Threading My Way

Typography Challenge...

2012-02-23T22:29:00.002+11:00

Once again I'm joining in with Rikka and Keren, from Ricochet and Away and Sew la Vie!, for their next challenge...

PROJECT: Home decor... curtains, wall art, bedding, place mats, etcTHE KICKER: Use letters/numbers/symbols in your designWHEN CAN YOU ENTER: Now through March 31st, 2012
I've been toying with ideas for my entry. As usual, I'll probably change my mind a hundred times before I settle on the final project. But, hey, that's half the fun!
My first thought was to make a magnetic board and some fabric letters like these or these. This is a fun way to get children interested in letters and words, especially their names.
Then I saw this beautiful embroidery, by Amy from A Home, Made. I learnt to embroider when I was at school, but haven't done any since then. I could relearn some embroidery stitches and make a wall hanging. Hmmmm... what words would I like hung on my wall? love, fun, laughter.....
Or perhaps I might use some wire to make the words Threading My Way and wrap them in fabric, like Nova from A Cuppa and a Catchup. The fabric wrapped wire that Nova made is so cool.
Kristin, from Pritty Tings, wrote a fabulous tutorial on screen printing Cookie Monster onto a t-shirt. Many years ago I did some silk screen printing and really enjoyed it. Perhaps I could use this technique to print words onto a wall hanging.
Or, what about an appliquéd cushion. Check out these awesome cushions made by Erin, from Missy Mac Creations. I could appliqué a child's name onto a cushion.
Or perhaps I could create a collage of fabric letters on a canvas, or perhaps...
The challenge runs until the end of March, so there's plenty of time for me to make up my mind. Would you like to join me in the challenge? Head on over to the challenge home page to find out more details. Or have a look at the Typography Inspiration board over on Pinterest.

Linking up with Rebecca, from Making Rebecca Lynn, for Think Tank Thursday.

... Pam

Topkids..

2012-02-21T22:38:00.002+11:00

Look what arrived in the mail yesterday...

... two copies of Topkids Magazine sent by my blogging friend, Christie, from Joyfoolery. The magazine on the left is from the late 90s and I'm guessing the right hand one is from the early 80s. I used Topkids during the 80s, to sew clothes for my children.

Unfortunately, I gave my old Topkids magazines away several years ago, along with ALL of my sewing patterns, knitting patterns, crochet patterns, knitting needles, crocheting hooks, fabric and wool. I had quite a stash which I gave away to Opportunity Shops.

Growing up, my mother made all of our clothes and her sister, a dressmaker, made us a special outfit every birthday and Christmas. Here's me as a child. I can still remember some of those outfits and how special I felt wearing them: the blue shorts with the striped top and the green tartan skirt and jacket.

We were well dressed, but in my teens, all I wanted was store bought clothes. I can remember shopping for my high school uniform, Mum with her tape measure in hand. She would take measurements of the uniform in the shop and then go home and whip one up. Somehow, I felt my uniform was different, although, when I look at photos, I can't for the life of me see how it was different, except that it didn't have a label in the back. It's hard to see the detail, but the blouse in the photo below on the left, has rows of pin tucks. It's beautifully sewn.

In my late teens and until I began work in my twenties, I took over the sewing of my clothes. Except for jeans, I sewed everything I owned. In the main I enjoyed it. Here's my wedding dress that I sewed. My aunty, the dressmaker, made my bridesmaids' dresses and offered to do mine, but I wanted to make my wedding dress myself. This is the best photo that shows any detail. It's hard to see, but the sheer fabric had blue and pink flowers on it.

When I began work, I started to buy store bought clothes. In fact, most of my clothes were store bought at that time. I could afford store bought and so I spent my money on them, as it was something I'd always wanted. Years later, when I became pregnant, I refused to pay the exorbitant amounts that the stores were asking for maternity clothes and out came my machine again. Mainly out of necessity, I continued to sew until our children were almost teenagers and I also sewed a lot for school fetes. When the kids were little, almost all their clothes were handmade.

As time went on, the kids in turn wanted store bought clothes and we were able to afford them. I became very busy with full time work, bringing up children and other interests took over. I no longer had to sew. Sewing became a thing of the past. My machine only came out for alterations and my sewing and knitting supplies were carefully packed away.

Over the years, I had accumulated a LOT of patterns, fabric and wool. In recent years, I decided that my stash would have to go, as I needed the room to store other things. My sewing days were over, so there was no point keeping things I would never use again. And so, I donated EVERYTHING from my stash, to an Opportunity shop.

Last year, in retirement, I started sewing again. This time round, there is no pressure to sew. I sew what I want, when I want and I am LOVING it. I do, however, regret giving all my patterns and fabric away, but that's life and others will have benefitted from my old stash. Even though I am building up my stash of patterns again, I can sometimes be heard to say, I wish I hadn't given away......

I was so excited to receive the Topkids magazines from Christie!!! Flipping through the magazines, brought back happy memories of clothes I had made for my children in the 80s. Have a look at these fabulous outfits...

I am really looking forward to sewing up some of these outfits!!! Thanks so much, Christie!!! They will be well used.

I know Easter is still several weeks away, but if you want to make an Easter basket for your children, head on over to Christie's blog for her free tutorial on making an awesome Easter Bunny Ears Basket. It even has ears that are bendable. I love it!!!

... Pam

Don't forget to check out our ongoing themed link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way.

Project Recycle ~ Week 3 Entry...

2012-02-20T19:14:00.000+11:00

Voting is over for Round 3 of Project Recycle, so now I can show you my entry. The brief was to make something from t-shirts.

Week 3 ~ Project Recycle...

I began with this pile of old t-shirts, but ended up not using the yellow t-shirt. All three garments I used had been women's t-shirts.

First up was to alter the neck line to suit a little girl.

Secondly, the t-shirt needed to be recut to a much smaller size. I used a child's t-shirt as a guide.

Cut off the sleeves.
Cut new armholes.
Take width from the sides.
Shorten the sleeves.
Reattach the new sleeves.
Finish the bottom of the sleeve with a band.

I used this pattern as a size guide for cutting the strips for the skirt. I tried attaching a strip at the bottom, as in the pattern, but it didn't work. I used yellow for the strip and as the colours didn't work together, I unpicked the bottom strip. Unpicking a thread on stretch fabric is not fun! As I didn't have any t-shirts in a suitable colour, I decided to make the outfit without the strip at the bottom, making it a top rather than a dress.

Gathering and attaching the skirt, should have been a quick process, but in reality it wasn't. The floral t-shirt and the green t-shirt were made from different types of stretch fabric. I think you would call the floral one a jersey. The green fabric was much thicker. Getting the gathers even was not easy, however, in the end it all turned out fine.

Join the eight strips to form the skirt.
Hem.
Gather the top of the skirt.
Attach to the black t-shirt.

And to finish off, I used a black tie that was originally on the floral t-shirt. I used this tutorial to make the fabric flower. Originally, I wasn't happy with the flower, as it turned out much larger and bulkier than the original, because I had made it from t-shirting, rather than a cotton fabric. However, when I added the extra green circle, plus the large button, it worked well and I think suits the style of top.

Make a fabric flower.
Sew it to the black tie.
Make tabs to hold the belt.

front view...

back view...

There you have it, three old t-shirts turned into a little girl's top, ready to be worn with a pair of black leggings. Funnily enough, it also looks good with a pair of blue denim jeans worn underneath.

Voting has begun for Round Four and I've made it through. Again, I can't tell you which one is mine. Head on over, take a look and vote for your favourite.

... Pam

Don't forget to check out our ongoing themed link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way.

Threading Your Way ~ Aprons and Art Smocks ~ Link Party

2012-02-19T00:45:00.001+11:00

Welcome to the eighth edition of Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way ...

... a new link list each week that will build into a resource of sewing ideas, tutorials, pattern reviews and pictures. Each list is an ongoing linky where you can link up as many projects as you like throughout the year.

Our first seven linkys have been a great success, with such a wide variety of projects shared;: tutorials, pattern reviews, tips, hints and lots of photos full of ideas and inspiration. Our Bags and Totes linky has been the most popular so far, with 122 entries at last count, followed by 75 entries in the Girls' Dresses linky.

Remember, these linkys are ongoing, so you can continue to add projects throughout the year. Add as many projects as you would like.

Our eighth linky for 2012 is everything Aprons and Art Smocks, made by YOU. Link up anything that is a cover all of some sort, like an apron or an art smock. You can also link up aprons to hold things, such as peg aprons or tool belts.

Aprons and Art Smocks
Link up any posts that you have written on Aprons or Art Smocks. Your posts might (but don't have to) include any of the following:

how you made it
tutorials
photos
pattern reviews
tips for making
what you learnt

As long as YOU have made it, link it up and show it off. Link up as many posts on Aprons and Art Smocks, as you would like. Come back through the year and add more.

Rules for linking up:

Each post needs to be about an apron or art smock that you have made.
Link to a specific post (not the home page of your blog).
No direct links to shops or giveaways.

The fine print:

By linking up, you are giving me permission to use one of your photos in a feature. I will, of course, link back to your post, giving you full credit.

If you'd like:

Subscribe to Threading My Way (GFC, RSS, Linky Followers), to keep up to date, to see if you've been featured and to know when the next themed party starts.
Grab a button to spread the word about Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way and put it somewhere on your blog.
Visit some of the other links. Everyone loves comments.

I look forward to seeing your aprons and smocks...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Next week's linky will be Purses, Clutches and Pouches...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

... Pam

Pin It

Threading Your Way ~ Features

2012-02-19T00:03:00.000+11:00

I always find it harder to sew for boys than for girls, so it's been great to read through all the posts linked to the Boys' Clothes Link Party. You've given me lots of ideas!!! Don't forget, this is an ONGOING linky which will remain open all year. So, if you do make some clothes for boys, add them. We'd love to have a look.

And now, onto some features...

Rhino Appliqué...	Kids Camo Pants...
Overalls Tutorial...	Red Tartan Blazer...
Cool Cords...	Robot Appliqué...
Pillowcase Dress...	Goldfish Tote...

According to Mr Linky, the most viewed clothes for boys were:

Rhino Appliqué by Heather, from Sew Easy Being Green
Kids Camo Pants by Rachel, from Adventures of a DIY Mum
Overalls Tutorial by Heather, from Sew Easy Being Green

Some more which also caught my eye:

Red Tartan Blazer by Max, from Max California
Cood Cords by Kristy, from Hopeful Threads
Robot Appliqué by Trina, from Craft Anyway

A fabulous new dress added:

Pillowcase Dress, by Jackie, from Fred and Cissy

And an awesome bag:

Goldfish Tote, by Kristin, from Pretty Tings

Head on over and visit these talented ladies.

Each week, I will place a blog button, belonging to the blog which was most viewed, in my sidebar. This week, the most viewed link was Rhino Appliqué. Heather, look out for your blog button in my sidebar.

Feel free to grab a button if you've been featured...

You can find the Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Remember, all of our link parties are ongoing. You can add projects at any time.

A new party for Aprons and Art Shirts begins tomorrow.

I look forward to seeing more of your creativity...

... Pam

Project Recycle ~ Week 2 Entry...

2012-02-13T19:26:00.002+11:00

Voting is over for Round 2 of Project Recycle, so now I can show you my entry.

Week 2 ~ Project Recycle...

The Round Two project was to take a shirt and turn it into something else. I've used a woman's shirt and turned it into a little girl's dress, complete with flower headband. Just as well my photography skills are not up for voting. The photos were taken on different days under different lighting conditions.

First step was to take off the sleeves and reshape the armholes to fit a much smaller arm. I finished the armholes with some bias I made from purple and white polka dot fabric I had in my stash.

The neckline on the original shirt was way too low for a little girl. To overcome this, I made a gathered insert and hand stitched in place.

The shirt was the perfect length for a dress, but too wide. To take width off the top, I unpicked the bodice and side seams, took out the gathering for the bust, cut off fabric at the side and restitched. I added a belt and tabs on the waistline.

