Closet Crafter

Mad Hatter

2011-11-09T22:49:00.004+08:00

Had to whip these chef hats at 10pm the night prior to B's company cookin event. It's actually relatively simple, but don't tell him that :) . Just cut 8x24" rectangle for the rim, fold in half so its 4 x 24", sew ends together with some stiff interfacing, and attach to 20" round (coordinating if you like) fabric gathered equally. I used some velcro to secure the back ends. Ta-da!

Little Big Girl Dress

2011-10-26T09:00:00.001+08:00

Finally got down trying my hand at sewing clothes. Used the tutorial from Little Big Girl Studio for a simple pillowcase summer dress.

Fabric selection: Kate Spain Central Park

M wore it last night to a family gathering and it looked pretty good but more importantly, she didn't complain it was scratchy! Dead sure she would fidget the whole night because the seams weren't serged (finished off with a zig zag stitch on the trusty Bernina). Anyway, still toying with the idea of getting one (a serger), but probably only when the new sewing space is ready next year when we move.

Dinner for One

2011-10-20T23:02:00.000+08:00

Inspired by this cookbook I had purchased for S's birthday gift, decided to make matching scrappy placemats to go with the general theme. Used the concept from Ellison Lanes' 12 gifts of Christmas blog hop. Started out well enough but ran out of time, and ended up with only 1 of 6 mats planned. So much for personal effectiveness.

Don't want to make promises I can't keep so S will just have to wait for those times when the boys are out and she can sit down with a nice bowl of comfort food, with her very own unique placemat.
Happy Birthday girl!

You can check out the rest of the 11 projects (Can't wait to try out the iPAD case

Superhero Girl

2011-10-16T09:00:00.000+08:00

Who says she can't be Superman? That's what she said when we got the invitation card to her classmate's Superhero themed party. She was right, there aren't many "superwomen" who had costumes that are age appropriate for a 6 yr old. So got my hands on some red and blue satin, and whipped this up.

Downloaded the famous symbol and appliqued it to a plan blue t-shirt, then made a simple skirt and cape with matching belt. Just before we reached the party venue, M said to me "Mummy, we forgot something, the RED UNDERWEAR!!" Too cute.

Not much sewing happening lately on account of the lazy bug, mainly triggered by renovation blues. The new place will likely be delayed a couple more months (argh). Starting to pack up all the stuff ready for the move to storage so a few more dry months. Will bring along some half completed projects to finish up at Mum's though. Anyway, must look on the bright side, I will have a dedicated sewing studio (its really just a corner) at the new place so looking forward to kitting that out.

Here's some simple pillow cases made to cover the now grotty pillows made last year. Need to get more projects done.

Aquas and Oranges

2011-05-07T22:11:00.000+08:00

Sneak peek at my new baby quilt for T (Yes E, the wait is almost over!). I'm calling it Tangerine Submarine Quilt. Just love the bright colors.

Only the quilt top is complete, just need to baste and quilt and bind..... :) will get down to it. I will... Pics of the completed project to be posted. Anyway, M wants this design too, but in pink of course so deciding to finally cut into the Sherbet Pips. Hope it works out well.

Also need to get down to finishing up the pillow cases for Mother's Day. Thinking of trying the cathedral window pattern on Moda Bakeshop by Angela but does look a little daunting. Perhaps will stay up late tonight for election results and get down to it.

Oh Happy Day!

2011-04-23T17:58:00.000+08:00

New Kookykutz Logo and label!

Happened to chance upon a small bookshop at the mall and found that they were carrying an adorable line of handmade baby items (can checkout their website www.spinkie.com ) and said to myself, "Hey, I can definitely do that".

Anyway. inspired by this, I decided to do a little branding of my own stuff (for a more professional look) and got someone to design a new logo. Its an updated color version of the 2 birds which I used to hand print on organic twill tape. Haven't quite decided if I am going to invest in a woven label, or simply DIY on printable fabric. Decisions, decisions...

Even have a shop front done for Etsy. Now the trick is to start producing enough stuff of sufficient quality to start selling :) Akan Datang!

