Blog Award

I was recently given this blog award by the kind people at Craft Corners. I was very happy and humbled and really really happy! Did I say that 3 times?!! Yes, I was that elated.

Setting up the blog and keeping up with sewing and blogging is not easy. Coupled with a full time day job and a 24/7 mummy job to 2 young children, I sometimes find it a struggle to upkeep the mojo of sewing and blogging. Sometimes my priority are wrong and my supportive husband had to take over the care of the girls while I sew away madly in another room.

But, I'll try to balance the sewing with my family and kick myself when I lost my focus : )

Sewing is a hobby and if God's will, it may turn into something beautiful in His time. So, in the meantime, I'll just be happy to sew for my kids, family and friends, and occasionally some custom orders.

Pink Polka Ruffle Dress

I made this pretty dress from this Japanese book for my youngest girl.  The book was bought from Kinokuniya Singapore.  The pattern was the first pattern on the book. The original design called for a linen ruffle dress but since I've got this pink cotton polka dots and my girl really loves pink, I made it anyway.

It was good practice for me to use some of the methods mentioned in the book.  Like the ruffle at the neckline.  I had to press frequently to make sure that the ruffle stay in place. Found a matching pink Strawberry button for the dress.

The ric rac details on the pocket is another of my favorite.  I can't believe that it was so easy and it really make the dress extra special.

And the bias tape binding at the arm holes.  Recognise the fabric from my Peter Pan Collar Top?

She wore it to church on Sunday and received a lot of compliment from friends. The book also cover a lot of other patterns like pants, blouse and even knit jackets. I'm happy to got this book since the items have many small details that really enhance the look and feel of the pieces.

If you are interested, you can look out for it at Amazon or your local bookstore. The pattern comes in size 90cm to 120cm which I think is for 1 year to 7 years, depending on the size of your kids.

Sewing Books

I've been shopping lately....

Bought myself lots of sewing books....

I know I should have resisted....

But I just can't help it....

This is my second addiction, besides fabric...

Want to see what I've bought?

Mrs Stylebook - Spring 2011 and Summer 2011 issues 

- bought them from Kinokuniya Singapore. Only manage to get the back issues as the current issue was sold out!

Some of the patterns that I would love to try in this book

ruffle layer dress

sleeveless jumper dress

chiffon dress with lacey skirt

Simple+One 

- also got them from Kinokuniya Singapore. Love this knot layer dress.

And finally, I order the subscription for Ottobre magazines! I've been thinking for some time now to order and I'm glad I did. I order 4 issues/year of children magazine and they gave me 1 free back issue. Added another back issue for both children and woman. Even though I was told to wait up to 3 weeks, I think I got them in 2nd week. So happy! 

If you are familiar with japanese sewing pattern, this is quite similar in that the pattern pieces for all sizes are layer on top of one another. But instruction given is without the step by step pictorial guide but with written instructions. So, if you are a beginner, I would suggest to wait and see first.