All about these two… ✂️

Made By Nanny is only Made By Nanny because of these two… we started because of them when they came along in 2014, two gorgeous granddaughters from two daughters and therefore making me a Nanny (finally – can’t tell you how long I’ve been waiting for that!).

Grace was born first in August followed ten weeks later by Maitha in October and the knitting needles were going full pelt as soon as we knew they were on the way.

As a family, little traditions have always been important to us, whether that’s

Taylor’d Bundles turns two… ✂️

May is the month that the wonderful Taylor’d Bundles turns two… and we’re the ones getting cake!! How brilliant is that? Haha

These gorgeous cakes arrived this morning just in time for our mid-morning cuppa from the team over at Taylor’d Bundles, as a little thank you for being part of their gang.  We’re the ones that should be thanking them, not only have they made us feel completely welcomed, the cakes were delicious… and we got two!

#MakeItSewcial…

Wow what a weekend!! I had the absolute pleasure and honour to be invited to attend the London version of the Make It Sewcial Meet Up… and I was so glad I did!

It was a fantastic event organsied by the lovely Caz Taylor of Taylor’d Bundles on behalf of the very inspiring Allison Sadler from The People Shop.  Allison is based in the Birmingham area and first started these kind of events as a way for creative like-minded handmakers to get together and share their ideas and crafts.  Now with over a huge 33K+ following on her instagram page, the ‘makeitsewcial’ hashtag has exploded and connects crafters, sewers, knitters

A little teepee…

I’m very excited as I’ve had an order for one of my teepees and this time it’s for a little boy.

I’ve gone with a blue stripe fabric but it has a washed out feel to it, similar to a vintage denim and looks really nice, not harsh stripes at all.  All my teepees are a standard large size so very excited to see the little customer in his as he’s only 6 months old.  Going to be very cute.

This is my project for the weekend so hopefully will have it completed and ready to share tomorrow afternoon.

The Marianne Romper Take 2…

Once I had made the original version of the Marianne Romper for Little M and it worked out so well, I had to make one for Little G too.

As she is a few months older and at the stage where she is starting to walk and growing at the rate of knots, I had to work on adjusting the pattern slightly to fit but again it has turned out beautifully.

I used a light dusky pink floral print cotton mix fabric for this one.  It is so soft to the touch and hangs wonderfully, perfect

The Mariam Trousers…

I thought I’d try some trousers using the similar harem style pattern as those on the romper as these seem to be quite popular, and look very comfy too.

So here are the Mariam Trousers.  This pair are made in a dusky dark pink cotton fabric so nice and light for the summer, and easy to wear with an elasticated waistband.

As soon as they were finished Little M popped them straight on and she was off. Crawling round the room with the greatest of ease, which is fantastic to see when she’s wearing something I’ve made.

The Marianne Romper…

I’ve been working on a brand new project and design for a baby romper for Little M.  I am proud to share with you the Marianne Romper which is now finished and available for personal orders.

The fabric is absolutely gorgeous on its own, and even more special in the finished article.  I am really happy with how it’s turned out.  The pattern started coming together last week, based on other rompers that I have previously made, but updated a bit with a lower hanging trouser, similar to a hareem style which seems to be very popular with the girls at the moment.

It’s a teepee party…

So I’ve finished my big project and proud to say that Made By Nanny teepees are now officially here and available.

I started with the plan to just make a pretty little one for the girls to use in the garden over the summer but after finding all that lovely fabric shown in my previous posts, I’ve ended up with three big ones.  And the girls, both big and small, are loving them.

Firstly is the original pink and green floral teepee which was made for Little G, and is beautifully girly and pretty.  This looks so lovely in the garden surrounded by the flowers and trees.  I also made matching bunting.

I’ve had an idea…

I’ve had an idea for a new sewing challenge.  I keep seeing all this lovely fabric and printed material in the sewing room and my local haberdashery, I just know that I have to make something a bit special with it.

I’ve decided that I will give making teepees a go, they seem to be in the current ‘in thing’ for little ones and to be honest they do look very good in baby nurseries and playrooms.  I’m hoping that the weather holds out and the grandchildren get to use them in the garden mainly as they are perfect for the summer.

On a sensible side, they are very easy to fold and put up and away again.

So fingers crossed, here goes, two teepees coming up!  Looking forward to sharing the final outcomes in the next day or so.

A quick sort out…

Decided to have a quick sort out of my bits and pieces this afternoon and finally put these lovely wooden trays to good use.  They were a Christmas present from one of my daughters last year when I started Made By Nanny and take pride of place on my sewing desk.. along with photos of my granddaughters of course.

I love having a collection of random bits and pieces to riffle though and get inspired by.  I’ve got jars of buttons, thread, pompoms, pins and ribbons coming out of my ears that I’ve picked up over the years with such good intentions of using but never got round to.  Maybe now is the time… off to start my next project.