Keep Moving Quilt is completed!

2011-04-14T23:38:00.000+08:00

After months of procrastination and fretting over fabric combination, design and size, the Keep Moving quilt is finally done!

Started with the applique pieces first.

Here are the individual blocks, and the endless decisions on placement to avoid crowding or repeated patterns affecting the balance.

Didn't get a picture of the completed quilt top alone, but most proud of the machine binding for both sides. Saved loads of time, not to mention the risk of not ever completing it, if had to do it by hand! Never again. Thanks to tutorial by RPQ.

Then Ta-DA! Presenting the Keep Moving Quilt. Hope you and baby enjoy it S :)

Decided to do a different backing, but still keeping with the cars and truck theme. Well in truth, also didn't have coordinates large enough. Well you can always change it up anyhow.

New additions (not what you think!)

2011-03-28T22:48:00.000+08:00

Its been a tough start to the year and haven't had a lot of time to finish up some of the projects. In part due to 4 of these guys. (You are looking at Ginger, and her friends are Lily, Basil and Root ala Johnny and the Sprites.) M's birthday present, but her mummy is vicariously reliving her childhood through this gift.

Did do a Lego sack at the request of E. It was really quite easy and I found the process quite relaxing. Enjoy C!

Still working on S's baby blanket. Hope to work on it this weekend. Pics soon, I hope.

Fabric swop!

2010-12-06T21:48:00.000+08:00

Went nuts over black friday weekend and bought a whole load of fabrics and supplies. Even I have to admit is a bit much. Considering I have half a cupboard of fabrics waiting to be cut into.... Anyway, have decided to clear space and thinking about a fabric swop. Any takers?

Carnival bloom festival

2010-12-06T10:41:00.000+08:00

Whipped up between fetching and picking M up from her holiday cooking camp.

Need to start working on the 2 bb blankets, M's car blanket, the "manly" tissue holder and J's macbook sleeve. Christmas shopping taking a back seat.. but somethings gotta give.

Kooky Klutch mini pouches

2010-11-28T13:30:00.000+08:00

Love how fast these little pouches are to make. I actually take more time deciding on the fabrics to use then actually sewing.

Also tried out the journal cover as requested by H. Not satistifed with the final product as I couldn't figure hour how to put in a closure. Included a 2011 journal inside.

Now inspired to make baby gift baskets. Will need to start working on the baby blankets for S and E too! Argh.....

Kooky Klips Collection

2010-11-22T23:29:00.000+08:00

The Japanese fabrics are here! Here are the fruits of my labor ...

Tried doing some sewing but spent so much time admiring my now enlarged stash that I just couldn't get down to making anything! So many possibilities, so little time...

Design space

2010-11-06T08:47:00.000+08:00

My dining table has been turned into a sewing workstation. We now have our meals on one half of the space and so far, no one has complained, YET. They understand that when mummy is happy, they are happy :)

I am also loving the grosgrain ribbon that arrived the other day from Ribbon Retreat. Some of it will be turned into pacifier holders. Can't wait till the other little packages to arrive (went crazy over the last 2 wks)

New stuff fresh off the Bernina: Gathered front purse. Forgot (as usual) to put on the label so thinking of adding on the inside lining. Used Amy Butler Love fabrics, but just looking at the pictures, kinda seems a little granny. Happy how the gathering turned out though, had no idea clue how to execute until yesterday. You tube to the rescue. Added some inner pockets, for cards and stuff. Well, will see how it goes.

By the way, the pics were taken on my iPhone (not so bad huh), coz the trusty Nikon has been whisked off to Japan. B's gone for a trip there, and I so wished he was able to cart back some of those yummy fabrics, No such luck!

Will just have to arrange another trip there sometime soon....

Also, another sale made! The diary (amy butler lotus) is gone :) Tks H!

First Sale!!!!

2010-11-03T21:58:00.000+08:00

I made my first sale today! Still get a kick just thinking that someone out there is happy to PAY for stuff made by me (not that its that badly made :))

The snail pony tail holder and travel tissue paper holder (elephants). 2 different customers (see Perfect Sense Collections - Design Sense in facebook as I can't seem to save the pics on my mac)

More offerings: Kate Spade inspired make up pouches ( imperfect I know, but definitely one of a kind ). Inspired to make more, muah hahaha....