To complete the outfit, I've made a little flower headband, using offcuts and a button from the sleeve, as well as the purple polka dot and elastic from my stash.

The old shirt is now a cute, little girl's dress and headband. All that remains of the original is one sleeve and the band from the second sleeve, both added to my stash for another day...

Before and after...

Voting has begun for Round Three and I've made it through. Again, I can't tell you which one is mine. Head on over, take a look and vote for your favourite.

... Pam

Don't forget to check out our ongoing themed link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way.

Threading Your Way ~ Skirts for Girls ~ Link Party

2012-02-11T22:30:00.001+11:00

Welcome to the seventh edition of Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way ...

... a new link list each week that will build into a resource of sewing ideas, tutorials, pattern reviews and pictures. Each list is an ongoing linky where you can link up as many projects as you like throughout the year.

Our first six linkys have been a great success, with such a wide variety of projects shared;: tutorials, pattern reviews, tips, hints and lots of photos full of ideas and inspiration. Our Bags and Totes linky has been the most popular so far, with 119 entries at last count, followed by 69 entries in the Girls' Dresses linky.

Remember, these linkys are ongoing, so you can continue to add projects throughout the year. Add as many projects as you would like.

Our seventh linky for 2012 is everything Girls' Skirts, made by YOU. Skirts are such a quick and easy project. I love making them!

Girls' Skirts
Link up any posts that you have written on Skirts for Girls. Your posts might (but don't have to) include any of the following:

how you made it
tutorials
photos
pattern reviews
tips for making
what you learnt

As long as YOU have made it, link it up and show it off. Link up as many posts on Girls' Skirts, as you would like. Come back through the year and add more.

Rules for linking up:

Each post needs to be about a girl's skirt that you have made.
Link to a specific post (not the home page of your blog).
No direct links to shops or giveaways.

The fine print:

By linking up, you are giving me permission to use one of your photos in a feature. I will, of course, link back to your post, giving you full credit.

If you'd like:

Subscribe to Threading My Way (GFC, RSS), to keep up to date, to see if you've been featured and to know when the next themed party starts.
Grab a button to spread the word about Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way and put it somewhere on your blog.
Visit some of the other links. Everyone loves comments.

I look forward to seeing your girls' skirts...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Next week's linky will be Aprons...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

... Pam

Pin It

Threading Your Way ~ Features

2012-02-11T18:38:00.000+11:00

WOW!!! 47 awesome pillows and cushions linked up to our Pillows and Cushions Link Party. So many fabulous, creative ideas!!! Don't forget, this is an ONGOING linky which will remain open all year. So, if you do make some pillows or cushions, add them. We'd love to have a look.

And now, onto some features...

Denim Flower Pillow...	Foxy Cushion Cover...
Sprocket Pillow...	Tractor and Duck...
Train Boy Cushion...	Travelling Dog Pillow...
Smitten Lovebirds Dress...	Fancy Sash Dress...

According to Mr Linky, the most viewed pillows and cushions were:

Denim Flower Pillow by Jessica, from Sewing Our Life Together
Foxy Cushion Cover by Tanya, from Craft Couture by T.C.
Sprocket Pillow by Cass, from Cass Can Sew

Some more which also caught my eye:

Tractor and Duck by Erin, from Missy Mac Creations
Train Boy Cushion by Irina, from Sew and the City
Travelling Dog Pillow by Teje, from Neros Post and Patch

And two awesome new dresses added:

Smitten Lovebirds Dress, by Cheryl, from Sew Can Do
Fancy Sash Dress, by Tara, from True, Pure, Lovely

Head on over and visit these talented ladies.

Each week, I will place a blog button, belonging to the blog which was most viewed, in my sidebar. For the second week in a row, the most viewed link belongs to Jessica, this week with her Denim Flower Pillow. Jessica, I'll leave your blog button in my sidebar.

Feel free to grab a button if you've been featured...

You can find the Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Remember, all of our link parties are ongoing. You can add projects at any time.

A new party for Girls' Skirts begins tomorrow.

I look forward to seeing more of your creativity...

... Pam

How Does Your Blog Look ~ Aligning Buttons

2012-02-09T22:50:00.002+11:00

Most of us place buttons on our blog:

to show that we've been featured
to show what projects we're taking part in
or just because we like something.

What ever the reason, most of these buttons originate from someone else's blog. As intended by the button owner, we copy the button code and put it somewhere on our blog, often into our sidebar.

The button attributes are determined by the code:

alignment
whether it opens in the same or a new window
and sometimes, the size of the button.

What this means for you, is that buttons will probably not line up, they will probably be different sizes and they may or may not open in a new window.

I've previously shown you how to:

Today, I'll show you how to align buttons. Again, the code you copy will determine whether the button aligns to the left or the centre.

I have absolutely no experience with coding. This is what I have learnt by looking at code and experimenting. It is not necessarily the best way to code, just what works for me. As always, back up your work before you experiment with coding. (Copy the code, create a new post and paste the code into the new page. Don't publish the copy.) Here's how I align buttons...

Here is the code for a button with centre alignment:

<center><a border="0" href="http://xyz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src=https://button_location/button.jpg></a></center> OR

<div align="center"><a border="0" href="http://xyz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src=https://button_location/button.jpg></a></div>

And the same button with no alignment, so it will align to the left:

<a border="0" href="http://xyz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src=https://button_location/button.jpg></a>

You can see that all you have to do, is to take out the code in pink above. You must make sure you take out both the beginning and ending code. Usually the code will be <center> ..... </center> or <div align="center"> ..... </div> but occasionally you will see other code. The same will apply, take out the beginning and ending code.

Here are some buttons from my sidebar. I've made sure each button opens in a new window and I've resized them, if necessary so they are all 150px x 150px. This code won't work if you paste it onto your site, as I've shortened the button locations to make it easier to read.

To make the buttons align in the example above, I've taken out any code that determines the alignment. If there is no code to determine alignment, the buttons will align to the left.

If you look at this example above, you will see that the code for each button begins on a new line. If you run the code together, with no spaces in between, the buttons will be in lines, as below.

The first example is how I do my buttons in my sidebar.
The second example is how I do my buttons on my Parties page, except that the buttons on my Parties page are 100px x 100px.

As you can see in the second example, the code gets run together and can be rather hard to read. It is very easy to make a mistake!!! Back up ~ Back up ~ Back up!!! When I started doing my Parties page like this, I copied the html into a new page I created, specifically as a backup. ie; I had a Parties page and a backup Parties page. I made sure that the backup was up to date before I added a new button.

NB: You may notice that I have used two different spellings for the one word... centre and center

In examples of code, I use the spelling ~ center
In text, I use the Australian spelling ~ centre

I hope this is of help if feel you would like to tidy up your buttons.

Edited to add: I've added a second way of coding centre alignment.

... Pam

How Does Your Blog Look ~ Master List

Have you seen our ongoing themed link parties?

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Pin It

Typography Challenge...

2012-02-09T17:59:00.000+11:00

Rikka and Keren, from Ricochet and Away and Sew la Vie!, have announced their next challenge...

PROJECT: Home decor... curtains, wall art, bedding, place mats, etcTHE KICKER: Use letters/numbers/symbols in your designWHEN CAN YOU ENTER: Now through March 31st, 2012
I'm in!!! Want to join me? Head on over to the challenge home page to find out more details.

Have you voted for your favourite purse in the Naughty Notions Challenge? Head on over and cast you vote...

.. Pam

Baby Present...

2012-02-09T11:27:00.000+11:00

I've just put together a package for a new, little baby girl born to a friend. I almost always give a book as part of a baby present. Perhaps it's the teacher in me coming out. What better to package the gift in, than a little bag which can be used later on to carry books.

Add some extra baby goods, pop them all in the bag and the present is ready to give. The little people in our family use these bags for books, shopping and generally carting their things in. Here's a link to the tutorial to make this little bag.

Project Recycle ~ Week 1 Entry...

2012-02-08T19:51:00.003+11:00

Voting is over for the first round of Project Recycle, so now I can show you my entry.

Week 1 ~ Project Recycle...

Here's what I began with:

a black, cotton jacket
an adult's halter neck baby doll top

The adult's baby doll top was easily turned into a shirred dress to fit a child, by cutting off the top of the dress, adding extra shirring, altering the halter neck strap and reattaching as four ties.

The fabric flower was made with a facing from the jacket, left over fabric from the baby doll top and a button from the jacket. The striped edge on the flower, was originally the bias tape on the edge of the facing. A hair clip has been added to the back, so it can be worn either in the hair or attached to either the dress or the bag.

The outer part of the bag was cut from a piece of the jacket which included the pocket. A remnant from another sewing project was used for the lining and the jacket belt became the bag handle.

There you have it, a cute, little outfit, that effectively, cost nothing to make.

The bloomers below were not entered into the competition, but I have made them to go with the outfit. They are made from the same fabric as the lining of the bag.

Voting has begun for Round Two. Again, I can't tell you which one is mine. Head on over, take a look and vote for your favourite.

... Pam

Edited to add: Voting has closed for Round Two. I've made it to Round Three... yayyy!!!!

Don't forget to check out our ongoing themed link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way.

Pin It

How Does Your Blog Look ~ Quick Editing and Pinterest

2012-02-06T12:00:00.002+11:00

If you are like me, you can't live without quick editing on your Blogger blog. If you have quick editing enabled on your blog, you'll see a little pencil at the bottom of each post. Clicking on that pencil enables you to edit that post.

If you don't have quick editing enabled, go to Settings / Basic /

However, a few days ago, I noticed that there were no more pencils at the bottom of each post. Quick editing had disappeared!!! It was a long process to edit a post. I was not a happy little bunny!!!

As I always do in cases such as this, I searched Google. I thought I had found the answer, but it didn't work. Mr TMW found the fix for me. Oh, I came so close: I was using a (.) when I needed to be using a (/).

Google is rolling out a country redirect to its Blogspot pages, starting with Australia, New Zealand and India. What it means for me, is that Blogspot pages I view, are now redirected to an Australian address. eg;
http://blogname.blogspot.com ..... now gets redirected to http://blogname.blogspot.com.au
It doesn't matter where the blogspot blog originates from, if I am reading it in Australia, it will be redirected to the Australian address. It's apparently all to do with content removal for the law in specific countries. I'm guessing that with the blogs I read, there will be no difference to the content. You can read the Google/Blogger FAQs on the topic here.

So, what's this got to do with quick editing? Somehow, quick editing has disappeared along with the new country redirect rollout. To overcome the quick editing problem, I need to alter the country redirect. To do that, add (/ncr) at the end of a blogspot address. Using my address as an example:
http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com ... the actual address
http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com.au ... the redirected address
http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/ncr ... the no country redirect address, which will then appear as...
http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com

Adding /ncr will stop redirection of your blog for that session. Add your blog to your bookmarks and add the /ncr to the bookmarked address, otherwise you will have to add it every time you log in.

Other blogs you view will still be redirected. Blogspot blogs with their own domain are apparently not affected by the rollout.

Most people know how to see their projects that are pinned on Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/source/yourblogname.blogspot.com/

No matter where you live, you now have extra addresses to check:

http://pinterest.com/source/yourblogname.blogspot.com.au

http://pinterest.com/source/yourblogname.blogspot.com.nz

http://pinterest.com/source/yourblogname.blogspot.com.in

How Does Your Blog Look ~ Master List

.. Pam

Three Quarter Pants...

2012-02-05T22:00:00.001+11:00

I have just finished 3/4 pants, using Butterick B5019. I found the pattern to be on the large side and too long. I ended up taking two inces off the length. The fit is definitely not as snug fitting as in the picture. How good the instructions are, I don't know. I only used the pattern to cut out the fabric.

Instead of the normal hem, I just made a 1/2" hem and then added three rows of shirring. The result was exactly the effect I was after.

Here are the bows I made using the tutorial by Dani, from Live Creatively Now. You can read the post on my perfect bows here. I popped one bow on the bottom of each leg, and one at the waist.

