ONE CRAFTY HABITAT

I SAID I WOULDN'T DO IT.....

2012-01-26T18:22:00.001+10:30

I really don't need another yearly project to do, do I? Project Life is something I admired last year but didn't want to commit to as I thought it might take time away from my other scrapbooking and I wouldn't get any layouts done. Turns out I didn't really do any scrapbooking last year anyway so I've decided to give Project Life a go this year, at least there will be some sort of record of our year. I also thought it may be a waste as I write 2 blogs and get them printed but blogging doesn't satisfy my crafting needs, Project Life does. So it turns out this is something I need to do and I know I'll have fun doing it, it doesn't have to be anything fancy, just some photos and journaling.

I already have some great photo pocket pages lying around so I've started using them while I wait for my multi pack of different ones to arrive. I am not buying the Project Life packs as I have heaps of supplies I can use in my van and I'm making a double layout for each week of the year. I struck trouble with week 2 as I hadn't taken many photos, but that's okay, that's what patterned paper and other bits and pieces are for. I am using my vintage typewriter to journal with and will add my own handwriting throughout the project.

Sorry about the quality of the layouts, it's really hard to photograph them well through plastic.

::Week 1 Double Layout::

::Page By Page and Close Ups::

::Week 2 Double Layout::

::Page By Page and Close Ups::

It will be great to catch up, hopefully I will complete weeks 3 and 4 early next week as we are heading off tomorrow morning to try out our new (1978) camper van.

THINGS ARE CHANGING (yet again)

2012-01-24T13:38:00.002+10:30

I have cancelled my stall for the next two arts and craft markets due to so much happening that I can't seem to get my head around it all.

I don't talk much about my dad and how sick he is but for now all I'm saying is that he needs my energy and my time. The next few months will be dedicated to family, of course I will still be crafting, how can I not? but most of the stuff I make will be for our home, my family and friends. No pressure, just fun.

Speaking of fun, I made up these tin covers yesterday, so quick and easy. I got the idea from Lucy over at Attic24, picked up a couple of tins of peas from the supermarket and started crocheting.

The tin on the left with be my threads tin for all those annoying little threads that are cut off, it's been crocheted in single crochet and the one on the right is for Sophie to put hair bands in, she picked the colours and I crocheted it in half double crochet. They are both cute and practical and slightly addictive to make.

I have wanted to make another zig zag quilt for a while and finally picked out the fabrics today

light value fabrics

dark value fabrics

I'm looking forward to making something new, I may sell it, I'm not sure but I do know that I'll take my time with it and enjoy every step.

FOR TWO DAYS......

2012-01-15T21:51:00.002+10:30

I have been throwing out rubbish and furniture from my caravan. I'm tired!

You see, my van had become some-what of a dumping ground for any unwanted items in our home and I had had enough. It was time to get brutal.

I wanted to make some curtains but didn't have any money for fabric so I pulled out some scraps I had and made some patchwork curtains.

Here is the studio end of my van.

My desk now has shelves to the back of it thanks to a cd stand now tuned on it's side. I added a lining and cut some scallops for decoration.

The lounge area - well it will be when I get a comfy chair in there. The box in the middle will act as a coffee table, I want to crochet a cover for it. Now that I have room, I hope to be able to put in fold out beds for sleep-overs as there really isn't much room in the boys room for friends to stay.

This is what I pulled out of my van, some will go to the rubbish dump but most will go to the salvage centre that supports the disabled.

Well I have to say that I love my van all over again and can't wait to finish the curtains and some other accessaries. I want to paint the outside of the van this summer, hmmm I wonder what colour?

DYEING

2012-01-13T17:59:00.001+10:30

Once apon a time I used to dye. I loved playing with colour and dyed fabrics and wool, then other addictions took over and I forgot how simple and how instant the gratification was.

Today I dyed some vintage doilies to use for scrapbooking. I will definately be fitting some more dyeing into my life.

THESE PHOTOS.....

2012-01-13T13:57:00.001+10:30

are getting more and more difficult to scrap. They are already cropped, cut up and things glued over them from the previous smaller album they were in. It's certainly a challenge but I'll keep going with it.

Don't you just love the flower? I bought them at the market last weekend from Charmane Koch Charms Creations who I've been getting to know lately. I have long admired her scrapbooking work and it's really nice to chat to her in person.

IN MY POST BOX

2012-01-11T07:53:00.000+10:30

My organic fabrics have arrived, I can't wait to have a play with them and make them into some gorgeous goodies.

SCRAPPING

2012-01-10T16:09:00.000+10:30

It's been a while in the planning, this is the 3rd attempt to scrap our honeymoon photos from 19 years ago!!!! I have completed a mini album in 6" x 6" form, then changed my mind and made a 8" x 8" album and now I am making a full size 12" x 12" album. Re-doing these pages is a challenge in itself but I really wish I could take these photos with todays technology then I would really have something to work with. Sigh.......

Here are the first 2 pages, I was wrapped to see that one of my favourite companies, Graphic 45, brought out a tropical theme line, these papers are what I will be working with for this album.

journaling reads: Yes we agree this is not the most attractive photo. But; If you were just married and only had a few hours sleep, spent 5 hours driving to Melbourne, sat in an airport for 12 hours, boarded a plane for a 16 hour flight, arrived the day before you left in another time zone, spent 2 hours getting through customs, then had your photo taken...
How good would you look??

Waikiki Beach

BELIEVE IT!!!

2012-01-07T19:43:00.003+10:30

Yes it's that time of the month again. Wow it came up fast, it's market time.
After spending the good part of a week in Horsham with Daniel playing cricket, I haven't really made a lot of new stuff. I crocheted some really cute boys and girls bunting (sorry, no photo as yet), I made another sprocket pillow as a custom order and I made up lots of bookmarks.

I have decided to take up only one challenge this year and that will be Emily Falconbridge's journaling prompts. Before Christmas I bought 3 journals with the intent of writing every day.

Well that worked for a couple of weeks but now with this challenge I will be writing every week and have prompts to help me. The theme for 2012 is Remember When...? I love this idea as it was only yesterday I was talking to my mum about something that reminded me of Nanna, funnily enough, Emily's journal prompt is Nanna this week. I want to set aside some dedicated time to journal not only this challenge but also everyday happenings as well. I want to feel free enough to include a little art journaling should the moment take me or just write, no pressure just recording thoughts.

HERE'S A STORY ABOUT A SOME LOVELY FABRIC.......

2012-01-03T13:32:00.001+10:30

that I purchased way back on October 5 2011. You see Heather Ross was having her big yearly sale and I decided that I really needed some 100% cotton pjs to cut up and use for my crafty ways.

