It's All About The Fabric

I'm All At Sea for Sarah Jane

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:17:00 +0000

My fabric crush 'du jour' has to be the fabulous Out To Sea by Sarah Jane for Michael Miller Fabrics. I am so in love with this nautically themed collection that's perfect for girls and boys of all ages.

I don't often Blog about new collections as that alone would be a full time job, but this one is so versatile I'm dizzy with thoughts of what I could to make with it all.

Sarah Jane has been working on these designs for nearly 18 months and has produced 3 utterly gorgeous colorways, Ahoy There, Deep Sea jewel and Morning Coral each telling a great story.

Our house so needs at least one of these pouffes (floor cushion). Sarah jane's inspiration was the classic elements of Maritime Fancies along with how children imagine and play.

See how little fingers could run along the ship paths - the above picture is embroidered, the real fabric has printed dashed lines.

How crazy, these super prints make me giggle inside when I browse through them!

The collection is a genius mix of large scale prints and small ditzy prints, which makes for lots and lots of variations in project making.

Every child (young and old) dreams of adventures on the see, this collection is Sarah Jane's offering to the whimsy of maritime travel.

I'll have one each of these dresses please both for me and my daughter!

Inspiration for the boys too, check out that funky messenger bag.

Sarah Jane says "What I love about this fabric, is that it’s considered quilting grade fabric, but the weave is a new quality called Cotton Couture. It is much, much softer and lighter than the traditional quilting grade, but….it’s not 100% apparel grade either! I’ve been sewing bedding and quilts all week, and it’s amazing to home dec, quilt and apparel with. My, my, my. I’m in love."

Here are Sarah Jane's pictures at International Quilt Market in Kansas City, Missouri 2012.

I love the nautical design without being all skull and cross bones and negative aggressive themes, just gentle childish dreams.

I love the way the boy fabrics and girl fabrics seamlessly coordinate, but still maintaining very distinct color feelings.

Sarah Jane explains "I needed to tell the story of children playing pirates, and dreaming of mermaids…and find just the right palette that parents would find beautiful too". I think she's hit that note perfectly.

The show was a huge success. At the start of the second day, a committee of people with a big fat ribbon presented her with the Creativity Award.

You can see the Award was well deserved.

Love this log cabin cushion and super cute embroidery.

And utterly gorgeous quilt below.

Sarah Jane will be sharing more on this later…but each project in the booth was designed for a BLOG TOUR once the fabric is launched August 5th. She will be featuring each project (and more!) with links to the respective sewer who will have a Free Tutorial and/or pattern available for you to make your own! Stay tuned in July for that. How generous is that!!?

There are maps for voyages.

Characters to play the parts.

Teeny tiny prints for teeny tiny projects.

And prints for great big chunky projects - check out that quilt behind the chair.

Fabric that's also perfect for the sweetest Bebe projects.

And for sophisticated ladies too.

This wonderful quilt was designed by Amy Smart over at Diary of a Quilter. She designed it with Sarah Jane, to go with her map and ship panels. There will be a free PDF pattern for this quilt when the fabric is released later this summer (Woohoo!!!).

Still loving this dress - for me please!

Sarah Jane wanted the Navy blue to really shine and not get overpowered by the traditional heavy reds. So she let it coordinate with just the right pinks, blues, greys and oranges to make it a modern and fresh take on a nautical theme.

And for those of you who, like me, cannot wait the fabric will be in stores from 1st August. Plenty of time to start planning your project.

Check out Sarah Jane's Blog and Website for the latest news on Out To Sea and all the lovely projects she'll be sharing.

Thank you as always for dropping by.

A Bunch of Bag Tutorials

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Tue, 29 May 2012 17:10:00 +0000

It's End of School Year Teacher Gifts planning time. For one of the Teachers I was planning on making her a bag, using natural linen, vintage kimono fabric (red) and red chirimen crepe for the lining - very 'zakka style'.

So I'm sharing some of the Bag Tutorials I've found and may use for the gift. The first tutorial is Fabulous Retro Travel Bag By Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com at Riley Blake.

Ruby's Party Bag by Nicole Wilmore of Our Cozy Nest for the Moda Bake Shop. I love this red!

