Skip Chasey

Just saying..........

2012-01-29T06:02:00.000-08:00

My shelves are full- but that does not mean I cannot fit the fabric that will be delivered soon.....

When is it too early to think about Christmas?

2012-01-25T05:01:00.000-08:00

Some would say in January!! BUT I have had interest in the Christmas stockings that I was selling last year already. A few emails have come through and a few comments on my photos. I loved making them last year even after making 60 or so of them I loved to think that a Skip Chasey product was there on Christmas day in so many homes.

I am making more this year and have so many wonderful new fabrics for this years range too. I hope to start making them throughout the year so there is not as much of a rush towards the busy Christmas season.

When do you start thinking about Christmas? Do you like to be super organised?

2011- stocking collection

Cooking for one does not have to be boring.

2012-01-22T21:29:00.000-08:00

Hubby was away last week and I wanted something warm for dinner. Miss 4 is so fussy when it comes to any food! So I was cooking for one. I am also a Weight Watchers member so I like meals to meet these requirements. SO........ looking in the freezer I had some prawns and fish. I looked up what I could make and came up with Fisherman's pie. I broke the recipe down to make a one person serve. It was really yummy and I would make it again. I did make a few changes to the recipe below. I upped the peas as I had no corn and also added some garlic- I think the garlic is really good in this.

I hope you love it.

Fisherman's pie

ProPoints™ Value: 9
Servings: 4

Ingredients
350 g potatoes
1 1/2 Tbsp low fat dairy spread
4 individual shallots, trimmed, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp plain flour
1 cup(s) skim milk, (250ml)
1/3 cup(s) frozen peas,
1/3 cup(s) frozen corn,
600 g ling fillet(s), cut into 4cm pieces
200 g king prawns, peeled
2 Tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
35 g low fat grated cheese
1 x 3 second spray(s) oil spray

Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°C or 180°C fan-forced. Lightly spray a 1.5L (6-cup) capacity ovenproof dish with oil. Steam potato for 10 minutes or until just tender. (I used the microwave like i was making a baked spud in there)

Meanwhile, melt spread in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until softened. Add flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Gradually add milk and whisk until smooth and combined. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring, for 1 minute or until sauce has thickened.

Add peas and corn and cook, stirring, for 3–4 minutes or until heated through. Add fish, prawns and parsley and stir to combine.

Spoon fish mixture into prepared dish and top with sliced potato. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 25–30 minutes. Serve.

Note: For a browner topping, preheat grill on high and grill pie for 2–3 minutes or until golden.

As time moves forward

2012-01-22T18:18:00.001-08:00

It seems not that long ago that Miss 4 came into this world. She has brought us so much joy and seriously amazes us every day.

Today saw her first day of Prep and well even though she did do schooling when we lived in Chile it was still a bitter sweet moment. It was made all that more easier to see that the little girl she played with last week would indeed be in her class and they have totally hit it off. She was so ready to head off to BIG school and I think she will really thrive.

So now I will have no one home with me for the 5 weekdays during the day. Which hopefully means more creating time for Skip Chasey.

For those that sent their little ones off to school, I hope the transition is a wonderful one with so many new and exciting experiences.

MARKET MARKET!!!!

2012-01-14T21:29:00.000-08:00

Tonight I am holding a mini market night over on my Facebook Page. www.facebook.com/skipchasey I hope you can come on by and see what I have available tonight.....

I have also been sewing for my new Nephew. We went to see them today and drop off these little goodies.

I hope your weekend has been filled with fun.

Monday's madness

2012-01-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

I crave weekends, a time to spend together with my little family. THEN Monday rolls around and it just makes me feel like I have SO much that I need to do. Soon Miss 4.5 will be at Prep and Mondays will be a mad rush getting her to school. Today I am going to try to get all the Library Bags sewn up that will be added to my Facebook page at the end of the week.

On another note- I need to find a better way to keep my house clean- might need a schedule to clean parts of the house each day. My plan this year was to be more tidy- I am not doing so well at this at the moment.... Any ideas??

Christmas lights- Avoid getting all tied up...

2012-01-05T14:54:00.000-08:00

It is amazing what a few extra mins will make the next time you have to take out your Christmas lights. I remember the days of pulling a tangled mess of lights out of a box and spending not just a few mins but a lot longer untangling the mess. These days I simply wrap my lights around some cardboard and I label them too- just so I know if they are indoor or outdoor lights and also the plugs on then ( we lived in Chile so have some with Chilean plugs).

Here is what you need

tangled mess of lights

Cardboard with description

Here is what to do

Wrap lights around cardboard

keep going until all wrapped up

I store them with my other xmas lights in a tub in a the garage- it keeps it all together and neat-- I am not a neat freak by any means but a simple tasks makes a frustrating one so much easier.

Pinterest: Have you Joined the pinning Movement yet?

2012-01-05T04:02:00.000-08:00

Pinterest is one of the largest growing communities on the Internet. It is not an entirely new concept with many crafty/ arty/ organisational people already making story boards of projects, ideas and well just things that they love.

