A NEW YEAR

It's so hard to believe that it's now 2012 AND that January is more than halfway over!  Where does the time go to?  Cath and I have had a busy time over the Christmas/New Year period and hope to bring you lots of new and exciting projects in the coming year.  We hope that everyone had a happy and peaceful time over the Christmas period and that you too are ready to get your fingers busy and into lots of new projects in 2012!

This post has some new projects from both of us as well as Cath's next installment of her Teddies Swag.

Louella was the lucky winner of our draw and your surprise will be winging it's way to you as we speak.  Louella will receive a small Christmas banner and a pattern from Jan as well as a pattern from Cath.  Lucky girl!

Now for our showcase of patterns.....

Dreamtime is another of my newest designs.  Looks great in the aboriginal fabric but would also work well with any choice  Roomy and with bamboo handles this bag is great for shopping or taking to your quilt group meeting.

Paper Pattern is $12 AUD plus P&H
Epattern is $7 AUD

Orient Express would work well as a knitting bag but also suitable for any application.  The pattern also has instructions for the clutch purse.  Would look stunning using any style of fabric.

Paper Pattern is $12 AUD plus P&H
Epattern $7 AUD

Tokyo Tote is a very stylish bag with an unusal assymetrical flap utilising a Japanese trim to suit the chosen fabric.  Lovely long shoulder strap which could be altered to suit and like all of my bag designs it suits any style of fabric.

Paper Pattern is $12 AUD plus P&H
Epattern is $7 AUD

My special for this post is.....

Garden's Gift
A sweet little wall hanging featuring one of my wooden embellishments along with applique.  The pattern also has the applique design for the watering can if you choose not to use the embellishment.  A great gift for a gardening friend!

Epattern only is $5
The wooden embellishment is available from Jan at a cost of $7.50 plus P&H

Issue 4 of Cath's Teddies Swag

This is the fourth and second last block in the Teddy Swag. Please e mail for the pattern and instructions. If you need the previous three blocks please e mail me at cathron01@bigpond.com and I will send them to you.

Cute little easy to make Raggedy brooch. She could also be used as an embellishment on a bag or a cushion. I do have the wooden buttons available for $3 each. You could substitute any pretty buttons that you would like to use though.

$7 for e pattern

$12 for hard copy... includes postage.

Bella Bunny is a real sweetie, she wears toddler shoes and looks so cute in them. She is easy to make and full face painting instructions are included in the pattern. Pattern for the carrots is also included.

$7 for epattern

$12 for hard copy....includes postage

This is a cute little wall hanging with a sweet little Raggedy and the word Annie. Two gorgeous ceramic heart shaped buttons finish off this gorgeous little item.

$7 for e pattern

$12 for hard copy... includes postage.

Cath's special for this post is ......

These little Raggedy heads are so easy to make. They can be used on a multitude of items... just let your imagination run wild. Full detailed instructions on how to make them are included in the patter. Plus the face painting instructions are also included

$5 for an epattern .....

A quick freebie stitcherie!  A simple but sweet pansy design to use however you may choose.  I framed and bordered it and turned it into a small pillow....the choise is yours!

Email me if you would like the pattern on ozjan51@hotmail.com

There we are for January's post!!  We hope everyone is well and ready to enjoy 2012!! Until February...Happy Stitching from....

MY ONLY EXCUSE

I'm such a dunce sometimes!!! LOL  I was SO organised I had stitched etc everything for the #4 Pretty Posies BOM and when I prepared this last post I thought I had to stitch-up another one!!!  So......#5 has become #4 if you can understand what I mean?  Don't go into a panic thinking you didn't get #4....I will turn it into the one for February post.  Goodness this all sounds silly but, hopefully you understand what I mean.  Ü  Maybe I need a break over the Christmas season?

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

Greetings to all and Cath and I wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas 2011.  It's an understatement to say that the year has passed by so quickly!  I'm sure all of us think that and wonder just where the days have gone.  We've got a surprise for a lucky follower for this post....all you have to do is leave a comment by the 18th December and we will put everyone's name in a hat and draw the lucky winner!!!  Be in it to win it! Ü  We will have all new showcases for January so guess what we're doing over the Christmas "break"? 

