CHA Craft Swap

 I cant remember now where I saw the details for this swap, but I thought it looked like a good idea, something to mix it up a bit from my day to day 'sewing for myself' theme I've got going on.

My swap partner details arrived, and Rachael was my swap partner. After spending the weekend with Abbe and co, I got back on the Dresden bandwagon and thought a vintage-y style cushion could appeal to most people, and got cutting! It was mainly machine sewed, but I hand stitched the Dresden onto the backing, and hand quilted with Perle 8 thread.

I added a little label to remind her where she got the cushion (I cute idea in the official 'swap rules', I haven't done that before!) and a zippered back.

And I close up here- I blatantly stole the got the centre circle inspiration from here and here!

Due to the size of our items we did a pick up/drop off meeting, as the cushion was huge and my pressie heavy! Here it is....

a cute heat pack named "John", just what this single lady needs! Guaranteed to cuddle back!

and some of Anne Marie Creations signature items, parachute silk earrings.

 

The girl and i picked it up on our way out to dinner, and she had a bit of fun with him while we waited for our friends to show up.

"Burping" the baby!

 

 and unintentionally looking like a tired mama!

It wasn't as funny when he was 'stolen' off me and warmed up for herself when we got home! I'll allow her that one night, then he's mine!

Big thanks to CHA and Rachael for the swap, it was heaps of fun!

A bit of sewing....

 As I mentioned, I have been up to a bit of sewing, and loving my new items.

I finally got around to the City Shopper, which is a bigger version of the Wristlet bag I made here. 

I don't know the name of the flap fabric, it was in the stash but bought from Amitie a while ago.  The hounds tooth was from an oppy and also in the stash....

actually, so was the lining! I think all was from the stash- the antique brass hardware was bought a while ago, and I'd run out of the silver I normally use...but I think this is better! I did the zip pocket and key fob too (I just have to remember to use it! Der!)

It's good and roomy, perfect for when you don't want to take much with you, but has space to fill it as well.

I added a magnetic clasp instead of the button, I knew I was too lazy to button and unbutton it haha

 

So the bag was a few weeks ago, it's been getting a workout, now for the blazer. I saw one over here and liked it, but I didn't think I had good enough skills to copy it off a pre made one. Plus, I want it lined as I can imagine the sleeves sticking etc. I had this pattern in the pattern stash, in the smaller sizes, I made one years ago, don't think it was very good as I can't find it! So I bought the bigger sizes, and cute it all out in anticipation....

I waited till I got to the Retreat (last post) as Abbe cleverly has the 2 sizes in the Singer dressmaker dummy- my small-medium is a tad small, I need the medium-large. I cut an 18, and took it in a little around the sides and perfect!

Don't forget to head over and check out her giveaway!!

Chambray was from Spotlight, and lining from the stash (a pick satin)

  I was so impressed by my 'first attempt' buttonhole;

 And it got worn! As soon as the button went on, actually. And I loved making it- the detail, the tailoring, I'm so bloody happy!

 It doubled up with my Renfrew Merino top I made, the 2nd of three tops I've done so far. (Another post on the Renfrew, it deserves it's own haha)

  Not the most glamorous shot, a butt one!

 I am so thinking of making more, check out this gorgeous floral one Kelli has spotted- they are really addictive, I agree!!

And one last thing- it's my 701st post! There'll be a giveaway at the end of the week!

Ahhh, The Retreat!

Yay, I'm back, baby! Gosh, computer problems are a pain, aren't they? I seem to have sorted them out, well, I paid a couple of 'geeks' to, so hope it stays working!

There's heaps to catch up on, less computer time means producing, but my first post is all about this place! My Internet/ IRL friend Abbe has opened this amazing place- 45mins from Melbourne! Fully renovated and beautifully styled, I was lucky enough to stay one of the nights over the opening weekend, and was spoilt rotten! Thanks to Abbe, and Julie, Fi and Blogless Faith, as well as a few other visitors, I had a ball.

As usual, I forgot to charge my camera battery, so I've borrowed some pics from Cam and Julie.

There is a fully equipped sewing room;

Gorgeous and inviting kitchen; plenty of space for everyone to accumulate in there, as often happens!

See? huge.

with an adjoining living area. Good for naps apparently.

 and a 2nd living space. (Bowl put there for size comparison haha or more likely it's a 'hiding from the others to eat the chips' room!)

 There are five bedrooms, each with 2 double beds, and built in robes. Linen and towels are all provided, so you only need to pack your craft! (Just sew new clothes!)

Another bedroom;

Another bedroom. This has a walk in robe and ensuite off it, just beautiful!

the downstairs bathroom has a tub, and a shower BETTER than mine at home, making it very hard to get out. I don't know many places that can claim that!

Other pics and reviews over here, with Nic and Bronwyn.

Abbe is having an awesome giveaway; it has my name all over it and I plan on winning (full marks for confidence, right?) but is free for anyone to enter, either by blogging about it or booking a stay. And with a 20% discount at the moment, anyone crazy enough NOT to do it?

Just remember to invite me, 'kay?

I'm still here.

having lots of computer issues at the moment, can't see half of the blogger page!

very frustrating.

Hang in there, i'll be back ASAP!