Wednesday 31 July 2013

Peasant Blouse...


Last week I showed you the Boo! Design Your Own Pinny. Peeking out from underneath that pinny, was a peasant blouse, which deserved a post of its own. Here is the post showing you the peasant blouse.



The blouse is made using the Peasant Blouse pattern, by Tie Dye Diva. This is my second time using a Tie Dye Diva pattern; the first being the Ruffled Nappy Cover and once again, I am impressed with the attention to detail.

The PDF pattern is easily pieced together, thanks to the test asterisks, used to align both the width and lengths of each piece of paper. With my printer, I actually needed to leave a small gap widthwise between the pieces of paper. The asterisks make for a garment that turns out to be the intended size.


There are several options included in the pattern. I chose to go with rolled hems and shirred elastic for the sleeves and neckline. Shirring is so, so easy to do and produces such a light and pretty finish.

As I was sewing at the very last minute, I omitted the ruffled hem at the bottom. Again, I've just gone with a rolled hem. Next time and there will be a next time, I'll include the ruffle. I think this is a pattern I will keep coming back to, especially as there's a long sleeve option as well.

Jen, from Tie Dye Diva, says the pattern is suitable for beginners and I would agree. It fits ages 2 through to 10 years of age. The pattern can be purchased here and here. (No, I'm not being sponsored.)


I have no idea what type of fabric I've used. It's a fabric I had in my stash and I'm guessing it's a very light weight cotton. As usual, when I purchased it, I had no idea what it would end up as. I'm hoping I can find the same fabric again, as my daughter would now like a peasant blouse in exactly the same fabric. So that means I need a ladies peasant blouse pattern. Leave me a comment if you know a good pattern.

You'll have to wait a little longer, to see a full picture of the skirt. It's the Peggy Skirt, by Ros, from Sew Delicious. The skirt was the third garment in the photo shoot that day. The light was fading and the photos taken, just don't do the skirt justice.


I had to show you the photo above of the Boo! Pinny and the Peasant Blouse in action. Little Miss got up before anyone else and dressed herself, ready for a birthday party. As it's the middle of Winter here, she's layered a pink long sleeved t-shirt underneath the peasant blouse and co-ordinated them with the pink leggings and boots. And I'm sure you can guess what the stick in her hand is. Yes, it's her wand! I love it!!!

I'll be adding the peasant blouse to the Tops and Shirts for Children collection, here at Threading My Way.

... Pam

Monday 29 July 2013

Blue and Green Should Never Be Seen...



Blue and green should never be seen, without another colour in between, or so we were told when we were young. Well, I think I'm safe, as there's lots of white in amongst the blues and greens.

Saturday 27 July 2013

Threading Your Way ~ Features...

This week's features...

An awesome cushion, added to the Cushions and Pillows link party. Love this fabric!

Mini Adventure by Chrissie, from made by ChrissieD

Friday 26 July 2013

Small Lined Drawstring Bag Tutorial...

Drawstring Bag TUTORIAL... This tutorial shows how to make a small, lined, drawstring bag, just the perfect size for gifting a bar of soap ~ Threading My Way


Today's tutorial shows how to make a small, lined drawstring bag; one that's just the right size for gifting a bar of soap. Of course, it could be used for any number of purposes, as well as gift wrapping... jewellery storage when travelling, a makeup bag or even somewhere to keep sewing bits and pieces.

Wednesday 24 July 2013

Mud Puddle Splashers...


The Mud Puddle Splashers are my favourite shorts pattern for boys. Most importantly, the shorts are always a good fit and they look great on. The PDF pattern pieces together easily and the instructions are easy to follow.

Monday 22 July 2013

Design Your Own Pinny...


I first came across Boo! Designs a couple of years ago, when I saw some stunning appliquéd dresses on Facebook. What I really liked, was the striking combination of fabrics. This girl knew how to make a dress stand out from the crowd!!!

Pattern Revolution and Boo! Designs have teamed together together this month, to present the Design Your Own Pinny Challenge. Having seen Kristie's dresses, I had to check out the pattern. The Design Your Own Pinny PDF pattern was on sale and I'm always up for a challenge, so I've made a pinny.

Sunday 21 July 2013

Threading Your Way ~ Sewing Spaces ~ Link Party

Welcome to the thirty seventh edition of Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way. Each ongoing, themed link party is steadily growing into a resource full of ideas and inspiration.
    Remember, these linkys are ongoing, so you can continue to add projects throughout the year. Add as many projects as you would like.


    Add photos of YOUR Sewing Space ~ Ongoing Link Party @ Threading My Way

    Our thirty seventh linky is  Sewing Spaces... Show us where you sew. Now this is not meant to be a competition nor a mine is bigger / better than yours. Show us the ideas that make your sewing space work for you. If you sew on the dining room table, or in a very small space, then chances are that you have found some ingenious ways to make a small or multi-purpose space work. Those ideas will help others.

