Hello Tokyo by The Red Thread for Robert Kaufman is here !

 

 

How gorgeous is this new range that has just arrived at the TOMG warehouse ahead of schedule which is so exciting!

Hello Tokyo has been designed by Lisa from The Red Thread for Robert Kaufman Fabrics.

We had a huge response to this as a pre order and you can now purchase this from our website…. and during our huge EOFY Sale it is 10% off the entire range.

Would would you create with this must have range? Here are just a few ideas from Lisa

 

Designer Spotlight–Introducing Melissa Stramel from Lilac Lane Patterns

We are thrilled to introduce you to Melissa from Lilac Lane Patterns and to find out a little about her and her fabulous designs

Tell us about you?
I’m Melissa Stramel, the designer behind Lilac Lane Patterns. I create patterns for little girls’ outfits, bags, and some quilts. The theme of Lilac Lane is “Make Life Beautiful” and by that I try to spread beauty through everything I do. My aim is to teach anyone who would like to sew to both learn and love to do it.   How did your business name come about?
My business is named after the street I lived on in college at the University of Kansas. '  
Tell us about your products and list 3 (which we stock) that are your favourites and why?
My favorite patterns are Beloved because it was created for my girls to wear as flower girls in my niece’s wedding, the Friendship Dress because it’s an updated classic, and the Chasing Rainbows quilt because I love all the color. My designs are entirely inspired by my children and what I think little girls should wear. My style is definitely modest and classic, but with a twist.     Where do you find inspiration for new designs? My business has evolved through very nontraditional paths. I love everything floral. I started out creating and selling silk flower arrangements. This led to opening a little store in my town which was a co-op of creative people, such as a soap maker and a candle maker and many others. As the business grew, people asked about sewn items, and I started to make and sell those too. I’ve always sewn, at least since I was three (I have real evidence from that time – a pillow I created for my grandma), so this was an easy thing for me to add. Since I was making up my creations as I went, I thought I should develop them into patterns. I started with the Moda Bake Shop and Riley Blake Cutting Corners and from there began publishing actual patterns.



What does the future hold for you
I have a new series of patterns just released called Learning to Sew. They are very basic, and yet things that the girls want to make.

These patterns assume that the buyer has only a basic knowledge of sewing, such as turning on the machine, threading the needle, winding the bobbin and sewing a straight line and i have just released the Hopscotch Dress

We hope you have enjoyed getting to know Melissa, you can view all her patterns here
   

Mega PDF Giveaway

We know how much you all love PDF epatterns…… so we are giving 1 lucky winner the chance to win 15!!!

A selection of our amazing designers have joined Patterns Only for this great giveaway. The winner will be able to choose 1 PDF from each of the following designers

✂ Artsy Craftsy

✂ Blissful Patterns

✂ Boo Designs

✂ Charlie’s Aunt

✂ Chris W

✂ Figgy’s

✂ Fishsticks

✂ Monkeybugs

✂ Pink Poodle Bows

✂ Sher Hastings

✂ Stitchwerk Designs

✂ The Crochet Diva

✂ Tie Dye Diva

✂ Whimsy Couture

✂ You Sew Girl

So how do you win this fabulous prize!!!

Just enter via rafflecopter below or via our Facebook page – competition ends Friday 31st May, 2013

There are options to gain extra entries also , and you can enter everyday!

 

Good Luck everyone!

CONRATULATIONS.....the winner is....

LESLEY FLETCHER

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mother’s Day Hunt & Pamper Giveaway

We are kicking off our Mother’s Day Safari Hunt & Giveaway today for your chance to win some awesome prizes and this pamper pack valued at over $500 and filled with gorgeous Australian made Napolean Make-Up, Candles, Soap, Oils, a Marilyn Monroe handbag and more…..

How do you enter the Treasure Hunt ?

Starting today, we will release new clues for our treasure hunt (12 in total). They will be listed below.

