A Hobbit style Patchwork Robe

 

Oh yeah, look what I made! 
Yes, it's a Hobbit inspired patchwork robe for my son Joe's birthday.

It was quite the journey making it. I ran out of fabric, I ran out of time. I also had problems with the pattern but in the end, a little miracle happened and then it was finished!

My son absolutely loves his robe, he looks super hobbit-ty in it!

If you'd like to see the epic, almost Hobbit style adventure that I took with this sewing project then click here.....

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I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie 

Upcycling a tshirt into a fancy dress

 

My baby girl who is now 12 has just finished primary school. At the end of the term of grade 6 they have a Leaver's Dinner and of course, she needed a fancy dress to wear.

If you'd like to see how I made it and the inspo behind it then you can see it all here... along with the details of my very first stall at a market!

I think the dress turned out awesome, I think my baby girl looks awesome and oh, do you love the snap below! At the end of the dinner, most of the kids took off their shoes to run on the sand & jump into the waves! Thankfully, she only chose to walk in the water and I couldn't resist snapping a photo of her!

If you have a moment, I'd love it if you could show your support by either shouting me a cuppa here: https://ko-fi.com/craftyrie or on Youtube by hitting that Subscribe button, like this video or leave an emoji or comment below! Thanks, I appreciate it!

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I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie 

Dalek Dress

 

My daughter is a keen Doctor Who fan, I think Tardis Blue runs in her blood!

This week was Book Week and yes, somehow I managed to promise her that I'd make her a Dalek costume to wear.  I ummed & ahhed over it for a few months then decided to sew one rather than make an actual Dalek from cardboard. So really, it's a Dalek inspired dress rather than a Dalek costume.

This would also be fab for Cosplay, Halloween and any Science fiction events that may be out there.

I filmed the process here: https://youtu.be/KxXKfOtkQ1c?si=LiLtPtnpxQjA1cHb but alas my iphone 8 let me down and it actually took me 20hours to upload this to Youtube. In the process the sound quality is weird but it's still watchable, just pop on the subtitles.

If you have a moment, I'd love it if you could show your support by either shouting me a cuppa here: https://ko-fi.com/craftyrie or here on Youtube by hitting that Subscribe button, like this video or leave an emoji or comment below! Thanks, I appreciate it!

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Making the most of my wardrobe

 

Sometimes when we wear our favourite clothes, we want an excuse to wear them more often but something holds us back ... like cold weather. I love wearing my linen pinafore dress all year round but it gets cold here so I often have to wear a jumper over the top of it BUT I don't like how it looks with the dress.

So I came across a cute sewing pattern called the Alpine Top that had a curved front so it would actually look like I'm wearing a dress not a skirt when I'm wearing it. So yep, I purchased the pattern, got it printed and also bought some fancy warm material and made it.

I love it.

I struck a few set backs on the way that I vlogged here.... but otherwise the top is awesome! Only three pattern pieces - so easy! I'm definitely going to make myself a couple more!

Do you love layering up your dresses like I do?

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

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I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Something for me.

 

I was packing my stuff to head up to my Mum's for the week when I realised that all my pj's were olddddd. Like really old, worn out, faded, holey and stretched out. So I decided to hunt through my fabric stash and came up with some soft cotton, chose an awesome sewing pattern (this one......) and made it.

I even filmed myself making them if you'd like to see the process, click here..... to see it.

I love wearing the top, it's so comfy and I feel pretty wearing it so I'm definitely going to make myself a bunch more as it's a great way to use up that fabric that isn't your favourite and doesn't have a particular project in mind!

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Using not hoarding (or stashing!)

 

I've been moving a big box of yarn around the cupboard for years now but stuff it, I couldn't be bothered finding yet another space for it so I decided to pull it out for good and turn it into something useful.

Hence this gorgeous squishy mixed matchy striped cardigan was born. Also, because the yarn is kinda bulky, I finished it within months not years like normal! Yay! I love it. I added pockets to it as I'm a pocket girl. I bought the buttons from a local button collector. Any scrap yarn that I have left will not go into the cupboard, instead I'm knitting something up for my son!

Yay to making not stashing! Do you like the cardi ...or are you 'old fashioned' and don't like stripes on bigger bodies? Also, I finished it in time for our very cold autumn weather and perfect for the #memademay or even better #memademay2024

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

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I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

The Donny Shirt

 

I just finished sewing myself the Donny shirt sewing pattern and wow, I love the style of this shirt!

Firstly, it's a super size inclusive pattern, I did extend the length of the pattern though as it's designed to sit on your hips & I wear my shirts longer.  

