Sew Pretty

Sun Flowers

2012-02-22T01:11:00.000+13:00

So today I have opted to write a rather personal post on Sew Pretty's blog, but I feel it is necessary considering today's remembrance of events in the last year or so.

Sew Pretty went live online at the beginning of September 2010, a few days later we experienced something that would over time become normality but at that point brought terror to our lives and selling fabric online and packing orders did not seem that important any longer!

But we got through that and then of course February came along and 8 more seconds of shaking in Justin's building would have very likely meant that our Family would have not been the same again. Missing a booked swimming lesson would have meant being in the city with my kids. Roadworks meant being on a quite residential road instead of a 80km one.

There are many stories like this and to be honest I struggle with the idea of a day of remembrance and found myself extra nervous today, moving things aside so we have a clear path to the dining room table; jumping at the sound of the neighbours starting their car. Which is strange after a good long period of non paranoia!

But what caught by attention today is this: The start of a Sunflower, what could be more inspiring that watching flowers which turn their heads to the sun to help them grow? Keep reading :)

This is the pot they are growing in - yes the yoghurt pot that Matthew brought home from from kindy 6 months ago with little sprouting seeds.

Every time I water them I look out the kitchen window at the spot where I would like to plant them but what I cannot believe is that they have stood firm even with very little foundations. Next to it I just noticed today is a picture of Justin and I in Italy many years ago. This was my only broken item from February, however we have not glued it - it somehow is just sticking together. Justin says this is like us, a few cracks showing but we are still together!

So these are my thoughts:

Blossom even when it is tough.
Turn your head to the one who can give you warmth and sustain you.
Use what you have (even if it is very little) to make the best of your situation.

My thoughts are with all those who are missing a loved one today - even those not effected by the earthquakes.

Noho ora mai rā
Kirsty

Make Life Beautiful

2012-01-27T15:11:00.000+13:00

This month our focus has been on New Life - New Beginnings and I was very fortunate to interview Nin from The Wardrobe & Sailor Spy. Armed with some fresh chocolate chip cookies straight out of my oven and a gift of fabric, I eagerly went to find out more about this talented seamstress.

Nin was effected by the earthquakes in a huge way - She had only just moved into her new workshop in the city centre prior to one of New Zealand's biggest disasters. The building was destroyed and everything she needed to run her business was stuck inside, including her sewing machines, patterns & fabrics - just stop and ponder on that for a minute!

Over a cuppa we had a great conversation about starting over and we looked at the key factors to making any business a success, and one which you can apply day to day.

So how do you pick yourself up after a huge traumatic and emotional event such as the Earthquakes?
You take care of your family first. Nin's first thoughts were for her husband and daughter, as well as her grandmother and other family members that ended up staying with her after the February earthquake. After making sure they were safe and had been sent to various locations outside of Canterbury, it gave her the mental space to think.

Her husband was heavily involved in the evacuation center so the phone was ringing non-stop day and night. Nin became quite angry that the "Earthquake" had taken away everything she had worked really hard to achieve. So she did the next best thing in the situation She asked for help.

Nin's studio is now @home and is incorporated into every available spare space. She is the organisation queen and she has made her home look fabulous! The spare kitchen cupboards are now neatly packed with fabrics, the packaging materials are under the bed and the living room holds her cutting table and sewing machine. It was a treat to be able to photograph all of who she is in one creative space!

Venturing out on your own
Working for a company or individual and crafting on the side whilst necessary for many does not fulfill everyone's creative void and can leave you feeling very unhappy. These are Nin's top tips to address some of the fundamentals of running your own business:

Start with the end in mind - have a vision about what your business is going to look like, because when times get tough this might be the only thing you can hold onto

Be realistic - If you can't commit at least 15 hours a week to your business, it is in most cases not worth it. You also need to devote time to enable it to grow

Ask for help - Find a laywer, accountant or extra help to do things that get in the way of your creativity - it is money well spent

Find a business coach - Nin used Carol Neilson and her advice was invaluable. Even investing an hour or two with someone like this can make a massive impact on your business and how you run it.

How do you balance life as a wife, mother & entrepreneur?

Something we would all would love to know! Nin whipped out this fabulous diary (I was so taken by it, that I have now purchased my very own copy!). It is a daily planner which splits your day into Work/Businness, Family/Community and Personal commitments.

So get organised! Have a simple system that works for you and stick with it!

Nin has a new years resolution: "To plan the next day at the end of the current day, then write down all the things you did achieve that day, including playing with the kids, making dinner. Be realistic, as woman as we are often too hard on ourselves, even if you don't have a huge stack of completed wallets, you still have achieved much during the day"

How do you get your name out there?

A friend of Nin's just returned from Europe and visited a number of markets while on her travels and has since remarked that New Zealand Craft Markets have an incredible standard that is hard to match!

So make some products, give them away, give them to family & friends then go to markets!

You have to have the vision and self belief to stand behind your products in public.

Get presence online. Open a shop on Felt - but don't leave it there, market yourself through social media such as Facebook, Blogging, etc!

What about pricing? There are many strategies for pricing, (Take a look at The Small Business Book for some great ideas)

Nin also likes to use a basic formula, which is:

Cost of Materials (including packaging, labels etc)

Cost of Time (time to make, package, promote & post)

Cost of Overheads (power costs, phone bills, roughly 10% of the above two costs)

Multiply by 2 to get your Sales price - Try it at a market and you may be surprised!

So if your year is not already overflowing with New Years resolutions , take some of what Nin has shared to heart, get organised, get crafting and hold onto that vision even through the tough times!

We would love to hear your feedback on our first interview, leave a comment below or email us.

If you would like to feature in one of our monthly interviews, email me at info@sewpretty.co.nz

Nin's work can be found here:
The Wardrobe
Sailor Spy

Nin's favorite current prints from Sew Pretty?

New Beginings

2012-01-13T13:45:00.002+13:00

There is something great about January, everyone seems to be sorting; cleaning and making room for new projects and ideas. The sun is out, it's holiday's and somehow you seem to have extra time to do things that you have been meaning to get to, or know you won't once February kicks in!

Two dear friends of ours had a gorgeous baby boy just after Christmas so it was perfect timing to make something special for him. I did at first go searching in the shops for little wee outfits but to be honest I was greatly disappointed and secondly shocked that one teeny weeny item of clothing cost's minimum of $15 (and that was at an outlet store!) which will last all of a couple of weeks.

So into the most inspiring room in our house, the Sew Pretty room, I was really drawn towards the warm orange, brown and greens and Mod Todd seemed to be the perfect match. I needed to make something quick and simple yet luxurious as it was a special gift so I opted for a quick baby's quilt using the full set of pre selected colours & designs in the set and matched it with oh so soft white minky fabric.

Materials:

Set of matching fabrics (6 Fat quarters works well for this size)
4 pieces of minky fabric
Matching thread

Step 1
Out of 6 Fat Quarters cut out 36 6"x 6" squares (15cm x 15cm) You will have quite a bit left over perfect for matching items!

Step 2
Lay them out in any way you like, I prefer the ocd approach ;)

If you want to try keep the order of your quilt fold over matching sets of squares to sew together

Step 3
Sew the two squares together and iron open your seam. (This may seem like a waste of time but it makes a big difference to your finished result keeping everything neat) I keep the ironing board next to me while I am sewing so it is quicker.

Step 4
Place those squares back into your patchwork picture and continue to sew the squares together until you are left with 6 completed strips.

Step 5

Now sew these 6 stripes together, once again pressing open the seams as you go.

Step 6
I decided to use 4 minky squares which I sewed together to form a square. This is the cheapest option instead of purchasing an entire metre. (Remember this is replacing a wadding & backing fabric so take this into consideration when looking at the cost) If you have not used minky before it is much easier to use with a walking foot (which pulls the fabric at the top and bottom at the same time instead of just the bottom feed dogs working) but you could give it a go without it.

Step 7
Place your completed top patchwork over the minky leaving equal large gaps to allow for stretch. Then pin it together. Sew the first top side then unpin and readjust to allow for movement, continue this until you are on the last side and then leave a gap for turning. Cut off any excess minky before turning it out.