Well looky what finally turned up today!!!!! Seriously, not only did it take nearly 3 months to even post the parcel, a couple of weeks ago I was advised that I was charged the wrong postage and had to pay another $22.

Of course I refused, and to her credit, she paid the extra postage and popped in a little canvas print of one of her designs, lets just say that though I was very disappointed with this transaction, I am totally in love with the product and am going to spend the afternoon carefully ripping seams so I can make some yummy goodies with the fabric.

FIRST FINISHED PROJECT OF THE YEAR

2012-01-02T17:07:00.002+10:30

EDITED:: I've had a couple of comments about crocheting in the heat and yes it was 40+ degrees today but we have an old Mt Gambier limestone home and is actually quite cool inside. We don't have an airconditioner as our home only heats up for about 2 days a year.

I am so happy with my new cushion. I will make a grey cover for the insert tonight as I think that will look nicer than the old white insert I have at the moment.

ADDICTION????

2011-12-31T10:38:00.001+10:30

CRAFTY ROUND-UP 2011

2011-12-30T11:35:00.001+10:30

While putting together my mosaics for this year, I realised how little I've made for myself, family and friends. Most was for my market stall, something I hope to rectify in the coming year.

I have learnt new techniques and tried different things so I am happy (note to self; take photos of everything made and remember to upload them to Flickr and blog). So for that reason these mosaics don't show all I have made.

January 2011

February/March 2011

April 2011

May 2011

June 2011

July/August 2011

September/October 2011

November/December 2011

So there you have it, some of the things I managed to make in 2011. I hope 2012 is a very productive year especially with my new organic and re-purposed lines for my market stall.

PINWHEELS

2011-12-28T15:52:00.000+10:30

I have finally quilted my very favourite quilt for 2011. It's taken me all day but it's done.

I decided to free-motion quilt simple swirls on the pinwheel blocks and then added a pebble quilted border. All patterned fabrics are by Denyse Schmidt, I'm so happy with this one.

All that's left to do tonight is tie in 100's of threads and hand sew the binding down.

2011-12-27T15:24:00.000+10:30

There has beena serious lack of sewing going on around here. I did sew a quilt back together all ready for pinning yesterday but I'm still unwell from this silly tummy bug I had last week and really have no energy to do much at all.

While I've been lying around I have been crocheting. I've nearly finished all of my 18 granny squares and can't wait to turn them into a cozy cushion. I have also started a large blanket, here is the first of many blocks.

I was nearly tearing my hair out yesterday trying to get this to lie flat so I made an adjustment to the pattern, it's not perfect but I'm hoping to improve with each block.

VISITING MY CARAVAN

2011-12-23T21:12:00.000+10:30

It's been a while since I actually did any playing in my van. I mean I've been in there to find wrapping paper or tape and I've dumped lots of stuff in there and closed the door, but to actually have a little play, well there just hasn't been the time.

Tonight I left the family and headed to the van and after a very quick tidy up, I actually made something.

This tag is for an album I've been making for Sophie about her dancing.

So I cut, sanded, stamped, inked, sprayed and embossed and had lovely time just me and some Glee on the stereo.

MEET FELIX

2011-12-22T15:42:00.000+10:30

Felix is a fox, a handsome fox at that. He is made from the book Hop, Skip, Jump by Fiona Dalton.

Felix is made from a felted re-purposed 100% wool blanket and some scrap flannelette. His scarf is made from vintage sheets and he is stuffed with eco friendly corn fibre filling.

Please enjoy Felix's photo shoot relaxing in the garden.

THEY'RE GROWING

2011-12-21T14:02:00.000+10:30

Four finished granny squares, love!!!!

ONE CRAFTY HABITAT

2011-12-21T08:33:00.004+10:30

This is what I'm now naming my blog (new banner to come). After thinking about what I like to show on this blog, Sue*Sewn doesn't really cover my many interests. I find that I don't show a lot of mixed media work or scrapbooking anymore and am feeling guilty with my new crochet addiction due to it not being sewing. So a change of name was needed to incorporate my other interests, I really like One Crafty Habitat as it also implies it's earth friendly and that is definately the road I'm now taking.

Look what I learnt to make last night, granny squares!!!!!

I'm thinking they will make a lovely wool cushion to rest my head on.

WRAPPING THE GIFTS / CROCHET

2011-12-17T21:12:00.004+10:30

:: gifts wrapped
:: gifts stamped
:: messages written (more to be added if the mood takes me)
:: ribbon tied and curled

Wrapping this way was fun and a little more personal than the usual Christmas wrapping.

After making my Christmas bunting I wanted to make more so I'm now hooking some cute mini bunting for girls (boys to come). I wasn't happy with the way the edges looked so I've added a border in a contrasting colour around the edges. I love them now, they're so cute. These bunting are made with 100% wool to keep in line with my natural products I intend to sell. I'm still sourcing organic wool, so for the moment this will do.

TODAY

2011-12-14T18:31:00.001+10:30

I spent some time sourcing some organic threads online, hmmm that's not as easy as I thought it would be.

I had better luck with the stuffing, I will be making softies etc using Innergreen's corn fibre filling:

Innergreen™ have taken the time to research, develop, and produce a sustainable Fibre Fill that is made from 100% Natural Corn.

• Innergreen™ Fibre Fill is an eco-friendly alternative to non-renewable resources.

• Less than 60% fossil fuel usage in Innergreen™ Fibre Fill manufacture, when compared to traditional synthetic polyester Fibre Fill (petroleum-based plastics such as PET or PE).
This equates to more than one tonne of CO2 emission saved per tonne of Fibre Fill.
With the future use of Wind & Solar, we hope to increase this reduction to around 90%.

• Recent Burn Test results show Innergreen™ Fibre Fill fibres are slower to ignite than many natural and synthetic fibres.
Peak energy release rate of burning Innergreen™ Fibre Fill is less than 60% that of PET Polyester. This is due to Innergreen™ Fibre Fill’s high limiting oxygen index (LOI).

• It was also found that the smoke emitted from Innergreen™ is much less toxic than other synthetic polyesters.
The conclusion being, Innergreen™ Fibre Fill is much safer, as well as being more environmentally friendly.

• Innergreen™ Fibres are non-allergenic, odour free and DO NOT support bacterial or fungal growth.

• Under controlled conditions Innergreen™ Fibre Fill is 100% compostable.
In fact by increasing the Carbon to Nitrogen (C/N) ratio in the organic waste the compost quality is actually improved !
…….so eventually, when you place your old Innergreen™ Fibre Fill in the compost bin, it really will be a Garden Bed !?!

I have ordered some organic fabrics but don't expect to see them until the new year due to postage issues over Christmas.

I went op-shopping and picked up 2 wool blankets for felting, a vintage chenille blanket and 2 vintage pillow cases. Time to start on my many ideas for the repurposed fabric while I wait for the organic fabric to arrive.

