Tuesday, September 24, 2013

52 Weeks (38/52)

Ok people I am in a bit of shock this past week because I just realised that in two weeks tomorrow I will have a 1 year old.  If that isn't the craziest thought I have had all week then I don't know what is!  But here is what has been happening this last week.


1 - I love my job! I had the pleasure of assisting a bride with a surprise wedding elopement in our gorgeous dolphin cove venue.  How can you not enjoy working in a place like this?!

2 - A gorgeous friend spoilt me with these darling flowers last week.  Aren't they gorgeous?! They have lasted so well and I have been enjoying them brightening up my house.  Fresh flowers are the best!

3 - Last weekend we took Imogen to the strawberry farm for the first time to do some strawberry picking.  It was so much fun! Imogen absolutely demolished the strawberries that we picked.  They are her favourite food.  I think we will definitely be going back to do this again.

4 - I started a new sewing project this week.  This is the second piece of fabric that I have started making from my frocktails purchases.  I am hoping to have it finished this week so I can wear it to a bbq this Sunday.  Stay tuned for finished pictures next week.

5 - On Sunday we took my brother in law indoor rock climbing for his birthday.  It was so much fun! I got a little scared when I got too high though so I wasn't the greatest at it.  I have an epic bruise from where I slipped at one point.  It was totally worth it though!

6 - I finished my first sewing project from my frocktails stash this week too.  This mini skirt is my favourite item in my wardrobe at the moment.  It will be getting a lot of wear this summer! For more pics check out the full post here.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Getting Ready For Summer

From the moment I spotted this fabric in The Fabric Store in Melbourne I knew it had to be made into a mini skirt.  I was instantly imagining it with a simple white tank and flats for summer.  The Gold Coast has really started to warm up in the past couple of weeks so of course it had to be the first of my frocktails purchases to be sewn up.

geometric print mini skirt jenny burdastyle burda purple blue yellow the fabric store geometric print mini skirt jenny burdastyle burda purple blue yellow the fabric store

I was having trouble finding a skirt pattern to use.  I was looking for something extremely basic and simple but every skirt in my pattern stash had pleats or seams on the front.  The lovely Rachel came to my rescue with the suggestion of the jenny skirt from Burdastyle.  I am so thankful for her help because it turned out perfect.  But here are all the details...

geometric print mini skirt jenny burdastyle burda purple blue yellow the fabric store geometric print mini skirt jenny burdastyle burda purple blue yellow the fabric store

Pattern: Jenny by Burdastyle

Size: I cut a straight 42 which fit perfect straight off the bat

Mods: Most obviously I hacked off a heap of the length.  To do this I measured one of my existing mini skirts and then used this measurement to work out where to cut my pattern.  I also removed the waistband.  My original plan was to replace it with a facing, however, somewhere along the line I decided not to do this and instead I just lined it in a thin white cotton poplin from my stash.  The last thing I wanted to do was make the back of the skirt a bit more smooth so I moved the zipper to the side seam and cut the back in one piece.  All in all they were pretty simple mods to incorporate.

geometric print mini skirt jenny burdastyle burda purple blue yellow the fabric store geometric print mini skirt jenny burdastyle burda purple blue yellow the fabric store

I am so so so happy with this pattern!  I had heard some interesting things about burdastyle patterns so I was a bit wary but this one was perfect.  The size I chose fit me perfectly straight off the bat.  Needless to say I am pretty stoked with how this skirt turned out.  I am thinking it will be getting a lot of wear this summer!  My practice version is actually sitting in my sewing room waiting to be finished because I fell in love with this pattern so much.  I think there may even be a proper jenny that needs to be made soon for work.  The options for this pattern are endless!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Bearded Dragon Wedding Expo

This past weekend I was asked to put together some centrepieces and a lolly buffet for a wedding venue called The Bearded Dragon.  I met the event coordinator of the venue when I took part in the markets they held back in July.  When she approached me to do the wedding expo I was very excited as I thought it might help give me new business a little boost to get it off the ground.  I thought I would share a few pics of what I set up with you all.  If you follow my business' facebook page you would have already seen these.

Bearded Dragon Wedding Expo Bearded Dragon Wedding Expo Bearded Dragon Wedding Expo Bearded Dragon Wedding Expo Bearded Dragon Wedding Expo Bearded Dragon Wedding Expo

I am really happy with how everything turned out.  I kept to my own style and also played into the rustic nature of the venue.  I am keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that this helps me get a few bookings in!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

52 Weeks Happy (36 & 37)

In all the excitement of frocktails I forgot to post my 52 weeks happy last week.  So here we have two weeks worth of happiness rolled into one post.


1 - We went on a nice little weekend trip to Melbourne as a family.  Getting away for the weekend is always fun but going on a plane makes it extra special.

2 - While in Melbourne I was extremely lucky to head to frocktails and meet a whole bunch of gorgeous new sewing friends.

3 - Melbourne was very good to me in the fabric and pattern purchasing department.  I can't wait to get started sewing all these up!

