Clare’s Craftroom is having not one but three giveaways for her 100th post. The example in the image above is the first prize; isn’t it wonderful! If you would like to enter, go to The “Royal” 100th Post Giveaway! and join in.
Good luck! :D
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday Link Sharing
I thought I would try something different and provide some links each Friday to items I have found interesting on the Internet. There will be times when I may be away and can’t do this but hopefully for the most part, this post will happen each Friday.
The first link is a video demo.
I don’t have this book but after seeing this demo I am thinking what a great way to make a quilt. Even the demonstration is a lesson worth watching. Crazy shortcut Quilts blog is a lovely read as well.
Also I am intrigued with my prize I won from miss~nances life blog and I thank you for it Gail. You can see what I won by popping over to this Giveaway post. I hope to do justice and finish this project in the future. Thank you!
When reading comments, I came across a new blog called DIY Bag Lover. The blog promotes tutorials of bags made by others and link back to the original owner. I don’t mind this blog, as it does recognise and acknowledge that the copyright belongs to the bags owner, which is very important. There are lovely bags on this blog so worth a visit.
There is so much to learn when it comes to blogging. I have known about ProBlogger blog for quite some time now and learnt a lot from Darren. He is an Australian that makes his living from blogging and a nice guy. If you want to make your blog work for you, especially if you want to make sales from your crafts, it is worth checking out Blogging Tips for Beginners. Make sure you make a hot drink before you sit down though, as there is some great reading with lots of hints to make your blog greater than it already is.
Some of you may wonder what I am doing when I am not sewing. If you are interested, you can see my other blog by visiting Arts and Stuff. How is that for a piece of self promoting…LOL
Now another link just for luck! A Quilting Life is an inspiring blog that reminds me why I love quilts. One day I will have one of my own quilts finished to snuggle into. Do take a look at this lovely blog, you won’t be disappointed.
Just a hint to those that are not internet savvy when it comes to blogging and copyright. When you want to use images that do not belong to you, make sure you get permission from the owner of the material before publishing their content on the web and it will keep everybody happy. Many share freely but there are those that will also be quite upset when they come across material posted without their permission. I know I would not appreciate my artworks being posted without my knowledge or prints made from them. Many artist know the style of artworks and who created them and are the eyes to the web and soon report back to the image owners if they see something that does not look right; I have seen this happen myself although thankfully not my own work. I have also seen where whole posts are copied and posted on a blog with lots of advertising happening. These bloggers are stealing content to attract visitors to their blogs and make money from ads and once reported, smartly closed down by blogger. Copyright does get heavy going, but it is worth knowing something about the subject so that you have knowledge of where you stand on this great wide web. Oh one more link wont hurt! Copyright Explained.
I would be interested to know if you have enjoyed this post so please leave me a comment and let me know.
Monday, May 25, 2009
On My Heart BOMs
Do you love to collect BOMs?
There is a lovely BOM happening over at Tozz’s Corner. Look at the image above; how can you resist such a pretty pattern!
Hop over to Tozz’s Corner and read all about On My Heart BOM.
Happy sewing everybody!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Autumn
I do love rag dolls and yesterday when I saw a kit that had everything in it other than the filling at a reduced price, I just had to have it and sew today so that I can truly get to know her.
So without further ado, I would like to introduce you to Autumn who has berry’s in her hair and a bouquet in her hand. I am sure she will get on very well with my other rag dolls in my growing collection.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
ELEFANTZ has a Shabby Roses Giveaway
I thought I was too late to alert you to a beautiful giveaway, but if you hurry, you may just make it in time.
Go over to Jenny’s blog at Elefantz and enter. Also tell her that you read about the giveaway here at my blog.
I know I will be collecting Jenny’s beautiful BOM and hope you do as well.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Appliqué
Appliqué played a big role in my sewing career many years ago. I appliquéd fronts of jumpers/sweatshirts before sewing them up; selling all but a small quantity that I kept from the time my children were small.
I am aware of copyright when using images, hence why I could never sell appliqué created from images from children's books. They were fun to do for my children though.
I also did commissions as well with customers coming to me with an idea of what they wanted. Drawings were done and approved and then it was down to sewing business. I stopped counting the garments once I had reached one hundred. I often wonder if any of them were kept by their owners.
The process of these appliqués is done by drawing on a tear-away stabilizer, then baste it onto the wrong side of the garment fabric. I then pin around the drawn shape so that I can see the pin line on the front of the fabric. The pins are then used to guide me where to place my appliqué fabric so that I have less waste. Pin fabric in place then with a straight stitch, on the tear-away side, trace the shape with your sewing machine. You will then see on the right side of garment fabric, the shape of the appliqué that will then be trimmed back to the stitching. This is then finished with a satin stitch to tidy the cut edge, as well as cover the straight stitching. Once I am finished, I then remove the tear-away then sew up the garment.