We have the usual offer of patterns from both of us along with the fifth block in the Pretty Posies BOM. 

Cath's pattern showcase are a mixture of bags and teddies so have a look......

A cute and easy bag to make. Teddy and flowers stitchery on the front.

E pattern $7

Hard copy $10 + postage.

Another cute Raggedy pattern. This one is for a Raggedy bag which has 4 cute Raggedy faces embellishing the front and the back.

E pattern $7

Hard copy $10 + postage.

Two small but very cute Teddies. Easy to make. Full instructions to make the twisted pin wheel block are included in this pattern.

E pattern $7

Hard copy $10 + postage.

This little cutie is my pattern that is on special this post.

I have more of the wool that I have used for this little cutie's hair....... $2 for a small bundle that will be enough for her hair. She is a very cute little doll and is easy to make. The pattern also has the instructions to paint her face and make her little kitty.

E pattern only............. $5

Jan's showcase also features two bags (we must be in a "baggy" mood!) and a funky new apron using some "wild" fabrics.

Cherry Fudge...quick and easy and works in any fabric choice..just match the trim and buckle to suit!

Epattern $7
Hard Copy $10.00 plus postage

Retro Kitchen ....I used fabric from the Kaaffe Fasset range but any choice would suit.

Epattern  $7

Hard Copy $10.00 plus postage

Elegance.......Almost has a Christmas feel with the poinsettias but, once again, suits any fabric choice.  Instructions for the felt flower are included.

Epattern $7

Hard Copy $10.00 plus postage

Angels on High is the special for this post....easy little angels to make , join together with buttons and have a very special Christmas swag.

Epattern only $5.00

Now for the Pretty Posies BOM number 5 block...

 Email Jan at ozjan51@hotmail.com for the pattern and instructions.  Hope you're enjoying stitching your very own Pretty Posies.  Don't forget that Cath has the fabrics and threads that I've used for the project.

Don't forget to leave us a comment to be in the lucky draw for the surprise and make sure you ALL have a happy and safe Christmas and a bright New Year.  Best Wishes from Jan & Kath.

OOps!  Cath must think we're still in 2010! LOL  Maybe it's a secret wish to regain the year because it went so fast.  Do you think?  Ü

SORRY SORRY SORRY!!

Sorry everyone....we've both had such a busy time we haven't been able to write our post, BUT........we will have a surprise for you soon!

Until then, keep up your stitching, Cheers,

I FORGOT!!!!

I'm so sorry to all those following Cath's Teddy BOM!!!!  We've both only realised now that I didn't upload it etc.  Here it is now......

"Here we have the third block in the Teddy Swag. Please e mail if you would like the stitchery pattern and the instructions......."

Apologies to you all again!  Happy Stitching,

OCTOBER ALREADY!!!

Can you believe it's not long until Christmas?  I'm not sure where the year has gone and just hope I've been productive!  This month we're featuring Bronwyn Hayes as our Guest Crafter along with showcasing our usual designs (something different from Cath this month) and a free tutorial on face painting from Cath as well. 

Those of you who know Bronwyn's work will be interested in a little more insight into her life.  She's been very kind and given us a lovely Christmas stitchery as well!!!  Here is Bronwyn's story.

"My business is based in Canberra in the A.C.T.- home of the public servant, the Mint, the War Memorial, Questacon and the National Gallery to name but a few of the icons we've all come to Canberra to see either in the holidays or on school excursions.

That was also my first introduction to Canberra- THE school excursion to the War Memorial! I never in a million years expected to be living here many years later.

It was the move to Canberra that first got me started down the quilting/ sewing track.

Having started a small graphic design business a couple of years before, providing graphics, signage and 3D displays to businesses where I lived- it wasn't until the move to Canberra brought me in contact with a business that needed graphics and designs for sewing and patterns, that I discovered the world of quilting and embroidery. And .. well.. it's just gone from there.

