tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11005002181537920902024-03-13T15:41:08.189+11:00You SEW GirlNikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.comBlogger918125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-56326903912104954272020-02-05T21:06:00.003+11:002020-02-05T21:17:00.467+11:002020 begins....Firstly, apologies to all those people I told at the Royal Melbourne Show (in September) that I'd have a new Shopping Bag Tutorial up her within days.... Ummmm... Real life got in the way of all my good intentions, and it has slipped down the list of priorities since.<br />
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Sorry.<br />
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There is still <a href="https://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/2017/09/tutorial-roll-up-shopping-bag.html" target="_blank">this free Shopping Bag tutorial</a>, and the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/534025045/zip-away-shopping-bag-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">Zip-Away Shopping bag pattern</a> is available in my Etsy store.<br />
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Apart from real life stuff, I've been working steadily on my (working title) #chemostyle project. Things are taking shape. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chemostylehats/" target="_blank">I even have an Instagram account</a> now! There's also another workshop coming up on the 29th Feb <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/chemostyle-hat-making-workshop-tickets-93032006235" target="_blank">(register here)</a>.<br />
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It's been a strange few months... The national grief and anxiety about the bushfires that have devastated much of our country - and the constant smoke shrouding the landscape - formed a surreal backdrop for everything that happened over the Summer break.<br />
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The awareness of so much loss - lives, homes, animals, trees, businesses - was palpable with every breath of campfire-scented (or asthma-inducing) air. Those of us lucky enough not to lose our homes or loved ones in the fires have felt survivor's guilt, sadness, empathy, distress... anger at government, despair for our planet, and a sense of foreboding. Emotions have been high in Australia, and fires are still burning. Summer is not over.<br />
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That's <i>not cloud</i> over there.... (Photo taken on Dec 31 2019 near the NSW border, looking towards Victoria.)<br />
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In the midst of all this, my funny, feisty, compassionate and no-nonsense sister Loretta died. I won't say that she "lost the battle" against ovarian cancer... She lived with it for 14 years - with humour, pragmatism, acceptance and complete engagement with life - and eventually all the medical treatments available couldn't keep her alive. She was brave and focused on the life she was leading and enjoying.<br />
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Loretta was an artist and a tireless volunteer within her local community in Central NSW, particularly in the areas of tourism and the arts.<br />
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On the night of her wake, we discovered that the local community had honoured her memory with this sign on the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Barry+NSW+2799/@-33.6488282,149.2371019,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x6b11b0cf6262fcf7:0x40609b490435b70!8m2!3d-33.6459172!4d149.2700343" target="_blank">Barry</a> noticeboard. We took our glasses of wine for a walk and raised a toast to her as the sun set. To a life well-lived. To a much-loved sister and aunt. To Loretta.<br />
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One of Loretta's projects was the annual <a href="http://texturesofone.com.au/" target="_blank">Textures of One</a> exhibition in Blaney, which is still running this year. I hope that it is the best year ever, in her honour.<br />
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Textures of One is an open art exhibition for artists working in a wide range of media. It also includes primary and secondary school "junior" sections. Every piece must include - somewhere - the motif of the lotus (each year, the motif changes). There are prizes in each category as well as overall prizes, and you don't have to be a local to enter <a href="http://texturesofone.com.au/exhibition/" target="_blank">(see all the details here)</a>.<br />
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If you're able to, I invite you to consider making something, or getting your kids involved. If you're in the area, I invite you to visit the exhibition when it's on.<br />
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And I'll remind you to live your best life, and treat everyone with kindness. You never know what the people you meet are going through.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-37827929255862280812019-08-19T22:19:00.000+10:002019-09-24T21:02:48.409+10:00Scars...not wounds.Lately, I've been contemplating those heady days of the mid 00's, when I found myself in a vibrant and <a href="https://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/search/label/blogmeet" target="_blank">connected community of like-minded and crafty souls</a>. Since then, many of those blogging buddies have become real-life friends, staying in touch across other digital platforms and real-life meetings instead of through blog posts, comments and late-night email conversations. The bonds that we formed over chats about knitting needles and ironing board covers remain solid.<br />
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In those early days, this blog was a mix of business, personal life and crafty hobbies. Sometimes <a href="https://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/2010/01/harvest-time.html" target="_blank">I drew threads of connection between those</a>. Other times, I would have a bit of a rant, promote a new product or event, or simply <a href="https://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/small-things.html" target="_blank">share a moment of joy</a>.<br />
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Blogging gave me the habit of regularly reflecting on life, as I was living it. It served as an archive for photos of the things that <a href="https://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/search/label/kids%20craft" target="_blank">my then-wee-girl</a> and I were making and doing, as much as it connected my business to the world. It gave me the space to write - to craft sentences and play with words - and I loved it.<br />
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In the last few years, I've rarely had the ability to blog like I used to, and I've felt that loss acutely.<br />
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Times change.... Life has changed.<br />
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The social media landscape is completely different.<br />
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The "wee girl" is a teenager.<br />
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I've scaled <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEhMSX_v2OA" target="_blank">YOU SEW GIRL</a> right back - to mostly <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/YouSewGirlPatterns" target="_blank">an Etsy store</a> and a few teaching gigs.<br />
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Teaching in higher education has led me in exciting new directions <i>(...fancy a lesson in <a href="https://www.ideou.com/blogs/inspiration/what-is-design-thinking" target="_blank">Design Thinking</a>, anyone...?)</i>.<br />
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The original You Sew Girl feels like a lifetime ago and I wonder how relevant blogging under this banner might be. And yet, I still want to write here - in the old way... <i>to pull the threads of life together</i> - for myself, if for no other reason. Old habits, I suppose.<br />
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For the last few years, it's been difficult to find the time... but more than that - it's often been a struggle to find the words and pictures.<br />
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The other day, I heard the phrase <a href="https://twitter.com/glennondoyle/status/836731361243209728?lang=en" target="_blank">"share from your scars, not your open wounds"</a> and it resonated. The conversation was about allowing for time and perspective before we can channel our experiences into something creative, so that other people can connect to them. I realised that - unconsciously - this is indeed what I have been doing here (if perhaps not in real life!).<br />
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Life events in the last few years have often been such, that photographing and writing about my knitting, sewing or teaching has felt irrelevant and trite, but without the lens of pretty purses and crochet to help me talk about things, I felt that I would bleed all over the page if I tried to write. I was stifled and stuck between these two hard places, <a href="https://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/2016/08/teaching-and-writing-and-living-and.html" target="_blank">awkwardly</a> <a href="https://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/2016/08/teaching-and-writing-and-living-and.html" target="_blank">trying to work out what... and how... to share</a>... when there was so much going on that I was trying to process.<br />
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Since starting my <a href="https://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/search/label/chemostyle" target="_blank">#chemostyle</a> project, I'm more able to <a href="https://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-chemo-hat-project-contd.html" target="_blank">share t</a><a href="https://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-chemo-hat-project-contd.html" target="_blank">he life/work journey</a>.<br />
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I'm excited by the way that this project is taking shape, and value the experiences and connections that it is creating. Soon, it will get a proper name and a social media space of its own. I'm working on it!<br />
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And who knows? Maybe one day I'll start blogging here again, about my knitting and everyday life.<br />
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Or I might share a bit more about my machine embroidery.<br />
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By the way, if you'd like to join in on a #chemostyle hat-making workshop, the next one is 24th Aug.<br />
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/chemostyle-winter-hat-workshop-3-tickets-68212468329" target="_blank">Bookings here.</a><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-16647117695814147542019-07-14T23:11:00.001+10:002019-07-14T23:11:40.967+10:00Winter hats workshop (and a bit about life)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Winter is well and truly upon us here in Melbourne. Thankfully this year, I have a bit more hair on my head than I did last year. It makes for tricky modelling of chemo hats, but here I am, doing my best to show off one of the newer styles we've been making in the last couple of #chemostyle workshops. It's all about the tucks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CC6-TNks1coFWqTuT8yRwsbkFxCqSVjbkAeRtVJz0sGExy5hZ4eVB3EtZtSLKQ9M48xDHtQtDZIb7mS7US76TvAT-QWX9ern2Fg2pUc9INrZWFOMf5LQrYM85P4BqTHy9tfoIsTQa1NH/s1600/winter+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CC6-TNks1coFWqTuT8yRwsbkFxCqSVjbkAeRtVJz0sGExy5hZ4eVB3EtZtSLKQ9M48xDHtQtDZIb7mS7US76TvAT-QWX9ern2Fg2pUc9INrZWFOMf5LQrYM85P4BqTHy9tfoIsTQa1NH/s400/winter+2.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
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A few weeks ago, a lovely group of Australian Sewing Guild gals got together and whipped up a goodly pile of winter hats.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDVtRHQr5NhbNnNPZ5tYUJV5A6NNQdPuAeAMK-98DIndnWq_peCTWyfr-XTLRZRHQTDDKGF_e5d-VY0cpJUUvniZZ9sSHvExs2h3hoesJHIAgi58gEoDxnHEqeIg61wNqv6KMdg5fyamO/s1600/IMG_20190629_154733_662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="648" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDVtRHQr5NhbNnNPZ5tYUJV5A6NNQdPuAeAMK-98DIndnWq_peCTWyfr-XTLRZRHQTDDKGF_e5d-VY0cpJUUvniZZ9sSHvExs2h3hoesJHIAgi58gEoDxnHEqeIg61wNqv6KMdg5fyamO/s400/IMG_20190629_154733_662.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These have mostly already been distributed to Warringal Wig library, the Olivia Newton John Centre and a few individuals. There are a few other regional centres who are also in need of more hats, and we need to pump up the range of colours and styles that we have left here....</div>
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So I've organised this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOy4OYpUF-CwvLIusnxCdKVXEtQyKry50Ijntrw2XKFicuZnCNipDzcloCvlWyCuC7vpl6mYoNOzgTvKOBsVYHIYCaIJEhcEaMDwcUpJ4jAbAZ0XUSavKrIqyXevTSd-r3fVIhXaLKyg3Q/s1600/header+winter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="800" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOy4OYpUF-CwvLIusnxCdKVXEtQyKry50Ijntrw2XKFicuZnCNipDzcloCvlWyCuC7vpl6mYoNOzgTvKOBsVYHIYCaIJEhcEaMDwcUpJ4jAbAZ0XUSavKrIqyXevTSd-r3fVIhXaLKyg3Q/s640/header+winter2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you can use a sewing machine or overlocker, or are a dab hand with a rotary cutter, and want to do something to help people going through a really rough time, this might be for you<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/chemostyle-winter-hat-workshop-2-tickets-65335800137" target="_blank"> (book here). </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQKeIP6IIjfcI1p8znko_nanS3TzfutAP9cqVA-E3Du7zeRLMCkXqmwNh3qFAqnTo9rKvuKb1O3mviyjovuqqoyGbBb2MRmzvxtw_qplHxe5MG_ahTgNSO1ix799-4vKIJPHvQU5jP99n/s1600/IMG_20190629_154733_663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="648" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQKeIP6IIjfcI1p8znko_nanS3TzfutAP9cqVA-E3Du7zeRLMCkXqmwNh3qFAqnTo9rKvuKb1O3mviyjovuqqoyGbBb2MRmzvxtw_qplHxe5MG_ahTgNSO1ix799-4vKIJPHvQU5jP99n/s400/IMG_20190629_154733_663.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you need hats for yourself or someone you know, you're more than welcome to come along and make whatever you need. If you'd like to help add to the supply of hats going out to individual people, wig libraries, hospitals and other cancer support centres, please do come along. </div>
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Please note that this isn't a "learn to sew" workshop. I really need you to already know how to use your machine and overlocker.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFUcU7_iCqtSmhpdZ4F0BMzz3UlfiWUznyMK9WM-CacV5jdA4_MVj28wpchwn5n45VH2Ahokvodn967Yj9J8Y4znDo6AmWE5IhFBTrZdLaAsTnGT3ZnY7bqa9YytUVyq24ug0B6vffkcm/s1600/IMG_20190629_154935_210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="591" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFUcU7_iCqtSmhpdZ4F0BMzz3UlfiWUznyMK9WM-CacV5jdA4_MVj28wpchwn5n45VH2Ahokvodn967Yj9J8Y4znDo6AmWE5IhFBTrZdLaAsTnGT3ZnY7bqa9YytUVyq24ug0B6vffkcm/s400/IMG_20190629_154935_210.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In other news, I've taught some fun workshops at <a href="https://www.mysewingsupplies.com.au/" target="_blank">My Sewing Supplies</a> in Sydney ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLlUdPk0l0vHimQcENEPfyWSfyYlG2ir8Un5vA7ylFxyXMHVfqoJ-u-PZeXuwpzOEcm8sFuZNJQvfnIMKNCGPWnlv6HYd2PIvv0aq7Vt2pkhVPKw1il0k1PvngSRcl7c36Z2k4c7o9z9k/s1600/IMG_20190601_210701_940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1080" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLlUdPk0l0vHimQcENEPfyWSfyYlG2ir8Un5vA7ylFxyXMHVfqoJ-u-PZeXuwpzOEcm8sFuZNJQvfnIMKNCGPWnlv6HYd2PIvv0aq7Vt2pkhVPKw1il0k1PvngSRcl7c36Z2k4c7o9z9k/s400/IMG_20190601_210701_940.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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and the Horsham "Art Is " Festival in the last month or so.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCInKkPXPeKL6UWmem72z-tM-OFAYXQSNgCuMUE3IjDZy6DmtvFsuMvI-dlFbUvhcnjHMLa8iZCgdLXvn_O9Ys3XUzIzDwSmLmnX3qyWUOB_yqo40bs8PL8zjeodkiWRINwl07W7qly5Q/s1600/IMG_20190610_122411_457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCInKkPXPeKL6UWmem72z-tM-OFAYXQSNgCuMUE3IjDZy6DmtvFsuMvI-dlFbUvhcnjHMLa8iZCgdLXvn_O9Ys3XUzIzDwSmLmnX3qyWUOB_yqo40bs8PL8zjeodkiWRINwl07W7qly5Q/s400/IMG_20190610_122411_457.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I haven't had time to share any of the details here because I've also been juggling <a href="https://www.collarts.edu.au/" target="_blank">a new teaching job</a> around a few demanding real-life issues.<br />
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...Which is also why there is still no separate blog or sewing pattern download for these hats. I'm a one-woman show, so please be patient (no need to email for updates - I'll let you know when the patterns are ready!). I'm chipping away at things where I can, but it's slow-going.<br />
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If you can help me out by joining a hat workshop, that would be great!<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-43719278838109612862019-04-10T12:51:00.003+10:002019-04-10T12:51:45.944+10:00Winter Hat Sewing Workshop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzNPg_jZZObmIEdsh1Fp1kkhpSNgbGlVtrg41bBX3ZeJDTgzbxT5EZJKkIcSYZoQjwOR_pqlk4EscqHjrayyfJStQbNNq99jTM8VkbXnxXBXCQRay4aPrYBKiWSMyRJbgtV_Rgailm9N4/s1600/header+winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="800" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzNPg_jZZObmIEdsh1Fp1kkhpSNgbGlVtrg41bBX3ZeJDTgzbxT5EZJKkIcSYZoQjwOR_pqlk4EscqHjrayyfJStQbNNq99jTM8VkbXnxXBXCQRay4aPrYBKiWSMyRJbgtV_Rgailm9N4/s640/header+winter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A quick heads-up that there'll be another #chemostyle workshop at GJ's Discount Fabrics on 27th April. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/chemostyle-winter-hat-workshop-1-tickets-58074923660" target="_blank">You can book in here (it's free, but I need to know numbers)</a>.<br />
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If you would like to make hats for yourself or for someone you love, or if you'd like to contribute to the pool of hats for donation to cancer centres or people having treatment that causes hair loss, please come along. Details of what to bring etc are on the booking page.<br />
<br />We need some heavier knit fabrics for this, so if you have any offcuts of fleece, loop-back, ponte etc, please bring them along or drop them into GJ's beforehand and let me know.<br />
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Real life is a bit crazy here at the moment and I still haven't developed the patterns into anything digitally downloadable. Please be patient (don't email me for updates) - I absolutely do plan to do this, but I'm afraid that it will be over a longer timeframe than I'd prefer. The workshops are a way of testing designs, patterns and workshop/distribution methods, and a way getting hats made for at least some of the people who need them.<br /><br />If you know of a cancer centre in Australia that is in need of hats, please let me know.<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-22567517783543483142019-03-06T12:19:00.004+11:002019-03-06T12:24:33.518+11:00Hat workshop #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chemostyle-summer-hat-workshop-3-tickets-58074923660" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="800" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVn_Z7pV40zAh8dgidzXKHVcxWOWUD_WrxfS596EtWf5Amn5D6NHlflG4piPlq1RA-sSdweYSNXW9E_X_OIbJPn_ebFN_eVgdQIenajuArGbEKdE_dHtW4njNkQOAX6SAAbyYZxtoEWerQ/s640/header+3blog1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thank you to everyone who has been generous and supportive of my little "free hats" initiative. Hats have gone out to people through the <a href="https://www.onjcancercentre.org/" target="_blank">Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Centre</a>, and I'm packaging up others to go to a few regional centres that people have flagged as "in need".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJPt9LO_0tnrbU-QIhtxA6aem18ePT8aUSh24MSbTwg40jcws7kZehADC_PvJv6CyfG8UmVnCCxTDg6_VemCxTaZZO-1u8HpgZYrSquGbWUcnzt5000pifdO5aUZi6jusI7KD1qPU-LH0/s1600/hats+in+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJPt9LO_0tnrbU-QIhtxA6aem18ePT8aUSh24MSbTwg40jcws7kZehADC_PvJv6CyfG8UmVnCCxTDg6_VemCxTaZZO-1u8HpgZYrSquGbWUcnzt5000pifdO5aUZi6jusI7KD1qPU-LH0/s640/hats+in+basket.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I've also done a couple of personal sessions (where people get to choose hats for themselves and I help with styling tips). I'd love to do more of these personal sessions, so if you know anyone around the Melbourne area who would like that, please put them in touch with me (chemostylehats at gmail dot com).<br />
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Work on patterns, websites and all the other background tasks for this project have been mostly on hold here the last few weeks, as I've been prepping and teaching classes full-time again in my day job, but I'm gearing up for <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chemostyle-summer-hat-workshop-3-tickets-58074923660" target="_blank">our next workshop date at GJ's Discount Fabrics</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINOpY3vF9F1ZkFux3Zh9sUn44iMH0xRQuAiAW1PspLj_-sWaIXdLBLx8beobBTk8NO1rB_krhiPnaSiXsTCel7TN0WFuvHgeH9Fjtez6yDTt4GMq2lGaXW5PqjyYmhwYd7FNe2_B9Exef/s1600/table2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="651" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINOpY3vF9F1ZkFux3Zh9sUn44iMH0xRQuAiAW1PspLj_-sWaIXdLBLx8beobBTk8NO1rB_krhiPnaSiXsTCel7TN0WFuvHgeH9Fjtez6yDTt4GMq2lGaXW5PqjyYmhwYd7FNe2_B9Exef/s640/table2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our last workshop was a lovely day, where wonderful volunteers had great conversations, made meaningful connections and PUMPED OUT HATS like nobody's business!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirT1lrhBc9AYHBpdojojjq9TYYG3M87kaPfbDN2fj8MyUHuBYNKdmrhEsBA060yfe74uHPLLSnlE56b4PEY8ILIc_qkgT2X7CYc4cVw537iAw01gCsGOjH-lp5cHMvDsu82orhRm4-iB5_/s1600/table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirT1lrhBc9AYHBpdojojjq9TYYG3M87kaPfbDN2fj8MyUHuBYNKdmrhEsBA060yfe74uHPLLSnlE56b4PEY8ILIc_qkgT2X7CYc4cVw537iAw01gCsGOjH-lp5cHMvDsu82orhRm4-iB5_/s640/table.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you'd like to come along to make hats for yourself, someone that you know, or simply to contribute to the pool of hats that are available for people who need them, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chemostyle-summer-hat-workshop-3-tickets-58074923660" target="_blank">please register here</a>. (It's free, but we need to know numbers.)<br />
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xxnikki<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-70284715557412410632019-01-28T13:18:00.000+11:002019-01-28T18:22:47.447+11:00The Chemo Hat Project - cont'd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWSahxeInFUJsXNN1VAp3TtCgoKt_2IokmVfF2lKNrjvuSuQ_CPso5zx2sgN4DB8txcfszoL5LPN1wKJVOLRZ7Gq4CJE05Yd0ZrUNmM3yehUhnHhS6GODB0eC8cRXqLdBE8QjGrhaWb-U/s1600/header+2+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="800" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWSahxeInFUJsXNN1VAp3TtCgoKt_2IokmVfF2lKNrjvuSuQ_CPso5zx2sgN4DB8txcfszoL5LPN1wKJVOLRZ7Gq4CJE05Yd0ZrUNmM3yehUhnHhS6GODB0eC8cRXqLdBE8QjGrhaWb-U/s640/header+2+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've organised <a href="https://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/2018/11/helping-out.html" target="_blank">another hat-making day </a>for people who are experiencing hair loss through medical treatment. If you want to make hats for yourself, for someone you love or simply to add to the pool of hats available for donation to cancer centres, please do come along! It's on the 9th February at <a href="https://gjsdiscountfabrics.com.au/" target="_blank">GJ's Discount Fabrics</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chemostyle-summer-hat-workshop-2-tickets-55009192977?fbclid=IwAR22Vn8ZVLxhX2Oy25tid1i-FeB_8xHuDKD79Adef2yB_wn4Va7F134dZs0" target="_blank"> You can sign up here</a> (it's free, but I need to know numbers).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj510y6Lr90vFQU4gNvo8N3JxeVUsFCpBUy4TYIMNMkOlO5CDMtEgH9C0lN-DdwjAg-_FRyT3ygeyvKvMUWBvxHeLifCBgNT80HoF2zl35HjJTqwmcav52nWTvYfT7_A9_2QA4ZxxChJrH/s1600/red+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj510y6Lr90vFQU4gNvo8N3JxeVUsFCpBUy4TYIMNMkOlO5CDMtEgH9C0lN-DdwjAg-_FRyT3ygeyvKvMUWBvxHeLifCBgNT80HoF2zl35HjJTqwmcav52nWTvYfT7_A9_2QA4ZxxChJrH/s640/red+1.jpg" width="465" /></a></div>
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I'm still prototyping and tweaking both patterns and workshop methods, and gathering information and ideas that will help me to make a sustainable social enterprise that meets the needs of people going through the trauma of hair loss. </div>
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Thank you to the wonderful group of women who came to my first workshop on the 15th December last year. </div>
