Table Calender

My Lunar New Year

2012-01-26T10:35:00.000+07:00

Hello! I was supposed to update my blog last week with something made, ain't I? But I was swamped with looking after a very sick child who made sure my many consecutive nights were sleepless and I was meted out the worst tantrum and crying scenes. ever.

Then my parents and brother came to visit last Wednesday and so it was showing them around town and some cooking done. We spent the passing of the Chinese New Year together and they returned home yesterday. I still feel a little sad about that.

Now that life is back to the quiet and my boy is nearly his cheery normal self, here I am writing this post entry. Below is a photo of me wearing the 'red threads' dress on the first day of the Lunar New Year, I promised to put up. Wishing everyone a wonderful year of prosperity, good health and happiness!

banana raisins Bread Pudding

2012-01-13T17:07:00.001+07:00

I cooked a full pot of curry chicken+potatoes with lots of gravy yesterday and Brian and I ate it with baguette and baguette only. It was our favourite way of savouring the curry gravy with the thickly sliced baguette bread sponging it up. The pot's gravy was gone before the bread by day's end and I'm left with more than a handful, I decided to use the leftover bread to make pudding. Into the ingredients were also the remaining comb of bananas starting to turn brown and raisins (Staple in my family. My three year old's favourite snack fruit.)

Here's how I made the pudding:

Ingredients-

4 cups of bread, cut into small pieces
4 cups of milk
1 big spoonful of butter
6 eggs
1+half cup of granule sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla essence
10 small (finger length) bananas, mashed
2 packs or less of Sun Maid raisins - (1 pack=1+half ounce)
half teaspoon of powder cinnamon

Soak the bread pieces into the milk for an hour.

During the wait, Kaeden and I went to the back yard and pretended it was the beach outside. I had him helped me "collect" starfishes, sea weed, shells and fish. He enjoyed it and it was an opportunity to get him under the sun to heal from his long drawn cold.

Preheat the oven at 170 deg C.

Butter up the baking dish(es) and set aside.
I used two oval deep dish from Ikea.

In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sugar and vanilla essence together and pour the mixture over the soaked bread. Stir in raisins, mashed bananas and cinnamon. Pour the final mixture into the baking dishes and set them into larger baking dishes filled with water. Bake for an hour or until a wooden (satay) stick comes out clear after inserting into the pudding. Mine took about 80mins to set in the oven.

Cut pudding up into slices and serve them warm or chilled. Enjoy!

red threads

2012-01-05T17:59:00.002+07:00

It's 2012. Last week overlapped into this and my year started off without much of a blast. How were your first days of the new year?

Unlike the last year which I adopted the motto of living life in its stride, I have some grand plans for this year. There are some ambitions I hope to achieve. As for blogging, I have to admit I was contemplating to end it in the last months as my crafting times come to a slow. But for now, I'll just carry on recording my handwork and others just like how I'd done online over here for the past years. I'll try to keep this space going for as long as I can. Perhaps having a goal for my blog space would be ideal; say:

Make something every week.

Then I'll have a 'something' to write about weekly. I'm not sure if I could keep this up through the year though but hey, I'll try my very best!

So for this week, I have a new dress made.

The lunar new year is coming and the Chinese practice the tradition of donning new clothes on the first day, particularly good if the garment is in the auspicious hue of red. I've never been one to adhere to that, sad to say. I'd ever worn black! Those adolescent years.. Considering the past 2 years hadn't been friendly with me, I'm going to up the good vibes by following the dress-red tradition. Who knows, it might work for a better year!

Burdastyle pattern #115

I mentioned I'd worked on Burdastyle pattern (10/2011 Dress with Peter Pan collar and pin tuck #115) before and had failed. I couldn't get the pleats right and after attaching the sleeves, the top bodice of the dress looked disastrous on me.

Burdastyle pattern #116

I realized that pattern #116 is included in the above pattern printout and I decided to make a simpler version of it, without sleeves.

Using pinkish red tone batik, prints unique to Palembang, I also added bias tape for facing when making the dress. The dress silhouette is a loose fit hence instead of a back zipper, I opted for a key hole fastening using a special butterfly shaped brass(?) fastening my friends had given me from a Vietnam trip a few years ago.

I'll put up photos of me wearing the dress on the lunar new year day!

Kaeden's photo collage :: the 3rd year

2011-12-28T11:04:00.001+07:00

This photo frame memory keeper of Kaeden is done up only recently. It contains the photos of him when he was a new 2 year old until the day he celebrated his 3rd birthday. As my photos get more and cluttered each day in my computer, I decided it's time to start printing these physical photos before I lose them virtually. Kaeden got to be involved in putting this frame together as well.

(View Kaeden's 0-1 year old photo collage and 1-2 year old photo collage.)

This frame contains coloured photographs unlike the previous two as Kaeden's growth slows and colours would be nice to highlight the surroundings and items in those pictures. I also included photos taken of Kaeden with my grandfather and his grandparents which I thought to be important for there were the interactions between them at that age.

Here are the close ups:

Soon, the 3-4 year old frame to do! He's going to be four in just 3 months' time. My baby, now a kiddo who does head stands and argues back! Here is a photo that might go into the frame-to-be.

Kaeden learns to roller skate this morning with most of the protective gears in place. He is learning on the new pair of Fisher Price skates which I had him wait to open on Sunday. He is now on the step 2 mode, inching forward r-e-a-l-l-y s-l-o-w-l-y.

Last minute gifts

2011-12-24T13:57:00.001+07:00

It seems inevitable that we would have to do some visiting as a family this weekend, starting tonight and I thought I could escape all of it. Not that I don't like visiting. Brian has been really occupied with work these past days and I'm hoping for some quiet family time together, plus there isn't a long weekend holiday here. It's back to work on Monday. It's the same for coming New Year's day weekend! hhmmph...

I realized I haven't prepare anything for the home visits. (Quite unlike the me in the past two years. I guess I was really hoping for the quiet time real bad.) Last evening I printed out some Christmas tags (for free, from Geninne and Camilla Engman. Some more pretty ones ::here:: !) in a jiffy in Brian's office and then headed to the supermarket to purchase some tea towels and packets of biscuits. It's a little sad the office printer's ink system had gotten wonky hence explained the only red and black-ish cards. But it will do. and I have a thing for tea towels if anyone has already noticed. They are such practical and pretty things.

I wrapped up the packed biscuits on each tea towel bento style and attached the cards with twine this morning. They are really inexpensive and quick to put together.

Happy holidays, everyone!

ps. I promise to write one more post here before the year's end.

of waiting & giving

2011-12-15T13:05:00.001+07:00

Please excuse my few and far between blog posts. It ain't so that I haven't been crafting and nothing exciting or special had happened lately. I had attempted to sew a dress, in particular this pattern from burdastyle and I had failed. Miserably. That was about 2+ weeks ago. Then I had a house guest for a week from two Saturdays ago. Our friends' son, a very well behaved 11 year old came to stay and play. It was a valuable time having him around I must say. In the midst of it, we baked and I sewed two pouches which just didn't seem new to warrant a spot in this blog anymore.

It's coming to the end of the year and I always do a spot of thinking of how my year's been. How's yours coming along? I'm happy to report that Kaeden has grown a few centimetres and he's getting to be a lot of fun to be around. He makes me laugh at least once (off setting the times he made me mad, of course) a day. It is always something he says out of the blue, very candid views of his that amazes me each day.

The other day, grandpa gave Kaeden a present after a trip but I decided to hold him off from opening it until later. He's been getting a few gifts from friends lately. I also had an intention of him learning to skate so I bought a pair of roller skates and had it gift wrapped. I decided Kaeden had to learn to wait for X'mas='opening of presents day' by rewarding him a candy for each day that passed. He's been good so far. We don't celebrate Christmas but I like the tradition of gift giving and receiving. Who doesn't? I'm going to involve Kaeden into making/drawing something for Brian and me in return. Hopefully he'll enjoy the special year end tradition and from it, learn to show appreciation to loved ones by sharing and giving.

fabric by the Kilogram

2011-11-27T17:48:00.001+07:00

Along Jalan Dr. M. Isa; Palembang

Just after lunch and on the way home yesterday, I spotted a little shack by the road with a banner out front advertising sale of fabric by the weight. I thought I'd managed to contain my excitement well (I could have gone hysterical. Not that I needed to buy fabric. I just thought that finally, the thrift gods are smiling at me.) and stopped our ride not too far away and checked the place out.

I'd to remove my sandals before stepping into the tiny place where lots of fabric are stacked around on the floor. There is a variety of materials, some in big bundle bags and in one of those containing good lengths of sweet plain white/cream lace the locals are fond of using as curtains which I really like seeing through their house windows.

While browsing and sifting through the stash, I chatted with the two ladies in the store. Ibu Yaya is the shopkeeper and from whom I learn that her stock came from Bandung; a place of textile factories and popular for its many clothing factory outlets. and gosh, was I glad I talked to them because they shared with me more thrift/vintage shopping venues, of one I verified later in the evening. I was two bagful happy from that trip. Thank you, thrift gods.

From the fabric shack, I bought about 600gm of fabric. 2metres of navy coloured swiss dots cotton, a big remnant of pale pink/blue polka and 2metres of a very pretty light weight border print.

a la tropical dress

2011-11-19T10:02:00.003+07:00

After browsing online and seeing many dresses, I was very drawn to a particular design. A tank bodice with ruffled skirting. I wanted to try and sew something like it without purchasing any pattern. Hence I used the sorbetto top pattern I had lying around in my sewing room, adjusted the sides by making it straight seams (also omitting the centre pleat) then cut into the batik I had lying in shelf, with the remaining pieces of it used for the skirting. I added lining for the bodice too, using pre-loved cloth from a pair of Indian silk pants once belonging to Brian.

This pullover dress made was really a toile garment which I'd hoped it would turn out okay and still wearable. I gave myself all the chances to make as many mistakes I could as I went along with this project. I did made one mistake though, which I was too lazy to remedy: the only in-seam pocket I wanted to add was inverted.

Here are the sources of my inspiration:

source

I particularly adore the black cat dress designed by Leah Goren and it is one I'd seen my favourite fashion blogger Erin: Calivintage wore so often. This dress has resulted in me contemplating using stamps+fabric ink on white/plain canvas to create my own fabric pieces. I think I ought to go ahead and get those fabric ink pads already.

After donning the dress on for a short outing to the library yesterday, I found that I like its loose fit but I could make the neckline higher and shorten the bodice a bit more.

Making it work the Pinafore way

2011-11-13T17:11:00.001+07:00

Remember the dress I made back in June? I haven't worn it since. It was so forgotten in my wardrobe. The reason it hasn't seen daylight was I'll be showing some skin if I were to wear it, something I'm not comfortable doing in this conservative society I'm currently living in. I've no qualms wearing it and similar style of sundresses though, back home Singapore. It would also be too warm to wear a bolero/jacket over. I cut up the matching bolero I made to go with this 40's style 'sports dress', to top up fabric for the quilt I made for Brian recently, deciding that the bolero isn't my thing after all for now.

Later I found the joy of layering, particularly wearing dresses over my chiffon (3/4 sleeves) tops. Before that, I've been browsing the internet and found myself really liking some 60's inspired designers' shift dresses: especially this! I want to work with what I already have to try to achieve similar looks. I decided to alter the hemline of my floral 'sports dress' to above my knees and wear it pinafore style.

Besides my existing dresses, I've also been wanting to get more mileage out of my camera. I've been bugging Brian to work the functions of my camera and achieve some photos I aspire to have, of me, er-hm. Goal: I need to take more quality photos of people. Here's one of a jumping shot I so wanted to do for a long time. Um, I've to iron out the not-capturing the Bozo-ish hairstyle part, with my dear photographer.

Birthday Brian

2011-11-09T11:47:00.000+07:00

On Sunday evening, we held an early celebration for Brian's birthday with extended family in our backyard. We quickly moved indoors though, because of the irritating houseflies lurking around our food. ack. I thought it was important to have this memory created (party. not houseflies.) for my husband, having his father around to mark his turning a year older. Fun family time together is precious.

my handmade presents for Brian: a quilted blanket and a plush toy

and today's the day. Happy Birthday, daddy Brian!

I've been sewing.