Launching Kooky Klutch (copyright ok)

And Kooky Klips

Japanese Fabrics

2010-10-31T01:01:00.000+08:00

For those who know me, the cutesy Kawaii look is not really my aesthetic. That being said, the Japanese that really know how to appeal to the girly girl in all of us (no matter how suppressed). So much so I have ordered a bunch of super cute fabrics which should come in soon. Waiting patiently for all packages. In the meantime, these are off to the shop.

S took some pictures of the iPad sleeve in action. Snug fit! Yay!

Making the most of scraps

2010-10-29T01:48:00.000+08:00

The bip and bops left over from the last 2 quilts were used to make these tissue holders. Took a few attempts to get the size right, and addition of label makes it look a little more professional :) All going to the shop. No sales yet though.

Obsessions and Confessions

2010-10-24T22:59:00.000+08:00

I am obsessed. An intervention is required. Not only do I spend all my free time sewing, the rest of the time is spent thinking about what projects I can do. Here are some of the latest offerings.

The bib and burp cloth sets (with terry cloth backing) have turned out nicer than expected. Will let H have a look and see what she thinks. Reckon it'll do well. Only fear is that they don't hold up well to rough use.

The note book cover given to Es. Excuse the pics, taken on iPhone.

S's birthday gifts. The eye pad was made out of scraps from the Hope Valley collection. Not a terribly good photo, had to leave in the zip lock in an attempt to prolong the lavender scent from the organic Chamomile / Lavender tea bag mix which I used together with the green beans. I can imagine what will happen if it gets wet!

Finally the prodigal iPad case. Gave me lots of heartache, this one did. Screwed up the velcro with the hot iron (had to hand stitch another one on top), then the flannel lining started to stretch, forgot to add the tag and D ring..... sigh. To be fair, I don't actually have an iPAD and was basing the entire calculations on the specs on the Apple website, Fingers crossed.

Its the weekend!

2010-10-23T09:31:00.000+08:00

Finally got down to downloading the pics from the other computer into this mac.

The round the world quilt still needs to be well....quilted!

Joyce's last min birthday gift. Not terribly flattering photo.

E's baby bib

On more exciting news, I've been tasked to put up some baby items for sale in a friend's boutique. Didn't think it was high quality enough, but will see how the demand will be like.

Quilting drought

2010-09-26T18:29:00.000+08:00

What can I say....its been a busy 2 months. Not that I haven't been sewing at all, just been stealing whatever "free time" (code for sleep time) I have to clean up some older projects. (will post some pics once I get them freed from the network folder which I can't seem to access on this mac, ARGH!)

Over the past 2 weekends though, finally cut into my Hope Valley stash to product this quilt top. Quite proud of this one as actually took time to go through the tedious process of cutting out everything first, lay it out, pin, edit, then piece together. For those who know me well, I am prone to skipping all of the above (the ADHD kid in me) and start sewing straight away.

I think it did pay off in the end and am pleased with the result. As you can see, the points do meet! Some credit goes to the trusty 1/4 Bernina foot. Yay! Also spent ages trying to get a random look to the triangles. Dunno whose gonna get this one yet.

Tuffted Tweets Quilt top

2010-08-01T18:23:00.000+08:00

A sneak peek at what I'm working on currently. While waiting for further instructions on the Trip Around the World quilt, decided to cut into the lovely tufted tweets FQ pack.

Spent ages trying to decide what to do with it, went to Oh Frannson! and Red Pepper Quilts for inspiration. There are so many wonderful patterns to try out. Decided to go with a simple and therefore quick to finish modified log cabin. Each block consists of a 5" centre square surrounded by 2.5" border. Figure I need about 25 blocks to make a single quilt top. Haven't decided if I want to use the essex linen as a border yet. Will see how it goes.

