Crafty Mamas Group Blog

Growing Crafty Kids

2010-10-21T10:12:00.002+08:00

As everyone who knows me, I am one crafty obsessed Mama with 2 children - Lucas (nearly) 9 yrs and Mollie 7 years. The kids have see me craft all their life. If I am not sewing, I am knitting, if I am not dyeing I am toymaking….and how has this impacted on the kids??

Mollie is one crafty girl. She role models A LOT of what I do. She sews pressies without being asked, she knits in front of the telly, she dyes her own fabric and gets very excited at a parcel of craftness arriving at the gate.
She thinks handmade first..everytime! I wrote a post on the Crafty Mama forum about this a couple months ago. She knows the value of making special individual gifts.

Now my boy…well he is a kinda legoing, slot cars, race around the house on his scooter kinda boy. He loves seeing what we create and has a lovely smile when he comments positively on the creation. He asks for Mama made shirts and shorts every time and gets particularly excited when I pull out the yarn winder - see, it is mechanical. He makes handmade cards for presents but mainly leaves the craftiness to Mollie and Me.
But boy, you should see what he can create with some Lego blocks and an engine!

When they were little, we always had an art and craft table and cupboard . In this cupboard there was paper (all kinds), Lyra pencils and crayons, watercolour paints and brushes, canvases, glitter, pop sticks, exercise books, beeswax crayons, sticky tape, scissors etc etc etc. It was one full cupboard and it was well used. We also had a portable wooden easel for outside craft.
Yes it used to get messy but the kids were always busy.

We are really a crafty family. The Dad of the house builds, maintains and services just about everything. We have Dad made book cases, wooden flyscreens, extension (really, I should written that one first J) sheds, gardens, tables and his current hobby model trains…which Mollie and I are keen to get into some scene building. The kids have seen nothing else so they think ‘Do It Yourself’ is normal.

I am not sure what will happen when they get to teenagers and young adults but I think if you encourage, support and embrace ‘being creative’ it has to be a positive influence on a child's life!
(particularly with so many TV and gaming stuff available for children now a days)

That is our crafty family in a nutshell….join in, tell us how your family embrace craftiness and creativity!!

x Lissylou

August Giveaway Winner

2010-09-06T20:31:00.001+08:00

Oops, sorry for my lateness but I have finally drawn a winner.

Congratulations Tas, thanks everyone for entering.

BLOG GIVE-AWAY!!

2010-08-12T15:23:00.000+08:00

The lovely Peta from One Little Stitch has kindly offered up this months Crafty Mamas Group Give-away prize..and it is stunning!! ( so don't enter...I need to win this!! ). Thankyou so much Peta!

Here's what Peta says...

" I have made a Citron shawlette from Knitty. The Yarn is The Yarn Cafe/Evoke Handyed Yarns Caress Cobweb Lace (merino/cashmere/silk) in the Merlot colourway.

The shawlette measures approx 100cm across the top and is 50cm high in the middle, I’ve added two extra repeats to the pattern to make it a bit bigger.

Umm can’t really think of anything else to tell you except whoever gets this will have to handwash and block it (instructions here)."

How gorgeous! Ok, leave us a comment...Peta will draw a winner via Random.org on the last day on the month so... August 31st!

June Giveaway Winner

2010-07-11T21:01:00.002+08:00

Wow time flies doesnt it! I know Im a little late with this but the winner of Cathy's wonderful creation is Yvy! Well done!!!

Stay tuned for this months giveaway :)

June CM Blog Giveaway

2010-06-03T18:39:00.004+08:00

Well this month we have Cathy returning to donate to us another of her wonderful creations. Thanks so much Cathy!

Cathy has generously supplied us with this super cute and definitely warm pinny. Its a size two and has a box pleat in the front and covered buttons on the shoulders. The bodice lined with flannelet and made with baby corduroy. So soft and snugly for this cold weather we are having!

So you know the drill - leave a comment and I will draw a winner at the beginning of next month.

You have to be in it to win it! And a huge thanks again to Cathy!

May CM Blog Giveaway Winner

2010-06-02T11:30:00.000+08:00

Well done to Kylie for winning the May giveaway which was so kindly donated by Julie.

Big congratulations and stay tuned for Junes giveaway!

May CM Blog Giveaway

2010-05-11T12:49:00.002+08:00

Sorry for the slow start on this giveaway readers but its been a hectic month!

This month we have a really fantastic prize and one I would absolutley love to win.

Julie (gypsyj) has donated a set of 250ml Sun Print Dyes. These are the dyes that Julie uses to create her wonderful printed fabrics that we all salivate over!

They come with an instruction sheet and Julie has some more instructions on her website at www.rainbows-end-studios.com.

So thank you to Julie for her lovely donation and leave a comment - winner drawn at the beginning of June.

April CM Blog Giveaway Winner

2010-05-01T17:18:00.001+08:00

Congratulations to Krissy for winning the wonderful April giveaway donated by Lissy!

Thanks everyone for entering and stay tuned for Mays great giveaway!

April CM Blog Giveaway

2010-04-07T09:57:00.002+08:00

Hi everyone,

I hope you have had a wonderful and relaxed Easter and are enjoying the school holidays.

Its that time again to announce this months giveaway and I would really like to thank Lissy for her wonderful prize donated for this month.

Introducing Marina the Mermaid. She is made from cotton tricot skin and filled with wool fleece. Her clothes are made from hand dyed velour and hair hand dyed wool yarn. Silk ribbons and wool felt finish off her decorations.

Her mermaid clothes are removable and Lissy will also add a second set of clothes for a quick change.

Isnt she adorable!!!

So please leave a comment and I will draw the winner at the beginning of next month!

Good luck!

March CM Blog Giveaway Winner

2010-04-01T15:43:00.001+08:00

Congratulations goes to Carolyn! Well done!!!

Stay tuned for the April giveaway.

have a wonderful and safe Easter xxx

Congo Congo Congo!

2010-03-15T15:57:00.003+08:00

Well today marks the opening of the Crafty Mamas Market Place congo cart!

A number of the locals at Crafty Mamas have opened stores to sell to you the best that hand made has to offer.

So if you want a bargain head on over and check us all out....here!

March CM Blog Giveaway

2010-03-08T11:02:00.003+08:00

Thank you so much to Nat for this wonderful giveaway!

For the March give-away, MoederKip (which can be found also at www.moederkip.com.au) is offering an outfit from our new playclothes range

The winner can pick either:

*Raglan sleeve dress with co-ordinating leggings; or

*Contrast-cuff play pants with co-ordinating t-shirt

This colourful, comfortable, and durable range is designed with playtime in mind

Available in a range of colours (and with sizes from 2-5), all items are made from high quality cotton-elastane featuring:
* Fabric UPF rating of 50+, offering very high sun protection;
* The addition of elastane means that the garment will not only stretch in every direction (because kids don’t only move one way!), but it will also bounce back into;
* shape (no sagging or bagging!).
* Soft yet strong

So leave a comment and at the end of the month of of you lucky people will be the winner:)

Getting To Know You ... A CM In Profile

2010-03-03T11:03:00.002+08:00

Wow where did February go! Well to start March heres another profile...

Getting To Know You ...Sandy...

1. What is your name and what do we call you at Crafty Mamas?

Sandy and Sandy - Whenever people forget my name I tell them to think of the beach.

2. How long have you been around Crafty Mamas and how did you find us?

I think I’ve been here for a couple of years now. I found CM through another forum- Simple Savings.

3. What makes you a Crafty Mama – ie what is your activity(s) of choice?

Have you got all day? I think I’ve tried just about everything in the crafting world! A Jill of all craft but mastering only one right now, and that’s felting. I had dabbled for a few years but have just recently gotten serious about it.

4. Some people collect fabrics, others patterns…what’s you addiction in the crafting sense.

Fibre, mmmm, fibre….

5. What’s your creative space like?

I’m lucky enough to have a room all to myself. It’s usually pretty tidy, sometimes…

6. What’s your favourite crafty tool ?..ie your machines and why?

I would have to say, right now it’s bubblewrap lol. Needed for agitating the fibres to felt together. Also felting needles, which is what I used to create both Turtle and Bunbun in the picture. I also have a nice janome 6600p sewing machine and an overlocker that I’m ashamed to say gets used so rarely, I couldn’t even tell you the brand.

7. Tell us about the most dedicated act of crafting you have performed ie sewed all night, drove 2 days for a craft show…something bordering on silly!

Sorry, can’t think of anything.

8. Do you have a blog/website/business/etsy you would like to plug?

I’ve just started a new blog that will showcase my creations, whether they be for sale or just for fun/gifts- www.hobgoblinhouse.blogspot.com . Please bear with me, it’s only newborn

9. If you were stuck on a desert island and had the choice of three things to take what would you take (doesn’t have to be crafty)?

An endless supply of books, a fishing line and a hammock.

10. OK – some one word answers to wrap up:

• Diamonds or Pearls? Pearls
• Coffee or tea? Coffee
• Sweet or savoury? Savoury
• Night owl or early bird? Early bird
• Left or right handed? Lefty

February Blog Giveaway Winner

2010-03-03T10:54:00.001+08:00

Congratulations goes to...

Mary!

Congratulations and I just know you are going to love love love this skirt!

Stay tuned for the March giveaway!

Getting To Know You ... A CM In Profile

2010-02-22T16:19:00.005+08:00

Sorry for the break between profiles - but getting back into the school and life routine has been busy!!!

Getting To Know You - Mandy

1. What is your name and what do we call you at Crafty Mamas?

Amanda, I’m known at Crafty Mamas as Mandy or Mum of Eight.

