Monday 31 August 2015

A Monster Party, 2 Vests and a Coupon Code!

Hi everyone :)

Where has the time gone?!  I can't believe T is turning 4 this week and a few weeks ago M turned 1!

We are having their party this weekend so I am super busy preparing for that (and looking after a sick little 1yr old!)...luckiy I had time to sew my monsters up a couple of matching vests a few weeks ago...they are going to look too CUTE when they wear these at their party :)

Pattern by Tie Dye Diva
Fabric, a pinwhale cord from spotlight that I bought about 1-2 yrs ago!

Seeing as it is their birthday's I have decided to offer you all an awesome coupon code that you can use in my etsy store for 41% OFF my current pattern range :)

Valid 1/9/15 to 8/9/15 (AEST)

Happy Shopping and Sewing ;)
Emma
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Sunday 30 August 2015

More slow cooker goodness!

Hi everyone :)

I've never had a slow cooker before, but have finally decided to take the plunge and purchase one (a 6L one at that!).

The 1st meal I cooked with it was a true DISASTER...but didn't let that stop me and made Spaghetti and Meatballs which was loved by the whole family!  So, onto today's adventures :)

I made Crockpot Chicken Taco's (but we had burritos instead as T likes them more :D)

So here is what I thought about this meal:

Will I cook it again?

Yes :)
Mainly because it was super easy ;)

Did the kids eat it?

T liked it (as did hubby) but they both didn't rave about it and I didnt feed it to M so he had no opinion ;P

What do I score it?

I scored this one 3 yummies out of 5 :)
(some bits were a little dry)

Did I add or subtract anything from the recipe?

I only used 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning as I felt the taste would be too strong for T if i used the full amount.


Would I add or subtract anything from the recipe next time?

Nope I would do it exactly the same :)

What recipes will be coming up soon?
(Not in any order - I just want to make them coz they look yum!)

Hoisin Chicken
Chicken and Spaghetti
Apple Butter

Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Chicken burrito Bowl
Meatloaf
Corn on the cob - it's not one of my favourite sides, but the Boys in this house LOVE corn!
Spaghetti Sauce
Butternut squash and coconut risotto - we are big pumpkin risotto eaters in this house so this will be a must try.
Asian chicken lettuce wraps - this one might be good when the weather gets warmer too :)
Beef Bourguignon
Honey Garlic Meatballs
Pumpkin soup
Beef curry
Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

Do you have any favourite recipes you think I should try?  Leave a comment for me if you do!

I'll probably add to this list as I go...I'm sure to find more I want to make! :)
Happy tummy makes a happy mummy ;P
Emma
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Friday 28 August 2015

Free Pattern Friday - 13

Hi everyone

Welcome to...


This week's great free pattern is...


The Crayon Wallet Tutorial by The Bean House.
T's Birthday is only days away...
So I had better start thinking about what I'm making him - lol ;)

If your into freebies, remember to check back here or on FB next Friday :D

If you'd like to submit a free pattern for me to share on Free Pattern Friday, then please email me at emma@formylittlemonster.com :)

Happy sewing!
Emma

Tuesday 25 August 2015

Tips and Tricks for adding a leather accent to your Reunion Clutch

Hi Everyone :)

Late last month I released my newest pattern the Reunion Clutch.  It is a FREE pattern download that you can get here.

Did you know the Reunion Clutch offers the perfect opportunity to use leather and make it a feature?!




Now, I am by no means an expert in working with leather!  
I have not sewn extensively with it, however, 
if you follow these tips and tricks I'm sure you will get a 
professional result when making your Reunion Clutch :)



My 1st tip when working with leather on your Reunion Clutch is to use the right NEEDLE...

Use a leather needle - The 1st time I sewed leather using my 90/14 leather needle was an eye opening experience, not only did the needle cut through the heavy leather like butter, but it was easy and effortless too :)


My 2nd tip is to use a walking foot.  Leather is tough, so when I use my waking foot paired with a leather needle, sewing leather is EASY :)
You could also use a Teflon foot, I don't own one, but I have heard they make working with leather easy too.

