All your craft needs

Tonight will be a fantasy come true!

2017-04-18T11:56:00.004+10:00

Tonight will be a fantasy come true!

No need to watch TV when this contains all sorts of fantasies.

When the world is all cotton candy,rainbows, and unicorns then this delightful range "fantasy" from Makower Fabrics makes up the fabric of our lives!

See how easy it is to make fun bunting using this panel...

Click to download the How-To-Sew PDF

Regular price of Panel $16.95
NOW $14.36

We have all of these coordinating fabrics

Looking for a project on a larger scale?
What about this quilt kit?

Regular price $180.00
NOW $162.00

Finished size 62” x 77” (1.6m x 1.95m)
Designed by Lynne Goldsworth using theFantasy collection.

Quilt kit featuring Fantasy fabrics. Kit includes all fabric and the pattern to make the quilt top . If you would like us to match a backing just let us know. Please note the stripe used in binding has been replaced with a matching blender.

When people ask me "how did you get to be so crafty?" I tell them it's because I ate paste as a child!

2017-03-10T14:50:00.000+11:00

We just can't help ourselves! MORE new stock in this week and WOW! It hits a 10/10 on the cuteness scale!

Forest Friends: All of your woodland friends come together to make up this adorable range.
100% cotton - $18.95 /m
Great for quilting, apparel and home decorations.

Kohana: This cotton print fabric features feathers, arrows, teepees, aztec stripes and triangular designs in bright hues. Perfect for quilting, apparel and home decor accents.
100% cotton - $18.95 /m

Chi Chi Patches: features colorful cats and their adorable paw prints, butterflies enjoying the warm spring weather.
100% cotton - $18.95 /m
What will you use it for?

Zippie Zoo Blue: Features traditional baby boy colourways and juvenile prints. Colours include shades of blue and shades of grey, with white accents.
100% cotton - $18.95 /m
We can't wait to see what you make with this!

We love seeing your creations, you can add pictures to our Facebook page at anytime, and don't forget to tag your business page as it is a great way to show of your creations!

Symone - Free quilt pattern of the week.

Download the pattern here.

Symone by 3 Wishes. You can get this beautiful fabric in a number of different pre-cuts.
Pictured is just one example - Flat FQs tied in a bundle ( you will receive 1 as shown in the picture )
100% Cotton. $22.50 per bundle of 5 FQs - each measures 46cm x 56cm

6000 VIP Member Giveaway

2017-03-05T12:49:00.001+11:00

We have just hit over 6000 members in our Facebook VIP Group so to celebrate we are giving away one of our awesome mini mystery boxes valued at over $200

You need to be a member of our group to win ( entries will be verified)

Enter below for your chance to win ( entry box may take a few seconds to load) !

(please note pictures show examples of our mini mystery boxes but will differ in designs)

If fabric were cats, I'd have reached crazy cat lady status years ago!

2017-03-04T22:02:00.002+11:00

Like last week the new stock just kept arriving! We have been unpacking as fast as we can. Did you see the updates on Facebook or Instagram ?

Kismet = [ˈkɪzmɛt,ˈkɪzmɪt,ˈkɪsmɛt']

noun - destiny; fate.

The Kismet range, designed by Paula Nadelstern for Benartex is made up of Alchemy, Dragonette, Flash Dance, Liquidand the three Mandalas panels. Each is spellbinding and you will soon find yourself mesmerized.

Alchemy: Are you seeing spots?
Price : $23.95/metre

Dragonette: Kaleidoscope-like designs.
Price : $23.95/metre

Flash Dance: Fluid dynamics or rising smoke?
Price : $23.95/metre

Liquid: Water sliding down a windshield.
Price : $23.95/metre

Last but not least: Kismet Mandalas Panel (3 colours)
Price : $16.95/Panel
Measures 60cm x 112cm ( 36"x44")

Love the fabric but need inspiration? Click to download Fortune (Quilt pattern) free.
Designed by Linda Leathrsich & Stephanie Sheridan of Stitched Together Studios

Click here to enquire about this quilt kit.

Watch out for our special Dreamscapes Newsletter this weekend.....Happy Stitching xx

Kitty Fantastico!

2017-02-25T17:49:00.000+11:00

How fantastic is Kitty Fantastico!

