Inspiring blogs - Fringe Association

October 18, 2013 thecraftsessions

Time is short at the moment my friends - I apologise for the slight slackness you may have noticed around here on The Craft Sessions blog. I will be back soon - this week is crazy crazy busy with my smallest person turning three and the event only being a week away.

Anyway - so this post is perfect today, as it means I don't have to roam around my hard drive looking for images. All the images today are provided by the lovely subject of today's post Karen Templer. Thank you Karen.

Karen runs a newish blog called Fringe Association and I would go so far as to say that it is possibly my favourite knitting blog. She blogs each working day of the week - which I find so impressive - but then, she is an impressive woman. She learnt to knit around two years ago and has really thrown herself into it. I can see that it is a case of true love. And I understand that love.

Back to her blog though - what makes Fringe Association different is the content Karen provides. Useful intelligent content such as her "Knit the look" posts where she matches a photo of someone looking spiffy in their knits with a similar pattern and some yarn. I love them. She has great style, gorgeous photos, offers free patterns and great advice on how to get started. Karen's "Elsewhere" posts have wonderful links to resources and inspiration around the web. Super useful and always interesting and beautiful. There is not a nana knit in sight.

She also runs one of the prettiest knitting notions shops I have ever seen called the Fringe Supply Co. How insanely gorgeous are her tool pouches - YUM! And the baskets and the needle size ruler thing and the bento bags and....

Go check her site out. You won't regret it. You may even come back and leave a comment on this post telling me how clever I am for pointing her out. Or not. Entirely up to you.

See you next week when I will be back with some more regular posting.

Felicia x

Craft, connection and everyday life

October 9, 2013 thecraftsessions

I've found writing this ramble a bit trickier than some of the other posts I've written. And I think that's because it's about something that is so ingrained in our everyday lives that it is hard to explain the meaning behind it. But to me it is THE most meaningful part of making. So bear with me....today I'm going to tell you a little story about our day to try to illustrate my point.

It's school holidays - I had three kids at home and not much planned, which made for a super cruisy day. Other than the screeching obviously. Over the weekend I made the kids get their whole wardrobes out, put everything in piles and figure out if they needed anything for the summer. Happily they are all pretty OK. My boy child needs shorts and the middle girl needs a couple of skirts/frocks to freshen things up. Always nice to have a new frock, isn't it?

And the "baby". Well she is a champion at "having her needs met". She chases me round with bits of fabric she has pulled off the shelf saying "You make me dress mama?". She uses the super cute smile and upwards inflection to really make her suggestion as appealing as possible. So she is totally covered. More frocks that one almost 3yo could ever use. Champion!

Anyway back to the thoughts of today. So my 5yo asked first thing this morning if we could make her skirts today. She wanted to help. She is five and doing a bit of sewing is her idea of a good time. But she only wants to help until it gets boring - obviously! This works well for both of us. By the time it is boring for her, it is starting to get frustrating for me and so she leaves and I can take over and hoon through to the finish line.

She went to the cupboard and found some fabric she liked. And so we started and made one. Pretty simple pattern from Girly Style Wardrobe - Pattern D. Even with other kids, drinks, snacks, some washing, blah blah, we had it done and dusted by lunch. Super cute and she even let me take a photo - it involved a bit of complaining - totally worth it.

Fast forward an hour or two, and we are about to head out. I had some stuff to do before an appointment and so was herding them out of the house about 1.5hrs early. She had her new skirt on and was ready to go......when she said "mama, I need a bag to take out with me today. I have my wallet to put in my bag and some pencils. It needs to go over my shoulder and come back around." Me: "It's too late matey. We have to go." Her: "But mama you can do it really quick. You know you can." And because I remember being 5yo and desperately needing something so badly I did.

Hacked out two rectangles, sewed them together, hacked off the corners, turned them inside out, sewed the sides up and then sew on a strap. Done. Took all of 15 minutes and resulted in a super happy child that has been proudly wearing that bag for the last week.

