Matryoshka dolls

I’ve been trying to find a particular Matryoshka dolls fabric for a while now and finally managed to get some. No wonder I had a problem finding it, it’s an exclusive design for JoAnn and they don’t ship abroad yet. Anyway, I managed to grab some on ebay and started sewing a coin purse and some lavender sachet bags. I was nicely surprised by the quality of the fabric, it’s very similar to Kona solid broadcloth cotton. The reason I wanted this fabric was mainly because the dolls are big enough to be used on their own, I think I’ll make them into a garland as well.

Japanese craft book review

I’m currently trying to find ideas for some quick and easy to make items that only require a fat quarter each or even less, to give as prizes for a charity event that I participate in (the counselling charity I volunteer for in London) so had a browse in this japanese book for inspiration. I thought that I would share some of the pictures with you and will also give a mini review.

What’s great about the book: lots of projects ranging from handbags to purse to kitchen mat, jewellery holder, apron and more. There are 86 items featured there, all fairly easy to make. Highly recommended as a 1st japanese book to buy for the quantity/variety of projects. Worth having for inspiration also for when you need a last minute gift using left over fabrics.

What’s not so great: some of the patterns are already available for free through some blogs and other books (kitchen mat, pocket tissue holder, tissue box…).

 

Small essentials handmade with cut cloth ISBN 4834722996

More pictures in my flickr page.

New fabric by Tina Givens

I finally received the bamboo/cotton fabric and am so pleased with it, it is delightfully soft like Liberty fabrics. It seems that this month has been a month of fabric heaven for me with several new discovery including this one below called zazu by Tina Givens: I love the bold big flowers and the delicate chandelier. I also had to order some winter fabrics after realising that most of my stock is quite summery (colours and textile composition), so now I have some soft flannel, varuna wool, faux suede and velvet.

Eco friendly bamboo fabric

I’m so excited by this range of fabric by Hoffman, it’s made of 65% bamboo and 35% cotton. It’s apparently very soft and has an anti bacterial nature. The range consists of 4 designs, each with a choice of 3 colour palettes. I have ordered the 2 in the pictures below and can’t wait to see and touch them in person. I have also heard of soy fabric and would love to get some if they come in a pretty and colourful design like these bamboo ones.

Sewing studio in progress

Ikea Granemo cabinet – to store all my fabrics.

I’ll be adding more pictures later on, once I finish re-organising my craft room. In the mean time, have a look (or a re-visit) at these lovely studios from Alicia, Manda and Yvonne.