Where to from here?

Can you believe it's nearly 2016 already? I'm sure I only just set my 2015 resolutions???

What a year it's been here at Sew Today, Clean Tomorrow. I learnt an enormous amount about sewing, quilting and the crafting world in general. I taught a bag making class (hopefully not the last) and even had a pattern in the fantastic digital magazine One Thimble. Most of all I had a wonderful time working with some great friends, both new and old.

My Oasis Quilt from One Thimble

2016 looks to be just as successful...though perhaps a little different. On the home front, we are charging forward with renovations and hope to have made a lot more progress on our beautiful, though rather rundown home. It may mean less time sewing, but there is certainly a lot of creating going on.

I'm pretty sure I finished this bad boy at the start of 2015. Now to just get it quilted.

What will be happening for Sew Today, Clean Tomorrow? I have a few blog posts planned over the coming weeks, but things will be somewhat quiet for the first half of the year. While there are many ideas brewing in my mind, I'm planning on taking it easy for a while and just pottering around the house, doing whatever it is that takes my fancy. I will, however, be working hard on a new project that I hope to announce in the coming months. As always, I will be sharing loads of photos on Facebook and Instagram so be sure to follow me there.

A cushion using the Molly and Mama Percy Pineapple Applique Pattern.

Two Pretty Poppets Stand Up & Tote Notice

Two Pretty Poppets Hang About Toiletry Bag

To end, I'd like to send a huge thank you to each and every one of you for your ongoing support. Alongside the achievements I mentioned above, my Craftsy patterns have now been downloaded close to 48000 times!!!! That's about 47500 more downloads than I ever imagined...all because of you.

My number 1 download: Easy Christmas Table Runner.

Thanks for the inspiration xx

Paper or PDF: The Great Pattern Debate

A question that is often raised in the sewing world these days is, "Which is better? PDF or paper patterns?". A legitimate question, but one that strikes me as rather odd because PDF and paper are simply the delivery mechanism for the pattern. It's a bit like asking "Is an apple tastier in a bowl or on a plate?". Surely it depends on the apple itself and not the way in which it arrives at your table. This debate doesn't extend to sandwiches though, which everyone knows taste better cut into triangles than squares.

Now, don't get me wrong, there are definite differences in the delivery modes of patterns, as discussed below, but the quality of a pattern should come down to the individual designer and not the way in which they are presenting their wares. If their designs appeal and they write clear and concise instructions, with correct and accurate pattern pieces, then load up your cart and buy away. If you limit yourself to only one type of pattern, you're missing out on an entire world of sewing knowledge and experience.

What are the pros and cons of PDF and paper patterns? I've put together a brief list based on my personal experience with both types.

Before we begin, let's avoid confusion by using the following definitions:

'PDF' refers to a digital file that you download on your own device and print personally, either at home or at your local printers.

'Paper' refers to the older style of pattern printed on tissue-type paper and sold in an envelope. It does not mean a paper print out of a PDF pattern, which is yet another option.

Please remember that these are not directed at any particular designer or company. They are nothing more than my opinion based on my own experiences. You may have a completely different opinion and that's absolutely fine.

As far as I'm concerned, there really is no way of saying that a particular type of pattern is better than another. It all comes down to the design, instructions, and what you, personally, are expecting.

What are your Pros and Cons for Paper and PDF patterns?

Finding Sewjo

It happens to the best of us and this time it has happened to me. I've lost my sewjo.  More accurately, I've lost my quiltjo. It actually disappeared a few weeks ago but I thought it was just a phase. This weekend, however, I realised it is so much more. It is opportunity. This is the bright shining light of change I've been waiting for. It's not just a sign. It's a giant, neon, animated gif, sign-up-to-our-newsletter-pop-up, in your face kind of sign you'd see on the streets of Vegas or on poorly designed websites (there I said it...I'm a not-so-closet pop-up hater).  What the heckity am I talking about? Let me back up a little...

I love writing patterns and tutorials. I truly love it. My dream is to do it for many more years to come. One day I hope to be writing for some of our own Aussie designers to free up time for them to create more awesomeness, but that's another story.  The point is, I love what I do. "So, what's the problem?" I hear you ask. The problem is that I peaked a little too early. This year was supposed to be about networking, finding my feet, dipping my toe in the water that is pattern writing.

