Sri Lanka :: through my eyes

I felt truly humble to be lucky enough to travel to Sri Lanka once again. I know it's only taking me a while, but I'm happy to be finally sharing some photos with you.

It's always nice to travel to a destination more than once. You know what to expect second time round and there's always so many different places to explore. This trip took me to the northern province of Jaffna and the east coast, travelling at a much slower and relaxing pace this time round.

Sri Lanka truly is an awe-inspiring place that will stay in your mind and heart, long after you return home.

An Australian summer : My favourite finds for all o' you proud Australians

Hello summer... This month has certainly had its hot days and I've been embracing the summer days, soaking up some much needed time in the sun, swimming to my hearts content and spending time with family and friends. There's something about summer that just makes my heart sing. Perhaps it's the hot days and warm nights, the smell of a BBQ in the evening, or that refreshing feeling after an ocean swim.  

I want to share with you with my collection of Australian summer inspired finds, just in time for Australia Day! You can buy it all from Down that Little Lane!

Kangaroo Paw Cushion by Urban Road

Ice Lolly A4 Cut Out Print by Muska & Elvis

King of the Grill (Gift Hamper for Him) by The Gift Box Company

Bondi Art Print by Urban Road

Six and Out Art Print by Glenn Jones Art

Tea Towel (Happy Camper) by Ivy & Lil

Children's Wooden Folding Stool by Sit Stay Go

Ark Designs Wooden Tent by Ark Designs

I would have to say my favourite is the Bondi Art Print by Urban Road, mainly because I just love those ocean swimming pools in NSW. I dream that one day I'll live by the ocean and brave the early mornings to swim lap after lap.... You can see the rest of the collection here.

Happy Australia Day!

Pattern review :: Tessuti alice top

Week 2 into the New Year and I've accomplished one of my New Year's resolutions. Yah to me! Over the past year, I had been collecting sewing patterns in the off chance that I would find time to make something, which I wrote about previously and you can find it here.

Here it is!

This pattern is the Alice dress and top from Tessuti Fabrics. It’s a smock style number with a self-lined yoke bodice and a little sleeve. The fabric is a combination of white cotton cheesecloth and gorgeous blue paisley georgette from Spotlight. It was my third time working from a pattern and it's defiantly getting easier. 

The pattern was not as difficult as I thought (no zips or buttons), and with my beginner sewing skills, it came together without too many problems. After reading a few reviews I decided to make the x-small size which fits quite perfectly.

The yoke took me a while to nut out (ie. it took numerous readings and re-readings of the instructions) and in my typical style of making things hard for myself, I complicated the matter by adding a different fabric for the front yoke and inside back (which wasn't done in the original pattern). There was a few confusing moments and unstitching of the yoke because I had attached the pieces the wrong way.

I also lined the breezy cheesecloth with a white voile because I was concerned about the transparency of the fabric and showing off my midriff! This may have resulted in a little too much bulk once gathered, but the fabric is really lovely and soft and feels great on. It was also my first time gathering which turns out, is not so hard! But I have to admit the cheesecloth was a little difficult to sew because of its stretchy nature which resulted in a few little tucks in the armhole bands, which I chose not to interface as per instructions so that they stay nice and soft.

I'm feeling very pleased with myself! I absolutely love the choice of fabrics and the flowy feel, and I think it's really cute!