2. How long have you been around Crafty Mama and how did you find us?

I joined up in 2008, but it took me a while to pluck up the courage to join in. But I can be found here most days. I found Crafty Mamas after searching the internet for something I needed for my sewing room.

3. What makes you a Crafty Mama – ie what is your activity(s) of choice?

I love to make clothes so sewing is my craft of choice although I have done a bit of quilting and I will try anything once. My favourite thing so far is the wedding dress I made for a friend.

4. Some people collect fabrics, others patterns…what’s you addiction in the crafting sense.

I’m glad you’re not asking my Hubby this question.. I have patterns, fabric and lots of sewing gadgets. So you could say I collect it all.

5. What’s your creative space like?

My sewing corner is organised chaos. My husband and kids fixed up a corner in his work shed so that I could have somewhere of my own to create, but it has slowly spread from there to the house also. So I’m all over the place now.

6. What’s your favourite crafty tool ?..ie your machines and why?

This is a really hard question my machines I think are my favourite tools in my sewing room as they allow me to try lots of different things. With my machines I can do pretty much anything.

7. Tell us about the most dedicated act of crafting you have performed ie sewed all night, drove 2 days for a craft show…something bordering on silly!

Just recently I spent all day until about 1.30 in the morning sewing school bags for my kids, and when I was eight months pregnant with my last baby I travelled to Canberra with a group of Craft crazy women on a bus to spend the day walking around the Craft and Quilting Show, loved it. Wore me out for a few days.

8. Do you have a blog/website/business/etsy/madeit you would like to plug?

I have a store on madeit, www.madeit.com.au/madebymandy

9. If you were stuck on a desert island and had the choice of three things to take what would you take (doesn’t have to be crafty)?

Mp3 player full of music and books, chocolate and family

10. OK – some one word answers to wrap up:

•Diamonds or Pearls? Pearls
•Coffee or tea? Neither 
•Sweet or savoury? Sweet
•Night owl or early bird? Both
•Left or right handed? Right

February CM Blog Giveaway

2010-02-01T15:59:00.002+08:00

Ok...did I just type February...oh my !!

Ok this months a keeper! Up for grabs this month.....

The Redondo - hamdmade and dyed by Sara from willow & moo.

The skirt is made from Studio Tantrum's Redondo pattern. The skirt is cotton poplin which has been dyed with fiber reactive dyes. The colors will not fade or wash out.

The skirt has purple waistband.

The skirt is lovingly constructed in my smoke-free and pet-free home. All seams are serged and topstitched, and the skirt is finished with a rolled hem in orange thread.

It is a size 86/92 (size 1/2.

To be in the draw for this amazing piece of craftsmamaship then leave a comment and I will draw the super pucky winner at the end of the month.

You know you want it.......:)

Getting to Know You..A CM in Profile

2010-01-28T15:47:00.005+08:00

The Craftiest Mama of them all...

Getting to Know You - Lisa

1. What is your name and what do we call you at Crafty Mamas?

Lisa or Lisa the Crafty, previously known as Cinna and still am to many!

2. How long have you been around Crafty Mama and how did you find us?

I founded the Crafty Mamas forum almost 5 years ago now! I knew there were others out there like me..I was right!

3. What makes you a Crafty Mama – ie what is your activity(s) of choice?

I will give anything a whirl. I once had a friend request I stop saying to her “ you could make/do that yourself!” - so I am kind of annoying that way. Crafts I currently do- sewing, knitting, crochet, cooking, dyeing, stenciling. There are HEAPS more I would love to try! Soapmaking, cheesemaking, spinning, resin jewelery.etc....

4. Some people collect fabrics, others patterns…what’s your addiction in the crafting sense.

Euro patterns, fabrics and trims, and vintage patterns and books.

5. What’s your creative space like?

Absolute chaos. But I can generally find stuff!

6. What’s your favourite crafty tool ?..ie your machines and why?

My BERNINA Aurora 430 machine., it’s like a 4wd sewing machine and has not let me down yet.

7. Tell us about the most dedicated act of crafting you have performed ie sewed all night, drove 2 days for a craft show…something bordering on silly!

With a brand new baby ( 4 day old) and recovering from a c section I was determined to make one of my sons a proper elf costume for the school play. I did it, with bells on, and even made him little elf boots. He was so cute!

8. Do you have a blog/website/business/etsy you would like to plug?

www.craftymamas.com.au Where the coolest and craftiest mamas hang.

9. If you were stuck on a desert island and had the choice of three things to take what would you take (doesn’t have to be crafty)?

Chocolate, coffee, a book!

10. OK – some one word answers to wrap up:

• Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds, baby, can’t wash dishes in pearls.
• Coffee or tea? Coffee, unless pregnant, then it’s tea all the way.
• Sweet or savoury? Both!
• Night owl or early bird? Both!
• Left or right handed? Lefty

Back to School Baking

2010-01-28T15:43:00.003+08:00

Ahh its that time of year again where the kids go back to school and life returns to a somewhat more routined state.

One of the ways in which we are getting prepared here (Jack starts Pre Primary on Monday) is with some cooking for his lunch box.

I waded through my cookbooks and found these three to start with:

Lunch Box Muffins - Mac 'n' Cheese Flavour
This recipe comes from The Sneaky Chef To The rescue by Missy Chase Lapine.

4 large eggs
1 cup of Orange Puree (this consists of sweet potatoe and carrots)
2 cups cooked macaronni
2 cups grated low fat cheese
salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and line a muffin tin with paper liners. Lightly spray the liners.

In a mixing bowl whisk the eggs and puree. Mix in the macaroni and 1 1/2 cups of cheese. Divide the mixture evenly amongst the muffin cups. Top each with a sprinkle of the reserved cheese. bake in the oven for about 20 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.

Each one of these contains 155 calories.

***********************************************************************
Yellow Cake
This recipe is from Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld

1 x 500gm packet mix of plain cake
1 cup of puree pumpkin
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons of veg oil
2 large eggs
1 large egg white
170g of non fat vanilla yoghurt

Preheat the overn to 180 degrees. Coat a cake tin with oil and lightly flour.

In a large mixing bowl combine the cake mix, pumpkin, eggs and egg white, and yoghurt. Mix for 1-2 minutes.

Pour the batter into cake pan and bake for about 20 minutes or until the skewer comes out clean.

I cooked this in my slab pan and turned it out a little early! It broke a little!

**********************************************************************
Choc Chip Cookies
This recipe is from Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup of marg
2 large egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
2 cups choc chips
3/4 chopped walnuts (optional)
3/4 cup sultanas (optional)
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup oats
1 teaspoon baking sod
1/4 teaspoon salt.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl or food processor beat the sugar and marg. Add in the egg whites and vanilla. Add the chickpeas and choc chips. Add the flour, oats, baking soda and salt - mixing on a low speed until a dough forms.

Drip the dough by the tablespoonful onto the tray spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Press gently with a fork and bake till golden brown - about 11-13 minutes.

Transfer to rack to cool.

Store in an airtight container for up to three days.

Note: I used wholemeal flour instead of white flour in this recipe.

The common theme is that they all conatin pureed veg - the cookies even have chick peas in them!

Do you have a fav recipe you whip up for the lunch boxes.....share it with us!

Getting to Know You..A CM in Profile

2010-01-18T09:30:00.004+08:00

Here is our first CM In Profile for the year.

Getting to Know You - Sara

1. What is your name (first only is fine if you prefer) and what do we call you at Crafty Mamas?
Sara

2. How long have you been around Crafty Mama and how did you find us?

I joined the forum in May 2007 and starting posting at the end of July 2007. I found Crafty Mamas because I subscribed to Ottobre through Lisa, head Crafty Mama.

3.What makes you a Crafty Mama - ie what is your activity(s) of choice?

I have two main activities, sewing and dyeing. I do other little handcrafts here and there which is a by-product of being a parent of Steiner-educated children.

4. Some people collect fabrics, others patterns - what's you addiction in the crafting sense.

I have two addictions. Farbenmix patterns and European fabric. Farbenmix and Ottobre were the first patterns that gave me great results from my sewing. Ottobre is awesome, but I am not able to use their patterns for items that I make for sale. I love the way Sabine and the Farbenmix team support the home sewist. I have an accordion file full of Farbenmix patterns. I don't own every single one, but I have a very healthy collection, and I am eagerly awaiting Nancy's book in February.

I love the Euro fabrics from Hilco and Stenzo. The designs, the colours, the quality just make me happy, and I feel like I can't make anything horrible when I sew with them. I also prefer the European poplins over the American quilting fabrics because they wrinkle less in the laundry. I hate to iron.

5. What's your creative space like?

Chaotic! We are undergoing a home renovation at the moment. I am still managing to sew some small projects here and there. My sewing cabinet is in the living room, and my cutting table is out in the new room. Some of my supplies are in my bedroom as is some fabric. And then there is the fabric in the shed and the rolls of fabric in the kids' room. When that dust settles (hopefully by mid February!!!), I will have a nook in the back room. It's near the back doors, so it will be easy for me to keep an eye on the kids. I will have my cutting table and sewing cabinet in that space, but will probably be storing my fabric in the study, so that it's not out in the open in our open plan living space.

