workshop: diy circus party in a box

HOWDY!  I know it's been awhile but Dreamesh, me and Chia are going to host a DIY Circus party at my new 1/15 coffee shop.  If you're interested, you may email Amesh at: adreamesh(at)yahoo(dot)com.  It will be held on July, 14th at 1:30pm.  For more details, please visit Dreamesh's blog and email her.  Hurry!  Space is limited :).

xoxo, www.liaspace.com

a book and a giveaway

It is finally out!  I was sitting on my table and I saw this strage package...and I wasn't expecting any :D...then I got excited....and yes...the Book is out! Seaside Home is finally out!  Yay yay yay...I've been waiting for a year for this book :D and I am truly HAPPY....I got 2 copies, since I haven't got the time to order extras and I'm giving away 1 book to my beloved readers :).  I love the projects in this book, done by so many talented crafters...and I certainly am proud to be given this chance...so, thank you Susanne, for including me in this.  

Now, to win this book, simply leave a comment saying what animal do you like for 2012 and why.  Don't forget to leave your email address!!!  I'll close this competition on Friday, 23rd of March 2012.

Seaside Home

xoxo,
www.liaspace.com

faux envelope clutch

Last weekend, my youngest sister came to my house, took a picture of the fabric she had chosen and asked if she could use it to make an envelope clutch.  While I was away, she made her pattern from a paper bag, cut the fabrics and voila...when I came home she was almost done sewing and complained she had to adjust the pattern a bit and started using the dreadful seam ripper :D.  Before she left my apartment, I asked her to leave the bag and took some pictures of it :).  Nicely done!  Now, I'm not sure if this is the correct pattern she used :)...but you can definitely try sewing your own envelope clutch.

Jj's version of envelope clutch

her pattern

xoxo,
www.liaspace.com

i fell asleep and it's almost christmas...

Yes...that's my excuse for being extremely lazy :D.  It's almost Christmas! and it's gift giving time.  Here's a little inspiration for your giftwrap...something super easy and nice.

xoxo,
www.liaspace.com

tutorial: diaper pouch

I've been wanting to do this but I've been too busy and lazy :).  So, alas! here goes...(it's about time...I know....).  Let me know if the link is broken or you need to ask a few questions about it.  Good luck!  Here is the link to diaper pouch

xoxo,
www.liaspace.com

featured: tarawih tote bag

Yes...I'm still alive and very very busy with my Interior Contracting work...Don't even have the time to post anything...let alone sewing :).   It's a good kind of busy, though.  I've done a few things here and there...I just haven't got the time to take pictures and post :).  Mbak Astrid from NOVA tabloid was kind enough to send me the soft copy of my latest tutorial for the tabloid :).  Sorry, it's in Indonesian...

xoxo,
www.liaspace.com

tutorial: fold square bag

Our easter celebration is going to be postponed until mid of this month.  So we're making this fold queare bag for the kids to put in their candies, etc.  I thought I'd give a tutorial on it.  I was going to make a boring square bag, then I thought how I used to make little boxes from paper when I was a kid.  It turns out really pretty :)  and I think I'll make a big version of it.  Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

Materials:

1. 40 x 40 cm flower fabric and lining fabric
2. 40 x 4 cm flower fabric and lining fabric for handle (2 each)

xoxo, www.liaspace.com

tutorial: with love on val's day

Chia was kind to share her idea and took pictures for me :).  It's a valentine's gift little missy E made lovingly for her friends at school.  Maybe...just maybe, Misfits should do the same...or maybe not...coz mommy is too lazy :p

xoxo,
www.liaspace.com

one handle bag

I know, my bag's name is totally uncreative :D.  My sister came to me a few days ago and started rummaging through my fabric collections.  She chose her two fabrics and asked me to make her this bag.  She didn't want something big, so the bag isn't too big.  Although, if you want it bigger, you can always enlarge it.  I'm not too good of an illustrator when it comes to drawing instructions...so I hope it's clear enough :).  Enjoy the tuto and bag.  Do let me know if you're unclear about the steps :D hehehehe.  Here's the link to the tuto and pattern