2011-11-04T14:41:00.000+07:00

Just. not. blogging much. and I'm sewing on a case of need to. I need to get a present. I have a lot of cloth in storage and I self-imposed-need to start using them as much as I can. Hence I make the present. for a very special someone whose birthday is next week but we'll have a small early celebration this Sunday. Barbeque! and I'm going to cook. (flex fingers. arms stretch) So I have to have the present ready by then. which I did! by today.

So here are pictures of the readied present(s) for a peek or two.

sugar 'n raisins pinwheels

2011-10-27T14:29:00.000+07:00

My oven refused to work after the move to our current home and I'd to wait more than a month for the spare part to arrive and for it to be fixed. Brian kept saying we'd bought a lemon. Now that the lemon is functioning again since for a week, I'd baked a batch of brownies and a banana bread, each time involving my three year old into the baking activity. Kaeden was really enthusiastic and interested in "helping" me and I found great joy in that.

Some days ago after reading ::this::, I couldn't wait any longer and had to try the recipe out after lunch today. I really wonder how marmite would taste on pastry. But because I'm involving the boys who have sweet tooeeth and are lovers of raisins to "assist" me, I had to try a sweet version of the pinwheels. I followed through Melissa's recipe except for using savoury ingredients, I used brown sugar granules (about half cup), half teaspoon of cinnamon and a sprinkle of raisins.

altered :: 'Sunflowers' vintage dress

2011-10-26T13:55:00.002+07:00

My collection of vintage clothing is growing slowly but surely; mostly dresses, two tops and two rompers to date. and I adore every piece of it, with some on the very frequent wear rotation. My recent acquisition is an autumnal shade of yellow sunflower print button down dress with a bow as the front feature; bought from ::here::. I love that it has two deep side in-seam pockets and the cotton material is still wonderfully thick. The dress is a little large for me and long too, being an 80's style I believe.

Today I finally altered it, by taking in the sides but not cutting into it for in the event, which I'd never wish upon myself, that I put on weight, I could remove the stitching. The permanent change I did to the dress was the length. It was originally tea-length, a rather frumpy look on me. After the alteration, the dress now rests above my knees and I think the dress has taken on a 80's does 50's look quite nicely.

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updated on 31 October '11, Monday

um, here's a photo of me wearing the dress on Saturday.

some carriers

2011-10-21T17:40:00.000+07:00

Bags for our yoga mats

A 'Strawberry & friends' gift pouch - for a small friend

The other side of gift pouch & contents

I'd been away, back to Singapore for two weeks along with Brian and Kaeden. The main reason back was to attend my cousin's wedding which I'd been looking forward to the past months. On a few occasions, Brian and I went looking around at schools as well, one which could be Kaeden's future learning place. The whole trip, my mind was on overdrive, mapping out some plans and worrying over some, to the extent I was afraid I'd turned into an insomniac. Now that I'm back home, I'm catching up on sleep and looking forward to attending my yoga classes. I find that going for classes help shape my week and doing yoga stretches have upped my stamina a lot these days.

I need to replace my tearing old yoga mat bag but I couldn't find a sturdy one to buy in Singapore. I usually bring two mats along with me each time so I need one which could withstand the weight. Out of necessity, for there's a lesson tomorrow, I quickly sewed one up with fabric once bought from Ikea and then another, yesterday. I removed the strap and drawstring fastener from the old bag and sewed it onto the new one. I used some pre-loved fabric and brown trim to make another for Brian, who sometimes followed me into class after some hoaxing on my part.

The last Saturday before we left for Singapore, Kaeden attended his music lesson and his classmate sprang a birthday favour pack on him. It was her birthday recently. Hence on a sewing high, after the bags, I made a gift pouch using the Strawberry Shortcake theme fabric again for holding the contents we intend to give as a belated birthday present.

'bows on shoulders' blouse

2011-09-24T17:19:00.003+07:00

I've been reading that Fall is making its way in the Northern hemisphere by this time of year and I can't help but wonder how it is like to prepare a wardrobe for the change of a season. Where I am, tropically hot, I could count the number of times it had rained for the past two months on my fingers. The that-time-time-of-the-year Sumatran haze even worsened the air. Black ashes on the floor at my backyard by every morning. I'm certainly looking forward to the monsoon rains!

Because of the weather, I've been turning to wearing sleeveless blouses a lot. I made myself a new one yesterday, adapting the sorbetto pattern by adding a few inches on the shoulders for a variation. Hence the bows on the shoulders. I was inspired by ::this::. I had some leftover fabric from a previous project: a smock I'd worn quite regularly; because it's a little sheer, always with a camisole underneath. This time, I lined the blouse with a thin white cotton. It was the first time I lined a self made garment.

This new blouse is a great piece to wear with my favourite scarf in air conditioned places and had helped me keep cool for most of today I'd been out.

Also, I could not believe I haven't share that Jali had made her version of sorbetto using the fabric I'd sent her. Go see!

Here's me: sneaking a photo before heading out, in my 'bows on shoulders' blouse.

and just reading Sarai's post on her chevron top made me think I ought to go ahead and make mine. and I really like her pair of velvet clover pants.

50 pouch project :: mish-mash || completed!

2011-09-16T11:05:00.001+07:00

It's pretty much the doldrums here. The slight differences to the daily bits were meeting up with the consul and an invitation to a Hakka association's 8th anniversary in the past days.

Sewing front: I finally stiffened my back and completed sewing the pouches I promised my mother.

Read about my:

This final batch of 20 is made of various prints; new/pre-loved fabric. I also considered the fact that there would be male recipients hence a small quantity of "manly" prints I could put together in my best effort.

I think I'm done with anything pouch or bag for now.

* Note to self,
and really, I want to share this post- Lune Vintage: Count the day.
It's a nice read and a great reminder for myself.

sail ahoy! :: lunchbag

2011-09-07T13:49:00.001+07:00

I figured the best way to get back into my sewing mode is to ~~start~~ complete the projects I'd promised to make for a dear friend and my mother. After the move into the new-to-me house and then later, a week long off work for Brian meant I have not been anywhere near my sewing machine. It had been a nice albeit uneventful (after the house move) family time together.

I finally got to finish off making the lunch-maybe breakfast-bag for my dearest pal who likes to have her cereal in her office. I bought her a red food canister and an extra round container, then set out to measure the size of the lunch-bag which folds over 'paper bag' style. Using unused vintage nautical theme linen pillowcase, blue gingham cotton for lining and denim straps. I gave the straps some length so she could carry the bag over her shoulder and the extra bag room space for the occasional indulgence of a packet of chips, or two.

(Thank you Brian, for your left arm support. Ref: top picture)

Strawberryland :: pencil case

2011-08-28T17:08:00.001+07:00

Left: Apricot :: She is a little baby with an unusual vocabulary. Apricot and her pet bunny Hopsalot lived in Big Apple City before moving to Strawberryland.

Centre: Strawberry Shortcake :: A natural leader, Strawberry Shortcake gently guides the residents of Strawberryland. She is kind, resourceful and always ready to help a friend in need.  Her pet cat is named Custard - a pink cat with white polka dots.

Right: Lemon Meringue :: Lemon Meringue is a very proper young lady. She likes to primp and preen, fuss and muss and do all things feminine. She can occasionally get a little overbearing, but her heart is in the right place (and she's often right!). She has a pet frog named Frappe.

Left: Huckleberry Pie :: The sole male character, for the most parts, in Strawberryland.  Huck bore more than a passing resemblance to the more famous Huck Finn,  from his straw hat and overalls to his tendencies towards fishing and  general laziness. He has a brown dog with green and white striped ears - named Pupcake.

Centre: Raspberry Tart :: She is quite the practical joker and quick with her wits (and mouth). She's also a little vain. Raspberry Tart can lack tact and be a little too outspoken but like most in Strawberryland, she's berry sweet! Her pet is a Monkey named Rhubarb.

Right: Plum Puddin' :: Plum Puddin' started out life as a boy in the original cartoon drawings. But he eventually became a she - and she's pretty rare as a doll! Plum Puddin' is the bespectacled genius of the group. Her pet is an owl named Elderberry whose large eyes are a perfect match for Plum Puddin's round glasses!

(Identification and description of characters, quoted and adapted from ::here:: and ::here::)

I was preparing the materials for the making of the remaining pouches of my 50 pouch project and I decided to add one more into the making, to give to a new friend of Kaeden's. A little girl who is a few months younger than my son. My long time hoard of a vintage Strawberry Shortcake print fabric came to mind. I was really glad I could cut into it! Finally. Making something for a little girl!

I pieced and sewed the characters together and turned the two fabric pieces into a pencil case which I add a few new stationery into. I'd never played with Strawberry Shortcake (and friends) dolls and I just learned less than an hour ago, that every character has a pet and there are quite a number of them in Strawberryland! Being who I am, I had to identify and learn who are the ones on the pencil case I'd made, so do excuse the introductions above!

home for now

2011-08-28T16:13:00.000+07:00

We have stayed at the new rental place for a little more than a week now. I'm growing to like the new environment, especially now that the kitchen is so accessible and the sink is at a great height, I find myself enjoying washing the dishes. really. We have a smaller space now than we're used to before and there are new sounds I have to get used to too. There is a little more work needed to be done around the house and by the time they're completed, I should be a happy person in my comfort zone.

Sewing Secrets :: About Fabrics

2011-08-15T08:58:00.000+07:00

image source

Today marks the official first day move to the new-to-us house, with all the shifting and arm work of stacking/packing/lifting heavy stuff. It had been a stressful past week, and I'm hoping this week's move will not incite any more flares (read: me) than necessary. I need to get back into 'the cool'.

I don't know when I can get things organized and get into the groove of sewing again. Maybe two weeks' time? I saw this post over at Millie Motts and found it to be an incredibly useful information hence I re-post it here, for I'm sure to refer to it again, and again in the future. Thanks, Millie Motts!

The Romantics :: large tote bag

2011-08-10T15:05:00.000+07:00

Some years back, I mentioned that my father-in-law handed me a plastic bag filled with crafting related items which once belonged to Brian's mother in Palembang. Inside the bag, one of the items was a completed large piece of cross-stitched work; on green plastic-like fabric structure, filled with woollen threads (which tend to cause a slight itch to my nose). I had given it a wash that time and kept it away in my fabric box ever since.

The style of the cross-stitched image reminds me of the Romantic era, quite Shakespeare-ish I must say. It isn't something I could appreciate hanging on the wall in my home, which explained it being stowed away. It's really sad, considering the huge amount of time and effort, I'm sure mom-in-law must have put in to put the piece together, a long time ago.

Then, just yesterday I saw the art piece again. I was clearing my fabric box, for an impending house move. I realized at that moment, I could turn the piece into something user-friendly-me, but still retain its integrity.

Of course, I sought Brian's permission for doing that. That's me. I gave the cross-stitch a full day morning and noon sun yesterday, and turned it into a large roomy tote bag this morning. I did not cut the art piece one bit, for if, in the future any family member would like to view it in full, it's still possible. I lined the bag with solid cream cotton and for the handles, I used crocheted lace in my collection.

I love how the cross-stitched piece had turned into something I'm proud to carry and bring out. It will certainly come in very handy in my packing-house-mode now and I'm foreseeing the bag hanging pretty, when not in use, on the wall somewhere in my new-to-me house soon.

50 pouch project :: 12 toile de jouy ||| A Rescued Bird

2011-08-07T15:13:00.000+07:00

I wasn't sewing as much as I'd have liked. Fatigue and the heat seemed overbearing these days. I took to the air conditioned room with the laptop, looking and dreaming of chiffon evening party dresses far too much. I put an end to it by finally settling my mind on one, ahem and got the rest of my head straight for completing the tasks I've set out to do. Making pouches to add on to my 50 pouch project, for one.

I used my calico this time, cut up around the printed blue, backed with corduroy and lined with pre-loved floral sheet cotton. All 12 completed today.

and sometime this week, Friday(?) after lunch, Brian rescued a fallen bird from the nasty drain in front of our home. It wasn't our first encounter up close to a small bird.