Convertible Sling Bag by Bag'n-Telle. Now I know this bag is leather but I think you could still make it in fabric. Although you can buy this gorgeous soft faux leather at UniqueShiny (they sell real leather too). It's my new favourite Etsy shop as they also have a fabulous selection of natural linens, double gauze and cottons.

Apple Picking Tote over at Purlbee. Maybe a little bit too utilitarian, but I'll pin it for a later project!

Messenger Bag Tutorial by Ditzy & Dotty. Cute!

Carry All/CarpetbaggerTutorial over at Weekend Designer. Maybe a little bit too big and bulky.

Preppy Pleated Purse by KojoDesigns I like this one a lot, although maybe a bit too small.

Pleated Lined handbag by Warehouse Fabrics Inc This may very well be the bag I go for as it's so smart and a very thorough tutorial.

I love this Weekend Bag over at Weekend Designer. That bag says "Grrr!" to me, maybe a male teacher bag.

Pleated Tote by Thimble. You can't beat a jolly good tote and the pleats on this make it extra roomy! I do quite like this one too.

1 Hour Bag Tutorial by VintageRicRac. On your marks get set.....

Skirty Bag (Up-cycle) by WhipUp I love the recycling of this skirt. If it was made from scratch, I think lining fabric in between the pleats would be really cute.

I will let you know which one I made and post a picture of it. Do you have a favourite Bag Tutorial you could recommend?

Thank you for dropping by!

Giveaway & Survey Was A Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Fri, 18 May 2012 23:36:00 +0000

I'm delighted to say the Giveaway I Sponsored over at VeryBerryHandmade was a resounding success, the survey was completed by nearly 100 people.

Congratulations to the Winners...

Helen Hickman won the fabric bundle from my own stash.

Janet Rushant Constable won the book from Amazon, Stash Happy: Patchwork by Cynthia Shaffer. I just about managed not to keep it myself, definitely one for my wish list!!!

Photo © Amazon

And 'Ann' won the £5 voucher at The Fabric Marketplace.

THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to complete the Survey, I really appreciate it as there was some brilliant feedback that I will work on putting into affect.

Don't forget if you have any excess fabric that you don't need any more or fallen out of love with, just pop them on The Fabric Marketplace - with no listing fee what have you got to lose?

Lots of people who completed the survey said they couldn't wait to see more stock on there - customers are waiting!

Thanks again and have a really great weekend - whatever the weather!

The Fabric Marketplace Bundles and Last Chance To Enter Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Sun, 13 May 2012 22:18:00 +0000

With the chance to enter the Giveaway at VeryBerryHandmade running out I thought I would share some of the fabulous destash bundles that have been listed on The Fabric Marketplace and proving to be very popular.

Cloud 9 Miscellany Fat Quarter Bundle from Regina Clyde.

4" Liberty Charm Squares from Ali Burdon of Very Berry Fabrics.

Vintage Charm Squares from Mary Emmens.

Hearts and Flowers from EmmasFabric.

Cath Kidston for Ikea Rosali Bundle from EmmasFabric

The past week has been brilliant the way the bundles are being snapped up so quickly. Without doubt bundles of fabric are always so popular, especially the smaller sized pieces, which are useful in so many projects.

If you're thinking of dipping your toe into fabric bundle selling, like Ali at Very Berry Handmade, check out this previous post How To Start a Fabric Business With No or Very Little Money, where I give some hints and tips about selling bundles of fabric from your own stash.

And for a last chance to enter The Fabric Marketplace Giveaway at the Very Berry Handmade Blog click HERE for full details.

Thank you for dropping by!

The Fabric Marketplace Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Fri, 04 May 2012 22:37:00 +0000

I am really excited because 'Super Blogger' Ali at VeryBerryHandmade is very kindly hosting a Giveaway that I am Sponsoring in the name of my website The Fabric Marketplace.

There are 3 prizes to win:

Prize 1: A bundle from my own stash.

There are 28 pieces, mostly Fat Quarters (there maybe at the most 5 that are slightly smaller). It includes 1/2 yard of Alexander Henry’s Leis Luaus and Alohas on black, there’s some Kaffet Fassett, Nicey Jane by Heather Bailey, Scooters by Monaluna and some Love fabric by Amy Butler.

Prize 2: A great book from Amazon, Stash Happy: Patchwork by Cynthia Shaffer.

Photo © Amazon

Prize 3: A £5 voucher to spend at The Fabric Marketplace.