The bag, modeled by lil misfit

xoxo,
www.liaspace.com

tutorial: multi reversible cape

It's not an original idea.  I've seen this in a japanese book somewhere, I remembered it was simple and easy and since I had to do a Christmas gift swap last week, I thought of making this for my partner.  It was a big hit and everybody wants one now :).  My talented cousin came over to drop off my Christmas cakes order and she requested one for herself.  And in return, she modeled for me :D.  This year, Misfits' teachers also got this as a Christmas present :) but I forgot to take pictures.  You can wear this many ways!  For more variations, add more buttons :).  See picture and link below for the tutorial.

NOTE: Some of the readers asked me about the sizing for this.  I've realized my cousin is super skinny :), so if you're like me...you might not be able to do the cross over style, unless you make the fabric a little longer and wider.  It is best if you try draping the fabric on yourself.  You can always add more buttons to make more variations...you can also add buttons along the horizontal length of the fabric as well :)...it would give more variations.

You can even use it for a scarf ;)

This one was for the Christmas gift wrap

Mimi modeling for me :)...she wasn't trying to pout and looked sexy
It was me taking the picture at that moment hehehe

How to (JPEG FORMAT)

Alternatively, you can download the pdf file here
xoxo,
www.liaspace.com

seahorses everywhere

My seahorse had just gained its popularity back, thanks to the talented faberminx.  Here are some of the wonderful seahorses I took from their websites :).  I just love their combinations and varieties...at least I don't have to sew them! :)  Thank you for sharing!!!

Here is one from an email I received, done by Dave and Tammy...I like how she used felt for the fin and the fin lines look good too :)

Here's the one faberminx did ... I looove the fabrics...so happy and cheerful :)

The talented Franziline made this version of the seahorse...I simply love the seahorse tattoo, though :) hehehehe...cute picture :)

And this is Skemommle's creation...she has a useful tip regarding to the tail's turning procedure :)...It would definitely saves you a lot of headaches!!!  Thank you all very very much for making my day(s) by sharing me your beautiful beautiful creations :)

Note: All pictures were taken by each of the seahorse's maker :)

xoxo,
www.liaspace.com

tuto @ NOVA tabloid

hihihihihihihi....NOVA contacted me a couple of weeks ago, and asked me if I could do some tutorials.  Astrid wanted a nursing cover and the diaper pouch.  So, I made the nursing cover last week...and this week's edition of NOVA tabloid featured my nursing cover tutorial :).  Thanks Ameshhhhh for recommending me to NOVA :)

xoxo, www.liaspace.com

feature and a new tuto at whipup

Awhile ago, the talented Kathreen of whipup emailed me and asked me to be a guest blogger...I was sooo excited and of course, very much honored.  I was confused on what to make with a little flare of Indonesia, so after much thinking, I've finally settled on my version of "shadow puppet".  Thank you, Chia for encouraging me during those lazy days and made me finish the puppet :D.  If you want to make one for yourself, visit whipup for the instruction and have fun :).  I'll make the boy version...maybe...

On another note...here I am on my last night of our little family vacation in Rome.  Very happy to finally coming home :)...I miss my little Belle so much and I can't wait to see her and hug her and pinch her and carry her and showing her all the wonderful things I bought for her :).  Sorry, baby...not that we didn't want to take you...we're simply incapable of doing such circus :).

xoxo,
www.liaspace.com

tutorial: foxy bag pattern and competition calling

Well, it's not actually a tutorial, just a pattern.  I'm calling everyone who's interested to make this bag :).  I tried making mine...I used synthetic leather and forgot to put in the ears and synthetic leathers were just hellish to sew :(.  So, I'm putting this aside for the time being...and ask you...my dear readers :)...to make me one finished product hehehehehe...email me your finished product, k! :)...