We will nominate which website from our 3 sites and place the pic below on the correct listings where the answer can be found so you will know you have the right one.

Once you have the answer write it down and at the end of the hunt, Saturday 11th May, email us all the answers with a link to the listing or the full title of the item !

A list of the clues will be listed below and also on our events page

The winner will be chosen at random, from the most correct answers and win an amazing Fabric and Pattern pack valued at over $100

How do I win the PAMPER PACK?
This is the easy part…. just head over to our Facebook App and enter.... receive a bonus 10 entries just by making a purchase on any of our websites, The Oz Material Girls, Patterns Only or Bargain Fabric. I lucky customer will win the lot and the winner will be drawn on Mother’s Day.

We will also be playing some fun games over on our event’s page with your change to win random prizes, so be sure you have joined the page so you don’t miss out

SHARE & WIN

Share this competition with your friends and family, leave a comment on our FB page to let us know you have with the link to where you shared, and you will go into the draw to win a mystery prize valued at over $50…just for sharing!!!!

CLUES

If you need a hint, pop over to our event’s page and post on our wall for a clue

1. They say the rainbow has 7 colours, but at TOMG there are 47 to choose from! Go to www.theozmaterialgirls.com to find the answer

2. If only every beginning were handmade.  I do love babies!  Go to www.patternsonly.com to find the answer

3. Rock Chic!   Go to www.bargainfabric.com.au  to find the answer

Clue 4. Bella and I saw a whole lot of orange birdies this morning. answer can be found at www.theozmaterialgirls.com

5. I'd like to bee a daisy, they're as cute as a button!   Go to www.patternsonly.com to find the answer 

6. What a doozie! Go to www.bargainfabric.com.au to find the answer

7. Only another sew-er would understand my need to build my stash each month! It's like bringing a new bundle of joy home :)  Answer can be found at www.theozmaterialgirls.com
 8. I'm all about speed, give me a quick project any day!  And when I'm finished I like to celebrate and break out the bunting! Go to www.patternsonly.com to find the answer :)

9. Down in the jungle where nobody goes, there's a great big Giraffe striking a pose. Go to www.bargainfabric.com.au to find the answer

10. Whenever I go outside to feed the animals, I put on my very mod waterproof gear.
Go to www.theozmaterialgirls.com to find the answer :)

Clue 11.  Eleanor is only 6 but I do so love her dress!  Everyone loves her dress and she says it is so comfy to wear.
Got to www.patternsonly.com to find the answer

Clue 12 .....There are sew many! Which machine shall I choose?
Go to www.bargainfabric.com.au


CONGRATULATIONS Vicki Lorraine Williams, you are the lucky winner of the pamper pack!

CONGRATULATIONS Kyla Dickinson, you are the lucky winner of our treasure hunt!

Random Rewards !!!

 

The Oz Material Girls and Patterns Only will be rewarding our wonderful customers and followers with random rewards points that you can use against purchases on our website. For you chance to win random points all you need to do is SHARE us with your friends / family. There are many ways you can do this

 

1. Share our Facebook pages , The Oz Material Girls and Patterns Only on your Facebook page

2. Link to our blog

3. Tweet about us on Twitter

4. Pin something from either of our websites , The Oz Material Girls and Patterns Only

5. Invent your own share!

Once you have , make sure you have an account set up on our sites. This way we will be able to credit your account with the rewards points which you can then use against your next purchase. This is a simple process if you don’t already have an account set up. You can sign up here for The Oz Material Girls and here for Patterns Only.

The points will be randomly awarded for either sites. Then once you have your account in place, you can either leave a comment below including the link where you have SHARED us, or you can email us at theozmaterialgirls@gmail.com with the details.

We will also have a list of the winners so keep and eye out on our blog for updates

Good Luck!

March Madness Sale & Giveaway

 

 

Huge Sale Now on – 10% – 50% off storewide

PLUS every time you place an order via either of our websites , The Oz Material Girls or Patterns Only, you will automatically go into the draw to win this amazing FQ Bundle shown below .

