Kristen Doran Design

Better Homes & Gardens

2012-01-09T12:21:00.000+11:00

Here's a picture of the new issue of Better Homes & Gardens featuring my 'holiday' simple backstitch cushion. Thanks again to Frankie & Swiss for helping me out on the quick turnaround digital printing. I've also done a new version in black/grey.

new

2012-01-06T08:31:00.000+11:00

1&2: mustard and grey yarn for home.

3: greens for Isaac

4: grey/red/blue/cream for Max.

Holiday crochet projects. Some finished, some still to begin. If you have never done crochet, learn. And once you have head on over to Kate's ravelry store.
The above projects are all Kate's blanket pattern. One for our loungeroom (but larger) and the other two for little baby boys born on the other side of the world recently. A lovely place that feels like my second home. The boys and I visited back in July for a few weeks (way too short for me, but for my little homesick Jack - just enough).

holiday

2011-12-14T12:45:00.001+11:00

Recently I was asked to submit a quick and easy hands on project for holiday crafting to a magazine. The deadline was tight, but after returning from our UK holiday I knew immediately the design I wanted to produce. The dilemma... the deadline was too tight to have my designs screen printed. I'm passionate about screen printed fabrics. I love their richness in colour and texture. But am glad that this fabulous company gave me the support and opportunity to provide a digital design to the magazine that I would have otherwise missed out on.
You can purchase the kit here. A first in a series of houses in Old Town, Swindon, UK. And again, a huge thanks to Michelle and Jacqui of Frankie & Swiss for their fantastic customer service.

tomorrow (& sat)

2011-12-01T20:07:00.000+11:00

I'll be there... will you be?

sunday

2011-11-23T22:18:00.000+11:00

sewing...

2011-11-22T15:41:00.001+11:00

It's a rainy day in Sydney. I've been at the sewing machine all day, my favourite thing to do when a new fabric print joins the ranks.

fang monsters

2011-11-18T11:07:00.000+11:00

My new print to be released next week at this market.

Then this market.

And saving the best 'till last... this market.

Yes, it's market season time and I've been busy sewing and not much else. This new print is my first collaboration with my son, Harry. There's a whole story behind it with more photos to show of the creative process and actual fabric to get back from the printer next week. I'll post about it all soon.

dolls

2011-11-15T16:34:00.000+11:00

Stitching early in the morning (before the boys wake up) and sometimes late at night tucked up in bed. A time to reflect on life as the stitches grow slowly into dolls.

peacock

2011-11-11T17:27:00.002+11:00

I really can't remember how long ago I stitched this embroidery. It was done, photographed for packaging and maybe hung on display at my local shop for a while. It was to be a part of a square for a quilt. But that didn't happen. So rather than gather dust, it's now a purse.

embroidery

2011-11-03T10:02:00.000+11:00

It's nice to slow down and stitch. Something simple that doesn't take too much thought. And I'm always a sucker for variegated thread.

quilt

2011-11-02T08:20:00.000+11:00

What do you do when your two boys complain that their scooters keep getting scratched sitting in the boot of the car? Make a hand screen printed quilt of course! This lovely now sits in my car separating the scooters and stops the whining boys (and doubles as a handy picnic blanket).

2011-10-27T14:25:00.010+11:00

These guys have been waiting in a pile to be stuffed. Done now, but not photographed. So you'll just have to imagine. I made the felt on their tummies a few years back with my pal Sarah at a musical festival. We spent a fun few hours learning the art of felting.

bunny

2011-10-26T14:21:00.000+11:00

Sewing bunnies and getting ready for a few markets next month. Pattern available here.

colours

2011-10-22T13:06:00.000+11:00

I had these panels printed up last month but for some reason (don't ask me, I'm not sure) forgot to load them in the shop. So here's the new mustard and grey winter nest on super soft organic cotton/hemp.

red ruffle

2011-10-17T12:33:00.001+11:00

Another ruffle dress made from the same pattern. This time I've used hand block printed cotton from Cloth House, London (thanks to Al for the travel tips on my recent holiday, you know me well!) I had been saving these 2 metres of precious fabric and found just the right pattern.