I would really love some feedback on the website, so to enter the Giveaway I'm asking entrants to complete a survey (don't worry it's short and you don't need to complete any personal details).

For a chance to win one of these fabulous prizes, nip across to Ali's Blog HERE for full details.

Closing date is 14th May.

Thanks for dropping by and GOOD LUCK!

Musical Tote

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:51:00 +0000

Check out this fabulous Appliqued Tote Tutorial by Craft Snob. What makes it particularly great is that it is lined, which makes it extra strong and lends itself to a subtle colour addition, which is a gorgeous flash when you look inside. Here's a version I made for Amelie, she needed a 'music bag' big enough to hold her recorder book and long enough for her recorder.

I have a huge roll of natural calico, which did the job beautifully! Here's a close up of the soft pink applique.

Hmm, I really don't think I have any business doing machined applique, my usual sewing style - 'wonky'!

Look at this fabulous flash of colour, it's Picket Fence from Free Spirit. I was thinking how nice it would be to have the lining fabric on the inner side of the handles - too much maybe?

Before I go, you might want to pop across to The Fabric Marketplace as there have been some great new products added. In particular scrap fabric bundles that Ali at VeryBerryHandmade has added, perfect for applique projects. She is dipping her toe in fabric bundle selling and in preparation for a Giveaway she's hosting with me/The Fabric Marketplace as Sponsor. It's very exciting as it will be linked to a Survey for The Fabric Marketplace.

As always thanks for dropping by!

Jaycotts 50% Off McCalls & Simplicity Sewing Patterns

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 16:27:00 +0000

I thought I would just quickly mention,

Jaycotts.co.uk are having

50% off Sale on their

McCalls and Simplicity patterns.

Offer ends Midnight BST 30th April 2012.

Jenny Arnott Textiles Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:57:00 +0000

Jenny is featured in this great new book 'Seaside Home' Book and to celebrate she is giving away copy.

As well as Jenny's fabulous beach hut cushion there are 25 sewing and craft projects in the book, all with a seaside theme, including quilts, cushions, bags, and garlands just to name a few.

All the projects are step by step with clear illustrations, beautifully styled photos and templates so it is perfect for both experienced sewers and beginners too, the projects just in these photos look fabulous.

To enter nip across to Jenny's Blog HERE.

The giveaway is open internationally, and will end Easter Monday, 9th April, 7.00pm UK time.

Good Luck!!!

Don't Forget - One Day Left To Enter Ditzy & Dotty Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:11:00 +0000

Pop across to Ditzy & Dotty for a chance to win one of Sally's funky doorstops, just click HERE. Or check out my post where Sally did a Guest Tutorial.

Entry is open worldwide and closes 6th April.

Or you can buy this featured one over at The Fabric Marketplace where she has one for sale.

Thanks for dropping by and Good Luck with the Giveaway!!!

VW Camper Van Doorstop Guest Tutorial & Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:10:00 +0000

One of my New Year Resolutions was to post more Tutorials, but recent efforts have been pretty poor so I have asked my fabulous friend Sally of Ditzy & Dotty to do a guest tutorial for this super funky VW Doorstop.

You should check out her Blog as she some great Tutorials as she often writes features for sewing magazines.

START:

Cut 6 pieces of cream calico drill 6.5” (15.cm) x 6.5”.

Decide on the applique shape you want on your doorstop & print it out.

Trace each piece onto the paper side of a piece of iron-on adhesive. Iron onto the reverse of the different fabrics you have chosen, and cut each piece out.

Take one of the pieces of calico and lay the applique pieces out in the centre of it. When you are happy with how it looks then remove the backing paper from each piece and iron it down.

Using a close zigzag stitch, sew around the edges of each piece.

Take a piece of piping cord, long enough to go around the outside of one piece of calico. Enclose it within some bias binding and stitch it all the way around the outside of the calico piece that has the applique on it.

Make the handle with a piece of calico about 10cm wide and 20cm long. Fold in half lengthways and fold raw edges to the centre line. Fold the whole thing in half lengthways, enclosing the raw edges in the middle of the piece and sew down each long edge.

Take one square of calico and sew a piece of Velcro down one edge. Repeat for another square. I cut my Velcro in half lengthways to make it thinner. Sew the velcro face up on the right side of the fabric. Repeat for a second piece of calico.