Brian seems to have an affinity for this. He gave the bird a quick shower, pat it dry and let it rest in a shoebox which we left in a flower bed. It didn't stay long. The bird flew right off after seeing me (with a toothbrush in my mouth, yep) when I went to check on it about an hour later.

strawberries :: apron

2011-07-26T14:17:00.001+07:00

It had been an eventful past two weeks for me and my family. I dealt with a minor cold hence lazy lethargic days and then it was off to Jakarta last Tuesday. We spent a few days in the city, with Brian away at work the first two days. On one of those days, I brought Kaeden to KidZania. It was certainly a memorable time although I'd think he would have a better learning opportunity at play there when he gets a bit bigger. When we returned home after the trip, the poor boy fell sick with stomach flu the next day. We went through lots of bed sheet changing and soup macaroni sessions over the weekend.

I took a little time off last evening to do some sewing in order to get my mind off my duties. Using the vintage McCall's 1877 (Misses' Aprons with Four-Color Strawberry Transfer) I'd received from Adey, I made the view A, a half apron as a birthday present for Jenny, Kaeden's auntie; of which the fabric of linen and pink cotton were already in my stash.

I found absolute great joy in using the two of the nearly-60-year-old strawberries print transfers which still work beautifully(!) that came with the pattern.

I omitted the band on the bottom of the apron, added an additional pocket instead and decorated the waistband using white lace. I thought the transfer paper was too precious to be thrown away even after using it and pasted it on a piece of cardboard. I wrote a recipe of homemade strawberry jam I found online on the other side. Then gift wrap the apron in a piece of organza.

Now that Kaeden is feeling a lot better, I should be able to get some time out of home soon and shop for a cookbook which I intend to gift along the apron.

blueberries & a feature

2011-07-12T12:16:00.001+07:00

This is my third attempt of a new recipe from the mini cookbook chef wan: baked treats; blueberry muffins. I'm going to try going through the content of recipes in the book, especially the fruit based ones which makes the bulk of it anyway. I asked Brian for a taste of this batch of muffins and he thought it wasn't sweet enough. I thought the bite into the blueberry bits sort of make up the lack of sweetness. Perhaps I ought to increase the brown sugar content the next time.

note to self:

-makes a batch of 18 small cupcake size muffins

-1 can of Oregon brand blueberries fills up to nearly a full cup

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I'm honoured to be able to do an interview at Burdastyle.

If you'll like to read more, please ::click here::.

Lowly worm

2011-07-08T13:20:00.004+07:00

Kaeden is a huge fan of Richard Scarry's stories, particularly the ones involving characters residing in Busytown. I'll try to get hold of related books to read to him whenever and the boy is fond of watching the Busytown mysteries (learning a few catchphrases from Pig Will and Pig Won't while at it) and the whole Best Ever! series videos on dvds. Naturally he will have a favourite character and that happens to be Lowly worm.

There was pressure on me from the father and son duo to make a Lowly worm plush toy. Kaeden has been increasing the pressure especially of late. He would say, "Lowly has one shoe on, a hat and no hands." so I would get a good mental picture of how to make one. Okay, I felt the heat. I couldn't even buy one (and get it quick to save me in time) even if I want to. I really have to make one.

I got to work right after breakfast this morning, skipping our routine of writing and table-work and guess what, no bugging of watching cartoon from my boy. Kaeden very obediently played by himself but of course, barging into my workspace and asking me every now and then, "Is it done yet?".

Kaeden's new companion is made of fabric (some reused from clothing/sheet), stuffing and felt as interface for the hat and two small buttons for the shirt. and he loves it. He wants to bring it out, "so I can show to 'all people'. Can I bring him to the cinema with me?". Are we going to the cinema? We have yet to watch a show in a cinema together. That boy is certainly good at putting fun ideas into my head.

ladies of the yesteryear

2011-07-06T12:14:00.003+07:00

I've been immensely lucky to receive some gorgeous things in the mail of late.
Here are some with very pretty illustrated ladies of the past.

Two sewing paper patterns I won in past separate giveaways. (Thank you, Adey and Michelle.) I'm hoping to work on them soon! On top of a pattern, Michelle also gave me a gift voucher to fabric.com. I ~~have never bought fabric online~~ once bought a charm pack of reproduction fabric and I was so overwhelmed when shopping for one! After thinking hard and long, I decided to cut the chase and go with 4 yards of this:

source

Something I would be sure of using and that it is stretch jersey, a fabric I would want to try my hands sewing on. I hope I made a good decision!

side note: Fabric.com does not ship to Indonesia as of date.

A birthday package which contained this sweet-at-first-hilarious-later tin box and a lovely written card from my best friend. Thank you, Qing!

writing with thread

2011-07-05T11:30:00.001+07:00

I'm currently reading 'Ask and It is Given', a book akin to the concept or a new thought of 'the law of attraction', something Brian introduced me to and who has been egging me on to read about and practice on. Unlike fiction and novels, I tend to read (self-help?) books at a real slow pace, preferring to dwell and digest a point at a time each day.

One of the exercises (called 'process' in the book) to help me achieve my desires faster is to possess a box which I'll be happy to look at and in it, fill up with cuttings of pictures (from ie. magazines/catalogs/brochures, for which in my case, it'll have to be images from the world wide web) and written words of experiences I'll love to have in my life. The rationale of that is : the act of putting them into the box reduces or brings to naught, any chance of resistance in aid of things (you desire) to happen quickly.

Okay, so this sounds like a fun idea to me and definitely something I could work on. I picked up two stowed away weave baskets which came with my jam purchases and set to work on labeling them. I knew I didn't want printed words on paper and thought I could try embroidered words on fabric instead. and I wanted them quick. So instead of hand embroidering, I used my sewing machine. At first I used the zig zag function and nearly wanted to give up at the word 'contained'. I thought it was too messy but i persevered. Not the nicest looking words around but I'm glad Brian's okay with it. Sorry! I then switched to simple straight lines for words on my box. Still messy but much better.

Now, to fill that box in...

bread pudding & kettle corn

2011-07-03T16:13:00.001+07:00

I've often wondered how a dish of baked bread and butter pudding tastes like, reading about it for the first time :: here :: a signature dish of Amesh's. She was really kind to share the recipe with me but I was too lazy to get it translated into English, and that was nearly a year ago. A few days ago I found out I have something similar in a mini cookbook already on my bookshelf.

Bread pudding with green apples, cinnamon and raisins, recipe from 'Baked treats' by Chef Wan.

The portion runs big for our family. So I'll half the ingredients the next time I make it. We had it for lunch for the first time and finally I know how it tastes! I do like eating bread and butter.

Then we had kettle corn for teatime.
I do hope you have yummy treats to eat today. Happy Sunday!

50 pouch project :: first batch of 18

2011-07-02T20:14:00.000+07:00

Before:

After:

On my last visit home, I promised my mum I'd help her make pouches which she intends to give as year end gifts to her colleagues at her workplace, a public hospital. 50 pouches in all, she asked me to make. That trip home, I found a bag of scrap cloth; mostly remnants of cotton used to make my maternal grandmother's blouses. It was unearthed from the storage room not too long ago by my mother, who once took charged of looking for seamstresses to make clothes for my then elderly on-the-big-side grandma. I told mum I'd used those scraps for some of my pouch making. (see my current blog banner;

for mentioned already-freshly-laundered scrap fabric.)

Mum's response to that was lukewarm. "哪里美...?". Even Brian shared her less than enthusiastic opinion. Why hold such negative connotations to a bundle of cloth associated to grandma? I was determined to make nice looking pouches out of them.

Last Saturday I cut these fabric pieces up, adding in some from my scrap stash then matched them with my available lot of zippers and lining fabric and interfacing with felt. At a slow and steady pace over the week, I completed the first batch of 18 zippered pouches in slightly varying sizes. because variety is good. in my book.

white stripes purple top

2011-06-22T18:00:00.001+07:00

In an effort to stash bust, I was in the mood to make a blouse using the purple jersey a friend has given me last year (thanks, Iris!). The yardage is good for making a top and after noticing striped print clothing in stores and online these days, I'm sufficiently inspired. I'd been keeping the fabric and telling myself I'd make a top out of it once I have a serger machine. Today is the day.

There wasn't a pattern, I simply used a worn out house blouse as the pattern base and made a deep boat neckline and with cap sleeves. Sewed and serged up all seams and machine sewed the turned in hemming. I got a new loose comfy house-blouse now.

At the house back yard; checking out the substances on the ground.

wardrobe dream :: '11 birthday giveaway winner

2011-06-20T10:48:00.002+07:00

The just-over weekend had been packed with fun activities; what with me turning a year older (a total of 31!) on Friday and Father's Day on Sunday, my family used those two good reasons to spend some quality time together. Many thanks to my dear friends who had written to me with their well wishes and I'm making sure that I'll reply them by today. Also, to all who had shared with me a dream of theirs in my giveaway post, particularly:

Peach Rainbow, Lovely Domestic Diva, Jenny, Laura, Susan, Janene, Tresa, Mona, Belinda and Jali

a big thank you! The winner of my birthday giveaway is Jali!

I ought to share a small dream of mine in return. It is one in many and which I suppose, quite achievable since I'm already working on it. To fill my wardrobe with everyday wearable (especially hot climate friendly!) vintage/yesteryear (40's-70's) inspired clothing. I'm far from being one who is very fashion forward and as of today I'm still figuring out what works best for and on me. I found myself especially fond of the styles and fabric used in vintage clothing so I'm going to work towards that. I recently re-hauled my cupboard by pulling out clothes I'd not worn for more than a year and those which already looked very used and sad and keeping back those I'd wear. This has resulted in a less cluttered wardrobe space and I found myself picking out clothes I'd normally ignore, to wear and had given my favourite ones a respite from the frequent rotation of wash rounds. Nevertheless, shopping for vintage clothing has always been fun and exciting for me especially the anticipation of a good piece to come along my way!

Here are two photos of me finally donning my last handmade 40's inspired suit for a nice dinner:

light brown bolero

2011-06-15T10:25:00.000+07:00

The bolero is a breeze to make in just a few hours yesterday and the thick sturdy fabric made it even more enjoyable to sew. I followed almost every bit of the pattern and instructions from the the vintage pattern McCall 5953 except for sewing and inserting the shoulder pads, fashion accessories I haven't yet grow to like. I'll post up photos of me wearing the completed suit when I get to do so!

floral sports dress

2011-06-12T14:48:00.002+07:00

Today is one of those rare Sundays which I had initially set out to laze around and not achieve much but on the contrary did quite a bit and felt I had fulfilled some even before the day's end. The family went cycling around the estate after breakfast and I came home to make a lunch (and also dinner later) of American style Mexican burrito, food ~~the family~~ Brian and I, not including the young one yet, have come to love after the introduction from our friends. We, again referring to B and I, have a thing for guacamole, for sure. Kaeden is happy with his "regimented" rice and side dishes diet and I'm hoping he'll break out of his mould soon, by dinnertime maybe?

After lunch, I finished up the details of the dress I'd been working on, stitching on the buttons and hemming up the length. The pattern is a McCall 5953, copyright 1945, labeled Junior Miss Sports Dress & Bolero. It sure is feminine looking for a sports dress! I used some medium weight dark navy blue floral cotton bought from a fabric shopping trip with my sister-in-law in Chinatown last trip to Singapore. I had taken a slower pace of sewing this time, taking care with every step and process. Next, the bolero!

a belt

2011-06-07T11:58:00.002+07:00

It will be a while more until my current project: a 1940's sun dress and a matching bolero are completed. Here's a quick peek at the belt that goes with the dress-to-be, using a buckle I bought sometime back and which I got Brian to help remove the prong.

on other news:

♥ I so so wish I could be :: here ::.

♥ My giveaway is still going on!

perch. bird brooch & cotton :: birthday giveaway! (sorry, closed!)

2011-06-01T12:11:00.002+07:00

As with the past year, I'll like to continue the practice of holding a giveaway in my birthday month. To spread a little joy, in this case, a brooch and fabric to a lucky someone!

For this giveaway, I'd recently picked out a little painted purple metal (brass, I think) with rhinestones bird brooch which I'm bracing myself to be apart from and a 1.5m long of white cotton with tiny embroidered squares. The fabric will be perfect for making up the Sorbetto top :: a free to download Colette pattern! Off my imagination, the bird brooch is happily pinned onto the 60's inspired top after it's being made. I really do hope the recipient would kindly send me a picture of that should my imagination materialize! Even if it isn't so, I'm sure the fabric will come in useful for various crafts and the brooch will look good on any pretty dress or blouse.