The extra width didn't matter. In fact, in this instance it is a good thing as I think it rather suits the style, not to mentions there is plenty of room for growth. The pants rather remind me of genie pants and that's the picture I had in my mind when I thought of adding the shirring.

There are still two more items to make before the outfit is finished. If you remember, I made a fourth bow with extra loops. I'm sure you can guess what that's going to be used for. I'll show you the completed outfit soon...

... Pam

Don't forget to check out our ongoing themed link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way.

Pin It

Threading Your Way ~ Clothes for Boys ~ Link Party

2012-02-05T00:09:00.003+11:00

Welcome to the sixth edition of Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way ...

... a new link list each week that will build into a resource of sewing ideas, tutorials, pattern reviews and pictures. Each list is an ongoing linky where you can link up as many projects as you like throughout the year.

Our first five linkys have been a great success, with such a wide variety of projects shared;: tutorials, pattern reviews, tips, hints and lots of photos full of ideas and inspiration. Our Bags and Totes linky has been the most popular so far, with 113 entries at last count.

Remember, these linkys are ongoing, so you can continue to add projects throughout the year. Add as many projects as you would like.

Our sixth linky for 2012 is everything Boys' Clothes, made by YOU.

Boys' Clothes
Link up any posts that you have written on Clothes for Boys. Your posts might (but don't have to) include any of the following:

how you made it
tutorials
photos
pattern reviews
tips for making
what you learnt

As long as YOU have made it, link it up and show it off. Link up as many posts on Boys' Clothes, as you would like. Come back through the year and add more.

Rules for linking up:

Each post needs to be about clothes for boys that you have made.
Link to a specific post (not the home page of your blog).
No direct links to shops or giveaways.

The fine print:

By linking up, you are giving me permission to use one of your photos in a feature. I will, of course, link back to your post, giving you full credit.

If you'd like:

Subscribe to Threading My Way (GFC, RSS), to keep up to date, to see if you've been featured and to know when the next themed party starts.
Grab a button to spread the word about Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way and put it somewhere on your blog.
Visit some of the other links. Everyone loves comments.

I look forward to seeing your pillows and cushions...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Next week's linky will be Girls' Skirts...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

... Pam

Pin It

Threading Your Way ~ Features

2012-02-04T16:35:00.000+11:00

23 awesome hair accessories linked up to our Hair Accessories Link Party. So many fabulous, creative ideas!!! Don't forget, this is an ONGOING linky which will remain open all year. So, if you do make some hair accessories, add them. We'd love to have a look.

It's become clear to me, that I need to purchase a hot glue gun if I want to experiment more with making things to wear in the hair. Sewing by itself isn't enough! Am I the only person who doesn't own a hot glue gun? I just know I'll burn myself and get glue everywhere... LOL!!! How do you stop this from happening?

And now, onto some features...

Feathers and Lace...	Fabric Flower Hair Clip...
Rolled Flowers ...	Curly Ghost Headband...
Harper Dress Review...	Dress From a Formal...
Japanese Knot Bag...	Ruffle Tote...

According to Mr Linky, the most viewed hair accessories were:

Feathers and Lace by Jessica, from Sewing Our Life Together
Fabric Flower Hair Clip by Amy, from A Home-Made
Rolled Flowers by Amanda, from The Little Giggler

And another which also caught my eye:

Curly Ghost Headband by Kadie, from Seven Alive

Two adorable new girls' dresses added:

Harper Dress Review by Trina, from Craft Anyway
Dress From a Formal by Leigh Ann, from Sew Blessed

And two more fabulous bags:

Japanese Knot Bag, from At Home By the Baye
Ruffle Tote, by Steph, from Crafting in the Rain

Head on over and visit these talented ladies.

Each week, I will place a blog button, belonging to the blog which was most viewed, in my sidebar. The most viewed link this week was Feathers and Lace. Jessica, look out for your blog button in my sidebar.

Feel free to grab a button if you've been featured...

You can find the Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Remember, all of our link parties are ongoing. You can add projects at any time.

A new party for Boys' Clothes begins tomorrow.

I look forward to seeing more of your creativity...

... Pam

Time to Vote...

2012-02-02T18:34:00.001+11:00

Entries have now closed for the Naughty Notions Challenge. The challenge was to make a clutch bag (or a small handbag), using lots and lots of notions... buttons, beads, snaps, ribbon, cord, eyelets, hooks and eyes, zippers, lace trim.

You may remember that I made a small denim and lace bag for the challenge. You can read about it here.

There are some absolutely awesome clutches and bags entered in the challenge. Head on over to the voting page, decide on your favourite and cast your vote. Voting has begun!!!

My thanks to Rikka and Keren, from Ricochet and Away and Sew la Vie!, for yet another fabulous challenge.

Friday is the last day to vote in Round One of Project Recycled. Yes, I have an entry in there, too, but I can't tell you which one is mine. Check out the entries and vote for your favourite. Robin, from the T-shirt Diaries, is hosting this fabulous competition.

Vote for your favourite Recycled Project here...

Have you seen our ongoing, themed Link Parties? .. a new Link Party with a different theme each week, that will build into a resource of sewing ideas, tutorials, pattern reviews and pictures. Each list is an ongoing linky where you can link up as many projects as you like throughout the year.

Head on over and link up projects that you are proud of, or just go and have a look at the fantastic projects that have already been linked up.

... Pam

Bows, bows, bows...

2012-02-01T14:14:00.000+11:00

I've always had trouble making my bows even and symmetrical. No matter what I did, they would always be wonky and lopsided. Not any more!!!

Dani, from Live Creatively Now, linked up some cute, little floral hair spirals, to our Hair Accessories Link Party the other day. Dani's blog is full of ideas and tutorials for making hair accessories. One tutorial which especially caught my eye, was how to make Perfect Bows Every Time. This was exactly what I needed.

Look at my bows now!!! Symmetrical and definitely not wonky!!! You'll see bows on everything I make from now on.

With success coming so easily, I decided to try a bow with more loops. I forgot to count how many loops I did on each side, so it actually isn't symmetrical, but still not bad for my first attempt.

These little bows are going to be put onto an outfit I'm making at the moment. I'll show you as soon as it's done.

If you are into making hair accessories, head on over to Live Creatively Now and check out Dani's super secret tutorial on making perfect bows.

Have you made any hair accessories? I'd love to see them!!! I'm looking for new hair accessories to make. If I use your ideas, I'll definitely show you and our readers. Link up as many accessories as you'd like to our Hair Accessories Link Party.

Project Recycled ~ Week 1...

2012-01-31T00:13:00.001+11:00

It may look like I haven't done much sewing this month, but I've been busy sewing behind the scenes. Robin, from the T-Shirt Diaries, is running Project Recycled and I'm one of the contestants.

Each week we have to make an item, using recycled materials. This week's project was a wildcard... we could make whatever we wanted, as long as it was using recycled materials.

Do you want to know what I've made for Round One? I'd like to tell you, but I can't. The rules stipulate, that we are not allowed to post any pictures of our projects anywhere on the Internet, nor can we even say what we have been up to. So, hard as it is for me, I have to keep my project a secret.

What's the point in that, I hear you ask? Well, as with most contests, voting will determine the winner. So, you will get to see my project. You just won't know which one it is.

Next week will see a new round of projects, but sadly, with one contestant missing. Each week there will be one less contestant, until the last week when the remaining two will compete for the honour of winning.

Voting is open now. You can vote once a day for your favourite project, with voting closing this Friday. Head on over, take a look and cast your vote...

Vote for your favourite Recycled Project here...

... Pam

Rag Rug...

2012-01-30T19:34:00.000+11:00

Here are the materials for my latest project. Looks a bit of a mess doesn't it!!! There are three old tablecloths in that pile.

I should have taken photos of the three old tablecloths, but you can get an idea from the strips above. I'm guessing that the bottom fabric is cotton or maybe a cotton blend. The second one is a seersucker. I don't know what the blue fabric is, but it's much heavier than the other two and that tablecloth cost considerably more when I purchased it many years ago.

I'm joining in with Jodie, over at Ric Rac for her Rag Rug Along. This is all new to me as I've never made a rug of any description. I've just been over to the Rag Rug Along Flickr group. Do I have a lot to learn about rag rug making.

I started my rug before I looked at the Flickr photos and I'm glad I did, otherwise I might have been somewhat overwhelmed. Have you ever heard of a Toothbrush Rug? I certainly hadn't, but I've seen photos of some. There are all sorts of new to me techniques being discussed over at the Flickr group.

Here's what I've done so far. I began by tearing the brown tablecloths into one inch strips. Unfortunately, I can't tear the blue tablecloth, so I'm cutting it into strips. Yes, that is taking quite a while. I suppose I could have found another tablecloth, but I do like the blue.

I'm plaiting the strips into one LONG plait and will then sew them together. The blue tablecloth is fraying a lot. To start with, I was cutting off every stray piece of thread and was being very careful with how I plaited. I've since decided that loose threads will be part of the rug. Yes, I will cut off the threads, but there will be fraying showing.

I don't know if it will be possible to sew the plait into a rectangular rug, but that's what I'm going to attempt to do. I'm a bit doubtful about the ends sitting correctly, but I'll give it a go. If a rectangle isn't possible, I'll go for oval.

Funnily enough, I'm finding the plaiting a little addictive. Tearing the strips and the plaiting above, was all done in the one sitting. I was able to plait and talk at the same time. It's actually quite therapeutic...

... Pam

Have you seen our ongoing themed link parties?

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

How Does Your Blog Look ~ Resizing Buttons

2012-01-30T13:25:00.004+11:00

Most of us place buttons on our blog:

to show that we've been featured
to show what projects we're taking part in
or just because we like something.

What ever the reason, most of these buttons originate from someone else's blog. As intended by the button owner, we copy the button code and put it somewhere on our blog, often into our sidebar.

The button attributes are determined by the code:

alignment
whether it opens in the same or a new window
and sometimes, the size of the button.

What this means for you, is that buttons will probably not line up, they will probably be different sizes and they may or may not open in a new window.

If there is nothing in the code to determine the size, the button will retain its original sizing. Sometimes code is added to change the original size.

So, what do you do if you want all of your buttons to be the same size?
I have absolutely no experience with coding. This is what I have learnt by looking at code and experimenting. It is not necessarily the best way to code, just what works for me. As always, back up your work before you experiment with coding. (Copy the code, create a new post and paste the code into the new page. Don't publish the copy.) Here's how I change button sizes...

Look at the code and see if there is anything in there that would indicate the size is set. eg:
height="200" width="150"
You can alter the size, simply by changing the value of these numbers. Bear in mind, however, that if the button is a rectangular shape and you want to make it square, it will be out of proportion, which may or may not matter.

If there is nothing in the code to indicate size, you change it by adding code. I add the following:
style="height: 150px; width: 150px;"
Vary the numbers to make the button the size you want. Again, take the original proportion of the button into consideration.

Add the code after the button name, in the example below _nameofgraphic.jpg The extension after the button name will most likely be .jpg or .png.

<a border="0" href="http://blogname.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src=https://sourceand_nameofgraphic.jpg style="height: 150px; width: 150px;"></a>

Most of the buttons in my sidebar are 150px x 150px. The buttons on my Parties page, are 100px x 100px.

There you have it... How to change button sizes for consistency on your blog. I'll do a separate post on changing the alignment of buttons, so they are in a nice, straight line. You can read this previous post, to see how to ensure buttons open in a new window.

Should you alter someone else's button code? You are, after all, changing how their button will appear on your blog. That's up to you to decide...

... Pam

Edited to add: Thanks to Stephanie, from Toastie Studio, for the comment below on keeping buttons in proportion.

To keep rectangular buttons in proportion, you only need to change one value, either the height or the width and the other side will change automatically and still be in proportion.

To change the width:
<a border="0" href="http://blogname.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src=https://sourceand_nameofgraphic.jpg style="width: 150px;"></a>

To change the height:
<a border="0" href="http://blogname.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src=https://sourceand_nameofgraphic.jpg style="height: 150px;"></a>

This is why I love the blogging world. There is so much to learn and always someone who will help you along the way. Thanks, Stephanie!

