Animal Crackers In My Soup lyrics, Lyrics/Music T.Koehler & I.Caesar/R.Henderson
We are in love with the Animal Crackers quilt top by Bronwyn Hayes of Red Brolly. Imagine the smile on your child's face on waking to this fun and engaging circus scene featuring hippos, elephants, tigers and crocodiles!
Available as a block of the month, where you will receive 1 pattern AND fabrics needed to complete the block per month for 10 months. With your block of the month subscription, you will also receive FREE patterns for a matching cushion and dribble bib (sent on the 10th Month).
Animal crackers can also be purchased as a pattern and fabric kit which includes the complete set of 10 patterns and all fabric needed to complete the quilt top. Vliesofix is also included.
Today we welcome back Trish of TrishAlan Designs who is here to share a tutorial for these gorgeous quick and easy homemade doorstops.You could also win fabric to create these fun doorstops -Trish is kindly donating the fabric for the project- see below for details
This doorstop is an ideal fete item. It is made from 1 piece of fabric. 1 metre of fabric will make 12 doorstops. I also made 6 smaller 12cm x 25cm shapes from the fabric which I filled with lavender.
What you need:
1 metre of Summer Sunset fabric
10cm Cotton tape
Sand and funnel
Sewing thread and needle.
To Make:
Step 1: Cut the fabric to measure 20cm x 40cm. Press a 1.5cm seam allowance on one long edge.
Step 2: Right side together fold the piece in half, short edge together. Sew with a 1.5 cm seam allowance in the direction of the arrows. Back tack at the corner to reinforce the seam. Trim corner carefully.
Step 3: Take the point marked ‘X’ in the previous step up to the seam allowance. Finger press the seam allowance open.Fold cotton tape in half and insert. Sew in the direction of the arrow with the seam allowance on top. Leave small opening for turning.
Step 4: Turn to right side. Fill with sand. Sew closure by hand.
Would you like to write a tutorial for The Oz Material Girls? We will supply you with the necessary materials in exchange for your time and expertise. For more information, email us at thematerialgirls@ozemail.com.au
WE ARE GIVING 1 LUCKY READER THE CHANGE TO WIN THE FABRIC NEEDED TO MAKE THESE FUN DOORSTOPS - JUST JOIN OUR BLOG LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW - WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT TRISHA'S HAND DYED FABRICS
This is the second in our series of posts bringing you information about fantastic designers, sewers and crafters from around the web. Today we would like to introduce Trish Goodfield of TrishAlan Designs, creators of a fabulous range of hand dyed fabrics and threads.
Tell us about you I’m one half of TrishAlan Designs, the Alan is my husband. I have always loved doing craft even when it was considered nerdy. My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was 7 yrs old and from then on I would give anything a go.
I enjoy encouraging newcomers to have a go at craft. This is what I try to do via my weekly craft column for a local magazine and the radio segment I do on Brisbane Radio 4BC. Even though I ‘do craft’ for a living, I still do it for relaxation. I also love most forms of Motor Racing. Even at the races though I take craft for the boring bits in between races. Alan calls it my Security Craft.
How did TrishAlan Designs come about? Both of us are creative, we always had plans to open our own business. The original plan was that I would give up work and start, Alan would continue in his job for a bit longer. We had a name picked out that would reflect that direction. As it turned out Alan got sick of his job first, so we started the business with a slightly different focus than originally planned. The name didn’t fit the new direction but we couldn’t think of anything particularly clever. So we just combined our names. I got first billing simply because AlanTrish Designs sounded wrong.
Primarily we made rustic timberwork products, I designed the cross stitch charts and needlework designs. I dropped back to part time work the same time as introducing the hand dyed threads. I’m an embroiderer so was initially more interested in dyeing threads. I began dyeing fabric after numerous requests from quilters and sewers. We rarely do the timberwork anymore.
Tell us about your products Everything that we sell, we make, with the exception of DMC threads. We only stock those because I use them in my Cross Stitch Charts. We dye silk, cotton and rayon threads and fabric. Our dyeing method is significantly different to other hand dyers. Our Eco Dyeing method was developed by me due to the severe water restriction we had in South East Queensland. We use a lot less water than traditional low water immersion dyeing. We design cross stitch charts and needlework designs, kumihimo supplies and kits. These are all available online. From our shop we also make and sell buttons, clothes, accessories and gifts. These items vary dramatically depending on how much time we have.