I was fortunate enough to be presented with some amazing opportunities earlier this year that led to more follower and, finally, some hard earned cash. The downside to this is that I wasn't actually ready to continue climbing the dizzying heights of stardom. I was supposed to be at home, enjoying the last months with my baby girl before she hits the scary world of Kindergarten next year. I was supposed to be learning all I could about sewing and pattern creation, and finding my own creative niche. What I wasn't supposed to be doing was yelling out phrases like "Not now, I'm busy" or "I really have to get this finished".

I've been having an attack of the guilts of late and, to be perfectly honest, I haven't really enjoyed working on my quilts for a while now. It became glaringly obvious that something was wrong this weekend when the International Quilt Market images started rolling in and, instead of daydreaming about one day going along, I thought "oh...well isn't that nice" and scrolled happily scrolled past to see what my dressmaking friends were up to.

I've spent the last week or two reading sewing books and stalking non-quilting pattern designers and have decided that it's time I found that creative niche I was supposed to be searching for. It's time I found out what I wanted to do as opposed to what I was good at or stumbled upon.

What does this mean for you? Well....nothing really, I just love to write and felt this was a good story. I will still blog about quilts, I will still write patterns. In fact, I will probably write more than I ever have before, but I will also be going back to my plan from when I first created this blog, and write about my sewing journey in the hope that it inspires others to pursue their own happiness. Oh...and of course I will still be showcasing the remarkable talents of Aussie/NZ pattern writers. What better way to learn than from your peers?

But It's Free? How Copying Free Patterns Hurts the Designer (and You)

We all know that it's wrong to copy paid patterns, right? Most of us also realise that it's also wrong to copy patterns from magazines, but what about free patterns? Surely it's OK to copy those and hand them out? It's not like anybody is getting paid for it.

I'm here to give you a different perspective. No, I'm not going to rap you over the knuckles and tell you how naughty you are. I would just like to give you a few points to think about next time you're hitting that photocopy button.

I write free patterns and tutorials for a few reasons:

• To give people the opportunity to learn new skills without fear of 'wasting money';
• To thank you for your continual support of my blog and Facebook page;
• To give you a taster of my writing skills, making you feel more comfortable about purchasing my patterns in the future:
• To increase my exposure.

Sure, my patterns have my details on them so even a photocopy will direct people to my page. The problem is, I don't see the numbers. What is 10,000 downloads could very well be 15,000, 20,000, 100,000 for all that I know. People with copies may not be seeing my other patterns, tutorials, ramblings on my blog (and nobody wants to miss those!).

"How is this my problem?" I hear you ask. Without your support and assistance, designers will be unable to continue to provide free patterns and tutorials. Many of us rely on our freebies for blog views or downloads, which subsequently turn into sponsorship, sales or other opportunities. Without those, the blog will survive for only so long. The blogger too, for that matter. It takes a lot of time and effort to create patterns and tutorials. Design, images/diagrams, writing, testing, advertising. This doesn't even include monetary costs such as materials, computer software, blog costs etc. Without some form of compensation, be it financial or otherwise, freebies simply become 'not worth it'.

I'm here to ask that next time you're about to email a PDF, email the link to the download instead. If you're given a copy of a free PDF, visit the blog/page and download your own version. The added benefit to this is that you know you will also have the absolute latest version of the pattern.

Share this post and spread the word. Support designers so we can continue to support you.

I Support Local: Sunflower Quilting and Sunflower Stitcheries

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of interviewing the lovely Raylee of Sunflower Quilting and Sunflower Stitcheries. She has some great points on supporting local business from the view of both a designer and service provider. I had planned on releasing this post around Easter but I didn't want her wonderful words getting lost in the holiday craziness. So here she is, a little later than planned but just as fantastic.

Image Property Sunflower Stitcheries

Please tell us more about yourself and your business.

Which hat do I have on at the moment?  My days are busy with being a wife, Mum to 4 growing boys, friend, and business owner. I started Sunflower Quilting; a professional quilting business in 2009 and I am thankful for all the times I have been able to help complete a quilt with my quilting. Being able to see so many quilts is wonderful and I enjoy the variety, there are some creative people out there.

Image Property Sunflower Stitcheries

Last year I teamed up with my Mum to start Sunflower Stitcheries; a place for us to share the ideas and designs we’ve been talking about for many years. The ideas are still coming, though we were slowed down a little in getting Sunflower Stitcheries going after a diagnosis of breast cancer for my Mum.  All going really well now so we are getting back on track and some new releases are planned for this year.

What do you specialise in?

What can you find at Sunflower Quilting, threads to choose from, some fabric, quilting patterns to choose from and lots of ideas for custom quilting – and me, ready to talk quilting and share a cuppa.  I have also had numerous clients who post quilts to me and I love that we can use technology to discuss their quilt and come to an agreement for the quilting.