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Conversations and feedback forms at the last workshop have been incredibly helpful, and <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9SGRF2F" target="_blank">I have a survey here</a> for anyone who has been through chemo or is a friend or relative of someone who has. All feedback is invaluable at this stage. </div>
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For those of you further afield, I'm working on writing instructions and making patterns that can be downloaded. I'm yet to start on the web-based platforms needed to market and deliver them.</div>
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As much as I'd love for this to get off the ground immediately, I've had to accept that as a one-woman-show, building a sustainable, human-centred social enterprise is going to take time. I have to fit it in around work (to earn the sole income in the household), my own health needs (I'm still in treatment) and trying to give this kid a sense that life can be balanced and good. </div>
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I will keep you posted on developments with patterns, and in the meantime, I welcome ideas and input. I'd also love to hear your thoughts on branding/business name, and would love to hear of contacts* or information that might help me to get the social enterprise going faster and more effectively. </div>
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If you or anyone you know would like to be a 'guinea pig' for a styling session with headwear, please contact me directly at chemostylehats [at] gmail dot com. This is a service that <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9SGRF2F" target="_blank">the survey</a> is showing a need for, and I need to prototype and develop it.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;">*I'm already in conversations with <a href="https://www.thinkpink.org.au/" target="_blank">Think Pink</a>, <a href="https://www.counterpart.org.au/" target="_blank">Counterpart</a>, <a href="https://www.cancer.org.au/" target="_blank">The Cancer Council</a>, <a href="https://www.petermac.org/" target="_blank">Peter Mac</a> and the <a href="https://www.onjcancercentre.org/" target="_blank">Austin/ONJ Centre</a>, and am volunteering with <a href="https://lgfb.org.au/" target="_blank">Look Good Feel Better</a>. Plans to contact <a href="https://www.bcna.org.au/" target="_blank">BCNA</a> are afoot. If you have any other contacts for support organisations, cancer centres or social enterprise, please let me know</span><span style="color: #666666;">. </span></span></i></div>
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Over the New Year, I took my girl for a 2-day road trip to the North of the state, to show her where I grew up. Here I am, standing in the Murray River, a year out from starting treatment, thinking how far I've travelled (in every sense) in the last year, and how many journeys there have been since I left this region at 16. I'm thankful that this year, I'm looking forward to getting on with life instead of just getting through. </div>
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While we were in <a href="http://www.aussietowns.com.au/town/strathmerton-vic" target="_blank">Strathmerton,</a> I showed my girl the place where my life as a creative businessperson began. This is the site of what was once a the Community Craft Shop - run by a cooperative of locals who made and sold handmade goods - in the 70's and 80's. </div>
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My Mum worked a day per month in the shop, and we kids could sell our sewing, drawing, macrame and other crafty works, with a mere 10% commission going to the shop. From the age of 7 to 14, this was how I earned my pocket money (which was mostly spent on fabric and plants.... not much has changed there!).</div>
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From little things, big things grow. </div>
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Happy 2019, all.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-69599106504775602222018-11-20T13:46:00.001+11:002018-11-20T14:59:24.438+11:00Helping out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hair loss is traumatic at any time, but summer can be tricky for those who feel more comfortable covering up and/or accessorising. Knitted or lined hats can be too warm. and not everyone wants to wear a headscarf.<br />
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<a href="https://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/2018/11/life-lemons-and-sharing-stories.html" target="_blank">As I mentioned last week,</a> at the beginning of this year, I had chemo through the stinking hot months of an Australian summer, and I found that what suited me best was unlined knit fabric hats (natural fibres, sometimes with spandex, sometimes not). I free-formed a heap of them for myself and had fun matching them to outfits and other accessories. I was determined to beat that poison with style!<br />
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As a part of my research into my potential new NFP/social enterprise, I've checked the supplies of suitable summer hats in a few "free hats" boxes in local cancer hospitals/support centres. There are certainly gaps in the "summer range", so I've organised a day where fabulously generous people can get together and sew some more, to help out. It's filling up fast, but <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chemostyle-summer-hat-workshop-tickets-52708401247" target="_blank">if you want to be a part of it, you can still book in here.</a><br />
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We'll be testing a few patterns that I'm developing, and I'll be happy to hear people's stories and opinions on how/where they think my ideas would have the most "impact for good".<br />
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If you are suffering from hair loss and want to make hats for yourself - do come! If you have a cancer centre near you that could benefit - do come! If you have a friend who is going through treatment - come along! If you want to help make hats for me to distribute around Melbourne, you'd be more than welcome.<b> All are more than welcome!</b><br />
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If you have any knit fabric offcuts that you would like to donate to the cause, they can be left at <a href="https://gjsdiscountfabrics.com.au/" target="_blank">GJ's Discount Fabrics</a>, or you can contact me directly (info at nicolemdesign dot com dot au).<br />
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We'll start with knit hats - so only knit fabrics are needed for this workshop. I'll consider peaked caps and brimmed hats (in woven fabrics) when I see how this workshop goes.<br />
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And if you missed last week's post, <b>there is a survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9SGRF2F" target="_blank">HERE</a> that I'd love to be filled out by anyone who has either lost hair through medical treatment or knows someone who has</b>. It will help me to assess the needs of the people I'm trying to help.<br />
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And yes - I'll be moving this over to a new blog/website when I get it off the ground, and we can go back to normal YOU SEW GIRL business here.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-38911582888566509922018-11-08T13:58:00.003+11:002018-11-12T21:54:20.312+11:00Life, Lemons and Sharing Stories.Scrolling through old blog posts recently, I realised how much I miss the "behind the scenes" life and family news that I used to record here. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mallawho/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> gets more attention, but I miss this space for recording the details and my more considered thoughts.<br />
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My <a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/search/label/kids%20craft" target="_blank">wee girl</a> is about to become a teenager, and I've missed recording a huge chunk of her life. I've made LOTS of things that I haven't had the time or inclination to photograph. I've had a fabulous overseas holiday that I haven't mentioned here.<br />
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<i>That's my girl in the orange. :) </i></div>
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Real life has been a priority. Just living it....sometimes just surviving it... and everything worked around the constants of keeping home, family and work together. The last three years have been full of it. Great Big Real Life. All the good, bad, ugly and difficult, a lot of mundane and a few magic moments.<br />
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Exactly a year ago, I received the advance copies of my book, <a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=the+savvy+seamstress&oq=the+savvy+seamstress&aqs=chrome..69i57j0.4983j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">The Savvy Seamstress</a>.<br />
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It was the same day that I received confirmation that the small lump that had been mammogrammed, ultrasounded and biopsied in the preceding weeks, was indeed cancer. I was one of the (approximately) 49 women in Australia to be diagnosed with breast cancer that day, and one of the "1 in 8" women who will be diagnosed with it in her lifetime.<br />
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I wasn't very interested in the box of books on my doorstep. Things quickly spiralled in a different direction.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGp_4PgPm7CsqKZtGF0ykR8J9uVGlKU1QymkKs9oKy0HqnViyDC5QdI1rbjAGFgtM7X07xxxyycQK-BbHlhlirHKRQ-OQr1DG0RyEuT3oHVofnYTcLEA0N5BAumNu1_2CbvMxmDwgQBpk/s1600/20180120_165246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGp_4PgPm7CsqKZtGF0ykR8J9uVGlKU1QymkKs9oKy0HqnViyDC5QdI1rbjAGFgtM7X07xxxyycQK-BbHlhlirHKRQ-OQr1DG0RyEuT3oHVofnYTcLEA0N5BAumNu1_2CbvMxmDwgQBpk/s640/20180120_165246.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I've been quite open about it on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mallawho/" target="_blank">Instagram </a>and Twitter - sharing images throughout chemo, and I'm still posting images of my ongoing art therapy journey. But for some reason, the slower, more considered reflection hasn't happened here on the blog. And still, I don't even know where to start, except to say "check your boobs, girls!".<br />
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My early diagnosis was just a little too late to avoid chemotherapy (and a higher likelihood of recurrence) than had I checked a few months earlier, when it had crossed my mind but I didn't get around to it.<br />
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Check your boobs. Often.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOXShDnmoJ-kheP2f4p6iOYAy5D6Hyh7Pj2lOOd8ly0nApdRy-qPjjvyx3cXhLmRsfDMkVQbUTGYYaor5iTpwMXVnEm3akb5KJgkdyQ1XZMzxBznSkOEC2eTqrPs_pjZ3pHTJptGGS6_x/s1600/20180216_101100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOXShDnmoJ-kheP2f4p6iOYAy5D6Hyh7Pj2lOOd8ly0nApdRy-qPjjvyx3cXhLmRsfDMkVQbUTGYYaor5iTpwMXVnEm3akb5KJgkdyQ1XZMzxBznSkOEC2eTqrPs_pjZ3pHTJptGGS6_x/s400/20180216_101100.jpg" width="348" /></a></div>
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I did a <a href="https://lgfb.org.au/" target="_blank">Look Good Feel Better</a> workshop, and wholeheartedly agree that looking as good as I could made me feel as well as I could, under the circumstances. </div>
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Years of making hats and sewing knit fabrics came together quickly for me, and I whipped up an endless supply of hats for every occasion and outfit. My treatment was through the hottest of summer months, so I didn't want knitted or crocheted yarn hats.<br />
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Dressing up made me feel better. Hats made me feel better.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTxMaNlZx_vIk9Bq3cHWJhiMaBjkWFcPSjbfw6sg02cB6RjmF3T8rrqJZuEZ9fnRLloUoyg3dxxQz1aXZ0cypfONh86bjwhbR47OCdabdBSyGHYX5Fj-cplI3CB3K_ayQHMTa_2Az8gNc/s1600/20180211_131614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTxMaNlZx_vIk9Bq3cHWJhiMaBjkWFcPSjbfw6sg02cB6RjmF3T8rrqJZuEZ9fnRLloUoyg3dxxQz1aXZ0cypfONh86bjwhbR47OCdabdBSyGHYX5Fj-cplI3CB3K_ayQHMTa_2Az8gNc/s320/20180211_131614.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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Recently, I've been playing around with hat patterns and thinking about how I might make some sort of "impact for good" with them. At the moment, I'm assessing the needs of people who are going through chemo to see what might work best.<b> If you or someone you know is going (or has been) through treatment, and can help me with a small 2-minute survey,<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9SGRF2F" target="_blank"> please do so here</a>.</b><br />
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Or maybe just share your stories. I'm interested. Email me at info at nicolemdesign dot com dot au. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdF9LYSIxh9Y6stxpDBa1ACsAXOnjJtcWOG-3xmDlm7ppnUiRKtBM9GiqxFgrLNbnYXUJ7yDUO_L0EC_oH-SWVxcwKSP-DhXzKw6apE78MI3w-gxccDqVlzpzq0p8D5VAGFz15tssVgrQ/s1600/20180218_113418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdF9LYSIxh9Y6stxpDBa1ACsAXOnjJtcWOG-3xmDlm7ppnUiRKtBM9GiqxFgrLNbnYXUJ7yDUO_L0EC_oH-SWVxcwKSP-DhXzKw6apE78MI3w-gxccDqVlzpzq0p8D5VAGFz15tssVgrQ/s400/20180218_113418.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
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When I feel that my stitchy art therapy work is taking a more cohesive shape, I might write a post about it. In the meantime, you can <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mallawho/" target="_blank">see it on Insta</a> and let me know what you think.</div>
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And yes - I'm much better now, thanks. I even have hair and eyelashes, and my prognosis is good.</div>
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Wishing you all health and happiness.</div>
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And reminding you to check your boobs.</div>
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xx Nikki<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-75301409164622019132018-09-29T13:49:00.000+10:002018-09-29T13:57:52.855+10:00Ridiculously Easy Zippered Cushion Covers (with lovely Sharp Corners)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0HQlytZg63dfzXQOmVQJN1BLjvITeJjr37hotJL2OOWmGkDtkOR8gH_aa9K-7UeU8HYd86AcbXm5D_UrMWqO-07-KN1mEThlkYvZfVB2V_pkMn6ndjN3USK8UpqKE7W9gPs1XzpxEViw/s1600/grey+cushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="800" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0HQlytZg63dfzXQOmVQJN1BLjvITeJjr37hotJL2OOWmGkDtkOR8gH_aa9K-7UeU8HYd86AcbXm5D_UrMWqO-07-KN1mEThlkYvZfVB2V_pkMn6ndjN3USK8UpqKE7W9gPs1XzpxEViw/s640/grey+cushion.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I spent Thursday this week at the Royal Melbourne Show, at the Spotlight Inspiration Space, showing people how to make cushion covers. I promised a free tutorial on my blog, so here it is (sorry - a day later than planned!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN03Akb0Q21GqDb-_6UJrW-H4IWgBaMRA0oi5DeQTEX3jNbhlkH1zhW4LeDWmooYLsmqOUz-hb7L-ltpTVu3POf0-QT7XJAsK08tgqXKIZoZ0O3ZYEjOV65M6mNxZOlsZYvbGCOc8Gabhz/s1600/finished+cushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="800" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN03Akb0Q21GqDb-_6UJrW-H4IWgBaMRA0oi5DeQTEX3jNbhlkH1zhW4LeDWmooYLsmqOUz-hb7L-ltpTVu3POf0-QT7XJAsK08tgqXKIZoZ0O3ZYEjOV65M6mNxZOlsZYvbGCOc8Gabhz/s400/finished+cushion.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The method I chose was one that hid a multitude of sins if a beginner were to give it a go. There is a zipper, but it's well-hidden beneath a wide overlap of fabric. And of course, I included tips to make the whole process a lot easier and faster than you'd think. And of course, I used fusible/hemming tape (I always use fusible tape).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer_4WHgYOeHjrnm88UdKkkq4NXc7gYiq8eC7AsII2SlEk329Dgcqzsr_l1d-dLbn5FprRQFKlR4JZtG_F9mrlxQpjNlAAtZoBH1rdJHgPvqXg5zhk7PC8jyOKJm3-DuZnvCGxDukj1lEE/s1600/zippered+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="800" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer_4WHgYOeHjrnm88UdKkkq4NXc7gYiq8eC7AsII2SlEk329Dgcqzsr_l1d-dLbn5FprRQFKlR4JZtG_F9mrlxQpjNlAAtZoBH1rdJHgPvqXg5zhk7PC8jyOKJm3-DuZnvCGxDukj1lEE/s400/zippered+back.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>YOU WILL NEED</u></b><br />
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1 x Square cushion insert (any size)<br />
1 x dress zipper - at least 10cm (4'') longer than the cushion insert<br />
Hemming tape/fusible tape/cut a strip of Vliesofix (Bondaweb)<br />
Thread to match back fabric (see below)<br />
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Fabric -<br />
FRONT- Cut a square of fabric 4 to 5cm (1.5 '' to 2'') longer and wider than the cushion insert.<br />
Eg. For a 41 x 41cm cushion insert, I cut a 45 x 45cm square of fabric.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMF6CBV1xaVLhnSxe2GAuSuxpLTcke4kbGkCVkdd2DDCafi1ZP1D7QRwCdfGfNTi6aWZBV3soNtgG-hqybk4Vi22kENRGiITO3V8gvJ8m-Gv6fTXv554tDOwnGRY3I4AZdxrwU9lNAchYI/s1600/cut+front+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="800" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMF6CBV1xaVLhnSxe2GAuSuxpLTcke4kbGkCVkdd2DDCafi1ZP1D7QRwCdfGfNTi6aWZBV3soNtgG-hqybk4Vi22kENRGiITO3V8gvJ8m-Gv6fTXv554tDOwnGRY3I4AZdxrwU9lNAchYI/s400/cut+front+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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BACK - Cut fabric same width as front, but cut length 7cm (a little less than 3'') longer. (Length doesn't have to be a very accurate 7cm measurement - a little more or less wont hurt).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONk9TldDO1FQGmBKKhKy4kR2TTJUEUayCHfJZYKnJx52NHe-atQp_Twy68dO9Cpv_yCpqMJV0Anw_darwXotbF9LzVdYJK3oVba7DMSZChlT8ZVZKfVLsm06Dn2S4PEDwP7mCXZZ8T2KK/s1600/cut+back+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="800" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONk9TldDO1FQGmBKKhKy4kR2TTJUEUayCHfJZYKnJx52NHe-atQp_Twy68dO9Cpv_yCpqMJV0Anw_darwXotbF9LzVdYJK3oVba7DMSZChlT8ZVZKfVLsm06Dn2S4PEDwP7mCXZZ8T2KK/s400/cut+back+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>HOW TO MAKE THE CUSHION COVER</u></b><br />
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1. On the back fabric, divide the length (including the extra 7cm) into thirds. Round this measurement to the nearest centimetre or half-inch, and cut 1/3 from one end of the backing fabric.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bki1WPfCzqWxl74FuzWr5tgme0xwPPj_-LLF8lvxnMQnf95ySlemdiiil4F845Zyb8oXVM96LnPGinVTFE49vSy_3D4Rv-19jl2hILyIBA7g9wKPlVJzNXUZwyhttavpv33i2oDeEMGS/s1600/cut+back2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="800" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bki1WPfCzqWxl74FuzWr5tgme0xwPPj_-LLF8lvxnMQnf95ySlemdiiil4F845Zyb8oXVM96LnPGinVTFE49vSy_3D4Rv-19jl2hILyIBA7g9wKPlVJzNXUZwyhttavpv33i2oDeEMGS/s400/cut+back2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. On the bigger piece (we'll call it the bottom piece) of the backing fabric, lay the zipper face down along the cut edge. Align the edge of the zipper tape with the edge of the fabric, with the end stopper of the zipper at least 2cm (3/4'') from the side edge of the fabric. The head of the zipper should be hanging off the other end of the fabric.<br />
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3. Using a zipper foot, stitch the zipper to the fabric.<br />
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4. Turn the zipper to the right side, and all the seam allowances will fold underneath the fabric side of this seam. Topstitch along the edge of the fabric - about 2mm (a generous 1/16'') from the seam.<br />
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5. With right sides of fabric together, place the smaller piece (we'll call it the top) over the zipper. Align the cut edge of the fabric and the zipper tape, and check that the side edges of the smaller and larger pieces align on both side seam edges. Stitch the zipper tape into place along the fabric edge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5-FQljFWx3RoD_l-dOT1pmKtUYpLYMMf4tXC8AZ5rYBzwSBeJRwWtW-eu32LCwze1Jv2sygEslemxRwhLgYCGDHr4ldD633HHPZrVDd919y0glqxMU4kVtwEpBzrZXX4JGN5I7gDULsY/s1600/align+top+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="621" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5-FQljFWx3RoD_l-dOT1pmKtUYpLYMMf4tXC8AZ5rYBzwSBeJRwWtW-eu32LCwze1Jv2sygEslemxRwhLgYCGDHr4ldD633HHPZrVDd919y0glqxMU4kVtwEpBzrZXX4JGN5I7gDULsY/s400/align+top+b.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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6. Place the square front piece on the table and then place the back (zippered) piece over the top, right side facing up. Align the bottom edge of the back with the bottom edge of the front and smooth the back piece over.<br />
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7. Now align the top edge of the back piece with the top edge of the front, allowing the extra fullness to fall over the zipper area.<br />
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Use your hands - and then an iron - to flatten this fullness into an overlap over the zipper. If your fabric is in any way delicate, use a pressing cloth under the iron when you press.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xNijw_W9oUPXyHs7JFcY6sZgxMTNNXcUBeeIZDqN6GOoSAc_W-TnisAI9Y6aoEdHhAITQfGWupoQBhdOEgTUknZAEFeK1w6JxcRElnoFYZPpLaCv6RpS4ZCuzj5rEN7_Zm8K862BSVG9/s1600/align+top+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="628" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xNijw_W9oUPXyHs7JFcY6sZgxMTNNXcUBeeIZDqN6GOoSAc_W-TnisAI9Y6aoEdHhAITQfGWupoQBhdOEgTUknZAEFeK1w6JxcRElnoFYZPpLaCv6RpS4ZCuzj5rEN7_Zm8K862BSVG9/s320/align+top+c.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
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8. Fold back the top piece so that you can see the seam where it attaches to the zipper. Place hemming tape (or fuse paper-backed fusible tape, or a strip of fusible webbing) along the seam (taking care not to let it overhang the edge of the zipper tape and stick to your ironing board).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcqNvrQNIGxrhs2nXOiJ9xByN5YFk4QJ3pQne5FIHImz5-kDx_VrNzGcJPoFdQfF5jGgDKrp_uw6nGrBOBcnw5eZ37P9jYXuDq8SPAA3VqFTg1LkGWBgaLQqibYmB8bu1phbiyp9P7G1L/s1600/fusible+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcqNvrQNIGxrhs2nXOiJ9xByN5YFk4QJ3pQne5FIHImz5-kDx_VrNzGcJPoFdQfF5jGgDKrp_uw6nGrBOBcnw5eZ37P9jYXuDq8SPAA3VqFTg1LkGWBgaLQqibYmB8bu1phbiyp9P7G1L/s400/fusible+web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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7. Fold the top of the cushion back into place and press it again. This will stick the fabric into place exactly where you need to sew it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU5aE4PrLHCCx7SAtS6-knOOUV9rLoI4hFbFuG09znrbDa_wYzs7JTMs3KTogK-_MLIaOKhlHUwrUKfANhyphenhyphenPAW9bl7MfzCL9R64htdwWo_XET6uVnEvtduM9cnV5RQrumOSiHuBuYaR3A/s1600/press+overlap2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU5aE4PrLHCCx7SAtS6-knOOUV9rLoI4hFbFuG09znrbDa_wYzs7JTMs3KTogK-_MLIaOKhlHUwrUKfANhyphenhyphenPAW9bl7MfzCL9R64htdwWo_XET6uVnEvtduM9cnV5RQrumOSiHuBuYaR3A/s400/press+overlap2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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8. To make it easier still, feel through the fabric for the top edge of the zipper chain and run your thumbnail along, to mark a line to follow with your stitches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZXiPOhyk3jJo5niiedeRCQJ9QQlsBRykJRTy7xJREDLbdhekGlG2gxJ3_ONqj3T27uwJV21wUWEBkL8CpSjL-EFAon65ov-nDZ_ehrnXmkdr0JWtVhSun81tYBPWhlAwAgW6FyXTe4qk/s1600/thumbnail+score.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="583" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZXiPOhyk3jJo5niiedeRCQJ9QQlsBRykJRTy7xJREDLbdhekGlG2gxJ3_ONqj3T27uwJV21wUWEBkL8CpSjL-EFAon65ov-nDZ_ehrnXmkdr0JWtVhSun81tYBPWhlAwAgW6FyXTe4qk/s400/thumbnail+score.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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9. Use a zipper foot and stitch along the thumbnail-indented line.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC260HdVOCDj4JbYkjvIGfnQC2W_QUZJlQIWlWMvvF7UlKkKLWfB5EjFT4M0aTuimdDD3E9NRlgRYrEQ-bVe4mTv2i-Bjq1qhqmCsdSTe7oRk91RYelUWjSO8rLRDA9Fv8qxMC7rjlB8vr/s1600/topstitch+zipper+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="800" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC260HdVOCDj4JbYkjvIGfnQC2W_QUZJlQIWlWMvvF7UlKkKLWfB5EjFT4M0aTuimdDD3E9NRlgRYrEQ-bVe4mTv2i-Bjq1qhqmCsdSTe7oRk91RYelUWjSO8rLRDA9Fv8qxMC7rjlB8vr/s400/topstitch+zipper+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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10. Open the zipper little way and then align the open ends as if the zipper were closed. Stitch through the overlapped fabric, across the ends of the zipper. You can now safely trim those zipper ends off (without risking accidentally losing the zipper head).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOUh37xxTWi8jNpQxg3acjQGbN9Bw3BUIqzhCe88R0032Jrr_vfpDYKx7WjfRBUXYrd2ey2F4PSSGqRzp5LWMrNIW8EClILef2tloUn2ClSt9fOYTSTdiXXyBoB-p5yNjG4qlyWXkWCjd/s1600/stitch+zipper+end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="776" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOUh37xxTWi8jNpQxg3acjQGbN9Bw3BUIqzhCe88R0032Jrr_vfpDYKx7WjfRBUXYrd2ey2F4PSSGqRzp5LWMrNIW8EClILef2tloUn2ClSt9fOYTSTdiXXyBoB-p5yNjG4qlyWXkWCjd/s400/stitch+zipper+end.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hurrah! you've inserted a zipper!<br />