My 3rd tip is to use 100% polyester thread (this is a MUST).  You can also use a nylon thread, I haven't tried this, however some bag makers do. When I sew with leather I use 100% polyester thread that is an upholstery weight, it looks nice (and professional) ;)

Now we have all that sorted...

Let's get to adapting the Reunion Clutch pattern to work with our Leather.  In the pattern you are asked to apply Fusible Fleece to Pattern Piece B - Accent.  However, when using leather this is not necessary...

To adapt the pattern you will need:
- Pattern Piece B
- Leather (enough for 2 x Pattern Piece B - remember it is cut on the fold!)
- Fusible Medium Weight interfacing (enough for 2 x Pattern Piece B - remember it is cut on the fold!)
 - 2 x Main A fabric pieces (already interfaced as per the pattern directions).

1. Fold Pattern Piece B on the dotted line, and cut your leather in this new shape (don't forget to cut it on the fold!).


2. Apply the fusible medium weight interfacing to the WRONG side of the leather accent pieces.
When applying the interfacing to the leather, ensure you apply it 1/8" from the top of the leather accent piece.


Now, I know a lot of you probably want to use Vinyl or Faux leather on your clutch too, and you can!
 As you are probably aware you shouldn't iron/press Vinyl or Faux leather - it will just melt... so, you could choose to add a sew in interfacing on these pieces.  If you don't have any sew in on hand, you can make your own - its easy!

Gather a scrap piece of fabric (the size of Pattern Piece B) and apply your Fusible Medium Weight interfacing to that.  You can also choose to apply Fusible Fleece to the scrap, for added strength if you are using a light weight Vinyl or Faux leather.  Then sew the scrap (with the required interfacing attached) to the Vinyl or Faux leather accent you would like to use when making your clutch.
That's it!  See easy ;)

3. Take Main A and place it right side up in front of you.  Then lay your leather accent piece face up on top.


4. Sew the leather accent to Main A using a 1/8" seam (like you would to topstitch).


5. Repeat for the second Main A and leather accent pieces, then continue with the rest of the pattern as instructed.


Have you made a Reunion Clutch yet?  If so, I'd love to see it!  Remember to tag me on Instagram (@formylittlemonster) or post a picture of your creation to my facebook page :)

I hope you enjoy using this tutorial, happy sewing!
Emma

Friday 21 August 2015

Free Pattern Friday - 12

Hi everyone

Welcome to...


This week's great free pattern is...



This one I have actually made!
See...

It was part of the gift I made my BFF for her Birhtday last year.  
I changed the flap and the strap, but other than that this is my version of the Brookfeild bag :)  
If your into freebies, remember to check back here or on FB next Friday :D

If you'd like to submit a free pattern for me to share on Free Pattern Friday, then please email me at emma@formylittlemonster.com :)

Happy sewing!
Emma

Tuesday 18 August 2015

DIY Wristlet Strap add on for your Reunion Clutch

Hi Everyone :)

Late last month I released my newest pattern the Reunion Clutch.  It is a FREE pattern download that you can get here.

There are no wristlet instructions included in the pattern, as they just didn't make the final cut ;)
But since the release, I have had a fair amount of interest in how to go about adding one to the clutch...

So here is your DIY :)


You will need:
- 1 x 1/2" (1.2cm) D-ring
- 1 x 1/2" (1.2cm) Swivel Clip
- Tab - From Fabric AND Medium Weight Fusible Interfacing, Cut 1 of 2 1/2" W x 3" L (6.5cm x 7.5cm)
- Wristlet - From Fabric AND Medium Weight Fusible Interfacing, Cut 1 of 2 1/2" W x 15" L (6.5cm x 30cm)

Instructions:
1. Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of both your Tab and Wristlet fabric.

2. We will construct the Tab first.  Take your Tab fabric and fold it in half (length wise - long edge to long edge), press and unfold.

3. Fold the (long) bottom raw edge up to the centre crease line and press.


4. Fold the (long) top raw edge down to the centre crease line. Press into place. Fold the bottom raw edge up to the centre, and press.


5. Topstitch each of the long edges at 1/8" (0.3cm).


6. Slip the d-ring onto the Tab


7. Fold the Tab in half and secure the d-ring in place with a row of stitching.  Ensure to stitch as close the the hardware as possible - you might like to use a zipper foot for this step.


