Today, I thought I’d write about a little sewing enterprise of mine. I know what you’re thinking – “not another sewing blogger monetising their blog! Soon she’ll be announcing her exciting collaboration with Sprout Patterns”. Don’t worry, Lilu & Bey is something entirely different.
Last time I shared part of a knitted and sewn layette I made for my cousin’s baby. In this post, I’ll show you the garments I knit and some reflections on creating them – you can check out the other post for the sewn creations (yeh, I got a bit carried away). Continue reading “An Extensive Knitted Layette, and Reflections on a Life Unlived”
Once I learnt that my dear cousin and his wife were expecting, I started work on a substantial knitted and sewn layette to send when the baby was born. One of the great advantages of having a large family is that there are always babies to craft for. I really love making gifts for newborns, and this time was no different.
A few months ago, I found something special during my regular op-shop rounds. It was a sewing machine: in particular, a vintage New Home model, in the perfect shade of retro teal. With its chrome fixings, tactile knobs and dials and wooden carry-case, it would not have looked out of place on the set of a 60s TV show.
Continue reading “The Sisterhood of the Travelling Sewing Machine”
This week I turned the ripe old age of 27. I don’t usually make a fuss over my birthday, primarily because it reminds me of how long I’ve been sick, but this year I have a special request.
This project shouldn’t have worked.
Despite initially being excited to start the Named Inari Tee Dress for my Jungle January entry, I was convinced throughout cutting and sewing that I had made the wrong decision. The cocoon shape would not flatter my figure and the deliberate style details (unbalanced shoulder seam, raised front hem) were usually tell-tale signs of a poorly-fitted garment on me. But this is the garment that proved me wrong!
Continue reading “The Little Dress That Could – Inari Tee Dress for Jungle January”
I find I enjoy writing so much that I’ve been working hard on submissions for other publications. Recently I had two pieces published, of which I am immensely proud.
Continue reading “Pieces published on xoJane and Independent Australia”
Warning: contains GIFs
Guilt has been my constant companion throughout the course of my illness. It admonishes me for the things I cannot do, and shames me into believing that I am responsible for my own incapacitation. I am not alone in feeling this way. But just why is guilt such a common feeling among the chronically ill? And why do we spoonies so often feel responsible for that which we cannot control?
I’ve already shared the slippers and knitting needle roll I made for friends this Christmas. This post is about the clothing I made for Christmas: dresses and PJs for my friend Beth’s children*, and a shirt for my dad.
Firstly, the little outfit for Beth’s kids. After going way over-the-top for their birthdays, I kept it simple with some classic Christmas pyjamas and a special dress each. Both of these fabrics were op shop finds: the amazing robot fabric I used for the PJs is actually a doona cover, and the fabric for the dresses is Michael Miller’s Children at Play Parade, which I couldn’t believe I saw hanging from the racks at Salvo’s.
Continue reading “2016 Christmas Presents – Part II, Clothing”
OK, so I know I promised you more Christmas presents, but I haven’t managed to get adequate photos of them yet. So instead, I wore a wool hat and scarf in 35C+ degree heat to take photos of this project. It’s a hard-knock life, guys.
Chronically Siobhan 