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11. With right sides together, match the back to the front, aligning all the edges. Take one (any) side and seam it together with a 12mm (1/2 '') seam allowance, backtacking/backstitching at each end of the seam. Don't pivot and turn the corner... this is where the "neat corner" trick comes in!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDba09si8oBUymZDaOleXDvxr0XoyLtAYzcwszCxK4ADw3N2igJkvsDx6kkCTKUrUqCKkdApPjQqVooeHNaRBYxDoQl-41lJ-uN3rkh6ZpMWkZ5MOVoa2pbMNuDGyJrhJXL7HTFRJzHPp/s1600/front+to+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="800" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDba09si8oBUymZDaOleXDvxr0XoyLtAYzcwszCxK4ADw3N2igJkvsDx6kkCTKUrUqCKkdApPjQqVooeHNaRBYxDoQl-41lJ-uN3rkh6ZpMWkZ5MOVoa2pbMNuDGyJrhJXL7HTFRJzHPp/s400/front+to+back.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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12. Overlock/serge/zigzag the raw edge of the seam allowance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-_2QRVUeFmk6cBfjlGxk-RUsTYM0EtiU1vuvkob_y1e0MOuZmGo-5VwGVPeeQygg4TnoepsunylCYeHm70kJ9VOLrCPN3swYXK1cJefnpIOTbbLxToYTCkmBoU_fSPrq4URrMBe9ujxg/s1600/trim+seams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-_2QRVUeFmk6cBfjlGxk-RUsTYM0EtiU1vuvkob_y1e0MOuZmGo-5VwGVPeeQygg4TnoepsunylCYeHm70kJ9VOLrCPN3swYXK1cJefnpIOTbbLxToYTCkmBoU_fSPrq4URrMBe9ujxg/s400/trim+seams.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If your fabric type is not likely to fray during laundering (eg, gentle handwash or dry clean only), you can skip this step, but if you are using a fabric that will be put into a washing machine, it's always a good idea to finish the seams.<br />
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13. Fold the seam over - right on the seamline - and stitch the next seam, capturing the folded seam allowance. Overlock/serge/zigzag that edge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPiDjDL0c8HxLPE3QuaONTX-iL1qr07Aw5VjXbm99Q1g9w39zZTIZ_8TMA2kSlNUFjfoBKKhWpxjLK9-Cjri7JD4AGF7GIbMytw7nzxSfujWiwMIiKs3xaEuwrZPb9Tk51PQUnqRsCeFZ/s1600/fold+corners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="800" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPiDjDL0c8HxLPE3QuaONTX-iL1qr07Aw5VjXbm99Q1g9w39zZTIZ_8TMA2kSlNUFjfoBKKhWpxjLK9-Cjri7JD4AGF7GIbMytw7nzxSfujWiwMIiKs3xaEuwrZPb9Tk51PQUnqRsCeFZ/s400/fold+corners.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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14. Continue folding, seaming and finishing each edge until all four sides of the cushion cover are sewn.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6c8WdsoOLcubPesUqjJ48rluqWK6p-K0QfsnWeZVE_yWfp0G1RTv9G-nuz5dlxxicA-RLksUeRnFAtVtu8iN4XmZWJZrGWEle4aC2dQBGHU_zxU3I3-Z8iDUvMqPfI0aUL1FzriAB4Is/s1600/sewn+seams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="800" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6c8WdsoOLcubPesUqjJ48rluqWK6p-K0QfsnWeZVE_yWfp0G1RTv9G-nuz5dlxxicA-RLksUeRnFAtVtu8iN4XmZWJZrGWEle4aC2dQBGHU_zxU3I3-Z8iDUvMqPfI0aUL1FzriAB4Is/s320/sewn+seams.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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15. Turn through the corners:<br />
Push your index finger right up into one of the corners, with the inside (fingerprint) facing the folded seam allowance. Fold the other seam allowance over the top of the first, and hold it with the thumb of the same hand (basically making an OK hand-sign with fabric in between).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikjKBUADlofkI_ynPTlF4jLNeuE9nHCbaTwrUs_MgawzDawDyzKnpiDm9hKjPGmutzVQdzCIW9KLnkAPf_UI6Az2zmg7zJGAjpfoQsGsHHYE4an7lmnkPoiTuAR40fQCCdxbb4s2k2Tk6/s1600/turn+through+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="947" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikjKBUADlofkI_ynPTlF4jLNeuE9nHCbaTwrUs_MgawzDawDyzKnpiDm9hKjPGmutzVQdzCIW9KLnkAPf_UI6Az2zmg7zJGAjpfoQsGsHHYE4an7lmnkPoiTuAR40fQCCdxbb4s2k2Tk6/s320/turn+through+1.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
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Pinch your fingers together with the folded seam allowances in between, holding them as close to the corner point as you can, then flip the fabric through to show the right side (don't stop pinching the corner).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWq8Y4IHlDN9eaS0xZqjwfVVeZNI9hJT-gsixBOEPVnwoPTMwWlkPw_JlA-ryjeWumaG-hAqhYgCFr3EAyzp2qQkZ-k3QtglQYwklS-xZwxmG6N5RYNqi9aM-cbq18lorV6qYNV_n5xvVr/s1600/turn+through+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="800" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWq8Y4IHlDN9eaS0xZqjwfVVeZNI9hJT-gsixBOEPVnwoPTMwWlkPw_JlA-ryjeWumaG-hAqhYgCFr3EAyzp2qQkZ-k3QtglQYwklS-xZwxmG6N5RYNqi9aM-cbq18lorV6qYNV_n5xvVr/s400/turn+through+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzlPCGDSYPLgOqS_ilo14iqLDoKZi9SzmQONlrf66NCEpF3VcvAxMBxPcF_dh3lOgYZCgsonymOxgh4tjUOCOHkSb6NwZOr4cZMkz5My-7IGFDfTCrRLb-OGFaKDeBmu5rTKpk9oK7xn3/s1600/turn+through+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="646" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzlPCGDSYPLgOqS_ilo14iqLDoKZi9SzmQONlrf66NCEpF3VcvAxMBxPcF_dh3lOgYZCgsonymOxgh4tjUOCOHkSb6NwZOr4cZMkz5My-7IGFDfTCrRLb-OGFaKDeBmu5rTKpk9oK7xn3/s400/turn+through+3.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
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Voila! Sharp corners! (This works on fine fabric for collars and cuffs, too - anywhere where the build-up of bulky seams doesn't matter.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaZ5i52XPYQzkuoGOWeyno826teoKQ2Yxu681LjpNi7tRo6GLgoxB9ue9zEYp-ffTdjb138OTuX_O9_xsYwwBzYIjM1_6YzV18taVQQ48k7lINtdb06erbOAcxTH1aF9V_fNJTTZOPYfa/s1600/turn+through+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="665" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaZ5i52XPYQzkuoGOWeyno826teoKQ2Yxu681LjpNi7tRo6GLgoxB9ue9zEYp-ffTdjb138OTuX_O9_xsYwwBzYIjM1_6YzV18taVQQ48k7lINtdb06erbOAcxTH1aF9V_fNJTTZOPYfa/s400/turn+through+5.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
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16. Press the seams flat and then press the cushion cover.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RDgjzc82RuwTU2GPmZbUEozvTMUXNLlCaP7n7U9LwNqeUL0JaeXStH3ncoIfsrvbKI9peRfWBIVOS8vauGA3w0GnQ8ZSn12lhpLIQQvL1zJZCjzbk_uyPJPEkQggoTtPdo4F_zjXOMK8/s1600/press+seams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="788" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RDgjzc82RuwTU2GPmZbUEozvTMUXNLlCaP7n7U9LwNqeUL0JaeXStH3ncoIfsrvbKI9peRfWBIVOS8vauGA3w0GnQ8ZSn12lhpLIQQvL1zJZCjzbk_uyPJPEkQggoTtPdo4F_zjXOMK8/s400/press+seams.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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17. Pop the cushion insert in and do up the zipper.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdAl3UzEDtfZevP-eaqIwbUwDcElNGMNh3NBt9h8gULRetRX6W6SopV2rIUDeMjzyIxx6vEs4K2dwLuoNbswPa9VIM0MLmkSrXVNwrZbz-4inBCbKkTKBhiSqac1x1rPR06kw5YIJvRfC/s1600/cushion+insert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="800" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdAl3UzEDtfZevP-eaqIwbUwDcElNGMNh3NBt9h8gULRetRX6W6SopV2rIUDeMjzyIxx6vEs4K2dwLuoNbswPa9VIM0MLmkSrXVNwrZbz-4inBCbKkTKBhiSqac1x1rPR06kw5YIJvRfC/s400/cushion+insert.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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18. Feel a bit clever and make lots more cushion covers. Play with embellishment ideas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXyLmKzb2JCC9-gbB-O5clalziJ3PT8w8rCHz5wtuBWRaFBj1bZh2lZo_-89MCZ6fti3RYEfBzKvnzR50WDS-vKs7SnQxpopabYX43FRCXWM8LowO1es01tvqmRtJ3moqjQc4wDNNI6rx/s1600/love+cushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="800" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXyLmKzb2JCC9-gbB-O5clalziJ3PT8w8rCHz5wtuBWRaFBj1bZh2lZo_-89MCZ6fti3RYEfBzKvnzR50WDS-vKs7SnQxpopabYX43FRCXWM8LowO1es01tvqmRtJ3moqjQc4wDNNI6rx/s320/love+cushion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And have a great weekend. xx</div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-32309345076614763052018-06-13T16:52:00.001+10:002018-06-13T16:52:39.900+10:00The Everyday Pants Pattern is here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It's taken a while (life threw a few curve-balls my way), but the formerly "nearly-a-pattern" is now an ACTUAL pattern. A finished one. Wow. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwMOuXe1hagC2VFT9wrVm03B68MfKscbQ_3K9kALsyPm_dPNZm0esgai7RsIWPoa2Ww-CmNidcTj-IgJrdDKZWaJ2LA9xhwCejyUvXwYH_03yrtQSKBcBYwq0VtKLewiXYj5QLxzoGAbV/s1600/pants3_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="443" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwMOuXe1hagC2VFT9wrVm03B68MfKscbQ_3K9kALsyPm_dPNZm0esgai7RsIWPoa2Ww-CmNidcTj-IgJrdDKZWaJ2LA9xhwCejyUvXwYH_03yrtQSKBcBYwq0VtKLewiXYj5QLxzoGAbV/s640/pants3_sm.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
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In line with my whole "teach a person to fish" philosophy, I wanted to make a pants pattern that is a base for teaching sewing techniques with a focus on tips for a better finish, which is infinitely variable with design details and fabric choice. </div>
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These easy-fitting pants have a fly front, hip pockets and an optional jet pocket on the back. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNRSjLtLyUX6ubGapuF2M1lnwGMsnebNBq6jMTFDSQ9jBSKqiYn7Pd6cg6Wq5gT_z7EP3Ymn-J1gHGnRS042lDlLYTjciyOrWKHPZEolLY7AnJRIN3sX8fV4ShRFxcztuQLHGfWwPnDE3/s1600/pants+front+back_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNRSjLtLyUX6ubGapuF2M1lnwGMsnebNBq6jMTFDSQ9jBSKqiYn7Pd6cg6Wq5gT_z7EP3Ymn-J1gHGnRS042lDlLYTjciyOrWKHPZEolLY7AnJRIN3sX8fV4ShRFxcztuQLHGfWwPnDE3/s400/pants+front+back_sm.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I've made them in crinkly, crumply fine linen (which was possibly not the best choice for my original cover shot...).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYsoJ8Q0iTlXbRksZ-PCqTDddCDr598jA36cSaqNKwEQ8qGoUDaYcekmn-nbZcNKKA3e1jV9GY_7UXnDywo-lhoLkAyNilkNM1_1zie6yX3C-Obu0T4rtEMqKhMq-8c-KgChWYwAw-m8g/s1600/pants+1sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYsoJ8Q0iTlXbRksZ-PCqTDddCDr598jA36cSaqNKwEQ8qGoUDaYcekmn-nbZcNKKA3e1jV9GY_7UXnDywo-lhoLkAyNilkNM1_1zie6yX3C-Obu0T4rtEMqKhMq-8c-KgChWYwAw-m8g/s640/pants+1sm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I've made them in drapy tencel, various wool blends and brushed cotton, and I've made them in heavier (still crumply) linen. They work for all seasons and everyday occasions. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqJibW3OVi0PXdirgfgjHPcUI6dEB7KavJXLsCrd8lz-X_sIwApUkpOe48tO0ZYcqJHhybvIZp2ZNewfw3pCrjfBtVHvpb65YtSkvuFATTdKTKAYcrEF5ubM1UykWLBc6MCK_ukNoA83p/s1600/khaki+1sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqJibW3OVi0PXdirgfgjHPcUI6dEB7KavJXLsCrd8lz-X_sIwApUkpOe48tO0ZYcqJHhybvIZp2ZNewfw3pCrjfBtVHvpb65YtSkvuFATTdKTKAYcrEF5ubM1UykWLBc6MCK_ukNoA83p/s640/khaki+1sm.jpg" width="608" /></a></div>
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And of course, I tweaked the design and made lots of other versions. I used them for the base pants in my book <a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Savvy%20Seamstress" target="_blank">The Savvy Seamstress</a>. In the book, I show you how to change or remove the pockets and how to change the fly front for a discreet invisible zipper on the side or back, and even how to remove the waistband and replace it with a facing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh_7xi-NjBIXhXe5hkPQ0eoxtPQBq6MIDVj3dmKy9n1PVyKcE39cI7ZhPM0GLZMZVfZPJoWMCCF8RzZUsCwqFMcJMSC77KgOCF4geJlwWb4bfxVMIbJILVAYgq7LC6DaQyUuRNrXluErL/s1600/pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh_7xi-NjBIXhXe5hkPQ0eoxtPQBq6MIDVj3dmKy9n1PVyKcE39cI7ZhPM0GLZMZVfZPJoWMCCF8RzZUsCwqFMcJMSC77KgOCF4geJlwWb4bfxVMIbJILVAYgq7LC6DaQyUuRNrXluErL/s400/pants.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The patterns are divided into two sizing groups - Sizes 6-14 and Sizes 12-20. The pattern is available in paper and <a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/shop/digital-downloads/2507-everyday-pants.html" target="_blank">pdf versions</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHxRGNc3e31tSIhT7OYF_AKj4qHHomy0Bc1fR22ybio4v9IKG3W6aY4I30yGPM4xdb6PUiKjafbIp8LsNJT7CJ-LRguoFHV7q_PdmewT5gj8ie627wiZI3bGywjxM431HQKK6iH4b7XSg/s1600/greenpants_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHxRGNc3e31tSIhT7OYF_AKj4qHHomy0Bc1fR22ybio4v9IKG3W6aY4I30yGPM4xdb6PUiKjafbIp8LsNJT7CJ-LRguoFHV7q_PdmewT5gj8ie627wiZI3bGywjxM431HQKK6iH4b7XSg/s640/greenpants_sm.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-54321734651822770732018-05-03T15:01:00.000+10:002018-05-03T17:23:36.933+10:00Blog Tour Wrap-up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuI_uMubEoxeW5fkFG7sxGE2lvqxiOmWQkMDFvWGp0tfbTZKYzHWF2dVpSLbzKUNhkYrbJD6wg1Gqvlvx97Wn90Itu3phd7m4uSaxeUjvgEo1Hs-t1wbgJJqDhvdFfrY-sebiXV81L-4qD/s1600/11185-buttonplacketsopener-set-op-55655.1502213887.1104.1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuI_uMubEoxeW5fkFG7sxGE2lvqxiOmWQkMDFvWGp0tfbTZKYzHWF2dVpSLbzKUNhkYrbJD6wg1Gqvlvx97Wn90Itu3phd7m4uSaxeUjvgEo1Hs-t1wbgJJqDhvdFfrY-sebiXV81L-4qD/s640/11185-buttonplacketsopener-set-op-55655.1502213887.1104.1280.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you've followed me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yousewgirlpatterns/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nicolemdesign/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> this week, you'll have seen daily posts about <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Savvy-Seamstress-Illustrated-Customizing-Favorite/dp/1617453110" target="_blank">The Savvy Seamstress</a> blog tour and all the giveaways on various blogs and Instagram accounts. The winners will be drawn tomorrow (or the day after that, for the USA blogs), so there's still time to do the rounds and get your name in every barrel. (Some giveaways have more participants than others, so the odds might be in your favour if you look for the smaller barrels...! ;) )</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are the links...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">@<span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh7uYacDH5I/?taken-by=mrsbeckinsale" target="_blank">mrsbeckinsale</a></span>, <a href="http://cravingsfrocks.blogspot.com.au/2018/04/the-savvy-seamstress-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;">cravingsfrocks.blogspot.com</span> </a><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">@<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh-K1fkBdDa/?taken-by=sewthispattern" target="_blank">sewthispattern</a>, <a href="http://sewthispattern.com/2018/04/25/the-savvy-seamstress-blog-and-instagram-tour/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;">sewthispattern.com</span> </a><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">@<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiB81n3DLxP/?taken-by=fibresmith" target="_blank">fibresmith</a><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">@<span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiEnQ2EBG9C/?taken-by=cookinandcraftin" target="_blank">cookinandcraftin</a></span>, <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://cookinandcraftin.blogspot.com.au/2018/04/the-savvy-seamstress-book-review-and.html" target="_blank">cookinandcraftin.blogspot.com</a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">@<span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiGHPA3hE4c/?taken-by=handmakersfactory" target="_blank">handmakersfactory</a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">@<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiM1re8h0xg/?taken-by=patternreview" target="_blank">patternreview</a>, <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://sewing.patternreview.com/blog?s=2413960" target="_blank">sewing.patternreview.com/blog</a></span> <span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">@<span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiLQ3UXBWbb/?taken-by=usefulbox" target="_blank">usefulbox</a></span>, <a href="https://usefulbox.blogspot.com.au/2018/04/book-review-savvy-seamstress-by-nicole.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">usefulbox.com.au</span> </a><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">@<span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiMuVm3BewQ/?taken-by=annewhalley" target="_blank">annewhalley</a></span>, <a href="http://www.annewhalley.com/blog/2018/4/30/book-review-on-the-savvy-seamstress-by-nicole-mallalieu" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;">annewhalley.com</span> </a><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">@<span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiQL6sjhZFIHTP_VzHJmWMiJAIAxPuJ7561loY0/?taken-by=thornberrylara" target="_blank">thornberrylara</a></span>, <a href="https://thornberry.wordpress.com/2018/05/02/the-savvy-seamstress/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">thornberry.wordpress.com</span> </a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: left;">If you take a look through the blog posts on the tour, you'll get to see what others have made and learned through using The Savvy Seamstress, and you'll get a better idea of what it's about.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1h_-rlb5-NiLpC-fe99JwzkoW3IfLcvR4v5g0ljV-qpnnYjrV4jGB9o49YI7cMp4QQ5RmrsOFDu75pgQgjMzNX8HpzMWJWnZe4xHUj5wr_-8a0kjPXJpgH30yvYuYgjAYibeSbII0yeHc/s1600/11185-sleevesopener-set-copy-98693.1502213889.1104.1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1h_-rlb5-NiLpC-fe99JwzkoW3IfLcvR4v5g0ljV-qpnnYjrV4jGB9o49YI7cMp4QQ5RmrsOFDu75pgQgjMzNX8HpzMWJWnZe4xHUj5wr_-8a0kjPXJpgH30yvYuYgjAYibeSbII0yeHc/s640/11185-sleevesopener-set-copy-98693.1502213889.1104.1280.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In case you've missed what the book is all about... It's about altering design features on your existing sewing patterns. For example, the above two photos are other variations of <a href="https://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/2018/04/collars-facings-necklines-and-blog-tour.html" target="_blank">the little blouses I blogged last time </a>(and they're the same size blouse, only on different sized kids). Yep - techniques for adapting the designs of collars, necklines and sleeves are all in the book - from patternmaking to sewing instructions.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNJpD-jVrdvkY3WgMf2DqUGJENikOwA5ZQdyL1QxbjzC_xoN-WlXC0Bv5gKFc8UBoAZCR-NlenblI4m6xcIIIe6EO3Pn71gvCsqhTmyj4sTMc7F0YOthQslP2IJMO9Mg7p24w8eJy2VSL/s1600/11185-waistlinesopener-set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNJpD-jVrdvkY3WgMf2DqUGJENikOwA5ZQdyL1QxbjzC_xoN-WlXC0Bv5gKFc8UBoAZCR-NlenblI4m6xcIIIe6EO3Pn71gvCsqhTmyj4sTMc7F0YOthQslP2IJMO9Mg7p24w8eJy2VSL/s640/11185-waistlinesopener-set.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pants (above) can be made with infinitely variable pockets, zippers (fly front or side/back invisible or lapped zippers) and the waistband could be removed and replaced by a facing - instructions for all those things are in the book....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ55JQcSwdrU09B4ajtalsGgOkhY9B6cHhxKh3Vhj4bkEIABaM6jIZ53ItfSyBIJ12E3hh76mn4IELko8ioCe23wwDxRydafK3damWYkOMKmm2wDetSlo_r_IXr7ZTA5F0PCMYIvWPFq-9/s1600/639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1000" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ55JQcSwdrU09B4ajtalsGgOkhY9B6cHhxKh3Vhj4bkEIABaM6jIZ53ItfSyBIJ12E3hh76mn4IELko8ioCe23wwDxRydafK3damWYkOMKmm2wDetSlo_r_IXr7ZTA5F0PCMYIvWPFq-9/s400/639.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The version below (straight, angled hip pockets, fly front) is actually going to be a finished <a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/shop/" target="_blank">You Sew Girl sewing pattern</a> soon. Watch this space!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2boZKHmyJsPX20TxvzH94NCDruyWISIfRX00JZJtQ7w4AY866s4uiNIRJkk0w9S8ZdrbaVqAq6JtZ0h2vV2f0FlZaLIe9SXFYqa8MIY09LJn4svcMt-kugDVCS-zWXBmhNhEpu2iyOe3d/s1600/648_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2boZKHmyJsPX20TxvzH94NCDruyWISIfRX00JZJtQ7w4AY866s4uiNIRJkk0w9S8ZdrbaVqAq6JtZ0h2vV2f0FlZaLIe9SXFYqa8MIY09LJn4svcMt-kugDVCS-zWXBmhNhEpu2iyOe3d/s400/648_3.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks to all the bloggers, Instagrammers and to my publishers for participating in the blog tour. And good luck to all who are in the draw for a free copy of the book.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9c6u2CaO7BeOV-6Drm4pIVGiCcGgkuMOzAzSq_Wr5JGnu5eAm25VSUJ4z0gROpvw0ghMwXPzIAwxSP0-Nekq580CwC4dP_DwR-Ssaa4CK8hAdDL3ufdhkK2bu6d9lgaCSdZtKqbqVJS8d/s1600/11185-shirtyokeopener-set-op2-copy-66481.1502213889.1104.1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9c6u2CaO7BeOV-6Drm4pIVGiCcGgkuMOzAzSq_Wr5JGnu5eAm25VSUJ4z0gROpvw0ghMwXPzIAwxSP0-Nekq580CwC4dP_DwR-Ssaa4CK8hAdDL3ufdhkK2bu6d9lgaCSdZtKqbqVJS8d/s640/11185-shirtyokeopener-set-op2-copy-66481.1502213889.1104.1280.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-82204412341733285392018-04-23T23:16:00.003+10:002018-04-26T09:49:08.534+10:00Collars, Facings, Necklines and a Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The days of having a four-year-old in the studio to model for me are long gone (she's in secondary school now!), so I had to make do with a clothes line. Still, these little blouses swinging in the breeze looked sweet and made me happy today.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajPacGDCqSSs6I_lzXj2w0lb3JRU1EEpGltj3stvBce7SukWq-ZpV8lngkWSBIBGvBytXEvcZMbMumtGlMnZ9wwxJg9TmrFy1yId8clm3sCLglyJGsHLUkqGKn-o_TGF6QxrKSG-rxuOw/s1600/blouses+on+the+line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="800" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajPacGDCqSSs6I_lzXj2w0lb3JRU1EEpGltj3stvBce7SukWq-ZpV8lngkWSBIBGvBytXEvcZMbMumtGlMnZ9wwxJg9TmrFy1yId8clm3sCLglyJGsHLUkqGKn-o_TGF6QxrKSG-rxuOw/s640/blouses+on+the+line.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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They're all made from the same base pattern, with the collar, necklines, sleeves and facings altered to vary the design. You guessed it... using the patternmaking and sewing techniques from my book <a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/2017/11/the-savvy-seamstress-its-real-book.html" target="_blank">The Savvy Seamstress</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cms-QVX3-J6DXiERkim4KsR4AihNDT_G_K9a23CXYxwg58BJr9BRb50l0P0hldayrfjt6JX2uz7XgbmDtIvqaBdEXquKmQSjBxOqCpAxsU2BXBG8EaRTPbl5xYPSU1rJHnx9uaLYC3gO/s1600/IMG_0504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="800" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cms-QVX3-J6DXiERkim4KsR4AihNDT_G_K9a23CXYxwg58BJr9BRb50l0P0hldayrfjt6JX2uz7XgbmDtIvqaBdEXquKmQSjBxOqCpAxsU2BXBG8EaRTPbl5xYPSU1rJHnx9uaLYC3gO/s640/IMG_0504.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We launched the book at <a href="http://www.candobooks.com.au/" target="_blank">Can Do Books</a> in December, but until recently, I haven't had much time or brain-space to to promote the it (you might have followed my "why" on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mallawho/" target="_blank"> Instagram </a>). However, now <b>I'm all about the BLOG AND INSTAGRAM TOUR.</b></div>
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You can see what other people have made and sneak a few more glimpses inside the book if you follow along. There will also be givaways, so you might like to hop on board.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The tour schedule is as follows:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">23rd April - C&T Publishing <a href="http://ctpub.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">ctpub.com</span></a> <span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">24th April - @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrsbeckinsale/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">mrsbeckinsale</span></a>, <a href="http://cravingsfrocks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">cravingsfrocks.blogspot.com</span></a> <span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">25th April @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sewthispattern/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">sewthispattern</span></a>, <a href="http://sewthispattern.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">sewthispattern.com</span></a> <span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">26th April @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/fibresmith/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">fibresmith</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">27th April @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/cookinandcraftin/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">cookinandcraftin</span></a>, <a href="http://cookinandcraftin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">cookinandcraftin.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">28th April @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/handmakersfactory/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">handmakersfactory</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">29th April @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/patternreview/" target="_blank">patternreview</a>, <a href="https://sewing.patternreview.com/blog" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">patternreview.com</span> </a><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">30th April @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/usefulbox/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">usefulbox</span></a>, <a href="http://usefulbox.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">usefulbox.com.au</span></a> <span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1st May @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/annewhalley/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">annewhalley</span></a>, <a href="http://annewhalley.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">annewhalley.com</span></a> <span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2nd May @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thornberrylara/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">thornberrylara</span></a>, <a href="https://thornberry.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">thornberry.wordpress.com</span></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3rd May @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/yousewgirlpatterns/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">yousewgirlpatterns</span></a> <a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</span></a> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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And now, a closer look at those little blouses... <br />
