Big Butt Undies

 

I just finished sewing something for me, a stack of undies.

I call then Big Butt Undies because I like the coverage but the pattern that I use has many variations to suit your own needs. I also like that pattern because it uses smaller pattern pieces, in fact that watermelon pair was actually a fat quarter.

I was going to make a YouTube tutorial for them using both a sewing machine and also a serger/overlocker. What do you think, is that something that would appeal to you? I promise, they are super easy to make and much, much cheaper than buying a pair. I even tried to turn one into 'period undies' and it worked out fine too!

Undies sewing pattern here.....

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here.... 

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

Handmade gift guide

 Ok, so the festive season is fast approaching and you're stressing about making all the gifts to give.

Well, you can still give handmade without makers anxiety.. you give handmade items from other makers instead!

Here's some great suggestions for you, you can start here at this Gift Guide but if you need some more inspiration then check out this gorgeous cockatoo that would look awesome on any fence or in any garden, Find more like it in the Gifts for Home & Garden collection.

Or perhaps you're after something to decorate a person rather than a fence, then check out this super cute cat in a box necklace that I added to the Gifts to Wear collection.

Or if you have some Maker's in your life or wannabe Maker's then what about this cute DIY Rainbow kit that I've included in the Gifts for DIY'ers collection.

These are just a few suggestions, if you hit the collections links then it'll lead you to a bunch more.

Happy web browsing & buying!

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

Quick Pants!

 

This has to be my most quickest clothing make ever. I bought the pattern, printed it, cut it & sewed it all within 24 hours. World record for me. These things normally take months, well, to be honest, sometimes years!  I've been home sick for 2 weeks, my 10yo son has been home sick from school this week with me and I'm bored. 

I stumbled across this designer somehow and fell in love with the Capris. I honestly bought the pattern for the Capris but I wanted to 'test' the pattern out first before committing 'good fabric'. I found this large remnant of blue knit fabric in the back of my cupboard and it's enough for joggers, so I decided to test the jogger size out and then later I can make Capris.

I love them. They fit perfectly. 

Pattern is this one. Go buy it, it was easy and it's super size inclusive up to a 70" hip. The world needs more size inclusive designers like this.

The pattern comes with these Joggers and Capris, lots of options for pockets AND then the pattern shows you all the way to adjust them, so you get the perfect fit for you.

Ok, so now I'm tired, less bored but still sick. I'm going to curl up with a good book now. 

Please excuse the daggy photos!

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here.... 

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

What are these?

Something a little different today, can you guess what these (above) are?

I hadn't made them before today, this was my first time sewing them. They looked harder to sew than they were.

They are the best ever scraps stash busting thing ever, one piece of the pattern was super small, perfect for those itty bitty scraps.

Yes, I used knit/stretch fabric, it's a 95/5 blend for extra stretch & recovery. 

The picture looks like I made 4 things but in fact I made 2. 

I made 2 pairs. ...worked it out yet?

My kids were super excited to try them on, they've now asked for more in every colour available. My son says they are more comfortable than shop bought ones. My daughter asked for ones with pompoms.

The pattern is this one. Go grab it and use your scraps. 

Aren't they the cutest things ever!  These were the first test ones, so I just used the first scraps I came too. The heels & toes were optional, I really liked the heels as they turn a 'tube sock' into a 'proper sock't that doesn't slip off the foot easily. The cuffs were also optional, I liked the pop of colour at the top.

They come in heaps of sizes, lengths and options, they even come in tights and adult sizes. 

The pattern was well written with heaps of instructions, making them easy to sew.

Now that I've mastered these, I'm tempted to make more and to also make these ones because I know my son would just love them and he's getting harder to buy & make for as he gets older (he turns 11 soon).

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here.... 

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

The Rainbow Swing Dress

 

This dress was so easy to make, a great stash buster. I sewed it up for Delaney's birthday, so I had to wait before I could get a photo of her in it!

The sewing pattern is this one: https://lddy.no/10n66 

My fabric (from my stash) wasn't quite wide enough, so I fudged the shape whilst cutting and there wasn't enough stretch in the fabric for the neckband, so after sewing it 90% on, I ripped it out & just folded the neckline down instead and it still managed to look good when I'd finished it! 