The beauty with Pinterest is: when visiting a website you come across something that you love, be it a picture or maybe even a project, and you want to remember it, file it away, have it handy when you next want to access it, well there is a way Pin it!!. I have the little Pin it tab on my tool bar and have used it a few times.

I love pinning and have a few boards to pin my loves to. I pin tutorials, photos, crafts, clothes, kids projects, printables and the occasional hunky man. It is highly addictive and you need an invite to join in. BUT be warned once you start pinning it can get highly addictive.

Well there you have it Pinterest and my love for it........ Go Forward and PIN ON !!!!

Sarah

NEW YEAR

2012-01-03T19:58:00.000-08:00

Well it is that time again to say how slack I am at blogging- I seem to just get caught up in my FB page and this blog is not used... I am sorry.... Well anyway last year was a great year for Skip Chasey. I released new items and them proved successful. I was pretty flat out at the end of the year with the christmas stockings I released making close to 60 and nearly selling out. It has been great taking a break over the Christmas/ New Year period and spending time with my little family.

I see Skip Chasey growing more in 2012 with some new products set to be released and the old favourites still hanging around. The Next few weeks I will be releasing a back to school range with a limited number of library bags and Tiggy Tags (bag Tags). I am also hope to get a heap of Walkie Chalkies out for Easter as an alternative to all the chocolate.

Miss 4.5 starts full time in Prep this year and I am so excited that she is so excited. I think she really loves the interaction with others.

This year on my blog I will be sharing crafting tips, sewing tutorials and cooking. Is there something you would like to see?

Well here's to a very happy and healthy 2012....

Sarah

Owl of a Good Time

2011-10-08T02:17:00.000-07:00

Special cakepops for a lovely 13 year old.

Cakepops

2011-09-25T00:08:00.001-07:00

Fathers Day Fun

2011-09-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday- Miss 4 dresses herself.

2011-08-30T17:13:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday- Messy Miss 4

2011-08-17T05:00:00.001-07:00

Tuesday Talk

2011-08-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

So what is new at Skip Chasey. I have been working on all my custom orders and finally I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Once they are all completed I will be moving on to creating stock for my market night at the end of the month. I love creating new items although my range just seems to be growing and it is hard to know when to stop. I like to evolve as a business and create what my customers request.

There will be some new products at my next market night and some of the favourites. Here are some photos of new products that will be available at the market night.

Walkie Chalkies- a travel Chalk Mat

Iphone pouch with front pocket

Car travel cozy- will be available for custom order only

Loving the life I am living

2011-08-07T01:12:00.000-07:00

It sometimes is hard and things can get us down. I must say yes there are things that I would love to change about my life but for now I am living with them and dealing with them in the best way that I know how. So let's talk being grateful. Things that you are happy to have in your life, things that may even make it harder or easier day to day.

So what am I grateful for:
- A husband that stands by me and now sees the potential in what I make and sell (never will be a full time career- but a nice little money maker at the moment)
- A daughter that is here with us and healthy (mostly). So many others are unable to have children or have suffered the loss of a child. The time I have with her is so special even if she does drive me crazy sometimes.
- For family. My family always support me it whatever decisions I make even if they seem like the wrong ones.
- My friends- they know that I am crazy but will be there if they need it, just like they are for me.
- Being able to do something I love- sewing, cooking etc.
- Being healthy- could not do this without my WW family hehe- love you girls.

What are you Grateful for???

In other news- I am nearly finished all my custom orders over at Skip Chasey and will hope to have a market night at the end of the month. Stay tuned and see what is happening.

Also over at The Sewing Sisterhood we are sharing the Journey of our Scrappy Doll Martha as she travels Australia seeing the sites- I blogged today about her.

Until next time- have fun!

binding

2011-07-23T16:37:00.001-07:00

Making binding at home is so much cheaper- yes it takes so much longer but that is okay. For the price of 1m from Spotlight I was able to make 8m......

Sorry it has been quiet around here- we have had colds, sinus issues and now my little miss 4 has Gastro.

Hope all are well in your part of the woods.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T02:56:00.000-07:00

Monday Menu

2011-07-11T01:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I am on a journey to make yummy and healthy foods. Being a Weight Watchers member means that I am constantly trying out some yummy and low fat meals. Our fridge has gone from having a lot of processed foods to being mainly fresh produce. Yes our grocery bill may have gone up in the one shop but over all it has gone down as I am not impulse buying and shopping a few times a week AND my weight on the scales has gone down.

On the weekend we grocery shop for the week and this is based on the menu plan that I have written up. I must admit having a plan has made life a lot easier.
Here is this weeks menu at my house:

Saturday: Lamb Shanks in a mushroom ragout
Sunday: Spiced steak with roasted tomatoes and kidney bean salad
Monday: Tuna, rice and tomato bake.
Tuesday: Thai Chicken Broth
Wednesday: Dukkah Lamb Cutlets
Thursday: Indian Chicken with quinoa salad
Friday: Honey Mustard Pork.

