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.

Isn't She Lovely

Isn't she lovely?

Isn't she wonderful?

Isn't she precious?

I know Stevie Wonder was thinking about his own little bundle of joy when he wrote these words, but he could just as easily written them for this little princess.

Californian photographer Sara of Boutique Baby Photography has a wonderful affinity with her little models and I am thrilled with the results.

Christmas is not so far away now and you can order this dress by going to my Etsy or MadeIt stores.  There's currently a two week delay, so don't leave it until the week before Christmas!

If you are in Sydney, I will have a limited number available at the Corpus Christi School Spring Fair (see here).

And now back to the machine.

Think Pink

I had been clinging onto the last piece of this pretty pink floral fabric, like a mother hen clucking over an egg.

I know it's silly, but it's so soft and lovely and I doubt there's any more of it left in the world.

Summer is just around the corner (although with today's chilly temperatures in Sydney, that's hard to believe), so the time is right to party.  

It's size 2 and you can buy it here.

Think pink this Christmas.

Party Time

Sydney has turned on some spectacular early spring weather over the past couple of days, which brings the promise of a warm summer ahead.  With that in mind, I was inspired by a new shipment of fabric to make a party dress for the upcoming season.

Empire waist tiered dress available here or here

We are blessed with four gorgeous (of course!) granddaughters ranging in ages from three to six who possess magical twirling capabilities, and this dress fits the bill perfectly.

Lots of twirling possibilities

The one thing I was lamenting in our recent interstate move was the lack of bird life at my window. Yesterday I glanced up from my sewing machine and there on the balcony just a couple of feet away was this delightful lorikeet.

Who's a pretty boy?

Cute at any angle

I do hope he visits again and brings his friends with him.

Buttons and Bows

I know that some folk like raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, brown paper packages tied up with strings.  Not me - I prefer buttons and bows.

Which is just as well, because I've been up to my eyeballs in them over the past few days in readiness for the Christmas BrisStyle Market on 4 December at Hamilton and the Twilight Market on 17 December at King George Square.  They are also for sale in my Etsy shop.
 

Next Saturday is going to be a treat.  I'll be going to the BrisStyle Indie Eco Market as a visitor rather than as a vendor, so I will have all the time in the world to take in the innovative and original handmade goodies that the talented bunch of BrisStyle designers have put together for the occasion.
 

Can't wait!

Two months to Christmas ... Eek!

As the tea towel says, keep calm and carry on.  It's eight and a half weeks away.  I won't quote how many shopping days that is, because it would only alarm you.

In the true spirit of Christmas, I have started on some dresses for the upcoming BrisStyle markets and my Etsy shop.  This Christmas Party Knot Dress is available in sizes 1 to 8.

I fell in love with this adorable fabric when it arrived last week.

I'm almost tempted to make something for myself with it, but it would probably scare the grandchildren.