I am officially back!

I have been ridiculously busy with uni for the last few weeks, but as it is nearly finished (apart from a single 40 minute interview next week) I have managed to brush the dust of my sewing machine and I even have a finish to show...

I knew Chris needed a new laptop case, literally months ago, and decided to make a case which would match his iPad case (partly because I had so much of that material left) I took all of the measurements and cut everything out about two or three months ago, I even cut and raw edge appliqued the apples, but before I knew it work was piling up and this far from half done case was left in a corner.

After looking at it every day for months, I finally had time to finish it off last week and despite not having a clue what the original plan had been I quilted it, put everything together and was pleased with it as it is much neater than the iPad case, although still not perfect.

... Now if only the laptop fit :(

J x

Finally got something finished!

Well, I think it has been more than a few days since I finished the chef's hat and guess what; the matching apron is still not complete! I have to finish it today/ tomorrow thogh because I am meeting the brithday girl for lunch! Whoops! I promise I have started it... just need to add the waistband and ties.

I was surprised how simple yet complete the tutorial was; I think I am only a zip away from a fully lined half circle skirt- which makes me quite happy and I think I might have to try a proper skirt at some point; who knew clothing wasn't that hard afterall... unless I am missing something vital that is.

At least I have a couple of finishes to show and tell; first is another birthday present for a friend who wants to learn how to knit.

  The needle case was a nice simple and quick pattern after the apron; two identical rectangles sewn right sides together and then folded and sewn into a pocket shape. I added parallel lines roughly every 2cm to create separate needle pockets and they fit nice and snuggly.

Next I have been working on a costume for a party themed; what did you want to be when you grew up; I always wanted to own a sweetshop (because I thought I would get free sweets)
so I simplified the apron I have been working on for Sarah, to a half circle skirt, altered the pockets to fit my chocolate bars in neatly and reduced the work involved in the waistband (it means I can't tie a bow in the ties, just a knot, but that's all I really need anyway)

and to complete my costume I needed a fun shirt to go with it... my first t-shirt transfer...

I didn't have the iron on hot enough the first time, but once I read the instructions it was super simple and it looks great, I added I ribbon the the lollipop stick to make it a bit more special. As childish as it is, I think I could get away with wearing this as a normal t-shirt- it would definityle make  great design for a kid's shirt.

Here's a closeup of the transfer,

If I had realised how much of the transfer sheet you would be able to see, I would have been a bit more careful with it, next time I will get it right!

thanks for reading
J x

ps. I am linking up to sundae scoop at Iheartnaptime

ipad case

Last summer C queued for his ipad on release day at the apple shop and it has been his baby ever since, he keeps it in a plain black Apple case that was starting to look a little boring, but knowing how much he protects it- not just any replacement would do...

-drum roll please-

C's ipad case!!!!

I'm quite pleased with it, other than a handful of beginner "duh!" moments it has turned out pretty well and it contained a lot of firsts;
- first pattern designed completely from scratch
- first gift made using my sewing machine
- first quilting attempt
- first binding attempt
- first raw edge applique

I had several points in mind for my brief, it had to;
- protect the ipad if it was dropped (to some extent)
- be easy to slide the ipad in and out
- not have a seam at the bottom (where it would need most padding)
- have no exposed seams on the inside
- it had to be manly fabric with an exceptionally soft, non-scratch interior

and I think all of them were accomplished! Except for maybe the manly fabric- that is hard to find, I settled on the polka dots but I don't think they are too girly to be seen out in public.

The front of the case has an oversized appliqued apple to match that on the ipad itself

and the back has a little apple camouflaged in the corner disguised as a polka dot

J x