You can see how I sewed the dress here: https://youtu.be/Xp16vZxHOCE

If you need ideas on where to source knit/stretchy fabric from then head over here to see the list I've compiled: http://www.craftyrie.com/2017/09/where-to-buy-knit-jersey-stretch-fabric.html

Here's what the dress looks like on, not the best photos but she was so excited and wouldn't stand still. She also was amazed that I'd actually sewn the dress not bought it, so that was kind of heart warming, especially when she told me it was so pretty and kept spinning circles in it!

If you need more Crafty Inspo, then check out my shoppable lists here.... 

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

Knitting Needle review

 

I'm showcasing & reviewing these gorgeous knitting needles, the KnitPro Zing Interchangeable Needle Set.

The set includes 8 different sized knitting needles that are interchangeable with the cables that are included in the handy pouch. 

There are 4 cables included; 2 x 80cm (I'm using 1 in these photos), 1 x 60cm & 1 x 100cm.  Also included within the kit, are 8 end caps, 4 cable keys, 1 set of cable connectors, 1 set of wool needles & 1 set of stitch holders.  

The cable end caps are handy when you want to try on your knitting for size & fit, you can unscrew the needles & screw on the end caps as it stops the knitting from coming off (& coming undone). 

The cable keys are what you use to screw on & unscrew the knitting needles to the cables so they're not too loose when you're knitting.

The cable connectors are used when you need to add extra length to your cable, so you can join two cables together. They're fantastic for those wider projects like blankets and other types of projects.

The wool needles are super handy to have to weave in those ends and I really like these type as the 'eye of the needle' is easy to thread and doesn't snag on the yarn or project.

The stitch holders are always useful and I love the colours that these ones come in.

Things I really love about these KnitPro Zing Interchangeable Needles:

~ they have a lovely smooth firm grip, not slippery at all

~ they are evenly balanced 

~ the cables are easy to use & change (& join) 

~ the cable doesn't kink at all

~ the gorgeous range of colours 

~ the handy box & notions that come with this kit

~ and best of all, there is just something joyous & magical about matching your needle to your yarn!

I love using these Zing interchangeable needles rather than 'straight needles' as the cables are soft & flexible and don't whack my boobs when I'm knitting. 

They are also handy when you pop your knitting down, the needles are NOT sittings straight up in the air and therefore won't get snapped or broken.

To be honest, I switched to interchangeable knitting needles when I had my second baby as I was knitting whilst breastfeeding and the straight needles would constantly tap,tap,tap the baby on the head whereas when I switched to interchangeables, they didn't tap the baby as they were no where near the babies head! 

I also love using these interchangeable knitting needles for projects when I'm knitting in the car as they aren't wide or pointy at all, so they are un-obtrusive and the knitting can easily be pushed to the centre of the cable & the needles stuck into the balls so they don't get in the way when I'm getting in & out of the car.

Overall, I recommend these needles, they would make a great present as they're boxed up so prettily or they'd be the perfect gift for yourself as everything is stored neatly inside the box. 

I'm so glad to know have this full colourful kit as owning a clickety clack rainbow makes my heart sing!

Head over to and check out the KnitPro Zing Interchangeable Needle Set now, you won't be disappointed! 

This has been a collaborative blog post, all images, thoughts & comments are my own.

A Boxy Pouch

 

I recently sewed this pouch using scrap fabrics for the cute external zipper pocket and just random greys for the outer fabric.

We won't mention how I put the label on upside down, nope, we'll ignore that.

I'm not sure what I'll use it for, maybe I'll give it to my son as he was wanting a new project bag for his crochet.

I used the pattern from this book or this book in Australia, I also reviewed the pattern book in this YouTube video, have you seen it yet?  How was the review? I'm working on improving my channel, so stick with me as I grow more confident there!

Need more Crafty Inspo list, then check out my shoppable lists here.... 

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

Sock Arms Cardi

 

I'm so truly, madly, deeply in love with my latest knitted piece. 

Do you adore it as much as I do? 

It's knit in fingering weight yarn, so yes, it took me ages but those sleeves were super fun to make!

I used this yarn for the body and this yarn for the sleeves. As suggested by the blog title, you're supposed to use sock yarn, so I could have used this type of yarn, this yarn or this yarn too.

Pattern is from this book or if you're in Australia like me, then grab the book from either here or here.   FYI, my name is in the back of the book because I was a pattern tester for this cardi. Let me know if you see my name in there! If you want to see what other awesome knitting patterns that are included within the same pattern book, then click here to see my review of it where I give you a sneak preview of all the patterns!