Take one of the Velcro calico pieces and place it face down on top of the appliqued piece. The Velcro should be at the bottom and right sides should be facing. Stitch along the top.

This is how it should look.

Sew the other pieces of calico around the edge of the appliqued square, then pin the handle onto the top piece of calico. Sew the second Velcro piece onto the bottom of the base piece of calico. The Velcro should be positioned at the very bottom.

Fold the top piece of calico over so that it lays directly on top of the leftmost piece of calico & sew together. Sew along the edge. Repeat for the right hand piece of calico.

Sew the base piece to the side pieces and then the back piece with the Velcro to all sides.

Turn the cube through the Velcro opening.

Fill your doorstops with 1kg rice in a plastic bag and then use a small amount of stuffing to pad out the shape of the doorstop. You could also fill it with small pebbles or sand.

Thanks Sally, what a really useful Tutorial, great gift idea!

Now to the GIVEAWAY. If you would prefer not to make one of these funky doorstops, Sally is very kindly holding a Giveaway with a chance to win one of three doorstops. Just pop across to her Blog.

Entry is open worldwide and closes 6th April.

Or you can buy this featured one over at The Fabric Marketplace where she has one for sale.

Thanks for dropping by and Good Luck with the Giveaway!!!

What Panic Makes Look Like and a WIP.

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:55:00 +0000

This is what I finally made my sister for her birthday using this fantastic Reversible Bag tutorial at the Very Purple Person Blog. Made in about an hour or so - nice and quick to get it in the post in time!

And here is the reverse, so it's kind of two bags in one. Made with two of my favourite fabrics that I've been saving. Flights of Fancy by Paula Prass and Scooters - Monaco by Monaluna.

I did start the hexie rainbow I previously blogged about, as you can see here. But it's still a WIP.

It's taking a lot longer than expected.

I think it's the teeny tiny hand stitches, although I find hand stitching so therapeutic.

On to another Panic Make. This is the Mothers Day Cushion I made my Mum. The machine quilting is frighteningly wonky, but I did whip it up in about an hour on the Friday afternoon so I could get it in the post that afternoon to arrive the last post day before Mothers Day. My life just seems to be about getting stuff done 'last minute'.

By the way she loved it "better than a bouquet of flowers", I wrote lots of lovely 'love notes' on the reverse along the edge.

A panic Boxed Zippered Pouch I made for Amelie for her Beaver Camp. This was the fabric I was going to use for a lunch bag, but "needs must" as they say.

This is the other side, so cute!

And this is a Panic Make Camp blanket I made for the same Beaver Camp weekend for Amelie. Bottom left are her Beaver Camp badges, she brought home 4 more for me to sew on.

A shot of the reversed trim. In total the blanket measures 62" x 38". It was quite a narrow and long piece and I wanted to keep the length, so I made the long borders wide and added them at the very edge with some off cuts of 'quilt wadding' to make it seem like it was blanket underneath. The shorter end borders were sewn directly onto the fleece but narrower to give the illusion of the blanket being wider than it was.

It's amazing what you can make with spare fabric and a piece of fleece I've had 'kicking around' in the attic and nearly chucked out on more than one occasion. I have since had two orders from Panda (Beaver Leader) and Ribbit (Beaver Helper) - I have said they will be made with different fabrics so that they're all One Of A Kind.

Hope you're all having the sort of gloriously sunny Spring day we're having in London, the daffodils seem to be grinning! Summer not far off now.

Thanks for dropping by.

Block Colour Jeans Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:17:00 +0000

Spring/Summer 2012 is all about block coloured skinny jeans and I love them! Maybe it's my 80s youth with bright jeans, court shoes, nail varnish and eye shadow all matching in the same shade of citrus. Here are some fabulous vintage finds with some price tags that are even better than 'cheap as chips' high street prices. These red jeans at SadieBass are gorgeous.

Wowser! Juicy orange jeans from Zvezdana.

Whilst a lot of the bright 80s jeans have a baggy or tapered leg, if you check out this Tutorial over at Cut Out and Keep you can restyle them to bang up to date skinny jeans like this. Lovely lemon yellow!

Super crisp apple green jeans from ThePirates.

I adore these fabulous turquoise blue jeans over at Newman & Hall.

How about these gorgeous violet jeans from Kathrynebordeux.

Did you see the colour pattern emerging? My ever favourite colours of the rainbow, apart from indigo, which is pretty much a standard jean. Who would have thought denim could be so yummy?