How Does Your Blog Look ~ Master List

Have you seen our ongoing themed link parties?

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Pin It

Threading Your Way ~ Features

2012-01-29T12:24:00.002+11:00

It looks like we sew more for our little ones, than we do for ourselves. I know I do. I wonder why? I think for me, part of the reason is that I feel I can experiment a little with kids' clothes. Kids are generally more forgiving, or won't even notice, if a sewing project doesn't exactly go according to plan.

I'm determined that I will sew something for myself in the next couple of months. Maybe putting it on here will make me actually get around to doing it.

I've enjoyed looking at the fabulous dresses that have been linked up. Don't forget, this is an ONGOING linky which will remain open all year. So, if you do sew a dress for yourself, we'd love to see it.

And now, onto some features...

New Look 6750...	1930s Vintage Inspiration...
Darling Ranges Dress ...	Stitched Eco-bag...
Ruffled Purse...	Folklore Bag...
Twirly Dress...	Upcycled Denim Pinafore...

According to Mr Linky, the most viewed women's dresses were:

New Look 6750 by Christie, from Joyfoolery
1930s Vintage Inspiration by Jessica, from Sewing Our Life Together

And another which also caught my eye:

Darling Ranges dress by Andrea, from Four Square Walls

Some striking new bags added:

Stitched Eco-bag by Terrie, from Terrie ~.~ Smiling
Ruffled Purse by Rikka, from Ricochet and Away
The Folklore Bag by Veronica, from sewVery

And two cute, little girls' dresses:

Twirly Dress by Lindsay, from PA Country Crafts
Upcycled Denim Pinafore from Tartankiwi

Head on over and visit these talented ladies.

Each week, I will place a blog button, belonging to the blog which was most viewed, in my sidebar. The most viewed link this week was New Look 6750. Christie, look out for your blog button in my sidebar.

Feel free to grab a button if you've been featured...

You can find the Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Remember, all of our link parties are ongoing. You can add projects at any time.

I look forward to seeing more of your creativity...

... Pam

Threading Your Way ~ Pillows and Cushions ~ Link Party

2012-01-29T10:28:00.001+11:00

Welcome to the fifth edition of Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way ...

... a new link list each week that will build into a resource of sewing ideas, tutorials, pattern reviews and pictures. Each list is an ongoing linky where you can link up as many projects as you like throughout the year.

Our first four linkys have been a great success, with such a wide variety of projects shared;: tutorials, pattern reviews, tips, hints and lots of photos full of ideas and inspiration. Our Bags and Totes linky has been the most popular so far, with 104 entries at last count.

Remember, these linkys are ongoing, so you can continue to add projects throughout the year. Add as many projects as you would like.

Our fifth linky for 2012 is everything Pillows and Cushions, made by YOU.

Pillows and Cushions
Link up any posts that you have written on Pillows and Cushions. Your posts might (but don't have to) include any of the following:

how you made it
tutorials
photos
pattern reviews
tips for making
what you learnt

As long as YOU have made it, link it up and show it off. Link up as many posts on Pillows and Cushions, as you would like. Come back through the year and add more.

Rules for linking up:

Each post needs to be about a pillow or cushion that you have made.
Link to a specific post (not the home page of your blog).
No direct links to shops or giveaways.

The fine print:

By linking up, you are giving me permission to use one of your photos in a feature. I will, of course, link back to your post, giving you full credit.

If you'd like:

Subscribe to Threading My Way (GFC, RSS), to keep up to date and to know if you've been featured.
Grab a button to spread the word about Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way and put it somewhere on your blog.
Visit some of the other links. Everyone loves comments.

I look forward to seeing your pillows and cushions...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Next week's linky will be Boys' Clothes...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

... Pam

Denim and Lace...

2012-01-27T23:24:00.006+11:00

I've finished my Naughty Notions Challenge with four days to spare. This is the third challenge hosted by Rikka and Keren, from Ricochet and Away and Sew la Vie!

This time the challenge was to make a clutch bag (or a small handbag), using lots and lots of notions... buttons, beads, snaps, ribbon, cord, eyelets, hooks and eyes, zippers, lace trim.

After much deliberation, I decided to go with a small handbag, made from denim. I've added lace, buttons and ric rac to the front of the bag.

Inside the bag I've sewn a zippered pocket. This was my first zippered pocket inside a bag. Initially I sewed the pocket inside out, but hey, that's why we have unpickers. I found the zippered pocket to be much easier than a zippered pouch. My zippered pocket is neater than my zippered pouches, too.

A magnetic clasp finishes off the inside of the bag.

The iPhone gives some perspective and hopefully shows that the bag is really purse size. The finished size is 6 inches x 7 and a half inches.

I actually wanted the strap to be much longer than it is. I wanted to be able to put it over the shoulder and across the body, but it's not long enough. Initially I was quite puzzled as to why the strap ended up so short. A look at my plan answered my question. I had intended the strap to be 140cm in length. My strap was half that length. I was meant to cut and join 2 x 70cm pieces of fabric. Oh well, I was NOT going to unpick and alter. I don't think this strap will stay on the shoulder, as it's quite thin and not really long enough. It's the right size to hold as is, or perhaps to knot. So, it really is a handbag.

Thanks Keren and Rikka, for another great challenge. I'm looking forward to seeing what fun idea you both come up with for March.

... Pam

Edited to add:

There are some absolutely awesome clutches and bags entered in the challenge. Head on over to the voting page, decide on your favourite and cast your vote. Voting has begun!!!

Pin It

Threading Your Way ~ Hair Accessories ~ Link Party

2012-01-22T00:14:00.003+11:00

Welcome to the fourth edition of Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way ...

... a new link list each week that will build into a resource of sewing ideas, tutorials, pattern reviews and pictures. Each list is an ongoing linky where you can link up as many projects as you like throughout the year.

Our first three linkys have been a great success, with such a wide variety of projects shared;: tutorials, pattern reviews, tips, hints and lots of photos full of ideas and inspiration. It does look like we sew more for our little ones, than for ourselves, with far more girls' dresses added than women's.

Remember, these linkys are ongoing, so you can continue to add projects throughout the year.

Our fourth linky for 2012 is everything Hair Accessories, made by YOU.

Hair Accessories
Link up any posts that you have written on Hair Accessories. Your posts might (but don't have to) include any of the following:

how you made it
tutorials
photos
pattern reviews
tips for making
what you learnt

As long as YOU have made it, link it up and show it off. Link up as many posts on Hair Accessories, as you would like. Come back through the year and add more.

Rules for linking up:

Each post needs to be about hair accessories that you have made.
Link to a specific post (not the home page of your blog).
No direct links to shops or giveaways.

The fine print:

By linking up, you are giving me permission to use one of your photos in a feature. I will, of course, link back to your post, giving you full credit.

If you'd like:

Subscribe to Threading My Way (GFC, RSS), to keep up to date and to know if you've been featured.
Grab a button to spread the word about Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way and put it somewhere on your blog.
Visit some of the other links. Everyone loves comments.

I look forward to seeing your hair accessories...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Next week's linky will be Pillows and Cushions...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

... Pam

Pin It

Threading Your Way ~ Features

2012-01-21T23:17:00.000+11:00

In just two weeks, you have linked up 52 gorgeous girls' dresses!!! There is just so much talent out there. I am so enjoying reading through your posts... so much inspiration and so many little girls' dresses I now want to make.

Don't forget, this is an ONGOING linky which will remain open all year. Feel free to add as many girls' dresses as you would like, when you like. I will feature more dresses throughout the year.

And now, onto some features...

Daisy-Mae...	Shirt Upcycle...
Peasant Dress...	Blue Linen Dress...
Precious Pink...	Modern Flapper Girl...
Owl Jumper Tutorial...	Last Minute Handmade...

According to Mr Linky, the most viewed dresses were:

Daisy-Mae by Cindy, from Siestas and Sewing
Shirt Upcycle by Cass, from Cass Can Sew
Peasant Dress by Sherry, from What I Made Today
Blue Linen Dress by Sherry, from What I Made Today
Precious Pink by Cass, from Cass Can Sew

And some which also caught my eye:

Modern Flapper Girl by Stephanie, from Pinafores and Pinwheels
Owl Jumper Tutorial by Heather, from Sew Easy Being Green
Last Minute Handmade by Gigi, from Dress A Girl Around the World, Australia

Way to go Sherry and Cass, with two dresses each in the top 5 most viewed out of 52 dresses.

Each week, I will place a blog button, belonging to the blog which was most viewed, in my sidebar. Would you believe it? We have a three way tie for most viewed this week: Daisy-Mae, Shirt Upcycle and Peasant Dress. Cindy, Cass and Sherry, look out for your blog buttons in my sidebar.

Remember, you can continue to add your dresses to the Girls' Dresses linky. Head on over to look at all of the fabulous dresses linked up.

Feel free to grab a button if you've been featured...

You can find the Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

A new linky will begin tomorrow: Hair Accessories.

I look forward to seeing more of your creativity...

... Pam

Bloomers...

2012-01-17T21:16:00.001+11:00

This month, I'm joining in with Kristy, over at Hopeful Threads, sewing bloomers for children in orphanages and foster care in China. The bloomers, in solid colours, are to be worn with dresses, during the Summer months.

I first heard the term, bloomers, when I was about 9 or 10 years of age, in sewing class at school. There were suppressed giggles around the room as Mrs Club described the pattern we were going to draft. We all had visions of the HUGE underpants that we imagined our grandmothers might wear, but NOT US!!! I have no idea whether I successfully drafted the pattern or whether I actually made any bloomers, but I most definitely did not wear what Mrs Club was proposing. Perhaps I can blame Mrs Club for my reluctance to attempt to draft my own patterns, even to this day.

Several years later, when I attended High School (beginning at age 12), our Physical Education uniform changed from shorts and top, to a very short dress and.... bloomers. This time, however, they were vastly smaller than my first encounter. They were still, however, made of a very, thick, cotton fabric and not particularly attractive to teenage girls. The upside was that they were totally practical, adequately covered what they were meant to cover and everyone else was wearing them... at least, all the girls were wearing them. So, for the next six years, I wore bloomers with my PE uniform. My mother (who reads this blog... hi Mum), would have sewn those maroon coloured bloomers along with the PE uniform.

Ha ha.. the pic shows me in that PE uniform, at about 16 years of age. Thankfully, the bloomers are hidden. During those years, I played tennis and later squash, outside school. My preference was always to wear shorts and a top, but when I wore skirts, I also wore stretch, sports pants. Bloomers were strictly for school, when we had no choice.

So, when I saw Kristy's monthly project announcement, I laughed at the memories which came flooding back, of Mrs Club and those HUGE bloomers.

Kristy suggested we use a shorts pattern and modify it. Once again, I have used the 30 Minute Shorts pattern, purchased from Create HOPE Designs. I added half the length of the boys extension cuff to the legs and instead of 1/2" elastic at the waist, I've used 1/4".

The brief was to use solid colours. I really had to resist the urge to make them in a pretty print, but resist I did. Just as well, because they are to go with specific uniforms. I have used cotton fabric, but a light poplin. And, to make the bloomers a little more girlie, I've used shirring around the legs. You may recall I used shirring on Lucy's Little Flower Dress and how keen I was to do shirring again. As well as looking great and being comfortable, I just love the way the shirring elastic shrinks when I steam it.

I don't think these bloomers are anything like the bloomers of my youth. In fact, I think they are quite sweet. I've seen the bloomers Kristy has made and they are cute as.

According to the Macmillan Dictionary Thesaurus, bloomers are an old fashioned piece of women's underwear that is loose and covers the area from the waist to the knee. This is exactly the image that Mrs Club's sewing lesson evoked. Perhaps all I need is a name change...