So if you, my dear reader, would like to win this (fabric + brooch) set, please leave me a comment in this post, and share with me a dream project of yours; it could be craft or charity related, a kitchen re-do, anything! I'll also like to use this opportunity to invite (not obligatory, you must know) any regular reader of mine to include my blog into your google reading list ie. be my blog follower! If you already are, thank you! At the end of your comment, please leave me a form of contact: your blog or e-mail address because should you win, I'll like to inform you or otherwise just check back to see if you're the winner and write to me with your mailing address.

I'll pick out a winner's name off my hat on my birthday, the 17th and post out this giveaway in a flat envelope to anywhere in the world. Good luck!

a '52 dress

2011-05-31T12:24:00.002+07:00

When I heard that my cousin will be getting married in October, I began *imagining attending his wedding in a self made vintage/retro looking dress. I got really excited about the wedding mainly because I have not, in many years, attended an elaborate wedding function where guests would sit down on a decorated table with courses of dishes served. I miss attending such an event and really hope I could make it for his. The few weddings I'd attended in Palembang were usually hurried affairs and lack the air of love hence romanticism that ought to (in my humble opinion) hovers a wedding (if not, what for?).

In one recent occasion, I'd witnessed guests rushing to the buffet table of food when the lids were just removed, before the hosts mentioned anything about eating in the function hall and only shortly after the wedding commenced. I was stunned and had felt so sorry for the new couple and both sets of parents/guardian when they looked onto the scene from the stage. The wedding was over in less than 2 hours. A stream of people started leaving once after their stomachs were filled. Very few went up front to congratulate the newly weds. Perhaps it's because of this sad scene etched in my mind, I desperately want to right the idealism of a wedding in my head again.

I know I need to start practicing making dresses more if I want to fulfill my little dream*. So as I was looking around at paper patterns, I chanced upon the US$1.99 sale going on over at Butterick and promptly ordered some retro styles off the website. I had this soft flow-y fabric of roses print in brown tones for awhile. The local shop lady said the material is chiffon when I enquired. But I'm still not too sure. I bought 3 metres of it. Once I had the patterns on hand, I decided to match the fabric to B4919,'52 style. It's a lot less yardage than required but luckily I had some hand me down beige silky fabric which I used for the front bodice lining and because of my not so tall height, the fabric was just enough after I adjusted the skirt length.

I am pretty happy with how the dress turned out except that the v neckline is too low for me. It looks like the pattern is for one with a very high waist. But it isn't a problem a nice brooch can't fix. I might just wear this on the day!

Tomorrow, a giveaway!

wearing vintage blue

2011-05-27T16:08:00.000+07:00

circa 1950's shirt dress; from Granny's Day Out

circa 1970's chiffon flutter sleeves dress; from By My Old School

circa 1970's ribbon bow tie front, umbrella print dress; from By My Old School

When I was back in the Lion city, I shopped and bought to replenish whatever necessary supplies, vitamins and favourite foodstuff that would last us from just a few days to a few months of our stay here in Palembang. Then I allowed myself the luxury of books, fabric and you guessed it, clothes. I completely give the common name brand shops in town a miss but shopped vintage this trip. I'd have loved to thrift shop but there wasn't enough time but I managed to make a beeline to two vintage specialty shops on separate occasions.

I go weak kneed at clothing from the past eras. The style and fabric choices and that there is hardly another similar one to be found in any other shops. What story would a dress tell of its life and past owner(s) if it could communicate to me? I was lucky to score three blue dresses (and a red 1980's romper which I'd already worn 3 times!) that were in my size.

3 favourite places

2011-05-26T15:20:00.000+07:00

Beach, Sentosa
15 May 2011
morning

Singapore Botanic Gardens
20 May 2011
evening

Bukit Batok Fire Station (our first visit)
21 May 2011, Saturday
open house 9-11am

Baby Chair Slings

2011-05-25T10:49:00.000+07:00

Come have tea with me!

About a little more than a month ago, I paid a local seamstress to help me sew a batch of baby chair slings out of some fabric (100% cotton) I'd purchased, then brought them over to Doinky Doodles! shop during my last trip back to Singapore. The best thing about the sling is it folds into a small lightweight attached pouch.

Don't know a thing about a chair sling? Simply put, it's a handy item a parent/guardian brings along for meal sessions during outings with a young child who isn't ready to sit on a regular chair without supervision and aid. During the time when Kaeden was just learning to sit, I find it very useful, particularly during my stay in Palembang where many restaurants/eateries are not yet equip with feeding high chairs or if there are, they are few and not cleaned regularly! I also brought my chair sling along each time I returned to Singapore and stayed with my parents who do not have a baby feeding chair in their home. It was a good tool for me to instill good eating manners ie. staying at the table until food is finished, into Kaeden, starting at a young age.

So do pop over Doinky Doodles! to have a look at the selection of the baby chair slings (and also check out my other items). Xin, the artist shop keeper has so creatively made a baby model and drew an illustration for the instructions! \('u')/

illustrations and image by Xin

Home. Clutch Bags.

2011-05-24T16:57:00.000+07:00

I'm home in Palembang, to most things a-okay except for my withered bonsai plants. Took an early morning flight back, and rested for a bit after unpacking. I can't help but feel a little homesick for now. I'd like to sort out the photos the family has taken and post up the best parts of some outings next and soon, get back to sewing once the humdrum has settle in.

Brian and I, just as per every trip, have brought back goodies, especially food we love which we couldn't get here, tons of books and some favourite things. The clutch bags above are two favourite items of mine but I'd left them behind instead. The vintage blue leather clutch was bought from Granny's Day Out and it had proved to be a very spacious and easy to use bag. I'd already used it on many short trips out and on errand runs, when Kaeden wasn't following because if he was, I'd to lug more items (of his) out.

The brown AILY clutch which belonged to my mum and who used it in the 70's, was a surprise find after some clearing of space in the bedroom and I promptly claimed it as mine. In the bag, I found a handwritten note of relatives' Chinese names, a long pencil and a pair of small tear drop shape jade which mum had totally forgotten about.

Don Handmade :: Day 4 & last day 5

2011-05-14T21:25:00.000+07:00

Day 3 - 13.5.11

We had a car for the day driving to places where taking public transport was a bit of a hassle. We went around getting medication, shopping at Mustafa Centre; Little India and then lunch near Sungei Road. I was wearing the polka dot blouse, something I hadn't put on in a long time.

Day 5 - 14.5.11

Here I am, in the 'Just because' dress, sitting on the sofa at my parents'. I'm dressed up for dinner somewhere. By today, I'm kind of exhausted, a result of the past days' activities and I don't have a ready smile for most people, let alone the camera. Do pardon me.

Summary:

It was a challenge for me to take photos of myself, especially in consecutive days. Having to rush from one place to another also wasn't ideal for locating a nice background and slowly taking the time to pose for the camera. I'm really usually camera shy and these photos for the past days were not my best front. However, I'd succeeded in making myself wear my handmade clothing for 5 consecutive days. I know I'll have to start making more bottoms: pants and skirts.

Don Handmade :: Day 3 & On Burdastyle 'Member project of the week'!

2011-05-12T21:10:00.000+07:00

Day 3 - 12.5.11

Brian and I went out to town. Just the two of us hanging out for almost a whole day which is rare and precious. I wore my pink sleeveless blouse and a pair of pants for easy commuting. I brought along a cardigan for keeping warm in the malls as we did some shopping today. I got a few vintage pieces which I'd like to write about in another post.

When I was lunching at Nando's where the above photo was taken off my mobile phone (I didn't want to lug the camera around today.), I received a text message from talented seamstress Adey; The Sew Convert telling me that my summer tent dress is featured as Burdastyle's member project of the week! I was so thrilled and anyone could have guessed that helped increase the appetite for my meal.

Don Handmade :: Day 1 & 2

2011-05-11T16:38:00.000+07:00

In an effort to wear the clothing I'd made more often, I'd decided to challenge myself to this self campaign of 'Don Handmade Daily'. But I could only do 5 consecutive days. I know, I'm such a cheater. What 10 / 14 days? I looked through my wardrobe and picked out 5 pieces (4 blouses and 1 dress) which I would wear for my visit and stay in Singapore. This 14 day trip, I limited myself to 9 tops, 4 pants, a skirt and a dress. A lot more separates so I won't quickly get sick of similar entire outfits and for practicality as well.

Day 1 - 10.5.11

I started the self campaign off yesterday when I took the flight back to Singapore accompanied by my husband and son, wearing my green handmade smock, over a white camisole, matched with a store bought black chiffon skirt and a grey cardigan. I love this skirt I've had for many years a lot but I seldom wear it. I thought I'd like to wear a skirt more and that it's black, it shouldn't be too difficult to match with my other blouses.

I like the above photo which captured a pretty Singapore Airline flight attendant walking behind us at the airport. I was happy to be home. But boy, the day started to get really busy.

Day 2 - 11.5.11

thinking ahead of the possibly total achievable errands

Today is busy errand running day. Brian took a few quick photo shots of Kaeden and me in front of the mailboxes before we set out. I'm expecting some mail coming. I'm wearing the white peter pan collar blouse with a pair of loose blue shorts by cotton ink and a pair of flip flops. I had to do a fair bit of walking in the hot weather in the neighbourhood, going to the banks, got an old pair of sandals fixed at the cobbler's, lunch and a trip to the printers and library, dinner grocery shopping at the supermarket, met our father and son duo friends. It was a lot.... and I'm beat. 'til the next outfit day!

Today, I ....

2011-05-06T13:05:00.000+07:00

Yesterday I received a postcard from Jill who records her daily impressions by drawings and written words on postcards, of which she'll send them out all around the world. Thank you, Jill! On my card, it was a drawing of a Magnolia tree almost in full bloom, in view from her kitchen window on 28th March 2011.

Today I saw that the starfruit trees are starting to flower from the window of my sewing room.

Today I baked two round pans of pear tarts. I added drops of butter and a sprinkle of almond slivers for toppings before baking.

It's Superpig! pouch

2011-05-05T14:07:00.000+07:00

Before I head out, here's a quick post on a pouch I'd made for Kaeden,

to fill his medication and AeroChamber for on the go.

The applique patches were cut off from the boy's used t-shirt. After many washings and colour run I decided to throw out the garment but salvaged the adorable embroidered patches of the Superpig and his veggie friends before doing so. Kaeden chose the orange zipper out of my bunch of colourful ones and I used blue gingham cotton and a pink alphabet theme fabric for the lining. I also interfaced the pouch with felt for some sturdiness. The size of the pouch is almost as big as a tissue box.

'almost a skirt' shorts

2011-05-02T12:01:00.000+07:00

I'm running low on steam when it comes to sewing, blogging and sadly, keeping up with the everyday. What I was afraid would happen last week, didn't. Our domestic helper has decided not to relocate to another town. That was a huge relief for all three of us at home. She is an immense asset to us and we don't want to lose her at this point if we can help it. However that didn't spike me up. Maybe it's the lingering cold bug in my system. Whatever it is, I know I need a break, some stimulation to the spirits and a bit of excitement of being in a city again. A stay by the sea also seems ideal for the soul but the pragmatic me knows it's out of reach for awhile more. Did you watch the Royal wedding? I witnessed the vows and most of everything that could be aired on television. The romanticism is still swirling around in my mind and I'm still a bit off the ground.

I made the (1951 McCall's 8552) shorts I wanted to last Thurday and wore it out yesterday with a yellow store bought blouse to match. The thing is a little loose on me and my, I totally forgot about making adjustments to the crotch. I need to re draft the pattern again. and the current mood calls for holding off the making of the blouse from that pattern.

some goals

2011-04-27T12:11:00.001+07:00

I keep visualizing this image illustration of a year 1951 pattern, latest in my possession; a shirt and pants ensemble in my mind. I really want to make this outfit, particularly the pants (I love the pocket detailing and that the fly and button fastening are at the back!) and if I could have my way, the exact colours. But the fabric shopping trip yesterday only yield a dark green canvas and a white dotted swiss for the top. Still, they are an essential and lacking colours in my wardrobe.

