Sewing machine cover

Two things: 1. This cover for my sewing machine really does look better in person than on the photo. 2. I knew i should have used some interfacing to make it more sturdy but i wanted to save time and now i'm sorry i didn't put in that bit of extra time.

No matter, i'm happy with my new sewing machine cover. Lately i don't use my machine on a daily basis so i thought it should have it's own cover. And not that plain plastic one it came with. I picked a large vintage pillowcase from my fabric stash and used the standard cover as a template. It wasn't too difficult to figure out.

Make ironing fun

Ok. I admit it. I don't iron. I do press. Yes there is a difference. The first involves daily clothes, pants, blouses, ironing. The second involves new creative projects in progress. I use my iron and ironing board to press when necessary.
Here in the NY apartment i only have a small Pressa ironing board, got it at Ikea.
(Check the link for a before picture) I already didn't really like the fabric on the board when i got it, but used it as-is anyway. Not too important. But when it got so dirty (working on a lot of small projects including Wonder Under can leave a glue residue on the board that won't come off in laundry) it became time to make a new fabric cover. And if you do so, why not make it from one of your favorite fabrics? So I did.

Pay it forward; Bunny Dolls

I made two cheeky bunny dolls. The purple one went to Jenavi as the Pay it Forward craft. My other Pay it Forward crafts have been sent out too, but haven't received word they arrived yet, so pictures will follow soon!

Guitar appliques

When Love came back from his European tour a couple of weeks ago, he brought home a couple of new patches from the cities he had visited. I had sewn on a few on his guitarbag before, which was already not a joy to do. But these, further down the bag were horrible to do. Especially since my current craft space doesn't involve a lot of actual space. And you need to turn the bag totally around while sewing, meaning the whole thing has to go through the open area of the machine. How? Well i don't know either. With a lot of energy, persistence and a bit of cursing along the way.
But my Loves excitement and happy smiles made it all worth it in the end.

Issey is a doll now

So i managed to finish the issey doll.
Maybe i should have made the head a bit bigger.
Or the body a bit smaller.
To get the dimensions right.

Nonetheless i learned some new things again about doll making and already have more ideas to make more dolls in the future.

Anyone likes?

Oversized costume hat

Pfff. Hat is finished. What a project this was. Let me tell you that shiny purple fabric was no fun to work with. (looks kinda purple in the pictures, but it is actually purple) Please don't let me use that ever again. Warn me or something.
But that was the fabric that was requested to use.
I am proud of myself for drawing up the whole pattern by myself. Just had the basic shapes to use, but had to figure it all out, calculate measurements, draw, get the size right so it would also fit in the end.

If you happen to be in the touristy area of Manhattan, around 42nd street, you might even see the 19inch high hat on my entertainer friends head.

I've sold my sewing machine

I really did. I've sold my sewing machine.
No, I haven't given up sewing, I've bought a new one! Decided that it would be too much hassle to move my old machine with me overseas, get a converter and all that. It was just easier to sell and buy a new one.

I could have gone for the hello kitty machine (target) but instead opted for a white Singer Precision. Maybe plain white, but nothing a couple of cute stickers can't fix! It has to be personalized of course. Cutified.

It is a step up from my last machine, maybe even a couple of steps up. Love it! Hopefully my next step up will be something like the Singer Quantum Futura. How wonderful would that be?

Sewalong Cape

Got to post this before i leave. Proof that i really did manage to get a little bit of creative work done in this hectic period. (still far too little, i miss it!)
I mentioned the sewalong with Nico before, originated from a post i did about free online patterns. It took a bit longer than planned, but i finally managed some actual progress.
The original pattern is still online and can be found at the Burda site.

My version is almost ready, will finish it in NY. All sewing has been done, i only still have to put on the closure and the buttons.

Ever tied a tie?

It had been a looong time ago since i last tied a tie. When i was a young kid someone showed me once. I must admit i fumbled around a bit at first. But when you figure it out, it's not that hard.