4 - Last week I finally got around to sending out invitations for Imogen's birthday party.  I purchased these from Whirlibird on etsy.  I bought them and received them within 48 hours.  They are absolutely gorgeous!  Only 4 weeks to go till the party now.

5 & 6 - This past weekend I had the opportunity to set up some centrepieces and a lolly buffet for a bridal expo at a local venue.  I am very happy with how everything turned out.  FIngers crossed this gives my little business the boost it needs to get off the ground.

7 - We went to a little local markets this weekend and I spoilt my little miss with some new clothes.  These all come from handmade sellers.  I love supporting handmade businesses because I know the hardwork and dedication that goes into making everything.  I am so in love with these purchases I will definitely be going back to the next markets for more.

8 - Sunday we did a catch up swimming lesson as Imogen missed one while we were in Melbourne.  Corey took her for the first time and she had so much fun.  Daddy daughter time is so fun to watch!  These two have the cutest bond. I just love seeing them interact and how in love they are.

9 - I have been feeling like a little kid again and doing a little bit of colouring in.  This is more prep for Imogen's party but I must say I rather enjoy colouring in.  I might need to start doing more of it just for fun!

And that has what has been keeping me busy this past couple of weeks.  How has your week been? I hope it has been a happy one.

Monday, September 16, 2013

11 Months


Can you believe it's been 11 months since this little monkey came into the world! Just one more month till she is a big one year old.  It blows my mind!  This month has been so busy and has just flown by.  Imogen got her first tooth just after she turned 10 months.  We had a pancake party to celebrate and since then she has gotten another 2 teeth.  The other big thing to happen this month happened just in time for this post.  Last Friday Imogen took 2 steps at daycare and then on Saturday night she took another 4.  By the next monthly post she is probably going to be walking!  We also taught Imogen to give kisses this month.  It is so cute!  She is such an affectionate little thing and loves to give kisses & cuddles.  I can't believe Imogen will be one soon.  It does make me very excited though because it means we get to have a party soon.  And everyone knows how much I love a party!

Sunday, September 15, 2013

A Frock for Frocktails!

I know, I know, I said I'd be back Thursday with a dress post.  Yes, I know today is Sunday.  Woops! This week has been a crazy one and the days just ran away from me.  But I'm here now so onto the dress! I apologise in advance for the photos. My camera died before I went to Frocktails so Corey took these half asleep at midnight when I got home.

mccalls 6320 one shoulder shouldered dress cocktails cocktail frocktails cotton pique mccalls 6320 one shoulder shouldered dress cocktails cocktail frocktails cotton pique

As you know I was lucky enough to attend Frocktails in Melbourne last weekend.  One stipulation of the event was that everyone sewed something to wear.  I chose to make McCall's 6320.  Coincidentally I actually bought this pattern the last time I was in Melbourne.

mccalls 6320 one shoulder shouldered dress cocktails cocktail frocktails cotton pique mccalls 6320 one shoulder shouldered dress cocktails cocktail frocktails cotton pique

Originally I was going to make this dress up in a completely different fabric.  Unfortunately, I decided to leave it to the last minute and then realised too late the pattern had princess seams.  Given the fabric I had chosen had a diagonal stripe I was confident I could execute it to the standard I would like in such a short amount of time.  So a quick last minute trip to Spotlight brought me this fantastic cotton pique that was just perfect!  For a little point of interest I decided to make the pockets out of purple.  I was deciding between a few different colours but the purple seemed the most prominent in the print so it was the clear winner.

Frocktails Dress

Of course that meant I had to use a purple zip.  Even though I know hardly anyone will see it these little pops of colour keep me happy.  It's the little things in life!

Frocktails Dress

The pattern is meant to be lined but I decided to leave it unlined so it wouldn't be too thick to wear during Gold Coast summers.  Instead of lining it I finished my neckline, hem and sleeves in bias binding.  I am a big fan of this method! It is so quick and easy and I always have bias binding in my stash.  And that my friend is my frocktails stories over.  Until next year which a little birdie told me is going to be in Sydney.  I can't wait!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Frocktails Weekend

photo courtesy of Poppykettle - me, Rachel & Mel

This past weekend I had the immense pleasure of heading to Melbourne to go to Frocktails.  What is Frocktails you ask? It is an awesome event organised by the lovely Kat.  Basically it was a chance for us sewing bloggers to get together to eat delicious food and drink cocktails all while wearing newly made dresses.  Genius idea!

photo courtesy of Poppykettle - Me, Liz & Amanda

I had so much fun on this weekend and was so happy to get the chance to meet some amazing ladies.  Amanda is one of the funniest ladies I have ever met! I am secretly hoping she will move to the Gold Coast so we can become bff's. I did get the chance to meet another Queensland blogger in Liz.  This lady has fabric finding super powers! Everything she touched I wanted.  I am still dreaming of the pink cherry print she found at Alannah Hill that I neglected to buy.

photo courtesy of Poppykettle - Belle, Rachel, Mel & Kat

The Melbourne girls are the most welcoming and beautiful group I have met in a long time.  They made us all feel so welcome.  And check out their gorgeous dresses!  This group of ladies has made skills in the sewing department.