Step 8
And there you have it one gorgeous baby blanket soft & thick and cuddly! Sew around the edges and in between the joins on a few corners to secure it. You can also tie your quilt using crochet cotton. (gotta find a better video than that, but it does quickly show you how to do it!)

Bundle it up and it is ready to go! Now I better get this posted ASAP!

Woodland - Cinderberry Stitches

2012-01-09T18:48:00.001+13:00

So this blog post is happening while I make the dinner, that is how eager I am to share this new fabric line with you!

And how cute are these wee mushrooms? Natalie Lymer seems to ooze out all these fabulous cute ideas and they are found all over her blog Cinderberry Stitches

This fabric range is printed by Lecien, Japan, so once again of the highest quality and oozing with fun vibrant colours.

The prints are a really good size too, lots of detail and small enough for buttons and smaller craft projects, so if you have been waiting for that Japanese style fabric for your crafting then look no further.

Available in our shop here http://www.sewpretty.co.nz/292-woodland

Check out these great images from Natalies blog

Purchase Woodland here: http://www.sewpretty.co.nz/292-woodland

Sunny Happy Skies

2011-12-19T15:52:00.000+13:00

Just what we need this Summer! The newest fabric line from Riley Blake

Flowers

Hearts

Trees & Panda's too!

A pretty lace

and spots & stripes too!

All you need for Summer packed into one little bundle!

Purchase here

About the Designer

It began with a love of scrapbooking, and transformed into a love for all things patterned and bright. Established in 2008 by Graphic Artist, Stephanie Hunt, Bella Blvd continues to provide crafters with her signature happy and bright color palette.

Bella Blvd, a name that derived from Stephanies's Italian heritage and travel experiences. Stephanie's creative designs are now being brought to fabric with the release of her first collection "Sunny Happy Skies

Meet the Gang

2011-12-06T17:55:00.001+13:00

Come on over and Meet the Gang, Andover New York's newest fabric line by Marisa for Creative Thursday

Besides from the cutest characters from the gang ( Ruby; Olive; Simone; Sweetie Bear, Lila, Lola and Oscar) it is the rich colours and storybook design that draw me to these fabrics!

I know we have unleashed a inspiring design, when the possibilities of uses are overflowing in my head! So I will release them from in there to you.

My first thought was of a wee jacket with the border print on the outside with the word fabric as the lining. (There is a cute tutorial here http://www.sewastraightline.com/2010/09/josie-jacket.html)

Then I would love to see some cute trousers or capri's in the white flower fabric with the birds as the trim. There is a super simple pattern in the Making Children's Clothes book

The other things I thought of were a sun hat, ipod case (possibly in the border or the above blue print), a bag, a simple quilt, library bag! I will leave the rest of the dreaming up to you. Purchase here

Top 10 Handmade Christmas Gifts

2011-11-22T22:42:00.000+13:00

With Christmas just around the corner, here are my top ten finds on quick gifts to make using minimal resources and time!

1.The Humble Half Eaten Gingerbread Man How about Orange

2.Funky Pencil Pouch Noodle Head

3.Some very pretty coasters (great for using scraps and super quick to make) Sew Pretty

4. A fat quarter gift bag Emaykayee

5.I always wanted to make one of these - fabric necklace Works in progress

6.Funky coasters! Make it Give It

7. Cute gift tags! Tartankiwi

8. Pine cone Elves ♥ Martha Stewart

9. Cross Over Pinafore (I have made this and it is super easy!) Smashed Peas & Carrots

10. Iphone/ Ipod Case Nifty!Sewplicity

Tuxedo

2011-11-21T19:06:00.001+13:00

Classic and retro all in the same glance. The new Tuxedo Collection by Doodlebug Designs has an air of sophistication about it!

I love the mix of pretty greys into the style and of course with all those delicious dots it was definitely love at first sight!

And the stripes are a great "Man" fabric but work incredibly well with the collection too

And then this Damask has crept in, it is a close call with the spots, but I think it is my favourite

Then the flowers make an excellent bouquet. I feel like whipping up some cushions just staring at these!

Available in bundles & individually right here

Makower UK Bugs

2011-11-18T16:15:00.000+13:00

This new set of fabric from Makower UK is just overflowing with all things Summer. Filled with butterflies, toadstools snails and birdhouses it is a feast for little eyes!

Purchase it here

Riley Style - Take 2 - Mod Tod

2011-11-14T20:17:00.000+13:00

Ok it just got even better! As if Daisy Cottage was not enough, we also received our shipment of Mod Tod today! Sheri Berry Designs have made stunning range for Boys & Girls packed full of all the usual fun I love about modern kids designs most especially from Riley Blake. Bright bold oranges greens and browns fill this gorgeous line of fabrics and if you are one of those mum's who strain as far away as you can from commercial kids designs then this is one for you!

Available here to order as a set or individual fabrics

Riley Style - Take 1 - Daisy Cottage

2011-11-14T20:00:00.000+13:00

Oh couldn't you get lost in this market stall? I think you would easily find me snuggled up with my best read in the corner!

The new Daisy Cottage has all those colours that you are constantly demanding, pink, yellow and grey! And Lori from Bee in my Bonnet has certainly been busy!

Have a virtual scrummage through these divine handmade items and if your heart is stolen, you can purchase the fabric here: Daisy Cottage

Images courtesy of Lori Holt and you should definitely check out her stunning blog Bee in my Bonnet She has some awesome tutorials stashed away in there!

And spot those cute Mr & Mrs Tea Towels ...we have the gorgeous Riley Blake Lace coming late November!

Bug a Boo

2011-10-13T18:08:00.000+13:00

Bug a boo is here! How cute is this fabric! I find it hard to decide which one is my favourite but I know my kids will love all of them!

This fabric just seems to depict what summer is all about! We have made up some Fat Quarter Sets & Half Meter sets to make it easier if you can't decide! And have a peek at these great ideas for some inspiration!

Great and here are the fabrics! All available online now!

http://www.sewpretty.co.nz/252-bug-a-boo

Adornit - All of it!

2011-10-08T10:26:00.001+13:00

There are some great designs coming in all the time but this has to be one of my favourites. The lovely ladies from Adornit have created a range of fabrics that have such a unique colour palette with the most intricate detail ...it is gorgeous

These lasses from Utah, USA are a home grown family run business (woman run for that matter!) and what fantastic work they have done! The business started a while back with their mum Carolee and now all three daughters are fully on board.

The fabric now in great demand but slim supply in the USA has only just arrived in Australia & New Zealand, so as you could only imagine there was no doubt in my mind to get their entire range in! There are 3 different ranges and lots and lots and lots of different colours!

And hence with over 40 bolts of fabric is has taken a little long to get it all ready for you!

First off ... Long Live Vintage...

Image courtesy of Needles and Lemons

Vin-tage "Old enough to be in fashion again"

There are two colour palette's to choose from (as if you could!) one warm and one cool.

First up we have the warm brown & tan palette, filled with burnt orange, berry bursts and cosy browns

then the icy blues & smokey greys of the cool palette

The lovely Denise from Hot 4 Handbags let me share her gorgeous creations using some of these fabrics.

Then if things could not get better ...

Pink Dazzled came along! Just to temp us even further! Gorgeous pale & hot pinks (who would have thought?) greys and plums all mixed up together reminds me of a summer smoothie.

Once again Debbie shows of how great these colours work together!

Find all the above great fabrics online now

and next week the last of this range is coming.... here is a sneak peak

Have a great weekend, happy sewing
Warm Regards
Kirsty

Long live vintage ....

2011-10-01T12:35:00.001+13:00

I am super excited just went to our local school fete and picked up this little chair for $2. I have been thrifting about looking for chairs for the Sew Pretty room (where we will soon be starting classes)

I have already saved some of the beautiful Lecien Fabric for this task, but when I popped the chair in front of all the other bolts, it's as if they were screaming "pick me, pick me!".

