Sweet Fabric [Search results for handmade

  • scheDUEL [handmade holidays] ...

    scheDUEL [handmade holidays] ...

    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.

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

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  • Handmade Nation...

    Handmade Nation...

    Today I saw Handmade Nation! This documentary was so beautifully put together & just an absolute joy. It's made me want to spread my crafty wings a little wider & made me proud to be a maker of things.

    In the true spirit of handmade this music box is constructed entirely by hand. There are numerous steps involved in the making & each one is taken purposefully. The only new component used in the construction is the music maker.

    I hadn't planned on sharing any of the finished music boxes I've been making in the last couple of weeks. I thought you'd all be bored to tears with them, but this one's a goodie.

    This box was a "something special". The order came from a wife for her husband's birthday gift. She told me that he was into tech gadgetry & music. I loved making this. I was given the opportunity to stretch myself a bit & I'm really very pleased with the end result. Embroidered detail is a mouse wire that I stripped & then stitched into the base cloth.

    PS: Hoping to catch up with all the my creative space posts tomorrow.

  • I got...

    I got...

    Yesterday I went to Mixtogether organised by the blogger formerly currently known as 62cherry & Nichola.

    It was a lovely afternoon held at Amitie - Yikes that place is exquisite! If you're anywhere even remotely close to Amitie (or even 1/2 a days drive) get your butt over there - you won't regret it.

    I was totally spoilt - I got the bag full of handmade loveliness made by the gorgeous KittyB. It was full to overflowing with beautiful, magnificently crafted goodness. My absolute favourite is the neck warmer - it's stunning Kitty I love it.

    We worked on our signature blocks for the Mixtogether quilt & drank & ate. It was a gorgeous afternoon. Thanks girls.

  • A week of pillowcases...

    A week of pillowcases...

    at Meet me at Mikes.

    I'm thrilled to be sharing Pip's lovely space with her over the next week.

    I've put together some speedy quick projects to make using pillowcases.

    Today's project is an eco-friendly shopping bag.

    The best part about making this bag was watching Amy Karol's tutorial on bias tape. It is SENSATIONAL.

    If you get bitten by the pillowcase bug too have a crack at some of these:

    Apron

    Dress

    Skirt

    Garment Bag

    Skirts & Dresses

    Laundry Bag

    Fabric Scrap & Remnant Ideas – Yikes there are HEAPS here & it's a new to me site.

    Handmade Parade hosted a Pillowcase challenge earlier in the year. Winner here
    and you can check out the other entries here.

    The pillowcase I would have used if I had the guts to hack into it. This is one of my Tier 1 pillowcases. I've only got a few that have arrived wrapped in plastic. I love the pattern & would have loved a bag made out of it. But this baby is for looking only.

    We are having a giveaway - the details are at Mikes & entries close at midnight tonight Melbourne time.

  • Handmade Music Box...

    Handmade Music Box...

    for a girlfriend's new baby.

    It is a music box. Our babes were given pewter ones when they were born & they are truly treasured. Each now holds the dried petals from the roses given to me by the date on the day they were born.

    It's what I began the other day & I'm very happy with my girl meets boy crafting effort on this one.

    I used the drill, the sewing machine, a bit of embroidery & some strong (& good smelling adhesive) The only new item I purchased was the music maker - it plays "rock a bye baby".

    I'm looking forward to the first Brown Owls meeting tonight only a few more hours - yipee!

  • Handmade laptop stand...

    Handmade laptop stand...
    Laptop Stand

    I fashioned this laptop stand out of bits & pieces I had lying around at home. The only things I had to buy for this project were two small hinges.

    It's craft born out of necessity.

    When we moved I cut an old table in half lengthways to make a slimline desk. Unfortunately my laptop & keyboard didn't fit properly on the desk so I was typing & reading at a really awkward (& uncomfortable) angle.