Need more Crafty Inspo list, then check out my shoppable lists here.... 

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel? Click here to check it out & let me know your thoughts on what you'd like to see there! 

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

Sewing Kids Leggings on a Sewing Machine

 

I recently made these leggings for Delaney. I sewed them on the sewing machine, no overlocker (serger) needed. I also don't cut measure or cut the elastic before sewing as I find it easier not too.

If you want to see me making these leggings then check out how I do it in this YouTube clip. I really love making these as you only need one pattern piece. Yes, you read correctly, you one need ONE pattern piece!

Have you subscribed to my YouTube channel yet? I'd really appreciate a follow or a thumbs up over there!

Some great leggings patterns for kids can be found here, here or here. 

I used fabric from my stash but for some great fabric suggestions try here or here in Australia.

Need more Crafty Inspo list, then check out my shoppable lists here.... 

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel? Click here to check it out & let me know your thoughts on what you'd like to see there!

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

Interchangeable Knitting Needles – Review, How To Knit

Are you a novice knitter? Then you might want to know what kind of needles you need for your new hobby. Today we would like to show you how useful interchangeable knitting needles are. We will also answer a few common questions that you might have about interchangeable knitting needles, let’s get started. 

Are Interchangeable Knitting Needles Good?

Yes, they are. Interchangeable knitting needles are very easy to use and give you flexibility when it comes to different kind of projects and yarn choices. 

Whether you just want to knit a cuff in a smaller size or you want change the size of needle for a colourwork section, the interchangeable circular knitting needles make this change very easy.

An interchangeable knitting needle is made out of two needle tips that are connected via a cord.  They are very similar to a circular needle; the only difference is that you can easily change a needle tip to a different size.

How Do You Use Interchangeable Knitting Needles?

The interchangeable knitting needles are used in the same way as circular knitting needles. 

They are good for all kind of knitting projects, whether they are knit in the round or knit flat.

If you would like to find out how to attach the cable to the needle tip, make sure to watch our video tutorial. 

What's The Best Knitting Needle for Beginners?

Most knitters will learn their first steps with straight knitting needles, as they can be rested against the body and they give stability whilst knitting. 

They are a great tool to learn on, but in the long run we recommend every knitter to try out interchangeable circular knitting needles. 

Modern patterns are mostly knit seamlessly and therefore require you to knit in the round. As this is not possible with straight needles, it is worth to get used to knitting with circular knitting needles early on.

Top 5 Reasons, Why Interchangeable Knitting Needles Are Great

As previously mentioned, you can use interchangeable knitting needles for any kind of project. They are the most versatile tool when it comes to knitting. 

Here are our top 5 reasons why it’s totally worth it to try them out:

1. You can be flexible when it comes to needle sizes and it’s a great investment in your hobby. Purchasing an interchangeable knitting needle set instead of individual circular knitting needles in different sizes and lengths is more affordable.

2. Do you need a shorter cable for a section of your pattern? You wouldn’t need to transfer your stitches onto a different cable, you can just simply use a shorter cable with the same needle tips that you’ve been working with already. 

3. Do you like to knit on different kind of projects at the same time? With interchangeable knitting needles you can park a project on a cable whilst using the needles on a different project. 

4. Using an interchangeable circular knitting needle instead of a straight knitting needle will reduce the weight that your hands need to carry whilst knitting. You will be able to knit for more hours without getting tired hands.

5.  Do you need a really long cable for a blanket? You can even connect two cables to each other by using a cable connector. 

 

Conclusion

Interchangeable knitting needles are the go-to tool for many knitters around the world. They are very flexible and a smart investment for any passionate knitter. If you would like to see our full range of interchangeable circular knitting needles, make sure to visit our website. 

This has been a collaborative blog post.

Handy Small Pouches

 

I made some handy small pouches over the weekend, trying to use up my scrap fabrics rather than having the fabric just sitting there in the cupboard.

I used the pattern from this book (or this book in Australia) and didn't actually use interfacing as I didn't think they needed it!

They are going into the 'gift cupboard' as they'd make perfect gifts for kids & adults.

Need more Crafty Inspo list, then check out my shoppable lists here.... 

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel? Click here to check it out as I showcase these in a review of the pattern book.