Or...maybe I should make this into a little competition??? Say....open till the end of the month??? and I'll prepare a nice package for the winner ;)...what say you?? are you in??

Here is the link to foxy pattern

Here are some suggestions:

1. Use felt for eyes

2. Add a bag strap on the side

3. Leather would be so nice :)

4. Canvas would do too :)

xoxo, www.liaspace.com

tutorial: Two ways skirt

I saw this skirt while I browsed my fave japanese magazine...Cotton Time...and I flipped back and forth but couldn't find the how to...So, I thought...why not try making it myself for the misfits :).  I still owe little Misfit a 2 ways skirt too :).  You can wear it as a skirt, or you can wear it as a top! :).  You can even make one for yourself! :)...Just make sure you elongate the ribbon :).

As usual, here's the link to the tutorial and please email me if it doesn't work, I'll email you the file ;)

A few suggestions:

• Add an extra or 2 rows of elastics for adult
• Lengthen and widen the bow
• You can try having the front panel shorter than the back panel, so the ribbon won't pull the sides

xoxo,
www.liaspace.com

tutorial: doll's kimono pattern for BA dolls

You see...my big misfit HATES moving dolls...she's always been scared of them :).  Recently, she's a tad bit braver and she got this little boy doll as a gift on her second birthday, but it could move and cry.  So, when I bought her sister a Baby Alive girl doll that could not move, she wants it too.  So, last night they were fighting over the girl doll because the doll was wearing a pink dress and lately she's very into pink *sigh...*.  After I took out the batteries in her boy doll, she requested a pink outfit for the doll.  I couldn't possibly make the doll a dress because it's a boy :) hahahahaha...my conscience just wouldn't let me.  So, instead I made it a kimono PJ :).  I thought I'll share you the pattern I made.  It was really quick to make and I sewed it using french seam.  It is a mess, I know...

Link to pattern and instruction

tutorial: gift bag applique

There were two birthday parties today.  So I had to make 4 simple gift bags.  Anyway, here's a simple guide into making the bag and applique.  Use whatever measurement suits your gift :) and you just have to cut 1 long piece of rectangular fabric :).  Ooo and we watched the A-Team today :).  I looove that movie!

1.  Cut and glue the appliques onto the fabric and center them.

2.  I used blanket stitch all around the appliques, you can also use zig zag stitch

3.  Fold the fabric in half and I did a french seam bag here.  Sew on the right side approx. 1/4" all the way on one side, and on the other side, do the same but stop about 2.5" from the top.  Then turn it over and do straight stitch on the wrong side for about 0.375" from the side (do the one side first, where you stitch all the way up and leave the one with 2.5" gap from the top last).

4.  Fold the open edges in twice then sew the edge (the 2.5" part), so there won't be any frayed edges when you fold the top for the cord casing (at angled position)

5.  Fold the top twice and sew all around for the cord casing.

6.  Sew the other side on the wrong side, approx. 0.375" from the edge and close the stitch just below the cord casing

7.  Put in the cord and you're done

tutorial: simple lined pouch

Why didn't I think of this idea before...this is exactly like making a book cover but instead of a book cover, I made the pocket deeper, hence making it into a pouch :) quite fun!

1. You need a piece of lining, the same length as your outer fabric.  You can use just 1 type of fabric, I've combined 3 fabrics for this pouch...the screen printed fabric is for the body where the flap closes whilst the blue japanese fabric is for the back and the flap of the pouch.  The honeycomb blue is used for the lining

2. Stitch the front fabrics together (right sides together), then top stitch on the right side

3. Make the button catcher using approximately 3cm x 5cm of fabric (depending on the size of your button), fold then stitch the catcher then pin it upside down on the edge of the flap

4. Right sides together, stitch the bottom edge of the fabrics

5. Turn right side out and top stitch the edge of the pouch

6. Sandwich the pouch (this is how deep your pouch is going to be), it will be like a letter M then stitch all the 3 sides leaving a gap where the flap is going to be for turning

7. Top stitch the flap and you're done