Anyway so what was all this rambling about? I guess it just got me thinking of how much craft is part of our everyday. And how much making, and making together, gives us that is unseen. Because it isn't the things we make that are the outcomes of our craft. It is the intention behind the craft that we get to carry around with us when we wear and use the things we make.

The outcome of that 15 minutes is that each time she wears her bag she knows that I made it for her, even if it isn't something she consciously thinks about. She knows that I changed our plans to make time to stop and do something just for her. Just because she "needed" it.

Geranium Dress by Made by Rae - made by me.

I feel the need to say here that even though this post is talking around making with children, this applies more broadly than just our immediate families. I really believe that when we make for friends or family, or even a stranger, that we are putting that intention out into the world.

Making is part of how we show love and connection to one another. It might be something as simple as a bag with dodgy seams and sewing. However, it is the process of taking the time to create with or for someone that is really special. And the impact of it lasts a lot longer than just the giving/recieving transaction. Every time it is worn or played with, it carries with it the love that went into making it; for the giver as well as the reciever. And that has to feel good - yes?

Felicia x

Registration is closing!

October 3, 2013 thecraftsessions

Wow - it is finally starting to feel a bit real - only three weeks until the inaugural Craft Sessions event. After years of crafty table talk about "wouldn't it be wonderful if we had an event like this in Australia" and the "imagine the kinds of great classes we could put on" and of course the "how amazing would it be to be able to start something where we can bring crafters together for a whole weekend"......we are finally almost there.

During the last few months I have had to explain over and over again what The Craft Sessions is and what makes it special. It has actually been a really useful process. Through doing it I have figured out what the point of what we are doing is...are you ready for it??? Here it is in a nutshell.

The Craft Sessions aims to bring together people who craft for joy and is all about fostering a love of hand making.

That's it - it's really simple. It is about connection, community and crafting for joy!

We are about to have our final meeting with the venue where we will be figuring out which classes to put in what rooms, where the pastries will go and also finalising the menus. This week's project has been putting together your gift bags and they are looking lovely. As well as a handmade gift from us, we are lucky enough to have some wonderful sponsors who are contributing goodies. Excited doesn't really express it.

So the time has come. We need to let you know that we are winding registration up on the 10th of October. This is so our teachers have time to plan and we have time to get organised before the event.

I want to say a massive thanks for all the emails, comments, joy and support over the last 3 months. We have been thrilled by the response you have all had to the idea of The Craft Sessions. We know it will be a really special weekend and we can't wait to meet you all.

Felicia x

Multiple projects are the way forward

October 1, 2013 thecraftsessions

Frugal - This has been back to the mending table three separate times.

Craft is all about feeling. All about how you feel and how it makes you feel. That's why having multiple projects on the go is the way forward. It means there is a way of including craft in the everyday and therefore enriching that experience - no matter what the day brings.

So I thought I would give you a quick walk through of the projects (and the feelings) I have on the go at the moment, so you get a sense of just how mood specific it can be.

NOTE: If your name is Simon or Julie - look away. Nothing for you to see here!!

1. Comforted - or the long term when-there-is-nothing-else-to-do project.

I have been making this scarf for over two years - and it will be stunning. It takes about 20 minutes to do a single row and by my calculation I have an astonishing number of rows left. It is made with cashmere though, as a special present and so it is worth spending the time. I always have this as a go-to when running out the door, when nothing else is in a fit state to take with me. This is always in it's bag, ready to go, waiting for a stitch. One stitch at a time.

2. Love - or the bugger-this-is-boring-but-I-have-to-get-it-done project

I love love my SIL. She is sweet, kind, super-amazing smart and a great cook and one of the few people I would knit for outside of my kids. But this cardy is a hard hard slog. 5ply and nothing but stocking stitch ahead of me. I really want it to fit her and so I am slightly avoiding doing it as I'm worried it won't. Classic perfectionist avoidance - if I don't finish it then it won't be less than perfect, because it's not finished. Anyone else know about this kind of crazy??