This brings back memories of another under garment worn with our high school uniforms... witches britches. These were worn against the wishes of the school authorities, but wear them we did. It was the era of the mini skirt. School uniforms were a regular length, but they came with belts. We, of course, hitched our dresses up over the belt so they were rather short. During winter it was cold and so we wore witches britches for warmth and yes, I suppose a bit of rebellion in there as well. The witches britches were designed to show, but we could quickly adjust clothing so they didn't show, when required.

Oh my!!! What a fashion that was!!! And we thought we looked cool.... LOL!!! Thankfully, that was a fashion which didn't last. And thankfully, there are no photos of me in that fashion. Ah, but I do have one of my sister. Hmmmm.... my life wouldn't be worth living if I were to show that photo. Don't worry, Sis, your photo is safe with me!!!

I really have digressed here!!! But, hey, I've had fun reminiscing. Head on over to Hopeful Threads, and read about the wonderful work that Kristy does. The world is a much better place, thanks to people like Kristy. I look forward to seeing what next month's project is Kristy...

Have you had a look at our three ongoing link parties? Head on over for lots of fabulous ideas and inspiration. Link up your bags and dresses...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

... Pam

Versatile Blogger Award...

2012-01-17T14:24:00.000+11:00

I have been totally slack. Three people have passed this award on to me and I haven't passed it on. First was Adrianne, from Happy Hour Projects, last September. Yes, that's right; over 3 months ago. In November, Tanya, from Craft Couture by T.C. and in December, Sana, from Sana Saroti, passed on the award. Thank you Adrianne, Tanya and Sana. You each made my day.

Adrianne's blog is all about do-it-yourself projects that can be completed in an hour or less. On Happy Hour Projects, Adrianne shows us crafting that can be fitted into our busy schedules.

Tanya shares her passion for sewing on Craft Couture by T.C. Amongst many other things, Tanya makes the most gorgeous purses and bags.

Sana Saroti is largely about quilting and sewing. Sana shares with us her adventures into the world of quilting.

Head on over to these three fabulous blogs. You'll be pleased you did!!!

Here are the rules for accepting the Versatile Blogger Award:

Thank the award-giver and link back to them in your post.
Share 7 things about yourself.
Pass this award along to 15 recently discovered blogs you enjoy reading.
Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know about the award.

OK... 7 things about me:

I own a motor bike.
I once went to two Cher concerts in one week.
I'm addicted to chocolate.
I love gardening.
I exercise by doing Zumba, even though I'm unco as.
I dislike housework.
I don't cook.

And now... 15 blogs I enjoy reading, in no particular order:

Amy, from A Home, Made. You just have to look at Amy's amazing Puffle Skirt.
Christie, from Joyfoolery. Amongst other things, Christie loves to upcycle and repurpose. She recently shared a brilliant tutorial on creating perfectly rounded edges on pockets.
Erin, from Missy Mac Creations. Erin makes the best appliquéd pillows I have ever seen.
Sherry, from What I Made Today. Sherry makes the most gorgeous girls' dresses and gives reviews on the patterns she has used.
Jessica, from Sewing Our Life Together. Have a look at Jessica's awesome vintage dress, made with a pattern she drafted herself.
Desirée, from The 36th Avenue. You won't believe the amazing makeover Desirée has just done on her Craft room.
Kate, from My Very Own Happy Ending. Kate shares her fascinating thoughts on her life's journey.
Katie, from Unconventional Katie. Sewing, pottery, knitting, painting, quilting... you name it, Katie blogs about it.
Kenda, from Kenda's Crafts. Kenda makes awesome, little, knitted creatures.
Lindsay, from PA Country Crafts. I have just found Lindsay's blog. She sews the most beautiful girls' dresses.
Fiona, from Handmade By Fiona. I am in awe of the wide variety of professionally made bags that Fiona has made.
Tanya, from Wee Little Birds. Tanya loves to quilt and shares her fabulous creations.
Kadie, from Seven Alive. Kadie's blog is full of fabulous crafting ideas for around the home.
Jill, from Creating My Way to Success. Repurposing, recycling, upcycling, refashioning and transforming... you'll find it all on Jill's blog.
Terrie, from Terrie ~.~Smiling... Terrie creates the most amazing fabrics, complete with her fascinating eco dyeing.

Head on over to these fabulous blogs and say, Hello. You will find so many inspiring ideas. Again, thank you Adrianne, Tanya and Sana, for passing the award on to me. You really did make my day.

If I've passed the award on to you and you'd prefer not to pass it on, no worries.

Have you had a look at our three ongoing link parties? Head on over for lots of fabulous ideas and inspiration. Link up your bags and dresses...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

... Pam

Liebster Award...

2012-01-17T14:05:00.000+11:00

When I opened my email the other day, I was pleasantly surprised to find an email from Linda, of My Great Finds, telling me that she had awarded me the Liebster Award. Thank you, Linda. I'm always pleased to hear that someone enjoys reading my blog.

Linda's blog is all about recycling, repurposing and redesigning. She loves transforming things that might have otherwise been thrown out. On My Great Finds, Linda shows us how to give new life and purpose to these old items. Head on over to Linda's blog and have a look.

So, what's the Liebster Award? It's fellow bloggers helping fellow bloggers get a jump start on their blogs. It also encourages friendship to develop and I really like that.

The award is given to bloggers with less than 200 followers, to promote and encourage new friendships among the blog community. Liebster is German and means dearest, beloved, favourite.

Part of this award is to pass it on to others. Here are the rules:

Post the award on your blog.
Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
Reveal your 5 picks for the award and let them know.
Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the blogsphere... other bloggers.
Finally, the best rule of all, have fun and spread the love!

Here are the blogs I will be giving the Liebster Award to:

Heather, from Sew Easy Being Green. I have only just discovered Heather's blog. She writes the most comprehensive sewing tutorials.
Melissa, from Two Little Red Bobbins. Melissa sews a wide variety of gorgeous children's clothes.
Gigi, from Dress A Girl Around the World Australia. Gigi sews pillowcase dresses for girls in need and also organises the distribution of these dresses.
Sandra, from Socks Without Pairs. Sandra makes the most amazing Candy Wrapper bags.
Fay, from Imagination Overload. Fay makes fabulous clothes for boys, as well as toys and crafts.

Head on over to these fabulous blogs and say, Hello. It's how friendships are started. Again, thank you, Linda, for passing on the award to me. I'm flattered and honoured.

If I've passed the award on to you and you'd prefer not to pass it on, no worries.

This is actually the second time I have been given the Liebster Award. The first time was from Amy, at A Home, Made and I passed it on to:

These girls have become good blogging friends...

Have you had a look at our three ongoing link parties? Head on over for lots of fabulous ideas and inspiration. Link up your bags and dresses...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

... Pam

How Does Your Blog Look ~ Open in New Window

2012-01-15T14:00:00.004+11:00

Have you ever noticed, when clicking on a link, that sometimes the link opens in a new window and sometimes it opens in the same window? Does it matter whether it opens in the same or a new window?

I always like my links to open in a new window. If I am linking to somewhere on my own blog, I'm not too worried whether it opens in a new window or not. If, however, I am linking to someone else's site, I definitely want it to open in a new window.

I only link to sites I like. Chances are, my readers will also like the sites I am referring them to. Much as I want my readers to explore the linked sites, I don't want them to forget where they have come from. I want them to be able to come back to my site. If my site is still open in a tab or window, they can easily come back.

Here's how to ensure links open in new windows if you are using Blogger...

When you create a link, the following dialogue box will appear. Make sure you tick the box, Open this link in a new window.

This applies to both links from text or photos. If you are linking to another page or site from a photo:

click on the photo (It will automatically be linked, even though you haven't linked it.)
click link to unlink the photo
click back on the photo
click link and add the link

There is another way to make a link open in a new window. It involves editing the html and adding the following:

target="_blank"

I use this for all of my photos that are not linked to another page, such as the screen shot above.

Here is the beginning of the code for the screen shot above:
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tqHec9nK........

To make it open in a new window, I insert target="_blank" so it looks like this:
<a target="_blank" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tqHec9nK........

Blogger will then move target="_blank" to where it wants it. You can look at where Blogger moves the code and type it directly there. I find the above an easy location to remember.

... Pam

How Does Your Blog Look ~ Master List

Pin It

Threading Your Way ~ Dresses for Women ~ Link Party

2012-01-15T00:12:00.005+11:00

Welcome to the third edition of Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way ...

... a new link list each week that will build into a resource of sewing ideas, tutorials, pattern reviews and pictures. Each list is an ongoing linky where you can link up as many projects as you like throughout the year.

Our first two linkys have been a great success, with such a wide variety of projects shared;: tutorials, pattern reviews, tips, hints and lots of photos full of ideas and inspiration.

Remember, these linkys are ongoing, so you can continue to add projects throughout the year.

Our third linky for 2012 is everything Dresses for Women, made by YOU.

Dresses for Women
Link up any posts that you have written on Dresses for Women. There will be separate link parties for skirts, pants, shirts and tops. Your posts might include any of the following:

how you made it
tutorials
photos
pattern reviews
tips for making
what you learnt

As long as YOU have made it, link it up and show it off. Link up as many posts on Women's Dresses, as you would like. Come back through the year and add more.

Rules for linking up:

Each post needs to be about a woman's dress that you have made.
Link to a specific post (not the home page of your blog).
No direct links to shops or giveaways.

The fine print:

By linking up, you are giving me permission to use one of your photos in a feature. I will, of course, link back to your post, giving you full credit.

If you'd like:

Subscribe to Threading My Way (GFC, RSS), to keep up to date and to know if you've been featured.
Grab a button to spread the word about Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way and put it somewhere on your blog.
Visit some of the other links. Everyone loves comments.

I look forward to seeing your dresses...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Next week's linky will be Hair Accessories...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

... Pam

Pin It

Threading Your Way ~ Features

2012-01-14T16:52:00.001+11:00

WOW!!! I have been blown away by the number of awesome bags and totes linked up to our first linky, in just two weeks. 74 bags and totes standing proud!!! I am so enjoying reading through your posts... so much inspiration and so many fabulous, creative ideas. It really is amazing to see the wide variety of bags you have shared.

Don't forget, this is an ONGOING linky which will remain open all year. Feel free to add as many bags as you would like, when you like. I will feature more bags and totes throughout the year.

And now, onto some features...

Tohoku Tote...	Ruffled Canvas Tote...
Green Pleated Bag...	Autumn Flowers Bag...
Buttercup Bag...	Evening Bag...
Patchwork Tote...	Candy Wrapper Bag...

According to Mr Linky, the most viewed bags were:

The Tohoku Tote by Ros, from Sew Delicious
The Ruffled Canvas Tote by Sierra, from Blue Robin Cottage
The Green Pleated Bag by Sherry, from What I Made Today
The Autumn Flowers Bag by Christie, from Joyfoolery
The Buttercup Bag by Fay, from Imagination Overload

And some which also caught my eye:

The Evening Bag by Fiona, from Handmade by Fiona
The Patchwork Tote by Tanya, from Craft Couture by T.C.
The Candy Wrapper Bag by Sandra, from Socks Without Pairs

Each week, I will place a blog button, belonging to the blog which was most viewed, in my sidebar. This week's most viewed link was the Tohoku Tote, by Ros from Sew Delicious. Ros, look out for your blog button in my sidebar.

Feel free to grab a button if you've been featured...

You can find the Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

A new linky will begin tomorrow: Dresses for Women.

I look forward to seeing more of your creativity...

... Pam

How Does Your Blog Look ~ Threaded Commenting

2012-01-13T12:05:00.002+11:00

Blogger now supports threaded commenting. Yay!!! For me, this means I can now reply to no reply bloggers, by commenting after their comment in a post. Yes, I know, this still relies on no reply bloggers checking back under the post.

It also means general questions can be answered easily so all readers can see the response.

Here's how to set up your Blogger blog to allow threaded commenting...

... Pam

How Does Your Blog Look ~ Master List

How Does Your Blog Look ~ Tables

2012-01-12T22:28:00.007+11:00

I had a few people ask me how I did my Goodbye 2011 ~ Hello 2012 page, with links from 36 pictures to the projects I had completed, so I thought I'd do a post to show you what I did to:

Create a table with 9 rows and 4 cells in each row.
Insert a picture into each cell.
Add a link to each picture.