You can too have this clever cat to share a cuppa with

Or maybe help plan your next trip!

What about listening to your favourite tunes together!

Or remind you to relax ;)

You too can have a kitty fantastico to enjoy.... simple to make with complete instructions - you can purchase the panel here

We can also supply you with the toy fill :)

Don't miss out on the gorgeous coordinating prints also
View the range here

View the full range here

It's not a hobby, it's a post-apocalyptic life skill!

2017-02-23T11:09:00.000+11:00

Hello! Thanks for tuning in for another installment on your favourtie topic....fabric !

We have some new stock to show you...any more arriving any moment! Watch Facebook or Instagram for updates.

Form something a bit further from reality...Magic Rainbow Shine by Alexander Henry Fabrics in blue and pink. Who doesn't love Unicorns?

We are 'puttin on the Ritz ' as another of this weeks new items! There are 16 playful black and white designs in the Ritz range from Kennard and Kennard .

Normal is an Illusion ! NEW in stock some extraordinary fabrics Illusions ; marbled blenders by Choice Fabrics in 32 fabulous colours.
Go wild again with Choice Fabrics. It's a Jungle Out There features giraffe, leopard, tiger and zebra prints.

We have a special offer for you (starting today) on the 'Boxed In ' range by Mac's Craft . Get 20% off this delightful range.

A FQ Fabric Bundle (includes 6 designs displayed below) is now only $23.96 plus postage. Hurry, stock is limited.

For you, we have also discounted the Serafina range from Michael Miller Fabrics .

This FQ Fabric Bundle (includes 12 designs displayed below) is now only $64.67 plus postage. Hurry, stock is limited.

If you are interested in the people behind your favourite fabrics, we have started a Pinterest board where we will be introducing you to the designers over the coming months.

Hang in there until next week.....Happy Stitching xx

A special Valentines edition for you 💗

2017-02-14T20:25:00.000+11:00

Happy Valentines Day...will you be my Valentines?

This week we have dedicated this issue to the wonderful fabric ranges on offer that we can supply as project kits. If you are tuned in to our Instagram or Facebook page...don't worry we have some new ones for you too!

Serafina Kimono - Project featuring fabrics from Serafina range by Michael Miller.

Click here to order kit.

Serafina Angelina fans - Project featuring fabrics from Serafina range by Michael Miller.

Click here to order kit.

Flight of Fancy - Project featuring fabrics from the Flight of Fancy collection by Sharla Fults for Studio E.

Click here to order kit.

Dream Catchers - Project featuring fabrics from the Dream Catchers collection by Lucie Crovatto for Studio E.

Click here to order kit.

DinoRiffic - Project featuring fabrics from theDino-riffic collection by Swizzle Stick Studio for Studio E.

Click here to order kit.

Oh! Sew Beautiful - Project featuring the fabrics Oh! Sew Beautiful collection by De Fleuriot for Studio E.

Click here to order kit.

If you want more information, contact us and we would be happy to help.

Until next week, Happy Stitching xx

Licorice Candy and All Sorts of Fun !

2017-02-12T18:10:00.000+11:00

Hello February, the month of love and romance. Do you make your loved one a handmade valentines gift? What about something special for yourself?

Fabric of the Week
Have you seen the Licorice Candy range by Studio E? We love the Monochrome designs as much as the Candy Leaf Pink and Aqua links.

Not sure what to do with this yummy fabric? Fear not, we have the answer!
Click to download this free pattern for this charismatic quilt.

If that doesn't tickle your fancy, why not cling to Summer as long as you can with Seaside Dreams. Also from Studio E.

Yup, we have an inspiration pattern for this too! Just click to download.

These are just two of many new fabrics we have been adding every week! Want to see them all then check the N EW section of the website to see so much more.

LOW STOCK ALERT!

Hurry to get your Dream Catches fabric by Blend Fabrics. Stock is getting low with the current special of 10% off.
This Fat Quarter Bundle was $32.95, now $29.66 plus postage.

The February customer creations album is now open (via VIP Sale Group on Facebook) or email it straight through to us (theozmaterialgirls@gmail.com).

Check out these awesome creations you have added this week already.

Koalas , Kangaroos and Butterflies!