Using t-shirt fabric for the appliqué fabric on fleece, I did use a light iron on stabilizer to make the t-shirt fabric easier to handle and not stretch out of shape. These garments were always tossed in the washing machine and as you can see, some are worse for wear than the appliqué itself. The garments received a lot of use.
With grandchildren now, I just may get a tutorial done for this blog in the near future.
Note: When appliquéing small areas, I build the pieces up from back, coming forward. An example is the arm of Popeye comes out of a sleeve, the arm does not sit on top. I build the layers so that the piece feels as if it has depth. I used terry towelling for the clowns hair so that it had more texture.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Another Giveaway – Stitch Selection
Image posted with permission from Stitch Selection
Mothers are special to us and with Mother’s Day fast approaching, we hope to be able to celebrate with them. Unfortunately my sister Lucky1 and I lost our mum many years ago. I thought it was a lovely gesture by my sister from Stitch Selection to have a Mother’s Day Give Away in honour of our mum, along with other mums that are no longer with their families, although I am sure they are in spirit.
Please do enter in my sisters giveaway and good luck! :D
Monday, April 20, 2009
Tozz’s Corner - Giveaway
Vicki who is the blog owner of Tozz’s Corner is having a giveaway. I had intended getting this post up much sooner but was completely sidetracked.
Pop over to Tozz’s Corner and enter in Vicki’s 100th post giveaway as it is gorgeous. Even if you miss the giveaway, Vicki’s craft blog is worth a visit.
Technorati Tags: Tozz's Corner. giveaway. crafts,sewing
Monday, April 6, 2009
A Tea Party
After such a big day yesterday at the Laura Folk Fair, these three girls each have a story to tell. While they wait for their tea to be served with scrumptious cucumber sandwiches, here is their tale.
One has had a bad hair day although her dress sense will pass muster and very happy to join Sue’s family.
The second is so busy doing her washing that she forgot to leave it behind and oh so sleepy from all her hard days work. Golly Sue did think she needed to rescue her from such a difficult life!
Now the sweetest of both, who’s name is Sugar Plum, well she was yet to be put together after being found by Sue. At an extra special price of 12 dollars, pattern, material, beads and hair, now lets face it, how could she resist.
Home Sue goes with her bounty of three girls, that she is sure in time will all get to know each other well.
Measure, cut, snip, tear, along with some stitching; hello Sugar Plum, welcome and please join the tea party!
I do hope you have enjoyed meeting my little family.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
A Wonderful Prize
Rarely participating in entering prizes of any sort, imagine my overjoyed surprise when I won a bag from a lovely blog called Tozz’s Corner by entering the competition for Coming up 2 years for Blogging!
The presentation of the gift was beautifully presented, wrapped in a fat quarter with a ribbon tied around the beautiful bag and lovely fabric wrapping and put safely in a plastic bag then a post packaging.
I already know this bag is going to acquire a lot of use on my shopping trips to Port Pirie. Thank you Tozz’s Corner for your wonderful gifts; they will always be treasured.
May there be more wonderful bags made by you as this one!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
English Piecing
Having never done English Piecing before, I am delighted to say that I am thoroughly enjoying this new experience. The craft is ideal for picking up when only a few minutes is available for sewing or carting around in a caravan to sit and relax in the outdoors. I have to admit that the outdoors is the ideal light because I do like to use tiny hand stitches, which can be hard on the eyes without good light.
If you have the Patchwork & Stitching Vol 9 No 4, you will see the quilt that I am making on page 24. I am not copying the colours nor are the values exactly the same. So far I am happy with the results considering I am using some material that I have had here for some time and adding to it as the project progresses. It would have been so much easier if I had planned ahead of time, but hey I am a learner and learning from my mistakes!
Cheers,
Monday, February 23, 2009
Fabrics from Charlenes of Jamestown
Aren’t the fabrics lovely! 
My husband and our son needed to go to Jamestown for farm supplies. Because I have been itching to check out Elaine Flower’s shop called Charlenes, With the help of my daughter-in-law (us girls have to stick together, wink), I did just that!
I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I can tell you right now, I will be tagging along from now on for those farm supplies from Jamestown in South Australia. The shop is packed full of patchwork, beading & Haberdashery. A crafters paradise.
The hand dyed fabrics on the right in the image above were purchased from Charlenes. The three burgundy tone on tones are just beautiful and I don’t even have to wash them; they have already been thoroughly washed! Hand dyed fabrics are made by Gail Simpson. I found the prices are the same as the website. The three on the left are also from Charlenes and would have been so easy to add more to the stash, but there is always another day.
By the way, if anyone is looking for blue craft fabrics, Charlenes is the place to go.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Pincushion
Finely embellished this pincushion that I have been using for a few weeks now. The button I have had for many years and now it finely has its resting place! ;)
I love these quilting pins and wanted to take them with me while caravaning. With a bit of head scratching I came up with this container, which from memory I purchased alfalfa sprouts in it. If you have followed this blog, you will be getting the idea that I do hoard things here. You would be correct! :D
Anyway with a little bit of prodding, the pincushion fits nicely and have to thank Home Made by Sallyanne for planting the seed in my head, as she has done something similar so that she can also take her own pincushion travelling. Sallyanne also managed to pick up a quite a bit of craft material from Spotlight for me. Gosh I wished I lived closer to a Spotlight but then again, perhaps it isn’t a good idea! LOL
I am going to wash some of that Spotlight fabric now.
