Ice Cream Social Winner!

I used the random integer thingy to choose a winner (out of sheer laziness, of course! I could not be bothered writing out all 21 names!).

So, the first winner chosen was number 4 - Karen! Except, Karen doesn't have a child who could wear the blouse, so I'll send something else to you Karen!

Second time lucky was number 21 - Judy! Unfortunately I have no way of contacting Judy, so if i can't hunt her down in the next week I'll have to do a redraw :)


Speaking of giveaways, I recently won these patterns from Louise. She even hand delivered them - thanks Louise! If I wasn't feeling so shite with a bad case of man-flu at the moment, I would be whipping up a little parterre quilt tomorrow for a baby boy who recently joined the extended family. Instead, I'll be groaning on the couch hoping for a miracle cure.

Karen and Judy - email me your details!

Japan

My sister and I are heading to Japan in October. We are on the verge of booking our tickets and accommodation - but we need your help!

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Have you been to Japan?

Have you heard great things about it?

Do you have some invaluable tips for us about traveling in Japan?

What are the must-see destinations?

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We'll be in Japan for two weeks at the end of October.

I look forward to reading your tips!

Perle 8 thread

15 balls of Perle 8 thread found in an op shop this afternoon.
Displayed on a spool holder found in the same store nearly 2 years ago.

Stars and Stripes

Some more quilting bee blocks for the month of July. This time, scrappy stars for Nova from the Australasian Bee:

nova #1

nova #2

nova #3

nova #4

And stripes for Andi from The Beehive.

andi #1-#6

These blocks were all so easy to do! As long as you are prepared (ie fabrics cut to size, iron at the ready), it's just as easy to make a couple as it is to make 4 or 6.


PS: don't forget to enter my giveaway for an Ice Cream Blouse (size 2T). Go enter here. Ends Monday 19th July

The Ice Cream Social (and a giveaway!)

Have you heard about the Ice Cream Social? It's basically a virtual sew-along of an oliver + s dress pattern called the Ice Cream Dress. It's co-hosted by Amy and Kate, the sew-along is starting soon, so if you want to play along, join up here.

Because I couldn't wait til July 18th, I've already made a start. This blouse (view C) is made in a size 2T using Kona snow for the yoke, and a deconstructed op-shopped skirt for the body.

It's modeled below by my petite 3 year old friend (her chest measures 52cm). I'd definitely go up to a size 3 if making one for her.

And of course, because it is winter here in Melbourne, she has had to model the top with a long sleever underneath.

The pattern was pretty easy to make. I'm not usually one for following a pattern properly (I like to make modifications), but I pretty much followed the instructions, for the sake of the sew-along. Next time, though, I'll be tweaking the pattern pieces a little here and there.

Overall, I'm happy with the garment, and would love to give it away!

If you'd like a chance to win this sweet blouse, please let me know in the comments who you'd give the blouse to. I'm happy to post internationally, so everyone is welcome to comment.

I'll randomly draw the winners name one week from today, at midday (Melbourne time) on Monday July 19th.

Good luck to all!

A Single Girl...

...for a single lady. I'm doing a bit of an informal sew-along with Nova. She's already started, I've just tagged along for the ride (and for the motivation!)

Done!

I love a quick knit!

And the boy is very happy with them too.

Fingerless Mitts...

... for the boychild who admired his Aunt's splendidly soft pair.

Knit on ridiculously small Japanese circular needles.

Pattern found here (look in the sidebar for sucky thumb mitts).

The yarn is a mystery ball from the stash, chosen by the boy.

PS If anyone wins this Medina night out and is looking for someone to join them, I'm free!