2017-02-03T16:50:00.000+11:00

Fabric of the Week

Koala Party is designed by Swizzle Stick Studio for Studio E, this cotton print collection features adorable koalas and other Australian animals.

Perfect for your little one's nursery, quilting, apparel, and home decor accents. Colors include yellow, green, orange, blue, shades of grey, black, and white.

As we have done in past weeks, we have some inspirational free patterns from Studio E that are as cute as the fabric itself.

If that wasn't enough gorgeous fabric for you,Mariposa by Studio E made an appearance this week. This vivid purple, aqua, cerise and blue range features butterflies, checks and other patterns.

Exclusive free patterns keep coming with two for the Mariposa range by Studio E. Which will you try?

1. Mariposa Meadow Quilt 1

Or

2. Mariposa Meadow Tote?

With so many new fabrics, and so little room in the newsletter, be sure to check the N EW section of the website to see so much more.

As we say goodbye to January, and hello to Februrary we are all beginning to think about our Handmade Easter gifts.

Did you see how simple and effective the soft toy panels are to make? Check out the video on our Facebook page.

Remember, we LOVE seeing what you create. Please share what you are working on with us. You can upload it to the customer creations album (via VIP Sale Group on Facebook) or email it straight through to us (theozmaterialgirls@gmail.com).

See you in Feburary, Happy Stitching

!Caution! High levels of cuteness to follow

2017-01-27T10:17:00.000+11:00

!Caution! High levels of cuteness to follow

Fabric of the Week

This week we fell in love with the adorable Urban Zoologie And Urban Zoologie Minisranges By Ann Kelle for Robert Kaufman Fabrics.

Ann Kelle has also supplied wonderful projects to go with her loveable characters.

Also this week, we secured the last of the Dream Catchers range for you. Hurry, this really is your last chance to buy!

Also back in stock is the Folkloric Sugar Skulls and Punk Skulls and Roses back in stock!

Don't forget to check out the N EW section of the website to see these and other products now in stock.

As we are drawing closer to the end of the month we are seeing more of your wonderful creations. Here are a few shares from facebook this week...

Don't forget to get your post in before the end of the month.

We hope you have a great Australia Day this week. Join us on facebook for extra holiday fun ;)

Until next week.....Happy Stitching

Scorching Hot !

2017-01-20T20:00:00.000+11:00

In a week of scorching hot weather we also had sizzling hot new fabrics for you.

Fabric of the Week

Introducing our featured fabric of the week -
Score! by Henry Glass
Football or Soccer? Either way this fabulous fabric range is sure to please any fan!

Love the fabric but lost for ideas? Why not download this free pattern.

We have also added even more new fabrics to our website.... including 49 stunning colours/patterns belonging to the Harmony blender range by David Textiles

If you follow us in our Facebook VIP Group you may have shared in these exciting moments...
orders and awesome dip wins

and customer creations

We love seeing all of your creations, so please keep sharing.
Don't forget to post your TOMG fabric January creation before the end of the month to go into the running to win some fabric.

Until next week.....Happy Stitching

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/theozmaterialgirls

Serafina by Michael Miller

2017-01-18T10:49:00.002+11:00

Sorry we have been a bit quite....but we are back and bringing you regular posts for you to enjoy!
Kicking off with lots of awesome new fabrics live on our website

-Fabric of the Week-

Introducing our featured fabric of the week -
Serafina by Michael Miller.

If you have missed this, check it out now. Don't miss out as it is selling fast !

Looking for inspiration? Click on the image and you can download a free pattern for this beautiful quilt by Heidi Pridemore.

We have also added lots of gorgeous new fabrics to our website.... including 7 colours from the range called Fairy Floss (by Michael Miller) which go perfectly with the stunning Serafina range

If you follow us in our Facebook VIP Group you would have seen our amazing mystery boxes.
These are valued at over $400 and packed with gorgeous fabrics, patterns and sewing supplies and now available on our website.
For only $200 you get double the retail value! Secure yours before they are all gone.