Head-n-Tails

2011-10-14T13:44:00.001+11:00

A little while back I picked up some gorgeous Ink & Spindle hand printed organic jersey. This is the project I had intended it for. A cover up for cancer patients. No me. A friend of a friend. I found this pattern not too long ago when one of my closest friends went through her own struggle with breast cancer. She lost all her hair and this was the only thing I could think of to help her out. They were great, fit snugly, comfortable and modern. You can find the pattern on the Sewers Forum here.

giveaway

2011-10-11T11:55:00.001+11:00

Today is one of those days I want to clean out all my cupboards. This type of activity doesn't happen very often, but when it hits... if you are not nailed to the floor watch out. I found these pieces of fabric at the bottom of a basket. If you want them and live in Australia, leave a comment. I'll pick one and post to you by the end of the day.

How cool is that wooden owl? I bought him in London from The Lollipop Shop.

*Giveaway finished. Thanks all for entering!

CWC

2011-10-05T01:29:00.000+11:00

Have you seen this new book by Tess from the Creative Women's Circle? Pre-order here.
I'm actually a little bit overwhelmed by the nice things she has written about me. It's one thing to talk endlessly about craft on your blog, and entirely another to answer questions for a book. So I tried to push myself just that little bit more and reveal some things maybe bloggers don't know about me, and encourage other designers on their journey. Then there was the 5 or so pictures I was asked to supply. Hmmm, that's a big ask. So I sent 20 and told Tess to pick.

UK

2011-10-05T01:10:00.000+11:00

Making some time to work on ideas. A series of stitch patterns based on photos taken in Swindon, UK back in July. It was such a longed for holiday, visiting old friends from many years ago when I lived there.
The month spent overseas with my boys went way too fast!

Art show

2011-09-29T08:22:00.002+10:00

This event is on VERY soon. I was first asked to be involved last year (it's been running for 13 years). Although I don't live too far away from Scarborough, I had not been before and didn't know what to expect. WOW. The opening night was fantastic. Stunning original artworks for sale (wish I had arrived earlier to snap up some paintings), a room full of craft, music, food, drinks and a wonderfully creative community supporting the whole show. I would highly recommend getting your hands on a ticket for the opening night. I'll be there!

shop

2011-09-28T08:13:00.000+10:00

I was cleaning up the shop and realised this pattern wasn't in there. All fixed now.

ruffle

2011-09-24T12:30:00.000+10:00

Above dress made from a pattern in The Stylish Dress book. Dress N.

Silver/grey fabric is from Tessuti and necklace is Elk.

I made this into a full length dress and also added a pocket. Worn with a charcoal grey singlet top and silver sandals.

Totally unrelated to the dress. This was a trial run set up of my market stall for a recent event in Wollongong.

real life

2011-09-17T14:26:00.001+10:00

It was made very clear to me a few weekends ago that my life is my own. This may sound like a very strange and simple statement that most people would say 'of course'. My marriage broke down 6 years ago (and the divorce was finalised a few months ago) and this meant that my life with the kids became off limits for a while. A request made and respected at the time.

Things change. Agreements get broken. Life moves on. And now I feel that after a few intense conversations my path has totally split from that of my ex. His life is his, and mine is my own.

This space is mine. Has always been. But prying eyes and people who want to stick their unwanted noses into my business do. I can't stop that. I can't choose who reads this blog. But I can choose to ignore the limitations I feel that have been put on upon me. It is now the right time to be more open about my life, my family and the struggles I go through.

It's easy to hide behind the craft. It's easy to take pretty pictures and upload them. It's harder to be real. I'm not saying that everything will be poured out here, that's not my style. But snippets of life may creep in every now and again.

I hope in some way that this encourages other women going through a similar situation. You will recover. Look to your friends (the close ones) they will stick with you and balance out the truth. And most of all lean into God. He has held me, he will hold you.

ready

2011-09-16T15:03:00.000+10:00

Well, last week the boys were home sick and this week it was my turn. I don't know how, but I've pulled together the products for my stand at the Art & Design Market this Sunday. Pics above are bags, crochet square laser cut brooches and a new business card. I even squeezed in a visit to the reverse garbage store (industrial discards) with Al, to spruce up my stand.

to market

2011-09-09T11:41:00.000+10:00

dolls to be filled, crochet on the hook

Only one week to go until the Art & Design Market. I'll be there selling cushions, bags, bamboo brooches, quilts, dolls, lavender bunnies and a few other things. It's been a while since I've done a market stall... hope you can make it!