6. What's your favourite crafty tool ?..ie your machines and why?

I love all sorts of sewing gadgets and notions that make any job easier, but I absolutely love my sewing machine. I started out with a Bernina Activa, and as I started sewing more and more, I decided that I wanted a machine with a few more features and the possibility of doing machine embroidery. I upgraded to a Bernina Aurora 440, and have never regretted it. The machine sews so sweetly and does everything that I need it to. When I originally bought the Aurora I toyed with the idea of buying the embroidery module, but decided that I should really think about whether or not I'd use it. Back in April, 2 years after I bought my machine, I decided to purchase the embroidery module and haven't looked back. It's great being able to sew anything or embellish how I want.

7. Tell us about the most dedicated act of crafting you have performed ie sewed all night, drove 2 days for a craft show - something bordering on silly!

I don't do silly things like sew all night. I am now able to recognise when I need to stop! Too many mistakes late at night! But I do have a certain intensity when I am working. It's not uncommon for me to spend 8 hours tie-dyeing stuff or making 17 pairs of leggings all at once.

The most fun act of crafting that I've done is hop on plane and fly to Melbourne to meet up with some other Crafty Mamas for a crafty weekend. It was fabulous.

8. Do you have a blog/website/business/etsy you would like to plug?

I have a blog, willowandmoo.blogspot.com, and I also have a neglected Etsy shop willowandmoo.etsy.com

I'm having a break right now because of the renovations, but I am hoping to be back at the machines and having purple hands (from my dyeing) in February. I get busy with custom orders which is why my Etsy shop gets neglected, so it's always worthwhile to ask me if you'd like something.

9. If you were stuck on a desert island and had the choice of three things to take what would you take (doesn't have to be crafty)?

Oh I hate picking just three things. And then the analytical part of me starts to kick in and I think, but if I was stuck on an island, I wouldn't really be able to choose what I was stuck with, and if I could, in reality I'd want things to aid my survival. And then I'd assume there's no electricity, so electronic gadgets wouldn't be useful. Oh stuff that rational thinking...

*my family

*my laptop

*chocolate

10. OK some one word answers to wrap up:

Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds (can't break 'em. I'm a klutz.)

Coffee or tea? COFFEE!!!!!!

Sweet or savoury? Sweet

Night owl or early bird? Night owl (would someone please let me children know to sleep in a bit more!)
Left or right handed? Right

What Ya Sewing!

2010-01-08T19:30:00.003+08:00

I have come back from holidays raring to get into the workspace and fire up the machines. But what do I do first!!!! I have so many things swimming around in my head I dont know where to start...I am going to have to sit down and make a list I think.

Are you the same? Have you come into the new year all excited but dont know where to start.

I know that Carolyn over at My Favourite is having a challenge - 12 months 12 Challenges - that seems like a good way to structure ones attack.

I know I have some things to do like my PIF challenge from last year (I still have about 6 months on that one!) and there are a few orders to fill....but this year I really want to get into some of my new Euro patterns...and knit - I really want to knit better....Peta over here at Stitch Pixie and Tikki over here at Tikki Fabric Addict are my inspirtaion for that avenue...oh and of course I want to dye some fabrics this year...I have bought the fabric...just need to buy the dye and watch the dvd...Sara over here at willow & moo and Julie-Anne at Rainbows End are the inspiration for that challenge...

Oh and on a non sewing front I want to take the family to the Gold Coast in 12 months time for our annual holiday...so I am being inspired by That British Woman Gill here with her wonderful saving idea....thanks Gill!

So where to start... I feel a list coming on...tell me what you have planned and how you're organising yourselves this year...maybe I can learn a tip or two!

Januarys CM Blog Giveaway

2010-01-02T09:52:00.003+08:00

Happy New Year mamas and I hope 2010 is prosperous and safe and happy for you all!

Have you set your new years resolutions? Have you broken them yet!! I decided to not really set any this year - rather just decide to live healthier and happier. I think this year is going to be great.

And what a great way to start a new year - by winning our January giveaway. This month sees a return to the mama made giveaway with this months prize being an amazing bag hot of the machine from none other than the Queen of Bags - Andrea (Tas).

The pattern is the Keyka Lou City Tote bag.
The fabrics are:
Outer-Joel Dewberry "Sparrows"
-hot pink and white dot (don't know designer)
Lining- Alexander Henry "Toadstool"

And to finish it off there is a vintage button to close front outer pocket.

The hand is not included!

So - to get your hands on this amazing bag leave a comment and I will draw a winner at the end of January!

Best of luck :)

Then and now...

2009-12-27T20:13:00.006+08:00

I thought it would be a good idea to take a walk down memory lane and be reminded of that moment when you first completed that first piece of sewing item you did. It doesn't matter how long ago it was but if you have a picture of it, let's see it! And after that, the latest piece of work you've done to see how far you've come along on this crafty journey.

While I don't have a pix of that apron I first sewed in home ed class back when I was in highschool some 15 years ago, I do have a pix of the first piece of sewing I did when I moved here. :)

This is a baby sling I sewed for Arianna when she was about 1 yr old. I know it took me ages to actually get started sewing although dh had bought me one of those tiny sewing machines for my first Chrismas out here. But when I finally did sew something, it was this. :)

The pattern is a free one and the fabric used is flannel for the inside and on the outside is a batik sarung. From 1 sarung, I got 2 of these slings so if you're attempting to make one of these, you can give one away as a gift. :)

This is my absolute newest completed projects. Dresses from knit fabric for New Year. I'm on a break now trying to figure out what to sew next! :P

Now, come show off your first sewing item. If you have any online photo album, just pick the first piece of sewing that you've done. That's what I've done here anyway. Looking forward to see what you've done and how far you've since come. :) And once you're done, don't forget to link back and leave me a comment so I can come drop by and take a peek!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T09:52:00.001+08:00

From me to you I wish you and your families a wonderful, safe and happy Christmas and New Year period. Please take care on the roads if you are traveling.

Thankyou for reading this blog and I hope you stay tuned next year as I have some other little things planned :)

xxx Gilly

Getting to Know You..A CM in Profile

2009-12-24T09:42:00.003+08:00

Some light reading for you on this wonderful Christmas Eve!

Getting to Know You - Carla.

1.What is your name (first only is fine if you prefer) and what do we call you at Crafty Mamas?

Carla although I’m know as Possum123 which is an abbreviation of my hotmail address. It’s a username I use just about everywhere so if you come across a possum123 elsewhere there is a good chance that it is me.

2. How long have you been around Crafty Mama and how did you find us?

I actually joined in Aug 2008 but didn’t really start contributing until recently. It took a little while to jump in the deep end so to speak.

3. What makes you a Crafty Mama – ie what is your activity(s) of choice?

I mostly sew but I can also embroider, crochet and knit (albeit the latter two very, very slowly). Embroidery was the very first thing that my mum showed me how to do crafty-wise.

4. Some people collect fabrics, others patterns…what’s you addiction in the crafting sense.

Fabric definitely although I’m starting to get a nice little pattern stash happening. I’m slowly cleaning out our “junk room” to make into my room and so far I’ve got 3 packing cartons and two suitcases choc-a-bloc full of fabric.

5. What’s your creative space like?

At the moment non-existent!! As I said I’m currently in the “junk room” but I’m slowly making into a little retreat just for me. The kids have the toy room, DH has the study so I feel its only fair that I have my room too. I do have my machines out all the time thought which makes such a difference.

6. What’s your favourite crafty tool ?..ie your machines and why?

I definitely love my machines especially my overlocker, would never be able to live without an overlocker again. But my current especially favourite tools are my massive Olfa cutting mat and Olfa rotary cutter with guide arm. They have substantially cut down on tracing/cutting time.

7. Tell us about the most dedicated act of crafting you have performed ie sewed all night, drove 2 days for a craft show…something bordering on silly!

Funnily enough the silliest thing crafty-wise in this house wasn’t something I did but something my hubby did. Whilst in Malaysia for work, he stopped in at a souvenirs type shop for some gifts and while there noticed some “material”. So he called me, did I want some and let’s be honest, who would say no to a question like that?

So when he gets home he gives me my “fabric” (price still on it mind you) and it turns out that he has bought me a pure silk, hand dyed sari which cost RM500 (that’s approximately $160). I nearly died but when I think about it there is a lot of fabric there so maybe it was a good buy afterall. And its totally divine to touch!!!

So far its made some rather lovely PJ pants, just finding the right thing to make with the rest of it.

8. Do you have a blog/website/business/etsy you would like to plug?

Just my little blog http://thefabricaddict.blogspot.com/ which is no more than a spot to show off what I’ve been up to.

9. If you were stuck on a desert island and had the choice of three things to take what would you take (doesn’t have to be crafty)?

Well I couldn’t go anywhere without my loincloth-clad serving men, I’d probably have to drag along my bookcases and I’d definitely need a laptop

10.OK – some one word answers to wrap up:

Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds, although I don’t often wear jewellery, I do love bling!!!
Coffee or tea? Coffee unless its Earl Grey Tea
Sweet or savoury? Sweet
Night owl or early bird? Strangely enough both
Left or right handed? Ambidextrous but right dominant, you have no idea how incredibly difficult that makes playing zills while bellydancing... but that’s another story.

December Giveaway Winner!

2009-12-24T09:30:00.000+08:00

is Liz (lizarddesigns)..... YYIIPPPPEEEEEE

Well done Liz and what a brilliant Christmas present thanks to Lisa!

Well done mamas and thank you for your support - many more amazing giveaways next year.

:)

Getting to Know You..A CM in Profile

2009-12-14T15:53:00.005+08:00

Here is installment three in our series.

Getting to Know You - Natalie

(Im pretty sure shes the one in pink LOL)

1. What is your name (first only is fine if you prefer) and what do we call you at Crafty Mamas?
My 'real name' is Natalie Hennekam, but at Crafty Mamas I'm generally known as "Henny Penny".