Image Property Sunflower Stitcheries

At Sunflower Stitcheries we have an aim to have projects that are both beautiful and useful.  Items you want to have in your house and be able to make and give as gifts.  We all have plenty of things which collect dust but we want you to be able to use our projects.  There are some tutorials and a gallery of idea to use our designs will be built. This small business is still growing so there’s more to come, I hope you visit and see what’s new or sign up to the newsletter to hear about it.

Do you have a personal favourite in the products you sell?

As far as the designs at Sunflower Stitcheries go I have to say I love the design we have.  We are proud Australians and so have designs that are inspired by Australia.  There are some fun designs and more to come.  One of my favourites so far is the Mug Supper Cloth.  It was a BOM stitchery but is now a single product.

Image Property Sunflower Stitcheries

What do you love about being an Australian business?

I am really pleased to be able to start a couple of small business and love working in collaboration with my Mum, this is terrific.  Mum helped me start my quilting business and taught me to sew many years ago.  Thanks Mum. Now to be able to be designing and creating with Mum as a business it’s great.  We have meetings via Skype to keep us on track and we talk frequently, often with more ideas and how we can make them happen.  Despite the size of Australia we are based in Canberra and Warwick Qld, mmm…must be time for a business meeting in person.  Australia is so diverse that there is plenty of inspiration for designs.  Mum is on a small property so look out for some farm themed items.    

Why do you think supporting local business is important?

There’s been a lot of talk about local businesses and the effect of the internet on the life and survival of the Local Quilt Shop (or local craft shop). Yes there is something to be said for touching and feeling the product you want to buy and even better when it’s backed up by good customer service.  I believe in good products at a reasonable price and being honest and caring as a business owner.  This can be done both in person as in my quilting business and also as providing good online service.

Image Property Sunflower Stitcheries

Do you have any suggestions on how we can support local business more?

Remember when you had to do a public speech and got told, “the audience is the same as you, they have to go to the loo the same as you”.  This goes for businesses as well.  We are regular people, perhaps pretty busy trying to fit everything in but then who isn’t (that’s another issue).  So if you have a questions or a topic you’d like to raise with the business go for it. I believe in being able to say anything to anyone, and it can be done in an adult and polite way even if you disagree.  For example I was able to give some feedback to a supplier of wadding and let them know the quality wasn’t great and I wouldn’t be comfortable stocking this particular type in its current state.  They took that on board and have now improved the product so that I am more than happy to sell it to my clients, win win situation.

I think the question of copyright can be raised here.  I think today things are pretty reasonably priced and there are options if you think they aren’t.  E-products are a good way to go and with the connectedness of blogs and websites you can contact the designer if you need to.  Being now on the designing and writing side of things, there is an amazing amount of work that goes into writing a pattern or tutorial, making sure it’s understandable and having pictures that explain or show the technique.  All of that takes time and money and knowledge.  By paying for a pattern or class, you are paying for the knowledge and expertise that goes into making the pattern.  If you have problems with the pattern or tutorial, provide feedback, you are in essence a paying customer the same as if you walked into a shop.

Word of mouth is a great thing, share around the knowledge of a good website or great products, if you are reading this then you have internet access and probably some sort of social media presence.  Let’s make the most of this and let other know a good thing when we find it.

Image Property Sunflower Stitcheries

Where can we find you?

I am based in Canberra ACT for Sunflower Quilting though I am happy to work with anyone anywhere.  Technology has its advantages.  Sunflower Stitcheries is online as we are in 2 states.

Website: www.sunflowerquilting.com.au

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sunflowerquilting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunflowerquilting

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/rayleebielenber 

Website: www.sunflowerstitcheries.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sunflowerstitcheries

Facbeook: https://www.facebook.com/SunflowerStitcheries

Image Property Sunflower Stitcheries

Thanks so much, Raylee, for this great look into yet another aspect of supporting local businesses.

When Perfect Isn't Perfect

I've been sitting on this post since yesterday afternoon, unsure if it was something you would want to read...or more accurately, if it was something I wanted to tell. I eventually came to the decision that if you don't already think I am a little mad, then you never will ; )

If you've been following me for a while, you will know that I have a 'close enough is good enough' attitude about sewing. I thought it might be interesting to explain to you where my approach comes from.

Before I begin, I will point out that what I say here is about my attitude towards myself and my home projects. It in no way reflects how I feel about other people or the quality of work I do for others.

