Sew What!

I wish I could have fitted it all in, it's a huge lovely old building!

Have you ever heard of a town in rural Victoria called Maryborough? It is not a large town, but it is a growing town. I visited this town on the weekend. As we drove around having a look I spied a sign, it read…..”SEW WHAT”   It was like an invitation, it was like it was calling me, it was just too tempting, I had to know what it was all about. It is located in the old  Maryborough flour Mill and IT is fabulous.

Wayne and Judi McKail  have done a wonderful job of collecting, and restoring sewing machines in fact I joined a tour led by Wayne where he spoke about  their collection. The tour included over 250 vintage, antique and toy sewing machines,  and I loved it. I could have spent all day there.

The Vickers my favourite for too many reasons to mention

The handy carry sewing machine!

Sewing machines not only looked fabulous but as Wayne demonstrated for us, they sounded divine as they glided along to the gentle rythmn of the pedal. The tour was great, it is always exciting to talk to someone who is passionate about what they do. I don’t think any two tours would be the same! I love the fact that the whole  collection started because one day Judi said to Wayne that she would like a treadle sewing machine. Then look what happened!!

An old sewing machine that has been lovingly restored, works like a charm and looks like a dream is truly a thing of beauty.

The oldest machine in the collection.

This one when you open the door it is actually the seat! How cool is that!

Now the only problem was I ran out of time and I missed out on seeing the rest of shop and exhibitions they have on offer for. Guess I will just have to find another excuse to go to Maryborough.

If you want to know what I am talking about check out “Sew What” at the Maryborough Flour Mill.

Wayne and Judy

Dresses!

I have made a few dresses lately. They are not only fun to make, they are soo cute to see on!

And I also tried to use this dress using the same lovely vintage style pattern to make it in to a reversible dress too. See if you recognise the fabrics??

Success!

Just in case you were wondering the undies are a huge success!! They are so comfy, I actually think they are one of the best pairs I have ever had. Here I have been putting this off, when I had no idea what I was missing out on! They did not fall down, (which when I think about it is a crazy fear,) they were just perfect in every way! I can’t believe I put this off for soooooooooo long! I highly recommend making your own to anyone. My goodness I have just over come a huge hurdle in my sewing, if I can just make a few more good pairs I might even work up the courage to make my very own design for a vintage style two piece swim suit. I may not have mentioned this before, but I dream of being able to sew a funky vintage swim suit. Frankly I have often wondered if it was just a pipe dream. Now ,with this little success under my belt (heehee) I think that I might actually get there.  Then I might even work up the courage to wear it out in public. (The swim suit not my undies!) Which ever way I look at it, this has been a very exciting week, in more ways than I can begin to explain, with a renewed passion to keep my ethical clothing pledge going and to keep sewing!!!!!

Those were the days!

Wouldn’t you just love to have gone down to the local bathing pool dressed like one of these beauties!

If you think I am alone in my wish to for a return to the swim wear of yesterday, then you should see some of the out fits made by my sister pat, no I don’t have a sister called pat that is the name of the company. Check it out here is one of my favourites!

A proudly Australian made designer label!

My sister pat

Rocket Fuel!

Do you like vintage fabrics and designs? Do you like to reuse, recycle and upcycle? Do you like bike riding? Do you like hats? Do you need spunky hat to cover your helmet hair when you ride your bike to a funky event! If you do then Rocket Fuel is for you! They have some very cute vintage style hats. A friend has just introduced me to it and it’s fabulous! I love this blog and the ideas are spunkalicous! They have some great ideas good values and fantastic links on the blog. I think I will also be spending a bit of time in the instructable with the DIY Tuesdays! I don’t think I will ever get sick of blog land and the internet it is far too exciting, inspiring and convenient. Here is a link they had on their blog to making a print from an old bike inner tube. I love it!

I soooo have to make one of these!

I might make a dragon one!

Click here to see how to make it!

Another Apron!

The tree apron. In case you wanted to know, roughly what the finished project will look like here is a practise one, cut out of news paper.

Treemendous!

Shame newspaper makes a terrible apron otherwise I would leave it as is, it’s a bit cute!

Tasmania

I have been finding some fantastic blogs coming from Tasmania lately. One that I stumbled across today is wonderful. Anyone who likes sewing machines, op shops, buttons, up-cycling, old suit case and vintage fabric is someone I want to read more about. If you would like to read along as well check it out.

3 Red Buttons

Sew fantastic! Great buy Angie!

Beach bag with vintage embroidery.

One beach bag made! I am really happy with how this one turned out.

Should be able to a good amount of beach gear in this one!

Now I just need to find a fabric to go with the other design!