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This is a simple little button-fronted number with cap sleeves and a round neckline. It has a full neckline facing that also covers the button area. (The book will also show you how to make this design detail on a pattern that originally had a zippered back and no front opening, or on one that previously had a collar.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMd_NyclpL8scPYx91oScPZFWT6C8MRnOY-VSUxPE9qUFvhiEuOH5Y6nCNIoB-IAH1ajwJs7aXnm2uudMxNlWWFOmtJtwmwFufkvFnEKQE97Sd2pyt4JEfLv7CM_qXOrezb8j2dsbKhRs/s1600/blouse+round+neckline+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="800" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMd_NyclpL8scPYx91oScPZFWT6C8MRnOY-VSUxPE9qUFvhiEuOH5Y6nCNIoB-IAH1ajwJs7aXnm2uudMxNlWWFOmtJtwmwFufkvFnEKQE97Sd2pyt4JEfLv7CM_qXOrezb8j2dsbKhRs/s640/blouse+round+neckline+pink.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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An easy alteration from here is to change the shape of the neckline (and maybe the arrangement of the buttons into 3 sets of 2...?).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DF9TW_qvIVOULotQhHIqwz2_gFMmW7q7MZX24GzGOUzAXBS9e-hZT1SIiCZHPJwNzmQ4MdN84Go9yOptCzQ6vkmsHSLL6t4KbrnAzD1WmE-pYaCB0G9Zgo_yXIqh7eazFhCKuAIzmejj/s1600/blouse+vneckline+open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DF9TW_qvIVOULotQhHIqwz2_gFMmW7q7MZX24GzGOUzAXBS9e-hZT1SIiCZHPJwNzmQ4MdN84Go9yOptCzQ6vkmsHSLL6t4KbrnAzD1WmE-pYaCB0G9Zgo_yXIqh7eazFhCKuAIzmejj/s640/blouse+vneckline+open.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
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Alternatively, you can add a Peter Pan Collar. This one has a simple binding on the neckline and a folded facing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwel7YbX8Hk1nvnpK4SxpSS1bgN0DYGp_iIeLHW_a3gxASY6xFblPMG0xTje_2GD0blf10aRx8l0TKZ5ncsjpd4E82Ww5Jr4b0ABfU8ISdYYE2cLQMcZFuO5lim-L5M8kdRMhHULuWMFnB/s1600/blouse+folded+facing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwel7YbX8Hk1nvnpK4SxpSS1bgN0DYGp_iIeLHW_a3gxASY6xFblPMG0xTje_2GD0blf10aRx8l0TKZ5ncsjpd4E82Ww5Jr4b0ABfU8ISdYYE2cLQMcZFuO5lim-L5M8kdRMhHULuWMFnB/s640/blouse+folded+facing.jpg" width="606" /></a></div>
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Or you can raise the neckline and add a collar. <span style="text-align: center;">This one (below) has a higher neckline and a slightly higher "roll" on the collar. </span><span style="text-align: center;">It also has cute little 3/4 sleeves</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">(..ahem... because of a "design opportunity" that arose when I cut two sleeves in the same direction from the small amount of fabric that I had, and then arrived at </span><a href="https://gjsdiscountfabrics.com.au/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">my local fabric store</a><span style="text-align: center;"> half an hour after the last on the bolt was sold... </span><i style="text-align: center;">and I had a deadline</i><span style="text-align: center;">.... Aargh...).</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br />And it has cuffs on the sleeves. Aren't they cute in a kids' size 5?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdpyJWd5sK7MGaOZQLY18EEOMPtqLZOlH5n9N57e0Xp2AL-UlNIVPvp2ONsvDNf591zgakXgQ9qYTOboHeaLlF9gqLG4q4kCMFiNpn4bCMFnZ06d5MokMArO6AaFtIEwHvBAW0MbT6nYz/s1600/blouse+long+sleeve+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="800" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdpyJWd5sK7MGaOZQLY18EEOMPtqLZOlH5n9N57e0Xp2AL-UlNIVPvp2ONsvDNf591zgakXgQ9qYTOboHeaLlF9gqLG4q4kCMFiNpn4bCMFnZ06d5MokMArO6AaFtIEwHvBAW0MbT6nYz/s640/blouse+long+sleeve+white.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And just like this one, it has a Convertible Collar style finish (with a neckline facing on the garment front).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HCwBAx3aMqL-jreQ8zWH8YlTYhAZLNCPz7LNtNGgDenfhT52o6Mn1FAc6R86udUv6eiENZp-N8sTNLMCfFpdLjM0g9XAmp5Sp717pc1_cTbc_F2aBsXmrSsJXNRyUFSgWQoZ_MNfoV8n/s1600/blouse+long+sleeve+Rosie+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="1600" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HCwBAx3aMqL-jreQ8zWH8YlTYhAZLNCPz7LNtNGgDenfhT52o6Mn1FAc6R86udUv6eiENZp-N8sTNLMCfFpdLjM0g9XAmp5Sp717pc1_cTbc_F2aBsXmrSsJXNRyUFSgWQoZ_MNfoV8n/s640/blouse+long+sleeve+Rosie+print.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(But this one has full length sleeves.)</div>
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The same kinds of alterations can be made on dresses, shirts and blouses, and all these patternmaking and sewing techniques are included in the book. </div>
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<i>Please note that this blouse pattern is one that I use in classes and is not yet developed for sale. There was a plan to have this done before the book was launched, but life and its curve-balls got in the way.... It's on the to-do list! </i><br />
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So - watch this space, and watch the blog and instagram tour. There'll be more Savvy Seamstress news and opportunities to win yourself a copy.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-65567880301486596922017-11-27T15:48:00.000+11:002017-11-27T16:36:18.372+11:00The Savvy Seamstress - It's a real book!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sGRnlfmAU2POYzxBNkVdYIGvwZ8eyzAnZ32fjkKvaUG52JECz55DdjT7wiBz6ICLzkCz34Qnaezv9qVsy0GBEgFRzhrZP9ysvDes6asfN-BLrcs7B6N51mKlQxrnDBR0opslIHY24Hbp/s1600/010363b969a066e348d76957b4c16c35b9a7b7cc4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="1600" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sGRnlfmAU2POYzxBNkVdYIGvwZ8eyzAnZ32fjkKvaUG52JECz55DdjT7wiBz6ICLzkCz34Qnaezv9qVsy0GBEgFRzhrZP9ysvDes6asfN-BLrcs7B6N51mKlQxrnDBR0opslIHY24Hbp/s640/010363b969a066e348d76957b4c16c35b9a7b7cc4b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This box of books arrived a couple of weeks ago. A slight <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbx-0oHDQNB/" target="_blank">glitch </a>behind the scenes means that it's taken this long to post about it here. But here is <a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=the+savvy+seamstress&oq=the+savvy+seamstress&aqs=chrome..69i57.3918j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">The Savvy Seamstress</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyE6I9p4yJHmNBrNyDYUDqhvBIT7mYz1ssj-V2kuKXH2NWcVKwiWHt2ucUvdyqGPP3GgnWRlUhmD4iZN9zt3BQdEXyR_b9-h-iwin1wmlogN9PtBJ06iJZJDjvWc3WcrLRzUrQu5qqK4W9/s1600/019f6bc1555e5203357f4bf689f6f79c0bc97cf97c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="700" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyE6I9p4yJHmNBrNyDYUDqhvBIT7mYz1ssj-V2kuKXH2NWcVKwiWHt2ucUvdyqGPP3GgnWRlUhmD4iZN9zt3BQdEXyR_b9-h-iwin1wmlogN9PtBJ06iJZJDjvWc3WcrLRzUrQu5qqK4W9/s640/019f6bc1555e5203357f4bf689f6f79c0bc97cf97c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As<a href="https://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/2017/09/the-savvy-seamstress-whats-it-all-about.html" target="_blank"> I've mentioned before, </a>the concept behind the book is that once you have a pattern for a garment, you can keep changing design features on it to make it into many different garments.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXa9A9gN_fWFMWXkL1SocSxXQOkQETH0X6kwQi6R65BRJf5E1sy020FuPmUUv_jDbtXYqA-AmW0rw2CC9r5yvUWfr3CaBJO1wFWRWr2PB9PIFygI2qOb-3IEBiH0AMcFHw4RXuYTqi4g3/s1600/IMG_7568sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="700" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXa9A9gN_fWFMWXkL1SocSxXQOkQETH0X6kwQi6R65BRJf5E1sy020FuPmUUv_jDbtXYqA-AmW0rw2CC9r5yvUWfr3CaBJO1wFWRWr2PB9PIFygI2qOb-3IEBiH0AMcFHw4RXuYTqi4g3/s640/IMG_7568sm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For example, a casual short sleeved shirt (or pyjama top) can become a classic long-sleeved shirt with cuffs, collar stand and button placket. These are teeny little boy's shirts, but the same could be done for mens' or womens' garments.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjla1GrAhji_HPzYpSm3mNmgwpMC-u3ACe-Rictn_BYNsgvUf-BKJ3euMj3lCZte5Wmt4f11Pg06XFvPytlonGD9DsNw0QYRXmkyX2ig9IkDVOyLJOGLp0faiTEODU0n3l5xGtO73oS6ARv/s1600/IMG_7580sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="700" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjla1GrAhji_HPzYpSm3mNmgwpMC-u3ACe-Rictn_BYNsgvUf-BKJ3euMj3lCZte5Wmt4f11Pg06XFvPytlonGD9DsNw0QYRXmkyX2ig9IkDVOyLJOGLp0faiTEODU0n3l5xGtO73oS6ARv/s640/IMG_7580sm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's the way I make most of the clothes that get made around here - for myself and for my girl - and the same processes can be used for tweaking designs from basic blocks/slopers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhZvOyDqXCK3HcdP7CypL-iUXYFQAp2FZpdxsTv32aBmHtQNH1ynvIkWcRhac22y6lShmQ-FT8dBEcTWVjthEavn80-_oEVjHjhx4U9wTCN3O4OQrm7M9owcoNHsqhC6AuRKuSdtckXr9/s1600/0132b14363042d05fe6c8f0ea1b99d79ff5858eeb8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="700" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhZvOyDqXCK3HcdP7CypL-iUXYFQAp2FZpdxsTv32aBmHtQNH1ynvIkWcRhac22y6lShmQ-FT8dBEcTWVjthEavn80-_oEVjHjhx4U9wTCN3O4OQrm7M9owcoNHsqhC6AuRKuSdtckXr9/s640/0132b14363042d05fe6c8f0ea1b99d79ff5858eeb8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've already used my book a few times to help explain things to my Fashion students... which is how I originally came up with the idea of writing it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhji5dZ-nzheq4j3knk6d-i4vLhIr_liJkPLhm8hoqiNtqd98v96e3SePZHo5uSmaFax1PNal7wqKtjyw7ZW5P2-BV4ytNK9InyCmVV_lnl6OaJ3002ReIPYJU7t-7uU73M7t0as5HIyDG8/s1600/01b24db9556a5f38df43ef22406f3f80792b3c2e66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhji5dZ-nzheq4j3knk6d-i4vLhIr_liJkPLhm8hoqiNtqd98v96e3SePZHo5uSmaFax1PNal7wqKtjyw7ZW5P2-BV4ytNK9InyCmVV_lnl6OaJ3002ReIPYJU7t-7uU73M7t0as5HIyDG8/s640/01b24db9556a5f38df43ef22406f3f80792b3c2e66.jpg" width="628" /></a></div>
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All the processes are broken down into baby-steps, with cheat's methods for getting a better finish. It's not about couture - more of a blend of industrial fashion production sewing and handmade techniques, which is how I sew when I'm sewing for myself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yrG4lvogIIN-DwUdE426cwIlNcTic35mrsSo4c8c7YEMWg8gwr_3wg7ZXWg7rBEddLbqjX0lmllLzlhe4p4eAFVvxwhd80FpqhA5Zg-tM2X9O7fkaLp5MJH6bYlMVFFRLPP7rXuaiGa0/s1600/01697a146d74b1237f30a17aa021bde22bee5ba9f5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="700" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yrG4lvogIIN-DwUdE426cwIlNcTic35mrsSo4c8c7YEMWg8gwr_3wg7ZXWg7rBEddLbqjX0lmllLzlhe4p4eAFVvxwhd80FpqhA5Zg-tM2X9O7fkaLp5MJH6bYlMVFFRLPP7rXuaiGa0/s640/01697a146d74b1237f30a17aa021bde22bee5ba9f5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've included simple processes to get beginners started - pockets and closures - but I've included a few more advanced methods, like draping new necklines and making classic shirt collars.There are lots of diagrams and photos to help you through...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gDRqWWujdSUFh49MGCqzavB5xRE698bt2UmmPytZxP-r3rjqw8mbPEiXvqKFuScLKq1Zin_iHrGQmz-WNPgwZWdoa5PTbrR2yZuuYhYTMWhuPzUO3bGBxj_gQvs-oYoSPa_0iLEFKsf7/s1600/01e0fa1ec91b949f461c27575053c676f2d01614c8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="700" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gDRqWWujdSUFh49MGCqzavB5xRE698bt2UmmPytZxP-r3rjqw8mbPEiXvqKFuScLKq1Zin_iHrGQmz-WNPgwZWdoa5PTbrR2yZuuYhYTMWhuPzUO3bGBxj_gQvs-oYoSPa_0iLEFKsf7/s640/01e0fa1ec91b949f461c27575053c676f2d01614c8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's a strange thing to write a book... to work so closely on a document that you can no longer actually 'see' it. Trying to turn off my critical eye is a tricky thing. But I'm the author and that's what authors do. You are the audience, and I hope that you like it and find it useful. </div>
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Go forth and tweak those patterns. Make beautiful garments!</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>BTW - my critical eye spotted a little mistake (which makes me feel a bit sick...).<br />Page 45, Step 1: inside brackets should read "or fuse a strip of interfacing" instead of "sew stay tape". Not a big one, but still... that critical eye. I'm sorry that this slipped through the multiple edits and checks that were made in the making of this book. We did our very best.</i></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-54254436238643156092017-09-26T20:03:00.000+10:002017-09-26T20:17:50.440+10:00Tutorial: Roll-Up Shopping BagGosh, it's like old times... me doing free tutorials on my blog! It's been a while...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq348zVKWwnzo4jtUdCB4JI0DOTacadAjF0d-WZHL3_Zib7fYG5MWsK81-py9Yr3p6r2HRn1OFIF8yMaapNXB1hiJp5RZkwMXwnSLgEEDeZlt7lxDbJKsS7MM_4GQlIPI3kzUIUC_TZ0CH/s1600/shopping+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1363" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq348zVKWwnzo4jtUdCB4JI0DOTacadAjF0d-WZHL3_Zib7fYG5MWsK81-py9Yr3p6r2HRn1OFIF8yMaapNXB1hiJp5RZkwMXwnSLgEEDeZlt7lxDbJKsS7MM_4GQlIPI3kzUIUC_TZ0CH/s640/shopping+bags.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
<br />
This shopping bag is simple enough for relative beginners to sew, and is a quicker alternative to the <a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/shop/digital-downloads/2489-zip-away-shopping-bag.html" target="_blank">Zip-Away Shopping Bag</a> (although not as fancy!). It is made to roll up, so that it can be carried conveniently in a handbag.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7tfOygZ2hxuntBIBs4K1De5Ee9jK7ww3ocTXL3v3fXeWO3sAEMSk-d-QAHVd6FlnEhUC2JYvTI71hl8bubKGBYRt4tLEAk5S_L2RIY33IkZKbfn1-fOO7K47_lJfXRoZJZ7RAarYI6um/s1600/0112f41daa6c0c330aa66f2342191c64d9f7ceed7d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7tfOygZ2hxuntBIBs4K1De5Ee9jK7ww3ocTXL3v3fXeWO3sAEMSk-d-QAHVd6FlnEhUC2JYvTI71hl8bubKGBYRt4tLEAk5S_L2RIY33IkZKbfn1-fOO7K47_lJfXRoZJZ7RAarYI6um/s400/0112f41daa6c0c330aa66f2342191c64d9f7ceed7d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'll be demonstrating how to make this foldaway shopping bag at the<a href="https://royalshow.com.au/attractions/art-craft-cookery/things-to-do/spotlight-inspiration-space/" target="_blank"> Spotlight Inspiration Space </a>at <a href="https://royalshow.com.au/" target="_blank">The Royal Melbourne Show</a> on Wednesday, so I thought it best to have the back-up of the process written up as a resource for everyone to tap into. If you're going to the show, you can find me there at these times. I'll be adding tips and tricks and lots of chat to these basic instructions, so do come along - you might learn something and you'll make me feel a bit better for having an audience!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePO25kOCvuSXDDPs-xzq2gy72YR7LYQU0R4UjmtxUuUb3XrHCLeGKnRNeC3C93ZOQ8nLh0BwSe20GcTbCstKeoDmVPuhi5wc8tp7-ez766_OROQwpcZdSO1S7SZ6ADrq4yWw9T_hvACFq/s1600/promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="405" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePO25kOCvuSXDDPs-xzq2gy72YR7LYQU0R4UjmtxUuUb3XrHCLeGKnRNeC3C93ZOQ8nLh0BwSe20GcTbCstKeoDmVPuhi5wc8tp7-ez766_OROQwpcZdSO1S7SZ6ADrq4yWw9T_hvACFq/s640/promo.jpg" width="344" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">(My apologies for the quality of the photos in this tutorial. Limited time during daylight hours and an AWOL digital camera resulted in these being shot on an iPad at night time. But you know... <b>it's free</b>...so who's complaining...?)</span></i><br />
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<h2>
<u>Simple Foldaway Shopping Bag</u></h2>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>YOU WILL NEED:</u></b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
3 x fat quarters 2 x matching, 1 x contrast<o:p></o:p></div>
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35cm x 6mm or 12mm elastic<o:p></o:p></div>
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35cm double-sided fusible Peltex / Legacy Fuse And Shape / Fast2Fuse<o:p></o:p></div>
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1m x 15-20mm fusible tape with paper backing or vliesofix cut into strips<o:p></o:p></div>
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A tailors awl/stiletto</div>
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<b><u>A. CUT</u></b></div>
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<b>Matching Fat Quarters</b> – <o:p></o:p></div>
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2 x Length (parallel to selvedge) of fat quarters (about 50cm) x 50cm. Tidy up to make all edges straight and all corners 90-degree angles.</div>
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<b>Elastic</b> - 1 x 20cm 1 x 15cm<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Contrast Fat Quarter</b> – <o:p></o:p></div>
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Straps – 2 x Length of FQ x 10cm <o:p></o:p></div>
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Base – 2 x 37.5cm x 15cm<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Double-sided Peltex/Legacy Fuse and Shape / Fast2Fuse</b> - Bag Base – 34.5cm x 12cm, with the length running parallel to the side edges of the Peltex, as it comes off the roll.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEiQZP1ykBaCLWfRfGfxHXSO5eNYayVf8O5eNamisZFCuDQO2dmm_xEi3upTLxOjDY0lPZyAPgpx9hMlDk2nFZcpBEE9YY8Cr5r40wa8PVF_CYxEVxz7T5QkG5uMK3seR3PLVuc-Y2jym/s1600/cutting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEiQZP1ykBaCLWfRfGfxHXSO5eNYayVf8O5eNamisZFCuDQO2dmm_xEi3upTLxOjDY0lPZyAPgpx9hMlDk2nFZcpBEE9YY8Cr5r40wa8PVF_CYxEVxz7T5QkG5uMK3seR3PLVuc-Y2jym/s640/cutting.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
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<b><u>B. PREPARE</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
1. Fold the bag body in half lengthwise and snip a small notch top and bottom to mark the centre points of both edges.<br />
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2. On the top edge, measure and snip notches 9cm and 11cm from the centre notch on both sides of centre. On the bottom edge, measure and snip notches 17.5cm from the centre notch on both sides of center.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEBgCLktLvVQDaV-KOfBFpTVkwP99CXpqNqfrMpZkGQcxWiH7vledDgOTw3ETnYU2dbfsjMskC2_cZdQJGoI8ZzWK1OjuSNv9f4jL76eUJr6c7uzm3PtkksGwjnOVcrjfZ2Gl8aCyrRQv/s1600/mark+notches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEBgCLktLvVQDaV-KOfBFpTVkwP99CXpqNqfrMpZkGQcxWiH7vledDgOTw3ETnYU2dbfsjMskC2_cZdQJGoI8ZzWK1OjuSNv9f4jL76eUJr6c7uzm3PtkksGwjnOVcrjfZ2Gl8aCyrRQv/s400/mark+notches.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>
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3. Fold and press the straps to make a 4-fold strap.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5D55OjFMGyO82_nt5NcNqpNB9mPOeIYNby-N0d1t4A2kkKnYpLnhWOyBXWhEUrRIBSmGYDY5OyqkUG9Wnhgu3SPA5V1cX_dxMw05KoCwOG29wDpZ0S_CvAcFq7aUfTa6SoSllUHyw7ick/s1600/four+fold+strap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5D55OjFMGyO82_nt5NcNqpNB9mPOeIYNby-N0d1t4A2kkKnYpLnhWOyBXWhEUrRIBSmGYDY5OyqkUG9Wnhgu3SPA5V1cX_dxMw05KoCwOG29wDpZ0S_CvAcFq7aUfTa6SoSllUHyw7ick/s1600/four+fold+strap.jpg" /></a></div>
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4. Topstitch
the strap with four or five even rows.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm0nmwL9ZFNMuruw3XLSqeaVNnqN6Xk3btEB-dlIE7mKJUgRVqA04VGfdmx474eBTRnzpjJ7Qdfs-Jh9qz6ndqcQKTqXwoYJHUMFLhgcaK4pUWY5bHLIXOvLyYfytrE96VPQlNJ242zZk/s1600/IMG_5274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm0nmwL9ZFNMuruw3XLSqeaVNnqN6Xk3btEB-dlIE7mKJUgRVqA04VGfdmx474eBTRnzpjJ7Qdfs-Jh9qz6ndqcQKTqXwoYJHUMFLhgcaK4pUWY5bHLIXOvLyYfytrE96VPQlNJ242zZk/s640/IMG_5274.JPG" width="620" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
5. Fuse the Peltex between the two layers of the base fabric,
leaving an even seam allowance around all four edges. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxO-r1fep1rPl1gAor7PoWtCSI10c4KdZ1QOi-c1Rd1ixajGO2U-vGXQbQh0sTStJsiRoJO_LNlWZERmyutnntrjFWlvG75hJhmke261Z9z9X_zRPXE-KLWD11wpgCGLIAe37Y4pe07zRa/s1600/IMG_5268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="586" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxO-r1fep1rPl1gAor7PoWtCSI10c4KdZ1QOi-c1Rd1ixajGO2U-vGXQbQh0sTStJsiRoJO_LNlWZERmyutnntrjFWlvG75hJhmke261Z9z9X_zRPXE-KLWD11wpgCGLIAe37Y4pe07zRa/s640/IMG_5268.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
6. Fold the base in half lengthwise and widthwise, snipping a
notch to mark the centre on all four sides.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7. Fold elastic in half and stitch the raw ends to the centre
notch on one of the short ends. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58qm-gZK6Cr2VXbW8kOgVQiAXTidi2W0K99QQLb4WwyFv0cF2Ky8ZLj4zyWzCCmwJePxvlxK5HgaaATYgu0uWUhIQRKJmvx7vPdb4PeW-PZbjM7fZdP_NoV9rHWrIO71io4iHN_Ut4o0M/s1600/01e7fe5fbcfa029e1d44010192695a60a5a1a6185f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="585" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58qm-gZK6Cr2VXbW8kOgVQiAXTidi2W0K99QQLb4WwyFv0cF2Ky8ZLj4zyWzCCmwJePxvlxK5HgaaATYgu0uWUhIQRKJmvx7vPdb4PeW-PZbjM7fZdP_NoV9rHWrIO71io4iHN_Ut4o0M/s400/01e7fe5fbcfa029e1d44010192695a60a5a1a6185f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>C. SEW THE BAG</u></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Seam the side seams of the bag body. (I like to use a French Seam, but you
could equally plain seam with a 12mm seam allowance and overlock or zigzag the
edges.)<br />
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<b>To sew a French seam:</b><br />
a) Place the two bag pieces wrong sides together and
stitch the side seams with a 4-5mm (a very scant ¼ inch) seam allowance, backstitching at both ends of the seam.<br />
<br />
b) Press
the seam allowances open.<br />
<br />
c) Turn the back wrong side out. Press the side
seams flat, folding neatly along the seam line.<br />
<br />
d) Stitch the seam with a 6-7mm (a
generous ¼ inch) seam allowance, backstitching at both ends of the seam.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LjMode4wH1scGF0KGMKvShXoj531AextFgkALvL3zPi5yAPdp8CIEXd8vRDqc2OlTtVMz-a74YvCbweoQOt_FPVzvLUoYTHifzc6bV2XyHHVGXddX73Upqtto-Ppen7LfHi1RV-uyfga/s1600/french+seam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="600" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LjMode4wH1scGF0KGMKvShXoj531AextFgkALvL3zPi5yAPdp8CIEXd8vRDqc2OlTtVMz-a74YvCbweoQOt_FPVzvLUoYTHifzc6bV2XyHHVGXddX73Upqtto-Ppen7LfHi1RV-uyfga/s640/french+seam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. On the bottom edge of the bag, find the centre notch and
align it with a centre notch on one of the long edges of the bag base, with the
right side of the bag fabric facing the side of the base that has the elastic
on it. Pin the centre notches together with the pin at a right angle to the
edge of the fabric.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
3. Align the bag fabric to the long edge of the bag base, matching the notches on the bag fabric with
the ends of the Peltex within the bag base. Pin them together exactly at this notch point,
with the pin at a right angle to the edge of the fabric, as shown below. There should be 1.5cm
seam allowance overhanging beyond the pin.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeJ0dmXwQMmn2BWZaApfY_QmItWvmu3cv-1UNBEvGR2MHrwr0WyvDGHr7uuIk7mHXDhXE7rEv_Cb8gkSpnVrFaEETm6K_Am287lvR1V_rHYoCZ8OYCxeHubY0LGA0GQO11BrwqhAF3Wik/s1600/IMG_5281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeJ0dmXwQMmn2BWZaApfY_QmItWvmu3cv-1UNBEvGR2MHrwr0WyvDGHr7uuIk7mHXDhXE7rEv_Cb8gkSpnVrFaEETm6K_Am287lvR1V_rHYoCZ8OYCxeHubY0LGA0GQO11BrwqhAF3Wik/s640/IMG_5281.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. With a 1.5cm seam allowance, stitch between the outer pins
(without crossing over them) to attach the bag to the base along the long edge.