2. How long have you been around Crafty Mama and how did you find us?
I joined in March 2009. I was actually on another parenting forum, and Crafty Mamas kept coming up, so I came over to see what all the fuss was about. I've been here ever since!

3. What makes you a Crafty Mama – ie what is your activity(s) of choice?
My main activity is sewing, but I also do some knitting, and have tried a bit of needle felting. My husband also bought me a spinning wheel this year, but I haven't yet had the chance to sit down and play.

4. Some people collect fabrics, others patterns…what’s your addiction in the crafting sense.
Well, definitely fabric. I only wish I could sew fast enough to keep up with it all!
I also love gadgets... all those cool little tools that you know you could do without, but they just make life so much easier. My favourite would have to be the jean-a-magig. Although I've also recently discovered the Clover Fabric Folding Pen. Magic!

5. What’s your creative space like?
Overflowing! I am lucky enough to have a really big space, but I keep finding more and more to fill it with. And when I go on a sewing binge, I get really messy, and end up with threads, and scraps everywhere.

6. What’s your favourite crafty tool ?..ie your machines and why?

Aside from my gadgets? It's tricky.
My machines are amazing, however they are both new, and so we're still getting to know each other. So I probably wouldn't say they're my favourite just yet.
But my iron... oh yes ... that is right up there. It is probably the one item that makes the most difference in terms of how my work turns out.

7. Tell us about the most dedicated act of crafting you have performed ie sewed all night, drove 2 days for a craft show…something bordering on silly!

I recently sewed 7 new projects in 7 days. I'd been accumulating new patterns for some time, but hadn't kept up with them all. So I decided I'd spend a week sewing as much as I could - with the stipulation that all pieces had to be from patterns that I owned but hadn't used.

Not surprisingly, there were a few disasters (mainly from later in the week when I started to get very very tired!). However I also found some patterns I really love, and have used a lot since then. So well worth doing.

8. Do you have a blog/website/business/etsy you would like to plug?

Our business is MoederKip, which is Dutch for 'Mother Hen'. Why? Because a Mother Hen is nurturing, yet tough - and we felt this suited our aim to produce children's products which are both beautiful and practical.

Currently we're focussing on clothing and accessories, although we're also planning to expand with a range of wooden toys and decorations (which my Crafty Husband will create). Our blog is http:moederkip.blogspot.com, and we are also in the process of setting up www.moederkip.com.au (to be launched early 2010).

9. If you were stuck on a desert island and had the choice of three things to take what would you take (doesn’t have to be crafty)?
My husband.
My son.
My i-phone.

10. OK – some one word answers to wrap up:

Diamonds or Pearls?
Pearls.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee.
Unless I'm feeling a little precious. Then tea.
Sweet or savoury?
Sweet.
Night owl or early bird?
At the moment, trying to run a business and keep up with a two year old, I'd have to say both - a night owl (when I get things done), and an early bird (when my son wakes me up).
Left or right handed?
Right handed.

Getting to Know You..A CM in Profile

2009-12-07T07:48:00.004+08:00

Wow this profile segment was so well received I decided to do it weekly instead of monthly! Thanks for all the support!

Getting to Know You....Yvy

1. What is your name and what do we call you at Crafty Mamas?

Yvylyn Shaan-Lu and before you get your tongues in a twist, that’s pronounced ‘Evelyn’, but you can call me Yvy. I’m known as mistyeiz in the forum and that name is actually partly from my middle name ‘Shaan-Lu’. Being of mixed parentage [Indian and Eurasian] and incidentally, from Malaysia, ‘Shaan-Lu’ means mountain mist in Mandarin hence, misty and ‘eiz’ = eyes. Not that I have misty eyes!

2. How long have you been around Crafty Mama and how did you find us?

From memory, I’d say since March 09 and I was actually referred to the site through a friend who also happened to be the one who inspired me as well. It was my first time in a sewing forum and I wasn’t sure how I’d be since I would be the green horn amongst sewing gurus but am so glad to find such a wonderful lot of mamas!

3. What makes you a Crafty Mama – ie what is your activity(s) of choice?

I think the only thing I can do is sewing! I’m hopeless in the kitchen and cook to survive, plants hate me and die on me all the time, really. *lol* I have actually tried my hand at loads of other crafty things like crochet, knitting, cross stitch and the lot but none of those really lasted this long and I have loads of UFOs around! I dare say that I have finally found something that I truly believe will last the longest!

4. Some people collect fabrics, others patterns…what’s you addiction in the crafting sense.

Gosh, this is a toughie...being new to the passion, my current ‘addiction’ is definitely fabric as I am still getting to know the texture of fabrics out there. So I tend to get a bit of this and that when I can. It’s a crazy fabric world I tells ya! O, and one just can’t have too many Otto mags! My collection is slowly building up. *eekkss...*

5. What’s your creative space like?

Due to space constraint, I actually have both my OL and sewing machine on our dining table! And I store my fabrics in a cabinet DH generously offered me. The funny thing is he let me have like 3 shelves but as most of you know, fabrics ‘breed’ like rabbits and before he knew it, I took over another shelf. You should have seen his face when he finally noticed it. It was priceless! Not to mention that I have a box nearby as well filled with fabric and other tiny tins which contain thread, ribbons and stuff like that. I hope that when/if we do get a bigger place, one day, I’ll have a room to myself. That would be just AWESOME!

6. What’s your favourite crafty tool ?..ie your machines and why?

My overlocker!!! I seriously cannot remember what or how I ever survived pre-serger. *lol* I mean, I love my sewing machine too but man, having an OL really does make sewing so much easy especially with woven stuff. I used to avoid them but now, not so much any more.

7. Tell us about the most dedicated act of crafting you have performed ie sewed all night, drove 2 days for a craft show…something bordering on silly!

I don’t think I’ve done anything that radical just yet. I’m still sewing for the family but I can remember this one time where I was sewing an Otto pattern and it was already quite late and I was then preggers with DD2, close to my due date too! It was maybe after midnight and I told myself, just one more seam. And then when that was done, I thought, might as well do the other side and it just went on and on, and I was left with just the hem and I couldn’t just leave like that, could I?? So I finished the whole thing and went to bed at 3am. I was really knackered but so happy that I completed it! I don’t think I ever pulled that stunt again....at least not while I was still preggers.

8. Do you have a blog/website/business/etsy you would like to plug?

Yes! I blog here I mainly write about what I’ve sewn and make notes for myself so that I can remember what to do and what not to do in the future.

9. If you were stuck on a desert island and had the choice of three things to take what would you take?

I’m so not good with questions like these. So let’s just say the radio, my mum and a pantry that never runs out of food!

10. OK – some one word answers to wrap up:

• Diamonds or pearls – pearls because diamonds have a sad story behind them.
• Coffee or tea? Definitely a tea person
• Sweet or savoury? Savoury
• Night owl or early bird? Mostly a night owl
• Left or right handed? Right handed

The Jolly Man in the Red Suit

2009-12-06T15:57:00.001+08:00

We took the kids to the Christmas Pageant here in Perth this morning. As is the custom every year the jolly man in the red suit..aka Santa...aka Father Christmas finished the parade - led of course by his reindeer. I can believe its only 19 sleeps till Christmas...

Getting to Know You..A CM in Profile

2009-12-01T13:59:00.005+08:00

Im starting a new little series here on the blog so we can all get to know a bit more about each other.

Getting To Know You....Romi-Jade

1.What is your name (first only is fine if you prefer) and what do we call you at Crafty Mamas?

My name is Romi and my alias at Crafty Mamas is Muse – I was given that nickname by a friend who said I inspired him to turn his life around and get back on his feet again, plus being a creative little soul it seemed fitting.

2.How long have you been around Crafty Mama and how did you find us?

I’ve been at Crafty Mamas for about 6 months. I was a regular on another forum and was linked – it took me a few tries to get used to the layout difference, but then I just jumped in. I love that it’s a small community – it means I don’t feel as lost as I did in other forums. Everyone is so friendly and nice, so I’ve stayed :)

3.What makes you a Crafty Mama – ie what is your activity(s) of choice?

I love to sew, that’s my main hobby. I love to try lots of other crafty things like cooking, gardening, painting, scrap booking, digital art (in photoshop) and I’m learning to crochet. I’m a hopeless knitter though. Also, I don’t know if it counts, but I make video games for a living, so that’s pretty creative too :)

4. Some people collect fabrics, others patterns…what’s you addiction in the crafting sense.

I’ve just started getting addicted to buying both fabric and patterns. I used to be quite frugal about my sewing, but now I’m realising how rewarding it is so sew with beautiful fabrics and to use good patterns. My current addiction is to Japanese sewing books and fabrics – I think they’re simply gorgeous.

5. What’s your creative space like?

I’m lucky enough to have my own sewing room. I have my PC and painting supplies on one table and my overlocker and sewing machine on the other. My small, but steadily growing fabric stash is stored in a set of wire baskets while all my wooden letters and scrapbook supplies are either on display or safely stored away in containers in the wardrobe. I also have two big windows which are really nice; one even has a pretty view of the hills. I’ve yet to decorate my room, but it’s been on my to-do list for a while.

6. What’s your favourite crafty tool ?..ie your machines and why?

I love my sewing machine, even though it’s really basic and simple – I just have a fond attachment to it because it’s what I used to learn to sew. I also really love my new overlocker though, it’s nothing fancy, but it’s very fun to sew with. I’d LOVE to get an embroidery machine as I think it would be so fun to adorn simple fabrics with pretty designs… but that’s a little while away

7. Tell us about the most dedicated act of crafting you have performed ie sewed all night, drove 2 days for a craft show…something bordering on silly!

