Op-Shop Score! Seventies Sheets

My cousin-in-law is a crafty minded person like myself, with a passion for 70s retro fabrics. Unfortunately there's lack of op-shops where she lives in Singapore. Therefore I've been gathering a rather lurid selection of seventies sheets to pass to her when I next visit. [Like I need a reason for op-shopping ;p ]

Lilliput Libraries

What are Lilliput Libraries?

They are part of global movement spurred by Little Free Libraries. Basically these are mini libraries (about the size of a large dollhouse) in neighbourhoods, usually located on their 'Guardian’s' fence, and passers-by are welcome to 'take a book now, leave a book later.'

In Dunedin Lilliput Libraries are the brain-child of Ruth Arnison, who's also coordinator for the popular Poems in the Waiting Room.  

Part of the success of these libraries is a constant supply of good-quality book donations. If you're in Dunedin, Otago, and would like to help please bring books to the Dunedin Resene store at 172 Crawford Street.

You can also Donate money at their Lilliput Libraries Givealittle page (I have! Be like me, I'm cool). Donations go towards the cost of constructing more Lilliput Libraries.

You can follow the progress of Lilliput Libraries popping up in Dunedin neighbourhoods via the Lilliput Libraries Blog and also on Facebook

I'm certainly going to try and be involved myself, other than wanting one in my neighbourhood, I really really want to paint one!

Fabric Review: Spoonflower's Cotton Spandex Jersey.

Recently Spoonflower had a Free Swatch offer for people to test out their new fabric, a 100% Cotton Spandex Jersey.

I used the offer to try out my new design Antique Roses in Minty and Pink and here's what my swatch looks like.

The print-quality is fab, no surprises there, I've always been delighted with the Spoonflower print quality. The fabric is a stretchy and thick cotton, it feels durable, I'm very happy with it.

I plan to make this swatch into a pin-cushion. I'll post a tutorial soon.

Book Review: "Hecklinger's Ladies' Garments" by Chas Hecklinger (published 1886)

The 1886 Victorian sewing book Hecklinger's Ladies' Garments - A Text Book How to Cut Up and Make Ladies' Garments by Chas Hecklinger is a gem of a book.

This is the first Victorian sewing book that I have printed out the entire text because it has so much useful historical detail.

The section on draping skirts is worthy alone, and while the actual selection of bodice patterns are few, there are finished drawings to show styles, as well as pages and pages on possible trims. 

From pattern to construction to finishing, this text covers a lot more than many of its contemporary publications. I rate this book 5 out 5 stars.

 Hecklinger's Ladies' Garments is free to download through the Internet Archive HERE

 

Tutorial: How To Thread an Empisal Sewing Machine

 If the pictures don't explain it, please let me know.

all the best with your sewing!

First Fabric Designs have arrived!

Recently Spoonflower had a free shipping deal, so I took the opportunity to turn my first few fabric designs into reality.

I also wanted to test how some rose illustrations from a 200 year old gardening book would reproduce as fabric. I'm thrilled with the result in both quality of the printing and the fabric.

I had the roses printed out at 10cm by 15cm rectangles - perfect for making up these cute tissues packs.

If you're interested in my designs you can buy this Antique Rose design as fabric or giftwrap from Spoonflower here.
 

 I'll be sharing a tutorial for how you can also sew a tissue purse pack very soon.

Designing Fabric

Sewing is my hobby and my day job of graphic design is how I (try to) pay for fabric. For a while now I've been thinking how fun it would be to design some fabric. I've finally taken the plunge, and wanted to share my very first fabric design.

This design is currently part of a competition run by Spoonflower, so if you feel like voting HERE that would be much appreciated :)

Voting is open until 28th May 2015 (I think.) And you don't have to sign up to cast your Vote.