Cheers!
technorati tags: pincushion, crafts, sewing
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
T-Shirts for myself
Because it has been a number of years since I have done any sewing, it does take a bit of hunting to find lost items in my cupboards. I was looking for my Embroidery Hoop, which I did find and also found many other items that haven’t seen the light of day for many years.
I found a bundle of cut out T-Shirts waiting to be sewn up. I also found a numerous zips that will come in very handy with my crafts. Heaps of cut out knickers with only the elastic to sew on. Lots of cards of elastic also in the cupboard so I really should finish those knickers. These are leftover’s from the days of my small sewing and fabric business that I ran from home.
I decided to sew up three of the T-Shirts. They will be handy for myself when hubby and I set off on our annual holiday by the beach later this month.
After many years of non use, I knew my overlocker was going to feel the pain when I first used it so a good service was put into action. It runs beautiful now without any complaints. I have to admit I did enjoy sitting in front of the machine with foot to the pedal sewing garments for myself.
technorati tags: sewing, crafts, T-Shirts, overlocker
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Storage Bags for Crafts
When fossicking around in by cupboards I do often come across the occasional gem.
Now, once upon a time I did consider this roll of plastic useless but kept it just in case I found a use for it. The plastic with paper is meant for covering books but I never used it because I preferred the contact type. I can’t even remember how I became owner of this roll, but do know that I never purchased it.
Needing protection for my hand sewing while away on holidays later this month, I realised I needed some sturdy plastic bags to keep my projects sorted and safe from the elements when caravaning.
Having also found a pile of zips stashed away from a past life, I then proceeded to make five plastic storage bags that vary from 12 1/2” to 19” long. They are all 12 1/4” wide. The one in the image above is 15” long.
I am rather happy with getting these sewn up this afternoon, because time is fast running out with the holiday date not far away now…..said rubbing my hands together gleefully!
Happy sewing!
technorati tags: storage bags, craft, sewing
Friday, January 9, 2009
Christmas Tree Decorations
Isn't it frustrating when you see something you like on the Internet and then can't find it again. With me scratching my head to remember how to go about making these Christmas tree decorations that I had seen on the Internet, it all soon came back to me. Perhaps the old brain isn't' as bad as I thought.
As you can see I did bead some wire for one ball to hang from. I think I prefer the ribbons.
I am going to make more of these Christmas tree balls for next Christmas while away on our holidays by the beach later this month. No sewing required but must remember to pack the glue gun in our caravan. I am also taking my BOM with me as my first month will be in progress by then. I am looking forward to the embroidery and do hope that there is some to do on my first block. Hopefully I will find that out today if it turns up in the post.
technorati tags: Christmas Decorations, Block of Month, BOM
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Christmas Potholders
With fabric to spare from my Flop Containers, I decided to make up some Potholders to give my kitchen a Christmas flavour. They are now packed away for the next festive season.
That reminds me, I also made some Christmas Tree decorations. I will take a photo of them before I pack them away and post them to this blog, so stay tuned for that post.
technorati tags: Christmas, potholders, crafts, sewing
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Flop Containers
Because I wanted to keep the Shopping Bag Tutorial together, showing you these Flop Containers has been delayed. Also they are gifts to my kids with homemade biscuits inside them to make a little more for their Christmas presents from me. Now they have been unwrapped, I know I am not letting any secrets out. ;)
Well what a disappointment :(….. I thought I had taken photos of the gifts ready to wrap up but must have forgotten. Thankfully I did take photos at the time I had sewn the containers up.
To be a little different to what I have seen on the Internet, I decided to use a loop with button on the corners. The corners are more 'relaxed' done this way instead of using ties but I rather like it. Makes storage a little easier when packed away in a cupboard compared to the sewn up corners as well.
My problem was finding large buttons, as I don't have a store close to me and I was running out of time. The light bulb lit up during the night when I was supposed to be sleeping and the idea of using stuffed yo-yo's popped into my head. This is the result from that idea. I used a 1.2 inch (30mm) diameter yo-yo maker, as you see in the image below then decorated them with a red button.
technorati tags: crafts, sewing, Christmas, flop container
Friday, January 2, 2009
Journal Cover
Well I should never misplace my journal again with a new and very bright hot pink cover to replace the original black icky one. Click on the image above for a larger view.
With a bit of trial and error I have come up with this journal cover, which I consider a prototype for future projects. I may even make a tutorial out of my next one but that won’t be yet for awhile. I do have other items that need sewing first.
Until next time, happy sewing!
technorati tags: Journal Cover, sewing, craft, yo-yo,
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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