On the way home my mind was travelling to all the possibilities with this forgotten chair... I could definitely invisage some retro boys fabric on top and placed in the corner of my boys room.. mmm another project for another day!

Of course inspiration has to come from somewhere and this awesome mum seems to do just that on a daily basis!

Springtime

2011-09-21T13:39:00.000+12:00

Today definitely feels like a Spring day here in Christchurch, the sun is warming the Sew Pretty room (which by the way looks quite a state after all our recent markets!)

I received the Urban Zoologie shipment this morning and could not be more excited! What a fabulous fun range and I cannot wait to start creating with it. Now that are markets are over until Christmas I am looking forward to spending some more time sewing and getting some tutorials up for you.

We do have a few more pieces of the zoologie outstanding but they should be here next week so keep your eye out. Our owls are also back in stock from the original Zoologie range.

This has to be my favourite print, possibly as it is gender neutral. But the rest are sew cute!

Get them here and don't forget to share you pictures of what you make :)

Heirloom

2011-08-30T00:05:00.000+12:00

Mmmm yes more srumminess is here!!! The Heirloom fabrics are a colleciton of rich, classsical florals paired with contemporary design motifs that create a timeless style.Vibrant colours rejuvante these nostalgic designs and make a stunning palette to use in creating your next "heirloom"

A lovely group of photo's complimants of Joel Dewberry and family!

We have 3 gorgeous sets available 2 in the Saphire range and 1 in the Ruby, we sold a lot of our stock at market, so please feel free to send me an email with any preferences for individual colours.

Laurie Dewberry & their 2 daughters

Snow Pretty Take 2!

2011-08-16T15:00:00.001+12:00

So I have my cuppa tea, my laptop, the heater and I am blogging in the newly renovated (but work in progress) Sew Pretty Room.

It is pouring with rain outside, but I managed to find a few pictures for you and this was one of my favourites - pretty pink in amongst the white!

Work is progressing in our new Sew Pretty room - most of the fabrics are now up on the shelves but will be coming down very soon as we prepare for the Dunkleys Craft show in Christchurch this weekend (Fri 19th - Sun 22nd) and Dunedin the following weekend.

I have just been on their Facebook page and I am drooling over all the lovely things that are going to be there! Including some awesome looking Fudge and Gourmet Food!

Don't forget to print off this coupon to save on your entry.

I will be running a limited stock version of the shop online during the show but any orders will be processed as usual within a day of cleared payment. I look forward to sharing with you many new items we will have in stock after the shows!

Stay warm and keep sewing beautiful!

Oh and I will be announcing the winner of our ribbon pack in the next Newsetter due out soon so make sure you have read your's carefully to see how to enter!

Snow that has fallen off the roof, my poor herb tub :(

Like my new fabric?

Sugar & Spice and all things nice.....

2011-08-03T19:18:00.003+12:00

The most adorable little dolls I have ever seen!

Do you know when you get your fabric it is always better that the picture? Well wait until you see these!

If you are wanting to get your daughter into sewing or just looking for a perfect gift then these are perfect!

Meet Mimi, Molly, Daisy & Ginger... and Freddie - the Sweetie Petites.

Sweetie Petites doll kits contain all you need to make a Sweetie and their little friend: printed fabric panels, stuffing, ribbon loops and sewing instructions. Each one has her name printed on the back and a little note for their new owner.

"Won't you join Bear and me for a tea party? I'll get the cupcakes and cookies and you spread out the blanket under the big tree in the garden, Come on let's sit dow, Do you take milk? butterfly kisses x Molly"

The Sweeties can be sewn by hand or machine and are an ideal project for a beginner, or for an adult to make with a child.

Your finished Sweetie will measure about 15 to 17 cm tall (about 6 to 6.7 inches).

The design of these little cute little dolls has been influenced by vintage and Japanese kawaii styles. They appeal to all ages, from toddlers to pre-teens and even adults who like to collect fun and quirky things.

Click on any of the below pictures to go to our website to order

Love at first Sigh.....

2011-07-28T19:06:00.000+12:00

Today I got a sewers dream book delivered. The Riley Blake 2011 Catalog! I can understand why they made the cover green..... as it will be the envy of most!

Filled with the rest of this years amazing designs!!! A few sneak peaks for you!

I think I have entered Fabric Heaven!

Lost & Found

2011-07-28T16:11:00.000+12:00

A brand new line we have just got in and I am in ♥ once again! Most of the Riley Blake designs we get in are aimed at the kiddos but this one is certainly not and what could be better than it being in our very own Cantabrian Red & Black?

So if I ever had a CHCH quilt made it would have to be in this range!

The designs in this range are just timeless & beautiful! Backed onto a slightly off white the red & black just speak of a sophistication that is just sew pretty!

Click on any of the pictures to take you to the range online

Mollie Makes

2011-07-26T17:46:00.004+12:00

Is there anything about this magazine cover that would not make you squeel?

Well if you have not heard of Mollie Makes then you are missing out! Check out the awesome video below, filmed in the beautiful location of Bath, UK where we spent many a holiday!

Why do we love Mollie makes? Because it is inspiring! The video depicts something inside each of us that we are longing for! A group of your best mates over for a cuppa and an afternoon of sharing your craft, learning new things, creating something beautiful together!

It oozes with fresh chic ideas and add's that sophistication to your favorite craft! Mollie Makes focuses on these main issues:

MAKING ♥ THRIFTING ♥ COLLECTING ♥ CRAFTING

Watch this video and you will be hooked!

Finally a fashion magazine for crafters! This mag will keep you up to date of all the latest trends, fabrics and crafts!

I am super pleased that we are able to offer these magazines in our shop! The first issue will be a pre order for the September copy of the magazine, the older issues have sold out (as could be expected!) from the distributor.

Click here to pre order your copy! We have a maximum of 10 copies available at the moment

Who are we foolin?

2011-07-23T01:03:00.003+12:00

So who are we fooling? Why does Sew Pretty exist? Is it just to tempt you to buy gorgeous fabrics? I have been asked the following question so much lately that I thought it would be worth sharing with you. So how did this all start? Was this something you had done before?

Princess Rose - Fit for more than a Princess!

Some of you may be aware but I aint an expert sewer, I started sewing just over 2 years ago and I fell in ♥! Fabric is a fashion in itself, it comes in and goes out very quickly, changing with the seasons. So staying ahead is hard work! Why on earth should our lovely kiwi sewers not be able to get the range & choice the rest of the world gets? - Sew Pretty was born....

So now you know a bit of the story and my greatest passion with this business is to get people sewing, to discover that hidden talent and joy of accomplishing something beautiful! (And of course I have lots and lots more goals but more on that later!)

Joe - decided to try making a bib for her son and is now the founder of the amazing Bibbles - Dribble Bibs

I am pretty happy getting patterns from Books & online, but sometimes you just need something special. You want that item that just has to be perfect! So I have decided to introduce a beautiful range of pre order patterns and to add an extra cherry into the pie, we have negotiated with a book supplier to get some amazing sewing books at great prices and we will be having a BOOK SALE this Sunday and the chance to win a very yummy Sew Pretty pack of fabric, ribbon, felt, and lots more yumminess!

So I would like to introduce to you Oliver + S with a great range of children's patterns in a funky retro pattern design!

STC Craft Presents: Oliver + S Little Things to Sew, by Liesl Gibson from STC Craft / Melanie Falick Books on Vimeo.

I have uploaded just a few of their patterns and the book, there will be more available next week.

And just a few selections of our new books which will be on SALE on Sunday 8pm!

I do hope you all have a relaxing weekend and you manage to make an appointment with your sewing machine!

Oh and watch this space for more news!

Warm Regards

Kirsty & Justin

From Scrap to Scrumptious!

2011-07-10T23:33:00.001+12:00

There is no excuse now! Sew Pretty has just launched a scrap category where you will find all sorts of bargains!

Each scrap pack contains at least 50g or more of co-ordinating fabric scraps. This is equal to just over a FQ (a regular FQ weighs aprox 40g)

And to show you exactly what you can do with a little piece of scrumptiousness I am going to show you how to work with Vliesofix/Bondaweb which we also have in stock!

