.yoga skirt.

I cut into the Black Organic Jersey Knit from Bloom last night.  I own a few stretchy skirts that I love to wear.  They don't need ironing, are really comfortable and easy to dress up or down.  I've been tempted to go shopping for more, but know that I can easily make one for less than a quarter of the price I'll pay in a shop.  

So last night, it took me 1 1/2 hours to draft the pattern, cut and sew this stretchy skirt.  I added a yoga-style waistband to the top, but also included a row of hidden elastic to ensure that it doesn't slip down.  (Nothing worse than a skirt that won't stay up!!)

I thought it needed a bit of extra detail, so popped a ruffle trim on the bottom.  

I'm really pleased with the results and know that I'll get a lot of wear out of it.  I'm leaning towards sewing lots more "basics" at the moment - everyday wear like this skirt.  Next up is a pair of yoga pants.  
If all goes well, would you like to see a pattern incorporating both the skirt and pants?  They sew up quickly and easily and are great for someone who is experimenting with sewing with knit fabric for the first time.

Do you have any other "basics" pattern ideas that you have been looking for?

.New Citrus Pop Earrings.

I've introduced a few new earring styles into my Citrus Pop stores.

Also, all MINI EARRINGS have a reduced price of just $8 per pair!  

Enjoy!

Budding Rose (Madeit/Etsy)

 Happy Wanderer (Madeit/Etsy)

 Citrus Scent (Madeit/Etsy)

 Beehive (Madeit/Etsy)

 Little Bud (Madeit/Etsy)

.Thermomix Cooking - Confetti Cookies.

These delicious cookies were converted from a recipe on Taste.  The kids saw the picture and begged me to cook with them.  I wasn't expecting them to be overly tasty, but they were really good and we will definitley be making them again!  Because the mixture is placed in the fridge or freezer to chill before cooking, it would be a great idea to make a double batch and keep one log in the freezer for another time.

Confetti Cookies

185g butter
160g sugar
1tsp vanilla
1 egg
280g plain flour
100g 100s + 1000s

Beat butter, sugar and vanilla on speed 4 for 30 seconds.
Add egg, beat on speed 4 for 10 seconds.
Add flour and 100s + 1000s, mix on interval speed for 30 seconds.  Open lid, scrape down sides of the bowl with spatula and mix another 15 seconds on interval speed, using the spatula to help incorporate.
Roll mixture into a 30cm long log.  Roll in plastic wrap.
Place in the fridge for 2 hours to chill.  (Alternatively, place in the freezer for 20 minutes.)
Slice into 1cm thick slices.  Place on baking tray lined with baking paper. 
Bake in moderate oven for 12 minutes.  Rest on tray before removing to wire rack to cool completely.

.Giveaway Winners.

Thanks to everyone who participated in my two recent giveways...here are the winners:

Congratulations to Rory's A Mess -  you have won yourself a copy of my new High Flyers pattern!

And well done Nick & Mel - you have won 4 Make It Perfect patterns and $20 to spend on Citrus Pop products!

I've sent both of you lovely ladies an email.  Thanks again!  xx

.May Cool Shops! Bloom.

(Click here to go to Giveaway Day blog post)

One of the things I love about my Cool Shops, is that I get to discover a whole heap of new shops that I'm not sure I would have otherwise found out about.  I was especially excited when I was contacted by Kerrie from Bloom...

Bloom fabrics is different from your usual fabric shops.  At Bloom, their aim is to bring you beautiful, top quality fabrics which are aimed at apparel sewing from around the world.  As I delve deeper into the world of clothing sewing, I realise that although quilting cottons are lovely and offer a lot of great designs, there is a limit to what you can sew with them in terms of clothing.  Bloom fabrics offers a wonderful range of fabrics to suit all of your clothing sewing needs.

 

When I'm being offered fabric or other crafty material for my Cool Shops review, I always like to make sure that I get something I am actually going to use.  No point it sitting on the shelf and gathering dust.  If I am really organised, I'll even manage to sew something up, which wasn't the case this time, but I'll be sure to show and tell as soon as I've got something share!  I'm really looking forward to cutting into these fabrics and have great plans for both of them.  