8. Your Tab is now finished.  To attach it to your Reunion Clutch I suggest that when you baste it in place, you use the placement shown below...


This placement is especially important if you ARE using the Emmaline bags 11" Internal Wire Frames (Style A) in your clutch.  This is because once your clutch has been filled with your essentials, if your Tab has been placed higher (eg. on Main A), your clutch will be pulled out of shape if using the wristlet to carry the clutch. 

9. We will now construct the Wristlet.  Take your Wristlet fabric and repeat steps 2, 3 and 4.


10. Slip your swivel clip onto the Wristlet.


11. Unfold the seam allowance at each short end and place them right sides together.  Sew the seam with a 1/2” seam allowance. This will form a loop in your Wristlet.


12. Press the seam out.


13. Refold and press the seam, then topstitch using a 1/8" (0.3cm) on each long edge.  Ensure to slip your swivel clip along the wristet to move it out of your way as you go.


This is what it should look like when your done...


14. Place the join seam at your swivel clip (see photo), and secure theswivel clip in place with a row of stitching.  Ensure to stitch as close the the hardware as possible - you might like to use a zipper foot for this step.


15. Clip the swivel clip to the d-ring and your finished!


Have you made a Reunion Clutch yet?  If so, I'd love to see it!  Remember to tag me on Instagram (@formylittlemonster) or post a picture of your creation to my facebook page :)

I hope you enjoy using this tutorial, happy sewing!
Emma
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Sunday 16 August 2015

My continued adventures with a slowcooker...

Hi everyone :)

I've never had a slow cooker before, but have finally decided to take the plunge and purchase one (a 6L one at that!).

The 1st meal I cooked with it was a true DISASTER...but I'm not going to let that stop me!  So, onto todays adventures :)

I started with this recepie as a base and then changed a few things...



Here is my version of Spaghetti and Meatballs

MEATBALLS
600g beef mince
1 cup cornflake crumbs (add extra if you need too)
Fresh Thyme
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small brown oninon (finely chopped)
2 eggs

SAUCE
1 jar leggo's bolognese pasta sauce
1 x 400g tin crushed tomatoes
large squirt of tomato sauce
2 small - med carrots (diced)
1 med - large zuccini (diced)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix the ingredients for the meatballs in a bowl

2. Roll the meatballs (makes 14 - on the large side)

3. Brown the meatballs in a frypan

4. In the slow cooker, mix the sauce ingredients and add the meatballs (ensure they are covered with sauce).

5. Cook on LOW for 8 hours (stir once or twice during cook - you probably don't have too, but I did :D )

Serve with cooked pasta

So here is what I thought about this meal:

Will I cook it again?

YES - it was YUMMY :)

Did the kids eat it?

The LOVED it :)

What do I score it?

I scored this one 5 yummies out of 5 :)

Did I add or subtract anything from the recipe?

See above recepie :)

Would I add or subtract anything from the recipe next time?

Nope I would do it exactly the same :)

What recipes will be coming up soon?
(Not in any order - I just want to make them coz they look yum!)

Here is the receipe:

Chicken Tacos - but mine will probably end up being Burritos, as T loves Burritos more than Tacos :)
Hoisin Chicken
Chicken and Spaghetti
Apple Butter

Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Chicken burrito Bowl
Meatloaf
Corn on the cob - it's not one of my favourite sides, but the Boys in this house LOVE corn!
Spaghetti Sauce
Butternut squash and coconut risotto - we are big pumpkin risotto eaters in this house so this will be a must try.
Asian chicken lettuce wraps - this one might be good when the weather gets warmer too :)
Beef Bourguignon
Honey Garlic Meatballs

Do you have any favourite recipes you think I should try?  Leave a comment for me if you do!

I'll probably add to this list as I go...I'm sure to find more I want to make! :)
Happy tummy makes a happy mummy ;P
Emma

Friday 14 August 2015

Free Pattern Friday - 11

Hi everyone

Welcome to...


This week's great free pattern is...


The Simple Fold Over Clutch by Flamingo Toes.
This one has been added to my to-do list, it would make a great gift too!