Right so to start with you will need the following tools: (well at least some of them if you are not as obsessed with scissors as I am!)

Above I have the following

A small scrap of fabric,
A piece of vliesofix/bondaweb which I have cut out using my regular pair of scissors,
a pen/pencil
a fabric scissors of some sort either regular or pinking shears

To begin just simply turn your vliesofix onto the paper side (smooth side) and trace your design, I outlined an image but the paper is very light so you can trace out from a book or image online. (Remember if you are using words to reverse them!)

Next with the rough side of the vliesofix face down on the wrong side of your fabric, iron the piece of vliesofix onto the fabric by holding down the iron on the spot for at least 10 seconds.

Next simply cut out your shape using your fabric scissors or pinking shears (if you want less fraying)

Then peel off the paper piece from the wrong side of your fabric and iron onto the desired place on your project. (Again for about 10 seconds) In this case I am making a skirt with a fabric hem and I wanted just something small to add to the top plain fabric.

Next sew around your item if desired. I would recommend this if it is going to be washed or on something that will be rubbed against often. For bunting I normally don't applique around it but for clothes I would recommend doing it.

And that is that! All done, I have included a picture from Michael & Maisie where she has created a super sweet t-shirt using this method.

No Girls allowed!

2011-07-04T19:40:00.001+12:00

With two little rugrats of my own, and a game of Cowboys & Indians currently going on as I type this, I know how hard it can be to find fun boy prints. So I am always on the lookout for something that can only be called boy, messy, fun & scary!

So I decided to let you see a few of the fabulous designs we have in stock plus a few new items!

Have a look on our website under Themes - Childrens - Boys for a full treat of boy fabrics available!

We also have an awesome new panel , there are only 4 in stock and they are 88cm x 112cm. Perfect to convert into a take along playmat or a great little blanket!

And have a look at this great tutorial I found online for some boys trousers! I cannot wait to make my little boys these with some funky fabrics for the turn ups!

Food for thought

2011-07-03T18:24:00.003+12:00

This week I had the amazing pleasure of getting involved with Bellyful once again. This amazing organization run by volunteers, make & freeze homemade meals for families with new children or those in crisis situations.

The wonderful ladies down in Temuka, had 70 meals that they kindly decided to donate to Christchurch! (Read their story here)

And they decided to ask me to help them distribute the meals in Christchurch. After many phone calls, I finally came across an organisation called Ranui House

Ranui provides families with a home away from home while a loved one is in care at the Christchurch hospital. It is owned and managed by the bone marrow cancer trust. When I called them up they just sounded relieved and overwhelmed at the thoughtfulness of the kind people of Temuka.
Allison (the C.E.O) said that they get families often coming in late at night that have not eaten a good meal and this would be an amazing gift for them.

So Thursday night saw Kim packaging up the meals in Temuka and loading them onto the free freezer truck that was provided by McKenzie Supply Services. However as things go as a mumtreprenuer the following morning did not run as smoothly as I had planned! (Broken laptop, overslept, flat battery & ill child all on the most important day of my week!) Anyhow managed to keep my head above the water and all systems go to the supply yard!

Mmm wish that was all Mallowpuffs!

From the depot to the City! I had not been so close into the city since February and it is a bit of a shocker, a ghost town. I got slightly lost so I got right up to the cordons. However everywhere around the most inner center was buzzing with activity which is really good to see.

These are the lovely ladies from Ranui house, they were overjoyed to see such bounty! I was parked underground (which is a pretty scary experience in earthquake city especially leaving the boys in the car while we took the meals inside)

A reflective moment:

While we were unpacking the meals, I was wondering on my decision to give these meals to Ranui house just processing through that this was the right organisation. On my way back to the car park, I could hear the kids making a noise, I was mid sentence saying "I'm coming I'm coming" when I realised that the childs voice was not my own. What I saw next made my heart sore and brought tears to my eyes. A little girl, no older than my youngest (2yrs) with no hair getting ready in the car with mum and dad most likely off for treatment. I knew then this was the right decision. I cannot imagine going through something like that and having to deal with aftershocks at the same time.

So thank you once again to Bellyful for their amazing provision. If this is something you would like to get involved in, or if you know of a family in need, conact them here

Alphabet Soup

2011-06-20T17:13:00.000+12:00

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was to be getting this fabric in! I ordered it at the beginning of the year already and it has been very very hard to keep it under wraps until today! The lovely Zoe Pearn has designed this for Riley Blake and you can never go wrong with such an amazing Australian designer!

These are the two main prints, I ♥ the idea of one for boys and one for girls! The arrows & stars and "Roars" just depict my boys all over! And as for the girls I love the swirls, ladybugs & "Meaow"!

But that is not the best part, there is a ever so cute block style print just full full full of your favourite cute animals! Take a look at these!

Then the best part is all the other prints that go with these. They are bright and fun and I can just imagine a gazillion project for them including a cute little clutch! There are lots more fabrics online to choose from too!

Oooh my Ooshka!

2011-06-17T01:51:00.000+12:00

They are here and I am in ♥!

It did not take me long to decide to get these gorgeous doll patterns in! If you are not a Russian doll fan already then just a quick glance at these lovelies will have you hooked!

The appeal of little stackable Matryoshka dolls easily meets it's match with a perfect assignment for those itty bitty scraps you have been saving for a "special" project! Although they could easily deserve their own fabric! Now the hardest choice will be choosing which doll you would like!

There are 4 face options, Dark hair with blue eyes (a stunning contrast)! Dark hair with brown eyes and wee freckles, the ever so sweet blondie and then the stunning ginger with a headband of sweet daisies.

The kit comes with easy to follow instructions and pattern pieces and the face panel. Additional face panels (if you cannot make up your mind like me!) are available to purchase.

The dolls measure 41cm high when complete. For those of you with girls well birthday presents, Christmas or just because is the perfect excuse! For those of you without (moi!) I fancy stuffing a few peas inside and using one as my "Sew Pretty Room" door stopper!

And we are not forgetting the boys! Place your pre order for the Ooshka Boy now! (just click on the picture!)

Happy Sewing everyone! P.S. Thank you for all the well wishes for the latest shakes! Life is always exciting down here in CHCH! I do appreciate your thoughts and I also appreciate your support of me as a mumtrepeneur

Late night scrap heap challenge

2011-06-11T00:13:00.001+12:00

Ok so father's day is looming in the rest of the world and with my parents living in South Africa, it means anything posted needs to be light, but an even greater challenge is finding a present for a guy let alone sewing one!

Here is my solution, I was limited with my fabric choice, (which sounds strange, but I was using "my" scraps!) And this was a late night challenge, so if the pic's look a bit dark you know why!

This is a glasses/sunglasses case:

These are super quick to make and you only need 2 small squares of fabric & some ribbon to make them!

♥ Cut out 2 squares 23cm x23cm (9"x9") of co-ordinating fabric, or if you are going to use the same fabric inside & out (as I did with the blue stripes) cut out a 23cm x 46cm rectangle and fold in half to get your square. (Just a note, I preferred the overall finish of the 2 squares as the holes for the drawstring are sealed off better)

♥Also cut out a 23x23cm sqaure of interfacing. Which is now in stock at Sew Pretty! Place inside your rectangle or on top of your 2 squares (which should be facing each other with right sides in)

♥Iron baby iron! I am starting to miss having the ironing board in my sewing room!

♥ [For 2 squares only] Pin & stitch around your square leaving a small gap. Turn it the right way out.(always always pin! it makes for a much better finished product!)

♥Now fold over a small piece (about 1.5cm) from the front to the back. (This is going to make the pouch for the drawstring. (I used the end with the open edge from turning as my top)

♥Pin and stitch as close the bottom/edge, the closer you can go the more comfy your pouch will be to get your drawstring through. Make sure you use a co-ordinating thread as it will show on the outside of your wallet.