So I'm ending on a high with traditional jeans but with super cute rainbow badges on the back. Check them out at BoudoirBarbie.

Now get out there ladies and get yourself some jeans in super hot colours and be 'so on trend' Ooh La La!

Rainbows, Hexagons and Patchwork, what's not to love?

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:45:00 +0000

I don't know what it is, but I have such a Blogging block right now. Inspiration fails me, and as always every day life just gets in the way. It's not like I'm not sewing or researching future projects, so with this in mind I'll share some rainbow, hexagons and patchwork that I've been searching to inspire me for a gift I plan to make my eldest sister for her 50th Birthday.

To begin with a glorious bundle of fabric from PurlSoho.com. Wowser! To receive a squishy parcel in the post containing that would just make me giddy with joy - especially if it was a surprise!!!! (Hmmm, mental note - my birthday's in May, how can I drop hints to Mr???

This isn't quite what I had in mind for my sister, but it is a Whoa! moment. It's called Trinity by Kathy K Wylie. To quote her website "Trinity is a model of unity for humanity. The individual hexagons, distinct on their own, blend together seamlessly. Even in diversity, there can be harmony and unity." Absolutely glorious!

I adore this pillow by The Crafty Nomad, which was partly inspired by...

This Ticker Tape Quilt by Crazy Mom Quilts. Which does make me want to make one right now!

The Craft Nomad was also inspired by this fabulous Scrap Busting Fall Pillow (link takes you to Tutorial). And inspired by this fabulous tree by stitched in colour.

Who was inspired by this 'cute as a butterfly's toes' pin cushion by Little Miss Shabby.

Here are some more lovely hexagons.

This pillow is by Elsie's Girl.

I love this table runner by diary of a quilter, especially the fussy cut cherries - although my sister isn't a table runner kind of gal.

I love this photo of patchwork rainbow hexagons, 'outside the box' thinking as they say. This fabuous work is from Cut To Pieces.

I have to say I'm feeling truly inspired, there's something so special about rainbows.

Thank you as always for taking the time to drop by, especially as I'm not Blogging quite as often these days!

Mothers Day Gift Ideas Using The Humble Fat Quarter

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:10:00 +0000

Mothers Day in the UK will be here very soon and as we all have one or two Fat Quarters going spare, here are some gift idea to help you on your way. The first is a Fat Quarter Tote from The super talented monica at Happy Zombie.

Hot Pads by Susan Phillips at Momtastic.

Sew Hip Slouchy Slippers with Tutorial by Sewing Daisies.

Kids (and grown ups) art journal by littlebiggirlstudio.

iPad Pouch/Case Tutorial with Kindle Measurements too. From Freckled Whimsy.

Fully Lined Zippered Box Pouch by Pretty Modern

Reversible Tissue Box Cover by Pink Penguin.

Beach Comber Bag Tutorial by 2 Little Hooligans.

Fat Quarter Handbag by Jennifer over at SewMaMaSew.

Oven Mitt by Merriment Design.

Bag Organiser over at Fine Craft Guild.

This is a tutorial/pattern for an Easter Card, but I think it would make a really cute Mothers Day card. Check it out over at Martha Stewart.

Kindle Case Tutorial by Clearly Tangled.

iPhone Pouch from During Quiet Time.

Denim Do It All Bins from Craftzine (FQ plus scrap denim).

Lined Purse with Zipper by n' stitches design.

Do share any FQ sewing tutorials you would recommend as Mothers Day Gifts.

Thank you as always for dropping by.

Please Remember, these free patterns and tutorials are for personal use only and not for personal profit or gain, unless otherwise stated.

Spotlight On Helen Dardik

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:37:00 +0000

Do your ever get a moment when you see illustrations and think "I wish I could draw like that!"? Helen Dardik is one of those artists who just takes my breath away and definitely my latest craft crush. Scrolling through her Blog there's design after design that's just pure eye candy!

Here are just a few of her designs to savour, there was so much to choose from! But to begin with Squirrels Like To Picnic.

Woodland Flora

Here are some of her divine fabrics.

Too Muchery.

And Too Muchery Leaves

Plus a bundle of Mod Kitchen.

I love this cat and dog from Young Patterns.

The superb Botanical Current Clash

Here's a selection of patterns from her Website.