Art & Design Market

84 Church Street

Pioneer Hall,

Wollongong, NSW

18th September 2011

11.00 am – 4.00 pm

Eva & Kit bag

2011-09-06T13:50:00.000+10:00

This is the '2 pocket bag' pattern.
Minus the pockets.
Fabric :: 'Eva & Kit'

stack

2011-09-05T14:39:00.000+10:00

I love a good stack of fabric.

new fabric

2011-09-03T20:13:00.000+10:00

Picked up from the printer yesterday and straight to the sewing machine.

My new 'Eva & Kit' print in 4 different colourways.

These cushions and a quilt will be part of my stall at the Art & Design market in Wollongong on Sept 18th. Details here.

and another

2011-08-24T15:03:00.000+10:00

A little while back Sarah posted me some Liberty fabric to make this top for the shop. Here's the pics! I have to admit to never sewing with Liberty fabrics before. It's so soft and smooth. I recently visited the store in London and was so overwhelmed with choice I didn't buy any fabric for myself. Well, in my defense I had hoped to return without a child (my eldest boy) in tow. But sadly the other child (youngest) got ill and all my shopping plans were thrown out the window.

pattern

2011-08-17T14:07:00.000+10:00

While sewing up a few bags for some upcoming markets, the bright idea occurred to put the pattern in my shop. I first designed this in 2008. It fits one lunch box and a drink bottle perfectly or throw your crochet in it for a crafty morning tea with the girls.

eva & kit

2011-08-15T15:45:00.000+10:00

This print has been on the to-do-list for ever. Both my Grandmother (Eva) and my Nan (Kit) were very clever and crafty ladies that loved a little crochet. I'm sure they both had a go at teaching me their skills, but it wasn't until last year that I finally got the hang of a good crochet square.

Basically this design was created for wall stickers you can get here. And then became a brooch you can get here.

So 'Eva & Kit crochet squares' fabric will go to the printer this week. To be printed on the ethically produced hemp/organic cream cotton that is super soft and my new favourite. I haven't decided on colours yet, just playing around.

market

2011-08-15T13:59:00.000+10:00

This is a great opportunity for locals to support local designers!

powerhouse

2011-08-13T15:07:00.000+10:00

There was lots of knitting and weaving at the powerhouse discovery centre today. I even talked Mum into having a go at the giant knitting needles. I couldn't stop laughing, she could barely hold them up.

hello

2011-08-10T13:33:00.001+10:00

Just back from a month in the UK and now it's time to settle back into normal life.
First up the kind people at the powerhouse discovery centre (castle hill, nsw) have offered 4 free family tickets to their Open Day on this Saturday 13th August. So if you want to come, the first 4 people to leave a comment and their full name will have their name on the door for free entry. Please note this event is in Sydney, Australia.
Above images are outdoor works by featured UK artist Shane Waltener

in the mail

2011-06-17T18:45:00.000+10:00

In the mail today...

:: an amazing package from Erika (of Mikodesign) full of Paris goodness. I love her prints and am plotting and planning what I can sew with these

:: new Mattt backpack featuring 'stoney' print by Cloth

fabric #2

2011-06-11T13:44:00.000+10:00

Dress J again. Fabric #2. Plus one very late night at the machine while the children slept.

fabric #1

2011-06-10T17:03:00.001+10:00

Fabric #1 (on the pile of sewing to do) is now dress J from the 'Stylish Dress Book' with modifications of course (I am by no means as petite as the Japanese models in the book).
Jacket: Sussan
Belt: Vinnies Op shop
Scarf: Granny shawl
Perfect for summer days in London with my kids... very soon!

working on

2011-06-07T22:25:00.000+10:00

New fabrics bought today. They might bcome tunics or maybe even this dress.

New merino wool bought at the Daylesford Maker Market on the weekend.

Cotton bought today. Hopefully it will be as beautiful as Kate's shawl.

daylesford

2011-06-06T10:56:00.002+10:00

What a fantastic weekend! I'm sooo thankful to Merrilyn for asking me to be a part of the Daylesford Craft Experience and to Jodie for talking me into doing it. And it was great to meet Melly and hang out with all the crafty girls for the weekend.