If your into freebies, remember to check back here or on FB next Friday :D

If you'd like to submit a free pattern for me to share on Free Pattern Friday, then please email me at emma@formylittlemonster.com :)

Happy sewing!
Emma

Tuesday 11 August 2015

Tips and Tricks to make your Ingenious Tote even better...(most of these you can use on other bags too!)

Hi everyone :)

Today I'm going to give you some helpful tips and tricks to make your Ingenious Tote (or other bag) even better!

You might have missed a couple of little tutorials I offered here on the blog over the last couple of weeks...they were:


Both of these tutorials will make your Ingenious Tote even better! But if you'd like some more ideas...read on :)

Ensure longevity of your bag
The Ingenious Tote involves cutting/creating holes in your fabric to insert bag feet, magnetic snaps and rivets.  I don't know about you, but I like to apply FrayStop to each hole I make in my fabric before applying the hardware to the bag.

I use this brand of FrayStop, not for any particular reason, 
it's just the one they had for sale at my local Spotlight or Lincraft. 
You should be able to get FrayStop/FrayCheck at any store that sells sewing supplies :)

 Using FrayStop on all holes made in your bag ensures the life of that bag is a little longer.

Reduce your sewing time
I'm not going to lie to you, the Ingenious Tote is a BIG sew...it can take a big chunk of time!  It's because of all those pesky zip pockets ;P

To reduce the time it takes to make the Ingenious Tote, I like to sew all my zip pockets in an assembly line.  So when I sew them I make the 2 large Zip pockets, then the 4 small zip pockets all together.

To do this I:
  • Lay all the main bodies out in front of me
  • Lay the pocket pieces face down on top (according to the measurements given in the pattern)
  • Draw all my boxes for my welt zip pockets
  • Sew all my boxes
  • Cut all my zip seams
  • Push all my zip pockets through and press them
  • Glue baste all my zips in place
  • Sew all my zips in place
  • Fold and press the pocket fabric in place and
  • Sew all the pockets to finish.


When I wright it all out it seems LONG...but it really does go much faster when doing ALL 6 zip pockets in the Ingenious Tote in a production line :)

I also often use the production line method for the 4 side gusset pockets too :)


Give your non reversible handles a different look
One of my lovely testers (Melisa) decided to give her non-reversible handles a different look, and I thought you might like to do this too?!  So I thought I would let you know what she did ;)


To achieve this look, when completing step 10 in the pattern, instead of measuring an marking 7" from each short edge, measure and mark 3" from each short edge.  Then clip and sew as per the instructions in your pattern...and you will achieve handles that look like this:


I hope you have found these tips and tricks helpful!
If you don't own the Ingenious Tote Pattern, and would like to it is available for purchase from my shopEtsy or Craftsy

Happy Sewing!
Emma

Sunday 9 August 2015

I made Mrs H's Saddle Bag!

Hi Everyone :)

A few weeks ago I decided to make Mrs H's Saddle bag :)  I had just finished designing the Reunion Clutch and it was off with my testers...

Designing a bag can be stressful, you have to think about how all the little pieces go together so another person can make it and make it exactly the same...so I decided I needed a bit of a break from thinking about how a bag goes together - I needed to relax - and make a bag from another designer's catelogue.  

I have had this pattern sitting waiting to be made for a while, and decided it would be perfect for a day out at the Melbourne Craft and Quilt fair, so its the one I made!


It turned out beautifully!  I used Kate Spain Paradisio Fabric for the Flap and adjustibale strap extention, and I paired it with the reverse side of a denim I have had sitting in the cupoboard for a while (from spotlight).


I changed the pattern a little by inserting 2 welt zip pockets (one internal - shown above - and once external - on the back), I did this as I just prefer zip pockets to slip pockets, I find my things always fall out of slip pockets!


I was trying to use up the last of my "what a gem" fabric that I used to make my current Ingenious Tote (and yes the Tote happens to be on the cover of the pattern), but I didn't quite manage it and I STILL have some left ;P

Internally, I used headliner and a medium weight fusible interfacing as my stabilisers.  I really like headliner as it gives the bag a really sturdy and great shape. Its a great substitute for Soft & Stable or Flex Foam, howver like the others mentioned it is still rather hard to get your hands on here in Australia!  I do think you would get just as good a result from using h640 fuisable fleece paired with one or two layers of a medium weight fusible interfacing, (this might be eaiser for most domestic sewing machines to sew as well).

