Cushion for Kerri

I'd been wanting to make something from Elizabeth Hartman's book for ages, but study and house preparations have kinda got in the way.

A friend was turning 40 and said "no presents" so I decided to make her a pillow. I got a handful of fabrics from my favourite fabric store.

And I had a go of my favourite pattern of the book.

I had a go at the pattern as a "sampler". The square of fabric that I used was a little smaller than the one that she recommended, but I really enjoyed the process of placement and sewing of the leaves. I cut them in bunches of 4 so that it wouldn't take as long to cut the leaves. The applique was easy and effective to do.

On the back I cut 4 1/2 inch squares and patched them together. If I were to do this one again, I would probably make the pillow larger and sash it.

Elizabeth writes clear and concise instructions with lots of little tips and hints along the way. I also love the way in which she lists "alternative ideas" at the end of the pattern, sparking the imagination even more.

I look foward to making more from this book when I get some time.

The Practical Guide to Patchwork

I am getting very excited about this book at the moment written by Elizabeth Hartman of Oh Fransson! fame.

I can't wait to get my hot little hands on a copy. From what I have seen the projects look inspiring and most of all "different" from the usual guff you see in sewing books. I am particularly interested in some of her applique quilts.

She is currently having a blog tour to launch the book, so head over to Oh Fransson and check out who is reviewing the book.

Kreativ Blogger Award

Somewhere in the depths of my inbox, I came across the comment by MissyMaoMao on my Thea and Sami post ... I had won an award! Very excited my first ever!

The deal with this award is that you have to spread the love around!

To keep it growing I have to follow 7 rules:
1) Copy the pretty picture and post it on your blog.
2) Thank the person that gave it to you and 3) link to their blog.
4) Write 7 things about yourself we don't know.
5) Choose 7 other bloggers to pass the award to.
6) Link to those 7 other bloggers.
7) Notify your 7 bloggers.

So ...

7 Things about me you don't know

1. I can tap dance. Started when I was about 5 and did it through to when I was about 18 and then I tried unsuccessfully to return to it during Uni and then during my first few years of teaching. Every once in a while I pop on a vinyl record and tap away for a song or two ... If you want to see me tap, buy me a martini!
   
2. I was born in Scotland, UK and came to Australia when I was three .
3. About 7 years ago I took lessons to learn how to play the piano. I learnt a few songs, bought a second hand piano and every once in a while sit down and have a tinkle with the songs that I still remember.
4. I fear being underwater
5. I fear large crowds
6. I love salt and vinegar crisps (not chips but crisps)
   
7. I have a strange way of saying "film", blame my Scottish upbringing for that one.
   

Choose 7 Bloggers to give the award to and link to them

1. Elizabeth from Oh Fransson
   This blog I guess inspired me to get started on this journey of crafting and blogging. Her creations were just beautiful and inspiring. I spend hours going through and tracing her journey before deciding to start my business. I love her paintbox quilt and hope to make it for my daughter one day.
2. Rashida from I heart linen
   Another inspirational blog which fired me up and got me up off my butt and in front of the sewing machine. She has just released a new book and probably won't have time to read the email that I send her, but her work is just lovely.
   
3. Beky from Pivotal Xpressions
   She is just starting off on her crafty journey, but hey, look at what she has achieved in a very short amount of time. Every time I see her market stall I am in awe of what she has created.
   
4. Jennie from Mrs Beckinsale
   Another craftey WAHM that part of the Northside Makers crowd. Jennie has a very analytical way of looking at things and you can see from reading her blog that she goes about her craft in a very methodical way. What she produces is inspiring to others.
   
5. Jay from Finki Handmade
   Jay needs to blog more about what she does! I was fortunate to share stall space with her at the washed out Northcote Kris Kringle Market, so had some real-life time to get to know her a bit better.
   
6. Melanie from Kimono Reincarnate
   Melanie makes the most exquisite things with old Kimono's. Not only have I enjoyed reading about her creative process, but also reading about how she copes with it all being a Mum.
   
7. Karen from House of Wilson
   A newby to the blogging world but Karen has shared so much in her short amount of time. Years ago I was blessed with the opportunity to join her in a costuming adventure for the Australian Costumiers Guild Ball. We collectively submitted a range of costumes based on the "devil and the seven deadly sins". Karen does the most beautiful costuming work, creative and meticulous in execution. I am looking foward to seeing what Karen does with her blog and crafty energies.
   

Black Gingham Fabric Box

I am deep in thought over the layout of my next Market Stall, which is Sonny and Coco on the 5th of July. The Business Mum's Network Conference that I went to last weekend gave me plenty of food for thought on how I should be displaying my products for maximum effect. Even though I love to futz around in my sewing room, the reality is that I want to make a business out of what I am doing.

I have been looking for containers to put my handmade products in, frustrated by the fact that none of them were the right size or shape. Inspired by Oh Fransson post on nesting and stacking fabric blocks, I decided to try my hand at making one.

Armed with just some black/white gingham which I bought at Camberwell Market a few months back and some black cotton drill, this is what I made.This fabric box will be used to store my pouches in. It has a PVC pocket in the front to hold a sign (at the moment it has just STUFF in it!).