"Antique" clothes and laces

Years ago (probably only 3 or so actually) my MIL gave me a few bagful of 'old stuff' and last weekend I had a ball going through them. Of course I took photos to show what I've inherited! All are most likely to be over 35 years old...

Very old and abit discoloured boys overall - MIL sew this one up, I think (have to check with her!). Sorry, didn't iron any because I need to wash them before ironing them - and I am too afraid to wash them!!! Any advice or tips?

(NOTE: Edited comments are in italics)

My MIL informed me she did make this overall from a pattern for her baby sons. This put those baby outfits to over 40 years old!

Here it is:

Here's the beautiful thick knitted outfit, including panties!

Cap and overalls:

Apparently, the three items (Jacket, Cap and overalls) were knitted by someone from overseas as a gift for MIL's first baby. Her father, who travelled, lost his luggage for 6 months which included those knitted items - hence didn't get much wear. She said it was so finely knitted.


Lovely jacket:


The blue knitted slippers were done by MIL's mother for her baby.


In one of the bags, I found heaps of old laces and buttons! I've just shown the laces - some are adorable and others need to be washed to take yellowing and smell out. Any idea how to do it without ruining the lacy ribbons?


My DD really loves this one and wanted to use it on her dress, but I am not sure how I do it and what is its actual purpose - any idea?

MIL said she had no idea but that she was given this years ago. I've done online search for this and found nothing - would it have been used as 'shawl'? If you ever come across similar, please do let me know.


And I found this cute sunshine dress - unfinished for a toddler, but am going to convert it into a top (with some of laces above) for my DD as it fits her!

MIL informed me that she made this for her daughter but was not able to finish it so it looks like it will finally get to be worn by the intended daughter's niece about 40 years later! How's that for a record of a dress waiting to be worn...

Close up of the print - so brilliant colours!


Cheers till later, peeps!

Bags!

Last September, I went to a 'local' quilting shop and done a couple of lessons with Monica Poole (she is really a lovely gal!). As for the class project, I chosen one of her bags, "Georgia-May" (http://www.moonshine-designs.com/proddetail.php?prod=MS20) and had fun making it as I've learnt much more from this project along with Monica!

Front:

Back:

Inside:

For xmas, my mum gave me a handbag kit to make and it took me a day! The kit included the fabric so I only added pellon and button which is quite easy. The "Keiko" handbag's from http://mellyandme.typepad.com/photos/designs_by_melly_me/m005a.html - I find the pattern quite easy to do, however I think its bottom is just a bit too small to as I could only put in my wallet and my phone in it.

Front:

Back:

Inside:

My MIL gave me, what I considered, the most expensive teatowel for xmas and I could not bear using it for the dishes so I got it converted into a bag! Hehe... I just loves it - brilliant colours and the bag feels nice carrying around. I followed no pattern but made it to the dimension of the teatowel which was cut into half and the leftover strips were used as filling for the handles. I used iron-on pellon for the outside fabric because I want to have the teatowel to hold its shape nicely for a long time.

So here's my teatowel bag - front:

Back:

Inside:
So what do you think?

I really enjoy making bags, so I think there will be more coming - hope people like getting them!

Cheers till later, peeps!

Other crafty stuff to try out...

As I've surfed online to find a site that help me sort the baggy mess I've made with a bag, I found a few that I thought were pretty inspiring so listed them here for future reference.

3D Snowflake:

http://www.homesteadblogger.com/chas/149370/

Turning coat Bag:

http://philigry.blogspot.com/2009/09/turn-coat-into-bag-tutorial.html

Quilted Cards:

http://craftapple.wordpress.com/2006/08/23/quilted-cards-tutorial/

And a long list from a blogger on other stuff to try n make:

http://deannalynners.blogspot.com/2008/12/patterns-and-tutorials.html

That's for now, peeps.

A Variety of Great Tutorial sites

Just thought I'd post the links to many sites that I thought included well written/shown tutorials for sewing projects, may it be clothes or decorations.

Pillowcase Dress:
It is revised tutorial which I am really glad as it make it so simple enough to make. Will make some for my girl and her girlfriends. Might dig up some in my linen cupboard and the op-shops. Should be fun!

http://www.jenleheny.com/pillowcase-dress-instructions

Easy Kids Pants:
Super easy! I could not believe how simple it is, so am off to make some for my boys very soon! Poor them, heh!

http://handyprojects.blogspot.com/2005_04_03_handyprojects_archive.html

Scalloped Fabric Garland:
Another word for bunting! So cute that I am going to make similar for my girl and nieces next year!

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=1556

Fat Quarter Handbag:
So many bags, not enough arms! I haven't ventured out from soft fabric handles for bags, so this may be my first attempt.

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=737

Happy Smocket:
I want to try this smocket one day for myself with buttons of course, heh. Just a note, I've had trouble printing off the PDF file.

http://www.themayfly.com/weblog/2007/02/happy_smocket.html

Cute Fabric Flowers:
Thinks it could go down well as something to make for fetes and mothers day, as well as imprompt flowers for friends?

http://greenisthenewblue.blogspot.com/2009/10/fabric-flowers-tutorial.html

Modifying Pants Patterns for kids:
Not a bad tips on how to fix pants.

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=213

Classic Tote bag:
Including how to do the French Seams. Looks strudy and simple. I think I would put the pocket inside the bag so I can put wallet/key in them rather than out on front where it could fall out.

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=514

Reusable Snack/Lunch Bag:
I had to order some from USA but here's the tutorial so will see if it will be good. Verdict coming for this site though, I love its main blog.

http://ihavetosay.typepad.com/photos/reusable_snack_bag_tutori/img_9196.html

That's for tonite, people!