Also tried my hand at a baby bib. Used the free tutorial from chickpea studio. Used the nylon type (waterproof) material which was purchased from Japan, as well as installed my first snap button. Not too bad an attempt :)

My Precious....

2010-07-20T22:01:00.000+08:00

My new Bernina is here! After an agonizing week of waiting, manage to collect it on Friday evening. You read the reviews and think how different can it be? Well I am definitely a convert...It's just so preeettty....and it sews like a dream. You can already feel the difference with the regular straight stiches. But the real party trick is when I snapped on the walking foot. Boy, started on the Hexagon Flower quilt and it is so much easier compared to the old Brother (which has been packed away). No more pushing/ bunching/ puckering etc. Will take some photos once I clean it up a bit.

I've started piecing the Trip Around the World quilt which is a project I am undertaking together with Y and friends. It was such a breeze that before I knew it, finished the 4 panels. Awaiting instructions on how to proceed (hint hint)

Also received 2 packages with Tufted Tweets (with coordinating deep purple / red / lime green fabrics) and Hope Valley. Taking some inspiration from Red Pepper Quilts and want to try out some of her designs. So much for finishing a project before moving on!

I DID IT!

2010-07-11T16:33:00.000+08:00

Yes, I have committed to buying a brand new Bernina 350 PE with leg lift. Get the chills just thinking about it, partly due to the guilt for spending so much on it, but also the lovely projects I will be able to complete with it! More reports once it arrives in a few days time.

In the meantime, caught up on some handwork I have been meaning to do. Stitched together the doll panels for M and her friend (pretty sloppy work but I was under dourest, by the demands of two 5 year olds, they don't seem to care), as well as some paper piecing hexie flowers (thanks to Y for some pink scraps from her bin).

Also selected my fabrics for the Quilt Around the World which Y convinced me to try out. Since I'm not fabulous at matching up fabrics, took the easy way and chose the Nest collection from Tula Pink as my final 8. Like the color scheme, except not sure about the Teal colored piece at the end. It kinda looks disconnected from the rest?

Hexagon flower quilt top/ Hourglass pillow

2010-07-04T12:07:00.000+08:00

Haven't been good about posting last couple of weeks. Here what has been going on....

Completed the Hexagon flower quilt top (yes, it needs to be ironed).

Hourglass Pillow (1 of 2 which I had planned on) Don't know if I'm gonna gift it to Mum or keep it for myself

1 Crayon Wallet for B's office colleague's kid (no pictures unfortunately)

Collected a whole load of delicious fabrics from Y the other day. Don't really know what I, gonna do with all of it. Yet, still trawling the sites for more fabric bundle deals. Is that crazy of what?

All I want for Christmas....

2010-06-24T00:24:00.000+08:00

I cannot stop thinking about it. Plan to test it out and will provide full report then.

Sarah's apron / oven mitts

2010-06-20T10:30:00.000+08:00

Haven't had much sew time in the last 2 weeks. Absolutely itching to start new projects / finish up the hexagon quilt top! Decided though, to make the apron/oven mitts as a gift for S (as a top-up birthday gift) who just loves to play dress up. Used some of the lovely elephant print I got from Japan.

In the process, realize that I NEED a sewing machine that is more forgiving. When inspected with my more discerning eye, the stitches are really uneven when using the walking foot. Tried free motion quilting (with scraps of course) and lets just say, the pictures are not fit for posting. Yes, my skills are amateur but I think it doesn't hurt to have a little help with some cool tools.

Speaking of which, also eyeballing the Accuquilt GO! cutter. Been reading up on it, and the only thing that is stopping me is the price. Gadget dilemma : To upgrade sewing machine, or splurge on Go...sigh.

Hexagon's Everywhere

2010-06-06T17:26:00.000+08:00

It seems everyone is into it these days. Decided to try my hand (again!) at piecing a simple hexagon quilt for M, using jaybird's instructions for her quilt-a-long.

The idea is to have the hexie flower as the focal point (still deciding if I should applique leaves) with white background and Wendy Slotbottom's Breeze fabrics as a border. Obviously a work in progress but happy I started it this weekend.

Emily's Quilt finally completed!