    My brother has one of those store bought laptop stands so I rang him to find out where to buy one & went to the shop. I was horrified that this little piece of plastic was going to set me back around $80! In addition the sales person was extremely unhelpful so I huffed out of the shop determined to make one for myself.

    I think practical things might as well also be beautiful. I've done a bit of embroidery to pretty things up & because I was unsure if my HAC would stand up to holding the laptop I didn't want my efforts to be in vain...

    Book Stand

    it's also a cookbook stand. Featuring the fabulous Minus the Boombah cookbook as recommended by Aunty Cookie.

  • Making a list...

    Making a list...

    checking it twice.

    I had to check twice because I was a bit surprised about how many people I had on my nice list. Surely some of these folk must have been naughty.

    We have a "no gift" rule with the adults in our family (we all give a donation to the charity of our choice instead). That cuts out a few but I'm still sitting at 2 pages!

    I was feeling a bit like I was stuck on an express train to Christmas & I wasn't going to be ready when we reached the station. I've now completed my Christmas List & I think I can now sit back & enjoy the ride.

    I've still got a few bits to make, a few bits to finish off & a few bits to buy. I am hoping to be able to finish off the purchasing at this shopping night. I'm feeling confident that I am on track for my handmade Christmas & feeling pretty good about it!

  • Green gifting...

    Green gifting...

    almost complete. Pledging handmade has been challenging as I've been a bit busier than I anticipated with other bits & parties. I've still got a few things to finish up but it's all looking pretty good.

    Here are a couple of my green, green gifts made in the last couple of weeks.

    This evening bag is called "Dee" & the other bag is for carrying rhythmic gym equipment. The hoop gives the bag structure.

    Both bags are made from materials & components sourced from op shops.

  • Hanging off every word ...

    Sew Mama Sew
    I'm loving the Handmade Holidays series. It's jam packed with ideas & tutorials.

    & my drawstring backpack was included today.

    Thank you Sew Mama Sew.

    Other people I pay close attention to:

    they speak...I listen

  • Craft Blog List...Melbourne

    ... 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

  • On the third day of Christmas...

    On the third day of Christmas...

    my true love sent to me:

    3 chrissy trees
    2 drinks with bubbles
    & a sp..i...i...i...i...ng Santa

    I LOVE a real Christmas Tree but unfortunately R has sneezed his way through the last few Decembers which is no fun at all.

    The kids & I made these trees together. We cut them out of MDF, painted them, sprayed them with glitter & added the cup hooks.

    Each child has their own tree decorated by themselves with all their special decorations. They get given a new decoration each Christmas & they put their handmade decs up too.

    Yay for a sneeze free silly season.

    If you have kids make sure you check out my December gift here.

  • One good thing...

    One good thing...

    Thank you Bricolagelife for the inspiration.

    I've actually got a few today:

    One good thing: Meet Me at Mikes Pendant. Handmade by the mikes crew & super good. Available here.

    One good thing: Good tradesmen who work on Saturdays & are clean & neat & making my house look so good.

    One good thing: Going out for good coffee & breakfast with a good guy.

    I'm looking forward to a day filled with good things.

  • Mark...

    Mark...

    is ready for his trip.

    He's arranged a date with this super cute little girl. They're going to play a game of hide & seek while they wait for the Punkdorf.

    Made for craft hope.

    T-shirt and pants purchased (handmade) from lovely local shop. Doll made by me.

  • On my desk - the players...

