Surprize in the post box today!

I was so pleased when checking my post box today to find three parcels arrived! I recently ordered these purse feet from ByKimLane on Etsy. Finally I can now make some bags with purse feet.

Also, much to my surprize, the second parcel was from Australia! I ordered two patterns from http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au last week and they had arrived already! I ordered the Belle bag and the Teardrop frame purse patterns. I visit Nicole's blog daily and love her bag designs as well as her impromptu clothes sewing in times of crisis! I plan to make some of these when I return from my US trip.

The third parcel is not in my hands yet. I will collect it at the Post Office tomorrow. This parcel is from Thailand, an order I placed on Etsy recently for purse frames at a great price. This is my second order from this shop and I love her products. I hope to post about this and all my purchases made in the US in 10 days. I might be able to post whilst there, who knows. Happy crafting!

Orange Fleece blanket

Finally a picture of the orange fleece blanket I used for my youngest son! The fabric I used to sew the edges is a pretty sturdy cotton I found in a local fabric shop. I loved it on sight and went back a week later to buy more. Sadly there was only a few meters left.

Two more blankets to sew!

Getting cozy with fleece and Amy Butler!

I recently purchased several fleece throws for a great price. I saw a great idea in Sew Hip!, my favorite sewing magazine from the UK. You just sew some cotton fabric around the edges. Very simple, very pretty. Here is the first one finished. Mine. Of course, Amy Butler fabric from her new range.

I just want to hug the blanket the whole time. It feels amazing (love fleece!) and it look amazing too! I finished a second blanket in orange for my youngest son, but forgot to get a picture. Two more blankets to make. I will post pictures when they are all done.

I also made some skirts last week but need to take some pictures. Overall I had a very busy weekend getting ready for my trip to the US this week. I did find some stunning jersey fabric for some skirts and tops. Time is running out so I may not get a chance to sew until I get back.

Amy Butler is a genius!

I am an Amy Butler fan! Confirmed. Love her fabric. Love her projects. Love her patterns. So I was really excited when I saw she has a new product launching in June 2009. http://www.trueup.net recently reported that Amy Butler has teamed up with Electric Quilt to launch Amy Butler Softwares. This is a new way to purchase Amy's projects in electronic format. Trueup shares this link http://www.doyoueq.com/amybutlersoftwaresprojects/slide.htm where you can see a preview of the gorgeous new projects that will be available in June 2009 for purchase.

This makes me especially happy as I can purchase, download and use. No postage fees and no waiting! If you are an Amy Butler fan, go check the above link out.

The Perfect Apron, by Rob Merrett

Although this book only launched in February 2009 I saw it late 2008. It was so popular that I had to wait more than a month after launch to get a copy of the book. It was well worth it! The Perfect Apron by Rob Merrett is value for money! Some great new, fresh designs I cannot wait to try! The book is divided into 6 sections: Back to Basics; Kitchen Couture; Domestic Bliss; Kitsch 'n' Cute; Fun & Function and Country Charm.

The Back to Basics section covers some very simple designs as seen above, but still lovely aprons.

The Kitchen Couture section has some really smart aprons. The use of fancy fabric with basic pattern designs allows you to create some smart aprons for entertaining or just if you feel like dressing up in the kitchen or home.

This is one of my favorites from this section!

The Domestic Bliss section has some very pretty apron designs. There are several that I have marked as future projects.

Isn't this apron gorgeous? It is so on my list!

Although I prefer full aprons, this design is also fantastic!

In the Kitsch 'n' Cute section there are several apron designs that I really like.

Such as this one. I can imagine this apon in the soft blue denim fabric I bought recently with some lovely pink gingham fabric. This one is first on my list but I might add a bib.

The Fun and Function section has more practical designs in. Many aprons for men, gardening and kids crafting.

It also has one of my all-time favorite apron designs in. Last year I purchased a vintage apron pattern from Etsy with almost the exact design.

The Country Charm section has lots of frills and girly aprons in. Although really cute, I don't find it practical in the kitchen. The woman in me wants one though!


Like this romantic apron. Really nice!

As if all these devine aprons aren't enough, the back of the book shares some really nice tips on pockets and other basic sewing information. And best of all, right at the back of the book - FULL SIZE patterns! I highly recommend this book if you love aprons!

Knitted, Felted bags

Last year I posted pictures of 2 bags my sister Linda knitted for me. She also felted the bags. I decided that I would sew fabric lining and handles for both bags but never had time to do this until last week.

This is the pink bag, now with a lovely cotton pink gingham lining and handles. I also sewed on the roses my sister knitted and felted.

A closer view of the pockets I sewed on in the lining. Not a large bag, but enough room for your purse, cellphone and other daily must-haves.

This is the blue bag - my favorite! It came out really pretty with the polka dot blue lining.

A close up of the lining and roses. I did this bag first and forgot to add pockets to the lining. I read on another crafter's blog that her daughters refuse to get the "prototype" of anything she makes as this one always has all the mistakes! So true. I always forget something with the first one I make! Still happy with the results though.

Cotton Tale Stash Club

Last year I joined a local fabric shop, Cotton Tale's Stash Club. Every quarter you get a parcel containing 32 samples of their latest fabrics. A few weeks ago I received notification that the Q1 2009 parcels were ready, so I agreed to purchase it.

A really cute idea that allows you to see what new fabrics the store has. Many of the fabrics co-ordinate so you can use the squares in patchwork projects. I have already planned a few. Wish I had more time to sew!