It may come as a surprise that my approach is not a result of me being lazy or not a perfectionist. Quite the opposite. I set incredibly high standards for myself and, until recently, have not accepted anything less in my work. In fact, I set such high standards that it is almost impossible to reach them. I expect perfection from my first attempt at every single task. Even the tiniest mistake results in self-ridicule and the words 'useless' or 'idiot' being mumbled under my breath (and sometimes yelled at the top of my lungs).

My decision making process consists of clearing all other thoughts from my head and running through the options over and over and over...and over again. Do you know how frustrating it is to be completely locked inside your own mind??? Sleepless nights, not eating, ignoring all others...these are just some of the side-effects. I say this not for sympathy or psychological diagnosis, but to give you a better understanding of why I have chosen a more relaxed attitude to my work/hobby.

What does this have to do with sewing? Everything.

As you all know sewing, like any craft, is filled with just as many mistakes as successes. Even the most experienced quilter or seamstress will make the silly mistakes. I'm pretty sure one of the top tools on anyone's list of 'must haves' is the seam ripper. For me, however, these mistakes weren't just 'whoops' and unpick. They were intense personal failures on a monumental scale. I wasn't enjoying myself and it was becoming a mountain I had a to scale...but a mountain that kept growing and growing no matter how quickly I climbed.

One day I simply had enough. I gave myself the ultimatum: Either sew and enjoy it, or give it away and watch television. I decided to have one more go, but with a new approach. I set a few guidelines. If it's not 'wrong' then it stays. 'Wrong' will obviously mean different things to different people. For me, it was a mistake that made the item unusable or hideous. For example, sewing the wrong pieces together, or having points on a quilt block inches out. These are considered wrong. A point being a millimetre or two out though, or a topstitch not being perfectly straight? These I can now live with. Don't get me wrong, I still get frustrated that I'm not perfect, but I'm slowly learning to accept it and enjoy my time. I would rather finish ten imperfect projects happily, than sit on one and hate the world.

On a little side note I've also found that, by dropping my crazy down a few notches, I have more patience and understanding with those around me. Reducing my negatives has increased the positives in my life.

Why am I telling you this? I honestly have no idea. I just thought it was interesting and might ring true for a few of you. Perhaps it'll even help someone find a way to enjoy their passion again.

I Support Local: An Interview with Frangipani Fabrics

From the first time I walked into Frangipani Fabrics I knew I'd found a store I would love. I don't know if it's the fresh, modern environment, the friendly staff, or the great range of fabric and patterns, but I would always make a real effort to visit whenever I was in Tasmania.  Now that I live here, the only thing stopping me from setting up a permanent drooling space in the corner is the fact that I don't always have a car...and do always have a toddler.

Over the past few months Briony has been a fantastic source of information and assistance with a few business initiatives I have bubbling away in my mind. I knew, before I even started advertising I Support Local, that I absolutely had to corner her for an interview. Lucky for me, she was just as eager as I was. Here I give you the lovely Briony of...

Image Property of Frangipani Fabrics

Who are you?

Manager of modern Hobart sewing nook Frangipani Fabrics (together with mum Ann, and dedicated staff members, Cath, Gabbie and Jess).  I grew up in Darwin, but escaped the cyclones and cane toads to move to Tassie about 10 years ago (does that mean I’m Tasmanian now?) 

Cath, Jodie Carleton, Briony and Ann: Image Property of Frangipani Fabrics

Growing up with a mum and grandmother who spent every spare minute trawling fabric shops, or chained to the sewing machine– it was inevitable - I was lost to the crafty cause pretty early on.  I absolutely love pattern, colour and design and am happiest when creating.  My trusty Huskie has permanently taken over the dining room table (what, you mean it has another purpose?), and I try to sew for at least 30 minutes a night, after putting the kids to bed.  Even if means just sewing an eye onto a doll - I know I'll get there in the end...maybe....one day.

I truly believe in the meditative and restorative powers of doing creative things (I’ve seen it in action many times!) and know that small, independent craft shops like ours have a special place in people’s lives. 

I hope that we're making the world just a little bit happier, friendlier and more colourful by running Frangipani Fabrics.  

May Blossom Showcase: Image Property of Frangipani Fabrics

What are your products/services? Do you have something you specialise in?