2010-06-03T23:02:00.000+08:00

It took a while to get the pictures, and thanks to a last minute mad dash to complete the binding, here is the finished quilt. I haven't gotten down to the labelling yet as I'm trying to decide if the pens I have will run in the wash! Will deliver this to E this weekend so must do it on Sat morning.

Note: Pics courtesy of husband who would like me to declare that the flash has gone wonky so the strange yellow hue is not due to his lack of skill.

Update 6 Jun 2010: Quilt has been laundered, and labeled, ready for delivery.

Loot from Japan

2010-05-30T23:29:00.000+08:00

The family vacation is officially over *sniff* *sniff*. I take comfort in the fact that all 3 of us enjoyed ourselves, and that I managed to find all the fabric stores I had planned on visiting. I admit to being very conservative with my purchases, knowing we will have to haul the entire lot across Tokyo JR station at morning rush hour on our return trip. There were plenty of the cutesy Kawaii prints available but a lot of my choices were made on price and availability from the online stores (fabric shopping was done on our first 2 days there so wasn't certain that we had enough cash to for Disneyland.). Nevertheless, it was rather enjoyable oogling at the HUGE range of fabrics and notions they have over there. No regrets!

Found the Freebird range for only 380yen a meter!

Couldn't resist the fat quarters at the Tomato main store 5th floor. You will understand if you have ever visited the place. I swear they must be dispersing some narcotic through their ventilation system because there is definitely a sense of euphoria as you browse.

Also seemed to gravitate toward these elephant prints throughout the trip. Not sure why....

On the advice of a friend, also hit the laminated fabrics and pre-quilted sections, though I am not entirely sure what I am going to do with them!

For those of you who plan to go fabric shopping Tokyo soon, do note that the Yuzawaya store Kichijoji is currently undergoing extensive renovation, and the premises have moved about a block to the XoXo building. Its condensed to 2 floors, so you may be a little disappointed with the fabric selection.

I found the Nippori textile town a dream come true. For detailed instructions on how to get there with a map of all the shops, visit this link. You may also find this link useful. Tokyo Crafty Shopping for some other finds in Tokyo.

Here are some other fabrics which arrived while we were away:

So many projects, so little time.

Novel method of destashing / Pin cushion caddy

2010-05-16T23:13:00.000+08:00

Get your kids in the act! My 5 year old has decided that she wants to be just like mummy and cut up beautiful fabrics into teeny tiny pieces :) I've given her a plastic box to store her own "stash" and she is quite happy to snip away with her little pair of scissors right next to me. She has now taken to raiding my scrap bin to replenish her stocks. Probably going to make a collage from the bits.

Finally managed to make my pin cushion caddy (Pattern from Seams to Me by Anna Marie Horner) which I have been meaning to do for ages. So sick of the standard issue tomato pin cushion, it had to go. Been saving some scraps specifically for this purpose. In the picture you can see the last of my flutterby in teal by Tula Pink. Absolutely obsessed with her fabrics, can't get enough of it.

Also almost finished with Emily's baby quilt. Just need to hand stitch the binding to the back and I'm done! (pictures to come soon) Don't think I'll be able to do it within the next few days though as I have to travel for work. Hope to be done before we're off to Japan on a family vacation. Yes, I will definitely be sending back a report of the wonderful stuff I find there.

Happy Mother's Day! Easy six pocket tote #2 / Whirly wheel's quilt top

2010-05-09T23:29:00.000+08:00

Mad rush to finish the 2nd bag for mum in time for Mother's Day. The first one was too small to hold an A4 size folder, so agreed to make another. Added a button this time round too, as the interfacing was more floppy and needed to keep the ends together.

Also managed to finish the main body of Baby Emily's Whirly Wheel's quilt top. Need to add the sashing and then I'm done! Quite happy with how it turned out :) All in all a pretty productive weekend.

Tula Pink's Big Give

2010-05-05T00:07:00.000+08:00

Do check it out. Tula Pink, is giving away Jelly Rolls over the next 5 wks. Good luck!

