Summer Sewing Challenge - Progress

My Summer Sewing Challenge is going swimmingly so far. I have ticked three dresses, two skirts and one pair of pyjamas off my to-sew list for Emerson. Each piece has been made with patterns, fabric, thread, zips and buttons from the stash, most of which were thrifted or gifted. I am on a roll. A little sewing here and there and her Summer wardrobe is coming together. I never imagined that I would be able to sew such things, so I am quite pleased. I put it down to years of watching my Mother sew when I was growing up, great instructions and diagrams in the patterns, and just diving in.

The skirts and dresses have already been put to use paired with tights and cardigans. Another dress (or two), a couple of pairs of shorts and another set of pyjamas and I will be ready to tackle some Summer sewing for Cohen and myself. After taking five months to knit a blanket, sewing a dress in a day is quick and satisfying. Not to mention a little addictive.

And clearly, if I am lacking motivation in future, I need only set myself a challenge.



 

 

PS. Is it just me, or how different does my daughter look in each of these photos, taken only a couple of days apart?

Thrifted - practical and charming

These sweet old cups were 50 cents each. The crane was made for Cohen by a man at the op-shop to keep him amused.

Hand knitted baby dresses, $1 each.

These hand knits 50c - $1 each.

This tricky looking girls hand knitted top was $3.

Charming, cheap and practical. The rewards of buying what we need second hand. 

Thrifting sisters

I am finding that thrifting with two children presents more challenges. (Mothers who have been here before me will no doubt be nodding their heads, or perhaps laughing a little.) Navigating the nap, feeding and snack schedule's, as well as buckling and unbuckling two children from the car, makes any kind of shopping more of a mission than it was previously. 

Wearing one in a sling and chasing after the other, I've noticed that I am scanning the shelves, answering Cohen's running list of questions, juggling my finds and rocking the baby, simultaneously. This is where op-shopping with ones twin sister becomes an especially attractive invitation. Two sets of hands are indeed better than one. Thank you dear Fiona.

So it is with thanks to my sister that my romance with old coat hangers continues. No longer shall our woollen clothing be slipping from plastic hangers and be found at the bottom of the closet. And, at a dollar a bundle at the op-shop, they are cheaper as well as cuter than their plastic counterparts.

Without her second set of toddler watching eyes, I may have missed this sweet $3 vintage baby tunic. Judging from the tag I'm guessing it is from the late 70's or early 80's? I find 'Orlon' sounds more appealing than 'acrylic,' don't you?

It's a shame however that Fiona is only available weekends...

'Ivy Loves Jack' Giveaway

I first discovered Bianca's 'Ivy loves Jack' store on Etsy when I was expecting Emerson. I had a Mama-feeling that this baby was a girl and made some 'just in case' purchases, in the way of three beautiful vintage baby dresses. A wonderful way to cheer myself during those nauseous days! Today the lovely Bianca is offering one lucky reader their choice of an item from her store. Be it a pair of vintage bloomers, a hand knitted sweater, or a sweet dress for your own little one. 

To enter the giveaway please leave a comment below telling us which item you would choose. For extra entries follow Bianca's blog or 'like' her facebook page and leave an extra comment. The winner will be drawn randomly on 16th May.

Tell us a little about yourself?
I am a full-time mum, part-time vintage shop owner, sewer and blogger.  It is certainly my most busy and fulfilling role to date!  Prior to becoming a mum, I was a snowboard instructor and prior to that, I worked within the education and foster care fields, specialising in child psychology.

Where can we find you?
Blog: www.ivylovesjack.blogspot.com

Etsy: www.ivylovesjack.etsy.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ivy-loves-Jack/166810376696876

What is the story behind your shop name, 'Ivy loves Jack'?
Ivy and Jack are both special names in our family history.  Ivy loves Jack for me, conjures up the picture of two lovely oldies, who have lived the beauty of eras gone by and have lasted the test of time.  Just like the things that I sell now and hope to sell in the future.

What inspired to you open a vintage children's clothing store?
It is another step towards opening the ‘brick and mortar’ shop that I have dreamed of for years.  I just can’t wait to have my own space, full of vintage and handmade treasures.

What first attracted you to vintage items?
I have always loved vintage and pre-loved items, even as a child.  Our closest neighbour, my ‘Poppy Bill’, would bring me bits and pieces home from his fossicking in the local tip.  I thought my presents were such treasures even then! 

I really love the uniqueness of vintage items and think that they are just so much nicer to own than things that everyone else has, or could have.  I love the excitement of finding amazing pieces and creating a beautiful look with it.

Do you have collections of vintage pieces, like teacups, alarm clocks or knitting needles?

I have all of the above, although I don’t collect anything in particular.  Vintage for my home has always been my greatest love and I suppose I have ‘collected’ some pretty cool things over the years.  Since having my little girl, I have developed a love of old children’s things; books, toys, educational products, furniture and, of course, clothing.

Do you find yourself wanting to keep more than you sell?
I do keep much more then I sell.  I find it very hard to part with beautiful things that I know I will never find again.  I hope that people who buy my things will love them and think that they are as special as I do.

Thanks so much Bianca!