A DECISION HAS BEEN MADE

2011-12-13T19:39:00.001+10:30

It's been on my mind since I began selling my products at our local market in January this year and I have finally come to a decision about the type of product I want to sell.

Starting in the new year I will be selling a range of products made from eco, earth friendly materials. My aim is to offer items made from organic fabrics, natural stuffing and thread. I also want to produce a range from pre-loved, recycled fabrics.

While I have shelves full of gorgeous fabric, they are also produced with a lot of chemicals and that makes me uneasy at times, so while I will still make items with the fabrics I have on hand, my hope is to not buy anymore.

The range of organic fabrics is increasing all of the time with big name designers bringing out gorgeous lines and I have high hopes that this will continue. Ultimately I would love to be able to buy all of my organic lines within Australia to reduce my carbon footprint but for the moment I will have to purchase from overseas as the Australian market is so expensive. The good news is the items I produce this way shouldn't cost much more than the other items.

Going down this road makes perfect sense to me, I eat organically where possible, we don't use chemicals in the home for cleaning and we try and recycle and re-use as much as possible therefore it's only natural that I would want to make things as naturally as I can.

What are your thoughts on this? Would you buy quality home-made products using earth friendly materials over chemically produced?

CROCHET BUNTING

2011-12-13T10:45:00.001+10:30

I worked out how to hook triangles last night and made up this quick and easy bunting to hang for Christmas.

I think I will have to make more of these in bright colours for the market next month.

OH MY!!!!

2011-12-12T09:49:00.000+10:30

This month's art and craft market was HUGE. With extended hours, around 60 stalls and what seems like thousands of people wandering, I have to say that I'm exhausted and completely depleted of stock.

Here is what my stall looked like before the market began.

I'm spending the day cutting up fabric, thinking up new designs and hopefully a bit of crochet as well.

BIRTHDAY GIFTS

2011-12-10T20:44:00.001+10:30

Yesterday was my MIL's birthday. I decided to make her a crochet hook roll as she had commented on mine a few times and I wrapped her some home-made soap. The card was one I made a few years ago that I found in my card folder and the gorgeous linen bag will hold the wrapped soap.

I love giving homemade gifts and hope that the person receiving them appreciates the thought and time taken to make them, I know my MIL will.

TUFTY EARS

2011-12-06T13:28:00.000+10:30

Well I love these owls!!!! I saw a photo of them on a blog and knew I needed to make up my version. I believe the original owls are from the book Christmas Crafting In No Time by Clare Youngs.

I'm really in market mode for this weekend, there are so many ideas and not enough time. Oh well, back to it.......

ONE DOWN......

2011-12-05T09:14:00.000+10:30

These stool covers fun to make and fun to look at.

I ended up making a seperate band for the cover then crocheting that on to the top. I might still put some foam under it but I'm happy with the way it looks as is.

ONE WEEK TO GO

2011-12-03T16:10:00.002+10:30

before the last craft market of the year. I wasn't going to do this one as it's Lachie and Sophie's birthday that weekend but it will be huge and I could really do with some more Christmas money.

Here are some new items I've finished.....

Cushions

Crochet Hair Clips (cool metal tree from Typo)

Fabric Buckets (pattern from the book Pieces Of Me by Janelle Wind)

I'm still working on my stool covers and will hopefully show a completed one soon.

Back to sewing.......

SOME THINGS WILL HAVE TO WAIT

2011-11-26T19:41:00.000+10:30

The things I have planned for my next market will have to wait a little longer to complete while I'm in Adelaide for a week. We leave tomorrow morning and while I want to take lots of things with me, I know I should just take a little bag of wool and my crochet hooks. So, this is what I'll be working on instead.

I will also be taking the wool to complete 2 more stool covers.

Oh yes, I have the crocheting bug!!!!!!

I hope everyone has a lovely week while I'm away and off-line.

LEARNNG CURVE

2011-11-23T19:59:00.002+10:30

hmmm last night I was thinking to myself "this really doesn't look right" and I was correct in that assumption. Here is the start of my failed stool cover, but lucky for me, Sophie loves it and is using it as a blanket for a bunny I made a few years ago.

The thing is, I should have taken notice of my first thoughts about making these covers instead of second guessing myself and this one would have turned out fine. I contacted Becci who happens to be really good at crochet and she told me what I had been thinking to begin with about how to add the stitches, so I knew I was now ready to tackle another cover today.

Here is the difference between the two.

I can't wait to finish one and admire my work.

PROGRESS

2011-11-22T19:41:00.000+10:30

I decided last night that I wanted to make covers for our 3 kitchen stools. I have been meaning to paint the stools and these covers just may give me the incentive to do it.

I've chosen bright happy colours for our bottoms to sit on & can't wait to finish one.

FIRST ROUNDS

2011-11-21T20:02:00.001+10:30

Today thanks to you-tube I made my first rounds. Thank goodness for left handed crocheters that make videos.

Here are my first attempts......

At least I got to practice, see my mistakes and find a solution.

These ones look better......

I want to buy some nice 100% wool but really should keep practicing on this cheap acrylic first. I've been eyeing off Debbie Bliss' baby cashmerino to make a rug or maybe some cushions. The wool comes in vibrant colours which is exactly what I want, but it will have to wait as it's pricey.

I probably need another addiction like a hole in the head but I can see the benefits of being so portable especially for next week in Adelaide.

CROCHET HOOK WRAP

2011-11-20T16:24:00.001+10:30

I really want to learn how to crochet properly, I've made a couple of things but I want to know how to make flowers and different pretty stitches. I've decided that the only way it makes sense to me is to watch you-tube videos for left-handers so that is what I'm doing when I have some spare time.

I made up this crochet hook wrap today to keep my hooks in one place. It's a smaller version of the pencil wraps I make to sell.

I love Denyse Schmidt's Salty Aire fabric range and will make a bag for my wool out of the same range.

BITS & PIECES

2011-11-19T17:42:00.000+10:30

A bit of vintage sheeting

A bit of scrapbooking

A bit of sewing

What bits are you up to this weekend?

2011-11-17T16:22:00.001+10:30

Look what I found at Spotlight. How cute is this?

These bags are a custom order from 2 teens, they picked out their fabric and I made them up.

Today's post is short and sweet, I don't have a lot to say but I'm sure I'll be back chatting away very soon.

MOLLIE MAKES

2011-11-11T19:41:00.002+10:30

While chatting to Rebecca of I am Scooby Lou at the craft market last weekend, we talked about Mollie Makes magazine and the freebies you get on the front cover.

We both decided that we wanted to make the coin purse so here is my version that I made during the week from Country Fair fabric by Denyse Schmidt in home decorating weight.