At Frangipani Fabrics our first love is modern fabrics and quilts.  We’re so excited to be part of the modern quilting movement that is going global at the moment & try to fill the shop with modern fabrics (including Cotton and Steel, Tula Pink, Carolyn Freidlander and Cloud 9)  and patterns (Elizabeth Hartmann, Jess Frost, Jaybird Quilts, Jelliquilts and Carolyn Freidlander).  We are proud founding members of the Tassie Modern Quilt Guild.  This guild has only been operating for a few months and has quickly become the second largest Modern Quilt Guild in Australia.  Our members are currently working on our first raffle quilt (Carolyn Friedlander’s Aerial in vibrant solids) and our challenge for the Island Quilts exhibition at the Launceston Craft and Quilt Fair, which has the theme “Prism”. 

Cotton and Steel: Image Property of Frangipani Fabrics

We have just released our class list for the first half of this year and have packed it with fresh, modern classes including Elizabeth Hartmann’s wonderful Aviatrix Medallion and the quirky Hazel the Hedgehog; and a block of the month based on the book Vintage Quilt Revival.  We ran this block of the month class last year and it was amazing to see students who had only sewn one quilt before tackle advanced foundation, improv and partial pieceing.  I think they were pretty proud of themselves!  We’re so lucky to have some great teachers including blogger and modern quilt maker Jess Frost (theelevengarden.blogspot.com).  Her use of colour and design is amazing and she is also a dab hand at quilt maths.

Cath, Jess and I also run friendly drop in sewing classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays and Night Owl sewing on Monday nights.  These classes are fantastic because students can come and sew anything (from a felt fox, to a frock) and we’re there to support them.  No question is too silly (“which way up does my bobbin go?”, “what happens when I press this button?”).  We’re experts at unjamming machines. 

Other treasures at Frangipani Fabrics  include a rainbow of wool felt, cotton dress fabric patterns for little and big people (most in downloadable PDF format including Sis Boom, Amy Butler and Make it Perfect – if you don’t know how to use PDF patterns – we can help), softie patterns (including Ric Rac, May Blossom, Two Brown Birds and Melly and Me).  We also have a good range of general habby (including lovely, old fashioned things like bodkins and mushroom darners), batting and threads. 

You can buy most things on our website www.franfab.com.au and we are now offering FREE POSTAGE in Tassie on everything, all the time!

Do you have a personal favourite in the products you sell?

The trio of folk style wool felt Festive Birds that Cath and I designed last Christmas are my absolute favourites.  Although there is lots of detailed embroidery and appliqué in them, you work with big pieces of felt so they’re surprisingly easy to sew.  We’ve even bought them a special gold tree in which to perch.

Festive Birds: Image Property of Frangipani Fabrics

I’m completely in love with the Cotton and Steel fabric (I don’t know what we have been doing without this design team for so long), as are our customers.  Sometimes there is even enough fabric left over for non-staff members!

I’m also a big fan of our Aussie soft toy designers Ric Rac (Jodie Carleton), Two Brown Birds (Fiona Tully) and May Blossom (Simone Gooding).  We’ve been working closely with these designers and it’s like Christmas when one of their soft toys comes to visit in the mail.  Jodie came to teach her Ginger and Blue foxes for us last year and she is completely mad in a good way!   

Ric Rac Workshop: Image Property of Frangipani Fabrics

 What do you love about being an Australian business?

It can actually be quite hard to be an Australian business, competing with unbeatable US fabric prices and a global market place.  The only way we can thrive is through good customer service, creativity, marketing (including social media), and offering something a little bit different by sourcing great products.  I love supporting small, niche Australian designers like modern cross stitcher Crafty Like a Fox, and fabulous, courageous screenprinters Cat and Vee. 

Oh, and did I mention that we offer free postage in Tassie?

Crafty Like a Fox: Image Property of Frangipani Fabrics

Why do you think supporting local business is important?

Wow, where do I start? It’s great that you’re getting people thinking about how they spend their craft dollar.

Apart from the obvious answer that you’re benefiting the local economy and making your community stronger and more interesting, supporting your local fabric shop leads to so many good things.  There is the wonderful experience of being able to lose yourself amongst all those bolts of fabrics and rifle through remnants and fat quarters, plus your local, independent craft shop also offers expert, in-person help (we’ve always got time for you and we’ll never let you down when you visit with that oh so urgent quilt project that has gone horribly wrong.)

Though you can create a sense of community online and through blogging, it can’t really replace the physical reality of a fabric shop. Online communities can sometimes feel a bit intangible, whereas we offer a concrete space that won’t disappear depending on your wifi connection! Over the years, we’ve met so many wonderful people, whether they’ve come in for a browse or for a class, and they in turn have met other likeminded people through the shop. This has created a fantastic sense of community, and the shop itself acts like a home base.

