Sweet Fabric [Search results for craft] 

Fabric from one of my favourite vintage dresses

Every once in a while something of mine turns up somewhere super lovely.

Just for the record:

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Apartment Therapy
The Apartment Therapy Mission
Helping people make their homes more beautiful, organized and healthy by connecting them to a wealth of resources, ideas and community online.

What We Believe
A calm, healthy, beautiful home is a necessary foundation for happiness and success in the world.

Creating this home doesn’t require large amounts of money or space. It requires inspiration, connection to resources and motivation to do something about it.

The basic elements of good home design can be learned and achieved by all.

Simplicity and luxury are not mutually exclusive.

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Craftzine
Introducing CRAFT: The first project-based magazine dedicated to the renaissance that is occurring within the world of crafts. Celebrating the DIY spirit, CRAFT's goal is to unite, inspire, inform and entertain a growing community of highly imaginative and resourceful people who are transforming traditional art and crafts with unconventional, unexpected and even renegade techniques, materials and tools; people who undertake amazing crafting projects in their homes and communities.
Christmas Decorations, Corner Bookmark, Granny Square Necklace, Spool holder

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Craft Gossip
Confused about everything crafty out there? Not sure where to go and what to buy for your latest craft idea? Can't find that kitsch pattern that everyone else is talking about? Well worry no more! CraftGossip is all the latest news from real craft people telling you about the real stuff. We scour the net looking for the best craft ideas and projects and review them for you.
Corner Bookmark, Embroidery on Dark Fabric, Hand pieced Pincushion, Photo to embroidery pattern, Twisted Cord

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Mixtape Zine
Mix tape zine is a collision of craft, eco-cool and pop culture kitsch it features recipes, eco tips, crafty people profiles, ethical business practices etc - you can purchase back issues here or find out more here. Find Justine here and Nichola’s blog here.
my collection in issue 6

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Nuts about Needlepoint
An encyclopedia of needlepoint and thread information for all stitchers. Learn about Janet M. Perry's needlepoint projects, read book and product reviews, and find articles about techniques, threads, and more
Twisted Cord

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One Pretty Thing
One Pretty Thing is a daily website dedicated to bringing you inspiring projects for a more beautiful life.
Corner Bookmark, Drawstring Bag, Embroidered carry all, Embroidery on dark fabric, Fabric Notebook Cover, Photo to Embroidery Design, Quilt Quiver, Tealight Holder, Twisted Cord

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Quilting Board
The Quilter's message board.
Thank you Sondray for linking to my projects.

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Sew Mama Sew
You’ll find some handy sewing tips and inspiration. Whether you’re just learning to sew, or have been sewing forever.

The Sew,Mama,Sew! blog is pulled together each week by Kristin and Beth. Who both sew whenever they can and love fabric with a passion.

If you’re looking for fabulous fabric and patterns, please take a look at the Sew,Mama,Sew! store.

Drawstring Backpack, How to fold a fat quarter

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Tipnut
I think we all have them, those mile high piles of household tips and life hacks that we’ve collected over the years. They’re messy, disorganized and once they’ve been ‘filed’, those tips are nowhere to be found again.

TipNut.com isn’t anything fancy. It’s simply my way of putting together all the cool tricks I’ve accumulated over the years into a simple, searchable, online filing box–this website. Some of them I’ve tried, some of them I don’t know if I’ll ever try. But I do know they’ll be here if I need them–and I’m happy to freely share everything with you too!
Simple square pincushion

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Whip Up
Whip up: To prepare quickly. To excite. To create. To incite. To build. To invent. To conceive. To push. To upset. To manufacture. To provoke.

This website has been created in order to bring the best original and exciting crafts to the attention of many.
To create a community of artists, crafters and makers and share ideas in a central space.

Embroidered Carry All, Embroidery on Dark Fabric, Corner Bookmark, Handpieced Pincushion, Pillowcase Shoulder Bag, Sausage Dog CD cover, Simple Square Pincushion, Toadstool Pincushion

... I'm high on the hill
Looking over the bridge
To the M.C.G.
And way up on high
The clock on the silo
Says eleven degrees
Paul Kelly

A list of blogs I visit in my home town:

13 mimosa
62 cherry
acoustitch
anna laura
aprons and hammers
arthur's circus
assemblage
aunty cookie
boobook sausauge dogs
brown owls
bug and pop
cloq
craft city melbourne
curlypops
daydream lily
dear fii
drewzel
earl & cookie
h & b
handmade romance
hokey
hollabee
hoppo bumpo
jelly baby blog
jimmy trickle
kirinote
kitty's kaboodle
kaotic kraft kuties
leni & rose
lino forest
loobylu
meet me at mikes
mixtapezine
mobble gobble
nikki shell
one red robin
onegirl
pigeon pair
sheeps clothing
soozs
sugar lemon
teacups on treetops
teddy bears wednesday
the lark
thornberry
three buttons
totally innocent
whizzme
wishthimble
you SEW girl

This list is a work in progress & will be updated regularly.