Repeat steps 2 to 4 to attach the other side of the bag to the base.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGFa5gYJEZXUpCMATOpFv63-F6pjSBnHJErIcYVQz0F0lBRdO7bNLi7YDWIJZXHb6FT4nlcImLFHmxNA0FoRHf8SmD16IJou-k6htW6PojfuzMEySCaFrMU8EjXg3i3hyphenhyphentGxR4cswI_j4/s1600/IMG_5286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="538" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGFa5gYJEZXUpCMATOpFv63-F6pjSBnHJErIcYVQz0F0lBRdO7bNLi7YDWIJZXHb6FT4nlcImLFHmxNA0FoRHf8SmD16IJou-k6htW6PojfuzMEySCaFrMU8EjXg3i3hyphenhyphentGxR4cswI_j4/s640/IMG_5286.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. Snip at a 45-degree angle from the edge of the seam
allowance to the very ends of the backstitched seams.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6. Match the unattached part of the bottom edge of the bag to
the base, aligning the centre notches on the base to the side seams of the bag. If there is any excess fabric in the bag, smooth it into a
tuck at the side seam, so that the fabric sits smooth and flat at the corner
points.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
7. Backstitching at both ends of the seam, stitch across the
short ends of the bag and base with a 1.5cm seam allowance. <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSLS3q-2CaUZ7-N_gOVms1kYojz_KKkAlZY3g_J3jzzhuf_agoReHEBBjpbQUjPDTtK_SqnOB4GhdSb1yr8oTMQa7WRLCGteH6u6ioWQKIfdjgaHU_uLVc24NNi_307nYbRL-V5xXTDeq/s1600/IMG_5294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSLS3q-2CaUZ7-N_gOVms1kYojz_KKkAlZY3g_J3jzzhuf_agoReHEBBjpbQUjPDTtK_SqnOB4GhdSb1yr8oTMQa7WRLCGteH6u6ioWQKIfdjgaHU_uLVc24NNi_307nYbRL-V5xXTDeq/s640/IMG_5294.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8. Overlock/serge or zig-zag around the four sides of the bag
base, catching all layers of fabric in the stitch.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62SZUJqykIVIR1qo9VuFaRSbGnkGrEmzRCgBq8zhJuG166Q7KryQyuv8uLeCBFCLoLf8Lr9lrtJnkCqQJ64QBH41-VsHuAxaaGzzSPOTgjjvX3iHiSNK9eFT3ECl6FDMOGs8u1FXxyGIV/s1600/IMG_5299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62SZUJqykIVIR1qo9VuFaRSbGnkGrEmzRCgBq8zhJuG166Q7KryQyuv8uLeCBFCLoLf8Lr9lrtJnkCqQJ64QBH41-VsHuAxaaGzzSPOTgjjvX3iHiSNK9eFT3ECl6FDMOGs8u1FXxyGIV/s1600/IMG_5299.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
9. With the bag fabric to the top as you work at the machine, fold the seam allowance on a
long edge of the base to match its outer edge to the seamline.
Use an awl to help hold the fabric in place, and stitch the edge of the
seam allowance down, a few mm from the overlocked edge. Repeat this for the other long
edge, and then each of the two short edges, in turn.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh250xy_8oWPxBnJuCJpiTGRLrMc-bs6g5MnDoSG6dVvPY0aiNO_oxNG9CkVaV_0yvwo5KO8ey3xn7hH6HNyfVAsksv9tx4ApR-va2Va81bxCINyqjtX5QeFLKrMQyNLlTbTTQy1I7UpuMm/s1600/IMG_5305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="600" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh250xy_8oWPxBnJuCJpiTGRLrMc-bs6g5MnDoSG6dVvPY0aiNO_oxNG9CkVaV_0yvwo5KO8ey3xn7hH6HNyfVAsksv9tx4ApR-va2Va81bxCINyqjtX5QeFLKrMQyNLlTbTTQy1I7UpuMm/s640/IMG_5305.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iSjv089n39Clcum2Qvtr5IAet7cR6ytDDqK-NWwLFgPDFxRILWdtZ3k1md2AcS57QNd-GDZ0koHLdYzCywFCJhKmsaRp2BAw-urS78zCEgAGwxC6LXOhqgS9MrUl96fXeDNpcPel_dsJ/s1600/IMG_5306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="600" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iSjv089n39Clcum2Qvtr5IAet7cR6ytDDqK-NWwLFgPDFxRILWdtZ3k1md2AcS57QNd-GDZ0koHLdYzCywFCJhKmsaRp2BAw-urS78zCEgAGwxC6LXOhqgS9MrUl96fXeDNpcPel_dsJ/s640/IMG_5306.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You have now attached the base – turn it through to the
right side.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b><u>D. ATTACH THE HANDLES</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Fold the 15cm length of elastic in half and – on
the right side of fabric – stitch the loop in place over a centre notch on the
top edge of the bag, as shown below.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. Again, on the right side of fabric, centre the raw ends of a
straps to the notches on the top edge of one side of the bag. Making sure that
there are no twists in the strap, pin and then stitch the strap firmly into
place about 1cm from the edge of fabric. Repeat for the other strap on the
other side of the bag.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUH5GGEJD6cNFWOq8FtRHw7DICvlkxtD9m7ufEoFBJ1R72RX1EsDr_4W_WMfPGbmQc9ywmVfSJGbAgVHNSYAPFNVVSzmdxIgoJad6x6faE_Uq9Ct8dCrorv35R45H92nY8nIf5SR5iBT-/s1600/0140bed18995ba93bd5709fc7865890d4071570b38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="600" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUH5GGEJD6cNFWOq8FtRHw7DICvlkxtD9m7ufEoFBJ1R72RX1EsDr_4W_WMfPGbmQc9ywmVfSJGbAgVHNSYAPFNVVSzmdxIgoJad6x6faE_Uq9Ct8dCrorv35R45H92nY8nIf5SR5iBT-/s640/0140bed18995ba93bd5709fc7865890d4071570b38.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. Fuse 15mm (5/8'') fusible tape (or strips of fusible webbing cut with a ruler and blade to this width) on the right side of fabric, all the way
around the top of the bag, aligning the edge of tape with the raw edge of fabric.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubcKTqvlvvUp2sUw7taVxE8BCc3XAtD8YlP-qaYDlEvjR61MG_XAl3MEWu1sjIrriPUK9uxkNmfT8bUoyh9mIqNg9qyJckgjZ4-oz8cjnKIHxnZFcG6fekz8TjqijKc1Ivs-_z5M-sVTY/s1600/IMG_5318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="600" height="477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubcKTqvlvvUp2sUw7taVxE8BCc3XAtD8YlP-qaYDlEvjR61MG_XAl3MEWu1sjIrriPUK9uxkNmfT8bUoyh9mIqNg9qyJckgjZ4-oz8cjnKIHxnZFcG6fekz8TjqijKc1Ivs-_z5M-sVTY/s640/IMG_5318.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. Fold and press the top edge, using the paper as an edge to
make a clean fold.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnC2lISoK5aNbh6JnDPSvyQ2v1yqSvGF7Md5OG4mRAvpNegummoO1RadrhCx4pnu4fMW2zgln8l_85aLKuJcxWJaj4wWl66lnd_eUq1dmLI9VpEYUnqHauf2toCm267UGBr9QQ9Ck_roIq/s1600/IMG_5321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnC2lISoK5aNbh6JnDPSvyQ2v1yqSvGF7Md5OG4mRAvpNegummoO1RadrhCx4pnu4fMW2zgln8l_85aLKuJcxWJaj4wWl66lnd_eUq1dmLI9VpEYUnqHauf2toCm267UGBr9QQ9Ck_roIq/s640/IMG_5321.JPG" width="494" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
5. Working on the inside of the bag, with the straps and elastic hanging down on the inside of the bag, fold and press a second turning, using the other side of the tape as the folding edge. Then take the backing paper off the tape and press the double-turned hem into place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNZo0SxR_dm-khRw_DlbLtqiUJOykeVNonyhkkanAi_iuJ3Om5SxQoHfg6jcyOPXUZXV1uCIHV5rBxfeGgvcP_94j-9f-fhTKOGlMLBjrmZ4JWDbknNJ0qVWw1obV6z8f44ojcr80dXpC/s1600/012f2ecf5c92939dfa9d65daae277668aea109e83c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNZo0SxR_dm-khRw_DlbLtqiUJOykeVNonyhkkanAi_iuJ3Om5SxQoHfg6jcyOPXUZXV1uCIHV5rBxfeGgvcP_94j-9f-fhTKOGlMLBjrmZ4JWDbknNJ0qVWw1obV6z8f44ojcr80dXpC/s640/012f2ecf5c92939dfa9d65daae277668aea109e83c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
6. Topstitch the hem turning to the bag
fabric, 1-2mm from the inner folded edge.</div>
</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFPYQUmXqB1wZu_SEDQJ4AN605nab1YUNwoVbuMsgOxMxNys_XWPLzKJ11xruf2xrIdDkVi8wOkr8TNYQ3Vd8TsCrjiA0UZHHg9z4fax0W2YJJj_piJy_Lp0Aj6E1VeLL9wLaubF5m1Dv/s1600/014e7b28552b5c2dd61e3350b92be0222872b2c0de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="600" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFPYQUmXqB1wZu_SEDQJ4AN605nab1YUNwoVbuMsgOxMxNys_XWPLzKJ11xruf2xrIdDkVi8wOkr8TNYQ3Vd8TsCrjiA0UZHHg9z4fax0W2YJJj_piJy_Lp0Aj6E1VeLL9wLaubF5m1Dv/s640/014e7b28552b5c2dd61e3350b92be0222872b2c0de.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7. Lift the straps out of the bag. Working on one strap end at
a time, smooth the strap (from where it attaches to the bag) over the top
edge. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYhHXB6sZ4xYk6A42wH-g7U3opw34mOhhfJlsRdgj8KhAWJBSnncbGGdH8e-5C5fHPMZyfZsnqNi6d5XvpSxeBdMU0d_PiUAA5ytsmAAvGpGbGWABh1iGkIAslZgogeObt54t4RAjq0nK/s1600/01ff3dcef90139057b61a3866054097f15bd0303c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="600" height="547" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYhHXB6sZ4xYk6A42wH-g7U3opw34mOhhfJlsRdgj8KhAWJBSnncbGGdH8e-5C5fHPMZyfZsnqNi6d5XvpSxeBdMU0d_PiUAA5ytsmAAvGpGbGWABh1iGkIAslZgogeObt54t4RAjq0nK/s640/01ff3dcef90139057b61a3866054097f15bd0303c7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8. Turn the bag to the right side of fabric and stitch a reinforcement x-in-a-box shape between the top of the bag and the hem stitchline, to hold the strap firmly in place.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_VaummamwlLyhAuX3Q0RaOrymdYZ284SNhvpYmwSn_8Fet0HdoCjKqPPX1qdlHUPgXPkQXZYsJ6hg72IWFn2A1ETbKqvd_DYO2ZbTOkaDr19JprC6-csk9zJ7PHzplJrLFJ6W4ov1i-G/s1600/01ed4dbdf7d601122838f53c8739b56204fadf9dd9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_VaummamwlLyhAuX3Q0RaOrymdYZ284SNhvpYmwSn_8Fet0HdoCjKqPPX1qdlHUPgXPkQXZYsJ6hg72IWFn2A1ETbKqvd_DYO2ZbTOkaDr19JprC6-csk9zJ7PHzplJrLFJ6W4ov1i-G/s640/01ed4dbdf7d601122838f53c8739b56204fadf9dd9.jpg" width="598" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
9. With the elastic still facing down into the bag, stitch a
reinforcement over the ends that are enclosed within the hem.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rQKPStshz7bQZe1X0vTwy4lMdpo_DOkmy9StczzwFdPMRwneKBlsuTChOdnNlSqXUR4amkExa8EqESDkf5IDNecDNxHDkZq_ZTrz57NTsvPe1NeaoyozdYgcNKHZIZNeEMDEhK9c-v2S/s1600/015b055378a520940516992e0623a0e687bf305fae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1588" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rQKPStshz7bQZe1X0vTwy4lMdpo_DOkmy9StczzwFdPMRwneKBlsuTChOdnNlSqXUR4amkExa8EqESDkf5IDNecDNxHDkZq_ZTrz57NTsvPe1NeaoyozdYgcNKHZIZNeEMDEhK9c-v2S/s640/015b055378a520940516992e0623a0e687bf305fae.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You now have a finished bag!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lsAm-KD1vH0BvEgb6Q6TGDwYJnNWY8YFRXDBkI34JhpZfjc7w_zYrNApoqhguCD_9ed_1DkALOrbvSIdTNIFvphburNbCJpAn2o0Vz0_h3LTsDOkOtioulcgR_Ipz4gznQ1Euh23YIxg/s1600/finished+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lsAm-KD1vH0BvEgb6Q6TGDwYJnNWY8YFRXDBkI34JhpZfjc7w_zYrNApoqhguCD_9ed_1DkALOrbvSIdTNIFvphburNbCJpAn2o0Vz0_h3LTsDOkOtioulcgR_Ipz4gznQ1Euh23YIxg/s640/finished+bag.jpg" width="515" /></a></div>
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You can fold up the bag from top to bottom, and
then roll it into the base. Flip the elastic around the whole she-bang and
you’re ready to go shopping!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmPydgFJsUjryx0bwC5rSLjbzVgNfFrhULEj3BZUKl66pU2sIkc0iH4SUgH2BBY6WRBImw5xJWUWgT3bfOyx1xaoX9orThwkRY69Tf2JX0Sk4Y1rQNIALe048DReB-qN_ALlH39Fu46LF/s1600/roll+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="600" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmPydgFJsUjryx0bwC5rSLjbzVgNfFrhULEj3BZUKl66pU2sIkc0iH4SUgH2BBY6WRBImw5xJWUWgT3bfOyx1xaoX9orThwkRY69Tf2JX0Sk4Y1rQNIALe048DReB-qN_ALlH39Fu46LF/s320/roll+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Don't forget to <a href="http://nicolemdesign.com.au/courses/index.html" target="_blank">check in to my Classes page to find out about the online and real life classes</a> that I teach, and/or follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nicolemdesign/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yousewgirlpatterns/" target="_blank">Instagram </a>or <a href="https://twitter.com/nicolemdesign" target="_blank">Twitter</a> for updates.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-7524561568429154062017-09-05T14:40:00.002+10:002017-09-09T08:04:01.975+10:00The Savvy Seamstress - What's it All About?<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm<a href="http://www.ctpub.com/blog/the-story-behind-the-savvy-seamstress/" target="_blank"> reposting from the C&T Publishing blog</a> (with their permission), an excerpt from my book, <a href="http://www.ctpub.com/the-savvy-seamstress/">The Savvy Seamstress: An
Illustrated Guide to Customizing Your Favorite Patterns</a>. I've included some of the photos and added some annotations to to help explain a little more about how it all works.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcp8yG8Mxykq5DyvSxQ_bDfdBhwOqJBrss2TMEFmLpF8Y9atnS6C77gfSHt0ZSf9QNu0VT5YdVAoxtupkkT4aprPI0Q7-N-59PCr8c2UZvmJSzJWTAT52Uf_rcWmNVbMpGE_H-QHOk_OM/s1600/11185-waistlinesopener-set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcp8yG8Mxykq5DyvSxQ_bDfdBhwOqJBrss2TMEFmLpF8Y9atnS6C77gfSHt0ZSf9QNu0VT5YdVAoxtupkkT4aprPI0Q7-N-59PCr8c2UZvmJSzJWTAT52Uf_rcWmNVbMpGE_H-QHOk_OM/s640/11185-waistlinesopener-set.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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“I’ve always been a garment maker. I was a child who made
doll clothes, a teenager who was obsessed with sewing my own clothes, a fashion
student, a designer pattern maker, and then a pattern designer and teacher. I
still make most of my own wardrobe, often using the same small selection of
basic patterns that I adapt with different fabrics and design details. I’m
lucky to have a strong background in pattern making and sewing, but, as a
teacher, I know that even relative beginners can learn to make the most of
their pattern stash this way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I began teaching at a fashion college, most of the
pattern-making and industrial sewing resources I found were pitched at a higher
skill level than my students had. I had to break down the processes into small,
achievable steps so my students could make the garments they designed. It
occurred to me that the average home dressmaker could benefit from the same
information.<o:p></o:p></div>
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By learning how to make a few key design alterations, you
can keep transforming your favorite patterns— adding or removing collars and
pockets, changing neckline shapes, and swapping a zippered back for a button
front, a waistband for a facing, or vice versa. The variations are endless. I
hope that this book gives you the inspiration and the confidence to try some of
these changes, and that you are amazed by what you can achieve.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2fPxM2sfXdCLc1ZqYTIWAWNe6nU1SF7MBlrR5TuLu8_q2MjrPstDLDO5NHS8jr2EKdqiYRGRuWuUyvDspP44cN86cn_Pldit5ivnY4gBN2DJbVlKU0_sHGDr7olFRz_82T9BSnwzHpFa/s1600/11185-zipperclosureopener-set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2fPxM2sfXdCLc1ZqYTIWAWNe6nU1SF7MBlrR5TuLu8_q2MjrPstDLDO5NHS8jr2EKdqiYRGRuWuUyvDspP44cN86cn_Pldit5ivnY4gBN2DJbVlKU0_sHGDr7olFRz_82T9BSnwzHpFa/s640/11185-zipperclosureopener-set.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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The skirt started out in life with a waistband, and now it has a lowered waist with a facing. The same could be done to the pants in the photo at the top. Zippers can be swapped from back to front to side, and invisible zippers and lapped zippers can be used interchangeably. The pants could have a fly front.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zgfBXUyLsUS_iMbK8EDD-C6JYJYv7dZzAFCAsLtoJi-Ph5wQFqCjdFS8DhekFGyi70-2JfyxJTAatSY0Xthl7fziknxFuXqTENNcM4gANORQ_zz7scdxjaMlTlWYv8JTdn6noMw4HDJo/s1600/11185-buttonplacketsopener-set-op-55655.1502213887.1104.1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zgfBXUyLsUS_iMbK8EDD-C6JYJYv7dZzAFCAsLtoJi-Ph5wQFqCjdFS8DhekFGyi70-2JfyxJTAatSY0Xthl7fziknxFuXqTENNcM4gANORQ_zz7scdxjaMlTlWYv8JTdn6noMw4HDJo/s640/11185-buttonplacketsopener-set-op-55655.1502213887.1104.1280.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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These little blouses (above and below) are made from the same pattern. Apart from being on different sized kids, they look different because the design features have been changed. The one above has short sleeves, a lowered neckline and a rounded Peter Pan collar, and the one below has a higher neckline with a pointed collar, and long sleeves, gathered into a cuff. There was also a collarless version.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVA0OGwbZ1L9_z0vsTjEDS-1lR0SA1rP4jwjkM_JBW7aOnRyvXzQ9k1wDWISNZcwwD6ZqA0i38Y7oY-UsBcj59LYj1CAQAETc9bLkklK4Wg8ZS_pVLj001z56Orxs3pwKcF4-09Q35r9L/s1600/11185-sleevesopener-set-copy-98693.1502213889.1104.1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVA0OGwbZ1L9_z0vsTjEDS-1lR0SA1rP4jwjkM_JBW7aOnRyvXzQ9k1wDWISNZcwwD6ZqA0i38Y7oY-UsBcj59LYj1CAQAETc9bLkklK4Wg8ZS_pVLj001z56Orxs3pwKcF4-09Q35r9L/s640/11185-sleevesopener-set-copy-98693.1502213889.1104.1280.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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By adding a skirt, the little blouse could become a dress... and the front buttons could be swapped for a zipped back... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7b-MHVStrrr1U4GBWP-Gvh_SFRyQWP9Rb6e0DIxephdDt-62GQc65-mFLJ7mNjJ93Wj-ZCiXd5bsG6ws0mBL6nWeoK2gGCqAkSax2aycyuQzyEnJuWgPInpY4dhEVtnYSiDJsid25dH1/s1600/11185-necklinesopener-set-op-copy-45329.1502213889.1104.1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7b-MHVStrrr1U4GBWP-Gvh_SFRyQWP9Rb6e0DIxephdDt-62GQc65-mFLJ7mNjJ93Wj-ZCiXd5bsG6ws0mBL6nWeoK2gGCqAkSax2aycyuQzyEnJuWgPInpY4dhEVtnYSiDJsid25dH1/s640/11185-necklinesopener-set-op-copy-45329.1502213889.1104.1280.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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...which is what happened with a heap of tween/teen dresses. Necklines were changed. Collars and pockets were added and removed. Zippered backs became buttoned fronts, and vice-versa. The one dress became many.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YDSCRAvsKGUozzMdVKCJxTV7_CICb1yWIE-4oeltF9rIZXcSNLes0Y5jxFs2gGZqRY8XA6BJ4-0NMnBW_Ybzm6qMKwk8lJ4ned5f2bqohgc-r_PtXIpnKRpnuw_4Ev9PC4QDyDwj2-CC/s1600/11185-pocketsopener-set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YDSCRAvsKGUozzMdVKCJxTV7_CICb1yWIE-4oeltF9rIZXcSNLes0Y5jxFs2gGZqRY8XA6BJ4-0NMnBW_Ybzm6qMKwk8lJ4ned5f2bqohgc-r_PtXIpnKRpnuw_4Ev9PC4QDyDwj2-CC/s640/11185-pocketsopener-set.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Mens' and boys' shirts were also tweaked with different collars, cuffs, pockets and sleeve lengths.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzud9RLY1_Sc4hAMO-kEO65s52Cv4wYL5JkM9wW-DD2O3iU8Oo_eW_8Vd3XYLoE2kQjWG0RhBQoYq4_c7OPGQmGiSL47Yd0OvuVbZzbdXWkB_gSzAgu7XYmTzHU23GalS44G7pawPcgZ8Z/s1600/11185-shirtyokeopener-set-op2-copy-66481.1502213889.1104.1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzud9RLY1_Sc4hAMO-kEO65s52Cv4wYL5JkM9wW-DD2O3iU8Oo_eW_8Vd3XYLoE2kQjWG0RhBQoYq4_c7OPGQmGiSL47Yd0OvuVbZzbdXWkB_gSzAgu7XYmTzHU23GalS44G7pawPcgZ8Z/s640/11185-shirtyokeopener-set-op2-copy-66481.1502213889.1104.1280.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Classic styling can become casual, and even pajama styling... all from the one pattern.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSecMIUWUy0jZmWVuTSf4g5dlvsYYTJLUQlgS88TxS7sHRlGnvwdWD3lsLbmZOrTDSQl0Wr5cAhYeDeH-dLDZqB-qubMQVT_I5SWGTV3wQGzZZqisgFGwj-ftFltof4TZMZ2bH68Wfpzj/s1600/shirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSecMIUWUy0jZmWVuTSf4g5dlvsYYTJLUQlgS88TxS7sHRlGnvwdWD3lsLbmZOrTDSQl0Wr5cAhYeDeH-dLDZqB-qubMQVT_I5SWGTV3wQGzZZqisgFGwj-ftFltof4TZMZ2bH68Wfpzj/s640/shirts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The book itself does not contain the patterns, because it's about learning basic techniques to tweak the patterns that you love and want to expand upon. </div>
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I had great plans to get the patterns for these garments all finished and ready to accompany the book, when it is released in November, but (insert one-woman-show-work-life-balance-(with-curveballs) story here..), that development has been slow. </div>
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I'm currently working on instructions for the pants, which are graded from size 6-20. If you'd like to test the instructions and fit for me, I'll have them (to use for free) at my next class at <a href="https://www.cuttingcloth.com.au/contact" target="_blank">Cutting Cloth,</a> on the 18th Sept.</div>
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I also have skinny pants in size 8, a large men's shirt, a size 10 girl's dress and size 5 in the blouse and classic (boys') shirt. These have not been graded, but if you would like to make them IN THESE SIZES and with my guidance rather than written instructions, you can do so at my classes at <a href="https://www.cuttingcloth.com.au/contact" target="_blank">Cutting Cloth</a> over the next few months.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-89500536969483913862017-08-12T10:19:00.000+10:002017-08-12T11:45:50.581+10:00The Better Bag Club, and other stories (..and classes)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMKFjlKffM-4LlFhyuxZGOhXlgxYtEuyjQNAmPLcd2htcicAWc9RpxtSnnInZI1Wh4sOlN4FuZPHM4ckUr3__WyaUmJtdB14joPn-Ma1tbkRt-AHPDWzA6K49-dhmgJGnM8HK2PcqwZz0/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1382" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMKFjlKffM-4LlFhyuxZGOhXlgxYtEuyjQNAmPLcd2htcicAWc9RpxtSnnInZI1Wh4sOlN4FuZPHM4ckUr3__WyaUmJtdB14joPn-Ma1tbkRt-AHPDWzA6K49-dhmgJGnM8HK2PcqwZz0/s640/photo+3.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
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We had our first <a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/shop/workshops-and-classes/2506-the-better-bag-club.html" target="_blank">Better Bag Club workshop</a> a couple of weeks ago, at <a href="https://gjsdiscountfabrics.com.au/" target="_blank">GJ's in Fairfield.</a></div>
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This is once-a-month workshop that you can drop in and out of, working on whatever YOU SEW GIRL pattern, or project from <a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=&oq=The+Better+&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGNI_enAU538AU538&q=the+better+bag+maker%3A+an+illustrated+handbook+of+handbag+design+techniques%2C+tips%2C+and+tricks&gs_l=hp..4.0l4j41.0.0.3.355360...........0.0KlrHQxDuUk&pbx=1" target="_blank">The Better Bag Maker</a> or <a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=you+sew+girl+book&oq=yousewgirl+b&aqs=chrome.4.69i59j69i57j69i60j0l2j69i60.8270j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">You SEW Girl</a> that you like. I'm there to troubleshoot and show tips and tricks and techniques. My maximum class size is 8 participants, so that's a lot of one-on-one attention. Everyone works on their own project, but the group also allows for soaking in the learning experiences of a wide range of projects, if that's what you'd like to do.</div>
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The room is big and light and airy, and lunch is provided, and we had a lovely time last month. A couple of the gals are off to far-flung and exotic places this month, so<a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/shop/workshops-and-classes/2506-the-better-bag-club.html" target="_blank"> there are places open for 26th August</a>, if you'd like to come along.</div>