    1/4 of an inch
    3 red buttons
    62 cherry
    a little bird told me
    air: work in progress
    Allsorts
    Anna-Lisa
    Aprons & Hammers
    Art with a Soul
    August Street
    Beaded Lady
    Betty in the Kitchen
    Big Cats Emporium
    Boobook Sausage Dogs
    Bowerbirdz
    Bridget's Flame
    Bug and Pop
    Cassandra Allen
    Celestina Carmen
    Cloud Cakes
    Collective Elements
    Cooking my Life
    Cool.According.To.Kylie
    Crafty Doodads
    crafty remix: djbebe
    Creating Nunde
    Curly Pops
    Daily dose of inspiration
    Daisy Chain
    Daydream Lily
    Dear Fii
    Design for Mankind
    details homegoods
    domoshar
    doobleh-vay
    Dragonflies eat Mosquitoes
    Earl & Cookie
    Edward & Lilly
    fancypicnic
    florcita
    flutterby patch
    etc etc
    Glorydaze
    going green
    Growing Together
    G.R.Y.B at home
    Handmaiden
    Hanies
    Hanna's Life is Cool
    her heart my hands
    Hokey
    Honi Design
    Hop Skip Jump
    if only i had chocolate
    iSew
    janene renee
    Jelly Baby Blog
    Jogirl's Journey
    Journalette
    Judy's Notebook
    kerri's provincial patch
    Kiddio
    Kimberly Michelle
    Kittys Kaboodle
    Knit Owl
    konnykards
    Last Stop Muse
    Laugh Out Loud Dolls
    Lauren Williams Handmade
    Leni and Rose
    Lilli Boo
    little letters
    Loobylu
    Made by Molly
    Mainichi Design
    maya*made
    Meet me at Mikes
    Miss Muggins
    mon petit lapin
    monda loves
    musings from the fish bowl
    No life without wife
    no pod
    One Girl
    One Red Robin
    Owlet
    Peapods
    Pigeon Pair
    pink licorice life
    Pint's Palette
    planet treasures
    Pot aux roses
    Precarious Tomato
    Project Incomplete
    puddle wonderful
    Recuperation of Nathalie Brault
    Roots and Leaves
    September Bird
    Sew What
    Shabby Chicken
    Silly Gilly
    Slip cover Diva
    Starashan
    Strawberry Kisses
    Strawberry Season
    Studio Window
    Super Monkey
    Swirlyarts
    Taccolina
    Teacups on Treetops
    Teddy Bears Wednesday
    Textilosophy Oz
    turtle club queen
    The Crafty Librarian
    The Essess
    Twenty Cent Mixture
    Two Cheese Please
    The acorn collective
    The Bird Bath
    The Lark
    The Monday Project
    The Natchbox
    Thimbly Things
    Thousand Threads
    Three Buttons
    tis rhubarb
    Tissue papers
    TreeFall Design
    truth be told
    tsk tsk
    unbecominglily
    vanilla pixie
    whosies
    wide eyed wonderfuls
    you SEW girl
    your cover's blown

    On my desk... is posted on a Wednesday. It's just a shot of your desk & maybe a bit of banter. Let us know what you're working on or what interesting bits & pieces have crossed your desk during the week.

    There is a wonderful blog here - sharing the desks & creative spaces of really clever creative folk. I only found out about this blog after the Wednesday thing began...

    Our Wednesday gig is just a bit of fun.

    Comment on this post if you decide to play along & I'll add you to the link list.

    This list will be updated frequently so feel free to join at any time.

    There is no obligation at all - post when you feel like it. Just super casual & a bit of fun.

    Button Code if you'd like it:

    <a href=" http://kootoyoo.blogspot.com/"><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2607211450_e50e1fc40b.jpg?v=0"/></a>

  • Sunday Supper...

    Sunday Supper...

    One for the smalls.

    Sunday Supper hosted by Meet Me at Mikes

    Relaxing Friday usually involves a sausage sizzle & as we never know how many to expect there are always leftovers.

    So...

    Sausage Pasta Sauce
    Leftover sausages
    1 Bottle Provisto Sugo
    1 clove garlic crushed
    1 brown onion chopped
    Herbs of your choice (fresh if you have)
    White wine
    Handful of mushrooms - chopped
    Handful of baby spinach - chopped

    Saute garlic & onion in a little olive oil.

    Add sausage, provisto sugo, herbs, chopped mushies & a slurp of white wine to the pot & leave to simmer for about 20 mins.