You might also like to check out my:
craft blog list ... australia
craft blog list ... world wide

Friday is the long run day which means I think a lot - probably too much.

Today I was thinking about craft & dating. This seems like a bit of a weird connection (stay with me).

One of my really good friends used to say that she was addicted to the beginnings of relationships. At the time it was true ... she had lots of love em & leave em boyfriends. Many of them had a fair bit of bastard about them too (which of course only made them more appealing). Brief affairs really, flirtations, experiments but satisfying nonetheless.

She's now happily married to a fine upstanding guy. Marriage, of course requires a deep commitment, compromise & the making of promises you really mean. You need to be patient & dedicated & determined. The rewards are plentiful both along the way & at the end. Something to be really, really proud of.

Then I started to think about me & the craft thing. I too love a new beginning. I like to think long & hard about the how. I flirt with ideas, experiment with techniques & then have a one night stand with the actual crafting. It's quick & it's usually dirty (with varied results) but satisfying nonetheless.

Crochet (I'm trying - really I am), knitting & quilting require a deep commitment, compromise & the making of promises you really mean. You need to be patient & dedicated & determined. The rewards are plentiful both along the way & at the end. Something to be really, really proud of.

I'm married to my bags & the music boxes but I'm one night standing with plenty of other stuff to get my new beginnings fix.

I'd be interested to know if you're married to your craft, married & cheating (like me) or all about the thrill of a one night stand.

This is... hosted by Three Buttons. Theme from Handmaiden.

It goes without saying that my favourite craft shop is the Op Shop.

I've imposed pretty strict rules on myself in regards to my crafting materials.

Every once in a while I need to buy various craft supplies that are not readily available at Oppies.

Much to my delight, I've recently discovered Mardion Haberdashery. It's an absolute gem of a place. Everything that Spotty or Lincraft could/would ever hope to sell & all jammed into a tiny little treasure trove.

Owned & run by Ken who refers to everyone as "my friend". I love a visit to Mardion & I'm pretty confident you'd love it too.

You can read my review on Craft City Melbourne.

Click image to enlarge

Thinking lots about Christmas & giving & sharing & eating & drinking & making & appreciating...

I'm trying really hard to give handmade this year & I thought this might be a good way to spread a bit of Christmas Spirit around.

The Winner Takes it all!

Vintage Father Christmas pillowcase filled with great holiday gift ideas all handmade by me from mostly thrifted/recycled materials. I think that this would cross a LOT of people off your nice list this Holiday Season. You could win the lot! I'm happy to post anywhere! You can view this image with notes on Flickr.

I like to be organised...

Here's a list of places I've been & things I've seen to help me prepare for the upcoming holidays.

COPY FROM HERE:

Still feeling totally inspired by the handmade issue of mankind mag from my favourite design blog.
Q What is the blog author's first name? ANSWER:
use the first letter - LETTER:

We like to keep lunch casual, I've found some fabulous BBQ recipes for the big day.
Q What type of meat is pictured on the rotisserie? ANSWER:
use the first letter - LETTER:

Getting some great ideas for upcycling (my favourite craft) & enjoying the revamp over at this fabulous craft website.
Q They list everyone's favourite Portland based author mama as one of their inspirational sites. Which Portland based author mama is she? ANSWER:
use the second letter of her last name - LETTER:

Looking forward to being able to buy handmade at the shopping shindig with the craft book Queen.
Q What type of car is pictured? ANSWER:
use the first letter - LETTER:

All these letters unscramble to reveal:
WHAT? is all you need.

STOP COPYING

Your post needs to go live at 6am SUNDAY 30 NOVEMBER Melbourne Time.

Please make sure you visit here to make sure that your scheduled post goes live at the right time.

Don't forget to check the scheDUEL rules before you play.

SIGN UP TO PLAY BY COMMENTING ON THIS POST with "I'm in". Sign ups will close at 5:45 am Sunday 30 November Melbourne Time.

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...So kiss me & smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
cause I'm leavin on a jet plane
don't know when I'll be back again.
John Denver

A list of blogs I visit from places faraway.

allsorts
angry chicken
area thrifty one
belladia
black.white.bliss
bluebird baby
bricolagelife
chris piascik
crafting a green world
daily danny
decor8
design for mankind
dudecraft
elsie marley
frecklewonder
freshly found
geninne's art blog
how about orange
ink caravan
matte stephens
mayamade
odette ny
pia jane bijkerk
pintame el dia
please sir
poppytalk
sfgirlbybay
simple lovely
simple sparrow
soulemama
swiss miss
the purl bee
treefall design
twelve 22
wee wonderfuls

This list is a work in progress & will be updated regularly.

