25reasons | you sew girl

The cutest Wristlet I've made to date! (and my last!!!)

posted on June 12, 2013, at 12:54 pm

Last month, I crossed off another long-outstanding project that I finally finished – a wristlet for my friend, Lyla. She gave me the fabric from her own stash – oh, and by the way, if you’re into appliqués, you should check out her shop.

Do you like it? I did have a concern that the fabric would be too cutesy, know what I mean? But I think it’s adorable!

In the next couple of days, I’ll post about my next project… finishing the quilt I started for my friend, oh so very long ago! And after that, I’ll finish Moshe’s quilt, and then… oh boy, and then!!! Onto some really exciting projects – I’m making a coat for Moshe! Want to see the fabric?

tessuti-charcoal-intenso-wool-coating-01

tessuti-charcoal-intenso-wool-coating-02

I bought this superb wool from Tessuti yesterday, and I can’t wait till it arrives! It’s called Charcoal Intenso, and it’s a beautiful charcoal grey Italian 80% wool 20% cashmere. Divine! I can’t show you the lining I bought till it gets here and I can take a picture of it, because I think I might have bought the last of it. It’s a Fendi lining, with a lovely soft hand, while being quite robust and durable. It’s what’s called for when making a man’s coat, I’m told. Apparently they can be a bit rough on the sleeves, so a nice light silk that I’d use for a coat for myself, for example, wouldn’t go the distance. Go figure!

Anyway, more about the coat another day. And I’ll also show you the pattern I’ve chosen, and hopefully a picture of the lining. In the next few days.
x Helene

Shoe Carnival Wristlet

posted on September 19, 2012, at 8:33 am

Today I’m making a purse for my friend, Lyla. She’s given me some fabric she likes, and I think it’ll be quite whimsical, don’t you?

I’ll use the shoe fabric for the feature flap, with the navy fabric as the main bag, and the lighter blue fabric for lining. I’ll need to come up with something for the shoulder strap though. Don’t think I have enough navy. Well, I’ll go get started.

Florentine Evening Purse

posted on September 1, 2012, at 5:39 pm

YSG! Florentine Teardrop Purse

When Mum insisted I borrow her stunning white gold and sapphire jewellery to wear with a new outfit I’d bought for a family wedding in Sydney, even though I’d already made myself a new purse for the occasion to match my old gold jewellery, there was nothing for it but to make another evening purse. The gold purse just wouldn’t work.

Again, determined to find something in the cupboard and not buy anything, I finally settled on a piece from the same range I’d used for the gold purse, but in another colour. Much more of a match with the white gold jewellery.

Id just been down to Nikki’s office to stock up for Sisters’ Market, and spied her Teardrop Purse pattern. It’s just the right size for an evening purse! It wasn’t on the wholesale order list, but I had to have it! And, I picked up some more copies of the pattern for the shop that’ll I’ll also take to the market. I think it’s divine! If you like it too, be sure to pick one up from our shop or from our market stall on 8th Sep. I don’t know if Nikki will bring it back or not.

Swarovski crystal beads

I found these beads left over from my daughter’s wedding dress. Don’t they look lovely with the frame and fabric?

the lining

I used the same fabric for the lining and pocket as I’d used on the sides of the purse. I think it’s nicer than if I’d introduced another pattern.

the side view

I adore the cute puffy sides! This purse was also quite easy to make, although it did take a little longer than the party purse. Sewing the frame to the purse with the seed beads take a bit of time, but not too long. I still managed to finish up the purse in one day, with many interruptions throughout!

As always, Nikki’s instructions are fabulous. I managed OK with gluing the fabric into the frame, but I think next time it’ll go even better. Luckily, the sewing keeps it all in place, so even my poor gluing skills didn’t really pose any problems.

view from the top

I’m quite delighted with it. In fact, I love it! What do you think? I’m going to an engagement tonight, wearing my outfit with this purse. I’ll see if I can get a nice shot to show you tomorrow.

A bit of an update, and some very exciting news

posted on May 8, 2012, at 10:48 pm

So first, the update. I haven’t been posting really for quite a few weeks. Apart from that quick flash of images I posted recently. Have you missed me? I’ve definitely missed you.

My eldest daughter has been a bit unwell for the past 4 weeks or so, and I’ve been over there pretty much nine to five, Monday to Friday, taking care of her, and her baby. The latter is a very sweet labour of love; my grandson is adorable. Unfortunately, my daughter hasn’t been feeling the best, and although I adore hanging out with her, it’s hard as her mother to watch my girl be ill. Luckily, the medicine is kicking in, and she’s on the mend. It’s not over yet though, and I’m down to half days instead of full ones over at her house.

Zaida Moshe and Austin

Today, she decided to try to do the whole day on her own. I haven’t heard from her, and it’s lunch time, so I hope she makes it through OK. She’s amazing, you know. Never once – at least not when I’ve seen – has she lost it, gotten crabby, down, or anything remotely like that. She’s taken it all in her stride, mostly with a smile and a laugh.

Well, that’s where I’ve been. I have done some sewing though, that’ll I’ll have to show you. The bag I showed you in my last post was made mostly by catching 15 minutes here, 10 minutes there, a full half hour here. I also made these, in the same way. Although they really didn’t take much time at all.

I'm calling this my 'iPad Slipcase, or "Travel-Light" Bag'	My little "dumpling" make-up pouch
	Finally, a new earphones pod! Yay!

You did notice that all the above pieces match my Winter Nest Satchel, yes? All in the same beautiful Ink & Spindle and Kristen Doran fabrics, yes? Now it’s like I have a whole personalized, matching range of accessories for my handbag. Handles one of my obsessions. Know what I mean? I love it! What patterns did I use? Well, the iPad slipcase is my very own creation. The Dumpling Make-up Pouch is by Michelle Patterns. And the earphone pod is by Erin Erickson. You’ll find more detailed images of these items here:

1. iPad Slipcase, or “Travel-lightly” Bag

2. Dumpling Make-up Pouch

3. Earphones Pod 02

4. YSG! Winter Nest Satchel

You can also find them all on the Bags Pouches Purses page, along with my other finished bags and things.

So now, you’ve read all the way to here. Thank you! But now, you’re wondering… “Didn’t she say something about some exciting news? Very exciting, even?” OK, here it is…

On 1st July, I’ll be launching my brand new business. I can’t tell you what it’s called, because then you’ll just do a search and find my very un-ready site. Not cool, know what I mean? However, I will tell you that I’ll be stocking all of Nikki Mallalieu’s “You SEW Girl!” products. Patterns and bag hardware. All of it! Including two beautiful brand new patterns that Nikki’s launching. I know you can already get some of Nikki’s patterns around town, and some shops even sell some of her hardware. I’ll be stocking everything, so you can pick up whatever you need right from my online store! I’ll be starting my shop with Nikki’s products, because I love them so much, and will be adding more product lines as the business grows.

OK that’s it for now.
x H

My winter nest satchel is finished!

posted on April 26, 2012, at 1:43 pm

Hi everyone, sorry, no time to write too much today. Couldn’t wait to show you though, so pictures only today. Large tote & satchel pattern by You Sew, Girl! Fabrics are by Kristen Doran (front flap) and Ink & Spindle (main bag fabric). Click on the images to enlarge. Hope you like.