Inspired - I'm sure you recognise the image. The irony is that I won't get to make this until the event is over.

3. Inspired - or the wow-I-feel-super-inspired-to-do-this-but-can-only-do-it-when-I-have-uninterupted-crafting-time project

I so want to start this quilt. I posted the fabrics and an idea for the design on instagram last week. But in order to do it I need some time. Not evening time as I make mistakes in the evening but about 2 hours of daylight. And it isn't happening. Weekends are out as I have a pile of small people and the daytime is currently taken up with my little side project. In my head I have already started; I have ironed the fabrics, done a small test run and it looks gorgeous. It sadly exists in pile form only - a pile that sings to me each time I walk past it in a longing and loving way.

Organised - Colours and fabrics chosen by my little fella.

4. Organised - or the kids-need-clothes project

This also exists in a pile at the moment (except for the one I did today which is pictured above). I know what needs to be done. A couple of skirts and three pairs of small boy shorts in a hardy but soft light weight canvas or linen. No more will I be making shorts out of quilting cotton weight. That kid is playing soccer and keeps ripping the bottom's right out. Not sure how it's possible. I will be making my favourite boy's short pattern Pattern "l" from Happy Homemade. Seriously the best kid's Japanese pattern book of all time!

Fun - Love love love this pattern, fabric and small person

5. Enthused - or kids-don't-need-clothes-but-gee-this-fabric-is-pretty project

I have made a few of these dresses so far and see many more in my future. They cover the shoulders, are a sweet vintagy style and are simple to make. Pretty fabric and a great pattern = fun. Bring it on.

6. Motivated - or gee-I-can't-wait-until-this-is-finished project

I love this new knitting pattern called James. Super simple but with great shape. I started this twice and had to rip it out. Luckily I am doing this as a knitalong with my lovely friend Karen over in the US of A. Go and check her out. She is pretty amazing.....and she is now waaay ahead of me due to my false starts......competition and the promise of a super jumper is enough to keep anyone motivated.

Quick and dirty - new elastic into winter tights.

7. Frugal - or the *&%$!*& mending pile

Nothing to say here except how on earth does this thing grow at the rate it does and why did I have so many children?

Nurturing - Just because it will make her happy.

8. Nurturing - or gee-I-love-my-small-people birthday project

A rabbit with a pink dress. While I love sewing felt (gorgeous feeling of the needle sliding through the felt), I hate starting it. Wrangling embroidery cotton is just plain annoying - unknotting the right colour from the big tangled mess. I might need to have a look in on Melissa's Embroidery Classes to see if she has some tips.

But the small person will love love this rabbit. She has already named her Sophie. She and Sophie are to have matching pink dresses. I have also been asked to make baby Lucy (her doll) a matching quilt to the one she takes to bed each night. How could I say no??

9. Happy - or I-need-a-new-dress-or-two project

I have two to make. One is another Wiksten tank (See hundreds of gorgeous versions here). This tank is awesome. I wear this pattern more than anything else in my wardrobe. Over jeans, over leggings. Love it. (If you aren't confident about applying binding, working with light weight fabrics, french seams, handkerchief hems and beautiful finishes then sign on up to Sophie's Wiksten Tank workshop. You will finish the day with a beautiful tank and a feeling of pride and joy. What more could you ask for?). The other is a modified Darling Ranges dress by Megan Nielsen. I have made two of these before. The most wearable day to day dress ever.

Adventurous - Started with some rough numbers and an idea.

10. Adventurous - or I-have-an-idea-and-I-want-to-try-it-out project

I've had this idea roaming around in my head for a while. Colourwork with a plain background and a single colour at a time. I love the contrast of colourwork done this way. The child doesn't need any more cardigans. But some scrap yarn was singing to me as I walked past and I really wanted to try this out. Just to see if I could make what was in my head.

11. Excited - or gee-I-created-this-craft-event-and-I-want-to-make-it-special project.

No explanation necessary for this one.

.....and there are more.

Who else needs more hours in the day?? Do you have different crafts for different moods?

