the small things

I'm not going to pretend that any of this sewing effort is fancy. It's not. I don't do fancy when it comes to sewing. But I can make a pair of pajama pants. Thanks to the Japanese pattern book, Sewing Talk, that is. Yes, I know, I've made these several times already so I really should break out, experiment a little and sew something different. I'm not likely too though as even remembering how to sew button holes nearly did my head in with this pair.

But hey, look at that pin cushion. It's the small things in life that can give you so much pleasure. Instead of dropping pins all over the floor each time I move this little number keeps them all in one spot. And I didn't even use a pattern. I know, genius! Just don't look too carefully at the button holes on those PJ pants, ok?

in black

A black calico version of pattern b from Sewing Talk by Michiko Kayaki. This time I left the bottom edge of the top loose rather than using elastic. I think it might be good in warm weather that way. I've been meaning to make this for weeks. The third pic is a gorgeous little wooden hand painted brooch I bought at a junk stall in the Dandedong Ranges about a year ago. I like it against the rich blackness of the calico. Warning for those sewing with black calico for the first time: pre-wash with salt and vinegar before sewing because you might find, like I did, that a fair bit of colour will run out the first time you wash otherwise. Eventually it will stop and all will be good. Promise.