Sewing round up for August

Looking through recent photos on my phone, I realised I have a few unblogged creations.
I finally finished off a jacket I started months ago ( ok.probably last year) from the Mollie Makes.sewing special - classed as a " biker jacket" from.memory, fabric was from Anne's fabrics in Sydney Rd, I think it is a wool.blend because it is quite warm for a simple unlined jacket. I like the colour and shape, and I had several compliments when I wore it to work, but the problem is with the overlapping front - what do you do when it is undone? I rarely wear jackets done up - unless I am.outside in the cold! - So when the heater is on at work, or the sun comes out - I don't know which way to wear the asymetrical jacket when it is open!

Just to mix it up a bit - I also made some bags
A work colleague asked me to make a bag for her mum, so I made 4!

Bargain craft books

Ok I admit it, I am a bit fond of $2 shops. Daiso of course is in a class of its own.  But some other stores have great craft sections.   I spotted these 2 books - 1about  sewing and the other is about knitting, in a shop last week.
I was flipping through the sewing book and thought some of the patterns looked familiar - a quick look through the publication details confirmed that the patterns had indeed been previously published in " Sew Hip" magazine. 
The knitting book has a few interesting shawl patterns, and at $4 a book I thought it was worth buying. I do like the look of the stylish wrist warmers and Tunia scarf, and I particularly like the idea of using up " loose odds and ends" by making a "Thrifty shawl".

Half price sale at my favourite op shop!

I was  informed by fellow blogger and  op shop devote Katie, at Katie writes stuff, that it is "National Op Shop week" this week!  But so far I have only made it to one op shop this week!
I was planning on.leaving work earlier today but didn't, and of course many oppys are shut by 3, so after an accidental wrong turn on the way to another shop today, when I saw the sale sign up at Cumberland road,  how could I resist?!?
I found a scrap of lycra fabric - just what I needed to make a special cushion for a work buddy with an injured elbow, a Harry Potter wand box for the boys to store their wands in ( yep, only in my house would that phrase make sense!), a book & toy for work, and some silver bangles for me! Will.have to see if I have time for a little detour on.my way home tomorrow....

My new favorite top/ pattern

Lately I have been thinking of trying some different sewing ideas and filling some wardrobe " gaps". So I have been  looking for a pattern for a non- stretch t- shirt  style top. Then I realized that Butterick 3383, found in an op shop earlier this year, might fit the bill.
The size and shape compares well to my all time fave Peppermint jersey top, and I erred on the side of caution and made the neck a bit bigger to make sure it would fit over my head without the need for a fastening.

I found some gorgeous fabric at the indian shop in Glenroy, the fabric was labelled " butter silk"  I think, and it feels quite divine! Plus it was about $4 a metre! I am super pleased with the top and have a second one - same fabric, differen print & colour, cut out ready to sew, with 2 more planned! 

Craft show shopping

Remember I said I didn't buy much at the craft show? Here is my modest collection- more plastic clips  ( because they are just sooo much better than pins!); a spare pair of little scissors;a new unpicker ( my good clover one snapped just a few days earlier in an unfortunate accident!); a sashiko sewing thimble ( must actually start the kit I bought at the show last year!); and some jewellery finding used to make a new funky necklace.

Denim bag makeover

I found a good sized denim bag at the op shop this week. I have been planning on making some, but I liked the size and shape of this one, plus for $1 it was a good buy, and worth experimenting on.
I played around with some pieces from my doily collection and decided this one looked great with the denim.plus it was the right size to cover up the branding on the bag. I added a piece of ribbon - also to cover up the printing, then decided to go all out and add lining and a pocket. I do have plenty of orange fabric left over from my costume project after all!
The final touch was a button and button hole to fasten the bag and it is done!