Monthly Archives: May 2011

Reverse Applique Cushions – made by me!

I am feeling quite pleased with myself. A few days ago I shared with you a cushion pattern by Julie of Tractor girl. As she suggests in her pattern, I visited a local op shop to see what fabric I could find. I was very lucky to find a beautiful blue suede and some complementary blue patterned fabrics.

I must say I am quite impressed with my cushions!

I even managed zips!

Thanks Julie for a wonderful pattern. It really gave me the confidence to have a go & not be scared.

First creation from Jo’s wool felt

>I had a chance this week to follow my creative motto and use some of the felt given to me by Jo of Rubyjo on etsy.

This one is a mini bottlecap pincushion that also has a little pouch of emery sand inside to keep your pins and needles sharp.  I really need to make more of these.  Every sewer needs one and they always sell out at markets. 
So there you have it – Thanks Jo – the first of many to come from the lovely stash of felt.
?

A motto I am trying to follow…

>embroidery hoop embroidery motto

Sometimes I am gulity of focusing too much on things on the sidelines – looking at supplies, making lists, “researching” on the web.  I forget sometimes that what I love to do is actually make things. 

Hopefully this will remind me to do what I love more often.

This beautiful embroidered piece is made by CleverApple.  I love her embroidery, so lovely. 

Stuffing – so many options!

>I use a fair bit of stuffing fibre when I am making my pincushions and I have been on the hunt for a more environmentally friendly option that will compliment the recycled felt I use. 

Today I found a wonderful post from Pauline of Funky Friends Factory.  She has a lot of wonderful things on her blog & store, including a post all about toy stuffing options.  I never knew there were so many options, including some great eco-friendly ones.  She also has lots of links of where all the different types are available.

Great post Pauline – thank you!

I really recommend you check out the blog if you make toys.  So many handy hints & tips and a wonderful selection of toy pattens and kits.

Fair trade toy elephant available for sale.
?

I am one lucky crafter!

>Today I received the most wonderful thing!  A parcel from the lovely Jo of rubyjo on etsy

She is de-stashing and wondered if I could use some pure wool felt she had felted from recycled wool clothing.  Yes please said I!

I was blown away by how big the parcel was!

The colours are awesome.  Now to make something fab!

Thank you Jo!  There is sure to be some good karma coming your way.

Reverse Applique – so beautiful!

>I have long been an admirer of tractorgirl and her wonderful reverse applique cushion covers.  So when I saw this pattern in her madeit store I had to buy it to have a go.

Now all I need to do is find the perfect fabrics to do the design justice.  The pattern not only includes detailed instructions that even I can follow – I am not afraid to tackle the zip now I’ve read the pattern – it also has a lot of very helpful design tips.  This pattern really is a great buy.

My emerging sewing machine skills are itching to have a go.  I’ll let you know how I go!

Hello Blog World

>Its taken me a while, but I have finally started my own blog.

Where it will end, I am not sure yet!  Its sure to be a fun journey though with lots to learn and share along the way.

Here’s to a wonderful new toy!

I am a maker of pincushions.  Other things too, but mainly pincushions.