Here's a few of us recovering in Merrilyn and David's shop after a 'hard days work' of crafting.

this week

2011-05-24T15:28:00.002+10:00

This week
I went to the finders keepers market and bought a cloud from one of my favourite designers - Paper Boat Press.
My friend threw a 40th with a '70s theme. I wore my new brooch and had everyone call me 'cloud' for the night.
Jack and I found the remains of an amazing leaf in the yard.
I sewed a quilt featuring my new retro caravan embroidery and posted it to Daylesford.

blue

2011-05-17T13:55:00.000+10:00

A new table runner in blue crochet (bought from Tivoli Vintage) has inspired a blue corner in my home this week.

yesterday

2011-05-16T11:42:00.000+10:00

It was the perfect afternoon to sit on the front steps and stitch.

stitching again

2011-05-14T10:26:00.001+10:00

A cushion made from my Gypsy Caravan print. I decide to do an envelope style opening on the back instead of the usual zipper. How easy is that??? Why have I not done that before? No more zippers on cushions for me.
And some stitching projects going on here this week in prep for the Craft Retreat.

again

2011-05-11T13:56:00.002+10:00

It looks like the scarf sewing bug has well and truely bitten me. I also love this one that Kate created last week.

autumn

2011-05-10T16:37:00.000+10:00

If feels like the right time to start making scarves.

ceramics

2011-05-07T15:43:00.001+10:00

by Amanda Middleton

cup and mini jug by Jane Northway
prints behind (Printspace: left, Schmooks: right)

mini jug with the bundeena ferry inside

I love the chance to buy local. Students from the local TAFE held a ceramics exhibition and market today. The prints I picked up at The Finders Keepers market last month.

bobbins

2011-05-06T18:12:00.000+10:00

It's not hard to guess that I like wooden bobbins.

craft experience

2011-04-28T10:07:00.000+10:00

Some samples of new embroidery designs arrived yesterday and I spent last night playing with them. I had these digitally printed (a cheap way to do things before investing in screen printing). With a few tweaks here and there they will be sent to my screen printer tomorrow to be ready in time for the Daylesford Craft Experience in a month.

Not long now until I get to hang out with these girls and a whole crowd of crafty people. I can't quite fathom how much fun it will be to stitch and talk craft all weekend in a beautiful resort. And a huge thanks to Merrilyn, the brains and hard work behind the whole event (who I suspect has the patience of a saint when it comes to working with me).

the kids

2011-04-25T21:03:00.000+10:00

The boys looked at my designs, made their opinions heard & we chatted over design books at dinner. Here's the results.

holiday craft

2011-04-25T14:53:00.000+10:00

entry

2011-04-25T14:33:00.001+10:00

Here's my very plain entry hall into the house. After 10 years, it's time to do a little sprucing up. So I'm playing around with the idea of designing some wallpaper and having it printed up by The Wall Sticker Company. The view towards this wall is taken from the one and only lounge in my house, so it gets looked at daily. Things to consider... how quickly I will get sick of it, not too girly as I have 2 boys, not too bright as my house is tiny.
Anyway these are just a start. I'll do some more over the next week.

the visual diary

2011-04-12T15:09:00.001+10:00

Thanks, Kate, for a really lovely write up. You can read it here and check out many more designers Kate has sourced from around Australia and overseas.

crafty people

2011-04-06T13:35:00.001+10:00

photo courtesy of the(sydney)magazine

Do you have a minute to answer 6 questions? A large sewing pattern company put the idea of running some craft retreats/workshops to me this year and now it's time to see if it's something that's worthwhile.
Click here to take survey

top #6

2011-04-03T21:23:00.000+10:00

Pocket camouflaged into the flowers.

This is the 6th time I have made this top. Three already in my cupboard and enjoying a quick rotation this autumn. Two were given to friends. Can you tell when I find something that is easy to make and fits well that I become a little obsessed?
I'm running a sewing class in the school holidays - sewing a dress. It's a little on the tricky side with invisible zip, inverted pleats and binding and would be for the intermediate or advanced sewer. So I'm thinking of offering this as an easy option for those more on the beginner side of things when it comes to garment construction.
Contact the girls at Jules Craft Shoppe for more details if you want to join us for two mornings of sewing.

finders keepers pics

2011-03-30T20:49:00.000+11:00

Herbert & friends

Ink & Spindle (Lara and Teegs, two great friends)

The talented Claire of Schmooks and her hubby - my market next door neighbours.

and ... me.

bunting kits

2011-03-21T10:37:00.000+11:00

A new kit using a random mix of my hand printed fabrics.