Head on over to Rebecca's blog to see her cute little purse.

PUPS IN A POT

2011-11-03T08:43:00.001+10:30

These little softies are for my market stall this weekend. Something cute, displayed in a little bucket I had sitting around.

SPROCKET PILLOWS

2011-11-01T18:33:00.001+10:30

tutorial by Allison over at Cluck Cluck Sew
These were so easy and lots of fun to make.

HELLO MOJO

2011-10-27T14:19:00.001+10:30

You're back.

canvas 16" x 12"
This canvas will look better once the fabric is stretched. If only I could figure out where I put my staple gun!

I'm not sure I'll make many of these for my market stall, quite fiddly and time consuming.

MOJO

2011-10-26T10:50:00.000+10:30

It's a funny word and a funny thing. It disappears then can slowly make it's way back or comes back with a bang!

For the last week I seem to have lost my mojo, it's resting and I'm okay with that. I know it will be back, I feel it starting to emerge as the ideas start to poke their heads through my ultra busy life once again.

I cleaned up my sewing room in readiness for my mojo to return and when it does, I will be ready for it.

Take care readers, I will be back soon xxx

RUMOUR HAS IT

2011-10-17T16:39:00.001+10:30

This is going to be the name of my new quilt. I absolutely love Adele's song called Rumour Has It and with all of the word fabric in this quilt I've decided to name it after her song. I've been collecting fabric with words, music, numbers etc on them for ages and now I'm finally making a quilt from them.

Here is what I'm working on for the borders.

This quilt is for me, I feel like I haven't made myself anything for ages.

HERE'S THE THING.......

2011-10-15T19:59:00.000+10:30

With the Accuquilt machine and dies doing the rounds on lots of blogs, I decided that I really could use one especially with the hand problems I am developing lately with lots of cutting. I haven't managed to win one, so I saved up some money to buy one instead. It took a lot of research to find the dies at the cheapest price and to find cheap postage was close to impossible due to the weight of these dies.

Then it was time to price the machine itself. Wow!!!! Even when I found one at a reasonable price I was certainly not willing to part with the postage money. Then I had a thought, why couldn't I just use my Big Shot for the dies?

I googled and found my answer thanks to a couple of bloggers who had wondered the same thing. Yes I could use the Accuquilt dies in the Big Shot if I was willing to make an alteration to the dies. I thought about this and thought it was well worth the saving to alter the dies, it wasn't going to affect the performance of the dies so I gave the idea of buying the machine the shove, ordered my dies and patiently waited for them to arrive.

You see Accuquilt have been very sneaky in making their dies a 1/4" wider than Big Shot dies so you can't fit them into your Big Shot, therefore making you buy their machine for their dies. I wasn't buying that and when I received my dies yesterday, I took them around to my father in law and asked him to dock the dies. He said that his circular saw would be able to do that and they only took a few minutes each to do.

So now my dies are altered and I can go about cutting my fabric really quick and easily. I've been cutting 6 layers at a time, there's a little bit of waste but I will use that up in other projects and my hand is definately thanking me for it.

I can't wait to try out the rest of my dies and I've saved myself around $200 by thinking outside the square.

COMBI LOVE

2011-10-11T16:18:00.000+10:30

GOING BACK TO WHAT I LOVE

2011-10-11T12:36:00.001+10:30

For those of you who are relatively new to my world, I have been thread sketching for a number of years. I love these little works of art and enjoy the whole process of preparing, stitching and then making something from the work.

Lately I've found I've been making less and less using this technique but I'm always itching to make up a new design to try out. I guess that making the baby items for my market stall seem to take up most of my sewing time and being for babies, I don't use raw edge applique for obvious reasons.

After the last market on the weekend I realised there are more and more people doing what I do in our local market community (I used to be the only selling these products down here). I'm not saying this is deliberate as some of my designs are from patterns but most are from my own designs. I realise I don't have the right to stop others from making whatever they want and if they see my work around the traps and decide to make and sell their version, well all I can do is keep changing and evolving and coming up with other ideas.

A fellow stall holder makes some similar things to me (Hi Rebecca!!) Her style is different to mine and her work is just gorgeous, I think we actually compliment each other and we have similar tastes in fabrics also.

So I'm getting back to what I love doing, designing, using raw edge applique and thread sketching as well as some children's products, but not as many.

I had so much fun designing these combi vans last night. I'm a huge combi lover!!!!!

Once again for those who are newer to my blog, here are some previous works I've made to sell and swap using this technique.

Thanks for listening to my little rant. Onwards and Upwards I say.

THE NIGHT BEFORE THE MARKET

2011-10-08T21:41:00.000+10:30

It's been a huge day, I tried to cram as much craft as I could into it. I made 4 notebook covers, 4 rows of bunting (2 girl & 2 boy) and some more felties, then my neck and shoulders hurt so much that I had to stop.

It's time for bed so I can get up bright and early for the market in the morning.

WHAT A WEEK!!!!

2011-10-06T12:30:00.000+10:30

I seriously couldn't have picked a worse week to completely stuff up my neck and shoulders!!! I've been to my chiropractor guru 3 times this week already, everything is inflamed and oh so sore to touch.

I have not been able to do any machine sewing at all and I have a really big market on Sunday. I hope I have enough stock but quite frankly there is nothing I can do about it anyway.

So all I have managed to do is a little bit of hand sewing while sitting rather gingerly on the couch. I'm sewing from this cute book.

All of my other ideas have gone out the window for this month sigh.....

TODAY I MADE....

2011-09-26T14:21:00.003+09:30

Custom order bunting.

Bags for pyjamas. I thought they would be a nice idea for sleepovers. There is a pocket in the front for a toothbrush or small toy, are fully lined and have an easy drawstring closure.

A BLOGGY BREAK

2011-09-25T08:23:00.001+09:30

As you can see I haven't been around either of my blogs of late. I've still been blog hopping but have spent most of my time getting ready for markets. I had my first market for the spring season at my work on Thursday where we had a homebased business market morning. I had a lovely time and all of my time and energy was worth it.

On the 9th of October the local arts & crafts market starts up again and I can't wait, I love being out there with people and chatting about what I do.

Something I've been playing with are these blooms....

I have a few ideas for what to make with them, stay tuned.

The small blooms are made with my scrapbooking Tim Holtz dies, I wondered if I could use the dies for fabric and the answer is yes.

The larger blooms are made from torn strips of fabric, handsewn individually, then together.

Well I had better get back to it, thanks for looking and if you leave a comment, just know each and every one is really appreciated :)

BUNTING

2011-09-17T11:06:00.001+09:30

Lots of fun to make, hopefully I will make some more up this weekend.

JUST KEEP SEWING, JUST KEEP SEWING.......