When I first started using tables on my blog, I used a fabulous tutorial by Keren, from Sew la Vie! Keren's tutorial explains:

how to generate the code needed to create a table
how to add the code to your blog
how to add images to your table
how to add links to your images
how to make your table borders invisible

Over time, I found myself wanting to add extra cells to existing tables. I experimented with copying the existing code in a table and pasting it into the code. This worked, but I thought it was time I worked out how to do it from scratch without using a table generator to do my coding. Here's how I create a table. I have absolutely no experience with coding. This is what I have learnt by experimenting. It is not necessarily the best way to code, just what works for me...

To start a table, type: <table border="1">
To end a table, type: </table>

Where you want the row to start, type: <tr>
To end a row, type: </tr>

To create a cell, type: <td>
After a cell, type: </td>

This is what the code looks like for a table with 1 row and 4 cells in each row. I have added colour to make it easier to follow...
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</table>

Here is the code for a table with 2 rows and 4 cells in each row...
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</table>

However, in both cases, your table will be so small, it will be almost impossible to work with. Here's what the second table will look like.

To make it easier to work with the table, add some text to each cell to make the cells larger. Here is the code with abc added to each cell. You can add any text you like...
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td> abc </td>
<td> abc </td>
<td> abc </td>
<td> abc </td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td> abc </td>
<td> abc </td>
<td> abc </td>
<td> abc </td>
</tr>
</table>

And here's the resulting table...

abc	abc	abc	abc
abc	abc	abc	abc

If you go back and look at your code, you will see that some code has been added at the beginning and end of the table...
<table border="1"><tbody>
</tbody></table>
You can add this as you code. I just let blogger automatically add this part for me.

Once you have your table:

insert an image into each cell
delete the text
add a link to each picture

If you would prefer not to have a table border, change the first line of code for the table to...

When you are coding, you will need to be in html mode. When you add pictures and text, you can be in html mode or compose mode.

If you have never added tables before, I suggest you begin with Keren's tutorial. Once you have mastered that, you can begin to experiment with your own coding.

It's not a very pretty post, but I hope it's of some help if you would like to create your own tables.

... Pam

How Does Your Blog Look ~ Master List

Pin It

Miss Evie ~ Child's Bag...

2012-01-08T23:04:00.003+11:00

This is what I've been working on over the last couple of days; a little child's bag, complete with piping and embellished with a yo you flower.

First there was one...

Then there were two...

And finally there were three...

Next time I make one of these bags, I'll remember to take photos and I will write up a tutorial...

Have you had a look at our two ongoing link parties? Head on over for lots of fabulous ideas and inspiration. Link up your bags and dresses...

Peg Bag...

2012-01-08T18:28:00.002+11:00

My store bought peg bag fell to pieces a couple of weeks ago and I've just been throwing the pegs into the bottom of the basket. The pegs were in the bottom of the basket, I'd pile the wet clothes on top, then I had to rummage around to reach the pegs at the bottom.

I didn't want another flimsy store bought fabric peg bag, nor did I want a metal basket which would only rust, so it was time to make a new one.

A quick search online came up with lots of fancy schmancy peg bags. They weren't particularly hard to make, but I just wasn't that interested in spending any time making one. Then I came across a super quick how to by The Family Homestead.

My new peg bag has to be the quickest project I've ever made. I don't even think it can be called a project, as it took all of three minutes to make.

Find an old shirt.
Find a coat hanger. (I've used one that has a tongue to prevent it from blowing off the line).
Undo the top couple of buttons.
Sew the opening from the top closed button to the bottom of the bag shut, so the pegs don't fall out. (I wanted to keep the buttons on, so this meant moving the needle position as far to the right as it would go).
Sew across the bottom of the shirt to form a bag.
Turn right side out and insert the coat hanger.

That's all there is to it. I wish I'd thought of this. It's a brilliant idea!!!

Come and have a look at our two ongoing link parties for lots of fabulous ideas and inspiration. Link up your bags and dresses...

Threading Your Way ~ Dresses for Girls ~ Link Party

2012-01-08T01:26:00.004+11:00

Welcome to the second edition of Threading Your Way with Threading My Way...

... a new link list each week that will build into a resource of sewing ideas, tutorials, pattern reviews and pictures. Each list is an ongoing linky where you can link up as many projects as you like throughout the year.

I was blown away by the bags that have already been linked to our first linky for Bags and Totes and have so enjoyed looking at the fabulous bags, tutorials and pattern reviews. Remember, this linky is ongoing, so you can continue to add bags throughout the year.

Our second linky for 2012 is everything Dresses for Girls, made by YOU.

Dresses for Girls
Link up any posts that you have written on Dresses for Girls. There will be separate link parties for skirts, shorts and tops, as well as women's dresses. Your posts may include:

how you made it
tutorials
photos
pattern reviews
tips for making

As long as YOU have made it, link it up and show it off. Link up as many posts on Girls' Dresses, as you would like. Come back through the year and add more.

Rules for linking up:

Your post needs to be about a girl's dress that you have made.
Link to a specific post (not the home page of your blog).
No direct links to shops or giveaways.

The fine print:

By linking up, you are giving me permission to use one of your photos in a feature. I will, of course, link back to your post, giving you full credit.

If you'd like:

Subscribe to Threading My Way (GFC, RSS), to keep up to date and to know if you've been featured.
Grab a button to spread the word about Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way and put it somewhere on your blog.
Visit some of the other links. Everyone loves comments.

I look forward to seeing your dresses...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Next week's linky will be Dresses for Women...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Pin It

This and That...

2012-01-06T22:17:00.000+11:00

I haven't done a lot of sewing this week. I've almost finished a couple of bags and will show you photos soon. Instead of sewing, I've done lots of thinking about future sewing projects. Yeah.... I've spent LOTS of time online!!! I have to admit, I spend way too much time online. Oh well....

Once again, I'm taking part in a challenge hosted by Rikka and Keren, from Ricochet and Away and Sew la Vie! My Retro Pillow and my Solids Only Tote were created when I joined in the first two challenges hosted by Rikka and Keren. I wouldn't miss the third challenge...

This time the challenge is to make a clutch bag (or a small handbag), using lots and lots of notions... buttons, beads, snaps, ribbon, cord, eyelets, hooks and eyes, zippers, lace trim.

For the pattern, I'm tossing up between the Gathered Clutch pattern from Noodlehead or the Perfect Zip Bags pattern by Oh Fransson. I've made one zippered (but not perfect) pouch and really liked that pattern. I haven't made the other pattern yet. I'm not sure how I'll incorporate notions, but I'll most probably do hand stitching somewhere on the clutch. I'm really liking how a little hand stitching can dramatically change the finished look of a project. There's plenty of time if you'd like to join in.

This year, I'm going to make my first quilt and I'm really looking forward to it. My first thought was to make an I Spy quilt, but I thought I'd better start with something a little smaller. So then my plan changed to coasters or mug rugs. I would still like to make some of these, but I'm going to jump right in and make a quilt by joining a Quilt Along. I thought a QAL would give me some much needed direction and would keep me on track.

So I'm joining in with the QAL at Sew Happy Geek. The QAL has only just begun and already I'm behind... eeekkkk!!!! I should be up to my first block this week, but I can't decide on fabric. I'm new to the world of charm packs and layer cakes. I buy my fabric by the yard or multiples thereof. I'm not used to buying little pieces of fabric. Perhaps you can help me... Can I do this QAL by using fabric I already have, or is it best to buy a charm pack or a layer cake? What are the pros and cons of buying charm packs and layer cakes as opposed to fabric by the yard?

This month I'm also joining in with Kristy, over at Hopeful Threads, making bloomers for children in orphanages or foster care in China. I'm deciding between modifying the 30 Minute Shorts pattern that I've used a few times or trying out a new pattern, the Ruffled Diaper Cover. What do you think? I'm making bloomers for 2 year olds. Will they still be wearing diapers (or nappies as they're called in Australia)?

Head on over to Hopeful Threads to see the wonderful projects that Kristy involves herself in.

Have you visited Threading Your Way with Threading My Way? After only five days, our first ongoing linky, which is exclusively for bags and totes, has 45 fabulous projects linked up. This is a link party with a difference. Each week, we will begin a new linky with a different theme. Over time, each linky will build into a resource of sewing ideas, tutorials, pattern reviews and pictures.

If you have made a bag or a tote, I'd love for you to share it. Don't be shy. We would love to see your projects. So would the people on Pinterest who have already pinned the Bags and Totes linky. If you haven't made your first bag yet, head on over for ideas and inspiration.

This Sunday will see the start of our second ongoing linky: Dresses for Girls. The Sunday after that, will be Dresses for Women.

Head on over to Making Rebecca Lynne and Thursday Think Tank, to see more plans afoot in blogland...

Goodbye 2011 ~ Hello 2012...

2012-01-01T21:58:00.003+11:00

I've enjoyed seeing the recaps of what everyone has achieved during 2011 and thought it might be a nice way for me to see what I've achieved in the five months I've been blogging. So, here are the projects I've finished from August to December in 2011. If you'd like to find out more, click on a photo to take you to the post...

I suppose it looks quite a lot and I was actually quite surprised when I gathered them all together. Bear in mind, I am at a stage in my life where my children are grown up and I no longer work outside the home, which means my days are mine to do with as I please.

I am in awe of the number of mums with young children, whom I have met online and who sew or craft and blog. I am continually amazed at their ability to fit in sewing time, whilst raising a family. I take my hat off to you all.

My five months blogging has brought me so much more than time spent sewing. I am especially pleased with the skills I have had to learn to run my blog, in particular, teaching myself a little html. For example, I like buttons the same size, like things to line up and like to be able to change the size of things. Learning a little html has enabled me to do this.

My Photoshop skills have also improved. I have SO much more to learn in this area and this is one of my goals for 2012.

The best thing I've discovered while blogging, is the people I've met. The online sewing and crafting community is a very generous, warm and welcoming group of people. Where else can you find:

Free tutorials and patterns
Help and advice whenever you need it
People who want to listen to what you have to say about sewing
People who will compliment you on your sewing achievements
A never ending supply of sewing and crafting inspiration?

What does 2012 hold for Threading My Way? I'm excited to say, that I have started Threading Your Way with Threading My Way, a weekly linky with a different theme each week. I look forward to seeing you there...

Threading Your Way ~ Bags and Totes ~ Link Party

2012-01-01T00:38:00.009+11:00

Welcome to the first edition of Threading Your Way with Threading My Way...

... a new link list each week that will build into a resource of sewing ideas, tutorials, pattern reviews and pictures. Each list is an ongoing linky where you can link up as many projects as you like throughout the year. Our first linky for 2012 is everything bags and totes, made by YOU.

Bags and Totes
Link up any posts that you have written on bags and totes. There will be a separate linky for pouches, purses and drawstring bags. Your posts may include:

how you made it
tutorials
photos
pattern reviews
tips for making

As long as YOU have made it, link it up and show it off. Link up as many posts on bags and totes, as you would like. Come back through the year and add more.

Rules for linking up:

Your post needs to be about a bag and/or tote that you have made.
Link to a specific post (not the home page of your blog).
No direct links to shops or giveaways.

The fine print:

By linking up, you are giving me permission to use one of your photos in a feature. I will, of course, link back to your post, giving you full credit.

If you'd like:

Subscribe to Threading My Way (GFC, RSS), to keep up to date and to know if you've been featured.
Grab a button to spread the word about Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way and put it somewhere on your blog.
Visit some of the other links. Everyone loves comments.

I look forward to seeing your bags and totes...

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Master list of ongoing link parties at Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way

Pin It

Appliqué on a T-shirt...