Share this with your friends and let us know where you have, for an extra entry!

Sale and giveaway closes at midnight Sunday 31st March, 2013 (AEDT).

 

AND THE WINNER IS

 

Kathryn Green 

 

Referral Program

Our way of saying thank you for your ongoing support

Designer Spotlight - introducing Gail Seymour from Gaila Designs

 

Today we would like to introduce you all to Gail from Gaila Designs.

Tell us about you:

For the last 20 years, I have been sewing for interiors through my business Gaila Designs. I learned to sew in 7th grade Home Economics and have not stopped since! I have an undergraduate degree in Fashion Merchandising, a Master's in Clothing and Textiles and have specialized in home interior sewing for the last 2 decades. While interiors is my current specialty, I have made theatrical costumes, clothing, ice skating performance wear, swimwear, pet clothes, bridal accessories and just about anything made from fabric. I have an embroidery machine and several other specialty machines to help me make most anything my clients can dream up!  My latest passion is writing patterns to help you sew!

How did your business name come about?

Gaila Designs has been my business name from the start.  My first name is Gail, my middle initial is "a", and so Gaila Designs was born.  The only unexpected side effect of that combination is that people often call me Gaila thinking that is my first name!

Tell us about your products:

I began designing patterns soon after I got a Nook for Mother's day.  I loved my new device, but the covers at the store were, well, boring!  I experimented with a few different styles of cases, but found that I really liked having a zipper closure to keep the reader from sliding out of the case.  I developed a super easy way to install the zipper and when I saw all the independant designers offering patterns on the internet, I jumped right in.  My top zip pattern was the first one I wrote.  It is very quick to construct but fits nicely so that an uncovered device is protected without increasing its size/bulk when you tuck it into your purse.  I had requests for an extra pocket, so I then designed the side zip pocket case with handles that is by far my best selling design.  It has room for a covered device and all your accessories too, very practical.  The square cover allows room to spare and the symmetrical shape allows for pattern centering, using a quilt square, and a nice look for a wristlet carried cover.

Where do you find inspiration:  

Often my designs are inspired by a fabric I love.  A beautiful pattern or design scale will give me an idea for a cover shape.  I also look at handbags and current fashion for new looks and unique details.

What does the future hold for you:

Moving forward I am planning to design fabrics that are engineered for my patterns.  In other words, designing motifs that will be centreed and scaled to just the right size for my device covers.  Learning the ins and outs of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop now and hope to have designs to share soon!

View Gail’s entire range here

18 PDF ePatterns for only $24.95

That’s right, you get 18 PDFs for only $24.95! 

Valued at $139!

Patterns Only and Ms Midge have joined forces with The Southern Institute to bring you this amazing offer ! Purchase this fabulous bundle of 18 PDF ePatterns for only $24.95 here and download them all instantly. You will also go into the draw to win a $20 Gift Voucher to spend on even more PDFs at Patterns Only  and a $20 voucher to spend at Ms Midge ( this is offered to our customers direct from Patterns Only and Ms Midge  ).

Just email us at patternsonly@gmail.com once you have purchased, to let us know you have so we can check your details and put you in the draw )

Scroll down to see all of the patterns you will receive

If you aren’t already, be sure to connect with us on Facebook too, just click on our logos below

         

We have also set up a Facebook group, so you can chat to others that have purchased the bundle and what you are going to create.... there maybe even a surprise giveaway there too!

Today is the 1st day of the 1st ever Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle Sale and giveaway, sponsored by The Southern Institute and Fat Quarter Shop!

Over the past eight weeks a lot of behind the scenes work has taken place to bring you this amazing bundle of ePatterns from several of the top pattern designers and bloggers in the sewing and blogging world. The result is a bundle of 18 PDF sewing patterns that you don't want to miss.