random

2011-03-20T23:03:00.001+11:00

With a whole lot of preparations being made for the Finders Keepers market at the end of the week, there's not a lot to show. It's all about designing a lovely product and then reproducing it a billion times... well maybe not that many. But as I do struggle to pay attention once I've made something more than 3 times and it feels like a billion.
The top pic is a 'surprise' new colourway of my Kokeshi dolls. A surprise when the printer rang and said something like 'you know how you ordered a batch of blue/red/choc and another of pink/mustard/choc, well I got a little mixed up'. My first question was 'But does it look OK?' Yes, a happy surprise.
And the next picture is my bike. A Giant Halfway folding bike I bought on ebay 3 years ago. Great for riding to school with the boys. But definitely not during magpie season.

getting ready for the finders keepers

2011-03-18T12:58:00.002+11:00

new 1" hand printed bias tape on wooden bobbins

a happy accident by my printer means a new kokeshi colourway

coin purses made from Gypsy Caravan print (on super soft hemp/organic cotton)
ready to go to the finders keepers, Melbourne

crochet

2011-03-11T14:29:00.000+11:00

my next laser cut and engraved brooch design
I love how intricate this piece is. My fantastic laser cutting guy was not so sure this was possible. Something about the laser cutting being so close and maybe the whole piece catching on fire...

gypsy in print

2011-03-02T18:29:00.000+11:00

film :: pantone swatches :: fabric

film :: fabric :: screens (under table)

close up

Printed. Finally. I expected to get this one done earlier, but for whatever reason I was a bit late in getting the fabrics to the printer. They have done a fantastic job of printing this design and I immediately put in an order for another print run in pink/orange/inky purple.

I always push aside everything else and sew up a new fabric the moment it comes home. And I can see my Dad shaking his head and calling out across the internet land as he reads this 'have you done your tax yet?'. Sorry Dad. This had to be sewn... really.

stickers

2011-02-21T12:25:00.001+11:00

There's a little game going on at our house. This bird gets moved numerous times during the week. The boys move it and it's my job to find it. One night there was a bird on the floorboards beside my bed (thanks to my seven year old).
I have a few single bird samples to giveaway with any purchases made in my fabric store this week. But if you want to get the full set, there's 2 weeks left to buy them from here.

mollybirds sticker set available from The Wall Sticker Company

edit: I have just received an email from The Wall Sticker Company asking if they could add my designs to their core range. Didn't take me long to say yes. So if you think you missed out... you haven't!

sewing

2011-02-16T21:25:00.000+11:00

June is going to be here very soon. It will try to creep up on me and catch me unaware. But, dear June, this year I'm a different person. I will be prepared. You won't catch me getting ready at the last minute.

So here I am preparing stitching patterns for the craft experience this year. I'm tempted to call it craft camp... but being at Peppers Springs Retreat & Spa, I think it's safe to say this will be nothing like camping. Are you coming?

the sewing challenge

2011-02-15T21:47:00.000+11:00

I set myself a sewing challenge last week. It went like this.
Go to the local craft store.
Choose a fabric only from the bargain basement patchwork fabrics (you know, the end of roll or just plain ugly stuff).
Make a dress.
So after roping in two sales assistants and two shoppers in the store to join my quest... I made this dress. And it's probably my favourite home made dress so far.
Now here's the disclaimer: I'm totally sucking in my stomach in these photos (can you see the concentration on my face in the first pic?). So if you meet me in person and are surprised at how much larger I am in real life... maybe keep that to yourself.

new projects

2011-02-11T15:42:00.000+11:00

A new year and some new projects are emerging. Things that I have been procrastinating about for months are taking shape. That's just how I work. Think, think, think... then finally action. Here's the first sample of a brooch based on my 'Kokeshi' fabric design. I have a few other ideas and am excited about all the possibilities of laser cutting and also blown away with the fine detail it can achieve.

caravans

2011-01-24T09:07:00.000+11:00

Some more of my designs for The Wall Sticker Company. This print will eventually become a fabric craft panel, but for now you can stick them on the walls.

dreams

2011-01-11T08:15:00.001+11:00

Dreams really do come true. Thanks to the lovely Rachel, you can now buy my fabrics in New York City. Typing this feels very surreal. Now I just need to save up the bucks to make the next delivery personally.