This pattern is a nice quick and easy sew.  It is really well written and so easy to follow as Samantha's patterns usually are :)  I would recommend this pattern to anyone and everyone - I loved making it :D

And the best part?  I actually relaxed and had a great time sewing this bag!
Happy sewing...
Emma

Friday 7 August 2015

Free Pattern Friday - 10

Hi everyone

Welcome to...


This week's great free pattern is...


The Anke’s Brushes Bag by So Sew Easy.
There is even a video tutorial with this one!

So if your into freebies, remember to check back here or on FB next Friday :D


If you'd like to submit a free pattern for me to share on Free Pattern Friday, then please email me at emma@formylittlemonster.com :)

Happy sewing!
Emma

Tuesday 4 August 2015

DIY 2 tone reversible handles

Hi everyone :)

As you might be aware, a few weeks ago I released my The Ingenious Tote pattern.  Its a great bag, which has the possibility of being made reversible - yep 2 bags in 1!  The pattern comes instuctions to make 2 different styles of straps - "non reversible" and "reversible".


Today I'm going to show you how to make a 2 tone version of your reversible strap!

See, each side is a different fabric, 
so that when you reverse your bag the fabric 
on the handle has also been reversed.

Ok...so do you want to make your own?  Yes?!  Read on my friend!

Materials
- Ingenious Tote Pattern, which is available for purchase from my shopEtsy or Craftsy
- 4 x 1 1⁄2” (3.8cm) Rectangle rings OR 4 x 2” (5.5cm) O-rings
- From FABRIC A Cut 2 of 21” L x 2 1⁄2” W (53.5cm x 6.5cm) 
- From FABRIC B Cut 4 of 10 1/2” L x 2 1⁄2” W (26.5cm x 6.5cm) 
- Cut 2 of SF101 or Pellon/legacy 931 TD, 40” L x 2 1⁄2” W (101.5cm x 6.5cm)
- Cut 2 of H630, 40” L x 1” W (101.5cm x 2.5cm)


NOTE: These materials listed will make 2 reversible handles and 
the photo above only shows the materials required for 1 reversible handle.

Now, let's get sewing!

DIY Instructions


The instructions below replace Steps 12 to 24 in the pattern :)

1.  Start by sewing the short ends of your 10" pieces to either (short) end of the 20" piece using a 1/2" seam allowance.  What you should have after completeing this step is shown below...


You will now have one 40" long strip.

2. Apply your Medium Weight Fusible Interfacing to the wrong side of your 40" fabric strip.


3. Fold 40" fabric strip in half lengthwise and press. Unfold.

4. Fold the (long) bottom  raw edge up to the centre crease line and press. 

5. Fold the (long) top raw edge down to the centre crease line. Press into place. 


6.  Slip the 1” x 40” (2.5cm x 101.5cm) strip of fusible fleece into place, it should be centred on the flat section between the pressed seam allowances (see picture) and fuse in place.


NOTE: I like to press, (when fusing the fleece), on the right side of the fabric – this also helps to remove the centre pressed line that you no longer need.


7.  At both seam joins, topstitch your seam allowance down. The stitching should stretch for a length of 1 1⁄4” on each side of the seam join. Remember to repeat for the remaining seam join.


8. Slip 2 of your rectangular/oval rings onto the strap.


9. Unfold the seam allowance at the short ends and place them right sides together. Sew the seam with a 1/2” seam allowance. This will form a loop in your strap.


10. Press the short seam allowance out. Then repress the long edge seam allowances into place.


11. Turn the loop right side out.

12. Move the rectangular/oval rings to seam join – do not sew in place yet!


13. Pin down the centre of the strap.



14. Topstitch down each long edge.

15. Sew your hardware in place, you should try to sew as close to your hardware as possible – you might like to change to a zipper foot for this.


16. Repeate these steps to create your second handle.

You have finished your 2 tone reversible handles now!

Continue with the pattern at step 25 :)

I hope you enjoyed this little pattern add-on :)
I'll hopefully have some tips and tricks, that you can use when making your Ingenious Tote, next week!

Happy sewing :)
Emma