You might also like to check out my:
craft blog list ... melbourne my absolute favourites!
craft blog list ... australia

I've been to cities that never close down,
from New York to Rio and old London town,
but no matter how far or how wide I roam,
I still call Australia home.
Peter Allen

A list of blogs I visit around Australia:

a spoonful of sugar
bespoke press
craftapalooza
edward and lilly
ethel loves fred
flossy p
girl ferment
hey bubbles
hop skip jump
hyena in petticoats
lottielulu
potty mouth mama
retro mummy
ric rac
rummage
sadie & lance
tsk tsk
two little banshees
two pink possums
whipup

This list is a work in progress & will be updated regularly.

You may also like to check out my:
craft blog list ... melbourne my absolute favourites!
craft blog list ... world wide

I've followed with success!

I'm not usually one to follow instructions of any kind. But my recent instruction following crafting episodes have been very good to me. I'm finding that 9 times out of 10 someone else has done it smarter, faster, cooler & safer than I ever could.

Soon to be released: THE craft book crammed with projects (by some of my favourite crafty spirits) I know I'm going to want to have a go at. So I'm working on practicing my ability to carefully read instructions.

Yesterday the big girl announced that she needed a new pencil case. I had some Op Shopped denim which I embroidered the pencils onto (I've got a fair blister on my pointer finger from that exercise). It presented the perfect opportunity to follow a tutorial I've had on my "to do" for a very long time.

Excellent instructions:

For Free:
how to make a lined zippered pouch
super speedy & super easy.

how to bind a book
via Gemma. Easy to follow diagrams & a great gift idea.

how to make fabric flowers
links to her flickr & you tube tutorials from her sidebar.

how to make a pincushion
really beautiful result in record time!

how to seam
fabulous series, well researched & clearly presented.

For a small fee (but well worth the dosh)!
how to make your own undies from a t-shirt
such a fabulous pattern with clear, well written instructions for absolutely the best kind of craft.

how to make a puff purse - using a purse frame kit
wonderful hand holding instructions accompany this fabulous & super cute pattern.

Tutorial: How to make these pillowcase craft project can be found in PDF form here.

Project Pillowcase:
5 speedy quick “present cupboard” craft projects made from one pillowcase for "A Week of Pillowcases" hosted at Meet Me at Mikes.

I try to use materials from Op Shops in my projects & I’ve been successful with this challenge. BUT…you shouldn’t feel restricted to using pillowcases. Remnants or lovely new fabrics will work just as effectively.

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1 of 5
The End Product:

1 eco-friendly shopping bag.

The How To:
Can be found here.
You need to use bias tape for this project. So visit here for the best tutorial ever.

The Verdict:
Super easy, super speedy & a AAA rating for the present cupboard. People on the nice list WILL be getting these for Christmas

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2 of 5
The End Product:

2 Covered Suspension Files (per pillowcase).
The How To:
Can be found here.

The Verdict:
Super easy, super speedy & a AAA rating for the present cupboard. People on the nice list WILL be getting these for Christmas.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
3 of 5
The End Product:

1 Peg Apron.

The How To:
Can be found here.

The Verdict:
Super easy, super speedy & a AAA rating for the present cupboard. People on the nice list WILL be getting these for Christmas.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
4 of 5
The End Product:

1 Blog Roll

The How To:
Can be found here.

The Verdict:
Super easy, but not so super speedy (the embroidery takes a bit of time). This pressie is for super special people.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
5 of 5
The End Product:

4 Tealight holders (you will be able to make 8-10 from one pillowcase).

The How To:
Can be found here.

The Verdict:
Super easy, super speedy & a AAA rating for the present cupboard. People on the nice list WILL be getting these for Christmas.

I haven't had much time for the Oppy lately...I've been a bit stretched.

Today I did a big loop on the way to & fro having coffee with my dad.

I wasn't disappointed. I got a few owlie bits & pieces in Kew as well as come great vintage sheets. In Balwyn I picked up some stationery sets & in Mont Albert some craft books, craft supplies & more sheeting.

On the way to pick the kids up from school I popped into my very closest Op Shop & these are the beauties I purchased. Air France tiny dishes (just perfect for dipping sauce) & these Japanese bread plates. Tuesday is a good day to Op.

with Allan Robison

So I know I've raved on about the new beginnings obsession about a million times before. I just love the "honeymoon faze" of a project. It's interesting...once mastered it loses its appeal.

The spark, discovery, thrill & ultimate satisfaction are what it's all about.

It's lucky I met the date when I did because with this current obsession he probably wouldn't have lasted & I can tell you he's a keeper!

I've had 5 new beginnings this week. Any craft project that involves a date with Allan Robison fabric is bound to be a winner.