So drop in (if you can) and visit Rachel's store for lots of fabric and craft goodness.

teaching

2011-01-07T22:29:00.000+11:00

A friend asked me to teach her how to crochet last night. So I passed on the knowledge that I had learnt earlier last year from a very patient teacher. And just in case my teaching didn't inspire my student... I sewed up a bag to keep her supplies in. Cuckoo clock on the front, Christmas tree on the back and a little piece of Winterwood felt stitched into the inside seam to keep a needle handy.
The good news is that my dear friend enjoyed learning so much she is teaching her two daughters tomorrow. Who would have thought? It took me 3 separate attempts over the years to finally get it. So this success has taken me by surprise!

colours of kokeshi

2011-01-06T14:31:00.000+11:00

Walls

2011-01-04T13:46:00.000+11:00

The first design in a new range of wall stickers designed for The Wall Sticker Company.

Available this January.
With my current obsession being crochet granny squares, the choice to go with design was not hard! There's also three of my textile designs as stickers, more pics to come.

W again

2010-12-26T20:30:00.000+11:00

Fabric: Prints Charming hand printed linen.
Necklace: Elk, Gift from friends at church.
Top: modified design from Stylish Dress Book (Vol 2).

W

2010-12-26T09:14:00.003+11:00

Another sewing project made from my favourite Japanese book, 'Stylish Dress Book'. Although it's called a dress book, there's quite a few tops and tunics included. This one is style 'W' and I have made it without the sleeves. So incredibly quick to make and a lovely fit. I've used my new binding tape maker to create self binding. Fabric was a gift from my friend Maria (bought in Melbourne).

Peace Love Joy

2010-12-22T18:28:00.000+11:00

A very thoughtful gift received
today from Michelle. Thanks!
Wishing everyone a very happy and relaxing Christmas and holidays.

gift

2010-12-20T18:40:00.000+11:00

Cut.

Sewn.

Turned through.

Filled with dried lavender and eco-friendly toy fill.

new stockist

2010-12-13T14:11:00.001+11:00

Milk Thieves in Wollongong have a whole bunch of my sewn designs. Kokeshi dolls, owls, cushions, bunting, tea towels, etc. Thanks Emma-Lee for including my work amongst all the other talented designers you support.

Location:: 10A/157 Crown St
Wollongong, Australia, 2500

gypsy

2010-12-08T11:36:00.000+11:00

My friend, Natalie, longs for a gypsy caravan at her house. She collects pictures, dreams of making curtains and having a little space that is hers alone. I think all the talk has rubbed off on me. And a few months ago I went to Natalie's house and we workshopped a new design together (she also helped my with Matryoshka dolls a few years back).

Originally this was going to be the cover of a craft magazine. But it didn't eventuate. So, now I'm thinking craft panels and tea towels. Or I might even put it in repeat and do yardage.

to the gong

2010-11-28T20:33:00.001+11:00

There's a new art and craft market in Wollongong next weekend and my work will be on display for sale. There will be cushions, tea towels, kokeshi dolls, matryoshka dolls and some owls. And if you are quick, you might even pick up this bunting. My very first attempt using hand printed fabrics and bias tape. I think I can see some more bunting making in my future. A few metres strung around the back deck will be perfect for summer parties.

early

2010-11-19T12:33:00.004+11:00

I was conned by my youngest son to start decorating early. The usual rule in our house is no decorations until Dec 1. But he worked on me. And won. Just the one small tree, that will soon be joined with more tinsel and baubles.

Looking at these photos reminds me of another generous blogger I met last year. Mandy from Belle & Boo. She was both generous with her time (sharing advice on business) and her gifts. We enjoyed chatting for a few hours in a Newtown cafe and then a few weeks later friends, Monique and Chris, hosted a full-on 'Aussie BBQ' for Mandy and Russ. When they returned to the UK, Mandy posted me a few gifts including this print of the little boy in the background. Jack gets quite cranky with me that I haven't put it in his room. Sorry buddy, I like to see this print in the lounge room where everyone can enjoy it!

more pink

2010-11-13T13:24:00.000+11:00

This one is quite a bright pink, not my usual shade and to be honest it's taken me a bit to get used to. Being a mum of two boys, means I'm not exposed to all the shades of pink that exist in the world. But I've become 'friends' with this shade. It feels fresh and summery (and makes me want to eat lollies). Printed on Organic GOTS certified 100% cotton. Filled with Eco-Friendly Corn Fibre (www.innergreen.com.au).

