Sunday Snippets

Some of my fave pics from the week....

New Hexie Brooches

It seems that the only time I update the blog these days, is when I update the shop.

I never anticipated how busy I'd be post-transplant. Just keeping up with all the medical procedures and appointments and driving back and forth to the Alfred takes up sooooooo much time. Throw in some part-time contracting work, a daily exercise program (must do at least 30 minutes cardio daily post transplant), trying to catch up with friends and family, and keeping my little shop and stockists full of CurlyPops goodies.... and blogging sort of falls by the wayside.

I'm also now one of the joint editors of the HLTTV (Heart and Lung Transplant Trust) Circulator. I'm really enjoying it. It's great to be able to share the transplant experience with others who are also 'living it'.

Other than making my new Hexie Brooches and Hexienut Necklaces, nothing much crafty has been going on around here at all. I've bought fabric to make some summer dresses and tops (although this weather is making me wonder whether spring/summer will ever arrive), but it's just sitting in a pile on my workbench.

Anyway... I'm hoping to get some of these new products out to my stockists next week, so keep an eye out!

A Society 6 Quickie

If you're looking for a new iPhone / iPod cover

 

  or iPad Case

Laptop Skin

or Tote Bag

Society 6 has a free worldwide shipping offer on my designs - available until midnight 25/8/13

Last Chance Hottie Sale

We still have some leftover Hotties from The Hottie Challenge so there'll be a last chance Hottie Sale starting tonight at 7.30PM.

 
Each Hottie is for sale for $25 (plus postage) and all funds will be donated to  The Margaret Pratt Foundation

Sale ends Tuesday night at 8.00PM - anything leftover at that time will be donated to the foundation to sell!

Head on over to the CurlyPops Facebook page for all the details!

Here's the link to the Hottie Sale Album

Fashion Challenge 3 - Little Black Dress

I missed the second Fashion Challenge as I just completely ran out of time, but I certainly didn't want to miss out on number three - the Little Black Dress!

In my mind, a little black dress conjures up images of fancy cocktail dresses for formal events. But in reality, I have absolutely no need for a fancy cocktail dress, so I wanted a much more casual style little black dress. 

I really want to try and stash bust as much as I can with these challenges, but for this one, there just wasn't anything suitable in the cupboard.

I headed down to the local Spotty and walked lap afer lap after lap..... and found nothing inspiring in black. So, there was only one choice - some cheap and cheerful spotted cotton print.

I have a very unusual shape (some of it due to twenty years of steroids), so it's really difficult to find suitable dress patterns.

I bought this Retro Butterick reprint... traced, modified and made the bodice.... and then promptly threw it out as the fit was absolutely horrid!

I decided to skip that and sort through my pattern stash to find something else. I found a Vintage Simplicity 5007 top pattern which I've previously used.  I used the pattern to create a bodice and shortened it so that it ended just below the bustline.

I then wanted to create an A-line style skirt for the bottom, so I took the skirt from my Lisette Passport Dress pattern, and modified it by removing the pleats, and taking a little away from the width to fit the bodice.

Once I'd added the skirt to the bodice (and before inserting the zip), I decided to make the waistline a feature so I added a length of red binding all the way around.

I'd normally use an invisible zip but I really love the black stripe running down the back!

To finish off, I simply bound the armholes (to the inside) and the neckline and bottom hem (to the outside).

I haven't quite finished as I still need to add some pockets (I completely forgot to add in seam pockets before I sewed and overlocked the side seams).

This isn't the greatest quality of fabric so the drape isn't wonderful, but it'll be a really nice cool and comfy dress in summer.

I think it's a great versatile addition to the wardrobe!

The Hottie Challenge Winner

Photo courtesy Snap Happy Ian

Now that the Hottie Challenge Exhibition at Open Drawer has finished, it's time to announce the winner of the Peoples Choice Award....

Congratulations to Charlotte Jowett!

For any non-locals who purchased a Hottie, I'm heading over to pick them up on Tuesday and then I'll package them up and pop them in the post for you!

If you're not on the Open Drawer mailing list, then here's a link to yesterdays newsletter with the Hottie winner and a huge thankyou to everyone who joined in the challenge via the blog this year.

Have a fab weekend peeps!