Haha – I don’t think I’m quite as dedicated as some when it comes to doing exhaustive overnight stunts, but one of the craziest things I’ve done was for a kids clothing swap. I had only just bought my sewing machine and barely knew how to use it, but I signed up for the swap thinking I’d end up making something like a simple skirt or dress – easy enough?

Well, I ended up being paired with a toddler boy and I didn’t want to do something boring, so I chose a cool pair of overalls. However, I didn’t know how to read patterns.. and I didn’t realise that it was comprised of 18 or so different pieces… plus a LOT of top-stitching with a twin needle.. which I did with a single needle.

It was a lot of sewing and it took me absolute hours to make, plus I felt like it was a bit ‘empty’ sending it by itself, so I made a scoodie and an iron-on-transfer for a shirt to go with it. It turned out really well for a beginner and I’m proud that I pushed myself, but I’m sure there are tons of faults from inexperience.

Anyway, here’s a link to my old blog and the post with all the photos for anyone that’s curious to see how they turned out – there’s also a link in the post to my swap partners blog, so you can see the clothes being worn by her adorable little boy.

8. Do you have a blog/website/business/etsy you would like to plug?

Sure! My craft blog is here...- I also have an Etsy shop called Omigosh where I was selling handmade kids clothes etc, but I’m currently letting my items expire so I can give the whole shop a nice makeover and so I can focus on sewing for fun and gifts for a while.

9. If you were stuck on a desert island and had the choice of three things to take what would you take (doesn’t have to be crafty)?

This is always a hard question because I always think ‘survival’ and practical as my first instinct, but that wouldn’t make a very interesting answer so for the sake of the question, I’d probably say my baby girl (I couldn’t live without her) and a heap of chocolate (all a girl really needs) and a pile of books to keep me entertained.

10. OK – some one word answers to wrap up:

•Team Edward or Team Jacob? Jacob all the way
•Coffee or tea? Hard choice, but I’d pick tea
•Sweet or savoury? Definitely sweet!
•Night owl or early bird? Night owl mostly
•Left or right handed? Right handed

Decembers CM Blog Giveaway

2009-12-01T12:44:00.003+08:00

Well.....we are in for a MASSIVE treat this month with our giveaway...The Craftiest Mama of them all - Lisa - has generously donated $100 worth of goodies from the Crafty Mamas store. Patterns, fabric, ribbon and other goodies will adorn your doorstep this December should you be the luckiest Crafty Mama in the whole world!!

Leave a comment...and this month I am going to draw the winner on Christmas Eve!!!!!

Good luck!!!!!!

November Giveaway Winner

2009-12-01T12:43:00.001+08:00

Congratulations Suzanne (Pobie) - you have won the wonderful giveaway that Peta created last month :)

Well done!

Stay tuned for Decembers giveaway....

Self Sufficient Mamas

2009-11-27T22:25:00.004+08:00

This year my husband put in a veggie patch at the back of our yard. Its something we have been meaning to do for a long time and after enlisting the help of a clever friend we got to it.

That was about 8 weeks ago and it has gone gang busters since then.

Here is the patch when we first started - this was the day we planted seedlings:

And here it is 8 weeks later!

We are going to harvest some zucchinis tomorrow and we have already been eating lettuce.

There is definitely something very satisfying about self sufficiency at any level.

Do you have a veggie patch or another form of self sufficiency you would like to share with us...chooks, worms, composting, veggies, fruit trees...its always inspiring to see what everyone else does!

November CM Blog Giveaway

2009-11-01T13:48:00.002+08:00

Well can you believe we are in November already! And that means another giveaway!

This months giveaway has been made for us by Peta and boy is it gorgeous! Aren't we lucky to have so many talented mamas giving away their things!

Peta has made us a Bloom by Georgie Hallam.

Size: Medium to fit 6 months to 4 years old (chest: 17 inches/43cm to 23inches/58.5cm). Length: 17.25 inches/44cm

Yarn: Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 8 ply in Ice (Gentle machine wash recommended by BWM though Peta would probably handwash).

The pic of it being worn is on Jessica and she has a 22 inch chest.

Leave a comment and I will draw this in December.....Good luck!

Congratulations Sally!

2009-11-01T13:39:00.001+08:00

Congratulations to Sally from the Virtually Sally blog for being the winner of Octobers giveaway of the wonderful girls nightie made by Cathy.

What a great mama made item and thanks again Cathy.

Stay tuned for the November giveaway!

Last Reminder for October Giveaway

2009-10-30T14:03:00.003+08:00

Oh my - can you believe that November is almost upon us!

That means time is running out for you to get in the draw for out October swap. Its the gorgeous girls nightie and its so cute - perfect for next winter!

So go here....and leave a comment - winner drawn Sunday!

Ho Ho Ho No!!!!

2009-10-21T08:57:00.003+08:00

As the weather gets warmer and the final term of school begins its only natural for our minds to turn towards the big C....and by that of course I mean Christmas.

You know...that time of year we panic about from January 1st every year...we spend a bucket load of cash, eat a bucket load of food and in the end collapse on the couch swearing never again! Does that sound familiar to you!

This year I have started planning back in July - touching base with "Santa" in relation to the kids presents. (When I say touch base I mean layby and when I say Santa I mean Target and Kmart!)but as the year ticks by I realise I have much more to do.

There is food to plan as this year we are having a Boxing Day brunch at my house. There are misc gifts to organise, teacher gifts to make, parties to RSVP, holidays and kennels to book. There is a Christmas tree to dust off and fairy light bulbs to check.

I have decided to make a proportion of gifts and buy the rest. There is alot happening in my family at this time, holidays overseas, houses being bought and renos being done so gifts such as cash and gift cards are more practical than bags and crayon rolls.....but they still have their place. For example my sister in law will get matching aprons for her and her partner and a recipe book of all my favourites to accompany their Bunnings gift card.

Teachers will get something made like a bag or the like with a box of chocolates thrown in! I was also considering making mini christmas cakes foe them...better get moving!

So over to you...what are you making this christmas - or arent you..how early do you plan and do you have grand plans that seem to never come to light!

Yummy Recipes at Crafty Mamas

2009-10-12T11:15:00.005+08:00

One of my favourite threads over at Crafty Mamas is the cooking section! I know there is always going to be a good suggestion for a recipe in there if I am stuck for inspiration.

Take this morning for example - doing some baking for the week and I wanted something new. I found Kyas recipe for pumpkin scones and so I made them! I knew I had some pumpkin in the freezer so it worked out perfectly. Thank you so very much for sharing Kya!

There are a whole range of wonderful recipes over in the forums and its a great database to use.

1 cup mashed pumpkin
1 egg
1/4 C oil
3/4 brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 C SR flour
1/4 tsp bi carb
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 C butter milk

Mix together pumpkin, sugar, egg, oil, vanilla sift in dry ingredients,add buttermilk and fold in gently . scoop into lined muffin pan.
Cook in mod oven 15 mins.

October Giveaway - Sweet Little Girls Nightie

2009-10-06T07:27:00.002+08:00

Its time again to announce our monthly giveaway and this months is a special treat! Another one of our mama made items, Cathy (narrawallee) has kindly given us one of her beautiful girls nighties as this months giveaway.

This is a long nightdress for a three year old child made from flannelet. It has pintucks at the front, has a box pleat at the back and has matching covered buttons and bias binding around the collar.

Isn't it super sweet! We are so spoilt here at Crafty Mamas aren't we! So leave a comment and I will draw a winner at the end of the month.

Thank you so much Cathy - and remember you have to be in it to win it!

October Swap at Crafty Mamas

2009-10-01T10:56:00.004+08:00

Octobers Swap at Crafty Mamas has been announced. We are doing a Christmas decoration swap. That way it will be getting to its recipients in time for Christmas!

So if you would like to join in please come by the forum at www.craftymamas.net and join in. guidelines are available there and only 50 posts are needed to participate. Easy!

And of course its such good fun!

Congratulations Punkys Mama

2009-10-01T08:37:00.001+08:00

Congratulations Victoria - you have been drawn out of the barrel as this months giveaway winner!!

This wonderful apron will be winging its way to you very very soon.

Thanks to all who entered - stay tuned for Octobers giveaway ...

Last Chance for September Draw

2009-09-30T13:25:00.002+08:00

Today is the last day to get your name in the draw for the September giveaway! Mandys apron is waiting for a new home....so go here...and leave a message!

Drawn tomorrow...best of luck!

2009-09-20T11:24:00.002+08:00

Pic: amazon.co.uk

My very good friend Tamara recently had myself and the kids around for coffee and she put out a plate for the kids which included this Muesli Slice. Jack really didn't look twice but Lainey ate three pieces! So i thought I would get the recipe from her and this morning I have made some. The recipe comes from the Family Circle Superb Slices Cookbook.

250g of butter
1 cup castor sugar
2 tablespoons honey
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup coconut
1 cup half crushed corn flakes
1/2 cup slithered almonds
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1/2 cup dried apricots chopped
1 cup dried fruit.

Combine the butter, sugar and honey in a bowl and melt in the microwave until sugar is dissolved.

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and make a well. Pour in the butter mixture and mix well.

Out into a slice tray or use a muffin pan and put into the oven at 160 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden...if using muffin pans they take less to cook. Cool completely in the time and then pop in the fridge for 2 hours.