What is your favorite product? Gosh, that’s like asking who your favourite child is. At the moment I would have to say the book I just wrote on Kumihimo (Japanese braiding).
Where do you find inspiration for new products/designs? Inspiration can come from two places, customer feedback and a champagne glass. Seriously though, customer feedback is vital. It is the reason I wrote the Kumihimo book. Class participants found it difficult to get books and information written for Australian Braiders. Inspiration for new designs usually is the result of our regular brainstorming sessions.
What does the future hold for TrishAlan Designs? At the moment we are trying to balance our wholesale business with the retail. Alan primarily deals with wholesale customers which leaves me time to do the dyeing. We both share the retail workload. With the exception of the Eco Dyed Fabric and Threads, Kumihimo and Needlework Designs all of our other products have developed from a strong belief in the old adage ‘waste not want not’. We made a commitment this year to further develop this product range. We are currently enjoying the challenge of modifying unwanted items into the desirable.
Australia Day (previously known as Anniversary Day, Foundation Day and ANA Day, and also referred to as Invasion Day, is the official national day of Australia.
Celebrated annually on 26 January, the day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788, the hoisting of the British flag there, and the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia.
“Retro style decorating usually has a fun, lively feel to it, with bright colors, wild designs and an overall sense of "flair". Just think back to the fabrics and textures during the 60's and you'll immediately get a sense of where your decor needs to go to truly capture the essence of retro style.
Because retro-style requires such a bold approach, it also requires a certain personality to pull it off. There's nothing laid-back or casual about retro-style decorating. On the contrary, it is loud, busy and most definitely "funky".”
This funky new range by RHR, Harlequin, features many bold graphic elements - from mod flowers to geometric shapes - perfect for the modern retro-inspired look. Also available in red.
We can't go retro without featuring a little paisley. Though this Allegora Paisley, made in Japan, features stylised paisley and flowers that are so soft and pretty.
And retro is about colour. Avocado greens, mustard yellow, red with black and white, hot pink, bright orange; a touch of retro colour will brighten up any living space.
This gorgeous design by Timeless Treasures is rich in lime, black and white tones, with lots of bold graphic elements including funky flowers and beautiful butterflies.
Prairie Gothic Teasel & Lace by Free Spirit features large stylised sunflowers in tones of periwinkle, lavender, yellow, green, and turquoise on a midnight blue background. The sunflowers are 10 inches tall and vertical repeat is 14.5"- perfect for wall art or in your retro inspired quilt.
We couldn't leave our retro days behind without a little piece of hippy inspired free love. The pretty, bright colours and butterfly design are our tribute to the 70s.
How lucky are we! Today we feature the very talented Saffron Craig and not only can you learn more about this inspirational designer but she has also provided an instructional video for making one of her gorgeous softies.
I am a fabric designer, nature lover, mother of one beautiful girl, married and very happy. At the moment I love to catch a wave and dream. My fabrics are a direct expression of my dreamings and ideas. I also write a blog and spend hours making things, often into the wee small hours.
How did Saffron Craig come about
Saffron Craig, the name of my fabric label, is my own name. I find that people remember it easily so I like to use it for my designs. Originally, it was the name of my label when I was a fashion designer.
When I started to design and make quilts, I screen printed some fabrics myself to go into them and was captivated by the outcome. Then I hand printed yardage of 20 meters of each design in single colours. The business was born. Now I print multi-coloured fabrics, which have a wonderful soft handle and are wonderful to use.
Tell us about your products
My fabrics are designed in small ranges that work together to make into quilts or cushions, home wear, or even clothing. All my fabrics are 100 % cotton They are fun and whimsical. I try to keep the fabrics I design modern and I am hoping to inspire people to be creative with them, even attracting younger people to get creative and quilt. That's my wish.
I have two themes going through my fabrics ranges. One for children—the Owls and now the Fairies—and a more mature design style like the Fields range, and soon the Woodland Elementals.
What is your favorite product?