Don't forget it is your last chance to buy Pandalicious by Art Gallery. We have limited stock left so you need to get in now before it's all sold

See you next week with more happy tales.
Happy Stitching

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/theozmaterialgirls

6 Great Ideas for Organising Your Craft Space

2016-01-23T09:47:00.001+11:00

It's the start of a fantastic new year and I've decided to expand my horizons...from the comfort of my favourite (only?) couch. For those that haven't had the pleasure of e-meeting me, I'm Rachael from Sew Today, Clean Tomorrow and I've been invited over here to do a spot of blogging for The Oz Material Girls.
If you're anything like me then you always start the new year with a bright, shiny list of goals. Some are a little fanciful: "Play guitar with Dave Grohl", others are more realistic: "Learn to play guitar", but there is one that finds its way onto my list every year..."Organise my craft space".
I love the idea of the gorgeous craft spaces I've seen during my late night, wine-fuelled stalkings of Pinterest, but find many to be a little beyond the limits of my talent/time/bank account. Here is a list of my more practical and mostly budget-friendly solutions for organising my knick-knacks, gadgets and sewing doohickeys.
Tip 1 - Use a rubber band to store your bobbin and thread. Not only does it keep the threads in place, it's also a great way of making sure bobbin and spool remain together, forever, happily every after.

Use a rubber band to keep bobbin and spool together

Tip 2 - Store sewing machine accessories in compartment boxes (e.g. beading boxes). This is a great way to neatly store your sewing machine feet, machine needles and other accessories. Label the box lid to make it even easier to find what you're looking for.

Use a compartment box to store sewing machine feet

Label the lid

It's a great way to store needles too

Tip 3 - Organise patterns in plastic pockets or large envelopes. This is a great way to keep all the bits and pieces of your project in one place. E.g. pattern pieces, instructions, zips, buttons, fabric, elastic etc.

Use envelopes or plastic pockets for patterns and projects

Tip 4 - Keep often used gadgets within easy reach with these practical, eye-catching embroidery hoops. This great project is quick, easy and affordable to make. You can find a tutorial here: Sew Today, Clean Tomorrow Embroidery Hoop Organiser Tutorial.

Tip 5 - Small knick-knacks can live in fabric bowls made from your favourite scraps. My hexie bowls are a lovely addition to the craft room and do a great job of housing my Clover Wonderclips, pattern weights, rubber bands and many more bits and pieces. The Hexie Bowl pattern is available through Patterns Only here: Hexie Bowl PDF Pattern.

Small knick-knacks love to call a fabric bowl home

Tip 6 - Nails/Hooks/Pegs can keep scissors and cutters within your easy reach (and out of reach of others). It's not the most beautiful solution out there but this shelf, with it's scissor storage underneath, was a breath of fresh air for my craft room. It frees up bench space, keeps everything close by and stops my all-too-regular "where did I just put those dang scissors?" dance.

Hooks/nails/pegs keep scissors within reach.

It may be small, but this shelf is a mighty addition to my craft room.

There you have it. A small peek into my craft room and a few of my more nifty storage solutions. What handy little hints and tips do you have for organising your craft space?

For the Nursery!

2016-01-21T19:31:00.000+11:00

How gorgeous would these fabrics be in a nursery! Designed by Concord House for Springs, they are perfect for both baby boys and girls. Soft pastel pink and grey, and blue and grey tones completethis beautiful range. View the full range Nursery Fabric Range

Now available in meterage and also FQ bundles!

Have you heard about our monthly Customer Creations Giveaway. Show off creations you have made using fabrics purchased from us and go into the draw to win an awesome prize. Click on the picture and join our VIP Facebook Group to enter

Customer Creations

2015-12-01T19:14:00.000+11:00

One of the highlights of our day at The Oz Material Girls is seeing what our very talented customers are creating with our fabrics Here are some of this weeks creations....aren't they all gorgeous!

Have you created something using our fabric! Be sure to join our VIP Facebook group where you can show them off and go into our monthly Customer Creations Giveaway!

Princess Tea Party - C4AC

2015-07-09T17:41:00.002+10:00

We are thrilled to have been involved with this years Collabration for a Cause and have been involved with 2 amazing submissions. This is the first one, The Princess Tea Party - this amazing charity collaboration to raise money for the Leukemia Foundation between Louise and Judy from The Oz Material Girls, Crystal from Crystal Leigh Creations and Kay from We Can Quilt It Designs.Together we have created this One of a Kind set any young girl would be thrilled to own, from the Princess Tea Party range. This will be auctioned over on the C4AC page starting 24th -26th July We would love you to visit and bid on this gorgeous creation - you can do this by clicking on these links Princess Tea Party We had so much fun doing the photoshoot for this auction with the gorgeous Leah, who was the perfect Princess - here a few pictures :)

Giveaway Time!