For one week only, ten pattern designers have come together to bring you 18 of their best PDF patterns, valued together at over $139.00, for the incredible price of $24.95! That's over 80% off of the combined retail value! Plus you can enter to win a dream of a giveaway valued at $390 from some really great shops! For less than $25.00 you will have a library of resources that you can use over and over again. The designers that have joined this sale are experts in their craft. They have been sewing for a very long time and are well known in blogland and elsewhere. Each designer has contributed one or two of their favorite patterns to create a bundle that is sure to please! Whether you are sewing for your own family or making gifts for others, these are patterns that you will love to use. If you've never sewn with a PDF pattern before, let me tell you how great it is! After downloading your pattern instructions and your pattern, you will print out the pattern itself, creating pattern tiles, if you will. Simply tape the tiles together to create the full pattern! At that point you can cut out the size that you need and pin the paper pattern directly to your fabric or you can trace the pattern size that you need onto sewing paper or tissue paper and cut it out, saving the paper pattern for later when you need to sew another size. Pdf patterns are so convenient because you can print them out as many times as you need!

Click here to buy the bundle!

Now let me tell you a little bit about the giveaway!

The Sew Fab Giveaway is amazing! One lucky winner will win a bunch of amazing prizes from Craftsy, Fat Quarter Shop, fabricworm, Jennifer's Jewels Custom Labels on Etsy, Green Bee Patterns, author Deborah Moebes, Mee a Bee, Gussy Sews, I'm Feeling Crafty, and Ball and Chain on Etsy. See the end of the post for giveaway details. This giveaway is not to be missed!

I know you're dying to know "What is included in the pattern bundle?"

18 well-loved ePatterns from 10 well-known designers are instantly accessible to you by PDF download upon purchase of the Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle. Here are the patterns that you will receive (click on the links below to see more details):

Goodship Dress by Circus Wear, Mommy & Mia Apron by Sew Much Ado, Ruby Lou Doll by Sew Much Ado, Mini Maxi Dress by Seamingly Smitten, Miss Mod Top by Seamingly Smitten, Love Your Lunch Box by Ginger Cakes, Modern Folksy Bunny by Ginger Cakes, Banyan Pants & Shorts by Figgy's, Banyan Top & Tunic by Figgy's, Go To Shift Dress by Go To Patterns, Go To Gift Bags by Go To Patterns, Sidekick Suitcase by Sew Fearless, Madeline Dress by Me Sew Crazy, Forget Me Knot Dress by Me Sew Crazy, Alex & Anna Summer PJs by Peekaboo Pattern Shop, Alex & Anna Winter PJs by Peekaboo Pattern Shop, Commuter Cowl by luvinthemommyhood, Scirocco Dress by Figgy's The Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle is only available for one week and will never be available again! You can purchase the bundle from February 4th at 8 a.m. EST through February 11th at 8 a.m. EST and there will be no late sales offered. Due to the nature of the sale there will be no refunds offered.

You don't want to miss this unique opportunity to purchase a ready made collection of 18 PDF sewing patterns from 10 of the best designers out there!

 

And now for The Sew Fab Giveaway!

You are not going to believe the prizes included in this giveaway! Can't buy the bundle? It's okay... purchase is not required to enter. Take a look at what you have the chance to win:

A Sewing Themed Box of Goodies from Pick Your Plum Fabulous Wristlet from Gussy Sews (not necessarily the one pictured) The latest release, Stitch Savvy, by Deborah Moebes Sterling Silver Sewing Machine necklace from Ball and Chain on Etsy $50 Gift Certificate to Fat Quarter Shop $50 Gift Certificate to fabricworm A free online class from Craftsy.com The Scoop Tote Pattern from Green Bee Patterns 60 Custom Tags from Jennifer's Jewels Red Riding Hood Little Girl's Satchel from Mee a Bee Handmade Sewing Machine Cover from I'm Feeling Crafty

YES, ONE WINNER WILL WIN ALL OF THOSE GOODIES!!!

