2018 Makes

As 2018 has drawn to a close, I thought I'd do my usual round up of crafty things I got up to this year in between study, work, parenting and general life! Most of my crafting happens between 8pm-12am when the small one sleeps. I enjoy that time, the quietness of the end of the day. It is also why most of my photos are pretty terrible - they have been taken pretty close to midnight in low light! I like keeping my hands busy and so I keep find new ways to challenge my hands and mind.
Buckle up guys, this post is a long one.

I'll post my photos in categories to satisfy the librarian in me.

First up is Coats and Vests. I make these to order through my little Amy & Addy side-gig. They also make great gifts for little ones so many of these have been gifted as well.

Awhi Coat Pattern from https://belowthekowhai.nz/ - my friend Sophie designs them!

Next up - Hot Water Bottle Covers. These are so cute, I'm a huge sucker for a fox and general woodland creatures so these are right up my alley. The pattern is fun to hack too so there are a few interesting versions in the photo round up.

Thunderbird 4 Hottie cover

Hottie pattern mashed into some Christmas stockings

Next up is other sewing items. I dabble.

Another https://belowthekowhai.nz/ pattern

Sadly the best photo I got of this awesome fox quilt for my friends wee girl

The Manuka Skirt by https://belowthekowhai.nz/

This is a custom cushion for my in-law's caravan they named 'Nampara'

Go ahead and laugh, these are custom towel ponchos for my ocean loving friend

Second poncho in progress

Super awesome and sturdy wing pattern. They use layers of stiff interfacing to keep their shape.

Larger size wings

Fluoro wings

Crochet crafts - I took a big break from crochet this year, every so often I feel the desire to whip out a project and it is starting to come back to me now!

Crochet T-Rex

Reusable shopping bag

Miscellaneous projects

$5 artwork before...

... And after with a little (a lot) of white spraypaint

Felt headband

Paper flowers

String art

If you made it this far then well done! I want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me in 2018 in any way. Thanks for trusting me with your requests and believing in me when sometimes I don't. I look forward to another year of learning and making in as many forms as I can.

xx
Amy

Testing the Tui Pinafore by Below the Kowhai

My gorgeous friend Sophie has spent the last year or so learning how to create and draft patterns. I think that is pretty dang amazing! She has started up her brand called Below the Kōwhai - named after the huge Kōwhai tree in her backyard, where her two girls love to play. This pinafore is her second offering, her first is the Bellbird dress, a beautiful dress with optional loose, puffy sleeves.

I have been lucky enough to test both patterns for her and I really love the process! Sophie sends me (and a few others) her draft pattern and we run through making the item and pick up any changes that need to be made, give feedback on what works or doesn't, and make sure the sizing fits our models!

This process has made me a better seamstress already, I follow the pattern to the letter and when it says to iron, I do! This is far removed from my usual guesstimate sewing. I know that I can and should do better and this is definitely helping - thanks Soph! I also attempted her step-by-step embroidery on the pocket, I have only ever done basic embroidery before so it was fun learning new skills.

You can purchase the pattern over at the Below the Kōwhai website - Check out the beautiful photos of the Bellbird while you are there!

I had to tempt Addy into modelling the dress for me, she cannot sit or stand still hence the hilarious photos.

Details:
The Tui Pinafore
Model Wears Size 3
Material: Chambray
Curved Bodice and Straps
Patch Pocket with Embroidery

xx Amy