It will be a bit more challenging for the pattern obtained is not in my size and I'd to redraft it. I had already made a muslin mock up of the pants and the waistband needed further lengthening. I hope to make the muslin for the top sometime later this week. I'm giving myself a time frame of 1-2 weeks or so to complete this project for I'm afraid I might have to face a potential domestic change upfront and I'm currently still nursing a cold.

So...(sniff) do excuse the crickets for while.

The second challenge I decided to impose myself is to wear my handmade garments more regularly, to be precise on consecutive days, say 10? 14 days? My handmade garment is limited yet so I can't do a whole month. My tentative start date is the 10th of May. I'll like to put on my handmade, go places and take some pictures. With this as a goal, I hope to strive at making better quality clothing to wear so I won't ridicule myself in public. nah, I'm not that serious. I'm hoping this self challenge will be fun and with hindsight, perhaps, bring some insights and reflections on what works, the mehs and the no-nos on me.

summer tent dress

2011-04-22T15:26:00.000+07:00

Before undertaking the task of making the sleeveless tent dress of which the pattern is from Cotton friend summer edition 2010 vol.35 p.33, I was apprehensive that I would not be able to carry the dress off well. It's a very loose design which could really pass off as maternity wear and with wide gaping armholes. The reasons I decided to go ahead was I thought my precious batik would be suitable for the pattern and I want to make a loose dress to wear over my yoga wear. Something that I could easily wear over my sports tank top and provide coverage when I slip on, right before class, the tight pants which I refuse to be seen in outside the gym room.

Brian commented that my completed summer tent dress evoked an island feel. Bring on the coconut trees, sea breeze and fine sandy beaches. yes, bring me to Bali please.

I wore my new dress (the only pattern change I made: patch pockets in front instead of at the sides) out for a trip to the mall this Good Friday morning, layering it over a camisole and matching it with a brown belt. I also brought along a brown bolero which wasn't really necessary. It was hot! I treated myself to a batik print wooden bangle later on at the mall, just to spiff the look. Fun!

cloth drawsting bags

2011-04-19T16:47:00.000+07:00

Over the period of a few months, I'd accumulated a bundle of presents for friends and relatives in Singapore, from the previous travel trip and shopping in town. Instead of wrapping them up in paper, I decided to put them in individual drawstring bags for each recipient so it'll be easy to pack in the luggage. No paper wrinkles to worry about! The recipient could reuse the "wrapper" bag too. The best part? All the materials (except thread) of those bags I'd made are from pre-loved used clothing, scrap cloth and strings/ribbons I'd scavenged.

Bags of scrap fabric. Can't help wishing they're filled with money instead.

and while I was at it, I cut up a wide leg off a pair of old Bali brown wrap pants and made a bag for my scrap fabric.

a Singaporean in Palembang

2011-04-18T10:44:00.001+07:00

click on (scanned and uploaded) image to read

An article introducing Palembang :: travel snippets, published on 17 April 2011: The Sunday Times, the Sunday edition of the The Straits Times by the Singapore Press holdings, written by me. All revision by the editor and journalist, Huang Huifen. Many thanks to you, Huifen!

After this number of years living in Palembang, I can only count my brother in law and his family who are Singaporeans that I know of living in this part of Indonesia. Just one family! I have more expatriate friends from the United States than from my hometown (zilch, for the record!) over here. Anyone knows a Singaporean living in Palembang? Brian and I will be happy to talk weather, kids and the upcoming G.E. over homecook hainanese chicken rice and laksa with a new friend. oh, how I wish!

polka dots, peter pan

2011-04-14T18:00:00.000+07:00

I'm not up for blogging after my last post however I'd been sewing still. Two pieces of clothing for myself made this week and I shall condense my writings about making them in this blog post. No more clothing making, for awhile. I'll write again, next week.

A vintage pattern Simplicity 4949; no specific year stated, circa 1960's finally arrived after a month of my purchase and I started off with making the wrap skirt. I decided to use the brown and white polka dot cotton fabrics already in my stash. Not too sure if it was a good decision. Might be too many dots for making a skirt like this.

Over at the The Sew Weekly, this week's theme was to draw inspiration from the clothing worn in a photo taken when one is very young. All my childhood photos are back home in Singapore except for one I kept in my journal with me. At the back of the photo shows the date taken: Feb 1983, taken at the zoo. I was a few months short of turning three then. I don't recall having any fond memory of the dress I was wearing but I certainly know that I weren't too pleased with the elastic round the sleeves. I have a vivid memory of myself complaining to my mother about those darn elastic sleeves, which were probably a prominent feature on a few of my dresses.

I've been looking out for affordable white blouses with peter pan collars but to no avail so why not make my own? Drawing inspiration from the details of the collars of the pink dress I'd worn, I used the pattern I'd drafted before, made a simple adjustment to the shape of the collars and added lace round it when sewing. I'd contemplated embroidering some flowers on the top but it would seem so out place on the adult me.


Heading out for Kaeden's music class this afternoon.

'Roses' utility apron

2011-04-07T14:31:00.005+07:00

I have sewn some aprons and on the route of collecting vintage ones. The ones I'd sewn were either mostly for sale or as a gift. I'd only made and kept one half apron for myself and that was a long time ago. The vintage ones in my collection are a gift and the rest of the few, bought as a lot of five. I'd decided to join this week's theme over at The Sew Weekly and make one full apron to keep and use for myself. I'll like a vintage styled apron but I don't have a vintage apron pattern. Thanks to the awesome apron pattern compilation ::online here::, there is a pattern I'd fallen for: *polka dot* Utility Apron, 1945.

image source

At the fabric store, I was on the lookout for white with red polka fabric and there wasn't any. But a rose print green cotton lawn with embroidered borders caught my eye and I thought it would still be possible for the apron pattern I'd chosen. Drafting out the pattern wasn't as difficult as I'd thought initially and I had the paper pattern pieces on hand in a few minutes. Instead of using bias tape, I hemmed all the raw edges. Also, instead of snap button fastening, I chose to use a button and sewed on a rick-rack loop. Overall, it was a really easy and fun project, combining new fabric with a (free, to boot!) vintage pattern!


Me, in my 'The Rosy Past' black dress

All photos taken by dear patient spouse, Brian.

embroidery kit & a rabbit pin

2011-04-06T10:12:00.000+07:00

For a friend's birthday, I put together a present of an embroidery kit; making a drawstring bag and filling it up with basic tools such as a hoop, some threads, two cut-up plain and a themed fabric, a pencil, a handmade pincushion and some lace trim and rick rack. My friend sews but I'm not sure if she embroiders. I hope this simple kit will act as a handy start up for her.

I also include a gold with pink rhinestones rabbit pin which I bought from a favourite stall last evening. I think I'd wiped the last of remaining small stock of the rabbit and deer pins off the table.

'The Rosy Past' black dress

2011-04-04T15:20:00.004+07:00

After my subscription to reading The Sew Weekly's newsletter, I learn that this week's theme is to sew an apron and for it to stand out on thy-self, a black dress to go along with it. I ♥ aprons! So I decided to take up this personal challenge and it would also be fun to view fellow sew-ists' works in the website's community at the end of the week.

The suggested pattern for making a black dress is from Burdastyle. I recalled cutting up a pattern that I like from a Japanese craft/garment making book, キャミソール&ワンピース (手づくりevery day) ISBN4-579-11043-9 in my possession, a long time ago but didn't get to make. Fortunately this time round, I've had all the materials required. The leftover black linen from making Brian's birthday shirt was just enough! Besides following the pattern, I included in seams pockets for both sides on my own, using cut up fabric from Brian's old shirt which he wore on our wedding night nearly 7 years ago. It was a red rose print on white thick cotton. I remembered teasing him about it.

The above pictures of my completed dress are teasers. I shall name the dress: 'The Rosy Past'. I'll wear it up after the apron (of which I haven't yet decide on a pattern) is made hopefully, by week's end.

------------------------

Speaking of the recent past, how was your weekend?

My family gave the weekend a good start by baking an apple pie together on Friday evening. I used Betty Crocker's pie crust mix and basically followed the recipe at the side of the box. (view here and here). We had ran through a few different boxes of Betty Crocker's, all of which I bought during the last trip to Jakarta. Banana walnut muffins? Alright. Chocolate walnut brownies? Really good! Pie crust? Good... with apple cinnamon fillings. t'was great with vanilla ice cream too.

On Saturday, Kaeden joined a music class for the first time. I'd decided that him staying at home for most part of the week is pushing him and myself too far and hence we need a little stimulation aside from what minor socializing we do during the week. So we had the first lesson of Yamaha Music Wonderland at the latest music school over here in Palembang. The songs in the curriculum are originally written in Japanese and we are learning the Indonesian versions.

"oui! oui! oui!, oui! oui! oui!"

My current resident earworm...

(watch this to comprehend my statement.)

crisp white

2011-04-01T11:13:00.001+07:00

Perhaps it is a natural progression, that I'm making clothing more of late ever since my overlocker machine purchase. It also makes more sense to me that I start to make more essential separate pieces as they are what I often don on although I would never deny making pretty dresses as well. That will be more work but hey, it'll make me a happy lady. There is always something new to learn in every process of a new garment making project. Also, I'm trying to break out of my shell by posting images of me in my new handmade outfits. It's a mental/confidence challenge as I'm always tip toeing between the decision of putting my face up here. End of the day, I will decide to 'just do it'.

Sometime this week, I used a sleeveless blouse pattern from the Japanese magazine, Cotton Friend Spring edition 2007 vol.22 and made a similar white cotton version for myself. The only adjustment made is the shortening of the lower bodice part and I used the indispensable white nylon lace for the neckline and arm hole binding. I used a cream decorative cotton lace bought during the last trip back in Singapore. This top could easily be a staple in my closet and it's great for layering over with my grey cardigan or scarves as well.

more photos:

long oven mitts

2011-03-31T14:09:00.002+07:00

When my parents visited Tokyo some years back, I asked for a gift of Japanese fabric. They returned and handed me a half metre of quilted 'Sesame Street' character theme one by Sanrio. Really, I was expecting some whimsical prints or at least, something floral. I was more than a tad disappointed with my parents', well, maybe just my mum's fabric choice and stored little Elmo and Cookie Monster away. Yes, I love watching 'Sesame Street' anytime, read related books to Kaeden and had once bought a collector stamp set featuring the Muppets but no, I don't like the Monsters and Muppets printed on cloth.

lo n' behold! I took the fabric out from my storage box and turned it into oven mitts today. A few days back, I got burned at a spot on the lower arm by the hot baking sheet while shifting the pan and had been telling myself I need long oven mitts ever since. The quilted fabric is perfect for this project. and the print is s-l-o-w-l-y growing on me.

Pattern:

I simply lengthen (up to the elbows) the mitten pattern obtained from my Japanese craft book 小さな藝らしのソーイングノー卜 (ISBN4-529-03878-5). Want to make an oven mitt? Here's a tutorial for making one, I found first on the list of a google search.

cream bow tie

2011-03-28T16:24:00.001+07:00

Today is one of those days that started off with me waking up feeling lousy. Monday it is. I refused to kick my feet up and spend the day by dwelling in my feeling of lousiness. I went in search of something new, simple and fun to do. I learnt to make a bow tie and how to tie one on.

Using Kaeden's grandpa's cast off old pair of pants, I cut off some of its linen fabric for making a bow tie for the boy. When I showed it to him, he said,

"nah.. I want a polka dot one."

.......

Here's a photo of him, wearing the cream bow tie. Kaeden, game for a photo shoot of him playing dressed up in the afternoon.

one, two. buckle my shoe.

2011-03-26T14:28:00.001+07:00

I bought two new pairs of oxford shoes in a week. Never happened before in my life. My oldest pair of birk- sandals which I'm still wearing is from the year 2005. I'm adopting my recent mantra very well. When in distress, shop. and it had been a tad bit stressful week. I'm also blaming the various images of vintage shoes catalogue online I'm making myself view (and also reading about) and plus the fact that I have not yet seen and make a purchase of a very desirous (in my list) pair of t-strap sandals. I'm trying my level best not to make any old/used/n.o.s. shoes purchase online just yet, preferring to shop locally for now and to make do by opting for designs that are possibly inspired by the yesteryear.