There are lots of chances to win and no purchase required to enter the giveaway. Just use the Rafflecopter widget and enter to win this amazing prize package that will inspire you in your sewing as well as keep you stocked with fabric for many projects to come!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle Sale!

Sew Much Inspiration right at your finger tips...

only $24.95!

Get your bundle now!

Graphic design by Andrea Panell.  

                          

Sew Fab PDF offer

Patterns Only  and Ms Midge are joining forces to bring you a fabulous offer!

For seven days only, starting Monday, February 4th - 11th, a Sew Fab bundle of PDF patterns will be available for only $24.95 – Values at $139!!

And you can purchase it right HERE on our blog once it goes live at midnight, Monday 4th January ( AEDT)!!!

What patterns will you receive? Well, you have to wait until tomorrow for that! I can tell you that the designers involved include Figgy's Patterns, Go To Patterns, Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop, Seamingly Smitten, One Girl Circus, Sew Much Ado, Luvinthemommyhood, Gingercake, Sew Fearless and Me Sew Crazy!

Patterns Only and Ms Midge will also be running a give-away for all who purchase the bundle!

Please feel free to share this with all of your crafty friends and family and follow our Facebook Page so you will not miss a thing! We also have a new newsletter signup app which you can access here

See you tomorrow with all the exciting info!

Let's Sew 22 - Valentines Message Cushion

Good morning!

Today we are going to make a gorgeous heart cushion for Valentines Day (or in my case, a heart cushion for my grand daughter's bed).  It will give you the chance to use some scraps and try your embroidery!

What you need:

Choose the colour for your cushion and find some other fabric pieces to match in.
A 16.5" square of plain light weight cotton for backing - can be a light calico, poplin etc
Heart Pattern  download here  If you are not a member of Let's Sew you will need to join here first!
Lace, ribbon, embroidery threads, ricrac, etc

Let's Sew!

Join the pattern pages and trace off the sections.

Take the sections of the heart and select your fabric for each one. Make sure you have a plain fabric if you are going to write a message on the cushion itself.

NOTE:  If you are going to make the pocket, you need to fold the fabric so that there is a fold on the Number 4 edge and another at the bottom.
There is a fold under my thumb so it is like a back to front S









Place the pocket pattern so that the number 4 edge is above the top fold










Cut each section out allowing a 1/4" seam and 1/2" allowance around any of  the heart line (the cushion shape) like on section 8 for example

                                                                               

Starting with the centre piece, place it near the centre of the backing fabric - don't be exact as this method is supposed to look 'crazy'!
Take number 1 and place it over the Centre till you have the sides even.  Stitch. Flip open and press.
 

Trim away any excess as you go.  Take number 2 and place it right way up , in place to check you have it facing in the right direction, then flip it to sew.

Flip open and press

It was at this stage that I had planned to use some ric-rac so I am going to sew it on now. (That way, the ends will be enclosed) - You can sew ric-rac on by sewing down through the centre of the ric rac.  Some prefer to sew it on with a zigzag.

Continue adding the next piece and trimming with lace and ric rac if that is what you have planned. Notice how I turned the same fabric to get different effect - stripe and floral stripe

Trim the shape to the pattern plus seam allowances.

Now comes the fun part!!  You can finish embellishing the heart with whatever you like.  I am going to do some embroidery stitches and use an iron on applique.  You can use any of the decorative stitches on your machine for a quick solution.

I collected a few sequins, beads,bits of lace and my embroidery threads and went to work!

 I had to make myself stop!  It really is fun and relaxing.


Now for the heart insert.  You may prefer to place a paper note in the pocket - the choice is yours!

Cut 2 small hearts from the pattern adding a 1/4" for seam.

I now used my erasable pen to write my message and using 2 strands of embroidery thread, I backstitched around the name.

With right sides together, sew around the heart, leaving a gap to turn through on the straight edge at the side.

