Homespun Chic by Melody Ross - In Store Now!

I've been waiting quite a while for this quirky collection to arrive. It's Homespun Chic by Melody Ross, and it's gorgeous - just had to let you know.

The two star pieces feature retro 1950's couture.
On "Vintage Ladies",  lovely ladies modeling chic " new look" frocks, purses, hats and attitudes from the '50's grace the smooth cotton.
"Sewing Pattern" features sewing notions, paper patterns (like I learnt to sew from!), measures and everything cute about sewing.
There are also two lovely florals and a smattering of coordinates in green, blue, chocolate and red.
I think the whole lot would look unexpectedly stunning all cut up and sewn back together in a Zakka style project.... Perhaps a Nicole Mallalieu bag.... An apron... You be the judge.
Happy sewing,
Ann.

Vintage Ladies, pink

Sewing Pattern

Our full collection - soon to be added to our eBay Store

Don't you think one of these You Sew Girl Shell Purses would look nice in one or these fabrics?

Bags

I recently made some bags.

I've never been really into bag making - I'd rather make a large hand quilted quilt than a small and fiddly bag. However, I found some really good ones in Susan Briscoe's new book, Japanese Quilt Inspirations. I decided to make the Kaban (Tote) Bag and the Komebukuro Bag (Rice Bag).

Kaban Bag - one side

I really wanted to feature some of the gorgeous funky new fabrics in the Critter Community range by Suzy Ultman. I love the owls and some of the funky coordinates in this collection. I found the bag really easy to make. Just used some left over scraps of bamboo wadding to pad, and some old jeans (that no longer fit *sob*) for the base, trim and handles. I think the bag is nice with orange top stitching like on jeans, and I like the way I adapted the pattern from the original patchwork block, to the more modern casual look of two fabrics.

Kaban Bag - the other side

You can see my mum's old Singer in the pics. It's an original 50's model, manufactured in Australia and still goes like a steam train engine. Great for getting through some of the bulky seams on these bags. The Komebukuro bag was also fun to make. I used a Moda Charm Pack, Oh My!, instead of Susan's pieced blocks for the sides and it worked out really well - 2 bags from one charm pack. Bargain! Just another amazing use for the charm squares.

Komebukuro Bag

Dusty

Finally, the kitty story. Here's the lovely Dusty keeping me company as I cut I Spy Squares for the I Spy Packs I sell. He always manages to find a spot nearby in the early hours of the morning or the wee small hours of the night when I engage in sewing related activities!
I'm really not used to these new Blogger settings yet - nothing seems to go where you want it to...

 ♥ Just into the store - Alexander Henry, Itty Bitty Berry, and Moda  Always & Forever. Think sweet sticky peppermint candy and berry sorbet with these delicious new additions. Very girlie, very pink and pretty, with dashes of green and grey ♥

xo xo Ann