Making gifts

Close-up of the weather textile hanger.

As in other years, this year I am trying to make as many gifts as I can for birthdays… especially those school related birthday parties.

Those fun little 2 hours of celebration can really add up!

My 8 year old has picked up the making gifts bug and so together we pulled together this gift for a ‘Weather Party’……. I kid you not! That was the theme.

She didn’t do it all. Chain stitch was too hard and blanket stitch was too slow…. so I did those. I also helped out by threading the needle and ‘finishing it’ when she got tired.

She drew it out on paper first and I did the cutting out. She selected all of the buttons and enjoyed finding the right colours to make up the rainbow.

We had everything we needed right in the cupboard! I love that.

Do you recognise the spotty blue fabric?

Along with the textile hanger she put together an activity book of crosswords, colouring in, find a word and dot to dot….. all related to the weather…..and covered it with the cloud  fabric used for the background here.

What the hanging needlework might look like in a bedroom.

Her friend Kristabella really loved it.

Have any of you made simple gifts for your kids to give to their friends? I would love to hear your ideas.

Bliss Bomb: The Little Pink Owl. ( Read carefully…… give-away time)

The Little Pink Owl

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hd: Tell us a little about yourself….

lk: My name is Lynne Keasey and I am 39. I am married with a wonderful husband and have 4 amazing children ranging in ages from 6-20 years of age. I live in Mailtand, NSW. I have always loved being creative and enjoy making things for people and seeing there smiling faces when they see them. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading (when I get a chance), watching movies with my husband and generally just enjoying life.

Asian Dolly by The Little Pink Owl.

Dolly by The Little Pink Owl.

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hd: Sounds idyllic…..What did you think you would be doing when you were in school? 

lk: I had many things I thought I would like to do when I was at school. A kindergarten teacher, a hairdresser, a dancer, a truck driver (I know that sounds strange but I thought a pink truck would be cool- it only lasted a little while that one.) and a MUM.

hd: Well, it looks like you are doing some of that, so how did you get  to this creative point in your life?

lk: I have always loved creating things- I started with scrap booking and then my husband bought me a sewing machine a year ago and I started tinkering around with it and loved it. I found that when I made things people loved them and so I thought maybe it might be something I should go into. My husband and I have a cleaning business as a primary source of income but craft has always been my passion. Once people started showing interest in my creations I thought it would be great to follow that and see where it could take me. It has been a fun journey so far and it is only growing more and more each day.

My husband has been a great support just as my children have which I think is amazing that they allow me to follow my dreams and have it bring me such happiness.

Zebra Softie by The Little Pink Owl.

Panda by The Little Pink Owl.

 ……………………………………………..hd: Tell us a bit about what you create….

lk: I have many things that I make currently. I make animal softies and dolls that are from the “Dolls and Daydreams” patterns. I make owl softies in different sizes and patterns that we came up with. I do hair accessories, scrabble tile necklaces and bottlecap pendants, button bracelets, fabric covered earrings, beanies and scarves for winter.

Fox Softie by The Little Pink Owl.

Meercat by The Little Pink Owl.

 ……………………………………………….hd: And such a gorgeous range of things. I love that. Have you always loved making things? 

lk: I have always enjoyed making things. My mother is very creative and clever with sewing and things and I guess I have followed her somewhat. I love having a go at many different things and trying to learn new crafts all the time. Essentially I have only being sewing for the last year and I love it. I remembered how to thread the machine from high school when I did Textiles and design in year 10. My Mum taught me to knit when I was about 16years old and I love to do it as it relaxes me.

I started back to craft one day when cleaning out my daughters closet and found a little pair of shorts and thought I could make her a bag out of them and recycle them. Then I made a bag out of them and decided maybe I could make more and sell them and it just went from there. I never did follow through with the bags yet as I ended up making other things but that is where it started I guess.

Scrabble Tile Necklaces by The Little Pink Owl.

Rudolf the Reindeer necklace by The Little Pink Owl.