More designs from her Blog. Fruit Girls and Other Lunacy.

Wild Horses

Sweet Life

Everyone loves autumn but...

A gorgeous picture of Random Happiness.
About Helen Dardik.

Helen is a pattern designer, illustrator, painter and toy maker.
Based in Canada she is represented by the Lilla Rogers Studio.
Her designs are patterns, editorial illustrations, book covers, cards, fabric and other printed materials.
She was born in Ukraine and grew up in Siberia, finishing art school in Israel and completed a graphic design degree in Canada.
Among Helen's clients are: Target, Hasbro, BlueQ, KLUTZ, Walter Fosters Publishing, Boston Globe, Harper Collins Publishing, Nick Jr., Fisher Price, Hanes, and others.

If you would like to view more of her super designs check out her fabulous blog OrangeYouLucky or her Web Page at Lilla Rogers Studio.

Squishy Parcel and Zippered Pouch/Purse Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:16:00 +0000

Today this fabulous fabric Indochine Kaori in Pastel by Alexander Henry from Scrappy Girl Shoppe arrived.

I bought it because poor Amelie has been teased at school for her Peppa Pig lunch bag for being 'too babyish'. So I thought I would buy some fabric that was girly without being too young and make her a lunch bag to be proud of! I'll let you know how I get on.

Here's a conundrum, how is it I can sew a dress but was nervous of making a zippered pouch/purse?

Well I found this fabulous Tutorial by nstitchesdesigns and it is unbelievably easy to follow, even for a beginner like me.

And this is what I came up with.

This was my first attempt using my all time favourite Scooter from Monaluna's Monaco. It has now been gifted to Amelie's 'Beaver Leader' Panda.

This was my next one, super cute Kawaii Japanese Fabric from my scrap bag. Amelie has laid claim to it!

And my last one. I wasn't going to share it with you as it's not quite so sharp (LOL), but decided to share the cute fabric (this one will be mine).

Do you Blog your mistakes?

Tea Towel Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:04:00 +0000

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! Thank you to everyone who left a comment and in particular taking the time to check out Tea Towels. Hopefully it's given you some inspirational ideas for gifts for friends, family and of course yourself!

Using the True Random Generator the two winners from the 34 comments are:

Comment Number 3 - Janet said...
I like the Dictionary of Tea Amusing Tea Towel.

And comment 13 - Mimi said...

Oh my gosh... I had a blast checking out these tea towels!! Love the humorous ones but a favorite is mackintosh-lilac-linen-towel because it is artsy!! Thanks for the chance!!

Congratulations ladies! I will be in touch shortly for your address so that All Tea Towels can send you your chosen Tea Towel.

Commiserations to those who didn't win, better luck next time. But thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.

In the meantime, here are some crafty tea towel ideas.

Upcycled Tea Towel Skirt by Pie In The Sky .

Upcycled Tea Towels from Seaside Sisters.

Check out these fabulous cushions using vintage tea towels over at Ethel Loves Fred.

Fabulous Tea Towel bag by Darling Bridget.

I love this upcycled tea towel purse by 15 Coast Road.

Some great ideas here that I think I may 'pinch'.

Have a great weekend, keep warm - especially those of us in the UK who are expecting snow. Brrrrr!!!

Cute Mushroom for Joshi.

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:06:00 +0000

Poor Joshi has been off sick today with a tummy bug, so to cheer him up I made him this funky mushroom. He has named it Mushy!

Don't forget to leave a comment on my Giveaway, if you haven't already, for a chance to win a funky tea towel to cheer up the 'drying up blues'! Thanks for joining in to those who have already commented.

Have a great rest of the day.

Fun Linen Tea Towel Giveaway! NOW CLOSED.

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:50:00 +0000

I have to say drying dishes is way low on my favourite household chores list, but there's nothing like cheerful tea towels to make it a little more bearable.

I confess tea towels haven't been the first item to come to mind when thinking about gifts, but when you scroll through All Tea Towels there is such a wonderful selection, you'll slip an extra one in your basket for yourself. Especially with a starting price of £6.50 (some are reduced to £4.50) and the most expensive less than £10.

At Christmas time I make up a hamper for my Parents and In Laws, one of these towels tucked in would make a really nice addition!