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And GJ's have new stock of The Better Bag Maker, in case you're looking for it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6m2tzAjz5lDgZKjhrhs6H7JfJ7D8usNqi-SO_7so-LI64HHhaCulSvm9MhTTac3TKgkJ6jeRUGD3CUbBctvZ-cfG968PiFgRyrWgoUku1rSrJQFcigpnJ4EC20_XGMSFQTe6u4SG_cn8/s1600/IMG_5107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="479" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6m2tzAjz5lDgZKjhrhs6H7JfJ7D8usNqi-SO_7so-LI64HHhaCulSvm9MhTTac3TKgkJ6jeRUGD3CUbBctvZ-cfG968PiFgRyrWgoUku1rSrJQFcigpnJ4EC20_XGMSFQTe6u4SG_cn8/s400/IMG_5107.JPG" width="398" /></a></div>
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For the last 10 weeks, I've (unexpectedly) been teaching almost every weekday in the city. It cuts into my pattern-development and general life-organisation time, but at least I get to watch the changing landscape of the guerrilla crafting on these (anti-car-on-footpath) cement blocks outside Southern Cross Station.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9suWkYupDjelc_wA2j19UdsZ3v1H7mK4u11tYjj_mFTlmz3Ho913ISTzQUZzjUc6Grptk9tBDobCzVgGlkjY0N_K4R6O0jLEvKdsNZOwvrWEtESpwnPGp8e6ojM1X2nOwdk8BG8UeQhP6/s1600/IMG_5081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="600" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9suWkYupDjelc_wA2j19UdsZ3v1H7mK4u11tYjj_mFTlmz3Ho913ISTzQUZzjUc6Grptk9tBDobCzVgGlkjY0N_K4R6O0jLEvKdsNZOwvrWEtESpwnPGp8e6ojM1X2nOwdk8BG8UeQhP6/s640/IMG_5081.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've started teaching a new subject in my college job. For me, this is always an exciting thing to do - if a tad time-consuming - as I madly gather new ideas and develop resources for students. It's a fundamental design subject about ideas generation and exploring a wide range of materials, so my brain has been POPPING with ideas about <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/nicolemallalieu/outside-the-square-design/" target="_blank">thinking outside the square</a>, how to <a href="http://au.phaidon.com/store/general-non-fiction/alan-fletcher-the-art-of-looking-sideways-9780714834498/" target="_blank">look sideways</a> and all those other cliched phrases about originality in design.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPR3GiHG5VojTnHrZ4NFipsNJ7YwiIR3KTWfbPJczvvVYR4u_XBD73FzLiqY8KBnjZpxWuS4eE8OPp9gk-v7QAt4F6IhewEFJjRgvfDfSETYwwm3xJJ6R9hUnUnFTbOGYT8SPLokAKckoi/s1600/IMG_4963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPR3GiHG5VojTnHrZ4NFipsNJ7YwiIR3KTWfbPJczvvVYR4u_XBD73FzLiqY8KBnjZpxWuS4eE8OPp9gk-v7QAt4F6IhewEFJjRgvfDfSETYwwm3xJJ6R9hUnUnFTbOGYT8SPLokAKckoi/s640/IMG_4963.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Quiet moments in the staffroom have been spent crocheting bread bags. At home, I've been exploring all manner of paper folds and tessellations. I've been folding, weaving and melting plastic milk bottles and spiralising water bottles to make string. My<a href="https://au.pinterest.com/nicolemallalieu/boards/" target="_blank"> Pinterest boards </a>have filled with architecture, interior design, industrial design and origami-inspired ideas. It's stimulating and exciting to use other parts of my brain, and to look further afield for inspiration.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakNdxYGdoqsgaHC53ieBCBunSUJ0Mw7yeSC7HA7bevCwCxmVTAgn7NTzAKLHZOxtk6fIcfDEWQU-87AgiOotjVUCVIVPGnlY57bg7IWwqqbGGp0yzRNB8VkM-xLea5YHnWrmySM3u4nrA/s1600/IMG_5035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakNdxYGdoqsgaHC53ieBCBunSUJ0Mw7yeSC7HA7bevCwCxmVTAgn7NTzAKLHZOxtk6fIcfDEWQU-87AgiOotjVUCVIVPGnlY57bg7IWwqqbGGp0yzRNB8VkM-xLea5YHnWrmySM3u4nrA/s640/IMG_5035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As we near the end of this term, and I prepare for the next deluge of marking, my mind is turning back to the<a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/gathering-steam.html" target="_blank"> garment patterns that are in developmen</a>t. I'll be ploughing back into those over the next couple of months and calling out for pattern testers (and there will be free versions of patterns to try in <a href="https://www.cuttingcloth.com.au/contact" target="_blank">my classes at Cutting Cloth</a>, for anyone who wants to test them there). Watch <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nicolemdesign/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/nicolemdesign" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yousewgirlpatterns/" target="_blank">Insta</a> for more immediate updates on those patterns.</div>
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So yes... Busy times....Life is a constant juggling act.... Inspiration is everywhere.... And please excuse my lack of online activity lately. I'm still here, and all is well.</div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-39092346042533868862017-06-04T23:27:00.000+10:002017-06-04T23:58:09.361+10:00Gathering Steam <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been four years since I put out a new YOU SEW GIRL pattern or wrote more than the odd blog post, and I feel like I've woken from a forty year sleep. It's a whole new landscape, but I'm venturing back out into it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9usa_kyXxlUj5vyUCj4pKDgMf5fwf7jwvUXjzITcXXVZ1vH9Spzjku-Vpy7IKoWnbAIjI35kYa5yYpFevyxn0magTtetSM6u7Gv01v7kK9pfRbp14pHi7TRPThgIIyErRnFxhfaWpgaM/s1600/IMG_4821sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nicole Mallalieu" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9usa_kyXxlUj5vyUCj4pKDgMf5fwf7jwvUXjzITcXXVZ1vH9Spzjku-Vpy7IKoWnbAIjI35kYa5yYpFevyxn0magTtetSM6u7Gv01v7kK9pfRbp14pHi7TRPThgIIyErRnFxhfaWpgaM/s640/IMG_4821sm.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a>Lately, I've been sewing and making patterns again, and thinking about how best to write instructions. </div>
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I've been wearing lots of wearable toiles (muslins) and trying to remember how to ponce in front of the camera to record and share what I'm working on. Camera-shyness seems to have crept in during the last few years and I'm trying to desensitise by taking and sharing photos of myself. (Although by the looks of it, I still feel most comfortable looking away from the camera or chopping off my head.) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUx7NKjcmG0msJTt8ftTl3cojXcaFzUv2ll_i9pN6qFPzJTFrFFOq0FBN6Ff8gN3fYTUHONeZOW6LJNykjaHCSTB9xRMDOLe7D6sMGQajAPYXyrgtiZsidY6F_04oqrsRY4UtQCQmw0YuV/s1600/IMG_3062sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Nicole Mallalieu" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUx7NKjcmG0msJTt8ftTl3cojXcaFzUv2ll_i9pN6qFPzJTFrFFOq0FBN6Ff8gN3fYTUHONeZOW6LJNykjaHCSTB9xRMDOLe7D6sMGQajAPYXyrgtiZsidY6F_04oqrsRY4UtQCQmw0YuV/s640/IMG_3062sm.jpg" title="" width="480" /></a><br />
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For the last few weeks I've been posting to my new You Sew Girl Instagram account. It's in its baby stage, but if you're interested in following the sewing journey, please <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yousewgirlpatterns/" target="_blank">follow me here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTavATm44AefsBGbrALum3M22M2RZ7fC6VVhvaxKh9bSd8UlHgdhbDPTQnOOiujohV06P155qrg48CfMVjKQzcL50H8PxcbS_IM-a_PqTeWJp_m-1yp7OTBAOtz-PpZSnpYd2FTKoauucc/s1600/IMG_3217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nicole Mallalieu" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1291" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTavATm44AefsBGbrALum3M22M2RZ7fC6VVhvaxKh9bSd8UlHgdhbDPTQnOOiujohV06P155qrg48CfMVjKQzcL50H8PxcbS_IM-a_PqTeWJp_m-1yp7OTBAOtz-PpZSnpYd2FTKoauucc/s640/IMG_3217.JPG" title="" width="516" /></a></div>
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I've been working away at lots of other things (and teaching a lot) over these last few years, but the drive, inspiration and ... well... time... to put into new You Sew Girl patterns has simply not been there. <span style="text-align: start;">When I wrote</span><a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/regrowth.html" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank"> this blog post,</a><span style="text-align: start;"> I had no idea how long it would take to gather strength and find enough balance in life to get back to the business I worked so hard - for so long - to build. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">It's nice to feel that energy returning and gathering strength.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD7LnLyfADUXFdQcRlAG3OW6vRV5EuStOOyAt6RwoY0HxX0Z2nu3HLW8QR8p-6irAF6ptXmU5ZDOSKzNDkroAnStNibQV7BQ8md2QmMsXsd4zlTCOD0y92nJv_9jirOExAMJUXi8J9MK7/s1600/IMG_3158sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nicole Mallalieu" border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD7LnLyfADUXFdQcRlAG3OW6vRV5EuStOOyAt6RwoY0HxX0Z2nu3HLW8QR8p-6irAF6ptXmU5ZDOSKzNDkroAnStNibQV7BQ8md2QmMsXsd4zlTCOD0y92nJv_9jirOExAMJUXi8J9MK7/s640/IMG_3158sm.jpg" title="" width="584" /></a></div>
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I've been experimenting with a few new garment basics (and some fun sculptural clothing shapes just for the fun of it).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbo6Gk-NkIfNnT6SC1Qql_f-3ECrWwq0gxbw-CkH4jkmB7LLq46M4Yb5Bd90hzaI0FDZKMoO-s0vVLfOWdJlrad17rRqU7XP0CP19k9SUdeRtk9PMynG5NVfZQIZwX4oKGuH2LOGawBvLB/s1600/posing+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nicole Mallalieu" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbo6Gk-NkIfNnT6SC1Qql_f-3ECrWwq0gxbw-CkH4jkmB7LLq46M4Yb5Bd90hzaI0FDZKMoO-s0vVLfOWdJlrad17rRqU7XP0CP19k9SUdeRtk9PMynG5NVfZQIZwX4oKGuH2LOGawBvLB/s400/posing+sm.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've also <a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/courses/index.html" target="_blank">scheduled new classes </a>(including some at the new <a href="http://queenoffabric.com.au/creative-workshops/passion-for-textiles-with-nicole-mallalieu/" target="_blank">Queen of Fabric in Brighton)</a>. There's a Purse Frame Class there next weekend, if you fancy a fun day, with other workshops to follow over the rest of the year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBVxMTwmqvywH8cIWnU7XR_qj_CYn5lmwZRv15FNzKtIWrZ_SXUK8C-e-RFIk9QwjlD5CI_13pyMpYsWg8uJeSDVeFZ8mVjfAgvO7VucOsEKnlvCZ2hwGGlowWu_5es9HCO-zGhOsF0h1/s1600/IMG_3498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBVxMTwmqvywH8cIWnU7XR_qj_CYn5lmwZRv15FNzKtIWrZ_SXUK8C-e-RFIk9QwjlD5CI_13pyMpYsWg8uJeSDVeFZ8mVjfAgvO7VucOsEKnlvCZ2hwGGlowWu_5es9HCO-zGhOsF0h1/s640/IMG_3498.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">There's still dressmaking workshops at </span><a href="https://www.cuttingcloth.com.au/contact" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Cutting Cloth o</a><span style="text-align: start;">n the 3rd Sunday of every month. And </span><a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/shop/workshops-and-classes/2506-the-better-bag-club.html" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">The Better Bag Club at GJ's </a><span style="text-align: start;"> is</span><span style="text-align: start;"> a work-at-your-own-pace monthly You Sew Girl sew-fest, with me there to answer all your questions and show you lots of tricks.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEh0FYS4kXr2NI1huhGzFbHhjsKwO_xfTR0M-xwfO4r1IGUYP3JPbL866SFQT05llIsFrNS5XRta3dRF8Ac_HZqZVVdChZWi7-peZ3GhHCHL5qaPP_K-EAIG45X9u-OK7P7JdWWwB5uElV/s1600/18766116_1494821297229556_3206709510586588354_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Better Bag Club Sewing Classes" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="868" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEh0FYS4kXr2NI1huhGzFbHhjsKwO_xfTR0M-xwfO4r1IGUYP3JPbL866SFQT05llIsFrNS5XRta3dRF8Ac_HZqZVVdChZWi7-peZ3GhHCHL5qaPP_K-EAIG45X9u-OK7P7JdWWwB5uElV/s640/18766116_1494821297229556_3206709510586588354_n.jpg" title="" width="578" /></a></div>
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And in November, <a href="http://www.ctpub.com/the-savvy-seamstress/" target="_blank">there will be this</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUeIsUBNItPQjEtfkN_c-BUBCB02IzdGdzQUKINaKu98SVX_OSIZaiK2lZM6UrXwoCLNH_IfHScjqUsSxhipV-qqCPmMObq3LFGGIr1To7-jgf0rtAO8l3-Vq3s4ycemkaFjqjzg_GieG/s1600/18767380_1496511360393883_7472247737025393105_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Savvy Seamstress by Nicole Mallalieu" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUeIsUBNItPQjEtfkN_c-BUBCB02IzdGdzQUKINaKu98SVX_OSIZaiK2lZM6UrXwoCLNH_IfHScjqUsSxhipV-qqCPmMObq3LFGGIr1To7-jgf0rtAO8l3-Vq3s4ycemkaFjqjzg_GieG/s640/18767380_1496511360393883_7472247737025393105_n.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I guess you can say that steam is indeed gathering. </div>
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I'm older, wiser (..ahem.. and greyer..) and I'm looking up now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHrxtFAUhpKw0IAT_AoDsdbX7DCnxIauvkOoerFtTMhjYW5CAqK0FBnTCkjR1RVGyTxgi-nUSSPNiFrdSEfyeU8Y8Ae_-hsLqtU5cJVNqhbbA-FLpPMSdNNdZ0JFYe5u8eLhewpLVbpIX/s1600/IMG_3210sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nicole Mallalieu" border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHrxtFAUhpKw0IAT_AoDsdbX7DCnxIauvkOoerFtTMhjYW5CAqK0FBnTCkjR1RVGyTxgi-nUSSPNiFrdSEfyeU8Y8Ae_-hsLqtU5cJVNqhbbA-FLpPMSdNNdZ0JFYe5u8eLhewpLVbpIX/s640/IMG_3210sm.jpg" title="" width="617" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-15817846006599026372017-04-15T00:51:00.000+10:002017-04-16T01:53:16.625+10:00Seasonal Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTArVkg-Ccxt_OQmuDxX007ucXsx48v42F0n2Zcp-LOYXBKuC-2TEgo34DgJKTE4QJJTCYR1l4q5tFXPzh0fDjHbnrvf8CfXcw2Qu7UlufptxUtdAXNhVoghZ_LJ9gudOvXm8iqz62kHvd/s1600/scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTArVkg-Ccxt_OQmuDxX007ucXsx48v42F0n2Zcp-LOYXBKuC-2TEgo34DgJKTE4QJJTCYR1l4q5tFXPzh0fDjHbnrvf8CfXcw2Qu7UlufptxUtdAXNhVoghZ_LJ9gudOvXm8iqz62kHvd/s640/scarf.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Well, now that I've knitted myself a new scarf - from hand-spun, hand-dyed silk-alpaca, bought-at-a-<a href="https://wildaboutmelbourne.com/" target="_blank">local-craft-market</a> yarn - I'm ready for winter. (I improvised a bias-knit in alternating rows of garter and stockinette stitch, and it's super-snuggly.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71SltYhLfAQ9Jc2lE2bGs2ciSFH5_B_WEaAKiv4KnRkPuTtuErGrKXxymhfAHIuS6pc1lXTi8NL5u4EebO9mzwRjwlNZMJ84LYkMxEzKUn6RgA_VVcKkCV2GB-Na_3EFOOOepv4xU3UN9/s1600/013a815d03e501b931c126f1744ad222b44ce87200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71SltYhLfAQ9Jc2lE2bGs2ciSFH5_B_WEaAKiv4KnRkPuTtuErGrKXxymhfAHIuS6pc1lXTi8NL5u4EebO9mzwRjwlNZMJ84LYkMxEzKUn6RgA_VVcKkCV2GB-Na_3EFOOOepv4xU3UN9/s640/013a815d03e501b931c126f1744ad222b44ce87200.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There has been so much colour from my garden, I feel ready for grey skies and warm clothes and time spent indoors. To everything, there is a season, and all that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNqcJ55Ay2VY8N77AoBj16oYk1YWvshLYLJiNVNWoU793bI07T0smDbdtc1zV48zDN0c_RRxTCK-fw3v2_1vrOK0VCcbUJEdl8IpH0jeFSfJZcr9csp6A8x8uxb6Trv26RJAuWi8ifpcQ/s1600/strawberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNqcJ55Ay2VY8N77AoBj16oYk1YWvshLYLJiNVNWoU793bI07T0smDbdtc1zV48zDN0c_RRxTCK-fw3v2_1vrOK0VCcbUJEdl8IpH0jeFSfJZcr9csp6A8x8uxb6Trv26RJAuWi8ifpcQ/s640/strawberries.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I'm just back from the awe-inspiring colour-fest that is <a href="http://www.grampianarts.com.au/grampians-textures.html" target="_blank">Grampians Texture</a>, where I was lucky enough to be a tutor for a week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscx1TExpH0QMufGXdqPZ4CGpTjL9lAqfCZ-dXNRar5lhvG7JOmlJXnLGnpFDJBilFm_k85SD5n7QQJqMt5QRR4VYZzcJmwbvADBa2_6S-0uVJpat3vnwQ6u1PbocOg9v0gsai6e3Shpgc/s1600/bryant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscx1TExpH0QMufGXdqPZ4CGpTjL9lAqfCZ-dXNRar5lhvG7JOmlJXnLGnpFDJBilFm_k85SD5n7QQJqMt5QRR4VYZzcJmwbvADBa2_6S-0uVJpat3vnwQ6u1PbocOg9v0gsai6e3Shpgc/s640/bryant.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bryantholsenbeck.com/" target="_blank">Bryant Holsenbeck'</a>s workshops produced the most delightful critters made of recycled textiles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8z7a5J9u4GzTBPM1xZ9JMScOO8DM36E7v1jV9WfpKJuta3Agx88uiMxtUOoV2wGB0q9T_vVzyQMXWFq6kXIkTZoPYE7S0n460EAmu3g7dy1OzNHUjcPLXrvMc83Oa0RqzZdoTcySmVFy1/s1600/Jan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8z7a5J9u4GzTBPM1xZ9JMScOO8DM36E7v1jV9WfpKJuta3Agx88uiMxtUOoV2wGB0q9T_vVzyQMXWFq6kXIkTZoPYE7S0n460EAmu3g7dy1OzNHUjcPLXrvMc83Oa0RqzZdoTcySmVFy1/s640/Jan.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.janclark.net/Jan_Clark/Home.html" target="_blank">Jan Clark's</a> group made all manner of colourful marks on textiles...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiIsvosuP7LdueOLs1k9wHJgckKhFJYvDbV-YJgVyuKWetn4AcVxFaxVajN42NsMlJAdxeL-9BPkkh1CynlwcrsJ52MFh8Z_CGlEUY84JxJZwCx8udoiemzW779_TrtSpHCBRYqw0ry11/s1600/nicola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiIsvosuP7LdueOLs1k9wHJgckKhFJYvDbV-YJgVyuKWetn4AcVxFaxVajN42NsMlJAdxeL-9BPkkh1CynlwcrsJ52MFh8Z_CGlEUY84JxJZwCx8udoiemzW779_TrtSpHCBRYqw0ry11/s640/nicola.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.nicolahenley.com/" target="_blank">Nicola Henley </a>had them all printing up a riot of colour and texture. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMe9pdQsZ3P16QUgVnTyMBOtl_CLM97BtYWah5eaTBpAoLy2mMQqD4sCuiei-9HmLpy2gEE9EQ5k6ELTfQo2SUlacxrwxF8PqhJDeGBaYwEGXR-WPNAOMC44GDdzEU6NGNLPH_AeqPBuL/s1600/toiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMe9pdQsZ3P16QUgVnTyMBOtl_CLM97BtYWah5eaTBpAoLy2mMQqD4sCuiei-9HmLpy2gEE9EQ5k6ELTfQo2SUlacxrwxF8PqhJDeGBaYwEGXR-WPNAOMC44GDdzEU6NGNLPH_AeqPBuL/s640/toiles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and I had my group making patterns and toiles (muslins) in very boring colours, indeed... but they learned a lot about garment construction and alterations to patterns... </div>
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If they wanted colour, they only needed to step into the Market Hall.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY38MJH1WPkedrECL8CimB5_O5lN8E8bS-pL-1SbjLv8DaFcyOoyUKecLjtFPqdavw0dfBXoNPFMeilpdi91GiDIk505RbrSngGdX7UUOp6aiS8jpoqw-MsRurqn8QzHA2icHdSZSpQvMU/s1600/fibre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY38MJH1WPkedrECL8CimB5_O5lN8E8bS-pL-1SbjLv8DaFcyOoyUKecLjtFPqdavw0dfBXoNPFMeilpdi91GiDIk505RbrSngGdX7UUOp6aiS8jpoqw-MsRurqn8QzHA2icHdSZSpQvMU/s640/fibre.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Or step outside the classroom. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lBIOMmWWDm-MYVrTUXaMRL9zajNIWwakFMZNDjtyv-WogPWATnThpDkkXCH1onRcWaxMPJ3vsb1haE6tGjTr-WULCxVyqxoNk-hlXRXdErhrROfkFdeEuxVrZzqtkwUW9Drsp_rHwhbw/s1600/cockatoos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lBIOMmWWDm-MYVrTUXaMRL9zajNIWwakFMZNDjtyv-WogPWATnThpDkkXCH1onRcWaxMPJ3vsb1haE6tGjTr-WULCxVyqxoNk-hlXRXdErhrROfkFdeEuxVrZzqtkwUW9Drsp_rHwhbw/s640/cockatoos.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: center;">These fellas knew what time lunch was served. </span><br />
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This was the foggy morning scene that greeted me before class one morning. It felt autumnal. (And full of kangaroos.)<br />
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And so, the seasons roll on, and I seem to have been busier than ever lately.... although there is little to show for it. But I feel that a cog has shifted, and it's time to move forward again....assess where I've been and where I'm going.<br />
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I've been working on uploading my paper pattern range as<a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/shop/54-digital-downloads" target="_blank"> pdf downloads on my website</a> lately. There's a way to go with the back catalogue, but I've started with the garment patterns. It's a long and tedious process, but I think it's worth doing.<br />
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I've been working on edits for the new book, which is due out at the end of this year. It was written throughout a difficult, grief-filled 2016, and I hope that finishing it will feel like the closing of some sort of door, and maybe even feel like some sort of triumph. It's also a shift in direction for me, and I hope that it will hit the mark with the sewing community. This is the anxious too-late-to-turn-back-now stage of book-writing, that always fills me with self-doubt. But yeah... the book is on the way.<br />
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I've developed new teaching resources that are all about garments and have been thinking about <a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/courses/index.html" target="_blank">new workshops.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirps8p52lbwv0tlecW_y6Xk5ArM9ZQFOwo07nb6-FU7g6oMNZfsJmUL4LIr1WjFCcVzSAZIbpBD7BSja0k5L9QH4jb7A869fS-WO4PFrdqGVyUN_wi3ocCNNg7O5ZQynonNZs-MZPr7j5/s1600/shirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirps8p52lbwv0tlecW_y6Xk5ArM9ZQFOwo07nb6-FU7g6oMNZfsJmUL4LIr1WjFCcVzSAZIbpBD7BSja0k5L9QH4jb7A869fS-WO4PFrdqGVyUN_wi3ocCNNg7O5ZQynonNZs-MZPr7j5/s640/shirts.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I've opened a new <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yousewgirlpatterns/" target="_blank">Instagram account</a>, which is more about sewing and textiles (and less about my home and garden, as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mallawho/" target="_blank">my personal account</a> is), which will be a new focus.<br />
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And I've started planning some new patterns... For the first time in too many years. I think it's time.<br />
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May the turn of the seasons bring wonderful things your way.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-36593643374017526342017-02-22T11:53:00.001+11:002017-02-28T21:12:20.729+11:00Gearing up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ahhh... A lovely clean studio and a picturesque display of the beginnings of a leisurely craft project...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjEWD5UFcbi-Dd5zJyVuaW9tHmrY6t4Gn1nMJ5QbSYC_FlXKuyE8OkHhHtvFz_-NOaE2D7Yn5xEizoozB3Esu5xT9ZrtWt4UffElPxihpUcm-HOHQdwDqxmXr-EBfNrWp-LgBe5uDZn_q/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjEWD5UFcbi-Dd5zJyVuaW9tHmrY6t4Gn1nMJ5QbSYC_FlXKuyE8OkHhHtvFz_-NOaE2D7Yn5xEizoozB3Esu5xT9ZrtWt4UffElPxihpUcm-HOHQdwDqxmXr-EBfNrWp-LgBe5uDZn_q/s640/009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes, well, that didn't last long. </div>
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That photo was from the week after Christmas, when my studio was still empty, having been cleared for our family Christmas lunch, and I was embarking on my holiday quilting project.</div>