The business has grown over the years to include not only stitching, but quilts , bags, aprons, purses - you name it! Whatever I can think of. Usually featuring my signature Red Brolly Girls and Brutus the Cat designs.

One of my favourite stitches is Satin Stitch. I do like putting satin stitch in designs as it makes the embroidery stand out and be noticed. And it's such an easy stitch to do!

Always work from the centre of the design you're stitching and stitch to one side first then the other. (Follow this rule for uneven shapes- but for oblongs or squares- start at one end of the shape and work across.)

1. Bring your needle to the front of the fabric at A, take it to the back at B and up again at A.

2. Work one side of the design in this way until you reach the end of the design.

3. Take the needle back to the centre again and work the other side of the design in the same manner.

Finish at the back with some tiny overlapping stitches to hold.

Here's something to practice those satin stitches on:
 

(A note from Jan&Cath...to print...right click on pic; save to computer then print)

If I'm not working in the business my favourite thing to do is read- magazines mainly as you can get a lot of information from them quickly. Or doing the gardening. Tending to my stunning array of weeds. After eleven years of drought- that's all that's survived.

In the next ten years I'm hoping to move the business more into graphics- that's the part I've always enjoyed doing- more cards and stationery items as well as the patterns and books. Hopefully! Like my favourite designers, Mary Engelbreit and Susan Wingett!"

Our thanks to Bronwyn for her story and she can be found at

www.red-brolly.com  where there is a link to her blog and Facebook.

Cath is showcasing her graphics this post.

#1

#2

#3

This month I thought I would offer something different in the way of patterns. I have put my graphic printables up for sale........ These are sticky note holders. You print them out, laminate them and then using double sided tape, attach a sticky note pad where the space is. You can also add a magnetic strip to the back and attach the note book to the fridge.

These printables will be e mailed to you. They will be clean... which means my company name will not be across the picture. I have drawn and designed these printables and they are $3 each. Just remember to say which one you would like when buying... 1 2 or 3....... Or buy all three for $7.........

My super special item for this post is another printable........ This time we have a set of cute tags... All you have to do is print them out and laminate them. Then they are ready to attach to your favourite things...... They will also come to you as a clean set ready for you to print and will be e mailed to you.

These are on for the fantastic price of $2 for the set of 4 tags. Also anyone who buys all three note book holders and the tags will receive a free siggy tag...... It will be a cute Raggedy or Teddy with your name underneath and you can add them to the end of all your emails...... soooo cute........

Now for Cath's face painting tutorial......

This face is for a Raggedy and I have used the tear drop eye.

You will need Jo Sonja folk art paints. White, Black and a colour for the nose. If you want a red nose use Brow Madder.

Two paint brushes are used... a #3 round brush and a 5/0 liner or script brush.

This is an easy face to draw. Remember just like on the human face the eyes are in the centre of the face. If they are too high the face will not look as cute. On my patterns I draw the faces onto the doll head pattern. Once you have traced around the head of the doll you can take the fabric turn it to the other side and then place it back on top of the pattern. Make sure you line up the edges of the head and then using a light box you can trace the face in the correct position. When you use the light box it is easy to see where you have traced the head shape and easy to line it up with the paper pattern. Then you turn the fabric back to the side with the head shape drawn and sew around the head shape. Making sure that the fabric is double. If the head is one that is sewn all around and a slit cut in the back to turn it through, make sure that when you cut the slit that you don't cut the side you have traced the face onto. I paint my doll's faces after I have stuffed and sewn them together.

Using the #3 round brush and black paint fill in the eyes. Let the paint dry. Taking the liner brush and the white paint which you have thinned down a little with some water. Paint the white line down one side of each eye. Dot two small spots in each eye. Place them on the same sides, otherwise the doll may look a little cross eyed.

To paint the eye lashes, eye brows and mouth you use the liner brush and thinned down black paint. Practise on a scrap of fabric first. To use this brush successfully, you only paint with the tip of the bristles. If you lean the bristles over the line will become thick. We want to have hair thin lines.

