Xmas Giveaway and October Winner

I've been remiss of late and abandoned the blog. All for good reasons of course but I will explain all another time, I promise.

As Xmas was coming up and I hadn't organised November's giveaway I thought a focus on xmas would be better. It is also a good excuse to have BIG giveaway.

So for this month's giveaway, you will win a Bettsy Kingston Xmas baby ruffle pants (see above cutie shot with my son). This will close December 15 to enable time for posting.

I will giveaway a 3 - SMALL (up to 9mths), MEDIUM (up to 18mths) and LARGE (18mths+) so when you enter make sure you specify size.

To enter just leave a post comment. Include size and email (if I can't contact you via Blog). You don't have to link back to the giveaway, but its always appreciated!

And to October's winner? Is Maggie.

She is the lucky winner of the Saffron Craig Softies Panel so look forward to seeing her photos!

October Giveaway and September's Winner

Well Little Diva Designs beat me to it with a post today on Saffron Craig's new fabric for her softies range. Sorry Christine I don't mean to double post but it was my giveawy this month!

I had bought some of the material Owl in Trees with an aim to use it in a new shirt design. Which went well thanks for asking!

I couldn't help but buy some of the Owl and Koala Softies as I thought it could make a great shirt as well. So this month's giveaway is Owl and Koala Softies material by Saffron Craig. This is beautiful fabric and I've used it liberally in making clothes. The winner can choose either the koala or the owl panel.

To enter just leave a post comment and an email if I can contact you via Blog. You don't have to link back to the giveaway, but its always appreciated!

More importantly, in the Saffron Craig's announcement she featured Little Red Wagon Kids who, as you know, I adore. The most beautiful bikinis and it caught Saffron's eye as well.

Before I forget, the winner of September - a ruffle pant fabric and pattern kit is..............

Frances, so congratulations and happy sewing!

nooshka niceties

I've been away of late. It happens doesn't it? I've been so busy trying to finish some new designs that I've not wanted to post or read posts. There is a little bit of a recluse in me when I'm busy or stubbornly not completing things. But my fug has been broken with a little nudge from Casey who has posted a little collage of some of my ruffle pants and I really wanted to see some of the photos from Kylie's trip to France (sigh).

Casey lives in South East Queensland so I will have to convince her to join the BrisStyle Etsy Team so I can have an excuse to see these dolls in person. Gretchen has to be my favorite but I've always been a sucker for black and white stripes.

A hint to sew elastic for the Bettsy Kingston Ruffle Pant

It seems an age before the website is completed and everything is in its rightful place (my danish neighbour is the queen of organisation and would be proud). Until this happens, I thought I would publish a helpful hint from a equally addicted ruffle pant maker - Cynthia:

I have a tip for older (grandmother type) seamstresses with large hands like me. It is very hard to get my hands into the leg holes to make the casing and put the elastic in. What I now do is to
1) make the casing before I sew the ruffles on,
2) add the ruffles,
3) then insert the elastic and stitch it down at the sides.

4) I can then sew the side seams.

When you make the casing for the legs first, you have a flatter surface and the ability to ease in the fabric better. I took some pictures to show you. It works for me. Thanks again. My daughters love them!

Fantastic tip - Thanks!

And I couldn't help including a picture from this week's sewing - a new ruffle pant Duck Duck Goose. I've had the material for a little while and was making a decision to use it for ruffle pants or the enchanted dress. I'm glad it is the ruffles.

Eye Candy

I had some photography taken of the new dress but hadn't spent time admiring them until now. The dress has changed a little bit since these were taken (a lot fuller in the skirt) but thought these shots were so adorable that I can't help but share them. Tracey is such a talented photographer and has a real knack with using the right props as well!



So have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Having a Wonderful Fathers Day

It is father's day in Australia and what a gorgeous spring day it is. I hope you all have a relaxing day today. Is it just me or is this just the nicest first spring weekend? So far we have made crumpets for breakfast and will wander down to the Mitchelton Farmers Markets a little later.

Cherry Crumpets

Photo from here

20gm melted butter
1 egg
1/2 tsp if that of maraschino flavoring
125gm self raising flour
125gm milk


Whisk the sugar, egg and maraschino flavoring until frothy. Add the milk and butter combine then add the flour until a thick lush batter is made.

Heat a non-stick frying pan on medium heat. Using an egg ring or nothing at all add just a dash more butter into a non-stick frying pan. Add enough to cover the egg ring up the sides by about 1/2 cm (a few tablespoons of batter if not using a ring). Fry until there are bubbles all over the crumpet and leave until the bubbles 'set' and it is golden brown on the bottom.

Today we served these with cream (leftovers from the night before), honey and frozen cherries.