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For the last month or so, it's been looking pretty much like this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyo7xjWh46-DLmlmicFpgS9TzLTwWpn1HopkrtKvSJtL07KRBr4CrocKOOV5v9xaYpRrJzk69s6T81hRXMGa3RUQTpsvyO7syIPIjvBLURpMLEexdgk-kEjh_9z89ctSGPuqMz9VAl7MIg/s1600/16708548_1383529278358759_6289909821675287333_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyo7xjWh46-DLmlmicFpgS9TzLTwWpn1HopkrtKvSJtL07KRBr4CrocKOOV5v9xaYpRrJzk69s6T81hRXMGa3RUQTpsvyO7syIPIjvBLURpMLEexdgk-kEjh_9z89ctSGPuqMz9VAl7MIg/s640/16708548_1383529278358759_6289909821675287333_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been making garments and step by-step-samples of garment techniques, in preparation for my classes at <a href="http://www.grampianarts.com.au/overview.html" target="_blank">Grampians Texture </a>this year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27YAFJKPkUMfu9O7bohVCHGTQO4oAmO3t8dzqzgjpGWNXW889qNxCZ5Yw8ll_7zzVb3ZxTo2e2N6hHOkLkty_ucSWz6xFicS-iryWhUDrojVdiTL2U0RqPiJqVBrK6Q2vvkAx6k2GKo94/s1600/pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27YAFJKPkUMfu9O7bohVCHGTQO4oAmO3t8dzqzgjpGWNXW889qNxCZ5Yw8ll_7zzVb3ZxTo2e2N6hHOkLkty_ucSWz6xFicS-iryWhUDrojVdiTL2U0RqPiJqVBrK6Q2vvkAx6k2GKo94/s1600/pants.jpg" /></a></div>
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This year, my <a href="http://www.grampianarts.com.au/nicole-mallalieu.html" target="_blank">2-day and 4-day classes</a> are both about garment sewing. </div>
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The 4-day class - The Endless Wardrobe - is about making the most of the garment patterns by changing around or adding details like pockets, button and zipper openings, collars, cuffs, pleats and gathers. A single pattern can be used as a foundation for endless designs, if you know a few clever patternmaking and garment sewing techniques. We'll be exploring a lot of those.</div>
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There have been a couple of late cancellations in the 4-day workshop, which means that there is still room in the class for late enrollments. If you feel like spontaneously treating yourself to a textiles retreat (18th-23rd March), here's your opportunity! :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEdaiMqPPvILoIlO16u-Iax0zDh1z8i77pNNQ4YXjAyKwOY4DiliZ6T0a12A3DzaHhCuHSF9fRYF7HvAt9gPsCVouBO9pT5_reczkq7XPNcp06bd1wy_c2ruYtBQhop_lZNfBu2KRokvw/s1600/tulip+dresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEdaiMqPPvILoIlO16u-Iax0zDh1z8i77pNNQ4YXjAyKwOY4DiliZ6T0a12A3DzaHhCuHSF9fRYF7HvAt9gPsCVouBO9pT5_reczkq7XPNcp06bd1wy_c2ruYtBQhop_lZNfBu2KRokvw/s640/tulip+dresses.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm looking forward to the lovely bubble of textile goodness and gorgeous Grampians landscape that <a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Grampians%20Texture" target="_blank">Grampians Texture </a>is. </div>
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I'm looking forward to friendly kangaroos on my classroom doorstep.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxf99yI6_srTysgzQ1zO48Sp2LwsQGYtU1Fc_j2sIJfG_oDZDPXJ9EPMDRXpNW7yVJMVA2VoIFAmIgHyQgrtxjtomPvdL14_oLNZ0qvzf1MKQgNKbvToXrh7hJ5rOnFd60d7Ahyphenhyphen3XLxTot/s1600/2014+roo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxf99yI6_srTysgzQ1zO48Sp2LwsQGYtU1Fc_j2sIJfG_oDZDPXJ9EPMDRXpNW7yVJMVA2VoIFAmIgHyQgrtxjtomPvdL14_oLNZ0qvzf1MKQgNKbvToXrh7hJ5rOnFd60d7Ahyphenhyphen3XLxTot/s640/2014+roo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you want a single day of this sort of thing, I'm teaching at <a href="https://www.cuttingcloth.com.au/product-page/garment-construction-with-nicole-mallalieu" target="_blank">Cutting Cloth in Fairfield</a> again this year. Apart from March (when I'll be in the Grampians), I'll be there on the 3rd Sunday of each month. You can work on your own projects, and I can help with things like fitting and tweaking and lots of tricks for a faster, easier or better finish. </div>
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And yes - the holiday quilting project was finished. It was a quilt for my girl's bed. No guessing what she asked the design to be.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcg7ThrJ-fymgMfut4bF0X1U_H82c1eB2j3VX0vtEFg7g5N5QpuCqdYfx0R94SOv-0m1u5yYuvmvMpy5nKGkaFP89ZaYIVB5j6wpRBlr03mAtcRciprQCtjZZeLlRFfeKzJtWBhyax0JN/s1600/16174729_1368069559923853_3378972811341094396_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcg7ThrJ-fymgMfut4bF0X1U_H82c1eB2j3VX0vtEFg7g5N5QpuCqdYfx0R94SOv-0m1u5yYuvmvMpy5nKGkaFP89ZaYIVB5j6wpRBlr03mAtcRciprQCtjZZeLlRFfeKzJtWBhyax0JN/s640/16174729_1368069559923853_3378972811341094396_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The fabric is mostly <a href="http://vintagericrac.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Jodie Carleton'</a>s range <a href="http://www.ellabluefabrics.com/collections/the-cats-pyjamas/" target="_blank">"The Cat's Pajamas"</a>. I made up the cat as I went along, and the quilt blocks in the background are from Tula Pink's Modern Quilt Blocks book. I quilted the whole thing with cat-head shapes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj_X2MoEsXOmONZbt8JQU5tvAMInl5zOeKaDJZJINmkOgPCxpALSSYM4OmeouUvYAtUi4DCho0rIOZa7aBs0TOngOd4IpOo0bQczeW3T3XLh8et0bGjdQoW-WhoDM2u5pJW-hVw9oB08z/s1600/16114154_1362556780475131_9097400244334234392_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj_X2MoEsXOmONZbt8JQU5tvAMInl5zOeKaDJZJINmkOgPCxpALSSYM4OmeouUvYAtUi4DCho0rIOZa7aBs0TOngOd4IpOo0bQczeW3T3XLh8et0bGjdQoW-WhoDM2u5pJW-hVw9oB08z/s640/16114154_1362556780475131_9097400244334234392_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the back of the quilt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LnaRjJFIUmcmGh1ZrxsmgjGnr_72Z3w1NLqHrCzmP0d3hYm5o66xf3sqW-d19sOtLIJgpx193Rootakij-QEwPOWstPsnx8T_wckkXHYi_-zgVRKi5ulYxU1MCQVEnAe3bQHS3FYas6f/s1600/16251886_1368070689923740_5214986120172609154_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LnaRjJFIUmcmGh1ZrxsmgjGnr_72Z3w1NLqHrCzmP0d3hYm5o66xf3sqW-d19sOtLIJgpx193Rootakij-QEwPOWstPsnx8T_wckkXHYi_-zgVRKi5ulYxU1MCQVEnAe3bQHS3FYas6f/s640/16251886_1368070689923740_5214986120172609154_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
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In other news, I have book edits coming in soon for the new book (due out in November) and I'm back at my regular<a href="http://www.billyblue.edu.au/courses/branded-fashion-design-courses/bachelor-of-branded-fashion-design#jmRSe2JJAoRtu47e.97" target="_blank"> fashion school</a> job. </div>
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It's all go. No more tidy studio.</div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-4458036235999573822016-11-22T09:47:00.004+11:002016-11-22T12:39:09.193+11:00Bag Design and Pattern-Making Work-Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Many years ago, I used to run weekly classes in bag design and patternmaking. It was popular with the locals, but people living interstate and overseas were always asking me to put it online, so that they could attend, too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpI89DGJIzXioJePl-CVJUAj5mSUkmxNNDkt1HHx78-0iiWGWa1rOj8WlQCbvmRrNP8qn8yVBPbWJIi5Mz_b86qTaQd4QH6zWCWgw3m65TGRRR8ffuV8N-3JRXfyx9huJiMKBZF6GYdgy/s1600/BagDesignWorkshop_Instagram_650x650_Part1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpI89DGJIzXioJePl-CVJUAj5mSUkmxNNDkt1HHx78-0iiWGWa1rOj8WlQCbvmRrNP8qn8yVBPbWJIi5Mz_b86qTaQd4QH6zWCWgw3m65TGRRR8ffuV8N-3JRXfyx9huJiMKBZF6GYdgy/s640/BagDesignWorkshop_Instagram_650x650_Part1_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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AT LAST - <a href="https://www.creativebug.com/classseries/single/bag-design-workshop" target="_blank">Creativebug have done just that.</a> These classes are the first stages of learning to design and make your own bag patterns, and will set you up to make a very broad range of designs.. </div>
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Even better, Creativebug are <a href="https://www.creativebug.com/trial/create-account?theme=cb_holidays" target="_blank">currently running a special (until 28 Nov 2016), where you can sign up for a 3 month subscription for $1! </a>(after that, it's $4.95 USD per month). That's just in time for some serious holiday crafting. Alternatively, you can now buy individual classes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6EWTBAYbgCvtS9BflnwTBisb02eEi7CN_nYygvmzpJdxeDrdFtDq6-dhnm92hxuPt2p06oz0WLet8ExFscKFEwDFODlZYO20VaB3GCZlhcrs8JDVejrG83DJSIzW6vxpegqmmF5drTjx/s1600/BagDesignWorkshop_Instagram_650x650_Part2_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6EWTBAYbgCvtS9BflnwTBisb02eEi7CN_nYygvmzpJdxeDrdFtDq6-dhnm92hxuPt2p06oz0WLet8ExFscKFEwDFODlZYO20VaB3GCZlhcrs8JDVejrG83DJSIzW6vxpegqmmF5drTjx/s640/BagDesignWorkshop_Instagram_650x650_Part2_2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The first class is all about learning the basic processes and terminology for patternmaking. It's about beginning to draft simple shapes, making basic patterns, and understanding the relationship between the 3-dimensional bag and the 2-d pattern.. The same processes are used as the designs become more complicated in Parts 2 and 3.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5JepwSxNUsljG7HOCaqhKaax9yGB_-WUZ0rIMgncBUWs_95aFYbKfL_Ixuxs7AIabmI-3hY2fjwAoXPw2_0bNZDYv6Y4UNf1XJbopg1E5R6ZQVkHXviXSEuLws8Lsm8MF5RZxO35H2It/s1600/BagDesignWorkshop_Instagram_650x650_Part3_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5JepwSxNUsljG7HOCaqhKaax9yGB_-WUZ0rIMgncBUWs_95aFYbKfL_Ixuxs7AIabmI-3hY2fjwAoXPw2_0bNZDYv6Y4UNf1XJbopg1E5R6ZQVkHXviXSEuLws8Lsm8MF5RZxO35H2It/s640/BagDesignWorkshop_Instagram_650x650_Part3_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Part 2 is all about the KEY to patternmaking - moving seamlines. This is how you change the design lines of the bag, create colour blocking, linings, pockets and facings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZAq1oswnLDDZNuzuM0nBaeRnojhqXR-g8LkDDg7L3KMNBRZ1_HyTJAbpmI1e6_ZYygxyKEEwtGR2nLb8auwkWAtJO_7wzuxGB0o4w4RDPUFLOgA1noAYVytziaAPt4UnirwOsk1bNY16/s1600/BagDesignWorkshop_Instagram_650x650_Part2_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZAq1oswnLDDZNuzuM0nBaeRnojhqXR-g8LkDDg7L3KMNBRZ1_HyTJAbpmI1e6_ZYygxyKEEwtGR2nLb8auwkWAtJO_7wzuxGB0o4w4RDPUFLOgA1noAYVytziaAPt4UnirwOsk1bNY16/s640/BagDesignWorkshop_Instagram_650x650_Part2_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here I am, looking like an old lady peering over her glasses. (I hadn't realised how wrong the prescription was with these glasses until I couldn't see the cameraman - over or through the frames - with my middle-aged eyes...). There is some squinting to camera, but also lots of patternmaking and construction techniques for making the bags.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGimp55tZT9jXeoVaoANfVKtPzZCvtv3IODBDNkmEzlXsifhaQ0GkM8GaQdC07jKTN_XZcm6phmTigSCPTY5U4Wa2JOQjPipvCS2KvDWLozzKsM6CHEx21TTvOPtVCmY3ShukiXw93vqA1/s1600/BagDesignWorkshop_Instagram_650x650_Part2_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGimp55tZT9jXeoVaoANfVKtPzZCvtv3IODBDNkmEzlXsifhaQ0GkM8GaQdC07jKTN_XZcm6phmTigSCPTY5U4Wa2JOQjPipvCS2KvDWLozzKsM6CHEx21TTvOPtVCmY3ShukiXw93vqA1/s640/BagDesignWorkshop_Instagram_650x650_Part2_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Part 3 is all the bells and whistles that jazz up the bag - pleats, gathers, etc.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbt-ElKty0y4Ayw5U23khjBHFFrS3mp-McQkEgCtl4ERvZ2lHWdXLWApQFKZ9kZiKpW63b9ckFVWLsaa-eIZecqVpTZ3fmgh9_XotFyocudq0kQzd-U2WKs7rStKuicKkEFqkpin2eHwW/s1600/BagDesignWorkshop_Instagram_650x650_Part3_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbt-ElKty0y4Ayw5U23khjBHFFrS3mp-McQkEgCtl4ERvZ2lHWdXLWApQFKZ9kZiKpW63b9ckFVWLsaa-eIZecqVpTZ3fmgh9_XotFyocudq0kQzd-U2WKs7rStKuicKkEFqkpin2eHwW/s640/BagDesignWorkshop_Instagram_650x650_Part3_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I taught <i>Patternmaking for Bags</i> in my studio, I ran it as two sets of four sessions - Beginners and Advanced - 8 weeks in total. There is a lot more that you can learn, but these three sessions will set you up to make all the shapes that appear in my <a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/shop/6-beginners-bag-patterns" target="_blank">Beginners</a>, <a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/shop/12-basic-bag-patterns" target="_blank">Basic</a> and most of the<a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/shop/13-intermediate-bag-patterns" target="_blank"> Intermediate </a>range of patterns, as well as those in <a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=the+better+bag+maker&oq=the+better+bag+maker&aqs=chrome..69i57j0j69i65j0l3.4019j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">The Better Bag Maker,</a> and many more besides.</div>
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The Creativebug work-along includes the sewing techniques for the overall shape construction, but if you want tips and tricks for things like using interfacings and hardware, inserting zips and pockets and getting a fine finish on your bag, check out <a href="https://www.creativebug.com/instructors/nicole-mallalieu" target="_blank">my other classes on Creativebug</a> and/or read my book <a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=the+better+bag+maker&oq=the+better+bag+maker&aqs=chrome..69i57j0j69i65j0l3.4019j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">The Better Bag Maker</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUoqz0POrsll5yf_OhdsfRh64MQ50ld_SXQKTbyn0r87aD3SY6q5MgvzmQGhXUVzvVJzi6mllHDw78hhDyKAM7aKkJL7fY-OSDbwZHQwhITH5lhRaOkYRzUsxQkwi9seSM8EdbZ8CicCr/s1600/BagDesignWorkshop_Instagram_650x650_Part1_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUoqz0POrsll5yf_OhdsfRh64MQ50ld_SXQKTbyn0r87aD3SY6q5MgvzmQGhXUVzvVJzi6mllHDw78hhDyKAM7aKkJL7fY-OSDbwZHQwhITH5lhRaOkYRzUsxQkwi9seSM8EdbZ8CicCr/s640/BagDesignWorkshop_Instagram_650x650_Part1_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Who knows, maybe we might follow up with another online work-along one day.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-67733331675230736202016-08-17T14:55:00.002+10:002016-08-17T21:20:15.664+10:00Teaching and Writing and Living and DyingYes - I'm still here...occasionally peeping out from behind the curtain of real life and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nicolemdesign/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mallawho/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> rabbit hole. This year, I've been pretty well occupied and away from this slower, more considered form of communication.<br />
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When I received notification of <a href="https://www.creativebug.com/classseries/single/sew-a-weekender-bag" target="_blank">my Weekender Bag project </a>being a Top 10 hit over at Creativebug, it occurred to me that I hadn't actually mentioned that class in this space before.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksdf8hfHacd-ywnDYHBjPO9DpHQCI8TaN8ol0Kl5VMUAUdNPUs4uWVk7DuJfB08LBfvFgnVAXpFPrrr79JB2PidXml0wO4XUI3tvzmCUZL1XU8jaLDREAfFsbFmeT6NOtErGLhKAhiSMD/s1600/creative+bug+sc-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksdf8hfHacd-ywnDYHBjPO9DpHQCI8TaN8ol0Kl5VMUAUdNPUs4uWVk7DuJfB08LBfvFgnVAXpFPrrr79JB2PidXml0wO4XUI3tvzmCUZL1XU8jaLDREAfFsbFmeT6NOtErGLhKAhiSMD/s640/creative+bug+sc-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It appears that since I was burgled recently, the new owners of my old computer now have all the images I had of this bag, so here's a screen capture of me in action... talking to a finished bag.<br />
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I use my original version of the bag for hauling student folios to and from my <a href="http://www.billyblue.edu.au/courses/branded-fashion-design-courses/bachelor-of-branded-fashion-design#QKrCJBGda2kM0OUe.97" target="_blank">regular teaching job</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zjFaWB7lwz0d0FLl5fFh8PENCSSswZhGAsnhhNsCMShntScHyGC7ofy933jiCQ0abEH-D-T8wtLZ_T1ZQZbmiBBJFMRD_ZCtuTp_tWyrtfGsqG4YDiAzxpzRPdZs9EVd_md9cHNBiY42/s1600/westgarth+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zjFaWB7lwz0d0FLl5fFh8PENCSSswZhGAsnhhNsCMShntScHyGC7ofy933jiCQ0abEH-D-T8wtLZ_T1ZQZbmiBBJFMRD_ZCtuTp_tWyrtfGsqG4YDiAzxpzRPdZs9EVd_md9cHNBiY42/s640/westgarth+station.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I do a lot of hauling of folios, and marking of folios, these days... and a lot of kid-free Friday nights look like this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_89_-pK9sQL6AAV7Jk0fg5TRRhUTkGiElcmpgUoPNdQKeFlmp3WCzvhdOE9DcuTyCDkqjSeqUNuCFcnA7Le-5p6V7p3rn6DTNnlBMjZ0NgxdNgYGJqNLHlqU4EdDl0JfNKSUZmF5IAQ5f/s1600/marking+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_89_-pK9sQL6AAV7Jk0fg5TRRhUTkGiElcmpgUoPNdQKeFlmp3WCzvhdOE9DcuTyCDkqjSeqUNuCFcnA7Le-5p6V7p3rn6DTNnlBMjZ0NgxdNgYGJqNLHlqU4EdDl0JfNKSUZmF5IAQ5f/s640/marking+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One looked like this... :(</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YvlFGs1sAmAHYdXy3j8b7f2qSLr4qBbI8euPb777axCMB2dtkOLnSc_wc7ZG_dBZURYz4adHrHWlnWmQsnfWRgdjXnjtP1UoIt40qTTFnVx3SyXeCkm-ua9P1aWROGo6eMdlQNXWRkP5/s1600/marking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YvlFGs1sAmAHYdXy3j8b7f2qSLr4qBbI8euPb777axCMB2dtkOLnSc_wc7ZG_dBZURYz4adHrHWlnWmQsnfWRgdjXnjtP1UoIt40qTTFnVx3SyXeCkm-ua9P1aWROGo6eMdlQNXWRkP5/s640/marking.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've also been teaching a <a href="http://www.cuttingcloth.com.au/#!product/prd1/4403297491/garment-construction-with-nicole-mallalieu" target="_blank">Garment Construction class</a> regularly at Kellie Wulfsohn's fabulous fabric shop <a href="http://www.cuttingcloth.com.au/" target="_blank">Cutting Cloth</a> in Fairfiled (Melbourne).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp0sxjlCo4mvAOYh97zIoU3AL8wJFOJeqTHOTkSkrky_iW1nV6CY-z9N1oPMtogsIaDjsXYvkeZpCAJqTdDAicAwmJ5ocK5tgxKXdcFUumnWAmancTzvcNaJyycuy3qDa0mT8wd9Vl-2d/s1600/cutting+cloth+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp0sxjlCo4mvAOYh97zIoU3AL8wJFOJeqTHOTkSkrky_iW1nV6CY-z9N1oPMtogsIaDjsXYvkeZpCAJqTdDAicAwmJ5ocK5tgxKXdcFUumnWAmancTzvcNaJyycuy3qDa0mT8wd9Vl-2d/s640/cutting+cloth+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The classes are on the 3rd Sunday of every month and you can come and go month by month, doing pretty much as you please (although I start you off on an A-Line Skirt if you're a newbie) with lots of help and tips and tricks from me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhow9HWkRTiuosT9ZkKxJOgNRscd_F9DYtDfwW6qT_FtoDwF1nv_IspwE6_nhnRELUDlad0hL7xrEOKvCiOqDtypXEMYTV3BpUt6gnXQp6K7gMje7upbZOX0j7NREL_bHj16AULHYm5yOX6/s1600/cutting+cloth+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhow9HWkRTiuosT9ZkKxJOgNRscd_F9DYtDfwW6qT_FtoDwF1nv_IspwE6_nhnRELUDlad0hL7xrEOKvCiOqDtypXEMYTV3BpUt6gnXQp6K7gMje7upbZOX0j7NREL_bHj16AULHYm5yOX6/s640/cutting+cloth+3.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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The rest of my time this year has been all about juggling the joys and sorrows (and Mum's taxi service) of family life, <a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/shop/" target="_blank">wholesale biz </a>and working on a new book. Much of the last few months has looked like this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uGDZtuw9Ky9A3N9yzPC394AKvP4iXJCoi6GmXW8-4MGhimtZQQcPVbHlKMv7a9OJxKJ18b_JO6VwSK54BhzRcEFC4RhVRgRTJd_mDpaik8HxKG_9ryETRo6s64hvQ0i9InroldPfaULq/s1600/cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uGDZtuw9Ky9A3N9yzPC394AKvP4iXJCoi6GmXW8-4MGhimtZQQcPVbHlKMv7a9OJxKJ18b_JO6VwSK54BhzRcEFC4RhVRgRTJd_mDpaik8HxKG_9ryETRo6s64hvQ0i9InroldPfaULq/s640/cave.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
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And the crazy-wild-kid-free Friday night version looks a bit like this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKKGsOAwGpFJgXLx63f1SPqQqr2ozC6W9Gm-kMj1sSoHZqD0CgZR2o-VEEGRIhF-tN1G1-OEH6j4KPm2HFdjTiXvG6btDhyphenhyphenfj6lw3G6rGvGgjDAcnrAtXDtiL1K-TQA7F6RIpGnW_bugG/s1600/laksa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKKGsOAwGpFJgXLx63f1SPqQqr2ozC6W9Gm-kMj1sSoHZqD0CgZR2o-VEEGRIhF-tN1G1-OEH6j4KPm2HFdjTiXvG6btDhyphenhyphenfj6lw3G6rGvGgjDAcnrAtXDtiL1K-TQA7F6RIpGnW_bugG/s640/laksa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I near the completion of the book project, there's a sort of freeing-up of mental bandwidth, and ideas are flowing again. I'm tying up loose ends, ticking off long-overdue to-do lists... and thinking about the way ahead from here.</div>
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I have plans... Stay tuned. </div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-9056860281236300212016-02-10T14:06:00.002+11:002016-02-11T23:47:19.039+11:00Purse Frame Class and Bag of the Month<div style="text-align: left;">
Over at <a href="https://www.creativebug.com/" target="_blank">CreativeBug</a>, they're having a<a href="https://www.creativebug.com/classseries/single/bag-of-the-month-promo?" target="_blank"> Bag of The Month</a> year, with new bag classes every month. February sees my <a href="https://www.creativebug.com/classseries/single/sew-a-snap-clasp-purse?" target="_blank">"Snap Clasp Purse" class ready to go</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Yy4wkwHpiM8iBWMAhnomkHndCPeTOMli77VD6rLFdDjd6QX6tX7rKTCoAEnZZV-HrCOq_L7FpmRcKvN_qn1OQEUpsGNefdFG4Mi-FQTGyOF75fPxTZXclQjnqEUd6cuCVelUPG6ezbgM/s1600/Feb_BagOTM__FB_Ad_600x600.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Yy4wkwHpiM8iBWMAhnomkHndCPeTOMli77VD6rLFdDjd6QX6tX7rKTCoAEnZZV-HrCOq_L7FpmRcKvN_qn1OQEUpsGNefdFG4Mi-FQTGyOF75fPxTZXclQjnqEUd6cuCVelUPG6ezbgM/s1600/Feb_BagOTM__FB_Ad_600x600.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm a bit concerned that the official image only gives a top-down view, when the purse is actually a bit more triangular than that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLOQzL091OPZdjfX52VO9m5ryaastJzYOXD0l3QEHmlLSzl45tLfhuJv-p_G58PpyXe5ip9jZ4eiMV6VdiovlG0iq3tt_wdZX9PUPt37e-Bj9KE15gV1bO9iubzdW__YWnRP1PxxhXscf/s1600/frame.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLOQzL091OPZdjfX52VO9m5ryaastJzYOXD0l3QEHmlLSzl45tLfhuJv-p_G58PpyXe5ip9jZ4eiMV6VdiovlG0iq3tt_wdZX9PUPt37e-Bj9KE15gV1bO9iubzdW__YWnRP1PxxhXscf/s1600/frame.jpg" /></a><br />
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These are a few snaps I took when I finished one of the samples. You can see that it has purse feet, magnetic snaps and d-rings in the straps. All that and a purse frame too means that there are LOADS of skills to learn in this one, along with all my tips and tricks for creating structure and a fine finish.<br />
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And if I ever get around to it, I'm going to make one with the straps on both sides. I think that would have a really natty 1940's utilitarian-glamour look...especially in a light wool or something like that. (I can never leave well-enough alone, me...)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfxTRz_JDinsVWMrKrrd7v2yiCuND7b-i8Pk-H7qKkKK2i8pFWoM_O0-0lHogwxLz6oGKp47Hp24d2pYbLNGqKOYfTcHTWru2J4R-4acrtMGeZLWOb1rqS4dXUglt3b-8Qf2EOfRTfewT/s1600/purse+frame+bag2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfxTRz_JDinsVWMrKrrd7v2yiCuND7b-i8Pk-H7qKkKK2i8pFWoM_O0-0lHogwxLz6oGKp47Hp24d2pYbLNGqKOYfTcHTWru2J4R-4acrtMGeZLWOb1rqS4dXUglt3b-8Qf2EOfRTfewT/s320/purse+frame+bag2.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDOG5TzeeEtqE0gX5ZS1zafsHDPPJbqKYwV8VUd9bYTzULclOBpaQjRg7PckyqVm5EwjqOxVLLaT2PZYpEzp3Zx4BPRkVFG2OpC6KWkavFoSe5rbJ1H0oD50Jwy11pEneurY1spHlJfcE/s1600/purse+frame+bag4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDOG5TzeeEtqE0gX5ZS1zafsHDPPJbqKYwV8VUd9bYTzULclOBpaQjRg7PckyqVm5EwjqOxVLLaT2PZYpEzp3Zx4BPRkVFG2OpC6KWkavFoSe5rbJ1H0oD50Jwy11pEneurY1spHlJfcE/s320/purse+frame+bag4.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