I must admit since menu planning we are eating a greater variety of foods and I am enjoying trying out new recipes. Just need to get Miss 4 to eat what we do- she is very fussy.

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-07-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely relaxing weekend. Not much happened and it was lovely. Sorbet and walks on the beach on Saturday. On Sunday we bought Miss 4 a new bike- she has never had a big girls bike and is SO SO SO excited about it. She has training wheels because we did not want to buy a bike that would only last a little time, so we bought the next size up bike. She loves riding it and even made up little songs about riding her bike- SUPER cute.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Friday Finds

2011-07-08T02:20:00.001-07:00

Just a little one that I love to head over to when I need to make a gift for a friend etc.

Tipnut

Is an awesome website that has links to all sorts of projects.
--Crafty Ideas & DIY Projects
--Home & Garden Tips
--Recipes, Food & Baking Tips

It is a great spot to stop by if you are looking for a project, someone has usually written a tutorial on how to make it.

Thursday Thoughts.

2011-07-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

It is funny how we take things for granted. Life is so precious and often we don't just stand back and see what we have.

I think my own perspective on what I have and how grateful I am was strengthened when I lived in Chile. To see so many people begging and living on the streets. The men who wash your windscreens at the traffic lights just so they get money to feed their families. The Public schools and hospitals where the buildings were falling down. The places we were not to go because even the police stayed away.

And then the simple things- playing at the playa (beach) and picking up the broken glass everywhere so your child's feet don't get cut up. Only drinking bottled water, you never knew what was in the water.

BUT-- people there live these lives everyday and some seem happy to do so. The health system is not like ours and many have illnesses that will not be treated and there are no pensions like the ones we have here. This is a way of life for some. We saw it but we were lucky that we had a house (I will not say all the issues it had) a car, my little girl went to a clean and good school, we went on holidays and experienced different places and things that only being there you could do. We had a maid, at $5 an hour most do and by having her we supported her family. When we left we gave all our foods to her (very quick move and unexpected) and even some of the furniture we had bought whilst there. We treated our maid with respect I often said to her we are both humans you are no different- she cried about this.

I think we often whine and whinge about what we want and cannot have yet there are so many that live with less and are happy about it. I am guilty of this too, I also need to stand back and look at what we have.

If you want to read about our adventure in Chile- visit my other blog- http://tellosinchile.blogspot.com/

Life is short, live, love and learn.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T02:37:00.001-07:00

Tuesday tinkering

2011-07-05T03:36:00.000-07:00

What do you love to tinker with? Any little thing that you are not trained in but love playing around with??? for me it is Photo Shop. I just love to play around. I am not at all trained and I just love to play (in all hope that it works out). Remember all the things I made for my daughters party well I loved it. I designed my logo and all of the business things for Skip Chasey- I love knowing it really is something that I have done, worked on it to get it here.

So when people ask me if I can help them out I do. Today was some dinosaur cupcake toppers for a friends little boys 3rd birthday.

Monday Makes

2011-07-04T04:13:00.000-07:00

So let's see what I can create on a Monday..... Why a Monday??? well little Miss 4 is at daycare on Monday, Thursday and Fridays. I seem to get a bit done on Mondays.

Today I was able to work on Some Custom Orders, Make some patterns and cook a yummy dinner.

I made a superhero cape and cuffs too but will get some photos of that tomorrow.

Oh and dinner was a lovely Chicken, sweet potato and spinach lasagne all WeightWatchers friendly of course. Might post some photos and the recipe in another post.

This week at Skip Chasey I have some mailing to do and some making of items for my next market night.

Have a lovely Week.

What's been happening at Skip Chasey

2011-07-03T03:33:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of new and interesting things happening here at Skip Chasey. I have been introducing new products and still running with some old ones. I really love creating for people and working on new projects. Life would be boring otherwise right?

So I will post some photos of the new products and will update you all as to when the next market night will be- not too far away.

I am always happy to try to make something you may have thought you need- just email me

skipchasey@live.com.au

Easter’s Left over’s!

2011-07-03T03:25:00.001-07:00

How many of us have these left over after Easter???

What do you do with them? Throw them away? Store them?

Well how about we reuse them and create a mini hunt for our children. I love the look on little ones eyes when they are searching out Easter eggs, well why not make your own treasure hunt. It really is simple and great for both dry and wet weather days.

Take a whole heap of little things or big things that you may have laying around the house and take photographs of them.

I take individual photos and upload them to a program that I can make a collage with. If you do not have any program or want an easy one I suggest picasa. It is free and easy.

Make a collage of the photos-

I used my laminator so that Miss nearly 4 can use this over and over again.

If you don’t have a laminator you can use contact- I suggest sticking the paper to some card to make it sturdier.

Attach the card to the basket and hide the items.

Let the little ones loose to find the treasures. You can give them some stickers to mark off the items as they are found or even a white board marker as it will wipe off.

