It's a small world

Thank goodness for modern technology.  I am still in awe of how easy it is for us today to reach the far corners of the earth with a simple click of a key.  This week is a perfect example.

My daughter had commissioned this pinwale jumper dress as a gift for one of her girlfriends who now lives in New York.

She returned to Sydney with her husband and adorable baby for a family visit a month or so ago and this week I received some delightful images from her back in New York. Don't you just want to squeeze those chubby little cheeks?

A couple of days ago I was contacted by a lovely customer in Italy who ordered this dress to be sent to Perth for a baby's first birthday.  It was mailed yesterday and the customer in Italy can follow its progress through Australia Post's tracking system.  Ten years ago none of this would have been possible.

Yesterday I finished this swing top and bubble shorts and I must say I was suitably chuffed with the results.  Oh, to be young enough to get away with such bold combinations.  They are currently available in my Etsy shop.

It's been a sad and nostalgic week.  On Monday I attended the funeral of my favourite teacher who had such an influence on my school days. Her motto was educate girls and you educate the nation.  She was a Poor Clare nun who held the girls in my class particularly close to her heart and we never lost contact.  She died at the grand age of 91 and the church was packed with students, ex-students, friends and family. Some of the girls from my era flew in from around the country, such was the love and respect felt for her.  What a wonderful life and it was a privilege to have known her.

Full circle skirts and bubble shorts

Now that the cold weather has settled into Sydney, all I can dream about is next Summer.  Mind you, the days are crisp, sunny and reasonably warm, and the trees have turned the most amazing array of colours from bright yellow through to deep red.  Camellias are blooming everywhere, so that the neighbourhood gardens are a delight.

I had been itching to make the latest pattern by Tie Dye Diva and when I came across this gorgeous fabric, I knew it was ideal for the design.  I love the full circle skirt which falls so gracefully.

I made some piping to give emphasis to the pretty tulip sleeves.

The sweetheart neckline is a classic and so flattering.

Then there's the back

with contrast sash ties - so sweet.

The dress is available in sizes 2 to 9/10 in my Etsy and MadeIt stores and would make a delightful special occasion dress for any little girl who loves to twirl.

Earlier in the week I made these separates, adapted from patterns by Brownie Goose. They are cool and easy to wear and the eye-catching daisy fabric is so soft soft and light.  They are being offered as separates, but they do look wonderful together.   Available here and here. 

I have more new fabrics patiently waiting their turn to be transformed into garments, so it will be a busy week or so ahead.  At least it takes my mind off Winter.

It can't be May already

We had our last drive to the Royal North Shore Hospital today for hopefully ever.  Tony finished his cardiac rehab on Monday and the participants were summonsed this afternoon for a final debriefing.  I guess passing out parades are not a good idea for cardiac patients, so instead they had a general report and pat on the back for completing the course.

Life is getting back to normal and it's good to see Tony finally returning to his old self.  It also means a little more time for sewing!

And it couldn't have come at a better time.  

Ever since I was a pattern tester for this gorgeous skirt by Jen Hagedorn of Tie Dye Diva, I have become a fan of her patterns which are always so clear and concise and the designs are adorable.  While I do create my own designs, sometimes it's lovely to work on a well-crafted garment designed by someone who is top of her game.

This pop over pinafore for babies 0-24 months is among Jen's latest releases.

It marries so beautifully with another new release, a baby peasant dress.

They go together hand in hand so perfectly.  

I will be listing them on my Etsy and MadeIt shops in next next day or so and am working on yet another Tie Dye Diva release which should be finished in a short time.  Wait until you see it!

These delightful sailor shorts are by Brownie-Goose Patterns and are now available in my shops.  

It's good to be back sewing a little more regularly and even better, it's wonderful to have the patient looking so well.  By all accounts the second half of the year should be a whole lot better than the first.