2015-05-30T11:05:00.000+10:00

Are you on instagram? Do you love FABRIC giveaways?
Then come on over and enter for your chance to win this gorgeous FQ Bundle delivered to your door. Just click on the picture to go to our instagram page Good luck!
You can also purchase this bundle here

Did you know we LAYBY?

For orders over $50, you will be given the option at checkout

Make a Wish !!!

2015-05-13T20:51:00.000+10:00

Fairies dance at the bottom of the garden near the hedgerow where tall dandelions float waiting for a wish to be made. Close your eyes, blow it's magic seeds gently into the breeze and ....

Make a Wish

How would you like to win a FQ bundle of this gorgeous Make a Wish fabric by Lewis and Irene ! Winner will receive a fat quarter of each of the 8 designs shown
Click on the picture to enter!

Easter Bunny Tutorial

2015-03-24T15:37:00.004+11:00

Hello again, my name is Gemma, when I'm not busy exploring New Caledonia with my three young children I get crafty with a needle and thread. You can read about my adventures in sewing at my blog, Pretty Bobbins. I'm really happy to be back at The Oz Material Girls and today I'm going to share some tips with you on making softies. I must admit straight up that I'm no expert when it comes to softies, but I do love them and have made a few. In fact I recently pulled a late nighter making 34 soft bunnies and eggs, you can read about my midnight madness here. Or you can read my more sane post with links to some great Easter softies here :) If you've been getting crafty for Easter you've probably seen the Twig and Thistle Bunny. I love it! I have made, oh, about 6 million as gifts for friends but I need to make two more (please note the terms and conditions on the Twig and Thistle site, it is for personal use only). It is a super easy softie and a great one for beginners, so today I'm going to share some tips that will help you make great shaped softies. Of course you can apply these to any softies and there are loads of gorgeous softie patterns over at Patterns Only. So, let's get started. First of all you need your pattern piece. If you are going to make your softie a few times I highly recommend making a template rather than using your printed pattern piece. A template will give you a more consistent shape and is more durable. Today I am using some clear template plastic, but cereal boxes also work well.

Trace your pattern shape onto your template material.

Cut out your template.

PLEASE don't use your fabric scissors! Save them for your pretty fabrics, you should love and cherish your fabric scissors :) Don't put them near paper, glue, cardboard, plastic, anything that's not fabric or thread really. It is handy to have a few pairs. I keep my scissors together in an airtight box (remember I live in the tropics and near a salty lagoon) and have a number of pairs.

Clockwise from top Right: old fabric scissors, thread snipers,
pliers, curved nail scissors, craft scissors, paper scissors, rotary cutter, good fabric scissors.

Now that you have a nice template to work with select and iron your fabric. Lay your fabric right sides together and place your template on top. Using a fabric pen trace around your template.

If you're a beginner it is going to help you to use some pins. I may have mentioned before that I don't really like pins... It will make life easier if you're not working with a big piece of fabric, so at this point I tend to roughly trim around my shape making sure that I cut no closer than 1/2" to my softie outline.

Before you take your fabric over to your sewing machine. You need to consider a few things first:

Where are you going to start sewing?
Are there any tricky shapes that you might find easier to approach from the left instead or the right, or vise versa?
What colour thread and fabric are you using?
What stitch length have you set your machine to?

I find that:

It is always easiest to start and finish on a straight section, in this case his bottom.
Curves can be tricky when you're starting out. You need to lift your foot or pull your fabric to make it turn with your feed dogs. Maybe you find an inverse curve easier to manage than a converse curve. I find this something I need to consider more on an overlocker, but it is still worth considering when using your sewing machine.
I know that it can be tempting to just use whatever thread you have in your machine or to only change your top thread and leave your bobbin alone. But trust me, your softie is going to look so much nicer if the thread is invisible. Select a colour that blends into your fabric as much as possible.
When making softies you want to reduce your stitch length down to 1.4 or 1.6 This is really important when you come to triming your seams a little later.

