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.

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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

Sewing a tea towel (dish towel) dress

 

Please be in awe of my latest sewing creation, this fabulous dress made from an old vintage tea towel and the dress itself is made from 90% used (upcycled & free) fabric. 

The pattern is the Joy Mini Tea Towel Dress, you can grab it here: https://tidd.ly/41Rnvlc and yes, it's worth the money as it has the best 'sleeve pattern, insertion' that I've come across in all my sewing.

I filmed myself making it & have a major question to ask you, so please click here to see me make it & tell me what you think.

I made a 4xl top with a 5xl skirt. The pattern was super easy to follow, I was originally going to add a ruffle to the length of it but decided to leave it at this longish tunic length. If I find that I'm not wearing it because it's too short then I'll add a patchwork ruffle to make the dress longer.

I'm definitely going to make more of these as it was such a fun sew, I LOVE scrap fabric and using free fabric is even better! If you want to see how I sourced free fabric then I've got a couple of videos up on YouTube here..... so check them out for yourself.

This is what the back of the dress looks like (below) not as cute as the front but still pretty cute! I'm now off to source some more cute vintage tea towels to make lots more!

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

Sewing a gift :: a quilted tote bag

 

I just recently finished this quilted tote as a gift for my very first 'real life' sewing buddy! Yay, someone that I can sit & chat fabrics, patterns and all things sewing related with! We've even had a 'sewing date' at her house (her house is bigger than mine and has more room to cut fabric).

I tried to use fabrics from my stash, I know she likes the colour brown, so I found some fabrics that went well with each other. I love the bag so much that I'll be making one of my own too!

I didn't follow the pattern 100% as I added some more pockets into it - check out how I sewed it in this Youtube clip here....

Below is a piccie of the bag almost done, I was just going to handsew the binding in the photo.

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! 

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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 25yr project

Have you ever had a box that you moved from here to there & back again for years & years? Well, I got sick of moving one and decided to make the unfinished project so I could clear up some space. I mean, this box has moved house with me 4 times, so I think it's time to get rid of it.

I bought a bunch of woollen blanket remnants at a sale many years ago and had a great plan to cut them up and make a patchwork blanket but I after cutting it all up, I was at a loss as to how to stitch them all back together again, so it got boxed up and forgotten.

25+ years on, I have an overlocker/serger, so guess what? No excuses to not finish this blanket! It was actually pretty easy to make, I even sewed up all the scraps together and made a smaller lap sized blanket for the car. I filmed the process, if you're interested then you can view it here: https://youtu.be/1Qcz7-HSFa8

Unfortunately, it's not my only long term project, I can think of at least 3 more ... so I guess there is no rush to finish them but it would be nice to clear up some space!

How are all your projects going? Do you have long, long, long term projects or do you like to finish each project that you start?

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

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! 

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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

An easy Laptop Case.

My son started high school this week and needed a laptop case, so I made a quick one using no pattern.

I made the case using Neoprene fabric (wetsuit fabric) and I wasn't prepared for sewing it! I had the wrong sewing needle, wrong tension, no space on the table and kids that needed feeding.  

I got there in the end and I think it looks awesome! The motif on the front of the case is a dragon that my son designed & drew onto felt for me, I then cut it out and hand stitched it to the case before folding the sides and sewing it up. I used a piece of velcro for the closure as I didn't want to scratch his new laptop!

For those not in Australia, our school system is like this:
~ school year starts in February as it's mid summer,
~ Primary school goes from Kindergarten to grade 6,
~ High school is grade 7 to (now) grade 12 &
~ the year the child turns 5yo is the year they start Kindy.

p.s. the dents in the below photo are from the clips that I used when I was thinking I'd hem the case but it turns out that the fabric doesn't need hemming! Time saver!

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

Sewing a coin purse / card holder / bus pass holder

 

I needed to sew/make/come up with a solution to hold a bus pass, coins & money (for buying the bus pass) that is easy to use, easy to hold and of course, looks good so it in fact gets used.

I came up with this one, I think it worked out well and more importantly, my son loves it. 

Come & watch me come up with the idea, from sketch to sewing to finished piece: check it all out here on my YouTube channel.

I still can't believe that my baby is just about to start high school!

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

Zip-away tote

 

Another gift sewn, this time a bunch of zip-away totes which are great for shopping trips. You can tuck multiple into your bag or hang one from your key ring.

Easy!

Check out my Youtube tutorial here.... on how I made mine.

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

10 minute gift idea

 

Yes, you read the title correctly, sew an awesome gift for someone in 10minutes! In fact, you can cut & sew (& stuff) the entire gift in under 15 minutes! No pattern needed.

So what are you waiting for, go check out my Youtube tutorial (here: https://youtu.be/6V4mDRJ7Icw)  & see how it's done (I've even included a timer, so you can truly see how fast it takes me). 

The fabric is soft, smooth & totally awesome;  it's velvet and you can get it either here....    or here.... (if in Australia).

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 to me!

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 cutest Secret Santa gift

 

If you need an idea for possibly the cutest gift ever, then stay tuned!

I made this super cutie pouch as a secret santa gift .. it's so soft, fluffy, squishy, colourful and useful too!

Check out the tutorial on how I made it here:   It really was easy to sew!

Another idea for making an unforgettable Secret Santa gift this holiday season is using liquid Sculpey polymer clay! This versatile material allows for intricate jewelry designs or adorable miniature figurines crafted specifically to the recipient's personal interests, creating something truly one-of-a-kind and original! If this idea intrigues you, online tutorials provide instruction for this method - adding handmade flair to your gift-giving this season.

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

Scrappy Tula Pink pouch for a gift

Another present sewn, ready to be wrapped and put under the Christmas tree. I hope this will be loved as much as I enjoyed making it. In fact, I'm a little jealous of it, I might have to make myself one too!

I filmed myself sewing it & kind of did chatty Vlog type thing, I hope you like it. See it here: https://youtu.be/MimfBHC7xnc   

Have you subscribed to my Youtube channel yet? Do you love my scrappy pouch?

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.

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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 Cutest Pouch Ever!

 

These lamb pouchs are possibly the cutest things that I've ever sewn!

It's a great stash buster, as you can use smaller pieces for the ears, the 'fringe' and you could even use different fabrics for the front & back.

I filmed myself making it, if you wanted to see someone doing it..  maybe because you're keen on sewing some for gifts now too?  I think it would also even look cute as a bag, with a small D ring sewn to the top (at the end of the zips) and an adjustable strap to go over your body.

Youtube clip here: https://youtu.be/quBz-KQkaSc

Pattern here: https://tidd.ly/3PBrRU6

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

Flora Supply Cases

I just finished sewing a couple of cute cases.  I've had the pattern for a while now but for some reason, I never made it. I actually have a stash of patterns that I've purchased and not used - I'm trying to make them all at least once otherwise I've just wasted my money! Do you have a similiar problem to me?

This is the small pouch and I wanted to try sewing hst (half square triangles). It was pretty fun, I used a template and just sewed along the dotted lines & cut where it instructed. Couldn't have been easier, don't know why I waited so long to do it!

This pouch, well, I wanted to try something completely different! I really wanted to try to do a 3d cover for the case and decided on a mini puff quilt. 

Honestly, I think it looks awesome! I know want to puff quilt everything! 

Grab the sewing pattern here: https://tidd.ly/3e3AVDU

You can try your hand at sewing hst's using either this template or any of these ones.

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.

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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

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

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!

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

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.....

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