I've been thinking a lot about printing lately. As my business has grown I'm very happy to be still printing in Australia. It means my profits are smaller than if I went overseas. But the advantages far out weigh earning more money. I know my printers. I speak to and visit them regularly and can call them my friends. I know how they work, how they are treated, their working conditions and that the money I spend on these fabrics help out local businesses. So a big thanks to everyone who has purchased my fabrics and supported screen-printing in Australia. It's a very small industry that could easily be squashed by companies OS. I'm so glad that hasn't happened.

toffee

2010-11-08T13:34:00.000+11:00

A new Sydney based crafty magazine is out now. Below are some pics and a little about the mag.

Freshly Baked - OUT NOW!

TOFFEE digital magazine and craft kit

Hip hip hooray! The freshly baked first issue of Toffee is finally here. Yes, this is our launch issue and we’re ever so smitten with it and hope you will be too!

Inside this issue, you’ll discover how Danielle Thompson keeps it wacky in the ‘burbs, why Zee Longenecker is walking on sunshine, what makes Mati Rose take the path less travelled and why Kristen Doran still plays with dolls.You’ll also find tips on how to make a fruity facemask, recipes for dainty desserts, ideas for an eco-friendly Chrissy and much more!

And don’t forget our *delicious* chewy centre featuring 24 pages of craft to keep you sewing, knitting, papercrafting and scrapbooking ‘til Tuesday. PLUS:every download includes a bonus craft kit packed with 10 printable papers for gift wrapping, craft or scrapbooking!

**Download your sweet digital magazine and craft kit today at www.toffeemag.com**

pink

2010-11-06T18:22:00.000+11:00

I reserve the right to change my mind and wear pink.

Fabric: bought from Amitie (anna maria horner - cotton voile)

Bias tape casing and tie: my shop

Dress patten: 'dress n' The Stylish Dress Book (very modified version)

Shoes*: A long awaited day off work and walking all over Sydney for 4 hours with my good pal, Monique, just to choose the first pair I saw at the very beginning.

I made this dress last night and almost finished it this morning. I had planned to make this into a full length dress and bought some pale green contrasting fabric (from Tessuti) for the last 30cm. But a few distractions last night, meant an unhemmed dress was worn today! I'll add the rest on soon.

*This is the very first pair of high heels I have bought for 11 years! I stopped wearing them when I had kids and have to say they will take some getting used to!

bird tree

2010-11-03T21:58:00.000+11:00

Back in 2008 I was asked to be a part of the designer range for sproutdesign. I really enjoyed designing this print and was very happy with the blue/chocolate colourway.
Today I saw the design reprinted in some softer colours and it's fair to say I like them even more!

hexagons

2010-11-02T15:06:00.001+11:00

When my friend, Jane, casually mentioned a quilt she had paper pieced back in the 70's I couldn't get my camera over to her house quick enough. Here's what she recalls about it's construction:

'I started the quilt around 1975 for Sewing at school. Fabric came from everywhere - neighbours and church friends. My mum and grandma finished it. The quilt was on a single bed in the spare room at my parents home for years. When we used to visit my Mum and Dad when our kids were young, it was always a treat to sleep in the quilt bed.'

Completely hand stitched by 3 generations of women. Thanks for sharing Jane!

new in the shop

2010-11-02T14:53:00.000+11:00

4 metres of hand printed bias on a tiny wooden spool at the bargain price of $9 (plus postage).

blessed

2010-11-02T10:19:00.000+11:00

I'm blessed with many crafty friends. What blows me away is the generosity of these friends. Over the next few posts I'll share some stories, starting with one about this girl.
The story starts with me drying my hair last week. As I was running my fingers through my hair, trying to get the knots out, my most favourite ring slid off my finger and went crashing to the floor. All would have been OK if it wasn't a porcelain ring. Smashed into pieces. I relayed this story to the girls at Craft Group and one week later, Lisa turns up on my doorstep with cupcake and present in hand. She had delved way back into the archives of my old blog, found the name of the designer (Anne Black), then found an online Australian site that sold the exact same ring. Thanks Lisa, you are way too sweet and I'm lucky to be able to call you friend.

last week

2010-11-01T22:57:00.000+11:00

Last week my house went from white to dark grey. Rhino to be precise (and coincidentally the colour chosen for facia boards is called Elephant - I am now Katharine Hepburn and live in the African Queen).

