My bias about bias…. binding.

Stitch and bitch Saturdays. Oh. How I really do enjoy them. There is a mixture of relief and lament about joining the sewing circle inner sanctum of my family at the age of 30. My lessons (when my stubbornness doesn’t get in the way) are imparted to me from two extremely knowledgeable women whose sewing skills are honed not just from a seniority to myself, but a tenure that can be traced back to their “Tweens”. Whereas by comparison, my journey into the craft rabbit hole has deepened only in the last year, with brief dabbles throughout my life, tasting both success and bitter frustration. I curse myself for not engaging in this passion that stimulates my creativity and problem solving; as I am consciously aware of what my skill level could be if I had persevered. Instead, I have the sincerely joyous opportunity to learn from these women as an adult, and see them as friends rather than authority figures.

There was no planned project for today initially. Over a coffee and a slice (ok, maybe two) of apple custard-y baked goods, we commenced discussion about a “battle plan” for the coming weeks. Stitch and bitch days happen largely on days when my step-father has absconded for the freedom of flying in gliders in Warwick, and my aunt leaves my uncle at home to be consumed by an electronic online war.
I digress.
Where were we?
Right! Coffee, cake and a decision was made to tackle mumma-chook’s recently purchased pattern – Gidget Shorts. As this was a purchased pattern with tutorial, including strict instructions not to republish, you can find the pattern for sale on Etsy
Here’s my first completed pair!

They were quite easy to do – the challenging part was making my own bias tape that goes around the hem. The pattern purchased does give instructions on how to make your own, but the chooks had a better way! I did a practice of it solo today, and yielded a relatively positive result – but not as neat / tidy as I’m sure the chooks would have achieved. I am going to do some more tomorrow, and photo as I go, and will update this post with the tutorial. But, fiddly bit aside, I quite like the finish of bias tape. I think if you make it in lengthy quantities it takes the time consuming element out of this project. After my trial bias tape today, I have knocked together a second pair of shorts (just a few finishing touches left before publishing them) in half the time!

You can find both the shorts above, and the pair mumma-chook made for sale on our Facebook page. The aunty-chook has also set up a Facebook page for her handmade items – highly suggest you check it out. Maybe one day I’ll be half as talented as these two…

If you have any suggestions for our future crafternoons, please feel free to comment below 🙂
Stitches and such,
the chick

Online store is live!

Our online store is now live, thanks to the amazing craft community Etsy.

Our brand, Pollymop is the brainchild of one of the chooks (aka my mum) with ‘tech support’ from the chick (aka me).

Currently only shipping within Australia at this stage, but would love your feedback on current listings if you are outside Oz!

Crafter-noon on Saturday! Project still to be determined!

Stitches n such,
The chick

A humble beginning

As I start this, I immediately realise I am procrastinating.

Right now, I should be working on a university assignment.

The assignment is to utilise social media to research a topic, and critique its success in providing information.

My topic? Handmade and up-cycled craft.
Why? Because it is what I would rather be doing!!

In the midst of compiling the essay about the use of social media and blogging in the craft community, I thought – I spend a ridiculous amount of time online, I should be part if this!

So, in an attempt to join the forever expanding world-wide-webiverse and return a contribution to the crafting community, I have joined the blogging ranks!

I am still increasing my skills in sewing from an amazing woman, my mother. She has been sewing most of her life and is extremely talented and creative, and I can only hope I can persevere to become as talented as she is.

Why 2 chooks and a chick?

My mother, my aunt and I were having a “crafternoon” / “Stitch ‘n’ bitch” kind of a day, and in amongst the silliness, my mum and aunty said something about how daggy they were. I challenged them on that, and told them it would be quite a sight to see “Two old chooks and a chick” out on the town. And a name was born – although, it was voted that the term “old” be removed 😉

Where to from here?

I’m hoping to utilise this platform to demonstrate the creativity of these geniuses that I have the privilege(or curse) of being related, and my lessons that may benefit others.

 

Stay tuned for the evolution 🙂