In the end I couldn’t resist making a camera strap for myself as well. This time I used a beautiful cotton on one side and jean on the other. I’m thinking this one is a little more unisex than the pink floral (not that my husband would care about hanging a camera with a pink and turquoise strap around his neck).
Now I’m off to a photoshop course. Here’s hoping there’s a feature to sharpen up all my out of focus photos (if not I’m off to the eye doctor to see about maybe getting some glasses).
Another one of my week-end sewing projects was to make some camera straps. I thought a few photo taking friends would find it a fun gift to receive. Who knows if they’ll ever use it but I had fun making them. And what an easy and quick gift to make! In 1/2 an hour it’s cut, sewn, ironed and wrapped.
Looks as though it’s time to clean that mirror…
Another reversible purse was made yesterday. This one is for my grandmother’s 90th birthday which I’ll be celebrating with her in a few weeks. 90 years old! Amazing considering my grandmother is in excellent shape and more active than most 30 year olds that I know. I mean…you have to call weeks in advance to schedule a visit with her. How incredibly awesome is that? Here’s hoping I live a long and healthy life like her (and that she likes the purse that I made her).
I like the fact that the there are two completely different styles to the purse thanks to the materials. A summery floral and an autumny foliage print.
With all the Sinterklaas parties and various holiday events lately I haven’t had a lot of time to sew. But the last few days I have managed to start sewing some of the Christmas gifts for various teachers and friends. One sewing machine is broken and the other one seems to be holding up so far (even with all the oilcloth I’ve been using). 
This shows how many different projects I have on the go at the moment. By looking at our calendar I can’t seem to find a lot of time to get it all finished before Christmas. I guess they’ll be some late nights spent in the sewing room. It might actually help if our internet cut out for a few days…
But it was worth it. I managed to get through the two different oilcloth zipper pouch patterns before my machine did a final cough and died. I should have realised there was something wrong during the sewing due to the fact it sounded like I was operating a steam engine. Now the real adventure begins though…trying to get a sewing machine fixed in rural Italy.
I’m feeling better today. Thanks to Lemsip Max for another beautiful sleep. I was even feeling well enough to host our weekly sewing class here this morning. We made 2 more zippered pouches (all using different techniques). My previous zipper fear is almost gone. Almost. Here’s what we did today…
I’ll be making more of the green and blue one for sure. The pouch with the buttons and visible zipper is a little too fussy for my taste though. I’m happy I learned how to do it but I’m not sure I’ll be producing too many of them for Christmas gifts.
I have mastered the zipper! Well not really but I did successfully make a few zipper pouches today. It might have helped that I had a friend help me through it step by step. And it also might have helped that she’s a clothing designer and ex-Missoni designer. In any case I’m ecstatic with the results and will be sewing a lot of these pouches in the coming weeks (Christmas presents?).
I don’t know what has come over me. As soon as Halloween was over I was mentally planning and thinking about Christmas decorations. This is not normal for me. Usually we spend the holidays in Canada or Belgium but this year we decided to stay in Italy at our own home for once. And we’re all really excited about it. Of course we will miss being with our families but the thought of decorating our house and having a cosy Christmas morning in front of the fire is very appealing. So by November 1st I was already busy sewing the first of our Christmas decorations…
Our theme this year is definitely red and white. We will do our whole tree in just those two colours. We went to the fabric shop and purchased some felt and this was our first project. A simple garland using silver thread. After we made this one I saw one of my twin daughters cutting up some tiny hearts. She said she was making a heart garland for her twin sister to show her how much she loves her. Seriously! I almost melted on the spot.
After a 2 week break from my photo course I had to get my assignments done this week-end. Unfortunately the weather was grey and rainy the whole week-end so my contro-luce (against light) shots outside couldn’t get done. So I moved the shoot inside with some bright lights. I also had to do some contrast shots as well. I seem to be having a hard time getting my shots IN FOCUS. I can’t understand what’s going wrong. Maybe I need glasses?
This is one of my light contrast shots. As I mentioned earlier, the shot is out of focus.
Contro luce shot. 
Contro luce shot. Hi Fido! Thanks for biting off my chicken’s tail.
About
Jillian in Italy Interview by Classic Play!
Jillian In Italy interview on Pret A Voyager
Embroidery With Kids
Father's Day Origami Garland
Miniature Bulletin Boards
Surprise Activity Garland
Italian Crostata Recipe
Snail Mail Booklets
Doily Fairy Lights
Jan Fabre Exhibit With Kids
Japanese Handicrafts
Miniature Waffle Cookies
Jillian In Italy 