2011-12-30T02:19:00.001+11:00

Sewing an appliqué on a store bought t-shirt, is an easy way to dress it up, for very little cost. Here's how to do it:

Glueing the appliqué shape to the fabric:

You will need double sided fusible webbing to glue your appliqué to the material. Do NOT cut the appliqué shape out until the fusible webbing is glued to the fabric. One side of the fusible webbing feels rough or bubbly. This is the side you will iron onto the fabric to appliqué. The fusible webbing should be slightly smaller than the fabric. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to fuse the webbing to the t-shirt.

Place the rough side of the fusible webbing on the wrong side of the material to appliqué.
Place an old cloth under the fabric and on top of the fusible webbing before you iron, so glue doesn't get onto the iron or the ironing board.
Set your iron to the appropriate setting for the fabric you are ironing and don't use steam.
Press the iron rather than sliding it, to attach the fusible webbing to the fabric.
Trace the appliqué shape onto the paper side of the webbing.
Cut out the appliqué.
Peel off the paper. There will be a thin film of glue left on the wrong side of the fabric.
Place the appliqué onto the front of the t-shirt.
Put the old cloth under the t-shirt and on top of the appliqué.
Press as in Step 4, until the appliqué shape is glued to the fabric.

Cut the fusible webbing slightly smaller than the fabric...

Step 5: Trace the appliqué shape onto the webbing...

Step 7: Peel off the paper...

Steps 8 - 10: iron the appliqué shape onto the t-shirt...

Sewing the appliqué shape to the fabric:

You can hand or machine sew the appliqué to the fabric. This will help to prevent it from fraying. Experiment with stitch types, lengths and widths to achieve the look you are after. I use an appliqué foot, simply because it makes it easier to see what I'm stitching. It is not necessary. For this project, I have used a zig zag stitch, with a width of 3.1 and the length .8. I also loosen the upper thread tension slightly. Because the appliqué is going onto a t-shirt, I use tear away stabiliser to help prevent the t-shirt from stretching. I have rounded the corners of the star, as it makes it easier to stitch.

Place the tear away stabiliser on the wrong side of the t-shirt behind where the appliqué will go.
Baste (hand stitch) the stabiliser in place.
If your machine has a knot stitch, begin with that. Otherwise do a couple of straight stitches and backstitch before you zig zag.
Zig zag around the star, ending with a knot stitch or backstitch.
Tear away the stabiliser on either side of the zig zag stitching.

Stabiliser on the wrong side of the t-shirt...

Step 5: tear away the stabiliser...

Stabiliser removed...

Hand stitching around the star:
To make the star stand out more, stitch two rows of running stitch around the star. I have used two strands of cotton thread, but you could use embroidery thread.

Knot the end of the thread. I begin underneath the appliqué, so I can add an extra knot.
With a running stitch, sew around the star using the red thread. I didn't measure. I just eyeballed it.
Securely knot the red thread when you get to the end, or when you need more thread.
Sew a second row of running stitch using blue thread. Knot securely at the start and finish.

I've teamed the t-shirt with a pair of shorts that have a matching cuff. Once again I've used the 30 Minute Shorts pattern from Create HOPE Designs. This time I've sewn red topstitching along all seams, (except the inside leg) and above the cuff.

... a cute little outfit, that's quick and easy to make.

Turn a Favourite Old T-shirt into a Cushion...

2011-12-28T12:49:00.000+11:00

Head on over to CRAFT Magazine to see how I turned a favourite old t-shirt into this cute little cushion.

Zippered Pouch...

2011-12-27T22:57:00.000+11:00

I recently purchased the Perfect Zip Bags pattern, by Elizabeth Hartman from Oh Fransson. I was lucky and purchased the PDF pattern when it was on special. It was well worth the money and would still have been, even had I paid the full price.

The bag is fully lined and closes with a zipper. My bag is slightly narrower at the top, than is intended in the pattern, as I didn't have a 7 inch zipper, so had to cut one to size. As I cut the zip a little too short, this meant making the seams wider at the top and so making the bag a slightly different shape. This slight mishap hasn't mattered. I'm still very happy with the overall shape. Depth to the bag is created with darts in the bottom of the bag. The darts make a lovely shaped bag.

Elizabeth's instructions are clear, easy to follow and extremely detailed, with photos for each step of the process. There are three different styles of bag, with variations for each style. I found the method for inserting the zipper different to any I had seen before. The method used in this pattern resulted in the best corners I have ever created in a zippered pouch!!!

I made Style A; a small rounded bottom bag, 4" x 8" x 1½", which was the perfect size to hold a gift card. Next time, I think I'll make the gusseted bottom bag.

Pillowcases and Cushions...

2011-12-27T17:23:00.000+11:00

Just before Christmas, I showed you this pillowcase I had made and used to wrap up one of my presents. I couldn't tell you what was inside, in case the recipient was reading. Well, my Mum did see this post, but didn't know it was for her. Now I can show you what was inside.

Two patchwork cushions for my Mum. I used this tutorial, which I found on The Crafty Christmas Club, by Too Many Pastimes. This was my first time attempting patchwork, so I'm rather pleased with how they turned out, even though the corners don't match perfectly.

Not so long ago, I shortened a tablecloth for Mum. The patterned squares in the cushions are made from the offcuts of that tablecloth. Mum was thrilled that the cushions match her tablecloth. I'm so pleased she likes them.

Here's another two pillowcases I made using the same tutorial that I used to make Mum's pillowcase.

For the purposes of taking a photo, the pillowcases have a pillow inside. For Christmas day, however, I put presents inside the pillowcases. Because they were for children, I also wrapped them in paper. Part of the excitement of opening presents for children, is ripping the paper.

We actually had our Christmas celebration on Boxing Day; the day after Christmas Day. This was so we could all be together on the one day. It was a wonderful day of opening presents, eating way too much food, but most importantly, spending a relaxed and fun day with family.

I have tried to close this post with a paragraph about the different festivals and traditions that people around the world celebrate at this time of year, but nothing has sounded the way I wanted it to. This paragraph has taken longer to write, than the rest of the post. I'll simply close by saying, I hope that you have been able to spend time this month, with the people that are important to you...

Notions and Vintage Goodies...

2011-12-27T16:11:00.001+11:00

In mid November, I posted about some vintage notions and goodies that I had won over at Create HOPE Designs. The parcel arrived ages ago and I'm finally getting around to showing you the fabulous things that arrived; all donated by Kristy from Hopeful Threads.

Yes, ALL of the above arrived in the one parcel!!!... and it's all MINE!!! I thoroughly enjoyed discovering all the things that were packed into the parcel. Thanks so much, Kristy!!!

Earlier this year, I participated in the Retro Pillow Challenge and the Solids Only Tote Challenge, run by Keren and Rikka, from Sew la Vie! and Ricochet and Away. In January, these two girls are hosting yet another challenge; the Naughty Notions Challenge. I had so much fun in the previous challenges, I definitely wouldn't miss this one. Here's the brief, taken straight from the Naughty Notions Challenge home page.

Should you accept this challenge, you will be required to make a clutch bag (or a small handbag), using lots and lots of notions.

Why "Naughty Notions"? Because they pile up and create a huge stash, that's why!

Here's your chance to put those notions to use big time. Buttons, beads, snaps, ribbons, cord, eyelets, hooks and eyes, zippers, lace trim... have I left anything out? Go overboard! Make your clutch bag all about the notions.

If you would like to join me in the Naughty Notions Challenge, head on over to the home page to sign up. You won't regret it.

I have no idea what I'm going to make yet, but, thanks to my win, I now have lots of fabulous notions to get me started.

Christmas Present...

2011-12-21T22:42:00.000+11:00

I saw some fabulous ideas for wrapping presents over at Hopeful Threads. One of my favourites, was Kristy's idea of using a pillowcase instead of wrapping paper.

I used this tutorial from Flower Press to quickly make up a pillowcase. Using the tutorial meant I didn't have to spend time measuring an existing pillowcase. I wanted the pillowcase to be suitable for wrapping a Christmas present, without being too Christmassy, hence the colours I have chosen. For me, the hardest part of making the pillowcase, is making sure the fabric is cut accurately as rectangles. Once that is done, it takes no time at all to sew the pillowcase.

Pop the present inside, tie it up and you have a present within a present. There's nothing to throw away, as even the ribbon can be used again.

I've made a sewn card to go with this present. It's going to be put inside an envelope, before it goes under the Christmas tree. I just wanted to show you the pillowcase with matching card.

What's inside the pillowcase you ask? I'll have to tell you after Christmas, just in case the recipient is reading.

Dress A Girl Around the World...

2011-12-21T00:22:00.001+11:00

Have you heard of Dress A Girl Around the World? It's an organisation which aims to provide dresses for girls who otherwise wouldn't own one. How could a little girl not own one dress? Perhaps hard for us to imagine as we sit in our comfortable homes, blogging and sewing.

Here's some links if you would like to find out more about this wonderful organisation:

I've just sent these dresses off to Dress A Girl Around the World, Australia.

The pillowcase dresses are SO quick and easy to make. I've used fabric from my stash, but, as the name implies, they can be made from a pillowcase. You will easily find patterns all over the Internet. Here's a few links to pillowcase patterns:

Dress A Girl Australia pillowcase dress instructions
Sew Delightful pillowcase dress pattern
LBG Studio pillowcase dress tutorial

I decided to try another style for the fifth dress, as I wanted to try out a pattern I had; Butterick 3477. I quickly skimmed the instructions. It looked easy enough.

I'm not totally sure what happened, but the dress was much larger than I expected. I made a size 5. I know I'm only short, but the dress, without the ruffle, came down to my knees!!! Something went wrong somewhere. Time to properly read the pattern instructions. My mistake; the pattern allowed several inches at the top of the skirt for the gathering. I'm not sure why this much was needed. I just sewed three lines of stitching for the gathering, using less than one inch of fabric. No way was I undo the gathering. I could have shortened the dress and then added the ruffle, but I felt this would be a waste of fabric, so I've left it without. I think it's way too big for a five year old, which doesn't matter as it can be worn by an older girl. I doubt that I'll bother to use this pattern again. There's too many really good patterns out there.

This picture gives you an idea of just how long the last dress is. The template for the butterfly appliqué is from Angel Lea Designs.

Imagine a world where every little girl owned at least one dress...

Sewn Christmas Cards...

2011-12-18T17:47:00.000+11:00

I saw some fabulous sewn Christmas cards by Sew and the City and thought I'd make my own. Here's my first one...

Actually, it's my second attempt and my first finished card. Sew and the City suggested putting little dabs of glue on the back of the fabric to adhere the fabric to the cardboard so it didn't move when sewing. I omitted this step in my first attempt and of course, the fabric moved and puckered. I won't show you that attempt.

I decided to use double sided fusible webbing instead of glue and it worked like a charm. This card was so easy to make. Here's how I did it.

Fuse the Christmas tree to cardboard:

Fuse the Christmas tree to the cardboard using double sided fusible webbing and following the manufacturer's instructions.
Use an old cloth so glue doesn't get on the iron or the ironing board and to stop the cardboard from burning.
Use a low setting on the iron so the cardboard doesn't burn.

Sew the Christmas tree:

Sew a zig zag stitch around the Christmas tree.
Sew the green card to the actual Christmas card using a zig zag.

That's all there is to it. If one of my family members is reading, this card may be for you. Act surprised and pretend the card must have taken me hours to make.

Wedding Dress ~ FINAL Transformation...

2011-12-17T23:48:00.000+11:00

If you are new to Threading My Way, you may not have seen the Wedding Dress I transformed into a smart day dress. That post has generated significantly more traffic to my site, than any other post I have written. I loved reading the comments, as did my daughter. If you were one of the earlier people to post, you may not have seen Tasha's reply to your comments, as to why she wanted to transform this smart day dress into a top.

In short, Tasha doesn't really like wearing dresses. Same as me, she much prefers to wear jeans. How could I argue with her logic. She'd get much more use out of the outfit if it were made into a top to wear over jeans.

So, again Tasha designed, while I sewed. In reality, this transformation was really quite simple and straightforward. Cut the bottom off the dress and make some straps.

Here's how Tasha summed up her thoughts...

