty that you want to start doing it immediately..LOL.

Maybe one fine day, I will continue doing it again, when I get more free time..:D

Meanwhile, today I statred doing embroidery on my scarf I bought few months back. Simple embroidery with bullion stitch flower and satin stitch. I’m using silk thread for this one. The kids are having winter break this embroidery project will be the perfect one for unwinding, since I won’t be able to “touch” my sewing machine till they go back to school..:D.

Ouch..the photos are a bit blurred…they were taken using my mobile cam..

Have a great crafty weekends…^_^

The Secret Stitch Club

2009-12-25T15:50:00.002+05:30

I stumbled upon this Blog. The Secret Stitch Club. They made lovely aprons and what I love most is their patchwork x-mas stocking…it’s really cute…go and check out the blog (if you’re not already).

This remind me of my 2 dear friends in Mumbai, India. Everyday, over the YM, we chat/discuss about what project to make, what blogs are nice to visit, etc. It’s really fun. And when we start doing the projects, we keep our YM open so that we can ask each other if we have some problem.

What I want to say is,because the internet now we can share our joy of sewing and hand crafting with our friends even though they are miles away from our place.

You can visit my friends blog HERE and HERE

happy crafting ^_^

PS: I don’t know how to insert web page photo to blog , so pardon me if the photo is not good…:-S

Today’s craft

2009-12-21T22:34:00.001+05:30

Yesterday I cut few pieces of fabric to make zipper pouch. But only 2 are done today, plus 4 fabric coasters. My working time usually not start until my younger son goes to school at about 10.30 am. After a nice hot cup of tea & few biscuits, I usually start doing what I set out to do that day. At times, I can get very lazy and one more thing, I avoid opening my laptop when I have sewing work to do..^_*. Since I roughly have 1 hour free everyday, before my elder one come from school followed by the younger one. By the time they settle down (napping or playing with his crayons), it’s already 3 pm. If they are agreeable, I can continue my sewing otherwise it has to wait for a couple of days.

So, today being one of those hectic day, only these stuff I finished. The bright pink stripe zip pouch is made of south Indian hand woven cotton – my favorite . Both the pouches are interfaced and lightly padded, so it’s safe for gadgets too.

**********************

Today I visited my friend’s blog who has finished her embroidery projects. She did bullion stitch on one of her shirt, which is very cute and she’s done a very nice embroidery. She’s also done smocking which is very pretty. This remind me of my unfinished smocking projects. I have done the smocking embroidery, but I haven’t got around to sew the dress..I know it’s very bad habit *_*

Good nite for now…~_~

Fabric Covered Button

2009-12-18T17:58:00.001+05:30

I bought Fabric Button Kit few months back, and just got the chance to try it today. It’s quite fun to make, the only flaw is it was so hard to push the button shell & fabric into the punch..:D. But I’m very happy with the result though my thumb is still paining from punching the buttons…LOL

Gift Bag

2009-12-17T09:51:00.002+05:30

I love making gift bags to send along with my sales at my Supply Shop. I usually make it with whatever remnant fabrics I have ^_^.

This one is made of white cotton fabric, I add a little ribbon rose there….I hope my customers are happy with this little gift from me..^_^

Patchwork Bag and more

2009-12-16T20:48:00.001+05:30

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Today I was cleaning my craft boxes where I keep my fabric etc. I don’t have craft room as yet, so everything is kept in boxes. I found one unfinished project. I did the mirror embroidery few months back and I wanted to make a pouch out of it. The fabric is handwoven Indian cotton. I used one cheery yellow fabric left over from one yellow dress I made. And I’m happy with the result.

One more thing I started using is flanel. I have this flanel lying around, left over from the time when I used to make baby wrap for my younger son. It turns out quite a good substitute for batting. Since batting is not available here where I live, I usually used thin sponge instead. But you know for certain projects sponge is just out of the question. So I was experimenting with flanel, and it’s very GREAT. I got the softness and sturdiness at the same time.

I used the flanel for the patchwork bag too. I use cotton khadi for the base, which is quite thick and sturdy. I add cute ribbon to give more accent…what do you think?

Yes, this is my second boxy pouch. I simply love making it. It’s perfect to hold your jewelry, watch, brooches, coins even your basic make up i.e compact powder & lipstick….yay to that!

Thanks for stopping by…^_^

Pink Flowers Zip Pouches

2009-12-14T23:57:00.003+05:30

Today I took out this pink flower fabric and a matching darkish pink (almost burgundy) south Indian cotton fabric. It makes a nice combination. The South Indian cotton fabric is quite sturdy to make pouches, coasters, etc. Plus it has a bright & deep colors.

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ooh…and today finally I got a chance to try making boxy pouch. I follow tutorial from Project by Jane. She wrote a nice tutorial, easy to follow plus has lots of pics. I’m kind of visual reader, that’s why I love her tute so much…^_^ Thank you Jane for sharing it…:D

Now, it’s getting colder here..I’d better go off to sleep before my hot water bag turns cold..:))

Thanks for reading ^_^

Fabric Shopping

2009-12-13T17:21:00.001+05:30

One of my favorite “time pass” is browsing the fabric bazaar (market). Most of the Indian market sells fabric as a set of 3, but some of them they sell “meter-wise” fabric. I have one regular shop here, the owner will inform me when the new stock will come and sometimes give me a bit of discount on off-season days.

You see, India has lots of festivals. During those time, people will shop like till they drop. There will be lots of variety of fabrics prints and design to choose from. You name it, you have it. Cotton, crepe, faux crepe, georgette, satin….it’s endless. I always go mad whenever I go to the shop…:).

These are the photos I took from my regular shop…:)…

And here are few lovely fabrics….

Thanks for looking ^_^

Winter Morning

2009-12-12T20:42:00.001+05:30

This time the cold come a bit early…and for the last few days we’ve been having foggy morning, which sometimes won’t clear up till mid day. It’s particularly colder at our place since our house is not far from the mighty river of Brahmaputra.

This photo I took at 8 a.m from our top terrace…the fog is still very thick, but luckily today the sun came out for a while, so all my laundry is dry..^_^.

Grab bags and more

2009-12-11T12:49:00.002+05:30

I’m still into bag and pouch making. I have a whole lot of fabric piles which need be made into something. Some of them is the remnants from my little frocks I made few months back ^_^. My friends even call me “pouch lady” since I made and gave lots of pouches in the past ^_^ and she said i should start selling them in the shop. Hey…it’s great idea…:D .

One of these bags I made for the SWAP that I hosted for my Indonesian friends in my Other Blog.

Thanks for reading….and have a nice crafty day ^_^

~ Chez Vies ~

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Welcome 2012

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the placemat story

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