Hope she re-releases Neptune and Nest! Have been trolling the online stores to get my hands on these 2 discontinued lines with little success. Pity I only got bitten by the fabric obsession this late or would have stocked up on these while they were popular :(

Success! Whirly Wheel block

2010-05-01T16:47:00.000+08:00

It's true, if you make the effort to piece the block slowly, the points will meet! Just completed 1 block of the Moda Bakeshop Whirly Wheels pattern. It took a little longer than usual, but definitely worth it. Just 19 more to go.....The new Ofla rottary cutter was also a hit. You don't realize how much these gadgets can make the job so much easier. Thanks Y!

Also managed to take a picture of the current stash. Modest by most standards, but it was enough to go to Ikea to get a storage solution. I like the table top top and plan to use it as a portable workstation.

Progress_Six pocket tote bag

2010-04-29T18:57:00.000+08:00

Just completed another bag for mum. Followed the instructions from Better Homes and Garden (six pocket bag) and it took about 3 hours to finish. Quite pleased with the result even if the straps don't quite meet at the bottom :)

Earlier this week, also made a yoga mat carrier for her (no pics unfortunately). The point is that I need these quick projects to sustain me. The quilts are nice, but can be quite frustrating / demoralizing when they don't turn out the way you envisioned (see previous post).

Recently connected with a fellow crazy crafter and she gave me some good tips on how to make the work "look more handmade but not homemade". Nice way of putting it .... will endeavor to take the time to prep the fabrics appropriately. It'll be worth it.

Learning to walk before you run

2010-04-27T08:56:00.000+08:00

Just finished piecing the honeycomb (formerly referred to as beehive) quilt top. This is a prime example of why you should take the time to cut your pieces accurately, PIN! and sew precise 1/4" seams :0
Most of the points on the hexagon didn't meet due to combination of poorly cut pieces and shoddy workmanship. Because I wasn't consistent in pressing the seams in a particular direction (got confused after a while) it was difficult to get the fabric to lie flat. Though I find sewing (not cutting) therapeutic, my problem is that I can't wait to finish the piece and end up in this mess.

Also learnt that the choice of fabrics is important when doing this kind of quilt because the larger patterns don't look as good when they are chopped up like that. Because part of the pattern is hidden in the seam, it gives the hexagon a mis-matched look. Ah well, we live and learn.

Used Anna Marie Horner's Good Folks which I got on sale last year.

Now I am toying with the idea of adding a border and selected 2 potential fabrics to match. Haven't decided which but after looking at the pictures, they actually look quite good together. We'll see.

Past Projects

2010-04-24T20:55:00.000+08:00

Finally! Got down to taking photos of some of the projects.

This is what got me hooked. Started making these craft wallets (you can check out the pattern from etsy Childs Coloring waller by jcasa) as Christmas presents. I think its too amateur-ish to sell them online to actual paying customers, but will seriously consider selling a couple just to support this hobby. The fabrics are what makes all the difference, but they can get expensive.

More lovely fabric patterns.

Next were these wristlets I did for my mother. It was an effort to get to know the sewing machine a little better, and I was trying out the zipper foot. Turned out to be easier than I thought. The most painful part was the cutting. My father even got on board by purchasing the hook rings from the hardware shop (loads cheaper than when you get it from Spotlight!)

After gaining a little more confidence, tried out this sling bag. You can't tell from this picture but it was a major catastrophe because I ended up sewing in the lining backwards at 1 point, and had to cut, then reattach one of the straps. The button / pleat piece was also challenging. This was precision work across quite a number of layers and I needed more POWER! Definitely need to try this out again because the pattern isn't half bad. This one was done with Amy Butler fabrics ( I heart! )

My latest obsession is to do baby quilts. They are cute, and relatively easy to do. Moda bake shop has plenty of free patterns to try out. Best of all, they use the pre-cuts which for lazybones like myself, is a godsend, You can check out this easy tutorial by Amandajean (crazy mom quilts) Stacked Coin quilt.
In particular, I like the detail at the back, with an additional strip of coins right across, just makes it extra special.