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This is the first sample I made while developing the pattern. I think it looks cute in denim. I put an adjustable strap on it, so that I can use it hands-free. This was an easy modification, using snap hooks on the end of a long strap instead of joining the strap to the rings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6Mea_Aw8EjF5hS2h4VWvvj7p7HfAkDEBdhq0XiQWr6Q8mF_iAGoOVcQsrM_VnNvQ6Iuq6lv6-SLyOjkZapRA12PlzkhW3Q2k-qnPT-U8PG0fEZOXnUJ1UJKLn72K66QXLjrPoKdgyFnh/s1600/bag+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6Mea_Aw8EjF5hS2h4VWvvj7p7HfAkDEBdhq0XiQWr6Q8mF_iAGoOVcQsrM_VnNvQ6Iuq6lv6-SLyOjkZapRA12PlzkhW3Q2k-qnPT-U8PG0fEZOXnUJ1UJKLn72K66QXLjrPoKdgyFnh/s1600/bag+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've been watching all the classes coming up in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/creative.bug/videos?fref=photo" target="_blank">CreativeBug Facebook feed</a>, and feel very inspired to make EVERYTHING. There are <a href="https://www.creativebug.com/free-arts-and-crafts-classes" target="_blank">many free classes</a> and for US$4.95 per month, you have access to 600+ more classes. The <a href="https://www.creativebug.com/trial/create-account?redirect_on_success=/" target="_blank">free trial</a> includes lifelong access to one class. </div>
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You can see all <a href="https://www.creativebug.com/instructors/nicolemallalieu" target="_blank">the classes I teach on CreativeBug here</a>.</div>
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In other great website news. The lovely <a href="http://www.apeppermintpenguin.scot/about-me.html" target="_blank">Ms Peppermint Penguin</a> - a long-time follower and commenter on this little blog of mine, finally<a href="http://www.apeppermintpenguin.scot/" target="_blank"> finished her website</a>. She's knitting and sewing and selling her wares. Go you, Ms Pengiun!!</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-72494204348800936912016-01-15T13:17:00.000+11:002016-01-15T22:27:12.243+11:00Fostering the creative spiritPeople often ask me how I had the confidence to put my creative work in the public sphere. Even more often, I hear how amazed they are by my girl's confidence in her own creative ability. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLaH82z1OFZMr0emfG-ScUxH1lNDAL_qkxJIkBCeaku7EGYzd6wWTBjU2GGFd_E0tGyirjcfke7TYlyE0owWSXWnsXn09fuxTXgylOcC6z-swbUA_cy_NXhvJNcyEaKedqxN67BDSLK8I/s1600/knitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLaH82z1OFZMr0emfG-ScUxH1lNDAL_qkxJIkBCeaku7EGYzd6wWTBjU2GGFd_E0tGyirjcfke7TYlyE0owWSXWnsXn09fuxTXgylOcC6z-swbUA_cy_NXhvJNcyEaKedqxN67BDSLK8I/s640/knitting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here she is (below), in her first finished wearable knitting project - a knitted-in-the-round beanie. It was school holiday pj-wearing-and-watching-tv-craft. She is dead proud of it and a bit amazed that it only took about three days to make. She's also wearing the dress she designed for me to make for her recent 10th birthday....and she's looking at books on Japanese animation at <a href="http://www.acmi.net.au/" target="_blank">ACMI</a>. Her interests are many and varied. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Fh6tqL7qAL_pRqISoQBj1iR_9GR6_mHsxLif5C6I6HUoDyxVL1ij2hU_N6ehTNx_w8yLw7S6v7kXnnSPXKrc31AIQOI7dFI4u5FfNWu70YL3wnD6xv11K40UvqN9Eh_lIobsl6qrlscY/s1600/hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Fh6tqL7qAL_pRqISoQBj1iR_9GR6_mHsxLif5C6I6HUoDyxVL1ij2hU_N6ehTNx_w8yLw7S6v7kXnnSPXKrc31AIQOI7dFI4u5FfNWu70YL3wnD6xv11K40UvqN9Eh_lIobsl6qrlscY/s640/hat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last week, with great excitement, she <a href="http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01A9NHC3A" target="_blank">published her first ebook</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A9NHC3A" target="_blank">"The Silver Star"</a> through Amazon Kindle, and there's a limited edition print version (being on-the-spot printed and foisted upon anyone who looks vaguely interested). She's also working on a website and has <a href="https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/78407722/" target="_blank">animated a part of the story</a> on <a href="https://scratch.mit.edu/" target="_blank">Scratch</a>. As always, I am enormously proud of my girl.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01A9NHC3A" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01A9NHC3A" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaSpZLsb05Y1gT9e3ca2XZD9kp26LiKau_kQbTwxJTgzwwNnWk-BRddYLQowASXyyTS7LlKXDyHwmz0bYr2Z2Xc6Di-KJtPuIfo5BymxgMpizyjU6GBRmPsWHNXCG5kLkq0W0AkJsXpJt/s640/Silver+Star+Cover.jpg.png" width="443" /></a>
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Lately, I've been thinking that this creative fearlessness is less about talent or drive and more about never having to think "I can't". It's simply following through the ideas that come to us... to the natural finish line, as we see it. A friend recently commented that my daughter is learning from my example of following through the creative process to publishing books, patterns and online classes (and this little blog), but I think it runs deeper than that.<br />
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I've been thinking a lot about parenting in recent weeks: the bigger, <a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/2010/01/harvest-time.html" target="_blank">long-term picture.</a> I have spoken about it before, but I can't stop thinking about <a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/channelling-genius.html" target="_blank">my mother's genius</a>, <a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/paying-it-forward.html" target="_blank">patience and encouragement</a> in bringing up her own eight children. <br />
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Yes. Eight. (I know.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDaDOcTc4iOCqx_cp7LAR3Aj67_Pr8P5dY2VAIe5OU3L1Eng4wZRVCVFJmPfDCPuI1pg-KyO4qF0NsmRKjZNZG-s7pghqNciKtDiEy7wBPKDMa6KEl6irHFpyMSpQQr0u6KdGbDGf7K0_/s1600/family1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDaDOcTc4iOCqx_cp7LAR3Aj67_Pr8P5dY2VAIe5OU3L1Eng4wZRVCVFJmPfDCPuI1pg-KyO4qF0NsmRKjZNZG-s7pghqNciKtDiEy7wBPKDMa6KEl6irHFpyMSpQQr0u6KdGbDGf7K0_/s400/family1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm number 7, and certainly not a stand-out talent. We're a family of artists, sculptors, storytellers, designers, gardeners and general free-formers. As kids, we were encouraged to create and make and grow things. We were provided with materials and space and allowed to make the necessary mess to paint, draw, sew, knit, woodwork or electrical circuit* our ideas into reality. And - <em>what I think is key here</em> - in a time before the internet gave everyone a platform to show and tell to the world, Mum made us feel that our work was worth putting into public space. <br />
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<em>*(for the science-obsessed brother...Creativity isn't always about art.)</em><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">My first published work, aged 6.</span></em></div>
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Our little house was far from winning any interior design award (especially after that unfortunate accident with the purple candle-making wax on the dining room carpet), but it was busting at the seams with our drawings, carvings, textile crafts, paintings, (... ahem... candles,) and all manner of other creative achievements, all proudly displayed. And the house was always full of people - neighbours, family friends and extended family - talking, drinking tea and telling stories. Our art and craft work was always pointed out, acknowledged and admired. We were all shy kids - and not encouraged to be shouty "show-offs" - but faith in our creative ability was constantly reinforced in everyday life.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Early sewing example by me, aged about 5 or 6.</em></span></div>
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When a little local community-run craft shop opened, my mother did all the membership duties for those of us who wanted to sell our handmade wares there (and starting at the age of 7, that's how I made my pocket money). When we wanted to sell at craft markets, she'd do all the purchasing of materials, paying of fees and management of transport. We'd look sweet, sell a few things, feck off to play somewhere (leaving her to mind the stall) and then keep all the takings at the end of the day. <em>(<a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/2011/04/market-report.html" target="_blank">That sounds a bit familiar, actually</a>...).</em><br />
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Whenever there was an opportunity for an exhibition or art prize, we were encouraged to enter. Local newspaper clippings were saved when we won or were acknowledged in any way and our efforts were always praised, regardless of the outcome....<br />
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...<em>Or the</em> <em>fashion crimes involved, apparently....</em> I have an embarrassingly large collection of photos of clothes that I made, that from the age of 12, my mother let me wear in public .<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Aged 16, in front of the garment mountain I had sewn.</em></span></div>
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My mum took us seriously. She showed us that if we had an idea, it was possible to see the creative process through as far as we wanted to take it, even if we were only children. She showed us that achievement takes effort and follows a process, nothing happens if you don't give it a go, and that you have nothing to lose by trying. In doing that, she also showed us how to foster creativity and individuality in our own children. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>My girleen holds my hand as I work on the computer (with her in a sling) during the first few weeks of her life.</em></span></div>
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We have no way of knowing if Mum is aware of anything that any of us have done in the last 8 years or so, or if it would have any meaning to her now. Before that - <a href="http://memory.ucsf.edu/education/diseases/ppa" target="_blank">in the first few years of this devastating illness</a> - despite difficulties with language, she made sure that each of us knew she loved and was proud of the adult that we had become.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhn3Cs7VpMcu-08owxyGr_CPnoG2a3_mugFoOpz693XiC1MJfN6ciAls46KYpPMXxecUz6tiWdsEoHdf-kcA3-T5MmnfDFtzUWahOPuObQ9nfXXA7ywOjSz4-xrwnoRJ0vxzXq_wdg49c/s1600/Granny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhn3Cs7VpMcu-08owxyGr_CPnoG2a3_mugFoOpz693XiC1MJfN6ciAls46KYpPMXxecUz6tiWdsEoHdf-kcA3-T5MmnfDFtzUWahOPuObQ9nfXXA7ywOjSz4-xrwnoRJ0vxzXq_wdg49c/s640/Granny.jpg" width="390" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>My Mum with my newborn girleen. <br />She had lost most of her language by then, but still had her gift for communicating with children.</em></span></div>
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We are all enormously proud of our mother and miss her every day. <br />
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And every single day, I am thankful for what she has given to me and to my super-creatively-confident kid.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-78569609066764735002015-12-24T17:18:00.002+11:002015-12-30T20:45:41.663+11:00Happy Holidays 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
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However you celebrate this time of year, I wish you lots of joy and special time with the people you love.</div>
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My girl and I have been over-indulging in Christmas movies and<a href="http://www.au.timeout.com/melbourne/aroundtown/features/4053/melbourne-christmas-lights" target="_blank"> looking at houses with lots of twinkly lights</a>. We've enjoyed hearing carols and ... well, <i>SHE</i> enjoyed the buzz in the city centre<i> (I wanted to run, screaming towards the train home)</i>... She particularly liked that I let her have chocolate pancakes for lunch at The Pancake Parlour (highlight of the year!). And since we set up our portable swimming pool, we've had an endless stream of friends for play-dates and outdoor dinners. </div>
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Basically, we've been hanging out, enjoying the Summer holidays and the magic that Christmas inspires in a sweet 10-year-old's imagination. </div>
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I have been feeling grateful for a year that has brought lots of opportunities and (for the first time in ages) no major upheaval. I have been grateful for health and a roof over my head, and for the peace that we enjoy in this country. I have been grateful for good friends, family and being able to make a living from the work I love doing.<br />
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I have been grateful for cheap Korean restaurants on end-of-year school nights when I can't be bothered cooking dinner (we did this twice).<br />
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We are very lucky people, indeed.<br />
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Teacher gifts were <a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/search/label/inkjet%20fabric" target="_blank">no surprise, really</a>... The latest inkjet printed pencil case design is very Manga-inspired. (The two in the background are my own pencil cases, made using her 3 and 4 year old drawings. They make me smile every day.)<br />
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Holiday activities have also included the transfer of a board game she drew in pencil into a fully packaged, laser-printed affair. I'm very impressed with the clear instructions and the level of complexity she developed in the game. All done without a scrap of help from me.</div>
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Y<span style="text-align: center;">ou might have noticed that I've dropped <a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/sewjeen.html" target="_blank">the diminutive "een"</a> from the end of my "girl". In the last wee while, she appears to have grown nearly as tall as I am (which isn't actually that tall) and on that train trip to the city the other day, I realised that her (kids size) boots are the same size as (adult size) mine.</span><br />
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And so, the summer holidays stretch before us. I will have a kid-free week in which to catch up on some book-writing, and then it'll be back to juggling work around holiday fun. </div>
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We will probably have more dinners on the trampoline.</div>
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Wishing you all the best for the happiest of days over the holiday period and a wonderful 2016.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100500218153792090.post-159990416177471982015-10-20T15:52:00.004+11:002015-12-26T09:58:49.456+11:00 Life As We Know It... and Another Online Class and Another Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hurrah! My <a href="https://www.creativebug.com/classseries/single/how-to-make-a-backpack?" target="_blank">next class at CreativeBug</a> was released this week. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcYMEYfh6XYO4D_rbE9AfOF9J_zioGsCkqu0iRlYmwmbeN69T27RvEO6crY8DNdf-Fg7XXHIXgrxNwY33_ep-c6ijCQKEMX8yRGBR_vZm26G0XRDb5lYEPvgTD_eypn3_busYbse3QUP1/s1600/backpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcYMEYfh6XYO4D_rbE9AfOF9J_zioGsCkqu0iRlYmwmbeN69T27RvEO6crY8DNdf-Fg7XXHIXgrxNwY33_ep-c6ijCQKEMX8yRGBR_vZm26G0XRDb5lYEPvgTD_eypn3_busYbse3QUP1/s640/backpack.jpg" width="640" /></a>It's a super-simple back-pack, that focuses on finishing techniques and strap-making that will improve all your general bag-making. You can see a little promo video of it here, with the other October Releases.</div>
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As promised, there are more of my classes to come on <a href="https://www.creativebug.com/" target="_blank">CreativeBug</a>. Watch this space and I'll keep you informed. </div>
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In other bag-making news, my publishers have released a pattern for the <a href="http://www.ctpub.com/the-berlin-slouch-bag-pattern/" target="_blank">Berlin Slouch</a>, which was originally written as part of <a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=&oq=The+Better+&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGNI_enAU538AU538&q=the+better+bag+maker%3A+an+illustrated+handbook+of+handbag+design+techniques%2C+tips%2C+and+tricks&gs_l=hp..4.0l4j41.0.0.3.355360...........0.0KlrHQxDuUk&pbx=1" target="_blank">The Better Bag Maker</a>, but was lost in <em>The Great Word Count Disaster (ahem...along with 5 others).</em> If you're in Australia, I know that it's available through <a href="http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Berlin-Slouch-Bag-Pattern-Nicole-Mallalieu/9781617452277" target="_blank">Fishpond</a> and <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Berlin-Slouch-Bag-Pattern-Nicole-Mallalieu/9781617452277" target="_blank">Book Depository</a>.</div>
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And yes... I know that it has been too long since I was in the blogosphere, and here I am, popping up and advertising classes and patterns. There have been goings-on and craftiness of all kinds, and I haven't blogged any of it. The blog police (mostly one of the parents* at kiddie-yoga who reminds me each week) have certainly noticed that I don't update my blog or website much these days. <em>(*Hello Shane, if you're reading this!).</em></div>
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The truth is, I miss it. I miss the time I had before for considered diary posts on a regular basis. I miss chronicling the creative development of both my work and that of my gorgeous girleen. I miss the connection with people who read and enjoy this little corner of my world.</div>
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The other day, the girleen and I scrolled through the blog archive I have of her early years. We laughed and were surprised by the things I'd forgotten and the things she actually remembered.</div>
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Life goes on. The girleen continues to amaze me...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqj7yiRNkQjYHQez3ZBRoV0Er-3EjCipmtTfsM9VKWHeP3m_YlcHvqBjUmE3UuefpM4NHQOMUyphN-fW2i3XxV3af3By6Y4sAvB-DvDIj6Uc40PD-ZLVH1llz2pxGSER38wYIKDCh_mp7/s1600/pencil+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqj7yiRNkQjYHQez3ZBRoV0Er-3EjCipmtTfsM9VKWHeP3m_YlcHvqBjUmE3UuefpM4NHQOMUyphN-fW2i3XxV3af3By6Y4sAvB-DvDIj6Uc40PD-ZLVH1llz2pxGSER38wYIKDCh_mp7/s1600/pencil+sketch.jpg" /></a></div>
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And we still have crafty school holiday playdates...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68uKzYtaHfkrWy8kI0yiJ0TOoyXPJlBJCi-uyvN44p-6OZyA_z8b70-joTVZIQ_1uYeMQ0tOjgJHipnaAguzgTusNTYGx58cCC2KZqLA2ZCvdVuDtvna17AmBQiixgV9mnrQJTcAhEOtq/s1600/playdate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68uKzYtaHfkrWy8kI0yiJ0TOoyXPJlBJCi-uyvN44p-6OZyA_z8b70-joTVZIQ_1uYeMQ0tOjgJHipnaAguzgTusNTYGx58cCC2KZqLA2ZCvdVuDtvna17AmBQiixgV9mnrQJTcAhEOtq/s1600/playdate.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ghErN4D2em1kEnjWqjVGUYezmnbGxkBvMEYHJknvybMipFB9IWFE3cnMbjhm9WUZTLE1cy5KYwCVwXa7B8dukbXfyxRnIKGp0QYhfd5LrI3ZpfiqFyfswDE4jJS0lB48ghRByXaCs8gg/s1600/sewing+machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>There are other projects in the pipeline... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj8HnIqEwmE-pf8DeiQRNbVShEBz0nydsT5BGLkuUjlAo-R66zJv1sf0EaBmC3xw4rucpo6KUU0Bf5rI0KJUB5TVxvWwWM8EGOXhDJuXt2w25o6hrWLfcv3hBcDcIUpYcVUeMahRHidDt/s1600/sewing+machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj8HnIqEwmE-pf8DeiQRNbVShEBz0nydsT5BGLkuUjlAo-R66zJv1sf0EaBmC3xw4rucpo6KUU0Bf5rI0KJUB5TVxvWwWM8EGOXhDJuXt2w25o6hrWLfcv3hBcDcIUpYcVUeMahRHidDt/s1600/sewing+machine.jpg" /></a></div>
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And a new spanner thrown into the works... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsas23_T8xZW5g5PDwkSL3GKO-Ki9NcHr6YfcHQUfDIAVggZlRxvdpZrTuuWft6QR7E1WbtQzI8XS2AyZisASNrZcRLNzTvE25sFsaL_Qk3_X5HO8AwRXw2-4S8W2F0kclFPrUqftqU1f/s1600/taco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsas23_T8xZW5g5PDwkSL3GKO-Ki9NcHr6YfcHQUfDIAVggZlRxvdpZrTuuWft6QR7E1WbtQzI8XS2AyZisASNrZcRLNzTvE25sFsaL_Qk3_X5HO8AwRXw2-4S8W2F0kclFPrUqftqU1f/s1600/taco.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm loving my teaching job. Being back in the world of Fashion and garment making is inspiring and challenging in all the right proportions (and I get to hang out with these photogenic beauties all day).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbTE4piRp8bdTrX1utVRS8GckYe_tpqu2Qydr3gHM9z2Dd6fG-Ln7XXfdX0gx7Fquf5jMNpX0gLiDYrEGN0mhoiHDAOmDUyPQ4J8L_kbPKQmcTVXJBcIk0upSxnsaOna7nNCp3lPucH7P/s1600/school+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbTE4piRp8bdTrX1utVRS8GckYe_tpqu2Qydr3gHM9z2Dd6fG-Ln7XXfdX0gx7Fquf5jMNpX0gLiDYrEGN0mhoiHDAOmDUyPQ4J8L_kbPKQmcTVXJBcIk0upSxnsaOna7nNCp3lPucH7P/s1600/school+girls.jpg" /></a></div>
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But the juggle of life - parenting, work, business, writing projects, household management, garden maintenance and other commitments - means that it's easier for me to share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This is a shame, but it's the reality of how much one small person can manage and still have time for the people and things she enjoys. </div>
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Lately, I've given up trying to live up to other people's expectations and am focusing on what's important to me - my girl, my home, my family and friends. And in between, I work on things that I love. And occasionally, I even write a blog post! </div>
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I think I'm happier this way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxdR2QYTMuWXBiRPZSeL1CN7Cg3xuYLDAYhzx7mVcTLVQfFs8a7tdAwqAAWNgUwyy2cy-pfXczG08A-Gl-wc3lja3WcOPEwfH6kKC2hxnYT7F5VZsNZ-qIHYx36dg1bgrwzCYzfC41fDL/s1600/salami+festa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxdR2QYTMuWXBiRPZSeL1CN7Cg3xuYLDAYhzx7mVcTLVQfFs8a7tdAwqAAWNgUwyy2cy-pfXczG08A-Gl-wc3lja3WcOPEwfH6kKC2hxnYT7F5VZsNZ-qIHYx36dg1bgrwzCYzfC41fDL/s1600/salami+festa.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.nicolemdesign.blogspot.com</div>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330947653655808973noreply@blogger.com5