Sewing with Knit...WHATS THE BIG DEAL?

Hello,

Well today is a beautiful sunny day, birds a chirping, pussy cat is meowing & the horses are out back filling up on lovely fresh green grass..

Here is Paris (fat pony), Jasper (fat quarter horse)!!

Yesterday was a little monumental... Yes, MONUMENTAL! 

I have sewn a tinny bit with stretch fabric, with little success. 

So I have made every effort to stay well clear of the stuff..but, with a mother who LOVES & is a VERY clever stretch fabric sewer, there was always an underlying feeling that I was needed to face this, let's say HURDLE, in my sewing career. Oh, the other reason is I have a lovely customer who requested a dress in the stuff;)...thank you Alice:) 

I was happy for the challenge, nervous, read loads of helpful hints, remembered all what my mother has told me...

Black jersey knit fabric... Picked out by a customer as I was way to nervous to choose.

Cut.Pin.Stitch.

(but do first make sure I do use a ball point needle & correct stitch on machine!)

I can hardly believe it, I actually really enjoyed sewing with the stretch fabric. A lot to do with using the correct tools & keeping this thought in my head... Slow design, slow making.... That is what hand made is about. 

Finished & stunning...

Here with a newly made infinity scarf.

My Fabric Obsession... Obsession for quality...

Rescently I was asked about how I find the fabrics I use....

Today I am letting you into the very lovely world of-searching for fabric for Pollen. 

Hopefully you will find the drive behind the search as exciting as I do. 

Quality, pattern, colour & most important to me is where I buy from... Small business (even if it means I pay more),  mothers/fathers working from home  (just like myself). 

I love colour, whether bright & bold or pastel washed out & creamy soft. 

Right now I have been sewing with bright bold florals... 

Tomorrow is a soft to the touch black jersey for a special custom order. The following day, I hope to be working with vintage cotton, silk & linens that have been hand dyed locally (but that's another blog story). 

My most amazing find, after 6 years of searching, I found an Australian designer who had manufactured her own fabric range...

Above is two of her designs which I am making into ladies tops. 

Here another two from her collection... 

For those who love bright. 

Link to this beautiful range, which is 100% cotton. Quilting weight. 

www.buddiescorner.com.au

Supporting an Australian designer... 

XxAmanda

Working with Vintage Fabric

AWaistband attachedThrough the week I received an amazing little package in the post, filled to the brim with vintage/retro pillowcases.

At the time I was ankle deep in sewing Ladies Tie Waist Skirts, so it was easy to cut out one in some sunny, bright vintage floral. 

Gathering the waist up.

Waistband attached.

Almost done... 

With a creamy & grey background, this sunny floral is so lovely. Pillowcases have been given a new life.

XxPollen

Preparing for Markets

Hello gorgeous ones....

I don't really believe in setting myself New Year resolutions, but this year I feel I have... (Insert sigh...)

This year I have set myself a goal to attend markets. I want to see RESULTS, yes that's the resolution part. 

In my world  a light bulb switched on...

So I have set myself the goal of attending BrisStyle Indie Markets ( http//:www.brisstyle.com.au ) which are held the second Saturday

of each month...

I feel I need to take Pollen out & showcase in person the creations I have made.

Being a regular event, I feel BrisStyle will help me bring Pollen to the many wonderful people who adore handmade. 

Here is a surprise, hand crafted pendent lights... 

Mason jars transformed into lights, made by my lovely companion... He has cheered me on from the sidelines & now has expanded Pollens range into the homewares arena. 

I LOVE the look...  

Made using quality fittings & with perfection.

If you are in the Brisbane area come along & say hello... I would love to meet you in person.

Xx here's to a successful & cheery 2014.

XAmanda

For the Girls - ROMPERS

I have fallen in love with these ROMPERS for girls.

Yellow can be a little tricky, not suiting all... But this fabric is amazing! 

With the redy pink bunnies & tangle of green foliage who can resist?

With elastic waist for a comfortable fit, pockets to hide treasures & little fingers, hand made fabric covered buttons the details are endless.

Love BIG buttons...

And plaits..

This is a beautiful pattern by Figgy's.. 

The Year 2014...

New Years resolution...... BLOG!!!!!

Blogging ... Yes I'm going to show more behind the scenes, snippets of ME WEARING Pollen, children in Pollen.... 

Twins are now 3 ! (Where has the last three years gone?!!!!) 

New adventures are to be had...

LOVE.LIFE.PASSION.

XX Amanda