Felicia x

Registration Update - Registration will close on October 10th. This lets our teachers better organise their classes and you organise your materials. Thanks for the registrations that have come in over the last few days! We will be sending the class confirmations and final materials list out to you all this week.

"Best Of" - Happy Homemade V2

September 24, 2013 thecraftsessions

I thought I would start a mini series of the "best of" patterns/materials I go back to again and again. These are my tried and tested and repeated patterns/materials - my go-tos. Might help some of you that are looking for some ideas?? Or those of you that don't have time to shop around and just want to get to the good stuff fast - these posts might save you some time.

On that note, the proviso is of course that this is just my opinion - you might hate them. Craft can be like that. One persons water is another persons wine....or something like that. That said, this first one up can really have no arguments.....it is that good.

Best Of Japanese Kids Pattern Books - Happy Homemade V2

We are going to start with my most used kids pattern book of all time - Happy Homemade V2. Have a quick look around the internet and you will find this book comes up more than practically any other Japanese pattern book for kids.

This book is a fabulous all rounder that includes my favourite small person shorts/jeans pattern and my favourite skirt. Both boys and girls staples are fully covered in this book. This is my go to book at the start of a season, after they have beanpoled their way out of last years clothes and I need to do the "right - we have no skirts/pants/shorts - let's sort that out!" thing.

When I do this kind of making I almost always make multiples at a time; like the three skirts below. It's much faster than sewing things one by one, and really gets the wardrobe situation sorted quickly. Skirts are now covered.

Ran out of pretty washi tape - sticky tape it is my friends....

I love how this skirt makes the little waist look so sweet - even with the just-got-outa-bed-dreadlocks. It is a little vintagey, great for twirling and good for summer or winter.

When I went looking for pants to photograph for this post I found 6 pairs of various sizes made with different modifications. This number doesn't include the shorts made from this pattern either. Or the ones I have given away. I make them using a denim with a small amount of stretch, which combined with the elastic waist makes them super comfy for playing and climbing.

There isn't actually a jeans pattern in the book. There is a pants pattern but it is very simple. The pattern I use is a shorts pattern but because of how Japanese pattern books are (you trace out the pattern from a sheet) then I just extended them to the pants line to make the shorts into jeans....have I confused you yet? Japanese pattern books often use the one base pattern and then have different variations that use the same base. So I use the shorts pattern with front and back pockets but added the length from the pants pattern to make jeans.

Happy Homemade V2 also has a gorgeous layered dress - pattern f - that I made as my middle one's birthday dress. This dress is just stunning on. Terrible for sun coverage but great as a birthday frock. Wonderful twirling potential.

This book also has other stuff I haven't yet tried making. There are a couple of different frocks and shirts - most of which I plan on making at some stage.

The lovely Anna has made about 15 versions of the dress and shirt pattern. I just clarified with her tonight when she popped in and she has made 2 of the dresses with the yoke and 5 shirts/frocks of the pattern with the front tie. Again great basic patterns.

In the interests of keeping it real - here is the gorgeous frock on Anna's lovely small today- complete with the water blotch or two.

The lost buttons = true love? This frock has been worn fairly constantly for the last few years.

The book has pretty much every basic clothing type covered. Shorts, pants, skirts, shirts, hoodies and dresses. When I purchased it many moons ago it was only in Japanese. Thankfully it is now also in English. That said, it is for someone who has some basic skills - not a complete beginner as the directions are a bit on the vague side. They show you what order to do everything but not how to do it.

Favourite skirt pattern (and the shorts)

I love this hoodie. I have plans to get there soon.

Beginners: If you are looking for some good kids patterns for beginners please try Made By Rae - for great everyday kids clothes that are quick and easy to sew or Oliver and S - for more formal, incredibly beautifully finished clothes. Both of them include great instructions and I promise you that you will come out from making them knowing more than you did at the start.

Do you have Happy Homemade V2? Is there another Japanese kids pattern book you love more?

And are you interested in me doing more of these types of posts?

Felicia x