Raspberry Ripple

A little while ago I got a couple of Melly's Raspberry Ripple Patterns.  The pleats in this bag really give it a different look and I thought it would be a great one to make up.  Being contrary of nature I decided to make it with only two contrasting colours and well, here is the result...

Here's an inside view - it has a pocket in the middle which I love (excuse the dodgy photo - I had to do it rather quickly - at least my hand is out of the way).

Its a great pattern for something a little different and you can make it as colourful as you want.

Now the other thing I must mention is the magnificent Daylesford Makers Market which is on this weekend at the Town Hall.  As always there will be some wonderful creative works by a talented selection of crafters. 

Hope you can make it.

Izzy and Archie

By now you have met Izzy and Archie on Jodie Carleton's Blog.

Some of you may know that Izzy and Archie made an appearance at the Daylesford Craft Experience.  Both Zoe, at Purl's Palace, and I did a version of them for the weekend.

Here are my froggy friends in all their finery ...

I must say, that Archie is the typical boy as his pants continue to fall down (maybe I should have used tighter elastic). 

Here is a picture of the cape - you've gotta have an "super" emblem!!!

Here is the back of the gorgeous little dress with Ernst and Pebble featuring in the embroidered design. 

Now for the interesting part ... 

We still have a few of these kits available.  They include all the froggy and dress fabric, threads and bias binding - all you need are buttons and stuffing. 

A full kit (including pattern) is $35 plus p&h.  Just drop me a line if you would like one.

Sweetie Petites

I know I was going to talk more about Izzy and Archie, but I had to show you these ...

Sweetie Petites

Aren't they cute?? 

They are called "Sweetie Petites" and are from The Red Thread.  Their names are (from L-R) Freddie, Mimi, Molly, Ginger and Daisy, and they come individually as kits for $20. 

Each kit contains instructions, printed fabric (each one has a "little friend") and toy fill to make it up.

I'm going to make Freddie today ...

Sample Scarf and Happy Pails

As you probably know Jodie from Ric Rac has been quite ill with whooping cough but now thankfully appears to be on the road to recovery. 

Jodie created these Sample Scarves for our Craft Experience.  This is a great one to make up in any way you want.  Zoe at Purl's Palace also has two different styles as well and they looked fantastic in the oriental fabrics.  (In this one it looks like we have 6 different fabrics but I just turned one around! - Jodie's idea not mine!!!).  I might add that I didn't foundation piece this one although doing so would give it a bit more body.

And next was Happy Pails - We all know what little boys and girls are made of!  These were great to make and look fantastic.  In fact I am about to turn them into an after school class.

There were two little frogs that also made an appearance at the Daylesford Craft Experience.  You may have seen them on Jodie's Blog here .  Will give them their own post next....

"Daylesford Buds" & "Stuffies"

This is "Daylesford Buds" from our lovely Daylesford Craft Experience. 

I thought you might want to take a closer look at this fabulous handbag design from Melly & me. 

Zoe from Purl's Palace had a gorgeous version as well, using oriental fabrics.  I only wish that I could blanket stitch so neatly! 

I should mention that our bag had a 2" (finished) strap, which is smaller than the one in the pattern - the choice of course is yours. 

And these are the gorgeous "Stitch & Stuffs" by Melly & me! 

The beautiful Angel was included in the goodies bag at the retreat, along with the threads required.  The Giraffe, Bear and Bunny were in the kit along with a fat quarter for the reverse. 

I'm loving the weaveline fabric that Melly recommended. 

I will try to find some better photos of each designers' projects so that you can get a better look.

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In my last post, I forgot to thank a few more people & I would like to do so now:

Spotlight was very kind to give us vouchers that were given out during our amazing "show & tell".

 

Rare Yarns & Australian Knitting Magazine were also very kind in letting us copy some of Zoe's patterns for the goodies bags.

Daylesford Craft Experience

What a weekend! What amazing people! What a lot of fun!

Last Friday, we were desperately trying to finish last minute preparations before our helpers and designers arrived. 

Jodie Carleton of Vintage Ric Rac arrived first, then Jody Abel. We then got our priorities right by starting with a coffee & fantastic toblerone cake at one of Daylesford's local cafes, Bocconcini.

Amazingly, after that we seemed to have an increased energy to get things done!

That afternoon, we set up the venue at Peppers Springs Retreat with huge numbers of goodies, kits, bags, patterns, fabric, books etc, etc ...

As you can see, the room looked absolutely lovely in no time!

Melanie Hurlston & Anette Eriksson then arrived & the level of excitement reached a new high.  The designers set up their beautiful displays which left us in complete awe of their amazing talents.

Here is a photo of all the fabulous designs:

Here is the one & only photo of Zoe & I (centre) together for the whole weekend - we seemed to just keep bouncing around & talking - generally having a great time!

An exciting feature of the retreat was the postcard swap & the results were absolutely amazing ...

As were all the participants ...

Zoe & I would like to acknowledge some of the lovely people that made this event so much fun.

First, thank you to our gorgeous designers - Melanie Hurlston of Melly & me, Jodie Carleton of Vintage Ric Rac & Anette Eriksson of Anette Eriksson Design. 

These ladies made the weekend spectacular for us, with their gorgeous designs & joy of creating.  These ladies also donated some of the lovely prizes during the weekend.

Our fabulous assistants, Jody, Jill, Michelle, Amy & Rani who worked like crazy all weekend (plus more) & kept the weekend going.

We would also like to acknowledge the following local businesses who contributed to the retreat:

Lark - fabric backed mirrors
Sweet Decadence - yummy chocolates
Jules Soaps - aromatic soaps
Hepburn General Store - fantastic giant Smarties
Portal 108 - discount vouchers that you all received

Daylesford Makers' Market - for staying open late.

We were also supported by the following industry sponsors:

SSS - thread snips
Birch - tape measure wrist band
Victorian Textiles - transfer pens & templates
Charles Parsons - Art Gallery fat quarters

Peppers Springs Retreat & Spa were wonderful with their support & amazing food & service all weekend as well as providing some lovely vouchers for prizes.

The biggest thank you goes to all of you who came to our very first Daylesford Craft Experience. Without you all this would never have happened & we are very appreciative.

Regards
Merrilyn & Zoe

PSSSSST - I'll let you in on a little secret ... we had so much fun we are going to do it again next year !!!!

Rural Jardin by French General

We've recently received these fabulous fabrics from the Rural Jardin collection by Kaari Meng of French General.

The collection is named Rural Jardin because the designs are reminiscent of old French gardens in the South of France.

Many of the designs have been reproduced from 19th century French textiles.

We have printed & woven 100% cotton fabrics from the collection as well some cotton/linen mixes.

100% Cotton Prints (Width 110 cm)
- $24 per metre

 Cream / Red Floral

 Cream / Red Floral / Leaf








 Cream / Red Leaf

 Red Floral

 Red Floral / Leaf

 Red Leaf

 Plain (with border)

Cotton / Linen Mix (Width 140 cm)

- $34 per metre

 Cotton / Linen Red

Cotton / Linen Beige

Woven Cotton (design on both sides) (Width 110 cms)

- $24 per metre

 Woven Check (Large)








 Woven Check (Small)