Thursday, December 24, 2009

Handmade-ish Christmas

In the run-up to Christmas this year, I was somewhat snowed-under with work on a certain little dress pattern. The HANDMADE XMAS I'd planned didn't quite come together as originally planned.

The (last-minute) gifts I chose to make, I chose to make in leather... which always takes a lot longer than I think it will ...and then it breaks my heart with flaws on centre-front, bulk that doesn't want to go into frames, stitches that can't be unpicked... and then in the end it looks alright. Talk about emotional rollercoasters...!

The zipped purse morphed organically from one idea to the next and finally settled into a long, boxed corner affair with holes punched out in a random fashion - red interlining showing through. It's large enough to hold a phone or sunglasses ...or camera, notebook, handbag essentials (sewing kit?)... or even one of those cute little Flip cameras that I deperately want.....


I also made a Spec Case in Leather. Oh... and I added a swivel hook to it.... seems to happen a lot lately when I make purses.

(And to answer all those questions I get about my interfacing range and leather - yes, it fuses nicely! I even pressed the leather from the outside, using a Rajah Cloth).

The rest of the xmas presents are a result of last-minute scrambling through a crowded shopping centre and... ummm... a visit to my studio.

There'll be quite a few little girls in my extended family wearing dresses like these this summer.
..several variations of..... in a range of lovely cotton prints.
Made (...ahem..) especially for each of them... of course.
A very safe and happy Christmas to you - one and all!
xxn
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10 comments:

  1. FionaDecember 25, 2009 at 1:15 AM

    Merry Christmas Nikki. I'm sure those little girls will love those dresses!

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  2. Leisurely LesleyDecember 25, 2009 at 6:35 AM

    Absolutely gorgeous dresses. The fabric is beautiful and the pattern superb. I don't usually gush but had to in this case. Merry Christmas

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  3. QuinnDecember 25, 2009 at 8:53 AM

    The quality of your work, from design to completion, is very impressive! And that last little dress would be perfect on my flowery little great-niece :)

    Happy holidays to you and yours!

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  4. becDecember 25, 2009 at 10:34 AM

    Happy Happy Xmas to you and the wee girl. I've had a happy handmade Xmas using your patterns, they are going down a treat! Can't wait to try the dress, I love the shape of the skirt. And a sexy spec case- maybe i'll try that next year????

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  5. rachelmpDecember 25, 2009 at 11:28 AM

    Have a lovely Christmas Nikki!

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  6. lauraDecember 25, 2009 at 12:24 PM

    Such a cute dress and, oh how I loved sewing those when my girls were little. Happy Holidays, and I hope you enjoy your time off.

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  7. AnonymousDecember 25, 2009 at 5:14 PM

    Merry Christmas!

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  8. LieslDecember 25, 2009 at 11:09 PM

    Merry Christmas to you Nikki!

    I am sure that the recipients love all these gifts. The dress is really sweet. The zip leather purse looks so lovely and soft. (But sewing leather? At the last minute? Now that sounds hard - you are the master Nikki!

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  9. AnnieDecember 26, 2009 at 12:42 AM

    I hope you had a Merry Christmas Day today Nikki, and you know that I just LOVE your work.

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  10. UnknownDecember 26, 2009 at 10:54 PM

    OMG - that spec case looks awesome! Well done! Not all of my plans came to fruition either, but I like to "reach for the stars" too.

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I LOVE to read your comments and they brighten my day. I can't respond unless your profile has an email address attached, though... And some days I simply don't have time to respond.... but I respond in a telepathic sort of way to each and every comment.
xxx Nikki