But I might at some point break down and buy something from Re-Mix. I have two months to save for a birthday self-treat. I can't decide. Gloria or Corazon? Can I have each style in all colours, please? H.e.l.p.

a remake in pink

2011-03-24T14:15:00.000+07:00

I recently bought a navy blue top with white scallop collar (view ::here::) from a small clothing store and I ♥ it to bits. Am I glad it fits me for it only came in one size! The pattern of the blouse is pretty straightforward, no darts whatsoever and I drafted a pattern off it. Then I made a new version using pink flowery cotton, white cotton for the collars and satin bias tape. It wasn't too difficult a task, well, except that sewing the binding on put me on the edge for the most bits.

I wore it out today and post it here in my somewhat attempt of an outfit shot.

owl-ly

2011-03-23T11:11:00.000+07:00

10 new owl purses to be re-stocked at Doinky Doodles! brick and mortar shop, soon I hope! I get pangs of wanting to be in Singapore every once in awhile and I just had a fresh attack of it. It's been nice revisiting an old pattern of mine and this has been really well-used. I took my time with this batch of owl purses and I'm glad it's completed today.

-----------------

Kaeden and I had spent two nights by ourselves and we're really looking forward to Brian returning home today from his work trip.

----------------

erhm, a show off here..

owl themed costume jewellery :: gifts from two loved ones of mine

mended with lace

2011-03-21T14:20:00.001+07:00

Following my previous post, I was struck by the prettiness of patterns from my stash of laces. I knew I could use some to mend my black dress which unfortunately got torn up at two parts. The store bought dress (fully lined, slip over type, no label) wasn't an expensive one and I thought it was quite a steal considering the rest of the clothing in the shop were what I thought to be over-priced. Now I know why I got such a "good" deal. The weaving of the black fabric is loose and only after one wear at a formal occasion, it turned out less than perfect.

After this mending, I hope I could get a few more times of wearing the dress out. No more tearing please! I certainly don't wish for the dress to be a trophy of laces, although I must admit imagining its patched up look using different laces, for quite a number of times.

a gift of laces

2011-03-18T16:08:00.000+07:00

A surprise mail came to me yesterday and in it I found, a thoughtfully written letter of encouragement, a new letter set, two Chinese comic story books (from the early 80's!) and many many yardage of old cotton laces! (Thank you once more, Beehui and your 妈妈!) The laces are kept in storage for more than 20 years in my friend's home and are forgotten until recently found of which, I became the lucky recipient of this big vintage lot.

It was a wonderful feeling seeing the laces drying under the sun, after soaking most of them in good ol' bleach water, then running them straight through the hot iron and winding them around some stiff card papers. There are some minor permanent brown stains and I'd contemplated tea leaves dyeing. But for now, I'm simply pleased to have the laces to be almost pristine white.

more laces for the collection

Kaeden is 3

2011-03-14T10:17:00.001+07:00

Kaeden turns 3 yesterday and the three of us had a morning ritual of blowing the candle and eating cakes for breakfast. I got teary eyed a bit while watching him bringing some cakes over to a relative with his daddy. He is a 'big boy' now, something he adamantly claims. At times he amazes me with what he knows and that he's able to translate those thoughts of his into words.

more photos:

- cakes

- family

Kaeden and I : wearing my handmade Macaron dress

---------------------------

Ever since after Friday evening's news (and the nuclear reactor(s) meltdown), I've been in a disconcerting mood. After watching the subsequent following up of news on TV and just, reading ::this::, I'm convinced of, in the midst of a disaster, the indomitable strength and spirit of the Japanese people. My thoughts and prayers for Japan: safety of all people and the nation's speedy recovery

carrot cake

2011-03-12T13:26:00.000+07:00

playing Guesstures Game at the English Library, Palembang

I needed inspiration for baking and the carrot cake recipe was the obvious one for my Friday baking ritual yesterday. The recipe is good for making a cake out of my one round pan and enough to fill up 12 cupcake sizes too. That is one too many cakes for the household so I thought to bring the round cake to the library where we visit every/fortnight Friday evenings. It'd be nice to have Kaeden's friends at the library sing him an early birthday song and create a memory for the boy.

But the minute we hopped into the ride towards the library, I began to get anxious. What was I thinking?! I got really nervous and began doubting that my baking skill has not reached the time to be made public yet. Then before the cake cutting, I worried about the cake slice achievable versus number of people ratio. After the cake was cut and eaten, I was relieved to realize the anxiety attack was uncalled for. But still, it'd been a mini lesson for me. Spontaneity came to mind though, and I'm glad I embraced it for the worth of a good memory.

carrot (cup)cakes with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle of chocolate chips: for breakfast today

just because

2011-03-10T15:48:00.000+07:00

a smallish pot of purple shamrock : newly added to my garden

The 'Just Because' Dress

Using the Colette Pattern; Macaron, I made myself a dress for wearing on this coming Sunday, to commemorate the early hours of going into labour and having my first born, three years ago.

Just because.

Materials used:

natural cotton from Ikea

small rose print on pale blue cotton

(I like seeing the tiny weave of the fabric!)

white thread

white invisible zipper

not forgotten

2011-03-09T21:17:00.002+07:00

Brian took some time off work this morning and brought Kaeden and I to visit a memorial. A local friend came along and gave directions in the ride. It was our first visit and I'd suppose the last time. The memorial was built in memory of all on board the

'SilkAir Flight 185, --------, a scheduled passenger flight from Jakarta, Indonesia to Singapore, which crashed on 19 December 1997 into the Musi River after abruptly plunging from its 35,000 feet cruise altitude, killing all 97 passengers and 7 crew on board.' - Wikipedia

There were dried leaves scattered all around, giving an unkempt impression and that really added onto the sombre mood despite the blazing sun shining upon us. How does one describe feelings well? Simply put, I felt heavy heart ed when I was there, and now when I'm typing this up. Even so, it's not a good summary. I'm at a loss of finding the right words.

birthday bunting

2011-03-05T10:56:00.000+07:00

In the month of March, there are two birthdays in the family. Today is Mickey's, our four legged child and in a week's time, the one I gave birth to. A few months back I mentioned that Mickey was ill and thank goodness he has recovered in a month after that post and he's back to his grouchy protective personality, perpetually hungry-stomach self. Mickey turns 9 today. Brian and I brought him home when he was only 3 months old. I'm hoping to buy some good durians for him and his 2 four legged siblings to celebrate later.

To help add to our home a little dash of birthday festive mood, I made a scallop bunting, entirely out of my scrap bundles and lace, to hang on the wall. Want to make one? Here's a link: scalloped fabric garland tutorial. But don't have bias tape and too lazy to make yourself? Get a long roll of cheap lace (the kind one uses as shoelaces and for tying bolster cover cases). It is, in my opinion, an essential household item. Sew the flags between the laces like how I did. Put on the music and celebrate!

batik Palembang

2011-03-02T15:07:00.001+07:00

at "Sinar Mas" Songket shop, Pasar Kito; Komplek Ilir Barat Permai

Following my first stop at Rumah Limas, a traditional house of some old and antique exhibits and a shop of handicrafts and traditional clothing/fashion items yesterday, was a complex of similar shops along a few corridors, specializing in selling songket and batik of motifs only found in Palembang. It would be the place where the local people shop at for affordable traditional garb. I was told bargaining is the way if I'd want to purchase something.

I went there, besides to check the place out for the first time, hoping to buy a shawl or two as gifts. I didn't get any but upon entering a welcoming looking shop, I found two batik fabric for myself instead. (I hope my what limited bargaining skill in Indonesian language brought some justice to the purse.) I picked two with the most colourway out from a limited stack of cotton ones which feature the most basic traditional motifs. They look faintly "vintage" and what thrills me was there were still remnant strands of threads (a tool used in the dyeing process) on the cloth. I love the simplicity, raw look and feel of this batik material best. I never imagine I'd say it, but I'm afraid I'm getting addicted to these batik prints, specially from Palembang.

swing dress sew-along :: 'the flowery mustard' dress

2011-03-02T14:05:00.000+07:00

Over the span of next few days, I'll be working on an article, possibly to be published and I need to gather relevant information and collect photos around town. With a theme for the day in mind and a checklist and journal on hand, I put on my newly made 'swing dress', pinned on a flower brooch, decked out my trusty sandals and watch then grabbed my bag before I stepped out of home and had Brian chaperoned me around in his Volkswagen ambulance yesterday afternoon. What better way to test out the dress? The weather was hot and humid but I didn't perspire too many a drop in the dress and the pocket is super handy for temporary holding of my camera lens cap and a pen.

I felt like I stepped back into the 70's-80's in that office day look outfit.

Would I be using the pattern and making a swing dress again? Definitely! I already have in mind for the next one to have an updated look by having shorter sleeves and tie-backs which I realize, could help define the waistline better. I might even contemplate the 40's era method of zipper insertion which I only just learn for the first time!

Following this sew along has been immense fun (and gratifying too!) and did I learn many new sewing vintage tips, with thanks to Casey!

in front of Rumah Limas (Jl. Demang Lebar Daun, Palembang), my first stop of the day

scrap fabric bundles

2011-02-28T14:27:00.001+07:00

Throughout my time of sewing, I have accumulated a heavy lot of scrap fabric; a biscuit tin filled to the brim of it, a cloth bag full and some parts interspersed in the fabric box. I believed I'd once cleared some scraps in the interim but it's time I clear up the current batch.

I kept those in sizes I could still work with and especially ones with prints, even those that came from used clothing and a bag. Then I hardened my heart and gathered a big pile of small and/or odd shape pieces and threw them away, knowing I'd have a very slim chance of reusing those.

Before I started the task of sorting through the pile of scraps, a handi-crafty friend who is really clever in patching small cloth pieces and reinventing the "new" fabric piece came to mind. So I designated a pile, just for her.

golden findings

2011-02-25T11:44:00.000+07:00

Two small inexpensive deer and flower brooches I picked out from a booth outside the supermarket the family frequents, last evening.

Brian drove me around to find a new haberdashery to shop from, after breakfast this morning. We found one shop, in the Pasar Cinde area. I bought some new supplies of zippers, thread and needles and also new old stock of buttons, charms and belt buckles.

smock of mushrooms

2011-02-22T13:58:00.000+07:00

I recently acquired a bundle of vintage aprons; 2 smocks and 3 half aprons and they came in the mail yesterday. There isn't one I don't like from that lot but a particular one pulled at my heart string more and it was the trump card that clinched my final deal. Despite its bottom part being snipped away, I so adored the mushroom print fabric and the red bias tape detailing of the smock, even up to the manufacturer paper tag on it. I wasn't sure if it was meant to be an apron, for it could simply be a very large top. This morning, I took some time to mend the smock by adding my tiny white and red polka cotton to the bottom part and sewed and serged to reinforce all the seams.

After which, I gave all the aprons a good wash and the sunlight to greet them. There's nothing quite like a cheery soft used/vintage apron waiting to be put on. Donning one on helps put a spring in my step around the household work I'll be doing at the moment, especially when I feel I need that spark of energy.

travelogue:: Jakarta-Bogor-Bandung:: 13-17 February 2011

2011-02-18T15:14:00.002+07:00

Over the last four days, my family and I spent the time in Java. The trip was packed with meals of our favourite cuisine, shopping and sightseeing from the car rides and a visit to the Taman Safari. It was over so quickly. I would log in this blog post the highlights of the trip but before that, I'd to be honest and admit that the hours spent in the car were the most unpleasant. The 3+ hours worth of slightly windy roads from Taman Safari to Bandung and the equally long hours from Bandung back to the airport with some parts traffic jam on the highway in Jakarta, tightened every (what even small bit of) muscle in me that was relaxed while on the hill.