You can also take this basket with the items and hide them somewhere other then your home/yard. A simple and cheap way to entertain our children using items from our home.

Healthy Eating

2011-07-03T03:13:00.001-07:00

I have been on the journey to find the smaller person that resides inside this body of mine. The Journey has been helped by the new Weightwatchers pro points Plan. It truly is a lifestyle and not a diet. I can still indulge and I do when I feel like it. Meal planning makes this all the more easier. I am horrible at meal planning especially at the moment with only having moved into a new house and all the trouble and trials that brings. BUT I have planned dinner tonight- A slow cooker meal. I really do not use my slow cooker enough and should use it more often, it would make life so much easier.

Tonight’s Meal is-

Lamb Stew

Here is what you need-

500 grams of lean diced lamb or lamb cutlets
2 big potatoes (approx. 500grams) total
2-3 carrots
1 Large brown onion
2-3 garlic cloves
1 cup of beef stock ( I used consume as I prefer the clarity and flavour)
2-3 rosemary stems

Brown the meat

Peel and cut the potatoes into large chunks
Peel and cut the carrots into large chunks
Peel and cut the onions into large chunks

Peel and grate/mince garlic- I use my microplane- one AWESOME piece of kitchen equipment.

Place all ingredients into the slow cooker. Depending on the time you will have will determine the heat setting. My Slow cooker has Low and High and as I knew this would be on most of the day I set it to low. If it is was only going to have a few hours I would set to High.

You can serve this with green vegetables on the side which will not add any propoints.

If you find the stock is a little too thin you can thicken it a little prior to serving.

Pro Points per serve = 8 (serves 4 people)

I served it with a cauliflower mash- just mashed it with cream cheese and a little parmesan. This only added 1 extra propoint.

What are your favourite low fat and easy meals?

Party, Pig and lots of red and white.

2011-06-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

So we recently celebrated my daughters 4th birthday party. She had requested an Olivia party, you know that pig that dresses in red and white stripes. Well I thought why not. I love party planning and making all the things associated with parties. So began the planning and searching for all the things required to make this an awesome party.

I love ebay and especially etsy. I was able to source some Olivia fabrics, the great old fashioned paper red and white stripe straws and some other little bits and pieces. Oh and who can go past those discount stores? I know I can’t.

I made all the labels and stickers on Photoshop and bought some cheap headbands to make pig ear headbands. My little one helped cut out some piggy noses to attach to some long ice-cream sticks.

The table display started with a simple party table cloth, the plastic type. Then a roll of white with black spot wrapping paper was used on top.

The paper ware was from paper Eskimo- which I bought from Myers. I used all kids of red, clear and white serving dishes to display the foods. The cute little piggy heads came from the nickjr website- they have heaps of things on there.

To decorate I made
-some tissue pom poms a la Martha Stewart,
-ruffled streamers (these were also used to decorate the piñata- store bought and covered with ruffled streamers)
- The Alyssa banner was super simple and printed off
- pin the ribbon on Olivia’s ears was very popular too.

I also bought some paper lanterns to decorate with.

Oh and the food--- all red and white of course- I quickly decorated one, normally I would do more BUT the inside was red and white striped too!

I love parties and my little girl LOVED this one- she is still talking about it all the time.

Check out the photos ……………………

Stay tuned.

2011-06-13T17:03:00.000-07:00

I am going to try to blog more often. I am also going to shift this to not just being about the sewing creations but just what happens here in the Skip Chasey crazy house. I feel like I need to write about things but then just get sidetracked.

So what is coming soon- posts about- Parties, cooking and what my little Miss 4 gets up to as well as the normal what is happening with Skip Chasey and when sales and new items will be release.

See you soon

Easter time at Skip Chasey Headquarters.

2011-04-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

Well I have been creating all forms of easter goodness here at Skip Chasey Headquarters. Gifts for nieces and nephews and of course for my little girl too. Here is the line up.

a collage of Alyssa's easter outfit and her bunny

Little bunnies for the little ones

and the easter baskets that are reversible so can be used other then for easter for the bigger kids

I hope to have some tutorials for you all soon along with a few new things happening at Skip Chasey

Busy Busy Busy

2011-03-31T17:17:00.001-07:00

Yep that is me- well probably should be doing more- don't we all think that way too?.

We get the keys to the house tomorrow and then the movers Arrive on Monday. Hubby leaves for America for a week on the Sunday so we have a few days to get everything sorted with the house. That was my plan for today, to get phones and internet looked at. Hard when it is a brand new house. But hey we will get there.

I have also been working on things for my little ones 4th birthday. She decided she wanted an Olivia birthday party- for those of you who don't know who Olivia is she is a pig that has heaps of funny sayings and rules of life. Her favourite colour is Red. Here is the invite I designed for the Party.

I have been looking up amazing party ideas. I hope she loves it all.

Anyway off to the new house and being able to sew properly and have things ready for sale soon.

What's New at Skip Chasey Headquarters.