2011-09-15T18:54:00.001+09:30

Sorry for the lack of posts but I've been flat out sewing for my up and coming markets.

ROLL UP MARKET BAGS

AND SOME THAT JUST NEED HANDLES.....

BABY BEANIES AND PIXIE HATS

DRESSES

FINISHED QUILTS

and there's still so much more to do.

SURPRISES

2011-09-05T17:39:00.000+09:30

There were a couple of them this weekend. Firstly my camera isn't broken, I'm not going to go into details, just know I'm feeling a little silly.

Secondly, I found some quilt blocks that I could have sworn I accidently threw out over 3 years ago. After laying them all out I realised that I didn't like the quilt anymore so decided to use the blocks to make these little lined pouches.

and in more making news, I cut and glued a heap of double sided chipboard pages for some mini albums for my up and coming markets.

Well I'm off to make some cute little baby hats. So many ideas, so little time......sigh

:( and :)

2011-09-01T11:06:00.000+09:30

The sad face is for my SLR that decided to crap itself this week.

The happy face is for what I received in the post......

My DQS11 swap from Terrie Sandelin. I love all of the items that are in this package and can't wait to hang my doll quilt on my "becoming very full" wall in my sewing space.

NEW QUILT IDEAS

2011-08-25T13:52:00.001+09:30

Words on quilts have been on my mind for a while and while blog browsing yesterday, I came across a quilt that I based the design of the next quilts on.

Some quilting and binding and they are done. Two quilt tops in 2 days, not a bad effort.

37 DRESSES SITTING ON A CHAIR

2011-08-21T13:51:00.001+09:30

37 dresses sitting on a chair
if one falls off, please don't dispair
there'd be 36 dresses sitting on a chair.

yes I'm feeling a little silly. I have quite a bit of work to do over the next few weeks. Markets are starting up early October and I also have a stall at work late September showing my wares.

Busy working on bibs this week too.

How's your weekend going?

DQS11 - FINISHED

2011-08-16T16:17:00.001+09:30

and sent on it's happy little way.

Doll Quilt front

Close up of free motion quilting.

A peek at the back.

SWAPS

2011-08-09T11:50:00.003+09:30

Here are my completed DQS11 blocks. I've struggled with finding the right pattern and fabrics for my partner this time round. I found it difficult to really see what she wanted from this swap but I think I have made something that she will love.

The block is Jack in the box from Sylvia's Bridal Sampler.

I love a stained glass view of finished tops don't you?

I received this amazing package last week from Suzanne (Suzettra) for the 'I heart the 80's' swap. I love all the elements of this package especially the printed words that send me into song whenever I read them.

We are doing another little private swap between us as she has some awesome schoolbook/grid papers that I love and she wants some Saffron Craig fabrics that I just so happen to own.

DISTRACTIONS

2011-08-06T11:30:00.000+09:30

taking me away from a deadline.....

scrapbooking

Zentangles - oh the possibilities.

Reading this amazing new book.

When I should be making my DQS11.

STUDIO TOUR

2011-08-03T16:36:00.003+09:30

MIXED MEDIA/SCRAPBOOKING STUDIO

Beware, there's photo overload coming up.

I wanted to show you where I create, well, the messy stuff anyway. You see I am fortunate enough to have two seperate creative studios, the sewing studio is in the middle of our home. I have an old caravan out in our back yard that I stripped out, re-lined and painted and have been calling my second home for a number of years. This summer I intend on painting the outside of my studio, something nice and bright I think.

Lets begin....

hmmm, my very messy desk (not much creating going on here atm)

under my very messy desk I keep tools such as a heat gun, melting wax pot and an iron. There are rags and scrap paper for bench protection and my stamp making supplies. Let's not forget my old red slipper boots, they're so comfy.

to the left of the desk are shelves full of sprays, inks, embossing powders, tools, gel mediums and glues and art journals etc, etc, etc.

this is where I keep my stamps in cd cases, ink pads and stationery, brushes, tapes etc are on top.

in the black drawers are scrap papers, vintage papers and projects I'm working on. The pizza boxes on top are project boxes and the stacked boxes contain tags, lettering and bits and pieces.

a vintage shelf sits on the wheel arch and holds journals made by myself and friends and vintage pianola rolls.

oh gosh, these shelves have heaps of different stuff on them. Most important is my cd player and cds. There is buttons, ribon, lace, more journals, projects, folders of information and spare folders.

these stacked drawers hold lots of letter and number stamps, foam stamps, chipboard and rub-ons. The large containers hold kids craft stuff and on top, spare canvases.

'wet stuff' is in these green containers like paints etc. The cupboard underneath holds sample pots of paint and vintage books.

the box on the table holds papers that don't fit into my vertical holders and the little cases are a project on the go. The pin board behind has painted fabric on it ready to be cut up.

ahhh pizza boxes, what would I do without you?

artwork from friends hangs across the wall.

some pieces of mine around the place.

So there you have it, a peek into where I create. Where do you create? I'd love to know.

SNUGGLE TIME

2011-08-02T17:37:00.001+09:30

This snuggle quilt is soooo soft and cuddly. It measures 38" x 38" and is perfect for a car or pram quilt.

I will show the girly version in the next couple of days.

Snuggle quilts will be available through my Madeit and Etsy site by the end of the week.

Thanks for looking and as always, I really appreciate your comments and feedback.

YES, I GOT TO SEW....

2011-07-27T13:53:00.002+09:30

I wanted a simple project to get me back into my sewing and my drop-down desk needed a runner. These gorgeous Prince Charming prints from Tula Pink was just begging to be used.

and when I want a change, I can flip it over and use the other side.

I quilted this piece with simple straight lines as I didn't want to take away from the fabric. Sometimes less is more.

PINTEREST LOVE

2011-07-26T22:02:00.002+09:30

Have you discovered Pinterest yet?

Here's my link feel free to have a look.

source

DREAMING OF SUMMER

2011-07-22T11:56:00.001+09:30

As much as I love having four distinct seasons where I live, I can't help thinking of sunshine and warm breeze. Yes, I am a little over the cold this year.

The above fabrics are putting a smile on my face. I got them at half price yesterday which makes me even happier as now I won't have to put my prices up. So, I'm off to make pretty little summer tops/dresses for my next market in October while trying to remember what summer feels like.

I'm sorry the posts have been a little light on lately. I have been focusing on my family and therefore not getting a lot of anything else done. Janey (Janome) has been neglected but I do give her a smile when I pass through my sewing room and I know that she forgives me.

TIME FOR A CHANGE

2011-07-16T12:35:00.001+09:30

While Op Shopping yesterday I saw this cute bookcase that had just been put out into the shop. It was a bargain and there was no way it was staying there.

