Monthly focus: January, the little things

Goal number 2 for this year is to keep on improving. so despite it now being more than half way through the month I thought I should say what I'm doing in January.  This month I'm focussing on the little things... like pressing and topstitcing and grading seams.  Exciting isn't it.
I received these fabulous presents: a talilors ham and a sleeve board from my sister for Christmas which she bought at Tessuti. I never realised how useful they could be until I made my Archer and my Saiph using them. (I just wished that I'd waited until after Christmas to put the sleeves into the Archer using the ham).

I am also working my way through 40 Techniques every sewer should know on Craftsy. Has anyone else taken this course? It sounds like it would be reaaaallly dry but it's actually interesting and I am learning quite a few things.
In exciting news I am on leave now until the boys go back to school on the 3/4 February. This week we are in Sydney. We came up last night to see David Sedaris.  Aaaaaah, he was so good. Such a funny night. We laughed and laughed. If you ever get the chance to see him. DO! Even if you've never read his books or stories.  I've posted previously this story in the New Yorker which pretty much sums up my ability with the French language and his skill as a story teller.

No sewing this week, but I have a voucher to spend at Tessuti (also from my generous sister) so a mandatory event while here will be a trip to Tessuti and also my first ever visit to the Fabric Store.  This will all depend on the weather as we are staying at Bondi but I think it will be on Saturday. Let me know if you are going to be around those parts on Saturday or any other time this week!  We just received and invitation to a wedding in March where the dress code is formal/cocktail so will be keeping my eyes open for some fabric for that. No plans as yet for a pattern, I'll just wait and see what fabric I find first. 

In the meantime, I'm sure to be posting plenty of touristy Sydney photos on instagram.

32 comments:

  1. How fun! Enjoy your time off in Sidney and, please, say HI to Tessuti :-)

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  2. I have only just enrolled into the same craftsy course. (40% 0ff atm) Glad to hear you have learnt from it. I cant wait to get started watching it! There isn't a Tessuti in Brisbane, I really feel like I am missing out. Might have to peek at the online shop!

    Nikki
    http://adventuresofabeginnersewer.wordpress.com/

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  3. I think that Craftsy course looks great - like with many things, the devil is in the details and it can be the small things that make something great. I just loved David Sedaris as well. So insightful, wry, witty, funny and poignant. I have nearly all his books and have laughed out loud with every single one!

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  4. David Sedaris sounds fantastic, I saw him a couple of years ago at the Opera House and it was hilarious. I read Me Talk Pretty One Day when I was in Tokyo teaching English and trying to learn Japanese and I loved the bits about his French classes because it was so much like my lessons.
    Have fun in Surry Hills, Reuben Hills is a good spot for a break if you need a rest from fabric shopping :)

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  5. Ooh lucky you with your Tessuti voucher! I might have some time up my sleeve on Wednesday if you fancy a Sydney catch up/Tessuti visit. Don't forget The Fabric Store too! Let me know :)

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  6. Have a lovely holiday! I'm in the middle of that craftsy course too and it is very useful! Can't wait to see your purchases - I'm on the look out for wedding frock fabric too for my besties wedding in late march too!

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  7. Have fun in Sydney. I wish I could meet up with you, but my husband goes back to work this week so I have the kids all week. I also probably need to do a bunch of school work as I haven't even started preparing yet (don't tell anyone!). I went to Tessuti and The Fabric Store last week and spent my pocket money. I think I need to stop buying for a little while and make more. Enjoy the beach.

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  8. OMG! This is fabulous! Yesterday, I finally took that Craftsy class and got crazy: along with it I took the patternmaking basics with Suzy Furrer and another one that is called "underneath it all" IT is the fist time I buy these online clases but I´m very excited to see any improvement in my sewing...
    I just watched the "pressing matters" bit and feel the need for a ham and other tools...

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  9. Enjoy your Sydney visit.

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  10. I think the details make such a difference even though they're not the most exciting. Good to know the Craftsy class is interesting. I hope you're having a wonderful time off and that you find some fabulous fabric!

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  11. hi Kirsty, came across your blog today and thought I'd say hi. I'm a relatively new blogger and we seem to frequent at least one shop in common, in addicted to fabric. I was in melb on Saturday and had a lovely time at tessuti, haven't been to the sydney one or heard of the fabric store. enjoy and enjoy bondi, look foward to seeing some of your makes this year.

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  12. Yes, let's do it. Let me know what time is good for you.

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  13. You got some great presents there! I have used a sleeve board at my sewing class and found it most useful. I have a sleeve roll which is a little awkward at times. Might have to upgrade.
    Great idea to do a monthly focus post :)

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  14. Hi Jillian, I'll probably head there on Saturday morning if you can slip away!

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  15. Oh but you have a fabric store up there don't you?! I use the online store all the time but nothing beats feeling the fabric first does it. Hope you enjoy the course as well.

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  16. Thanks Inna, will do (except it's raining :()

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  17. Would love to, but am working! Will head in Wednesday anyway, you've inspired me. Have fun Saturday :)

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  18. Thanks for the tip Suzy re Reuben Hills. Will definitely be stopping in there.

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  19. Drats. Next time. good luck fabric hunting :)

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  20. Ooh, another wedding guest frock! Do you have any plans for a pattern?

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  21. Thanks Christy. Hopefully I'll be back for a proper get together this year! Good luck with all your school prep. Luckily ACT doesn't go back to school until the 3rd Feb.

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  22. They are great aren't they! I too was so excited to use my ham!!

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  23. Hi Barbara, it's lovely to meet another A2F regular! Hopeully 2014 is full of great makes for you too!

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  24. I didn't know what I was missing with the sleeve board. It is great for all sorts of things!

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  25. I laughed so much that I think if I had been back in Canberra for his show on the 24 then I would have gone again!

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  26. I think the Fabric Store may still have 30-50% off - dangerous! I haven't been to Tessuti SH (usually visit Chatswood and previously York Street and Bondi Junction, sad they shut) would love to join in on the shopping if you are still planning on going Saturday.

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  27. Be great for you to come. SewAmySew is coming as well. We are meeting for a coffee first at 930 if that suits at a place near the fabric shop.

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  28. I would have done the same! Can't wait for his next book...whenever that may be.

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  29. Excellent, I'll email Amy and get details. See you Saturday.

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