Currently working on a beehive quilt. It isn't big enough to be called a baby quilt so likely gonna use if as a runner for the piano. Stay tuned for more pics.

The Mother Load!

2010-04-14T23:22:00.000+08:00

I've just received an email from a relative who plans to relocate from the US back home and offered to ship stuff in their container! Hooray! I buy most of my supplies online because the range is wider, and frankly even with shipping, its cheaper. If we take out the shipping costs.... :) possibilities are endless . So many choices, so little time.

Just ordered 2 sets of fabrics for 2 quilts I plan to make. Summer Song by Riley Blake, Forrest Fun by Amy Schimler with 2D Zoo. (The theme for the week seems to be birds.) Couldn't resist and requested for international shipping. Have some vacation days coming up and can't wait to start these projects. the pink themed one will probably go to a good friend who just had a baby, I say probably because not sure if it will worthy to give away. Stay tuned for the results. In the meantime, NEED to get down to taking pics of the completed works to upload.

Anyway, thinking of buying a roll of batting, Its incredibly expensive here, $21 per m for Japanese cotton. Don't have many types available or I just don't know where to look. Its also bulky so international shipping is out of the question. Gonna do the math and see if its worth it.

Baby steps

2010-04-13T00:45:00.000+08:00

This was one of my first attempts at the crayon wallet. Keep in mind I had no idea how to use a sewing machine, so sewing a straight seam was what I was aiming for. I like to jump straight into things and figured I can read the manual along the way then I do get into trouble. Its my impatient nature, problems delaying gratification.

Thankfully, it didn't turn out as bad. What really makes the difference is the lovely fabrics, oh they are sooo nice. I am not one to gush over inanimate objects but whoever started this whole industry of designer quilting fabrics, really knows how to keep you wanting more. I admit, I have spent a sleepless night or two browsing the myriad of choices out there (aside from etsy, there are a ton of sites selling fabrics) . The problem is having to choose a coordinated look, but when you don't actually have a specific project in mind, you end up going " oh, this will look good with that, how about another 1/2 yard of that, maybe I can make a bag with this one too....." Very dangerous territory. The stuff is not cheap either. You can spend the time to hunt down the best bargains, and there are some good ones out there, but my impatient self will usually go with whatever is the most convenient. Besides, in this part of the world, shipping isn't cheap and not all sellers are willing to ship to the Far East. Thankfully, I am still able to get my hands on these awesome fabrics. Will try to take a pic of my stash. Modest by any standard, but lovely to me all the same.

I've used the Hushabye by Tula pink in this project.

The journey begins...

2010-04-13T00:05:00.000+08:00

My first blog. Yes, I am late in the game and sometimes feel like the proverbial dinosaur when it comes to facebook, twittering and the like. Was never into mudding and ICQ (oops, I think I just revealed my age) when I was in school and still have trouble keeping up with friends on facebook. Don't get the instant messaging lingo, dislike getting SMSes with so many acromyns it doesn't make sense anymore ...you get the picture.

Devoted most of my time towards chasing my career, and in the past 5 years, as a full time working mom. It didn't leave much room for fiddling with WWW. So why am I doing this? Not sure, but my last boss felt it was good to record my thoughts by journaling. Also, and this is big for me, I have recently picked up a hobby (see title).

I was inspired by my sister in law's friend who had sewn my daughter a gift. It was a crayon wallet, to bring along for those car rides, and long sit down lunches so the kids can keep occupied. It was absolutely brilliant! and decided to find out where I could get more for my own friends. A little search on google brought me to ETSY and opened up a whole new world for me.

My husband (the sweet man) bought me a basic sewing machine and sent me on my way. I have since attempted to make the crayon wallet for my friends (gave away as Christmas presents, no one would pay money for them :)) and completed a few other zipped purses, pillows for my mum, a shoulder bag and my latest and arguably greatest achievement, a baby quilt. More about these in future posts. Right now, I am just pleased to have actually completed ANY project. My family will attest to the long line of hobbies I have tried out (from teddy bear making, hooked rug, various collections ) but have landed up in cold storage :(

Let's hope this one lasts a little longer. Cheers KK