Clip curves - use pinking shears if you have them.









Turn through, roll seams between fingers and thumbs and press.

Stuff well and close with Ladder Stitch.










Pop your 'message' in the pocket and have a lovely Valentines Day!

Until next time
Nanny xx

Let's Sew 21 - 'LILY' Dolly

Today we are going to make a dolly to support the TSL DollyDrive for 2013.

 I have designed a simple doll that beginners will be able to complete.  I have called her Lily!

 

What you will need:

Pattern – you can download the Let’s Sew Dolly pattern here.  If you haven't yet joined us at Let's Sew, you will need to join us first here

Felt for the hair – colour of choice (you can get 2 dolls from a sheet of felt)

Fabric for the body.  This could be a calico or a quilters cotton. ( you will get 1 and 1/2 dolls from 1 FQ)

Embroidery threads – black, eye colour, lip colour  OR

Fabric pens
Erasable Pen for marking face details (I used a PILOT Frixon Ball - available at supermarkets in Australia)

Fabric for dress - 5 and 1/2" square

Lace trim - this is necessary to add length to the dress to make it 'modest' - you can just make a ruffle if you prefer
Stuffing

Let’s Sew!

Takel pattern and trace it off including the dots for the centre and the lines for the dress.

Take the pattern and trace it and the markings onto the back of the fabric (I used a pencil).  Add 1/4" for seams and cut out the doll shapes, back and front.

Tip:  An easy way to transfer the dots from the wrong side to the right side is to put a pin through the dot.  Turn the fabric over and mark where the pin comes through.














Using an erasable pen, trace the face details onto the front of the doll matching your centre points.

You can complete the face details by embroidering with 2 strands of embroidery floss or by using fabric pens.  Details for embroidery stitches here and here.

To start the embroidery, take 2 strands, tie a knot and start with your knot at least 4" away from the start (a waste knot - thanks Jenny).




eye outline - backstitch
eyelashes - single stitch                                    
eye - blanketstitch
nose - backstitch
mouth - backstitch

Take the hair pattern and cut a front and a back from the felt adding a ¼” seam allowance to the outside of the head.

Put hair piece onto doll head and, using the same colour thread, stitch in place around the face, close to the edge.  On the back, stitch along the neck line close to the edge.

Don't forget the part line on the back like I've done!

Take the lace and stitch it along the  hemline marked on the body.

Take the dress fabric square and turn the top and the bottom under about 1/8" to fit from the neck line on the pattern to the hem line.  Stitch it to the doll, front and back, close to the edge along both the neck and the hemline.
Fold under 1/8" down the sides and stitch close to the edge across the arms




Now turn it over and trim back to the doll shape.



Take the plait pieces and stitch two together down both sides. Then stitch 3 rows , evenly spaced (about 1/4").




Repeat for the other two pieces.











Trim the side stitching off and then snip up in the middle of the rows, stopping about an inch from the end.


You can now plait the hair and stitch across the end to secure (about an inch from the bottom)










Pin the plaits on each side of the head, with the
plait across the face to match the edges.  Stitch the plait to the doll.


Stitch on the line, around the top of the head for about 3" on both the front and back ( this is where the opening will be so it will help to have the felt and fabric stitched together)

With right sides facing, make sure the plaits are tucked in across the face and match up the dress neckline and hemline.











Stitch around the edge of the doll ¼” from the edge. Don’t forget to leave a 3” space for turning at the top of the head.  Repeat with a second row.







 Clip curves (I used pinking shears)

 and turn doll to right side.

 Roll seams between your thumbs and fingers.

Press

Take the stuffing and stuff the legs tightly.  Work your way up the doll, stuffing firmly as you go.


Close the opening with ladder stitch by hand.

Well done!  That wasn’t so bad was it – maybe now you can go ahead and make some more!  It is for a great cause so Let's See how many Let's Sew can make for the Dolly Drive !!

Until next time

Nanny xx