We can also introduce you to ideas, products, techniques, and projects that you may not have discovered otherwise – and if you run into any problems attempting these, you can come straight to us!

By supporting us you’re also supporting the Australian craft industry whether it’s designers, or fabric suppliers.  It makes sense to think about it this way – if you buy more locally, your local shops will be able to offer more choice, and suppliers and designers will start to support your community. 

Do you have any suggestions on how we can support local business more?

Most of us are on a limited budget, but it’s really important to shop locally consciously to keep our craft industry alive and buzzing - to maintain choice, expertise and diversity. 

Simple things such as liking them Facebook, subscribing to their newsletter, recommending them to your friends, trying one of their classes, and just buying something small, like a fat quarter every time you visit – every single purchase is important in keeping us in business and making a difference to the vibrancy of your local craft scene. 

Where can we find you?

Shop Location: 78 Queen St, Sandy Bay, Hobart

Email: sales@franfab.com.au 

Website: www.franfab.com.au 

Facebook Page: /www.facebook.com/frangipanifabrics

Image Property of Frangipani Fabrics

Thanks so much, Briony, for a great look at Frangipani Fabrics and some fresh thinking into why we should all support more local businesses. I feel I should be closing with some deep, profound statement...but instead I'm stuck on the free postage in Tasmania...

I Support Local: The Oz Material Girls

Today's guest has me excited from the top of my head to the tips of my wee little booties. I first stumbled upon Louise in one of the many Facebook groups I seem to be a member of and was immediately impressed with both her knowledge and her willingness to help others. It's no surprise that I was equally impressed with The Oz Material Girls. Having first-hand experience buying from them, I knew they simply had to be a part of my I Support Local series. I hope you enjoy learning more about...

 

The Oz Material Girls is an Australian owned and run family business which launched in Oct 2004 with mother and daughter team Judy and Louise. In 2009,the sister shop Patterns Only was born and In 2012, Louise's husband, Mark,also joined the business.

The Oz Material Girls specialise in quality cotton fabric starting from just $9/m for quilting, patchwork, clothing, handbags, softies, home decorating and general sewing. Designers including Art Gallery, Alexander Henry, Camelot, Michael Miller, Moda, Free Spirit, Jinny Beyer, Robyn Pandolph, Riley Blake and so many more. Patterns Only provide a huge selection of paper patterns and instant download ePatterns from all the top designers and love supporting our Aussie Pattern Designers. 

The Oz Material Girls and Patterns Only offers crafty club subscriptions where customers receive a monthly fabric or pattern surprise delivered to their door. The very popular clubs include The Jelly Roll Club, FQ Club, Handbag Club, Softies Club, just to name a few. Customers also earn rewards points when they shop via the websites, which can be used against future orders, saving even more money. Not to mention capped postage and free gift offers , it's all about making our customers shopping experience a great one every time and getting the best value they can! And we also love a good sale! Be sure to join our facebook sale group for lots of bargains

One of the things we love the most at TOMG is seeing our Customers Creations... We get such a buzz out of seeing all the amazing handmade items made from our fabric and patterns. Our kids and novelty fabric ranges always bring a smile to my face when they arrive and remind me of my childhood with designs like Paddington Bear, Holly Hobbie, PacMan, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Winnie the Pooh, just to name a few. We are always very excited when new deliveries arrive at our warehouse, which happens most weeks!

All of us at TOMG, including our amazing online admin team, are proud Aussies and love that we have been able to continue to supply our Aussie customers ,around this gorgeous country of ours, with a fabulous range of fabric and patterns . Louise is also very active on Facebook and loves interacting with our Aussie customers many which are now online friends, and is always up for a chat plus supporting their fabulous handmade creations wherever possible.

Supporting Aussie Businesses is so important as small businesses are the backbone of our country and without support from locals many businesses cannot survive. The Oz Material Girls have been very lucky to have survived over 10 years in a very competitive industry, much of that competition coming from overseas. We believe this has been achieved from building relationships with our customers, providing exceptional customer service, and continually reinventing ourselves and supporting the craft and handmade world 

Next time you need to buy a gift for someone, why not think handmade. You not only get a unique gift but you will also be supporting an Aussie business, many of which are stay at home mums, just trying to earn some money to help support their families. TOMG love supporting handmade and also run a community page called Handmade Markets where Aussie businesses can sell their handmade wares. It is a great way to show your support and buy locally!