Paint the nose in your chosen colour using the #3 round brush....... Take the liner brush and dip it in white paint and paint a line across the top of the nose.....

Dip the handle of the liner brush in the red paint and place a dot in the centre of the mouth.

Once the face is completely dry you can shade in the cheeks using a pastel pencil in a deep pink colour and shade around the eyes and across the nose with a light brown pastel pencil. I like to blend these into the fabric using a cotton bud.....

Your doll is now ready to admire.......

Now for Jans pattern showcase.....All for Christmas!

Christmas Tradition...... The legend of the candy cane tells that the holiday treat was first created to bring the true meaning of christmas back to the festive season.  The candy cane is believed to represent the letter "J" for Jesus.  Other legends state that the first candy canes had two red stripes and a white, representing the Holy Trinity.  Keep with the tradition and create your own!

Pattern.......$10AUD

ePattern......$7AUD

Christmas Tree Hangers......Cute little stitcheries stitched and coloured here and there with watercolour pencils.  Add some tiny rusty bells or "grungy" buttons and you have a great collections of tree ornaments to adorn your Christmas tree.

Pattern.....$10AUD
ePattern.....$7AUD

Christmas Years..... Each year I make a Christmas pillow to celebrate the season.  They add a great touch to your decorating.  Tumble them into an interesting cane basket and start your own tradition by adding one each year. Made with various cotton fabrics, flannels, as well as my favourite - felted wool.

Pattern.....$10AUD

ePattern.....$7AUD

Christmas Carol is my special for this post.  My Christmas take on the old fashioned what-nots.  Stitch the words from three carols matching their shape and mount them on a simple wooden base.

ePattern only.....$5AUD

Now a free stitchery for you.  The first of five that will be featured on our blog over a period of time.  Cups of Kindness is a collection of teacups filled with flowers for you to stitch, either in colour or it also looks super stitched in red or blue.  Do the usual, right click, save to your computer and print but if you have trouble email me on ozjan51@hotmail.com and I will send it to you.

Ooops!  Thanks to my darling daughter who has no real interest in stitching, BUT, faithfully reads our blog every time.  She noticed I hadn't attached the stitchery design for you so THANKYOU sweetheart! I hope no one missed out on it! Ü

That's it for this post!  Hope you have enjoyed reading about Bronwyn, use Cath's tutorial to paint some interesting faces and enjoy stitching Cups of Kindness.  Until next month, happy stitching from,

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

Spring in our area of the world has definately been and nearly gone.  Warm, warm days but, sadly, a lot of bushfires surrounding us and the skies have been full of smoke.  We could certainly do with a little rain.  I see that the east coast of the USA are having floods so, no matter where you live in the world, mother nature is giving us a hard time! 

On to good things Ü.  We have the third block in the Pretty Posies BOM for you as well as a lovely little stitchery from Cath.  Our usual showcase of patterns as well.  Cath also apologises for not giving the painting instructions for her cute faces this post but will have it ready for the next one.

Cath is feeling very much "under the weather" this week with a bad dose of the flu and as we're both very busy ladies we have made the decision to post once a month (around the 15th of each month) rather than each fortnight.  We're disappointed to have to do this but it's the only way we can do everything that we have to.  We're sure you all will understand. 

This post our Guest Crafter is ME!  Ü  Felt a little strange asking myself the questions LOL but here we go.

I live in a small village called Forest Hill which is just off the Warrego Highway between Brisbane and Toowoomba, in the wonderful state of Queensland.  Mum taught me to embroider when I was about 8 and to crochet when I was around 13.  They were what I did for many years.  I took a patchwork/quilting course in 1983.  That was when “the rot” set-in!  This became my passion and still is although I have stretched out into other areas as well.  The designing started around about 1992 when I was teaching regularly and felt it wasn’t right to teach other people’s designs/patterns etc.  It was in 1998 when I released my first pattern and in 1999 had my first project published in Australian Patchwork & Quilting magazine.  