The Black Organic Jersey Knit is destined to become a comfy, stretchy skirt for winter.  I'm wanting to make a whole heap of these with different variations that are easy to wear with tights or stockings and my boots.  The lovely Mid-Grey Hilco Velour is going to become a pair of track pants.  Seriously, my kids have way too many clothes...time for more sewing for myself!!  Both of these fabrics are of superior quality.  I especially love the thickness of the velour and know that I'll get a lot of wear out of the track pants.

Bloom proudly stocks a large range of certified organic fabrics in both Australian-Made Combed Cotton Jersey:

and Printed Woven Cottons:

 

I love the selection of gorgeous Stenzo Pinwhale Corduroy and can see some cute little girl dresses, little boy pants and perhaps a lovely jacket for Mum out of these:

If you're looking for great Knits, you'll find a range of different types such as jerseys, velours and viscose:

You'll also find a great selection of Seersucker fabrics, Farbenmix ribbons and trims, Japanese Sewing Magazines and Ottobre Magazines in store.

You won't want to miss Bloom's great Make It Perfect offer - for the next month, Bloom is giving Make It Perfect readers a massive 20% off all products!!  Now is the time to stock up for all of that winter sewing!
(Offer valid from 25th May-24th June, use code "perfect7" during checkout.)

Important Bloom Links:

Online Shop

Blog

Facebook

Retail store - "Gathering"

8 Panmure St, Newstead, VIC 3462

.Giveaway Day!.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED - THANKYOU FOR PARTICIPATING!!

Welcome readers old and new to my Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway Day post!

If you are new to my blog, I am happy to have you here!  The Make It Perfect blog is where I share the craftiness going on in my life - mixed with my favourite recipes, showcasing some of the Cool Shops out there and a few personal bits and pieces.  

Make It Perfect is also the name of my sewing pattern range - featuring a whole heap of modern, fresh and funky clothing sewing patterns, some of which are shown below...

And because I like to keep myself busy, I spend a little bit of my spare time creating pretty, vintage-inspired jewellery and accessories for my Citrus Pop stores on Madeit and Etsy...

Okay, now that I've introduced you to my goodies, let's get back to the giveaway...

One lucky winner will score themselves...

FOUR of their favourite SEWING PATTERNS

+

A $20 GIFT VOUCHER to spend on CITRUS POP products!

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post.  For extra entries, feel free to become a follower of my blog or "like" my Facebook page.  Easy!

(Giveaway ends Wednesday 25th May and winner will be drawn randomly.)

.New BOY pattern - HIGH FLYERS.

I know that the sewing pattern world is lacking decent patterns for boys...so let's do something to change that - check out my latest pattern, High Flyers:

High Flyers are a handsome pair of pants that can both dress up and go casual with ease.  With these cool and comfy trousers in your little guy's wardrobe, he'll always be looking shipshape.

Featuring an elastic-backed, adjustable waistband, slim fitting legs, loads of pockets and an easy-to-sew fake fly opening, High Flyers will suit just about any occasion.

High Flyers can be given a more casual feel with the use of contrast topstitching detail and when sewn with denim they make a great pair of jeans.

I breathe a big sigh of relief as I send this pattern out today.  It has been one of the most time-consuming patterns that I have designed so far.  I know that so many of you have been crying out for more boy patterns, but to be honest, there isn't a lot of variety when it comes to boy clothing.  After a bit of research (read: rummaging through wardrobes and examining my boy's pants!) I came to the realisation that if you want to sew for boys, you need to spend time on details.  It's these details that will help create a quality pair of pants that look as though they've come from your favourite clothing store.  Girl's clothing has the advantage of using beautiful printed fabrics to give them detail, but when it comes to boys we mostly stick with plains, checks, or other toned-down fabrics so unless sewn details are added then your elastic-waisted pants will look a little slouchy and more like a pair of pyjama pants.

Having said all of that, I can assure you that it is NOT hard to make a tailored pair of boys pants.  I've worked really hard to simplify some tricky sewing techniques and make sure that High Flyers has all of the detail of a store-bough pair of pants with minimum fuss.