♥Once that is done, fold your square in half ( by halving the drawstring pouch you just made) and with right sides together (outside pieces). Pin and sew down the sides and just over the start of the drawstring pouch

♥ Fold the right way out, you can see how nice and sturdy these are which is great to keep those sunglasses a bit safer!

♥ Finally using a safety pin attached to your ribbon/string thread it through the holes in the top of the wallet, tie knots in the ends and you are done! Presto! Present sorted!

Happy Fathers day Dad! (And mom you can see there is one made up for you twhoo!)

Hoo's in the forest?

2011-06-10T15:45:00.000+12:00

Riley Blake Designs just seem to understand the joy of childhood! The new Hoo's in the forest fabric collection by Doohikey Designs is no exception!

If owls are your thing, then this is for you! Filled with lucious pinks, reds & browns, I could only begin to imagine a quilt for a special little girl! Not to mention all the other yummy crafy you could get up to with these!

Before I show you the fabric, I have to let you know that the cost of this fabric has gone up by $1.15 per meter 30 cents per FQ, however I have decided to keep the price at $5 per Fat Quarter for now because we all deserve to enjoy this fabric!

Also this is availabe in METRIC! Yipee! So now you get an extra 4cm per FQ all the better to craft with!
When purchasing fabric from the site, always check the details underneath to see if it is in imperial or metric. As we slowly move over more and more will be in metric, however some collections such as Amy Butler will remain in imperial as the cost of metric far outways the benefit!

Here you go, enjoy oohing and aahing! And check out the fabulicious quilt that was on display at the quilt market & the funky tree! I want one of those!

Thank you all also for bearing with me through the up's & downs of a mumtrepaneur!

Chchch changes!

2011-05-31T19:59:00.000+12:00

Sew Pretty has been running for almost 9 months now and I just ♥♥♥ all of it! I ♥ the fabric (obviously) I ♥ helping & finding out more about you! All my amazing customers! I ♥ the new skills I am learning through business - accounting for me can now be referred to as the "A" word especially if it is mentioned in the same sentence as fabric!

So it is with great excitement that I am announcing our move to metric and many more exciting things! The move over to metric will take place slowly, as our new stock comes in it will be available in meters instead of yards so you will receive an extra 4cm of delicious fabric per fat quarter! ......but more on this later.

Our website is under going changes too, we are working hard (even until 1am in the morning!) to make it look prettier & a better shopping experience for you. So please understand if things don't look 100% all the time, but be assured that this is just a face-lift change and your shopping experience should not be interrupted in any way!

So looking forward, I just have to share with you some of the new Michael Miller prints that we cannot wait to get into stock!

If you are like me with boys you are always on the lookout for something different and ultra funky for boys! So when I saw just exactly what Kathy & Michael were showing off at the quilt show, there was a huge "squeel".

Have a look at their blog to see some awesome videos of the show, it really makes me want to be a part of all that fun! There are also some awesome free tutorials on there esp this one (and one for kids) for bean bags:

So watch this space! There are a lot more exciting things to come!

Sewing for Girls

2011-05-19T10:33:00.000+12:00

I woke up this morning to find Jennifer Paganelli's new book "Girls World" on my kitchen counter. Massive "Squeel" and all thoughts of packing kindy lunches forgotten!

This came with perfect timing as I was up sewing a little girls dress until 1am last night determined to get the idea of a reversible pinafore dress working! (more to come on this later!)

Why do I love sewing books? Well this book cost me $26 from The Book Depository It comes with 21 patterns inside. That is just $1.23 per pattern. Why would I want to spend $18 on one pattern if I can get a whole book of them?

I am not totally against individual patterns, but if you are new to sewing you will find plenty of inspiration in books like these without risking buying 1 pattern and it not quite working out how you had planned.

This book looks great, I cannot wait to get started! (Even though I have 2 boys! My friends with girls will benefit!) The projects inside include:

4 Dress patterns
2 Aprons
1 Skirt
Headbands, Bags, Quilt, Memory Board, Barrette, Pillows and much more!

The book depository has 25% off this book at the moment, and it has free worldwide delivery. If you don't have a paypal or visa card, just send me an email and I can order one for you.

We are moving house tomorrow, I am SEW excited to be getting my very own Sew Pretty study/room. I see wall to ceiling shelves coming in! So if I am a bit slow on replying to your messages please bear with me until we are settled in!

Oh and do please keep sending pictures in of what you have been working on! It makes my day!

Happy Sewing

To market, to market, to market we go

2011-04-19T09:10:00.001+12:00

Seen that so many of my lovely customers are market sellers, I could not resist sharing this pretty little apron tutorial which you can make in a dash and ensure you are the envy of all the other stall holders this weekend!

All you need for this is 1 fat quarter (46cm x 56cm) of SewPretty fabric and 1 co-ordinating fat quarter.

1.Line up and trim your FQ's so that they fit neatly on top of each other, then cut off a 2 inch strip from the longest side. (These are going to be used for your straps)

2.To make the straps simply fold each strip in half and sew (as close as to the edge as dareable) then turn inside out.

Now I have struggled many a time to pull through straps like this, and I kept thinking there must be a better way to get this right! I even saw that you can purchase a special tool to help you do this, but I have found a cheaper way with a safety pin. (You may have known this already and failed to pass this great trick on, tut tut)

Simply insert the safety pin on one side making sure you only go through 1 layer of your tube. Then turn the safety pin in on itself and help the tube along by folding in the raw edges to start the process off. then simply keep pushing the safety pin through whilst pulling the fabric down. 1 minute as opposed to 1 hour!

3. Iron your straps flat and insert them between your 2 FQ's (which need to be right sides together) measuring about an inch from the top. Secure them with pins.

4.Stitch all the way around your 2 FQ's leaving a small opening to turn it through.

5.Turn right way out and iron, then stitch along the edges once again to close the opening.

6.Now just fold the bottom piece up over the top to create your little pockets, decide on what size pockets you would like depending on your craft and place pins to mark out the lines (I like to keep a small pocket on the side for pens, one for business cards, one for a few coins, and one for a few sweet treats!)

7. Sew your lines reinforcing at the joins, trim off all excess thread and tie 2 knots in the ends of the straps.

And that is it! All done! A little bit of fabulous style to your market in minutes! Other ideas to try are making a tool belt for your little man, a serving/laundry apron for yourself, a gardeners tool apron. The list can just continue! I would love to see what you create with this idea so just send any pictures to info@sewpretty.co.nz

This weekend, Sew Pretty will be at the Little River Pumpkin Festival! See you there!

Bellyful Raffle - Little Old Nags

2011-03-29T22:01:00.000+13:00

The hobby horses from Little Old Nags just capture that part of you that remembers being a child, the pretend play and the absolute joy of being a kid. They are so eye catching it makes you want to get one even if you don't have children! Sarah has kindly donated your choice of hobby horse for our Bellyful raffle! Lets go behind the stables....

Q: Tell us all about you, where you are based and your favourite things:
A: I'm Sarah, busy stay at home Mama to two sensationally gorgeous little rugrats (almost 3yo and 8mo) who fill my day with more beautiful things than I could ever have dreamed of and dedicated wifey to the amazing Mark. I am also an Occupational Therapist, from a pre-parenthood lifetime. I'm a part-time artist, a part-time crafty nut, and a country hearted girl.

Q: How did Little Old Nags get started then?
A:Little Old Nags beginning was simple but pretty accidental and just 6 months ago. My 2 year old was riding around the house on a stick pretending to be a cowboy. I thought heck why not get out the sewing machine and make him an old fashioned hobby horse. A few friends commented, so I made some more. My husband told me to advertise them to see what would happen.... 60 orders in 6 weeks later and an unintentional business was born :). It has been a fantastic ride so far. I love that such love and joy is still out there for a fabulous traditional toy.

Q: The best part about what you do?
A: I love that I am able to channel my uncontrollable urge to 'make stuff', in a small way bring enjoyment to a child's life, and best of all - stay a SAHM

Q:Tell us your experiences at being a mum
A:It's indescribable. I often find it impossible to find words to explain the joy, the pain, the memories, the challenges, the laughter, the tears, but most overwhelming - the love. My children have enriched and completed me. For as long as I can remember all I ever wanted to be was a Mama. My children are two very different souls who bring very different things to our family and adore each other already. I worry about being able to give them both everything they need to grow but most of all I try to remember to relax and enjoy each day, not to sweat the small stuff, and to make traditions and memories.

