Sun & Inspiration

I'm soaking up the sun but still managing to get my daily dose of web inspiration.

Here's what I'm coveting...

All the work by Leslie Oschman! You need to visit her blog to few her amazing bags and chairs made using vintage canvas'. If only I could justify shipping her chairs to Melbourne. 

Her latest work incorporates some of her favourite oil painting portraits screen printed to make these linen clutched.

Portrait Clutch by Leslie Oschman

Super cool photographic print top from Anthropologie

Anthropologie Top

Shane Waltener's amazing installations, in particular his doily cob webs. If only all cobwebs were this pretty.

Summer time reading...

It's our last day in the office before we break for a long Christmas weekend and I'm starting to write to my holiday 'To Do' list. My list will include the usual boring tasks which I will no doubt not do but I'm hoping to get some sewing done and finished those half completed projects.

We've got some new books in store which I'm hoping I can draw some inspiration from too....

Block Party—The Modern Quilting Bee
The quilting bee gets a modern makeover
• From the creators of popular blog, blockpartyquilting.com
• Let go of “the rules” with 12 fun, funky, and improvisational projects
• The fundamental techniques are outlined-from fabric selection to quilt tops to binding
• Projects are perfect for both beginner and experienced quilters  

Modern Mix

16 Sewing Projects that Combine Designer Prints & Solid Fabrics

• 7 Quilts + Pillows, Bags & More

• Quilters and sewers of all skills can confidently mix and match fabrics for a fresh, clean look

• Something for everyone - home décor, fashion accessories, and delightful gifts

• Learn more about colour and design within your fabric selections

Sweetwater's Simple Home

Sew Something Handmade for Every Room • 35 Projects

• 35 beginner-friendly projects, including quilts, pillows, table linens, and accessories - many can be made in a day or less

• Fresh, modern ideas for making things pretty and practical

• Bring Sweetwater's popular signature style to all your sewing and craft projects

• Learn simple, creative techniques for decorating with appliqué, stenciling, stamping, and embroidery

Ric Rac Roses

We finally got some much needed Jumbo Ric Rac into the stores in about 10 colours. At the same time I placed the order I stumbled across this great project to make a Ric Rac roses.
It’s so effective and could easily be converted into a cute brooch. I might even have sometime to whip up a couple as last minute Chrissie presents.

All Aboard!

With the holiday season fast approaching, I'm day dreaming of travel adventures.
The below range was inspired by worn vintage suitcases and a well travelled passport!

World Traveller $16.95mt - In store NOW!



Salty Aire - Giveaway!

To celebrate the pending delivery of "Salty Aire" into stores, we have another giveaway.
The bundle contains all 14 of her new designs. Each piece is approx 30cm x 112cm.

To be in the running, simply leave a comment on this post anytime between now and Tuesday 15th November at 10.00am, Melbourne time. One comment per reader only please. A winner will be drawn at random and announced next week.  Giveaway open to Australian, New Zealand and Singaporean residents only.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED:

Congratulations Heather on your win! We'll email you directly to organise delivery.

Our Forest Friends

We've been so busy lately that we've been neglecting our blog. The office is finalising next Winters fabric ranges but as we do our workspace fills with the coming months deliveries. Squeals of joy from all the office peeps as we unpack them!

This is my current favourite is "Hoot Chirp Tweet".
I'm particularly smitten for the fox design. In store this month.

Hoot Chirp Tweet $16.95mt AU

Those were the days...

Ok, I admit. We've been a bit obsessed with vintage style prints latley but there is just something so irresistable about them. These ones have just arrived in store!

$16.95mt AU

Charmed, I'm sure.

I'm always admiring hexagon quilts but not sure if I have the patience to make one.

Our new hexagon charms have just arrived into store and take all the hard work out of cutting perfect hexagons and might just be the perfect way for me to actually make this style of quilt.

$16.95 each (120pcs; 10 designs x 12)

Each pack of hexagon charms contains 120 hexagons plus a free pattern to make a quilt (you will need 2 packs to make the pattern included).

In the same range we also have Triangle charms. The project with this range is a super cute shopping tote (only 1 pack needed)

$16.95 each (120pcs; 10 designs x 12)

So now there’s no excuse to not to get quilting! M

Riding my push bike, honey.

This range was inspired by my bike which I ride to work everyday. She's a beauty and as the weather warms up it's even more enjoyable to cycle away the days stress on the ride home.

This range is printed on a beautiful cotton/linen blend in 2 colourways.
It'll be riding into store early November.
Enjoy! M

Bikes $14.95mt

PICKLED ONIONS ON SAVOYS

Very excited about our new range of Retro ‘Montreaux” Drill which has just arrived in stores.
Iconic bold graphics, a throwback to a time that brings back a nostalgic smile (for me at least, the Gen Y girls in the office just think I have lost another brain cell!). 

$10.99mt AU

This collection is a cocktail of color with whimsical style that creates immediate recognition to an era that automatically screams fun and innocence. I remember the party’s my parents used to have when I was very very very young –  in fact, I am sure my mother had the same big spot dress on as in the picture!  Big color, Big Hair, Big Laughs and Big Memories. Fabrics like these tell a story – open the book!  T  

Wise Owl

The owl trend doesn't seem to be disappearing anytime soon. With this in mind, we are launching a super cute new range at the end of the month.
I particularly love the unusual colour combinations in this range, making it ideal for kids of all ages (even big ones!).
See here for a free quilt pattern

Wise Owl Quilting Range $16.95mt AU

Salty Aire by DS Quilt Collection - Sneak Peak!

I know a lot of you have been curious to know what Salty Aire collection looks like, well wait no longer!

Below is the complete collection available very late October in Australia and early November in New Zealand & Singapore.

 

A flash of Yellow

A flash of Yellow always adds that touch of knowing & purposeful style!

No matter what guise yellow is used in, it reflects a bold bright and inspirational

personality whether it be interiors or as part of your wardrobe! Be daring and mix it up.

Stars in Yellow confidently lead the way. 

T

1. Yellow Door via 2. Yellow Wall via 3. Cushion via 4. Flowers via

Mellow Yellow with a touch of blue!

It’s amazing how some things can inspire you to no end, last week we had a meeting with a very inspirational creative director who is an unbelievable talent in this country! He presented an awesome look at the color yellow which has prompted us to have YELLOW WEEK!  We have become passionate about yellow, and all it it encompass' Follow our journey down the yellow brick road! Some of our summer fabrics in store!

From Left to Right
1. Vintage Poplin $12.99 AU
2. Montreaux Drill - Lemons $10.99 AU
3. Zig Zag Knit $15.95 AU
4. Plain Drill $7.99 AU

This weeks inspiration - Yellow!

This weeks inspiration is all things yellow with today's focus on yellow with greys and linens - YUM!



Via One Flew Over



Sunny Quilting Range $12.95mt



Via Purl Soho



Cute Christmas Fabrics

Another taste of our current Christmas range which has just hit stores.

We've used the double border design from the "Gingerbread" range, which is ideal for tablecloths to form the skirt panel of the dress. We think it's a perfect little Christmas day dress and our little model is pretty cute too!

Inspiration!

Monday inspiration...

1. via Design Sponge

2. via Cafe Cartolina

3. via Decor8



FUR & FURGERY

Back in the office for a couple of days now after a brilliant trip to find the latest fabrics – (think you will all be very excited of what is coming in for Winter), the girls in the office have frequently said that it was lovely and quiet without me!! What’s does that mean when they say it on the hour every hour? As I said to them – “Suck it up – I am back so deal with it!



Centre image; http://www.heartachesandhandbags.wordpress.com/

 One of the most important items in fashion now and in the future is FAUX FUR. Not just for Apparel, but also for Home Decor, Craft and Soft Furnishings. We have got some of the most amazing furs in every shade, color and fur type available now and coming in the near future! Today the faux fur is so realistic  with many of the same features and benefits as its real cousin, but much more humane!

Not only do we have fur by the meter, but we have our new range of FUR FAT ¼ just about to hit the store. Pre-cut and ideal for fashion trimming or that latest craft project, just grab and go – simple as that!

T

SEW Creative Apron Giveaway!

To celebrate our return to the office, we're having another giveaway!  (apologies for the long delay between posts)
We have 5 SEW Creative aprons to giveaway! - as seen on the cover our the current Get Creative Quarterly magazine.

To be in the running, simply follow us publicly & leave a comment on this post letting us know. If you already follow us, please mention that in your comment.
Giveaway closes 20th September 10am, Melbourne time.
One comment per reader only please. Winners will be drawn at random and announced next week.  Giveaway open to Australian, New Zealand and Singaporean residents only.

*Giveaway Closed*
Congratualtions Sue, Sharon & Megan! We'll email you directly to organise postage.

NEW YORK NEW YORK

WOW, the last week has passed too quickly!
Exciting news - we're in New York preparing for next Winter. We were lucky enough to avoid hurricane Irene (just) but upon arrival we both got knocked down with the flu.
We have been exploring the shops, analysing the latest winter trends and visiting our favourite New York based suppliers and getting some great new ideas to develop. We think you will be delighted with what we have found.

Here's a snap shot of some of our favourite stores in New York...

Purl Soho a very cool Quilting & Yarn shop that just oozes inspiration on all levels. Get in early as it gets busy all day as no one leaves! Really helpful staff with the latest and best quilting and yarn products.

Mood Fabrics made famous from Project Runaway, this is a fabric haven for designers and home sewers alike. 3 floors of unbelievable apparel & home furnishing fabric choices. These guys don’t just have 1 colour of beige cashmere coating- they have 20 colour variations. This is our mecca - we spent 4 hours in store just checking out the new variations, colours and latest trends. It was lights camera action as they we also filming season 9 of the US project runway whilst we were there! Very cool store!

Anthropologie by far our most favourite store because it simply attacks all your senses! The eclectic mix of clothing, homewares, footwear, artwork, books all thrown together with style, taste an element of DIY. They are one of the most creative retailers when it comes to display. Powerful visual displays used from everyday objects recycled - worth a visit just to marvel at the creative genius behind it all!

J. Crew is not everyone’s cup of tea and not cheap, but they really are hitting the mark with colour, design, fabrication and trending. Visually they are way more progressive than any other chain retailer, taking fashion risks and its working for them - they look great!