NEW Audrey & Maude Sewing Patterns

We are now stocking a lovely collection of sewing patterns from Audrey and Maude designed by two lovely Melbournians Cathy and Louise. There are some adorable softies that would make the perfect one-of-a-kind handmade gift for a newborn, simply personalise with your own unique choice of fabrics. The stunning apron pattern above, along with a bunting/cushion pattern, and quilts are also available. These patterns are perfect for a beginner sewer with easy to follow directions. For more inspiration from these gorgeous Melbourne designers visit here.

Lodge Chic!

'Deer Valley' is a fabulous new eclectic modern fabric collection by Joel Dewberry in gorgeous colour palettes of Azure, Tarragon and Persimmon.

A skirt made from Antler Damask would be a gorgeous addition to your summer/spring wardrobe while the Rustic Dots I think are a perfect choice for cushions. Small and large scale designs and colours coordinate extremely well and would also make an amazing contemporary modern quilt.

Creative Customer August Competition Winner

As always their were so many fantastic entries in this months creative customer competition! Be sure to have a look at our customers amazing talents showcased in our handmade inspiration gallery.

Congrats to Rebekah who made this fabulous and funky laptop bag using a combination of Amy Butler, Kokka Yugyoku Floral Purple and Kokka Croquant Brown Stripe fabrics.

I chose Rebekah's laptop bag this month as I loved how she pulled off such an amazing and eye-catching bag using three very different fabrics that came together so well! Notice how the croquant stripe is the same tone as in the outline of Amy Butler's design and also came together well with the white within both of these fabrics and the Yugyoku floral also picked up and complimented a couple of colour's in the Amy Butler fabric while at the same time introducing new colours to the mix contributing to the funkiness of this bag. The basic stripe also broke up and worked really well with the two patterned fabrics. Great eye Rebekah and what an inspiration! Rebekah has been inspired by Amy Butler patterns but also managed to put this bag together based on things she has seen over the years. I also love the chair the bag is hanging from.... where can I get myself one of these?

Thanks to all customers who were a part of our competition last month and I look forward to receiving this month's entries of customer creativeness! Further details on entering are available here.

Kristen Doran Hummingbird

Kristen Doran is well known for her beautifully detailed hand screen printed textiles both here in Australia and overseas. Her latest unique and contemporary 'hummingbird' is stunning in design and features a gorgeous soft mustard and grey colour palette.

I am a huge fan of Kristen's versatile craft panels most commonly used for cushions, bag making, wall art, and childrens interiors but I am delighted to see her recently print on yardage, broadening its applications for larger home decorating and furnishing projects!

Available in two lovely basecloths! A cotton/linen blend which is a great all-rounder for homewares such as lampshades, cushions, drapery, and light upholstery whilst still a lovely weight for skirts and bags as well as 100% cotton, perfect for summer skirts, blouses, linen, as well as lighter home decorating projects.

Photos courtesy of Kristen Doran.

Kristen's latest 'Cuckoo' craft panels are gorgeously unique and reflect another fabulous aspect of Kristen's designs being continuously appropriate for all ages! Fun for a child's decor as well as sophisticated enough for a ladies bag, or contemporary cushion in the living room!

Gorgeous deep red, chocolate and avocado green on stone.



and deep red, charcoal and dusty blue on stone..

SULTANchic Upholstery

I have many customers asking whether the medium-weight Japanese fabrics such as Kokka and Echino, are suitable for upholstery purposes. My answer to this question is "yes", however a fabulous example is the above chairs upholstered by Albert, owner of SULTANchic a fantastic and very unique business running out of New York. Albert sources unique and vintage furniture from all over the world and lovingly restores and transforms them into 'one of a kind' works of art! Albert purchased 'Kokka Blooms Aqua' from us and the results above are exquisite!

Thankyou so much for sharing your wonderful images Albert and I can't wait to see what you come up with next for the Echino!

Creative Customer June & July Competition Winners

JUNE GALLERY WINNER!

Laura has done a fantastic job re-upholstering a complete set of worn Parker chairs with Amy Butler 'Dream Poppies Tangerine'. Laura also covered the fabric with PVC to act as an oilcloth and prevent spills from toddlers damaging the fabric surface. See the before and after shots below. What a fabulous difference this has made!

JULY GALLERY WINNERS!

Well done Michelle! You are one of our chosen July gallery winners for submitting three lovely handmade skirts using the fantastic Make It Perfect 'Flipsy' pattern. View Michelle's other fabulous flipsy skirts and appliqued tee in our online gallery.

Congratulations to Margaret who has been busy making so many handmade items from this gorgeous shopping bag and quilt using predominantly Sandi Henderson fabrics from the 'Farmers Market' collection to adorable 'Magoo' below made up in Anna Maria Horner 'Cathedral Peony'. View more of Margaret's wonderful creations in our gallery.

Thanks to all our customers who so generously contributed to our gallery over the last two months. If you are interested in submitting your handmade creation to our online inspirational gallery please visit here for more details.

Don't forget to visit our 'new arrivals' page as there have been loads of new fabric and pattern ranges added to the store in the past few weeks with many more to come!

Show Pics

Here are some belated pics from our stand at the Craft & Quilt Fair in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago. It was great to meet so many of our customers and my apologies to those I missed meeting who emailed me and gave such wonderful feedback after the show. Thanks to Dave for taking time off his day job to help out at the show and to Amy, Sarah and Shannon who worked tirelessly before, during and after the show!! Shannon, thankyou ever so much for joining us again, you are certainly amazing for working sooo hard for four long days selling our wares as well as your own!