I made these three kids' neck ties and i think they came out real cute! I think i will be putting some labels on the back and get them ready to be put up for sale one day. For the light blue tie i made an applique of a flower that i drew in Illustrator, printed on felt with some vliesofix on the back, and ironed&sewed on the bottom front. Gonna make some more pretty appliques! You could wear the ties as an adult, but then they are verrrry short! A bit weird. But possible. but weird. hehe.

The crochet hat was very much a trial project. Size is for kids around 2 years or so. I used yarn i had laying around which i wasn't going to move with me. That explains why the colors are all mixed up and not really color coordinated. Frugal thinking! Use what you got. Maybe i will pretty it up with a flower brooch or something that i first still have to make. ;) Now that i've at least figured out how to do it, i have already put some pink yarn aside to take as carry on luggage. I should be able to make another during the 7,5 hour flight!

Oh yeah, i'm also working on a sew along with Nico. Had i mentioned that already? I think we both had planned to have it finished by now, but both of us had to re-prioritize! My version of the cape is almost ready!

i'm thinking ribbon bows

i'm thinking ribbon bows to cutify some pouches with?
now that i've done some tryouts i think these would be cute as brooches too if i would place a pin backing on them.

will make more as soon as time allows.

Ooh, Bonjour!

Well hello and bonjour!
I mustn't make too many dolls and plushies before i move, because they will take up too much suitcase space. Better yet, i just decided to try and only finish up crafty projects that are already in progress.
I can better spend more of my time on new illustrations, those only take up space on my laptop's harddrive.
And if i do want to be crafty i can work on patterns and even cutting fabrics, the prepwork.

This little felt French girl is inspired from my many craftbooks. Now that i look at her she should be holding a loaf of French bread or something. That would make her even cuter. And more French ;)

More (retro) baby dresses

i took a deep breath and cut in some of the 70's fabrics from my stack. Both out of original seventies bedding, the orange baby dress is made out of flowery prints on the front and back, the blue green version has a plain blue back which closes with small Velcro straps.

Fabric collage wall art

This project was a work in progress for a long reason. No particular reason, you know, sometimes you just have a project that's just there all the time waiting to be finished but never really gets the priority to finish up. Finally i have. I think the girl turned out cute. Since one project leads to another, i'm thinking of doing some more smaller pieces with only cute girls. With this project i didn't have a set idea of how i wanted it to end up when i started. I've put some fabric on a framed canvas and opened my fabric scrap box and let the fabric pieces lead the way. Next time i will draw a sketch first and start cutting and sewing next.

Would be nice as nursery art, but if your anything like me, always a kid at heart, you don't need a nursery to put it up on the wall! hehe

Baby Dresses; cute enough?

I'm really enjoying myself making baby dresses. I'm planning to make more using my retro fabrics.
Better be safe then sorry, first trials of patterns are done using 'regular' pretty fabrics. Fabrics i won't be totally upset about if things go terribly wrong.
I'm drawing up a couple of patterns, different styles, different sizes to try out what works and what doesn't.
The dresses would be totally adorable on any baby girl, but i must say they both have some little imperfections. I don't like how i sewn in the elastic in the green dress (figured it out and did a better job on the elastic on the small diaper cover pants). I might add some trim at a later stage to fix (hide) it. The red dress has a zipper in the back which i have put in like it should, but one of the stitch lines (?) isn't totally straight. So it doesn't bring a smile on my face. Green one closes with Velcro strips sewn in on the back.

Sometimes i do see handmade items in shops which have imperfections (some not even minor, but just have sloppy sewing done) but they are being sold without any hesitation. Is it me being to harsh of a critic of my own work again? I'm not sure if i would feel good selling items which i am not 150% happy about.
Oh well the more you do it the better you'll get at it right? Next time maybe there won't be any imperfections and no worries no more.
Dutch kids sizes are simply based on body length. The green one is a size 86 (12-18 months), the red size 98. That's not really baby, more like 2-4 years.

Oh yeah, i went and got those zippers i needed. City center was so crowded with tourists (i know the city needs them and i welcome them all) but people, MOVE! I had to zigzag my way around them, standing still at odd places, taking over the streets, not paying attention to bikes and trams, chaos. Sunshine in combination with Easter weekend i guess. But please do come and visit my lovely city, i just wasn't in the mood today. Sorry. I need to get things done.