Q: And lastly your ultimate superpower?
A: Oooooo that's a hard one. Maybe to make time stand still once in a while. Just to take a deep breath and inhale in all the little things that in our busy lives too often pass us by.

Bellyful Raffle - Ginger Pye

2011-03-29T09:06:00.000+13:00

Today we talk to the two masterminds behind Ginger Pye Reusable Sandwich Wraps

Q: Tell us all about you, where you are based & your favourite things!

A: We are big sister Nicola Pye (creative genius/slave labour/photographer) and little sister Julia Hollis-Pye (the entire marketing, administration and accounts departments as well as our webmaster). We grew up in Adelaide and Auckland (mostly), and now live in lovely Dunedin. Nicola has two big kids (8 and 13) and Julia has two little kids (1 and 4), and we started Ginger Pye because being stay-at-home-mums meant we weren't quite busy enough (just joking!!). We've set ourselves the tiny goal of wrapping the entire world in Ginger Pye reusable sandwich wraps - still have a little way to go though :-) Favourite things probably involve anything lazy - sleeping, watching good movies, coffee or a glass of wine with friends...

Q: How did Ginger Pye come about?

A: Nicola had made a few sandwich wraps for her family and friends who seemed to really like them, but not being particularly business inclined, she didn't take it further. Julia was a bit more foresightful and saw that there was a definite market out there for sandwich wraps, so took our first order from her daughter's kindy, and we went from there...

Q: Your favourite parts about what you do?

A:Our favourite parts are probably getting great feedback from happy customers, and buying stacks of beautiful new fabrics. We also love the freedom to set our own hours, and work around our home lives, with no bosses except for our bossy selves!

Q: Your experiences as a mum?

A:Working from home is great as a mum, as it means that you can fit things in around your children's needs. Nicola is home educating her kids, and Julia has a baby that just doesn't like to sleep, so we squeeze things in as we can - it's busy, but somehow it all works!

Q: If you had one superpower what would it be and why?

A: How about being able to exist without sleep - it would be fantastic to have an extra few hours in the day sometimes, without wasting it on sleep :-)

Bellyful Raffle - Country Cousins

2011-03-28T21:20:00.000+13:00

Sometimes you just know quality when you see, feel & touch a handmade item!

Country Cousins have kindly donated a set of these pot holders made from the beautiful Anthology fabric for our Bellyful raffle.

When I opened up the envelope with these inside my friend gasped and said wow those match your kitchen perfectly and they are so lovely! I wish they could stay in there!

So lets find out a little more about the lady who's standards are so high and products such quality!

Q: Tell us all about you, where you are based and your favourite things!
A: I am a very proud Nana of four wonderful grandchildren (oh and I am proud of their parents as well). I live on a lifestyle block at Katikati in the Bay of Plenty with my husband, a dog and some sheep. Until recently I was a legal executive in a local law office, but have taken time out to "play" and be creative, which is my passion.

Q: How did Country Cousins come about?
A: I have sewn all my life, and I come from a family of creative people, my 94 year old grandmother still does a little sewing and does wonderful crochet. I have four generations of my family involved in my business, from my grandmother making crocheted jug covers, to my mum and daughter who specialise in creating different products that we sell.

My business began a few years ago when I owned a fabric shop and I would make children's clothes as samples for the shop in the wonderful fabrics. Mothers who couldn't sew would buy the samples and order more, so Country Cousins was born. I would also make small gifts from the remnants of fabric left over from a bolt. I have also made dance costumes and uniforms for many different dance schools over the past fifteen or so years, which is really beautiful

Q: What is the best part about what you do:

A: I love the whole process of my business, from designing, buying and playing with fabrics and colours, the actual sewing and then the wonderful satisfaction of selling or giving the finished product to to the lucky recipient. I love markets because you get to meet the person who is buying your treasures.

Q: Your experiences as a mum & grandmother!

A: My experience as a mum is a little different from most of you as my four children are all grown up now, and I have my grandies. My advice to you all is to treasure all those moments because time goes so quickly and before you know it your children are all grown up. But then being a grandmother is the most special time in my life, I think when you are a parent there are so many expectations on you, but grandchildren give soooo much pleasure.

Q: And lastly if you had one superpower what would it be and why?

A: If I had one superpower it would be to make sure that every child in the world had enough food to eat, had every educational opportunity available, but most of all parents who love them and not mistreat them at all times.

Thanks Carol! And thank you for everyone who has purchased a Bellyful raffle ticket! I cannot wait to do the draw on Thursday!

If you have not purchased your ticket, you have until Wednesday midnight.

Ticket Sales

Quick & simple FQ project

2011-03-28T16:27:00.001+13:00

Do you have loads of FQ's lying around and you are just eager to create something special with them?

Well here it is, this took me (novice sewer) just a couple of hours this afternoon to make, and I would guess less than an hour to make a 2nd one.

I used the gorgeous Amy Butler Love fabric bundle and I still have enough to make 1 more plus a bit extra. So even if you only have 1 FQ you will be able to make this.

The best part is the pattern is free!

http://wolfandwillow.typepad.com/files/open-sesame-doorstop-pattern.pdf

Sweet Nothings Zoe Pearn

2011-03-25T17:34:00.000+13:00

This is the lovely lady who brought us All Star, All Star 2, Quite Contrary, Summer Song and now Sweet Nothings.

Looking around her website it just oozes with yumminess, that makes me want to get out my card making supplies and get going. You can only imagine the thrill of opening up a package of her new fabric!

Zoe is Australian and lives in Brisbane with her husband, little boy Joshua and new daughter Lola. Designing is her dream job, escape, her passion and like so many of the mum's we have interviewed this week she feels so lucky to be able to do what she loves for a living! She has had some tough times though loosing their home in the floods...

I have put an excerpt taken from the John Paul College website who are helping rebuild their home for them below this post.

Purchase any of these by clicking on the fabric!

Meet the Pearns...

Zoe and Martin lost their home and most of their possessions in the floods on Wednesday 12 January 2011. The water came to a foot below the ceilings. After days of inundation, isolation and grief, the Pearn family returned to their ruined home at Bellbowrie, in one of the hardest hit streets in Brisbane.

In the days following the flood, a large rubbish tip grew in Lions Park at the end of their street, where army trucks dumped load after load of sodden furniture and household goods. In the weeks to follow, their home was stripped bare, removing the mud-soaked plasterboard and brand new kitchen, installed just weeks earlier.

The Pearn family loved their home. It was modest, but it was all that they could afford at the time. They love the area and planned to be there for as long as the kids were at home. Zoe started her own business after she lost her job, and for the first two years she worked almost 18 hours a day to afford to put food on the table while combating interest rate rises. They had done what they could afford to do to the house - painting the exterior and interior of the house just one week before the arrival of their daughter, and installing a brand new kitchen and fridge.

“Unfortunately we have had to see our home, all of our hard work and our dreams be washed away with the floods. Regardless of what has happened, it is still our home. It may literally only be four walls and a roof at the moment, but we still plan to make our life there, nothing has changed in that respect.” - Zoe Pearn

The Pearn family do not have flood cover as part of their insurance policy, and are now in a position where they cannot afford to rebuild their home. They currently share a bed with their two children in Zoe’s father’s home and look forward to the day they can bring Josh and Lola back home.

“Our little boy keeps asking to go home, and all we can tell him is that the house has been broken by all the water. He had just started to enjoy going to his Kindy and he misses his little friends. Both of us want nothing more than to be able to give our kids their home and some normality back.”