Your drawn outline is going to be your guide. Personally I find it easiest to use my 1/4" foot and line the outline up with the 1/8" point which is the inner edge of the foot. That way I'm watching my foot not my needle and I get a smoother shape.

Sew a couple of stitches back and forth to secure your ends. You might want to reduce the speed on your machine to help you with those tricky corners. Don't forget to leave a gap so that you can stuff your softie! I leave about a 1" gap but you might find 1.5-2" easier for your first few goes.

Now we want to trim our seams to 1/4".

Clip any corners and cut little Vs on your curves cutting very close but not too close to your stitches.

Snip right up to your corners including the divide in your Bunny's ears.

You've probably got a sore hand from the scissors, but it's worth it! You will get nice smooth curves from all those little snips you've made :) Now you want to turn your Bunny right side out. I use my fingers first.

Then I use my fabric pen with the cap on to gently push out the seams (I find that the smooth plastic cap which has a slightly rounded end is a perfect turning tool). You can use a chopstick, rubber end of a pencil or anything that isn't sharp. Don't use the right end of a chopstick or knitting needle as you will end up poking a hole in your seams. If you do poke a hole in your softie, don't panic, just turn him wrong side out again and sew a little inside the section that has a hole remembering to secure your stitching.

Your rabbit skin should look something like this.

Now you want to stuff him. Take a small amount of stuffing (I'm using the inside of a cushion, you can use toy fill).

Push the stuffing up to the tip of his ears. I start out using my fingers and then use the wrong end of a chopstick to get it all the way to the end.

Keep using small amounts of stuffing and pushing them into your bunny.

You want to make sure that you are pushing the stuffing right to the edges of your softie.

It can get a little frustrating using such small pieces of stuffing at a time, but it is worth it. If you use big pieces you will end up with a lumpy softie. Keep going until your softie looks like this!

Once you have finished stuffing your softie you need to sew him up. Select a thread that blends with your fabric and grab yourself a needle.

You want to use a ladder stitch so that your stitches end up invisible. There are lots of good tutorials online but I've put together some photos to try and show you how to do it. First sew a heap of little sitiches within your seam allowance to secure your thread. Then bring your needle up right on the seam line right next to where your hole starts.

Take your needle over to the other side and push it in to the seam line and bring it back out about 1/8" on the seam line on the same side (see photo below).

Pull your thread tight and insert your needle back into your seam line on the other side directly opposite your last stitch. Bring your needle out again 1/8" along on the seam line same side.

Continue until you get to the end of the hole. Now you need to secure your stitches but you want them to be invisible. [If I'm using a thread and material that allow me to make a few tiny stitches that can't be seen, then I will do so in addition to tying a knot.] Bring you needle out as close to your last stitch as possible. Now you want to tie a knot as close to the fabric as possible. I tend to do about 3 or 4 knots on top of each other.

OK, get close to your fabric and pull your thread tight. Can you see the hole that your thread came out of last? You want to thread your needle back into that same hole.

Without loosing your needle inside your softie take it through your softie and bring it out. Pull the thread firmly but not hard. You want your knot to pop into the inside of your softie but not tear a hole in it.

Pull your thread tight and snip it nice and close to the fabric so that the thread tail disappears inside the body. Hooray! You shouldn't be able to see where you closed up your softie!

Now stand back and admire your work :)

You can even add a ribbon and watch your Bunnies hop around the garden.

Or put them in a basket and take them to school for your kid's friends!

You can use these tips for any softies and you will probably find that the shape of your softies improves with time :) I hope you found this tutorial helpful!

Fabric your kids will love!

2015-03-03T19:47:00.001+11:00

Novelty and Kids

With so many themes, we are sure to have your sewing needs covered.
From animals, cars and trucks, licensed characters, dolls, school, and so many more.

These bright coloured dinosaurs will delight any fan of the large lizards.

Make something for the dancer in your life or maybe just for you. I can see some lovely bags to carry their items for dance class.

This totally adorable carousel teddy panel would look gorgeous as the centre for a cot quilt.

Get children interested in books at a young age, by making a cloth book for them. And here is just one panel we have - the Three Little Pigs.

Do you like a suprise of novelty fat quarters. Then check out our offer of Kids and Novelty FQs at $3.50 each. Where we will randomly select them for you.