What do I create?...  Anything that needs a needle and thread.  Lots of projects utilising appliqué and embroidery mostly but some piecing as well.  That’s what I mainly do for the magazines but I also adore crazy patch, creative embroidery and handmade artist books when time allows me.  If you would like to see what else I do, go visit http://jansdesigns-jan.blogspot.com/

A tip I might like to share? …  I’m probably preaching to the converted BUT, always try to, at least, stitch on something for 20 minutes (or more) each day.  It will amaze you how much you get done if you do!  Also, because I’m a hand stitching girl, if you are ever hand stitching with a sewing thread ALWAYS thread the needle and then cut.  A shortish length is necessary to stop knots and twisting. 

 My favourite recipe?  I'm not a great cook and probably have way too many favourite recipes but I thought I would with you my favourite flower?  I tend to change from Pansies to Wisteria depending on which one I see first! LOL  We visited my husband's aunt last weekend and she's a great gardener as well as being a florist.  Her wisteria vine was out in flower and I just had to take a photograph.

Because we have lived in government or rental homes all of our married life and because of Ross's job (lots of transfers!) we've been able to plant one so I'm desperately waiting for him to retire (well not TOO soon! lol) so we can plant one.

Your favourite pastime other than crafting?  Music and reading would have to be my answer.  I also love going to the theatre whenever I can and whilst I love flowers etc I'm not a gardener but certainly appreciate everything Ross does in the garden.  Thank goodness he has a green thumb!

What do you see yourself doing in ten years time?  …  Hopefully exactly what I’m doing now but I’ll be 71 so maybe I might have slowed down a bit! Ü

Who is your favourite designer?  Has to be Australian Bronwyn Hayes – just love what Bronwyn does and have a large collection of her patterns to stitch when I retire! LOL She is very creative and also very sharing.  American, I love what Sue Spargo designs - her marrying of fabric, felted wool and embroidery embellishing is just stunning.

Pretty Posies BOM

Email Jan for the pattern and instructions Ü

Here is Cath's free stitchery...two cute little raggedy angels.

Cath's showcase patterns for this post are

Annie and Kitty

This is a cute prim pattern of a baby Annie and her Kitty. Both are wearing nappies. They are very easy to make and you won't want to stop at making only one set.

$12 Hard copy... includes postage.

$7 E Pattern......

Little Raggedie & Mini Quilt 

This cute little Raggedy comes with her mini quilt. There is a cute little stitchery of her in the centre, appliqué hearts and some very easy strip piecing.

$12 Hard copy... includes postage.

$7 E Pattern.....

Raggedy Wall Hanging

This wall hanging has a large Annie head and a large Andy head on it. Easy patchwork and looks lovely done in any colour way. The appliqué is very easy and suitable for a beginner.

$12 Hard copy... includes postage.

$7 E Pattern......

Here we have 4 very cute Raggedy note papers. I have designed these myself and they are my special offering for this post. You will be sent a clean copy and then you can print off as many as you like.

$2 .....

Christmas and Bags are my showcase offerings for this post.

Country Carpet Bag

My interpretation of the "Mary Poppins" bag.  I used wool pieces for the bag and felted wool scraps for the applique.  The ladybird is one of my handmade wooden buttons but the bag would look fantastic made from tapestry fabric bits or even denim!  Velvet would look great too....I really need to make more!  Ü

$12.00 AUD OR

$7.00 AUD for an Epattern...

Holly Season Tablerunner

Just perfect for your Christmas decorating!

$12.00AUD OR

$7.00AUD for an Epattern ...

MANHATTEN

Classy bag with a zippered closure.  Perfect for a day out shopping.  Works well in any fabric choice.

$12.00AUD OR

$7.00AUD for an Epattern...

Felt Baubles

This post's special is my collection of felt baubles for your Christmas tree.  A quick and easy project and fun to make!

$5.00AUD for Epattern only.

There we go!  Hope you enjoy the patterns and the freebies and we'll be back around the 15th October.  I've just previewed the post and the font seems all higgeldy piggeldy and I'm not sure why! lol  Apologies for that but Happy stitching until then!