Little Black Bird Necklace by The Little Pink Owl.

hd: You heard it here people, upcycling can do great things for your creativity. What did that first sale feel like?

lk: My first sale was so exciting it was to someone who I have admired on facebook for a long time and she happened to be at my first markets and bought the first item.  I have since built a great relationship with her and she is very supportive of me and what I do and she now sells my toys on her website, Sweet Little Birdy. I also love when people walk past my stall and smile and get such enjoyment from what I make, it brings me such joy.

My Favourite! Lamb by The Little Pink Owl.

hd: It sounds like it has been a whirlwind success. What would you like to offer the  ’Friends of harrysdesk’? 

lk: I would like to offer 2 deals for your readers.

If your readers go to my facebook page and like it and say they came from “Harry’s desk” and write the animal softie that they like. I will at the end of the time frame draw their name out and whoever is picked will get that softie free and posted to them free of charge. They must say they are from you though as it is only for your readers this offer. This chance to win will finish on the 10th of December, 2011 at 8:00pm EST.

* Small Print: If you are an overseas reader you are welcome to join in but the additional postage will need to be paid by the winner! 

hd: Yes you read right. You could win a softie from The Little Pink Owl. Awesome….. and your offering somethings else? 

 Yes, I will offer a $5 discount on any animal softie that they like, so instead of it costing them $35 they will only pay $30 plus the postage (from $6:60 ) This is only on the animal softies that are in the folder on my facebook page named animal softies. (It will not include the reindeer or skeleton)

hd: Thanks so much Lynne.

You can also visit Lynne’s MadeIt Store (if you are not on facebook)….. and come back here and leave a comment saying that you have done this.

A very cute end of holiday project…… the snuggly owl.

How cute is this! Image from Sewing Republic.

This is such a cute little project.

PDF of pattern pieces and tutorial can be found here.

It would look great made from reclaimed materials too!

I make stuff UP: skirt and top

Skirt and top upcycled from a dress.

I began making this skirt and top for someone else, but once I asked 4 year old to try it on to see how the size was ….. I couldn’t part with it.

Navy really is great on her.

The long sleeve t-shirt is made from a new t-shirt (k-mart on sale) and different bits and pieces from my stash. A lace doily, buttons and embroidery thread.

It’s a great little style for this age. Comfy and practical to wear all day, but looks really special.

I am loving the converted shirt and dress into this skirt and top style.

Here is another made last year for 10 year old.

Must write a tutorial for it soon so you can all share the love.

Singing in her new outfit.

Top detail.

Skirt detail. Pocket made from sleeve and shoulder of dress.

Bliss Bomb: Quinn Emery of The Joyful Owl

Quinn Emery of The Joyful Owl

Interview:

hd: Tell us a little about yourself….

qe: I’m 15, homeschooled, and love owls.  I am a great sister (I think so!) to 2 brothers and 2 sisters; I’m the oldest.

hd: Usually I ask people what they thought they would be doing when they finished school,  but your still in school…. so what do you want to do when you finish?

qe: I want to go to art school and major in textile arts and also learn graphic design.  I’d love to have a fabric line…basically be Anna Maria Horner (annamariahorner.blogspot.com)

hd:She does beautiful work! Give us an idea of the happenings that have bought you to this point.

qe: Well, I love to sew.  I am always looking for a way to make a buck, so this was a way to do what I love…while making money.

hd:Tell us a bit about your product…

qe:  

I make little owls that are perfect for hanging on a purse or as an ornament.

 

hd: Have you always liked owl? What is it about them that have you intrigued?

qe: No, I haven’t always loved owls.  I started liking them about 2 years ago when I started seeing them all over!  I love their wings…I think that is my favorite part on the real ones.

hd:  

What did that first sale feel like?

qe:

It was wonderful.  Even if it was to someone  I knew, it felt great to sell something of mine!  That now, they have bought something of mine and it’s in their house!!!!

 

hd: As my youngest ever ‘Friends of harrysdesk’ bliss-bombs, what are you offering us?

qe: Well, for harrysdesk readers, I am offering the special buy 2 owls, get 20% off.  This is a great deal, and my owls will make a wonderful Christmas present for yourself or someone you know.

hd: Quinn blogs at The Joyful Owl.Go there to purchase your very special one of a kind owl for the tree.

