A little bit of Yardage

A week or so back Nic from Yardage Design had a samples and seconds sale.  I filled up my cart, and emptied it again.  Surely I don't need any more fabric, and things are tight on the money front.

In the end I justified settled for a tea towel and a fat quarter.  The fat quarter's Verano Leaves in crimson.  I love both this design and her Verano petals (I still haven't found anywhere to use these cupboards in the new house though, so they're languishing in the garage).  I thought the fabric'd make a great 'handbag' for the young one.  She's very girly, and a bag of some sort is well overdue.

Well, the fabric arrived a few days ago, and I decided that I needed the Verano Leaves for myself.  Operating on the theory that its linen and therefore should be suited to the task, I've made it into a second tea towel (I'm fantasising about the new kitchen it'd look great in).

Fortuitously, Nic sent the fabric through in a calico bag which, with the young one's approval, became a handbag this morning.  I added some extra calico, and some firm iron-on interfacing so that its reasonably stiff, as well as fully lined.  A zipper, webbing, and the obligatory red cotton fabric, from the stash make it complete.  I'm really pleased with the outcome, and glad to say that she's also very happy with it.

PS.  I am assuming that the print on the bag wasn't heat set, but didn't think to iron it before I washed it, so it has faded a little in patches.  This isn't reflective of Nic's fabric or other items, which I've never had that issue with.

PPS.  This post is in no way sponsored, although you'd be forgiven for thinking so!

On a roll...

Three posts in four days.  What's come over me?!?

Last night the Cyclist was away, and tradition dictates that no matter how tired I am I'll stay up way too late instead of taking the opportunity for an early night.  Last night was no exception, and here's what I have to show for it:

I've been wanting to make a wrap to carry the Newbie around in, as the one I made when the Kinderboy was a baby was too long and bulky.  I also hadn't done anything to mark the centre of it, and I always had trouble putting it on as a result.  It was really comfortable to carry him with though, even given his size (he was 4.6kg at birth).

Yesterday I found a beautiful knit at Darn Cheap Fabrics that fit the bill (only $3 per metre but its so lovely that I could almost be convinced to go back for more and try my hand at making some clothes out of it, knitphobia or not).  Last night I teamed it up with some Yardage Design 'Swizzle' fabric plus bits from my stash.  I'm really happy with the result, and you never know in a year or so the centre panel may make its way into a cushion cover as originally intended!

If you're thinking of making a wrap for your little one you'll need 5 - 5.5m of fabric, cut to around 50cm wide.  This one's obviously knit, but my previous was a woven fabric.  If you're after a tutorial (including how to put it on) - then try here.