At the moment it's my Fairy range which includes 4 fabrics designs. I love these fabrics because they are close to my heart and I worked long hours to design them and have the fabrics produced.
I am loving working with the fabrics, using them to make things like quilts and girls dresses. Its fun and girly. I like to be surrounded by fairies, it's really inspiring.
I am dreaming of what I am going to make with the Woodland Elementals. I designed it in June so it has been a long time coming.
Where do you find inspiration for you new designs?
My inspiration comes mainly from my imagination. I tend to have a pretty magical world going on inside my head that I need to get down on paper. My natural environment, particularly trees and forests, play a big part as well. I am inspired by beauty, whether it be the curve of a tree trunk, a leaf lying on the ground, the colours in a sunset or a smiling face. I am very inspired by love too :)
What does the future hold for Saffron Craig?
I have a new fabric range coming out in March with strong design elements like geese and elks. I have called it Woodland Elementals. The colours are new for me as I am using purple and magenta on black. I am also looking at setting up printable PDFs and patterns. I'm also working on a children's book idea, which seems to be a natural next step in sharing my imagination.
How to make Saffron's softies:
1. Cut out the front and back together as one piece. 2. Fold over so the two sides match and the printed side of the fabric is on the inside (we'll turn it the right way once it's sewn up). 3. Pin all around to hold it in place. 4. Now sew along the edge of the softie and leave a gap open for stuffing. On the Koala a leg is best, on the Owl the ear works well. On the machine, sew it twice for strength. 5. Now cut excess fabric off about 1cm all around the seam, roughly where the dotted line is. 6. Make small incisions into this 1cm seam allowance all around. This will make for smoother edges. 7. Turn it inside out, so the printed side is now on the outside. 8. Use any stuffing or cushion insert to stuff the softie. Pack it nice and tight. I find using hand sized chunks works best. Use a pencil or similar to get into some of the small pockets like ears or paws.Once it's nearly full you can squash and move the filling into position. 9. Sew up the gap. 10. Give it a cuddle!
There are summer patterns galore in our sister store, Patterns Only.
How cute are these Baby Ruffle Pants by talented designer Bettsy Kingston. As well as being a super sweet design, this is a simple and easy pattern which is perfect for beginning sewers. They take less than 2 hours to make and suit little people aged 0-24 months.
Or what about a Little Sassy Skirt for your bigger girl? By Cindy Taylor Oates of Taylor Made Designs, this pattern and instructional book includes instructions to make the cutest twirly skirts in girl sizes 4-14. It even comes with details on how to make a skirt for a 18" doll.
Make your skirt simple or add details like piping, ruffles or rick-rack. You can even add an underskirt with tulle ruffle, a detail that is sure to please your little princess. And with elastic waist, the skirt is easy to fit and comfortable to wear. You can also complete the outfit by decorating a purchased T-shirt using the provided patterns and instructions for matching appliques, pockets and ribbon roses. It's everything you need to make your little one look fashionable and feel special.
Please note that this pattern and instructional book does not come with full size pattern pieces since the patterns to make these skirts utilize strips of fabric.
Little Explorer features an organic turtle applique design, relaxed shorts with side pockets with easy wear overalls with button closure. Perfect for a special occasion or just hunting bugs in the backyard and sized for boy aged 1-5 years.
The Audrey Dress by Little Bird Patterns is a pretty party dress for your little girl, quick and easy to make with no buttons or zips. Lovely for summer in a light cotton, it is perfect for little princesses aged 1-6 years.
Looking for something pretty and cool for Mum to wear? Try the Amy Butler Cabo Halter Top. Simple and breezy. Casual or dressy. This simple halter top pattern is sized x-sml to x-lge.
Your summer wardrobe will not be complete without one of these Versatile Wrap Skirts by Make it Perfect. Of course, you could always make one in EACH of your favourite summer fabrics! The versatile wrap is a one-size-fits-all pattern and is super easy to make.
We would love to hear what sewing projects you have on the go. Stay cool everyone!
Summer has well and truly arrived in Australia! To distract you from the rising temperatures, here are our picks of summery fabrics...
Retro Ice Cream Cones There is nothing better on a hot summer's day than icy cold ice cream and this gorgeous design by Timeless Treasures features ice cream cones all over.
