Gratitude

Gillian, the wonder that she is , has the eBay auction up and running. Matilda is there with her little bag and a few of the patterns I have developed for the show. The auction is full of wonderful things and I am very keen to keep bidding on a few items. If you are able, please pop over and bid. Help to raise money for the Red Cross so they can, in turn help the survivors of the Bushfires and the floods.

(I know! What sort of crazy country is half in flood and half on fire)

The auction leads me to sharing a few more things that I have prepared for the show.

Waaaaaayyy back when the show was just an exciting suggestion I came to the realisation that I could not possible sew enough stock for a five day show of the magnitude of Stitches and Craft.

So I decided to work on some patterns.

Did you know I used to be a chenille addict? - if you go back far enough in the blog you may find some references. I used to make chenille cupcakes by the zillions and made a pattern for them...so this one was easy-ish . A new addition and hey presto - cute play food or pincushions.

Of course I felt duty bound to make a selvedge pattern and decided that bags would be the thing - so, two project bags - showing the different ways to piece selvedge and with a very poufy frou frou selvedge do-dad as well.

The softies - How could I not? I actually first just made the goodies and Miss Emma suggested I should make baddies as well - so I did.

The tea-set. You know I had to do this one!!! After those umpteen tries I was determined to get this to a stage where I could let other people make it as well.

The big decision I guess was the dollies - Yes I know its crazy but in some ways I didn't want to let them go. I was so used to making them and creating their little personalities..... I was worried I suppose that someone would make a hideous skanky midriff top wearing bratz lookalike.
But I also know I could never make enough dollies for everyone who wanted them AND the people who tested the pattern for me made the sweetest most gorgeous little dolls and they LOVED doing it - so the dolly patterns were born.


and because I am always and forever a member of the one-step-too-far club.....some snuggly pyjamas.

End result : 7 patterns

Was it easy? No

Am I a natural? God NO!!!

Will there be more? Not right now but there will be some tutorials soon, and a maybe a few more dolly accessories over time.

Without the help of some very generous friends, none of these patterns would have eventuated. These guys turned my "just tuck the wonky bits and sew over them" type instructions , into real instructions that I hope people will be able to follow.

Jo - I am a bit in love with this woman

Lara - the toughest job job of all

Cass - Who made perfect sense

Emma - technological wizard

Annie - support in every single way possible and she will be at stitches with me on the weekend

Locket - Who muscled in on the action - and I am delighted she did

Moogs - who wanted a dolly and got a job instead.

So , if you are looking for some patterns or even a dolly for yourself, get on over to the auction and check it out.

And if you are looking for generous spirits, great friends and good solid constructive advice - look no further than the guys above.

Thanks guys.