2011-03-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

So I have been working on new ranges and accessories. With my sewing machine and overlocker in a port in Brisbane being looked over by customs I really want to wait so that the clothing I sell will be up to my quality standards. So what am I selling in the meantime???

Headbands, Necklaces, clips, key fobs and more. I am currently waiting on my untreated wooden beads to arrive from the US so that I can work on my new range of teething necklaces that mums can wear and still look stylish.

Here are some photos of things that I have been making. Also check out my Facebook page for more.

So in other news- I am honored to be a part of a supportive, caring and inspiring group of wonderful Stay at Home Mums that Sew. We share our thoughts, designs, and finds and even have fun with challenges every month to suit a certain theme- this months was Easter- check out what we have all made at http://thesewingsisterhood.blogspot.com/

BACK IN OZ

2011-03-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a long time between posts and we are living back in Australia. At this time we are living with my parents until we find a house and also our things to be cleared with customs.

I have already started selling in Australia and I think for a relaunch with out all of my things it has not gone too bad. I have so many new ideas and creations waiting to come out.

I am also on the journey to a better me and have started at Weight Watchers again and so far in 7 weeks I have lost 5.8kgs. Many more Kgs to lose but I will get there.

I really want this blog to be about everything not just my sewing/crafting but life and all its wonderful milestones and struggles. Stay tuned for more from me.

Oh and go check out my FaceBook page- this is where I sell what I make-http://www.facebook.com/SkipChasey

Getting ready to relaunch in Chile

2010-09-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Well a lot has been happening and I am looking at relaunching in Chile (date to be advised). So what does this mean? I have been fabric shopping. Lots of beautiful fabrics are heading my way, when I said lots I mean lots (somewhere around 25yards). I have written a plan of what I would like to sell and will start crafting soon. There will be some of what I have already made but a lot of new products too, including some designs for Christmas. At this stage all designs will be available only to the Chilean market as postage overseas is too costly. Keep watching for sneak peaks of fabrics and items to be announced for sale soon. I have even designed a new logo. Fingers crossed all goes well.

I am getting excited, hope you are too.

Sarah

A few little things being sent to Oz & VHC

2010-04-20T06:37:00.000-07:00

We have some friends here that are moving to Roxby downs where my very very Good friend lives. She has a gorgeous little girl so I thought I would send some things over to here

VHC- Very hungry Caterpillar- that is a story I will be reading with Alyssa's class so made a stuffed toy

I want to make up some of the food he eats just trying to work out what with LOL

Sewing room- reorganised

2010-04-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

I decided that my sewing room needed a bit of reorganising. So I did it. I built 3 of the little cabinets (the 1st one was built by hubby).

I am liking more but still seem to lack some storage. So I am still sorting it all,not sure this process ever truely ends

New fabrics New fabrics

2010-04-06T21:51:00.001-07:00

I love getting new fabrics in the mail. See here in Chile the fabric range in VERY limited and the quality is well hmmmmm. So I order from Etsy.
here is my latest order sooo loving so many of these too.

1. Windham Merry Mushroom, Mushroom Garden in Yellow, 33"
2. Art Gallery by Patricia Bravo, Girly Girl Collection, Turquoise Retro Bows, 1 Yard
3. Bloom and Grow by My Mind's Eye, Primrose in Pink, 1/2 yard
4. Michael Miller, Beatrice Dream in Multi, 1 Yard
5. Bloom and Grow by My Mind's Eye, Primrose in Blue, 1/2 yard... See More
6. Flower Bucket by Genevieve Gail, Flower Stripe in Pink, 1 yard
7. Art Gallery by Patricia Bravo, Girly Girl Collection, Olive Vines, 1 Yard
8. Wendy Slotboom, XOXOXO The Cat, Small Cats in Blue, 1 yard
9. Wendy Slotboom, XOXOXO The Cat, Flower Trellis in Blue, 1 yard
10. Girl Friday by Cosmo Cricket, Flowers and Butterflies in Pink/Turquoise, 30 inches
11. Michael Miller, Joy in Green, 1 Yard
12. Tanya Whelan Dolce, Ella in Pink, 1 yard
13. Amy Butler, Park Fountains in Green, 1 yard
14. Amy Butler, Daisy Bouquet in Mist, 31 inches
15. Wendy Slotboom, XOXOXO The Cat, Hugs in Blue, 1/2 yard
16. Bloom and Grow by My Mind's Eye, Multi Dots in Blue, 1/2 yard
17. Erin McMorris Wildwood, Forest in Lime, 1 yard
18. Joel Dewberry Deer Valley, Floral Drop in Persimmon, 1 yard

Twine wrapped Egg Tutorial

2010-03-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

Twine Wrapped Eggs

Materials needed:

Eggs- blown or wooden/decopage eggs (I used blown eggs due to availability)
Paint- optional- my eggs were white so I did not bother
Twine/rope/wool
Hot glue gun and hot glue

Method-
Step one:
Heat up the hot glue gun.