And what about that fly, I hear you ask?  I have to admit, I was scared of sewing a proper zippered fly to begin with.  I got over it though and worked it out and it isn't that hard, but still a little tricky for a less-confident sewer...so instead of a zippered fly, High Flyers features a fake fly opening (yes, it opens, not just pretty topstitching) that is sewn shut half-way down.  So the pants are still easy to get on and off, but look as though they have the real-deal fly, without the tricky zippered opening.  Besides, what little boy wants to remember to do up his fly all the time anyway?!

I think you'll enjoy making these - and it is a great satisfaction to sew something for your boy that looks as though it came out of a shop.  

And I'm sure that your boy will dance some crazy moves in approval like my cool model Jake did!  Big thanks to my awesome photographer, Sally from Eden Lane Photography.  Her photos never disappoint - there are loads more on my website.  If you are looking for a photographer in the Sydney area, I highly recommend her!

You can find out fabric requirements for High Flyers on the website. If you have a store and want to stock this or any other Make It Perfect patterns, contact Creative Abundance to place an order. 

If you would like to purchase a copy of High Flyers for yourself, they should be popping up in retail stores very soon. Ask your favourite store to get one in for you!

I'm giving away a copy of High Flyers (in your choice of size range) to one lucky reader - leave a comment on this post to be in the running!
(Please make sure you leave an email address with your comment.  Giveaway will close Wednesday 25th May and winner will be drawn via a random number generator.)

.May Cool Shops! Traplet.

Today I am happy to introduce you to a lovely sewing magazine bought to you by Traplet Publications

Traplet is a UK-based company that published a great range of magazines, including four crafting magazines - Sewing World, British Patchwork and Quilter, Craft Stamper and Beads and Beyond.
I wasn't familiar with the Sewing World magazine, so was looking forward to receiving a few copies in the mail to review.

The magazine did not disappoint.  Sewing World is a monthly sewing magazine full of fantastic sewing patterns and lots of sewing-related info to read. 

Not only does Sewing World include easy, step-by-step sewing patterns they are also jam packed full of lots of information, tips and tricks to help you become a more confident sewer.
Articles such as sewing the right style to suit your body type:

Instructional sections teaching you different techniques such as how to sew sleeves into a garment:

If you are interested in crafts other than sewing, you might like to take a look at some of the other great crafting magazines brought to you by Traplet.
Craft Stamper:

 British Patchwork & Quilting:

Beads & Beyond:

Traplet is offering a 3 month trial subscription to Sewing World for the discounted price of 10.99 Pounds (approx AUD$17).
To redeem this great offer, simply call the Traplet Customer Order Line and quote the code MIPSW11.
Australia - 02) 9520 0933
UK - 44 1684 588599
(Offer runs from 17th May - 30th June).

If you would like to keep up to date about regular offers and discounts, you can also sign up for the Traplet email newsletter at the top of their homepage.

Important Traplet Links:

Website

Magazine Shop

Sewing World page

.May Cool Shops! Sweet Birdie Blue.

Hello to our newest Cool Shop, Sweet Birdie Blue!

Sweet Birdie Blue is a bright and cheerful store full of funky, 1970's-inspired handmade clothing and accessories.  If you're into retro, you'll love everything at Sweet Birdie Blue.  

The lovely Trace sent us one of her 1970s Rainbow Ponchos for review.  It is super soft and warm and bright enough to cheer up cloudy winter days!

At Sweet Birdie Blue you'll find a eclectic range of unique clothing for your little girl.  
The My Deer Dress features vintage patchwork, tie dyed tops, a bit of crochet and some applique.

The Sweet Birdie Blue Custom Photo Keepsake Dress gives you the option of having any photograph printed onto the skirt of this cute peasant-style dress.

 

Here's another cute poncho...Bubba 1970s:

Trace creates some beautiful crocheted jewellery also, such as this Roses and Butterfly Necklace:

 The Blue Bayou Headband:

And the very pretty Springtime in the Daisy Field Necklace:

Make It Perfect readers can save 10% on all orders from Sweet Birdie Blue's Etsy store with free postage within Australia!
(10% off ends 16th June.  Use discount code "makeitperfect".  Free postage excludes crochet ponchos and blankets.)

Important Sweet Birdie Blue Links

Etsy Store

Facebook Page

Blog