The pattern was super easy to follow, there is a well written pattern, a tutorial and also a Youtube sewalong clip (from the designer) as well. 

I actually 'cheated' and had this pattern printed out on A0 paper as I wanted to see if it would be easier than printing & taping it together. My home printer often doesn't work so I was keen to try it this way and yes, it was way easier! I ordered it online and honestly, the time delay didn't matter as it gave me a deadline to clear the table, find the fabric etc.

I'm definitely going to be making myself more of these as it is super comfy to wear, I love how it doesn't have buttons!

If you want to follow my sewing journey with this top then you can see it here on my Youtube channel. You'll have to tell me what you think of the fabric that I used. I upcycled an old vintage bed sheet as I'm trying to use what I have rather than buy & store & therefore 'hoard fabric'.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to take any more photos of the shirt yet as it's super cold here at the moment, too cold to be outside in a thin blouse!

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Almost failing before I even started.

 

I set out to sew myself a dressing gown / robe but I almost failed before I started as I kept hitting hurdle after hurdle.

I thought you might be interested in the making journey, here it is:  https://youtu.be/k--1GfWajpQ

Plus sized robe pattern (to your own measurements) from here: https://patterns.bootstrapfashion.com/?i=bd747e5b

I'd love it if you popped over to my YouTube channel & subscribed to it & even liked some of my videos. Every like, every follower, every comment is like a great big hug! 

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

A new toy to play with!

 

Forgive the slightly crappy photos but I wanted to show you what I've been working on and I honestly didn't have a chance to take good photos as Joe took them both straight away to try them on & didn't give them back as he loved them too much!

Firstly, I need to tell you that I made them entirely on an overlocker (serger) that I got for my birthday a last week. Hubby asked me what I wanted for my birthday, so I sent him a link of what I really, really wanted and wowzer, he bought me it!  Such a lovely surprise, I've been wanting one for years but after I borrowed Mum's I didn't actually want one after that as threading it was a total nightmare & made me very crabby. So later, I did some research and I totally made the right decision in choosing a machine, are you keen to know what I got? Hmm, I'm now the proud owner of this overlocker/serger, it's the easiest thing to thread ever. It's even easier to thread than my sewing machine! I totally recommend it, especially after I've now made several things on it & changed the threads a few times, that air threading button is a dream to use!

I made the first pair of trousers below (the dinosaur ones) 100% on the overlocker, including the hems on the legs, waistband & elastic. I also didn't use a pattern, that's why they're a big baggy but hey, Joe still loves them.

I then made the second pair, the top image, using a pattern (this one) and once again, just used the overlocker including the pockets, hems, elastic & waistband. I love the style of these trousers and have made them before for Joe and he's always wearing them as their super comfy. Oh & fyi, the pattern is a free one, so grab it & make them too!

I honestly, did not know that you could sew a complete item like this on the overlocker, I always thought that you had to use your sewing machine as well to make them in conjuction with the overlocker. So now I'm keen to find out what else I can do with the overlocker! If you have any suggestions, then please let me know in the comments what other projects I should make!

I'd totally appreciate your support if you popped over to my YouTube channel & possibly subscribe to my channel or even liked some of my videos.

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

A Knitted Jacket

 

I just finished sewing on the final details of this awesome knitted jacket, it's the Penguono and ohmygosh, it's awesome!

I added pockets and reinforced the shoulder/neck edge as I didn't want it to stretch if it's hung on a chair. If you recall, I also knitted one for Joe a few years ago, check his out here...

I had to finish the back off, I orignally was just going to leave it as the gradient/ombre but after trying the jacket on, I felt it needed to be as 'jazzy' as the rest of the jacket. 
So tell me, what do you think of the sequin eye patch? Do you like it? I absolutely adore it, I think it fits the jacket perfectly. Joe is a little jealous now because his jacket hasn't got a patch on it!   

How did I do that awesome eye? Well, I used this eye patch from here... it was so easy to put on!

I used this gorgeous binding to add strength to the neckline.

This was also the perfect stash buster as you knit 2-3 strands of yarn at a time & I had lots of scraps left over from other projects, a big box of them. Well, now that box of scraps is almost empty as it's all been knitted into this jacket - perfect of Tasmanian weather!

I'd totally appreciate your support if you popped over to my YouTube channel & possibly subscribe to my channel or even liked some of my videos.

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I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

The Bowen Dress

 

My recent make is for me and yes, it has pockets!  I haven't sewn myself a dress in years, so when I saw an awesome woven dress in a magazine, I just knew I had to sew it.