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

The best sewing tips

 

The best binding tip that I've come across for joining your binding seams on a quilt is with this. It just blew my mind at how simple it was and it's now my favourite way to bind a quilt or placemats (like in the above photo).

I love quilt as you go (QAYG) and there are lots of classes on it, my favourite one to learn how to actually do QAYG are this one as I love the projects. I also liked this class as it showed me very practical tips but my absolute favourite lesson to teach you how to join your QAYG pieces is this one. Yes, it's not an actual qayg class but the very last lesson in that class she joined the blocks so simply that I just had to share it with you! I also like this single finishing strip technique as well.

I also love scrap fabric projects, so when I watched this class, ohmygosh, it was life changing! Not only was it scrap fabric but QAYG too! 

Also, I need to recommend this class. Piecing has always kinda of scared me away but this teaches piecing AND improv pieceing. The session on improv piecing just ticked all the right boxes in my brain and I've actually been giving it a go!  If I was to buy a class to keep, it would certainly be this one. 

I also really enjoyed this class, the instructor, Joe, has done all the math for you, so you just need to choose fabrics, cut, sew & find a layout that you like best. He also shows you what to do if your sewn layout is looking a little wrong aka crazy! I really liked that he showed the process of making a quilt rather than showing you how to make something that just fits a particular design. I've actually watched the class a few times now as he has a lovely teaching style and is quite funny!

Now, this lesson had tips in it for not only sorting your stash BUT the most excellent tip for working with fabric that my brain just dinged at! Yes! I ran off to the cupboard and starting using her technique! I've actually rewatched this several times now as all the lessons are really inspiring and so easy! 

If you're cupboard is overflowing with too many precuts (like me!) then this class is perfect for you as it uses a jelly roll to make the easiest Dresden quilt and charm squares to make the cutest circle quilt (like life savers/donuts).

Sewing with knit fabric (stretchy fabric) is kind of tricky and I've been trying to master it for a few years. Now, I can sew stretch fabrics but I'm never happy with the finished projects as I don't like my seams ....until I completed this online class and baboom, everything clicked and I can just use my sewing machine & don't actually need to purchase special machine (like a coverstitch) to get that nice finish.

If necklines scare you when sewing t-shirts, then this class has some inspiring necklines that are easy! 

Now, this class had lots of tips but what really blew my mind was a simple one-liner tip that she gave in regards to using a stitch on my sewing machine that I've always tried to use & never been successful with, after hearing her tip, I actually feel now more confident in my sewing! There were also so excellent elastic sewing tips too for all types of elastic.

Ok, wow that's a lot of tips and I hope they help you as much as they helped me. Also, thanks for reading this far, whilst I've got you here, can you do me a favour and let me know in the comments below what platform you use to read my blog? Do you read it via email, Bloglovin, Feedly etc as I've noticed that my readers has tripled this year and I'm curious to find myself a new blog reader.

Need more Crafty Inspo list, then check out my shoppable lists here.... 

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel? Click here to check it out & I'd love to know your thoughts on what you'd like to see there!

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

Sewing fat quarter cushions

 

I've been sewing lots of cushions lately as they make great gifts and are fantastic stash busters too.

I use two fat quarters, a zip and of course, a cushion insert. 

It's a great way to use all those pretty fat quarters in your stash that have been sitting there because you never wanted to cut them up!

How do I make them? Well, you could check out my YouTube video on how I make them or for notes on how I do it then keep on reading below:

Choose two co-coordinating fat quarters, a pretty coloured zip that is either the same length or longer (& you trim it down to size) and a cushion insert. Yep, that's all you need!

First, sew the zip onto the first fat quarter, then line up the second fat quarter and sew the zip onto it.

I then go back and sew a zigzag along the edge to neaten the edges. 

Open the zipper up partway, then line up (& pin if necessary) the three remaining sides and sew. Then go back and do a zigzag stitch to neaten the edges & prevent fraying.  Trim any excesss loose threads.

Turn the cushion inside out & insert the cushion insert & close the zipper. 

Done! One very quick, fun fat quarter cushion!

Have you subscribed to my YouTube channel yet? If not, click here to do so .. I'd really appreciate it!

Do you need a shop-able photo with a list of supplies needed for this project, if yes, then click here!

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie  

       

Updating the Princess!

 

A little time ago, I crocheted Laney a princess blanket (here) but after finishing it, I'd always thought that it needed a border. 

