We're SO excited to be bringing you our first BOM block plus everything else we have planned for you! We've both been busy creating, stitching with friends and getting together to plan what we have in store for you.
Our first Guest Crafter is a lovely lady with lots of talent, good business sense and a bright and bubbly personality. Miriam Bain is the proud owner of a new store in
We asked Miriam how she started on her crafting journey. She very quickly answered; “One vintage chenille bedspread started the whole process, although I have been sewing, patchworking and being a fairly “crafty“ person most of my adult life!”
Of course the next question was what she creates as part of her crafting life. “Heatpacks made from vintage chenille is my main item but there is so much more to me than that. I make childrens clothes, soft furnishings, bags and purses, washcloths, bottlebags and numerous other bits and bobs from the vintage chenille. I also make random things from cotton fabric when I have the time and these are usually items that really suit my shop, Mimmis. For example I am working on building up a supply of serviettes at the moment in lots of different genres of prints, shabby, country and Christmas etc.”
With Miriam’s expertise in marketing we asked for a tip for those of us wanting to improve our sales etc and she replied very positively, “If you are looking at selling your craft, you simply must try to come up with something that no one else does! Easy? Not!”; with a big smile.
She won’t part with a favourite recipe for us! “I hardly cook these days but mostly it’s soup when I do cook and I cant give away any secret family recipes sorry!” She did, however, give us her favourite restaurant which is Yum Cha at King of Kings in The Valley, Brisbane. Perhaps we will all have to visit to see if it is as good as she says!
“Rummaging through garage sales, op shops and homewares shops, travelling, horse riding and meeting people (sorry I have always wanted to say that!)” was her reply to our question – What do you love to do? Sound familiar at all? LOL
Our final question was what do you see yourself doing in ten years time? “Pretty much the same as now but way much more travelling!” was her very positive reply so let’s check back with her in ten years time and see what Miriam has achieved? We’re sure whatever she will be doing will be with a big smile on her face don’t you?
If you want to follow Miriam on Facebook; “Like” her at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mimmis/133717690012184
Her blog is www.bubbachenille.blogspot.com and also follow Miriam on her other interest which is the fantastic Handmade Expo held in
“All hand madies appeal to me! There wouldn’t really be one as my fave.” Was her diplomatic answer to the “Who would be your favourite designer” question.
Thanks Miriam for being our first guest on our new blog, we DO appreciate it!!
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Jan has been working on the "Pretty Posies" Mystery BOM little quilt. We have Block #1 here for you now. Along with the pattern etc Jan also has some hints and tips regarding stitching, needles and hoops. Those of you who are experienced will hopefully also get some helpful information for your stitching and Jan hopes that she has provided plenty of info for those of you who might be starting your embroidery journey!
We're having trouble with adding pdf links so please email Jan on ozjan51@hotmail.com and she will send you the instructions/pattern files. We hope to have it sorted before the next posting.
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Cath has some patterns to showcase!
Ebony & Ivory... Two cute raggedy dolls that hang on the wall together and interlock their arms. Very easy to make, suitable for the novice and advanced sewer. Face painting instructions are included.
Little Annie Trio.....
Three small and cute little Raggedies..... They are each dressed differently and can be made from scraps of fabric....... Faces are easy to paint and full painting instructions are in the pattern.
Table Runner and Table Centre..... Dog roses feature on the table runner and table centre. Both are very easy to make and look lovely.
All three patterns are $12 for a hard copy [postage is included] and $7 for an e pattern.
This is the pattern I have chosen to be on special this week. It is my 8 Raggedies wall hanging. Very simple and easy patchwork and 8 cute little Raggedies to stitch.
Special price......... $5 e pattern.... only.
Jan's showcase patterns for this post are:
My Pansy 'a' Plenty Bag. Easy to make and the instructions for the crochet flowers are included. A very popular pattern.
Feeling Pretty bag.....easy to make and suits any style of pattern. Make it bright and breezy if you choose!
All three patterns are $12 (including postage) for a hard copy or $7 for an e pattern.
Jan's special for this month is "Tis the Season" - two Christmas Stockings using chenille fabric. Tea dye to give a bit of a 'prim look.
Special price......$5 e pattern...only
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Here is the cute Raggedy drawing for our first freebee stitchery. I will have a pattern ready for next posting that will be for a bag using this stitchery on the pocket. So you have two weeks to get your stitchery finished ready to make the bag......
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Whew!! That's it for our first posting! Hope enjoy everything and look out in two weeks for our next issue. Until then, happy stitching and don't hesitate to contact either of us if we can help at all. Also, leave a comment and be in the draw for a surprise!!!