Step two:
Wind some twine to make a circle- See photo

Step Three:
Attach to bottom of the egg with hot glue. See photo

Step Four:
Apply a thin layer of glue next to the circle you made- and wrap the twine. Repeat until egg is almost wrapped- See photo

Step Five:
When you are at the top of the egg and have almost finished wrapping the egg cut the twine and glue down.

Finished project- they are CUTE…

You can add a loop of twine before finishing off the wrapping of the twine in step five to create a hanging egg. Try wrapping with two colours of twine for a striped egg.

Long time but I did Sew

2010-03-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

Yep I have been sewing and crafting and ejoying it.
Here are some of the things I have made recently

Heart Handbag

library Bags

Handbag for ME

Busy sewing day

2010-01-21T12:55:00.000-08:00

Well after not really doing much- I have been very busy sewing today- just felt like it- Funny thing that is with sewing- I really have to want to sew to enjoy it, otherwise it feels like a task.
So today's creations
Snack sack- reusable ziplock bag

ruby doll- my variation- lost the leg pattern and no printer so designed my own- Alyssa has called her Olivia

and a skirt out of 2 FQ's. really is just the width of the fabric and whatever length sewn into a circle then hemmed and a casing for the elastic- Super simple- I thought it would be a little too long- but I actually love it- Alyssa has butterfly sandals that will match very well. She is also wearing the singlet I refashioned the this week.

I have been quiet lately

2010-01-19T17:21:00.000-08:00

I have not done much sewing lately- a lot of fabric buying though- 18yards coming my way LOL. Have I mentioned how much I love Etsy???

anyway here are 2 of my latest creations.
A ruffle singlet for miss Alyssa and a camera strap cover for me. I have to make the pockets bigger next time- they were a fraction too small for my lens cover but will fit my extra SD cards. Oh and yes I have a new baby my Nikon d3000 SLR

In other VERY exciting news- I am teaching someone to sew- I am loving it- only one lesson so far but so happy to be teaching!!! I hope to get more people interested too!! that and cooking classes (I hope to run at some stage will keep me VERY busy LOL)

Ruffle butts, necklace and a dress

2009-12-14T08:27:00.000-08:00

So I have been sewing again. One thing for a friends bubby a cute ruffle butt onesie that has yoyo's on the front.

I also made up this cute fabric necklace- very easy- has beads inside

And another pillowcase dress for Alyssa

More sewing and craft

2009-11-30T11:11:00.001-08:00

So I made a little owl for another friends little girl. She has a frilly tummy and crinkly wings.

And I made a monogrammed singlet for Alyssa. I am loving sewing and have so many things I want to make but find it hard to work out what to do first haha

Owls and Handbags

2009-11-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

So I have a lovely friend in Aus who also sews and is sending something over for Alyssa so I thought I would send something over for her two little ones. I asked her what she would like for them and she said a handbag for Hannah and a taggy toy for Oliver.

So the handbag I knew what I wanted to make and went about making it. I knew I wanted a contrast top panel, some type of flowers on the front and the bag to have some type of pleats.
So this is what I can up with.

and the taggy is an adaption from this Blog- http://lubirdbaby.blogspot.com/2009/11/owl-ribbon-tag-baby-toy.html
I added a crinkly element to the wings and body. And did not really follow the tutorial but looked at the design and used it as a basis.

Headbands

2009-11-19T07:20:00.001-08:00

So I made a few headbands the other night- mum said she would like some. They are reversible and I think super cute.

Tutu's and Aprons

2009-11-19T07:01:00.000-08:00

So last nights sewing was a tutu and an apron for Alyssa.

THE TUTU
I had the tulle cut and gathered and started attaching it to the elastic, of course the first time I did not stretch the elastic haha- but i had done a zig zag and was able to get the stretch back BUT then I added the ribbon at the waist and was not going to make the same mistake twice so stretched the elastic as I sewed ONLY I stretched it way too much. Luckily I fixed it by threading through some thinner ribbon and now it is adjustable. Well it looks cute and Alyssa loves it

THE APRON
there are so many tutorials out there to make aprons from a teatowel- but really it is pretty simple. Buy a teatowel cut a strip approx 5cm off both long sides. On one of the shorter ends cut another 5cm strip- I had an applique on mine- making that the bottom of the apron so I cut the other end which would become the top. On the two longer strips stitch up the cut edge to match the already hemmed edge. On the shorter one you can do the same (although I found this to be very wide and would sew it in 1/2 next time). Measure how long you want the apron and cut off the excess from the short cut edge. I then cut out a J shape on both sides of the top (this is the short edge that has been cut) to allow for the bib shape- this is just a guessing bit- no measurements here. Now turn and topstitch all the cut edges- I started with the sides then the J's and the top was turned down a bit more then the edges. Now attach the straps the shorter one is for the neck strap and the others are waist ties. I think I might add a velcro to the neck strap next time just to make things easier.

A home for my new phone.