Feeling Fruity We love the sweetness of summer fruits and you can't get much fruitier than our six piece mixed fruit and vegetable stash builder!
Summer in the Garden This gorgeous design by Robert Kaufman features summer flowers in gorgeous pink, aqua and yellow tones.
Frida's Garden Wall Art Panel Frida's Garden, by Alexander Henry, depicts Frida Kahlo, a Mexicanpainter, who has achieved great international popularity. She painted using vibrant colors in a style that was influenced by the indigenous cultures of Mexico.
Today's post is the first in a new series we are running to introduce you to great sewers, crafters and designers from around the web. So without further ado, please make welcome Stephanie Robles of MooBear Designs.
Tell us about you...
Hi, my name is Steph. I love chocolate, craft, Carlos and my children but maybe not in that order. I am actually trained in child care but now I work with recycled fabrics and clothes to create new wearable fashions. One creation that spawned from this idea is our new children's clothing label, MooBear Designs, and also the soon to be launched Over It!
What do you like to make and how did you get started?
I like to make anything from button rings to hanging mobiles. If I could be trusted with a hammer and saw, I would attempt a book shelf too but at the moment my craft has lead me to MooBear Designs and making children's T-shirts. It started back in 2006 when I made my daughter, Moo, a shirt from one of her drawings using some old clothes which no longer fit her. Presto! She had a new shirt which she had designed. Since then she has continued to be our head designer, with her younger brother, Bear, hot on her heels. Over It is a follow on from the same idea, only it's more girly and fun with accessories and jewellery and a few baby items.
What have you made that you are most proud of?
Other than my 3 creative children?! The first thing I made Moo was a little dress when she was 2. While I was making it I asked my Mum for help because I was scared I was going to mess it all up. I didn't and I was so proud of myself. It was a great feeling. Bubble will be able to wear that same dress soon. Now I create things without a pattern for the kids, Carlos and myself without any fear.
If you had all the time in the world, what would you like to make?
I think that bookshelf or maybe an enviro-friendly motorbike which could run on scrap fabric. I have so much scrap fabric and I hate to part with it but if it was used as fuel, then I wouldn't have a problem. Imagine that!! No carbon emissions to worry about only threads of cotton occasionally from the exhaust... I might have to get started!!
What hidden gems have you found on the internet that help your hobby?
The hidden gems I have found were from starting a blog. The people out there in the crafters blogland are so supportive. If I can't find something or think I have messed something, up my followers are quick to jump in a lend a hand... or an email. I have found inspiration from close blog friends who live worlds away. I have bought from, and supplied, many bloggers and it's nice to know that handmade is making a come back!!
To learn more about Steph and her creations, be sure to visit her website or blog. You’ll also find her on Facebook and Twitter.
Thank you so much, Steph, for sharing your story.
Would you like to share your sewing, crafting or design story on The Oz Material Girls blog? Email us at thematerialgirls@ozemail.com.au for more information.
We sell a range of patterns and kits suitable for the beginner sewer. The kits are great as they arrive on your doorstep complete with pattern and fabric. Alternatively, softies can be a great way of using up your scrap fabric, so why not choose the pattern only option?
Many of our softies are suitable for older kids with a basic sewing knowledge, softies can be made by hand or machine.
Do you have a sewing/craft room/area that you use to create your masterpieces? Are you an organised sewer/crafter or is your stuff everywhere?
Send us a picture to thematerialgirls@ozemail.com.au and we will put them up on the blog, then we will open up the polls and the person with the most votes will win a great prize for having the most interesting craft area. IT COULD BE YOU! The winner will receive a sewing pack valued at $100. We will collect pictures over the next few weeks then we will set up a voting poll.
Please feel free to leave comments below also.
Don't be shy, we will happily post the picture as Anonymous if you would prefer (just indicate in your email). We will also be giving away random prizes along the way, so send us your pic today! You could win! Competition is open worldwide to all crafty people, from beginners to the experts, whatever your choice of craft!
Here is a sneak peak of a few of the entries so far. We will add the rest on 15th Feb ( so be sure to get your pics to before then)and then open the voting poll until 25th February. Oh, and don't forget to follow our blog while you are here.