The highlights:

13 Feb, Jakarta :: Lunch at Sushi Tei, Senayan City;
                            Wedding dinner, chatted up with relatives living in Jakarta;
                             Night's stay at Akmani Hotel; great location

14 Feb, Jakarta :: St. Valentine's Day lunch at Bistro Baron, Plaza Indonesia;
Carousel and train rides with Kaeden;
                            Bowling, my first time (honestly!) and together as a family;
                            Dinner at Din Tai Fung, Senayan City

15 Feb, Jakarta-Bogor-Bandung :: Taman Safari
tram ride

feeding carrots to camels; car route in Taman Safari, Bogor

Hello, hippo. Taman Safari, Bogor

                                                       Dinner and night's stay at Padma Hotel, Bandung

16 Feb, Bandung :: Enjoying the mountain views and breathing in the air;
                                Shopping!
                                (Pasar Baru for fabric, checking out the lanes of bicycle shops,
                                clothing factory outlets)

view from the balcony of hotel room

selecting a jamu drink from a basket on the bicycle, Breakfast at Padma Hotel

left: by the pool side; right: eyeing the candy complimentary from hotel

17 Feb, Bandung-Jakarta-Palembang :: discovering kacang endul; father and son swimming in the hotel; stopover at Teck Kee Tanglin Pau at Pluit, Jakarta and bought some Pau-s in bulk; night view of twinkling lights from houses and streetlights and cars from the airplane ride

Aside from books, below are some of my purchases that are special from the trip.

from a bonsai farm near Taman Safari, Bogor

from a shop, Bestcare in Bandung; I first know about it from ::here::

from shops in Pasar Baru trade centre, 2nd storey; Bandung

swing dress sew-along :: muslin mock-up

2011-02-10T20:03:00.005+07:00

I had been procrastinating a bit, but I finally got the muslin mock-up of the swing dress done. The putting together of the shoulder yoke had indeed been mind boggling to me and Casey's pictorial guidance has been of immense help. Despite that, I still faced some problems with it. I set it aside, climbed into bed and let my mind sort out the issue. Then went back to the fabric and worked the issue out. I think I got it. I thought my result wasn't the way it should be. Never mind, I'll dwell on it more later on.

As for the rest of the work of piecing the dress together, it started to get less intimidating. I've decided to do without shoulder pads and tie backs. They are really not me. Oh, as for the neckline closure, I don't know yet. I'm hoping to score a new old looking brooch or I'll just look into my button jar.

There are some notes I'll like to keep here for when I finally cut and sew into the fashion fabric I'd chosen for this pattern. Now that the mock-up is made, I'm quite excited about the "real deal" which I plan to make after my short get away vacation.

Notes:

seams/fabric edge - The pattern instructions didn't call for that, or did I miss reading it? I know I wasn't thorough on the reading part. I can't stand fraying edges in clothing so I might have to make some adding on of seam allowance on the pattern, especially the top bodice, for serging purpose.
(Fabulous write-up on alternative seam finishes ::here::.)
mid-riff - cut an extra piece for the backing.
pockets - I think my fabric material (a little on the thin drapey kind) isn't suitable for patch pockets on the dress so I opt for in seam one on the right side since there will be the invisible zipper on the left.

skirt length - Taking Casey's advice on this, I'd redrawn the pattern, taking in the length I'm comfortable with. I have short legs so I'm seriously considering for the dress to rest just above the knees. But that would spoil the supposed "vintage" look, no? Maybe I'll have it a go for the next time.

sleeves - I want the sleeves hem to rest just above my elbows and had adjusted the pattern to achieve that. As for sewing the sleeves onto the main bodice, I quit following pattern instructions and did it my way. 1) Hem the sleeves fabric pieces to desired length. 2) Baste the curve part of sleeves to and matching the notches of the main bodice. Sew. 3) Sew to join the underarm part of sleeves and continue down the sides of dress.

small pants

2011-02-07T11:41:00.000+07:00

On this coming Sunday, the family will be attending a wedding and the almost always fun part was the planning of the dressing ensemble for each of us. I so wanted to put Kaeden in clothing like ::this, minus the leggings of course::. I'll hunt for an outfit like that some other time for a future similar occasion. As for the time being, we could only get hold of two new checkered shirts for him on Saturday evening's shopping trip. It could get tricky buying pants for him, for there are so many of those stoned washed denim pants or pants with strange looking prints for sale in town and they are things I don't find too pleasing to my eyes.

I opted to make pants for Kaeden then, using a pattern from the Cotton Friend summer edition 2010, vol.35 magazine. I made some adjustments to the pattern and the first one made (using grey corduroy left over from this project) had pockets that weren't to be. I didn't think that the waistband part would "eat" into them. So for the second attempt, using my thrifted light brown plaid cotton, I lowered the pocket fabric pieces. I also added trims to function as belt loops.

Pockets and belt loops are handy and important for Kaeden who brings his lucky-to-be-picked-for-the-moment small toy vehicle(s) out and who wanted to wear a belt just like his daddy.

农历新 (兔) 年

2011-02-04T10:34:00.001+07:00

祝大家

新年快乐 ,

万事如意 !

We had some friends and family over to our home for a small lunar new year's day lunch gathering. I forgot all about taking pictures of food and everything until the guests were about to leave. tsk. tsk. tsk.

Anyway, have many a mini great celebration(s) over the weekend if you're doing so!

cookies

2011-02-01T12:06:00.001+07:00

Last evening I managed to fill a plastic tin of shortbread cookies made to be in the shapes of owls although I do think they resemble more like Elmo's beige colored distant cousins. Despite my oven's unhealthy state, I gave it a go at baking. I seriously think we bought a lemon from the start. Even the serviceman had to operate on it the second time to identify the problem. All these times, I simply had to work around it.

I was very inspired from what I saw ::here:: and anyone could tell my results are not anywhere near it. I used the recipe from ::here:: but given the ratio of butter to flour, you ought to know the dough softens very quickly under my roof and the cookies are especially crumbly when just baked. I'd broken a few when transferring them onto the wire rack to cool and when I was storing into the tin. To compensate the non availability of chocolate chips (in mini Hershey kisses style), the owls' eyes are a local brand; Delfi chacha of chocolate covered peanuts which I'm surprised they taste pretty good!

little rabbits at play

2011-01-31T14:19:00.000+07:00

I've been wanting to bake for I'm bent on trying out a particular recipe but my oven is acting up and the service man who came today has to acquire a spare part and who knows when the oven will be up and running good again. I'm hoping I could try using the oven to make a small batch later today despite its broken status.

Meanwhile, I'd gotten the winners for my giveaway dresses. The vintage brown dress is going to Ou. As for the black one, I wrote down the names on small separate pieces of paper and asked Kaeden to randomly pick one out. It turned out to be Regina.

Sorry Dawn and Rubyru for my budget of domestic shipping fees only! I don't wish to disappoint Puri and Citra, hence for the two ladies, I made a few fabric covered buttons using my vintage kitschy print fabric, depicting small children dressed as rabbits at play. Just a small happy symbol and gesture of ushering in the year of the rabbit in a short few days' time.

I hope the four ladies will each like what she'll be getting!

ps. Please email me your mailing address, Ou, Regina, Puri and Citra.

Okay, back to the baking and Chinese New Year lunch prep..

of a strawberry & some cherries

2011-01-26T16:44:00.001+07:00

Cherries are unfortunately not a common sight around where I am so do excuse my lame photo of a strawberry pot hanging on the wall next to the door of my home. I feel like doing some quick sewing today and making pouches are just about the best thing. The cosmetic pouches are lined with blue gingham cotton and interfaced with white felt for sturdiness. The cherry fabric are flounce parts which I didn't fancy making for an apron I made for a friend once and I was attracted to the hues of its blue and red today. Another view of the pouches ::here::.

I'll be keeping these aside for Xin's shop, maybe even giving one away to a friend, if she fancies it. Making small things make me happy so over time, there will be a stock pile of them again. If anyone has taken a fancy to something I'd made, feel free to write to me for enquiry and I'll give a friendly quote. I'd stopped running any online store and would probably do so for this year but I'll tuck the available items for sale in a corner of this blog for anyone who might be interested to take a look.

bits of red within the grey

2011-01-21T19:35:00.000+07:00

It's a grey and rainy day. An inviting weather for staying indoors and doing some baking. Have I ever mention that I like to bake on a Friday? A ritual for hoping for a sweet start of the weekend.

(Pear tarts with organic strawberry jam glaze. I might never revert back to buying jams from the supermarket aisle. I used the tart recipe from ::here::.)

There is a surprise mail for me today as well. Lovely fabric, picked out by my dear friend. I wish there's an owl to help me deliver to her a knotted linen bundle of those tarts I made.

cupboard cleaning & clearing :: Dresses Giveaway (sorry, closed!)

2011-01-20T11:06:00.002+07:00

For the next few days, I plan to undertake the task of cleaning out all the cupboards we have at home. Sort of like a prep for welcoming the Lunar New Year. But more for the satisfaction I know it'll bring in me, the thought of clean and tidied storage space which you must know, haven't seen the wipe cloth for ages.

The wardrobe is the best place to start, I suppose and I have these two precious dresses in storage for a long time. I'll like to keep it until I can fit into again, but hey, who am I kidding? I have given big bags of clothing I can't fit into anymore (especially those pants!) away during one collection and those two dresses had escaped. Instead of hoarding them, I'll like to give to any suitable takers who would appreciate the dresses and happily give extra wear mileage to them. I'd hand washed to rid off the dust, sun dried and lightly ironed them for this post.

This giveaway is now open and there will be two winners (one for each dress, well, unless there's only one willing taker. Hopefully, not none!), residing in Indonesia. Please leave a comment, stating your preference (button up black dress or vintage brown dress), along with your email address. I'll close this giveaway on the 30 Jan and announce the winners the next day.

Here are the garment details:

A black chiffon shirt dress with a stretch black slip. Pleated front bodice, very cute sleeves , ribbon tie front and flare skirting. Perfect condition!

label: elita

size: 10

measurements (across when lain flat):

pit to pit: 17"

waist: 15"

length (nape to hem): 43.5"

A vintage handmade dress, with two front pockets and trim details. The fabric is slightly coarse and dress features a back zipper and tie-backs. (You might recall that I blogged about it before, if you know me that long enough.) I'd once adjusted the hem so the dress ends at just under my knees.

label: none; handmade

measurements:

pit to pit: 16"

waist: 14.5"

length: 40.5"

swing dress sew-along :: materials

2011-01-19T09:58:00.001+07:00

Just a quick update: I'd cut up the printed paper pattern just yesterday and bought the fabric, a dark mustard yellow and black floral lines print lightweight cotton plissé . I also got white cotton for making the muslin mock up of the bodice and would probably use it as well as a backing stabilizer for the midriff piece. The brown invisible zipper was purchased sometime back and I have an almost matching colored thread.

The two haberdasheries I always go to in Palembang had closed down, much to my dismay. So I'll be in quite a fix by the time I need to replenish supplies, for I've yet to discover another store.

the Sunday golf bag

2011-01-18T14:24:00.002+07:00

Brian ~~wanted me to make~~ insisted that I make a Sunday bag for a few of his golf clubs, particularly his driver, a putter and an iron or two. I, on the other hand was adamant on not making one because I wasn't confident on how my handmade version would turn out and hold its shape.

Alas, he won.

Brian chose the grey pin stripe corduroy and orange poly fabric for the lining and strap; from the fabric store and the rest of the materials are polyester batting, a black strap from a used bag, two make -your -own cloth buttons and thread. The Sunday golf bag turned out as according to what I had in mind but it was hard work. It has seen the record number of broken/bent needles and made me a semi expert on threading my old school serger machine.

swing dress sew-along :: joining in

2011-01-13T11:47:00.003+07:00

After two days' worth of consideration, I finally decided to join Casey's swing dress sew-along, basing on Sense & Sensibility Patterns: 1940's swing dress pattern. I totally adore how put together Casey's looks are, her vintage style and my, her hairdo-s! Beautiful. Of course I will not ever in my life be able pull together such a style but I think the swing dress pattern has potential and a 'modern day looking' dress can be made. Following a sew-along helps put me in a direction and it'll be sew beneficial (and especially, fun!) learning from another and within a community towards the same sewing goal.

I'm going to put Casey's timeline for the sew-along here, for my reference.

Start Date: January 11, 2011
End Date: March 3, 2011
January 11: intro and supplies list. Inspiration from period sources
January 13: sources for fabric/suitable stabilizers
January 20: preparing for the muslin
January 27: making and fitting the muslin/adjustments
February 3: finalizing the pattern + cutting out the fashion fabric
February 7: applying stabilizer and sewing the shoulder seams
February 11: topstitching the midriff and finishing the bodice
February 14: sewing the skirt + attaching the skirt and bodice
February 17: closure application (invisible and regular zipper, as well as a “period” method)
February 24: setting in the sleeves
February 28: hemming and finishing touches
March 3: final dress show-off party!