Online sewing patterns

Got to share this.

I was flipping through some sewing magazines at the newsstand the other day when i noticed a download logo with some of the patterns in a magazine called 'easy fashion' from the Burda company. It stuck in my head, checked it out and there really are free patterns for download! It looks like the patterns are updated, maybe with every new issue of the magazine? A very good thing is that the (detailed) work descriptions / how to's are available in 10 (!) different languages. Choose yours!

simple yet reversible bags

They're simple in the way that for once i didn't put any extra trims and inside pockets.

But they're extra special in the way that they are made out of vintage fabrics and they both are reversible! Two bags in one!



Hope nobody minds the messy background in the pictures.. yep, it's where i sit and do my sewing!

cute as a button pouches

I thought i had already posted about these. Just realized i hadn't yet.

Each pouch has cute inside lining and it's own matching button. Either on the pouch or attached to the zipper as a cute zipperpull.

it's a dress!

I'm no fashion designer. Don't claim nor aim to be.
I know my way around my sewing machine.
It would just be fun to be able to make some basic clothing. So i'm learning. Basics about invisible seams and stuff.
Meanwhile made a summery wrap around dress.

Vintage baby

Very much inspired by my pregnant friend lately.
I've made a simple pattern for baby bibs. Planning to use vintage fabrics and decorate with sweet trims. But decided to first make one or two asap (as simple as possible). Trial runs.
My friend will be asked to use, wash and test it.
If it survives usage and laundry (which i think it will) i will be making more (decorated) vintage bibs!





Another thing vintage fabric related in my mind are baby dresses.
I have a pattern in my head. I know how i want it to come out. But i haven't made any sketses yet. Not sure if i want to figure it out by myself or go out and look for a premade pattern which resembles the one in my mind. The last would be the best choice regarding sizing. I don't know about measurements for baby clothes and i don't know if i want to figure it out before i can start.
Because? I found these wonderful vintage pillow cases which would be great to use as fabric for little girls dresses.
We'll know as soon as i figured out the pattern thing, because then i will be cutting and sewing these wonderfull old flowery fabrics!

bag 'buttons and shapes'

i should really measure and pin more. at least for me to be more satisfied. it would just look better if i would have sewn that see-through front pocket on more straight.
or left it out all together.

I do love how the combination of shapes and colors worked out. there's a lot going on without being too overwhelming. or is it.

Two more longnecks

Please meet the final two of my longnecks.
I'm thinking of entering the white one in the Softie awards. Maybe i should choose another? Or multiple? I see others entering more than one softie. There is still some time left to enter. i don't have the illusion of actually winning, there are many great talented entries already. but i think it's time i should get something out there.
All longnecks are approx 13 inch high. I will come back with some cute names for them.

New longneck friends!

Skyes the giraf has found some new friends to play with in the playground!

More info and pictures (there are two more!) will follow tomorrow!

Patchwork blanket done!

It missed a couple of set deadlines, but then it did get finished.
Cozy on the bed with the already done pink version.

I think i can never wash it since i wasn't thinking and used many different types of fabric. Next time i'll go for one type only.

mini art

mini fabric collage, felt chick with tiny embroidered eye and feet on small canvas frame (4x4" / 10x10 cm).




I have one more of these small canvasses. I'll surely be on the lookout for more. I think they're sweet and i have more ideas for them!

pink pouches

i'm focussing a bit more on it becoming a reality that i will eventually finally one day open up a little shop of my own. well in the past i owned an internet shop before, but i didn't make the products i was selling myself(original cute kawaii items, what else?). this would be a whole new venture. but a shop is nothing without inventory. so i got to set my mind on making some cute items that would possibly make it into my sales pages.
Let's start with some zippered pouches.
Got some work to do.