I made a few mods to the pattern/garment and of course, even though I read the instructions, I still kind of sewed it my way not sticking to the designer's directions.

I filmed a Youtube clip of me making it, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv96JbzuySg   if you want to see how I made this. I also did a little clip at the end of me wearing it, if you're wanting to see the fabric/drape/fit.  I'd love for you to tell me how it looks as I was loving the dress until hubby said it looks like a tent. My kids have reassured me that it's not the case and that I look awesome but still that 'tent' remark is still there in my brain. Sigh.

Anyway, enough of tents, the mods I made to the garment were as follows:

~ I used what I had for the skirt & sleeves pieces, so they are smaller than directed so there are no 'ruffles' to the sleeves.

~ I didn't want the open back/front & buttons, so I seamed that piece together.

~ I added a fake button tab to the sleeves.

Mods for next time I make this dress:

~ I'll size the bodice down another two or three sizes as it just keeps sliding off my shoulders, it's just too wide.

~ I'd change the skirt so it had two or three tiers so it was less 'tent like'.

~ I'd change the pockets so they were higher up (maybe come up 3cm) and have the shape so it hangs from the waist line (on the inside of the skirt)

~ I really like how I did the sleeves but I'd make them a bit shorter.

Do you have plans to make this dress too?  If I plan to make the dress again with the above mods then I think I'd use this striking bold fabric or this statement fabric.

I'd totally appreciate your support if you popped over to my YouTube channel & possibly subscribe to my channel or even liked some of my videos.

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

Sample piece: Joe's Crazy Patchwork Quilt Coat

 

I just finished making this patchwork coat and I'm slightly in awe at how it turned out.

I used only scrap fabric with some elastic for the edging, does it look ok?

Would you believe that I didn't use a pattern .I made it up as I went along and actually, it was pretty easy!  I was thinking of making myself one and tested my idea out with this for Joe as I'd rather do a small sample then a big one!

Should I film a tutorial on how to make it?  Would you be interested in making a Quilt Coat / Quilt Jacket?

Tell me,  is it a coat or a jacket? 

I used this type of elastic for the edging. I was going to add a zipper but Joe kind of stole it from me when I asked him to try it on for size and doesn't want to give it back, stating that it doesn't need a zip!

I'd totally appreciate your support if you popped over to my YouTube channel & possibly subscribe to my channel or even liked some of my videos.

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I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

The Easy Skirt, No Pattern Needed

 

After I finished making Joe's top (this one), I had some fabric left over, so rather than putting it into the cupboard and never using, I decided to quickly make Delaney a skirt.  No pattern is needed, all you need is the waist measurement for the elastic.

I show you how I made it in this YouTube video, go check it out & I'd love it if you gave it a thumbs up!

This skirt would make the perfect 'quick make' gift for your loved ones. 

The fabric is French Terry from Melco Fabrics.

Glitter elastic available here,  here, or here.  

I'd totally appreciate your support if you popped over to YouTube to like my video & possibly subscribe to my channel.

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I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

The Bribe Dress

I'm totally guilty of bribing my child. Yep, sometimes you just need too. This was done because she needed to have her second covid vax and when she went for the first, she deliberately wore a long fitted sleeve dress that was really hard to take remove when she needed her shot. So this dress was made & given to her just before we jumped into the car to go to the clinic.

We also bribed her with 3 lollipops and a promise of hot chips on the wharf for dinner afterwards.

It worked. She is now fully vaccinated. She walked into the clinic a scared little mouse and walked out a queen as she was so proud of herself for actually getting the vax!

Pattern: I used this bodice pattern as it's a good fit and easy to sew. I've sewn this bodice/dress a few times now as it's quick to make and my daughter wears the dresses over & over again. I just kind of made up the skirt as I went along, I didn't hem it as it's knit fabric & didn't need to be. Fabric is just stuff from my stash.

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here....

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

A Hooded Top for Joe

 

I just finished making this gorgeous hooded top for my son Joe.

He chose the colour, it's called Fox and the fabric is the divine French Terry from the lovely Melco Fabrics.

I sewed a pattern called Quinly and it was a quick sew as I completed it in a afternoon. I'd never done a hood before or a front slit but they turned out to be pretty easy!
I actually purchased this pattern a few years ago and have since discovered that the designer no longer has a website, so I can't refer you to the pattern I used BUT I have listed a bunch of similiar ones over on the YouTube clip that I made of this, so just head over there (YouTube here) if interested.

Oh, I added a label to the back as it makes it look less 'homemade'.  