    Add chopped spinach, stir through & cook for a further 5 minutes.

    Serve over pasta. Although this recipe (?) was created in desperation one Sunday evening it's a goodie & the date & I quite like it too. It freezes beautifully for midweek dinners.

    The smalls also like it with rice.

    For some beaufiful foodish posting head over here. This is what I want for dinner. Lifeflix is where I first found Marichelle who writes Heart Handmade.

  • How to make doily covered soaps...

    How to make doily covered soaps...

    It's totally faker crochet! If you are a purist...power to you. Hook yourself some little caps for soap.

    I confess I find the gifting of handmade items something of a challenge. It's one thing to give something you've painstakingly hooked, or stitched, or knitted, or sewn to someone else who makes things & appreciates them. It's quite another to gift the same items to folk who've no idea of the time involved. Faker or not - it's all the same to them. So...at this time of year when you're crafting to give I heartily recommend the faker route.

    I got lucky at the oppy a couple of weeks ago & picked up a set of 6 crochet coasters which were a bit stained & yick. I slung them in the washing machine & stared at them for a while & wondered if a soap cosy might be just the ticket? Loofah & soap in one...yep! Time to have a crack folks.

    Five minutes flat per soap...maybe less.

    How to make faker crochet covered soap
    View more presentations from kootoyoo.

  • Handmade Help - Just listed...

    Handmade Help - Just listed...

    my most recent bag on Ebay (was listed but has now been removed by Ebay).

    Free postage & .99c start. Full sale price to be donated to Red Cross.

    ***Edited to add: I'm happy to post internationally at my own cost.

    Made by hand with much love.

    See original post here.

  • Flashback Friday - Hippie Love...

    Flashback Friday - Hippie Love...

    When Sunbury was going on I wasn't yet born.

    I am a child of the 70s though & I think this pic of me in my handmade skirt (which I adored) & my cheesecloth top is just about as hippie as things got for me.

    Happy Flashback Friday.

  • On my desk...

    On my desk...

    There has been a bit of layering happening on my desk this week. All the stuff from last week is still there but there have been a few additions.

    Grey wool for a new softie project.
    Inspiration 3 which I printed this morning & read while I ate my toast. Erin has done a terrific job.
    This gorgeous Yellena print which arrived in the mail this week is resting up against the pile of craft books from last week. She is currently at Poppytalk Handmade with lots of lovely prints to buy. This is my favourite.
    The packaging from my most recent online purchase. They know a thing or two about presentation - let me tell you!

    If you are new to On my desk...let me know so I can stop by.

  • A quilt preview...

    A quilt preview...
    Red Mountain
    Bottom Row

    Square by Jess

    Did you know that Flip is coming to Australia? It's going to be available in time for Christmas.

    I'm one of the lucky folk who gets to trial the new Mino HD Flips. The camera arrived yesterday & so I decided to make a little Quilt Project video for you.

    I have a gadget geek brother who owns an earlier model of the Flip which I've used a bit...you can see those efforts here.

    Obviously the quality is far superior using the new flip & the addition of a tripod jack is fabulous as is the mobile phone size. It's smaller than an iPhone & just as easy to use.

    The most appealing thing for me is the fact that our videos can easily be stored (if I can do it anyone can) in the same place as our images rather than hanging around on teeny tiny digital tapes which neither myself or The Date know how to manage on the computer.

    I guess the main questions are...
    Would you buy it? Yes...built in USB (for quick & easy camera to pc transfer), built in battery, super easy to use. Tick, tick, tick.
    How much is it? Look here.

    So you'll probably see a bit more video around this space in the next little while if I can get over the fingernails-on-blackboard-cringe when I have to listen to my own voice.

    The most exciting video news in ages is that Handmade Nation will be released on DVD November 3. This movie made me proud to be a maker of things. If you haven't seen it (or even if you have) signup to receive an email alert to let you know it's available.