*Upcycled Cape Tutorial…. the applique

Starting with the basic or collared cape.... we then....

1. Draw the outline of the shape wanted you want to applique. If it is a symmetrical motif, fold in half and cut it out making it even on both sides.

We were after a 'Mickey Mouse-esque' devil face outline.

2. place it on your fabric and cut out. Remember to leave about 1 to 1 1/2 cm seam allowance.

You should end up with something that looks like this.

2. Decide where you want your reverse applique to be. I choose the centre back because the original bathrobe was monogrammed and I wanted to get rid of it. (I could have done a normal applique, but because this cape was made for the stage, and the monogramming was white, I was concerned that under the stage lights it would still be visible.)

4.With the right side of the applique piece against the wrong side of the cape...(read carefully) pin in place.

5. With a straight stitch, sew around the shape at 1-11 /2 cm from the edge. Go around the shape 2-3 times. Do not worry if your stitching line isn't exactly on top of each other. It does not matter!

 

It should look like this from the inside of the cape.

5. Turn the cape to the right side. Make a small nick in the cape fabric within the outline that you have sewn. Be very careful to only cut the cape fabric (red) and not your motif fabric (black).

6. Make a cut out toward the edge of the outline.

7. Cut as close as you can, without cutting the stitching, around the shape until the whole piece can be removed.

.... and whoa-la a devil cape complete with collar and devil motif. Total cost $3 for the bathrobe.

*Please note: This cape/cloak is made for the stage and for older children. If you are making this as a dress-up for toddlers the tie at the neck may result in choking when playing around the house and on play equipment. I guess that’s why in ‘The Incredibles’ the designer says “NO CAPES”

I make stuff UP

Black heavy duty leather , fully lined bag upcycled using white navy and royal blue ties, tags and buttons. $75

This is the latest installment in the ‘I make stuff UP’ extension of the harrysdesk label. I hope to be exploring this idea more in the new year with more bags and some clothing.

The ideas is basically that I use a close to new , and prematurely disposed of  item and  refashion it in the harrysdesk style. Here is one I made UP earlier in the year with a fabric remnant and some buttons.

I know lots of you love the leather bag… so this is a way that you can have both. The cost is also reduced as I don’t have to spend time doing the structure side of things.

Like the Purple Wheaton I showed you a couple of weeks ago, I have photographed it  for etsy listing, but thought I would give harrysdesk readers first dibs.

If you think it needs to be part of your wardrobe, or it’s the perfect gift for someone on your Christmas list… let me know.

Leave a comment or email me via the contact page, and I will get it to you as soon as I can.

Here are some more pictures.

Far shot.

The photo pocket on the padded strap.

Rosettes, buttons, hand-stitching, yo-yos and more.

Lots of new listings on Etsy… have a peek!

My etsy shop is full to the brim with Christmas gift ideas. Click on the owl below to have a look!

School Fete Making: Part 3

 

Pillowcase dress. Thanks Sarah for the pillowcase and Laura for the ribbon.

 

Bunting.... Fabric me, bias binding Laura, overlocker Beth.

More bunting... fabric Belinda, bias binding me and overlocking Beth.

 

Ours don't look like this yet... but they will! Pellets made.... just need some sun to dry them. This photo is from Martha Stewart website.

Winners!!

PDF owl tutorial $4

Thanks to everyone who entered.

I will send the winners an email soon to work out how to deliver your goodies.

… and the winners are ….

• PDF harrysdesk owl tutorials: Dearkeesha, Ali, and Alessandra
• tutorials with pieces: Catherine and Theresa
• wobbly owl t-shirt: Quinn

Owl tutorials with all the pieces you need to make your first one. $8

Extremely wobbly owl t-shirts $44

Congratulations everyone!

I will email everyone later today about there prize.

If you didn’t win, but you would still like a tutorial, a piece pack or a t-shirt, you can find them all at my etsy store.