Frocktails Purchases

Frocktails Purchases

But dinner wasn't the only exciting thing that happened that weekend.  There was also fabric shopping!!!  I met up with the girls on Saturday morning on Brunswick Street to check out The Fabric Store and the Alannah Hill clearance store.  The top photo is my fabric from The Fabric Store and the second picture shows what I picked up at Alannah Hill.  I already have plans for pretty much all of this fabric now all I need is time to sew it all up.  I also picked up a few patterns but none of these match up with these fabric purchases.  Poor planning on my part!

Frocktails Purchases

I'll be back tomorrow with some better photos and more details on my dress so make sure you pop back!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

52 Weeks Happy (35/52)

This week was so super busy and it just flew!  Work has been crazy with a major event that I am looking after taking place this week.  Then the long weekend came and it was chocker block full of things to do.  It's funny how even with the extra day the weekend felt shorter than ever.  But the good thing about that is we had some fun things happening.  Two awesome things in particular!


On the public holiday Friday we had Imogen's friends first birthday party.  This is the first birthday party Imogen has been invited to and it was so much fun.  We got all dressed up in our matching blue outfits (totally coincidental) and got ready to party.  There was a jumping castle, loads of yummy food, a fishing for ducks game, cute prizes and loads of Imogen's friends.  It was also my first time getting a chance to catch up with my mummy's group since returning to work which was very needed.  We had so much fun! I can't wait for the next birthday party.


The second fun thing that happened this week was of course Father's Day.  Corey's father's day started early with a sausage sizzle and afternoon of activities.  Imogen also made Corey a super cute card at school and bought him a mug with matching coaster from the father's day stall. On Sunday we started off the day with an early wake up call to fulfill Corey's request of an early morning swim.  After swimming we met up with my family and went to breakfast then had a nice relaxing walk along the beach.  The rest of the day was a pretty simple family day and it was perfect!

So how was your week? I hope it was as enjoyable as mine!

Monday, September 2, 2013

1 Pattern, 7 Bloggers - The Reveal!

The time has come for the big reveal! I must admit I am more than a little excited to see what the other girls have come up with.  So without further ado here is my creation....

1 pattern 7 bloggers challenge peplum top black white piping bulldog piping colette patterns macaron 1 pattern 7 bloggers challenge peplum top black white piping bulldog piping colette patterns macaron

So clearly it isn't your standard macaron dress.  I decided to go with something different and try to make it into a top.  I have been wanting a peplum top for a while so I am pretty stoked with the outcome of this project.

1 pattern 7 bloggers challenge peplum top black white piping bulldog piping colette patterns macaron 1 pattern 7 bloggers challenge peplum top black white piping bulldog piping colette patterns macaron

The fabric was an impulse purchase from Spotlight one day.  I went in for a meter of ribbon and walked out with a couple of meters of this fabric as well.  I mean, come on, who can resist bulldogs! It is a simple printed cotton poplin. The black is some leftover black cotton from my stash.

1 pattern 7 bloggers challenge peplum top black white piping bulldog piping colette patterns macaron 1 pattern 7 bloggers challenge peplum top black white piping bulldog piping colette patterns macaron

To make the peplum I drafted a simple half circle skirt.  Once I had the majority of the bodice made I measured the bottom of the waistband and used this as my measurement to draft my half circle skirt.  Then all I had to do was add it to the bottom of the waistband.

1 pattern 7 bloggers challenge peplum top black white piping bulldog piping colette patterns macaron 1 pattern 7 bloggers challenge peplum top black white piping bulldog piping colette patterns macaron

For a little extra detail I also added some black piping to the waistband.  This was my first time doing piping and I was super nervous.  I pretty much just winged it and thankfully it turned out ok.  The only other addition I made was to add a simple pleat into the top of each sleeve rather than gathering them into the bodice.

Now, the part that you have all been waiting for.......the giveaway winners!  Once again a massive thank you to our sponsors for donating the amazing prizes.
Thanks to the magic of random number generator our lucky winners and their corresponding prizes are:-

Lill - 1 x Macaron Pattern thanks to Colette Patterns 

Josephine - 1 x Macaron Pattern thanks to Guthrie & Ghanie 
MaciNic - 1 x Macaron Pattern thanks to Stitch 56
Elizabeth - 1 x Pattern of your choice thanks to Sew Squirrel
KathleenS - 1 x Colette Pattern of your choice thanks to Indie Stitches 
Joanne - 1 x Colette Pattern of your choice thanks to The Haby Goddess
Amy - 1 x $20 gift voucher thanks to Fabric Worm 
Sew Charleston - 1 x $30 gift voucher thanks to A Fashionable Stitch 

All winners have been contacted via email and your prizes will be on their way to you shortly.  Thank you to everyone who entered and I hope you have enjoyed following our little challenge.  Make sure you duck over to the other girls blogs to see how their finished projects turned out too.