2009-11-16T06:10:00.000-08:00

So we arrived in Chile and got some mobile phones- just cheapy ones on prepaid because we were not able to get the phones we wanted straight away (I wanted and still want an Iphone- but that is another story). So the cheapy phones were crappy and even the reception in the house would drop right out= so we went and got some better phones (still not my iphone). We got LG touch screen ones with a lot of similarities to the iphone (grr). So I thought a new pretty phone needs a pretty case and this is what I came up with. Some linen and gorgeous Amy Butler fabrics for the outside and some felt to protect the screeen for the inside. I quilted the outers with some batting for some extra protection.

Alyssa's new handbag

2009-11-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

So here is Alyssa's new handbag. It is so different to how it started out. It was going to be one of those ones that uses bangles as the handles but I did not like how small the opening would be. So I changed it made a lining and squared off the bottoms. I sewed the handles by sewing on the ribbon. Then attached to the outer bag. I then folded down both the lining and outer fabric and used a decorative stitch (Alyssa chose it out) to stitch it all together. It is reversable but really the denim is the outer only for me. Alyssa loves it. It is totally far from being perfect. The ribbon detail was in the right place for the bangle handbag but when I squared off the bottoms ofcourse it was a little low. Oh and the heart decorative stitch bunched up a bit when going over the handles- that was a lot to sew through. But it is SUCH a simple bag to sew- the outer and inner are one piece each using a DVD case opened and on the fold of a fabric piece as the template. I needed something rectangular to draw around. All those people with FQ's this would work from one of those and you really do not have to line it. All my edges were serged before sewing though.

Here she is.

There is no stopping me. hehe

2009-11-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

Well I just want to keep on sewing and sewing. I made a skirt for Alyssa today a simple twirly one. made on my design. SO SO SO simple.

here are the basics of what I did.
*cut two strips across the fabric from selvedge to selvedge at the length you want the skirt+ hem and elastic casing allowances.
*Sew 2 strips together, serge and iron seams flat.
*Serge the bottom (you will not have to serge the top as you will double fold for the elastic.
*Iron up you hem and then iron up you elastic casing at the top. Do this by ironing over 5cm then again iron over to allow for your elastic (this will depend on the thickness of your elastic)
* I then sewed the casing leaving a gap to thread the elastic then added the white ribbon to the botton and sewed this at the same time sewing up the hem (kill two birds with one stone).
*Thread the elastic, stitch together and stitch up the gap you left to thread the elastic- simple.

Still deciding on whether I should add a red ribbon in the middle of the white one??

Another dress finished.

2009-11-07T11:33:00.000-08:00

So here is another dress I whipped up today- Super simple and again using a remanent piece of fabric from spotlight. I think this one was 50-60c. It is not 100% cotton and is a medium weight. But this is perfect for Antofagasta's unpredictable weather.

so not sure what will be my next project- I am in a sewing mood. Still have not been living in the house a week. Movers came this time last week BUT we did not fully move in until Sunday!

1st Sewing Project in Chile

2009-11-05T12:33:00.000-08:00

Well we have been in the house less then 1 week and I have already completed my first sewing project!!
I made this cute dress for Alyssa using a remanent I picked up at Spotlight a while back when they were removing the display fabrics. I think I paid 60c for it!! Bargain.

It was made using this tutorial
http://lilblueboo.blogspot.com/2009/06/border-fabric-sundress-tutorial.html

BUT I did not have the same amount of fabric that was required being a remanent and all. The border was on both sides so I joined two pieces-I had to do the same for the chest piece too. But really for this amount of money who cares- It is not perfect but I got to sew.

Another Christmas Card Design

2009-10-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

Yep another Christmas card design- I am really loving playing with Photoshop and even though there are already 11 other Christmas card designs this year I am making more. This one is with no piccies.

We've Moved

2009-10-26T05:16:00.000-07:00

Yep we have haha- so in Chile now have an address so thought I would make some we've moved cards to go in with the Christmas cards.

More Christmas cards.

2009-10-26T05:01:00.000-07:00

Well I still have not decided on a Christmas card and still have way too many ideas for more.
So here are some more haha.

and some more silhouette bookplates

2009-10-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

more for Alyssa- more new backgrounds

Some more Bookplates.

2009-10-17T04:52:00.000-07:00

The Lovely Lynn loved my bookplates I did for Alyssa using her silhouette and since I already had Cassies Silhouette I offered to make some for her- there are 6 more different to the ones I did for Alyssa so 10 in total. Here are the 6 other ones.

Some gorgeous Silhouette Bookplates.

2009-10-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

I am in love with these- the worked out really well. I have made them 2x3 inches to fit almost all of her books- have HEAPS more but here are a few.