We are an online business, open 24 hours / 7 days a week!

www.theozmaterialgirls.com.au

www.patternsonly.com.au

We would love to connect with you!

Facebook 

The Oz Material Girls- www.facebook.com/OzMaterialGirls

Louise Gorman - www.facebook.com/TheOzMaterialGirls

Patterns Only - www.facebook.com/PatternsOnly

Handmade Markets - www.facebook.com/HandmadeMarkets

Pinterest

The Oz Material Girls and Patterns Only - www.pinterest.com/OzMaterialGirls

Handmade Markets - www.pinterest.com/HandmadeMarkets

Instagram

The Oz Material Girls and Patterns Only - https://instagram.com/theozmaterialgirls

Handmade Markets - https://instagram.com/handmademarkets

Twitter

The Oz Material Girls - www.twitter.com/OzMaterialGirls

Patterns Only - www.twitter.com/PatternsOnly

Handmade Markets - www.twitter.com/HandmadeMarkets

Google +

The Oz Material Girls and Patterns Only -plus.google.com/+theozmaterialgirls
Handmade Markets -plus.google.com/111682607304826184353/

Blog

The Oz Material Girls and Patterns Only - www.theozmaterialgirls.blogspot.com.au

Handmade Markets - www.handmademarketsoz.blogspot.com

What a terrific read. It's great to hear the thoughts of someone with so much experience in this industry. Now...if anyone needs me, I'll be off browsing the crafty club subscriptions. Who's with me???

Fun Tips for New Quilters

Quilting is a tough hobby to start. There are so many beautiful quilts out there that it can be a little intimidating. You're probably already thinking "I want to do x, y, z, but I'm not sure if it's against the rules". Today I'm going to share something that will hopefully calm some of those early quilting nerves.

Tip 1 - The dreaded 1/4'' seam
If you haven't already heard, the 1/4'' seam is one rule you must follow in quilting. OK, maybe not 'must'. Your machine won't spew molten lava if you don't use it, but, life will be much, MUCH easier if you do. It doesn't have to be perfect, but aiming for 1/4'' will point you closer in the intended direction of the pattern. Start using it now and thank me later.

Tip 2 - Does this fabric work?
I'm here to tell you straight out that there is absolutely...100%...definitely a right and wrong when choosing fabric. Now this is a really important rule so make sure you completely understand before moving on. Are you ready? Here goes...

If you like the fabric you have chosen, then it's right. If you don't like it, then it's wrong.

Pretty simply right? Sure, there are all sorts or design rules and colour do's and don'ts, but who has time for that? You're the one doing all the work, you might as well enjoy it.

Tip 3 - What if I make a mistake?
You will make mistakes. Yes, you really will. It doesn't matter if it's your first quilt or you thirty first. You are going to sew the wrong pieces together, mismatch a seam or cut the wrong size. It happens to all of us. If it's a full blown, cosmic error, then simply reach for Mr Unpick and try again. No biggy.

If it's nothing more than a mismatched seam or a less than pointy point, remember this...

Nobody will notice teeny tiny mishaps. They're too busy admiring the overall beauty. Anybody that does notice and chooses to mention it...simply tell them that they obviously have no eye for art and they clearly don't 'get it'. Never mess with a quilter...we're a sarcastic bunch.

Tip 4 - There are so many ways to do the same thing. Which do I choose?
Yes, there are a trazillion different ways of cutting, pressing, piecing and quilting. Find the one that works for you and stick with it. Ignore the latest fad or what everyone says 'you simply must do'. If you work best with a pair of scissors...well, honey, you pick up those bad boys and you snip away. One tool/technique, no matter how technically advanced and efficient, may simply not be as useful as another for you. We're all different. It makes life interesting. Let's keep it that way please.

Tip 5 - What if the cool kids don't like my quilt?

Finally, make the quilt you want to make and bugger what anyone thinks. If you're dying to make a brown splodge when everyone else is working with blue triangles then go for it...and tag me so I get to see a bit of variety. The one downside to popular patterns is that they're popular...which means every man and his dog decides to make one. It makes for a very boring social media feed. Stand out from the crowd. We might enjoy all the sames we see in life, but we always remember the different.

Did that help? What fun tip would you add to help someone go from wanting to make a quilt to actually making one?

Relax. They're just numbers.

My lovely friend Debra, from Stitching Rules, is currently hosting a skirt sew along on her site. If you haven't seen it yet, you can read all about it here: Stitching Rules Skirt Sew Along.