To quote the website "These linen tea towels are colour-fast, resistant to stains and abrasion damage, become softer and more absorbent the more times washed, and do not leave any surface lint on your kitchen dishes and glassware."

The very kind Al at All Tea Towels has offered 2 tea towels to giveaway to 2 lucky readers.

To enter simply pop across to All Tea Towels HERE and then come back and comment which is your favourite tea towel (being the one you would like to win in the Giveaway).

If you kindly Tweet the Giveaway, comment here for another chance.
Bloggers who post the Giveaway, comment for another chance to win.
And Facebook fans who mention the Giveaway on their Facebook page, comment here for another chance.

But first and foremost leave a comment with your favourite so that I know which tea towel you would like to win.

Closing date is 10pm (GMT) 1st February 2012.

Enjoy checking out All Tea Towels and Good Luck!

Thank you for all your lovely comments, it's great how much tea towels can get people excited. I will draw and announce the 2 lucky winners within the next day or so.

What Will You Sew 2012?

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:59:00 +0000

*

The Resolved To Sew 2012 Giveaway over at Very Berry Handmade has made me sit back and think about the sewing year ahead. My head simply spins when I think about what I want to make this year. Let's see.

I've enjoyed checking out doll designs and would really like to design and make something myself.

This is Happy Face Doll at Allsorts.

I would really like to try and sew one item a week, maybe a little something like this.

Pencil Case by Spoonful of Sugar.
Fabric design is something I really fancy trying, I have bought these books.

Printing By Hand by Lena Corwin

A Field Guide to Fabric Design by Kim Kight

Digital Textile Design by Melanie Bowles
Like everything else, it's finding the time. And for the sewing theme I would obviously make something with it.

Sewing tutorials are something I would really try to do more of this year. And to have it featured over at Sew Mama Sew would be fantastic!

I kind of think that's it, without boring you all too much.

Now pop across to Very Berry Handmade to join in the Giveaway and a chance to win a head spinning selection of prizes!!!

G O O D L U C K !

(* 2012 Cushion by Michelle Mason)

Dress Tutorials

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:25:00 +0000

Japanese Craft Book Simple Chic by Machiko Kayaki. I so covet this book, but I need to pause for breath following a couple of other recent book purchases such as this,

and this.

This one I'm really excited about as I've kept my eye open for ages for it to surface somewhere as it's now out of print.

Not sewing or fabric related but also these,

Sushi Easy Recipes and

Yum Tum Bento Box
As a family we love sushi. Our eldest, Lukas, learnt how to 'make' (roll) sushi at Cub Scouts so we thought it would be fun to make some at home and try and make it cute too.

Anyway, I digress. So until I can buy the coveted book, I thought I would check out and share some dress tutorials.

I love this Drawstring Halter Neck Dress at Cut Out & Keep. Roll on Summer!

Nautical Dress Tutorial At Elle Apparel. Surprisingly easy and quick!

SoHo Maxi Dress Tutorial at Sew Much A Do. I think I may make a few of these!

Easy Stretch Dress Tutorial by Katy at KdBuggieBoutique. This is for a child's dress but I think it could be amended for a 'grown up' dress - at least I'm going to try.

Nautical Halter Dress Tutorial at Weekend Designer. I love this dress, it's so sassy! And like the others it's surprisingly easy.

Infinity Dress Tutorial by Sew Like My Mom. Every wardrobe needs one of these but I think I would probably go for a much longer skirt.

Nautical Dress Tutorial by At Second Street. This isn't a grown up dress but I love the use of the repurposed man's shirt.

And lastly, but by no means least... 30 Minute $6 Dress Tutorial at PaperNStitch. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!

There we go, some lovely dresses to make in time for the glorious Summer we are all wishing really hard for.

Have a great day and do share any dress tutorials you can recommend.

Crabtree & Evelyn Mother's Day Competition.

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:14:00 +0000

Crabtree & Evelyn are holding a Make and Do Competition with a Mothers Day theme.

You could win a beautiful Crabtree & Evelyn gift box worth a generous £100.
Create a Mother’s Day Patchwork Square and see your design in their shop windows nationwide.
Using either an illustration, a stitch or a knit, create a beautiful patchwork square to express what Mother’s Day means to you.
Please use all, or just some of the colours below and create a design that reflects the indulgence and luxury of Crabtree & Evelyn.
Click HERE to download an Entry Form.

