Farbenmix XATER- A review and a little translation for you....

There have been Farbenmix  XATER tops popping up in the Crafty Mamas forum of late, and I have been dying to get one sewn up! That's the troube with being the shop keeper, you order all this gorgeous stuff in and never have time to sew yourself. But I staggered it out- in bits..traced one night, gathered supplies the next, cut another- then embroidered and sewed. I'm loving XATER and can see many more in my future.

Details:
Fabric is from my stash ( trying to deplete!) some 100% cotton knits..not Tamarama, thicker...can't remember the name. Anyhoo, Lil does not like STELLA - so I'm always looking for 100% cottons for her.

Ribbing is Hilco from the shop, in orange/turquoise

Applique is a machine embroidered ZNOK Deers star. Embroidery was from Huups...I think. Just a simple star that you can do nifty stuff with!

Farbenmix XATER is available in my store, Crafty Mamas Fabrics here. 
It is in German, but Farbenmix kindly provide a full step by step with pics! to hold your hand all the way. 
But having said that, it's a very easy pattern to sew. Here's a few tips to help!

XATER comes in two widths, the skinnier version ( Schmale Version), or the wider cut version. (Weitiere Version) I used the wider for this one, it is brilliant for kids with tummies).

You can make XATER with a hood or without ( if without, use my easy tute to apply a neckband  ).
XATER gives you the options of short sleeves, long sleeves, or short over the top of long- so heaps of variations here.

For the Skinnier version: Schmale Version
Pieces you will need:

1. Vorderteil (front)
2. Ruckenteil (back)
*note these are on the same pattern piece on the sheet, so you need to trace off the front, then the back. 
3.Armel - lang ( long sleeve)
4. Armelbundchen  (armband for your sleeve - cuff)
5. Kapuze ( hood)
6.Armel kurz, ( short sleeve)
7.Armelpatch ( patch for arm!)

For the Wider version ( Weitiere Version)

8. Vorderteil (front)
9. Ruckenteil (back)
 *note these are on the same pattern piece on the sheet, so you need to trace off the front, then the back. 
10. Armel - lang ( long sleeve)
11. Armelbundchen  (armband for your sleeve - cuff)
12. Kapuze ( hood)
13. Armel kurz, ( short sleeve)
7..Armelpatch ( patch for arm!)

The placement of the arm patch is not indicated on the sleeve piece, so you'll have to eyeball that  one.

Happy Sewing!

Lisa 

New release: Crafty Mamas " Off with the Pixies Dress/Tunic" Ladies version!

Why should the Kids get all the good patterns??  Just hit the shop, The Off with the Pixies for Ladies sizes xs-xxxl.

Only at Crafty Mamas Fabrics, grab your copy here and you too, can be Off with the Pixies ;)

Ladies " Off with the Pixies" Dress/Tunic - new pattern!

As promised!! The Grown Up version of our much loved Crafty Mamas " Off with the Pixes" Tunic/Dress! 

As you can see, Miss B  is quite chuffed with her custom black and purple tunic!

Pdf  pattern out tomorrow, only at ...

CMF

Farbenmix Clever Design Ideas ( or how to NOT sew BORING!)

I love this idea, simple strips of jersey are included in the seam of a HILDE top ( but use in any!). So effective!
 Check it out over on the Farbenmix site

Reverse applique always looks awesome too! From Farbenmix again!

And how amazing is this Chenille effect??? AWESOME ! Team Farbenmix again,  Check it out here!

Farbenmix products are available in Australia in our store, and we also handle wholesale orders!

The Homemade Pencil case

Life is just far too crazy around here, with Summer Uni, the kids home, Crafty Mamas Fabrics, C-R-A-Z-Y.
I start the day with huge lists to do, and it just gets longer as the day goes on! I miss my sewing machines so much- but I'm trying to get back in there! I have sewn a very little though!

I have been making a new pencil case for Miss B, ( who is 13 next month- how did that happen??) ever since she started Prep. She is now in Year 8. Lot's and lot of pencil cases!!! The previous years get a good wash up, and are often used to just stash things, or passed to the younger sibling ( who gleefully accepts half used textas, worn down pencils and blunt pencil sharpeners!).

There is something enjoyable about making  a pencil case.... something soothing about no brainer, straight line and insert zipper sewing ...and I love that Miss B instigates the creation of a new pencil case each year. I guess one day, she won't want one..(sob!). The size of the pencil case is always determined by what she has in mind on the day, and the fabric design.  Here's a look back at a few of our pencil cases!

The LONDON pencil case... for 2013!