I'll be working on printing the pattern off the downloaded pattern soon and I'm already thinking of how I'll like my dress to be. (fabric types; definitely adding the pockets; sleeves length; tie-backs?; shoulder pads yes no?)

Are you planning to join in the sew along? Let me know if you do! I'll love to read your dress making process. ♥

Some inspirations:

source

(altered) black sweater

2011-01-12T16:58:00.001+07:00

Considering that it seems to be the rainy season now and it does get chilly in the mornings every now and then, I thought to turn my old black knit sweater into a size suitable for my two, nearly three year old Kaeden. I have had this sweater for many years, bought for me by Brian when we were still newlyweds. I love the many small buttons down the front and flap pockets. Unfortunately, I could no longer wear it. I'll like to blame the knitted nature of it and that it shrank after many washings.

But I know better.

To alter the sweater, I simply took in the sides and shorten the length, by overlocking the seams and stitching in the hem. I cut the sleeves up to a suitable length, rolled up twice and hand stitched them into place. I also added two pockets, using brown polka dot and black linen for the under side. I thought the pockets helped cheered the otherwise dowdy look of the sweater.

Have you got an old outer wear you'd like to alter?
Here's a great tutorial: how to refashion a cardigan , I chanced upon.

the 'sweetheart turquoise' dress

2011-01-09T21:27:00.000+07:00

My second attempt at making myself a dress, this time using the Macaron no. 1001 by the Colette Patterns. I finally dared have a go at the pattern and the verdict is it wasn't that intimidatingly difficult as I had imagined it would be. Looking through my fabric stash, I found some leftover turquoise material which was bought for a project of making a baby chair sling (which I'd commissioned a local seamstress for but the mass project didn't take off) and a piece of soft white knit flannel with small heart prints given to me (thank you, dear Iris!). The knit flannel piece size was enough for the top yoke but wasn't sufficient for sleeves which suit me just as well, in the weather where I am.

The dress is made in some hours over a span of four days this week, completing it today. I'm pretty satisfied that that the seams are all neat now that I've a serger to work on and that I didn't make a rush to the fabric store but gave my fabric box a chance and looked into it hence spent very little on the materials. I'm also liking the turquoise colour and the little heart prints combo.

I would attempt the dress pattern again, next time with sleeves. As for this one, I would perhaps wear it on the first day of the Lunar New Year, later on the 3 February. The pockets are great for keeping red packets I'm going to have to give out and receive on behalf of Kaeden!

food for a start

2011-01-05T15:23:00.000+07:00

Hello.

The past week was pretty unpleasant for me. I was so worn out -inside out-, I went for a massage on Monday to straighten 'things' out again. I hope 2011 will be a good year for me and everyone.

Here are some (food related) photos I'd taken earlier today.

Starfruit

There are two starfruit trees in our front yard, currently bearing the last batch of fruits. I don't fancy eating starfruit much, one of my least favourite fruits I must say. So it does get bothersome when nobody picks them off the branches and have them dropping onto the ground by the lot.

Kaeden had a go at picking a few. "Twist and pull." the boy said, recalling the strawberry picking episode from the Special Agent Oso.

(homemade) Kimchi

My first attempt at making kimchi. It's been fermenting in the fridge for about a week and I'd the first taste for lunch (pretty alright. not too sour~y yet which is good for me. and, spicy. i added lots of chilli powder.).

Funny how Brian once asked me if I would bury the stuff in the earth (for the fermenting process). That thought ever came to me too before I did some reading on the making process. I followed instructions from ::here::. Except I only used one biggest head of cabbage I could find from the supermarket (about 1kg) plus a carrot and spring onions, skipped the fish sauce and squid and used blended pear (along with garlic, ginger, water) paste and soy sauce and salt instead, aside from the other necessary ingredients.

Apple tarts

Brian will be returning home later today from a out-of-town work trip and I want to give him a treat. We had a bag of granny smith green apples and a bit of butter left in the fridge. I decided to give ::this recipe:: a shot because the ingredients required are pretty basic. I made the dough yesterday, without using the mixer I simply rub my what little left butter into the flour until it resembles cornmeal before adding the chilled water. It worked just as well. I was lazy as anyone could tell by now and didn't make the glaze. After the tarts were baked, I glazed them using the yummy homemade jeruk & melati (orange & jasmine) jam I bought from Mei; Oma Anna instead.

Yum.

bundling up :: year's end

2010-12-25T09:06:00.000+07:00

Lastly I bought some jars of homemade organic jam (from Mei; Oma Anna) which I stored in the freezer and whenever I plan to visit a family who's celebrating Christmas, I'd bundle it up along with the tea leaves and biscuits with two new dishcloth before I step out of home.

This ought to be my last post of the year.

I wish everyone a wonderful festive year end.

If you have had been following my crafted work I'd put up here in this blog, read my thoughts I'd let on and even encouraged me with your precious words you'd left me here, you need to know I'm very thankful, with all my heart. Thank you. so much.

Happy new year, 2011.

filling the jars :: chocolate chip biscuits

2010-12-23T08:55:00.000+07:00

Filling the rest of the empty glass jars with freshly baked chocolate chip biscuits.

Paper illustrations printed with credits to Camilla Engman.

filling the jars :: tea leaves

2010-12-20T09:21:00.000+07:00

My plan this time round for giving relatives who celebrate Christmas: a simple bundle of foodstuff put together to each family. I like the idea of giving food, it's meaningful and very practical. Almost similar to what my parents would do with their siblings near the celebration of lunar new year/mid-autumn when they would purchase and exchange yummy goodies for each household. I like that tradition.

My collection of glass jars are taking up the kitchen cabinet space. I decided to use them as packaging. (If you find removing the paper labels on the jars a chore, I find soaking them in water and a bit of dish detergent overnight helps, and of course, a mighty scrub as well.) A helpful handyman sprayed the metal lids with white paint. Then I bought some black tea leaves, filled some jars and cut and paste the labels on them.

swinging pouch

2010-12-17T10:16:00.000+07:00

After hauling out the big bag of old clothing (for cutting into some to make the puppy purses) and not returning it into the cupboard where it came from and later on, Brian suggested I make a pouch for golf accessories for the course, I decided to continue digging into the stash for re purposing and make a pouch for myself. I added batting and a small piece of leftover lace and a ring I salvaged from somewhere.

I sewed three compartments for the golf balls, inexpensive plastic tees and markers. But judging from the current stage of my swing, I'll likely need a separate big bag for many golf balls.

in the print

2010-12-13T14:12:00.005+07:00

Xin told me my apron got featured on the cover page of 'the Sunday times' (national papers in Singapore), 'Lifestyle' section yesterday and she kindly scanned and forwarded me the image. How surreal. If I were to be in Singapore, I'd imagine myself holding and staring at the papers for a long long time and feeling ecstatic to the last bits.

::click here:: to read about the article on Xin and her shop, Doinky Doodles!.

and oh! I had Xin made me a golly doll.

Isn't he the cutest?

Seriously.

Do visit Doinky Doodles! brick and motar shop+studio if you're in the lion city. It's a place where I found myself smiling in the heart, and totally immersed in the enjoyment of the materialized creative works.

from the same litter

2010-12-10T11:02:00.000+07:00

As I was searching for inspirations and looking back at my photo archive in my computer, I found the image of vintage animal purses which I'd loved many years back and still do.

Animal Purses pattern, year 1948.

Information of it ::here::

Sale of pattern ::here::

Aside from new zippers, thread and ribbons, I made my own version of the lined puppy purses, entirely out of fabric from the family's old clothing. The four purses which will be stuffed with chocolates/stationery are year end gifts for Kaeden's cousins.

Are you planning gifts already?

Here's a link to some pretty printable gift tags by Camilla Engman.

a lanyard

2010-12-06T09:19:00.000+07:00

made:
lanyard card/pass holder

materials:
blue suede string, store bought card holder,
small scrap fabric, rick rack, red bird kuti-kuti

for:
a dear friend who works in a bank

F.D. theme:: ladder & fire hydrant props

2010-12-03T09:57:00.002+07:00

Following my previous post, the above are the ladder and hydrant props; made of cardboard, glue, tape and florescent paint. The ladder made by yours truly and the hydrant, made by Daddy Brian.

Here are the photos of our "firefighter" Kaeden.

Oh, the hose? It's a plastic washing machine water outlet hose.

F.D. theme:: a (mini) fire fighter's jacket

2010-12-01T15:25:00.000+07:00

Kaeden has a little tykes ride n' rescue coupe for nearly a year. He recently told me he would like a "small small" ladder, hose and a fire hydrant as well, after his close observation of the little tykes' Fire Department logo sticker of those items on the coupe. He is into imaginary play now, which was interesting to watch and listen on my part. I told him getting him a ladder is out of question but I could make him a fireman jacket. He wants the jacket but he's adamant about the ladder.

A light bulb went over my head when Brian's purchase of a golf club bag came in a long big cardboard box a few days ago. Making a cardboard ladder is do-able, possibly a standing paper hydrant too. That will be my next project, now that the jacket is done.

The Chinese-style jacket's tutorial and pattern guidance is from this book. I was bent on making full use of whatever materials I have. I found a piece of dull burnt orange upholstery/drapery sort of fabric given to me (thanks Iris!). Not the best suited colour but it will do, the heavy weight material would give the jacket some form of structure. The orange reflective strip was bought from Daiso (Sg), something which Brian bought for cycling but didn't get to use and the patches (for elementary school Scouts and Brownies, I think) were bought in a market in town a long time ago.

The tiring part of this project is drafting the pattern. I had had lower backache for a whole day and night. I ought to stop working on the floor already. After cutting the fabric up, I must say the rest of the sewing is fun. I used shoelace for binding in the edge and serged up all the seams. Velcro for fastening and black felt for the lettering at the back. After three afternoons, I had the jacket made, a little on the big side so the fellow can grow into it. Considering the low cost of the materials, I felt very satisfied with it.

I'll give the jacket a wash and post up photos of my little fire fighter wannabe later this week.

(Kaeden's battered collection of the F.D. toy vehicles.)

giving thanks:: chocolate chip biscuits

2010-11-26T13:28:00.000+07:00

I baked a batch of heart shaped chocolate chip biscuits this morning, to bring to a thanksgiving party at the library later in the day. The basic recipe is ::here::, except chocolate chips are added instead of almonds. It was really quick and easy and definitely my go-to recipe now for biscuit making. I packed the biscuits in plastic containers which came with store bought cookies previously. I do feel good that they got to be re-used, justifying my hoarding of every empty plastic/tin/glass container that comes my way. Then I finished packing by gluing on handwritten and printed paper labels. The vintage circus characters are printed from ::here::.

Happy weekend.

mending

2010-11-24T11:45:00.001+07:00

Mending: a quilt (that I made many moons ago) which got shelved after the frequent usage the last time (before Kaeden knows what walking is about), the batting got wonky and threads came apart off the patchwork after a few washings. The quilt hasn't seen daylight since until yesterday, I realize the household needs a spare blanket. Everytime someone's blanket is being washed, a person has to go cold that night and it's always Brian. Poor sod. Before we go out and buy new bedding, I ought to give the quilt a chance for its usage again. After taking care of the patchwork parts, I took apart the batting and replaced it with a new vintage dull bed sheet for interfacing. The quilt now has a nice weight without the bulk. I'm pretty happy that it'll be useful again.

fabled envelopes

2010-11-22T10:01:00.000+07:00

The nearest local bookstore near home doesn't carry that big of an envelope size range, hence I have had trouble getting hold of the right ones for my clover postcards, especially when I want to send some other small things along with them. So I got to making my own envelopes, using the pages from an old hand me down storybook. The short stories aren't that engaging and the pages are aged with yellow spots so I didn't feel too guilty tearing the book up. It could only yield 10 envelopes. I stuck white self adhesive labels on for address writing space.

to be in clover

2010-11-22T09:49:00.000+07:00

This year end (I'm aiming early next month), I'll post out cards to friends, sending them greetings and wishes for the new 2011. It's something new for me to do. The cards I'll be sending shows a photo image I'd taken and they are printed into postcards at a local professional printing shop.

I'm also done with making 6 clover key chains, if you recall my resolution. Each of it will be sent together with a small set of blank clover cards to my few precious girl pals whom I'd kept in touch/met up with throughout this year.