phew... finished that bag

finally.
i won't be making another one any time soon. of course it would be easier a second time around since i now have a pattern ready and i've learned by mistakes.
it also took a long time because after every step of the way i stopped. left it alone. had to think about my next move. and still i managed to sew parts together which had to be sewn on in a later stage, thank you seamripper!
but with me being so "smart" to choose for two different types of vinyl fake leather type fabrics when you rip a seam the needle holes are still a bit visible. and with some parts where the two different fabrics are sewn together the fabric kinda 'ran' a bit.

but my newest motto is "Don't Be Too Hard On Yourself" so i'll see what i like about it.
i like that it's finished. ;)
i like the dark brown and white color combination.
i like how my ismoyo girl applique came out.
i like that i did manage to figure out how to complete it.
i like that it's strong and large enough to stylishly do some small grocery shopping with.
i like it that i didn't decide to be lazy and did include an inside pocket, you know you want to put your keys somewhere where you can find them easily.
did i say i like the fact it's finished?

a heart to cuddle

Those who have been reading my blog for a while might know that me and my Love travel between NY and Amsterdam. That means we're not together all the time. We can't always celebrate life's joyous moments with each other. This coming Valentine's we're not going to be spending together. Now it isn't that i think that much about Valentine's day. 1 Day to be sweet to each other? C'mon people. Make everyday Valentine's day for the one you love. But hey, that's my world. But i don't dislike the day of hearts either. I love all the pink and red that comes with the day. I love to get a small surprise gift from the one i love. I love finding something sweet and thoughtful to give. I love dressing up and going to dinner in a small restaurant. Feb 14th is good, but any other day will suit me just perfect too. Since i must miss my hubby i made something to cuddle up to anyway; a heart shaped plush photo frame!
I think it came out okay. It would also be a good idea for when you have a little kid who is going for his or her first sleepover, you could put in a picture of mom and dad in there, so the night without them isn't too hard to get through.

Have a Happy Valentine's day tomorrow! Spread the love!

Checkered couple

Oops. Bought socks in the wrong size...
Trashcan or reconstruct? What do you think?!
Turned them into this couple who have now created a home for themselves on top of my bookcase.

I just cut and sewn as it seemed logic to me. There are many tutorials of how to make sock monkeys and puppets to be found online. Webgoddess has a clear step by step tutorial which is a good starting point if you don't want to just wing it.

Oh yeah, stuffing a long looong and narrow tail is not a fun activity.

Skyes so high

Today on the playground.

whispers
"hey psst, you seen the new one?"
"how could we've not?"
"what is it? it's sooo tall!"
"i think i know, i heard about those before, they're called longnecks!"
"really? would you dare to say something?"
"uhm. hi there, mr. longneck?"


"well hello little ones. i was wondering if i could spend some time here on ismoyo's playground with all of you."
"he wants to stay here"
"we have never had such a long visitor"
"maybe he won't stay long"
"that's not what i meant..."
"of course you can stay here with us mr. longneck!"
"thank you, i would like that very much.
one thing, could you stop calling me mr. longneck? i'm a giraffe and my name is Skyes."
"nice to meet you Skyes!"
"nice to meet you too."

Skyes the giraffe is made out of felt. And very dark yarn turned into manes using a long loop crochet stitch. Stuff, stuff very much stuffing inside to keep his neck strong and upright. I choose not to put in a stick or some sorts, I'm trusting my stuffing skills with this one. I did put two short sticks in his horns, no stuffing there and iy would look bad if the horns wouldn't stand straight up. The paws give the balance so Skyes won't fall over.
He has a total height of approx. 13 inches or 33 cm.

Fabric Collages

Very much inspired by the fabric wall art i had in my room as a little little girl during the seventies. I remember it vividly. It wasn't padded like the ones i made, it was a heavy off white/yellow fabric with loops and a stick on top to hang. It was lovely decorated with scraps of fabric shaped as a sun and two playing kids. I wonder where it's gone.