    If you are lucky enough to have a whole room devoted to sewing, show us how you keep things organised. You're bound to have ideas that can be implemented on a smaller scale. Whether the space is big or small, storage will be a key component.

    Saturday 20 July 2013

    Threading Your Way ~ Features...

    This week's features...

    Two super cute softies, added to the Softies, Dolls & Toys link party. Kristy has shared this free tutorial, in the hopes that in addition to personal use, it will be used to create toys for donation to children in need, either through the FLUFF Project or other avenues you are aware of in your local community.

    Whaley & Starla ~ Tutorial by Kristy, from Hopeful Threads

    Friday 19 July 2013

    Replying to Comments on Your Blog...



    Don't worry. This is NOT another... Woe is me, I can't cope because you are a No Reply blogger... post. In fact, it's nothing to do with being a No Reply bloggerI'm just curious as to how you check for replies to comments you've left on other people's blogs and am showing you the options open to you, as regards replying to comments left on your own blog.

    I comment on a lot of blog posts and like most people, I like to have those comments acknowledged. How do I know that a blogger has replied to my comment? Two ways...
    • An email reply.
    • A comment left under my comment on the original blog post.

    Now, I'm not very good at going back to check to see if each blogger has left a reply to my comment. There are two reasons for this: I forget and lack of time. If I remembered to go back and check, how often would I need to check before (and if) a reply was left... daily, weekly? Everyone blogs with different frequencies.

    Yes, I know I could subscribe by email to that post. Here's what that looks like on my blog.

    Wednesday 17 July 2013

    Ten Fabulous Dress Tutorials for Girls...

    Our ONGOING Dresses for Girls Link Party now has over 300 dresses added. Today, I'm showcasing Ten Girls' Dress Tutorials from the collection. Each detailed tutorial contains step by step instructions and lots of photos.

    Twirly Lace Dress Tutorial by Lindsay, from PA Country Crafts

    Monday 15 July 2013

    Flannelette Pillowcase...


    Another pillowcase, but this time for a family member. I was lucky enough to score this soft flannelette on sale some time ago. What I found unusual, was that the fabric was made exclusively for Jo-Ann fabric and craft stores, yet here it was on sale in a quilting shop in Australia.

    Saturday 13 July 2013

    Threading Your Way ~ Features...

    This week's features...

    A fabulous dress, added to the Dresses for Women link party. Love the fabric!!!

    Ottobre's Cordelia Cotton Dress by Shirley, from Sewing by Shirley

    Do You Need an Overlocker...


    I purchased my overlocker (serger), when my kids were little; a Janome MyLock 203. It wasn't an expensive overlocker, but nor was it cheap. However, it was well worth the money. Back in those days, I did a lot of stretch sewing and so the overlocker was invaluable.

    Tuesday 9 July 2013

    Pillowcases for Oncology Kids...


    It's Week 2 of Skirting the Issue; sewing pillowcases for the charity of your choice. It's easy to make a pillowcase and doesn't take much time at all. I made these 5 pillowcases in a night.

    Monday 8 July 2013

    Making an Outfit More Girlie...


    I cannot wear those. They are not for girls. They are boys' pants!!!

    How to make an outfit more girlie. Head on over to The House of Estrela, to see my latest refashion.

    ... Pam

    Saturday 6 July 2013

    Threading Your Way ~ Features...

    I've been a bit quiet on the blog this week, but I've been doing lots of sewing in the background and I've been playing with a new toy. No, not a sewing machine; a new Apple iMac... lucky me!!!

    This week's features...

    An awesome iPad sleeve, added to the Denim Refashioning link party...

    Upcycled Blue Jeans iPad Sleeve by Gina, from Gina's Crafty Corner

    Tuesday 2 July 2013

    Bits and Pieces...

    Just a quick heads up on some happenings in July...

    When Magda invited me to be part of The House of Estrela Refashion Month, I didn't hesitate. A whole month of refashioning with 20+ guest bloggers... count me in!!!
    Simple Simon and CoThe girls over at Simple Simon and Company, are once again running Skirting the Issue, but this year it's not just about skirts. I'm aiming to make some pillowcases and maybe a couple of skirts.
    I missed out on the Triple Zip Pouch sew along, when it was on, but have had it on my To Do list after seeing pouches popping up everywhere. Via Erin, I've just heard about a Triple Zip Pouch swap and have signed up.
    Every month, Kristy, from Hopeful Threads, organises a sew along to help a community group. This month's project is making aprons for Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients.
    http://swimbikequilt.com/2013/07/100-quilts-for-kids-charity-quilt-drive-starts-today.htmlThe annual 100 Quilts for Kids charity drive, runs from 1st July to 30th September and is organised by Swim Bike Quilt.

    ... Pam