Now my fabric has a place all on it's own instead of sharing with the books. The shelves weren't quite as tall as the orginal spot so I spent all day re-cutting my chipboard holders down by 3/4" and re-folding every piece of fabric.

This turned into quite a good exercise as there was fabric I had completely forgotten about and have now realised just how much I really do have!

TIME FLIES

2011-07-11T14:28:00.000+09:30

I can't believe I've been home for a week and really haven't done much in the way of crafty goodness. I have been finding snippets of time to get my Little Apples quilt together.

I only have the borders to sew on but am holding off as I've made a little woopsy in the placement of my strips. I think it's bothering me enough to get out the seam ripper, so that might be tonight's job. I got all three kids to look at the quilt and tell me what they thought looked odd. There was $2 in it for the correct guess because I wanted them to really look. Daniel guessed pretty much right away, so it definately is noticeable to others not just me. (sigh)

Apart from the quilt I've been busy cutting more little shoes out for my shops and making up some covered chipboard albums as well. I don't think that I'll get much more achieved today as it's school holidays and there's lots of stuff to do with the kids.

INSPIRED STITCHES 2011

2011-07-04T11:34:00.001+09:30

I'm back, did you miss me?

OMG!!!! Janelle (cousin from Warrnambool) and I had the most AWESOME weekend in Adelaide. We left Friday morning for the 5 hour road trip and we talked the whole way. I did bring my ipod for the moments when we maybe needed to catch our breath and we managed to listen to 3 Glee songs and that was it for the whole trip there and back LOL. Yep, we sure can talk!

When we got to Adelaide we went looking for a scrapbooking shop I had been told about, we were totally amazed at what we found. In an old rundown building was the most incredible shop I have ever visited, it went on forever, room after room of every imaginable goodie you could think of. Of course money was spent, but I was reserved as I knew we had so much more to see and buy over the weekend.

Next stop was Marion shopping centre where it seemed everyone was having a sale, I bought Sophie a cute winter tunic from Pumpkin Patch and went hunting for some Adidas pants for the boys, what I found was they were more expensive up in Adelaide than where I live, so the poor boys didn't get anything.

We made our way to the college where Inspired Stitches was to be held and met the lovely Sarah for our keys to our room near the college campus and after settling into our room, just veged out.

Saturday we were up bright and early all ready to stitch away. The designers for the day were Janelle Wind, Natalie Ross, Helen Stubbings and Gail Pan. They were all the nicest people and we had heaps of laughs and chats with them. I also met Pip, a blog follower of mine. Hi Pip (waving), it was so lovely to meet you.

I made this skirt to wear to Inspired Stitches from Denyse Schmidt's new fabric line but was hesitating whether to wear it or not, as the day before we left for Adelaide, I was looking on Janelle Wind's blog and saw that she had made a skirt to wear from the same fabric. I took a chance and wore it and I'm so glad I did as I had heaps of comments about it and Janelle chose to wear something else that day.

Me, Janelle Wind and Janelle. I loved finally meeting Janelle after all of these years following her through patterns, magazines and her blog. She is one of the most lovely, genuine people I have had the pleasure to meet.

Me, Natalie Ross and Janelle. Natalie made me laugh so hard, what an inspiration she is.

Me, Helen Stubbings and Janelle. Helen was so chatty and lovely, she grew up where I live so we had lots to talk about.

The day passed way too quickly, I bought myself Janelle's book, Pieces of Me and Aneela Hoey's Little Apples jelly roll and some Sherbet Pips, little girl on a swing yardage. I didn't achieve a lot of stitching, but certainly had heaps of fun.

Sunday we went to Harbour Town, lots of looking and spending. My favourite shop is Lorna Jane and I picked up 2 pairs of gym pants for a steal. I was wrapped!!!! I also bought some goodies from Typo, how could I resist.

So after a long drive home we hit the pillows. Janelle has just gone home this morning and I'm going to sit down and sew for the afternoon.

Thanks for reading, it was a long one :)

UPDATES

2011-06-29T14:23:00.003+09:30

Wow, I have just spent the last 1 1/2 days taking photos and updating my Etsy and Madeit sites. Everything is on Etsy and Madeit should have everything later tonight.

Here's an example of what you will find over there.

reversible baby shoes

quilts

burp cloths

binky blankets

baby wraps

totes

notepad covers

wristlets

pencil rolls

bibs

Just click on the links to the right of the screen to see the rest.

SYLVIA'S BRIDAL SAMPLER

2011-06-21T11:21:00.003+09:30

After much consideration, I decided that my Dear Jane quilt is just too much for me to take on at the moment, so I am now going to make Sylvia's Bridal Sampler instead with only 140 blocks not 225.

There is a lot of talk on blogs and over at Flickr about the Farmer's Wife Sampler that lots of people are doing, I possibly would have joined in except that I had already ordered the above book when this started.

I am very happy with my choice as I've mentioned before, I am totally addicted to the Elm Creek Quilt books and this sampler is one of the quilts mentioned in the series. I feel a connection with this quilt and because of that connection I am hoping that I will infact finish this amazing quilt.

M plan is to make up at least 2 blocks a week with one being a difficult block. I am using modern fabrics on a white background and will start a Flickr group so you can see my progress and join in if you so desire. There will be a link to the right of this blog that you can click on to take you directly to the group. I am happy to go it alone, but if you are even a little interested, the book can be purchased from bookdepository.com for as little as $18 and free postage worldwide.

So, here are the blocks I have made up today.

Rosebud (D-8)

Irish Chain (B-9)

Card Trick (N-2)

The blocks are 6" square (hopefully anyway).

If nothing else, my piecing of triangles should be near to perfect by the time I finish.

It is my intention to trim the blocks at the end, that is why they don't look so great in my photos.

DREAM BIG

2011-06-20T09:59:00.000+09:30

That is what I am calling this quilt. I know one little girl who will be very excited to go to bed tonight. This quilt is so snuggly and warm and I know Sophie will love it for years to come.

I decided to make this a "quilt as you go" due to the size, 78" x 66", I then only had to do minimal quilting to fix the backing. I wanted the quilt to come right down either side of her bed as she has a tendency to throw off her blankets and quilt during the night.

Fabric used:
Quilt Top: Far Far Away I, Far Far Away II - Heather Ross. Castle Peeps - Lizzy House.
Quilt Back: Castle Peeps - Lizzy House.
Quilt Binding: Lou Lou Thi (Hugs & Kisses) - Anna Maria Horner.

IS IT READY YET?

2011-06-19T16:55:00.001+09:30

That's what I've been hearing lately from Sophie who has been patiently waiting for her new bed quilt since Christmas.

In my defence, I never said which Christmas it would be finished for.

As I type this post, I am up to the hand-binding and will work on it tonight and tomorrow.