The past month has been an emotional rollercoaster for Zoe and Martin and it is hard to put what they have experienced into words. Zoe blogged the horrors of being inundated, their evacuation, and the amazing community response to the disaster after such tragedy and heartbreak

Read more on Zoe's blog http://zoepearndesigns.com/hello/

http://www.sewpretty.co.nz/category.php?id_category=138

Bellyful Raffle - Smylee Photography

2011-03-24T23:14:00.000+13:00

When your name is Smylee, you received your first camera at 9 and you have a passion for photography you can understand why Smylee is so good at what she does! Smylee Photography have generously donated a photography session worth $125 to the Bellyful Raffle. This includes a 1 hour photo session for up to 5 people and includes 5 edited photo's on a CD. So lets find out about the lady behind that lens!

Q:Tell us all about you, where you come from and your favourite things!

A: I am Smylee, and yes that is my real name.I have very creative parents. I am from a small town called Thoothukudy down in South India, but now I call New Zealand my home. I enjoy travelling, adventure sports, yoga, photography and nature

Q: How did your business idea start?

A: Photography is a passion to me. Given my first camera when I was 9, I spent every vacation since then taking a million photos of people, nature and more, which helped building my creative side. Later I studied photography as a part of my University curriculum, this helped me understand the technical side of it too.

I specialize in baby/children photography. As a Mother to a gorgeous two year old girl, I have come to realize that children grow up in a blink of an eye. and that it is very important to capture the present. And hence the formation of

Smylee Photography!

Q: The best part about what you do

A: Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.- Confucius" .

I enjoy and love every bit of being a photographer. Capturing those special moments and knowing that it will be treasured forever is such a delight!

Q: Your experiences as a mum:

A:After quite a disappointed day, I lay down in the bed wearily. And my little girl crawls onto me and touches my face with her palm and starts to smilingly babble. This is one of those moments I describe as the Delights of Motherhood. As demanding as it gets, being a mother makes you look at things in a complete new perspective. The enormous and endless love, care and patience, that I didn't really knew existed within me. And so well, I have come to realize that all the late-nights, tantrums and crying are so much worth putting up with!

Q: If you had one superpower what would it be?

A:I am so tempted to choose mind-reading but I am pretty certain that it might yield regretful consequences. So I will settle for the ability to time-travel. Why because, it would be interesting to see the past and know the future.

Check out Smylees website here:

www.symleephotography.co.nz

and follow her on Facebook

Purchase your $2 raffle ticket here and support a great cause!

Bellyful Fundraiser ticket

This prize is for Auckland only, so we will do an Auckland name draw first so that if anyone is drawn who is not from Auckland they will go back into the draw for the other prizes.

Bellyful Raffle - Baby Bird

2011-03-24T10:22:00.000+13:00

Baby Bird has kindly donated an owltastic owl (see the green owl below) to the Bellyful raffle, let's find out a bit more about Bronwyn beside from her never ending task of naming all her Sock Monkeys with "M" names:

Q:Tell us all about you, where you come from and your favourite things!

A: I'm Bronwyn, born and bred in the soon to be new and improved CHCH!

My favourite things are playing, sleeping, sharing, and coming up with new & exciting creations...as well as mai chai tea and dark chocolate :)

Q:How did Baby Bird start?

A: I starting off making natural cleaners not long after our son was born as I wanted his exposure to chemicals to be minimal. I shared my concoctions with friends and family who then encouraged me to start selling them. I discovered that there were other things I was making for my own needs that could be shared, at a more affordable price, and I enjoyed making them. So Baby Bird hatched! Green Cleaners, Mei Tai Baby Carriers, Handmade Soft Toys, Bags, Sleep Sacks...and so much more. The more I make to make my own life easier the more is added to my nest of products :)

Q: The best part about what you do?

A: My favourite part about what I do is seeing someones face light up as the say "this is just what I've been looking for!". People love handmade things, and it's great to be able to provide them an item that's handmade with love ♥

Q: Your experiences as a Mum

A: My experience as a mum so far has been very fun, with a few challenges thrown in. Our son is 18 months old and is a gorgeous wee handful, but I wouldn't change a thing.

Q: If you had one superpower what would it be and why?

A: If I had one superpower it would be the ability to time travel. I'd love to visit a simpler time with no traffic, cars, pollution, crowds and most of all...earthquakes!

Thanks Bronwyn, we look forward to seeing your next new creations! If you would like to purchase any Baby Bird products, check out their Facebook page :

Baby Bird

And remember to purchase your Bellyful Raffle Ticket for just $2, tell your friends and let's support this awesome organisation!

www.bellyful.co.nz

Amy Butler ♥ Giveaway

2011-03-23T20:58:00.000+13:00

Celebrating ♥ today as my 9 year wedding anniversary, I am giving away a FQ set of this stunning Amy Butler Love set.

Bellyful Raffle

2011-03-22T23:29:00.000+13:00

For the next few days I will be doing a bit of a blog post about our sponsors of our Bellyful raffle. Bellyful is an amazing organisation that offers a home made meals to families with a new baby or those in need. If you are a parent you will know how hard it is to get a healthy tasty meal on the table when you have a new baby in the house especially if you don't have family support around you.

Have a read on their website for more information.

And follow them on Facebook

Sew Pretty along with some amazing sponsors are offering over 8 awesome prizes for our Bellfyful Fundraiser Raffle. Tickets are just $2 and you can purchase them through our website, each ticket counts as an entry.

From there to here, from here to there, Dr Seuss fabric is in the air....

2011-03-20T01:57:00.000+13:00

My shoe is off. My foot is cold. I have some fabric you'd like to hold!

"A person's a person, no matter how small" Theodor Geisel, a.k.a Dr Seuss, would say. "Children want the same things we want. To laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained and delighted."

A man after my own heart! In case I have not mentioned it enough before, bring on the bright where children are concerned! The Seuss books are bursting with colour and there is no compromise with this range by Robert Kaufman.

Brilliant, playful and always respectful of children, Dr. Seuss charmed his way into the consciousness of four generations of youngsters and parents. In the process, he helped millions of kids learn to read.

Currently we have a small selection of the fabrics available, so if you like Seuss you better get in quick as we have just 1 yard of each of these fabrics shown in this post available. Purchase here or click on the pictures.

2011-03-16T20:25:00.000+13:00

Organic - Banishing the Beige

Organic cotton in full colour is here! This line of green fabric is organic, sustainable and uses low-impact dyes but I am keen to find out more...

Most people understand "organic" on the agricultural level (produced without harmful pesticides & insecticides) but do you know that in order to be considered organic cotton cloth, there are strict rules about what can and cannot be used during the manufacturing process (http://www.global-standard.org/)

Organic cotton fabric is processed, woven/printer or dyed and finished using low-impact methods that are healthier for the earth, your home and your family.

Anne Kelle is one of my favorite designers for children's cottons, she just seems to understand what childhood is all about! This set was inspired by her nephew and in honor of her Dad who is a Aviation enthusiast!

So if you passionate about saving our planet & creating high quality handmade items then these are the prints for you! Sew Pretty has been able to source this batch of Organic fabrics at a great price and so we can pass that onto our fabulous customers for just $5.25 per FQ (46cm x 56cm)
Find them here: Sew Pretty Organic Cotton

2011-03-12T19:29:00.000+13:00

Amanda Herring, otherwise known as The Quilted Fish, has quite the knack for designing sweetly pretty lines for little girls.

She has yet another beautiful collection, with candied pinks, a dash of red to spice it up, and frosted turquoise for a spectacular color contrast. Sugar and Spice certainly captures all things nice, and the best of what darling girls are made of.

Sweet Make-up Purse

2011-02-19T09:44:00.001+13:00

Well this weeks tutorial has a challenge with it, mastering the Zip! I have never sewn a zip in before and so out came my sewing machine manual!!! To my surprise I found that I had this (pic on the left) in my sewing basket! A zipper foot.
The way it is designed is that you clip it on so that the needle is either to the left or the right of the foot and it allows you to sew very close to the inner part of your zip on either side.
I don't think this is an essential for this tutorial however check if you have one with your machine as it does make it much easier!