This morning I used golden syrup instead of honey and some different ingredients by way of dried fruit etc as I didn't have everything listed. This is one of those recipes you can pretty much use anything I think!!

I will let you know if I have managed to recreate the magic for Lainey!

Milo Choc Chip Scones

2009-09-20T10:29:00.001+08:00

Perhaps making the humble scone with Milo as an ingredient is sacrilege, but all I can say is these are divine. I got the recipe from a friend of mine who lives in Canberra - Kylie - and she makes them for her band of boys and they love them.

Milo Choc Chip Scones

Sift 4 cups S/R flour and 1/2 cup Milo in large bowl.Mix through 1/2 cup choc bits.

Make a well in centre and pour in 300ml thickened cream and a can of lemonade.

Cut liquid through till combined, pour out and knead gently and roll out until about 2cm thick, cut and bake in mod oven for out 15mins or till browned.

I made the first batch of these this morning and am waiting for them to cool before they are devoured.

Cinderella zwergen mode Lilly Piece Skirt

2009-09-01T20:10:00.001+08:00

This is another one from the Cinderella *zwergen* mode range that I recently picked up from Crafty Mamas. This pattern came in German and so there were a few moments where I had to stop and think about it - but Claudia has put together such a concise pattern with great pics that I had no real problems.

The fabric is denim (which is hard to photograph I think) from my stash, and the contrast is stash from Crafty Mamas. I cant remember exactly what it is but it feels like drill but with a stretch to it.

I love it - the pattern is fabbo and the combination are endless. I will put it with the Angie skirt I made earlier today.

Cinderella zwergen mode Angie Summer Shirt.

2009-09-01T15:05:00.001+08:00

Mike has been home from work ill today and I decided being the caring wife I am to use that to my advantage and sew!

This is the new line from Cinderella *zwergen* mode. I jumped in and bought this (along with some of the others!) pattern...the Angie Summer Shirt.

I traced and cut it out last night and sewed it today. I love it. The pattern is well written and the pictures are great for someone like me who is a visual learner! It was clear and easily understood and in no time I had sewn this up!

I used red and yellow Colorado from the Crafty Mamas shop and the monkey boy velour Farbenmix iron on also from the same place. This top is for Lainey and in the beginning I thought the colours and iron might not be girlie enough but I actually thin they look great and perfect for Lainey.

Hotpants are next!

Congratulations!

2009-09-01T09:53:00.001+08:00

Congratulations to Tracy from Mad Quilter for being our August giveaway winner! Well done and I will be in touch for you postal address.

Dont forget to leave a comment on this months giveaway - a beautiful apron made by Mandy!

September Giveaway Emmeline Apron.

2009-08-31T15:39:00.004+08:00

This months giveaway has been made by the wonderfully talented crafty mama Mandy.

It is the Emmeline Apron and here is what she had to say about it:

"Here it is my first Emmeline Apron and I just love this pattern. I used two Timeless Treasures fabrics from the Casbar range, and a brown homespun fabric that matched really well with the prints. Thanks for looking."

Thank you so very much Mandy and you have done such a wonderful job!

You know the drill leave a comment and I will draw the winner at the end of the month.

Clothes for Dolly

2009-08-31T13:51:00.002+08:00

Next week is Laineys 2nd birthday and we have bought her a Cabbage Patch Doll. To go with that I am in the process of making some clothes so her dolly can be as stylish as she is !

I made this dress today (modeled by her current but smaller dolly with only one eye that stays open - so the dress looks a little big!) using the Mamu Design Christina for Dolls pattern from Crafty Mamas (this is an e-pattern so instant gratification at time of purchase!) I used some of the Kaufman 21 Wale cord (also from Crafty mamas) out of my scrap box along with some black bias binding.

It took about 30 minutes, and that included tracing the pattern. Quick, simple and lovely. I plan on having more ready for when her new dolly comes to live with us.

Choc Chip Muffins

2009-08-19T16:46:00.002+08:00

Today the kids and I did some baking. We made choc chip muffins using my favourite muffin recipe supplied to me by Lisa. I wont use any other recipe now. I added 200g of choc chips and they are delish!

2 cups plain flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons custard powder
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup veg oil

Mix well. Then add your add ins...

I have also used stewed fruit as well as making them plain. Yummo!

owl

2009-08-18T16:05:00.002+08:00

Hi, made a owl just thought I would share I think he is really cute,next I'm going to make a caterpillar.
I like it so much I have put it as my avatar.
I have a old pattern and on it has five toys to make a owl,caterpillar,dog ,clown and a doll.

New Conceptions Baby Essentials

2009-08-09T18:23:00.003+08:00

New Conceptions Baby Essentials
Made from fabrics also bought from the Crafty Mama's Store.

The pattern instructions were really easy to follow.
The pattern pieces fitted together well and were very easy to sew.
I only needed my sewing machine to construct these garments.

T Shirt Surgery Challenge Inspiration

2009-08-08T19:50:00.007+08:00

I made something today for the August Challenge in the CM Forums - T Shirt Surgery - but I'm not at all happy with it. It's a reversible bag made from two old band shirts, but I am just not feeling the love, so I decided to have a bit of a scout around for further inspiration.

Here is the bag I WISH I had made today... it certainly would have wasted less time!!

More things to do with tees:

This kimono top tute looks easy enough AND it's super cute.

Adorable and crazy easy kids pants - I've used this tute myself, and although I tweaked it, I highly recommend it. I also recommend trying it out with a tee you wouldn't necessarily put on your child if it were their size; eg, In the pic below, I used a boys style skate tee - I love how the finished pants turned out. What I did differently; instead of tracing the inside leg, I traced the curve of the crotch only & cut the tee straight down with middle for a funky wide leg. I also used material from the sleeves of the shirt to make a drawstring instead of using elastic.

Here is a tute on how to make yourself some yoga pants, if, unlike me, you happen to have a shirt big enough handy.... ;)

T Shirt Undies....!! Need I say more?

This set on flickr shows a unique idea that brings new meaning to 'designer tee'; wall art from T Shirts.

A fantastic, if not particularly new, idea is to make a 'memory quilt' from old tees, I love the idea but would have to start now with the collecting of the shirts with meaning. Hmmm... check back with me in 20 years. In the meantime, here are some examples of quilts sewn by people just a little bit more organised.

One thing about crafting with tees is that sometimes you actually end up creating waste, lots of projects only require the body of the shirt, leaving the sleeves as scrap. This quick tute shows you how to make a little hats for bubs & use up some of those pesky sleeves!

I have this tute on how to make a toddler dress from an adult T Shirt to thank for showing me how to make cute swirly-almost-ruffled lettuce edges by stretching the knit as you sew it...

Hopefully these have have sparked some creative ideas for you too - I have just now found a little light bulb on above my head, an old fashioned one mind you, not a new energy saver deal'e, they just don't do the trick when it comes to illustrating the formation of bright ideas - and hope to see you in the August Challenge!

Congratulations HennyPenny

2009-08-08T08:05:00.000+08:00

Congratulations go to HennyPenny (Moderkip) this morning as random.org drew number 8...the number that was your post. The Sami pattern will shortly be on its way to you...enjoy!

Dont forget to leave a comment if you would like to win our first Mama Made giveaway - that ends at the end of the month!

Baby Top and Pants

2009-08-04T16:16:00.004+08:00

Knitted in cotton a size 000 in a dark purple, finished of the neck and armholes with crocheting the pants have a rib waist and rib around the legs had this cotton in my stash, think it took two balls in 4ply and 50gram balls.

August Giveaway

2009-08-03T14:24:00.005+08:00

Well aren't we spoilt for choice here this month!

As promised here is Augusts giveaway - our first Mama Made item.

I have made a Double Duty bag by Sew Baby and its one of my absolute favourite bag patterns. Its suitable for all sorts of things from being a baby bag, a library bag, a craft project storage bag...you name it! Its got pockets on the inside and good length handles. I made it using a beautiful soft brown cord and a green polka dot fabric. I bought the pattern through one of the very first Special Buys I was bought from at Crafty Mamas!

Outside of bag

Outside of bag

Inside of bag

Inside of bag

I hope you like it - and if you do please leave a comment and Random.org will draw a winner at the end of the month.

Good luck!

Stop the Press - Quick Weekly Giveaway!

2009-08-03T11:28:00.004+08:00

Oh goodness me how lucky are we!!!!

Lisa has given me a brand spanking new pattern to giveaway this week.

Kleine Hexenkuche Patterns are new to Crafty Mamas and to celebrate Lisa is giving away a copy of Sami.

EXCLUSIVELY to us from our Crafty Mama friend in GERMANY, this is a jacket for the whole year, whether thick or as a light summer jacket. Everything is possible with this cut. In comes in sizes.86-176, so there is no excuse to put your name in the barrel for this one.

So leave a comment and be in the draw...I will have Random.org select a winner Saturday 8th August.

Good luck!!!!

Oh and dont forget to check out www.craftymamas.net for the whole Kleine Hexenkuche Patterns range :)

Congratulations Biance Jae - July Winner

2009-08-01T18:03:00.003+08:00

Congrats Bianca Jae you won Julys giveaway! Please let me know your postal afddress so I can get it out to you!

Augusts giveaway is Mama Made...by yourse truely..so stay tuned :)

Last Day To Register for Our July Giveaway

2009-07-31T14:33:00.002+08:00

The title says it all - go here to leave a comment...the prize will be drawn tomorrow.

Next months giveaway is Mama Made!!! Stay tuned.