50 winning entries will receive a Crabtree & Evelyn Mother’s Day gift set worth £100 each.

All the winning entries will be put together to form a digital Mother’s Day Patchwork, which will appear in the windows of every single Crabtree & Evelyn store in the UK on and their website.

Simply design your illustration or stitchwork, and post it, together with your ENTRY FORM, to:

Crabtree & Evelyn

Mother’s Day Competition

27 Kelso Place

Kensington

London

W8 5QG

Closing date Monday 23rd January 2012 so get cracking!

All winners will be notified by Friday 3rd February 2012.

Wouldn't it be so exciting if one of our Bloggy Friends was to win.

G o o d L u c k !

Enormo-Giveaway On Its Way!

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:42:00 +0000

Resolved to Sew 2012

is a very generous Giveaway being hosted by the ever prolific Blogger Ali at Very Berry Handmade.

Opening Monday 16 January here are the very kind sponsors:

Backstitch

Eclectic Maker

Fabric with Love

Fancy Moon

Gone to Earth

Quilt Me Happy

M is for Make

And some of the divine goodies on offer…

And that's just a teaser of the prizes on offer.

But that's not all, if you're a Blogger there's a special Blogger's Prize - Woohoo!

So don't forget:

Resolved to Sew 2012 – Giveaway

Very Berry Handmade

Monday 16 January 2012

Get you're thinking caps on and share with Ali what your 2012 Sewing Resolutions are.

Good luck and have fun!

Well Hello Dolly!

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:15:00 +0000

First and foremost a very Happy New Year 2012 and thank you for all your very kind wishes during my 'Blog Break'. Things are still pretty tricky, but less so with Christmas out of the way.

To start the New Year and back blogging I thought I would introduce Amelie II, a fabulous doll I made for our daughter, Amelie, for Christmas. She named her Amelie II as she was made in her likeness - although less cheeky!

I made her from this gorgeous book Wee Wonderfuls by Hillary Lang - she's on the front cover, although my version has a side parting like Amelie.

And what is this? Another Amelie II in 'dress down', ready to bake or dust. This is in fact the same doll as it's a 'Topsy Turvy' doll.

The picture below has her skirt slightly turned so you can see the 'other head'. Not sure why I didn't just roll her skirt right up so you can see her other half completely. Maybe it's because our 9 year old son, Lukas, says it freaks him out as it looks like she's giving birth to the other doll - so I'm sparing you the horror! LOL Or maybe it just seems inappropriate.

I have a bit of a thing for doll patterns at the moment and thought I would share some of my favourite from the 'fountain of crafty knowledge' that is Pinterest.

Ruby Doll by One Red Robin, I love the use of fabric.

Pinky Doll by Mariska isn't a tutorial but you can buy the pattern. I love her expression!

Dolly Donation Rag Dolly by Sarah - Tutorial and Free Pattern. These dolls are divine!

Black Apple Doll Pattern and Tutorial over at Martha Stewart Crafts Super cute!

A really great 'Design Your Own' Rag Doll Tutorial by Becoming Martha

Cute Dolls made and sold by Deborah I really like this simple idea of pieces of shaped fabric with a face added and voila you have a doll! The polka dot and check legs and arms are adorable.

Cathy Applehead Doll Pattern & Tutorial This doll is simply lovely, she kind of seems really quite grown up, maybe it's the long striper legs and long boots.

Here is Emily Burnette's version of the Black Apple Doll.

Here's a free doll pattern of what I would describe as a classic doll from my childhood (think Jemima from theBBC's cult classic Playschool - I'm really going back now). This pattern is from MakeBabyStuff.Com.

These dolls all seem to be pretty much from the same type of pattern, it's simply 'all about the fabric', whether you use the body as a patterned fabric 'dress' or have a plain body and add a dress on top. I'm definitely going to design and make some of the patterned body style with a view to maybe selling them on TheFabricMarketplace.com.

I hope you have enjoyed checking out some dolly ideas as much as I enjoyed rummaging through Pinterest.

Do you have any favourite dolly patterns?

Can You Smell Carrots?

noreply@blogger.com (Emma Thomsen) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:56:00 +0000

(my favourite snowman joke). How to make a felt snowman from ParentDish.

Here's wishing a fantastically Merry Christmas and Joyful 2012 to all my wonderful Blogging friends and to those who just drop by too!

Emma x