So, years later, I added a border! I think it really finishes it off and it makes it just a bit bigger and more useful too!

Pattern is this one...

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel? Click on here to go & check it out! 

Head over here for more craft inspo & craft supplies.

Tshirt Yarn Bassinet

I finally finished this toy bassinet that I've been making for my son (it's been on the go for about a year now)! It kind of got put to the side and abandoned.. whoops.

But after sitting down for a couple of hours with this in my lap, it's finally finished.

I love it, Joe loves it. In fact, we kinda argued about who was going to get it but I compromised and Joe has it on permanent loan until he no longer wants it then it's mine.

I can't wait to fill it up with yarn and use it as a work basket!

In the meantime, Joe is using it with his newborn baby. The baby toy is one that we sewed up together using this pattern. 

I didn't use a pattern for the bassinet but here's some ideas for some if you're interested. Otherwise, I used T-shirt yarn and a basket base. 

If you've got a minute or two, I'd love your feedback, what else should I add to these Crafty Inspo lists & should I keep the books on or not? 

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

Is your creative space working for you?

I have a confession to make, I don't like my sewing space. Ugh, I feel so selfish saying that but honestly I don't. This is what it looks like: 

My sewing space is small, really small. It's actually in my kitchen, if you look to the top right of the photo, you can see my stove, the kitchen table is to the right of the photo. It's not an ideal location but I found it's the only place that works for me. I often sit at the sewing machine & sew whilst I'm cooking dinner or sit at the kitchen table & pin fabric whilst the kids are eating their dinner. When the sewing machine was in a separate part of the house, it was never used. The sewing table is small, too small for my long legs and I can't shift the sewing machine to a more comfortable position so I quickly get a sore back and to be brutally honest, my sewing space often looks like this:

Such a cluttered space, everything gets dumped there because I get frustrated & crabby when I get a sore back from the ill 'fitting' desk. Also, because it's in the kitchen, I often get cold. I wish it was like back in high school when they had the decent heating and you'd kick off your shoes to get toasty warm feet, I'd love to have that in the kitchen, I wonder how much underfloor heating costs.

So, my frustration got the better of me. I packed up the desk into boxes, cleaned it up and sold it! I sold it within a day, way quicker than I had anticipated! So now I don't have a proper sewing space, it's currently a pile of boxes and my sewing machine is on the kitchen table. I've sat down and tried to design my ideal desk and hubby & I will be working on it over the next week or so (building it ourselves). I think I need some better lighting, increased storage and maybe a new chair too.

Tell me about your creative space. Is it working for you? Do you need to make any adjustments so it's a more pleasant place to be? Perhaps you have an actual dedicated sewing room! I'd love to hear about it!

This has been a collaborative blog post.

Eco: 'unpaper' towels or bench wipes

 

Have you heard of 'unpaper' towels before? You may call them bench wipes or cloth wipes or reuseable wipes/cloths. You can use them instead of paper towels, use & wash then use again. No waste.

Can you tell what these were made from? 

I made them from the kids old bibs! I found the pile of them in the back of the cupboard as I could never figure out what to do with them when they out grew them!

Yes, I could have donated them to the charity shop but they're old & stained and they'd probably have been tossed in the shop's bin. The wipes were so easy to make, I just sewed a seam across, trimmed the top off then zigzagged along the edge. Easy. A quick satisifying project that didn't even take 10 minutes!

I'd love your feedback, what else should I add to these Crafty Inspo lists? 

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie

Scraps to usefulness: curtain tiebacks

I 'uncovered' a window the other day aka, tidying up all the stuff in front of it so it lets more light through! So the next thing I wanted to do then, was to let in even more light and the best way to do that is to make curtain tiebacks as they pull the curtain back all the way to let the daylight in.

I couldn't decide on what fabric to use, so I used the one that 'fell' out of the cupboard, old jeans!

I then used all the fancy stitches on my machine along with all the odd remnants of thread to make it colourful. After trimming, I edged in remnant binding stripes and voila.

Curtain tiebacks for the backroom!

And now on to the next stash busting project, I wonder what I can make next!

I'd love your feedback, what else should I add to these Crafty Inspo lists? 

I utilise affiliate (aff) links throughout my blog as a way to help me keep crafting. 
If you click on an aff link, I receive a very small amount from it at NO cost to you. 
So please help me to keep CraftyRie up and running by clicking on my aff links!Many thanks, Rie