Pike River Mine Poem by Gary McCormick

Sad, sad sad.  Thinking of these poor men and their families...

Daisy is getting ready

Daisy is a bit nervous about the market tomorrow, wondering if she and her friends will find a new home.

She will have to be up bright and early (no Saturday sleep ins).  She has been watching all the cutting and packing going on  - loads of fabric, cushions, lightshades, a gazillion head bands, hair ties and hair clips - a girl gets tired just watching.

P.S. If you would like to see Daisy and her firends she will be at the Christmas Knack Market at Berhampore School, 105 Britomart Street, Berhampore, Wellington from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm.

OMG - what have I got myself into?

We are very fortunate in having a wonderful library and I am a regular, checking out magazines, novels and lots and lots of crafting books (the latest is above, Dare to be Square Quilting).  Well the number of crafting books has not gone unnoticed, because now I find myself down to do a demonstration not only at my local library but also the neighbouring suburb's library - the topic - patchwork, christmas decorations and christmas gifts - a subject range broad enough to give myself plenty of wiggle room (or room to hang myself).

The library is running a series of art and craft demonstrations to show case the books they have available for loan.

Only thing is now I feel like a fraud - I am no sewing expert - I do things because I like doing them and I make plenty of mistakes along the way.  For me sewing and crafting is not about perfection.  But now the questions is what exactly to do?   My thoughts in no particular order are:

• a baby's bib
• cool cards from old book illustrations (but is cutting up old books sacrilege in a library?? What is the etiquette here?).
• the house and heart christmas decorations  - as seen here, maybe some others?
• a bag
• and some patchwork blocks, including the wonders of appliqueing with vliesofix

What do you think?  Any suggestions - what things do you make for quick and easy gifts?  I also thought I could take some completed things with me.  Like this pencil roll

Which came from the pattern in this book:

Free Hugs Campaign

I just found this video clip via Sandrinha's profile on Blogger.  Thanks Sandrinha - it is just what I needed today.  Hugs everyone...Lyndy

a joint effort

In my last shipment I received these bag patterns.

Echino Messenger Bag

Echino Pleated Bag

A lot of internet shops say how easy these patterns are to follow even though the instructions are in Japanese.  Either I am really thick (this is a genuine possibility) or they are stretching the truth in the interests of sellling a pattern. 

So with the help of Yuki, who translated the Japanese into English and my sewing knowledge we have tried as accurately as possible to translate these patterns into English for you.  So a long time later they have finally made their way into the shop.  When you order you will receive your patterns with the translated copy included.

Happy stitching

intimidated

I am thinking of buying an overlocker, also known as a serger.  I have only ever used my sewing machine and until recently I was using the basic bernina which I received for my 21st (just a few years ago).  Which still goes incredibly well and now resides in Miss M's bedroom for her sewing.

But I would like to give clothes and bags that professional finished look and possibly even try some knits (sweaty palms and initmidated by these as well).

When I go into the shop my eyes glaze over as they start to tell me what is the best machine that does not cost a gazillion dollars.  And lets be real here I am a home sewist, I do make and sell a few bits and pieces for markets but it won't ever have to deal with more than that.  The machine recommended by Wellington Sewing Services is the Babylock 097 pictured above.  The good thing about it is the front opens completely up for threading which I gather can be a bit a nightmare on some machines.

Does anyone have any recommendations?  Things to look for?  Avoid?  As always your comments are appreciated.

my hat runneth over and the winners

Amazing!  Thank you to everyone who left comments on my giveaway.  I went to use the hat for the draw but there were just too many entries and they would not all fit.

So Plan B - one of the totes from the shop (Mr Stitchbird's suggestion and very appropriate too).  He also insisted on taking a photo of the draw including me.  YIKES and without the red eye reduction double yikes. 

So onto the winners:

The first name drawn and winner of the Heather Ross set is Amy Seven Stitches whose favourite fabric is the plain linen.

The winner of the boys fabric selection was Abi who came and visited me when I did Stash Rehash in Christchurch earlier this year.

The winner of the Zakka Style collection is Viv from Highway Cottage Quilter.

The winner of the Midget hairties and the Aunty Cookie appliques is Faith Hope Cherry

And finally and it is one of her favourite fabrics Jacqui from Hazelnuts (this was not rigged!) gets the Echino Birdsong.  I hope you are feeling better soon.

I will contact you all via email tomorrow 'cos it is getting late.  My apologies for the late post by the way but I have been the taxi service to touch rugby and water polo.

I wish you all could have won - so as a wee concellation (is that the correct spelling?) if you pop the word "gift" in the promotion code at the checkout in the store you will get a 10% discount off your purchase.

Happy stitching everyone

the coveting is over

I have been coveting this book (Nuigurumi Style) for a long time now and when I saw it on etsy I squealed.

The book is now out of print so finding a copy can be a bit of a mission.  I have been saving some brown velvet which will be perfect for the rabbit.

 I am in love!

A big thank you to everyone who has entered the giveaway (next post down, if you still wish to enter) I will be drawing winners on Wednesday (NZ time).

Birthday Giveaways

1 year ago today the Stitchbird Fabrics shop opened for business.  To celebrate and to give back to everyone who has supported me during the year I am hosting a giveaway.  Before I get onto the details of the giveaway a big THANK YOU to fellow bloggers, blog readers, customers, suppliers and all the really cool creative and helpful people I have met along the way, I am always amazed at how giving and lovely you all are - I wish I could have you all round to my place for a party.

Seeing as I can't I am hosting a giveaway and will think of you as I have a wee wine tonight in celebration!

The giveaways...

1. A Heather Ross Far Far Away II Fat Quarter Selection



2. A Selection of Fabrics for Boys

3. Zakka Style Fat Quarter Selection

4. 2 Pairs of Midget Hair Ties and 4 Cookies Ready for Appliquing

5. .6 of a Metre of one of my Favourite Fabrics (enough to make a cushion, cover a canvas, make a bag) - Bird Song Green (as seen here made into a cushion)

OK - so now you have seen the goodies how do you enter? 

To enter just leave a comment on this post, telling me what your favourite fabric is in the shop.  If you are already a follower or become a follower you will receive 2 entries and if you share the love and tell others about this giveaway on facebook or your blog you will get 3 entries (just let me know if you have done this).

These giveaways are open to anyone, wherever you may live, as the support I have received has not been limited to New Zealand.  Each giveaway will be drawn separately.

Thank you and arohanui to everyone

PS Please make sure I have a way of getting in touch with you if you win :0)

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED READY FOR THE DRAW.  Once again thanks to everyone for your awesome support this year.  I will be back to blog about the winner later.