I've moved my blog

Thank you so much to all of you who have decided to follow my blog.

The recent troubles here led me to look for another blogging option and I have transferred this blog over to a place that wont blogger wont let me link to it seems.

Check out my etsy shop profile for the new one :)

As this blog is only a couple of weeks old, I thought a change would be better now than later.

Thanks again for reading my ramblings. Hope to see you over in the new place.

Cheers!

Shelley

I had such plans....

Today I had intentions of sharing a tote bag I made as a gift last night in my quest to create something every day. But I ran out of time this morning and quite simply forgot to take a photo before I wrapped it up and left this morning.

Ah well. I made the bag with a great PDF pattern made by Anthea of Angel Lea Designs



She also sells some other great patterns too, like kids clothes and owls. Her instructions are very clear with lots of photos to help as well. I can thoroughly recommend trying out one of her patterns.

Thanks Anthea for such a great pattern :)

Here are some of the bags I have made with Anthea's pattern

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.

New Emery Pincushion

These are always popular at markets. The fucshia pink pillow is firmly stuffed with emery sand. The emery is a very abrasive sand that sharpens your pins and needles as you put them in.







Pin sharpening Emery Blue Fuchsia recycled felt pin cushion (handsewn pincushion - by Spincushions on madeit

I must make more!

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...

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!

Madeit Monday New Finds

I have only recently set up my madeit store , so I was very chuffed this afternoon to find I have been featured in the Monday New Finds email.

I have spotted some wonderful things in there, like this notebook :

Leaves notebook by missmintyloop

Bunting Pincushion

This one is available in my made it store right now. Red and Blue Bunting on White Recycled Felt Handmade Pincushion

I am so pleased with the result, I will be making it up into a PDF pattern that will be available in my esty store and my madeit store very soon.

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.