So we are going to make a cute little make up purse, which of course can be turned into all sorts of things especially if you are a mum! I used some wadding in between my layers to make it a bit softer, and you can use interfacing to make it stiffer, but it is not essential. So pick out your favorite fat quarter, ( I used some shabby chic, Red Rose Farm) or choose something your bff would love and fill it up with some make-up as a great present.

Requirements:
Fat Quarter or less of quilting fabric
Fat Quarter or less of lining fabric
Ruler, Rotary Blade or scissors
Medium weight interfacing or lightweight wadding (optional)

1.To start, cut out rectangles measuring 35 x 20 cm (13.5 x 8 inches) of outer, inner & lining fabric.

2. Lay out your interfacing/wadding, then put your fabric on top face up and your zip face down on top (i.e. right sides together) making sure the top of the zip lines up with the top of your fabric. Sew (using your zipper foot) across the top

3. Take your outer fabric once again faceup and make sure the zip is still facedown on top, then place your lining fabric directly on top of this lining it up once again with the top of the zip and sew once again.

4. Next place your fabric once again face cup and fold your zip face up now too. Bring the bottom of your outer & wadding up to the other side of the zip and sew once again. Leaving the lining fabric behind.

5. Now just repeat the other side with your lining fabric, fold the lining fabric up to the top of the zip and sew along the top.

6. Your bag should look something like the first picture below at this point. So now you need to fold the lining over the wadding & outer fabric piece. If you place your hadn inside the lining and just grab the outer fabric piece and pull it through and you should get it right.

7. We are now going to sew up the sides of the bag, so at this point it is ESSENTIAL!!! that you open up your zip by pulling it towards the middle of the bag. (this is so that you can turn your bag right side out afterwards) Pin and sew up the sides of the bag going over the zip a few times to strengthen it.

8. Pinching your corners: Give your bag a bit of volume by pushing out the corners from the inside and pinch the corners of the bag so that you have a triangle making sure it is as smooth as possible. Pin and sew a little line. You can use your sewing machine ruler lines to check that each corner is the same width by making sure the tip of the triangle is pointing at a specific measurement.

9. Now the fun part, turn your bag right way out! And you are done! Fill it up with all that make up and organize your drawers! And think how great you will feel when you see such a pretty item at the start of each day!

Designer Hairband

2011-02-11T17:50:00.001+13:00

I could not wait to get onto the next project with so many great responses from the first! Thank you to everyone who left them. I can see this becoming an addictive habit, Friday night tutorials! So with a very busy week I decided it needed to be something simple but chic and I decided to do some Sew Pretty hair bands.

Now I have never made these before (probably due to my short hair & 2 budding boys) but I was surprised at how easy and quick they are to make (watch my cup of tea during the photo's to get an idea on timing!) and that made me think these would be awesome for craft markets.

To experienced sewers, note I have bolded the main instructions.

To start these are the supplies you will need for this project

1.) Cut 2 rectangles, one for the main headband and one to cover the elastic around the back. Sizes are below the picture.

Sizing:
Large (fitted on my head!)
40cm x 14cm (16 x 5 1/2 inches)
6.5cm x 28cm (2 1/2 x 11 inches)

Medium (18 months +)

38cm x 12cm (15 x 4 1/2 inches)

6.5cm x 25cm (2 1/2 x 10 inches)

Small (12-18 months)
36cm x 10cm (14 x 4 inches)
6.5cm x 22cm (2 1/2 x 9 inches)

(If you are not sure on your sizing, just make one, try it on and adjust by a few cm if it is not quite right. You can even unpick and cut it shorter if necessary)

2.) Next fold right side to right side horizontally and pin and stitch each rectangle

3.) Turn the each rectangle the right way out and iron with the seam down the middle of one side

For the smaller rectangle it is a bit more tricky, so using a pen or knitting needle push your tube the right way out and iron as above. (Tea going down quite well at this point!)

4.) Now cut a piece of elastic and attach your safety pin to one side. (Sizes below)

Large - 15cm (6 inches)

Medium - 13cm (5 inches)

Small - 10cm (4 inches)

5.) Thread it through your smaller rectangle tube, and when the elastic just starts to disappear at the back, grab it and sew it closed about 1cm in. Then scrunch up your tube until your safety pin emerges, remove pin and sew the other side.

Now take your large rectangle and lay it seam side down: ( I did this wrong 2nd time around, unpicking!!!)

Take your smaller rectangle and line it up to the one end of the larger rectangle.

6.) Wrap the larger rectangle over the smaller one from each side, and sew it closed at least 1cm in if not a bit more. (Make sure you are sewing lower than your sewing line of the elastic otherwise it will show through)

7.) Now stretch the smaller rectangle elastic tube, to the other side of your head band and repeat.

8.) Finally turn your band over at each corner and ta da! You are done! Now if you are like me make lots more with all those fabric scraps!

Why not decorate your hairband with a one of the lovely fabric flowers that Molly the Bear shows you how to make in her tuturial found here
http://mollythebear.blogspot.com/2011/02/flower-tutorial.html

Scrummy Yummy Designer Coasters

2011-02-04T19:50:00.001+13:00

Love Fat Quarters?? Do you find yourself collecting them? I certainly do! To start off Sew Pretty's month of ♥ and free tutorial's, I am going to show you how to make a set of fabulous, scrummy coasters, perfect for resting that hot cuppa on for the rest of your sewing time this month.
Or why not make up a quick set for a gift for a friend? You can have these done easily in under an hour. To begin, this is the list of materials you will need (not all are essential but they are a great help for sewing quickly!)

You can substitute the ruler & rotary blade with a cut out pattern and sewing scissors. The fabrics above are just coordinating scraps I had left.
Using your ruler & blade cut out 4 equal size sqaures from each of the four fabrics. My sizes were 3 x3 inches (5cm x 5cm). If you are using a ruler for the first time, make sure your fabric is lined up straight down the left hand side then move your ruler to your chosen measurement with excess fabric on the left and cut. Turn the cut fabric strip around and trim the off the excess

If you are making a set of 4 coasters you will need 16 little bitty bits of fun to piece together & play around with until you have your desired Feng Shui

Once you have decided on your layout, fold two pieces right side to right side (pin) and sew together.

Do that for all 16 pieces. Iron out your seams (these are the little flaps that are left once you have finished sewing and your article looks far prettier when they have been ironed flat, but not an essential if you are in a hurry!)

Place two sets together, right side to right side, and sew once more

And now you should have something like this

To make things simpler, measure out your square now and cut a backing piece & a piece of lining to go in between I used a medium weight lining and my square measured 5.25 inches (13.5cm)

Place the patterned piece face up, the lining on top (face down if necessary) and the backing on top of that

Now pin and sew turning your corners as you go around (by leaving your needle down and lifting your presser foot up), you may find it easier to have your lining on top or the other way around, just try it and see which works best. Leave a small opening about 4cm wide.

Turn it inside out and push the corners out as much as you can using a rounded tip ( I have an embellishing tool which works perfectly!) And now you will have this.

Now take your co-ordinating thread and sew as close as you can to the edge (Tucking in the opening) and turning your corners as mentioned above.

Then once you have completed a full squares move your presser foot so that the right hand side is lined up against your previously sewed line and sew around once more. Repeat that for the third time. You can keep on going around, but I quite like the look of 3 lines and it get's quite tricky near the middle!

Trim off all those little bits of thread and ta daa! You have your amazing set of designer coasters!

Time for a cuppa!

♥ February, ♥ My Fat Quarters!

2011-02-04T12:48:00.000+13:00

February is the Month of ♥LOVE♥ & here at Sew Pretty our ♥LOVE♥ is FABRIC so we’ll be expressing our love by reducing ALL our fabrics to just $4.50 per Fat Quarter for all our Facebook Fans! Yes that is right, ALL our fabrics! Plus if you are on our Tiered Discount programme you will receive even more of a discount! And the cherry on top!The price reductions start from tonight! Just enter code “FACEBOOKFAN” into your cart by clicking on the cart button before the checkout one!

So join us as we become “February Fatties” where we will be sharing fun free tutorials with you just perfect to use with your Fat Quarters! The only FAT i want -is from my fabric