So I got to wear part of my WEDDING DRESS again last night. This time to a less formal occasion, an end of year work function. My wedding dress, that was transformed into a formal day dress to wear to a friend's wedding, is now a sparkly top! My ideas were put to my mum, the scissors came out again and straps were added! The best part, is that one day, I will be able to pass this clutch purse on to my daughter. Very special to be able to give my daughter something practical that was made from my wedding dress and recreated into something new by her grandmother!

Tasha is teaching me to think outside the square, to be more adventurous and that it's OK to bend the rules. If you'd like to see more of Tasha's style, she has her own website called Little Ladybird.

FNSI and TTT...

2011-12-17T22:22:00.003+11:00

I finished my second Christmas outfit this week. The first one was for a little girl. Here's the second.

Once again I've used the 30 Minute Shorts pattern from Create HOPE Designs. This time I've sewn red topstitching along all seams, (except the inside leg) and above the cuff. I quite like the effect.

I added an appliqué of a star to the store bought t-shirt. Around the outside of the star, I've added two lines of running stitch in red and blue, to make the star stand out a little more.

Another quick and easy project. I still have lots of Christmas sewing to do. Let's hope I don't have to do a last minute dash to the shops because I don't finish all I've planned.

Last week I said I'd create a post on the FINAL version of the wedding dress transformation. Here it is.

Linking up to Friday Night Sew In and Think Tank Thursday.

Sew Mama Sew ~ Giveaway Winner...

2011-12-17T18:53:00.000+11:00

I had so much fun for the week of Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day. All in all there were over 500 giveaways divided into six categories. I made it all the way through the Sewing Supplies and entered almost every one. Yes, that took me a while! The best thing is, I've found lots of fabulous new blogs that I'll continue to read.

Our winner has been drawn by Random.org...

Congratulations, Lucija!!! I've sent you an email. Thank you to everyone who visited Threading My Way during the week of the giveaway.

Sew Mama Sew ~ Giveaway Day...

2011-12-12T13:09:00.005+11:00

Early this year, I thought it was about time I found out what blogging was all about. Through my RSS feed, I subscribed to a few blogs. I read everything they posted, but I didn't ever participate by commenting.

In May of this year, along came Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day. There were SO many prizes that I wanted to win. In order to be in the running, that meant I had to comment. I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive about doing so. However, my desire to win something was stronger. I was like a mad woman, reading and commenting.

It was all worth it, because I did win something; a pattern of my choice from Little Lizard King. More importantly, though, I found lots and lots and lots of fabulous blogs that I wanted to read and so I began following them. This in turn led to me starting my own little blog.

So, here I am participating again in Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day. Not only do I hope to find more fabulous blogs, but this time I'm giving away something as well. I'm hoping I'll be lucky and win something like last time.

With further ado, here's what I'm offering to one lucky reader......

1 yard of fabric: Paper Dolls by Sheryl Rae Marquez, # 28118, from Windham Fabrics.

To give you an idea of size, these gorgeous little paper dolls are 2 inches in height. Aren't they just adorable?

What do you have to do to win?

Leave me a comment telling me what you would make from your Paper Dolls fabric, if you win.
I'll need a way to contact you if you win. If you are a no reply blogger, or if you don't have a blog, leave your email address with your comment. You can write your email as...

That's all you have to do... leave me a comment and a way to contact you if you win.

Bonus entries (not mandatory):

Follow Threading My Way and leave me a separate comment below. The GFC box is in the sidebar at the top of the page.
Like Threading My Way on Facebook, then come back and leave me a separate comment below.

Three chances to win!!! Leave separate comments for each.

Giveaway is open to international readers.
Giveaway will finish at 5pm PST, Friday 16 December (That's about 9am EST, Saturday 17 December in Australia.)
The winner will be chosen by random.org

Have fun during the week of Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day. I hope you find lots of blogs that you will want to follow and good luck winning something.

Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to reading your comments and I hope to see you again.

Edited to add: In replying to comments, I've found a handful of commenters whom I couldn't contact. If I can't contact you, then you won't be able to win this giveaway. If you are a no reply blogger, please leave an email address with the comment. If you are unsure whether you are a no reply blogger, it might be best to leave an email address with the comment.

This giveaway has now closed. Winner announced here.

Congratulations, Lucija!

FNSI and TTT...

2011-12-10T18:33:00.000+11:00

Do you remember the wedding dress that I transformed into a day dress? The dress has undergone another transformation, although not quite so drastic a change this time. Last night I finished the alterations, but I didn't have time to take proper photos.

Later on this week, I'll do a full post on the FINAL version of the garment!!!

That's all I did this Friday night; not a lot, but a finish never-the-less. As soon as I write this post, I'm going to begin sewing a couple of dresses for the Australian branch of Dress A Girl Around the World.

Then, I have lots of Christmas sewing still to begin. Only 15 days left!!!! I'd better get a move on!!!

Linking up to Friday Night Sew In and Think Tank Thursday.

Christmas Outfit...

2011-12-08T15:01:00.000+11:00

This little outfit was so quick and easy to make. Once again I used the 30 Minute Shorts pattern from Create HOPE Designs. It really is so quick and easy to make up. It's the perfect pattern for a beginner sewer.

Instead of a cuff this time, I added three, little pleats at the front and at the outside side seam. On top of that, I sewed a strip of navy, grosgrain ribbon.

The t-shirt is store bought with an appliqué of a Christmas tree added. Can you tell I'm addicted to appliqué? I'll do a post soon showing how I appliqué on a t-shirt.

It was late at night (actually, it was in the early hours of the morning), when I was ready to appliqué the Christmas tree. As I didn't want to wake Mr TMW (and because I'm impatient), I thought I'd experiment with appliquéing by hand. I've just done a blanket stitch around the edges of the tree. Even though it has been fused to the t-shirt, I don't know whether it will fray with washing. Anyway, I like how it looks. To make the tree stand out more, I've added a simple row of running stitch around the tree. I know it looks a little puckered, but it's not. I really should have ironed the t-shirt before I took photos. I tried stitching a star above the tree, but it didn't work. To finish it off, I added a few navy buttons. To my eye, the top button is in the wrong position. It should come down a tad. If it annoys me enough, I'll move it

To complete the outfit, I've made a couple of hair ties, once again using this tutorial for a flower headband by Cass Can Sew. I've secured the hair tie to the flower with ribbon. It's very easy, but next time I'll take photos, if you would like to see how it's done. As you can see, the buttons are upcycled.

That's it; a very quick and easy little outfit to wear for Christmas...

Surprise ~ Pay It Forward

2011-12-07T22:06:00.000+11:00

My friend, Tanya, from Craft Couture by T. C. wrote a post that attracted my attention today. That's not surprising, as Tanya sews the most gorgeous things. However, today's post was not about a sewing project she had done.

Tanya is offering to make something for the first three people to comment on her post. Sounds like fun! I was the first to comment, which means Tanya will make a surprise for me. I like Tanya's style, so I just know I will love the surprise gift that she makes.

As part of accepting Tanya's offer, I will make a little surprise gift for the first three people to comment on this blog post. There are conditions to signing up. Please read the conditions before you comment.

1. I will make a little something for the first 3 people that comment on this post. It will be a surprise and may arrive at any time in the next 365 days. (Yes, a year. Good things come to those who wait!)

2. To sign up to receive a gift from me, you must play along too. Pay it forward on your blog by promising to send a handmade goodie to the first three people that comment on your blog post.

3. You must have a blog.

4. After commenting on my post, you will need to post this (or similar) on your blog. If you haven't posted in 48 hours, then the next commenter will be chosen.

If you would like to receive a surprise gift sometime between now and December 2012, leave me a comment...

A Little Bit About Me...

2011-12-05T00:46:00.004+11:00

Kat, from Diary of a Flutter Kat, is hosting Nosey Parker in the Neighbourhood and I thought I might join in so you could find out a little bit about me and my little corner of the world.

I live in a semi rural district on the outskirts of Sydney, NSW, Australia.

We are close enough to Sydney, to allow us to conveniently travel in when we want to, but far enough away, that we can enjoy the lifestyle that a semi rural district offers. Here are some pics showing the views from both the front and back of our property, taken at different times of the day and in different seasons.

The houses where we live are detached, as the properties are on acreage, so there is plenty of room. Our block is just under an acre, but it is not uncommon for home owners to have 5 or 10 acre properties. The farms, as you can see in the photos, are of course, much larger than 10 acres. We are fortunate, in that our neighbours to the front and the back, live on farms. They take care of our magnificent views.

The house blocks that are closer to, or in the actual town, are smaller, but most of the houses are still detached. There are some that are semi-detached. In the next town, there are a few flats with three storeys, but these are in the minority.

We built out of the town, to enable us to have a little more land. We like the space and this also enables us to have lots of gardens. I divide most of my spare time between sewing and gardening. Here are some pics of our garden.

We used to keep chooks to provide us with eggs.

Clearing weeds to create new gardens.

There is no shortage of things to see and do if you live in or near Sydney. Here are a few pics of places we've visited.

Mt Tomah Botanical Gardens in the Blue Mountains...

Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains...

Remains of convict built road between Sydney and Newcastle...

Hunter Valley Gardens about 2 and a half hours north of Sydney...

Terrigal Beach about 1 and a half hours north of Sydney...

Grand Pacific Drive about an hour south of Sydney...

The view from our accommodation on an overnight visit to Sydney...

We depend on cars to get around. We are too far out of the town to walk and the public transport system is not very good. There are buses that go between the towns, but they are few and far between. Closer in to Sydney, public transport becomes more reliable and is therefore used more.

I've enjoyed sorting through photos, choosing the ones to show you. I hope you've enjoyed your little glimpse into my world...

Solids Only Tote Challenge ~ Voting...

2011-12-03T22:05:00.000+11:00

Head on over to Sew la Vie! to cast your vote for the Solids Only Tote Challenge.

Thanks to Rikka, from Ricochet and Away and to Keren, from Sew la Vie!, for once again hosting a fabulous challenge. I'm looking forward to their next challenge in January.

Shirred Pocket...

2011-12-02T22:03:00.000+11:00

After finding how easy it was to do shirring on Lucy's Little Flower dress, I'm now hooked!!! So, I've added a cute, little shirred pocket to the original dress. Here's how I did it...

I cut a piece of fabric that was wider at the top, than the bottom. The bottom has slightly rounded corners. The top has 1/2 inch that is straight to allow for the hem.

Hem the top by turning under 1/4 inch, stitch, turn under another 1/4 inch and stitch.

Turn under the side and bottom edges 1/8 inch and stitch.

Change the bobbin thread to shirring elastic.
Wind the elastic onto the bobbin by hand.
Make the stitch length 3.
With the right side facing up, stitch 1/8 inch from the top edge. Backstitch at each end.
Stitch a 2nd row 1/4 inch from the top edge. Backstitch at each end.
Stitch a 3rd row 3/8 inch from the top edge. Backstitch at each end.

To shrink the elastic, press using a moderate iron with a damp cloth over the shirring.

To shrink the elastic on the dress, I held the iron over the dress and pressed the steam button. Because the pocket was small and I didn't want to burn my fingers, I used the damp cloth instead.

Turn under the side and bottom edges 1/4 inch.
Pin the pocket in place.
Baste (long hand stitch) and remove pins.

Topstitch as close to the edge as you can.
Stitch a 2nd row 1/8 inch from the 1st row.

That's all there is to it.

After doing some reading, it seems that machines with top loading bobbins are the ones most likely to have problems with shirring. My machine has a front loading bobbin, so it looks like I'm lucky.

Keren, from Sew la Vie! has told me another way to do shirring.....
You place the shirring elastic along the "seam line" and carefully zigzag over it without catching the elastic. Then you pull the shirring through the "zigzag tunnel" as much as you like and secure the ends (in the seam allowances). This is how Burda Magazine explains it. This way you have more control over the level of gathering and you don't need to use elastic in the bobbin thread.

Thanks for the tip, Keren. Next time, I'm going to use Keren's method.