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sarah norwood

Quietly Participating in Me Made May

Uncategorized May 22, 2012
I’ve been quietly participating in Me Made May… somewhat unintentionally.  I made a Lydia top at the end of March, and really loved the fit…. then I made two more Lydia  tops because the first one was making such frequent rotation in my daily wardrobe. I forgot how much I love to wear handmade clothing! Sounds funny, but I often get so busy sewing for other people (and I love to do it), that I wind up wearing the same old department store stuff I’ve had for years.
Yesterday I sewed these Built By Wendy Shorts.  I made absolutely no alterations to them and they fit perfectly.  The fit close under the seat, so no gaping, perfect around the hips and thighs, and I can never find pants that right properly around my thighs!  They are just perfect.  My absolute favourite pant pattern.

The pants have front pockets, back decorative flaps, belt loops and a fly front (I am embarrassed to say I looked at the fly pieces and couldn’t for the life of me remember how to install a fly!).  The shorts still need a buttons on the front and back, but other than that they are done.
I used a metallic linen that I’ve had in my stash for a bout a year.  I bought this fabric on clearance for about $3 a meter.  I really love the pink, brown and gold tones, feels slightly safari-ish to me.
And of course I had to make a top to match.  I used up a remnant of rayon slub jersey and made a gathered camisole, which I am wearing today.

Friday Wish List… Bath Edition

Uncategorized May 18, 2012

Lately I’ve been enjoying more window shopping than real shopping.  I guess my bank account appreciates it, but I can’t help drooling over these bath goodies… My birthday is just around the corner, afterall!

1. Sarong Noir Perfume Spray by Theme Fragrance
2. Lavender Lip Balm by Herbivore Botanicals
3. Peppermint Vanilla Soap by Prunella Soap
4. Tea Light Massage Candles (must also come with massage) by La Mia Casa Nel Vento
5. Lovely Jubblies Cream (my favourite smelling, but oh so expensive lotion) by Lush
6. Linen Bath Towel by Bath Style 
7. Acne Face Moisturiser by Wild Rose Herbs

Around the house…

Uncategorized May 15, 2012

We had a pleasant surprise last week when we found that the gnarly old tree in our backyard started blooming.  It turns out we have an old crab apple tree! It’s in full bloom now and looks so, so pretty

The weather has turned so nice in the last few days. I’ve spent most of my evenings outside with Oliver, playing ball and weeding our very sad backyard.  This weekend is Victoria Day Weekend, which means I have some extra time off.  I have lots of sewing to do, but am also going to make some time to start planting in the gardens we dug over the last few weeks.  This will be my first real foray in to gardening!

Time for a Ruffle Bloomer Give Away!

Uncategorized May 14, 2012

Oh the Lovely Things is one of my all time favourite blogs.  I just love her clean, fresh style.  I am so so so excited to be hosting a Give Away there this week.  Head on over for a chance to win these Ruffle Bloomers – which normally retail for $35! The give away is open to international readers, and the final winner will have the knickers made in their size.

Enjoy!

Sale!

Uncategorized May 13, 2012

I’ve decided to run a Sale this week only (May 13 to May 19).  Use coupon code PrettyPanties in my Etsy Shop (excluding Patterns please) and receive 25% off.

Please do note that my turn around time is usually about 6-8 weeks.  Some of my new readers and followers may not know that outside of Ohhh Lulu, which keeps me pretty busy, I am also the office Manager for a small company which keeps be busy 4 days a week.  Each piece requires quite a bit of work, and I never rush through an order, so if you need an order by a specific date, just let me know ahead of time and I will do my best to schedule you in.

Also stay tuned tomorrow for news about a Give Away!

On the Mend…

Uncategorized May 12, 2012

Normally when I get sick, I’m out for a day or two.  I felt like crap all week and am finally starting to feel better. I spent a day and a half resting, and after that I couldn’t take it any more, I went back to work, did my usual routine, and today, Dan and I painted the porch.  It was nice to be outside (until it rained) and the house looks awesome.