Monthly Book Club - August Title - Bram Stokers Dracula

2009-07-28T19:19:00.002+08:00

Lisa came up with a smashing idea about having a book club at Crafty Mamas - I think its a wonderful idea and I love reading books others have chosen. It broadens your mind alot!

Being the inaugural month Lisa chose and her selection is Bram Stokers Dracula....wow! I have not ever read it and cant wait to get my hands on a copy.

If you haven't read it - or even if you have come and join us. I am so excited - Lisa chose a corker of a title!

Cough Cough Splutter Sneeze

2009-07-23T13:20:00.005+08:00

Pic: naturalmoms.com

Well this winter has certainly been a corker for illness around my house. Coughs, colds, tonsillitis and ear infections have topped the list.

It got me thinking about how next winter I can better prepare my family's immunity to hopefully prevent a repeat of this years illnesses.

So I deferred to Dr Google to see if the world wide web could shed some light on natural ways to boost our immunity for the rest of this winter and into the next. Here are some of the sites I found:

10 Ways to Boost Immune Health

Boost Your Immunity

Ideas for the Men

SMH article

Do you have any tried and true immune boosters or natural remedies for the dreaded lurgy - Please share them with us!

MILO KAL

2009-07-21T14:17:00.003+08:00

I have finished the Milo as part of the knit along. Have I mentioned how much I love this pattern:)

Finished, but not blocked - I thought that with him wearing it and it being a machine wash yarn it was slightly pointless. I am finding that it rolls a little on him - so I might do a k1p1 rib at the bottom next time.

Cable is the large cable in the pattern. Thanks Tikki for a great pattern.

Anna Sew-A-Long

2009-07-17T15:23:00.002+08:00

Ok after instigating this sew-a-long I have finally finished!

I think I did it right - I did find the instructions a little light on and needed an online tute to assist.

I love the fabric - stretch denim from a fabric store that was closing down - $4 a metre!

I have my sewjo back...

2009-07-10T11:03:00.003+08:00

I have been sewing...

A cord pinni

cord pants

polar fleece skirt

On the list and cut out ready to do - an Anna dress and a set of yoga pants for Moi!

For more pics and pattern info please refer to my BLOG

skirt

2009-07-09T19:37:00.003+08:00

Here is a skirt with a overlay size 10 child.
I wish I had someone to model it looks better on then off.

What The?

2009-07-07T07:41:00.003+08:00

Do you sometimes read a pattern back or book and think "what the heck does that mean???".....or you come across a fabric in the shop and think "what can I use that for??".

I do...all the time...and thank goodness the clever crafty mamas at the CM forum are usually there to help me out (trust me I have asked some really silly questions..!) but in the middle of the night (and when its midnight here its about 2am in the east) when noone is around you need to turn to the oracle - the internet.

I have found some really helpful sites along the way and I wanted to share them with you.

1. Sewopaedia - sewing terminology and the language of fashion and sewing.

2. True Up - a blog dedicated to fabric

3. Only Sewing - another glossary of terms

And how about when you are trying to knit a new pattern and come across an abbreviation you dont know...check out these sites:

1. Needlepointers.com - a list of other websites that give terminology definitions and abbreviations.

2. about.com - Types of yarn and whats available on the market today.

How about embriodery stitches that pop out of the pattern at you by suprise...

1. Sharon B's Dictionary of Stitches for Hand Embroidery and Needlework - a very comprehensive guide to needlework stitches.

So there you go - I hope this collection from my 1 million bookmarks is helpful...as I know there is nothing more aggrevating than being stuck and having noone to ask !

Do you have a great link you use...share it with us..please!

School Holidays Boredom Buster - Crayon Melts

2009-07-06T17:22:00.002+08:00

Pic: hubpages.com

Thanks so much Amanda for adding another wonderful school holiday boredom buster! Thats so cool! Well I thought I would chick a fav of ours in here. I have seen it in a number of places and here is a good one with all the instructions you need. Its for Crayon Melts - a great way to reuse all the crayon stubs...there is no need to throw then away and they make wonderful multi-coloured colouring in tools for the kiddies these holidays.

See the way to do it here....

Then once you have done that head on over here... for some free downloadable colouring in pages in a wide variety of Disney characters. My kids love these and then use the backs to draw pictures on.

Of course there are so many other colouring pages and activities for the kids...what do you love to do with the kids in the holidays?

School Holiday Boredom Buster - Bracelets

2009-07-06T16:49:00.004+08:00

If you hate throwing stuff away and love wearing unique jewelry, then turning your old toothbrushes and knitting needles into bracelets is a match made in heaven.

1. Find an old toothbrush (if the bristles are really yuck pull them out) and/or old knitting needles.

2. Boil a pot of water on the stove (so kids you really need adults help to do this).

3. With a pair of tongs insert the toothbrush/needle into the boiling water for approx 5 mins.

4. Carefully remove the toothbrush/needle with tongs and using something like a dish cloth or similiar to prevent burns to your hands gently bend the toothbrush into shape or wrap around a tin to form a circular shape.

5. When you get the desired shape plunge into cold water.

6. Voila you know have a funky new bracelet!

July Giveaway!

2009-07-06T13:34:00.003+08:00

Pic: karimeaway.com

Ok well what a success we had with our first giveaway...so why stop there with the pattern giveaway!

This months giveaway is the beautiful Lauren Sundress pattern from Kari Me Away. These beautiful patterns have been designed by Kari Mecca and are so cute! This pattern is for sizes 2-14 so there is no excuse not to enter!

You know the drill, just leave a comment and on the first day of August I will draw a winner.

Best of luck!

Pinny

2009-07-05T15:33:00.004+08:00

Here is a pinny, it is a size 2 child with a box pleat in the front and covered buttons in baby cord - with a blouse or skivvy under it would be very nice and stockings as well make a nice winter outfit.

Another Jule

2009-07-03T07:46:00.004+08:00

My finished Jule as part of the recent sew-a-long. I made this in a nice and snuggly velour from the CM shop.

This pattern is too cute, I love the spiral hood. My DD loves it too which is always a good thing. :)

And the Winner is!!!!!

2009-07-01T08:08:00.004+08:00

Kat said...

ooOH! Me too please :)
June 22, 2009 4:04 PM

Congratulations Kat! After employing the uses of Random.org - the number 9 was selected and Kat - your post was the 9th!!

You have won the Farbenmix patterns Anna and a Geske thanks to the wonderful and generous Lisa at Crafty Mamas!

If your name isn't Kat (and for 45 of you that's the case!!) stay tuned as later today I am going to announce our next giveaway!

Why Are You A Crafty Mama?

2009-07-01T07:25:00.004+08:00

As I sat up hand-stitching a garment the other night until 1am, even though I knew I’d be up again at 5am with a full day ahead, I asked myself the question I usually ask at times like this.... “Why on earth am I doing this??!”.

Some of the reasons I’ve heard for why people ‘craft’, include:

Not being able to find clothes that fit
Wanting to save money
Wanting to be more environmentally responsible
A fit with spiritual beliefs (which may or may not be religious)
A connection with generations past and future - passing down tradition and skill
Wanting to keep busy to aid in quitting smoking or losing weight

I think I’ve given most of the reasons above at one point or another to explain my need to create. But you know what, I think there’s something more to it.

Because it does appear to be a need - not just a hobby or something to fill in the time. So much so, that I wonder sometimes if the act of creating is indeed something that is inherently human (a kind of Descartian “I create, therefore I am”).

So what do you think? Why are you a Crafty Mama?

School Holiday Boredom Buster - Salt Crystals

2009-06-27T14:13:00.003+08:00

School holidays are back!!! So I thought I'd share these holidays a few school holiday boredom busters.

Today is growing salt crystals.

You will need:

*A clean jar
*String (I tend to prefer brown string)
*Scissors
*A bolt or something to use as a weight
*Pencil
*1 - 2 cups of boiling water
*1-2 cups of table salt (another variation is to use sugar)
*A couple of drops of food colouring (optional).

Boil water and place into your clean jar. Then pour in enough salt so that you only have only a tiny amount of undisolved salt crystals at the bottom of the jar that will not dissolve.

Tie your string to the middle of your pencil and tie your weight to the end of the string ensuring that your string is short enough that it dosn't reach the bottom of your jar.

Leave the string dangling in the solution overnight, the next day you will notice some small crystals, replace the string in water and over the next few days you will notice the crystals will grow. If you would like larger crystals it is necessary to replace the salt solution daily.

Enjoy!

2009-06-26T18:51:00.002+08:00

This is my entry into this months Crafty Mama Competition.
Great prize up for grab this month and lots of tough competition!
The cord came from the Craftymamas shop, it's beautifully soft.
As always CM's service was second to none!
The pattern is Vogue 1757 Maternity Career Wardrobe This is the swing maternity coat.

The Coat is lined with a vintage sheet. It's nice and warm. I managed to get the set in sleeves first time on both the outer and the lining!! Still a novel experience for me :D

I made another coat from this pattern 6 years ago. And love the style of it.

Flannelette nightdress

2009-06-26T16:24:00.003+08:00

This is a long nightdress for a three year old child I made. It has pintucks at the front, has a box pleat at the back.

If you have any other questions just ask me.

Cathy

Ottobre 1/2009 Siiri Pinafore Dress

2009-06-26T09:47:00.004+08:00

I just thought I would share with you all a top I made for one of my daughters.

From Ottobre 1/2009 this is the Siiri Pinafore Dress made using a gorgeous cord I bought last year from the Crafty Mamas shop. It fits my DD lovely and would look great with either a skivvy or t-shirt underneath. I think she'll get a lot of wear out of this!