PLAYING WITH ANNA

2011-06-13T17:05:00.000+09:30

Well, playing with Good Folks fabric by Anna Maria Horner would be more correct. My precious scraps were to be made into a ticker tape quilt but as I was cutting, my mind went back to the last mug rug I made and I quickly re-cut the scraps so I could make more of these....

AHHHH so many possibilities.

RANDOM STUFF

2011-06-11T12:04:00.004+09:30

A gift for a friend's baby. A group of us are heading down to her place this afternoon to help out in the garden.
Congratulations Claire and Mick.

I re-designed my swap wall. (not telling DH that I used nails this time)

A cute little jar for my tags.

More of Sophie's drawings turned into stitcheries. I am patiently waiting for my fabric order to start this quilt.

WINTER MARKET IS OVER

2011-06-06T13:41:00.001+09:30

The winter market I had a stall at yesterday was a great success considering the wind, rain, thunder and lightning. It was only small due to only having a couple of weeks notice that it would be held, but I now have my petrol and spending money for my trip to Adelaide at the end of the month.

Here are my new display racks made from an old playpen we had sitting around for our dog Heidi. I painted them white to keep with my theme and I think they looked quite good.

GOSH IT'S BUSY AROUND HERE

2011-05-30T14:13:00.002+09:30

but I love busy, so that's okay.

More market sewing, it's this coming Sunday and I still want to do a heap more but even if I don't get to my machine again this week, I'll be happy with the variety and amount of things I have to offer.

I finally put together and quilted this beauty. I have one more that is almost identical to sew together and then that is the last of this original Dr Seuss fabric. I will hand sew the binding tonight while I watch some tv.

Poor Sophie struggled to hold this quilt up for me, the things I make my children do when they are home sick from school.

I finished this next top off last night, it's a nice size for a pram quilt and I will hopefully finish it off tomorrow.

and... some small kids tote bags, I made 4 of these but I think Sophie thinks that one of them is hers.

I've also made a stack of burp cloths and baby wraps and am busy painting up a new wooden display for my bags and quilts.

What have you been creating today? I'd love to know.

MUG RUG 4 SWAP

2011-05-21T10:07:00.000+09:30

All ready to send off on it's way. I'm going to have to make more of these blocks I think. I didn't have a plan, just a heap of strips that I put together on an angle.

3 MORE WRISTLETS

2011-05-17T13:25:00.001+09:30

These are so much fun to make. Here are 80's inspired cassette tape wristlets. One will go to my partner for our "I heart the 80's" flickr swap, the others will go on my market stall in June.

Oh, and do you see my new fabric tags? I love them, they were made by MommieMadeIt over on Etsy. If you are looking for tags, please take the time to link to Lisa's site and see what she offers.

WRISTLET

2011-05-16T17:49:00.000+09:30

I must be in a bit of an orange mood this week. I made up this cute little wristlet by Keyka Lou. It's so easy to put together and her instructions are awesome.

Closed wristlet, it still needs a snap.

Open, showing the polka dot lining.

There's even a back pocket.

PROGRESS

2011-05-16T13:11:00.000+09:30

I'm so glad I bordered the blocks with white, I really like this quilt now. I wanted to make it more of a unisex quilt as there really isn't much around for little boys when it comes to great fairytales.

(ALMOST) INSTANT GRATIFICATION

2011-05-15T15:02:00.001+09:30

Just what I needed today. I originally got out my honeycomb quilt, realised I still had 92 hexagons to cut out and promptly put it back. This top was quick and simple, I think I will sash it in white, if fact I might go and do that right now.

BLOGGERS QUILT FESTIVAL

2011-05-14T21:06:00.005+09:30

This my year I am showing a quilt I made last year out of my very precious FMF and KJR fabrics by Denyse Schmidt. Believe it or not, I still haven't quilted this quilt, the reason is simply that I can't find the right fabric to use for the backing. Now with Denyse releasing her range at Spotlight hopefully next week, I should be able to find a suitable print for the back.

I chose pinwheels as I really wanted to showcase each print to it's full advantage. The small pinwheels were added at the last minute to add a little bit of quirky interest to the quilt. The scrappy border was also a last minute addition. This really was a "add as you go" quilt with no real set in concrete plan in place.

Come on over to Amy's blog and see the awesome quilts shown in this year's Bloggers Quilt Festival.

BIRD IN A WINDOW

2011-05-14T08:52:00.001+09:30

That's what I re-named this quilt for my friend. I gave it to her last night and she loved it. I'm so happy and I hope it will give her some comfort.

I free motion quilted around the bird blocks to make them pop and stipple quilted the other window blocks. A straight stitch around the whole window framed them beautifully.

Binding took a while to choose, I settled on a black spot with white background. I love the look of it against the rest of the quilt.

Thanks for visiting :)

OH HELLO

2011-05-09T11:53:00.000+09:30

Well the time is certainly passing me by this month. I just can't seem to fit in blogging time, it's not that I haven't been creating things to show you, I just run out of time at the end of the day to write and take photos.

I am nearly finished my friend's quilt ready for her birthday next Monday so I will take photos very soon but for now I will show some scrapbooking pages I made yesterday. Yes, don't fall over my scrapbooking friends, I SCRAPBOOKED!!!!!! They are simple pages but they made me happy knowing that I had done a few more for the kids.

Mostly this last week I have been sorting through mountains (well hills) of negatives and converting them to digital. It's a huge job and I am now up to the year 2000. We didn't get a digital camera until mid 2004 so I still have a way to go.

LOOK WHERE I'M GOING!!!

2011-04-29T20:32:00.001+09:30

I'm going to Adelaide with my cousin Janelle from Warrnambool to this fantastic event. I wanted to go last year but didn't really have anyone to ask (I forgot to ask Janelle of course). So this time I emailed her straight away, she said "yeah lets do it" so we are.

I love my family more than anything, but a girly weekend away stitching and shopping is just what I need at the moment.

JUST A LITTLE PROJECT I'M WORKING ON

2011-04-29T16:11:00.002+09:30

I'm making a small quilt for each of the kids to put in their "treasure box" for when they are older.

Each quilt will have embroidery of drawings, numbers and spelling from their first year at school when they were 5 years old.

Here's how I'm doing it:

Firstly find those school books and drawings that you simply can not throw out, spend lots of time going through them and thinking about how far they have come, sigh!!!! Pick out your artwork.

Now it's time to transfer those precious pieces of art to fabric. The way I do this is to use my glass sliding door as a light box, great for during the day, not so great at night. The pictures I wanted to transfer were on coloured papers and I couldn't see them through the fabric so I copied them onto white paper first, then on to the fabric with a water erasable pen.

Remember to be true to your child and their drawings and copy them exactly as they are no matter how strange they may look. I love the quirky drawings, the back to front letters and numbers of a 5 year old.