The one i like the most is the one on the right, and that's double good since that was the last i made (always learn and get better each step you take, love your last work) and it's good since that one i want to give to my girl who is pregnant right now. It might look cute in the nursery. (i'm guessing she currently has better things to do and other things on her mind than to read my blog, hoping it stays a surprise) The little one might even play with it. Don't know what she could do with it, but there are no rough parts or parts that can come off, everything is stitched very securely. And best thing is the soft back, done in supersoft white flannel. Still my original purpose for them wasn't to end up as a baby drooling pad but to be put on the wall. Baby's first piece of art. ;)

New wallart

I was thinking my work area could use another inspiration board. And you can never have enough wall art if you ask me. (i am aware there actually are people out there who like to keep their homes and walls 'neutral'. who wants to live in an all white house? i don't understand...)

With both I started out with a plain canvas frame. For the inspirationboard i added some padding in between the canvas and the yellow fabric. I used an applique stitch (if that is how you call it) to sew on the other pieces of fabric that are basicly just there as decoration. It also has a corner pocket and a pink elastic band with tiny pegs.

The other is mainly a combination of fabric and trims with a vintage flower brooch on it. It kinda reminds me of a garden.

4x crafty apron

I still had to show off these four crafty aprons, or tool belts however you want to call them. I mentioned making them earlier, but never got around to taking pictures of them. Well i did try, but they were difficult to take good pictures of. (they look prettier wearing them, than laid out on the floor...)

I started making the square one, but i must say i quickly found out that square isn't flattering for your figure when wearing the apron.. Still cute, but well, square. So i like the way the others came out better. They all have lots of different compartments to keep all the needed tools and notions nearby.
As an extra, the green one and also the square one both also have see through vinyl compartments.

Nano cozy

I've made this ipod cozy for the daughter of a friend of mine. I hope she likes!! I was a bit nervous about the sizing, since it's for an ipod nano and i didn't have one of those laying around to try and fit it in there. But i took the measurements and it's very small so it should fit. I made it a little bit broader on purpose. Could always make it smaller if that would be necessary. But i haven't heard anything about it, so i guess it's all right like it is. I made another simple, pretty ipod cozy to work out the sizing, forgot to take a picture of that one.

girls girls girls

With this new found crochet addiction, i of course need a cute zippered pouch to easily take bits of yarn and stuffing with me. Taking projects on the road!
The cute girls fabric is a very very soft flannel. Will use more of it soon.

Another quilt in progress

Since I'm not all selfish and i enjoyed making my pink quilt so much, i have started on another one! Making a green/blue-ish version this time.
For my Love, hope to have it finished in time for our 7 year (!) anniversary in January. Hope i can find enough green scraps of fabric in between all the pink piles i have!!

I am making some progress already. The little owl has already found it's place in between the squares.

I'm currently being surrounded by squares and squares of green and blue.

In need of some pink....

hihi

Pink patchwork

What was i thinking when i started this project? Well, i wasn't thinking actually. I just figured i would find out how to do it along the way. And i did. Just not in the most practical way. Oh, i could have done that better like so and so... well, already too far along to go back and adjust. Make a mental note for next time and proceed as started. In the end it therefor didn't come out entirely like i had planned it to, but nevertheless it is already my favorite blanket of all time!
Kinda difficult to make a good picture of it. It's large enough for one person, approx 115 x 200 cm, for the picture i have spread it out on my double bed. I used the softest pink velour fabric i could find for the back of the blanket. In combination with the soft padding inside it's very very comfy to cuddle up under during those upcoming cold winternights!







Some detail shots i made when still in progress.

Mushroom house

I was trying out some things (felt flower and incorporating a small iron clasp ? hanger) and while doing that came up with this pink and white polkadotted mushroom house. (there is a polkadot on the back too)
The little friends that I'd made recently are all fighting over who may live in the mushroom!

Is this Ismoyo's playground?

See whom I was welcomed by this morning!

I'm planning on making some more, attach straps or something so you can hang them somewhere and see how much fun they have. That would immediately solve my dilemma of should i attach the cupcakeholders or keep them loose so they can hop out when they want to. Well, i'm still finalizing the ideas for these cupcake-cuties.
One day i will open up shop and i want to have something that is really Ismoyo. Maybe these can start it off.