Sweet Fabric [Search results for clever people] 

You've got to know when to hold them....
Know when to fold them...
Know when to walk away...
Know when to run...

OR just because you "can" doesn't mean you should!

I made this little guy for Craft Hope found via Loobylu.

The idea really touched me & I so wanted my doll to be utterly gorgeous & super squishy & cuddly. In an effort to make him "perfect" I decided to follow a pattern (this was mistake number 1). His arms & legs are way too long & his head is way too small & I had to stuff him too firmly so that his neck didn't flop. The only thing I like about this doll is his hair treatment which I made up!

My second mistake was using super soft expensive looking (but op shop purchased) stretch fabric which I then had to retrospectively interface! YIKES.

My obsessive, competitive nature won't allow me to be beaten (I prefer to think of it as "never say die").

I know I should run & leave this sort of thing to super clever people who actually have some talent (& for the time it's taken me I'd have been better purchasing from them & posting):

Jhoanna :: her shop
Fiona :: her shop
Victoria :: her shop
Michelle :: her shop

I've already cut out & interfaced & started the embroidery for my "no pattern" doll. I really hope he works!

I know I've mentioned before that I am terrible at pushing myself.

There's absolutely nothing "store front" about me. I can't sell my stuff & I can't sell my self. I'm all warehouse baby. I need people around me to give me a gentle nudge (or huge kick in the pants) to get me going.

Imagine my delight when I received an email from lovely Jeana Marie telling me to apply to share at Feeling Stitchy. Jeana Marie is studying my dream course & makes really clever & interesting things herself. My favourites here, here & here.

So I've packed up my embroidery gear & headed over here. I'll be sharing stuff over at Feeling Stitchy one day a week. I think it's going to be fun & it will surely keep me on track.

I hope you'll pop on over to Feeling Stitchy. There are some amazing projects shared in that space. Thanks Jeana Marie & thanks Floresita for having me.

Well here it is! The Granny Square necklace by Victoria Mason. As amazing as it looks in this photo - it's so much better in real life. Just how Victoria has managed to make it drape & curl is beyond me.

You might remember that Victoria asked me to crochet her a tiny square & if you follow her blog (& you should because she's so amazingly generous with her process) you will have seen it develop further...

here, here & here.

Victoria's work is incredible, every piece she makes has a beautiful story behind it & the attention paid to every step of the process is beyond compare.

Victoria has given this to me to pass on to one of you! Amazing!

These are brand spanking new (not yet available for sale) & this one is a one-off. Vic was trialling enamel colours and has settled for a couple of different combinations for the "for sale" pieces.

How lucky you would be to wear this piece around your neck? Want to be an early adopter? Comment away people & we'll draw a winner Monday night.

Thank you Victoria for including me in the creation of this piece, for being so clever, for being so generous & just generally for being ACE.

Comments now closed 10:44pm Monday 17 May. Winner announced Tuesday 18 May. Thanks.

Yesterday I went to breakfast at Design Made Trade.

After a casual but informative talk with hosted by Pip & Lucy & a cup of tea we wandered around and had a look at the exhibitors.

A couple of highlights for me were...

cocoon fires
I'm totally saving up for one of those!

yellow diva
In particular the m series & the non series ottoman for all seasons & the m series mcl chaise (which is nothing like the one I just bought on ebay & everything like what I really want).

craft victoria
Fabulous to have craft vic included this year.

hookturn
Sensational reusable coffee cups that look just like a takeaway cup...cute.

If you're looking for something to do this weekend I think it's worth the visit. It's great to see the stuff that super clever designery type people are up to. It gives you all sorts of great ideas for your own makings.