Monthly Archives: January 2012

Sometimes…

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I surprise myself sometimes. I make silly little toys like Frankie and the act of making something so simple and cute makes me feel better. Or at least distracts me from how I am currently feeling. Toys are good when I have quilters block or if I just don’t feel like sewing a big job but still want to do some sewing.

So on Thursday I made Frankie (his girlfriend still needs stuffing) and he made his appearance in the shop this morning. He came home with me on Thursday night because for some reason in the mornings I am not the most organised of people. I quite frequently leave things at home when I need them (coffee mug, toy fill, mobile phone). So when Frankie came home, he got stuffed (haha!) and mum stitched his head closed.

For those of you who don’t know me I am the most atrocious of hand sewers. Mum enjoys it so she gets the work. It’s not so much that I won’t do it (and believe me there are a few quilts with the bindings sewn by me that look like a drunk spider crawled across it) but I don’t like to do it. Hand-sewing is not my forte and I don’t push the issue.

So Frankie is part toy, part cushion – definitely in the spirit of Frankenstein’s monster. His girlfriend will be finished on Tuesday so I’ll upload some pics of her. Her name is Bridie.

I am going to make them up as patterns/kits so if anyone is interested please email me.

Here’s Frankie helping out at the shop today –

Frankie looking at the halloween quilt.

Helping on the till

Looking at the new fabrics - Bella Butterfly.

So this week – new stock is pending, some cute things and something for the bunting fans. Maybe even slightly Hipster. 🙂

Australia Day on Thursday – please note we are closed. Any public holiday we are closed.

I have orders to fill and quilt tops to stitch. 🙂 But that’s par for the course.

I am also looking at starting a swap – anyone interested please email me frankensteinsfabrics@hotmail.com – I will send you the information. It will be patchwork postcards made and sent (like to a penpal) every two months. Anyone can be involved and are more than welcome. The more the merrier.

I’m off to be now to read my book.

Marni

 

 

That rotating door…

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Today has been an interesting one.

Firstly I had an exciting little chat with Melissa from Handmade Craft Market. We are planning something for the February market. Keep your eyes peeled for more details. I would reveal it now but it would spoil the surprise – but I can assure you it is going to be fabulous and crafty of course. 🙂

We then had an unexpected visit from Doug who is a rep for XLN fabrics – and I tell you he had some beautiful fabric samples. Most won’t be available for a while as they are just new to him and XLN but when they are ready… I nearly fell off my chair I was so excited and my poor brain went into overdrive with designs and ideas. Even dad was looking at some fabrics for some upholstery jobs.

Then Hans from Nolting popped in for a visit. I’ve known Hans for a few years now – he really knows his products and is always happy to help by sharing his experience. We had a good long chat and let’s just say there are some shiny things heading Frankenstein’s way…soon. 😀

It was a bit quiet this afternoon so dad measured up the classroom cupboards so he can put all the doors on (to hide all my messy storage!) and I designed a couple of cushion/toys for Patchwork & Stitching Magazine.

Tomorrow is a new day with more stitching!

Marni

Progress on the next thing and Isobel’s finished quilt

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I have been a busy little sew and sew today.

Stitching the quilt for the kits that are coming. Sneak peek below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isobel’s quilt is finished.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve been cutting out a quilt for another customer order.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve also been making a … strange cushion. It was a request for electric orange and gold. So I’ve gone a little art deco for this one. It’s not quite ready to be seen so I won’t put any photos up just yet. 🙂

I am also in the process of making a single bed quilt for a little girl. It is a fresh and bright quilt with owls and little umbrellas. Pictures to come.

The shop is picking up quite nicely. I am talking to more teachers to get different types of classes up and running so keep an eye on the Classes tab for updates. If anyone is looking for one-on-one classes please don’t hesitate to ask. I am happy to teach you in this way if it makes you more comfortable. Classes are available for children as well (all students must be 15 years or older, no exceptions).

If anyone is interested in some quick jewellery making lessons – I am taking names and numbers. If there are any other types of classes that you are interested in please let me know – I have ‘interest’ forms for classes – scrapbooking, embroidery, basic sewing, dressmaking etc

Anyways,

Am off to do more paperwork!

Marni

 

 

 

Birthday and sewing related waffle

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Today was my birthday.

I don’t really like my birthday

a) I don’t like being the centre of attention

b) January birthdays were never fun as a kid because all your friends would be on holiday so parties were always a bit light on in the crowd department.

c) I hate all that singing

 

I don’t mind getting older, in fact I am quiet enjoying being on ‘the wrong side of 25’. I laugh when I get carded at the bottle-o, I have found my first grey hair and I’m cool with it.

For years now I have insisted that we forget my birthday, no singing, no parties, no nothing. But I have yet to get away with that one.

 

Tonight wasn’t so bad. We went out for dinner – Vietnamese restaurant at Terrigal called Sapa. Cake back at my sister’s place and then home.

I spent the day sewing. Got a hug from my cat.

Birthdays to me are like Christmas and to an extent weddings. All the hype for one day and most of you spend uncomfortable for one reason or another. I think that’s why I like Halloween. There is no central figure, no person to celebrate. Just a holiday to celebrate with friends and family and food.

 

Now I didn’t want this post to be a ‘oh woe is me post’ so back to the sewing news –

 

Isobel’s quilt is finished – she will be receiving it tomorrow or Friday at the team lunch – must remind mum to take her camera and get photos. I will upload the finished quilt pics sometime on the next few days. It is very cute if I do say so myself.

There are more baby quilts on the way – orders for people who are having/have had babies recently. Congratulations to Mel on baby boy Lucas!

There will be some info on kits shortly – I am working on a teen girl quilt, there will be limited kits available so keep an eye out here and on FB and make sure you get in quick once the details are announced.

I am also organising more teachers for this year – still on the lookout for teachers so if you know of anyone who is willing and able to teach send them my way.

Anyways off to bed now am full of cake. Back to sewing tomorrow!

 

Marni