My Finished Jule

2009-06-26T07:58:00.004+08:00

This is my finished piece for the Jule Sew-a-long. I finished it last week but only got around to blogging it today! I love the fabric - velour...my favourite fabric for this winter..oh wait...maybe Minky is - oh I cant decide! I had an "issue" with the hem - I was going to add the ruffle but then made an error so its a tad short - next time I might use matching poplin to make a less bulky ruffle (as was suggested to me by the lovely Sara).

TFL!

Crafts for kids - Playdough

2009-06-22T15:02:00.006+08:00

I've never met a child that doesn't love digging their fingers into playdough. Squishing, moulding and rolling, oh the hours of fun that can be had with the dough is amazing.

If your like me though, you may have had a few making playdough disasters in the search to finding a good homemade playdough recipe. It's too gooey, it's too hard or just a plain big fat mess. Well, look no further as here is my favourite easy peasy playdough recipe.

Playdough Recipe:

2 cups of plain flour
1 cup of salt
2 tablespoons of oil
4 tablespoons of cream of tartar
2 cup of hot water (not boiling)
A few drops of food colouring
glitter (optional).

Method: Mix all ingredients in a saucepan over medium for approx 3 -5mins or until the mixture congeals. When playdough is not in use keep in an airtight container in the fridge and it will last you for months!

June Giveaway!

2009-06-22T14:47:00.004+08:00

Alright - we all love a giveaway! I know there are very few days left in this month but heck - it doesnt take long to leave a comment does it! This months giveaway comes straight to you from the Crafty Mamas store...and it is *drumroll please*

2 Farbenmix Patterns!!!

Anna

and

Geske

These are an amazing range of patterns.

So to be in the running simply leave a comment by 11.59pm on Tuesday 30th June and at the beginning of July I will draw a winner at random using Random.org. Winner takes both patterns :)

In months to come there will be more patterns as well as giveaways donated by you..the Crafty Mama. If you would like to donate something then please contact me or come to the forums and introduce yourself and get involved!

Good luck!

The Farbenmix Jule Sew-a-long

2009-06-19T08:19:00.003+08:00

Sometimes attacking a new pattern can be a bit daunting and never more so when the instructions are in German!!! Farbenmix are a huge and wonderful range of Euro patterns and currently we are having a sew-a-long for the pattern Jule.

Its not exactly a cracking pace so people dont feel pushed to finish by a certain date! A thread in the forum enables us to chat about the pattern and ask questions of each other. There are also links to pattern translations and design examples.

Its a great way to get motivated and its awesome seeing everyone's finished work. Those participating are going to post some of their finished pieces in this blog!

Other a-long's we have done including knitting for charity and sewing Enid Gilchrist Patterns.

Its great fun - so come check it out at the Crafty Mamas forum...

Free Patterns and Tutorials

2009-06-18T10:34:00.005+08:00

Pic: sewingfreebies.com

There is nothing like getting something for free and on the world wide web there is a plethora of freebies in the way of sewing and craft tutorials and patterns.

At the Crafty Mamas forum mamas have submitted links for patterns for knitting, sewing, crocheting, sewing clothes as well as headbands, bags, costumes and well really just about anything!

We also have some very talented Mamas who have shared their knowledge with us including Tracy at Mad Quilter. I have made a number of her tutorials including the DS Nintendo Pouch and the water bottle holder. My son has the funkiest bottle holder in all the kindy! Tracy's latest tutorial is for a bandana style bib.

So come on over and have a gander...your to-do list will grow rapidly!

Winter Warmer Recipes - Pea and Ham Soup

2009-06-17T08:23:00.005+08:00

Pic: taste.com.au

There is nothing like a nice steaming plate of Pea and Ham soup on a cold winters night! My crockpot is on with all the ingredients to deliver such a meal tonight!

Pea and Ham Soup
2 cups split peas
1 ham hock
1 onion
2 carrots
2 potatoes
water

Cut up the onion and carrots and potatoes and put all of the ingredients into a crockpot. Pour water over them until just covered and set on high. You may need to add extra water so keep an eye on it.

When the ham is coming off the bone, remove the hock and take the meat off, add back into the pot and either serve chunky or whizz till your happy with the consistency.

Serve with crusty bread.

There are some really yummy recipes including Budget Busters and Family Favs in the forums....so there is no reason to be stuck for something to make tonight!

Special Buys at Crafty Mamas This June

2009-06-16T19:53:00.003+08:00

We all love a bargain! C'mon...you cant tell me you dont...

Have you seen the latest Special Buys at Crafty Mamas?

Lisa has some amazing selections for the month of June including

Wired Up Fabric Designs

Jalie Patterns

Headgear Prints

and the greatly anticipates Kokka Japanese Fabric

How do you get involved...come to Crafty Mamas and check out the Special Buys thread...so simple!

Follow Us On Facebook

2009-06-16T16:44:00.004+08:00

Like just about everyone out there today Crafty Mamas can now be found on Facebook. We have a page where you can be a friend here......and we have a fan page here.... which you can all the latest shop news from...

So now there is no reason not to keep up!

Come Join Us!

2009-06-16T15:20:00.002+08:00

There's nothing like a great online community - and that's what Crafty Mamas is all about.

So dont delay any longer...come here to Crafty Mamas..sign up for our forums and our newsletters and perhaps have a browse through the shop.

You'll be glad you did!

June Theme Challenge - Calorie Free Sweet Treats

2009-06-16T15:16:00.005+08:00

Oh dont we all wish we could have calorie free sweet treats! Well here is our chance..in the crafty sense of course.

For our JUNE Challenge...we want to see some Sweety Treat crafty Projects!!

In any medium you choose ( ie: fabric, felt, wool, painted etc).
...just make them mouth watering!!

Dont forget to post your entry here at Craft Mamas and of course...have fun!

June Competition - Knits/Pattern Up For Grabs

2009-06-16T15:03:00.000+08:00

Currently in stock Farbenmix Patterns - Xenia.

It's starting to get chilly out there, so now's the time to get your snuggly Winter sewing projects underway!

We have a $50.00 knit fabric bundle up for grabs as well as a Farbenmix pattern of your choice.

Total value of $66.00 rrp from the Crafty Mamas Shop.

To win this cool prize, we want to see some snuggly mama made outfits.
Label your pic " Crafty Mamas JUNE comp" and date it and post it on our forum here...

You have until the end of June to get your entries in.

Happy Sewing!

Welcome to Crafty Mamas!

2009-06-16T14:53:00.000+08:00

Crafty Mamas is about to enter its fourth year and its bigger and stronger than ever. A wonderful community where crafty people can get together and just be..well..crafty!

Stay tuned to the blog for heaps of information about the latest goings on around Crafty Mamas...including information on the latest challenges and competitions, Special Buys and maybe a giveaway or two (if I cant talk the boss into it!)

So, follow us as a friend of Crafty Mamas and stay up to date!

Crafty Mamas Group Blog

Growing Crafty Kids

August Giveaway Winner

BLOG GIVE-AWAY!!

June Giveaway Winner

June CM Blog Giveaway

May CM Blog Giveaway Winner

May CM Blog Giveaway

April CM Blog Giveaway Winner

April CM Blog Giveaway

March CM Blog Giveaway Winner

Congo Congo Congo!

March CM Blog Giveaway

Getting To Know You ... A CM In Profile

February Blog Giveaway Winner

Getting To Know You ... A CM In Profile

February CM Blog Giveaway

Getting to Know You..A CM in Profile

Back to School Baking

Getting to Know You..A CM in Profile

What Ya Sewing!

Januarys CM Blog Giveaway

Then and now...

Merry Christmas

Getting to Know You..A CM in Profile

December Giveaway Winner!

Getting to Know You..A CM in Profile

Getting to Know You..A CM in Profile

The Jolly Man in the Red Suit

Getting to Know You..A CM in Profile

Decembers CM Blog Giveaway

November Giveaway Winner

Self Sufficient Mamas

November CM Blog Giveaway

Congratulations Sally!

Last Reminder for October Giveaway

Ho Ho Ho No!!!!

Yummy Recipes at Crafty Mamas

October Giveaway - Sweet Little Girls Nightie

October Swap at Crafty Mamas

Congratulations Punkys Mama

Last Chance for September Draw

Milo Choc Chip Scones

Cinderella *zwergen* mode Lilly Piece Skirt

Cinderella *zwergen* mode Angie Summer Shirt.

Congratulations!

September Giveaway Emmeline Apron.

Clothes for Dolly

Choc Chip Muffins

owl

New Conceptions Baby Essentials

T Shirt Surgery Challenge Inspiration

Congratulations HennyPenny

Baby Top and Pants

August Giveaway

Stop the Press - Quick Weekly Giveaway!

Congratulations Biance Jae - July Winner

Last Day To Register for Our July Giveaway

Monthly Book Club - August Title - Bram Stokers Dracula

Cough Cough Splutter Sneeze

MILO KAL

Anna Sew-A-Long

I have my sewjo back...

skirt

What The?

School Holidays Boredom Buster - Crayon Melts

School Holiday Boredom Buster - Bracelets

July Giveaway!

Pinny

Another Jule

And the Winner is!!!!!

Why Are You A Crafty Mama?

School Holiday Boredom Buster - Salt Crystals

Flannelette nightdress

Ottobre 1/2009 Siiri Pinafore Dress

My Finished Jule

Crafts for kids - Playdough

June Giveaway!

The Farbenmix Jule Sew-a-long

Free Patterns and Tutorials

Cinderella zwergen mode Lilly Piece Skirt

Cinderella zwergen mode Angie Summer Shirt.