Stitch around the work, I'm using three strands of DMC, colour 844. I like this colour as it's a dark grey/blue and looks nice of the cotton/linen I'm using.

When finished stand back and admire your child's artwork and think of a design for a quilt to incorporate it into. Rinse off the pen under cold water and wait for it to dry.

Of course you can turn it into whatever you like, I'm choosing a quilt as I have so many of these treasures I want to add.

Have fun :)

KITCHEN WINDOW

2011-04-28T19:08:00.000+09:30

Quilt top is finished, I'm hoping to quilt it this weekend. The pattern is from Elizabeth Hartman's book The Practical Guide To Patchwork.

BABY OWLS

2011-04-27T15:59:00.002+09:30

Today I took a peek at my ever-growing pile of quilt tops and picked out my baby owls top to quilt.

I free-motion quilted this one with wavy lines down and across the quilt. I really like the organic look.

I love this Wendy Slotboom treasure map fabric. I'd been holding on to it for a while now just waiting for the right quilt to use it on.

This quilt will be available in my Etsy and Madeit shop in the next couple of days along with lots of other goodies.

NOTEPAD WALLET

2011-04-25T15:32:00.000+09:30

I think these are great for shopping or in your bag, on hand, when you need to jot something down.

SWAPS RECEIVED

2011-04-20T15:43:00.000+09:30

Here are a couple of things I've received lately from Flickr swaps that I'm involved in.

SPICING UP THE KITCHEN from Terrie: Flickr name - chocolate isthe best medicine

MUG RUG SWAP from Julia: Flickr name - little girl quilts

DQS10 (DOLL QUILT SWAP) from Jamie: Flickr name - stitch_girl

Aren't they all just stunning, I'm one very lucky girl :)

RANDOM TUESDAY

2011-04-19T11:58:00.001+09:30

Finding yet another way to store stuff. These drawers are for my market supplies.

The beginning of a quilt for my best friend who lost her mum to cancer last year. Birds have a special meaning to her and the connection to her mum and I hope that this quilt can give her some comfort when she's having a bad day.

More Far Far Away fabric purchased on a really good special.

Cute prints for market totes.

Something I am finally going to do, it will probably take me a few years to complete but that's okay, I'm not in any hurry. I will 'mod' it up a bit using aqua, red/orange and white.

New Books

Some goodies I picked up at our local quilting day held once a year in a different town. The book has some really good ideas for gifts in it.

A NEW SKIRT

2011-04-12T20:15:00.002+09:30

I really felt like making something to wear today and decided on a skirt from Toni Coward's book, Make It Perfect. There are 2 skirts I really want to make from this book and today I tried the Gelato Skirt.

I was amazed at how quick this skirt was to make, the instructions were so clear and easy to follow and I love the end result.

I'M HOME

2011-04-10T15:53:00.001+09:30

We had an amazing arts and craft market today. I was really busy all day and certainly didn't expect to be as the date had been changed and the weather was terrible. My friend Naomi contacted me and asked if she could use a little bit of space on my table to sell her knitted beanies. Of course I said yes, it's great to have someone to chat with and to be able to give you a toilet break! I've ordered a slouch beanie from her and can't wait to have it for the long cold winter I think we will have.

I sold out of most items once again and have a couple of orders to fill this week also. I'm tired, cold and very happy that so many people appreciate what I do.

9 DAYS INTO THE MONTH......

2011-04-09T16:03:00.002+09:30

and I'm finally posting something. I have been really busy with my jobs and trying to get lots finished for the market tomorrow.
New pencil wraps

Scrappy pouches

burp cloths and comfort rugs

Headbands

Quilts

Just a few more things to finish up and I'm done.

DQS10 FINISHED & SENT

2011-03-31T13:52:00.001+10:30

Doll Quilt Swap 10 was sent on it's merry little way yesterday. I wasn't sure about the quilting on this but now that it's finished, I kind of like the organic free motion look of it.

I really hope my partner loves it too.

DANCING BAGS

2011-03-29T14:03:00.004+10:30

I got a little sick of trying to find all of Sophie's shoes in her dance bag, as she now has 4 pairs. I made up these bags to keep her shoes nice and tidy and now she knows where they are in her bag at a glance.

Sophie picked out the fabric, she's an owl lover just like her mummy.

SEWING, SEWING & MORE SEWING

2011-03-27T14:39:00.007+10:30

finding just the right binding for this quilt.

making softies from this Saffron Craig fabric

more cute bibs to finish off

making these 'binkies'. They are security blankets with tags and soft cuddly minky on the back.

My next market in on the 10th of April and I still have quite a lot to finish. This time I hopefully won't sell out of stock as I want to have more on hand to put up on the table when something sells.

DQS10 - TOP COMPLETED

2011-03-19T17:03:00.004+10:30

I can't wait to begin to quilt this one. This design and the colours should suit my partner very well I think.

PLAYING WITH PAINT

2011-03-15T08:57:00.003+10:30

I was commissioned to design these 2 canvases for a little girl's bedroom. They are both 16" x 16". Sophie loves them so hopefully this lttle girl will also.

SPICING UP THE KITCHEN SWAP......

2011-03-08T20:42:00.003+10:30

is finished and sent.

I hope my partner likes what I've made for her. There's a pot holder, trivet and some cute felt magnets. I can't wait to receive mine.

FABULOUS FABRIC

2011-03-04T11:33:00.006+10:30

Isn't this fabric great?

I found it yesterday at Target as a king size quilt cover for $5, down from $110! It's just perfect for a quilt for my sister in law. I can't wait to start but there's so much else I need to get done first.

ANOTHER ONE NEARLY FINISHED

2011-03-01T13:14:00.003+10:30

Here's another quilt I've had sitting around just patiently waiting to be quilted.

Just the binding to go......

ITCHING TO DO SOMETHING

2011-02-24T16:41:00.007+10:30

I have been very unwell for the past 5 days and have done a lot of nothing. While lying around on the couch the other day I made a decision to finish hand sewing the binding onto our much used lounge quilt.

Yes we've been using the quilt without it being finished, that seems to happen a bit around here.

There's so much more I want to be doing but just don't have the energy. I have swaps to complete and send off very soon. Here's to being healthy once again :)

OOPS!

2011-02-19T14:44:00.006+10:30

I couldn't help but buy these great "must have in your stash" fabrics from Spotlight today. I had a voucher and got 40% off.

I started on my Spice Up The Kitchen swap and will be making a few more of these blocks for my partner.

I will be making 2 pot holders, a trivet, a set of produce bags and if I have time, a wall hanging.

My partner loves bright geometric designs and spots. The colours in her kitchen are orange and green and she likes string quilts. I hope she will love what I make her.