On the left, is the house as it appeared when we moved it.  Since then we have put on shutters, put up a new mail box and house number, added some furniture, outdoor cushions (that I made), dug a garden (which will get planted next weekend), cleaned up the drive way, and painted.

I used two shades of grey on the porch – light grey on the railing and spindles, and dark grey on the face of the porch, risers of the stairs, and the trim around the top of the porch.  We left the floor bare, not wanting to have to paint it every few years…

Next weekend we will be planting some flowers, and after that I hope to  do a small stone walk way up to the front steps.  Aside from that, I am pretty darn happy with how it has turned out.  It’s a far cry from what we moved into.

Blogs & Etsy shops for May

Uncategorized May 9, 2012
I love the internet (most of the time).  It’s such a great way to connect with cool, talented people that you otherwise would have never had the opportunity to get to know! 
I had 5 great entries for my May Free Ad Space Give Away, some of them were already favourites, and some are new favourites!
What I Found is an amazing vintage pattern source.  I love the What I Found blog, which has scans and snippets from vintage magazines, ads, etc. Check out this cute 1960’s Baby Doll Pyjama Pattern.  So cute!
Christine, from What’s Up Cupcakes, bakes and sews.  A woman after my own heart! I have to admit, I couldn’t spend too much time on her blog because it made me too hungry.  Look at this, Honey Almond Ice Cream.  She has all of her recipes neatly archived – I’m planning on spending my Friday night going through these!

Cherise Vintage Inspired couture is an Etsy Shop run by Leea from Finland – she makes beautiful vintage-style dresses, girdles, and accessories.  I have to say, this dress is my favourite.  I love the fabric and the detailing at the waist. I love her photographs.

I’m not sure how I haven’t come across Wanett’s amazing sewing blog, Sown Brooklyn.  Her blog is so beautifully designed, and so fun to read.  She sews.  And Knits. And writes. And raises a family.  Basically, she is a wonder woman! I love this outfit – this is totally something I would love to wear.

I also was introduced to Samantha from the Hot Mess Housewife (a blog name I adore).  Check out her blog, she’s participating in Me Made May and has lots of cute stories to tell about mother hood.  Her blog has given me a few good chuckles.

Well, that’s all for now.  It’s been great getting to know these ladies! 

Whine…

Uncategorized May 9, 2012

I am sick like no one’s business! I keep thinking, “I’ll feel better after a nap…” or “I’ll feel better in the morning,” and I just keep feeling worse! Luckily it comes at a time when my day job is kind of slow and I can easily take the time off without stressing about going back to a mountain of work.  But still, I hate being cooped up inside.  I’ve just laid around for the last day and a half… It’s killing me!!!

This morning I made treasuries and looked at custom stamp designs (I want one for Ohhh Lulu). I paid a couple bills, sent some emails, and edited a few photos.  I sat outside and threw the ball to Oliver, who also is pretty upset about being cooped up in doors.  I have to admit, I sat at my sewing machine this afternoon and sewed a top… I couldn’t take it any more!  I’ve been making these sweetheart tee’s, out of an altered Burda Style Lydia Pattern. I really like this pattern – it’s a great start for all sorts of knit tops.

Well, that’s it.  It’s 8:00 and I suppose sick ol’ me should head off to bed.  Ho Hum… I really hope I feel better tomorrow!

Give Away on A Good Wardobe

Uncategorized May 7, 2012

Hi Everyone *Sniffle* I had to leave work early today because I am really under the weather! I’ve been home since 2, sleeping and resting… and going a little stir crazy! I hate having to stay still for too long.  But, I really need to rest and get better.

Elizabeth, from a Good Wardrobe, is hosting a Give Away starting today.  She will be drawing 2 winners – and you get to choose the pattern you want! Click here for the detail on how to enter.

I also wanted to take a quick moment to thank everyone for the input, moral support, and feedback on my patterns.  It’s really been awesome.  I am learning so much as I go, and it makes me really happy to see people excited about my patterns.  I really feel very lucky.  Over the last couple of months I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with other bloggers from all around the world; I’ve made lots of great connections and it’s just been so awesome.  Our little online sewing community is such a great place, full of awesome, supportive people.  So, yes, Thank you! All of you!