Miss Alyssa

2009-10-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

Alyssa is the reason Skip Chasey Started. So a little background story- I promise I will keep it short.
I was a member of a parenting forum and was making things for Alyssa and kept getting asked when I was going to sell my stuff. Well it took a lot of asking because seriously I did not think of my things being sales worthy. But thought what the heck and dove into the online sewing market. Seriously the support was amazing. I kept up a steady flow of sales (never really making too much- but who does?). Then a friend opened an online business where WAHM's (work at home mums) could sell their things. I jumped on board- not long after we made the decision to move to Chile- I then had the most sales I have ever had. I was selling, dresses, bibs, burp cloths, nappy clutches, breastfeeding covers and handbags online and then nonslip hairclips to friends. I Really Really love to craft. Alyssa would never wear bibs as a little bubba but she loves mummies bibs now.
So that is my story- my little girl made me get into the WAHM business. I hope to start up again here in Chile in the near future and have so much wonderful feedback from past customers that I hope it helps me along the way.
So here she is my Princess

I just bought some fabrics I just bought some fabrics

2009-10-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

Well yes and they are SOOOOO cute. I love fabrics. Oh and I bought a pattern too.
So here is what I bought (it will take around 3 weeks to arrive- the other package from the states did too)

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1 yard- Yui Kokeshi Sage - Alexander Henry

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1 yard- Light Bright Multi - Alexander Henry

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1 yard- Fuchsia Fresh Poppies Midwest Modern - Amy Butler Fabric

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1 yard- Grey Garden Maze Midwest Modern - Amy Butler Fabric

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Olive Garden Maze Midwest Modern - Amy Butler Fabric - Fat Quarter

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Madison Bags - Amy Butler Midwest Modern Sewing Pattern

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2 - extra fat quarters ( i knew there would be some extra room in the package- these 2 are a mystery and I will see what they are when I get them hehe)

All this for
$30.50 + $12.95 postage- MAJOR BARGAIN
http://www.catylouquilts.com/

things I want to sew

2009-10-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

I am compiling a HUGE list of things I want to sew- it is getting bigger and bigger by the day. See what happens when you can't have and do things that you love- you start going a little crazy well that is my excuse anyway.

So to start things off

*Border Fabric Sundress Tutorial- Lil Blue Boo
Super cute sundress- you don't need border fabric but it is so cute- I think I have some border fabric in my stash too- Hopefully enough.

And her site is http://lilblueboo.blogspot.com/2009/06/border-fabric-sundress-tutorial.html

*Twirly Skirts- there are sooooo many tutorials out there but I have a vision in my head of what I want so I think I will be not following one but incorporating a few into the design. I know I want it full but also will some cool details like a few layer look at the bottom. So stay tuned for this one.

*I might applique a few tops= I have some nice fabrics now.

* I want to make some cute ruffle bottom nappy covers or onesies- just not sure who these will be for? Oh and more baby things.

* A dress for Alyssa using a pattern I bought before moving here- it is SUPER cute.

* This CUTE as Ruffle sleeve top. Love the simplicty of it

http://candacetodd.blogspot.com/2009/08/ruffle-sleeve-top-tutorial.html

* A pillowcase dress for Alyssa
*I would love to make myself something too maybe a new top.

* some tissue holders
*water bottle holders
*aprons
*Oh and a ton of handbags.

So when all my stuff arrives I may go MIA

Yummy delicious Fabrics

2009-10-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

Yes I have a slight obsession with Fabrics. I love the feel the look and what I can create with them. So I have bought some recently- even though I don't even have all my stuff yet- we are still in an apartment but I just HAD to have these (most are Amy Butler).
And here is a link to the beautiful fabrics I have waiting to be created into something
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=135076&id=661318311&l=77377648ae

Some new Silhouettes

2009-10-05T14:26:00.001-07:00

so after offering my services to create some Silhouettes I got a few people reply and here are their precious little ones in Silhouettes.

Silhouettes

2009-09-30T18:04:00.001-07:00

Something new and different. I have been looking at silhouettes for the alphabet cards and thought it would look cool to have a silhouette of Alyssa- jumped online and found heaps of tutes.
Here she is

Monogram cards

2009-09-30T17:58:00.001-07:00

Here are some cards I am working on using a monogram and backgrounds that I created using fonts.

Alphabet flashcards

2009-09-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

Just playing with a few ideas. Alphabet flash cards- might even do some shabby Chic ones too

Birth Announcements

2009-09-26T06:52:00.001-07:00

I know this one is of Alyssa but hey you work with what you have. I have designed a whole heap of backgrounds too.

All things Wedding

2009-09-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

So I have worked on some intives and monograms. And no Sebastian and I are not getting married again- these are just for design purposes hehe

Business designs

2009-09-26T06:48:00.001-07:00

I have been lucky to design some business things for a friend

Christmas

2009-09-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

Some Christmas card designs

Birthday Invites

2009-09-26T06:43:00.003-07:00

Here are a few Birthday invites

Mummy Cards hehe......

2009-09-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

So here are a few designs that I have been working on........

Some Mummy cards- for those cool mummies out there. Great for playdates. These have phone numbers and email addresses.

Okay so here goes with a new blog.

2009-09-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

So I have decided that I will start a blog for all things that I make/design. Since moving to Chile I have not been able to sew (everything is on its way from Australia),so I have been designing heaps of different things on Photoshop- just need a little crafting release at the moment.