If you want to watch me sew it then pop over to my YouTube channel to see how I do it. I'd also appreciate it if you'd take a moment & hit that like button there and I'd adore you if you subscribed to my channel too!

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I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links! Many thanks, Rie

A scrappy vest

So, what do you think of my latest make?

This is a scrappy, no pattern vest using up the remnants of yarn from when I finished my blanket (this one).

I made it for my son Joe, who absolutely adores it. He happily exclaimed that it was a blanket that he could wear! 

His enthusiasm is contagious and I like it because he likes it so much!

The yarn was from the lovely people over at American Yarns.

I've now used the remaining yarn up with exception of a few smaller pieces that the kids have taken from me.

I'm not sure I'd wear a vest like this, would you?

Big Butt Undies

 

I just finished sewing something for me, a stack of undies.

I call then Big Butt Undies because I like the coverage but the pattern that I use has many variations to suit your own needs. I also like that pattern because it uses smaller pattern pieces, in fact that watermelon pair was actually a fat quarter.

I was going to make a YouTube tutorial for them using both a sewing machine and also a serger/overlocker. What do you think, is that something that would appeal to you? I promise, they are super easy to make and much, much cheaper than buying a pair. I even tried to turn one into 'period undies' and it worked out fine too!

Undies sewing pattern here.....

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I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

Quick Pants!

 

This has to be my most quickest clothing make ever. I bought the pattern, printed it, cut it & sewed it all within 24 hours. World record for me. These things normally take months, well, to be honest, sometimes years!  I've been home sick for 2 weeks, my 10yo son has been home sick from school this week with me and I'm bored. 

I stumbled across this designer somehow and fell in love with the Capris. I honestly bought the pattern for the Capris but I wanted to 'test' the pattern out first before committing 'good fabric'. I found this large remnant of blue knit fabric in the back of my cupboard and it's enough for joggers, so I decided to test the jogger size out and then later I can make Capris.

I love them. They fit perfectly. 

Pattern is this one. Go buy it, it was easy and it's super size inclusive up to a 70" hip. The world needs more size inclusive designers like this.

The pattern comes with these Joggers and Capris, lots of options for pockets AND then the pattern shows you all the way to adjust them, so you get the perfect fit for you.

Ok, so now I'm tired, less bored but still sick. I'm going to curl up with a good book now. 

Please excuse the daggy photos!

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I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

What are these?

Something a little different today, can you guess what these (above) are?

I hadn't made them before today, this was my first time sewing them. They looked harder to sew than they were.

They are the best ever scraps stash busting thing ever, one piece of the pattern was super small, perfect for those itty bitty scraps.

Yes, I used knit/stretch fabric, it's a 95/5 blend for extra stretch & recovery. 

The picture looks like I made 4 things but in fact I made 2. 

I made 2 pairs. ...worked it out yet?

My kids were super excited to try them on, they've now asked for more in every colour available. My son says they are more comfortable than shop bought ones. My daughter asked for ones with pompoms.

The pattern is this one. Go grab it and use your scraps. 

Aren't they the cutest things ever!  These were the first test ones, so I just used the first scraps I came too. The heels & toes were optional, I really liked the heels as they turn a 'tube sock' into a 'proper sock't that doesn't slip off the foot easily. The cuffs were also optional, I liked the pop of colour at the top.

They come in heaps of sizes, lengths and options, they even come in tights and adult sizes. 

The pattern was well written with heaps of instructions, making them easy to sew.

Now that I've mastered these, I'm tempted to make more and to also make these ones because I know my son would just love them and he's getting harder to buy & make for as he gets older (he turns 11 soon).

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here.... 

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

The Rainbow Swing Dress

 

This dress was so easy to make, a great stash buster. I sewed it up for Delaney's birthday, so I had to wait before I could get a photo of her in it!

The sewing pattern is this one: https://lddy.no/10n66 

My fabric (from my stash) wasn't quite wide enough, so I fudged the shape whilst cutting and there wasn't enough stretch in the fabric for the neckband, so after sewing it 90% on, I ripped it out & just folded the neckline down instead and it still managed to look good when I'd finished it! 

You can see how I sewed the dress here: https://youtu.be/Xp16vZxHOCE

If you need ideas on where to source knit/stretchy fabric from then head over here to see the list I've compiled: http://www.craftyrie.com/2017/09/where-to-buy-knit-jersey-stretch-fabric.html

Here's what the dress looks like on, not the best photos but she was so excited and wouldn't stand still. She also was amazed that I'd actually sewn the dress not bought it, so that was kind of heart warming, especially when she told me it was so pretty and kept spinning circles in it!

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here.... 

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie