Sewing in a Storm

The weather may have been catastrophic this week in Sydney, but that didn't stop my bag making workshop from going ahead on Wednesday at Cottage Quiltworks.

The ladies sewed up a storm and created a dazzling array of bags. It is always a joy to be able to teach and share a love of creating with others. Thank you all for a wonderful day. 

Armed with a fabulous collection of fabrics and talent, take a look at what went on,

Kim has a real flare for fabric combining, and worked on this front for her bag. 

Sandy made this for for the back 

and this for the front of a vibrant bag complete with zip top.

Caroline created a gorgeous bag using a dynamic hot pink , grey and black palette. Go kitty! 

Susan was busy making this bag front. Isn't it going to be a fabulous bag with the stripe turning into the base. 

Sally's Mum is going to be spoilt with the lovely bag Sally was making incorporating a toile bird centre in greens, grey and a dash of red. The effect is stunning.

Helen created this beautiful bag. The spots and stripes work so well to enhance the focus fabric. The zip is in and only the stitching in of the lining is needed for her bag to be complete. 

Joss was held up due to the nasty weather, but she sewed up a storm using soft lavenders and a pastel palette. Sorry Joss - I didn't get a photo. 

A great day, and wonderful results. 

Happy sewing, Miriamx 

Making for Others

Many quilters already know that making a special something for loved ones is very special indeed. There is the joy of thinking about the recipient and choosing just what they would like. Bespoke quilting! This often challenges us to work beyond our comfort zone and try new things.

So what a delight it was for me this week to receive a photo from my friend Elizabeth showcasing the scatter cushion cover I made  her last year. I am thrilled that my cushion cover is in such great Marimekko company. The cushion even enjoys awesome New York views. 

Over the Easter break I shared a sewing day with my Mum, and the result was this shopping bag. Sorry about the dark background - it was way too late when these photos were taken!!

Mum has always loved the bird print fabric which we used as the focus print. I upsized my Handy Zip Top bag pattern and added purchased handles. 

This week I also had the joy of seeing two more gorgeous bags made following my friend Elaine's attendance at one of my bag making workshops last year. Her two granddaughters are going to love these beauties! The polka dot handles are just the thing to make them professional and stunning! 

Such a week of joy it has been. Next week I am teaching a bag making workshop at Cottage Quiltworks. I am really looking forward to a day of creative fun. 

Happy sewing, Miriamx 

Zip it!

For 6 months I have had the pattern for the Sew Together Bag by Sew Demented. The sewing of the four zippers into this bag had me feeling nervous. Surely my skills would not be up to the task. I am pleased to report that the instructions were very clear, and I am delighted with my bag.

I chose a British theme for my fabrics to celebrate the 4 1/2 years we spent in England as a family. 

If you wish to make this funky bag make sure you read the instructions carefully before beginning, and don't be afraid to unpick if you are unhappy with a seam. I guarantee you will feel very clever when you are done. If you want to impress your friends, make them one to suit their personality. 

The three internal zips enclose lined pockets and the longer outside zip stitches down on the sides to create handles. Really a clever design indeed. The bag is large enough to hold a myriad of sewing supplies, or craft materials. I used a directional fabric, and the instructions include details on how to do this. I also hand stitched down the final seam for the binding , just like I would do on a quilt.

The rainy Easter weekend provided an opportunity for me to sew a storage bag for my rotary cutters . I used my Handy Zip Top Pattern and made size adjustments. This is the outside

      This is the inside 

This bag is really handy for storing sharp tools , but it also a great size for storing templates too. 

Happy sewing, Miriamx

Happy Easter

Wishing all my readers a Happy Easter!

A time to draw breath and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

The Easter bunny is making an appearance at my home.

I knitted Daisy May last year and she is just adorable. She's a keeper.

Chocolate eggs don't last long around here though! 

My table runner was finished just in time for Easter morning tea with my parents today. Jen Kingwell's Gardenvale fabric range for Moda goes well with Kona solids for a scrappy vintage look. 

It is raining today and feels a bit more like Autumn at last . Out comes the ol' crochet rug for completion. This project has been in progress for 2 years and there are now 150 squares ready for joining. I love the colour play in this project- rich and vibrant.

Just like patchwork  but in alpaca wool. 

Wishing you all  a peaceful Easter with family and friends,

Happy sewing, Miriamx