I admit that the space has been a little barren this week. The trip & school holidays have left me without much craft time.

I have managed to...

-neatly fold a pile of vintage aprons to be included in my little HAC craft session kits.
*NOTE* it looks as though I may have a couple of spots free so if you're keen to come along drop me an email:
kootoyoo {@} gmail {.} com
-pretty things up a bit with the little "blue" shelves.
-load up the thread rack with thread that was being sold for $2 at the little wool shop around the corner.

Pop in & add your link if you're playing along this week.

The popcorn plans are complete.

The original idea for this came from yoghurt tubs. We eat quite a bit of yoghurt & consequently I've collected a good number of the 1kg tubs. I thought that they would make good popcorn buckets & set about preparing the embroidery.

It didn't work out as I'd planned because the tub was considerably narrower at the base than at the top. So I've gone back to the old faithful tin can & I'm pretty happy with the result.

I've been nodding along with Lara, Jodie & Stacey as they've been struggling with their crafts being suitable/cool enough for boys & teenagers.

I reckon this ticks all the boxes & will make a really cute Christmas gift. I'll be packing a sealed bag of popcorn & a movie ticket into each tin. The large (800g?) can of tinned tomatoes is perfect for the job. It doesn't look like it fits in the pic but it does - I promise.

Best of all ... it's cheater craft!

I'm feeling a little fragile.

Busy morning, a party afternoon & a party night but I've made a start on a little DIY project.

I'm very excited about it because it's involves boy meets girl craft (my favourite kind). I'm using the drill, the sewing machine, embroidery & strong glue.

It's collision craft - which is so much fun - it either turns out great & really special OR you wind up in hospital. If you don't hear from me tomorrow you know what happened.

The image is of the fabric in a coffee bath (it's out now & I'm really pleased with the lovely latte colour of the base cloth).

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.

The girls with their finished multi tasker booklets.

Cindy
Karen
Jeana
Tina
Leah
Lara
Melanie
Eleanor

It turns out that 8 was absolutely the perfect number for the HAC craft workshop. The girls & I chatted & worked away making the multi tasker.

The session began with fabric selection. All vintage sheeting & table linen with a cameo Aunty Cookie (which was snapped up super fast). I think that they all turned out beautifully & best of all...totally functional crafting tool.

The multi tasker "how to" will appear in an upcoming issue of mixtapezine. If you'd like to make your own, you should subscribe.

Tutorial: How to make a drawstring backpack from a pillowcase can be found in PDF form here.

Drawstring backpacks help us stay organised around the ranch. We wash & fold our swimming, gym, soccer & drama gear & then repack the bag. They hardly take up any room & we are always ready to fly out the door.

Fancy a bit of weekend crafting?

It's nothing startling but a making a drawstring backpack from a pillowcase is a quick & easy project. I've put together a little how to make a pillowcase backpack PDF here for anyone who wants to have a crack at it. You'll find links to all my other Pillowcase craft projects in my sidebar.

Don't let your lovely pillowcase collection gather dust. Pillowcases are no good just sitting on a shelf.

Click images to enlarge & print

If you're looking for great quick & easy handmade gift ideas there are plenty listed in my sidebar.

Thank you Sew Mama Sew,

I've made a mini version of the spool holder & I think it's achievable in a HAC craft workshop.

You're invited to attend the pencil spool holder HAC* craft workshop.

Cost: $55
Date: 5 September 09
Time: 1-5pm
Venue: Balwyn Community Centre
Book: HERE 10 places available.

Included: Frame, pencils(6), backing fabric & all equipment & materials to make the spool holder (thread not included)

Note: I made both the spool holders using frames I already had. I've found that decent Op Shop frames are pretty hard to come by & I really think that the ikea frames look fabulous but if you would like your spool holder to be 100% recycled you will need to select that option when you make your booking.

*Have a crack

you could get crafty bathers. Of course it's fake craft but the back stitch bling gives me a kick.

I'm not wearing much - stinking hot. Sticking with the bathers over the next few days. I am sporting a lovely shade of pink on my shoulders though.

The "worst" house in the best street. It's a very posh street in Canterbury & all the other houses are quite beautifully kept. I love this place.

I'm feeling heartily sick of myself & kootoyoo in general.

I feel I need a distraction & with the kids on holidays for the next couple of weeks I think it's the perfect opportunity to down the craft tools & pick up the camera. I'm noticing stuff (& hopefully I'll have the camera ready when I do).

Not all the good stuff can be clicked mind you ... on Saturday morning the kids & I actually saw the end of a rainbow. This has never happened to me before - it was magical & amazing. I shan't be sacrificing these noticings digging around in my bag for the camera.

If you feel like noticing some stuff right along with me...feel free. I'd love to have some company.