While going through the usual motions of measuring myself, to compare against the pattern sizing, I started thinking about how many times I've heard comments like "I'm so depressed. This pattern says I'm an 'x' but I usually fit into a 'y'. Surely I'm not not that big?". Today I'd like to give you a more positive approach to take.

First of all, please don't compare pattern sizes with store bought size. They're simply not the same. It would be like saying a small apple should be the same size as a small watermelon because they're both labelled as small. You might argue "but in the case of patterns, they're the same item: clothing", but that's not entirely true. One is a finished garment number that helps you find the most suitable fit off the shelf. The other is a number on a piece of paper that indicates which lines you might like to cut to give you the most flattering fit. They really are just numbers. The paper pattern could just as easily have said A, B, C. Perhaps they were originally intended to be the same. I don't know. All I know is they're not the same now and we all need to stop basing our self-worth on randomly selected digits.

Secondly, pattern sizes will differ between companies and garments. There will be ease added which will also change those numbers. Are you going to have your day ruined because some person you will probably never meet decided that they wanted that top to be a little floppier than the last? I sure won't.

Thirdly, we as adults, spend so much time telling our daughters (and hopefully sons) that we should strive to be healthy, beauty is within and that everyone is different...perhaps we need to start listening to our own advice. Small people can be healthy, larger people can be healthy, tall people, short people, big fat furry people. My point is, aim for health and the rest will follow. Ignore numbers, sizes or anything else that makes you feel crap even though you thought you were doing OK (without ignoring medical advice, of course).

I hope this post gives you a new outlook when addressing the dreaded pattern sizing monster. Share with your sewing friends and remind them...they're only numbers.

Why I Support Local

Last week I introduced you to my new series "I Support Local". If you missed it, you can read all about it here: I Support Local: Introduction.

I wanted someone very special for the first interview...so I chose me. I thought it would be a great opportunity for you to read a little more about me and why I feel that supporting local business is so important.

Who are you?

I'm a full-time Mum of one beautiful, though somewhat energetic, three-year old. When I'm not rescuing toys from the toilet, I write quilt patterns. In a previous life I was employed in various roles in IT from development to help desk to project management. My experience with delivering training and writing manuals obviously rubbed off on me and has come in very handy for my pattern writing. Lucky for me, the topics I now write about are a little more exciting than in the past.

What is your business?

My actual business, where I make the big bucks (or at least little bucks...one day...hopefully) is with pattern writing. Sometimes I write for myself with my own designs, other times I will write for someone else. It all depends on which opportunity comes knocking at my door. Eventually I'd like to write for more businesses and expand my repertoire to include delivering quilting classes for beginners.

Why do you think supporting local business is important?
Like most people, I think supporting local business is important for employment, the economy, tourism and whatever else is usually added to the list.

Personally though, I just love seeing unique and interesting stores when I'm out and about (or online). Shopping has become a rather depressing experience lately, as small specialty stores are closing down to make way for the big names. I remember when "going into town" was a big deal as it had all the fancy stores that your local area, with it's pokey little everybody-knows-your-name shops didn't have. Now? Suburb, town, visiting a new city...it doesn't matter. They're all the same. Sure, you can always find what you need, but where's the fun? Where's the uniqueness that makes one town stand out from the rest? 

This may not seem like a very important issue, but to me it is. It's the difference between having life and actually living. It's the pink shirt in a sea of beige. I don't want to wear what everyone else is wearing. I don't want to read what everyone else is reading. I want to walk into that corner store with the faded sign and weird smell and know that I'll be greeted with a warm smile and a genuine interest in the reason for my visit. A part of our world is fading away and I would dearly love to see it shine once more.

Do you have any suggestions on how we can support local business more?

I think the number one thing you can do to support local business, aside from simply buying all their stock every week, is to tell people. Yup, simply talk about it. Know of a great fabric store? Tell the Facebook group you're a member of. Friends talking about nothing to do on the weekend? Let's all go to the local markets. Someone complaining about postage from an overseas site? Well, just stop right there buckaroo, You can buy all you need from thisfabulousstore.com.AU. Someone needs a quilt pattern written? Tell them about this fantastic blogger/pattern writer tha... *ahem*...sorry...got a bit carried away there.

The point is, you don't have to be a paying customer to show your support. Word of mouth does wonders for small business. Whether they're suppliers, producers, designers, writers, it doesn't matter. They need your to help to be seen.

On that note I leave you with one very simple task. Promote an Australian business. Buy from them, like their Facebook page, share a link, do whatever you want, but take that one step to keeping our country unique for more than it's crazy looking native animals and killer spiders.