It didn't just happen. Dad and I painted it... for hours. And that's just the front AND it's only the first coat. But it makes such a difference. It feels like a new house and I smile every time I walk down the stairs to the front door.

crafty friends

2010-10-25T13:25:00.000+11:00

my bear

mel's necklaces

lisa's baking

lisa's baby quilt

lisa's yummy treats

We gathered together. Ate, sewed and planned.

bias

2010-10-16T16:31:00.001+11:00

I don't know why it's taken me so long to buy a bias tape maker. Maybe because I don't iron anything. But this is FUN. New aquamarine 'peacock garden' 18mm tape in the shop.

vogue

2010-10-06T17:02:00.001+11:00

This month's Vogue Australia. Page 242. I'm still pinching myself. Most of all I'm very happy to be included amongst such talented friends.

away

2010-10-02T08:45:00.002+10:00

One very last minute decision. Three days down the coast with the boys. Two very happy boys playing with new friends (and some old from school that just happened to be there too). One new crochet blanket on the hook.

This project is for Harry (my 10 year old). He loved the first one I made and was always asking how it was coming along and giving me praise each time it grew. So we went to the local craft store (Jules Craft Shoppe) and after steering him away from lime green, he settled on these colours.

My other son Jack (7) is not so impressed. He rather politely said to me "Mum, when you have finished Harry's, don't worry about anything for me. Just have fun doing something else.".

working bee finds

2010-10-01T18:58:00.000+10:00

Last saturday morning I joined a bunch of people from church to clean up our hall. After crawling under the stage to clean out all the junk and sweep all the little 'gifts' left by the bugs, I moved to the kitchen. The brief was clear out the teacups and keep all the mugs (the plan is to make our hall a drop-in centre for teenagers and it was decided they would not appreciate the floral china!)
These 3 pieces made it home with me. The Lotte cup is in perfect condition. How long it has lived in the back of a cupboard unused is anyones guess. A quick internet search revealed how gorgeous the artist's work is.

Evie

2010-09-25T12:51:00.000+10:00

A new quilt for a little baby I hope to meet very soon. xoxox to Ruth & Brett!

test

2010-09-17T15:02:00.000+10:00

A test print of 'kokeshi dolls' arrived in the letterbox today. I have been driving to my PO Box every day waiting for it to arrive... then it turns up at my house. I think it might be time to pay closer attention in life, it could save me some petrol.

I decided to do a digital test print and see how the scale of the dolls really work before launching into the process of screen printing. It's quite a commitment financially to order a new design and I wanted to be sure. Now I am. But I might have a play with some different colour combinations. Any suggestions? It's a 3 colour print.

before during after

2010-09-16T11:20:00.000+10:00

before

during

after

I work from home and space here is very limited.

I work on my kitchen table and pack away everything before picking up the kids from school.

It was time to do a lounge room redesign and reclaim some more space.

It may sound strange, but this cupboard has changed my life!

And thanks to Dad for helping me (doing most of it) put them together.

sept

2010-09-16T10:52:00.000+10:00

Nothing more than clearing out the photos from my camera. The top picture is my first attempt at making up a doily. I think the photo captures the point at which I gave up...

silver

2010-09-10T17:26:00.000+10:00

An existing design in a new colour. Wishing I had time to sew something from this tonight, but packing for a market tomorrow comes first.

homespun

2010-09-09T11:01:00.000+10:00

The latest issue of Australian Homespun magazine features one of my projects. The brief: something pink. Well, I had to laugh. I am not a pink type of girl. But did have just the fabric for such a project!

saturday prints

2010-09-06T15:01:00.000+10:00

One morning. One friend. One clown car and a few purchases.

getting ready

2010-09-06T14:49:00.000+10:00

Another market is on this weekend. My local school. It was washed out last time, so hoping this one will go ahead. It's time for doll stuffing and owl brooch making. A good distraction from my life today. I made a big mistake last night. I spent time with someone who doesn't think very highly of me and engaged in a lengthy conversation that has knocked me about emotionally. Spending a day kicking myself and hoping tomorrow will be better. A morning of crafting with some friends stopped me from wallowing in self pity! Thankful for craft and good friends that can fill the morning with uplifting conversations.

birds

2010-09-02T16:38:00.001+10:00

Today included a trip to the printer, a visit to my parent's place and then a tiny bit of sewing with an old favourite print (mollybirds).

random

2010-08-31T10:15:00.000+10:00

This morning.
Thud. A new book arrived on the doorstep.
Quiet. One small child hoping to stay home from school by busying himself with lego. No chance, buddy (but nice work!).
A new print. Sticky taped to the wall for glancing at and critiquing throughout the day.
Flowers. Popping up everywhere in my garden letting me know it's spring tomorrow!