I've been a very good girl this year, Santa…

On my Christmas wish list, there are a few Amy Butler related items. I am well stocked where her books are concerned, so no requests there. What I would love is the pattern for the Liverpool Tunic (shirt, tunic, long & short dress)

I first saw this tunic about 2 years ago, when I received her Midwest Modern lifestyle book for my birthday from my fabulous fiancé (thanks honey!). There was picture of Amy wearing this tunic and I thought it was just lovely. I lingered on the photograph and even marked the page to reference easily at any time. Something about the style, the fabric, even the mother of pearl buttons that she chose. I just loved the tunic. I considered taking any old shirt pattern and modifying it to a tunic length, and of course, selecting some delicious Amy Butler fabric to sew it in. I never got around to actually doing that, but whenever I came across the page I mused at how I love the garment.

Well, the pattern for this beautiful shirt had finally been produced and has been available online through several fabric shoppes, like Pink Panda Fabrics. I was thrilled when this became part of Amy’s pattern offering! I have been deciding on whether or not to just buy it, but then I come to find that I would rather purchase a couple of yards of well-priced fabric instead. Especially now…now that my current focus will be on sewing gifts for others. This pattern will not likely be used until well after the holidays are over, so I can put off purchasing it for a little while.

I also adore the Memento Burgundy fabric (from the Amy Butler LOVE collection) that this is depicted in. There are so many things that I want to make with it. I have not been able to get my hands on some of this right now as it sells out quite fast, but I will keep an eye on it and snag a supply when I have a chance. I pretty much want to make this tunic exactly as it is presented. I will no doubt make a regular and longer length version in another colour as well.

So Santa, if you are reading this blog…

Okay...here goes...

Finally, I have buckled down and I am about to start churning out all of my holiday sewing! I have organized  myself, cleaned up, I have made my list... just a quick trip to the fabric store and then it is all systems go! This includes a very ambitious task of creating 14 gift sacs (to be used as stockings) for my entire family. If I pace myself and commit to xx amount per week, I should be fine.  I also have the task of creating 2 lap quilts, to give as presents for my nieces. Luckily, one niece is just a teensy little thing (almost 3 years old), so the quilt will not have to be so large. She is a very huge fan of cuddling and has an obsession with blankets of any kind. I hope this becomes something that she cherishes.

I really wanted to give something handmade to everyone this year, but that is just not realistic at this point. Next year, will plan ahead and get started in say, June!  I hope for this to be the first of many handmade Christmases.  I will be sure to keep you posted on my progress and share my photographs with you.

=)

Happy Birthday To Me!

Happy Birthday to Me!

How do I love thee?

This coat...the Amber Road Coat, at Modcloth.com is one of the cutest coats that I have come across in a very long time.  I love it! I once purchased a sweater from Anthropologie some time ago, that has the same side gathered collar and it is one of my absolute favourite wardrobe pieces. This coat is so lovely and ladylike.  I love the vintage vibe and the oversized buttons.  Oh, how I would love to have this in my little collection!

This birthday girl may just have to treat herself...
=)

And Sew it Begins...

Christmas is just around the corner! I must be one of several people to tell you this by now and I would not be alarmed if you had the urge to throttle me for saying so.  Yes, it is still a number of weeks away, but I can honestly say that as each year passes, the holidays seem to come faster. It does not feel at all the way it did when I was a child. Christmas felt like it took 2 whole years to come and when it finally got here, I thought I was going to explode.  I remember how wiped out the adults would be as I listened to their comments about "having to do it all over again, before you know it..."  Such party poopers! I totally get that now.

This year, aside from getting any shopping completed as early as humanly possible, I am making it a point to incorporate at least one handmade gift for each person. I have a few ideas brewing and I will be sure to share these with you as they come to fruition.  Also, as mentioned in an earlier post, I have to get on with churning out some gift sacs (14, to be exact).  These sacs are serving the purpose of stockings and they have to be a particular size.  You see, stockings don't actually work in my family. The story behind the need for these will be explained in an upcoming post, no to worry.

And so (sew) it begins...