Tutorial : Grocery Bag Holder

2015-02-23T13:12:00.000+11:00

Today I’m going to have a go at writing a tutorial on how I make my Grocery bag holders; hopefully you will find it easy to follow. I recently purchased a new machine and wanted to complete a simple project on it. For this tutorial I used half a metre of Riley Blake Blue Chevron fabric, from The Oz Material Girls Supplies: ½ metre of fabric 30cm piece of 6mm elastic Safety pins or Bodkin Finished Size: 58cm long x 40 cm wide

Cut out a 64cm long x 42cm wide piece of fabric for the main bag and a 35cm x 6cm strip of fabric for the plastic bag holder strap

Step One Grab the strap piece and fold lengthways, wrong sides together and press to crease. Unfold, place raw edges along crease and press. Fold again and stitch close to lengthwise edges. Put aside.

Step Two With the main 64cm long x 42cm wide piece of fabric, using an overlocker or zig-zag stitch, sew around all four edges of fabric. (I used an overcasting stitch on my new sewing machine, as my overlocker wasn’t playing nice.) Fold over 3 cm at each short end, press to make a crease, this helps later when you need to make the casing. Place fabric right side up, and with one short end still folded using a fabric marker or pencil mark 6cm from the top fold and 4cm from the edge, making an L shape mark, this will be where the strap will be attached. Place both ends of strap on the mark and pin in place, making sure it isn’t twisted. Sew the strap on to the bag, I normally just sew a square on each to secure. Of course you can do it any way you like.

Step Three Now grab the main piece, open up the folded ends and match up the edges on the long side, this will give you the tube shape of the plastic bag holder. Making sure the top and bottom line up evenly, pin in place. Starting at the top using a 1cm seam allowance sew down the length of the fabric Press seams open.

Step Four Now fold over both edges 3cm using the crease as a guide, give it a good iron and pin in place. Mark a 1cm gap on the seam at both ends and using the free arm on your machine sew around the tube starting from one mark to the next, leaving a small gap to insert the elastic. Tip: make sure the strap is out of the way when sewing the casing on the top. With that done grab your elastic and two safety pins and pin one end of elastic to the fabric near the gap (this is so you don’t lose it) attach another safety pin to the other end of elastic and thread it through the casing, when the elastic is through the gap grab both ends and tie a knot. Repeat with the other end. Pull bag right side out and voila! You have made a grocery bag holder.
These would also look fabulous in the new Geo Canvas range by Robert Kaufman

If however you prefer to purchase them you can buy them from store at www.hand-made.com.au/LindabearsHandmade or contact me at www.facebook.com/LindabearsHandmade

Geo Canvas Home Decorating Fabric!

2015-02-13T12:59:00.002+11:00

Geo Canvas designed by Emmie K for Robert Kaufman

Stunning canvas home decorating weight fabric perfect for bags, hats, cushions, quilts and so much more!

Designer Quilt Fabric from just $14/m

2015-01-19T10:37:00.000+11:00

New arrivals and all just $14/m !

Just click on any of the pictures below to view the whole range.... be quick these are already selling fast

Until Next time

Paddington Bear has arrived!

2015-01-11T14:27:00.003+11:00

As a child Paddington was one of my all time favourite bears, I still have him in my collection today. With the release of the new movie it is a great chance to introduce your child/grandchild to this much loved bear

Paddington Bear by Camelot is in stock but selling fast, so secure yours today as we have limited stock available

As always we have fabulous fabrics at a great price in our sale category
Here are just a few ranges that have been discounted - just click on the pic to view!

We love seeing what you are creating with our fabrics, and you can also have your wares featured on our blog, which is great exposure for your page
Just head over to our Facebook Page and leave a post with the picture and a link to your page and we will add to a future blog

Until Next Time

Happy Stitching!

Win a Sewing Treasure Basket !

2014-10-21T13:45:00.002+11:00

We love giveaways at The Oz Material Girls, and during or 10th birthday celebrations we have a treasure of prizes to giveaway
One lucky follower will win this awesome sewing treasure box, complete with a gorgeous sewing basket, FQ fabric bundle, pins and thread!
You can enter via our Facebook page or below!
Good luck everyone, closes 9pm DST 31st October 2014