McCalls 7608 Jumpsuit

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I was excited to test out a romper for the first time and originally really loved this pattern because of the different top styles. There were also some really lovely versions made on Pattern Review. Once I started and got onto my second muslin I realised I had turned this pattern into a bit of a hack! However, I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome!

Description: Fitted lined romper and jumpsuits with various lengths. It also has a flowing top overlay.
Pattern description: McCalls 7608
Fabric: Linen from Spotlight

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Ninalee Kew Dress

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I stumbled upon this dress on one of my Insta stalks. There are so many gorgeous version of this online. If you’re wanting to have a look for yourself just search the hashtag #ninaleekewdress. Ninalee is a UK based pattern company, which I had never seen or heard before so it was great to add them to my list of designers!

Description: Long flowy dress with fitted top with either sleeves or straps with off-the-shoulder sleeves.
Pattern: Ninelee Kew Dress
Material: Rayon from Spotlight

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Butterick 6451 Summer Dress

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My first clothing project this year was creating this fun, flowey, summery dress. I got in just in time to wear it to Valentines / my mums Bday lunch this past weekend. My amazing boyfriend also got me a bunch of roses! Very spoilt! I’m sure he’s loving me saying that too.

Description: Very loose-fitting, pullover dress which has elastic at the neckline and waist. It also has a number of variations for the sleeve and hem. In long and short versions.
Pattern: Butterick 6451
Material: Rayon material from Spotlight

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Charity Sewing – Doggy Bag Key Ring Holders

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During the week I created my first charity project for the year, creating 10 x Doggy Bag Key Ring Holders and added the poo bags to give to the Animal Welfare League Queensland.

I wanted this to be something other people could get involved with but since I made the pattern up myself I created this a PDF download. If you’re interested, you can find it on my Etsy shop – Honey Love Handmade. The pattern also comes with the Lipstick Holder design and instructions.

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2020 Sewing Goals

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What are you sewing goals for this year? I had a look through my blog last year and came up with a few sewing goals of my own.

1. Handmade Etsy Markets

I started my very own handmade Etsy store last year called Honey Love Handmade. It worked out well being encouraged by my best friend and beauty blogger Katie’s Cosmopolitan. This year I want to make a few more different types of products and be able to get to the markets. Even if I don’t sell everything immediately it’s been such a great experience and I’m making small sales here and there which I really didn’t expect. I’m also chatting to lots of kind, supportive beauty bloggers on my Honey Love Handmade Instagram.

2 Make a few girly dresses

Last year I found my clothing style changed and I’m totally obsessed with long, flowing, girly dresses. I bought a few patterns last year that I would love to test out and see if they fit. Here are a few of my test and try patterns… let’s see if I can get around to making them!

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Butterick B6554

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Butterick B6451

3 Charity Donations

It’s been a super upsetting start to the new year with the tragic bush fires which are decimating the Australian wildlife population. I’m going to try and donate once a month to a charity in need to help out our animals. Why only animals you ask? Well, my mum is now retired so she follows the Echidna Sewalong, which finds a new charity each month so between us we are covering a number of worthy causes.

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Dropping off the Dog Coat donations to the Animal Welfare League – Gold Coast

4 Test out more of my sewing patterns

I’m not in a rush to make a lot of clothing this year but one aim would be to test out a few more of my sewing patterns that I have in my stash and make them well. If I can aim to find and make one perfect fit style of clothing in a skirt, shirt, dress and shorts I will be super happy. I might even have a clean out and get rid of those patterns that don’t fit my body shape. That might even leave some room for some of those adorable Butterick patterns coming out!

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That’s probably a good start considering I’ve already got so much planned for this year including starting a new job in January! Bring on 2020!

What’s your top 4 sewing goals for this year?

Erin xx

 

 

Australian Bush Fires – How to Help

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Everyone has seen the devastating fires that are tearing through parts of Australia destroying homes, lives and millions of animals. We are being confronted with upsetting and sad news on a daily basis from TV, social media and even just looking outside to see the haze of smoke drifting into parts of Australia that aren’t even close to the fires.

They have said the best thing to do is to donate money to any of the main charities including NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Services (WIRES), Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, WWF, The Salvation Army, Australian Red Cross, Vinnies, Celeste Barber Facebook Fundraiser, NSW Rural Fire Service or the VIC Country Fire Association.

However, if you want to get crafty and make something that will help the animals that are now in care suffering burns, injuries or displaced from the fires then check out the Animal Rescue Craft Guild Facebook page. They are taking a range of donations showing which products are in vital need and what products they don’t need. They also include tutorials and shipping information on where to send them to. They are asking to make things from your fabric stash or try to choose second hand or recycled materials to be eco friendly.

My mum and I made over 50 mittens which were sent to NSW Koala’s in Care last December but the fires have only got worse over the Christmas period. It’s so great to see sewing bloggers and facebook groups getting involved and donating whatever they can.

I’m not going to add more confronting imagery to upset you but these are the amazing little creatures that make up so much of what is great about Australia. We don’t want to lose them, so please help us if you can!

Lots of love Erin xx